Bicycle Girl: One Girl, One Life, One Bike

Going Minimalist with Cabi

2012-02-15T17:50:00.008-05:00

A couple of years ago I was invited to a party and fashion show featuring the CAbi fashion line. It's like a Tupperware party for fashion. Carol Anderson By Invitation (CAbi) is really popular among 40 year old housewives of DC. In fact, the first party I went to had someone who was on the Real Housewives of DC and the sister of Carla Hall from Top Chef. The clothes are very similar to what you find at Ann Taylor but the party/fashion show of aspect makes it really fun. After destroying (or staining) a couple of clothing items this week, I started to check out my Winter Capsule Wardrobe on Pinterest. That's when I realized that I was a fashion rut. I have limited my items but I don't have to limit my combinations. That's when I went in search of ways to wear my CAbi Emily Top. I could only imagine the top for night events but if I am going to have it in my Project 333 set it needs to be more versatile.

I came across CAbi Canary and she used the Emily top in an all CAbi capsule wardrobe. Check out some options I made using my Emily Top.

Emily & J. Crew No. 2 Pencil Skirt

Emily and Jeans

Emily, Leggings & Cardigan

Now this all seems like a no brainer but I was not being creative at all with my wardrobe. Now I can put this top into my rotation starting tomorrow!

Save Martha

2012-02-04T08:22:00.002-05:00

Boring and high falutin' she may be but she is my inspiration. When I was in college Martha Stewart was at her prime. She was on TV telling me how to upgrade my cooking, upgrade my bedding, upgrade my life. That was Martha. I never loved to cook but I enjoyed entertaining and I didn't want to be a starving student nor gain the freshman 15. So I cooked, simple stuff, but it made my home a place where people wanted to be. I think I've lost that and it's draining me (and making me fat!). I need to return to the place where cooking was essential. Now the the internet is full of resources about upgrading your life these days . So let's start with Joy the Baker's Almond Milk Steamer. It's easy, classic, sophisticated. So as you sit planning your shopping, (I know that's what I am doing) sip and enjoy the good life.

A Gift in a Pinch

2012-02-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This Christmas was my first as a married woman. I diligently knit my sister-in-law a beautiful scarf. Guess what? She is allergic to wool*. Oh what was I going to do. It was too late to get her something else. About a month goes by and I find out she's coming to town and I haven't gotten her a replacement gift yet. I don't know her that well yet but I always try to get thoughtful gifts. So here I was with about 4 hours to make the gift happen.

I know she likes wine but it was Sunday morning so I could not purchase that. I went to Target to get a few things and I figured that I would get inspired somehow. Then it came to me. She is a hairstylist and on her feet all day. I would get her something to help her relax. I went around the store and got a few items that I could put into a gift basket. That part was pretty easy. Well when I got the stuff home, I wanted to put more of a personal spin on it. I got out my stamps and personalized the gift tag with her name and a nice note. How did I do?

*I later learned that alpaca is not wool.

Vision Board Workshop

2012-01-14T19:28:00.010-05:00

I do a tremendous amount of volunteering and I sit on three boards in my neighborhood. One of those groups is the River East Emerging Leaders (r.e.e.l.) . I am the chair of the Health and Wellness committee and this year we started it off on an inspirational note.

Last year I heard everyone talking about vision boards. It sounded like a load of new age crap to me. If Oprah is doing it...eh. However, I knew that it was a hot trend so I thought I would capitalize on the New Year and make it my first workshop. In the process of planning the event, I realized that I was the one who needed to set some priorities for myself. With a new marriage, a new budget, a house to decorate, and a new career, I really need to focus. Maybe a vision board wasn't a bad idea.

Two weeks ago, 14 people came together with our facilitator Bahiyyah Parks to think about and commit to paper a vision for our lives. As people shared their boards I noticed that there were a lot of commonalities among the participants' boards. It reminded me that I wasn't the only one struggling with relationships, money, homemaking, and health. It has also made me realize that I need to practice some self discipline. If I am going to accomplish anything, I need to have a vision, set some goals and get it crackin'. No, really.

Converting to a Green Clean Household

2012-01-08T14:31:00.006-05:00

When I first started on my coupon journey I was able to stock up on Scrubbing Bubbles, Bleach and other household cleaners in mass quantities. I couldn't believe how much I was saving. I had something for every cleaning problem in the home. I continued to scour (no pun intended) the blogs for ideas on organizing my hauls because I had so much cheap and free stuff. At some point I tried to at least search for greener products like 7th Generation. Combine their coupons with a good sale, a place that double coupons and you can spend about $20 and have 6 months of supplies. Not free, maybe cheap, definitely less toxic.

While searching for the latest green deal I started reading more information about green cleaning in general. The consensus was that we need to take it back to how our grandmothers cleaned. I was especially interested as we plan to have children in a few years and it's much easier to not have toxic items in the house instead of having to lock them up. We simply needed a few multi use products, spray bottles, sponges and old towels. My green cleaning cabinet is down to four products:

Kosher Salt

Baking Soda

White Vinegar

Dr. Bronners Sal Suds

Ideas for Green Cleaning

1. Shark Steam Mop. I hated handling the mop brushes and the Swiffer Wet Jet never seems to get things clean enough. I saw the infomercial for the Shark steam mop and did some research. It had great reviews and the biggest selling point is that the pads are washable and you only need water. I have been impressed with the mop as I don't have to scrub anymore. If you wait for a sale it will be a great deal. This thing is pricey but I mop much more often because it is so easy to use.

2. Cleaning your toilet. Apparently in Elementary school you combine vinegar and baking soda to make a volcano. I went to music school so I missed this lovely science experiment. To clean your toilet, make the volcano in the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 5 mins and then get to cleaning with your scrub brush.

3. Cleaning your tub. We have an awful textured plastic bathtub. No matter what you do there is dirt in the crevices. The only thing that seemed to clean it was Scrubbing Bubbles. Yesterday I tried using a mix of baking soda, kosher salt and peppermint Dr. Bronners. While it didn't clean quite as well as my beloved Scrubbing Bubbles it smelled much better. I think after a few go arounds it will be great.

4. Cleaning your windows. I must admit that I have never cleaned my windows until this weekend. I never noticed how dirty they were until day 8 of my new cleaning schedule. The pros use newspaper and vinegar to clean the windows. I am a subscriber to the newspaper and we have the vinegar by the gallon. Yeah, no brainer. Just pour the vinegar into the spray bottle and get to cleaning.

5. Old Rags. Back when my partner was in the restaurant business we acquired a lot of kitchen towels. We now use them instead of paper towels for many household chores. This is one of those green dilemmas. Is it greener to have paper waste or use more water and electricity for an extra load of laundry?

6. Dr Bronners. We now exclusively use Dr. Bronners Sal Suds for dishes and laundry and the peppermint soap on occasion when we feel we need a "detergent". The Sal Suds goes a long way. For dishes we have a spray bottle filled with water and a tablespoon of Sal Suds. We spray it onto the sponge. If you dual sinks then put a few drops into the water. In our high efficiency washer we use 1 tablespoon per load. We haven't had any problems but you may void your warranty if you decide to use something other than HE soap.

Where I could still use some help.

I haven't found a suitable alternative to dishwasher soap. I'm afraid to use the Sal Suds as I don't want bubbles all over my kitchen. I also use bleach in the washer once a month when I clean it out. HE washers are known to start to get a musty smell if you don't clean it regularly.

What other green tips do you have to share?

(Image by Flickr user go_greener_ oz. Used under Creative Commons license. )

Five New Things I've Learned in the New Year

2012-01-07T21:21:00.005-05:00

It's the New Year and I haven't made any resolutions. I decided that I could learn to make my everyday life better.

1. I can clean the house in 20 minutes a day. I'm super lazy but this totally works for me.

2. January is the best time to buy hardwood flooring and furniture. Yes, you can expect an invite to my house this year.

3. I can stay within my calorie budget and not be hungry or even obsess about food.

4. I can read the newspaper everyday if I really wanted to. I can also tweet about it.

5. I can take my lunch everyday.

What have you learned?

(photo credit: By Flickr user jurvetson. Used under creative commons license.)

Project 333: The Consignment Store

2011-12-03T14:40:00.004-05:00

photo by concreteframes on Flickr
I'm into my third month of Project 333 and I am doing pretty well. The problem is that I didn't get rid of all of my other clothes. I put them in that room where things go to die or in the basement. I still have a basket of shoes that I still love and some clothes are just too good for Goodwill. I have to do something with all this stuff before the Washington Post gets wind that I hoard clothes and does a story on me. Step 1 is taking the clothing to the consignment store.

1. What is a consignment store?

Consignment stores typically sell mid to high end gently used designer clothing for a fraction of the cost. The buyers are pretty discerning about what they will buy to keep the quality of the merchandise in the store at a level where people want to buy them. No smelly vintage clothing here.

2. Where do they get the merchandise?

They get it from you. Most stores have criteria for what they will take so please review it before bringing all of your trashy Forever 21 mini to the store and realizing you have to take everything back home.

3. How do they set the prices?

This process varies from store to store. If you are going be a regular consigner, keep your receipts so you can prove your items value. In my experience you tell them the price you paid and the item will be 25%-75% of the price you paid for the item. It really depends on the condition of the item , the original price, and how well the item tend to sell.

4, How do you get paid?

This process also varies from store to store. The store I go to splits the profits with you 50/50 and you get can pick up a check every 30 days for the items that have sold. However if a item stays in the store for more than 30 days they reduce the price by 20%, 60 days gets another 20% reduction. After 90 days it gets donated and they provide you with a donation receipt. At least you tried before giving up on that Tibi dress.

You still have some stuff? Stay tuned for Step 2: The swap party!

DC Area Consignment Stores:

Secondi

Mustard Seed

Mastering DPNs: Wrist Warmers

2011-11-26T20:00:00.005-05:00

I haven't knitted anything in a while because I was tired of scarves. I could knit and purl but following patterns with slip this, yarn over made my head hurt. I firmly believe counting rows is for dummies. I started a scarf early this fall but I never finished. I really wanted to try a new skill. Last week I was in the library and saw a book on mittens. Many of the mittens and arm warmers seemed fairly easy to make. I also needed to make something that didn't require me to buy more yarn or needles. I settled on making very basic ribbed arm warmers. I just completed one hand and now I have mastered the DPN and knitting in the round. I learned how to pick-up knit and pearl stitches, make a thumb hole, and cast on new stitches onto the end of a row. That's several new skills on just one project. I've never had wrist warmers before but today's touchscreen cellphones make them a practical solution to needing your fingers free. No more losing gloves because I had to snatch it off to text.

Picking up Dropped Stitches

2011-11-26T04:01:00.001-05:00

I've used this like 4 times in the last hour.

Project 333

2011-11-26T03:16:00.006-05:00

I'm a packrat a heart. Both my parents and especially my father always had too much stuff. I try to quell my tendencies but it never works. I found myself with a whole lot of clothing and shoes that I don't wear and decided to do something about it. Enter Project 333.

For three months I vowed to wear only 33 items including outwear, accessories and jewlery. Undergarments are the only things that don't count. Around the same time I signed up for Pinterest and I use it work on my collection. I'm try to have a curated wardrobe I love. When I leave the house I never want to feel frumpy again. I have been doing this since October 1 and it's almost working. Some people think I'm crazy to do this. I have about 30 more days to go before I can get to rework the wardrobe for winter. I'm still trying to work in a few more pieces.

How are you trying get control of your closet?

What it Means to be me in 2011

2011-11-26T02:20:00.004-05:00

If you read this blog, the entries are pretty poorly written and full of typos. This was just a public diary with no need for formality or style. But somehow I ended up with a public health job that focuses on new media. I am now a professional new media person. Blogging is part of my day job. It has a ben a whirlwind but life has been kind. With this fast paced life I now crave this outlet again. A place where I can just talk about my life.

This is Thanksgiving weekend and I am spending time with the inlaws. Yes, I got married. Now I lead that domesticated life where I think about throw pillows and home organization. I'd love to be at happy hour but I seem to work all of the time. Since I do not do the cooking I don't work the coupon cycles as much. I step back and cringe as he buys the most expensive cut of meat. I still look for a deal here and there.

I've become obsessed with makeup and trying to do better by my hair. My skin is on point, my nails are done and all I want for Christmas is laser hair removal. All while trying to make an impact on my profession, the children, and pointing out injustice.

I've taken up knitting again. Not that I ever stopped but who has time to knit? I want to have that time. It would be nice to have something to show for all the hours I flit around the house. If not a clean house why not a pair of arm warmers? I get joy from learning to pick up stitches. See it's different now but it's okay.

Cucumber Ginger Juice

2011-07-31T08:25:00.006-05:00

I'm not much of a water drinker. I know it's the most economical drink of all. It's free (or cheap if you use a filter) after all. I need to do better and I'm always trying to find ways to get myself to drink more water. I don't drink soda or juices either. I generally don't drink anything. I'm really going to die in this 100 degree heat if I don't get myself together.

Earlier this summer I was out doing some community work and the person who was driving me around had a craving for Jamaican Food. I told him we should go to Pimento Grill in SE Washington DC. They serve delicious Jamaican Food along with fresh juices. I've been going back again and again. Earlier this summer I discovered a fresh juice drink that is mostly water and it will help me use up the cucumbers from the garden. This morning I decided to pull out my juicer and make it myself.

Ginger Cucumber Juice

2 Cucumbers (juiced)
1 Lime (juiced)*
1 Small Orange (juiced)8
8 cups of water
1/2 to 1 cup of simple syrup
1 inch of ginger sliced

*Use a citrus juicer or juice over a sieve. Do not use a regular juicer for citrus or you will tons of bitter pith in your juice.

Yesterday's Target Success

2011-07-31T06:42:00.002-05:00

Chez Southeast has been less than frugal these days. Our income is back up so I am trying to not go back to our old habits. In September we are sitting down to talk about our goals so that we are making progress. Yesterday I got back to my old ways and headed our to target. Here's what I got

2- 4packs of Shick Quattro Razors
3-9oz bottles of J and J baby lotion
1-box of J and J baby Q-tips
1-Oral B Floss
1-Target Brand Hydrocortisone (i have a bad bug bite)

I used $11.49 in coupons, paid$13.08 and received a $5 giftcard. That makes the final cost $8.05. You can barely find a pack of razors for that price these days.

Drawer Space Step Child

2011-07-10T08:21:00.005-05:00

When I moved in with my now Fiance almost two years ago, he simply would not give me any drawer space. That should have been a sign that we were doomed to a life of clutter. Daily, I senselessly search three rooms to create a complete outfit. We are getting married in two months so I finally sat him down and said "Our bedroom always looks a mess because you've never really given me any space to store my stuff in the bedroom." He had noticed that when I switched from my winter to summer wardrobe that my summer clothing is quite sparse so it's not that I have too much stuff. I have many different things that need appropriate storage solutions. This morning I have been poking around for some solutions to make it work for me. Here are three free ways to get a handle on bedroom storage.

1. Toss It or Hide It: Not so secretly I am pairing down his t-shirt collection from 90 to 30. He only wears them after work and on weekends so we don't need so many in the dresser drawers. I'm going to store them in the guest room. I did the same thing with his vitamins a while ago.

2. Boot Storage: I found boot shaperss and http://www.containerstore.com/shop/closet/shoeStorage/shelf?productId=10009590&green=2582186951 but that seems expensive. Instead I will stuff the boots with my daily paper for the next week. After that, I will put them on the high shelf at the top of the closet. In the winter I will store my sandals in my favorite shoe box in this same location.

3. Rearrange Bulit-ins: We have a built-in closet system that I have never found adequate. I rearranged them this morning making the things I use more often at my eye level.

4. One of these things is not like other: When I was heavy into cycling I amassed a significant amount of gear and accessories. I have all of that mixed in with my regular workout gear. I have packed all of the bike gear into a storage container and put it next to the bike. The same goes for my swim gear, I can barely swim. I should probably get rid of it but I want to start swim lessons in the fall. If not, to goodwill it goes.

2011 Garden Season

2011-05-01T09:25:00.003-05:00

We started the garden again this year and we are going for much more variety and with a lot more education. This year it's two 4X4 plots and a salad table. Plot number one has the herbs and peppers (and strawberries). The second plot has all the veggies. This year we are doing stuff we actually eat and in the right quantities. We've started with:

Cucumber
Spinach
Watermelon
Broccoli
Bell Peppers
Tomato

We have room for a about 3-4 more things. What should it be?

Get your self a steam mop

2011-05-01T07:28:00.001-05:00

I will never use a bucket again now that I have found the new love of my life! The Shark Professional Steam Pocket Mop. Of course I got it on sale but it's worth every penny.

Wegman's

2011-05-01T07:23:00.003-05:00

I went to Wegman's for the first time yesterday. The Mr. wanted to take a field trip and I was nervous that he would buy the whole store. I tried to clip some coupons but they claim to keep their prices low so their sales paper was pretty light on the sales. However they did have $1 off produce coupon. We did some serious damage and probably spent what I usually spend all month on groceries. He does the cooking so I couldn't say too much about the purchases and plus the money technically came out of his pocket.

I was quite overwhelmed by Wegman's. The place is huge and if you can't find what you are looking for at Wegman's, I would be surprised. What they didn't have was every part of meat like H-Mart does and they really don't need to sell beef knuckles at this type of store. They have the biggest olive bar I have ever seen and even have a chicken wing bar. It really was over the top. They have a good size of organic vegetables as well.

Eating Sensible

2011-01-27T08:38:00.003-05:00

I changed jobs and decided that I should take my lunch to save money. It's mostly to pay off these credit cards. Well it's also helped me lose weight without trying. Most containers you can put in a lunch bag aren't big enough for multiple portions. So you have built in portion control. Also if you cook it's much easier to cut out extra salt, fat and sugars. The most interesting part is that I now enjoy desert more often because I have room for it. No more 1000 calorie lunches or lunches where I have no idea. Also no more tempting french fries. They simply do not exist. We have had a few days of eating Wendy's but those have been few and far between. It's also helped my relationship because I used to get a lot of flack for not cooking.

Whole Chickens .59/lb at Harris Teeter

2011-01-22T15:00:00.002-05:00

I have never seen chicken this cheap. It makes me wonder about the quality but I can't pass up this deal. There is a limit of 4 with your Harris Teeter VIC card.

Extreme Couponing

2011-01-15T23:26:00.002-05:00

It's very easy to get sucked into your couponing. I try to keep it under wraps and only buy what I can use or donate. It can become like hoarding for some. What do you think about these two videos?

ABC News Story

TLC Extreme Couponing

Washington's Green Grocer

2011-01-13T21:23:00.004-05:00

What's better than an organic coop that delivers to you door? Heaven. This week I tried Washington's Green Grocer since the Healthy Solutions coop is inactive right now. You set up an account and input your credit card number that they keep on file. You can select a weekly, biweekly or as needed schedule. They offer organic and mixed veggie boxes. They also have meat, dairy, poultry and baked goods. You can also switch out items in the box. The another unique feature is that you can select items you never want. This is great for those who have allergies. Since it is winter most of the stuff is not local but they tell your where everything is from. Now for the the important part money.

$37.75-Small All Organic Items (includes delivery)
$34.63-Peapod + delivery charge
$15-Healthy Solutions Coop All Organic Small Box (no delivery)

Still nothing beats Healthy Solutions dollar for dollar. The coordinator had a family emergency so she is taking a break so I will fill in with WGG. The other thing is that WGG has other items and it is all delivered to your door. I think I will use them on weeks where I am busy on Saturday coop days and can't make the coop delivery pickup. But since I am mostly concerned price I think Healthy Solutions is the winner.

Hot Sephora Deal: NARS Lip Stain/Lip Gloss Duo

2010-12-10T13:31:00.002-05:00

Sephora.com has NARS Lip Stain/Lip Gloss Duo for only $10 and is reguraly $36. If you like this stuff stock up. You should have also received an email if you are a Beauty Insider for a $15 gift certificate (min. $40 purchase) and free deluxe sample of Laura Mercier Loose Setting Powder and a mini brush. They have a lot of holiday deals right now.

Holiday Craze

2010-12-04T08:03:00.002-05:00

When I was elementary aged all I wanted for Christmas were Cabbage Patch Kids. That's right plural. My birthday is also during the Holiday season so I expected to get several. I was spoiled and I always got several. This year the hot item seems to be Zhu Zhu pets. I have no idea what they are why they are coveted. I have got a deal for you I found on iheartcvs. There is a BOGO and a B2G1 deal. When you combine them together you can get 4 for the price of one. Let me make it clear how this works.

$9.99 ZhuZhu
+ $0 ZhuZhu
+ $9.99 ZhuZhu
+ $0 ZhuZhu
-$9.99 coupon
________
$9.99

Giant Food 12/3-12/9

2010-12-02T09:47:00.002-05:00

Here is what is mostly fresh, mostly healthy, and inexpensive at Giant.

Healthy
$4.77 Sweet Seedless Clementine’s (5lb Box)
.88lb Broccoli Crowns or Bunches
.79lb Kale
$1 Giant Canned Tomato (28oz)
$1.67 Giant Apple Sauce (six pack)

Possibly Healthy*
B1G1 Pork Tenderloin
.99lb Suger G Whole Chickens
$1 San Giorgio Pasta

Not So Healthy
B1G1 Hormel Bacon

*Since we do not know the source of these meats I have listed them as possibly healhty because they may have additives and hormones. I'm still in the process of figuring out if my household wants to switch completly over to hormone and antibiotic free meat exclusively. I have not done enough research on the impact of consuming these types of products. For now we are getting all natural stuff 90% of the time. We just don't want to spend more for some new marketing gimmic. We are concerned with actual health benefits. Since this blog is for everyone I will continue to list all types of deals but make it clearer what I consider to be health promoting.

Knitting Newbie

2010-12-01T16:09:00.003-05:00

About five years ago I met a wonderful woman named Sauinell Nichole. She was a software engineer by day and knitter by night. We would go out to dinner or a party and I would ask whre she got that scarf or sweater and she made all of them. I consider myself to be daft when it comes to hand eye coordination so I never asked her how to knit. I just convinced her to make me a vest.

Well this summer Groupon had a nice deal on a beginner knit class from Stitch DC. I learned to make a scarf and hat. I made the scarf right away but the hat I just got around to. Neither one of them is perfect but I think they are great for my first pieces. The hat has some unintended details but it actually looks intentional.

It takes a brush to make a great face.

2010-11-30T22:52:00.007-05:00

As you have figured out by now every three months or so I have a new obsession. Right now it's make-up. My skin is currently not becoming of me so I have worked my CVS and Youtube magic to get some great finds at great prices. What I learned is that it is less about the product and more about the application. What you really need are great brushes. I was using the same makeup as some of the youtube superstars but not getting the same results. After hours of video watching I became convinced I needed brushes but didn't want to invest and I wasn't too sure about eyeslipface $1 line of brushes. Yeah I am becoming high maintenance.

The foundation brush I have now is from Studio and I got it at Walgreens at the retail price of $6.50. I bought that because I was impatient and wanted to see if using a real brush would help me. Well it really did help. I now get great coverage from my drugstore brand liquid foundation. Also didn't need a $32 brush from MAC. According to youtube I need several brushes to get the eyes, cheeks, and lips that I want. Today I ventured over to HauteLook for the first time and they have a set of 15 NYX brushes for $54(retail $99). According to Youtube and Makeupalley.com these are great quality brushes. Here is a little round up of what I am using for now as I sit and ponder a brush purchase.

Revlon PhotoReady Foundation: Goes on light and provides full coverage without looking made up. I personally use the Rich Ginger sade. It covers all my imperfections. The problem is that I still have some dry patches and it doesn't work so well and those areas. $13.99

MAC Blot Powder: I'm not really sure what this is doing or not doing for me the jury is still out. I bought this probably five years ago but I used it maybe three times a year.

Smashbox PhotoFinish Primer: I got this as free gift from Sephora. It provides a light silky base and seems to make my foundation last longer. However I need to find a more economical product when this sample runs out. $16-$49

Studio Foundation and Concealer Brush: This double sided beauty does the coverage trick. It can leave streaks at first but just keep blending until they disappear.

Leapfrog Deal

2010-11-21T19:05:00.003-05:00

With four great nieces/nephews it is time I get on the ball and start shopping for the holidays. Today I got a great deal thanks to the Krazy Coupon Lady. Target has the Leapfrog Tag Books for $9.99 and BOG0! But wait there are two coupons that could help you get it for free.

Scenario
Buy 2 for $9.99
Use Two $5/1 coupons

Although using two of the exact same coupons is legal, (as long as it obtained legally) some cashiers may question you. You can use this $3 coupon with much less hassle.

Target also has a $10 off the starter system in their online coupon section. So for $29.99 I got the Leapfrog Tag system plus two books. I think I'm going to go back tomorrow and get two more free books for an excellent gift.

Coupons!

2010-11-19T20:13:00.002-05:00

So here is a little coupon round-up from the interwebs. Enjoy and let me know if you have others.

American Apparel via Groupon.com
$50 of stuff for $25. I don't really shop there but you might. It's an online groupon so anyone can use it.

http://www.groupon.com/akron-canton/?utm_medium=afl&utm_campaign=3125087&utm_source=rvs

Starbucks
11/18 through Sunday 11/21, Buy 1 holiday drink and get 1 Free automatically between 2-5:00 PM! You don't even need a coupon. How cool is that?

AMF Bowling Centers

$20 bowling for 4 people
http://www.amf.com/corporate/inquiries/promotions/affiliate_20off_a.amfx

New York & Company
They are having a Buy 1 Get 1 50% off everything sale.
Coupon for $25 off a purchase of $75 or more. Redeem through November 22nd.

http://email.nyandcompany.com/PS!lc4prk+uJA0FBgIAAAAGCgFICgg3MzIyMjc3MAoKMzYwMDE2NjY2OAkARt2VCgk1NTUyNTgxMjgF?EAN=

Bath & Body Works
Print a coupon for a FREE Signature Collection travel size item with any purchase. Redeem through December 1st.

http://f.chtah.com/i/34/528207786/20101102_Welcoupon2_rev.HTML

JCPenney

$10 off a $25 purchase
http://f.jcpenneyem.com/i/2/95827765/main_20101116_welcome.html

Ann Taylor Friends and Family

http://ebm.mail.anntaylorloft.com/c/tag/hBM4rssBgYd1XB8VqRIBhv/doc.html?&email=

Once again I've abandoned my blog

2010-10-16T19:38:00.003-05:00

I feel bad that I didn't tell you guys how to get not 1 but 2 free tubes of toothpaste this week. I didn't get any either because it's 8:37pm and I wanted to get to CVS today but I will not make it before they close. To make matters worse we are actually running out of toothpaste and I might actually have to pay for it!

Sales for the Little Ones

2010-10-03T11:59:00.002-05:00

So many people in my life have little pooper scoopers now. So I wanted to help a few folks out with a list of this weeks baby sales.

Walmart Deals

Enfamil Premium Baby Formula, 12.5 oz. – $13.84

Gerber Good Start Gentle Plus Baby Formula, 12 oz. – $12.97

Similac Advance Baby Formula, 12.4 oz. – $13.17

Gerber Rice Cereal, 8 oz. – $1.77
$0.50/1 Gerber DHA & Probiotic Cereal All You Magazine Oct 2010 (found only at Walmart)

Pampers Wipes, 7 pk. – $11.98

$1/2 Pampers Boxed Diapers AND Pampers Wipes 8/15 RP

Huggies or Pampers Special Pack Diapers – $25

$1/2 Pampers Boxed Diapers AND Pampers Wipes 8/15 RP

$3/2 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers 9/26 SS

RiteAid Deals

Huggies, Pull-Ups or Goodnights $7.99
$2.00/1 Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers 9/26 SS

$3.00/1 Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers, 9/26 SS

CVS Deals

Huggies or Pampers Big Pack $19.99

$2.00/1 Huggies Little Snugglers Diapers 9/26 SS

$3.00/1 Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers, 9/26 SS

$3/2 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers

Target

Buy 5 Pampers or Huggies Baby Wipes, Receive $5 Target Gift Card

Huggies Wipes, 448-504 ct $11.99

$0.75/1 – Huggies Baby Wipes, 64 ct or larger, target coupon – (target.com)

$2.00/1 – Huggies Baby Wipes, 320ct or larger – (coupons.com)

$2.50/3 – Huggies Baby Wipes, 64 ct or larger – (smartsource.com)

Pampers Wipes, 420-504 ct $11.99
$2.00/1 Pampers Boxed Diapers and Wipes 8/15 RP
$2.00/1 Pampers Diaper,Pants or Wipes 8/29 PG

Sources: Bargain Briana, The Krazy Coupon Lady

Possible Free Fage at Whole Food September 17th Only

2010-09-15T16:11:00.002-05:00

Who doesn't love Fage Greek Yogurt? Well this Friday only Whole Foods Market has Fage on sale for $1 just for Friday only. They didn't specify the size when I was there buying hair stuff yesterday. The chalkboard said save .79 cents which probably means the 5.3 or 7oz cup. But if you go to Facebook and get a Fage $1 off coupon so that could make at least one of them free. I was able to do it twice so that's two free for me.

Giant Doublers

2010-09-15T16:10:00.001-05:00

The ladies at Redemption Unlimited are reporting that there are Giant Doublers. If you have some the Barilla Piccolini becomes free.

Fresh and Healthy at Giant

2010-09-15T15:25:00.003-05:00

Where have I been? Riding my bike and jogging. I have 12 sticks of butter to prove it. I've lost 3lbs and that's like losing the weight of 12 sticks of butter. I've also been cheating and letting someone else shop all will nilly at the new Yes! Organic. He's now had the "fish is expensive" moment and will simmer down and come back to my side. With that said let me tell you what to buy at Giant until September 16th (yeah hella late). If I don't get around to posting deals in the future please remember to visit the links in the sidebar.

$1.99/lb-Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
.99/lb-White Seedless Grapes
.99/lb-Broccoli Crowns
.99-Barilla Pasta ($1/2 8/29 SS)
$9.99-2lb Bag Frozen Jumbo Cooked Shrimp
$2.99-Nature's Promise Soy Nut Butter
$3.99-Cottonelle 6 Double Rolls (great price)

Remember you must scan your Giant card or key in your phone number to get these prices.

Decisions: I really want french toast

2010-09-12T09:15:00.005-05:00

I am going to brunch today at Social 14 in Columbia Heights. I've looked over the menu from to find the best option given what I have to look forward to this week. I really want the Grand Marnier French Toast but there is one problem. I have no idea how to estimate the calories. It could have anywhere from 100-500 calories per slice. That's a huge range and today I am not willing to take the loss. I am not willing to undo all of my hard work in the gym this week over one indulgence. The thing is it could be low in calories (wishful thinking) but I won't know because I can't be sure if they use cream, how many eggs and how much butter. So I am going to have the crawfish Benedict which could have about the same amount of calories as the french toast but I can easily figure it out. Its really about knowing and not guessing on this one. On a different day when I have been eating fruits and berries and running marathons then I can have the french toast, just not today.

It's all about planning.

Impromptu Trip to Yes! Organic Market

2010-09-08T21:27:00.010-05:00

We got a juicer! Eff Yeah! I have not been able to stop thinking about the beet lemonade from Stuff I Eat. I tried to make it with our old juicer but it had lots of cracks and a terrible design which made it hard to clean. We wanted a heavy duty juicer and for the past six months but we have been a little shy about spending so much money on a single appliance. Well thanks to those trusty 20% off coupons from Bed, Bath and Beyond we now have this beauty.

We were out of town this past weekend so we didn't go grocery shopping. So what were going to juice with our fly new juicer? Nothing it seemed. That's when I got the bright idea to go to the new Yes! Organic in Anacostia/Fairlawn. They have free parking so we slid right in. The prices are pretty mixed. Somethings I found to be cheaper than the regular store while other were quite expensive. I was annoyed that the red bell peppers were from Holland. There has to be a local or even US source for the peppers.

But all organic food is not healthy. There is plenty of organic junk food. O'Griddle?

Mental Preparation

2010-09-06T17:37:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday I was tricked into a 3o mile bike ride on the Mt. Vernon Trail. I was finally on my bike after nearly a year away. I was very weary and mentally committed to only doing about half the trail. Somehow my riding partners convinced me that I could do the entire thing. Punking out ceased to be an option. We did most of the trail before bonking on the way back due to extreme calorie deficiency. I had never rode over 10 miles thus I felt extremely accomplished. I felt high that I completed such a feat and assumed that it would result in a lower number of the scale that week.

Two days later I entered the room and got on the scale very confidently. I was up 1.4lbs and I shouted "No!" very loudly. I was on the verge of tears. I didn't understand how this could be. I was so moody and I proceeded to drown myself in a slice of vegan cake. I didn't want to hear any of the madness of "maybe it's muscle" or "keep trying." Really why should I keep trying if I was going to get the exact opposite results of what was intended?

Tomorrow I have to do this all over again but this time I'm using a different measure. I have to just do what I know is right because there aren't any gimmicks to this. If the scale is up I can count plenty of other victories this week. I have to be mentally prepared, whatever the result.

Free Classic E-Books

2010-09-03T12:09:00.002-05:00

Barnes and Noble has a lot of the classics on ebook format for free this weekend. I've never looked into this before but they have a special app that you can download to read their books. So for all of us Ipod touch users we have a nice selection of e-books to download before we go on vacation this weekend. I will download just about all of them so they will be available to my future little ones.

Natural Home Products

2010-09-03T11:37:00.005-05:00

With my new (returned) emphasis on using less harmful chemicals in my home I have to figure out how to continue to save on the things I need. Today I tried Soap.com thanks to a post at Money Saving Mom. They have all natural laundry detergent for less than the store price for Tide or other brands. Use the code ISHA4460 and you get 15% off at Soap.com.

I also want to encourage everyone to try and go back to the advice from our grandmothers. There are tons of things we can do with vinegar and baking soda around the house. Living with a man has shown me how dirty a toilet can get. T0 remedy that, try mixing 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 cup of vinegar and pouring it into your toilet. Let it set for 5 minutes and then scrub away. How's that for cheap and natural?

Disclosure: If you use the discount code I receive shopping credits. You save and I save.

Update: I ordered on Friday afternoon and my products were here by Saturday morning. I've never seen such quick and free shipping service. The only problem is that Fedex Home just left the box on the porch. I'm glad I went outside before we left for the holiday weekend.

Couch to 5K

2010-09-01T15:46:00.002-05:00

This month I have foolishly decided to join the PostBourgie.com running challenge. It isn't officially advertised on the site but most of the people who have joined are in some way affiliated with the bloggers of the site.

I've always been the girl with the funny walk because I am extremely pigeon-toed . It's due to a hip misalignment I've had since birth. With that I also suffer from pettallo femoral syndrome. So my knee has a tendency to jump out of place and it sounds like I have rice krispies when I ascend stairs. The only help I can get for this is to strengthen my quadriceps to compensate for my knee. I often get swelling in my knees when it gets cold. It's made me shy about running and working out in general.

Putting all of those reasons aside, I decided that I would try my hand a jogging. When I get on the treadmill at the gym I feel hindered because I can't walk any faster without breaking into a jog. About three weeks ago I just decided to jog. Surprisingly it didn't hurt and there was no swelling. That's when I started flirting with the idea of jogging the September running challenge. I've signed up to jog/walk 25 miles this month. I know I'll meet the mileage but I really want to jog as many of them as I can. I'm sticking to the treadmill until I feel a little stronger.

At some point I would like to be able to run or jog for longer distances so I am starting the Couch to 5K program. This program starts you out with a combination for jogging and walking until you can run three miles. So in 9 weeks let's see where I am.

Yes! Organic opens east of the river.

2010-08-31T10:56:00.004-05:00

Congress Heights on the Rise and And Now Anacostia are both reporting that the new Yes! Organic Market is opening on Pennsylavnia Avenue in Ward 8. This new organic market is opening in DC today in the most impoverished ward of the city. The location will attract people from nearby Capitol Hill and Hillcrest and I feel like it will be a success.

Those of us who can afford organic foods were driving across the city to go to the organic stores. Now residents will have the option of picking things up closer to home. This is an excellent development and chain stores need to take notice. We need more access to fresh food in the neighborhood organic or not.

But what about those who are lower income or who rely on public transportation? Access isn't just about location it's also about affordability. I doubt that Yes! will do anything to really impact their access because sustenance should not feel like a luxury. People may still have to travel long distance to healthier food they can afford or continue to frequent the subpar options that are close by. It's not that poor people don't understand nutrition they just have more pressing matters to deal with first.

I appreciate that the owners of Yes! are investing in areas of DC that really need it. They were given a grant from DC Government to the tune of 900,00 to do so. This should also bring a few jobs for residents east of the river. Despite the bigger issues to contend with, this new store is over all a net positive.

Erika of the Black Girls Guide to Weightloss has a great post up today about making the switch to organic. Please read it and follow the links to find out more about making the switch and why it's worth it. My household is trying to switch to all organic foods and save money while doing it. That's a privilege and a luxury that I have. I've switched about 50% of the stuff to organic but food access issues where we live make it an inconvenience. I personally buy my produce from a coop where the organic prices are 70% less than the store. It's even cheaper than conventional. However, if I can't make my co-op delivery I will spend my money at Yes! .

Places to Play in Congress Height and Anacostia

2010-08-29T06:31:00.006-05:00

For those of you don't know I have a Masters in Health Behavior and Health Education. I focus a lot on this blog on changes that people can make in their own lives such as eating better and saving money while doing it. However, making changes in your life is directly impacted by one's access. Access to a grocery store and the ability to buy food not just in the moment. Now that we have one grocery store in the Ward that helps a person not depend on the carryout when they don't have time to go cross town or to Maryland just pick up that onion.

The same goes for physical activity. When a person has real access to safe, affordable places to play we can improve the health of a community. So here is round up of the offerings in the area.

1. Spirit Health and Wellness

Union Temple Baptist and other partners worked together to put together a gym on the top floor of the new Salvation Army building on MLK. It offers 20 cardio stations, circuit training, free weights and lots of cardio classes. All of that for $20 a month. The locker room is sparse with no blow dryer or towels but for that price we can't expect those premium items.

2. Heat Haven

I haven't been here yet but I have walked past this place located on Good Hope Road. This studio offers a variety of spinning, yoga, Pilates, senior and youth classes. They seem to have classes at all times of the day. It's $5 per class, $7 for a day pass and $25 for unlimited classes. This is an incredible deal.

3. South East Tennis and Learning Center

The next Venus and Serena just might come from Ward 8. The Tennis Center located on Mississippi Avenue has a variety of tennis options. They have outdoor and indoor courts. Prices for classes vary. But if you just want to hit the ball around with your friends that's free. The center is run by the DC Department of Recreation.

4. The Arts and Recreation Campus

THEARC is a powerhouse of recreation and learning near the Southern Avenue Metro. The Washington Ballet has all levels of classes for girls, a class for boys, hip-hop, and African Dance. They also have an Adult African and yoga class for adults.

Best of Giant August 17 through September 2

2010-08-26T11:37:00.002-05:00

Growing up on the west coast I always had access to delicious fruit. We had a peach, plum and lemon tree in the backyard. Our neighbor had avocados. I really miss it and I don’t eat as much fruit now. This week Giant has a lot of good produce sales. You know why? Because it’s all in season. The sales match perfectly what’s coming up in my backyard. You can definitely eat well this week for about $25 without using coupons if you have a well stocked pantry.

Nectarine or Peaches .99/lb
Avocados $1 (this makes me really happy)
Kiwi $3/1
Red Bell Peppers $1.88/lb
Nature’s Promise Organic Salad $2
Shady Brook Farm Turkey Italian Sausage $2.99/lbGiant Frozen Vegetables .75 each
Pork Tenderloin 3.99/lb
SuperG Whole Chicken, Legs or Thighs .99/lb (but I find this meat to be pumped with a lot of water solution inflating the weight)

Possible Meals:
Turkey Sausage Stuffed Bell Peppers
Pork Tenderloin with Ginger Peach Sauce
Kiwi and Roast Pork Tenderloin over Mixed Greens
Pork and Avocado Salso Tacos
Peach Cobbler or Crisp

Bobs Red Mill vs. Aunt Jemima vs. From Scratch

2010-08-25T00:06:00.000-05:00

During this economic downturn people can be incredibly price sensitive. Before the weekend roll around, I wanted to take a look at making pancakes and waffles. When I was at Harris Teeter I poked around at the organic grains to see what the prices were. They were pretty outrageous but that is to be expected. So here is the comparison for pancake mixes only looking at the dry ingredients.

Aunt Jemima 35oz- $2.99 (.09/0z)

Bobs Red Mill Pancake Mix-26oz $3.05-5.39 (.11-.22/0z)

Organic Scratch Mix* (.09/oz)

You can make organic on pancake mix for about the same price as Aunt Jemima. Obviously with a good double coupon the Aunt Jemima will be much cheaper. If you like to eat pancakes and waffles on a regular basis consider making the mixing the dry ingredients ahead of time. Try the

Alton Brown Instant Pancake Mix substituting half of all purpose flour for whole wheat flour.

*Contains Organic Whole Wheat Flour, Organic All Purpose Flour, Demara sugar, baking powder, baking soda.

Part 2: How I find the Deals

2010-08-24T23:56:00.001-05:00

In today's ever growing universe of multimedia aggregators, Google Reader stand outs out for me. I use Google Reader to subscribe to updates of the blogs I find useful. I no longer have to visit each site individually and scroll through the postings. I used to get annoyed if I visited a website but it wasn't updated. Now, I am now able to scroll through my Google Reader and everything is all in one place with automatic updates. I now present :

5 Reasons Bicycle Girl uses Google Reader

1. You can add your favorite blogs, websites and news columns using the "Add Subscription" button in the top right corner.

2. Along the left hand side you see a full list of your subscriptions. You can organize them into folders. I organize by topics for work and my hobbies such as couponing. I stay updated on my industry as well as natural hair. It cuts down my time searching for coupons because they come right to me. They also don't clog my email box.

3. The main column will show you the latest unread updates from your favorite sites.

4. Google Reader shows you how much you are reading and who you read the most.

5. Last but not least, you can share what you are reading with your friends.

There are other companies who make similar software such as Bloglines. Explore and use whatever makes your life easier.

Giant Best of the Basics

2010-08-19T10:15:00.001-05:00

In my attempt to eat less processed food, I will share with you the best of the basics. Also if you aren’t a crazy coupon person you can still save money by only shopping from the weekly circular. As an avid discount shopper I have learned a lot in the last year to know when something is really on sale. So here's the best of giant from 8/20-26.

Super G Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast 1.99/lb
Strawberries $2/lb
Blueberries, Blackberries, Raspberries $2 per 5-8oz carton
San Giorgio Pasta .77
Sweet White Corn 6/$1.88
Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey $2.88/lb
Peaches $1/lb

Harris Teeter Shrimp Sale

2010-08-18T14:26:00.005-05:00

I thought the $3.99 shrimp last week was a steal but the price is even better this week. Now through 8/24 the EZ Peel Shrimp (21-30 ct.) is $8.65/lb . But it's Buy One Get Two Free or $2.88/lb. I really wish there was room in my freezer.

Harris Teeter Trip 8/14

2010-08-14T16:49:00.002-05:00

I just got back from Harris Teeter and I did pretty well. I bought a few things that weren't on sale because we are cooking for a couple who just had a baby and we let them pick their menu. Too bad they didn't say chicken leg quarters! Also I bought a few luxury items. My household is trying to move to eating organic without breaking the bank completely. I know that I will have to spend more but I think I can continue to save a lot which I proved today.

Not on Sale
Foil
Yellow Bananas (1.96lbs)
Beef Roast (2.65lbs)

On Sale
Chicken Leq Quarters(5.64lbs)
Shrimp (2.06lbs)
Red Seedless Grapes(1.99lbs)
Personal Watermelon (2)
Half Gallon Horizon Lowfat Lactose Free Milk

Coupons Only
8 0z. Organic Valley Cream Cheese (2)
8 0z. Organic Valley Mozzarella (2)
1 Qt Organic Valley Half and Half
Mission Tortillas

Sales combined with Coupons
Apple and Eve Fruitables
7th Generation Dish Liquid
Organic Wings and Legs (2.68lbs)
Morning Star Veggie Patties
Morning Star Crumbles
Activia 4pk

Total: 110.71 (including tax and resusable bag discount)
Cost: $57.98 after sales and double coupons
Savings: 48%

I like to save 60-70% but this works. There are very few processed foods on this list. My normal trips do contain a good amount of processed food. On a normal trip I would not have purchased the beef roast, milk, foil or watermelon. My savings would have been about 65%. I also could have gotten cheaper milk but if I am going to start consuming cow's milk again I thought I should get the less processed version I could. So this was a trip about balance. I'll explain in another posting why I am drinking cow's milk again.

I've read a lot online that most people should aim for spending $25 a week per person on groceries. Without the foil I'm pretty much on the mark if we ate at home everyday for every meal. Our freezer and pantry is packed so I am not shopping for at least two weeks. Scratch that I have a $10 catalina for Giant!

Organic Food Coupons

2010-08-13T20:19:00.003-05:00

I'm finding more coupons and coupon blogs that feature all the deals on organic stuff.

This week use the Organic Valley coupons to clean up on the Harris Teeter Super Doubles! Faithful Provisions had a nice round up.

Part 1: Getting Started with Coupons

2010-08-13T18:06:00.005-05:00

Hello Friends!

Are your feeling overwhelmed by all my coupon posting? Let me show you how to get started. There are many ways to do this but I found this to be the easiest way to get the best deals.

Materials

1. Subscribe to the local Sunday Paper. You will now have at least one paper delivered to your door. You will never have to worry about forgetting your paper. At some point you may want more than one coupon insert but for beginners and people with small families this maybe enough.

2. You will need an 13 pocket accordion file, a sharpie and a small pair of scissors.

Building Your Coupon File

1) Label the tabs of your accordion file by month.
2) Using your Sharpie or other permanent marker. Write the date of the paper on the front of the coupon insert(s) making it easy to read from far away.
3) Place coupon insert(s) in the correct month.
4) Store your Sharpie and scissors in the last pocket so they are always handy.
Note: If you are using a lot of inserts you may want to use a file box.

Weekly Clipping

1) Visit Bicycle Girl or any other coupon website to find the deals you want.
2) Pull the inserts you need for the week.
3) Clip the coupons you need.
4) Replace the inserts into your accordion file.
5) Visit Slick Deals to see if any of the inserts can be discarded.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Making the List (Saving Twice).

Great Harris Teeter Deals 8/11-17

2010-08-13T17:03:00.007-05:00

It's Super Doubles week at Harris Teeter. That means coupons $1.98 or less will double. You must use your VIC card. All the prices below assume doubled coupons and/or having multiple coupons for the same item.

Philosophy: I'm hoping to show the deals for the healthiest and least process foods. I do not have a strict policy but I show you what I plan on buying and that you can eat healthier for less money!There are lots of free things this week.

E-Vic Deal: Harris Teeter had a weekly specials that you must add to your card online.
Mix and Match Peter Pan Peanut Butter or Welch's Grape Jelly $.97 wyb 3 (you must buy 3)
-.60/1 Peter Pan Peanut Butter, SS 8/01
-$1/2 Peter Pan Peanut Butter, June All You Magazine (exp 8/15)
-$1/2 Welch’s Jelly, SS 6/06
-.55/1 Welch’s SS 8/01
Final Price: Free for all 3 (a combination of 2-3 coupons, i'm only buying peanut butter)

Del Monte Fruit Smoothies BOGO at $2.99
-$1 off Del Monte Smoothie Kit RP 8/15
Final Price: Free for one

Naked Juice $3
-$1 off Naked Juice, SS 6/27
Final Price: $1 for one

Dannon Activia Yogurt, 4 ct, $1.99
-$1 off Activia product, 4-12 pk or 24 oz, SS 8/08
Final Price: Free
Mission Tortillas $1.89
-$1 off Mission Tortillas, SS 8/01
Final Price: Free

Apple and Eve Fruitables 8 pk, $2.99-$3.79
-$1 off Apple and Eve product SS 6/06
Final Price: .99-1.79

7th Gen Dish Liquid, 25 oz., $1.99
-$1 off Seventh Generation Product, RP 8/08
Final Price: Free

7th Gen Baby Wipes, 70 ct., $2.99
-$1 off Seventh Generation Baby Care, RP 8/08
Final Price: .99

7th Gen All Purpose Cleaner, 32 oz., $2.50
-$1 off Seventh Generation Product, RP 8/08
Final Price: .50

7th Gen Dish Liquid, 25 oz., $1.99
-$1 off Seventh Generation Product, RP 8/08
Final Price: Free

Produce

Green Seedless Grapes 99¢ lb
Barlett Pears $1.49 lb
Red or Black Plums $1.69 lb
Broccoli, bunch, $2 ea
Seedless Watermelon $3.50 ea

Other

Chicken Leg Quarters $.49/lb (time to stock up)
EZ Peel Shrimp 51-60 ct, $3.99 lb

For more deals go to harristeeter.com or southernsavers.com

Great CVS Deal Week of 8/15/10

2010-08-13T16:51:00.002-05:00

Gillette ProGlide Razor $9.99 get $5 ECB
-$4 Gillette Fusion ProGlide 08/01/10 PG

Blink Tears $7,99 get $7.99 ECB
-$1 Blink Tears 08/15/10 RP

Crest Clinical Gum Protection Toothpaste $3.49 get $2.50 EB
-$1 Crest Tooth Paste 08/01/10 PG

Plenty of other deals can be found at www.iheartcvs.com

CVS Trip 8/8 - Money Makers

2010-08-08T10:00:00.001-05:00

Dulcolax $9.99
-$4 (5/16 SS)
Out of pocket: $5.99
Recieve: $9.99 ECB
Total: $4 Money Maker

Schick Hydro $8.97
-$5 (8/1 SS)
Out of pocket: 3.97
Recieve: $4
Total: $.03 Money Maker

You make $4.03 on these two transactions.

Visit iheartcvs.com for more information. If you don't need these items please donate them.

CVS Trip 8/7

2010-08-07T08:26:00.004-05:00

Visit iheartcvs.com or southersavers.com for all the details for the 8/1-7 sales ending tonight.

6.99-Playtex Tampon 36ct
5.89- Playtex Tampon 18ct
3.99-Scope Outlast
3.99-Crest Mouthwash
2.99- Oral B Manual Toothbrush
-$5.99 buy one 36ct Playtex tampons get an 18ct free (8/1 SS)
-$2 Crest Mouth Wash (8/1 PG Saver)
-$1 Oral B toothbrush (8/1 PG Saver)
-$1 Scope Mouth Wash (8/1 PG Saver)
-$1 Playtex CVS Coupon from the kiosk (no longer available)
-$7.99 ECB

=$4.96 out of pocket plus tax

Have you heard of Mambo Sprouts?

2010-08-06T19:35:00.001-05:00

I just found out Mambo Sprouts from Frugal and Having Fun. I rarely find coupons for natural food brands and they can be expensive. This is a great find for my healthy budget shoppers. There might be a day when there will be coupon match-ups for Whole Foods!

Do you have high cholesterol?

2010-08-06T19:16:00.002-05:00

If you you should be eating oatmeal everyday. I know you already are but how are you eating it? Are you using the sugar laden instant kind? Just Say No! I'm in the business of saving money while eating relatively healthy. So let me help you out.

1. A can (30 servings) of quick oats will cost you $4.79 (and cheaper with coupons) while a box of plain instant will cost you 3.99 for 10 servings. That's .16 and .39 per serving respectively.

2. You can control the amount of sugar by using honey, agave or raw sugar as a sweetener. Try using cinnamon or nutmeg as well. I find cinnamon to add sweetness by itself.

3. Make it powerful. Use skim, soy or almond milk to get some Vitamin D and a smidge of protein. You could also add a few nuts or ground flax seed for more healthy fats.

4. Get a serving of fruit and other vitamins by adding bananas, strawberry, peaches or applesauce.

It takes me about a three minutes t0 put this together in the morning. I mix all my ingredients Glad BPA free twist and lock containers and go out the door.

Giant 8/6-8/12

2010-08-06T18:11:00.003-05:00

Inexpensive & Healthy

I see an easy smoothie recipe from this list. I also see burgers and grilled or roasted corn.

.99/lb Peaches or Nectarines
1.99 for 12 Sweet Ears of Corn
1.99/lb Ground Turkey
$5 for 10 Stoneyfield Organic Yogurt (.50 each)
$3 for 2 Nature's Promise Soy Milk

Visit Whole Foods for the Peach Recipe Roundup!

Sweet!

2010-08-06T06:16:00.002-05:00

Note: I forgot one coupon so I missed saving $1. Who cares? *shrug*

More Giant

2010-08-05T17:07:00.002-05:00

If you haven't made it to Giant yet try the Kellogg Deal. You have until tonight only!!! Here is my Scenario. Sorry for posting this so late but I'm just now going to the store.

4 Raisin Bran= $8
2 Frosted Mini Wheats= $5
4 Eggos= $8
2 Skippy Peanut Butter= $2
Total: $23

Coupons
-Use Two $1/2 Raisin Bran (7/11 and 6/6 RP)
-$1/2 Frosted Mini Wheat (7/11 RP)
-Use Two $1/2 Eggo Waffles ( 6/20 and 7/25 RP)
-$1 off Two Skippy Peanut Butter (8/1 RP)
-Use Four $1 Doublers

New Total: $13 upfront
Get $10 coupon to use later

Sweet!

Thanks Frugal Living and Having Fun ! The Giant ad is little different from what is posted but it's a good start.

Feeding your Soul

2010-08-01T16:56:00.004-05:00

I'm currently suffering from some unknown ailment that is keeping me at home more than I would like. It's given me time to spend time making meals completely from scratch. There was a time when I would just sit in the kitchen with my mother and watch her cook. I really miss those days. Today was one of those days where I spent all day cooking. I continued making food from Vegan Soul Kitchen. Today I made Seitan with Mixed Mushroom Gravy, Coconut Rice and Peach Pie. The peach pie just came out of the oven so I have not tasted it yet.

After about a week of Vegan cook the Seitan was the first time I had to buy something that I didn't already have on hand. I did also get some whole wheat flours and other grains from Glut Food Co-op. I has been fairly easy to cook less meat and still eat delicious food. I probably will not start cooking with Seitan or Tempeh right away because they are expensive but I may be realizing saving elsewhere that makes it a possibility. Also I think there are plenty of protein sources such as nuts and beans. The reason I started on this journey was just to try out some other recipes. I'm not adventurous in the kitchen so this helped me strecth just a bit.

Free Butter at Safeway

2010-07-30T18:12:00.002-05:00

Hey DC Folks! All of the Safeway stores in our area double coupons so here is this week's freebie.

Land O' Lakes Spreadable butter .99 (with in-ad coupon)
-.50 7/18 SS
-.50 doubled
Price: Free

Giant Deals

2010-07-30T17:18:00.002-05:00

I hear there were $1 doublers in Wednesday's paper.

Freebies

Free Wacky Mac pasta when you buy Carapelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 free ears of corn when you sign up for giant online

Good Deals

$1 Skippy Peanut Butter
.99/lb seedless green grapes
1.88/lb sweet red peppers
6/1.88 sweet corn
1.29/lb peaches
$2.88 Kashi Golean Cereal
$2 Eggos -$1/2 Eggos 7/25RP
$2 Raisin Bran -$1/2 Raisin Bran 7/25RP

Scenario
Buy 2 Eggos or 2 Raisin Bran
-$1/2 coupon
- $1 doubler
Price: $1 Each

Spinach Wontons

2010-07-27T10:07:00.004-05:00

Someone has asked B to cater a rehearsal dinner and requested collard green egg rolls. For two months he's had the egg roll wrappers in the fridge, but he hasn't tested it out. Since I still had deep frying oil from the fritters I wanted to use it again. So I got the idea to make a spinach wonton. If I had of thought ahead I would have added lentils or quinoa for some protein.

Spinach Wontons

8 Egg Roll Wrappers
1/2 onion diced
2 cloves of garlic
1 thinly sliced large carrot
5 cups of baby spinach (one bag)
1TBSP fish sauce
1TBSP hoisin sauce
1TSP soy sauce or braggs liquid aminos
2TBSP plus Oil for deep frying

Dipping Sauce
2TSP Spicy garlic sauce
2TBSP honey

In a medium skillet add the oil and heat. Add the onion, garlic and carrots and cook until soft. Add spinach in 3 batches until completely wilted. Add the fish sauce, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce and cook for 3 minutes. Following the directions on the egg roll wrapper package use the vegetable filling to make the egg rolls. Deep fry for one minute on each side. For the sauce mix the spicy garlic sauce and the honey together. Enjoy.

More Vegan Food

2010-07-26T09:13:00.004-05:00

I spent this weekend stuck in the house so I spent some time cooking. I made two things, Vegan Maple Banana Muffins and Curry Black Eyed Pea Fritters. I don't think I want to be vegan but I want to try going all organic but I am on a budget so that means finding protein sources that are cheaper.

Maple Banana Muffins were exactly the same recipe as found in Vegan Soul Kitchen but the Black Eyed Pea Fritters took a significant departure. I started with the recipe from the book but it seemed runny and bland. I think it's because I used a blender and not a food processor and I had to work around a nut allergy. So here is what I came up with.

Aisha's Black Eyed Pea Fritters

2 cups blacked eyed peas (soaked overnight will yield 4 cups soaked)
1/2 cup of water
1/4 cup of almond butter
1 small onion chopped
3 garlic cloves
3 TBSP of curry powder
1 TBSP red pepper flakes
salt to taste
4 TBSP corn meal
1 bell pepper minced
1 cup of oil for deep frying

Blend 1 cup of black eyed peas, water, almond butter, onion, garlic, curry powder, red pepper flakes in a upright blender. Once blended add each remaining cup of peas one at a time until the batter is the consistency of waffle batter. Mix with a spoon between to make sure all the peas are blended and no hard pieces remain. Put the batter in the refrigerator for one hour.

After the batter comes out heat oil in a large frying pan. Oil should be hot but not smoking. Add the corn meal and bell pepper to the batter and mix with a spoon. Use a small scoop or a tbsp to put the batter into the hot oil. Fry as many as will fit in your pan. Each fritter should fry for 5 minutes. Once golden brown remove to a paper towel lined backing sheet or plate. Serve with a sweet and spicy sauce such as the Pastor's Sauce.

Disclosure: The Pastor is a friend of friend but I really did eat the fritters with the sauce.

Inferno

2010-07-24T15:28:00.003-05:00

Heat index of 105. I have nothing else to say. Knowing that I would probably spend my entire Saturday in the house running up my electricity bill, I got up early to run some errands (including going to urgent care because I have pink eye). As I waited for my eye appointment, I decided that I needed to start cooking from Vegan Soul Kitchen before I need to return it to the library. Too bad I didn't have the book on me but I figured if I just grabbed a few beans and veggies that I surely would be able to make something. We had our last head of broccoli in the fridge so I started with that. I made Broccoli with Citrus Dressing which is inspired by a recipe in the book. I didn't really have enough broccoli so there was a lot of extra dressing. Using items on hand I created a spinach salad but it is not vegan because I used honey but if you have agave or maple syrup use that.

Spinach and Citrus Salad

Dressing: Combine all of these ingredients in a blender
1Tbsp Honey
2Tbsp pink grapefruit juice
2 Tbsp lime
9 Tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves
1 tsp salt

Salad

Spinach
Red Onion
Avocado
Almonds
Cherry tomato
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Grape fruit slices

Using everything

2010-07-12T18:29:00.004-05:00

So the broccoli is ready and we took the machete to the stalk today. Well, a serrated knife. You can't use scissors for this one. What didn't occur to me is that we could cook the leaves of the broccoli plant in addition to using the broccoli head itself. The greens are quite tender so I cut them into a chiffonade and just sauteed them quickly with olive oil, salt, pepper flakes. Yes I actually cooked today.

What did we cook last week?

2010-07-12T18:10:00.004-05:00

I'm a lazy blogger and didn't post each of the delicious meals you see below as we cooked them. I wanted to show you all what we cooked last week. Well actually I only made the pizza and he made everything else. So that means there were no recipes involved. He just put all of this together from his creative mind. I'm one lucky lady.

We made sure to try and use everything from the box. We still have the avocados but I will just eat those raw with salt and lime. The corn and sweet potato will be roasted just to have on hand. We took a different route this week and made sure to use the thing that were the most fragile first. That means leafy vegetables need to be cooked first. then the squash family, and then root vegetables.

Red Beans and Corn: Goya canned beans with corn fresh off the cob.

Sauteed Cabbage and Red Chard with Onion and Garlic

Zucchini, Yellow Squash and Red Pepper with Roasted Pork Loin

Whole Wheat Pizza with Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella

Healthy Solutions Box -July 3, 2010

2010-07-04T07:20:00.006-05:00

This week I went for the little box from Healthy Solutions for $15. Last time it was a stretch for us to use all of the stuff in the small box. If I followed the nutritional guidelines from CDC I should eat 1.5 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables. I don't always do that so this week I shall try. Let's see what's in the all organic Freggie(fruit and veggie) box this week.

1 head butter lettuce
1 head cabbage
3 nectarines
1 peach
3 Avocados
1 red onion
1 tomato
1 large bunch chard
3 Zucchini
2 Spaghetti Squash
2 ears of corn
5 medium sweet potatoes

It would cost $36 from the local chain grocery with only half of the items being organic vegetables. So you would save more than $20 and get all organic produce. For more information visit www.producecoop.com or www.healthysolutionsgroup.org

Giant Dollar Doublers 7/2-7/8

2010-07-04T07:14:00.005-05:00

Earlier this week you should have received a Giant flyer in the mail. On this flyer are four $1 Doubler Coupons. I am very excited...I think. Generally most stores in my area double coupons up to 99cents. Meaning if you a 99cent coupon it's really worth $1.98. If you have $1 it's worth just that dollar. With the addition of a $1 doubler you can combine it with a $1 coupon so you get $2 off. If you use all four that's $8 instant savings. I'm going to sniff the interwebs to see if I can come up with some good deals this week.

The Best of Giant

2010-07-02T09:15:00.001-05:00

It's officially summer so it's time to load up on fruits and vegetables. Giant has some nice deals this week for things to add to a healthy summer meal.

1. Pints of Blueberries 4/$5
Eat some now! Take the rest and flash freeze them and you will have them for baking and smoothies all summer long.

2. Corn 12/$1.99
Soak them in water and put them on the grill during your 4th of July BBQ.

3. Whole Seedless Watermelon $3.88
Make some basil salt* and sprinkle it on. Grind sea or kosher salt with some finely chopped basil. I learned this trick from Vegan Soul Kitchen.

4. Tropical Mangos $1
Put into a salad. If you have an ice cream maker you can make mango sorbet.

Trader Joe's

2010-07-02T08:42:00.004-05:00

In order to decrease the temptation of eating out at work I am taking a weekly stroll to TJ's and the library. Both are about a mile walk from my office. Using the TJ Fearless Flyer andthe Grocery IQ app I am able to get what I need and get out. TJ's is a very tempting place as you pass by all of the different imported meals, cookies and wines. My goal was to spend $25 on things I would actually use.

1. 1/2 pint of organic raspberries (for my Raspberry Frangipane Cake)
2. 1lb of organic strawberries
3. 2lb. bag of clementines
4. sea salt (for my basil salt and cooking in general)
5. Almond milk
6. Wild Arugula
7. Pizza Dough
8. Mozzarella Cheese
9. Frozen Pizza Dough (i know i can make it myself)
10. Nonfat Plain European Style Yogurt (to use in smoothies)
11. Ezekiel Raisin Bread (healthy and yummy)

$25.35 @ Trader Joes
$37 @ Local Grocery Chain

Vegan Soul Kitchen

2010-06-29T20:37:00.004-05:00

I checked Vegan Soul Kitchen by Bryant Terry out from the library. A cookbook with 6 recipes for watermelon is my kind of cookbook. For many people vegan food seems really inaccessible with it's rampant use of tofu and nutritional yeast. Those are weird foods to many people. Vegan Soul Kitchen takes the food our southern grandmothers made and makes it vegan. Some of the most interesting recipes are Creole Hoppin' John, roasted plantain pieces, seitan medallions with mushroom gravy. He does have a section on vegetable proteins but it's not the main focus of the book. I'm going to use the food I get from the Healthy Solutions Produce box this week and select recipes from the book to make some delicious vegan food.

Saving Cards Coupons

2010-06-25T15:00:00.000-05:00

Well since I can't print I can load!

I suspect if I go across town to a Safeway in NW DC I would be able to use the printables but for now it's newspapers and loading coupons to my saving card. The deals won't be as great but let me show you how this will work. There are four places where you can load coupons onto your card.

1. Safeway.com

On the homepage for Safeway click the coupon link image. To the far right is a rectangle titled Print and Digital Coupon. Click 'Get Coupons Now'.

You are now at the Safeway Coupon Center powered by Coupons.com. You can print coupons or load them to your card. To load them to your card you will have to sign up for an account and provide your Safeway card number (not your phone number).

Once you are signed in to your account you browse through the listings and click add on the coupons and they will be loaded on to your card.

When you scan your card at checkout the coupons will be automatically deducted.

2. Cellfire.com , P&G Saver, Shortcuts.com

There are other places that will load more coupons. To take advantage of these you will have to sign up with each service. Once you do it's very easy. There is even a Cellfire and Shortcuts app for the IPhone/IPod Touch. To use them:

1. Register your Safeway card
2. Load the eCoupons onto your card
3. Use the card and the cooupons are automatically deducted

You will find that some of the coupons will be the same at each site but this is to your advantage!
According Frugal Living Chick

"Often times, Cellfire and Shortcuts will put out eCoupons that are valid on the same product. You can stack these two and add a Manufacture's paper coupon. "

For example, at Safeway, Betty Crocker Brownies were $1.00 :

Betty Crocker Brownies, $2.00 for two boxes
-.75 off 2 Betty Crocker Brownies Cellfire Coupon
-.75 off 2 Betty Crocker Brownies
-.25 off 2 Betty Crocker Brownies from newspaper (then it's doubled)
=Free for 2 boxes

That's pretty good ain't it? This method is called stacking and this only works at Safeway and it's partner stores.

There are however limitations!

These coupons cannot be doubled.
You can only use one at a time. In the scenario above you can't buy 4 boxes and and still get the deal.

More on Dishonesty

2010-06-25T09:00:00.001-05:00

So I have been reading The Power to Prosper by Michelle Singletary. Now I haven't been to church in a long time and I'm not too keen on church. I rather take the lessons on being a caring helpful person from wherever I can do that. Be it Jesus, Allah, Buddha or Oprah. There is wisdom all around.

This book is based on the Bible and Christian prinicples and the goal of the book is to bring you financial freedom. This is not a pray to God for money book. This is God gave you some good sense and has blessed you so do his will with his money.

One thing Mrs. Singletary covers in Chapter3 is honesty. If you are breaking rules to save a buck that's stealing. Yes it is stealing! Yes you coupon photocopiers are stealing. If you believe God has got your back you don't need to steal. If you believe God will make a way you don't need to steal. I save 70% off my grocery bill every week without stealing and you can too.

I loathe corporations and have no sympathy for them just like the next person. You can make a good situation great by being resourceful but stop trying to "get over."

Stop Photocopying Printable Coupons

2010-06-24T19:07:00.004-05:00

One of my top savings tips is to use coupons. I use all kinds of coupons anywhere I can get them. Last week I went to Safeway to take advantage of their Buy 8 Save $4 program. I planned to save about $30 by using a lot of printable coupons. One of the ways I was going to do this was by using printable coupons. Printable coupons are found on websites such as coupons.com, redplum.com or at a manufacture's website. They use special coupon printers you must install and you usually can print two copies of a coupon from the site.

Well some people out there are dishonest and not playing by the rules and they ruin it for everyone by trying to "get over." They are photocopying the coupons. Each coupon has a unique code. The problem is that the bar codes on the coupons are the same and it's only known after a store redeems them at a manufacture that it's fraudulent. A well trained store clerk will look for the unique code and can spot them. I usually get frustrated with the cashiers who are suspicious of my coupons but I totally understand now. They don't want to get in trouble because of those of you who are ruining it for the rest of us. I know times are hard but be honest.

I got to Safeway and they did not accept about $30 I had in coupons. So what was to be a $50 trip turned into a $90 trip. I called Safeway customer service and they explained that it is at the regional managers discretion to accept printable coupons. When a store receives fraudulent coupons they don't get reimbursed by manufactures so they lose money. They are in it for the profit so they will stop taking them.

Don't boo hoo for me too much I had some newspaper coupons and I only bought things on sale so I save $80. Don't cheer for me either because what I bought should not have cost $169 retail. It's really a crime. My goal is to spend about $50 a week per person so I was within my guidelines because I spent like $20 on glad containers but I really could have saved much more. Also if I get things for free that I don't need I donate them to shelters.

So what do you think stores can do make it easier for us legitimate coupon users to get our saving?

Healthy Solutions Coop Site is Open for Orders

2010-06-16T15:06:00.003-05:00

Every first and third Saturday of the month the Healthy Solutions Coop delivers boxes of fresh all organic fruits and vegetables to two sites East of the River. You can pre order what is known as a Freggie box. The box will contain a variety of fruits and vegetables but you do not get to choose the produce. A list of the planned contents of the Freggie boxes is on the site and the boxes come in different sizes to accomodate your family. If this is your first time I would suggest getting a little or small box to get an idea. You can also see what was in the small size box for $25 from my last order.

In addition they have all fruit and all veggie boxes. If you know you want specific vegetables or fruits you can order selected produce as well. This is especially good if you have a church or community event and you want to prepare healthy nutritious food.

Please visit http://www.producecoop.com/ to see what they have to offer.

Healthy solutions accepts paypal and credit cards. SNAP (food stamps) are accepted at the Riverside location Orders are due by thursday at 9pm. Any other questions contact Tanikka tcunningham@healthysolutionsgroup.org

Pick up sites:

Please indicate your pick up location in the comments section at check out. Jerusalem Church Of God In Christ 3128 Martin Luther King Jr Ave Washington, DC 2003212 noon - 1:30 pmPre Orders Only
MARKET Day - and Pre OrdersRiverside Center 5200 Foote Street, NE Washington, DC 20019EVERY Saturday 11am - 2pmCo-op Market Day with Washington Parks and People

I will won't be able to get a box this week. Instead I will venture to the Ward 8 farmer's market on Tuesday at United Medical Center.

Bounty from His Garden

2010-06-15T06:25:00.009-05:00

We don't have a big backyard but it's big enough to grow a few herbs and vegetables. We have a lot of things growing but the basil, strawberries and green peppers are in full swing. Now don't ask questions about gardening because I have someone helping me so I enjoy the fruits of someone's labor. Enjoy!

Bell Peppers

Strawberries

Cabbage

Garlic

Bell Peppers

Full Plot!

Lazy Sunday

2010-06-13T19:46:00.004-05:00

This week I have been dog sitting so I woke up early this morning to let the dog out. I decided that I should pick some basil from the garden. We have a square foot garden in the backyard but I must admit that I have spent very little time tending to the garden. We have three basil plants growing wildly. Each plant was $2.49 so if you include the soil we spent about $9.00 to grow basil. Do you know how much basil costs in the store? It's between $2-$3 dollars a pack.

But Bicycle Girl I don't have a back yard? If you have a sunny window or a balcony that gets at least 6 hours of sun then you are in business. Starting a herb garden is a way to take some of this cheapo food and make it quite tasty. You don't have to grow every herb but if you are like me and love Italian and Mexican food then a a basil and cilantro plant in a small pot will save you plenty money.

Here is a good link to get you started.

Almost There

2010-06-12T09:00:00.006-05:00

We still have quite few things left and that Chard and Spinach are going to go bad soon. I guess a spinach salad is in order. Let me find some Chard recipes.

~~Avocados (4)~~
~~Broccoli (2 crowns)~~
~~Carrots (5 tops on)~~
Chard (Red, 1 bunch)
~~Cherries~~
Corn (4 w ears)
~~Green Leaf Lettuce (1 bunch)~~
~~Kale (1 bunch)~~
~~Mushroom (1)~~
~~Onion (1)~~
~~Peaches (3)~~
~~Purple Kale (1 bunch)~~
~~Red Bell Pepper ) (1)~~
Spinach (1 1/2 bunch)
Sweet Potatoes (2-3lbs)
~~Tomato (1)~~
~~Yellow Squash (2)~~
~~Zucchini (2)~~

2010-06-12T09:00:00.004-05:00
Almond Milk

What happens when you have two lactose intolerant people in your home and one is allergic soy milk. You try out Almond milk. Almond is very sweet and rich so it's hard to eat it with your cereal. It works great in oatmeal as it sweetens it naturally and you get a good amount of protein. It also works great in baking. How about using up the last of the sweet potatoes in some sweet potato pie made with Almond Milk?

2010-06-12T06:24:00.002-05:00
Earlier in the week we made this impromptu dinner.

Chicken Tacos with Tomato and Corn Salsa

One grilled chicken breast sliced into pieces (we did it on the foreman)
Corn kernels from tow ears of corn
one tomato diced
1/2 onion diced
1 glove of garlic
salt
pepper
onion powder
garlic powder
corn tortillas
olive oil

Saute onion and garlic in a large skillet on med-high. Add the corn and tomatoes and heat through. Add the spices and your sliced chicken and stir until everything is coated. To heat your tortillas quickly place your tortillas between two damp paper towels and microwave 30 seconds at a time until heated.

Fill each taco shell with the mixture. Use any condiments you have on had such as onion, cheese, sour cream or cilantro.

Stir-Fry (Skip the Carryout)

2010-06-11T10:31:00.001-05:00
Yet another easy technique you can use for a quick meal. Stir-frys are pretty popular but I won't assume that everyone has actually made one.

Step 1
Chop your meats and vegetables into small pieces that can cook very quickly. Only use vegetables that can be cooked in 5 minutes or less.

Step 2 Heat a pan over medium high heat.

Step 3 Place your ingredients into the plan and stir them constantly until cooked no more than 5 minutes or they may burn.

Note: With this technique fresh garlic should only be used in the final minute as it may burn and turn bitter.

Shrimp and Red Pepper Stir fry

1/2 pound shrimp, peeled (you can use chicken)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (use those packets from the carryout)
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 medium red bell peppers, thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon garlic powder

What's left in the box?

2010-06-11T10:27:00.004-05:00
~~Avocados (4)~~
~~Broccoli (2 crowns)~~
~~Carrots (5 tops on)~~
Chard (Red, 1 bunch)
~~Cherries~~
Corn (4 2 ears)
~~Green Leaf Lettuce (1 bunch)~~
~~Kale (1 bunch)~~
~~Mushroom (1)~~
~~Onion (1)~~
~~Peaches (3)~~
~~Purple Kale (1 bunch)~~
Red Bell Pepper ) (1)
Spinach (1 bunch)
~~Sweet Potatoes (2-3lbs)~~
~~Tomato (1)~~
~~Yellow Squash (2)~~
~~Zucchini (2)~~

Roasting Vegetables

2010-06-10T12:00:00.002-05:00
Roasting is a simple way to deal with vegetables when you don't have the time to really think of any thing elaborate to cook. The Healthy Solutions box always contains vegetables that are great for roasting. WebMD has a great article on roasting vegetables. I wanted to share this with you as I often roast the vegetables that I get from the box. Roasting doesn't add a lot of fat or calories. Use this technique on Sunday and knock out all of the veggies and use them in pastas, sandwiches, salads and pizzas all week.

From the Box: Easy Dinner

2010-06-10T09:00:00.003-05:00
Baked Sweet Potato
Roasted Corn
Grilled Chicken? Fish? Pork?

What's left in the box?

2010-06-09T12:00:00.005-05:00
~~Avocados (4)~~
~~Broccoli (2 crowns)~~
~~Carrots (5 tops on)~~
Chard (Red, 1 bunch)
~~Cherries~~
Corn (4 ears)
~~Green Leaf Lettuce (1 bunch)~~
~~Kale (1 bunch)~~
~~Mushroom (1)~~
~~Onion (1)~~
~~Peaches (3)~~
~~Purple Kale (1 bunch)~~
Red Bell Pepper ) (1)
Spinach (1 bunch)
~~Sweet Potatoes (2-3lbs)~~
~~Tomato (1)~~
Yellow Squash (2)
~~Zucchini (2)~~

Snack Time From the Box

2010-06-09T09:00:00.006-05:00
How am I going to eat all of these fruits and vegetables? I have to plan ahead. Waiting until after work to figure out what I am going to eat is a sure recipe for eating out. The same goes for children. They need something to eat when they get home.

This recipe is really good for kids. My mom used to get these for us from Carl's Jr. This oven fried version will have your kids eating zucchini in no time. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to bake. Use ranch dressing as a dip. Alternatively mixed some fat free sour cream with a packet of Hidden Valley Ranch Salad Dressing mix.

Zucchini Fries

4 spray(s) olive oil cooking spray
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 1/2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
3/4 tsp table salt
3/4 cup(s) dried bread crumbs, panko-variety suggested
2 medium zucchini, about 7-inches each, cut into 4 chunks, then each chunk halved
2 large egg white(s), whipped until frothy (almost soft peaks)

Preheat oven to 425ºF. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside. In a small bowl, mix together Italian seasoning, flour and salt. Put bread crumbs in another small bowl. Whip, using a whisk or fork, egg whites until frothy

Dip a zucchini stick in flour mixture and then dip into egg whites; dip in bread crumbs. Place coated zucchini on prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining ingredients until you have run out of zucchini. Once all of the prepared zucchini fries are on the pan spray them with cooking spray.

Put in the oven for about 5 minutes. Flip them over and then bake for another 5-7 minutes until they are crispy.

Carrot Sticks, Broccoli and Cherries

Well why buy baby carrots in the bag when you can just chop these up in about 5 minutes and put them in your child's lunch or have them in the fridge for after school? Have that same dipping sauce from the zucchini on hand. Or if your child can eat peanut butter use a little of that. For the cherries they are very easy, just eat them.

2010-06-06T15:00:00.002-05:00
What's the deal with all this From the Box stuff?

For full disclosure I am a trained health educator. The problem with health education is that it's only one part of the solution to better health. What's the point of telling people about eating 5 servings of vegetables if they aren't available in their neighborhood? What if a person lives on someone's couch and can't cook? What if a person has two jobs? You want me to buy organic vegetables that are three times as expensive as my regular vegetables? There are so many barriers to a healthy lifestyle.

These posts deal with issue #1 food access. I discovered the Healthy Solutions coop about a year ago and I have been blessed. In a sea of carryouts and wack grocery stores I have the ability to have inexpensive organic vegetables and fruit. I actually don't advocate that everyone needs only eat fresh or organic vegetables and fruits. I think that people should just eat more fruits and vegetables whether it's from a can (and rinsed) or frozen.

So now that I have access I need to know what to do with all this and not fall back on my old habits. I had not heard of Kale until a year ago nor had I ever used Red Chard. So this is to help people like myself who want to eat better but need to know what to do with our new found access to fresh vegetables. This series is for people who have time to cook at least 2-3 times a week.

I hope this will be helpful for others. I will explain how to order from the coop during the 3rd week of June the next time the coop is open for orders.

From the Box

2010-06-06T09:00:00.006-05:00
What I used today from the Healthy Solutions box: Peaches, Spinach, Onion, Avocados, Kale, Tomato and Chard.

Breakfast

I added some peaches to my morning oatmeal. I also sauteed some spinach to have on hand for egg white omelets. This works well for a low weight watchers point breakfast. It also helps to have the spinach on hand to make a 5 minute breakfast that is more than cold cereal.

Snack

Fresh Guacamole w/ Tortilla Chips

Well growing up in California, where avocados are abundant, I am a real fan of the buttery good stuff. I eat avocados with a spoon straight from the shell. Guacamole is a really quick thing to whip up and has good fat!

4 Avocados mashed
1 Tomato diced
1 Red or White Onion small dice
Jalapeno (optional) minced
Salt and Pepper to taste

Now for the chips...

Purchase a package of corn tortillas from the store. Cut the tortillas into triangle and spread them into a thin layer onto a baking sheet. Brush them will oil or spray them with cooking spray. Bake for 5-10 minutes in the oven at 350 degrees.

Dinner

Chicken, Kale and Mushroom Penne

I did a little Google searching to discover what I could do with the kale other than have it as a side dish. I found this pasta recipe linked above which I adapted a bit. Try the original and try mine as well.

Chicken, kale, and mushroom penne

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts chopped into cubes
2 bunches kale, without stemms and chopped coarsley
1 Portobello mushroom
1 16oz of whole wheat barilla brand past
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 large white onion, diced
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Dash of red pepper flakes
1 tsp nutmeg

1. Cook pasta in boiling water according to directions on package

2. While the pasta water is coming to a boil heat a large skillet over medium flame. Add approx. 1 tbsp olive oil and cook chicken until cooked almost through. Remove chicken and set aside.

3. Add other 1 tbsp of oil to the pan when heated, add onions and mushrooms cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, then add kale and nutmeg. Cook until kale begins to soften, stirring often. Place a top or plate over the skillet to allow the kale to cook down.

4. Once the kale has wilted add in the cooked chicken, red pepper and Parmesan.

What's in the Box?

2010-06-05T12:23:00.012-05:00
I bought vegetables from Healthy Solutions Produce Coop today. What's in the organic freggie small box this week($25)?

Avocados (4)
Broccoli (2 crowns)
Carrots (5 tops on)
Chard (Red, 1 bunch)
Cherries
Corn (4 ears)
Green Leaf Lettuce (1 bunch)
Kale (1 bunch)
Mushroom (1)
Onion (1)
Peaches (3)
Purple Kale (1 bunch)
Red Bell Pepper ) (1)
Spinach (1 bunch)
Sweet Potatoes (2-3lbs)
Tomato (1)
Yellow Squash (2)
Zucchini (2)

Just for laughs I went to peapod.com to see what this would cost. They didn't have everything in the organic section but for $22 I was only able to get about 1/3 of the organic list.

Avocados
Broccoli
Carrots
Kale
Green Leaf Lettuce
Tomato

This is why the produce coop is so important to me. I live in a food desert we only have one grocery store in our Ward. The fresh produce is pretty poor. Organic produce? Forget it! I can go to Maryland or Virginia for more choices but why should I have to?

Check back for the rest of the week to see what I make. Well the first thing will be guacamole!

2009-01-24T17:25:00.002-05:00
When You Face Setbacks

Over the last two weeks I was sick and then ObamaFest began. No exercise or portion control happened. I haven't got on the scale yet but I know it won't be positive.

What do you do to get back on track?
When I fall off I get up and get back on as soon as possible. So for this week I will get really strict with myself so that I can quickly undo the gains if any. It also allows me to get back on without thinking. Often I try to find the most interesting and healthy food because I'm a foodie at heart. In these times I go instead to the tried, true, and easy. This next week will be interesting because I gave all my pots to goodwill so all I'm left with is a small sauce pan and a non-stick skillet. I guess that's a challenge all of it's own. So this is what it will look like:

Breakfast:
Oatmeal with Fruit
Yogurt with Fruit and Nuts

Lunch:
Au Bon Pain Soups
Sushi
Subway Sandwiches

Dinner:
Shrimp and Vegetable Stir-Fry w/ Brown Rice
Mini Pizzas with Spinach Salad
Chinese Chicken Salad

2009-01-17T11:12:00.003-05:00
What not to eat?

That's the first thing people tell me when we talk about weight loss. They always want to tell me what they are going to stop eating. For me, I didn't give up anything I loved. I still eat french fries and drink Stella Artois. What I had to do was keep eating the things I loved but if something wasn't my favorite then why eat all those calories? I also realized that I couldn't "ball out" on every meal. I had to choose my indulgences wisely. Last, I did love some healthy foods so why not eat more of them?

(In this photo: Sip to Live Tea, Thomas' Light Multi-Grain English Muffins, Dole Frozen Mango, Stonyfield Fat Free Yogurt, All Whites, Giant Frozen Asparagus)

So what do I eat?

Let's start with breakfast. I used to freaking hate egg whites because folks always wanted to scramble them. However in an omelette they are decent. In my fridge I have a carton of All Whites, canadian bacon, frozen asparagus, frozen spinach and shredded Cabot 75% light cheese. Along with my non stick pan I can whip up and omelet in no time. Doesn't a bacon, spinach and cheese omelet sound great? It has protein and vegetables so you start your day right. It's very low in calories and fat. So then you can add a light english muffin with jelly and a fruit smoothie and still come out low in calories and fat. That's a lot of food and we are only at 300 calories or 5 Weight Watchers Points.

To make this work you need to chop the canadian bacon and asparagus. If you use spinach, keep it in the fridge to thaw. The cheese should be shredded in advance. So then when you wake up all you have to do it pour and sprinkle all your ingredients in. For the smoothies just make a large batch and drink it for the next couple of days. For my smoothie I use frozen fruit, low fat yogurt, light vanilla soy milk and honey. Eating this meal helps me get my fruits and vegetables in early.

The other thing I eat often is oatmeal. I recently switched to quick oats and just doing them in the microwave and adding my own flavorings. It's cheaper than using the instant packs and I can change up the flavor everyday. You know adding your own maple and brown sugar is pretty easy. Adding some craisins and sliced almonds is also very good. The trick to this is to microwave your oatmeal for 1 minute of Medium or 50% power so it doesn't bowl over.

I also love a good egg McMuffin but making my own is healthier and saves on calories and fat. I use one one egg or egg whites, light english muffin, Canadian bacon and Cabot 75% light cheese.

None of these meals takes more than 5 minutes to make as long as you have your ingredients are prepped in advanced.

2009-01-04T09:14:00.001-05:00

Wii Fit

For Christmas of 2007 my nephew got a Wii. He needed someone to challenge. So we played tennis, boxing and bowling. Given that the Wii is for "casual gamers", it was very easy for me to play and spank him in most of the games. On the third day of Christmas he needed Icy Hot. By the end of it he didn't even say goodbye to me after I won yet another tennis match. After that I wanted a Wii of my own and it took me 6 months to find one at regular price. It was on from there. I noticed in the boxing you can work up quite a sweat. You can do the same in tennis you play with full force. I knew then that the Wii Sports could give me some cardio alternatives. Then I heard about the Wii Fit and looked it up on the Nintendo website and it seemed kind of silly. Why would anyone need a balance board and video game to help them do lunges and sun salutations? I kept hearing more about it and two friends of mine got one and they both loved it. One is a former gym rat so I was convinced I wanted one but I wasn't quite ready to spend lots of time tracking one down. Well this guy just happened to return one when I was buying Dance Dance Revolution for my nephew. There I was standing there with both video games that are supposed to be ultimate in fitness workouts.

When you start the Wii Fit it let's you select your Mii, weighs you, and checks your balance. You get on the balance board with shoes and socks off. It will tell you if you are obese, overweight, normal or below according to your BMI. In fact it will tell you this everyday if you let it. It will also tell you your Wii Fit age which is based on the balance test. I think it's reallly silly to give you an age based on a balance test. You can then set a weight loss target and pick the gender of your personal trainer. It saves the data so you can track overtime. It's clear that this is very Eastern oriented as balance and rhythm seems to be more important than anything else in this game.

Tip: When you weigh yourself, do it on a hard surface as the carpet may cause inaccuracies in your measurements. After that you can move it back to the carpet and ignore the "your weight is different messages."

The game consist of four sections: yoga, aerobics, strength and balance games. There are about 12 different activities or mini games to do in each. In each section only 3-4 things are available when you start so it will feel limited. However, each time you play a game you earn Fit Credits equal to the time spent playing. As you accumulate more fit credits you will unlock more games. For the existing games you may unlock increased time limits or advanced levels.

Yoga:
I really enjoy the yoga mostly because I used to do yoga all the time and I have fallen out of practice. You follow along with your personal trainer as s/he does the poses with you. Some of the poses are modified so you can get feedback from the balance board. I think this is the most unique feature. It let's you know if your are keeping your center of balance and/or how much weight you are putting on each side of your body. It's great to have the instant feedback. I also do it in front of the mirror so I can correct poses. After each pose is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

Strength:
Ditto everything for the yoga. You are doing everything from pushes, lunges, squats to the plank. After each activity is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

Aerobics:
I know I know. I should just get on my bike. However, I'm still afraid of theft. So for now it's in home exercises. On the Wii Fit my favorite thing to do is Hula Hoop and Super Hula Hoop. I remember doing this as a kid. I also remember this European chick kicking my ass in hula hoop at the bowling alley. When I saw this I knew it was a chance to redeem myself. You stand on the balance board and sway your hips in "large neat circles". You also catch hoops that are thrown at you by the other Wii characters. I think it's funny that my mate and his brother are always throwing at me. Hula Hoop is free for all. Super Hula Hoop has you go in each direction separately starting with 3 minutes and advancing to 6 minutes. If you take the game seriously you can work up a sweat. After each round is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

Then there is Step, Advanced Step and Free Step. I was never any good a real step aerobics but I excel at Wii Step. If you have ever played Dance Dance Revultions this is the "For Dummies" version. Basic step is pretty slow and I didn't work up a real sweat as the moves are just really up and down. In Advanced step you learn even more moves and at the end they speed it up. This is a rhtyhm game as you are scored on stepping in sync. In Free Step the Wiimote taps the beat and you can change you TV to another chanell and just step your heart out at whatever pace works for you. After each round is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

Today I finally worked out enough to unlock the Rhythm Boxing. Well at first I thought this was a dud. You watch someone give you a pattern then you take your turn at the punching bag. I thought I was doing great until the bag spoke and told me better luck next time. I did it a couple times and still felt it was too easy and if I was going to with the actual rhythm it was much too slow. I was also able to unlock 6 minute rounds in no time. Well little did I know, the combinations became more difficult. I couldn't keep up. Punching when I should be dodging; dodging when I should be blocking. I think I started to finally work up a sweat. I have a lot more practice to do before I get good at this. After each round is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

Last is the running game. This game doesn't use the balance board. Instead you put he Wiimote in your pocket or your hand. You are following a trainer on a scenic run. Other folks are running including your other Mii family members. You get higher scores for running at at steady pace. This isn't a game of speed. I like that it wants you to jog slow. However, I have bad knees and running in place hurts. Running hurts period for me. I really think I would rather go for a walk than play this game. However, I think it's a great warm up for me. Today instead of running in place I took a brisk walk in circles around the apartment. This is my least favorite of the aerobic games. After each round is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

The intensity of most of the aerobics is low to moderate even when I put my all into them. If you are new to exercise then I think these would be more challenging. The Dance Dance Revolution game is the ultimate cardio workout and I will probably use that for cardio instead of the Wii Fit.

Balance:
Well this is my weakest section. It's a selection of 1 minute mini games from balancing on the tight rope to head butting soccer balls I really suck at this. The balance board in most cases is looking for subtle movements when playing it's balance games. I seem to only be able to move big. It took me about 20 tries to get across the tight rope. These games are really fun and addicting. This part reminds you the most of playing a video game. After each round is over you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity.

All in all I enjoy the Wii fit and I will probably stick with it. For me it will be used mostly to improve my flexibility, strength and balance. I don't think it will suffice for a good cardio workout. It does ,however, have one major flaw. After each activity you "you get feedback, get a score and get your ranking. You then go back to the menu and select a new activity. " There is no way to string a set of exercises together. It even recommends a few combinations but there is no easy way to do it. So even if you spent 30 minutes playing games tack on another 15 minutes to scroll through the menus each time. In spite of that now that I have unlocked some of the longer sessions but it will cut down on using the menu. During the strength segment the rest between sets makes a lot sense. So I have had to make up some routines to get the 30 minute mark.

2009-01-03T14:38:00.002-05:00

Because sharing is caring...

Well I also decided to share my measurements. I look at them and I feel like they aren't that different from when I started. Maybe I just don't remember what they were then. I do know that I can't even attempt to wear my previous clothing size of 14. They fall off. A Twelve is needs a belt, a 10 is about right and an 8 sometimes.

Measurements:

Weight: 149lbs
Natural Waist: 30"
Low Waist (where my pants actually sit): 33"
Hips:
Thigh: 26"
Bicep: 12"

Tomorrow: Wii Fit

2009-01-01T17:54:00.005-05:00
Happy Healthy New Year

I am happy to report that I lost 24 pounds in 2008. Here's to a few more and toning in 2009. As I said a couple of posts back I'd like to focus this blog on how I got there. First I joined Weight Watchers in January 2008. It was the end of January because I don't make resolutions. It was a fateful weekend in late January where I consumed nothing but cupcakes and realized that is just not acceptable. As a person who tried to be healthy and spent tons of money on organic groceries I was still overweight. I realized that I had been at a steady weight for about 4 years but I felt fat and didn't like taking pictures anymore. I knew a few people who were Weight Watchers members and they were having success but I still shunned the idea of joining a weight loss program. I always thought I would accomplish my weight loss goals with just plain common sense and the fact that I have a Masters Degree in Health Behavior and Health Education. Well I would have been out of job by now if people changed their health behaviors that easily.

So I joined and it worked. What I learned was awareness. Who knew that my Chipotle Burritos had a days worth of calories in them?!?! I knew that I needed to follow some sort of plan. However, I had a difficult time following other plans because I can't just eat what's prescribed. At the time Weight Watchers had the Flex Plan and that worked for me. I could still eat what ever I wanted but I had to plan for it and make sure it fit into my POINTS (calorie-like) budget. The budget forced me to make some decisions because I could eat whatever I wanted but that didn't mean I could eat the not so healthy things as often and in the same quantities (Hello Hamburger Happy Meal). I had my ups and downs through the year but I made a lot of progress. So this year I decided I would share my health and fitness goals for 2009.

1. Drink 48 fl. ounces of water or decaf tea day
2. Become a Weight Watchers Lifetime member.
3. Maintain the blog weekly

That's it. Well number two has a couple of components. I have to reach my goal weight and maintain it for 6 weeks. Number 3 is very exciting to me. I already have the first couple of installments waiting on deck. Look forward to hearing about my Wii fitness challenge and "On Hand Foods" in January.

2008-12-27T14:27:00.003-05:00
Shirataki Noodles

There is this new product everyone is raving about. Shirataki Noodles are noodles made from tofu and they are low in calories in fat. One cup of shirtaki is 20 kcal where as most other noodles are about 200 kcal/cup. However that is only fabulous if they taste good. I decided to try out a recipe.

The noodles come in a package surrounded by water and they smelled fishy. I drained them and patted them dry. To a pan I added a teaspoon of olive oil and sautéed some onion. I added broccoli, shrimp and the Shirataki noodles. I my stir fried it all together with black bean sauce. I did not like the texture of the noodles and the fishy smelled lingered. Maybe I needed to boil the noodles for a different texture. I was not impressed by these fake me out noodles. Anyone who knows me knows I don't like fake foods. I had hope for Shirtaki because tofu in noodle form does not qualify as fake in my book.

Rating: D

Up Next: I lucked up on a Wii Fit during my holiday shopping so look forward to many more posts about that subject. I'm thinking about doing a Wii Fit weight loss and tone challenge for the first three months of the new year.

2008-12-14T13:52:00.004-05:00

So I've decided this is going to be a food and fitness blog. In 2008 I lost 22 pounds. I have more weight to lose to get to my goal but, I know I should share with others how I got there without really going to the gym. Well obviously part of it involved a bike. I think I will start posting up my favorite things so others might have some ideas.

So this week I discovered Skinny Cow Ice cream. I'm not a big fan of "fake" foods. However I've been craving real sweets. So I leave you with a review of Skinny Cow and a dessert recipe.

Skinny Cow makes ice cream sandwiches and bars that are low in fat and taste good enough for me. My friend used to eat them all the time but I preferred the real thing in smaller portions. However, there are times when I just want to grab and go. A good part of weight loss is portion control and Skinny cow comes all ready portioned so there is no temptation for me to try to fudge the measurements. At only 140 calories and 97% fat free, it's a big win in my book. However it does contain high fructose corn syrup which I prefer not to eat.

When I'm ready to bake but don't want to spend a lot of time I have put together a basic cobbler recipe based on lots of recipes I've tried. This one involves peaches but you can use any fruit you like. It doesn't have thick crust but you get that crust flavor which is the important part.

Skinny Peach Cobbler

6 Medium Peaches Cored and Sliced
1/3 cup of sugar plus 1 TBSP
1 TBSP Cornstarch
1 TSP Cinnamon
1 C Flour
1.5 TSP baking powder
3TBSP Margarine
1/2 C 2% Milk
1/2 TSP salt

Preheat oven to 375ºF.

In a large saucepan, combine peaches, 1/3 cup of sugar (5 1/3 tablespoons), cornstarch, lemon juice and cinnamon; toss to coat peaches. Set pan over medium heat and bring to a boil; cook until mixture thickens, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; transfer mixture to an 8-inch square baking pan.

To make topping, combine flour, remaining tablespoon of sugar, baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Work in margarine with a fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add milk; stir until flour mixture is evenly moistened.

Drop 8 tablespoons of topping mixture over peach mixture. Bake until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes. Cut into 8 pieces and serve.

about 150 calories 2gm fat

2008-10-19T10:23:00.002-05:00
What's Bicycle Girl been up to?

Well she hasn't been riding her bike. Her office went business casual and she hates changing her clothes. I'm' not one of those girls who will ride her bike in suit pants and heels. I also hate changing my clothing no the bathroom stalls.

Second, I have been helping B with is new Bar and Lounge. So I've been waitress, stock girl, dish girl and confidant. It's been fun and so tiring. I've also consumed an inordinate amount of fried chicken, fish, fries and beer. Thank goodness I have to walk and up down the stair everyday. So I don't think I gained any weight. Well I won't know until I get on a scale.

I've even tried to eat healthy before getting to the place but the smell of fried foods are too tempting. I can't stay away. I guess I should try and go there uncomfortably full. I have to do something before I reverse all my progress. I have about 16 weeks to lose 17 lbs. I can do it but this is a real challenge.

2008-09-19T19:15:00.002-05:00
Nate

Well again I'm home on a Friday night. Well not for long. So I was just instant messaging with a friend of mine I hadn't seen in a long time. So I asked him how his girl was doing. Well about 3 years ago his girlfriend was in an accident and was in a coma for quite sometime. When she came out of it she had to re-learn everything. How to eat, walk, talk. He told me he had just come back from visiting her and he showed me some short videos he took while he was there. She's still not able to really talk but she is able to express herself. He's making a lot of jokes and she's laughing at him. He warned me that I would cry and I didn't.

Whenever I'm having a rough day I think of Nate's strength. I might run into him twice a year these days but I always remember it. I don't know very many people who would stick around through a coma and her rehabilitation. She's moved back home to another state but he continues to be there for her. When I think of his strength that's what makes me cry. I've never met someone so selfless. I'm crying now because Nate is awesome person. I'm sad that when he had huge crush on me I ignored him, lol. I did tell him he could date me on a date to Wendy's dollar menu.

In a lot of religions we are asked to believe in the unseen. When I think of Nate I don't think I have to. I see God in him and the way he lives his life. I just didn't know I would see it in a skinny kid who wore trucker hats and knee high socks.

2008-09-15T19:04:00.002-05:00
Yes You is Loud

So I ran into my landlord outside. I hate the fact that she's my age or even younger. Well she ask me how's it going. I say it's okay. I tell her that I'm not used to living under people. I didn't want to go too hard and say how bad it was. It's a basement and it's my fault for not properly investigating. So she asks a few questions to which I answer in the affirmative.

Is it the walking?
Is it the talking?
Is it the TV?

So she looks at me awkwardly and I say "Well I now know you have a Nintendo Wii." We made some small talk about the Wii. I think that was a good way to put it in perspective for her that I can hear things that clearly. She said that she has asked all the previous tenants and none of them ever admitted to that it was a problem. She smiled awkwardly to signal that she appreciated my honesty. I went inside and she continued to garden.

As soon as she came inside it was like the biggest ruckus ever. I giggled because I have feeling that it's just a crappy home and that they aren't really that loud but it's that there isn't a sound barrier. She mentioned that there might be some construction and I guess I should suggest to her that they maybe put in a layer of insulation.

2008-09-12T20:30:00.002-05:00
I had no idea the people upstairs had a Wii too.

So someone just asked me why I was home on a Friday night. I stated my reason now I wish I was out on the town. My landlords have a Wii. I have one too so I know all that's involved. Well now they are upstairs making their character called a Mii. I know how fun and exciting that can be. I remember the cackling that happened when we set up one for B. Short, skinny, freckles, big noses, chinese eyes and a kung fu beard. You can make all kinds of crazy looking characters. Unfortunately there is no sound barrier between my space and theirs. They have a friend over I think he stomps his foot every time he laughs. They haven't even played any games yet. It's bound to be worse when they start moving around. It's sad that in 30 minutes the voice of Sarah Palin will sound great to me.

I have no idea why I thought living in a basement was the move. Seriously no one warned me about it. I've known a couple of people in basements but none of them mentioned the noise factor. Everyone talked about bugs and floods. I was enticed by the price. I thought I was giving up closet space. No peace and quiet is gone. An inconvenient truth. What's the point of living solo if you have voices in your living room? Luckily I only have 5 months to go. Maybe I should look more forward to work travel.