Colorado Getaways

This summer, discover Colorado and soak in the breath-taking scenery as well as some local attractions. There are many great escapes in our backyard, including:

6:40 PM - Aug. 8, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Managing your schedule just got easier

Summer schedules always seem to be hectic. Between sporting events, graduation parties, weddings, family vacations and more, it can be hard to keep track of everything your family and friends will be doing this summer.

That's where a helpful little tool from Google™ - called Google Calendar - can come in handy. As with most of Google's applications, Google Calendar costs nothing and signing up is easy.

Getting Started

Just log on to Google.com/calendar and create a free account, which will take all of two minutes.

Once you've registered, organizing your schedule is only a few clicks away. If you're still apprehensive, take comfort in knowing that Google Calendar works like most personal scheduling programs, but with a few added perks.

More Than Just a Calendar

For starters, Google Calendar is fairly user-friendly, offering daily, weekly, and monthly views of your schedule. The program also offers the ability to create personal calendars for things like American holidays or birthdays. Any calendar you set up can be easily integrated with Google's email program, Gmail. This allows you to quickly add events mentioned in Gmail conversations as well as most other events you find online.

Google Calendar also gives you the ability to share your schedule with others and vice versa. Perfect for families on the go or business associates at opposite ends of the country, Google Calendar maintains your privacy by allowing you to pick and choose which events you want others to see. The program also allows you to plan and promote events by giving you the ability to send invitations as well as track RSVPs.

Perhaps the most exciting feature of Google Calendar is the options it gives you in terms of reminders. Whenever you schedule an important event, Google Calendar gives you the option to receive reminders via email, an online pop-up, or a text message on your cell phone!

Google Calendar also has a really great tool that allows you to search all of your calendars for specific information.

One other feature worth noting is called "Quick Add." This enables you to add events to your schedule simply by clicking a link and then typing in the relevant event information in "natural language" (i.e. Tom's party next Saturday at 8:00pm).

Finally, Google Calendar does integrate fairly well with most existing scheduling programs; however, it may require a little manipulation in some instances.

10:13 AM - Aug. 4, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Consider camping for you vacation

 This article is from YOU magazine.

9:56 AM - Aug. 2, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Maintain your brain

 This article is written with input from  Centers for Disease Control, the Alzheimer's Association, and the AARP.

Many of us think of healthy aging as changes we make to our lifestyle in hopes of keeping our physical health in check. While this sentiment may be true, reality dictates that it is only partly true. The other half of the equation has to do with our cognitive health. Read along as we share some tips for maintaining a healthy and powerful brain.

The Importance of Maintaining Cognitive Health
According to the CDC, as many as 5-million Americans suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Early onset of the disease is rare, but things change after we turn 60. It is estimated that 5 percent of Americans between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly 50 percent of people 85 and older are afflicted with the disease.

Alzheimer's disease may be a worst-case scenario in terms cognitive degeneration, but it is not uncommon for most of us to experience that occasional "senior moment". Temporarily forgetting one's own telephone number, or how to spell a word are examples of lapses that can occur more frequently the older we get.

When it comes to cognitive degeneration, factors such as family history and age are completely out of our control. However, both the CDC and the Alzheimer's Association claim there is a lot we can do. By making simple changes to our lifestyle, especially at earlier ages, we not only can improve our brain health, but our overall quality of life as well.

Use Your Brain
Maybe more than anything else, increasing your mental activity will keep your brain functioning sharply. The real question is how do you increase your mental activity?

Generally speaking, it means minimizing any passive activities and behaviors. Watching TV is a common example of a passive activity. Make no mistake - no one is saying that occasional TV watching or lying around doing nothing is a bad thing. The issue is the frequency of which they're done.

If free time is something you have, use the majority of it to stimulate your brain in a way that you enjoy. The following are examples of activities that can strengthen neuropathways and even generate the production of new brain cells:

• Reading
• Writing
• Playing thinking games such as crossword puzzles, chess and card games
• Learning a language
• Taking up a new hobby
• Attending lectures
• Learning a musical instrument
• Engaging in conversation
• Meditation

Move Your Body
Physical exercise is an incredible means for maintaining mental sharpness. Before we go any further, however, we'd like to state that if you have any diagnosed health issues you should consult your physician first.

Exercise is important because it increases blood flow within the body. In turn, increased blood flow means that more oxygenated blood will reach the brain, as well as every other organ and muscle. Not only does this result in the nourishing of brain cells, but it also helps to protect against other diseases such as stroke, heart attack and diabetes. All of which have been labeled as risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease.

It is even more beneficial when you combine physical exercise along with mental activity. The following are examples of exercises that feature the best of both worlds:

• Dance
• Martial arts
• Tennis, racquetball, squash, badminton and ping-pong
• Yoga
• Aerobics and step-aerobics
• Golf

Sleep Like a Baby
It's no secret that good sleep is crucial to overall brain function, but some scientists actually believe that it is imperative for both memory consolidation and information processing.

A common misperception is that as we age we need less sleep. The truth is that adults in general require 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep every night. For many of us, the inability to sleep has more to do with stress, physical issues, or sleep disorders such as insomnia or sleep apnea. If there is a chronic issue keeping you from getting a good night's sleep, you need to address it.

It is important to note that many of the keys to keeping your mind sharp are intertwined with each other. Case in point, the more you exercise your brain and body, the better you will sleep. In turn, better sleep will lead to increased mental sharpness and physical energy.

Have a Social Life
Many studies have shown that socially active people are not only mentally sharper, but they are also healthier and happier than people who are disconnected. Social activities are a fun way to stay engaged and they provide much needed emotional support. They can range from the simple to the sublime. Here are a few examples:

• Getting together with friends and family
• Participating in social clubs
• Volunteering for a charity
• Taking an adult education or college class
• Mentoring
• Traveling

The point here is to interact with people who have similar interests as you. Ironically, this type of interaction and bonding has been shown to have a beneficial effect on maintaining your independence in later years.

Eat Brain Food
It sounds obvious to say that eating a healthy and balanced diet is good for you, but did you know that it also has a profound effect on your brain health? According to the Alzheimer's Association, a long-term study showed that obese middle-aged adults were twice as likely to develop dementia later on in life. Those who had high cholesterol and high blood pressure were six times as likely to develop dementia.

In general, protect your brain health by eating a diet consisting mainly of whole foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and fish. It is especially important to eat foods that are rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, as they can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. They have also been shown to protect brain cells.

The following are examples of foods that are rich in antioxidants:

• Dark-skinned fruits such as berries, plums, grapes and cherries
• Green leafy vegetables
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Beets
• Red bell pepper
• Onions
• Corn
• Alfalfa sprouts
• Eggplant
• Nuts such as almonds, pecans and walnuts

Here are some foods that are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids:

• Cold water fish (i.e. salmon, halibut, mackerel, herring, sardines, anchovies, tuna, whitefish and trout)
• Flax seeds
• Walnuts
• Soybeans
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage

9:53 AM - Jul. 31, 2009 - comments {2} - post comment

Plan for your yard sale to be successful

Summer is one of the most popular seasons for holding a yard sale. But simply holding a yard sale doesn't necessarily mean you'll end the day with lots of extra money in your pocket. If you're planning on clearing out your clutter this summer, here are ten tips to help make your yard sale a success:

1. Start your yard sale earlier than other yard sales in your area so shoppers will start their shopping day with you.
2. Don't schedule your yard sale on a holiday weekend or during a big event in your area (like a sporting event or festival).
3. If it rains, take down your signs and reschedule your sale so you can maximize traffic on the day of your sale.
4. Before your own yard sale, visit other sales in your neighborhood to get an idea of typical prices.
5. Place all of your items (except for large items) on tables so shoppers don't have to bend.
6. If you plan to sell electrical items, have an outlet and extension cord handy so you can show shoppers that the items work.
7. If you want to sell larger ticket items, look for those items in a local circular and then attach the ad to your item so shoppers can see that they are getting a great deal.
8. If you have a variety of items that men would like, place them on their own table. If married couples stop by your sale, both parties will enjoy looking.
9. Advertise your sale ahead of time in your local newspaper classified section, on community boards at your local food stores, and online at places like www.Craigslist.org.
10. Wait until the morning of your garage sale to hang signs in your neighborhood, and make sure you take them down that day to avoid any fines from your homeowner's association or your town. You don't want to have to use all the cash you earn to pay a fine!

9:07 AM - Jul. 23, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Discretionary spending

In a tough economic climate, tighter budgets mean cutting back on discretionary spending. A recent survey from the National Retail Federation (NRF), however, offers some fascinating insights as to what that really means.

Internet Service – Six or seven years ago, spending on the Worldwide Web may have suffered significantly in a tougher economy. Not anymore - 81% of respondents of the NRF survey said they are willingly trapped in the Net.

Cell Phone Service – Cell phone service plus extras, like text messaging, music, ringtones, and software applications, can really start to add up. Nonetheless, 64% of respondents of the survey won't be hanging them up.

Cable TV – Bundling services like cable, Internet, and phone can save a little money each month. Maybe that's why 61% of survey respondents said they won't cut the cord on cable any time soon.

Hair Care – Looking our best apparently outweighs the expense. This means shaving the hair-care budget won't be happening for a solid 40% of survey respondents.

Dining Out – Whether it's fast-food or sit-down dining, going out for your meals can really eat away at your budget. But according to the NRF's survey, 37% of respondents still have a super-sized appetite for fast-food and one-third has no reservations against sit-down dining

3:40 PM - Jul. 21, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

De-stress your day

With negative news about the economy bombarding us on a daily basis, it is no wonder that many Americans feel stressed just trying to make it through their daily routine. 

The California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) offers these nine tips to help you get rid of your stress:

1. Walk. A 10-minute walk is a quick way to get some energy to help you get through the rest of your day. If you can, get outside. The fresh air will do you good.
2. Stretch. Whether you’re sitting at a desk all day or always on the go, stress on the job has the tendency to make your muscles tight. Take 10 minutes to stretch, focusing on your neck and back.
3. Schedule ‘me’ time. Do something for yourself. Schedule a massage appointment, set up a babysitter for a solo Saturday shopping trip or make plans to watch the game with the guys. Knowing you have a fun event coming up will brighten your mood.
4. Nap. A 10-minute power nap is a quick way to decompress and re-energize.
5. Laugh. Watch a video clip from your favorite comedian, call your hilarious high school friend who always has a joke or step out for coffee with your favorite co-worker who has funny stories about his kids.
6. Journal. Writing for 10 minutes can help you process what’s on your mind. Give yourself free reign - nothing is off limits. You can whine, kvetch, brag or obsess as much as you want.
7. Say thank you. Is someone making your life better, easier or more enjoyable? Whether it’s a family member, co-worker or a friendly barista, personally thank the individual or write and send a thank you note.
8. Breathe. Taking 10 minutes to focus on your breathing can noticeably reduce stress. 70-90% of doctor visits are stressed-related, but by taking 10 minutes of your day to focus on your breathing, you can skip a visit to the doctor.
9. De-clutter. Is your desk covered in paper, to-do lists and leftover lunch scraps? A clutter-free work environment will reduce stress and help you focus.

6:04 PM - Jul. 1, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Are healthy foods really healthy?

 With much ado over the rising rates of obesity within our country, restaurants and food companies have responded with oodles of dishes and products that promise a healthier choice. What you should know is that not all of them are as good for you as they seem.

1. Turkey Burgers
It sounds like a great idea for cutting the fat, calories and cholesterol, while still enjoying the deliciousness of a restaurant burger. After all, turkey meat is lean.

While the latter sentiment is mostly true, you may not realize that a lot of restaurants use only dark meat turkey for their patties. This type of ground turkey can actually have more fat, calories, and cholesterol than a lean cut of beef, such as sirloin. Add any cheese and mayonnaise to that burger, and those numbers increase even more.

If a healthy and lean turkey burger is something you crave make sure that it is made primarily of ground breast meat. Leave off the cheese, ask for extra lettuce and tomato, and make sure it's served on a whole grain bun. Don't forget to substitute mustard for any mayo or mayonnaise-based dressing.

2. Wrap Sandwiches
They're everywhere you look and many are quite tempting. But, before you go ordering a wrap sandwich there are a few things you should know.

While it may be inconspicuous, the main issue is the wrap itself. Many restaurants use a flatbread product that is nothing more than an oversized tortilla filled with modified food starch and fat. Another problem with many of these flatbreads is that the overall surface space is huge. Greater surface space means that many wrapped sandwiches contain more mayo and fillings than a sandwich.

Opt instead for a regular-sized sandwich served on whole grain bread. Once again, fill it with lean meats and fresh vegetables, giving it the nutritional density to satisfy your appetite without adding fat or large amounts of cholesterol to your meal. In terms of condiments, mustard is generally low-calorie and fat free, making it a healthy choice. While the addition of olive oil and vinegar will include some healthy fat grams, a few sprinkles will go far in the way of flavor.

3. Reduced Fat or Fat Free Salad Dressing
Reduced fat or fat free salad dressing sounds like a fantastic idea. The truth is that these types of products generally substitute the fat with loads of sugar and artificial flavorings.

A far better choice is to lightly dress your salads with olive oil and either vinegar or lemon juice. The natural flavors of the fresh salad ingredients will come to life, as opposed to being masked by a cloyingly sweet dressing. Several studies have also shown that olive oil not only aids in digestion, but also the body's absorption of nutrients within raw vegetables.

4. Fruit Smoothies
The poster child for a healthy way to start your day has a lot of potential problems. To start, many smoothies are made with either ice cream or sherbet. It doesn't take a nutritionist to figure out that their inclusion will increase the calorie count of your "healthy" smoothie. It's important to remember that using ice cream will also increase the fat content.

Another issue is that some fruit smoothies include juices and flavored syrups made with high fructose corn syrup, which do nothing but add even more calories. Don't forget to consider the size of the smoothies you are consuming, as many can range upward of 24-ounces. Factor everything together and what you are left with is the perfect storm for a high-calorie beverage.

For a more figure friendly smoothie, make sure that it is made from 100 percent fruit. If a creamier or thinner texture is desired, non-fat plain yogurt and or skim milk are much healthier alternatives than ice cream, sherbet or concentrated fruit juice. Lastly, try to stick to servings that are no larger than 12-ounces.

5. Yogurt (fruit at the bottom)
Yogurt can be a very healthy snack, but diligent label reading is required. While there are many types to choose from, one that needs special attention is yogurt labeled as "fruit at the bottom". Many of these yogurt cups contain enough high fructose corn syrup to boost their sugar levels to that of a can of soda.

Choose instead to buy low-fat or fat-free plain yogurt and a basket of fresh berries. Mix them together and you'll cut the sugar and calories by half. You'll not only receive the healthy qualities of the yogurt, but also some powerful antioxidants provided by the fresh berries.

6. Granola
Granola can be a great source of fiber, but many types contain large amounts of fat and sugar. Once again, it's important to read your labels. A brand of high fiber cereal that we especially like is Kashi™. Offering a variety of options, Kashi™ cereals do a great job of providing fiber, protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, while keeping their fat and sugar levels quite low. They're also pretty darn delicious.

7. Bagels
Who doesn't love starting their day with a toasted bagel smeared with cream cheese? What you may not love – it's a breakfast consisting mainly of high-glycemic carbohydrates and fat. Most bagels are made with bleached enriched flour and cream cheese is a high fat product that most of us apply far more of than the suggested serving. The end result is a highly caloric meal that leaves you wanting even more.

A better choice here is a breakfast sandwich consisting of scrambled egg whites, whole grain bread and sliced fresh tomatoes. It's far more satisfying, as well as nutrient dense.

8. Dried Fruit
As of late, this has become a very popular snack food with new products rapidly appearing on grocery store shelves. But, there are a couple of problems with many of them.

For starters, the process of dehydration leaches out much of the fruit's volume. This allows for mass consumption of this delicious treat. The second issue has to do with the sugar that many companies add to these products. Put them together and the result is a potential for consuming a tremendous amount of sugar.

If a sweet, fruity snack is something you crave, we suggest enjoying a seasonal fresh piece of fruit. There's far more volume to fill you up without adding nearly the amount of sugar to your diet.

9. Energy Drinks, Vitamin Drinks, and Sports Drinks
There are all sorts of problems with many of these products. First on the list is the amount of sugar most of them contain. In addition, they are an overpriced way to deliver trace amounts of nutrients to your body.

In the case of energy drinks, you must be extremely careful. Most nutritionists would agree that consumption of these beverages is hardly the way to either hydrate your body, or provide you with energy. Drinking water and eating a healthy balanced diet do a much better job. The type of energy these drinks provide will most always lead to a quick crash.

If plain drinking water seems a little too boring, feel free to add sliced citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange, along with sliced cucumber to a pitcher of filtered water. It's a tasty, nutritious and calorie conscious way to quench your thirst.

10. White Rice
While it may not be the worst choice you could make, white rice is hardly the best. Having been stripped of its nutritious and fiber-filled hull, it fills you up far less quickly than brown rice. You should know that all grains carry carbs, but it's the carbohydrates that come from refined grains that wreak the most havoc on your blood sugar level.

Let's understand that we're not saying you should completely give up eating anything. Our only goal is to speak honestly about some of the foods touted as being a healthier choice. What's important is that you concentrate on eating a well-balanced, low-calorie and low-fat diet consisting primarily of whole foods. Doing so will not only keep you trim, it'll satisfy your appetite in a much healthier way. It'll also allow for an occasional guilt-free splurge.

6:59 PM - Jun. 29, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Skip the hotel and go for the vacation home

This article is by Christine Karpinski, author of How to Rent Vacation Properties by Owner, 2nd Edition: The Complete Guide to Buy, Manage, Furnish, Rent, Maintain and Advertise Your Vacation Rental Investment and Profit from Your Vacation Home Dream: The Complete Guide to a Savvy Financial and Emotional Investment.

Since the beginning of 2008 (or long before), most of your worries have probably involved dollar signs. Whether you’re fretting over your job security, your retirement portfolio, or where our economy is headed in general, the rule of the day is save, save, save. But as the days get warmer, your thoughts and those of your family will likely drift to summer vacation. And if you’ve been pushing those thoughts from your head with a stern ‘We just don’t have the money,’ you’ll be happy to hear there’s a cost-effective solution you may never have considered: the vacation rental home.

Karpinski offers the following reasons why a vacation rental is a better choice than a hotel:

There are plenty of vacation homes to choose from. An overcrowded real estate market means more and more people are choosing to rent out their second homes rather than try to sell them. If you’re looking to stay closer to home this year to cut back on gas or airfare costs, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a vacation home within a two-hour drive of most metropolitan areas in the U.S. By visiting respectable websites-such as HomeAway.com or its affiliates VRBO.com, CyberRentals.com, GreatRentals.com, or Holiday-Rentals.co.uk-you can quickly find the one that’s right for you.

The rental process is getting easier and more convenient by the day. Admittedly, it’s not quite as simple to rent a vacation home as it is to book a hotel room, but it is still pretty easy. Websites like HomeAway provide details about the property and contact info and the consumer takes it from there. Homeowners themselves are becoming more consumer-friendly in their business practices though. Despite popular misconception, you don’t always have to commit to a week. Many homeowners will let you rent by the weekend or even on a nightly basis, particularly during the off-season. And while some of them still expect you to send them a personal check, many others accept credit cards or PayPal.

Vacation homes are more spacious and comfortable. Think about the difference between a tiny hotel room, possibly with limited amenities, and an actual home with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms and kitchens, living and dining areas. People who stay in private homes don’t feel so compelled to wear themselves out cramming in every touristy activity in town. They don’t mind just hanging out in the living room and relaxing more, which after all, is what a vacation is supposed to be.

You can live like a local. No one wants to feel or look like a tourist, an “outsider.” When you stay in someone’s home, you get a more authentic experience.

You can get inside information from the homeowner. One big reason vacation home renters get to “live like locals” is that most homeowners love to provide their guests with helpful hints. They’ll point you to the best restaurants in town, the best hiking trails, and the best bike rental places. They’ll tell you who has the cheapest gas, which roads to take to avoid traffic, and which attractions are overpriced “tourist traps.”

You can cook and do laundry. If you’re on a budget, both of these factors can be huge benefits. Obviously, eating every meal in a restaurant gets pricey. The ability to prepare your own meals not only saves money, there’s just something nice about savoring a home-cooked meal while on vacation. As for the washer and drier factor-being able to bring fewer clothes is not only a sanity saver during packing, it’s a spacesaver for those long car rides.

If the weather’s bad, there’s more to do indoors. Most vacation rental homeowners provide DVDs (along with the electronic equipment to view them on), board games, playing cards, and other family-friendly diversions. Also, more than half of all rental properties now have Internet access.

You might even be able to bring Fido or Fluffy. Many vacation property owners will accept pets, which makes their homes especially attractive to families who can’t bear to part with their four-legged friends for a week.

“Once you go the vacation home route, you probably won’t go back to hotels,” says Karpinski. “Yes, it takes a little effort on your part-and you may have to contact several different owners before you find the right home-but the results are definitely worth it.”

6:43 PM - Jun. 27, 2009 - comments {1} - post comment

Saving money on groceries

This article is by Stephanie Nelson, the Coupon Mom. 

Some basic tips to saving money while serving healthy food include:

-Do it yourself, don’t pay for convenience
-Simple substitutions-be aware of less expensive, comparable alternatives
-Plans meals based on overall meal cost
-Save 10 to 40% by avoiding all food waste
-Save money and calories with proper portion control
-Use strategic shopping (combining store sales with coupons) on your key items
-Be store flexible: know the prices of your common items and shop where prices are lowest

How to save on produce:
-Compare prices for your common produce at a few different types of stores, such as a discount store (Wal-Mart or Target supercenters), a no-frills discount store (Aldi or Sav-a-Lot), a wholesale club (Costco or BJs) and a couple of local supermarkets. You may find that an alternate store is a better source of produce in the off-season. During the summer, a local farmers’ market could be a good source of healthy produce at a lower cost.
-Talk to the produce manager about markdowns, and find out what time of day they markdown produce (that is generally perfectly good).
-Buy fresh produce in season, concentrating on the featured sale items. If not on sale, buy frozen vegetables as they tend to be less expensive and have coupons available for name brands. Frozen vegetables are frozen at the peak of freshness so they may have more nutrition than fresh vegetables that have been in storage for a longer period of time.
-Save money by doing it yourself. The cost savings of washing your own lettuce, peeling your own carrots, cutting your own fruit equates to an hourly wage of over $50. If it takes 5 minutes to save 60-70%, it’s worth doing yourself.
-Consider the cost per serving of fruits and vegetables and make simple substitutions to vary your diet and save money. Also compare the cost per piece of fruit or potatoes of a 5-lb. bag as compared to buying individual pieces by the pound. Smaller apples cost less, lead to less waste, and have fewer calories.
-Pay attention to food waste and work to reduce it to zero. Food waste accounts for 10% to 40% of families’ overall grocery spending (the average percentage increases as the average grocery spending increases according to USDA statistics). Serve realistic portions for weight-management and proper nutrition. Don’t serve children more food than they would realistically eat.

How to save on meat, chicken, fish:
-Only buy main dish ingredients when they are on sale. Pay attention to your stores’ featured sales item on the first page of their weekly ad and plan that week’s meals around that ingredient. Chicken is a common sale item, so be creative about finding healthy recipes that your family likes using various types of chicken. Buy at least one or two extra weeks’ worth of the main ingredient item to freeze so you don’t have to pay full price in the future.
-Consider buying fish that is flash-frozen to save, or only buy the type of fish that is on sale.
-Talk to your store’s butcher about daily markdowns and check them out each time you visit the store. Stores will frequently mark down items with sell-by dates of that day or the next day. As long as you freeze or prepare the item immediately, it is perfectly safe to eat.
-Buy larger family-pack quantities of meat, chicken or pork and package them into smaller quantities for the freezer to pay a lower per-pound cost.
-Buy less expensive cuts of meat and prepare them to be healthier. Marinate less-expensive cuts of steak to tenderize them, which tend to be healthier because they are lower in fat.
-Only buy boneless chicken breasts when they sell for half price. If not on sale, compare the per-pound price of individually frozen chicken breasts sold in the bag.
-Buy whole chickens at a lower per-pound price, or less-expensive chicken drumsticks or thighs. Buy chicken leg quarters and cut off the skin and visible fat. Bake some for dinner and bake additional pieces to use in a chicken soup, stew or casserole later in the week.
-Compare the per-pound cost of your favorite cuts of meat, pork, chicken, and fish at a local wholesale club to save 20-40%. Buy the large quantity for your freezer or divide with a friend.
-Substitute ground turkey for ground beef when it is less expensive in soups, pasta sauces and casseroles.
-Compare the cost of frozen ground turkey to fresh ground turkey; allow time to thaw if frozen is less expensive.
-Don’t buy sliced deli turkey for $8 or $9 per lb. at the deli counter-make extra grilled chicken breasts and slice for sandwiches during the week. You can also buy your own turkey breast and roast it and slice it for sandwiches.

Snacks:
-Managing snacks is important because family members are likely to eat planned ingredients for other meals if you don’t have easy snacks available. Let family members know what snacks are available and encourage them to choose the healthy options.
-Examples of inexpensive snacks include store brand pretzels, popcorn, store brand graham crackers, carrot sticks, small apples, bananas, frozen banana smoothies with skim milk, diet hot cocoa packets, diet gelatin or pudding, saltines, yogurts bought on sale with coupons, and homemade cookies and brownies.

Avoid food waste:
-Plan a leftover night once per week or plan a consecutive meal based on leftover ingredients.
-Have one shelf in your refrigerator with clear, see-through plastic containers with leftovers. Use for lunches, snacks or leftover night with a different meal for each person if necessary.

6:30 PM - Jun. 23, 2009

Websites with freebies

From The Washington Post

As consumers look for ways to pinch pennies, websites that offer or direct people to freebies are gaining in popularity. They include:

• FreeCycle.org: This nonprofit organization, with a mission to help the environment by not cluttering landfills, matches people who want to give away items with people in the same city who want them.

• FreeBirthdayTreats.com: Find out which restaurants give free or discounted meals or services to people on their birthdays.

• Kidsmealdeals.com: If you have children, hit this site to find out where they eat for free with a paying adult. If you register and type in your ZIP code, you'll get a list of all the freebies close to home.

• Swapstyle.com: Swap clothes, accessories, shoes or unused beauty products.

• Avvo.com: Get free legal advice, even anonymously, from an attorney.

5:33 PM - Jun. 19, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

We need more Sully's

This article is by George W. Mantor at RISMedia.

It is an image for the ages; people standing on the wings of a United Airways jet, floating on the Hudson River.

Living in San Diego, it reminded me of military ships coming into port with the entire crew evenly spaced on the edge of the deck, standing at ease with hands clasped behind their backs.

Next time the flight attendant talks about a “water landing,” I’ll pay more attention. As amazing as the photo is, the story behind the image is equally as riveting and is almost too perfect even for Hollywood.

I don’t recall a time in the post WWII era when we have ever needed a hero more. I don’t need to list the challenges we are facing as a nation, but there is certainly some metaphoric similarities between going down in the Hudson and going down the drain. The problem is that no one individual can save our country. We have a lot of problems and we need a lot of Sullys.

Being a hero is mostly about being in the right place at the right time with the right tools and experience. Meet Captain Chesley Burnett “Sully” Sullenberger III, born to fly. Or, better yet, born to crash. There are very few men alive who could have set that powerless plane down on the water like it was a cigarette boat coming into dock. “We’ll be in the Hudson,” he calmly radioed the tower.

Everything that Sully learned in some 40 years of stick and rudder would be needed on this chilly day in mid January, to pull 155 airline passengers and crew back from the edge of certain death. A pilot since the age of 14, he has done virtually everything one can do in connection with flying. He graduated the top flier in his class from The Air Force Academy. He flew fighter jets and has been a commercial pilot since 1980. He owns his own airline safety consulting business. He had been preparing for his moment all his life. No engines? No problem; Sully flies gliders.

If you ever had to pick the right guy to land a falling passenger plane on a river, Sully had the right resume.

Although, it isn’t really like he had much choice. Pure self-preservation demanded it. The engines stopped and gravity took over. Now, you either fly or die. I’m not discounting his heroics, but it was his fundamental knowledge of the forces of lift and drag, and the pinball wizard’s familiarity with the controls and capabilities of an Airbus 320 that enabled him and everyone behind him to survive, not uncommon valor. He didn’t walk into a burning building to save a child; he woke up in a burning building and got everyone out.

Again, this is no question of his heroism, but he didn’t go from obscure airline pilot to hero in an instant; the hero was already galvanized in him, and when he was called upon he was ready.

So, when you think about what really saved all of those lives, what really put a prepared Sully in that sea it was things like passion, discipline, duty, honor, loyalty, work ethic, attitude and selflessness. Moldy old words to some, but not to men like Sully.

And, that’s a long way from the shrill lament of “Me, Me, Me!”

Long before the events on the Hudson, Sully was highly respected both as a pilot and a man. Sully was the best at what he did and a nice guy, to boot.

The wonderful thing about waking up in the morning is that we never know who is going to make history today-maybe even you or me. But, the question is, when we are called upon, will we be ready? Well, the time has come.

During halftime of the NBA all star game, our first African-American President, Barack Obama, spoke to the television audience about the need to do something for others and the attitude we need to get through the challenges we face. For far too long, we have argued that for some to be winners, others must be losers. But, change has come to America and, if we don’t come together as one, there will be only losers. If our plane sinks, we all drown.

At a time when jocks, actors, and musicians are looked up to as role models, it is good to be reminded that many real heroes just go about their business until the light shines briefly on them. They stick by friends, family, neighbors, and community. They give more than they take. And when we need them most, they are there. They represent the best in all of us.

A hero isn’t someone who throws, or dribbles, or kicks; a hero is someone who takes responsibility for those around him. No special skills are required. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes, but what they have in common is consideration for others.

If you are a secret hero waiting for your moment, your time has come. We need leadership at every level. We need to replace politicians with public servants, takers with givers, and talkers with doers. For too long, we have abdicated our responsibilities for everything from child rearing to representative government. And now, we see what we have gotten for our lack of participation.

It’s time to take back control of our own ship. It’s Sully time in America

5:26 PM - Jun. 17, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Uncle Sam's New GI Bill

In August 2009, the Post- 9/11 Veterans' Educational Assistance Act (signed by President Bush in 2008) kicks in for qualifying members of the military on active duty since September 11, 2001. The most comprehensive education program since 1944, this law is designed to provide veterans with a similar level of educational benefits provided to service members at the end of World War II.

Under the new law, qualifying veterans could receive payment up to the full cost of tuition and fees at the most expensive public school in the state in which you enroll. This basically guarantees a free education if you attend your state institution and qualify for the full amount. Under the new law, the current $1,200 program enrollment fee will also be waived.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the maximum basic benefit is earned after serving an aggregate of 36 months of active duty service or after 30 days of continuous service for those individuals who were discharged for a service-connected disability. Individuals serving between 90 days and 36 months of aggregate active duty service will be eligible for a percentage of the maximum benefit.

Unlike previous bills, the new law extends equal benefits to activated members of the National Guard and the Reserves. The Veterans' Administration has advised that clarification and possibly revision may occur until the law takes effect. To learn more about this important bill, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

3:52 PM - Jun. 3, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Vacation Planning 101

Does planning your vacation cause you stress? If planned in advance and with a little organization, your next vacation could be your best one yet. Here are some tips to help you with your next vacation whether it is staying in state, relaxing on a beach or going on a safari:

3:40 PM - May. 28, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

You CAN start your own business

If you’ve ever found yourself saying: “I should start my own business,” you’re not alone. Most Americans say they have at least considered starting their own business, or have actually done so at least once in their life. 

According to a new survey by FindLaw.com (http://www.findlaw.com), a popular website providing legal information, 61% of Americans have either started or thought about starting a small business, 30% of Americans say they have started at least one small business and an additional 31% of Americans have thought about starting their own business at some point in their lives.

Small businesses (defined as 500 or fewer employees) are an important part of the economy, generating a significant portion of new jobs and employ about half of all U.S. workers and have generated more than half of the new jobs created annually over the last decade, according to the Small Business Administration.

“Owning your own business is a dream that many people have and that many people act upon,” said Stephanie Rahlfs, an attorney and editor at FindLaw.com. “Even in difficult economic times, people often take advantage of opportunities to start a business where they see unmet needs, a chance to turn a personal passion or interest into a business, or because they want to have more control and responsibility over their work life.

“Starting a business involves many legal and regulatory requirements, including state and local licensing and registration, taxation, zoning, intellectual property and financing,” cautions Rahlfs. “Knowing what the requirements are, what information you’ll need, and where to find good advice and help are essential. Research has found that businesses that make it through the first four years have a much better chance of lasting long-term.”

If you are thinking about starting your own small business, follow these suggestions to help get your business off the ground and keep it going for the long haul:

1. Save up as much money as possible before starting. All too often, people go into business without any savings, exclusively using loan money from friends or banks. They except to be able to start paying the loans back right away with their profits. What these business owners don’t realize is that it can take months or years to make a profit.

2. Start on a shoestring. Think small. Don’t rent premises if you can work somewhere else, and don’t hire employees until you can keep them busy. People who start their small business on the cheap, often in a garage, den, or some other scavenged space, and create their first goods or services with more sweat than cash, have the luxury of making their inevitable rookie mistakes on a small scale.

3. Protect your personal assets. When you go into business for yourself, you are usually personally liable for all judgments and debts that the business incurs. This includes business loans, taxes, money owed to suppliers and landlords, and any judgments against the business as a result of a lawsuit. If you don’t protect yourself, a creditor can go after your personal assets, such as your car and your house, to pay for these debts.

4. Understand how - and if - you will make a profit. You should be able to state in just a few sentences how your business plans to make a substantial profit. For starters, you need to know your costs: how much you’ll spend purchasing inventory, paying the rent, compensating any employees, and covering what is likely to be a surprisingly long list of other costs. Then you can figure out exactly how much you need to sell each month, for how many dollars, to cover those expenses and have an adequate profit besides. These numbers are all you need to create a “break-even analysis.”

5. Make a business plan. Understanding your profit numbers and creating a break-even analysis is the first step in making a business plan. For most small companies, the key portions of a business plan are the break-even analysis, a profit-and-loss forecast, and a cash flow projection. Creating a business plan allows you to determine what your projected start-up costs are (how much money you’ll need to save) and what you marketing strategies are (how you’ll reach customers to make sales). If you can’t make the numbers work on paper, you won’t be able to make them work in real life.

6. Get and keep a competitive edge. Building a competitive edge into the fabric of your business is important to long-term success. Some ways to get this edge are by knowing more than your competitors, making a product that is hard or impossible to imitate, being able to produce or distribute your product more efficiently, having a better location, or offering superior customer service.

7. Put all agreements in writing. The laws of your state require you to put some contracts and agreements in writing: Contracts that will last longer than a year, contracts that involve the sale of goods worth $500 or more, contracts that transfer the ownership of copyrights or real estate.

8. Hire and keep good people. Your goal should be to hire and retain truly excellent employees - not just reasonably competent ones. A highly competent and truly enthusiastic employee is at least two and sometimes even three times as valuable as a person of average skills.

9. Pay attention to the legal status of your workers. When you hire workers as independent contractors, make sure they shouldn’t really be taxed as employees. The IRS can impose substantial penalties against you for not withholding taxes and paying taxes for a worker who is really an employee.

10. Pay your bills early and your taxes on time. In the real world, where a reputation for keeping one’s word is a hugely important asset, a good strategy is to pay your bills up front or pay them early. You gain trust, build a positive credit profile, and have a built-in safety net if things go badly.

11:29 AM - Apr. 28, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Getting fit on a budget

This article is by The Debt Diva

More than 80 million Americans go on diets each year, taking a pledge to lose weight, but getting in gear and joining a gym can add up during these tough economic times. But you don’t have to break your healthy resolution because it’s breaking your bank. The Debt Diva, Clarky Davis, offers some great ways to stay in shape on budget in the new Debt Diva Frugal Fitness Guide. 

The Frugal Fitness Guide outlines ways consumers can save money in all areas of their fitness routine. Ordinary items in the home can become workout tools, turning a living room into a gym.

“You’d be surprised at how differently you can look at your couch, a dinner table and even a wall,” says Davis on turning your home to your very own gym. “Everyday items around the home can used as props to hold your feet, keep you balanced and most importantly, help you get in shape you fulfill your resolution to get fit and fabulous, frugally.”

Consumers can also learn smart ways to buy the right foods to stay healthy without spending a fortune. The Debt Diva’s Guide points consumers to community resources they can use on a regular basis to help them save money and stay on track. Davis also suggests ways to lock in a routine alone or with a workout buddy.

Davis offers some great alternative ways to get fit. Stay on top of your fitness goal in 2009 with these tips from The Debt Diva:

1. The best thing you can do for yourself is just to get up and start moving! Take a few minutes each day to stretch out before you start any exercise is a great way to start any workout whether it’s cardio or strength training.

2. The American Heart Association says that a simple 20 to 30 minute walk three times a week will make you feel more energetic, happier and calmer. You mostly want to increase your heart rate when you’re working out, because the more it increases, the more calories you burn. And the more you burn, the more fat you’ll lose.

3. If you have a limited amount of time and are jumping into a workout routine for the first time, start with squats, lunges, pushups and crunches. And best of all, these are all things you can do in your home using ordinary items in your home for support - like the floor, a wall, your couch or even a dining room chair.

4. A set of weights is as close as your pantry. A regular can of soup weighs just about 2 pounds, which is fine to start with if you haven’t done much exercise. If you’ve tried a can of soup, use water bottles for more mass, which can weight about 3 to 4 pounds.

5. After you drink the water, dry out the bottle and fill it with rice to increase the weight.

6. When you’ve started to build your routine, try using plastic milk jugs filled with water (or just halfway) to increase the weights you are lifting. Just remember to tape the lids on securely or do these exercises on a linoleum or tile floor in case you have a spill.

7. Walking and jogging are great cardio exercises you can do around the house.

8. Cleaning your house also burns the calories just like walking and jogging. An hour of cleaning will burn about 200 calories!

9. Work out with a friend. You’ll help each other stay motivated and you’ll most likely stick to a routine because you know someone else is counting on you.

10. Turn your workout into time for the family by incorporating activities for everyone. It can be as simple as a game of tennis or a visit to the playground.

“Getting fit on a budget can be fun and rewarding for your wallet and your health,” says Davis. “Don’t forget to set short term and long term goals for your workout. Your short term goal should be achievable within a month, while your long term goals can be achieved over an extended period of time. Reward your short term goals with a new work out challenge so you’re not spending what you’ve saved. Then take the money you save and reward yourself in a big way, with a new outfit for example, when you achieve your long term goal.”

6:09 PM - Apr. 2, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Tips for cold and flu season

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the common cold is one of the largest contributors to missed work and school every year. There are more than 200 documented viruses that can cause cold symptoms of varying severity, and no known cures, therefore, more emphasis must be placed on prevention this cold and flu season.

Although it seems nearly impossible to avoid catching some form of a cold or flu, the University of Phoenix College of Nursing is recommending the following tips to reduce your chances of becoming sick:

1. Get a Flu shot. The CDC recommends the flu shot for children aged 6 months to 19 years, pregnant women, people 50 years of age and older, anyone with certain chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma or COPD, people who live in nursing homes and long term care facilities, and for people who live with or care for those who are at high risk.

2. Hands off. Most cold and flu viruses are spread by hand to hand or skin to skin contact, so direct your germs into a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze.

3. Sleep tight. Lack of sleep may profoundly weaken your immune system.

4. Stay hydrated. Drinking extra fluids and clear soups prevent dehydration caused by fever; can loosen mucus, and keeps your throat moist.

5. Avoid alcohol and smoking. Also avoid secondhand smoke which can make cold symptoms worse.

6. Use over the counter medication. Carefully read the labels of all medicines and remember that there are over the counter remedies, including decongestants that are not available on the shelf but can be obtained from the pharmacist. Parents should contact their child’s health care provider for advice on their child’s cold because many over the counter medications are no longer recommended.

7. See your doctor if symptoms persist. Generally, you can beat the common cold and flu without a trip to the doctor, but if symptoms last more than 10 days or you have trouble breathing, call you doctor immediately. Children should be seen for any worsening symptoms, especially cough, persistent fever for more than 5 days, or any fever of 105 or higher.

3:03 PM - Mar. 21, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Going "green" in today's economy

Much has been written about reducing one’s carbon footprint and being green. There is more action than ever before in many earth conscious arenas including; renewable energy, recycling and mass transportation with live/work centers along their routes. We are seeing the banishment of plastic bags and the plethora of re-usable shopping bags available to us. Steel or ceramic water bottles are the new rage; replacing the disposable water bottle as many people’s daily companion. We’ve become a nation more focused on conservation than ever before.

2:53 PM - Mar. 17, 2009 - comments {0} - post comment

Tips for a larger tax refund

No one ever wants to pay more taxes than necessary, but this year it's even more important to save every penny you can. Here are some tips that can help you get a larger refund:

Property Tax Deduction for Non-Itemizers: Before 2008, only people who itemized their deductions could deduct property taxes. For 2008, individuals who do not itemize can deduct up to $1,000 of property tax on a joint return or $500 on a single return.

Driving Deductions: The IRS increased the cents-per-mile deduction for business-related driving expenses from 50.5 cents to 58.5 cents from July 1, 2008 through December 31, 2008. They also increased the rate for deducting medical and moving driving-related expenses from 19 cents to 27 cents for that same time period.

Disaster Losses: Casualty losses (i.e. like those from storm or fire damage) are normally deductible only to the extent they exceed 10% of AGI. For 2008, casualties in federally declared disaster areas can be deducted without having to abide by the 10%-of-AGI rule, which raises the amount that is deductible.

Capital Losses: Review your portfolio and note all your realized losses for 2008. You can write these off against capital gains and you can have a net loss of up to $3,000 deductible against your salary and other ordinary income. What's more, any excess can be used to offset gains or can be deducted in 2009 or later years.

Retirement Plan Contributions: You can make tax-saving contributions to retirement plans for 2008 through April 15, 2009.

Charitable Donations: Not only can you claim deductions for money and items you donate to a charity, you can also claim deductions for expenses you incur on a charity's behalf (i.e. driving costs, printing costs, long distance phone call costs, etc.).

Make sure you take time to go through your records carefully so you receive the biggest refund possible.

3:43 PM - Mar. 9, 2009 - comments {1} - post comment

Get a good night's sleep

Millions of people have trouble sleeping. Sometimes it's the stress of a job or the anxiety over the economy. But, all too often, lack of sleep is actually caused by everyday habits that interfere with your natural resting cycle. If you or someone you know have experienced trouble sleeping, follow these simple steps to help get your body back on a restorative cycle.

Follow the ABCs of bedtime – To help yourself get a good night's sleep, make sure your bedroom is: (A) quiet, (B) dark, and (C) comfortable. After all, if you're constantly awakened by noise or light, you can't expect to fall into a deep, restorative sleep. That goes for comfort, too. Make sure your bedroom isn't too hot or too cold, and that your mattress and bedding are ideal for your preferences. You also don't want to go to bed hungry or full, so monitor your snacking habits before you head off to bed. Finally, remember that your dog or cat may be the cause of your discomfort. If you sleep with your pets, try putting them on the floor for a few nights to see if your sleep improves.

Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine – Most people know that caffeine will keep you awake, but few people realize how long it stays in your system. The fact is, you should cut caffeine out of your diet at least 6 hours before you go to bed. Similarly, you shouldn't drink alcohol too close to bedtime either. Although it may make you feel tired at first, it may be the reason you wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep. Research has also shown that use of nicotine too close to bedtime may make it difficult to fall asleep, and the withdrawal from it in the middle of a sleep cycle may contribute to further sleep disturbances.

Find a stress-free ritual before bed – Regardless of how stressful your day or the economic news is, you need to find a way to put it out of your mind before bedtime. So find a stress-free ritual like reading or listening to music. Just make sure it helps you relax, calm down, and stop thinking about those stressful events that filled your day.

Watch your workout schedule – Exercise is good for your body for a number of reasons, including relieving stress and helping you sleep better. But make sure you pay attention to when you workout. If you exercise too close to bedtime, you may end up energizing your body. So try to work out during the afternoon or even in the morning if you find your workout routine is interfering with your body's ability to slow down before bed.

Don't drink just before bed – One of the main reasons people wake up in the middle of the night and disrupt their sleep is that old familiar trip to the bathroom. By not drinking too close to bedtime – say, after 8 p.m. – you can help eliminate the urge to wake up at night.

Keep your naps to 20 minutes or less – Falling asleep during the day can be a welcome rest, but it can also throw off your sleep pattern. If you can, try to avoid naps during the day. If you do need a short nap, try to keep it between 15-20 minutes...and make sure it's not too close to bedtime.

3:51 PM - Mar. 7, 2009 - comments {1} - post comment

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