Lucy's Frugal Living

The Daffodil Principle

2008-05-12T20:42:00.003-05:00

( I received this from my friend Richard Sutton and it has always been a favorite of mine.)

Several times my daughter had telephoned to say, 'Mother, you must come to see the daffodils before they are over.'

I wanted to go, but it was a two-hour drive from Laguna to Lake Arrowhead 'I will come next Tuesday', I promised a little reluctantly on her third call.

Next Tuesday dawned, cold and rainy. Still, I had promised, and reluctantly I drove there. When I finally walked into Carolyn's house I was welcomed by the joyful sounds of happy children. I delightedly hugged and greeted my grandchildren.

'Forget the daffodils, Carolyn! The road is invisible in these clouds and fog, and there is nothing in the world except you and these children that I want to see badly enough to drive another inch!'

My daughter smiled calmly and said, 'We drive in this all the time, Mother.'
'Well, you won't get me back on the road until it clears, and then I'm heading for home!' I assured her.

'But first we're going to see the daffodils. It's just a few blocks,' Carolyn said. 'I'll drive. I'm used to this.'

'Carolyn,' I said sternly, 'Please turn around.'
'It's all right, Mother, I promise. You will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience.'

After about twenty minutes, we turned onto a small gravel road and I saw a small church. On the far side of the church, I saw a hand lettered sign with an arrow that read, ' Daffodil Garden .' We got out of the car, each took a child's hand, and I followed Carolyn down the path. Then, as we turned a corner, I looked up and gasped. Before me lay the most glorious sight.

It looked as though someone had taken a great vat of gold and poured it over the mountain peak and its surrounding slopes. The flowers were planted in majestic, swirling patterns, great ribbons and swaths of deep orange, creamy white, lemon yellow, salmon pink, and saffron and butter yellow. Each different-colored variety was planted in large groups so that it swirled and flowed like its own river with its own unique hue. There were five acres of flowers.

'Who did this?' I asked Carolyn.
'Just one woman,' Carolyn answered. 'She lives on the property. That's her home.' Carolyn pointed to a well-kept A-frame house, small and modestly sitting in the midst of all that glory. We walked up to the house.

On the patio, we saw a poster. 'Answers to the Questions I Know You Are Asking', was the headline. The first answer was a simple one. '50,000 bulbs,' it read. The second answer was, 'One at a time, by one woman. Two hands, two feet, and one brain.' The third answer was, 'Began in 1958.'

For me, that moment was a life-changing experience. I thought of this woman whom I had never met, who, more than forty years before, had begun, one bulb at a time, to bring her vision of beauty and joy to an obscure mountaintop. Planting one bulb at a time, year after year, this unknown woman had forever changed the world in which she lived.
One day at a time, she had created something of extraordinary magnificence, beauty, and inspiration. The principle her daffodil garden taught is one of the greatest principles of celebration.

That is, learning to move toward our goals and desires one step at a time--often just one baby-step at time--and learning to love the doing, learning to use the accumulation of time. When we multiply tiny pieces of time with small increments of daily effort, we, too, will find we can accomplish magnificent things. We can change the world .

'It makes me sad in a way,' I admitted to Carolyn. 'What might I have accomplished if I had thought of a wonderful goal thirty-five or forty years ago and had worked away at it 'one bulb at a time' through all those years? Just think what I might have been able to achieve!'

My daughter summed up the message of the day in her usual direct way. 'Start tomorrow,' she said.

She was right. It's so pointless to think of the lost hours of yesterdays. The way to make learning a lesson of celebration instead of a cause for regret is to only ask, 'How can I put this to use today?'

Use the Daffodil Principle.
Stop waiting.....
Until your car or home is paid off
Until you get a new car or home
Until your kids leave the house
Until you go back to school
Until you finish school
Until you clean the house
Until you organize the garage
Until you clean off your desk
Until you lose 10 lbs.
Until you gain 10 lbs.
Until you get married
Until you get a divorce
Until you have kids
Until the kids go to school
Until you retire
Until summer
Until spring
Until winter
Until fall
Until you die...

There is no better time than right now to be happy. Happiness is a journey, not a destination. So work like you don't need money. Love like you've never been hurt, and, Dance like no one's watching.

Have a great week everyone.

With Mothers Day upon us......

2008-05-08T22:16:00.004-05:00

WHY GOD MADE MOMS*
(Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions.) Thanks to Richard Sutton for sending me this one.

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mom just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's moms like me.

What kind of little girl was your mom?
1. My Mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mom need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mom marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my Mom eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mom. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between moms & dads?
1. Moms work at work and work at home and dads just go to work at work.
2. Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mom do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mom perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your mom, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my mom smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

Note from Lucy: It's been 24 years since my own mother died at the tender age of 57. I love her very much and still miss her today. She raised four children within 5 years of each other. I was the oldest, Barbara next at exactly 2 years to the date, then Pat 18 months later, and last but not least, my brother Donny, 15 months after Pat.....I always wondered why she was half crazy and after having kids of my own, I know why......I really don't know how she managed us all so close in age. We grew up with very little money but we felt rich with all the love that was shared. I feel very grateful to have had good parents. I wish my mom had been her longer to see her grandkids grow up, hopefully she is watching us all from above. Happy Mothers Day, Mom... (I have to say, that TF's mom is the best! I love her too.)

Vacation for Less....

2008-05-05T00:10:00.004-05:00

From the Dollar Stretcher website:
by Judith A. Filangeri
Cutting costs without cutting the pleasure out of the trip

Ahhh! The very thought of vacation makes us wax positively poetic. "Summer afternoon - summer afternoon...the two most beautiful words in the English language." Henry James certainly got that right. Now, let's get practical.

AAA has been tracking vacation costs since 1950, when the average daily cost of meals and lodging for a family of four was $13. As of 2007, food and lodging for that family was up to an average of $269 a day, with lodging being the main
inflation driver. Remember that "average" includes places like Hawaii, which are up over $600 a day, as well North Dakota, which are under $200. And then there's the skyrocketing cost of gas.

So if you're planning to pack the family suitcases and get out of town, whether to the cabin on the lake or more exotic fare, are there any ways to cut costs without cutting the pleasure out of the trip? You betcha!

Air Fares: If you're flying, check the Internet sites (Priceline.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, etc.) and don't forget the actual airline sites. Many airlines offer special travel packages. Fares are also often lower if you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. The more flexible you can be the better chance you have at savings. Note from Lucy: TF and I just recently purchased some good airfare on www.cheaptickets.com

Auto Care and Repair: If you're driving, get your car checked out and tuned up at home before you go. You'll avoid potential expensive emergency towing and repairs.

Gas Prices: Get off the interstate if you can. Gas is always a few cents cheaper. And remember that a well-tuned car eats less gas.

Food: If you have the luxury of getting off the interstate, you can often find much less expensive restaurants. Consider a picnic in a park you will pass en route. A picnic has the added advantage of letting the kids run off some steam. Consider choosing a motel where the rooms have a kitchen. This is not to suggest that you make all your meals there. What kind of vacation is that? However, it's not a bad idea for the evening snack, the occasional pizza, or even for a continental breakfast. And you can keep picnic food for some of your day excursions in the room refrigerator. Note from Lucy: I try to pack a cooler with veggies that we can snack on as we travel. It can be refilled all during the trip.

Plan Ahead: If you know where you're going, write (or email)the local Chamber of Commerce or Bureau of Tourism. Tell them what your interests are. You will often get free maps, suggested hotels and restaurants, and valuable sight seeing tips. After all, these folks know the area a lot better than you do. Sometimes there are even discount coupons for restaurants and sights. If you're an AAA member, get a TripTik. Many motels and restaurants have free coupon booklets available. Keep in mind, also, that some local sights have picnic areas attached.
Note from Lucy: I usually purchase an Entertainment Book for the area we are going to for discount coupons to use on the trip. Right now you can get an Entertainment book for $ 15.00 on their website. I have ordered one for our trip, to New York City, this coming July..

Lodging: As with airfares, many hotels can be booked online. Whether you're booking online or stopping more spontaneously, remember that most hotels and motels offer discounts for AAA, for AARP, and sometimes just for asking. Even if you aren't sure you qualify for anything, always ask if there is a discount rate available. The worst that can happen is that they'll say no. And don't count on the travel websites having the lowest rates. Often the hotel website will offer a special that isn't available elsewhere. Note from Lucy: Check the Entertainment book for good hotel rates..

Souvenirs: Ah, souvenirs. Wood carvings and trinkets (most of them made in Taiwan or Mexico) that are hardly local crafts unless you're in Taiwan or Mexico. Saving money here is exercising common sense and self-control. Are you really going to wear that serape or peasant blouse once you're home? Set a budget. For example, everyone gets to buy one thing only and no more than $XX.00. Or set a theme. We get souvenirs to jog the memory of happy times. Good memory joggers are postcards, key chains, or even ticket stubs and brochures from places you visit. Keep them all together and make a scrapbook with the kids when you get home or integrate them with your photos. T-shirts are another option. Or select one special item that can be hung on the Christmas tree to remember the family vacation.

Finally, leave yourself some down time. It's good to plan, but don't over plan. Just because you know every single sight seeing option in an area doesn't mean you have to visit them all. A vacation is not a to-do list. Sci-fi writer Ray Bradbury said it best: "Half the fun of travel is the aesthetic of lostness" Chill. Relax. You don't want to return from a vacation needing one more than when you left.

Have a wonderful vacation!

Note from Lucy: There are a lot of good ideas here which can save you money on this years vacation. Every year my brother and two sisters and I go on a week trip down to Galveston in June. This year we planned to go to Destin, Flordia for our trip. We planned this trip in Janurary and my sister Pat made the reservations at the RV park. As gas prices started going higher and higher, I called my sister and told her that it would not be wise to go such a distance. We calculated that it would cost us $ 200.00 each way and with two vechiles, that amounted to $ 800.00 just for gas. We decided that Galvestion would be much closer to home and less expensive to go to. The main purpose of the trip is to be together as family and that can be done anywhere.

Have a great week everyone....

Balance Transfer? Beware!

2008-04-28T07:32:00.002-05:00

Balance Transfer? Beware!
by Justin Ripley
Knowing the ins and outs of balance transfers

When I was in college, I got a summer job working at a call center for a major credit card issuer. When I first got the job, I thought it would be great. In an air-conditioned office, I would be sitting down and talking on the phone. It sure sounded a lot better than working on the construction site in the hot summer sun. However, after six weeks, I could no longer take the monotony of the job and the constant abuse on the phone. (We were telemarketing, of course.) So, I quit
the job but not without learning a great deal about the intricacies of the credit card industry. I also learned a number of tips that can help save you money.

Almost everyone has a credit card, usually several, but it's been my observation that most people don't really understand how they work. The credit card companies, of course, prefer it this way, as it makes it easier for them to make money on you.

You've probably received them. Calls or mail from credit card companies, soliciting you to transfer a balance from another credit card account to their credit card. It sounds like a good deal. They tell you that you can move an existing balance
from your MasterCard where you might be paying 19% interest to their Visa card where you will only pay 3% interest. They can tell you how much you'll save in the very first month, and if you're talking about a significant balance, the savings can
indeed be substantial. So, what's the problem? Why not take advantage?

Trick 1: It's Temporary

The first thing you need to know is that the balance transfer rate is temporary. It often lasts for only six months or maybe a year. After this period, the rate will skyrocket to something more like 19%. Most people know this though and can plan accordingly to pay the amount off before the rate goes back up. It's the most basic trick. In fact, I'd allege that it's the one they want you to see. If you think you know the trick you lower your guard, then they trick you again!

Trick 2: Those Devilish Details

"Payments will be applied to balances with lower APRs prior to balances with standard APRs." That statement or something similar to it will appear in the fine print of the offer. If you're being sold a balance transfer over the phone, the
salesperson is actually required to say it. But what exactly does it mean?

Generally, your credit card company distinguishes between different types of card use and the associated balances. Let's call these "buckets." The first bucket is the most common. It is the bucket where all purchases on your card go and it is
almost always at a high rate of interest. When you go out and buy a new HD television on your credit card, this is the bucket it falls in. A month later, you get a bill, and if you don't pay off the balance in full, you'll pay the high rate on
the remaining balance.

Bucket two is for cash advances. This is also at a high rate of interest. Sometimes even higher than the purchase rate. Some people are not aware of it, but you can actually use your credit card to get money from an ATM machine in the form of a
cash advance.

Bucket three is reserved for balance transfers and it is often a rate that is considerably lower than the other rates available on your card. This is where you most often see those 3% or even 0% introductory rates.

So, this is where the tricky business kicks in. Let's say you transferred $1200 from another card (Card A) to a great 0% interest rate offered to you by a competing card company (Card B). The introductory rate only lasts for six months, but you figure you can pay it all off by then by simply making monthly payments of $200. Instead of paying 19% on that balance, you'll now be paying 0% and saving a bunch of money. Then, after you make the balance transfer, you go out and purchase a bunch of stuff at Wal-Mart and use that same card. Maybe you also buy some gas. Heck, maybe it was an existing account and you were already holding a balance on it.

That $200 that you pay will first be applied to the balance in the 0% bucket. The balances sitting in the other buckets don't get paid off at all, and thus grow by the rate of interest being charged. The credit card company has effectively set up
a barrier preventing you from paying off those balances that are at higher rates of interest. Until you pay off all of that balance transfer, you will not be able to pay down the other balances. It's very tricky indeed.

A Few Other Things to Watch Out For

If you miss a payment, the introductory rate will be lost and revert to a much higher rate. Also, look out for fees that may be associated with the balance transfer. Often there is a one-time charge of $75 or more to transfer a balance.

To Transfer or Not to Transfer

Balance transfers are not all bad. If used correctly, balance transfers can be an awesome tool for saving money on credit card debts. You just need to know the ins and outs of how it all works. The credit card company relies on the fact that
people don't understand the intricacies. Do you think they'd make any money giving people such low rates? However, if you do understand the tricks and the pitfalls to avoid when using them, you can save yourself hundreds or even thousands of
dollars!

Take the Next Step:
- If considering a balance transfer, be sure that you understand all the tricks and the pitfalls. It can be an awesome tool in your financial arsenal ... if used correctly.
- Compare various balance transfer credit cards

Note from Lucy: I thought this article was very informative and wanted to pass it on. Banks are always looking for a way to make money off of it's customers and this is just a few of the tricks they use to lure us in to their special offers. If you are thinking about transfering a balance, the trick is in the fine print.....

Have a great week everyone.

The price of rice is going out of sight……

2008-04-23T23:35:00.002-05:00

I told you all about the price of wheat basically doubling in price, well once again a staple item, namely rice, has now doubled in price in the last six weeks. Tonight on the news they were announcing that Sam’s club, as of today, was limiting how much rice a person could buy. You are now allowed to buy four bags of rice per person. I found out from a friend that they have been limiting rice sales at Costco too. When TF. Left tonight for his church activity, I went to the Hong Kong food market and started pricing the rice there. I had my little notebook out writing things down when a little man, standing next to me, said “Three weeks ago this cost $ 12.50 cents and look at the price now”. He said this in the best English he could muster while shaking his head. This was a good quality of Jasmine rice in a 25 lb. bag for $ 21.75. I decided to head for Food Town where I found that the 4lb. bag of rice that was on sale last week for 99 cents was now $ 1.99. I decided to look around the store for prices on other brands. I found a 20 lb. bag of long grain white rice for $ 4.99 a bag. The little calculator, in my head, started computing how much that was per pound and it came to 25 cents per pound. I called a friend and she asked me to get her 2 bags and my married daughter wanted one bag. I ended up with six bags of rice. I will put this into appropriate containers and have it in storage for months to come. If you eat rice, you might consider stocking up on some before it goes up any higher.

Now, to go along with that rice, here is an awesome recipe for Arizona Chuck Wagon Beans that I found on the Chetday.com website.

Arizona Chuck Wagon Beans

1 lb dried navy or pinto beans
6 cups water
1/4 pound salt pork, diced
1 large onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 1/2 pounds chuck steak, cubed
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp oregano, crumbled
1/4 tsp red pepper
1/4 tsp ground cumin
8 ounces tomato sauce

Pick over beans and rinse well. Combine beans and water in a large kettle. Bring to boiling; cover; cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand 1 hour then pour
into slow cooker.

Brown salt pork in a large skillet; remove with a slowtted spoon to cooker; saute onion, garlic and green pepper in pan drippings; remove with slotted spoon to
cooker. Brown beef, a few pieces at a time in pan drippings; remove to cooker with slotted spoon; stir in salt, oregano, red pepper, cumin and tomato sauce. Add
more water, if necessary to bring liquid level above beans.

Cook on low for 10 hours or on high for 6 hours, or until beans are tender.

Talk to ya later.......

Just Lucy talking....

2008-04-07T22:51:00.002-05:00

No frugal advice today, I just want to talk. So much has been going on around here that I can’t seem to get it all done. I worked for 10 days straight working on the taxes so that I could take them over to the tax man in the best order possible. We don’t have a simple tax return, we own our own business and it requires a lot of paper work at times. I am so glad that my part is done, now it’s up to the tax man to finish it before the 15th. It feels like a ball and chain has been released from me and I am free for a while.

Tomorrow night I take my General Class Amateur Radio license test. I have been going to class for five weeks now and the time has come to take the test. This is much harder than I ever thought it would be. I have had to learn all about frequencies, radio bands, all kinds of electrical stuff, propagation, antennas, safety, and all kinds of mathematical formulas. This brain of mine is having a hard time processing it all and I am not sure if I will pass this test on the first round. If I don’t pass I will just study more and take it again in May. If you would like to see what one of the practice tests is about, click here and then click on General and give it a try.

Like Diane, I have been babysitting my two grandkids here and there and loving every minute of it, well almost every minute. JJ is 6 yrs. old and Jocelyne is 2 and a half. They really are good kids but they can wear Grandma out.

With my food storage calling at church, I have been very busy. Wheat prices are up almost double. Check out this article about the rising prices.

Here is a video from a bakery about the increases in anything made with wheat. I think you will find it very interesting.

So how does this involve me? Our church group is able to go in and dry-pack (put up) wheat at last years prices. The church is going thru its stores and selling it at last years prices until they run out. All of a sudden people are worried about food prices and they are working on their food storage…. As stake Dry-pack specialist, I am in charge of several groups of people who are working on their storage……I’m busier than a wet hen. Wait till they find out that rice is about to double in price….

I’ve also been listening to some of the presidential campaign rhetoric on TV and over the Internet. This has been a crazy campaign and I am ready for it to be over….fin…done. I’ve also been watching the news about some of the sadder things that go on in this world. We had a 14 yr. old middle school student who delivered a baby in the rest room of her school and then drowned it by trying to flush it down the toilet….She “claimed” that she did not know that she was pregnant…..How can you not know? I’ve had three kids and all three were “movers and shakers” in the womb. It is such a sad situation of what is going on in our society. Also something that worried me was the news of nine third graders who had planned, in detail, how to kill their teacher. The teacher had disciplined one of the students for standing on his desk…Is this a reason to kill her??? That took me a whole day to get off of my mind. I will bet that all of these students are allowed to watch whatever they want on TV. They see violence and think that it is perfectly acceptable…

On a happier note: Bonnie took JJ down to Ellington Field to see the return of the Astronauts a week ago last Thursday. They had returned from a trip in space where they had walked in space and visited the space station. They had flown in from Florida and were coming home to debrief. Bonnie and JJ got to talk and shake hands with all of the returning astronauts. Check out Bonnies blog for pictures and a funny story.

Well, have a great week everyone! Wish me luck on the test.

How to Have a Blow Out Yard Sale

2008-03-31T23:25:00.004-05:00

by Katherine E. Tapley Click here to Visit her website

Knowing the tricks to having a successful yard sale.

Yard sales pop up in the spring and summer like mushrooms, but there is a knack to having a successful one. The reasons you may want to have a yard sale are numerous. Despite the hard work involved in getting the sale together, it is a chance to
have fun, meet your neighbors, make money, lose money, get skunked, recycle, and clean out the clutter that has been accumulating.

The first order of business is to get a pad of paper and a pen and start going through the rooms in your house. What room has the most junk? Is it the kitchen, bedroom, garage? Check every corner of the closet, the shelves, etc. and evaluate
everything honestly. Don't get overly sentimental. If you haven't used the thing in 10 years, why keep it around collecting dust? When listing your "inventory," make notes like "Must go," "Takes up too much room," or "Can't part with it." This will help you organize what items will go in the yard sale. The greater assortment of goods, the larger your profit will be.

How your organize your merchandise is important. Items that are heaped together on a table tend to repell customers. You should measure the width and length of your table space and take a sheet of paper and draw a plan of how you are going to
lay your stuff out. Organizing things by price is a good idea. You could have a 50-cent section that will be attractive to kids, a dollar section, two-dollar section, etc.

How to price items is an essential yard sale art. Generally, there shouldn't too many items over $10. The junk you really want to move should be under $2, depending on the item. Expensive items such as antiques, big household appliances, etc. would be better off advertised in a newspaper or taken to a second hand store.

If you have electronics like televisions, radios, record players and tape recorders, the yard sale price should be one third of the original sale price. Paperback books should sell at a quarter, and hardbacks can go at $1. Records such as 45s will go for a quarter, cassettes at $1, and CDs at $3. Clothing can be 50 cents up to $5 and knickknacks like vases, ashtrays, and novelties can fetch $2 or less. Don't be
insulted if the customers dicker about the price. It is part of yard sale culture. People enjoy trying to bargain with the proprietor.

Advertising your yard sale is essential if you want to pull in the customers. An ad in the local paper with an attractive hook does the trick. For example, you could claim that your yard sale is a "bargain hunters paradise" or mention some
attractive or unusual items that you have for sale. Be creative in your ad. But don't say things like "Early birds will be shot on sight!" Signs with easy to see printing and arrows are good. You could even get your kids to wear placards on them and go around the neighborhood advertising your sale.

At the yard sale, you will want to have lots of change in your moneybox. A selection of coins, lower denomination bills, etc. will do. If it's a big sale, you might need up to $50 on hand to make change. Wearing a wrap around purse with a zipper is a
good idea, since your moneybox could get pinched. If a customer offers you a check, you have to make a quick decision about whether or not you are going to take it. If you do take the check, you should have the customer's driver's license on the back of the check. Otherwise, you could accept a deposit of money and hold the item for a time limit of three hours.

If you have left over items after the yard sale and you don't want them back to clutter up your life again, arrange to have the Salvation Army truck to come after your sale. You can also give to local centers for the homeless, Goodwill, etc.
Leftover books can be donated to hospitals, nursing homes, women's shelters, or the public library. If you have some high priced things left, you can put advertisements for them on bulletin boards or in the penny saver papers. To get rid of some of the excess stuff, you can also leave a box at the end of your driveway saying "Help Yourself." Now all you have left to do put your feet up and count the profit!
__________________

Note from Lucy: I know that I have to much "stuff" and should get to work decluttering my house. A yard sale is a terrific way to do this. Note that a yard sale is only good for people willing to come to your location and look at what you have. Another way to sale your stuff is to sell it on Ebay. Instead of having just a local market, you have people from all over the nation looking to buy. Five or six years ago TF decided that we needed to find a way to finance a new computer. He had some old locksmithing equiptment that he didn't use any more and so we decided to give Ebay a try. I'm telling you, it is amazing what people are willing to pay for an item. We made $ 1,500. in a matter of weeks and was able to pay cash for our new computer. If you can write a blog and post pictures, then you can sell on Ebay. All you have to do is go to Ebay and down load the instructions and start selling.

Have a great week everyone.

Do it yourself mold removal

2008-03-24T00:21:00.002-05:00

I read this article on my Dollar Stretcher email tonight while reading their weekly newsletter. Living down here in Houston, mold is an unwelcome occurance in our home. TF is weekly trying to get rid of the mold that grows around the edge of the tile on the bath tub. He has always used clorox bleach and we both though that we were killing the mold. What a lesson I learned by reading this article. I thought you might learn something from this too.

Article by Alina Bradford - An expert shares how to remove mold from your home

Mold is a big problem in the steamy South where the high humidity feeds its need for moisture. My home is constantly under attack it seems, and every member in my family is severally allergic to mold. Being frugal, I wanted to try getting rid of the mold without the help of a professional, which would cost me more than $1,000.

First, I tried scrubbing the walls with bleach. It seemed to work at first, but within days, it looked as if I hadn't done anything at all. Why? "Bleach does not kill mold," says Michael Dooley, the Vice President of the New Mexico chapter the American Society of Home Inspectors. I was shocked when I heard this, until I did some research and realized that the reason you use bleach on white clothes is to remove color. Essentially, I was just removing the color from the mold; fooling myself into thinking it was gone.

Dooley says that there are some great, inexpensive solutions to killing mold. One of them is using a cleaning product that contains at least 3% hydrogen peroxide for non-porous materials. Inspired, I made a solution that was one part hydrogen peroxide and three parts water and put it into a spray bottle. I applied the mixture to the mold in my house, and I have to say that it was very effective. And since a bottle of hydrogen peroxide costs less than a dollar, it is affordable, too.

"Another inexpensive alternative," says Dooley, "is to make a paste with borax and water. Use the paste to scrub the surface that is infected with mold and rinse." Borax can be found on the same isle as laundry detergent at your local grocery
store. 16 ounces of borax is around 80 cents.

Wood with mold contamination can be sanded and/or wire-brushed, then sprayed with an anti-microbial agent, and refinished. I find that painting the walls in my bathroom with Kilz brand paint has slowed, if not gotten rid of my mold problem in that room. Many people think that Kilz kills mold. I haven't found any proof that it kills the mold. It works by blocking it. It seals out moisture, so the wall doesn't become
infected with mold. Kilz can be found in Wal-Mart stores, and is cheaper than many regular paint brands.

"Most porous materials such as sheetrock, carpeting, ceiling tiles, and so on, should be cut out and disposed of and replaced with new materials," says Dooley. This can get expensive! So, of course, the most affordable way to combat mold is to avoid it growing all together. Make sure your rooms, especially the bathroom, are well ventilated. If you live in a humid part of the country, it is a good investment
to buy a dehumidifier (ideally, humidity levels should stay below 60% in your home). If you see any condensation on walls and windowsills, keep it wiped dry. Fix water leaks right away and keep the area dry.

Remember, when you are getting rid of mold, the spores can become air borne and travel to other places in your home. Dooley recommends putting plastic sheeting around the contaminated area until the work is done. He also says that, "If you decide to remove mold yourself on an area more than a few square feet, you should wear some protection such as a NIOSH approved N95 protective face mask."

I had to admit, all the mold in my home made me think we were going to have to move. Following these tips has made my home a much more comfortable place to live. We are sick less and have less allergy related symptoms, and I didn't have to spend very
much money.
_____________________

Alina Bradford is a freelance writer, artist, and the owner of a website for moms. www.Defrazzledmom.com is a place for moms to de-stress, find answers to everyday problems, and more.

Note from Lucy: The N95 face masks can be found at most Home Depot and Lowes stores or you can order them over the Internet. I heard a talk last week about pandemic flu and these masks are also good to use for protection during a pandemic flu outbreak.

Talk to ya later.

Almost too busy to post..

2008-03-20T06:24:00.006-05:00

I’ve been so busy lately that I just haven’t had time to come up with a good “frugal” post. I’ve been working on the Income Taxes, baby sitting, studying for my ham radio class and everything else that has been going on….I still can’t believe that it’s almost April…Spring is doing it’s best to come in like a lion with all the trees budding out. Pollen has been everywhere and TF’s truck and the little green car have taken on that yellow hue from all the pollen in the air. So far, fingers crossed, I have not been effected by the pollen this year. Bonnie and Jennifer have both been sniffling and taking allergy pills….

Bonnie is home from her spring break trip to Italy. She had frequent flyer miles so her air fare was really cheap and she stayed in hostels to save on hotel expenses. Here is a link to her blog so you can look at a few pictures that she took. She is now back in “school mode” and trying to rest some to recover from jet lag.

Has anyone noticed the prices of food lately? I seem to be getting less for the same amount of money. Wheat prices have doubled due to the fact that a lot of wheat farmers decided to jump on the corn (think Ethanol) band wagon last year and make some quick bucks. If you’ve noticed, anything that uses wheat has gone up in price. Corn prices are up and milk is getting more expensive. I am so glad that I bought 300 lbs. of white wheat for my food supply. I was able to get it at last years prices, so you can say that I “lucked out.”

This is Easter weekend and these thoughts rumble thru my mind: "These simple words—“He is not here, but is risen”—have become the most profound in all literature. They are the declaration of the empty tomb. They are the fulfillment of all He had spoken concerning rising again. They are the triumphant response to the query facing every man, woman, and child who was ever born to earth."

--Gordon B. Hinckley, "He Is Not Here, but Is Risen", Ensign, May 1999
Here's a recipe that you can make in advance for your Sunday dinner.

Frozen Pineapple Salad
Recipe By : Real Food for Real People
Serving Size : 8
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
2 tablespoons Flour
1 cup Unsweetened Pineapple Juice -- unsweetened
1/2 cup Butter
1/8 cup Sugar -- or Splenda
1/16 teaspoons Salt
1 Egg
2 tablespoons Lemon Juice
2 cups Crushed Pineapple -- drained
1 cup Mandarin Oranges -- drained
1/4 cup Chopped Nuts -- (optional)
10 Marshmallows
8 Maraschino Cherries, whole
1 pint Whipped Cream

Make a paste of flour and pineapple juice, then gradually add remainder of juice.
Add butter, sugar and salt. Cook in top of double boiler for approximately 10 minutes. Add the egg, slightly beaten. Continue to cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally; then cool and add lemon juice. Add pineapple, oranges, nuts, marshmallows and cherries; then fold in whipped cream. Pour into container and freeze. Freeze in sealed, labeled container at least until frozen, or up to three months. Serve as a frozen salad or dessert.

Per Serving (excluding unknown items): 365 Calories; 26g Fat (61.5% calories from fat); 3g Protein; 33g Carbohydrate; 2g Dietary Fiber; 99mg Cholesterol; 164mg Sodium. Exchanges: 0 Grain(Starch); 0 Lean Meat; 1 Fruit; 0 Non-Fat Milk; 5 Fat; 1 Other Carbohydrates.

Have a great week everyone!

Thank you to our WWII and other vets……

2008-03-10T23:59:00.002-05:00

I’ve been baby sitting our two grandkids for the last four days while our daughter and SIL are in Denver for a wedding. They are a joy and I thank God every day for them. Tonight, after putting the kids to bed, I decided that I should check the emails before I go to sleep. I noticed one from a friend of ours that caught my eye and had me in tears. Here it is:

The story is excellent but you must go to the link at the end to get full appreciation.

The elderly parking lot attendant wasn't in a good mood!

Neither was Sam Bierstock. It was around 1 a.m., and Bierstock, a Delray Beach, Fla. , eye doctor, business consultant, corporate speaker and musician, was bone tired after appearing at an event.

He pulled up in his car, and the parking attendant began to speak. "I took two bullets for this country and look what I'm doing," he said bitterly.

At first, Bierstock didn't know what to say to the World War II veteran. But he rolled down his window and told the man, "Really, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you."

Then the old soldier began to cry.

"That really got to me," Bierstock says.

Cut to today.

Bierstock, 58, and John Melnick, 54, of Pompano Beach - a member of Bierstock's band, Dr. Sam and the Managed Care Band - have written a song inspired by that old soldier in the airport parking lot. The mournful "Before You Go" does more than salute those who fought in WWII. It encourages people to go out of their way to thank the aging warriors before they die.

"If we had lost that particular war, our whole way of life would have been shot," says Bierstock, who plays harmonica. "The WW II soldiers are now dying at the rate of about 2,000 every day. I thought we needed to thank them."

The song is striking a chord. Within four days of Bierstock placing it on the Web, the song and accompanying photo essay have bounced around nine countries, producing tears and heartfelt thanks from veterans, their sons and daughters and grandchildren.

"It made me cry," wrote one veteran's son. Another sent an e-mail saying that only after his father consumed several glasses of win e would he discuss "the unspeakable horrors" he and other soldiers had witnessed in places such as Anzio, Iwo Jima, Bataan and Omaha Beach. "I can never thank them enough," the son wrote. "Thank you for thinking about t hem."

Bierstock and Melnick thought about shipping it off to a professional singer, maybe a Lee Greenwood type, but because time was running out for so many veterans, they decided it was best to release it quickly, for free, on the Web. They've sent the song to Sen. John McCain and others in Washington. Already they have been invited to perform it in Houston for a Veterans Day tribute - this after just a few days on the Web. They hope every veteran in America gets a chance to hear it.

GOD BLESS every EVERY veteran...
and THANK you to those of you veterans who may receive this !

CLICK TO HEAR THE SONG AND SEE THE PICTURES:

Note from Lucy: This email had me crying before I could hardly start reading it. All I could do was think about my dad who served in WWII. He was in the Navy and his job was to work the “big guns” on the ships. He was always so proud that he could serve our country in WWII. When he died, almost eight years ago next month, the military came out and gave him a 21 gun salute. I know he would have loved it. His favorite show on TV, while I was growing up, was Victory at Sea. He talked all about the war and what it meant for our country to come out victors. So you can only imagine why my tears flowed as I watch that video and listened to the music. My dad loved history and he enjoyed watching the History channel on TV. He instilled a love for history to my son when he lived with us for a while after his heart surgery. I know if he were alive today, he would be supporting our troops for all the hard work they do for our country. Please remember to say thank you when you see a man or woman in uniform.

Have a great week everyone.

Zombie / Junk Debt

2008-03-02T04:54:00.006-06:00

I was watching a video on the Yahoo page early this morning about old debt, raising it’s head and coming after you again years later. It is really scary what some debt collectors will do to collect money. Sometimes this debt can even be a fraud! What happens is that someone you owed a debt to will sell that debt to collection agencies for pennies on the dollar and the collection agency tries to collect it from you. They will use any tactic they can to get money out of you. There are statute of limitations for old debts, usually around seven years. Find out what that limitation is in your state. Also, your credit can no longer be ruined by these old debts. Learn what your rights are. One thing is for sure, don’t let them “restart” you debt by agreeing to pay them. PLEASE what this video to become better informed.

Pay It Forward Challenge.

Here's a chance to get a surprise from me, on a surprise date, in the next 365 days. (I'm responding to this via Rachel at Sliding Through Life.)

Here are the rules:

1.~Leave a comment on my blog that says you want to play. First three folks to comment will get a gift from ME. (If I don't know it already, let me know how I can contact you, an e-mail is fine, and I do now have an e-mail added to my profile!)

2.~Do the same thing on your blog! The first three folks who leave a comment and commit to doing this on their blog, too, will get a surprise from YOU at a surprise time in the next 365 days!

This should prove to be fun.....and interesting. This is a great way to make new friends too.....let's see what happens.

The Ultimate Recipe Showdown: Do you have an original recipe that is "to die for"? If you are willing to share it and win a few dollars at the same time, go check out this webpage for details.

Have a great week everyone!

7 Reasons to Drink Green Tea

2008-02-28T12:58:00.001-06:00

From the Yahoo.com webpage

The steady stream of good news about green tea is getting so hard to ignore that even java junkies are beginning to sip mugs of the deceptively delicate brew. You'd think the daily dose of disease-fighting, inflammation-squelching antioxidants--long linked with heart protection--would be enough incentive, but wait, there's more! Lots more.

CUT YOUR CANCER RISK
Several polyphenols - the potent antioxidants green tea's famous for - seem to help keep cancer cells from gaining a foothold in the body, by discouraging their growth and then squelching the creation of new blood vessels that tumors need to thrive. Study after study has found that people who regularly drink green tea reduce their risk of breast, stomach, esophagus, colon, and/or prostate cancer.

SOOTHE YOUR SKIN
Got a cut, scrape, or bite, and a little leftover green tea? Soak a cotton pad in it. The tea is a natural antiseptic that relieves itching and swelling. Try it on inflamed breakouts and blemishes, sunburns, even puffy eyelids. And that's not all. In the lab, green tea helps block sun-triggered skin cancer, whether you drink it or apply it directly to the skin - which is why you're seeing green tea in more and more sunscreens and moisturizers.

STEADY YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE
Having healthy blood pressure - meaning below 120/80 - is one thing. Keeping it that way is quite another. But people who sip just half a cup a day are almost 50 percent less likely to wind up with hypertension than non-drinkers. Credit goes to the polyphenols again (especially one known as ECGC). They help keep blood vessels from contracting and raising blood pressure.

PROTECT YOUR MEMORY, OR YOUR MOM'S
Green tea may also keep the brain from turning fuzzy. Getting-up-there adults who drink at least two cups a day are half as likely to develop cognitive problems as those who drink less. Why? It appears that the tea's big dose of antioxidants fights the free-radical damage to brain nerves seen in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

STAY YOUNG
The younger and healthier your arteries are, the younger and healthier you are. So fight plaque build-up in your blood vessels, which ups the risk of heart disease and stroke, adds years to your biological age (or RealAge), and saps your energy too. How much green tea does this vital job take? About 10 ounces a day, which also deters your body from absorbing artery-clogging fat and cholesterol.

LOSE WEIGHT
Oh yeah, one more thing. Turns out that green tea speeds up your body's calorie-burning process. In the every-little-bit-counts department, this is good news!

Chicken Tortilla Casserole

2008-02-28T01:21:00.003-06:00

Recipe from Chetday.com from a reader named Barbara.

Chet, here is a great meal for dinner or for those pot
luck meals. This is one of my favorite dishes!

1 can (14 1/2 oz) of diced tomatoes
1 can cream of chicken soup
Small can of diced Ortega green chiles (blue can)
2 Tbs of Minute Tapioca
1 onion diced
12 corn tortillas diced
Grated Cheese
3-4 Pieces of boneless chicken

Place chicken in foil or oven bag (make sure completely
wrapped) and cook in oven at 400F degrees for one hour.
Once baked, dice.

In a large bowl combine the following:

Tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, Ortega chiles, and
tapiaco. This will make a soup mixture.

Layer the crockpot the following order:

1/3 of each

1) Diced Tortillas
2) Diced Chicken
3) Spread Soup Mix
4) Diced Onion
5) Grated Cheese

Repeat each layer in same order. Cook in crockpoot for 4
hours on high or 7 hours on low.

Everyone will be asking you for this recipe - enjoy.

Note from Lucy: For the chicken, I just cooked some extra one night for dinner and used the leftovers for this cassarole. Yumm. I love easy crockpot recipes and this is a good one.

Pineapple Baked Beans and Beef

2008-02-25T10:34:00.001-06:00

Recipe from Chetday.com

1 pound ground beef (extra lean)
28-oz can baked beans
8-oz can pineapple tidbits, drained
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper
1/2 cup barbecue sauce
2 Tbs soy sauce
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

In skillet, brown beef, drain. Transfer to crock pot. Add
remaining ingredients, and mix well. Cover and cook on
low for 8 hours. Serve in bowls.

Tidbits from Dollar Stretcher

2008-02-22T10:37:00.005-06:00

My Allowance Card

I like the idea of the reloadable gift card for spending money. I have done that with my "clothing allowance." Being an avid clothes shopper, I budget for the clothing I may want with whatever percentage that works for my budget. I put that on the reloadable card. When the clothing allowance is gone, it's gone until next time. This way, I can get a garment anytime from almost anywhere on the Internet or at the store or a catalogue. It goes on this budgeted gift card. This works for me! I don't feel like I've overspent, and I'm not guilty of bringing something new home without thinking about it first. My wants" no longer interfere with my "needs." C in South Carolina
Note from Lucy: This sounds like a great idea. I carry around cash for my groceries but this sounds like a great way to do a clothes allowance or any other allowance for that matter.

*********
Time for Forever

According to the United States Postal Service website, on May 12, 2008, postage is going up one cent on first class stamps. However, if you purchase stamps now at 41 cents with the "forever liberty bell" logo, you can send your mail after May 12 with them being honored for the 41 cents you already paid. It's time to stock up on stamps. A two-ounce letter will be 59 cents and postcards will be 27 cents. I don't believe there are forever stamps for anything but first class. Check with the post office or go to www.usps.com for more information. Those pennies add up as we all know! Skip the pretty picture stamps, get the forever stamps, and save! Jacque Z. in Iowa
Note from Lucy: I bought my forever stamps last week and I will be buying more before the May 12th deadline. That "forever" has a nice ring to it.

Whiter Teeth

For whiter teeth, swish hydrogen peroxide in your mouth twice a day before brushing. Before long, you will be wearing a whiter, brighter smile. The active ingredient in Crest strips is peroxide in a gel form. Not only will you get whiter teeth, but it can also help fight off gingivitis. B. H.
Note from Lucy: I like using good ole' fashioned peroxide and baking soda for a good tooth brushing. The more I read about all the uses for peroxide the more I like it.

Cash for Old Books

I've found a couple of websites that pay cash for used books. They are www.cash4books.net and www.bookemporium.com. Both are mainly for non-fiction books, old textbooks, technical manuals, etc. But I have also sold a few fiction books to
them. You look up the ISBN on their sites to see if they are buying it, and if so, they will tell you the price that they would pay. Check both sites, as sometimes one site will buy a book and the other isn't interested, or they will offer different prices. Cash4books.net does not have a minimum order, and bookemporium.com requires a minimum $10 order. It is completely free. You print off a packing list to include in the box, as well as prepaid mailing label, so you don't have to pay any shipping charges either. You get an email when they receive your books, and about a week after that, you get your check in the mail! Cash4books even adds an extra 3% to your payment amount if you choose to use PayPal instead of them cutting you a check! So far, I've made about $100 and have been able to declutter some of my older books from my bookcases. Marla B. in Holland, MI
Note from Lucy: This sounds like a terrific idea. I have also sold books that I didn't want at the half priced book store in our area. They don't pay much but I get more for them than I would at a garage sale.

Grime Spritzer

I keep a spray bottle of 2/3 white vinegar and 1/3 water next to the kitchen sink. When I have dishes or utensils that need extra scrubbing because of dried on grime, I simply spray with my spray bottle, wait a few minutes and wash as usual. No more elbow grease needed! Jacqueline K.
Note from Lucy: Vinegar is another one of those multi-useful items. I use it to clean my and for health reasons.

I'm a Member

I work for a medium-sized law firm. My buddy was heading to the Verizon store to pay his bill and I tagged along. While there, I decided to purchase a cell phone holster for my mother (she is on my cell phone plan for savings purposes and I had recently convinced her to upgrade her phone for free). When the sales clerk was ringing up my purchase, he asked if I had a workplace discount. I assured him that I didn't and he asked where I worked. When I told him, he said, "Oh, I set up their account. You have a 10% discount." He applied this to my purchase and to my monthly statement. The monthly savings will pay for a little more than one cell phone bill per year! Perhaps others out there work for mid- to large-sized firms and are also unaware of discounts they are eligible for through their workplace. My compliments to the Verizon clerk for taking the time to check!
Zane
Note from Lucy: My daughter gets a Sprint discount from the company she works for. I know that I can get a discount thru my Ameriplan business, I'll have to go check it out again.

I've been busy working to get our Ham radio "General" class set up as well as trying to get tax work done.... The grandkids are back home with mommy and daddy and it's a little quiter around here. We had a nice cool front push thru last night and it is down in the 50's here for today. We have clear blue skies and a hint of spring in the air........ Have a great week everyone!

Adding on: I got this in the email from my friend Richard Sutton a little bit ago and thought you might like it..HeHe...

Healthier Casseroles

2008-02-17T10:15:00.002-06:00

I grew up eating casseroles, with four kids in the family it was easier and cheaper to make them. When TF and I got married, he asked me not to go casserole crazy. I wanted to make healthy meals that would not put pounds on this body. Kids came along and the casseroles resurfaced, not a lot but a few here and there. A couple of weeks ago, I read an article in the Houston Chronicle “Flavor” section about healthy casseroles and thought it worthy to write about. Here goes:

Casserole is a broad term that applies to any food baked and served in the same dish. In America, casseroles got a big push when women started working outside the home. Manufacturers of canned foods published recipes that emphasized the convenience of one pot cooking and can openers. How many of you remember the tuna casserole with potato chips on top? My mom was not a good cook, dad did most of the cooking in our house. When mom did cook, it was dishes with tuna and potato chips. Yek! Casseroles were easy to put together and they were economical, stretching meat with the addition of pasta or rice. They can be prepared in advance and they freeze nicely. Depending on the size of your family, a typical 9” x 13” pan in enough for two meals and left-overs are easily reheated in the microwave.

One rap against casseroles over the years has been artery-clogging combinations of ground beef, sour cream, eggs and cheese, lots of cheese. But with a few tweeks, casseroles can be part of a healthy diet.

Reducing is the first line of defense. For example, the amount of butter in a recipe can be cut by one-fourth with no discernible difference in taste, says nutrition and health specialist Susan Mill-Grey of Missouri. And if a casserole recipe calls for salt, it can always be omitted.

Second, learn to substitute for the high-fat, high-sodium offenders. Most of the time, when low-fat or low-sodium substitutes are mixed in among the other ingredients, “No one can tell the difference unless you tell them ahead of time and put it in their mind,” says Shelly Summar, weight management program coordinator at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Mo.

Among the suitable substitutes are:

Meats: Summer recommends using meat that is at least 90 percent lean. When cooking with turkey, look for packages labeled “breast”. Ground turkey that isn’t breast meat may contain skin and dark meat with more fat and calories, she says.

Starches: You can triple the fiber in a casserole by using whole-wheat pasta in place of egg noodles. “They’re great – non sticky, gummy pasta like they used to be,” Summar says. Use more fibrous brown rice in place of white rice. If family members, particularly children, have issues with the darker-hued whole-grain noodles or rice, start by substituting whole-grain for one-fourth of the regular noodles. Then increase the proportion each time you make the casserole, Summer says.

Vegetables: Colorful vegetables not only boost the nutrition of casseroles but also add visual interest to the typically beige dishes. Cooks can usually get away with including 50 percent more vegetables than a recipe calls for. If a recipe doesn’t call for vegetables, add some. Tough veggies like broccoli and carrots may need to be precooked (cut them in uniform chunks), while corn and peas can be folded into the casserole right before baking, says registered dietitian Suzanne Havala Hobbs.

Sauces: Mainstays include cheese and other dairy products, as well as canned cream soups. Light or reduced- fat sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, cheese and canned soup can be substituted for full-fat products with little difference in taste or texture. Be careful using fat-free products, however. Fat free cheese does not melt well, and fat-free sour cream or skim milk might turn a casserole watery, Havala Hobbs says. One option is to use a full-fat product with a more assertive flavor, but less of it. For example, instead of 2 cups of Cheddar cheese, substitute 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar.

Healthier Tater Tot Casserole:
(Recipe from healthycooking.suite101.com. More casserole recipes at www.chron.com/food.)

1 medium onion, chopped
1 TBL. Olive oil
2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced
1 large red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 medium carrots, peeled and chopped
¾ cup sliced mushrooms
1 pound extra-lean ground turkey
¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped
1 ½ TBL. Onion powder
1 TBL. Paprika
1 (2 pound) bag frozen Tater Tots
2 (10.5 ounce) cans low-sodium cream of mushroom soup

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the onion in olive oil until translucent. Add the garlic, red pepper, carrots and mushrooms and cook until soft. Add the turkey, parsley, onion powder and paprika, and cook until turkey is browned and fully cooked. Evenly distribute meat mixture in a 9”x13” baking dish. In a large bowl, combine frozen tater tots and soup. Top casserole with the potato mixture. If desired, sprinkle with extra parsley and paprika. Bake 55 to 60 minutes.

Makes 8 servings, each 283 calories (36 percent calories from fat), 11 grams fat (3 grams saturated), 28 milligrams cholesterol, 33 gram carbohydrates, 13 grams protein, 471 milligrams sodium and 4 grams fiber.

Note from Lucy: I love tinkering with casserole recipes, to see if I can make it healthier. One of my favorites is the green bean casserole with onion rings on top. What are some of your favorite casseroles? Diane, I know you have some. What about you Jamie Dawn or Rachel. Anyone else?

I've been babysitting the grandkids this weekend. I've got my hands full. Have a great week everyone.

Whose hall of fame are you in?

2008-02-06T19:39:00.001-06:00

I was on the way back from taking my grandson home tonight while listening to talk radio. Jeff Bagwell, retired Houston Astro, was the guest speaker on the show. The host asked him “Do you think you will ever get into the Hall of Fame?” Jeff answered saying he didn’t know but who wouldn’t want to be in any Hall of Fame? I got to thinking about that and wondered about the different kind of “Hall of Fames.” I don’t think I would want to be in the Murders Hall of Fame, you know right up there with Jeffery Dahlmar. No not that one! What about the Worst Dancers Hall of Fame. (My dancing is practically non existent so this one I actually could make.) But what Hall of Fame would I like to be inducted in to? I think the one that I would like to be in the most would be the one that Jesus has waiting for me after I exit this mortal life.

“Here she comes! Lucy’s on her way, YEA!!!! She’s here. Mom, dad and other family and friends are waiting for me as I enter heavens door. What a homecoming that would be. I envisioned the angels cheering as I arrived. I walk into the waiting arms of the Lord and give him a big hug. I fulfilled my earthly duties and was “voted” in. I know it sounds silly, but that is what went thru my mind as he uttered those words. It is funny how a few words can send you off on tangents.

Next post!: How to make casseroles healthy. As Paul Harvey says. “Good Day”

Choosing Healthy Breads and Cereals

2008-02-02T09:25:00.000-06:00

Posted Mon, Jan 28, 2008, 6:09 pm PST on Yahoo Health: By Joy Bauer

When it comes to choosing a healthy breakfast cereal and loaf of bread, people are often confused.

Here's my advice on what to look for in your grocery store and some of my favorite brand name recommendations. Please know I have absolutely NO financial connection or affiliation to ANY of the companies or brands that I mention.

Joy's Guide to Buying Cereal and Bread
Ideally, your bread and breakfast cereal should be whole grain and low-calorie. The best tool for determining whether specific brands provide ample whole grains is to read their labels.

Check the food product's ingredient list and ensure one of the first ingredients starts with the word "whole" or "oats." Phrases without the word "whole," like stoned wheat, cracked wheat, and enriched wheat flour do not guarantee the presence of whole grain.

When Choosing Bread: Choose brands that are whole grain and calorie-smart (no more than "80 calories" per slice for bread).

Some brands that fit the bill include: Arnold's Carb Counting 100% whole wheat, Home Pride 100% whole wheat, Pepperidge Farm 100% whole wheat, Sara Lee Heart Healthy 100% whole wheat Classic, Sara Lee Soft and Smooth 100% whole wheat, and Weight Watchers 100% whole wheat.

When Choosing Cereal: Ensure the first ingredient is whole grain, then use my following guideline per ¾ - 1 cup serving:

120 calories or less
No more than 6 grams sugar
At least 3+ grams fiber

Some brands I recommend include: Wheaties, Total, Kashi Heart to Heart, Kashi Go Lean, Life - original version only, MultiGrain Cheerios, Complete Bran Flakes, Barbara's Cinnamon Puffins, Barbara's Shredded Spoonfuls, Barbara's Grain Shop and Special K-Protein Plus version.

Note from Lucy: I have started back to making my own Whole Wheat Bread. I know what is in it and it tastes better. It doesn't hurt that I have a wheat grinder and have access to whole wheat berries. By grinding my own wheat, I know that I will get all of the nutrition possible. Refined white flour has all of it's vitimans stripped out in the refining process. Many people don't like the taste of whole wheat, but there is an alternative to "Hard Red Wheat". Hard White Wheat is awesome. It does not have that nutty wheaty taste that most people associate with whole wheat and it still has all of the nutrition of the red wheat. If you want true whole wheat bread, make sure that it reads "100% whole wheat flour as the first ingredient on the label. If it says anything else then it is not true whole wheat bread.

Another reason that I don't like buying my whole wheat bread at the grocery store is that there are all kinds of additives added to it. The reason for this is simple, "Shelf life." Homemade bread will not last as long as store bought, simple but true. Luckly, at our house, it doesn't last long at all.

Another thing: If you don't want to go thru the process of kneading your bread and the long process of making bread, then you can use a bread machine. I use an Oster and it does a wonderful job. If you have any questions, email me and I will give you more details.

FYI: If you haven't seen the movie "August Rush", go see it....Bonnie and I went to see it at the dollar theatre last night and it was wonderful. Anyone that loves music will like this chick flick. Naomi, you have to rent this one.

Have a great week everyone!

A few tips on getting rid of that cold.

2008-01-26T14:53:00.000-06:00

I’m keeping my fingers crossed, that I don’t catch a cold this winter. So far, so good!! While reading my ladies magazines, First and Women’s Day, I came across a few tips for getting rid of that cold.

For Congestion and Coughs - Chicken soup with a twist:
Family physician Cathleen London, M.D., fights chest congestion with homemade chicken soup. But to make it extra effective, she adds a whole head of unpeeled garlic (sliced in half crosswise) and two to four unpeeled onions to the broth before cooking. “Quercetin, an antiviral compound concentrated in the skins of garlic and onions, fights the rhinovirus that’s causing the cold”, she explains. (Skins can be strained out before eating since the broth will have been infused with quercetin.) Another perk: Chicken soup (homemake and canned alike) blocks the activity of neutrophils, inflammatory cells that trigger coughs and congestion.

For sore throats and stuffiness – A salt rinse:
To sooth a sore or scratchy throat, Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., gargles a solution of ½ tsp. of kosher salt and 1 cup of lukewarm water. The mix also works as a nasal rinse to clear stuffiness. “Each rinsing washes away 90 percent of germs causing the infection,” says Dr. Teitelbaum. To treat nasal passages: Pour a bit of saltwater into your palm, block one nostril with the other hand and gently sniff the liquid into the open nostril. Repeat on the opposite side.

For Sneezing and Water Eyes – This kind of Echinacea:
A daily dose of Echinacea can shorten a cold by up to four days, say University of Connecticut researchers. But not just any Echinacea will do. “Look for a product containing the active species purpurea and pallida,” suggests Dr. Holly Lucille. A brand she likes: Esberitox ($12.00 for 100 talblets, at eVitamins.com), made by Enzymatic Therapy, for which Dr. Lucille serves as an adviser. “These natural immune boosters ensure much milder symptoms,” she says.

Here are a few tips to help keep your family cold and flu-free this season.

Talk a walk: “Moderate exercise like walking for 30 minutes a day can help prevent colds”, says Cornelia Ulrich, Ph.D. Researchers think exercise boosts your immune system by flushing bacteria out of your lungs and sending antibodies through your system more quickly.

Give your toothbrush a smart rinse: Soak it for a minute in Listerine or another antiseptic mouthwash daily. It’ll kill any germs left on your brush from sitting out or cleaning your mouth. No mouthwash? Rinse brushes in hydrogen peroxide, another proven germ-killer.

Skip the hot water: You may think it gives you more germ-killing power when you wash your hands, but hot water dries out hands – leaving them cracked so more viruses can enter through the skin. Instead, use lukewarm water, and soap up twice to remove germs.

Watch for this germ spreader: Doorknobs, especially in public places, where lots of germy hands touch them. To be safe, open doors with a paper towel, or use a hand sanitizer immediately after contact. At home, you can sanitize doorknobs and any other shared items.

Eat the proven germ-fighting foods: “Antioxidant-rich foods boost your immune system and help improve lung function, so you’re less susceptible to germs,” says Dr. Norman H. Edelman, of The American Lung Association. Try Vitamin-C-rich citrus fruits like oranges, or salad greens like arugula, which have anti-viral properties…

Go easy on yourself: Studies show that folks who put too much pressure on themselves get more colds than those who don’t! The reason: Stress can lower your immune system, making you an easy target for germs.

Tip: Reach for zinc at the first sign of sniffles. Studies show that it can shorten the duration of a cold by almost 50%.

Stay well everyone, have a great week!

Two of my favorite low carb recipes.....

2008-01-10T11:11:00.000-06:00

For those of you who just don’t get along well with carbs, here are two recipes that are delicious and very low carb. I like snacking on these when I get slightly hungry between meals.

Warm Spinach Cheese Dip:

2 - 8 oz. packages of cream cheese, softened, and cut into 1-inch blocks.
1 – 10 oz. package of frozen spinach, thawed, drained.
½ cup – heavy cream or sour cream. ( I use sour cream.)
½ cup – grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
1 clove – garlic, minced

Combine the ingredients in a food processor or beat with an electric mixer. Spoon into a 9 inch pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes. Serve warm with low-carb vegetables and enjoy!

Crepes in a minute

Ready when you need them, these quick-fixers turn any low-carb leftover into a grab-and-go treat. It can be used to fill with tuna salad, a little grounded hamburger with shredded lettuce and cheese. Yummmm I have also used this with left over chicken or beef, lettuce and cheese.

4 eggs
4 TBL. Heavy cream
Salt and pepper, oregano, or sweet dried basil as desired, depending on the low carb stuffing.
2 TBL. Butter or olive oil

Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl. Heat a small amount of butter or olive oil in an 8-inch non-stick frying pan. Pour about ¼ of the mixture into the pan, swirling quickly to cover the bottom with a thin layer. Cook for only a few minutes, until the bottom is brown. Flip gently and lightly brown the other side. Remove from the pan. Repeat for each remaining crepe.

These recipes come from the book: The 7-Day Low-Carb rescue and recovery plan. This is a great book and it has some great recipes. These two recipes are two of my favorites, they are simple and there when you need it.

Have a great weekend everyone.

Financial Resolutions

2007-12-31T10:34:00.000-06:00

Financial Resolutions by Gary Foreman
Simple steps to a brighter financial future

This is the time of year when many people take stock of themselves and their future. So alongside your plan for a trimmer waistline, we'd like to suggest some financial
resolutions for the new year.

Resolve to save at least $1 each day. It doesn't seem like much, but it does add up faster than you might think. You've probably seen the numbers before. Let's assume that you earned 10% per year on your savings. That's the long-term average for the stock market.

At the end of 10 years, you'll have nearly $5,000. After 20 years, you will have accumulated over $20,900. If you start at age 30 and keep it up until you're 65, your measly $1 a day will have grown to $99,000!

So how will you save $1 a day? How about bringing soda to work instead of hitting the vending machines at break time? Or skip the "supersize" at lunch. If you can't think of something, ask your friends or family for their ideas.

Maybe you'd rather do the whole week at one time. How about staying in for lunch one day a week? Carpool twice a week with a neighbor? You get the idea. Anything that'll help you save $1 a day or $365 a year will work. Certainly there's somewhere in your expenses that can be squeezed that much.

Resolve that your credit card debt will not increase in any month this year. A comic once said that the first key to getting out of a hole is to quit digging. It may not be funny, but it is true.

To keep your card balances from increasing, you'll need to pay off any new charges you make each month and also pay any interest caused by your old balance. For some people that will be tough. They see no connection between using a credit card
and paying it off. They think that paying the minimum each month is a major victory. It isn't.

Keeping this resolution will require you to keep track of your credit card spending and to stop spending when you run out of money.

Roughly one third of all credit card users carry a zero balance. While you might not be able to achieve that goal this year (wouldn't it be nice if you could!), you can manage to keep your financial hole from getting any deeper.

The next resolution will help you achieve the last one. Resolve to consider alternatives before making any purchase of $100 or more. Over the last 30 years, the size of the average home has grown by 50%. And, self-storage locations are a fixture in most towns. The reason for this is simple. We buy too much stuff and then have to store it.

The concept is simple. Before making any major purchase wait a couple of days. Use the time to think about ways you could get the benefit without spending the money.

Do you really need a new fertilizer spreader? Couldn't you borrow one from your next door neighbor? Rent one? Or even buy one used?

Often going to the store and pulling out the plastic is not the best way to achieve your goal. But you'll never know unless you think about alternatives first.

Resolve to have a proper will and estate plan. No one likes to think about their death. But, everyone should legally prepare for it even if you're young, single and don't have any children. If the unexpected happens, someone will need to step in and make decisions about your funeral and take care of closing out checking accounts, IRAs and selling your car and other possessions.

Everyone should have a will. And, many will want to have a "living will" to state their preference on being kept alive using life support equipment. It's wise to also have a plan in place in case you're incapacitated.

These documents aren't as expensive as you might think. And, in most cases, they'll work fine for many years. Take the time this year to put the proper legal papers in place in case something happens. Your loved ones will already be dealing with grief. Don't make them deal with legal complexities, too.

Finally, resolve to learn one new money-saving tip each month this year and put it into practice. There are literally thousands of ways to save money. You really don't have to look very hard or very far to find good ideas. It's simply a matter of making up your mind that saving money is important to you and you're willing to put forth a little effort to accomplish your goal.

Try one new money-saving idea each month. You might just find that you end the year in much better shape than you entered it. Isn't that what resolutions are all about?
_____________

Gary Foreman is a former financial planner who currently edits The Dollar Stretcher.com website and newsletters. You'll find hundreds of articles to stretch your day and your dollar. Visit today!

Take the Next Step:
Decide today to try one new money-saving idea each month in the coming year. Hopefully, next year at this time, you'll look back and find that you're in much better financial shape.

Note from Lucy: I know that the best way to get yourself out of debt is to make a committment to do it. Start small and work your way up as you dicipline yourself to do it. Last year my goal was not to charge anything that I could not pay off at the end of the month. I've kept that goal and plan to do it again this year. They only thing that I charged that I could not pay off immediatelty was my freezer and dishwasher. Home Depot offered a one year no interest/no payment deal. I knew that I could get things payed off during that time period and went with it. By paying it off before the due date I will not have to pay any interest. If I don't pay it off before then, I will have to pay accumulated interest at 21 percent. I WILL have it paid off before the year period. Always read the fine print.

Have a Happy New Year everyone!

It’s Quiet Now……

2007-12-25T00:07:00.001-06:00

The house is quite with the grandkids and TF all snuggled in their beds. Jen, Justin and William are out for a quite night at a local bar…….not exactly what I was expecting but it will have to do……The two Christmas trees are all aglow and a bell choir is playing on TV. The stockings are now hung at the foot of the stairs and I am trying to just get a quite moment before I fall off into lala land.

I wonder what it was like all those years ago when Mary and Joseph where off in a strange land and about to have a baby any minute. They were sent to a stable, the only place available in town at the moment. The famous “star” shown over head. Those familiar with the words of the scriptures knew that something grand was about to happen, the savior of the world was about to be born. Shepard’s noticed the star as they watched their flocks by night, it must have been an awesome sight. Wise men and three kings followed the star till they found the Christ child, wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. They brought gifts to the new born king. As we open our gifts this Christmas morning, lets remember what we are celebrating and enjoy the day with our families.

Merry Christmas to one and all, and to all a good night!

What a busy time of year……

2007-12-15T16:48:00.000-06:00

Yes, we are all busy with life and the Christmas/holiday season…..I’ve been busy making our traditional gingerbread cookies that we send out in the packages to TF’s family. I have already made four batches and my husband wants me to make two more batches. As well as cookies, I have made peanut clusters, pretzels dipped in white almond bark, and Bonnie’s favorite – fudge. I will probably make some chocolate chip cookies before the season is over. Besides mailing out cookies to TF’s family, we make up about twenty plates of goodies to hand out to neighbors, friends and business acquaintances. When I was younger, I used to make home made wheat bread too. We would give that and a can of beef stew to very special friends.

On top of that, I had put together an order of herbs and spices that took some time to work up. We usually do this right before Thanksgiving but this year we didn’t have enough ordered to get our discount, which covers the shipping. Penny and I decided to beat the bushes and rummage up a few more orders so that we could hit our goal of $ 500.00. When the second date came and the flurry of orders came in we had just under $700.00, who would have guessed? The order came in a week ago and it took me a whole morning to sort and package everything. I had packages lining two walls in the dining room. Most of them are gone but I should be able to deliver the last of them tonight at our church Christmas party.

Woah!!! The party starts in about an hour and a half from now. I signed up to bring a cranberry/pineapple jello salad for the dinner and I made that this morning. I will also take some non perishable food items and candy jars for our yearly food drive. We will have a nice Christmas dinner, a special program and a visit from Santa. I invited my daughter to come and bring the kids so that they can see Santa and sit on his lap….Last year they loved seeing Santa.

Next week I plan to finish my shopping, wrap gifts and make two pair of pajamas for my granddaughter for Christmas. I am sure there will be plenty of other things to do in between, but that is the goal.

On a different note: Bonnie came back from Florida disappointed that the space shuttle did NOT lift off. She realllllly wanted to see it happen, but the fuel sensors on the external fuel tanks had a different idea. She came home just in time to take her finals and then sleep for a full day. Tomorrow she will head out to do some “independent” contractor work for the company she worked for before she started back to school. She will be working for four weeks and get home just in time to start her next semester of school. The money she makes will pay for that semesters tuition and books. On a sad note, she will be spending Christmas on the road……..Oh Well!!! Actually, we are grateful that she was able to get the work.

Have a great week everyone……..

Mary Did You Know

2007-12-04T20:35:00.000-06:00

TF posted A Reason For The Season over on his blog earlier today along with a link to a beautiful version of Mary Did You Know. While listening to several other versions of Mary Did You Know, we found one featuring the original lyrist and original music composer together in a performance. Take a few minutes to get out your hankies and enjoy this modern day Christmas Classic. Here are Mark Lowery and Buddy Greene.

The Best Way to Prepare Garlic

2007-12-03T22:32:00.000-06:00

Garlic lovers rejoice. Here's some good news for your heart and your breath.

Lightly cooking garlic to help soften the smell won't rob it of those heart-protective compounds known as thiosulfinates. So you can cut back on the mints and start feeling better about baking, boiling, or sauteing it. Just don't microwave it. Wondering why?

Get a Crush on Garlic
When researchers set out to see how various preparation methods affected garlic's ability to break up clusters of artery-clogging platelets in the bloodstream, they tried boiling, baking, and microwaving both crushed and uncrushed garlic cloves. Lightly cooked crushed garlic aced the test -- as long as it wasn't cooked in the microwave. This cooking method sapped the garlic of all its good-for-you attributes. No matter how you serve it up, always crush garlic first. Crushing the cloves is what releases the beneficial thiosulfinates in the first place.

Sweet Garlic Dishes
Share this great garlic news with folks at your next holiday gathering, and let them sample its heart-healthy powers by bringing some Garlic and White Bean Dip. Also, try this Garlic Lover's Rub on your favorite meat or veggie.

Read this article for pointers on how to prepare produce so it packs the most powerful nutritional punch.
RealAge Benefit: Training your taste buds to love foods that thwart aging can make your RealAge at least 3 years younger. TRY IT!

Roasted garlic is delicious and it's super easy to bake. Experiment with this Tuscan Jumbo Garlic Baker, which looks and cooks great. Each clove emerges mellow and nutty, ready to add to mashed potatoes or spread on crusty whole-wheat bread. RealAge Editor's Holiday Gift Pick!

I got this information from a RealAge newsletter that comes to my email box. I found it very interesting, especially since I love eating recipes with garlic. Garlic is such a healthy food to eat and it is wonderful in killing germs and bacteria. I gave my husband garlic capsules after he came home from the hospital to help him kill off any bacteria he picked up after taking so many antibiotics. Click on the recipes above and also the article on how to prepare produce so it packs the most powerful nutritional punch. I found it very interesting.

What’s Lucy been doing lately? I’ve been busy working on our annual herb and spice order. Once a year our church group goes together to order herbs and spices. This year we are a little later than usual in ordering but it is done and the spices were shipped today and should be here by next Friday. Take a look at this website to see what we can order?

Tomorrow I will be ordering nuts, seeds and dry fruits and here is there website. If you get an order of 20 pounds or more, you get free shipping. Walnuts, almonds and pecans are cheaper at Sam’s Club, but everything else is reasonably priced. If you are interested you could get together with a couple of friends and easily put together a 20 pound order and get your free shipping. I was recommended this site by a very good friend of mine who has ordered from them before and says that their products are very good.

Thanksgiving is over and Christmas will be here before you know it. Today I made my ginger bread dough for my annual cookie baking. TF’s family loves this special recipe. If you are interested in the recipe, take a look here. I need to get to work on the P.J.s that I will be making for my granddaughter for Christmas. I haven’t done much sewing in the last couple of years but I just had to do this for my little princess. Our ladies group at church is working on doing a service project for our local assistance ministries. We are doing a food drive and making candy jars. I am working on a flyer, that I can put out in our neighborhood, to gather non perishable food and Christmas candy. This is going to be a very busy Christmas season for me and I look forward to it.

On a special note: My daughter Bonnie is going to Florida this Wednesday to watch the Space shuttle launch. An opening came up between classes and her finals that will allow her to go. She will be able to stay at her grandmothers while she is there. Bonnie has been wanting to go watch an actual flight for a long time and this will probably be her only opportunity for a while. I know she will have a great time. Keep your fingers crossed that the flight doesn’t get cancelled……