Women (and Girls and Boys) in Sports

We honored National Girls and Women in Sports Day this past weekend by attending a free program run by the NYC Parks Department. The Chelsea Rec Center hosted the event with an all day program with yoga, fishing and birding, wrestling, kayaking, lacrosse, volleyball, and more! 

It was open to both boys and girls, had healthy snacks, free t-shirts, and giveaways.  My kids had a blast trying the sports.  I was shocked that my daughter enjoyed the wrestling. It turns out there are ten girl's wrestling programs in NYC public high schools.  We've come a long way baby. 

My son most loved the birding class. NYC Park Rangers taught about bird habitats, bought birds nests, fake eggs, and binoculars for the kids to use. 

The kids and I were really surprised how much fun we had. LOL. Next year we'll be sure to bring swimsuits so they can learn how to kayak.

Birding.

Wrestling.

The packed schedule.

FREE IHOP Pancakes

We did this one year and enjoyed it, but we had to wait on a looong line. Keep in mind, only the buttermilk pancakes are free.

National Pancake Day

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Get your free buttermilk pancakes this Tuesday at IHOP.  Don't forget to tip your server on the true cost of the pancakes (not the free version).  Also, it's a fundraiser and a nice opportunity to give to the charity.

From the IHOP Pancake Day website:

Since beginning its National Pancake Day celebration in 20r06, IHOP restaurants have raised nearly $16 million to support charities in the communities in which they operate. On March 3, 2015, guests from around the country will celebrate a "Decade of Giving" with its tenth National Pancake Day at IHOP restaurants and enjoy a free short stack of Buttermilk pancakes. In return for the free pancakes, guests will be asked to consider leaving a donation for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals© or other designated local charities. 

Enjoy!

FREE Class on Frugal Living in NYC

I will be giving a FREE class on Frugal Living in NYC and beyond where I will discuss how to get by on less with style and fun!!

If you have particular questions or issues you'd like to have addressed, leave a comment below and I'll be sure to include it in the discussion.

Saturday, March 14th, 2015

10am - 11am

The Avenues School

259 10th Avenue - 5th Floor

New York, NY  10001

See you there!!!

How cool is this--three languages! Neat-o!

FREE: Kids Food Festival

Bryant Park (located between 40th and 42nd Streets and Fifth and Sixth Avenues) will be hosting the Kids Food Festival on February 28th and March 1st from 10am to 4pm.

It looks like a fun event with tons of free food samples and education on how to feed your family healthy meals.  There will be cooking demos, a scavenger hunt, and musical performances.

Free general admission,  tickets to special events can be purchased online.

Babysitter Class

My oldest daughter and her best friend wanted to take a babysitter class at the Red Cross.  Her dad and I were thrilled at the idea.  In fact, he took a babysitter class when he was a kid.  

I was a little shocked at the sticker price which was $90 for one class!!!  When I went to pay online there was a slot open for coupon codes or promo code.  Do you know what I did?  You guessed it, I did a quick search on Google and found a 30 percent off code. 

A two minute search saved me just under $30. Not too shabby. It never hurts to look!!

Go Project - Free Academic Help & Super Low Cost Camp

Go Project is a non-profit organization that offers free academic help for struggling grammar and middle school children, many of them from low income families.  New students are only accepted for kindergarten through third grades.  The program is offered to students attending schools below 14th Street in Manhattan.

The children meet in one of several locations on Saturdays from October through April.  They meet again for camp in July which is comprised of half day academic and half day creative activities.  Past years have offered fencing, dance, and drumming to campers.

The program strives for to give each child individual attention and offer a integrated environment to support the family.  Space is limited.

Sony Wonder Technology Lab

The second part of our super fun day included going to Sony Wonder Technology Labs.  I've been meaning to go to this place for years and years.  Recently, someone in my local homeschooling on-line group set up a trip there.  Unfortunately, we couldn't make it at that time, but it reminded me to finally go.

According to their website:   Sony Wonder Technology Lab is a FREE technology and entertaiment museum for all ages.  Explore exciting interactive exhibits in a dynamic state-of-the-art facility that brings technology and creativity together to make learning experiential, entertaining and fun.

The trick is to make reservations up to two weeks in advance.  If you don't, you risk not getting in, especially on busy holidays or schools out days.  Call for more info on tickets.  It's located in midtown Manhattan at East 56th Street and Madison Avenue.  

There are four floors of fun and technology.  Interactive computers teach about how computers, technology, and computer imaging work, but in original hands on ways that was loads of fun.  

Check out the kids below "catching" the computer rain with their shadows.  This was so cool and the highlight of the trip for us.

Even though it was after 5pm when we left, we still had lots more day to do.  A gymnastics class for one child then a family birthday celebration.  What a fun and filled day!!  (Just the way I like it!)

Gong Hey Fat Choy (That's Happy New Year in Cantonese)

We made it to Chinatown for the Firecracker Festival (at least for the dragons tail end of it. LOL).  It was a freezing cold day (as it often is for Chinese New Year) and we didn't hurry to make it outside since we walked there.  It turned out to be pretty good timing since we had just the right amount of time to check out the festivities like traditional Chinese dancers, spin the wheel freebies, firecrackering, and posing with Father Chinese New Year (which is what I call the man in fancy traditional garb holding a good luck in the new year sign).

Check out the assortment of "firecrackers."  Twist these suckers and out pops confetti with a bang and a mess.  Do NOT do this at home.  (I'm speaking from experience as one year that actually happened!!)

Getting this thing to pop is much easier than it looks.  You have to twist it at the base, but we all struggled to get it to explode.  I bought each of my kids their own.  They cost $3 each, there were smaller and bigger ones with prices to match.

It was incredibly neat and tidy for such a messy event.  They had receptacles for the spent firecracker tubes.

Afterwards we celebrated with yummy Chinese food at our fav restaurant and followed that up with some pastries at a nearby Chinese bakery.  From the top right:  red bean swirl, cake, taro bun, and croissant.  (Yes, I know a croissant is not traditionally Chinese but my son really wanted it, so I guess there are French Chinese folks.  Ha!  And, it tasted good too.)

This concludes the first part of our super packed fun day!

Happy Chinese New Year

The year of the goat begins tomorrow.  So many ways to celebrate.  All over the city there will be elaborate floats, dragon dances, acrobats, and much, much more.

Manhattan:

Firecracker Ceremony is tomorrow, Thursday February 19th at 11AM at Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Lower Manhattan.  We'll be there.  Should be fun, noisy, and messy.  Love it!!!

Lunar New Year Parade is Sunday, February 22, 2015 at 1PM,  Best viewing is Allen Street between Canal and Grand.

Queens:

Chinese New Year Parade, February, 21st 10AM

Union Street and 37th Avenue ending at Main Street and 39th Avenue


Many other celebrations throughout the Five Boroughs check out socialeyesnyc.com and betterchinatown.com for more events.

Waterpark in February

As I've mentioned in a few posts we recently took a trip to an indoor waterpark.   Here's the whole scoop...

In December we saw a great deal on Living Social. The deal was for about $200 for one night/two days, breakfast included plus water park passes for everyone for both days at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in the Finger Lakes. 

We then used a 25% off promotion Living Social was running,  % off with ebates or shopathome (I don't remember how much), and we had a credit from a bat mitzvah limo service we ended up canceling. There was a $30 service fee when we finally booked it, but it was still a pretty good deal.  I think it worked out to be about $170 give or take after fees.

We gave it to the kids as our big family Hanukkah present and booked it over Presidents Day weekend (Sunday to Monday).

Wipe out!!!

It's been a particularly snowy winter in Upstate New York (as you can see by the snow on the windows).  It took about 4 hours with no traffic going up on Sunday.  Snow as far as the eye can see.

As soon as we arrived we went to the room to change and headed to the water park.  We had a blast on all the rides. After a few hours, we headed to our rooms, changed, relaxed then went to dinner at the onsite Johnny Rockets. The food was okay and didn't have much selection, but it was fine.  Then, back to the room to change and the kiddos and hubby returned for more water fun.  (I had more than enough and was happy to relax.)

The next day we had our free breakfast, packed up our room, put everything in the car except a change of clothes and winter gear to go home.  Then we went for our final round of waterpark fun. 

Recap:  Oddly, the place was designed exactly like Great Wolf Lodge waterpark in Pennsylvania.  I don't think the two are affiliated.  This Six Flags resort was nice, and save for one annoying towel attendant, it was a very pleasant stay.  We went over a holiday weekend, so it was pretty crowded, but not too bad.  The Great Wolf Lodge waterpark was a little larger, but much, much more costly. 

The kids' favorites were the Lazy River and the coasters. I liked the hot tub and surf ride.

With traffic it took about five hours to go home.  We had a great time and a well needed getaway.  

Happy Hanukkah!!!

Yes, there was that much snow outside.

Crazy prices for lockers. And they weren't big enough.

That's our stuff from the greenish bag to the end.  We started the trend. When we arrive it was empty on top.  

Vacation is over!

Valentines part 2

During Valentines Day this past Saturday, February 14th we all welcomed in the day of love and kindness. And I even did some heart crafts and received sweets and a card from my sweetheart.  Then we moved on to packing and getting ready for our vacation to Six Flags The Great Escape water park in the Finger Lakes.

Fast forward to Tuesday morning at work and everyone was talking about their long weekend and Valentine's Day. Then it hit me, I had purchased cute heart shaped boxes filled with yummy chocolates for the kids and a heart shaped chocolate rose for my husband a week or two before. But on the big day, I completely forgot about it. I remember having a gnawing feeling that I was forgetting something but couldn't remember what it was. Now, I'm racing home right now to bestow belated boxes of yummy treats to my kids. Surprise!

I guess better late than never. Gotta laugh.

Summer Shoes

We suddenly needed our swim shoes ie: fake crocs and flip flops since we were going to an indoor water park. Yay for me to have organized the shoes so they were easily accessible in February!!!  I put all of my son's shoes in an over the door shoe rack.  The girls had their summer shoes in a bin in their closet. It wasn't perfect since not all of the girls shoes had mates and their feet had grown significantly since summer. But it was not too bad to find what they needed.  (Sometimes that happens!!!)

I brought my ratty old sliders that are falling apart in the foot base.  Too bad too since the rest of it is in good condition. But, it was never a particularly attractive shoe to start out with. I have to replace it but I'm funny with shoes. It's hard for me to find a pair that I like, fits, and is not too much moolah. One of these days I will.

The repair:

My husband has a pair of crocs but the strap broke.  So this past summer he purchased a replacement pair but it was too small.  So finally, yesterday I removed one strap from the too small new shoe and put it in the well fitting old shoe. Yes, I know, black shoe, brown strap. And, the other shoe is all black. Wondering if I should leave well enough alone or at least do the other shoe too to make it seem intentional.  What do you think? 

Hoarder Be Gone

I'm a bit of a hoarder and have a hard time letting go of items.  I am very slowly trying to rid us of the unnecessary stuff.

I've been meaning to put two items on Freecycle or Craigslist free section for ages, but never got around to it.  Well, today I finally did.  I have on Black and Decker Blender that works great, but the glass container broke.  The instructions said you can buy a new vessel for $10 through them, so that's a pretty good deal for anyone who is interested in a blender.  Or, someone may have vessel, but the motor broke.  Anyway, I put it on Craigslist today.  Also, I purchased a hand crank food processor years and years ago for Passover, but only used it two or three times and it didn't work great.  For free, someone may find it useful.  It also came with a slicer.  There was one nibble on it.

I updated the ice skates I had recently put on Craigslist to reflect the recent purchases.

And a couple other random things posted for sale on Craigslist as well:  flower girl dress, ice skating leotard, and Brownie vest.

In addition, I have tons of kids regular clothes and shoes and winter clothes that I have to sell, consign, or donate.

Baby steps.

Happy Valentine's Day Y'all

Hope you guys had a happy Valentine's Day!!  (I know it's not a typically Jewish holiday, but I consider it a nice, secular American holiday.  How can I pass up a day for love?)

My husband gave me a very thoughtful card that I think is so sweet and a big heart shaped box of my favorite chocolates.  Keep in mind I would only enjoy these gifts if they were frugal, and you can rest assure that they were.  The card was 50 cents from the Dollar Tree and the big box of chocolates (my favorite--milk chocolate Lindt's) were purchased for 30% off from Acme that was going out of business.  

Below I upcycled the card's envelope and made them into pretty hearts along with some cardstock scribbles my son did.

Comparison Shopping Works

My plastic sink mats were nasty looking and all mangled from having something hot placed on it.  So, I went to my favorite housewares store, Bed, Bath and Beyond to pick up two replacements. I was shocked to find out they were 10 bucks each (with my 20% coupon they would be $8 each).  Then I went to Jack's, unfortunately they didn't have it in the (mostly) 99 cent part, but I did find it upstairs for $1.99 each.  Score!!  I bought two really cute ones for about $4!  YAY!

Here are my nice, new sink mats.  Aren't they pretty?

Here's the old, yukky ones.  I had to put it on a white background for the picture or else it would fade into my countertop.  LOL.

Couponing

There's an old Jewish story that goes something like this:  A rabbi was asked to teach someone the entire Torah (Jewish bible) while standing on one leg. The rabbi replied, "Treat your neighbor like yourself.  The rest is commentary."

Well, that's how I feel about couponing.  The basics are to combine a coupon with a sale.  That's how you get the great deals, freebies, or money makers.  Making it all come together is a little more complicated.

Visit sites like couponmom or living rich with coupons which match up stores and the deals which go with coupons.  They often have links to a coupon site where you can print your coupons through websites like Smartsource, Redplum or coupons.com.  Also, pharmacies like Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens are good places to coupon as well.  In the age of smartphones there are several apps that you can use to double or triple dip earning additional savings such as Ibotta or savingstar.  Target has their own app called cartwheel and many supermarkets have their own e-coupons.  As you can see, it gets a little complicated, especially when you get into situations where you have to buy multiples of a certain item (with multiple coupons) to earn a discount, have coupon with an app deal, or have a certain scenario where you have to make multiple transactions.  It can be fun and financially rewarding, but it also takes some effort.  

Within the Five Boroughs it is more challenging since we don't have many supermarkets that have significant deals (such as Associated, Met, Fairway, etc) and I've never seen a NYC supermarket double coupons even if sister stores in the burbs regularly double (or triple) coupons  (like ShopRite and A&P).   I have gotten great deals and even freebies at Whole Foods since they offer their own coupons (which you can printout online or get a flier in the store) and match that up with a manufacturers coupon.  I also love to shop at Bed, Bath, and Beyond since I always carry multiple 20% off coupons with me and can apply that to their clearance items.  Love that!!!  There's also a Rite Aid, CVS, or Walgreens on every street corner and good deals can be had there.  However, if you travel to friends or family outside the area, that's a great time to visit the discount or double couponing supermarkets.  Plus, Walmart (which is not in NYC) price matches and takes coupons.

As a disclaimer, I am not a huge couponer.  I do use them, especially since my husband works in NJ and has access to supermarkets that double coupons, but I don't get multiple newspapers or buy from clipping services.  Nor do I spend every evening scouring the internet for coupons for the weekly deals (though I do so when I can but not as often as I'd like).  Mostly, I get my deals by knowing the best price and then stocking up when the lowest price becomes on sale.  (More on this in a later post.)
In addition, I'm pretty health conscious and won't buy many packaged goods since they are chock full of additives and preservatives.  I'd rather make it by scratch, spend a little more for a better product, or just do without it.  Plus, I keep kosher and many packaged foods or meats on sale aren't kosher.  However, NYC does have many awesome places to shop, though it does pay to know prices and quality (as always).  Aldi's has good prices, though is pretty no frills, folks swear by their produce costs as well as many of their specials.  Costco, Manhattan and Brooklyn Chinatowns (for produce and Asian foods), and various ethnic markets, have prices that are exellent.  Jacks and Lot Less are discount stores that also sell food and can often have great deals.  I cannot emphasize enough that you have to be able to recongize a good deal down to the ounce, otherwise it will be impossible to tell if a product is worth purchasing.

Be Cheap With Calories Too

I don't like to miss out on my favorite foods. However, I've found a good way to get the most out of what I eat.  Only eat what you like, including indulgences like cake and candy. For instance, if I only will enjoy the frosting, I'll discard the cake.  If I won't enjoy it, why bother?  But moderation is the key. If you overdo it, you'll be sorry.  An example is that I might have some batter, but not eat the the homemade cupcake. (It's hard to pass up batter.  Mmmmm.  It's so yummy!)  Also, if I'm eating something that I'm not enjoying, I'll discretely spit out the remainder in a napkin.  Food is such a pleasure, don't waste your time or calories on something you won't like. Just my opinion.

Interesting things

I do a ton of walking around New York City and every so often I come across something that is just...interesting. So I thought it might be nice to post pictures of such things every now and again.

Here's a couple:

This is a two in one 1) the notice says to not do graffiti, which was obviously ignored and 2) why would anyone care if a plain plywood board had graffiti on it.  Hmmm.

While walking past McDonalds the other day I spied this lit up like a Christmas tree bicycle through the window. Pretty neat-o. (Where is the power source?)

Mid Winter Break - Free Programs at Boys Club & Girls Club

Boys Club of New York has full day free programs for registered boys from Wednesday, February 18 to Friday, February 20 from 8 am to 5:30 pm.  Swimming twice a day, sports, other programs, and meals.

Lower East Side Girls Club (no affiliation with Boys Club) has free programs on Tuesday, February 17 through Friday, February 20 from 11am to 5:30 pm.  Activities depend on the day but may include sewing, audio production, coding, Chinese New Year celebration, voice lessons, photography, and much more.  Lunch will be provided.

Also check out your local library which also have activities.

Amazing

The other day, the most amazing thing happened. My amazing husband bought a coat. Not so amazing sounding, but wait, it gets better. 

For years he's been saying he needs a new coat. It's ancient and falling apart. Fair enough. This year he decided to go through with it. About a week ago, when stores were having their winter clothes on clearance he made his move. He went on the Cabella's website (a brand known for its durability and would have styles he likes). My husband hates shopping, has very conservative / boring taste in clothes, is very rough / messy on clothes, and doesn't mind or notice if its ripped or stained. Plus, he's a big guy and it's hard to find clothes that both fit and he likes.

Anyhoo, he sees a $250 coat that's on sale for $99. Then goes through shopathome.com for an additional 8% savings. But it gets better, he does a search and finds that raise.com is selling gift cards for 10% off.  So in the end, he gets this $250 coat with free shipping and no tax for about $80.  AMAZING!!

I left out the part that when we we first met he was in debt (just a little) and refused to return anything. He is still motivated by convenience over saving.  But man-o-man look how far he's come.  So proud!!

Schmattas

My 7 year old (almost 8 year old) suggested that I post about schmattas.  A schmatta is Yiddish for rag. In our house we don't have paper towels or paper napkins. Instead we use cut up old clothing. This is what we use instead of paper towels 99.99 percent of the time. (One of the few exceptions is that my husband likes to have actual paper towels for draining french fries.) 

When clothing becomes unusable, they go under the sink and at a later date I decide if it's the right material that would be good for being a schmatta. I then cut it up, put it in a pretty bin by the sink, and use it. When soiled, I throw them in the  wash to be reused. I prefer cotton cloth with no logos or printing.  Whatever material is left over, the kids use for crafts, sewing, or I donate to the clothing recycling that accepts non wearable cloth. (I also donate unwearable shoes and belts.)  There are many such places throughout the city including in Union Square Park on Saturdays and Tompkins Square Park on Sundays that accept nonwearable cloth and material.

We also used cloth napkins that were mostly purchased from garage sales, given to me, or I purchased eons ago.  Both the schmattas and cloth napkins usage has greatly reduced our paper product bill. Plus, I think it makes meals a little more special to have cloth napkins.

It's crazy to buy something just to throw it away.  Good for the earth good for my wallet.  Can't beat it!!!

Kvell

Look at the beautiful picture my oldest daughter drew.  Good job, sweety!

Shower Curtains

Save yourself some aggravation. Don't toss those plastic shower curtains, save them to use as drop cloths for all of your and your kid's messy art projects.

My older girls now use it when they have nail polish fun. The heavy duty liners are especially nice.  Keep 'em where the kids can grab 'em. Let the kiddos know when they do something messy or artsy or even close to potentially messy they need to have that underneath.  It really works!

Cheapskate moves...toothpaste

Just a pea sized dab of toothpaste is all you need. More than that is just a mouthful of soap that you have to spit out. A complete waste.

When the tube is "empty" after pushing up all the toothpaste you can and squeezing the top inwards to get it all out, cut the bottom seam off and insert your toothbrush to get many more uses.

More cheapskate moves...

Constantly check the recycle piles in your apartment building or on the street.  I've found awesome treasures large and small over the years. So many folks put things out that are in great shape and want someone to take it home. Yesterday I scored big time!!!  Two great cook books in first rate condition (see picture). I also regularly raid recycle bins for coupons and "box tops" from Cheerios and other containers for my kids' school. 

I've rescued CDs still in the wrapper,  magazines, a patchwork quilt, decorative items, and much much more. Anything can found, one time I got a fabulous dinosaur backpack that my son loved and used for a year (before he lost it). 

What were your scores???

Can't wait to use these!!!!

I found these this morning and had to run back upstairs to drop them off.  LOL.  They look really good. 

Cheapskate moves that will save you money

To extend the life of your sponge, just cut it in half. It turns out you really don't use the that much sponge at one time. Try it and see.

Plus, you can put in the top rack of the dishwasher for a deep clean as well as microwave it for a few seconds to kill the germs.

Spongebob Birthday

My son decided that for his eighth birthday he wanted to take a few of his friends to see the new Spongebob movie.   However, he wanted to go the opening weekend to make sure no one had seen it yet.

I searched the internet for a Spongebob cake I can make and gave it a whirl.  Historically, the cake part of my cake never really comes out tasting great. Taking past experience into consideration plus I was short on time, I went with two box mixes (which I always keep a couple on hand for emergencies that I buy on sale).  The buttercream frosting and filling was made from scratch.  The filling was enhanced with vanilla pudding mix and chocolate chips.  All of the three pounds of confectioners sugar were purchased for about two bits each (that's fifty cents) two Black Friday's ago at Acme when they had triple coupon deals. (So sad that Acme location is closing.)

The cake didn't come out too shabby, if I do say so myself.  It was really down to the wire and I couldn't get some of the colors right.  That brown was a killer and never really came out.  I even had brown food gel but it was too light so I mixed in black, red, blue, orange, and some more black and got something closer to dark brown.

Here's my work station.  What a mess I made!!

I think it came out pretty good considering how crappy it started out and the color issues.  :) I bring piping bags with icing and monogram the plates for the kids.

More work station prep goodies.

The aftermath!   I snagged some tables at the movie theater.  The yellow plates were from a birthday party of years past (don't remember whose or what birthday) and the "8" candle was reused from a previous kid.  Lol.  Napkins, white tray, lighter, and plastic forks were extras from my daughter's bat mitzvah. 

Unfortunately the ticket price and cost of movie snacks were full price. Ticket price was even extra because it was 3D. Birthday boy and parents were complementary though.

My son and his guests had a great time and that is the most important thing!!!

We went to the Regal Theatre in Battery Park City.  OMG. You have to go through the gorgeous Conrad Hotel to get to the theater.  One entrance is the amazing lobby, the other entrance passes fancy  shops and restaurants. 

Check out the lobby...

Another duct tape masterpiece

And one more duct tape beautification project.  This one was also at my request. Who knew duct tape and tin cans can be so useful???

Birthday Gift

My middle child (age 10) was invited to a birthday sleepover party for a very close friend. We decided on a gift card as a gift but crafty girl wanted to make it extra special.

Here's the outside of the packaging. 

(Notice the duct tape on the dresser.   One of the many reasons I don't like to spend a lot of money on their furnishings as they will "decorate" it.)

The gift card makes a divider to place the candies.  The materials are: duct tape and other decorative tape, tin can from dinner preparation, candy, and gift card.  My kiddos are really into all things YouTube, and that is where she found this idea.  Pretty neat-o.

Photo credits are from this crafty girl.

Crafty craft girl

Last April during take your child to work day, my girls decided to decorate my office tape dispenser and stapler. Fast forward to February, and I find that my pencils and pens have no home. I asked my middle daughter to beautify an extra tin we had.

Here is the trio...

And here is the close up of the pen holder...LOVE IT!!

Meds

As I've discussed before on this blog, I'm a long time migraine sufferer.  For about a year I've been going for acupuncture treatments.  Though my headaches have GREATLY reduced in both severity and frequency, I still get them. At my last appointment, I asked my acuputurist if he knew of teas or herbal medicine I can take to prevent or treat the headaches. I still take prescription medication when I get headaches, but I'd like to lessen the need for it.

This is what he suggested:  

It costs $1.99 and I have to take eight teeny ball shaped pills three times a day.  Looks like it has good stuff in it.

It pays to shop around

My favorite purse is actually a backpack.  I love it and use it every day. I love it so much that one of the straps was tearing from the bag. Since it is made of thick leather, sewing it myself was out of the question.   So I went to my local tailor who wanted $25, I then asked the shoemaker by my office who wanted $15 to $25, then I asked the shoemaker up the block who wanted $5.  SOLD!  Later that afternoon I picked up my bag and it's as good as new.   Yippee!!

Lunch for less

One of the best ways to save money is to make your own lunches. They do not need to be gourmet or fancy. Whatever you do don't go to a restaurant, deli, or food court to get your mid day meal. Instead, make it.  Leftovers, pb&j, tuna sandwiches are all are great options. 

For those who work in offices or work from home, other ideas are to leave ingredients in your office fridge.  I premake, then freeze rice to add as needed to meals. I also love certain low cost premade in the box meals.  Check to make sure it doesn't have too much salt or additives. In addition, I keep a tub of Greek yogurt either to eat with honey or to add in with my favorite Indian food mix (see picture) and homemade, but now frozen, brown rice.  Sliced avocado on top makes it even better.  It's a great inexpensive and healthy meal.  Don't forget to make use of the office microwave and toaster oven too.

Another alternative is to follow my coworker's lead. He goes to a nearby supermarket and stocks the office fridge with fresh salad fixings, deli meat, and bread.  At lunch he then assembles his meal.

Be creative, you'll save money and your wallet and waistline will appreciate it.

Opportunity strikes

When my son and I were walking home today we spied a giant box of humongous, beautiful lemons and oranges which was left out for passers-by to take. We were so thrilled, we loaded up our bags and took a whole bunch of them home. Perfect timing too, I was just running out of lemons and needed to restock.  Score!!

Now I have to look up lemon recipes and see if I can freeze or dehydrate them.

FREE: How to talk so your kids will listen & listen so your kids will talk

Parenting workshop to learn how to engage cooperation, provide effective responses, and encourage good behavior, and more.

Sponsored by the Henry Street Settlement at the Parent Center.