Teach Kids Generosity With Lenten Almsgiving Activities, Donations

Catholics around the world enter into the penitential season of Lent on Ash Wednesday. From now till Easter, we practice Lenten virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. We give up things in imitation of Jesus's temptation in the desert. We pray to draw closer to God. And we share with those in need. Here are 40 ways kids can give, one for each day of lent.Teach Kids Generosity With Lenten Almsgiving Activities, Donations

 

Natural PB2 Peanut Powder, Same Peanut Butter Benefits, Fewer Calories

 I love nut butter—almond, peanut, sunflower. High in protein, nutritious, satisfying, BUT loaded with fat and calories. 180-200 per 2 tbsp. serving. Granted it’s healthier omega-3 fat, but dieting I can’t afford that many calories. I’ve lost 95 pounds and I want to keep that forward momentum. So I use  Natural PB2 Same Peanut Butter Benefits, 85 Percent Fewer Calories

Melatonin Helps Sleep Problems, But It's Not For Kids

I have sleep apnea, arthritis, carpal tunnel, scoliosis and tendinitis. I'm in menopause. So sleep is often difficult. My CPAP (breathing mask) helps, but presents problems of its own. I won't take sleep medication, but I've been exploring herbal supplements. I've found relief with melatonin, in NatureMade SLEEP. I would recommend with caution. I don't advise using Alteril and melatonin shouldn't be administered to kids without a doctor's approval.   Melatonin Helps Sleep Problems, But Is Not for Children

Rebuild and Restore Old Cupboards Don't Replace with Overpriced New Junk

My younger son is rebuilding my kitchen cupboards. We did the floor and ceiling in 2011. Son trimmed, painted and repaired drywall last year. He's in the process of installing new countertops. We chose to  keep the old 60s cabinets and cupboards because although they're dinged up, they're made of plywood. New cupboards are expensive and only made of pasteboard.   Rebuild and Restore Old Cupboards Rather Than Replace

Problems with Younkers Community Days Coupons, Credit Card, Return Policies

I bought those Community Days coupon books in November. Most of the things I wanted were sold. The rest was still too high priced. What I did want couldn't be bought with the coupon. Anyway I got a pair of knee high boots. $80 regular price, down to $30 with sale/coupon. Good deal. But now two months later the zipper splits. Unfixable. I only wore them about 10 times. Wasn't rough with the zipper.  Read on Hoping To Return My Boots to Younkers. And here's the sad conclusion of what happened when I tried to return boots. Younkers Return Policy Woes. 

Places to Buy Cheap Almonds, Almond Milk, Almond Butter

 Cheap almonds might sound like a silly post topic. But if you're dieting or trying to eat healthier, you know that almonds top the recommended eating list. Here are places to find cheap almonds, almond milk and almond butter. Note: almonds are in the tree nut family, so avoid them if you are allergic. However, people with peanut allergies that lead to anaphylaxis may be able to eat almonds. Another reason they're touted.  Where to Buy Cheap Almonds, Almond Milk, Almond Butter

Do Not Defer Students Loans, Pay Early

I spent most of the morning on the phone with our son working out student loan issues. He decided to drop his original program and go for a certificate one that is shorter and less expensive. Note, less expensive still means $3,000 for a semester. He paid that upfront which is pretty impressive, I thought.



Each year of university cost roughly $22,000. I feel badly that we can't afford to put him through college. And what grants he could get were used up in his first few years. So here's an academically gifted kid unable to finish his career of choice because he doesn't want to incur debt that amounts to a mortgage. For the debt he has, I advise  Do Not Defer Students Loans, Pay Early, Better Yet Don't Borrow for College