Sixteen years ago my husband and I bought a king size Select Comfort--the inflatable system where you can customize the level of firmness to exactly what is comfortable. The king size has two separate twin size "mattresses," so the two sides of the bed can be of differing firmness. I don't remember what it cost, but in the length of time we've had it we probably would have bought two mattresses by now. A couple months ago one of the sides developed a bulge and had to be discarded. A replacement cost $200 and will probably last another 15 years or so. Given the longevity, this has turned out to be a cost effective and more comfortable alternative to a conventional mattress and box spring. ... View related article.
You totally can't go wrong with brownies. Quick and easy to make, convenient-to-eat finger food type dessert. In case pumpkin pie is served, a good alternative for people who don't like it. They're cheapest to make from scratch, but if you want to use a mix, I highly recommend the Ghiardelli double fudge. ... View related article.
I've seen quite a bit of bad press about Paypal's security, especially when it comes to people's checking account information. A Paypal account is very useful, but I restrict mine to a credit card. You can easily dispute fraudulent charges, and the most money you can be out is $50. ... View related article.
When hubby and I eat at a Chinese restaurant, we usually have leftover rice. I bring it home and freeze it. I thaw it in the microwave with a little added water and it's as good as new. The monetary savings may be minor, but I love the convenience. ... View related article.
I was looking for a lower calorie, lower carb alternative to buns for sloppy joes and put the meat into taco shells, too. I like them topped with some shredded cabbage. ... View related article.
I have a set monthly budget for non-essential items, lunches out with friends, etc. There have been months when I was slightly under the limit, which left a few dollars over for the next month, or slightly over, which I make up the next month. I record these expenditures the same day I make them and keep a running total. It's been a huge help in terms of curbing this kind of spending, because previously I wasn't nearly as aware of what I was spending. ... View related article.
You have lots of good advice, especially about ruling out other health problem besides just overweight. The short answer about diet is to eat lots of whole grains, foods with fiber, fruits and vegetables (canned if you can't afford frozen or fresh), and make sure you get enough protein especially for your first meal of the day. Take it easy on the sugars and carbs. Invest in whole grain breads and pastas, not a cheap as plain white but worth the money.
Dried beans are inexpensive and a good source of protein and fiber. Even canned beans are not too costly. Eat plenty of eggs, assuming you don't have a problem with cholesterol. You can get quite a few meals out of a whole chicken, which is easy to roast or bake. Just throw away the skin and fat after cooking. ... View related article.
I second the advice about thrift stores. It's also possible to find big savings on individual sheets at other stores, as long as you don't worry about everything matching. I've mixed and matched neutral colors for years and it's just as comfortable to sleep on!
If you must have matched sets, don't overlook Sam's Club. I saw a king-size set of nice quality 100 percent cotton sheets there for $33 yesterday. Hard to beat that price even on sale at a department store. ... View related article.
Here's a very thrifty way to make a single-serving chocolate dessert. I've saved four containers from the pricy Warm Delights Minis, because I think they work perfectly in the microwave. So I mix up four batches of the dry ingredients at a time. Then when I'm ready to make a little cake, I only have to add the oil, milk and vanilla.
I use the Splenda/sugar mix product, so I adjusted that measurement to 1 Tablespoon. I also sometimes top the cake with a few mini marshmallows, chocolate chips and/or pecans before cooking.
35-Second Chocolate Cake 2 tablespoons flour 1 1/2 tablespoons Splenda Granular or Whey Low powdered 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon instant coffee crystals - optional, but brings out the chocolaty YUM! Pinch salt 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon olive oil Drop of vanilla extract
Spray a coffee cup or ramekin with vegetable cooking spray. In the cup combine the flour, Splenda, cocoa powder, baking powder, coffee crystals and salt until no lumps remain. Stir in the milk, olive oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Bake in the microwave on high for 35 seconds. You may need to add 5 more seconds (maybe 5 more after that, depending on your microwave)- but don't be tempted to overcook or it will be rubbery! It should be moist on the bottom and will continue cooking as it sets.
Serve with chocolate sauce, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, whipped cream or eat plain as a brownie.
(Use hot or cold leftover coffee in place of the crystals and milk to lower the calories even more.)
Total Recipe: 110 Cal; 2 g Protein; 5 g Fat; 14 g Carb; 1 g Fiber; 0 g Sugar; 0 mg Sodium ... View related article.
