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