THRIFTY LIVING

I know... I know... you maybe shaking your head and saying 'what?', but I think it is imperative to discuss the topic of frugal or 'thrifty' living. Not only is thrifty living in today's economy important, but as the years have droned on, the power of the US dollar has fallen and inflation is occurring. This is why when you have gone shopping lately everything seems so much more expensive that it used to!

I went to the commissary for the first time today in I must say years and I was honestly shocked at how much money I saved! Now, I must admit that I didn't buy any meat as I have a fully stocked deep freezer already; however all of my fruits and vegetables were so much less than I was paying at Walmart and they were in much better condition! I spent about the same amount as I always do on my bi-weekly grocery excursion, but this time I purchased more! (FYI- Ladies! Do not allow your husbands to go with you! I guarantee you will spend at least $20 more than you intended to if they are there!).

This excursion got me to thinking about healthy foods and cheaper produce because let's face it, today it is honestly cheaper to eat highly processed boxed and canned foods that have caused the obesity problem in America that we face today. If you are able, in the late summer when the harvests are coming in from the summer growing season, go to the fruit/vegetable stands and purchase large quantities of products. They will cost a lot less than supermarkets and you will get more bang for your dollar. Invest in a "canning" system- there are two types out there- and can your own fruits in less sugary liquids. Believe me, you will save money and you will be eating a little healthier than the aluminum cans of fruit and veggies you purchase at the store.

If you have a yard, a small vegetable/fruit garden is a good way to go. Look at your region and growing season to find out what will grow well in your area. Also, before planting, make sure you check the soil and test it to make sure it is ready to grow healthy plants. You may also try an herb garden. These can be done is small pots in your kitchen if you live in an apartment and can't have a garden. When you are ready to harvest your herbs, wash and place in a dehydrator for cheaper seasoning than what you would spend in the store! Using fresh makes your food taste so much better as well!

Look for the sales! In anything, patience is a virtue. This goes for other items besides food stuffs. For example: I recently purchased my daughter's complete wardrobe for next winter (kindergarten) from Children's place, Penny's and Target for under $100. If you wait for end of season sales, you are going to get more for your buck!

Last but not least; put a budget together and stick to it! Try your best not to splurge and ask yourself each time you shop "Do I need this? or Do I want this?" If it is a need, then purchase. If it is only a want, but you don't absolutely need it, then you really shouldn't be spending your money on it.

Virtual Weight Loss Program

For the first time, I am happy to announce that some of my mentors are presenting a program on-line for healthy weight loss! This program is a 12-week program that includes weekly and daily emails as well as 6 webinars where you will learn about the four pillars of success as discussed in Dr. Ray Strand's Healthy for Life book. The four pillars include: low glycemic eating, exercise, cellular nutrition, and journaling. A special webinar will be provided by Licensed Professional Councelor, Aimee Francom, and will cover topics related to emotional eating. The online community will be the place to ask questions, share successes and recipes, and find all the tools you will need to successfully transition to a healthy lifestyle that has a natural side effect of permanent weight loss.
Registration is free for this program and has been clinically tested with success. Monday, January 25th, is the first webinar that will provide information and an overview of the program. So, if you are interested in dropping some pounds, becoming healthier, and feeling the best you have ever felt in your life, pop me an email.

Keeping Yourself Healthy Through the Winter

Unfortunately winter illnesses has kept our family down since Christmas which is why I chose to write about how to keep ourselves healthier during the winter months. Not long ago, my family and I traveled to California to embark on a family reunion cruise. While the trip was absolutely wonderful, we had to fly home which exposed us to a higher level of germs in our environment. Our daughter somehow picked up a fun little friend to bring home with her and by Christmas, she was ill with a very nasty stomach virus. It quickly spread to our young son, my husband, and myself within a matter of days. If you have ever had the experience of having sick children when you yourself are sick and helpless, then you know that it is not fun at all. Recovering from this violent illness was a long trek and now two weeks after being struck down I finally feel normal.

Winter brings many illness such as the flu, stomach viruses, and common colds that can become something worse if not monitored. Stopping the spread of germs is a major way to stop these illnesses from spreading to or from you and your family.

What to do:

Wash hands regularly, use antibacterial hand gel or wipes often when in public or at home. I suggest you keep a small bottle or travel wipes on hand in your purse or car to use whenever you go into public places.

If you are ill, try to limit going out in public and wash your hands regularly. Spray light switches and door knobs with antibacterial spray regularly as this will help keep the level of germs in your house lower than they would be.

Keep in mind that you do not want a truly sterile house. Germs and minor colds do help you and your children to build antibodies to help fight infections that reoccur.

Teach your children healthy habits as well as coughing or sneezing into their elbows rather than their hands if a tissue or handkerchief is not available. Schools are a breeding ground for germs so providing the necessary tools for them to use is also essential.

Be proactive rather than reactive!

New Year's Resolutions

So you are probably wondering why you have not seen a post by me for a while. We picked up my husband from Officer Candidate School on December 19th and the day after Christmas, we packed up everything and moved across the country to Georgia. We are almost completely settled in. Life has calmed down enough that I can get back into somewhat of a routine.
One of my new year's resolutions is to save money. I'm sure a lot of you have the same one. I found a great article about just that in the January issue of one of my favorite mags, Better Homes and Gardens.
If you are anything like me, my style changes every few months. So I thought that this was right up my alley. You can have a swap party! Bring anything from clothing to decor to fabric, etc. Here's how it works:
"Invite a few friends and ask them to bring items to swap. Lay out the loot, allow browsing time, then take turn choosing one new item for each item you brought. the only rule is that everything up for swap is clean and in good condition."
Have fun swapping everyone! I know I'm going to!