Search Results for: blog being frugal can make you healthier

Save Money During Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flue season can not only lay you out, but it can also make your monthly budget “sick.” There are doctor visits, expensive prescription medication, over the counter medication, tissues, special food, extra heat and other unexpected expenses that can crop up. Don’t forget about the expense of missing work or special “sick” child care facilities if needed. So, how can we make cold and flu season have less of an impact on us and on our wallets? Read on. Prevention First Obviously, if we can prevent getting sick in the first place, we’ll not only have a better … Continue reading →

Detoxing Your Home

Did you know that a recent study examining infant cord blood found it to contain more than 300 different chemicals? These are chemicals that are not naturally occurring in the body. Instead, they were chemicals and toxins taken in from the mothers’ environment or consumed through food. Many of the chemicals that we come in contact with every day, through touch, breathing or eating are toxic, known to contribute to diseases from asthma to cancer. While we can’t eliminate entirely the toxins in our modern lives, we can make sure that are homes, the place in which we spend the … Continue reading →

A Little Bit Greener

I’m just about ready to give up housecleaning. Everything I read tells me it’s bad for the planet, the chemicals in cleaners are polluting the air and water and all those containers are winding up in the landfill. Of course I’m being just a little facetious, but you see what I’m saying. The more we try to do right – keeping our homes clean and germ free, the more harm we do to the environment. I’m sure that most of us are doing what we can to solve this problem but I do know that for me, using only green … Continue reading →

Are Gluten-Free Products Healthier?

For those with celiac disease, the explosion of gluten-free products is a boon. You can go into any grocery store, health-food specialty or not, and find a wealth of tasty products that are gluten free, from cereal to cherry pie. In sufferers, gluten can trigger a reaction in which the immune system attacks the lining of the small intestine. There is no treatment other than to avoid products that contain gluten, a common protein mixture in certain grains including wheat, rye and barley flour. If left untreated, celiac disease may cause life-threatening cancers. For people who have had celiac disease … Continue reading →

How to Save on Groceries without Coupons

I fall in and out of love with coupons on a regular basis. Sometimes I will go weeks or months using them religiously, until I inevitably become disenchanted with the thought of being a slave to them and fall off the coupon wagon. During those times, it is great to still be able to save money on groceries without using coupons. Get a Freezer When you have a freezer you can save money on groceries at least two ways. You can take advantage of sales and buy extra food and then store it in your freezer until you are ready … Continue reading →

How to Save Money on Your Workouts

Getting in shape does not require a major investment, however, having some items and resources can make it a whole lot easier. I’ve been on a get fit and stay fit mission for a while now, and here are some of the ways that I have been able to save without sacrificing. Just getting through a tough workout is enough sacrifice, don’t you think? Sports Clothing When I first started running, I made use of whatever I had on hand. For me, this meant diving into my standard collection of t-shirts and using some cotton shorts I bought for sleep … Continue reading →

Homemade Almond Butter

Some people are allergic to peanuts, and sometimes you just want a change from traditional peanut butter. Almond butter is delicious and heart-healthy, but it’s also very expensive, usually about triple the price of peanut butter. Since I’m a very frugal person, I started making my own almond butter. It’s surprisingly easy, much cheaper than store bought, and is delicious. Homemade almond butter can be made from raw almonds, but roasting the nuts right before you make the butter gives it a wonderful flavor. To roast the nuts, take one cup of almonds and spread them on a baking sheet. … Continue reading →

Things Married Friends Do That Annoy Single Parents

Over the years many of my friends have been guilty of at least one of the annoying habits listed below. Although they’re famous for trying to make me feel better, help out, and be supportive, at times they can do the exact opposite. As a single parent, have you run across any of these situations? Friends Who Ask About Your Ex Whether you’ve been divorced for six months or six years, for some reason I always run into friends who want to know how my ex is doing. Since we didn’t part on the best of terms, I honestly don’t … Continue reading →

10 Tips for a Green Thanksgiving

Halloween’s over, Thanksgiving is upon us, and Christmas is just a step away! It is busy time for everyone, but you can still stay green. Here are a few tips to green up your Thanksgiving: 10. Stay Home Yes, I know the holidays are usually about travel to be with family, but consider staying home. You can help reduce emissions and stress by not taking a trip this year. 9. Travel Smart Okay, I realize many will ignore #10, so if you do have to travel, travel smart. Make sure the car is working properly before leaving, check your tire … Continue reading →

Fast Food is the Devil

Okay, I wrote my title tongue-in-cheek because I love fast food as much as the next person and quite possibly more. And, it isn’t just fast food that is bad for us because sit-down restaurant food can be just as bad. You can eat out, but you need to be careful and think about what you are putting in your mouth, which is something you should be doing at home as well. A friend of mine moaned about dieting because he couldn’t have fries. Well, you shouldn’t have fries, but you can, just don’t get the 1/2 pound supersized bucket … Continue reading →