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

Cheap, Educational Stocking Stuffers for Kids

I have to laugh when I see what stores tout as "cheap" stocking stuffers. I don't consider anything over $5 "cheap" especially not for stocking presents which are typically filler gifts. If my child is getting three or four bigger, pricier gifts under the tree, I can't afford to spend big on the stocking, too. Having four kids to shop for, Christmas is crazy-expensive enough without the stockings.  Read more

Foods Donations for Holiday Drives

Tis the season for giving and my favorite is food drives. I love seeing people come together, across religious and cultural lines, to reach out to neighbors in need. If you're donating, be sure to follow the suggestions list. But if there are no suggestions here's a list of food items that are always needed. I've put in many hours in food banks, food pantries and shelter missions. I've seen first-hands that some foods there's never enough of and some that are donated in abundance. Here's a food bank shopping list.  Best Items to Donate to Thanksgiving and Christmas Food Drives