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