Do You Buy Food Delivered by Mail?

I do. Not everyday groceries, mind you. Most of what I order is stuff I can’t find in my favorite grocery stores. Take this acai (pronounced a-sigh-ee) stuff I ordered the other day from Acai Roots. Getting an Acai Fix I read an article about the benefits of acai berries, which come from Brazil and are supposed to be among the most nutritious and antioxidant rich foods on the planet. I’ve been buying Bolthouse’s Bom Dia line of acai drinks, but a friend of ours who’s from Brazil turned us on to Acai Roots’ product because it’s supposedly an even … Continue reading

Foods that Help Reduce Colds and the Flu

My 3-year-old daughter just came down with her first cold of the winter season. Technically, winter doesn’t officially begin until December 22nd and she had a horrible bought of the flu in early November so I’m hoping this latest round of fever, sore, throat and the sniffles is not a sign of things to come. Making matters worse is the fact that my daughter refuses to take oral medication. She will make herself throw up if a drop of medicine comes anywhere near her lips. (Any prescribed medication is administered via shots—an agonizing process to say the least.) Which means … Continue reading

The Sneaky Mama’s Out the Door Oatmeal

I had mentioned earlier that one of my favorite, super healthy breakfasts is baked oatmeal. It’s a whole grain, you can add spices to it and very little sugar and you really have a completely fantastic, nutritious breakfast. On the other hand, it does have to cook. And you really can’t do oatmeal the night before and have the kids be happy about it. I do get up before my kids but I am fairly convinced that they are part Hobbit (of Lord of the Rings fame) because they must eat constantly. They literally sit up in bed and say, … Continue reading

What to Do with Old Spices

It is a good idea to clean out your spices on a frequent basis. Most herbs and spices lose their potency within six months to a year and need to be replaced. You can try to use them after that time, but as I once read somewhere, if you have old herbs and spices, then you are essentially just putting dirt on your food. But don’t give up your spices just because of that fact. Cooking with spices can be very frugal. You can make some very flavorful low cost meals with the addition of spices. So what can you … Continue reading

The Sneaky Mama’s Hot Breakfast on a Cold Morning: Pumpkin Oatmeal

I have mentioned before how the Sneaky Mama loves baked oatmeal. It is a great way to get your kids to eat oatmeal and oatmeal is packed with oodles of nutritional gems. This morning it is rather cold and rainy and so, as you may have guessed by now, we are having oatmeal. But in our house, if I make plain oatmeal I might as well make it and then throw it on the floor because certainly, that’s what my children will be doing! (Well, at least the toddlers. . .the older ones do know a little better. . .) … Continue reading

Tithing: Does God Really Expect Me to Give Ten Percent?

My husband was sitting with a coworker, Kevin, discussing faith. Kevin was an atheist who borrowed concepts from several world religions, my husband, Josh, a committed Christian. Kevin said something like, “Did you know the Bible teaches that Christians should give ten percent of what they make to their church? Can you imagine what would happen if people actually did that?” He was incredulous. “Yes, I can believe it,” Josh replied, “Our family tithes.” It’s interesting to contemplate a non-Christian’s view of giving such a substantial amount of money to a church. What becomes discouraging is realizing that a very … Continue reading

Cooking A to Z: Adobo

Adobo [ah-DOH-bo]–This sauce is of Mexican origin and is made with chilies, herbs and vinegar. It is also a dried seasoning or rub made mostly of garlic and spices. You can purchase adobo seasoning or sauce. I use adobo (the seasoning) mostly on roast chicken and pork chops as a rub. I use adobo sauce with rice or as a marinade for meat. However, living in a community that is 99% Hispanic I can tell you that in Latino cooking, adobo is as common place as ketchup, salt or pepper. My best friend puts adobo in everything: tuna fish salad, … Continue reading

What Can You Do With Coffee? Some DELICIOUS Twists

These coffee variations are soothing, comforting, and perfect for a get-together or a cozy night at home. And if you’re looking for a gift to give someone, make sure you read the coffee blends at the bottom of the blog. You can combine the ingredients and store them in airtight containers for several months. So go ahead, package some up and give them away as gifts—you’ll make new friends in no time! Iced Spice Coffee 6 cups strained coffee 24 whole cloves 1 (5 inch) stick of cinnamon ¾ cup heavy cream, whipped and sweetened Add spices to the coffee … Continue reading

Eliminate Odors In Your Home For Less

Everyone has odors and strange smells floating around their homes from time to time. Everything from diaper pails, to smelly shoes, and bathroom odors to pet odors, they all cause smells that aren’t so pleasant. With all the air fresheners, scented candles, sprays and other products available, a person could go broke trying to reduce or eliminate odors throughout the home. However there are some ways you can use everyday household items and other inexpensive products to reduce or eliminate those odors. It does not have to break the bank. Baking Soda This is the number one product for odor … Continue reading

Five Things You Can Do With Leftover Turkey

Thanksgiving dinner is over and you’ve got a mountain of turkey left. What can you do with it? After all, you can’t possibly eat turkey sandwiches for a week, can you? Here are some ideas to get you out of the sandwich rut and into turkey bliss! 1.Turkey salad sandwiches: yes, I know this is a sandwich, but it’s not your typical sandwich. Make this just like you would a chicken salad sandwich or a tuna salad sandwich—yum! 2.Turkey potpie: what’s better on a chilly day than a warm pot pie? Just cube the turkey, combine it with a can … Continue reading