Why Tools ? I'm not overly 'handy' at fixing things around the house, but I have a basic toolbox -- pliers, hammer, screwdriver, nails, picture hangers. Like a good carpenter, I couldn't get the job done without them. In my kitchen, I have a toolbox, too. Do you? Kitchen Tools Make the Job Quicker There are hundreds of kitchen tools out there. Some cost a lot and do a little. Others cost a little and do a lot. I prefer to spend my money on tools that I can use day-after-day and those that help me get the job done quickly and easily. They are tools that I cannot do without. 5 Tools … [Read more...] about Kitchen Tools Help You Save Money & Time!
Wasting Less Food Means Saving More Money!
What Lurks in the Fridge? Is your celery or lettuce squishy and slimy again? Do you find a disgustingly moldy onion in your pantry too often? Do you forget to use up leftovers like spaghetti and meatballs and, when you discover them, they smell funny and unsafe? Do you feel like you are throwing away too much food? What is it Costing You? All of us throw away food once-in-a-while. But, throwing away food every week is too much - too much wasted space, time, and money. Estimates are that, on average, Americans throw away 30-40% of their food budget - which can cost you up to $1,000 or … [Read more...] about Wasting Less Food Means Saving More Money!
Too Many Veggies in the Fridge? Quick & Easy Ways to Use Them Up!
Over-Purchased, Got Busy, Oh No... Yesterday, I looked in my fridge crisper drawer and got nervous. I bought too much 'green' last week and then got super-busy...oh no. It's not so uncommon a problem to have too many veggies in the fridge. But, if you hate to waste all that healthy bounty, like I do, here are some tips on how to use it up. The Solution Part 1 - See What You Have & Use What You Can! When faced with too much 'green', my first rule is do not panic - do not immediately throw it away. Stay calm and begin a veggie search-and-rescue process. Pick over everything … [Read more...] about Too Many Veggies in the Fridge? Quick & Easy Ways to Use Them Up!
Back-to-School with a Healthier and Cheaper Sandwich!
Are you tired of sandwiches? After the first week of kindergarten, my son came home and said to me, "Mom, I'm tired of sandwiches." Oh boy, I thought, what else can I use as the anchor to his healthy bag lunch? I pulled out all my most creative thoughts and came up with things like whole grain crackers with cheese, bread sticks with peanut butter and honey to dip, and a rolled sandwich on a tortilla. Are you tired of the same old sandwich? Unlike my son, I have always been more-or-less a sandwich lover. But I get tired of the same old sandwich. I vary it between tuna salad, hummus and … [Read more...] about Back-to-School with a Healthier and Cheaper Sandwich!
Go Green with Greens for Good Nutrition this Fall!
Eating Seasonally! When fall is in the air, like today, I cook leafy greens. It's not that I grew up eating a lot of greens because I didn't. The only green my sister, brother and I found on our dinner plate was spinach and I wasn't too excited about it back then. When I moved south of the Mason-Dixon Line, first to Virginia and later to North Carolina, I began appreciating the special foods of the Southeast - like greens. When I got hooked on Farmer's Markets, I began craving greens of all kinds! Kinds of Greens! I especially love Swiss Chard and you can see it in the photo at the … [Read more...] about Go Green with Greens for Good Nutrition this Fall!
Healthy Car Snacks for Vacation or Not
Car Trips and Snacking My friends usually laugh at me when I pull out a 'pocket snack' while on the road. Actually, I'm one of those people who carries a snack just about everywhere I go. Yes, maybe I'm driving 4 hours or 8, or maybe I'm just headed to the other side of town. When you pack up your car for vacation, or a much shorter drive, do you include healthy snacks? Why Bring Along Healthy Car Snacks? My 3 favorite reasons to be smart with snacking in the car boil down to adding a burst of physical & mental energy, saving money, and cashing in on an opportunity to eat a fruit … [Read more...] about Healthy Car Snacks for Vacation or Not