Happy Memorial Day Weekend! {Ad Sale + a Win FREE Month!}

It is that time of the month again, friends!  Time to book your June ad spots with Frugal Foodie Mama!! :) 

To free up more summer fun time with my kiddos, I am reducing my the number of ad spots I offer starting June 1st so hurry and reserve your spot now!  My two Apple of My Eye (In-Post) ads are already reserved for next month, but you can still snag your A Peck or A Pin-t ad for June- I will only be offering 4 A Peck Ads & 6 A Pin-t ads! 

Frugal Foodie Mama just keeps growing, and I would love to have you along for this journey! What can Frugal Foodie Mama offer your blog or shop? 

Let me give you all the breakdown...

A Little About My Site...

(As of May 24, 2013)

~ 680 GFC Followers~
+
~765 Bloglovin Followers~
~133 Subscribers by Email~
{Over 1500 total blog subscribers!}

~ 1541 Twitter (note- no spam bots!) Followers~

~1869 Facebook Fans~

~ 8056 Pinterest Followers~
~198 Instagram Followers~

~Average of 1200-2000 page views each day on blog~
~Over 38,000 page views just last month!~
~Almost 250,000 all time views!~

And for Memorial Weekend only (Saturday~Sunday~Monday), you can take 15% Off your June ad with promo code pickmemama !  Why the promo code pickmemama?  Because TWO sponsors who sign up with me for June will also get July advertising for FREE!!  I will randomly choose two June sponsors to get 3 weeks of July advertising for free.   (And yes, those of you who have already reserved a June ad spot with me will also be included in this drawing.)  

Why just 3 weeks?  Because this mama is going on vacation with her family the last week of July and I will also be taking a break from most things blogging that week. ;)

 **If your name is drawn, the free ad spot will be the same as the one that you purchased for June. 

Ready to get started with Frugal Foodie Mama?  Visit my Sponsor Page to get started!

I look forward to working with you in June! :)

Finally Got to #DigIn & Plant {& A Recipe for Spiced Pineapple Mojitos}

I am so thrilled to have this opportunity to work with The Home Depot and to have received product to help make our dream of growing an organic edible garden a reality.

Yes, yes... I know.  That looks tasty and refreshing, right?  ;)  I promise we will get to the recipe for my Spiced Pineapple Mojitos in just a sec.  But first we have to put in a little hard work, sweat just a little to earn one.  I mean, seriously.  This cocktail is the best ever to sip on your deck in the evening after a hard day of yard work or gardening.

And about that garden...

I am sure some of you all are curious as to how our attempts at growing an edible organic garden are going so far.  When we last left off, I was giving you all a glimpse of our shopping trip to the Home Depot to get everything that we would need to get started with our organic vegetable garden.

Since then we have tilled.  (Okay, not we.  The husband did. ;) )

And ended up with a nicely tilled, perfectly sized plot to start planting our garden in.  

Yep.  We were all ready to go.

And then five straight days of rain came.

And then a two night cold snap that made me glad we had not got our vegetables in the ground the weekend before like I had wanted to...

Yes, my entire vegetable garden still in there Bonnie pots are under those sheets.  Temperatures dipped below 30 degrees for two nights in a row.  

Craziness...

But I was able to at least get started on potting our herbs on the deck before the cold snap hit.  You all may remember when I was planning our edible organic garden that I wanted to keep all the herbs potted on the deck since the door off from the kitchen leads straight to the deck.  I love being able to just hop outside for a moment while making dinner or a salad and just snip off a few fresh herbs that I need.

I planted the basil and the parsley together on a deck mounted planter we found at our local Home Depot.  The mint got it's own pot.  I have grown mint before so I know of it's aggressive tendency to completely take over wherever it happens to be planted.  Potted by itself is best. ;)

Now, we did get the garden planted last weekend.  

Finally.  

I consulted The Home Depot Garden Club website to make sure I had the planting times, depths, and so forth correct before we started. 

We have 3 tomato plants in, 4 different kinds of peppers, cabbage, 4 mounds of cucumber seeds planted, 2 rows of carrot seeds in the ground, and we also planted spinach and lettuce from seed.  We reserved the bottom end of our garden plot for a small pumpkin patch for baby girl to enjoy come fall.

There hasn't been a ton of progress as far as growth goes yet.  The tomato, pepper, and cabbage plants look wonderful though, and we are still waiting for the seeds to sprout.  I would say by this time next week we will start see little seedlings popping up in rows. :)

(And why yes, I am wearing the super cute gardening gloves I just had to have from The Home Depot!)

But the one plant that has been doing well (as would be expected) is my mint plant...

And what can you make with fresh mint??

You got it, folks- Mojitos!! 

And not just any mojitos for us...

Spiced Pineapple Mojitos, please!

What you will need:

1 lime, quartered

handful of fresh mint leaves

1/2 cup of fresh pineapple chunks

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup of spiced rum (like Captain Morgan)

ice

Splash of club soda

Squeeze the juice from the lime quarters into a cocktail shaker.  Throw the quarters in there and then add in the mint leaves, pineapple chunks, and sugar.  Using a pestle or a wooden spoon, muddle together everything in the bottom of the cocktail shaker very well.  Then pour in the spiced rum.  Place the lid back on the shaker and shake, shake, shake.   Fill two smaller glasses with ice.  Pour the muddled rum mixture evenly into the two glasses.  I go ahead and pop in a little of the mint leaves and the pineapple chunks and lime quarters into each of the glasses.  Then just top off each glass with a little club soda and give it a quick stir. 

And there you go!  Two refreshing Spiced Pineapple Mojitos to cool off and reward yourselves after a day in the garden. :)

Are you growing herbs this year?  Tell me you bought a mint plant, right? ;)

It’s home improvement time, and The Home Depot has everything you need to #DigIn for Spring. No matter what projects you want to tackle, they have great values on all you need. They’re ready to help you with renovation ideas and expert advice, too.

Get over $300 in email exclusive savings each year, sneak peeks on new products,      monthly lawn & garden ideas for your region and access to The Home Depot’s gardening experts. Click here to join the world’s largest garden community today! Or go to http://gardenclub.homedepot.com/ to see some of the many benefits of membership.

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of The Home Depot.

Dr. Pepper Brownie Bowls {A Guest Recipe From Busy Mom's Helper + A $75 Amazon Giveaway!}

'Olo' all you funtastic people! (can you tell I watched Megamind with the kids today?) I'm Danielle from over at Busy Mom's Helper, and I'm just tickled pink to be here today! I've been following Carrie's amazing blog and yummy recipes for quite awhile (non-creepily stalking, you could say) and can't tell you what a privileged it is to actually be guest posting here. Thanks so much, Carrie!!! (goes *woot woot* with hands in the air)

My site is mostly recipes, with some crafts and parenting somethings thrown in. One thing you'll quickly notice about me is I LOOOOOOVE desserts! Seriously, it's extreme. Besides being oh-so-wonderfully delicious, there are some majorly fun baking accessories for things like desserts - one of which I discovered a few weeks ago and fell in love with: Brownie Bowls!!! 

Can we say 'AWESOME'?! I loved the idea of these, the endless possibilities you could do in here. I just had to get some, and have had so much fun creating new bowl concoctions, that I want to give YOU some, too! Pay attention after the below recipe for how you can win some of these clever bowls PLUS an Amazon Gift card!!!

Now for a recipe demo of these fantastic things: Dr. Pepper Brownie Bowls! I love Dr. Pepper.....too much. I know it's not the healthiest habit by any means, and every few months I go on an 'I'm giving this up' kick. It never lasts - I think the longest is about two weeks! I have gotten better, though, and only drink about a can a day. I'm happy with that figure! Anywho...I started experimenting with putting Dr. Pepper into recipes, and it's definitely been fun! These Dr. Pepper Brownie Bowls are so gooey, yet chewy, and oh-my-goodness drool-worthy!

Ingredients 1 box Fudge Brownie mix 1 Egg 6 oz. Dr. Pepper (1/2 can) 1/2 tbsp. Maraschino Cherry juice 1/2 tsp. Vanilla
Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix all of the ingredients EXCEPT the brownie whisk together in a large bowl. Add the brownie mix and mix until batter is mostly smooth. Pour batter into brownie bowls, making sure to fill ONLY to the fill line (otherwise the bottoms aren't as smooth and even). Bake for 20-25 minutes, or when a toothpick comes out clean. Allow the brownies to cool completely before removing from the bowls. Fill with frosting, cream, pudding, or whatever else you'd like! The frosting I chose this time was an in-the-works Dr. Pepper frosting that I'll share with you (just keep in mind it's 'in-the-works' still, so not perfect).

Frosting Ingredients 2 cups Powdered Sugar 1/4 cup Butter, softened 1/2 tsp. Lemon juice 1/2 tbsp. Maraschino Cherry juice 1/4 tsp. Nutmeg 1/4 tsp. Ginger 1/4 tsp. Apple juice 1/2 tbsp. Vanilla extract 8 oz. Dr. Pepper 1/2 cup Sugar
Frosting Directions In a medium saucepan, bring the Dr. Pepper and the sugar to a boil, stirring frequently so sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes. Mix all of the remaining ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Just adding 1 tbsp. at a time, mix in some of the Dr. Pepper mixture until you reach your desired consistency. Go slowly; if you add too much your frosting will be too runny. I added only a few tablespoons of the mixture. If desired, drizzle some of the Dr. Pepper mixture over the top of your brownies. Enjoy!

Now for our amazing giveaway - TWO sets of Chicago Metallic Brownie Bowls (four bowls in total) PLUS a $75 Amazon Gift Card!!!

*This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.  All entries for the winner will be checked and verified, so please make sure you are doing what you are claiming in the Rafflecopter or all your entries will be voided.  No funny business, folks. ;). By entering you give the right to use your name and likeness. Number of entries received determines the odds of winning. One winner will be selected. Entries must come from your MAIN social media accounts, not accounts that have been set up separately just for entering giveaways.  Entries from these types of accounts will be disqualified.  Protected tweets do not count as an entry method for tweeting. Tweets must come from a public account. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.

Please see the Rafflecopter widget below for additional Terms & Conditions.  Good luck, all! 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Small Shop Spotlight ~ LivyLoveDesigns {& a 50% Off Sale!}

I have been a fan of LivyLoveDesigns since I first met Diane last year when she contributed one of her fabulous prints to my very first Blogger Appreciation Giveaway.  When she made a call out to bloggers to help her spread the word about her upcoming 50% sale, I didn't hesitate to volunteer. ;)   Her prints are gorgeous.  They are affordable (even before the incredible 50% off discount!).  And you can get just about any one of them in your choice of custom colors.  

Okay, so what is on my wish list for this week's HUGE sale?  (Pssstttt... all the prices listed for each item below are BEFORE the 50% off discount!  So yeah, divide those prices in half. ;) )

8x10 Keep Calm And Bake On Print {$20.00}

I am pretty sure I need one of these prints in my kitchen!  Plus, you can get your print in a wide range of custom colors to match any kitchen color scheme. ;)

Happy Mail Inside Stickers- Set of 25 {$10.50}

As a food blogger who LOVES participating in monthly swaps, I adore these stickers!  :)

5x7 Happy Girls Are the Prettiest Print {$15.00}

I am ordering this one for my baby girl's room.  <3  This is such an important message to instill in our little girls...

8x10 Custom Map Prints {$20.00}

This custom print from LivyLoveDesigns is definitely on my must-have list.  You can get the maps and stripes in custom colors, and you can add as many hearts to your map as you would like!  This would be a great anniversary gift for a couple- have hearts mark their hometown(s), where they met, where their children were born... any place that is close to the heart. 

Okay, so I know you all are all ready to get your shop on!  And you can save 50% off from now until May 27th!! 

CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING NOW! :)

Announcing the Spiked! Tequila Recipe Challenge Winner!!

You all made this SO hard for Julie & I!  Again.  
We REALLY had to do some serious consideration and debate to pick this challenge's winner.  They were all so delicious and creative! :)

This month's Spiked! ingredient was Tequila.  Recipe submissions could be anything using tequila except for a cocktail or drink.

So, without further adieu here are the Spiked! Tequila Recipe Challenge runner-ups (in no particular order)...

Bananas Foster-rita Macarons from A Kitchen Hoor

Mango Shortcakes with Coconut Tequila Whipped Cream from Shake Bake and Party

Tequila Lime Bars with Chocolate Ganache from Your Girl For All Seasonings

And the winner of the Spiked! Te Recipe Challenge is... 
Deb from Cooking on the Front Burner with her Strawberry Margarita Shortcakes!

Congratulations Deb !!  What beautiful and tasty use of tequila!  Julie and I will be in touch with you shortly to get you hooked up with your June featured ad spot with me and your Starbucks gift card from Julie. :)

Julie and I would love to thank each and every one of you who entered this month's Spiked! Recipe Challenge.  We had 16 total Tequila laced entries for our third ever challenge.  I created a special Pinterest board for all of the Spiked! recipes, so please feel free to CLICK ON OVER and check them all out (and pin away while you are at it ;) ).  

Julie and I will be back again in July with an all new Spiked! Recipe Challenge!  We will announce that month's libation of choice on the first of the month.  (Psssttt... we may be feeling just a tad patriotic in July. ;) )

If you would like to see more information on the Spiked! Recipe Challenge, please click HERE to view the Spiked! page on my blog. 

Double Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream {Get Your Chef On}

I am not going to lie- when Julie from White Lights on Wednesdays and Jen from Four Marrs and One Venus announced that this month's Get Your Chef On ingredient was CHOCOLATE, I was pretty stoked.  I actually had a deep, rich, decadent chocolate recipe stashed in my back pocket (or at least in my Draft posts) that I had not published yet to my readers.  Plus, I had won Get Your Chef On once before with an ice cream recipe...  Maybe another ice cream recipe could get me back the GYCO title? ;)

What you will need:

1 can of sweetened condensed milk

1/2 cup cocoa powder

2 oz (2 squares) of baking chocolate, chopped

2 cups of milk

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp salt

2-3 oz of  your favorite dark chocolate bar, chopped

In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the cocoa powder.  Continue heating for about 2 minutes.  Add in the chopped baking chocolate and heat for an additional minute until everything is melted and well incorporated- mix the entire time!

Pour the heated chocolate mixture into a bowl and then quickly and vigorously whisk in the 2 cups of milk.  I am serious here- whisk vigorously.  The chocolate mixture will try to seize on you when you add the milk so it has to be a constant whisking.  We want creamy ice cream here, folks.  Not fudge. ;)

Once well mixed, whisk in the vanilla and salt.  

Chill the chocolate mixture in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

In the meantime, be sure to chill the container for your ice cream maker.

Once chilled, process the chocolaty ice cream base in your ice cream maker according to your maker's specifications.  (I churned mine for about 25 minutes.)

Once churned, use a spatula to scoop and scrape the chocolate ice cream into a freezer safe container.  Fold in your chopped dark chocolate bar.
Cover and place in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Because homemade ice cream always freezes harder than the store bought varieties, allow your container to sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping it out.

This Double Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream is seriously the best, most chocolate loaded ice cream I have ever ate.

Ever.
And I am not just saying this because I really want to win Get Your Chef On again. 

I am a dark chocolate fiend, and this cured my craving for it every single time.

Double Dark Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream

by Frugal Foodie Mama

Prep Time: 2 hours, 10 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours or overnight (to freez

Keywords: freeze dessert chocolate milk sweetened condensed milk ice-cream

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Ingredients (6-8 servings)

• 1 can of sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup cocoa powder
• 2 oz (2 squares) of baking chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2-3 oz of your favorite dark chocolate bar, chopped

Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, mix together the sweetened condensed milk and the cocoa powder. Continue heating for about 2 minutes. Add in the chopped baking chocolate and heat for an additional minute until everything is melted and well incorporated- mix the entire time!

Pour the heated chocolate mixture into a bowl and then quickly and vigorously whisk in the 2 cups of milk. I am serious here- whisk vigorously. The chocolate mixture will try to seize on you when you add the milk so it has to be a constant whisking. We want creamy ice cream here, folks. Not fudge. ;)

Once well mixed, whisk in the vanilla and salt.

Chill the chocolate mixture in the fridge for 1-2 hours.

In the meantime, be sure to chill the container for your ice cream maker.

Once chilled, process the chocolaty ice cream base in your ice cream maker according to your maker's specifications. (I churned mine for about 25 minutes.)

Once churned, use a spatula to scoop and scrape the chocolate ice cream into a freezer safe container. Fold in your chopped dark chocolate bar.

Cover and place in the freezer for at least 2-3 hours, or overnight.

Because homemade ice cream always freezes harder than the store bought varieties, allow your container to sit out at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before scooping it out.

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2013 Father's Day Man Cave Filler Giveaway

I have joined up with a group of awesome bloggers to bring you all the ultimate Father's Day giveaway!  Sure we could have gave away a grill, or some fancy designer tie, but we all know what dad would really like... cold, hard cash- Paypal cash!!  You could buy something nice for Dad with it or just give him the cash. ;)  And we are not giving away just one Paypal cash prize, but THREE! 

And make sure you take a few moments and check out the newest blogging book... 

The Blogger's Survival Guide: Tips and Tricks for Parent Bloggers, Wordsmiths and Enthusiasts

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