As a mom who has recently given birth, healthy foods are on my mind a lot. That is to say I think about how I should be eating healthy foods...I don't always do that, though. I have some pounds I'd like to lose this summer, and I've been thinking of ways to try and make more of my foods instead of buying pre-packaged things.
I bake bread. No bread machine (though that would be nice sometimes!). No preservatives. I know every single ingredient that goes into each loaf. That's one good way to be healthy. Baking our bread for sandwiches, dinner rolls for meals, pancakes for breakfasts, and homemade cakes and cookies. Cakes and cookies aren't always healthy, even homemade, but again I know each ingredient that is going into it and there are no preservatives.
Buy fresh meats instead of frozen meals. Sure, frozen breaded chicken patties or chicken nuggets are convenient, BUT why not just buy the fresh chicken breasts? You can cut, season/marinade, and freeze your own. It will take a little extra time for preparation, but it's worth it when you're not overloaded with all the sodium and additives in the frozen items. I say the only good frozen items are fruits, veggies, and ice cream. Everything else you can make yourself and freeze on your own.
Make your own snacks. Prepare your version of trail mix by combining dried fruits, nuts, and granola. Store bought trail mixes can have preservatives in them or even added sugars or sodium. Plus, when you make your own you can get as creative as you want. Buy some Chex cereal and combine it with raisins, dried cranberries, and peanuts for a tasty treat.
Lastly, steam your fresh veggies instead of buying canned veggies. I admit, I like to buy canned or frozen corn and peas....but that's mostly because fresh corn can be costly except for certain times of the year. As for carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, green beans, asparagus, etc.....buy them fresh and steam them. Steaming holds in more vitamins that boiling them does. And buying them all fresh adds a lot more flavor than buying a can of it. You can add all kinds of seasonings and still be much healthier than buying them prepared. Again, this saves you an insane amount of sodium intake. And you get a lot better taste.
So, for those of us looking to eat healthier to help lose those unwanted pounds or just take better care of ourselves, try these couple of ideas. If you have any of your own, feel free to post. I'm always looking for good advice when it comes to food. :)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Summer Savers
Summer is almost here, and there will be plenty of things to do and places to go. Here are some ideas for FREE (or almost-free) fun. You can still keep a busy schedule with doing and seeing things, but you can save money as well.
Check your town/city website for free festivals and concerts. Our town sends out a flyer with the summer months' events. There are festivals and concerts and activities June, July and August, and they all have free things to do at them. Most are family-oriented as well, so that's a bonus.
Look online for free days at museums. Though we usually want to be outdoors all summer, there are going to be rain days. Keep a list/calendar of the free days for the museums, aquariums, and other indoor kid-friendly places; you can pull the list out whenever the weather isn't cooperating with your outdoor activities and head over to an indoor activity. If the rainy days don't coincide with a free day at any favorite indoor places, check out a nearby mall's play area (for those of you with young children). The kids can play off some of that energy, and you might be able to find some adult conversation at the same time!
Plant a garden. This will probably only take a few days at most, so don't expect to schedule this more than once this summer. BUT, this is a great bonding opportunity for you and your kids. Wal-Mart has cute and safe kid gardening tools for a few dollars each; I bought my daughter gloves, a trowel, and a shovel for a total of about $4. You can find sales on plant bulbs, full-size plants, or seedlings almost all Spring and Summer. Dig up a spot in the yard and plant away! Kids like it because it's like you're giving them permission to get dirty. Adults like it because it's outdoors and gets the kids away from the TV! We planted vegetables in a few planters as well as herbs and flowers. It only took us two afternoons to complete, but we spend a little time each week checking the growing progress each one's made. So far, only the tomato plants didn't make it!
Head to the lake front! Chicago has miles and miles of lake front for you and your family to enjoy for FREE. You can drive in and park for free (though that is supposedly changing come this Fall) or take the train in for a small fee. Regardless of how you get there, the water, beach and bike path is all free for the taking! Pack a cooler for lunch, bring some outdoor toys and make a day of it. Not only will you get to play all day for free, you get a free tan out of it. :)
Have a potluck BBQ. This will require some time if you're going to make sure and save on the food part of this. Plan it in with your grocery list around the sale items at the grocery store. Call up a few friends/families and ask each to bring a dish and something to drink. Fire up the grill and enjoy the company and a great meal for minimal cost.
Take the kids to the park. This was an obvious one, but it's also a good fall-back plan. If plans to go elsewhere don't work out, just go to the park. Find a new one in your area and try it out. Drive a few towns over if you have to, but find a new park or play area. My kids love the parks around here, even if we visit the same one several times in one week they don't care. They just like to get out with other kids and play. It not only works them physically but also mentally. Most times, I hear them pretending to be somewhere else (on a boat, running from the bad guys, or in the jungle for example); they're using their imaginations, which is an added bonus. Moms and Dads can sit and watch or get out and play too. The jungle gym is a good workout for anyone!
Whatever you plan to do this summer, make it fun and don't stress about the money. Plan to go a few places each month, cost or no cost. Your kids will appreciate and enjoy the time with Mom and Dad, and you will probably find you enjoy being able to act like a child with your children! Don't forget these few necessities wherever you decide to go: sunblock, water, change of clothes (potty-trained or not!), money for parking when applicable, hats, sweater, snacks. I find that those items are the most forgotten in our household and the most needed. If nothing else, at least just grab the sunblock and lots of water. There's nothing worse than having a wonderful day outside followed by a painfully sun burnt day.
Check your town/city website for free festivals and concerts. Our town sends out a flyer with the summer months' events. There are festivals and concerts and activities June, July and August, and they all have free things to do at them. Most are family-oriented as well, so that's a bonus.
Look online for free days at museums. Though we usually want to be outdoors all summer, there are going to be rain days. Keep a list/calendar of the free days for the museums, aquariums, and other indoor kid-friendly places; you can pull the list out whenever the weather isn't cooperating with your outdoor activities and head over to an indoor activity. If the rainy days don't coincide with a free day at any favorite indoor places, check out a nearby mall's play area (for those of you with young children). The kids can play off some of that energy, and you might be able to find some adult conversation at the same time!
Plant a garden. This will probably only take a few days at most, so don't expect to schedule this more than once this summer. BUT, this is a great bonding opportunity for you and your kids. Wal-Mart has cute and safe kid gardening tools for a few dollars each; I bought my daughter gloves, a trowel, and a shovel for a total of about $4. You can find sales on plant bulbs, full-size plants, or seedlings almost all Spring and Summer. Dig up a spot in the yard and plant away! Kids like it because it's like you're giving them permission to get dirty. Adults like it because it's outdoors and gets the kids away from the TV! We planted vegetables in a few planters as well as herbs and flowers. It only took us two afternoons to complete, but we spend a little time each week checking the growing progress each one's made. So far, only the tomato plants didn't make it!
Head to the lake front! Chicago has miles and miles of lake front for you and your family to enjoy for FREE. You can drive in and park for free (though that is supposedly changing come this Fall) or take the train in for a small fee. Regardless of how you get there, the water, beach and bike path is all free for the taking! Pack a cooler for lunch, bring some outdoor toys and make a day of it. Not only will you get to play all day for free, you get a free tan out of it. :)
Have a potluck BBQ. This will require some time if you're going to make sure and save on the food part of this. Plan it in with your grocery list around the sale items at the grocery store. Call up a few friends/families and ask each to bring a dish and something to drink. Fire up the grill and enjoy the company and a great meal for minimal cost.
Take the kids to the park. This was an obvious one, but it's also a good fall-back plan. If plans to go elsewhere don't work out, just go to the park. Find a new one in your area and try it out. Drive a few towns over if you have to, but find a new park or play area. My kids love the parks around here, even if we visit the same one several times in one week they don't care. They just like to get out with other kids and play. It not only works them physically but also mentally. Most times, I hear them pretending to be somewhere else (on a boat, running from the bad guys, or in the jungle for example); they're using their imaginations, which is an added bonus. Moms and Dads can sit and watch or get out and play too. The jungle gym is a good workout for anyone!
Whatever you plan to do this summer, make it fun and don't stress about the money. Plan to go a few places each month, cost or no cost. Your kids will appreciate and enjoy the time with Mom and Dad, and you will probably find you enjoy being able to act like a child with your children! Don't forget these few necessities wherever you decide to go: sunblock, water, change of clothes (potty-trained or not!), money for parking when applicable, hats, sweater, snacks. I find that those items are the most forgotten in our household and the most needed. If nothing else, at least just grab the sunblock and lots of water. There's nothing worse than having a wonderful day outside followed by a painfully sun burnt day.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Grocery Goodness
Here's some tips on cutting down on grocery bills. We all know the prices of important grocery items are going up, but there are some ways to actually lower your grocery spending during the rise of prices.
1. Only buy milk that is on sale. I don't know that this will apply to those that don't buy cow's milk, but for everyone who does buy cow's milk this is for you. There is almost always at least one store advertising milk for $1.99 around here. This week I found 2 stores. Milk can be ridiculously expensive when not on sale (over $3 at some stores; yikes!). If not for $1.99, try finding milk for less than $2.50 at least. Meijer is usually pretty consistent with $1.99 milk as well as Valli (for those of you that live in my area). Jewel and Dominick's will have milk on sale but not usually as low in price as Meijer and Valli. Wal-Mart has it on sale as well from time to time.
2. Use coupons on sale items; you will get the biggest discount that way. If you have a coupon for an item (that doesn't expire within the next week or two), save it for when the item is on sale.
3. www.couponmom.com is an EXCELLENT website to get free printable coupons. The site also offers tips on saving money with grocery coupons and other useful ideas. I got a $3 off coupon for Huggies last week. That's the largest amount off I've been able to find. Now, I will hold onto that coupon until I see Huggies on sale at Meijer or Wal-Mart and save a bunch using it then!
4. Plan your week's meals around the big ticket sale items. I have started planning my meats for each night's dinner around the meats I find on sale at Valli. They tend to have a good discount on a number of meats each week. This week, I found 6 different meats to revolve 6 meals around, and I will pay less than regular price per pound for each meat. Meat can get pricey, so I stick with bulk amounts of ground round when possible, as it usually offers the lowest price per pound, as well as roasts on sale. The roasts will offer not only a dinner but also leftovers for lunches or to freeze and reuse at a later time. Buying ground round in bulk (3 pounds or more at a time) might seem like a waste if you're only using a pound at a meal, BUT I can divide up the pounds and freeze whatever I won't use that week. That will save me from having to buy it the following week for a meal when the price per pound might not be as low.
5. Be willing to shop at more than one store to get the most deals. Ok, don't think you have to go to every store that has a deal each week....that would be a waste of gas. Try finding 2 stores in the same town/area that have the lowest prices on produce, meat or toiletry/baby items. Use the ads from your paper to circle the items on sale you want from each store (or go online to view the ads and then write out your shopping list for each store). This week I have chosen Valli for their produce and meat prices and am still deciding on another store for the toiletry and baby items we need. Rather than just buy everything at a Meijer or Super Target, I will save on Valli's heavily discounted produce and meat selections. It's not as convenient to have to shop at 2 stores for groceries, but I'm going to get my grocery bill for around $100 this week as opposed to the $150+ I've spent at Meijer in the past.
6. Unless you're having a party or have a family of 6+ people, steer clear of the Costcos and Sam's Clubs. Those stores are fantastic for businesses or large families or even if you're hosting a party; however, be aware that shopping for regular items or for your regular list of groceries each week will get EXTREMELY expensive. This is because you can't just buy 1 of something there....it's in bulk. So, even if it seems like a great sale on a package of 6 green peppers, it will more than likely go to waste before you get a chance to use them (unless you're making stuffed peppers, which would then make it ok....there's always an exception to the rule!). If you must shop at these stores, try to shop mostly for your paper or toiletry products and not for all of them all at once. Try shopping for bulk bathroom items one paycheck and then your bulk baby items the next check. This will spread out the amount you're paying up front for all these items, and it may even keep you from using up more money than you planned from each check, so you don't have to skip paying a bill because you've run out of money from that check.
7. Don't buy things just because they're on sale. Yes, pancetta for $3.99/lb looks like an awesome deal, but if you haven't ever had pancetta or don't know a recipe to use it that week don't buy it. Just because 24 rolls of Angel Soft is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it when you have 12 rolls from last week's grocery trip. Toilet paper will be on sale again; don't get crazy and buy it this week if you don't need to.
8. Don't stress about finding a sale/deal on every single item you need this week. Coupons are great, sales are great, saving money is great. BUT, if it's not on sale and you need it, just get it. If you can't find toothpaste on sale but have squeezed every last drop out of your tube at home, don't hold off til next's week toothpaste sale.....PLEASE! For the sake of those around you, please don't wait! :) Just kidding; but really, don't wait. You are not going to save money on every single item. The key is to find the normally highest priced foods on sale and go from there. Produce and meats are the ones I look for. If you need something else that is normally high priced, look for that.
9. Always make a grocery list before going shopping. And make sure you take it out of your purse once you get in the store. I have made lists before and then forgotten to look at them. I ended up spending more than I wanted to and forgot several key items. Make the list, mark the sale items or items you have coupons for, and follow your list.
These are just tips/guidelines to save money on groceries. I am not saying that I follow every single one every single week. I slip up and buy ridiculous items from time to time, mostly if I go shopping when I'm hungry. Another good tip (should've been #10, I guess): DO NOT SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! You will most likely stray from your grocery list and buy a gallon of ice cream that you really didn't need. Ok, maybe the ice cream part was directed toward myself, but eat something before you go shopping.
I hope you find these helpful. Feel free to add comments on any additional things you find helpful on your grocery outings. Happy shopping!
1. Only buy milk that is on sale. I don't know that this will apply to those that don't buy cow's milk, but for everyone who does buy cow's milk this is for you. There is almost always at least one store advertising milk for $1.99 around here. This week I found 2 stores. Milk can be ridiculously expensive when not on sale (over $3 at some stores; yikes!). If not for $1.99, try finding milk for less than $2.50 at least. Meijer is usually pretty consistent with $1.99 milk as well as Valli (for those of you that live in my area). Jewel and Dominick's will have milk on sale but not usually as low in price as Meijer and Valli. Wal-Mart has it on sale as well from time to time.
2. Use coupons on sale items; you will get the biggest discount that way. If you have a coupon for an item (that doesn't expire within the next week or two), save it for when the item is on sale.
3. www.couponmom.com is an EXCELLENT website to get free printable coupons. The site also offers tips on saving money with grocery coupons and other useful ideas. I got a $3 off coupon for Huggies last week. That's the largest amount off I've been able to find. Now, I will hold onto that coupon until I see Huggies on sale at Meijer or Wal-Mart and save a bunch using it then!
4. Plan your week's meals around the big ticket sale items. I have started planning my meats for each night's dinner around the meats I find on sale at Valli. They tend to have a good discount on a number of meats each week. This week, I found 6 different meats to revolve 6 meals around, and I will pay less than regular price per pound for each meat. Meat can get pricey, so I stick with bulk amounts of ground round when possible, as it usually offers the lowest price per pound, as well as roasts on sale. The roasts will offer not only a dinner but also leftovers for lunches or to freeze and reuse at a later time. Buying ground round in bulk (3 pounds or more at a time) might seem like a waste if you're only using a pound at a meal, BUT I can divide up the pounds and freeze whatever I won't use that week. That will save me from having to buy it the following week for a meal when the price per pound might not be as low.
5. Be willing to shop at more than one store to get the most deals. Ok, don't think you have to go to every store that has a deal each week....that would be a waste of gas. Try finding 2 stores in the same town/area that have the lowest prices on produce, meat or toiletry/baby items. Use the ads from your paper to circle the items on sale you want from each store (or go online to view the ads and then write out your shopping list for each store). This week I have chosen Valli for their produce and meat prices and am still deciding on another store for the toiletry and baby items we need. Rather than just buy everything at a Meijer or Super Target, I will save on Valli's heavily discounted produce and meat selections. It's not as convenient to have to shop at 2 stores for groceries, but I'm going to get my grocery bill for around $100 this week as opposed to the $150+ I've spent at Meijer in the past.
6. Unless you're having a party or have a family of 6+ people, steer clear of the Costcos and Sam's Clubs. Those stores are fantastic for businesses or large families or even if you're hosting a party; however, be aware that shopping for regular items or for your regular list of groceries each week will get EXTREMELY expensive. This is because you can't just buy 1 of something there....it's in bulk. So, even if it seems like a great sale on a package of 6 green peppers, it will more than likely go to waste before you get a chance to use them (unless you're making stuffed peppers, which would then make it ok....there's always an exception to the rule!). If you must shop at these stores, try to shop mostly for your paper or toiletry products and not for all of them all at once. Try shopping for bulk bathroom items one paycheck and then your bulk baby items the next check. This will spread out the amount you're paying up front for all these items, and it may even keep you from using up more money than you planned from each check, so you don't have to skip paying a bill because you've run out of money from that check.
7. Don't buy things just because they're on sale. Yes, pancetta for $3.99/lb looks like an awesome deal, but if you haven't ever had pancetta or don't know a recipe to use it that week don't buy it. Just because 24 rolls of Angel Soft is on sale doesn't mean you need to buy it when you have 12 rolls from last week's grocery trip. Toilet paper will be on sale again; don't get crazy and buy it this week if you don't need to.
8. Don't stress about finding a sale/deal on every single item you need this week. Coupons are great, sales are great, saving money is great. BUT, if it's not on sale and you need it, just get it. If you can't find toothpaste on sale but have squeezed every last drop out of your tube at home, don't hold off til next's week toothpaste sale.....PLEASE! For the sake of those around you, please don't wait! :) Just kidding; but really, don't wait. You are not going to save money on every single item. The key is to find the normally highest priced foods on sale and go from there. Produce and meats are the ones I look for. If you need something else that is normally high priced, look for that.
9. Always make a grocery list before going shopping. And make sure you take it out of your purse once you get in the store. I have made lists before and then forgotten to look at them. I ended up spending more than I wanted to and forgot several key items. Make the list, mark the sale items or items you have coupons for, and follow your list.
These are just tips/guidelines to save money on groceries. I am not saying that I follow every single one every single week. I slip up and buy ridiculous items from time to time, mostly if I go shopping when I'm hungry. Another good tip (should've been #10, I guess): DO NOT SHOP ON AN EMPTY STOMACH! You will most likely stray from your grocery list and buy a gallon of ice cream that you really didn't need. Ok, maybe the ice cream part was directed toward myself, but eat something before you go shopping.
I hope you find these helpful. Feel free to add comments on any additional things you find helpful on your grocery outings. Happy shopping!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
A First Time for Everything
So, I have a blog. Never thought I'd hear (or see, in this case) myself say that. I've been thinking about it for a while, "What do I feel I have enough experience in to share with others?" I couldn't really think of anything until the other day a friend informed me of a website, about.com, that was looking for a Stay-at-Home Mom Guide for their Stay-at-Home Mom category and blogs. The description seemed like something I could do - write a couple blogs and/or articles about SAHM things, so I applied. I haven't heard back yet, since they said it could take up to 8 weeks for them to get through all the applications. I don't expect that I'll get the job; I know there are WAY more qualified women out there who could do the job. Since then, though, I started thinking about starting my own blog about mom-related things like groceries and babies and meals. I still don't have all my thoughts together on how to approach each topic, but I figured now is as good a time as any to get it up and running at least. Hopefully, everyone will enjoy my topics.
I read a lot about cooking, baking, budgeting and child-rearing, so this is not going to be all my own advice or tips. BUT, I will share things I've learned from my own experiences as a Mother and Homemaker that have helped us function a little more smoothly and have even saved us a few bucks. Bear with me. It might take a little while before THIS runs a little more smoothly. I do look forward to anyone else's advice or tips/techniques on any topics related to motherhood, being a homemaker, cooking, cleaning, children, etc.
Enjoy the posts to follow. Please add comments/critique regarding my posts. Feel free to give your own advice. Thanks, in advance, for reading!
I read a lot about cooking, baking, budgeting and child-rearing, so this is not going to be all my own advice or tips. BUT, I will share things I've learned from my own experiences as a Mother and Homemaker that have helped us function a little more smoothly and have even saved us a few bucks. Bear with me. It might take a little while before THIS runs a little more smoothly. I do look forward to anyone else's advice or tips/techniques on any topics related to motherhood, being a homemaker, cooking, cleaning, children, etc.
Enjoy the posts to follow. Please add comments/critique regarding my posts. Feel free to give your own advice. Thanks, in advance, for reading!
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