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