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Got Eczema? Try This Steroid Free Treatment

've struggled with eczema for years. I'm lucky. I only get it behind and in my ears. I know people who have it all over their bodies. Children are especially vulnerable as it's harder for them to follow treatment protocol and avoid scratching. I tried a new skin care regimen and it's working! And no steroids.  Got Eczema? Try This Steroid Free Treatment - News - Bubblews

Holiday Diet Recipe Food Swaps, Lowfat, Low Salt Alternatives

The holiday countdown is here. Dieters like me dread the Halloween Thanksgiving Christmas New Year's trifecta. Whether you observe Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice, Epiphany, you can't escape the feasting.

I've lost 93 pounds and write about how I lost weight. The last thing  I want to do is gain over the holidays. So my diet tip of the day is: don't waste the hard work on holiday binges. Try these tasty low calorie, low sodium, lowfat alternatives. My diet recipes include lighter food swaps. Today's food switches involve turkey, ham, gravy.   Thanksgiving Diet Recipe Food Swaps Turkey and Trimmings

Cheap Prices on Kale, Collard Greens

We eat a lot of fresh greens at our house. So I'm always looking for inexpensive kale, spinach, romaine and leaf lettuce, collard greens. Yes, I know, old folks like me remember when these veggies grew rampant and no one liked them. Now they have a cult following and command a higher price. So I was happy to find cheap kale and collard greens.   Cheap Prices on Kale, Collard Greens

Save Big on Holiday Flights, Airfare

I write a daily deal of the day post about great bargains I snagged. I recently booked a round-trip flight for five from Detroit to New Orleans on December 23 for $408 per ticket. That might sound high, but the 23rd is one of the priciest days to fly. Most tickets started at $500. But daughter who we visiting wanted family there for Christmas Eve. Last year, we flew on Dec. 24 and it wasn't that much cheaper. Here's how I snipped several hundred off travel. I Saved Big on Holiday Airfare 

Save Money with Double Stuff at Swagbucks

 If you participate with Swagbucks.com, an online reward point company, then don't miss Double Stuff today, November 4. You get double points on filling out surveys, no obligation offers, watching Swagbucks TV, search, toolbar and shopping. Shopping at some stores already earns 3-4 points per purchase and that is doubled today. Check blog, Facebook and Twitter for codes.  Save Money with Double Stuff at Swagbucks

Once a Week Cooking Shopping Tips, Recipes, Save Time and $

I am a Domestic Goddess Mama. My domain is kitchen efficiency and cost-cutting. To achieve that, I've created 2-4-1 recipes. Entrees are repurposed for several dishes. I get twice the meal bang for half the cooking investment. I use once-a-week cooking strategies, doing the bulk of preparation on Sunday when I have the most time. Here's a weekly meal planner that serves six people with seven dinners. There are usually lunch leftovers. These recipes feature lighter calorie options and are very healthy.  Once a Week Cooking Recipes for Economical, Healthy 2 for 1 Meals

McDonald's Gives Books in Happy Meals

McDonald's is the poster child for fast-junk food. We have them to thank for teaching kids they need prizes for eating fat-saturated, sugar-drenched food. Micky D is responsible, in large part (pun intended) for super-sizing the world.

But the Golden Arches is trying to expiate these sins. From Nov 1-14, McDonald's will nix Happy Meal plastic toys in favor of books. It's to celebrate National Family Literacy Month. Ebooks will be available online.  
McDonald's Puts Books in Happy Meals to Boost Literacy - News - Bubblews

Save Money with Recycled Kids Halloween Costumes

Halloween is fast-approaching, parents. Time to think costumes. Even if you don't celebrate Halloween or trick-or-treat, you might do a church dress-up. Catholics celebrate All Saints Day on November 1 and as homeschoolers, we did Bible character and saints costume parties. Here are money-saving, green tips to make costumes with recycled items. These costumes are generally warmer than store-bought, too. Read on. Recycled, Repurposed Kids Halloween Costumes 

Diet Tips Skinny Cow Truffle Chocolate Ice Cream Bars

I've been dieting for 10 months and lost 86 pounds. I've made a lot of food swaps: lowfat butter, cream cheese and yogurt, soy and skim milk, light bread. I cut meat and sodium and upped vegetable and fruit intake. I use zero calories sweeteners.

All that cutting sometimes leaves me feeling deprived. Sometimes, I crave something sweet. When I do, I'll have a Skinny Cow Chocolate Truffle ice cream bar. Skinny Cow is made by Nestle. They're expensive-- $3 for 6 bars. I don't get why less costs more but I do indulge. That way, I won't be tempted to binge on fattening food. I only have one occasionally.   Diet Tips Skinny Cow Truffle Chocolate Ice Cream Bars for Sweet Tooth

Tightwad Mama's Common Sense Christmas Shopping Tips

I have a long shopping list of people to buy for at Christmas. Four kids and their three significant others, 15 extended family members, husband--and I buy several church giving tree gifts. I'm also a tightwad mama, by necessity and choice. Here are penny pincher shopping tips to save money, keep costs low and buy meaningful gifts for everyone. And best of all, it keeps Christmas the Biblical way--simple, the ways it was meant to be.Tightwad Mama's Common Sense Christmas Shopping Tips

McDonald's Sued for Payroll Card with Fees

Associated Press wrote about a Wilkes-Barre, Pa., McDonald's worker who's suing her former employer for putting earnings on a payroll card. The debit card had loads of fees attached (as they do). Each transaction cost her money. Employers are doing this gift card or debit card thing more frequently and it's no surprise why. They get perks from banks which they don't pass on to employees. They do pass fees along, however. McDonald's Sued for Payroll Card with Fees
 

30 Plus Healthy School Snacks, A Month of Back to School Lunches

Back to school shopping means stocking up on school lunchbox items and snacks. Looking for healthy, portable lunch foods? I got you covered. I'm a mom of four, former homeschooler and teacher. In 1985, I taught at a Montessori school that allowed no refined sugar or bleached flour. I did shopped for school snacks we served students and got creative making healthy school lunches. Buy a freezer ice pack to chill food. Wash daily, freeze overnight and pop in lunch box in the morning. Better still, have kids do this. Read product nutrition data. Some brands are healthier than others. Read on 30 Plus Healthy School Snacks, A Month of Back to School Lunches

Save Money-Clean Refrigerator, Use up Produce Veggie-ghetti

I am dieting to lose 100 pounds and have bid farewell to 80 thus far. I always preface my articles about diet recipes with my weight loss progress, not to brag. My point is to share what's working for me. Today's Diet recipe of the day is leftover use-up veggie-ghetti. I'm a frugalista and using up produce as my recipe does, makes my penny-pincher heart sing.   Diet Recipe of the Day Leftover Use Up Veggie-ghetti

Detroit's New Whole Foods Market Gets Mixed Reviews

Mighty food giant Whole Foods Market opened its doors in Detroit at 115 Mack Ave. on June 5, says the Detroit News. The city, called a "food desert" for its lack of access to fresh food markets, now offers locals more food choices. But the expensive, upscale vendor is getting mixed reviews. Here's a look at the big picture on Whole Foods in Detroit. Detroit's New Whole Foods Market Gets Mixed Reviews

Deal of the Day: End of the Night Meat, Deli Specials

There are advantages and disadvantages to shopping in the evening. I'm more tired and sometimes the shelves aren't filled (those are the bad parts). The good part is that often you can get end of the day specials on meat, fish, bakery and deli. I snagged ground sirloin for $1.60 a pound tonight. I've gotten specials on salmon, donuts and bread. In the hot food part of the deli, chicken strips, shrimp and potato wedges go on sale half price at night. Lunch meat and salad does too. I found reduced price produce, too. I got a specialty salad for 40 percent off.   Deal of the Day: End of the Night Meat, Deli Specials

Bargain Hunter Deal of the Day--Garcinia Cambogia at Dollar Store

Greetings fellow bargain shoppers, as promised I'm submitting daily deal tips. See my other posts for ways to participate in this helpful network. Sharing money-saving ideas "pays it forward" and we all win. Today's bargain: garcinia cambogia. That's the new diet supplement endorsed by Dr. Oz. Normally, garcinia cambogia sells for $10 for a bottle of 30 (you take three daily). That' was at Walmart. It would likely be higher elsewhere. I want to lose weight not go bankrupt. $1 a day is too much to spend on diet supplements, especially when there are other supplements I have to pay for.  Bargain Hunter Deal of the Day--Garcinia Cambogia at Dollar Store

Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing and Wardrobe Makeover

I've taken off 73 pounds, dropped three blouse sizes and four pants sizes. I purged my wardrobe, but since I still plan to lose, I'm keeping my clothing makeover cheap. I'm buying clothes I can still wear at goal weight. Here's my under-$170 fashion upgrade. (The sweater I'm wearing in the photo cost $3 on Walmart after-season clearance!)

* Donation tax credit. I donated my fat clothes to a thrift store and got a receipt which I claimed on taxes. I used tax credit money to fund wardrobe makeover. Here's the Salvation Army's thrift store resale calculator to figure tax credit claim. Even if I hadn't got a refund that would have reduced my tax liability and so saved me money. I only used part and am saving the rest for when I lose all the weight.
Budget Fashionista's Cheap, Under-$170 Clothing Wardrobe Makeover

Low Calorie, Low-Fat Superfood Entree Recipes, Cheap and Easy

I'm dieting to lose 100 pounds. It's a journey, but I'm down 71 pounds. Along the way, I've created and tweaked recipes to subtract calories and fat and add superfoods (fruit, vegetables, lean meat, alternative protein). Here are homemade low-cal, low-fat entrees that are cheap and quick.  Cutting calories cuts costs and freshens up your diet. They're pretty too, with lots of cheery, colorful veggies. My whole family loves these recipes. Low Calorie, Low-Fat Superfood Entree Recipes, Cheap and Easy

Gift-Giving: Money Saving Advice from a Recovering Shopaholic

One of the biggest financial mistakes is to overspend during the holidays. We overspend for many reasons, but the result equals money trouble. Here are some tips to avoid overspending during the holidays, from a recovering shopaholic. Set a budget: I have always set a 'per person' budget and used that guideline to direct my shopping choices. When you have spent your budgeted amount on each person, stop. Make a list: Decide ahead of time, if possible what you will buy for each person. Lists keep me focused and prevent binge or impulse buying.  Holiday Shopping Guide: Money Saving Advice from a Recovering Shopaholic

High Energy, Low-Calorie, Vitamin-Rich Taste-Good Diet Snacks

I'm in the home stretch in to lose 100 pounds. With 30 pounds left, I've gotten my eating down to a system. And then I go and bring home a caramel-coated Dutch apple pie for the family. It taste like ambrosia (I had a tiny bite). But that one bite has about 40 calories. Even smelling it probably puts on pounds! For times like this I need an emergency snack survival kit. Here are filling, satisfying, low-calorie, high protein treats to tame sweet cravings and help avoid temptation. Diet Snacks, Low Calorie Sweets That Satisfy

Cheap Cost-Cutting Senior Prom, Graduation Tips

Tis the season for senior prom, graduation and open houses. Parents, if you have a graduating senior or a student going to prom, be prepared: it's expensive. And it gets pricier as you get invited to other graduations! Here are ways to trim spending on prom dresses, tuxedo rentals, graduation supplies, class ring and open house. I've graduated three seniors and picked up some penny pinching tips.  How to Trim Spending on Senior Prom and Graduation

How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries

I don't brag very often, but when I do, it's about how I save money. Our four kids have each thanked and praised dad and I for raising them to know the value of a dollar. And saving begins in the most basic purchases--groceries and food. Here's how I save 50-80 shopping. How I Save 50 Percent (or More!) on Groceries
Save always and all ways. Don't shop when you're desperate and have to pay full price. Stock up at sales. Consider every purchase from salt to a new washer. Save in every way possible, large and small. My Dutch grannie said, "save pennies and dollars will save themselves."  

How I Save $250 Per Person on Personal Care Products

 Do girls or boys cost more for hygiene and personal care? I've got two of each and they are evenly matched. Each has product preferences. I never minded buying what they liked, but I did it cheaply. Here's how I saved at least $1,500 a year on personal care products for a family of six. And no, I didn't get rid of two kids! How I Save $1,500 a Year on Family Personal Care Products

Shared Spaces, Gazelle Businesses Regrow Detroit

 Most Detroiters probably didn't need the recent state report to tell them that their city is in fiscal trouble. Gov. Rick Snyder is aiming an emergency manager at the Motor City, hoping to balance municipal books, says the Detroit Free Press. A look around once-glorious Detroit shows the toll the auto-making exodus took on the city. Vacant building shells compete with each other for most squalid. Abandoned businesses, derelict homes, underfunded city services, missing streetlights, defunct traffic signals -- most Detroiters are probably more concerned about these than an agenda from Lansing. But it's not all negative in Detroit. An economic spring is sprouting new life in the urban wasteland. Locals are using shared spaces, think tanks, and "gazelle" business opportunities to regrow Detroit. Why not check out and support some of these local small business. From little acorns grow might oaks. This picture is from Avalon breads, a small, local bakery-coffee shop. I love how they coverted an older business into a thriving community space! Shared Spaces, Gazelle Businesses Regrow Detroit

Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Men often put off shopping for Valentine's Day gifts for their sweethearts. At the last minute, they grab chocolates and flowers. Boring. Here are Valentine gift suggestions for her that will delight. There are two important rules of thumb to remember when shopping for women. First, we can spot a 'quick grab' gift with no thought involved a mile away. Best Valentine's Day Gifts for Mothers and Wives

Starch, Grain, Bread Food Swaps to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

I started dieting 18 months ago. In the first year, I didn't lose much. I cut calories but was still hungry. My problem was bread; it's filling but highly caloric. I won't cut grains completely; thankfully, I'm not gluten-intolerant and don't have to. Instead, my strategy is to "tweak." Here are bread, starch and grain switches to cut calories, get full and eat healthier. Starch Swaps, Bread Switches to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

Cheap, Homemade Women's Gifts for Valentine's Day, Mother's Day


Does Mother's Day find you wondering what gifts your mother like most? You're in good company. Many people find it is easier to grab a bouquet of flowers or box of chocolates than to shop around and find that special gift for mom. This year, you will not have to rack your brain thinking of that perfect Mother's Day gift. The secret to selecting perfect gifts for mom is to know her interests. What are your mother's hobbies? What does she read? Does mom collect anything? Here is a shopping guide for Mother's Day gifts that fits any budget. Some gift suggestions cost nothing more than a little time and creativity.  Inexpensive, Creative Gifts for Mom on Valentine's Day or Mother's Day

Grain, Bread Food Swaps to Cut Calories, Lose Weight

I started dieting 18 months ago. In the first year, I didn't lose much. I cut calories but was still hungry. My problem was bread; it's filling but highly caloric. I won't cut grains completely. Instead, my strategy is to "tweak." Here are bread, starch and grain switches to cut calories, get full and eat healthier. Use this shopping list to for cheap, reduced-calorie diet options.  Starch Food Swaps to Cut Calories, Lose Weight 

Addiction Recovery Tips for Shopaholic Parents

Shopping addiction is one of the trickiest habits to break, particularly for parents. Kids need many things, and it's not like we can stop buying. We're constantly confronted by temptation. If you're a spendaholic, here's my recovery plan to break the overspending habit. Money Saving Tips for Shopaholics

Cheap, Homemade Valentine Craft Projects

After 25 years as a public school teacher, homeschool parent, VBS-Sunday school-CCD teacher, project organizer, parent, club leader and do-it-yourselfer, I've cut out more crafts pieces than I care to remember! I've assembled countless crafts for units, themes and holidays over my career. And though it was enjoyable, it took a lot of energy and organization. Here are tips to simplify those crafts, cheap and easy. Note: as you read the linked articles, you'll notice numerous spelling errors. My spellcheck/edit tool wasn't functioning at the time and I've not been able to fix it. I apologize for those mistakes. Read more

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