This is my blender.  I’m in love.  Last Mother’s Day, armed with a newborn, a mild case of post-partum depression and no hope for ever making my kids a healthy breakfast again, my husband surprised me with this Blendtec Blender (Amazon).  I was so happy I cried (remember baby blues).  And then I was riddled with guilt because the cost of this thing (almost $400) was not in our budget and I didn’t deserve such a fancy appliance.  After a few gentle reminders to stop worrying and just enjoy my expensive present, I started blending.

Have you seen these crazy YouTube Videos called “Will it Blend?”.  I’m not going to test it out and see if my ipad will blend, but I’m pretty confident it would.

The first thing I made was Raw Applesauce.  I was on a raw kick at the time (I must admit it I’ve sort of abandoned my raw dreams out of lack of energy).  The next thing I made was green smoothies for breakfast every morning for a month. A few of the other things we’ve made in the blender that I had no idea would be so easy:

I make all my dressing in it, batters,  baby food and doughs!  I also blend soups, destroy raw greens and steel cut oats in my smoothies and make ice cream in a pinch without running to the store.  It also crushes ice in the most amazing way.  And don’t you always want a margarita? Maybe that’s just me.  This lime sherbet margarita we recently made was worth every calorie.  For the most part it helps us to eat healthier at a lower cost.  Except for the margarita.  That wasn’t healthy or inexpensive.

The only thing I’ve been meaning to try and haven’t yet is grind my own wheat.  To be honest, I’m not much of a baker so I haven’t quite found the motivation to do so. Has anybody done this with success?

There is quite the debate around the blogesphere on what is better, the Vitamix blender (Amazon) or the Blendtec blender. Just google it if you are curious about what folks are fighting about.   I don’t know the answer to the debate.  I’ve used both but wanted the Blendtec primarily because it is easier to clean and is shorter so it fits under a kitchen counter. It has been perfect for us.   They both are about the same price so if I found a hot deal (I’ve yet to see one) I’d buy either.

But how do I find the best deal?

Because this is a deal blog, you all are asking, how do I get a deal on such a fancy blender? I do not know the answer, honestly.  My husband has no idea how to use a coupon code or hunt for a deal and I shudder to think what he paid, so I don’t think about it.  Blendtec and the Vitamix come up at Costco road shows every once in a while and this seems like the best deal I’ve seen. It seems like they are about $350-$375.   It appears they sell them all the time on Costco.com and you get an extra jar for $400.    That extra jar would be very helpful because mine is always dirty and it would be lovely to have a back up. As always you can get a Blendtec or Vitamix at Amazon.  Do you know where to get a deal on these professional blenders?

I’m pretty sure I haven’t yet saved $400 in groceries making some of this stuff from scratch but I’ve saved some and it’s been a huge lifesaver in the mornings to whip out healthy smoothies and batters.  I pretty much love that thing.

I throw it in the dishwasher to clean it but when I need it cleaned quick I fill it with hot water and run it for a few seconds.  Ta da, clean! Once again, love that thing.

Obviously this is a pretty expensive item and it isn’t in everybody’s budget. If you are in need of a blender but not ready to spend the small fortune,  Jessie reviewed the The NinjaMaster Prep Professional Blender in our Favorite Things Series last year and LOVES it.  Here is her review:

I have always drooled over friend’s Vitamixes but have never had an extra $400 in the budget for one.  So, when it was time to look for a new blender, my husband headed to consumer reports.  Sure enough, the Vitamix was #1 but the $69 Ninja was #2!  We bought it and have loved it since.  We’ve never had such a powerful blender!”

I’ve compiled a board of recipes over at Pinterest with some of my favorite blender recipes and a few great posts to help guide you in smoothie making. I’ll add favorite blender recipes as I remember or discover them. Check out that Pinterest board here.

If you have any great tips on how to better use the blender, please share them.  I’d love to see recipes and fun ideas.

What do you think about these expensive blenders? Worth the investment? I’m hoping mine lasts forever so I can answer, yes.

Happy Blending!

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Today’s Spotted Fox deal is fantastic: Buy a voucher good for 2 rounds of golf and a large bucket of balls at Columbia Park Golf Links for just $20!  This would make a perfect Father’s Day gift, especially since he could take a friend (or you).

Click here to get started.

The fine print:
* Limit 1 per person, plus 1 additional as gift
* Promotional value expires 12/15/12
* Tee time recommended

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, you are supporting this blog. Thanks!

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Recipe from Bites: Strawberry Shortcakes

by Jessie on May 17, 2012

We’ve had a few days of sun this week and I’ve got summer on the brain!  My sister and I are in the process of making a summer ‘bucket list’ and I’ve got “make homemade strawberry shortcake” near the top!  This recipe calls for shortcake squares but I like making rounds.

Through Saturday 5/19, you can snag organic strawberries for just $2 per pound at Fred Meyer.

Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup white sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
1 cup butter
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream
1 egg, beaten
3 cups sliced fresh strawberries
3 tablespoons white sugar

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

In a large bowl, mix flour, 1/4 cup sugar, baking powder and cream of tartar. Cut in butter with pastry blender or two knives. Stir in cream and egg. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 2 minutes. Press into a half-inch thick sheet. Cut into squares. Place on baking sheets.

Bake in preheated oven 20 minutes, or until golden. Sprinkle 3 tablespoons sugar over sliced berries.

Let shortcakes cool before splitting and filling with sugared berries.

Jessie is the mother of three sweet kids and the author of Bites, a recipe blog that will make your mouth water.  Make sure to follow Bites on Facebook so you don’t miss a single recipe.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, you are supporting this blog. Thanks!

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Just a quick reminder that you only have a few more days to enter to win two packages of Organic Spinach & Cheese Ravioli and a Cuisinart 6-quart Sauce Pot.  This ravioli is delicious and the easiest dinner in the world!

You have through Sunday May 20th at 8 PM PST to enter.  Click here to get started.

Good luck!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, you are supporting this blog. Thanks!

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Tri-Cities Computer Consulting is family owned mobile company located in Pasco, WA, providing computer services and support at a reasonable price to the Tri-Cities and surrounding areas.  Beau is willing and able to make the foreign language of computer terms and jargon more understandable and relatable to everyday consumers.

They offer a variety of services including troubleshooting computer issues to helping customers decide which computer software/hardware is best for their needs.  They also offer software/hardware installation, basic training, computer set-up (perfect if you bought a computer as a graduation gift!), computer optimization and MUCH more.  Customer satisfaction is their #1 priority.

I’m excited to share with you an exclusive offer for This Beautiful Frugal Life readers.  Beau is offering a complete package including virus scan and removal, updates, tune-up and full cleaning, including pick-up and delivery for just $50.  This package is regularly priced at $110, so you are getting a fantastic savings!

To receive this offer, call Beau at (509) 492-0886 and mention that you want the Beautiful Frugal Life deal.

He did some work for me recently and I was honestly shocked at the amount he was able to clean up off my computer.  I have a college degree in Telecommunications and know quite a bit about computers, but he found things I never thought to check for.  He was very thorough and explained things in a way that someone without any computer knowledge would completely understand.  $50 is well worth it to make sure your computer is optimized and to catch any problems BEFORE they happen.  We don’t realize how much we rely on our computers until they aren’t working.

To learn more about all the services they offer, check out their website or follow them on Facebook.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, you are supporting this blog. Thanks!

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Today only, The Body Shop is offering free shipping on all orders, no minimum purchase required.  On top of this, they are also running a a B2G1 or BOGO 50% off offer on select skin care, body scrubs, soaps and more.  This offer runs through Friday 5/18.

They have also have select products marked down to just $10, most regularly priced between $18 and $20.   Some great deals to be had today!

Don’t forget to click through Ebates for 5% cash back on your entire purchase.  Click here to sign up, type The Body Shop in the search bar and click “Shop Now” to be automatically redirected to their website.  Your cash back should be credited to your account in a few days and you will receive an email confirmation.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. When you click on these links, you are supporting this blog. Thanks!

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Amazon: Haribo Gummy Bears Mini Bags $.15 each shipped

May 16, 2012

Amazon has Haribo Gold-Bears Gummy Bear Minis, 72-Count Bags for just $11.04 or $.15  per mini bag, free shipping included! How I wish I wasn’t off of sugar, these are literally my favorite gummy bear in the whole world.  I have a sweet tooth and this is probably the first candy I run to in the [...]

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The Great Food Revolution of 2012

May 16, 2012

We have made some significant changes to the way we eat in the last few months.  My husband and I have watched several documentaries about the food industry and I’ve been reading and doing research on what goes in our food.  What I have found is fairly horrifying, for the most part.  I’ve also found [...]

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Yoke’s Fresh Markets Weekly Deals: 5/16 – 5/22 + Fresh Friday (5/18)

May 16, 2012

These are the best deals I see this week at Yoke’s Fresh Market, starting Wednesday May 9th.  Don’t forget to follow Yoke’s on Facebook, as they have some spectacular Facebook-exclusive deals for their fans every so often. FRESH PRODUCE DEALS Broccoli Crowns or Cauliflower on sale $.78/lb Jumbo Globe Artichokes on sale $1.67 each Bunch [...]

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Abe’s Market: Free shipping on all orders (no minimum) OR $10 off $25 purchase

May 16, 2012

Abe’s Market is offering free shipping on all orders today only (5/16).   They have a huge selection of organic/natural products, including brands like Seventh Generation, Revolution Foods and Cascadian Farms. Use promo code freeshipping at checkout for your discount. It also looks like they are offering $10 off your purchase of $25 or more if [...]

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Amazon: Evenflo Serenade Infant Car Seat

May 16, 2012

Update: The price has gone up dramatically on this one. If you need an infant car seat, move fast on this deal.  The Evenflo Serenade Infant Car Seat in Honeycomb Baja is on sale for $49.91, including shipping. It’s a great neutral color and gets great reviews.  This is 67% off list price, you won’t beat [...]

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Amazon: Twinings Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea K-Cups $.36 each

May 16, 2012

Amazon has some great deals in the Warehouse Deals section today.  The Twinings Earl Grey Decaffeinated Tea K-Cups for Keurig Brewers (25 count) are on sale for $8.54 or just $.36  per K-Cup. These Warehouse Deals go very fast so if you want one of them so don’t wait! Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase. Learn [...]

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Fred Meyer: Saving money the easy way

May 15, 2012

I literally look forward to shopping the Fred Meyer Founder’s Day sale every year.  They have consistently fantastic prices on a great selection of items that we use in our house every single day. I just wanted to share my trip today, since just about any average shopper could replicate it.  No crazy transactions and [...]

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Amazon: Nutiva Extra Virgin Coconut Oil $.51 per ounce shipped

May 15, 2012

Amazon has Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 15-Ounce Tubs (Pack of 2) for just $15.30 or $.51 per ounce, free shipping included!  Coconut oil is a great alternative to canola or vegetable in baking.  I just found this recipe for Savory Coconut Oil Kale Chips I’m dying to try. Here’s how to take advantage of this [...]

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Amazon: Misto Oil Sprayer just $8.23

May 15, 2012

I just love these Misto sprayers, they work awesome and are an inexpensive and healthier alternative to cooking sprays.  Amazon currently has the Misto sprayer on sale for $8.23 in red and purple and just $9.80 for brushed aluminum. Shipping is free with Amazon Prime or with a qualifying $25 purchase. Learn how to earn Amazon gift [...]

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Zulily: Teva sandals starting at $9.99 (women and kids)

May 15, 2012

Zulily has a fantastic sale that just launched today on Teva sandals!.  They have a huge selection of Teva sandals for women and kids, with styles for kids starting at just $9.99 and flip flops for women starting at just $14.99. Teva makes an amazing quality shoe and they are worth every penny.  These are [...]

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Eversave: $10 new member credit (Custom photo book just $13, digital measuring cup just $14 + more)

May 15, 2012

Through May 31st, Eversave is offering a whopping $10 new member credit.  This is going to make for some really spectacular deals.  Sign up through this link and your credit should be automatically applied to your account.  Check out the following deals that are currently available with your credit: 8.75″ x 11″ Custom Photo Book [...]

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Tanga 24-hour sale: One-year subscription to Family Circle magazine just $3.99 ($.33/issue)

May 15, 2012

Tanga has a one-year subscription to Family Circle for just $3.99.  You can buy up to 4 years and each subscription has 12 issues, only $.33 per issue! I just started receiving this magazine and it’s got some great recipes and easy to read stories, decorating tips and more.  I’ve been really happy with each [...]

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Ebates: 13th Birthday Celebration = 13% cash back at tons of stores (Macy’s, Nordstrom, Kohl’s + more)

May 14, 2012

Ebates is running a fantastic special for their 13th birthday, with 13% cash back at tons and tons of stores.  Some of my favorites are Kohl’s, Macy’s, Banana Republic, Nordstrom (who offers free shipping year-round) and so many more.  This is basically like adding an additional discount to any sales you are already getting with [...]

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Giveaway: Pasta Prima Organic Spinach & Cheese Ravioli and Cuisinart 6-quart Sauce Pot

May 14, 2012

I was recently contacted by a company called Pasta Prima, who makes high-quality pasta products.  They were offering my family the chance to try their new 100% Certified Organic Spinach & Cheese Ravioli that is now available at Costco and Safeway in the refrigerated section.  They had me at organic and Costco.  I was in. [...]

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Fred Meyer Founder’s Day Sale: 5/13 – 5/19

May 13, 2012

Don’t forget to add eCoupons to your Fred Meyer Rewards card through Saving Star and FredMeyer.com.  Check out Fred Meyer’s coupon guidelines before you head in to shop. The Founder’s Day Sale is the best sale of the year at Fred Meyer!  I count on these good prices each year and it looks like we will [...]

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“I am a Better Mom than Every Other Mom in the World” and other popular myths

May 13, 2012

“YOU did not make homemade cupcakes for my playdate!” Every so often, I read a nice article or post about mothering on a blog or I read something funny about the catastrophe that can be the life of a stay at home mom or what it’s like to be a working mother.  Then I read [...]

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Amazon: Eight O’Clock Hazelnut Coffee $3.90 per bag

May 11, 2012

Update: As of 5/15/12 at 9:31 PM, the price on this item is the same. Amazon has some great deals in the Warehouse Deals section today.  The Eight O’Clock Coffee, Hazelnut Whole Bean, 11-Ounce Bags (Pack of 4) are on sale for $15.60 or $3.90 per 11 oz. bag. It gets amazing reviews! These Warehouse Deals go very fast so [...]

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Vitacost: Eden Organic Canned Beans $.83 each shipped

May 10, 2012

Vitacost is still offering a $10 credit to all new customers.  Click on this link, click on the “Click Here Now” button and enter your information.  Your promo code will be emailed to you, mine arrived in about 5 minutes.  Shipping is a flat rate of $4.99. Vitacost has TONS of products to choose from, [...]

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Recipe from Bites: Chocolate Revel Bars

May 10, 2012

This dessert has been one of my favorites since childhood.  How to describe it…like a really moist oatmeal cookie, with fudgy chocolate ganache spread in the middle, topped with more cookie goodness.  They are ooey and gooey and a wonderful treat! Ingredients: 3 cups quick cooking oats 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking [...]

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