The Discovery Center Could Win $1 Million Grant

The Discovery Center has a chance to win a $1 million grant. The Springfield, MO nonprofit is being recognized as one of the top 20 most promising educational institutions in the country. That honor comes with an opportunity to receive a $1 million grant from Forbes and the Center for Education Reform. The Discovery Center was one of only two science centers in North America to offer services to kids during pandemic lockdown. Forbes will pick five finalists in December. The winner will get the award in January in Switzerland.

by Trina

Republic Animal Shelter at Full Capacity

The Republic shelter is desperately trying to find the animals new homes. The animal control center is off Highway 174 and opened in December 2020 and the new place is already at capacity with 21 dogs and 61 cats.

The adoption fee for dogs is $40 and cats are $20, but if you get two cats it’s only $30.

The center also needs help to supply food and other supplies for the animals.

by Trina

Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday is proving to be a bigger day for online shopping than Black Friday. You may be all over the deals but just in case you're still browsing, check these out.

The best Cyber Monday tech deals

The best Cyber Monday kitchen deals

The Best Cyber Monday deals of 2021

1. New Apple AirPods Pro at Amazon for $179 (Save $70)

2. Beats Studio Buds True Wireless Noise Canceling Earbuds at Amazon for $99.95 with coupon code BYZPPJADUODB (Save $50 and get a $10 Amazon credit)

3. Solo Stove Bonfire + Stand Bundle at Solo Stove for $259.99 (Save $160)

4. lululemon Women’s Wunder Under Hi-Rise Tight 25 Inches at lululemon for $69 (Save $29)

5. Get 2 MasterClass memberships at Masterclass for $180 (Save $180)
See full list

by Trina

Small Business Saturday

With a weekend known for cardio-shopping, Small Business Saturday is popular for encouraging holiday shoppers to patronize brick and mortar businesses that are small and local. Wikipedia defines it as "an American shopping holiday held during the Saturday after Thanksgiving in the United States during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. This Saturday is always the last one in November, so it falls between November 24 and November 30."

There are many opportunities to find unique gifts at our area businesses, including Downtown Springfield.

by Trina

Gardens Aglow 2021

If you want to take a break from the shopping crowds and take in fresh air along with sparkly scenery, then plan to head to the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden tonight from 5-8:30 pm. Gardens Aglow is back for its third season with more than 150,000 festive lights and beautiful features! Your whole family is invited to walk the botanical-themed light festival!

by Trina

Black Friday Discounts - Big and Small

The BEST deals are supposed to be on Black Friday.  Wallethub did some research and went through all the Black Friday ads they could find. They compared the prices to how much each product normally costs if you just buy it on Amazon.  Read on to see what they found.

Consumer packaged goods will have the deepest discounts this year.  That means small stuff you use up and have to replace all the time, like toilet paper and toothpaste.  If you stock up on Black Friday, you could save an extra 45%.  Clothes are next at 40%, followed by toys at 34%.

At the other end of the list is stuff you WON'T see huge discounts on.  And #1 there is computers and phones.  If you're hoping to score a new phone on Black Friday, don't expect to save more than 20%.  There might be slightly better deals on other electronics though, like TVs.

by Trina

Alternatives to Black Friday Shopping

Black Friday is as much as a tradition for many as is Thanksgiving Day itself. However, when it's just not your thing or you need a break from the crowds, here are a few ideas that might rebrand the day for you.

-Take in a movie

-Head to the museums

-Take a nature walk

-Do a photo hike

-Make some crafts or decorations

 

by Trina

Tracey Lawrence's Turkey Frying Tip

Are you thinking about making your first attempt to deep-fry a turkey?  If you're unsure on how to do it, Tracey Lawrence has some tips for you. He says, quote, "You have to make sure the turkey is completely thawed out.  The ice, when it hits that hot grease, will absolutely explode. That's how you burn your house down."

That might seem obvious, but he's probably bringing it up because he's heard stories.  Quote, "Don't set your fryer up on your porch . . . especially if you have a wood deck.  Move the fryer away from your house."

Tracy and his team have fried over 6,400 turkeys since 2006.  He's raised over $600,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission and provided some 90,000 meals through the years.

If you want to help Tracy's great cause, you can hit up the website at MissionPossibleTF.Kindful.com.

 

by Trina

Timesaving Cooking Shortcuts

Even if you love hosting dinners for the holidays, saving some time in the kitchen can free you up to visit with your family and friends. Check out these cooking hacks that will let you serve up a delicious meal and spend time with your guests.

1.  Potatoes: Peeling potatoes is time consuming! No need to peel them, boil your potatoes with the skin on. Then put them straight into an ice bath.  The skins will slide right off.

2.  Turkey: No need to waste. Sometime making a whole turkey is time wasted for a short number of dinner guests.  A turkey breast is easier and faster to make.  One should feed up to four people.  It's especially good if you're not having a ton of people over.

3.  Ovens: Crunchy veggies are the worst when they should melt in your mouth. Try preheating your roasting pans.  Leave them in the oven while you're preheating it and things will cook faster.  It's especially good for roasting vegetables.

4.  Blenders: Take advantage of your blender.  Try making gravy in the blender. Instead of stirring and simmering, you can thicken it and get all the lumps out with a blender.  Just search "gravy blender recipe" on the internet.

5. Pre-make/Frozen: Use store-bought ingredients to your advantage.  For example, lots of people expect green bean casserole to be made with cream of mushroom soup, so making the sauce from scratch probably isn't worth it.  Also consider if your guests actually WANT homemade cranberry sauce or would they be happier with a can of the jelly stuff?

 

by Trina