» Food

Paying More for Less at the Grocery Store

Geri — Thu, 03 Feb 2011 13:59:42 +0000

I usually don’t miss much when dealing with money. I know prices, I cut and use coupons. I know the best places to shop for the best deals. And in this economy I notice every little increase at the grocery store. But they sneaked one by me—I missed this one! I didn’t have a clue until my Mother shared an article out of one of her magazines. We are paying more for less! I know that some companies in the past have stooped to raising prices on an item while reducing the content. But it seems to be widespread as of late.

Before the article, I didn’t notice that the orange juice went from 64 fl oz to 59 fl oz. I saw no change in the packaging. My ice cream lost weight, AND went up in price. Cheese lost a few slices. Paper towels are missing several sheets. The toilet paper is thicker with less on the roll.

This is to all the companies that are wasting time trying to fool us into believing that prices are not moving up. Consider that we would much rather you be truthful and upfront about any increases. We understand that groceries are on an upward spiral—we get it! We have faith in all the brilliant minds within each company to find a way of reducing packaging, not the product and then pass those savings onto your customers in this tough economy.

For our readers, just be aware of this trend and watch the prices very closely. It will be even more important for you to watch the unit price. What are you actually paying per pound, per ounce, per sheet, etc? Shop the sales with your coupons; buy bulk; and don’t be afraid to shop other brands.

Foods for Beautiful Skin

Geri — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 13:29:40 +0000

Many of us have been on diets to lose weight or to become healthier. But there are actually foods that make our skin healthier and more beautiful. Who doesn’t want that? Here is a list of some of the foods that just may make a difference.

Water

We all know the benefits of water. Water can hydrate the skin to make it look moist and plump which makes those wrinkles look less obvious. Drink 8 to 9 ounces of water daily, more if you work out.

Olive Oil

Olive oil helps to defeat dry skin. If you notice your skin is consistently dry and flaky, you may not have enough of the good fats in your diet. Try a tablespoon of olive oil daily and see if your skin looks better.

Salmon

Salmon is said to battle collagen damaging free radicals and help with fine lines and wrinkles. Eat salmon 2 to 3 times a week or take a fish oil supplement (2,000 mg daily). Salmon has a calming effect on inflammation.

Berries

Berries are powerful antioxidants that can help reconstruct collagen. A lack of collagen can cause sagging skin which makes you look older.

Broccoli

Broccoli is high in antioxidant vitamins A and C. Vitamin C can help with skin elasticity and can help fight against skin cancer.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal (slow cooked) has lots of fiber that can help filter toxins. It is rich in Vitamin B’s which can create new skin cell growth.

Series on Organizing—Disaster Emergency Supplies

Geri — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 13:28:43 +0000

Depending on where you live in the country, you may be faced with an emergency such as a flood, an earthquake, a tornado, a snowstorm or a blackout. Being organized and prepared for an emergency is half the battle. Keep your emergency supplies in one location, either in a storage bin or in a suitcase, and make sure every family member knows where it is. Everyone in your home should know how to shut off the gas and water.

Here is a list of supplies you will want to include:

Water – a gallon per day for every family member
Food – for approximately 1 week (include protein bars)
Pet food for approximately 1 week
1 battery powered flashlight and 1 hand crank flashlight
Batteries (know what sizes are needed and how many)
Candles and matches
Blankets
Manual can opener
First-aid kit
Battery operated radio and/or TV
1 large roll of plastic and duct tape
Medical masks

Keep your cell phones charged nightly, but also keep a battery operated cell phone charger in with your emergency supplies. Make copies of all your important I.D.s, social security numbers and all prescription drugs; keep them in a file folder that you can take with you in case you need to leave your home. Keep a small amount of cash in with your emergency supplies.

In case of an emergency, have a plan for where your family will meet. Also, know where the emergency shelters are in your town.

Finding Food Storage Container Lids No Longer an Issue

Carol — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:03:35 +0000

One of my husband’s pet peeves is food storage containers. He hates them! Not for the value they add to a kitchen, but because he can never, ever find the right lid for the right container. How many of us have been in his place? You pull out a storage container, fill it with tonight’s leftovers, and then can’t find the right lid to fit.

Well, little does he know, his problems are solved. And mine too, because I don’t have to listen to him rant any more. Geri, as part of a birthday present, gave me two Rubbermaid New Premier Food Storage Containers. And I love them! Not only are they pretty to look at because of their gentle scroll work in the plastic and cheery red (or black) lids, they don’t stain or pit like the cheaper brands.

And best of all, the lids actually attach to the containers, making it virtually impossible to misplace the top. Their Easy Find Lid design allows the lids to snap to the bottom of the containers for storage. I also find that I use the lid when the food comes out of the microwave. It’s too hot to handle, but snap the lid on the bottom and your fingers are protected.

From the Rubbermaid website:

Rubbermaid is introducing a new version of its Premier food storage containers in March 2010!

The NEW Premier is made with Tritan™ plastic that resists stains and odors. Plus, Premiers have Flex & Seal™ lids that are easy to seal and remove. Part of the Easy Find Lids system, Premier lids snap to bases and other lids for easy organization and nest together to take up less room in your cabinets.

Little does my husband know, he’s getting a 24-set of containers for Father’s Day (don’t worry, that’s only part of his gifts). Who says I don’t take care of my man!

Natural Foods: You are What You Eat

Carol — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:06:00 +0000

We’ve all heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” We all know that certain foods are good for our bodies, and certain foods are not. Yet most of us, me included, still hear the calling of the junk food…”Eat me!” And junk food is so persuasive with its sugar, fat, and salt. Not to mention the chemicals that leave our bodies addicted for more.

It’s a hard habit to break, but one that has great benefits. Besides feeling better and having more energy, it’s been shown to increase our lives. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that half of the annual deaths were premature and could have been postponed by modifying behaviors including diet.

So the power of clean, healthy foods is huge. Clean foods are as direct from nature as possible, with little to no processing. They’re usually free of additives, colorings, flavorings, sweeteners, and hormones. Don’t you love those packages with a one-word ingredient list. “Spinach” You know what’s in there, and what’s not.

You don’t have to become a vegan or raw-foodie to eat clean. It’s all about the choices. Did you know that the closer to nature you eat, the fewer calories it will take for you to feel full? Clean foods have higher fiber than their processed counterparts.

So how do we start? Wipe out our kitchen pantries (and I don’t mean by going on one last binge!)? No. Start simply and take baby steps.

Toss: Do you drink soda? Don’t buy it anymore. Do you cook with corn oil? Switch to a heart healthy oil like olive or canola instead. Slowly replace your foods with the good stuff.
Assess: Look closely at your diet. If most of your calories come from processed grain, replace with whole grain pasta.
Shop: Next time you go grocery shopping, try this. Walk the perimeter of the store first and fill your cart. Why? Because the most natural foods are on the edges of the store…veggies, fruit, dairy, meat. Don’t even think about walking down those processed food aisles.
Read: Look at the food label. Does it only have a few ingredients (and ones that you recognize?) or does it have dozens? Try to choose foods with a short list, or at least try to avoid hydrogenated oils, artificial flavors and colors, preservatives, and high fat, sugar and salt.
Think: Think about the amount of nutrients per serving rather than price. More bang for your buck. Check the calories, protein, fiber, minerals, and vitamin content against the fat, sodium, sugar, and chemicals.
Cook: Not only will this save you money, but all those hidden calories in packaged meals and restaurant food will disappear. Use tricks like a crock pot or cooking extra to save on time.
Adjust: Learn to enjoy what you eat. It may take a bit of time, but once you learn to enjoy the taste of natural foods instead of salt, sugar, and fat, you’ll appreciate the bounty that’s available. If you need to do it in stages, that’s ok. Mix white and brown rice, or white pasta with whole grain until you get used to it.
Follow: No one’s perfect, and you shouldn’t expect to be either. Try to eat 80% natural foods and 20% other foods, and you’ll be way ahead of the game already.
Love: Be mindful. Love the food you eat, the person that cooks it, the taste in your mouth, and the company you’re with. Slow down and simplify.