Busy Moms CAN Cook

Fun in Myrtle Beach

2012-01-28T07:45:00.001-05:00

At Faith FWB Church's Couples' Retreat

Little Cuties . . .

2012-01-26T16:42:00.001-05:00

are the perfect travel food.

Addictive Behavior

2012-01-24T12:46:00.000-05:00

This isthe status I posted on my Weight Watcher’s Blog this morning--"Feeling great! Seeing the numbers go down on the scale isaddictive!"

I have beenoverweight most of my adult life. There! I said it. I feel better already!

Is it my heredity? That may playa factor. I come from "large" families. Diabetes, high bloodpressure, high cholesterol, and a bevy of other health issues have plagued myfamily (on both sides) for years.
Is it my health? Possibly. I do have some thyroidissues that have hindered my efforts in the past.
Is it my age? Hey! Now you've gone to meddling! :)It's true that when the big 4-0 rolls around (as it did for me this time lastyear), the metabolism starts to slow down.
Is it my lifestyle? Church activities, soccergames, cheerleading practice, L-I-F-E. All ofthese contribute to the busyness of us. It's easier, and let's faceit, cheaper (monetarily), to pull through the drive-thru and grabsomething from the Dollar Menu. (I have justified not eating a salad, by sayingthat I couldn't safely drive and eat it.)

The truth is . . .my own personal choices have gotten me into this condition.

And my own personalchoice is what's going to get me out of it!

I amCHOOSING to eat right.

I amCHOOSING to say no to the wrong kinds of food.

I amCHOOSING to exercise 4-5 times per week.

But the beauty of this choice is that Idon’t have to do it alone.

I am CHOOSINGto do what the Bible says in Psalm 105 and I am “seek(ing) theLORD, and his strength.”

I am CHOOSING to quote Philippians 4:13 regularly. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."

You see, Idon’t have to do this alone.

And I won’t.

Gettin Gussied Up at the Beauty Parlor

2012-01-23T16:35:00.001-05:00

Whilst I am getting a new doo, the shop is too!

We win at Home!

2012-01-21T07:48:00.001-05:00

JV girls & JV guys win tonight!

Away Games. . .

2012-01-17T17:21:00.001-05:00

vs Trinity

Yum!

2012-01-16T11:40:00.001-05:00

The BEST coffee candy. EVER. I promise. It comes from Brazil. And I have several lovely friends who live there. Breanna brought me some from her trip home at Christmas. I love her!

The Ordinary. . .

2012-01-16T11:20:00.001-05:00

I relish doing "the ordinary" things for my family (most days!) :)

Like grocery shopping. . .

The little things. . .

2012-01-15T12:48:00.001-05:00

I'm thankful for decent tasting Fat Free dressing!

Ahhhh!

2012-01-14T17:51:00.001-05:00

Nothing better than relaxing next to the fire!

Good times

2012-01-13T21:45:00.001-05:00

Fun at Cracker Barrel after the Hilltop game!

Praying for the Groenevelds

2011-12-03T16:01:00.001-05:00

Please help this family if you can! The Groeneveld's are medical missionaries with plans to leave in the fall of 2012 for Africa. Their house completely burned down during the night and they lost everything. We are collecting money or gift cards to Wal-Mart, Target, Old Navy, Children's Place, etc. If you are interested in contributing, please call me at (919) 429-9108. You can also take any items directly to Faith FWB Church on Hwy 70 in Goldsboro and we will be sure that this deserving family gets any items! Thanks!

John: Shirt L/XL or 17.5 dress shirt, Pants 38/32, Shoes 11
Tabitha: Clothes 10/12, Shoes 8/9
Eliza: Clothes 7/8, Shoes 13/1
Olivia: Clothes 4/5, Shoes 11/12
Aiden: Clothes 2T, Shoes 7
Jeana (John's sister who has been staying with them): Clothes 14/16, Shoes 9

Ladies Merona (Target) Long-Sleeve Tee for $3.54 shipped!

2011-10-28T12:38:00.000-04:00

::On the Target.com site, click on the “Daily Deals” link on the right hand side of the page.

http://dailydeals.target.com/#

::Add one of the $8 Ladies’ long-sleeved tees to your shopping cart.

::Go to checkout and login (you must login for the coupon code to work). Then, click on “Redeem a Promo Code” on the cart total and use codeTGT75HFN. It should give you $5 off your order, making it $3.

::Shipping will be free. So, you’ll just pay $3 plus any applicable taxes.

I got this info from Money Saving Mom!

Top Ten Apps for Black Friday Holidays

2011-10-26T18:06:00.005-04:00

Top Ten Apps for Black Friday Holidays

The looming stresses of the holiday season can be easily put to rest with the aid of only a few handy apps kept readily available on your smart phone or tablet device. And with Black Friday just around the corner, you may find that digital shopping guide in your pocket to be more helpful than ever in saving time and doing away with the piles of loose-leaf ad clippings.

1. iShop. Macy’s has proven to be a staple shopping stop for the holiday shopper over the years, making their all-in-one shopping app useful in avoiding the long lines of the department store by browsing merchandise online and even taking advantage of exclusive shipping offers.

2. Daily Deals. A product of Target, this app offers special deals and even includes a Target-tailored price scanner that makes checking prices on Black Friday a breeze.

3. Black Friday by BradsDeals. The end-all, be-all of Black Friday apps, BradsDeals serves as your aggregate source for every Black Friday ad and holiday special.

4. The Find. It can often be difficult to keep up with what retailer has what on sale during the madness of the holiday shopping season. Ease your frugal state of mind by using this app to not only scan UPC codes in stores, but be able to compare the store’s listed price with that of other stores in the area.

5. Tweets-Shop. According to modern norms, you’re no one if you’re not on Twitter. And according to the retail world, the same idea applies. Keep track of retailers offering unique sales offers via Twitter, including coupon codes.

6. The Photo Cookbook- Quick and Easy. So you weren’t fortunate enough to be handed down a rolodex of grandma’s famous holiday recipes? No worries, this collection of high-resolution photos and video guides, you should find concocting the perfect holiday feast to be no problem at all.

7. Walk Jog Run. The perfect and most cost-efficient personal trainer for after that hefty Thanksgiving meal, this app will not only direct you to the best running routes, but also provide you with an accurate calorie calculation.

8. TGI Black Friday. Create your own digital Black Friday list with the ability to email them to your shopping comrades on the big day for the most effective “divide and conquer” strategy around.

9. TripIt. Keeping track of your holiday flight schedule can be a major pain for those who travel far and wide for their holiday memories. Mitigate the stress by keeping your receipts and itineraries all in one convenient, easy to access place.

10. Have2P. Shopping can take a very long time and nature may call during the most inconvenient times. Have2P is an app that will help you find public restrooms local to you so you can take care of business and get back to shopping.

This guest post was provided by the team at BlackFriday2011.com. Visit our site to check out the latest Black Friday Deals and find the best holiday deals at top stores, including Walmart, Lowes, and Macy’s Black Friday coupons.

Musings on Shutterfly & A GREAT giveaway!

2011-10-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

I enjoy using Shutterfly.com.

Let me tell you why.

1. Great customer service. I have used Shutterfly for several printing projects. They are very professional and their response time (via email) is much quicker than most companies I have dealt with in recent days.

2. Great selection. Click on the links below to see some of the wonderful options that Shutterfly has available for you:

· Christmas cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-cards

· Greeting cards http://www.shutterfly.com/greetings/index.jsp

· birth announcements http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/birth-announcements

· holiday cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/holiday-cards

· photo books http://www.shutterfly.com/photo-books

· photo Christmas cards http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

Two of my personal favorites are

· Christ Wishes (Christmas Card): http://bit.ly/uR3Cul

· We Are Blessed (Christmas Card): http://bit.ly/sWD95N

3. Great quality. These are NOT cheap “dollar-store” style cards. They are heavy stock, printed in full color. Gorgeous. High-end, yet reasonably priced. Top-quality product.

Overall, I highly recommend Shutterfly.com.

To celebrate the start of the holiday season, I have three 25-card codes from Shutterfly to giveaway! All you have to do is go to Shutterfly.com and find which card you like best. Leave a comment at the end of this post. You will get bonus entries if you post about this giveaway on your blog, tweet about the giveaway, and/or post about it on Facebook or some other social media outlet. Just leave a separate comment for each of the additional ways you wish to enter.

You may enter until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, November 1.

I will announce the winners mid-morning on Tuesday, November 1.

This giveaway is sponsored by Shutterfly.com.

The thoughts and opinions offered in this post are my own.

Stationery card

2011-10-26T10:26:00.001-04:00

We Are Blessed Religious Christmas Card

Create personalized Christmas photo cards at Shutterfly.com.

View the entire collection of cards.

State Fair Fun

2011-10-20T22:10:00.001-04:00

Refrigerator Redesign

2011-09-29T08:32:00.000-04:00

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to ask each of you, if you would, kindly open your refrigerator door.

So how's it looking? A little messy? Maybe it's so full of food you can't even see the shelves anymore? If it's really bad, does it have a peculiar odor? And what kind of food do you have stored in there? A beautiful array of produce? Or a bunch of stuff you wouldn't want to tell your favorite Dinner Diva? :-)

Everything in life demands order; even in something as small as a refrigerator. Maintaining order reinforces a sense of peace instead of a stressed frenzy that comes hand in hand with disorder. And along with an orderly fridge comes what you keep in your refrigerator and where you keep it. This will affect, believe it or not, your choices. The what and where of food in your fridge can actually benefit a healthier diet if you take control of location and the actual food being stored.

Health.yahoo.net pointed at a study practiced by Cornell University, which was that if you fill your top shelf with fruits and veggies and other nutritionally benefiting foods, you're more liking to snack and eat those initially, instead of grabbing some easy snacky not so good for you food. According to this article, placement is king and not just in regard to your choices.

Some refrigerated foods can affect others and not for the good. For example any raw meats, you really need to keep them on the bottom. If they leak there's a greater chance for salmonella or E. coli to sneak into your other food. See why placement is so critical?

I wrote an article about storing leftovers that can go hand in hand with what I have to say in this article. One of my points that coincide with that article is that you have to be aware of what is in your refrigerator. Know what leftovers you have, and pair leftovers accordingly. Maybe you still have leftover meat from the day before and you now have leftover veggies from today's meal, mix and match and make the two of them a meal for the next day. Be mindful of your space, be mindful of your leftovers, and be mindful of what you need versus what you want.

If you can ensure some basic organization in what you buy, where you're placing it, and what is already in there in conjunction to what you need - you'll save time and money and even manage a healthier constitution. I would like to encourage you to take five extra minutes out of each week to quickly wipe down the surfaces of your refrigerator with a disinfectant cloth or wipe. If you are what you eat, don't you want to eat something being stored in a clean place so you don't get sick?

Avoid leftovers completely with our Cook Once Eat Twice menus!
Copyright (C) 2011 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Fall is the Time to Commit to Family Dinner

2011-09-26T11:00:00.000-04:00

Fall is the Time to Commit to Family Dinner

by Grace R. Freedman, Ph.D.

The nip of fall is in the air, school is well underway, the kids' extracurricular activities are gearing up, and maybe new projects are getting started at work. Whew! This time of year can be the busiest season, often crammed with new schedules, new transitions and new commitments. Without a clear plan, family dinner may be the first thing to go or the last thing you want to add to a crammed schedule. As you re-think routines and priorities this fall, don't forget that family dinner can actually help you smooth out the day-to-day chaos. Family dinner can be there to provide structure and sanity, and to give you and your kids a good foundation all year.

We often hear about the long-term benefits of family dinner. It's true that family dinner is one of the only things that has been consistently shown to have a positive effect on multiple health and social issues, such as obesity, underage alcohol and drug abuse, social disconnectedness, low school performance, and unhealthy relationships to food. Nonetheless, for busy parents, it can be hard to think about health and social benefits that are far down the road when you are just trying to get through the day. What can family dinner do for you and your kids TODAY?

Here are just a few things:

Family dinner gives you a way to "touch-base" daily with kids of any age. Don't underestimate the importance of nightly check-ins at the dinner table to hear new stories and get wind of any new problems. Whether your child is just starting kindergarten or already in high school, he or she will appreciate knowing you can always talk at dinnertime.

Family dinner saves money. Cooked meals at home can be cheaper, healthier and even faster than take-out or delivery (One study reports that Americans spend on average $4.50 per person eating at home compared to spending $8.50 a person eating out.)

Family dinner makes healthy eating easier for everyone. Family-style meals have been shown to help everyone in the family maintain their weight and consume more fruits and vegetables, when served. Also, a CDC study reported that people were better able to lose weight and keep it off by planning weekly meals rather than "winging it" at every meal.

Family dinner gives you time to be a family. Back-to-school is often a time when we notice and marvel how fast our kids are growing up; the years honestly can speed by. Now is the time to begin your family dinner tradition, or re-commit to it, so you can really learn from one another and enjoy each other's company.

Start the school year out right by planning to make family dinner a part of your new routines. At the Blog for Family Dinner project, we hope to help with inspiration, advice and recipes as we post stories about family dinner throughout the #B4FD month from September 26 to October 24, 2011.

Grace R. Freedman, Ph.D. is the Founder and Executive Director ofEatdinner.org, which provides research, education, and support for family meals. She is co-founder of the Blog For Family Dinner Project.

Copyright (C) 2011 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Jesus Could Come TODAY . . .

2011-09-15T08:51:00.004-04:00

was Reilly's response to seeing this sunrise today.

He said that the little clouds might be angels just waiting for the trumpet to sound. . .
He has been talking a lot about the Lord's return lately.
I love the tender heart that kids have.
He wants the Lord to return and he is concerned about the people he knows who don't know Jesus.

Or it could be that he has a Language test today.

Either way, my little man is precious!

We Will Never Forget

2011-09-11T12:52:00.001-04:00

Great service and time of remembrance of 9/11 at Faith FWB Church, Goldsboro

College Football

2011-09-10T14:10:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year. College football time. We are headed, with some Southeastern students, to Durham to go see Duke *ahem* play Stanford.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Pineapple

2011-06-30T13:14:00.003-04:00

I love fresh pineapple!

It is my favorite summer fruit, but if you are like I am, you may be confused about how to choose a good one. I found this list on Relish! and I wanted to share it.

1. Be alert for two key elements of a ripe pineapple: freshness and deterioration. You are looking for a fresh pineapple, not a rotting one. The stem is the area of the pineapple that feeds sugar to the fruit. It is from here that the pineapple changes color.

2. Look at the pineapple. It should reflect a golden yellow color. The minimum area for this should be on the eyes at the base of the fruit. Never purchase a pineapple that is fully green as it will not ripen well. The higher the color rises up the pineapple, the sweeter it will be. The pineapples in the photo above indicate good coloring

3. Smell the pineapple. If it smells sweet, then it's ready. If it has no scent, it's not ripe. If it smells fermented, it's over ripe!

Check out this great video on how to cut a pineapple. If you don't want to take the time to cut the pineapple into rings, when it's peeled, slice into strips and then into cubes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJJ-iQkbRNE

EIGHT Free One Night Rental Codes

2011-06-30T08:53:00.000-04:00

Blockbuster Express is offering 8 Free One Night Rentals with codes:

85JBHS2 – 86RRAP3 – 23CMEA6 – 66MLBJ9
72MDEB9 – 34ZGDB4 – 74EHJR4 – 22VHAP2

You can use these codes to reserve online.
Don’t forget to return your movies by 9pm the next night to avoid the $1 per night rental fee!
You can use EACH once per credit card.
Expires 7/4/11.

Try AboutOne for a year--FREE!

2011-06-29T13:13:00.003-04:00

What is AboutOne?

When was the last time you had to search through boxes, piles of paper, or a filing cabinet for information related to your family?

AboutOne is a secure online family management system that simplifies daily life by providing ONE location to store and manage household information, including:

Health
Education
Home
Vehicle

And right now, through 6/30 (tomorrow) you can get a year subscription by using the code JUNEFREE. You don't even have to enter a credit card number.

You can check out the site here.
Read more about them on their blog here.

The Buzz of the Blogosphere--10 cents/gallon discount at Murphy Express!

2011-06-29T09:44:00.001-04:00

Walmartstores.com: Walmart Offers 10-Cents-a-Gallon Gas Savings at Participating Stations Nationwide

"Walmart Offers 10-Cents-a-Gallon Gas Savings at Participating Stations Nationwide

Today, Walmart announces a 90-day Rollback at the pump to give customers a savings of 10 cents a gallon on all fuel, gas and diesel, at participating Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations. The discount applies to gas purchases made when using a reloadable Walmart gift card, reloadable Walmart MoneyCard® or Walmart credit card from June 29 through September 30, 2011."

A Scensty Giveaway

2011-06-29T08:12:00.002-04:00

Head on over to The Modest Mom to see what you can do to win a $25 Scentsy Gift Certificate. I love the Scentsy products. My mother-in-law gave us a warmer and a brick of wax (Baked Apple Pie) for Christmas and I have been impressed with how long the scent lasts.

Click on the links above to go to the giveaway page to see what you have to do to be entered into the drawing.

Turn a Crib Side Rail into a Magazine Rack

2011-06-28T14:12:00.003-04:00

I just had a "why-didn't-I-think-of-that" moment?

This is a great use for a crib side rail.

Even if you don't have a crib sitting around your attic or garage, you can always get one at a yard sale CHEAP or even a giveaway on Craig's List!

What a great way to UpCycle!

Turn Your Crib Siderail Into A Magazine Rack Salty Pineapple | Apartment Therapy Ohdeedoh

Do you know about Pinterest?

2011-06-28T10:38:00.004-04:00

From the about section of the website: Pinterest is a Virtual Pinboard.

Pinterest lets you organize and share all the beautiful things you find on the web. People use pinboards to plan their weddings, decorate their homes, and organize their favorite recipes.

Best of all, you can browse pinboards created by other people. Browsing pinboards is a fun way to discover new things and get inspiration from people who share your interests.

I like this concept.

As of now, you can email for an invite (which I have), but until you get that magical message, you can still check out several things there. I found these to be particularly interesting:

Things to Bake and Decorate

Beautiful Spaces

Dreamy Places

Doorways

If you want to read more about the site and its concept, click here.

UPDATE: I got my invitation by email at 11:34 a.m. In order to register, you must connect your account through Facebook, so if you are not comfortable with that, then this is not for you. You can search your contacts in Yahoo mail, Google, Facebook, and Twitter to see who has an account. (I found several.)

You have the ability to add a shortcut to your bookmarks bar, so that when you see something you want to "share" it is easy to pin it to your "wall." So far I like it. I can see that this has the potential to become another distraction, so for now. . .the jury is out!

20 Surprising Uses for White Vinegar

2011-06-28T09:49:00.000-04:00

Great list from Mary Hunt of DebtProof Living.

20 Surprising Uses for White Vinegar

Commitment

2011-06-28T09:14:00.007-04:00

I am making a commitment.

I have decided to read through the Bible again in 90 days.

I was introduced to the program last summer while browsing over at Mom's ToolBox.

Although I had read through the Bible before, I had not taken on a challenge quite the size of this one.

16 pages per day? Wow!

45 minutes of reading? (not studying, praying, or meditating on the verses . . . reading, as studiously as I can!)

These three months take commitment. They take dedication. They take time. They take planning. Some days, it requires sacrifice. Am I willing to sacrifice sleep, computer time, TV time, "me" time?

Can I make this commitment?

YES!

I make you a promise.

I promise that if you make this commitment and stick with it that your life will never be the same.

I promise that you will be blessed by the seeing the story of the Scriptures unfold.

I promise at the end of three months--you will want to do it again and you will most likely try to recruit anyone you can find: friends, family, neighbors, strangers on the street (well, that may be a stretch) to read through it with you in the Spring.

Will you join me?

Will you make the commitment?

Check out this great post Commit and Prioritize.

Do you hear that sound?

2011-06-27T16:52:00.003-04:00

It's the sound of the ground saying, "ahhh."

Thank you Lord for a nice, steady rain.

Deuteronomy 28:12 says "The LORD shall open unto thee his good treasure, the heaven to give the rain unto thy land in his season."

The tease. . .

2011-06-27T15:57:00.010-04:00

WeatherCall from local station.

The sky looks so promising.

Thunder.

Temperature Drop.

The smell of damp earth. . .

Lightning. . .

Wind whipping.

Temps cooler.

Raindrops that fall quickly evaporate on the hot cement.

And then it was over.

Look really hard and you might see the drops.

As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all them that trust in him.--2 Samuel 22:31

Fort-I-Tude

2011-06-27T14:38:00.006-04:00

I woke up this morning with a renewed sense of fortitude.

I will spend more time with the Lord each day.
I will spend more time "sharpening my axe" to be a better wife, mother, sister, and daughter.
I will try to listen to the Holy Spirit's prompting to be a better encourager.
I will play with my kids more.
I will read more.
I will watch less TV.
I will strive each day to do something to make my life healthier: walk, drink more water, etc.

Fortitude is defined as adversity, danger, or temptation courageously.

The problem with fortitude (if I am not very careful) is that is relies on me.

Not HIM.

The Bible plainly states in Philippians 4:13 that "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." Any fortitude that I have must come through HIM.

My goal should be to approach the list above, through HIM, for HIS glory.

Anything done with/in/through my own fortitude will not bring glory to HIM, but to myself. And to me, that is not acceptable.

Do I succeed every time bringing HIM glory? NO.
Do I desire success? YES.

So as I look at the list, I think, "I can do it--through HIM!"

Free samples never stink.

2011-06-24T11:13:00.001-04:00

Vocalpoint’s giving away FREE samples of Glad® ForceFlex® OdorShield® with Febreze® Freshness bags. Get yours!

Most Common Grilling Mistakes

2011-06-23T10:07:00.000-04:00

Most Common Grilling Mistakes

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Summer is here! Obviously, I'm a big fan of the grill and I feel as though I've spoken at length about it in that regard, so this isn't another article expressing my unwavering love for this cooking marvel, rather, it's a cautionary tale.

Though the grill may seem flawless and requiring hardly any maintenance at all, it isn't always the case. The grill is a remarkably low-maintenance piece of equipment, but it does need some looking after. So, I'm going to make a little list of common mistakes you can learn to avoid from the start:

Clean Your Grill. Just because everything technically burns off, doesn't mean you shouldn't scrape down the remains of the previous meal made. Think about it, would you want burnt scraps of last week's dinner sneaking into this week's? I didn't think so. All you need to do is take a metal brush and either brush it down after you use it or even wait until you use it again - either way make sure it happens before the next course of food touches the grate.

Put A Lid On It! (or not) Just because you have a lid doesn't mean you have to use it religiously. In fact, I suggest skipping the lid when grilling the essentials (steak, chicken, burgers, etc.). You'll notice that whenever you do that you lock in the smoke and your steak that had been marinating for two days prior will have the strong taste of smoke instead of the marinade.

Make It Right. First of all - don't just throw a steak on the grill straight from it's packaging. That flavorful first bite you've been looking forward to since you brought that luscious steak home in the first place is going to be severely lacking in any flavor. On the other hand I don't want you to submerge it in a sea of marinade for a week. Think simple. As far as steaks go, I recommend rubbing each side in with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of basic steak rub - taking a gallon size Ziploc and add just a bit of olive oil and apple cider vinegar, then add the steaks and allow them you soak in that for a few hours if not one or two days. Then write me a thank you note telling me how delightful your steak was!

Keep Your Eyes Peeled. When you're grilling, you won't have the same amount of prep time you do when you're in the kitchen. In fact, you really won't have any time at all because you'll always have to keep an eye on whatever you're grilling lest it becomes charred remains. So, before diving into the dinner you've plotted to be entirely cooked on the grill, make sure everything is seasoned, sliced, diced, and ready to go!

We have ways of making grilling SUPER simple, check out our Freezer Meals that go on the GRILL

Friday July 8th is Cow Appreciation Day!

2011-06-22T08:01:00.002-04:00

Friday, July 8th is Cow Appreciation day at participating Chick-fil-A locations. Dress up like a cow and you'll score a FREE Chick-fil-A meal!

Don't worry -- Chick-fil-A makes it easy for you by providing this cute downloadable costume kit, or you can always come up with your own creation. Bon appetit!

Clone Your Favorite Summertime Drinks

2011-06-10T09:43:00.000-04:00

Here's a great collection of copycat summer drink recipes from Mary Hunt at Everyday Cheapskate.

During the sizzling days of summer it’s tempting to duck into a coffee shop or juice bar to grab the latest in decadent blended coffee chillers or a fruit smoothie. But if the hidden calories don’t get you, the price tag will.

Weighing in at 410 calories, 20 grams of fat and more than $4 for 16 ounces (that’s a medium or ‘grande’), Starbuck’s Double Chocolate Chip Frappuccino® Blended Crème carries quite a punch to your waistline as well as to your wallet.

Click here to read more: Clone Your Favorite Summertime Drinks

Best Ballpark Bites

2011-06-10T09:37:00.001-04:00

Best Ballpark Bites

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

If you and your family are sports fanatics or your children are on sports teams, you're probably not as enthusiastic about the homerun after you've substituted your usual dinner plans for whatever the vender sold you. So how do you make the best of ballpark food? Easy enough!

First, water not soda! (I bet you knew I'd say that, LOL!) For whatever reason going to a ballgame always presents more temptation for leaning towards a soda because they seem more traditional. Understand that it's not tradition as much as it is sugar, and most likely in the form of high fructose corn syrup. If you want to be jumping up and down and cheering for your favorite team or your kid's team then avoid these sugar bombs.

Second, there are always nachos at sports events. Go ahead and order them... just don't get the yellow goop they've labeled "cheese" on top. Instead, ask if they have any salsa, and if not, enjoy them plain! Better eaten this way then glopped down with all that pretend cheese gunk, ick!

Third, hot dogs. Hot dogs are the epitome of tradition at ballgames. So I say its time for new traditions! It's a safe bet that a lot of venders are probably going to be offering some healthier options. Look for a grilled chicken sandwich instead of a hot dog. Maybe add some coleslaw instead of French fries. Believe or not sunflower seeds are a great option for potato chips--they take a little work to get into, but satisfy that salty taste you might be looking for.

If you start making decisions like these when it doesn't look like there are healthy options, you'll come out just fine and still have a great time. In fact, you'll probably feel just as pumped and energized as the team that wins the game! Batter UP!

Building an eBook Library on the Cheap

2011-06-10T09:31:00.000-04:00

As a Kindle owner, I am always interested in good reading material for a small price. Here's an excellent article on building a Kindle library from Tim Challies atChallies.com.

Over the past week I’ve been linking to some ebook deals and have been surprised at how many people have apparently taken advantage of the deals. This got me thinking about the best way to build a library of Christian ebooks. I thought it would be worthwhile to combine forces here, to put together a list of the places you go to find ebook deals. So the purpose of this post is not so much to point to individual deals as much as to point to the places we go to find those deals.

Read on here: Building an eBook Library on the Cheap | Challies Dot Com

$30 for $60 at BabyGourmet.com

2011-06-10T09:19:00.001-04:00

Check out this deal I found on FamilyFinds Raleigh Durham...

View >>

Win a $30 Gift Card to the Patsy Aiken Raleigh Outlet Sale!

2011-06-09T15:56:00.000-04:00

Patsy Aiken Raleigh Outlet Gift Card! {Giveaway} | Lil Kid Things

Win a $30 Gift Card to the Patsy Aiken Raleigh Outlet Sale!

One Lil-Kid-Things winner will be randomly selected to win $30 toward purchases made during this month’s Outlet Sale in Raleigh! The outlet is located at 4812 Hargrove Rd, Raleigh, NC and open daily from 9am-5pm during the above-mentioned week only! Gift-Card can only be used for the outlet sale and will be held for the winner at the sale.

30 Ways to Honor Dad this Father's Day

2011-06-09T15:53:00.001-04:00

Here's just a teaser of the list that can be found here, at Mom Life Today.

1. Purchase small artists’ canvases. Let your kids paint pictures of themselves doing things with him.

2. Give him a jar filled with slips of paper on which you’ve each written things you appreciate about him.

3. Talk about the things you love about their dad or that he does well when he’s not there.

4. Express to him the things you love about him when they can hear.

5. Have fun making a “sneaky snack” to surprise Dad—one of his favorites.

6. Even when you disagree with him, demonstrate respect in the way you respond. (They’re watching.)

7. Pick up his favorite drink or snack while you’re out and about with your child.

8. Let them help brainstorm Father’s Day gifts he’d love. Get them excited and let them come help purchase it, wrap it, and make cards to go with it.

Farmers Market 101

2011-06-09T08:46:00.001-04:00

Farmers Market 101

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

If you've never experienced the summer and fall privilege of a farmer's market, you're missing out, Big Time. Here are some reasons you need to get yourself there--

1. Better Flavor and Better for You. The produce you can find at farmer's markets have incredible flavor and nutritional benefits because they were harvested locally either that day or the day before. Everything you enjoy is fresh and came directly from the farm and into your hands instead of being shipped, gassed and refrigerated for the long journey to the grocery store. You'll quickly realize that you can't help but snatch up all the fruits and veggies you see and the delicious consequence is you'll eat more of them! You can typically find a lot of homemade breads, jams, local honey and other great stuff, too.

2. Shop Local and Know Your Farmer. I have talked about shopping locally before and I always say the same thing: do it! The food you can get at the farmer's market isn't just great because it's fresh, but it's economically better for you and your community! Instead of paying for produce in a grocery store and by doing so paying all the expenses necessary to get those veggies produced and shipped, you're paying the farmer directly and keeping the money in your local economy. Also, you get to meet the farmer. Ask him about his crop and you'll probably learn that some of the farmers even do winter options. Stay local and stay personal!

3. Frankly, it's just fun! I love going as many weekends as I possibly can, and when my kids were younger they loved going to! Trust me, it can become a great family tradition. Depending on your town, there is often local entertainment. Often times local musicians will set up and perform--free entertainment!

Want to find a farmer's market in your neighborhood? Check out localharvest.org

Speeding Up Grilling Time – Outdoor Kitchen Shortcut

2011-05-19T11:29:00.000-04:00

by ERIN, THE $5 DINNER MOM

Now that the grilling season is upon us, it’s time to get outdoors and get our grill on. Usually, I think of summertime cooking as relaxed and leisurely. I rarely look at the time and having dinner on the table for the hungry little people at 5:45 on the dot isn’t such an issue. (Because they are swinging, in the sandbox, or kicking a ball around the yard, and have completely forgotten they are hungry!)

Speeding Up Grilling Time – Outdoor Kitchen Shortcut

Stress Eating

2011-05-19T10:34:00.001-04:00

Stress Eating

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

If life is overwhelming and ice cream is your comfort, you have fallen classically into stress eating. Is your job weighing you down? Do your family's needs seem endless and way too much? And is that chocolate bar you stowed away behind other pantry items starting to call out to your subconscious? That, my friends, is the influence of stress. Trust me, I've been there. Done that. Got the t-shirt. Realized it was two sizes larger than before and something had to change!

Eating just because stress begs you to can actually become a serious problem. Psychologists have studied stress eating and have concluded that it can lead to eating disorders. Skip that, right? So here's a simple plan, just 3 steps that'll help you release yourself from stress eating.

1) Get out a pen and piece of paper. Write down a list of what is burdening you. Putting pen to paper and writing out our problems is a great mental release for us--now you have a record of it.

2) Look over the list. Instead of looking at the negative, see if you can find something positive. Here's an example--kids are overwhelming in their demands. Stop and be thankful you have children--remember your friends that don't and wish they were in your shoes. Don't let the negativity hold you captive; gratitude sets you free.

3) Now look at how you're eating. Stress eating usually doesn't root in actual hunger as much as it does in trying to avoid a situation or make yourself feel better. Those feelings tend to lead us to foods that aren't going to do us any good. So, the next time one of those tempting cravings dances across your brain, take a minute to ask yourself if you're truly hungry. If your stomach answers, "no," then don't entertain stress's pressure!

I know these steps sound too easy, but after you practice them you'll see a difference! Don't let that devil called Stress sitting on your shoulder tempt you with stress-filled cravings anymore! Follow Aretha Franklin's voice belting "FREEDOM" and fight for your liberation!

Stress is lifted off your shoulders when you know what's for dinner night after night! If you haven't bought the second edition of Saving Dinner, what are you waiting for? With a whole new chapter on cooking for the freezer, you'll always beat that stressful question (Mom, what's for dinner?) with a YES! Click Here.

How to Cut Back Without Sacrificing Nutrition

2011-02-28T10:04:00.001-05:00

How to Cut Back Without Sacrificing Nutrition

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Dear Friends,

According to the USDA, the average American family of four is spending $80 a month more on groceries than they did a mere 3 years ago. For a lot of families, the upturn in grocery spending does not reflect an upturn on family income. Clearly something has got to give!

We've all noticed how much food has gone up--I can't think of one thing that hasn't. And while I cannot control food prices, I can control my own budget and as it becomes necessary, cut back to keep my food expenses in line. Here are 10 ways to cut back without sacrificing nutrition:

1) Eat vegetarian one night a week (rice and beans is a favorite with my kids).

2) Eat breakfast for dinner one night a week (pancakes and eggs are way cheap). Light candles and serve juice in wine glasses for fun.

3) Eat greens and beans one night a week (I use frozen collards, turnip greens etc. on sale to keep the cost down). Give your big guys Tabasco sauce to bump it up!

4) Eat homemade soup one night a week (try the one below!).

5) Cook with your crockpot one night a week (utilizing inexpensive cuts of meat and poultry).

6) Only buy meat and produce on sale and/or marked down.

7) Eat from your freezer one night a week (you'd be surprised at how many meals are in there just waiting to be thrown together!).

8) Buy dried beans and make your own instead of buying canned (instructions on how to cook them are right on the bag).

9) Make your own chicken broth from your leftover roast chicken (throw the carcass, an onion, carrots and celery into a pot, cover with water, simmer for an hour or so).

10) Pack PB & J's, some carrot sticks and waters for dinner the night you're all running all over the place (nixing the drive thru). No one will die from not having a "proper meal".

This is all easy stuff and doesn't require a lot of thought. Eating vegetarian for example, could be combined with eating greens and beans for dinner or eating soup, or breakfast for dinner. The point is the thought process of cutting back, making do and using up what you have. You can live on less than you think, that includes food.

Try some of these suggestions. Go shopping in your freezer and fridge before you even begin to plan your menu this week. Likewise, check out that pantry for anything that might turn into dinner this week.

Keeping clutter at bay requires cutting back on unnecessary purchases. This includes food!

Crock Bean Soup with Kale
Serves 6

3 tablespoons olive oil
3 medium onions, chopped
1 medium carrot, chopped
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1 bunch kale, trimmed and sliced (or use 2 cups frozen greens)
1 pound cannellini beans, soaked overnight (you can also use white beans)
4 cups low sodium chicken broth (make your own or buy canned)
1/4 cup tomato sauce
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper, to taste

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions, carrot and garlic. Cook until onions are translucent. Add kale and cook till wilted, about 3 minutes. In a crock pot, place soaked, drained beans; add crushed red pepper flakes and the contents of the skillet; cover with broth (add a little water if necessary, but crock pot should be 3/4 full).

Cook on high for 8 hours, or until beans are tender. Once beans are tender, add the tomato sauce and salt and pepper to taste.

Per Serving: 349 Calories; 8g Fat; 19g Protein; 54g Carbohydrate; 13g Dietary Fiber; 0mg Cholesterol; 85mg Sodium. Exchanges: 3 Grain (Starch); 1 Lean Meat; 1 1/2 Vegetable; 1 1/2 Fat.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: Some whole grain rolls and a big salad.

The Manslater: (Woman Language Translator)

2011-02-28T06:30:00.000-05:00

Volkswagen Commercial: The Force

2011-02-04T08:46:00.000-05:00

And so it begins. . .

2011-02-03T09:33:00.000-05:00

I am going to kill my husband.
I love him, but he is dead!

Homemade Croutons

2011-01-11T17:53:00.002-05:00

Leftover homemade bread is perfect for croutons, especially if it is a couple days old. Baguette or French Bread are great choices. If you can’t use homemade, check out the "day old" section at your local supermarket.

Cut the bread into 3/4 to 1 inch sized cubes. Try to get them at least close to the same size so the smaller ones don’t over-cook while you wait for the larger ones to toast.

Drizzle the bread cubes with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter or olive oil per 2 cups of bread cubes, tossing to evenly coat.

Add any seasonings you desire. Some ideas are: salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, fresh herbs, or dried herbs.

Bake on a cookie sheet in a preheated 375 degree oven for 10-20 minutes, or until the bread has reached desired crunchiness. Stir the croutons every once in a while so as to insure even browning.

Alternatively you can toast in a toaster oven.
Make them little crunchier for use in soup since they will soak up a lot of liquid.

Cool completely before storing in an airtight container to maintain freshness and crunch.

Homemade croutons can serve many purposes: garnishing a salad or soup or to make stuffing.

Check out all of these soup recipes. . .

2011-01-11T17:19:00.003-05:00

You can find them all at Kaboose Lunch Soup Recipes.

Rich and Creamy Soups

Baked Potato Soup
Cheese Soup
Cheese and Broccoli Soup
Cheeseburger Vegetable Soup
Creamy Corn Chowder
Kids' Favorite Pea Soup
Pot O'Gold Soup
Chicken and Apple Dumplings Stew

Savory Broth Soups

Easy Chicken Noodle Soup
Easy Clam Chowder
Easy Vegetable Soup
Hearty Homemade Chicken Soup
Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup
Homemade Herbed Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken Meatball Soup
Lemon Chicken Soup
Tomato and Macaroni Soup

International Favorites

Chickpea and Tomato Soup with Pasta
Easy Tortilla Soup
Matzo Ball Soup
Mexican Tortilla Soup
Pasta Fagioli in a Thermos
Taco Soup
Tortellini Soup

How To Overcome A Constant Desire For Food

2011-01-11T09:57:00.001-05:00

Women Living Well Blog: How To Overcome A Constant Desire For Food

A reader recently asked me how she could overcome her constant desire for sweets. It’s a good question, since it’s a struggle that many of us have tried to defeat. The way that I see it is that we can’t control the things we desire, until our hearts have been changed. Fortunately they naturally change over time so that many of the things we once enjoyed aren’t so appealing anymore, but there are some things that we develop a passion for that never seem to go away, no matter how old we get.

Using thr fruit of the Spirit to read the Bible in 90 Days

2011-01-11T09:52:00.000-05:00

Using the Fruit of the Spirit to read the Bible in 90 Days

A Guest Post from Debbie, a Bible in 90 Days Grad:

Last summer I signed up to read the Bible in 90 days with Mom’s Toolbox. One of the main reasons I wanted to do this was so that I could get an overview of the Bible in a short amount of time…to see how everything fits together in God’s Word. I wanted the big picture.

But there was a problem…I had only read through the Bible once in my life, and at that, it was a struggle! I had such a hard time getting past Leviticus! So how in the world was I going to be able to do this? It finally occurred to me that I couldn’t do it! But with God’s help, I could!

The Holy Spirit enables us to act like Jesus when we don’t want to and can’t. He gives us the Fruit of the Spirit to accomplish the hard tasks.

Using the Fruit of the Spirit to read the Bible in 90 Days

Why don't I make Chocolate Chip Cookies more often?

2011-01-10T12:16:00.002-05:00

They are so easy to make and taste so much better than packaged dough. . .

Andrea’s Everyday Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s the one my mom used, tweaked by me!

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 cup butter flavor vegetable shortening
1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 3/4 cups AP flour
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1 (6 oz.) package semi-sweet, white, or milk chocolate chips (1 cup) or any combination thereof
1 cup coarsely chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

PREPARATION DIRECTIONS:

HEAT oven to 375ºF.
COMBINE shortening, brown sugar, milk and vanilla in large bowl. Beat at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended. Beat in egg. Combine flour, salt and baking soda. Mix into shortening mixture until just blended. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts.
DROP by rounded measuring tablespoonfuls 3 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheet.
BAKE 8 to 10 minutes for chewy cookies, or 11 to 13 minutes for crisp cookies. Cool 2 minutes on baking sheet on a cooling rack. Remove cookies to rack to cool completely.

TIP: If nuts are omitted, add an additional handful of chocolate chips.

If they make it past the cooling rack, store them tightly sealed for a couple of days (they won't last that long. . .)

Creamy Baked Swiss Chicken

2011-01-10T09:55:00.002-05:00

This is a delish recipe sent to me by one of my best friends, Donna. Can't wait to try it. (Maybe tonight. . .)

Creamy Baked Swiss Chicken

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I use chicken tenders.)
8 thin slices of swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 cup Pepperidge Farm Herb-seasoned stuffing mix
3 tablespoons of melted butter

Arrange chicken (raw) in a lightly greased 13 x 9 inch baking dish. Top with soup and cheese. Sprinkle with stuffing mix and drizzle with butter. Bake uncovered in preheated 350 degree oven for 45-55 minutes.

6 Quick Memory Boosters for Moms

2011-01-10T09:54:00.001-05:00

6 Quick Memory Boosters

A mommy’s brain only holds so much at any given moment. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed or just a little scatterbrained, the following tips and tools can help sharpen your memory:

Make lists: If you're worried about forgetting something important, write it down! The act of putting pen to paper will ease your anxiety and provide a handy record to jog you memory.

Brain games: The old saying "use it or lose it" is certainly true when it comes to mental acuity. To keep your mind and your memory sharp, try exercising it with games and puzzles like Scrabble, Sudoku, and crosswords.

Routine: If you always leave your keys in the same place, you'll never have to remember - or risk forgetting - where they are! Whether it's a hook by the door or the right pocket of your favorite jacket, try to put necessary items in the same place every time.

Sleep: One of the primary causes of poor memory is chronic shortage of sleep. Even a few extra hours can make a big difference in what details you can summon.

Exercise: Fitness and activity is almost as important as sleep in terms of memory consolidation and retention. Regular exercise improves the flow of oxygen to the brain and protects brain cells.

Creative Leftovers

2011-01-06T13:32:00.001-05:00

Creative Leftovers

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Holidays can leave us with lots of leftovers--I hope you stuck a bunch in your freezer!

When we remember to feed our freezer and have a plan for how we're going to use leftover food, we can recoup our losses and not waste a bit of it. If you find that you're feeding your garbage disposal, it's time to get creative with your leftovers. So take note!

1) Single Serving. Freeze your leftovers that night into individual single serving sized portions. Now you have a quick frozen dinner for someone later down the road.

2) Have a Plan. Before you cook your meal is the very best time to decide what exactly you will do with the leftovers. If you can prepare more now and freeze half for later, you'll save yourself time and money in the long run.

3) Write it Out. Make sure and write what it is on the freezer baggie with a Sharpie marker (it's the only one that won't run). Everything looks the same once it's frozen!

Here are a few more ideas --

Ham: Leftover ham can be used to cook a lot of different things -- pinto beans, corn chowder, potato soup and ham salad for example. You can also slice the ham and use it in sandwiches of course, and as a side to your breakfast eggs, or you can use it in a casserole. You can also use the leftover ham in your fried rice, your nightly veggie side dishes, as a baked potato topping, and into a quiche, too.
Chicken or Turkey: Poultry leftovers are very versatile. You can use them in the same types of dishes as the ham, soups and stews such as dumplings, vegetable soup, white chili, and turkey salad. You can use turkey anywhere you'd use chicken, in casseroles, and dishes such as with pasta like, chicken fettuccini carbona, and both birds make excellent pot pies.
Veggies: Any veggies left over can be frozen and then tossed into your soups or stews. You can use them up in stir fried dishes too. Remember that pureeing them into a soup isn't a sin; it's a virtue (and adds extra nutrition, too!).

The important thing with leftovers is to have a plan for them and they won't be a mere leftover anymore, but a made over!

Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

Top 20 Skinny Recipes from 2010

2011-01-03T10:04:00.001-05:00

This is a great list from Gina's Skinny Recipes.

Top 20 Skinny Recipes from 2010 | Ginas Skinny Recipes

Food For Thought: Seven in 2011

2011-01-03T09:20:00.002-05:00

Feel free to forward and share this email with your friends and family.

Seven in 2011

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C

Dear Friends,

It's a brand new year and like most people, I'm going to bet you've set some kind of goal to improve your health this year. That's on the top of my list too!

So to get our new 2011 FlyLady motto going in the right direction ("Let's go for 7 in 2011!"), here are my top 7 steps in 2011 to tackle the body clutter and improve your health!

1. Portion Distortion - Keep in mind that most dinner plates made today are much bigger than the ones we ate off of 40 years ago, so if you can find smaller plates (like a salad plate) that's ideal. Now take that plate and divide it in half. One half of the plate is for your veggies. Now divide the other half of the plate in half again (so you have two quarters). One quarter is for starchy carbs with fiber, like sweet potatoes or brown rice. The last quarter is for lean meats like chicken, fish or lean beef.

2. Plan Like You Mean It - When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. By knowing what you're going to eat and when, you will have the right food on hand and you'll be prepared. Keeping a few healthy snacks handy for those moments when life throws you a curve ball is a must; I keep almonds and beef jerky in my purse right next to the tampons! True emergencies require preparedness.

3. Pump the Protein - White chicken meat, wild salmon, wild fish, pork and lean beef are your best choices.

4. Skip the Can - When it comes to veggies and fruits, go for seasonal and fresh as much as possible, frozen works too. Avoid the canned stuff though, too much salt and the nutrients are pretty much zapped out.

5. Stop the Soda - Drink water (yep, 8 glasses a day), then throw some green tea into the mix for a different flavor--green tea is great for weight loss and is a superfood. Just remember that tea has caffeine and can dehydrate so make up for it with a little more water.

6. Quality Over Quantity - One thing I hear all of the time is "I can't afford to eat healthy". But you know, there are always sales to be had and swaps to be made--change one thing out for another. Buying foods in their rawest state that requires cooking is going to afford you a whole lot more real food--you can buy a whole bag of potatoes for just a few bucks vs. a bag of frozen hash browns for the same price; the bag of potatoes will go a lot further than the already prepared hash browns.

7. 90/10 Rule - Use the 90/10 rule. Be a conscientious healthy eater 90% of the time and eat your favorite treats the other 10% of the time. This helps us keep balance in our diets and fun still in the equation.

These 7 steps will keep healthy eating in perspective and help you put body clutter in its place. By simply following through and doing all these things, you'll be quietly teaching your family good habits and be helping more than just yourself. :-)

Love,
Leanne

Have you been to SavingDinnerShop.com lately?

New Episode

Holiday Trifle - part 2

All new stuff! Check it out!!
SavingDinner.tv

Coming in January

Feeling heavy, sluggish and muddle-headed?

Want to start the New Year off feeling light, clear and energized?

Then join us for our BRAND NEW Break Free Detox Cleanse: 28 Days to a New You!

Learn more and reserve your spot here >>

www.youtube.com/savingdinner

www.facebook.com/savingdinner

www.twitter.com/savingdinner

www.blogtalkradio.com/saving-dinner

Copyright (C) 2010 www.savingdinner.com Leanne Ely, CNC All rights reserved.

The Writer's Block: Enough With the Excuses Already!

2011-01-01T20:52:00.000-05:00

If you are teetering on the fence, wondering if you should commit, read this article. It's quite thought provoking.

The Writer's Block: Enough With the Excuses Already!:
"'Hey! Want to try to read your Bible from cover to cover in just 90 days?' ... I'm not as much interested in your answer as I am interest..."

20 Questions

2010-12-31T22:35:00.000-05:00

Good article from Simple Mom.

A springboard for your own list?

Now is the time to remember and reflect on 2010 . . . and look forward to the days ahead.

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but [this] one thing [I do], forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. --Philippians 3:13-14

20 Questions for a New Year’s Eve Reflection

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T22:08:00.001-05:00

5 Places to Get Free eBooks and Audiobooks

2010-12-14T10:44:00.005-05:00

As Christmas approaches and the Nook, Kindle, SonyPocket Reader, and iPad find their way under YOUR tree or the tree of someone you love, check out this great article about where to find FREE books for eReaders.

Also of note, even if you don't have the actual reader for these devices, many have the software downloadable for the computer, smartphone, or tablet at no charge.

5 Places to Get Free eBooks and Audiobooks - Techlicious

Check out this second list (from the Amazon.com website) that lists even more free eBooks!

High Value Coupons for Michaels

2010-12-08T08:47:00.000-05:00

Make your own sale coupons at Michaels!

Click below for the following coupons:

50% off any one regularly priced item (good 12/9-13)

40% off any one regularly priced item (good 12/14-18)

60% off custom framing order (expires 12/11)

Extra 25% off entire purchase Celebrate It Christmas Floral (12/9-11)

Extra 25% off entire purchase Celebrate It Christmas Picks (12/9-11)

Extra 25% off entire purchase Celebrate It Christmas Collection, Winter Naturals, and Yuletide Trims, Wreaths, Garlands, Swags and Sprays

(12/9-11)

Extra 25% off entire purchase Wall & Tabletop Frames, Framed Art and Display Cases (12/9-11)

Michaels(R) Where Creativity Happens(R)

Andrea Holloman added you as a friend on itsThoughtful

2010-12-06T22:15:00.001-05:00

its Thoughtful

Hi there,

Andrea Holloman has added you as a friend on itsThoughtful.com.

itsThoughtful.com is a cool social shopping network for friends to share popular, creative, thoughtful, unusual, funny, unique (we can add more adjectives but you get the idea) gift ideas in the world.

View personal invitation from Andrea Holloman

If you would not like to receive further invitations from Andrea Holloman, you can opt-out.

itsThoughtful's address is: 20A Northwest Blvd, #218, Nashua, NH, 03063.

Holiday Specials from Chili's

2010-12-06T09:42:00.001-05:00

Today's special is a printable coupon for free chips & queso! YUM!

Visit Chili's Website | Find A Chili's | Facebook® | Twitter

Herbal Remedies

2010-12-06T09:31:00.001-05:00

Herbal Remedies

By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Dear Friends,

I love how nature provides us with the tools we need to help keep our bodies strong and healthy. Herbs are one of those tools. For thousands of years people have depended on fresh herbs to heal everything from heart burn to cancer. Most all of the expensive prescriptions we get from our local pharmacy are derived from the ancient wisdom passed down from herbalists.

So why all the hype and mixed messages in the media about herbs? Simple. Follow the money honey. Now, don't get me wrong. Modern medicine certainly has its place and you know I am a firm believer in taking your medicine. But for some common ailments and some preventative measures herbs are just what the doctor ordered. A word of caution, many herbs do have drug like qualities and should be avoided if you are taking certain medications or planning surgery. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to be on the safe side.

When it comes to herbs fresh is best. Growing your own is a fun and fulfilling way to insure that your herbs are the highest quality and organic. Here are some common herbs and a list of the of the medicinal qualities that may help:

- Cayenne Pepper -- may relieve stomach aches and gas, possible cancer fighting benefits
- Cinnamon -- may help level blood sugar, reduce triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, lower pain
- Cloves -- anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, antioxidant, relieve some asthma symptoms
- Garlic -- immune system booster, antibiotic affect
- Ginger -- eliminates gas, controls intestinal tract issues, alleviates motion sickness
- Nutmeg -- may control anxiety, joint pain, lower blood pressure, improve concentration
- Oregano -- antioxidant, pathogen inhibitor
- Peppermint -- ease stomach problems, heartburn, indigestion, nausea
- Turmeric -- anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

This is just a small list. There are herbs that may relieve menstrual pain, or headaches, strengthen bones, and fight arthritis. But remember, just like with any foods, some people can be sensitive or allergic to certain herbs. Watch for side effects. With a little research and some common sense I think you'll enjoy experimenting with herbs and using what nature has provided to help keep us healthy.

Speaking of experimenting, finding a good way to use these herbs isn't hard. The obvious answer is cooking with them but you can also make your own essential oils, use them in teas, and even eat them fresh. A sprig of peppermint after a spicy dish is a great way to fight that late night heartburn.

One of my favorite herbs is garlic. It's easy to cook and is full of natural immunities to help keep the seasonal onslaught of flu and colds at bay. Roasted garlic can be used in a thousand different ways from spreads to salads to seasoning up almost any dish. Here's a great recipe on how to roast your own garlic.

Roasted Garlic

Remove outer peel from garlic cloves and place in a baking dish. Drizzle each garlic clove with olive oil, sprinkle with thyme, black pepper and some sea salt. Cover and bake for one hour at 350 degrees. Uncover and bake for about 15 more minutes. You can do a huge batch then store in a sealed container in your fridge for use later.

Love,
Leanne, Your Dinner Diva

Saving Your Dinner since 2001,

http://savingdinner.com

Christmas 2010 Thank You

2010-12-04T09:19:00.001-05:00

Pine Cone Toile Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

I am thankful

2010-12-04T08:50:00.004-05:00

I am thankful for a new front-loading washer that will steam clean clothes and has a speed cycle that will wash a load in 15 minutes. DH found it on a great deal on Black Friday and it was delivered yesterday.

Forgive me for waxing nostalgic for a minute, but when Rodney and I were first married, we lived in a couple of apartments that did not have a washer and dryer. Doing our late-night laundry runs at the Suds-O-Matic was a way of life for us. I am pretty sure that we observed several drug deals and who knows what else. Every time I do laundry, from the comfort of my own hallway, I breathe a prayer of thanks.

It looks like this:

I was a little sad to see the old one leave, we got it the week Allison was born, but not so sad that I asked them to leave it on the back porch! It was a good one, but was starting to show signs of its age.

A big shout out to @BestBuy! The delivery guys from the Wilson, NC store were AWESOME yesterday. They were courteous (although I am not sure I am ready to be called "ma'am" by a whippersnapper who looks like he just graduated from high school), Quick (they were in and out in about a half an hour), and Professional (they came when they said that would and they didn't leave a mess)! That's a win in my book.

Thanks guys!

And most wonderful thanks to my knight in shining armor who ALWAYS takes such good care of our family. God has given me a wonderful, godly man (who I know I take for granted at times) who loves me and the kids with an unfailing, never-ending love. He is exactly who I need. He makes me laugh. He treats me like an equal. We are a team.

And I am thankful!

Check out all of these ideas from How Does She

2010-12-04T08:38:00.001-05:00

Hi How DoesShe Gal

Thanks again for signing up to be a HowDoesShe Gal.

We just wanted to make sure you got all the

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Black Fleece 180s - 3 Pack - $10 shipped

2010-12-04T08:21:00.000-05:00

Yours Until Gone Deal | yugster.com

Bath & Body Works: $10 off $10!

2010-12-01T09:49:00.000-05:00

Looking for a last minute gift or a stocking stuffer? Check out this deal that I found through Southern Savers. $10 off a $10 online purchase--all you pay is shipping (and sales tax, if applicable). I finished up my nieces' Christmas today with a gift she asked for. . .for $6.50! Wahoo!

Thanks Southern Savers!

Bath & Body Works: $10 off $10! :: Southern Savers

Christmas 2010

2010-11-30T19:00:00.001-05:00

Christ Wishes Religious Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Careful, the Kids Are Watching, an article from Debt-Proof Living

2010-11-30T08:35:00.001-05:00

Click on the link below to read a great article from Mary Hunt. There is a great list in the article about teaching our children by example.

Thanks Mary for the great reminders!

Careful, the Kids Are Watching

A New Year's Challenge--Read through the Bible in 90 days!

2010-11-29T09:41:00.000-05:00

Read the Bible in 90 Days with MomsToolbox beginning January 3

NOVEMBER 29, 2010

Are you ready to read the Bible in its entirety… in 90 days?

I am here to help you do just that!

If you want to read it all, I have a team assembled to help you read it every word, from start to finish, straight through from Genesis to Revelation, just a like a novel.

This is not a study program. It is a reading program designed to help you read every word. You can go back and study whatever you like, however you would like, later.

Click on the widget below to learn more and sign up!

$25 for $50 at Coldwater Creek

2010-11-29T08:32:00.000-05:00

$25 for $50 Worth of Women's Apparel and Accessories at Coldwater Creek

Coldwater Creek U.S. Inc. Deal of the Day | Groupon Houston

Build-A-Bear Deal: Select animals only $7 + FREE shipping

2010-11-29T08:13:00.001-05:00

CyBEAR Monday Savings: Select animals only $7 each + FREE shipping on orders of $50 or more*.

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Share this with friends:

new arrivals

best sellers

gift ideas

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Holiday Shopping:

Doorbuster Deals at Expressionery.com

2010-11-29T08:10:00.001-05:00

SHOP NOW

Folded Notes

Holiday

New Products

Paper People

Stamps

Address Labels

FORWARD TO A FRIEND

$25 for $50 Worth of Kids' Clothing During the Patsy Aiken Raleigh

2010-11-29T07:56:00.000-05:00

Today's Groupon:$25 for $50 Worth of Upscale Kids' Clothing During the Patsy Aiken Raleigh Outlet Winter Sale

Patsy Aiken Designs Deal of the Day | Groupon Raleigh / Durham

Shutterfly, how I like thee!

2010-11-28T14:58:00.004-05:00

Remember how I mentioned that I LOVED Shutterfly (especially around the holidays)? Well, I thought you might like to know what our Christmas cards look like this year. I was able to get 50 of these for $9 shipped! The details on how to do it are in the previous post.

Drumroll please!

Merry Christmas from our house to yours!

Andrea

Small 2011 Printable Calendars

2010-11-23T09:58:00.003-05:00

Are you always looking for a calendar? Digging through your purse or pocket, trying to figure out what day October 3rd falls on this year? Check out the following sites for very compact printable calendars that you can carry with you anywhere.

I saw these first on Lifehacker.

Compact Calendar 2011

The Small Calendar 2011

Good deal on movies from Amazon.com (Stocking stuffer alert!)

2010-11-23T09:16:00.002-05:00

Check out Amazon.com as they are offering The Blind Side DVD for ONLY $3.99.

This item will ship for free with Amazon Prime.

You will also be eligible to recieve a $4 credit for eligible movies and TV shows on Amazon Video On Demand after you order The Blind Side one credit per customer.

There are several other options there for less than $10.

I don't know how long this will last . . .

180s Adjustable Ear Warmers 2-Pack

2010-11-23T09:05:00.000-05:00

I don't know how much time you spend outside, but these things are great! And for this price, you can keep them on hand.

180s Adjustable Ear Warmers 2-Pack for $10 SHIPPED.

Click here for the deal: Woot® : One Day, One Deal™

Chocolate Crumb Bars

2010-11-22T21:32:00.002-05:00

This recipe was shared on FaceBook by my friend Kim. Her daughter made them for her Home-Ec class. Many kudos to CAROLINE for sharing the chocolate love tonight.

CHOCOLATE CRUMB BARS

2 sticks margarine, softened
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
2 cups (12 oz. pkg) semi-sweet chocolate morsels
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla
1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 9x13 baking pan.

Beat margarine until creamy. Beat in flour, sugar and salt until crumbly. With floured fingers, press 2 cups crumb mixture onto bottom of prepared pan; reserve remaining mixture. Bake 10-12 min. or until edges are golden brown.

Combine 1 cup morsels and sweetened condensed milk in heavy-duty saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Spread over hot crust.

Stir in nuts and remaining morsels into reserved crumb mixture; sprinkle over chocolate filling.

Bake 25-30 minutes or until center is set. Cool in pan on wire rack.

Why I love Shutterfly (especially around the holidays)!

2010-11-22T16:20:00.002-05:00

If your family is like ours, one of the things you love to do as a family is send out a Christmas card each year.

Because we have so many friends and family who live far away, we usually like to include a photo of the kids. In years past, to do this we either have to fork out a bunch of money to a portrait studio for prints, buy cards (hopefully you got them the day after Christmas last year for half price), fill out the cards, and then mail them. You get the idea. The whole process is very labor (and time) intensive.

But now, because of sites like Shutterfly, the whole process is SO much easier. All you have to do is upload some of your favorite snapshots. They can be silly, serious, or whatever you want them to be. With all the styles available at Shutterfly, you are bound to find (at least) one that suits your fancy just fine.

Head on over to Shutterfly, following this link to check out all the styles available.

Also check out the calendars HERE and the cutest baby invitations HERE.

And if all that wasn't enough, bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly . . . sign up HERE.

Vista Print Return Address Labels $3.10 shipped!

2010-11-22T16:09:00.003-05:00

Don't miss out on this for your holiday labels.

I ordered these:

I opted for "express" shipping (7 days) and they are coming to me for $3.65! They will be here just in time to get the Christmas cards rolling out!

$3 in free mp3's from Amazon MP3

2010-11-22T15:58:00.002-05:00

Just login using your Amazon.com account and download away!

I was able to get a Christmas album for $1.99!

Enjoy!

Use Code GET3MP3S and Get $3 in MP3 Downloads

Use code GET3MP3S and get $3 good for albums or songs at Amazon MP3.

2 Piece Fashion Nurse Scrubs XL (18/20) for $4.99 + Shipping

2010-11-22T12:31:00.001-05:00

2 Piece Fashion Nurse Scrubs XL (18/20) - GraveyardMall

Home Made Dog Treats from The Big Red Pot

2010-11-22T12:15:00.000-05:00

Bethany, over at The Big Red Pot, has a recipe for Home Made Dog Treats. . .just in time for the holidays.

By the way, if you don't follow her site, you should. She sends out about an email a day, packed with money-saving goodness.

Check it out here: The Big Red Pot

The Big Red Pot - Serving Up More Than Just A Good Meal!: Home Made Dog Treats

$10 off $10 at Hallmark

2010-11-22T12:11:00.000-05:00

$10 off $10 for moms or moms-to-be $10 off $10.

Click the link below to sign up. You also have the option for 25% off your next purchase of personalized cards or party purchase on Hallmark.com

Click here to sign up: Hallmark Sign up

Four Ways to Watch Out for Scam Artists

2010-11-22T08:46:00.000-05:00

Great tips from Mary Hunt of Debt Proof Living

Four Ways to Watch Out for Scam Artists

Thanksgiving Freezing Tips

2010-11-22T08:42:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving Freezing Tips

by Leanne Ely, C.N.C.
Here is a question I received that I believed warranted answering for everyone--

Hi- I LOVE "Saving Dinner"! My husband loves the food even more :) Here is my question: how feasible is it to freeze any Thanksgiving side-dishes in advance (ie cranberry sauce, casseroles, even stuffing)? Thanks! I am busy with a new baby AND hosting this year!

From, Flybaby Barbara

Hi Barbara!

Great question. You know how I'm all about doing things ahead for the holidays. And I'm all about the freezer, too. Can these two things be compatible and make for an even easier holiday? The answer is... yes and no. Some things just need to be done freshly and some things freeze beautifully, so let's take these things one by one:

1--The Turkey. Yeah, it freezes, but the quality will not be the same. This is one place where I will say make it fresh the day of. I make it the easy, juiciest most delicious way if I do say so myself. And the best part? You don't stuff it and you don't baste it. If you need the recipe (and you do!) go to savingdinner.com for the Thanksgiving Menu-Mailer--it's totally FREE, with recipes, grocery lists, timelines and even decorating hints for your table.

2--Cranberry sauce. Go ahead, knock yourself out! Again, I have a great recipe for it and it freezes beautifully. For the record, I've bought bags of fresh cranberries and frozen them in the bag I bought them in, used them about six months later and they were great too. Or you could save yourself some trouble and buy the canned variety.

3--Stuffing. I can tell you from personal experience that stuffing freezes fairly well. It can dry out a bit, but if you'll thaw it overnight in the fridge, then drizzle a little melted butter and broth over the top, cover it with foil and heat thoroughly through, it will work fine and no one will be the wiser.

4--Gravy. Good gravy, yes! Gravy is a wonderful thing to behold and it freezes fabulously. Here's a secret for you that I have in the Thanksgiving Menu-Mailer--extend your homemade gravy with some storebought stuff. Oh yeah, that's the best cheating secret out there. No one will know (your secret is safe with me!) and you too, will own the Endless Gravy Boat. This is important stuff when you're worried that your father-in-law is going to hog all the gravy!

5--Pies. You can freeze your pies--or you can buy them frozen, LOL. This is one place where I would either have people bring them or buy frozen myself. Having had a Thanksgiving baby myself (my son was born November 21st, 16 years ago!), I remember doing Thanksgiving and having my mom bring the pies.

6--Mashed potatoes. In my book, they are a non-freezable item--quality and texture suffer big time. I would make these fresh in the morning and put them in my crockpot on low all day. BUT, and this is the big BUT; TEST YOUR CROCKPOT FIRST with a pot full of taters (you can make cream of potato soup out of them later) to make SURE your crockpot won't burn them. All crockpots are not created equal and it's through trial and error that we learn our own crockpotty appliance's nuances.

7--Veggies. You can freeze sweet potato casseroles and green bean casseroles too. Those are not my particular favorite Thanksgiving veggies, but if they are mainstays at your table, rest assured, they freeze fairly well. May get a little watery on top, but easily blot-able with a paper towel and a little finesse.

8--Rolls and Butter. By all means, freeze the both of them. They freeze well, thaw well and quality does not suffer.

That about covers it. Hope it helps and Happy Thanksgiving, y'all!

Love, Leanne

PS: Want to WATCH me make Thanksgiving dinner? Check outwww.savingdinner.tv or buy the DVD! And don't forget we have aThanksgiving for the Freezer menu also!!

www.SavingDinner.com with Leanne Ely

Buy one holiday drink, get one free. Nov 18-21, 2-5p.m.

2010-11-16T15:08:00.000-05:00

Free Holiday drinks at Starbucks! Yum!

Share a Red Cup of your favorite Holiday Coffee at Starbucks | Starbucks

East Coast Ladies' Retreat Reflections

2010-11-16T13:41:00.005-05:00

It is hard to put on "paper" what the Lord did in my heart at the East Coast Ladies Retreat at Gateway Church. I had the opportunity to have my sister Erica with me for this retreat and that was a special blessing. The laughter, the fellowship, the music, the speakers, the late-night run to the Cheesecake Factory . . . it all adds up to a wonderful time.

Because we are a host church for the retreat at Faith Church, we get to see things from a different perspective. I so appreciated the Gateway ladies' hospitality, their kind words, their planning, and their organization. Everything--from the dismissals to the meals to the vendors--flowed so smoothly.

But the thing that I think was most evident was the "spirit" at the meeting. It was obvious that the church as a whole, but especially the Gateway ladies, had bathed this retreat in prayer. The sessions from Mrs. Trahan and Mrs. Capaci were amazing. They are BOTH testimonies of God's grace. They BOTH challenged me to stretch myself as a Christian. Mrs. Trahan's recall of the Scriptures put me to shame. I am thankful that BOTH of the speakers focused in on my relationship with the Lord, realizing that if THAT relationship is right, then my relationship as a wife, mother, daughter, employee, etc. will be in the right perspective. I am so thankful for times of refreshing . . .

The trip to Virginia Beach seems like a long one, but the travel time was well worth the blessings received.

I am looking forward to "Southern Grace" in 2011 at Parker's Chapel Church in Greenville, NC.

$12 for $24 worth of activity kits from Travelkiddy.com

2010-11-15T11:17:00.000-05:00

Today's Eversave Deal--$12 for $24 worth of activity kits from Travelkiddy.com to keep your kids occupied during your holiday travels (and any other time, for that matter!)

Click here for the deal: Eversave Raleigh-Durham | Eversave

Why You Should Teach Children to Cook

2010-11-15T10:39:00.000-05:00

Why You Should Teach Children to Cook

By Leanne Ely, C.N.C.

Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I'm a firm believer in mixing together kids and kitchens. Cooking with our children provides opportunity for teaching valuable life skills, quality "talk-time" to learn what's going on with your kids, and it's a great memory maker.

Time in the kitchen with your children teaches time management, organization, math, nutrition and cooperation. It also increases their awareness of healthy eating, menu planning and budgeting. Allowing them to help you in the kitchen might mean your kitchen doesn't stay as neat and clean and it could take longer to make a meal, but years later, it pays off in huge dividends, especially when your children start to choose healthy foods over fast food all on their own--it happens, I promise!

There are countless object lessons you can use with your children while you cook together. For example, one meal might focus on the importance of teamwork and working together for a common goal (or recipe) as a family. Another teaching opportunity can be found in the necessity of completing the steps of a recipe in order. With older children you can compare this to the order of life and the importance of age appropriate curfews, chores, and expectations. Or how about the significance of following directions? Intentionally leave out a few ingredients in a recipe to illustrate the point and discuss this with your child.

Getting kids excited about learning to cook will serve them later on in life when it's time to strike out on their own. Learning to cook will save your grown child a lot of money and help him or her eat a lot better than their peers. Many young adults who were not exposed to the kitchen when younger eat poorly and have no clue what to do in that room with the big appliances.

The act of cooking allows us as parents to share and laugh and bond together. Counselors have counseled many a parent to do some kind of activity while having a conversation so your child doesn't feel like he's "put on the spot". Conversation over cutting boards and sinks of suds can allow you and your child to talk about school, friends, choices, and dreams without the intimidation of a one-on-one sit-down.

Children grow up and leave the nest too soon. These moments together in the kitchen can become cherished memories--don't miss out!

Reilly's Patch Performance

2010-11-11T11:25:00.003-05:00

This was recorded on my phone. Sorry for the poor quality.
Proud of my kids!

Bento Lunch Boxes, Best Lunch Containers, Eco-friendly Coolers for School, Work

2010-11-11T10:53:00.000-05:00

Has anyone used these?

Are they worth the cost?

Bento Lunch Boxes, Best Lunch Containers, Eco-friendly Coolers for School, Work

God and the Ushers

2010-11-11T10:48:00.001-05:00

My little man, who is 7 (and 3/4) had a part in one of the Patch Club program skits last night. DH was talking to him about the program. Dad asked how many people were there. Little Man's reply . . . "Only God and the ushers know, dad!"


Feel free to forward and share this email with your friends and family. Seven in 2011 by Leanne Ely, C.N.C Dear Friends, It's a brand new year and like most people, I'm going to bet you've set some kind of goal to improve your health this year. That's on the top of my list too! So to get our new 2011 FlyLady motto going in the right direction ("Let's go for 7 in 2011!"), here are my top 7 steps in 2011 to tackle the body clutter and improve your health! 1. Portion Distortion - Keep in mind that most dinner plates made today are much bigger than the ones we ate off of 40 years ago, so if you can find smaller plates (like a salad plate) that's ideal. Now take that plate and divide it in half. One half of the plate is for your veggies. Now divide the other half of the plate in half again (so you have two quarters). One quarter is for starchy carbs with fiber, like sweet potatoes or brown rice. The last quarter is for lean meats like chicken, fish or lean beef. 2. Plan Like You Mean It - When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. By knowing what you're going to eat and when, you will have the right food on hand and you'll be prepared. Keeping a few healthy snacks handy for those moments when life throws you a curve ball is a must; I keep almonds and beef jerky in my purse right next to the tampons! True emergencies require preparedness. 3. Pump the Protein - White chicken meat, wild salmon, wild fish, pork and lean beef are your best choices. 4. Skip the Can - When it comes to veggies and fruits, go for seasonal and fresh as much as possible, frozen works too. Avoid the canned stuff though, too much salt and the nutrients are pretty much zapped out. 5. Stop the Soda - Drink water (yep, 8 glasses a day), then throw some green tea into the mix for a different flavor--green tea is great for weight loss and is a superfood. Just remember that tea has caffeine and can dehydrate so make up for it with a little more water. 6. Quality Over Quantity - One thing I hear all of the time is "I can't afford to eat healthy". But you know, there are always sales to be had and swaps to be made--change one thing out for another. Buying foods in their rawest state that requires cooking is going to afford you a whole lot more real food--you can buy a whole bag of potatoes for just a few bucks vs. a bag of frozen hash browns for the same price; the bag of potatoes will go a lot further than the already prepared hash browns. 7. 90/10 Rule - Use the 90/10 rule. Be a conscientious healthy eater 90% of the time and eat your favorite treats the other 10% of the time. This helps us keep balance in our diets and fun still in the equation. These 7 steps will keep healthy eating in perspective and help you put body clutter in its place. By simply following through and doing all these things, you'll be quietly teaching your family good habits and be helping more than just yourself. :-) Love, Leanne	Have you been to SavingDinnerShop.com lately?
New Episode Holiday Trifle - part 2 All new stuff! Check it out!! SavingDinner.tv
Coming in January Feeling heavy, sluggish and muddle-headed? Want to start the New Year off feeling light, clear and energized? Then join us for our BRAND NEW Break Free Detox Cleanse: 28 Days to a New You! Learn more and reserve your spot here >>
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