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Eat Healthy for Less: Using Coupons and Bargain Shopping Does Not Mean Forgoing Healthy Options!

Eat Healthy for Less: Using Coupons and Bargain Shopping Does Not Mean Forgoing Healthy Options!

Eat Healthy for Less: Using Coupons and Bargain Shopping Does Not Mean Forgoing Healthy Options!Using coupons and shopping sales at your local grocery store does not mean you have to forego healthy options. There are plenty of ways to eat healthy foods and save money at the same time. Don’t fall into the fallacy that to eat cheap is to eat unhealthy. Sure you can get a ten pack of hot dogs for $.99 and boxes of macaroni and cheese for $.59. But, you can find healthy foods at great prices as well. Here is how you can save money at the grocery store and still make healthy choices.

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons! Coupons exist for great healthy foods as well as the not so healthy ones. Brands such as Cascadian Farms, Stonyfield Farms, Organic Valley, Horizon Organic, and many more feature coupons in Sunday circulars or have printable coupons on their websites. Don’t assume that organic and health food aisle foods don’t have coupons. Many of these healthy brands do offer coupons and when combined with a store sale can allow you to get these products for a great price. Also, be sure to sign up for coupon offers with your specific local grocery story. Large grocery store chains such as Kroger regularly send out special coupons just for organic items, dairy products, and produce.

Buy Sale Produce Only. Instead of planning your grocery list around your meals, try planning your meals around what produce you can find on sale at your local grocery store. Each store has a few produce items each week that are on super sale. Purchase these items and save a lot of money, then plan your meals around the items you have purchased. Only pay full price for produce on the extreme occasion that you are preparing a special dish.

Seek Out a “Bent and Dent.” Many areas have surplus grocery stores, often called “bent and dent” retailers. These small, often messy and unorganized, stores have overstock items, items that have been slightly damaged, and items that were shipped from stores that closed. Often shoppers can find great deals on organic and difficult to find grocery items at these stores. Don’t be turned off by the poor outward appearance—these places can be a gold mine for savvy shoppers. Just make sure you read the expiration dates carefully before purchasing.

Shop More Often. While shopping more often isn’t always an option for busy families, hitting the grocery store twice a …

Foods You Should Eat to Help Hydrate Your Body

Foods You Should Eat to Help Hydrate Your Body

Foods You Should Eat to Help Hydrate Your Body

When the summertime heat hits, that’s when you really start hearing about the need for hydration. Actually, your body needs to be properly hydrated all the time, no matter the weather. The experts recommend drinking eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily. If you have a hard time getting that much water down, you can help your body by getting it other ways. Read this informative article and find out what foods you should eat to help hydrate your body.

  1.  Cucumbers

Cucumbers are an excellent choice because they contain a lot of water. If you don’t peel them before you eat them, you’ll get even more nutrients like vitamins A, C and folic acid. Slice this vegetable and munch on them with Ranch dip, add them to a salad, or make a cucumber and tomato salad tossed with Italian dressing for a refreshing side dish.

  1.  Watermelon

Watermelon makes the list since it’s also made-up mainly of water. The red flesh contains plenty of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and A, C and B6. Cold slices of watermelon always taste good on a hot summer day. You can chunk it up and add it to a fruit salad or puree it and drink it instead.

  1.  Avocado

Avocado isn’t a juicy fruit, so you’re probably wondering how it can hydrate your body. Its buttery flesh is rich in fats and fiber that aid your body in retaining water. Avocado can be eaten right out of its leathery skin, sliced and put on a sandwich, or in a salad, or make guacamole dip with it.

  1.  Popsicles

Being that popsicles are frozen flavored water or juice, eating them instantly turns them back into liquid. Therefore, they are one of the best foods to eat to help hydrate your body. To cut down on sugar, either buy the sugar-free varieties, or, better yet, make your own at home.

  1.  Chicken Noodle Soup

Chicken noodle soup is known as an old-time remedy for a cold or the flu. Eat it anytime to help keep you healthy. The sodium helps your body retain needed fluid while the carbohydrates in the noodles help your body absorb it. And the broth adds liquid to your diet.

Resources

www.kimberlysnyder.net/blog/2011/07/07/15-hydrating-foods-and-drinks-for-summer/

Can you eat your water?

Tired of Plain Water? 5 Ways to Hydrate

7 Healthy Habits to Help You Live Longer

7 Healthy Habits to Help You Live Longer

7 Healthy Habits to Help You Live LongerIt would seem that now days people are living longer and longer. At the same time there also seems to be a lot of issues that could hinder one’s living to a ripe old age. There are several things you can do to help improve the odds of getting to that ripe old age. Nothing is fool proof of course, but it is definitely worth it to do what you can to live the best life you can.

Some of these suggestions may seem like common sense but you would be surprised on just how many people ignore common sense. Some may not think these things make a big difference but it does. Most people know it will make a difference but choose to do, or in some cases not to do, them anyways.

My first suggestion on a healthy habit perhaps entails you quitting a habit. That is the habit of smoking. If you don’t smoke then that is great! If you do, now is the time to quit. Smoking seems to be one of those habits that we all know is bad but some choose to do it anyways. It is never too late to quit smoking. Even if you have been smoking for 40 years. Quitting now is better than never quitting. It can drastically reduce your risk to life threatening illnesses.

Eating healthy is another one of those common sense things that most of do not pay much attention too. Eating more fruits and vegetables and staying away from high fat foods will greatly improve your chance of living a long and healthy life. There are so many things out there today that we need to stay away from. A few examples are high fructose corn syrup, aspartame, MSG, and a host of other things. When you have the time I urge you to just do a Google search on the above mentioned things. You may be shocked at what you find out.

In today’s busy world most of us do not get as much sleep as we should. Proper sleep is so important to our health and overall well being. When you miss out on much needed sleep it can take you days to catch up. In fact, you may never catch up. Sleep is one thing that needs to be high on your priority list.

Next you need to get moving! Yep, I mean …

Single Parenting and Homeschooling: You Can Do It

Single Parenting and Homeschooling: You Can Do It

Single Parenting and Homeschooling: You Can Do ItI have been homeschooling my children for 8 years now. I am married, but recently found myself separated. So now not only do I have the joy of raising my children, and homeschooling my children, Now I get to do it alone. At least for now. With this comes the added burden of how to support them, how to keep up with it all on my own. Of course there are new needs for the children now. They are insecure, unsettled, scared, and have many questions. At one point I thought there was no way I could do it all and still home school. As we move through life I find that everything that worked before does not work now. So as we go we change what needs change till I find something that works. For instance before we always started school fairly early in the morning, by 9 AM. We had a set order the subjects were done, time, the whole thing was very organized. We all need some flexibility now. I am working from home. This changes things a lot. So we have to do school, chores, errands, free time, showers/baths, yard work,animals care,and anything else that comes our way around my work schedule. Luckily I found a company that I can set my ours each week, go around my needs for the most part. But if I cant work it during the day, guess what I do that night? Yes you guessed it, I work! So now schooling has changed. Not only do we not have a set schedule, our whole approach changed! The kids must do 1 lesson in Math everyday, they must do Spelling every day, we use Spelling Power and love it! Then we switch gears and move over to the Robinson curriculum, so for the most part the rest of their day is spent reading. I also count it for school if they play educational games, on the Computer or board games, if they write, journal, cook, bake,walk or exercise, park trips, field trips, watch an educational movie, listen to an educational tape or CD. These things all count, and my children d most of those things daily because they like to. The older children help care for younger children while I work. They take turns making lunch. Their chores, well we do them at different times, it depends on my work schedule. …

Stepparenting: A Dirty Job

Stepparenting: A Dirty Job

Stepparenting: A Dirty JobLove alone is not the reason for getting married. Five years ago, I met a wonderful man and his 7-year old son, Ben. Ben has major behavior issues and I found Ben quite challenging. A few years later, Mike proposed marriage and I accepted because I loved my then fiance so much. I was already once divorced and vowed any future marriages would be made with good sense. My good man doted on me and treated me like a queen. In retrospect, I think Mike was so attentive to combat his difficult son. Well, I have been married one year now. It feels like 20 years. My husband actually likes that it feels like twenty years. His response when I say it has been twenty years is, “That is a good sign baby because twenty years went by so fast.” He is delusional.

I am sure to my stepson it feels like 100 years. He is 12 years old now and is a miserable boy. He blames me when he gets bad grades. He blames me for everything. The truth is his challenges have been present long before I even existed in his life. He stares am me at least 10 times a day like I am alien. I swear some times he just wants to knock the crap out of me! He barely talks to me. Basically, he wishes I did not exist.

I must exist because my stepson needs new clothes, he needs to eat and have a place to live. I am expected to “be a mother” yet accept nothing in return. That is why I deem stepparenting a dirty job. I am expected to be sweet and supportive to a boy who despises me. How do I manage to do this? I keep my distance to avoid a war. It is the only way I have been able to survive one year of marriage. My poor husband is left to do most all discipline related actions. Sometimes he wonders why he married me. As a single father, I am sure he expected some relief with two parents in the household.

Don’t just think twice if you are considering being a stepparent. Think about it at least a hundred times. It is a dirty job that can leave you covered with unhappiness and bitterness.…

Hearty and Healthy Feel Good Meals

Hearty and Healthy Feel Good Meals

Hearty and Healthy Feel Good MealsThese soups can be eaten as a start of a dinner or with salad and bread as a meal. These soups are hearty, delicious, healthy, and vegetarian. The stew is not vegetarian, but is a hearty alternative to chicken soup. The stew is particularly good when you have a cold or your allergies are acting up.

Mushroom- Barley Soup

Cook ½ cup of raw pearled barley in 1 ½ cups of stock until tender. Add 5 more cups of stock, 3- 4 tbsp. of tamari (soy sauce), and 3-4 tbsp. of dry sherry. Sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 heaping cup of chopped onion in 3 tbsp. of butter. When soft add 1 lb. of sliced fresh mushrooms and ½- 1 tsp. of salt. When tender add to barley. Simmer 20 minutes, covered, over lowest possible heat.

Spicy Tomato Soup

Sauté 1 ½ cup of minced onion and 3 cloves of crushed garlic in 1 tbsp. of butter and 1 tbsp. of oil. in a kettle or large saucepan. Cook 5 minutes, until translucent, then add 1 tsp. of dill weed, 2 lb. can of concentrated, crushed tomatoes and 2 cups of stock or 6 cups of chopped canned tomatoes and their liquid and 1 tbsp. of honey. Cover and simmer at least 45 minutes on low heat. Whisk in sour cream 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped scallions.

Zucchini Puree

Place 7 cups of chunked zucchini (3 medium), 1 cup of chopped onion, 2 cups of stock or water and 1 ½ tsp of salt in a saucepan and cook until the zucchini is just tender. Puree in a blender. Put in a pot and whisk in ¾ cup of dry milk, ¼ cup of sour cream, a pinch of celery seed, and ½ tsp. basil. Heat until hot enough to serve and top with scallions.

Chicken Stew and Dumplings

stew: in a large pot gently boil boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 per person you are feeding) totally covered in water (6-8 cups) for ½ hour. Add 2-3 chicken bouillon cubes, around 4 scrubbed, chopped potatoes, 1 chopped onion, 3-4 chunked carrots, and 1-2 chopped celery sticks. Cook 45 minutes to an hour or until the potatoes are cooked. In a separate container whisk together 1 ½ cups of milk and 12 tbsp. of flour. Add to the chicken mixture, stirring well. Add 1 cup …

G Series Fit 03 Recover Post-Workout Replenishment Protein Restorative Smoothie by Gatorade

G Series Fit 03 Recover Post-Workout Replenishment Protein Restorative Smoothie by Gatorade

G Series Fit 03 Recover Post-Workout Replenishment Protein Restorative Smoothie by GatoradeThis is the third in my G Series Fit products. I purchased all three for a total of $5 in Walgreens drugstore, and received a mail-in rebate for $5 at the cash register. These were on sale, and the regular price for all 3, would have been nearer $8.

Today I went walking, did aerobics, and then swam 80 lengths of our community pool. I knew that I had used a lot of energy, so decided to open up the G Series Fit 03 Recover Post-Workout Replenishment Protein Restorative Smoothie. The flavor I chose is Mixed Berry.

The size of the carton is 11.16 fluid ounce (330 ml). It states on the front that it is ‘Made with real fruit juices’. It is only 120 calories, so I guess that it won’t taste like a real smoothie.

The carton has a pull up tab on the top. I shook the carton first, and then lifted the tab. I put my nose down to the opening, and there was a really fruity smell. I tipped the carton, and got a runny liquid, nothing like a smoothie. It tasted of fruit and water. Then I got that aftertaste twang.

I wanted to see exactly what it looked like, so I got a clear plastic glass, and poured the G Series Fit 03 Recover Protein Restorative Smoothie into it. The color is a deep pink, and when I moved the glass, it moved around just like a regular drink.

I had approximately half of the drink, as I wanted to be honest about it, but couldn’t finish it. It isn’t too sweet, and you can taste the fruit juice, it is just that horrible sweetener that did it for me. I had to reach in my purse and get a Listerine Breath Strip. That took the taste, and my breath away, instantly.

It states on the carton:

“Post-Workout Replenishment
Protein + Vitamin D + Calcium + CLA.
Formulated for athletes.
It contains 12 grams of protein – including 6 grams of essential amino acids – and 1.5 grams of CLA per 11 ounce package.
Restores your muscles, recover and repeat.”

There is 24% apple and banana juice , so I am not sure why it is called ‘Mixed Berry’. The smoothie is 120 calories, 20 from fat, total fat 2g, sodium 280 mg, potassium 35 mg, total carbs. 14 g, dietary fiber 1g, …

Parenting Tips for a Working Mother

Parenting Tips for a Working Mother

Parenting Tips for a Working MotherHelped by new government standards and improved childcare provision, mums now have more choice when it comes to deciding whether or not to work. Nowadays, 45% of new mums go back to work after the birth of their baby.

There are many important reasons why you as a first-time mum might want to continue working. Yours may be the only income if you are a single mum or your partner has been made redundant; you may be following a career; you may want to work to give you a sense of value; or perhaps because your own mother coped successfully with work and children. If you have always worked, you may also have to ask yourself if you would feel right about being dependent on your partner financially. Work can also give you another outlook on life – because staying at home with baby can often feel very isolating for some mums.

– Make sure you tell your employer as soon as possible about your pregnancy. Employers are legally required to keep a woman’s job open for her if she is going on maternity leave. If you are intending to return to work, discuss with your employer the opportunities for working part-time on your return. Or perhaps job-sharing (equally sharing your current hours with a colleague), or working more family-friendly, flexible hours (coming into work later and leaving earlier) may be possible. Sorting things out during your pregnancy will not only give your employer time to make new arrangements to help you. It will also enable you to organize good childcare where your baby will be loved and well cared for;

– There is a standard entitlement for maternity leave. In general, every woman who is in work while she is pregnant is entitled to at least 18 weeks’ maternity leave. Maternity pay depends very much upon your individual circumstances regarding length of service with your employer and your National Insurance contributions. Check your details first with your employer. If you need any further help, contact your local Benefits Agency Office (you’ll find the address in your phone book) who will be able to work out your entitlements based on your personal situation.

Whatever your reasons for working, you are bound to experience mixed emotions about leaving your new baby when the time comes. It is normal to worry that your baby will not be happy without you, or that …

Top 8 Tips to a Healthier Mane

Top 8 Tips to a Healthier Mane

Top 8 Tips to a Healthier ManeYour hair frames your pretty face and it is important to keep it looking shiny, healthy, and sexy. With the changes of season comes damage it bring to your hair. From being frizzy over the winter to being sun-bleached during summer, your hair takes a lot of stress from the extremes. Combine it with a hectic lifestyle, unhealthy habits, UV rays, and pollutants – your hair will definitely scream if it can do so. How do you keep it vibrant and healthy amidst all of these?

Secrets to a Sexy, Shiny and Healthy Hair

  1.  Love Natural

Go for natural shampoos and conditioners that won’t strip away nutrients and vital oils from your hair. Avoid anything that contains cancer-causing paraben.

  1.  Shampoo Every Other Day

It can feel icky, but shampooing your hair everyday makes it limp, lifeless, and brittle. You can dry your hair and scalp with too much washing. You may use a dry shampoo instead if you want your hair smelling clean.

  1.  Use UV protection

Who says that only your eyes and skin needs protection from the harsh heat of the sun? Try to find products with UV protecting elements, specially if you have colored or highlighted hair.

  1.  Deep Condition

Once a week, you may pamper your hair with deep conditioning treatments that you can buy cheap in your local drugstore. If your hair is super dry, you may use a hair mask, instead of conditioning your hair daily.

  1.  Moisturize

When using conditioner, apply more to your hair roots which is prone to dryness. After swimming in a pool filled with chlorine, use a clarifying shampoo to wash your hair thoroughly and seal it with a moisturizing conditioner. Chlorine can dry your hair real fast so wash your hair as soon as you get out of the pool.

  1.  Use Styling Products Properly

Don’t blow dry too close to your scalp and don’t keep the nozzle in one place. The last thing you want is to fry your hair. If you are using heated stylers like your flat iron, always put on a heat-protectant spray to avoid damaging your hair with the intense heat. All those anti-frizz serum helps prevent frizz, making your hair shine more, but NEVER apply it before heat-styling.

  1.  Massage Your Scalp

Stimulate hair growth and shiny hair by massaging your scalp or using natural boar bristles to comb your hair. If you have a curly hair, …

TS MA: Midtown Manhattan's Best Chinese Food

TS MA: Midtown Manhattan's Best Chinese Food

TS MA: Midtown Manhattan's Best Chinese FoodI have great taste for good food. I am the type of person that will discover a restauarant and when I tell people about it, they like it so much that they become hooked. It isn;t all about the food. It is about the quality of service and the ambiance. I don’t want to go to a restaurant that I can’t sit down and eat in peace and not feel like I am being rushed or in an environment that that just seems a bit much. No, I like the restaurants that not only leave a good taste in my mouth, but also leave a good impression on me.

If you are ever in Midtown Manhattan and you come to a point where you just feel like it is imperative that you must eat, I have news for you about a restaurant I would like to say serves the best Chinese food in New York. The name of the restaurant ins TS MA and it is located on 9th Avenue between West 36th and West 37th Street. This is a pretty good location because it away from all the crowding areas you would find on either 34th Street or even 8th Avenue.

You walk into a litghty dimmed nicely decorated and clean restaurant where the staff smiles and greets you. You can tell a lot about an establishmetn where the staff is polite and smiles. It means that they are happy to serve you and you will not have to deal with an attitude just to eat something. That is always a good thing when it comes to eating out because if waiters expect tips and a customer is obligated to give a tip, the better the treatment, the better the tip.

The first thing you see when you walk into TS MA is a sushi bar on the left side where you can get some of the freshest sushi that is prepared in front of your face and made fresh and delicious. On the right side you see a drink bar where you can get Saki or any other drinkt hat you might like. You can either dine in or take out. The dining room is neat and nicely arranged. There are tables that can accomodate parties of any and all sizes. The tables are wood and once you sit down, you are treated like royalty. The tables are …