Saturday, February 28, 2009

Books Don't Have To Be New To Be Enjoyed

If you enjoy reading a good book like I do, one way to save money is to take advantage of used bookstores.

They're a great alternative to having access to reading material you enjoy, at an affordable price. Of course, you probably won't find the books that are on the current best sellers list. However, they have many great books that may be older. And if you haven't read it yet, it's new to you, right?

Most of the books I find are in very good condition. They may have only been read once. For instance, I'm reading a series of books right now that have twelve in the series. The price in the regular book store, new, is $14.99 per book. Yesterday I paid only $3.95 for book no. 4 in the series at my local used bookstore. That's a saving of $11.00. Needless to say I was very excited.

The books in a used bookstore usually have two prices on the cover. One price is with "trade in". The other price is what you pay if you haven't brought in other used books to trade with. All this means is that you bring your old paperbacks to the store and they give you credit for each one. It's a great way to get rid of old books that are just laying around the house. Also a wonderful way to help a local small business while at the same time putting a little extra money in your pocket.


They're used, but so what?


My daughter is reading the Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. I paid full price for these books. Yesterday I saw this series at the used bookstore for one-quarter of what I paid. You can encourage your kids to read at an affordable price too.

Your whole family can get many hours of enjoyable entertainment, and reading is a great stress reliever for everyone.

Make reading fun for the whole family. Have a family reading night. Take turns discussing your books together. This is another way to talk to each other and it helps keep the family close. We all need outlets right now and that includes our kids. Don't think for a minute our kids don't feel stress too.

Keeping lines of communication open with our kids is important and this is another way to achieve this at an affordable price.

We all deserve to relax and enjoy a good book!

Friday, February 27, 2009

Republicans Not Credible When They Cry About Spending

There is a huge divide in the Haves and Have Nots in this country and it's getting downright ugly now.

The Republicans, the party of the Haves, are frankly out of touch with middle America and most middle-class Americans are fed up.

President Obama is trying to boost the economy and get it going again. Republicans keep saying the Obama Administration is increasing government spending. Well, the GOP didn't seem to be too worried about government spending during the Bush years. Especially when you were the recipient of all the tax cuts and perks you received. I guess that was okay.



Now that the poor and middle class are finally getting the help we need you worry about government spending. Republicans are the party of spending, too; just take a look back at history. The country always goes south during the times when the Republicans have been completely in power. High deficits, tax cuts for the wealthy and deregulation are just a few of their hallmarks.

If the Republicans are so worried about government spending why don't they all take a pay cut or better yet give up their pay for a few years until the country is back on track? Especially you, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. You want the people of your state to not receive extended unemployment benefits. Why don't you give up your paycheck too, and see how it goes? Also give up that big mansion you live in courtesy of the taxpayers in your state. Yes, some of them may be unemployed. People need unemployment insurance right now to pay the bills and feed their families. Come on, Mr. Jindal, why don't you give it a try? If the Republicans want America to cut back they should be willing to do the same. I'm sure they all have plenty of money to get by with. You expect us to get by on nothing; then you should be willing to do the same. Don't expect more from others than you do from yourself. That's how I was brought up!

If they don't get paid we'll see how fast they can come up with a solution. I'm sure we will all be amazed at how fast they can solve the problems that we the poor and middle class are facing right now if it hit them in the pocket book too.

Republicans should come up with fresh ideas, not the same ole stuff. Look at the last eight years. Wake up; it didn't work! People are getting more and more upset with the GOP.

One last word of advice for the Republicans: You can't win elections without the poor and middle class on your side.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Obama Again Shows His Leadership Skills

"We will recover" stated our President. Last night's speech reaffirmed in my mind that I made the right decision when I voted for Barack Obama last November.

President Obama delivered an inspiring speech to a joint session of Congress and our country. He spoke about energy, health care, education and the auto industry.

I'm positive this man is leading the country in the right direction. He is committed to the people of this country and especially our children. After only 35 days in office he's doing an amazing job.

The GOP has done nothing but say "No". However, I haven't heard one inspiring person nor have I heard any new ideas. They have the same old stale ideas such as tax cuts for the rich. Don't they realize that prosperity really doesn't trickle down, but actually rises up. The nation isn't upset with the poor, they are mad at the rich.

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is the GOP's "rising star". If that is all they have they certainly have a long hard road ahead of them. You don't win elections with this type of uninspiring and strange perfomance that Mr. Jindal gave in response to President Obama last night.

Lousiana got kicked in the teeth by the Republicans during Hurricane Katrina. Yet here was Bobby Jindal trying to use that as an example in the GOP's favor. The only word I keep coming up with for Mr. Jindal is strange.


Good, inspiring!



Strange.


The American people are well aware that we have a long hard road ahead of us. However, Republicans are not making it any easier. We are Americans first, not Democrats or Republicans. This country is in trouble and we need to come together, which has been what President Obama has continually said.

The people are mad at the Republicans for what's happened the last eight years. We spoke loud and clear in this past election, but somehow they still haven't gotten the message. Without new young blood and fresh ideas from the GOP they have no hope of rising any time soon. If all they have are people such as Bobby Jindal, Sarah Palin and Rush Linbaugh, then they are in deep trouble.

The world is changing all around, but the GOP remains standing on the same platform that the train left behind months ago.

I will leave you with these parting words from our President. "Someday," he said, "years from now, our children can tell their children that this was the time when we performed."

That's a responsibility we all share -- Democrats and Republicans.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Mean Kids: They're Out There; How Do You Handle Them, As A Parent?

How mean can some teenage girls be? Very mean! Now how do I know this? I was a teenaged girl, and now I'm raising a teenage girl.


The hardest part, I'm finding out, about being a parent is knowing that you can't stop your kids from getting hurt. Part of being a good parent is knowing when to get involved and when to just let them work it out for themselves.


Some teenaged girls are very mean and my daughter is finding that out right now. The hardest part is finding out that the person you thought was your best friend is really in competition with you and truly isn't your friend.


Being a teenager is tough enough as it is, especially today. When the person you thought was your friend stabs you in the back it hurts. Not only does it hurt your child, but as a parent it makes you mad and hurts you as well.




How you handle any situation with your child is always tough for any parent. Do I keep quiet and let her continue to get hurt or do I say something? You try to handle it calmly, but emotions sometimes get in the way.


The best way I found is to bring it to their attention, and hope they make the right choice to not hang around with the offending "friend" any longer. However, you can't choose your kids' friends for them and as long as it isn't anything harmful to their bodies like drugs or any substance, sometimes you have to watch from the sidelines.

The thing about my daughter is that she always thinks the best of everyone. She doesn't want to believe anyone would intentionally want to hurt her. However, that's not always the case. If this was the first instance, I would've shut my mouth, but this is the second time and I had to say something to her. I don't trust this particular so called "friend" and with good reason. I guess it doesn't matter what I believe; my daughter has to come to terms with it in her own way.

However, this so called friend of hers is a very lonely, unhappy person. My personal belief is I think hurting others makes her feel better about herself. My daughter feels sorry for her, but you can't be friends with someone you feel sorry for. Especially if hurting you makes them feel better about themselves. That isn't friendship; it's abuse.

The awkward part about the situation is that not only do I know this child, but I know her parents as well. She has proved to my daughter before that she isn't really her friend and she's doing it again to her. I have to let my daughter work this out for herself, but when you're a parent, that's the most difficult thing to do. That being said, my daughter is smart; I brought her up the very best I could and I trust her judgment.

She told me last night, "Mom, trust me. I can handle this," and I know she is very capable and is intelligent enough to take care of this situation her own way. So now I sit back and pray and bite my tongue.

The Internet is where this situation came to light, and that's something that I never had to deal with as a teenaged girl. The Internet and Instant Messaging isn't always a good thing. People can be mean and stab you in the back and not have to face you. Basically, it's just a new way of how someone can be a coward. Just what we all need to complicate raising our children!

I recently read this on line. If you're like me -- raising a teenage girl in today's world -- I believe it's worth taking a little time to read.

If I'm thankful for anything during this time it's that my daughter and I have an open relationship. We talk and I hope I guide her in the right direction. The hardest part about being a parent is knowing when to back off. Believe me, I know how hard that can be!

Monday, February 23, 2009

Another Food Tip To Save Money: Leftovers!!

I recently found a brand new recipe that I tried. It's another inexpensive meal and also filling. This is another casserole-type dish. This particular recipe's also great because the vegetables are mixed into the casserole, so that's one less pot to dirty. Great for a working mom to just throw in the oven, and it's ready in under an hour. I almost feel like Rachael Ray; however, it isn't a 30 minute meal. Close, though!



CHICKEN VEGGIE BAKE

1 package (6 oz) stuffing mix (any flavor )
1 1/2 lb. chicken tenders (cut into bite size pieces)
1/3 cup of sour cream
1 can of condensed (10 3/4 ounce) cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup
1 bag (16 oz.) frozen mixed vegetables (thawed and drained)


Grease 13X9 baking dish

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Prepare stuffing mix according to directions on box. Put on the side.

Mix chicken, sour cream, soup, and vegetables and put in the greased baking dish, top with stuffing.

Bake 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked through

Serves 6

If you make this recipe, remember to put the frozen vegetables in the refrigerator to thaw. I usually place the frozen vegetables in the fridge the night before I make this dish. However, if you forget or decide to make this at the last minute, I'm sure you can partially defrost veggies in the microwave oven.

I served this meal with applesauce on the side. It was a hit with my family and there was enough left over for lunch the next day.

Many times I have leftovers and there isn't enough for dinner the next evening. What I do is heat it up for lunch. Everyone enjoys it because it makes lunch a little more interesting. Sometimes I'll throw in a tossed salad with the leftovers and there's a wonderful lunch everyone will enjoy!

Another way to save money is by making sure you eat leftovers. If you don't want it for dinner why not lunch? My family is great about eating leftovers, but if you have picky people in your family it may not be as easy to pass it off. However, remind them no one should be wasting food with this economy. Many kids go to bed hungry every night; we need to be thankful for what we have.

I hope your family will enjoy this hearty and inexpensive meal!

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Casseroles A Great Way To Stretch The Dollar

Meals on a budget are sometimes hard to come up with if you don't have an arsenal of recipes on your side to help. I have a lot of them and I'm one of those people who love to share a recipe with others. These people who say it's a "family secret" drive me crazy. Why not share? I've never understood that side of people. That being said, I'm going to share some of my family's favorite budget meals. Your family will never know it cost so little to prepare!

Tuna Noodle Casserole is very easy to make and cost efficient. My family loves it and it's great when I can make them something they enjoy and still keep my food budget in tact. This is a recipe I found in a cookbook and added my own touches.

I believe in women helping women. Sharing a recipe to help feed someone's family in these trying times is a small way to help others.



TUNA NOODLE CASSEROLE

1/2 bag of egg noodles (Medium to Large Noodle)
1 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cans, 10 3/4 ounce can condensed Cream of Mushroom soup
2 1/2 cups milk
2 cans tuna in olive oil - 9 1/4 ounce can (not drained)
3/4 cup of grated parmesan or romano cheese (reserve 1/4 cup) for top of casserole
1/4 cup of Italian or plain bread crumbs for top of casserole
additional butter for top of casserole

375 degree oven

Cook noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.

In a separate bowl mix 1/4 cup of Parmesan or Romano cheese with 1/4 cup of bread crumbs and set aside. Spray a 3-quart casserole dish with cooking spray; set aside.

Meanwhile, in a saucepan cook celery and onion in butter till tender but not brown. Stir in the flour; stir in condensed soup. Gradually stir in milk and 1/2 cup of Parmesan or Romano cheese . Stir continually over medium heat till thickened and bubbly. Carefully stir in tuna with oil and the cooked drained noodles. Stir till well mixed.

Turn noodle mixture into casserole dish; spread evenly. Sprinkle top of casserole with the cheese and bread crumb mixture and dot with butter. Bake, uncovered, in a 375 degree oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until top is lightly brown.

Makes 6 servings

Serve with a vegetable or salad and it's the perfect meal. This is delicious and hearty. The best part is, it costs very little to make. This won't break the budget!

My twist to this dish is the cheese in the casserole and the cheese and bread crumb mixture on top. I also think it's much more flavorful with tuna in olive oil. However, if you want to use tuna in water by all means go ahead. Just make sure to drain the water out of the tuna before adding to the mixture. Experiment and see what you and your family enjoy most.

I think the fun part of cooking is changing it a little. Come up with your own variations. Try little things and see what you and your family like best.

Enjoy this meal!

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Those Old Standbys, The Coupons, Still The Best Way To Save Money

Let's face it: the economy isn't getting better fast enough for most Americans. Even though the Stimulus Bill passed, it's going to take a while for us to see results. In the meantime, most of us have to find ways to get through.

One of the ways I have found to get more "bang for the buck" is coupons. I've always clipped coupons, but even more so now. You have to be careful, however, and make sure the coupon is really the best deal. Stores have their own products, so be a little flexible and make sure to take advantage of the best deal possible. I've noticed no difference in taste or quality, for instance, in a Meijer-brand product versus a name brand product.

Every week in the mail I receive flyers from five to six different grocery stores. Try to take time and go through these and see where you can find the best deal. Sometimes it's worth it. You may find several things on sale to make it worth a trip. If you have a coupon PLUS the sale price, you can really save quite a bit of money.

Another way to save money is with coupons online. Almost everyone has a website now so before you make a trip or go out to dinner check the websites for coupons or special offers. You will be surprised what you can find out there.

You can even find coupons in junk mail. So make sure to go through your mail carefully; you may be throwing out money!




I receive most of my coupons in my Saturday newspaper. I go through and clip them right away. Don't be ashamed to go out and buy two or three more papers if there are a lot of good coupons. You can save even more money. You'll also be doing a good thing for your local newspaper. Let's try to keep all the American jobs we can. Especially now that newspapers are having such a hard time too.

One more way to save money is discount cards. Make sure you have them where you need them. Even the movie theaters have discount cards. Every time you go to a movie give them the card and you get points. They give you things such as a free popcorn, soda, or even a free movie pass. Discount cards are free and it pays to ask if you don't know. I have a card for our movie theater and have already gotten free popcorn by only using it twice.

There are hundreds of coupons in circulation. Make sure you take advantage of every one you can. Everyone has to do what they can to get by and clipping coupons is still the best way to make your dollar stretch.

One thing you must remember, however, is to check the dates on these coupons. Make sure they haven't run out. What I do every week after I clip my new coupons is to go through the old ones. Pitch out the ones that have expired. I keep them in order of date so the oldest ones are on top. You can figure out your own system and what works best for you.

Have a great weekend and start clipping those coupons!

Friday, February 20, 2009

Keeping Yourself Soft And Fragrant Doesn't Have To Be Expensive

I'm a typical female when it comes to feeling good about myself. One way I can still do that on a budget that is very tight is with shower gels, lotions and bath spray.

The good thing about these products is that you can find them in just about every store -- Target and corner drug stores like CVS, etc. However, my favorite place to purchase these products is at Bath and Body Works. You can find great sales most of the time and the fragrances are wonderful, and the stores are located in most malls. You can also check them out online.

I love all their products, but my favorites are Japanese Cherry Blossom and Dancing Waters. My daughter loves Sweet Pea. Personally I think they all smell great and it just depends on your preference.

I signed up in the store and gave them my e-mail and I'm always alerted regarding sales, etc. The products range from bath products, including shampoos and conditioners, to candles.





The other good thing is that most of these products will last a very long time. With shower gel you need only about a nickel-sized amount on a bath sponge or puff and it lathers up very nicely. It smells great and is refreshing. After a long, stressful day what's better than a nice bath or shower? Light a candle and enjoy!

I still believe that a nice hot bath with products like these will do anyone a world of good. With the terrible economy now, we especially need time once in awhile for ourselves. A bath with wonderful products such as this is a very inexpensive way to accomplish this and not feel guilty.

The other thing is you don't have to spend a lot of money. Maybe one shower gel, one body spray and one lotion. It really won't cost much and you can always add items when you have a little money. That way, you shouldn't feel guility to spend a little cash on yourself.

Again, I believe these products are made in the USA, in Ohio. So feel good about that too! One compaint I have is I wish companies would start proudly displaying on their packages "Made in the USA". I pay attention to these labels and try to buy everything that is made in this country. We need to start taking care of our own people here in America. Making sure everyone who wants a job has a job. One way to accomplish this is make sure to read the labels carefully. I think it's worth the extra effort, and so will that American family who can keep their job.

Another great American pastime is baseball and I'm proud to announce that my husband is now writing for TheBaseballPage.com. If you or someone in your family loves baseball this is the place for you. Great articles and lots of historical information. Check it out, you'll be glad you did.

Have a great and stress-free day!

Thursday, February 19, 2009

Old Standby Noxzema Still A Cost Efficient Way To Having Great-Looking Skin

With an enconomy that continues to be terrible, I keep trying to find new ways to save money and cut corners.

I am 47 now, a mother of a teenager and married to the same man for almost 17 years. I have never been one during the course of our marriage to spend too much money, but now I have even cut back more.

I hope my husband appreciates this about me. I don't believe I am cheap, but I try to stretch our money as far as I possibly can.

I used to use facial products, eye creams, etc. If you're like me, you know these products can run into a lot of money. Well, I obviously ran out of these products and I refuse to spend anywhere near the amount of money these products can cost today. However, being a woman, wife and mother, I want to feel good about myself. After 17 years of marriage I still want my husband to be attracted to me. I also want my daughter to think her mother looks younger than her age.

Now how do you do this on a tight budget without breaking the bank? I found the perfect product and it has been around for ages. Now I bought this product and as far as I know it's made in the USA. It's distributed by Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio.

What is this product you ask? Good ole Noxzema. I have been using this every morning when I wake up and every evening before I go to bed. It is refreshing and the best part is that it only cost me $3.99 for a 14 oz. jar. I've been using Noxzema daily since last October and have found no difference in my skin whatsoever. In fact, I may like Noxzema more than the other products I have tried over the years.





My skin looks and feels good. My budget is in tact. I can still feel good about myself. Now I feel even better because it's saving my family the precious money we need so badly in these hard economic times. We've had one of the worst winters in Michigan in a long time and it isn't over yet. However, my skin looked great through it all!

If there is any silver lining to this economy it's that we have all learned to appreciate the small things in life. The other thing I have learned is that my family and I are a tough bunch. Over the last couple of years I have learned to cut costs and this is one area where I have made a significant cost cut. However, I am happy with the product and the results, and that is the most valuable and important part.

I am going to dedicate my next few blogs to products that can make a woman feel good about herself without breaking the budget. Especially now, we need to do things that make us feel good about ourselves. If we feel good about ourselves it can only help our family. I have done that without the expense of products that I really don't need.

Most of us have familes to feed and children to put through college. However, taking care of your skin for pennies a day won't make you feel guility. On top of that maybe I and others like me can help keep someone in Ohio from losing their job at Procter and Gamble. I hope so!