Thrifty Thursday! Save Online

I am always looking for thrifty ways to save :) I found this article in AllYou magazine, October 22, 2010 issue.

Save Online

Bargain-Hunt: Dowload the toolbar at dealio.com/toolbar. It searches for coupons as you shop on the Web.

Get Cash Back: Sign up for rebate sites, like ebates.com or bigcrumbs.com, which refund a percentage of the money your spend.

Walk Away: Leave items in your cart for a few days. Some companies will send a reminder with a coupon code as an incentive to buy.

Follow a Schedule: Find the best deals on coupon sites such as smartsource.com and coupons.com at the start of the month, when advertisers release their offers.

Wellness Wednesday! Eat to Relieve Ache

It is Wednesday...all about Wellness :) I have had some slight back pain lately (carried 6 kids, remember) Today, I have found an article in AllYou magazine, October 22, 2010 issue that tells you how to eat to relieve an aching back.

Substances high in sugar, caffeine, alcohol or certain artificial additives can raise stress-hormone levels, which increase inflammation and cause pain, especially in the back. Here's what to keep on your shelves--and what to eat less often.

Stock up on:

-Oatmeal, brown rice, corn, quinoa, rye and whole-grain bread, pasta and cereal.
-Nuts and seeds.
-Vegetable, olive and flaxseed oils.
-Chicken, fish, and lean cuts of beef, pork, and turkey.
-Eggs and low-fat dairy.
-Fresh fruits and vegetables.
-Seltzer and water (both plain and naturally flavored).
-Decaffeinated coffee and tea.

Cut back on:

-Enriched white flour (brea, pasta, biscuits, waffles, crackers, cereals and cookies)
-Hydrogenated oils.
-Artificially flavored or sweetened fruit drinks.
-Soda (regular and diet).
-Wine, beer, spirits and cordials.
-Caffeinated coffee and tea.
-Processed foods (including those with ingredients ending in "ose")

Tips Tuesday! Clean up on the cheap

I am a day late with my day-to-day blog, but am hoping to get back on track starting today. What better way to get back, but with a fun tips blog :) I have been following this one specific AllYou magazine (Oct 22, 2010) lately.

Clean up on the cheap: Get the job done--on a budget!

Baking Soda: For $1 (16 oz), you can...

Deodorize carpets. Sprinkle with baking soda, leave overnight, then vacuum in the morning.

Get rid of grime. Put a little baking soda on a sponge to wipe down your bathroom sink and tub.

Freshen laundry. Add 1/4 cup to the rinse cycle.

White Vinegar: For $1 (16 oz), you can...

Prevent mildew. Wipe your fridge with a 50-50 water-vinegar solution.

Brighten whites. Add 1/2 cup to the rinse cycle.

Make them sparkle. Clean windows with a 50-50 water-vinegar solution.

Lemon: For $1 (2 lemons), you can...

Purify your microwave. Warm a heat-resistant bowl with water and a few slices of lemon for 30 seconds.

Remove stains. Apply juice to white and colorfast garments, then let dry in the sun.

Must Have Monday! What Do I Get the Teacher?

Teachers are a tough one! What do you get these angels on earth who take our teach our children for 6 hours a day? Trust me when I tell you that if I were a teacher, the last thing I would want is something with an apple on it. I even go as far as sending the kids in on the first day of school with a pear or peach, just so they aren't getting yet another apple! I found this small poll in Parents magazine, December 2009 issue that tells you exactly what these educators would like if they could pick.

63% Gift Card
25% Something Crafty/Handmade
8% Cash
4% A big gift that a few families pitched in on

Solutions Sunday! 8 rules for Dealing with a Kids Who's Fussy About Food

Need a solution for that picky eater? I found this small article in Parents magazine, February 2010 issue.

8 Rules for Dealing With a Kid Who's Fussy About Food

1. Don't label him "picky." this is waving the white flag, and it reinforces his stubborn, attention-getting behavior.

2. Give your child choices. Asking "Would you like raw or cooked carrots?" makes him feel more invested in the meal.

3. Avoid substitutions. Serving your child something else will make her hold out longer next time to get what she wants.

4. Make this deal with your child. He must take one bite, but after that he may say, "No, thank you" to more.

5. Steer clear of bribes. If you offer chips or a sweet for a trying a food, your child will expect a reward every time.

6. Go the stealth route. Add pureed veggies to spaghetti sauce your child likes. Then let her know she's eaten them and "survived." Gradually make the puree chunkier.

7. Practice what you preach. You've got to set a good eating example. After all, you can't snack on corn chips and expect your child to munch on baby carrots.

8. Treat "no" as a temporary answer. It may take 15 times before she'll try a food and maybe even like it.

Swap a Recipe Saturday! Christmas Package Cheese Snack

I found this fun recipe at www.familyfun.com. Thought it would be a really fun appetizer for the Christmas season :)

Christmas Package Cheese Snack

Spread some holiday cheer at your family gathering with this savory appetizer.


Ingredients:

8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
1/2 teaspoon dried dill
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
Scallion
Red bell pepper

Instructions:

Mix the dried dill, garlic powder, and salt into the softened cream cheese.

Pack the mixture into a rectangular container lined with plastic wrap (you can reuse the cream cheese box).

Refrigerate it for at least 3 hours. Before serving time, set the unwrapped block of cheese on a platter and decorate it with a scallion bow and red pepper polka dots and gift tag.