Nordstrom 33% Sale ~ Keen's $36.90 ends 5/27

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Went in today to take advantage of savings on summer Keen Sandals which are rare. So I asked and although sale is regional, you can ask representative to get the same sale price of $36.90. Also they are available online.

Of course when given all the colors of the rainbow they pick matching pink. Love my kids. Thanks for the tip reader Alexia!

Large Fruit Tart $9.99 on sale at Whole Foods

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Yum, know here's something to pick up for the long weekend.   Also e sure to print out barcode or show your cashier this barcode (hint; there's a $1 off coupon for fruit tart. That wpuld make it $8). They are delicious and totally on sale for MD, VA, DC, PA, KY, OH, & NJ.

$15 Off Women's/ Kid's Clothes until Friday

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You asked and thredUP answered.  The Women's Shop is opened.  They have thousands of Women's items from top brands like H&M, GAP, Anne Taylor LOFT, and more. Check it out for yourself click image below.  

Now through Friday they are offering $15off  (promo code:  LADY15) to those new customers/ first purchase of Women's items.  One code per person.  Also able to purchase a mixture of Kid's and Women's Clothing.  I'm off to fill my cart, what are you waiting for?

ABC Ch 7 LIVE: 5 Tips for Moms to Save

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Update, due to a family emergency (everyone is ok) I won't be able to do the segment, but be sure to check out my tips below.

I'm honored to be on TV and interviewed tomorrow morning, Monday April 29th live on ABC Channel 7: WJLA Let's Talk Live at 11am.  Mother's Day is Around the Corner, but what is one thing that all of us Mom's Want?  I'd say more Time and Money, right.  Check out some of the ideas I'll be sharing my 5 Tips on How Mom's Can Save.  Are you involved in a Mom's Group that would love to hear more?  Contact us to schedule a time.  Don't worry if you are out of the Metro DC and can't catch me LIVE we'll have a video clip this week.  So be sure to connect and check back!  We'd love to hear your tricks of motherhood savings too!  We are also looking for a contributing Savy Parent Author.

1) Create a Menu Plan  

It will save you time and money.  I even say the simpler the better especially for Mom's.  Start by taking inventory of what you have on hand, then build a menu from there.  Each family structures it differently.  I like to create a weekly meal plan.  If you want someone to create your menu plans and grocery list Emeals is your answer.  Need more inspiration check out my past weekly menu plans and be sure to sign up for our free newsletter to get the latest menu plans and recipes.  Here is a blast from the past with some of our Favorite Tasty Thursday Menu Plans [click on links below]

• Eleni's Weekly Menu Plan on a Budget
• App to Organize Menu Plans
• Vegetable Inspired Menu Plan
• Menu Planning with Visitors
• FREE Printable Menu Plan
• Five Tips to Menu Planning While Moving
• My Step-by-Step Family Guide to Menu Planning
• 5 Simple Ingredient Weekly Menu Plan
• When You Loose the Motivation to Menu Plan

 2) Schedule at Home Play dates

Instead of running out to lunch or the nearest children's play area, why not alternate homes for regular play dates on days and weekends.  I like to serve something simple like tea and homemade snacks for the kids.  Nothing like Tazo Tea... Free shipping on orders over $50 and check out my menu plans to see recipes for snacks.  One of my favorite's are 3 Ingredient Nutella Cookies  (and there is a Nutella coupons floating out there).  You'll learn to save money on food/ activities as well as teach your kids a lesson that you can go out and have fun without extra spending money.  

3) Visit the ATM only ONCE a week

This encourages you to consciously only take out the amount of money that you need to for spending money and NOT dip back into the account.  This goes hand in hand with eliminating ATM fees.

4) Cancel Magazine subscriptions  

The cost of one or two magazine subscriptions can really add up.  So avoid the newsstand purchases and think FREE, Swapping, and Reward Miles.  Our family eliminated all paid for magazine subscriptions and currently with www.rewardsgold.com and reward miles we get five magazines for FREE.

5) Create a no Spend Zone (1x/ month or week)

Simple, one per week/month don't spend any money.  It's a new way of thinking for many readers and clients.  Involve your kids in creating this no spending zone plan and you will surprised at ideas they come up with.  This is an important tip for families, because you can be so creative when you prepare ahead of time to be successful.  

We love to hear from you.  What do you Mom's Do to Save Money and Time?

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*Affiliate Links are Included.  Read our disclosure policy 

4 Ways to Simplify Your Life as a SAHM: Featured on The Peaceful Mom

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It's great to be part of a larger cause, for the Month of May its called Motherhood.  As one of my readers you know I share my stories from the heart.  A lot of people have asked how I came to adjust to being a stay at home mom.  I figured what better way to share than shouting it from the roof tops with as guest blogger.  

Honestly, becoming a stay at home mom was one of the most difficult transitions I have made in life, but I’m stronger and my family is better for it. I was able to make this adjustment by simplifying life and developing creative ways to save money. I share my 4 simple tips on how at The Peaceful Mom on how I made the transition [Click to Continue Here]

Zucchini Chocolate Chip Muffins

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Ingredients

1 and 1/2 cup flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

1 egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/4 cup milk

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup shredded zucchini

1/4 - 1/2 cup choc chips

1/4 - 1/2  cup walnuts

Directions

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt.  In another bowl, lightly beat egg.  Then add oil, milk, lemon juice and vanilla.  Mix well.  Fold into the dry ingredients and mix until everything is wet.  Then fold in zucchini.  Once that is mixed in, add your desired amount of choc chip or walnuts or both.

Makes a dozen.  Bake at 350 for 20-25 min.  Let cool at room temperature and enjoy!

By:  Andrea Wilson, contributing writer

Living on One Dollar in the NEWS

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Have you seen this in the news lately.  College kids set out to see what living on a one dollar a day would be like.  From now until 5/3 the film is on Hulu for you to watch.  Defintely worth it.  Makes you take a step back and examine your relationship with money. Check out the interview on CBS below.  For more information be sure to visit their site:  http://www.livingonone.org/

Unsightly Pink Bath...What A Coat of Paint Can Do

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I’ve always been an aesthetic person – I studied fashion, and worked many years in this industry where image and perception are everything.  After my husband and I moved out of our last home with our two kids, coming from what  was a brand new custom built home, to an older house in Potomac, MD  built in that style-deficit era of the 1970’s – there were a few niggling items that the perfectionist in me wanted to change right away.  

Let’s just say that Mid-Century Modern is not my style!  One of the rooms I wanted to change was our guest bathroom.  Oh yes, I would love to throw several thousand – okay let’s be totally honest – a 5 figure sum – to install the most exquisite and upscale bathroom fixtures, fittings and Carrera marble money can buy.  However – being practical – the guest bathroom; a place for occasional visitors and the kids bath time – was not the sensible venue for such lavish expenditure.  I wanted to give the room a substantial overhaul to make it modern and aesthetically pleasing without blowing the budget, or having to recruit professionals who’s hourly rates always seem to be in line with those who have ‘ologist’ in their job title.

Site-Survey
When doing this, the first thing you have to do is what I call a site-survey.   Go into your room at different times of day in different light; day light and artificial light can make a difference, take lots of color swatches and decide what your room needs color to bring – Warmth?  Elegance?  Light?   What colors already exist in the room that you won’t be changing, such as tile, that you will need to compliment or coordinate with?  Scope out the plus-points in the room.  For instance, my bathroom did not have an unsightly pink bath or toilet.  A pleasant, white enamel spa bath – certainly not offensive – and a white enamel toilet.  I could live with those.  Basic  4” square white tile with some sort of jade glass border.  Not fabulous, but again – by no means offensive to my critical eye.  A slightly bland, yet blank canvas.  However, the walls were painted ghastly beige, and on top of the beige paint, glaringly 1980’s as Crystal Carrington’s shoulder pads, was a gold sponge effect that was begging for a make-over.  The cream (Corian?) sink was surrounded by a hideous orange-tinged gloss-varnished original oak cabinetry.  Peeling, water damaged over time, and stained from cleaning products leaving a trail down cabinet doors.  

Cabinet Redo
Sounding more confident than I was feeling, I asked my husband to unscrew a cabinet door so that I could get some suitable products for it.  I chose 2 paint colors in the same color family.  A lighter shade for the walls and 2 shades darker for the cabinetry.  I ordered 10 crystal and pewter cabinet knobs from the House of Antique Hardware.  They were $16 a piece but after searching around I managed to get them for $11.  They are beautiful estate-quality lead crystal and they do add a classy touch to the cabinets, even though they cost more than my entire cabinet renovation!  Little tricks like adding quality knobs on doors can make all the difference!

Taking my cabinet door into Benjamin Moore I felt a bit of a fool.  The door was in such bad shape with this horrible bleach mark and to top it I dropped it and made a nice crack along one side as well – but still, they were very helpful after I explained my goal, they sold me two great products:

-  Stix Primer – they tinted this in the same color that I had chosen for the top coat – Stix makes paint ‘stick’ to any surface, even on top of glossy or oil based paint.  1 quart was enough to coat all my cabinets inside and out twice.

-  Advance Interior Alkyd Paint in a satin finish.  This dries to such a smooth finish that you cannot see brush or roller marks.  I chose satin for its durability and wash-ability – and it lived up to it’s claims.

I washed my cabinets inside and out.  My husband unscrewed all of the doors and drawer fronts.  I sanded and filled in any damage using some spackle, then sanded again.  I gave 1 coat of primer and 2 coats of the Alkyd paint – and for about 8 hours of labor I did a job I could be pretty proud of.  Here are photos of the re-finished cabinets.   I painted the walls myself, and replaced the electrical outlet covers with pewter color solid brass, just to add a touch of class to the room.  A new towel or two and a few strategically placed corals, all together the paint and hardware cost under $200. About $1800 less than I would have spent replacing the cabinets – and not to mention labor costs.  It doesn’t take any particular skill but taking your time, being meticulous, taping and prepping carefully – anyone can achieve results like these.  (Wishing we had before shots of these cabinets).

By Maria Campbell, contributing author

Stop Abuse...Join the Movement ~ App Giveaway

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Bullying these days is all to common.  As a previous school therapist I witnessed children and families needing more tools to find their voice and fight aganist bullying.  Physical abuse is a serious problem that needs to be addressed and today, I decided to take the stand and join the movement.  Have you or your children ever been a victim of bullying?  Did you know that 160,000 students skip school everyday because they are afraid they will be bullied.  Perhaps you know someone that has been  affected by domestic violence.  It may shock you to know that every 15 seconds in the United States, domestic violence occurs.   Join the Movement and download the new App ICEBlackBox @ $4.99

It's a new way to fight back and this App gives victims a voice.  It's easy. "The app will be a new way to defend against attacks from bullies, strangers, rapists and other violent offenders."  I just went to my App store and downloaded the ICE BlackBox App then signed up for my account.  I was easily able to add my cloud contacts in which, in the event my emergency, my contacts will be notified and my location sent to them.  Another great feature is that it streamlines videos, audio, GPS locations and allows user to make 911 calls. 

In my efforts to continue to give back to the community I am working with ICEBlackBox to give back to one lucky winner.  Eleni Saves U is offering a FREE App Giveaway to One of Our Readers.  To enter please comment below on how you plan to take a stand against bullying (One winner will be chosen at random.  Giveaway closes 4/20/13 at midnight).
Be sure to join the movement and share!

This is a sponsored post. Please read my disclosure policy here.

$1 Milk Sale 4/10

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Shop Spring Savings from YOUR Closet

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photo credit

Ever wanted to look like you stepped off the cover of a fashion magazine without having to sell your first child? It’s actually pretty easy.  By knowing patterns, fabrics, and styles that are “in,” you can craft a wardrobe that will look like it’s right off the runway.  This season’s hottest color (Emerald) Green; and thankfully you don’t need to spend a lot of it to stay on trend.

Another great way to save but look uber cool is to thrift shop. Did you know that, Fashion repeats itself approximately every 7 years or so, so you’re bound to find some amazing one-of-a kind items.

First things first: ALWAYS work with what you have. 

1.) A proper wardrobe should always consist of key staple colors: Black, navy, white and beige.

2.) Buy ‘pops’ of colors so you don’t blend into the wall. This can consist of anything from Tops, shoes, Jewelry, or even a skirt/pants for the more daring.

3.) One thing I always harp on is to think in color palettes. Building a wardrobe around one or two color families can help you figure out what to buy (and avoid). If your entire closet is black and gray, for example, don't buy lots of navy, even if it's a hot trend. 

4.) Keep your current wardrobe in mind when you shop, and don't buy anything that won't go with at least two or three other items that you own.

A good place to look are stores like Target, Marshall's, and TJ Maxx are great for purchasing trendy pieces and throwing them to the back of your closet, without feeling like you’ve spent too much of your hard earned money in clothes.

Hope this has inspired you to shop smarter this season. Happy Shopping

Despina Danishwar is our Wardrobe Consultant.  A fashion frugalista who was the fashion writer for Fashion416 and worked for Gucci.  She is my cute sister-in-law and mother of one that works for a Canadian National Television Network and a International Retailer who lives in suburban Toronto.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets with Wheatgerm

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Home Made Panko Nuggets: Here we made them with chicken tenders. However, please note that this method of breading can be used on both chicken and fish - I like to use cod loins cut up into chunks, or pieces of tilapia - but most flaky white fish and even salmon or shrimp are wonderful breaded this way. The nuggets will contain unprocessed ingredients, and much more quality protein than any store bought you will find. Frying in a good quality oil will provide your child with the healthy fats they need. These nuggets are packed with good white meat so a serving of 2-3 nuggets per child with a vegetable side and maybe a small carb is more than sufficient.

Ingredients to make 12 nuggets:

4 chicken tenders
1/2 cup sunflower oil
1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (I recommend Trader Joes brand)
2 tbsp unbleached flour
2 tbsp wheatgerm (packed with folic acid and rich b-vitamins essential for your child's development)
1/2 tsp salt
1 large egg, beaten

Directions.

* In a small frying pan, heat your oil on a medium-low heat.
* Wash and cut up your each of your chicken tenders into approx 3 nugget-size pieces. If you wish you may flatten the nuggets with a mallet, but this is by no means necessary.

Take 3 bowls; Beat your egg into one, in a second bowl blend the wheatgerm, flour and salt, in the 3rd bowl are your panko crumbs. Dip your nuggets first into the flour mixture, coat well. Then dip into the egg until well covered - then press carefully into the panko for a good all-round coating.

Once your oil is nice and hot (but not smoking), put in your chicken nuggets being careful not to crowd. Tip: to save on oil, use a small pan and fry a few at a time.  Fry 3 mins each side, drain onto paper towelos, check for doneness, serve however you wish. Enjoy! These are also great as leftovers served cold from the fridge.

Maria Campbell has joined our team.  She is a Fashion Industry professional from London, England. As a health-conscious mother of 2 preschool age children now living in the DC Metropolitan area, and concerned by the poor quality, GMO and highly processed foods on offer for children, she chooses to make nutrient-filled kid-food at home using simple, quality ingredients.

Focus on Seafood: Our Menu Plan This Week

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I hadn't fallen off the face of the earth, I just had two kids that were pretty sick last week.  As a mom blogger once can imagine my priority is my kids.  Thanks for all the emails and tweets, I am grateful for such a community of readers.  So how's it been going with menu planning? This week was a great week to use some of those cleaning and baby coupons. You can print them out HERE.  Remember to first check store circular for the week, then print out coupons to match up with the sales.  

There are some new features you will find on our site.  I'm now taking on speaking engagements, more financial coaching clients, working with new contributors, and enjoying yummy daily smoothies prepared by my husband (he makes the best smoothies) and finding new Seafood recipes (being Lent and all).  I hope you have a great week.  

Menu Plan for Our Family This Week 

(with Recipe Links)

Dinners

• Baked Salmon with Mushroom Pasta and salad
• Dinner Out at Chipotle - Vegetarian Burritos 
• Herb Roasted Whole Brazino Fish with Green Beans and Almonds Side
• Lentil Burgers Vegetable Stacked and Homemade French Fries
• Shrimp Scampi with Broccoli
• Garden Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Salad
• Greek Black Eyed Pea Salad
• Whole Foods Cheese Pizza with Frozen Peas ~ Tuesdays B1G1 FREE (Check your local Whole Foods for One Day, Weekly, and Popup Sales)

Breakfasts

Cereal with Almond Milk with Fruit
Frozen Waffles 
Grapefruit and Toast with Peanut Butter
NEW Smoothie Recipes

Lunches
Homemade Chicken Nuggets (recipe coming soon)
Salad with Beans
Peanut Butter-n-Jelly/Tuna Sandwiches w/veggies or Salad
Leftovers from dinner

Snacks
Fruit Bars at Whole Foods/ Trader Joe's
Fruit Smoothies with Whey Powder
Grapes/ Bananas/ Strawberries/ Grapefruits
Chips and Salsa
Annie's Bunnies

Apples with Peanut Butter

Almonds and Cranberry Mix

I know it takes an extra effort to get your meals in order.  Whether you are preparing for one or a family it takes time. I've learned the more I plan the head the less I'm running out of ingredients the day of.  I enjoy keeping the menu plan on my smart phone as a list so I can refer to it as needed.  So, what's on your menu plan this week?  How do you organize or share your menu plan? 

Newly Released thredUP Women's Online Resale, Invite Friends and Earn $

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I have from readers that they want to find an online resale company. Well thredUP is stepping up.  That's right ladies, those clothes that are sitting in your closet you can resale now.  Currently, they are allowing readers to sign up for their waiting list.  You'll be part of the online community as it's building.  As an extra bonus sign up and spread the word.  

 For every friend you get to SIGN UP you'll be a FREE $5 credit toward your account.

I haven't seen the actual store myself, but from my experience with children's clothing...it's going to add up to some great savings.  Want to start to do some spring cleaning and clean out those closets.  Order a bag and it will ship to you for FREE.  Having two girls, it's a great way to get those old clothes with life left in them another life.  

Nothing a Few Bandaid's Can't Fix

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If you haven't taken into account the psychology behind spending it's about time to get started.  There was a great article written last year that's worth the read.  Why We Buy: The Psychology of Overspending.  Once I got into the field as a Financial Coach, I realized that there are emotional states that drive people to make purchasing decisions.  Everyone including myself hold on to certain patterns and not until these are challenged do we start to look at money decisions through a different lense. 



My experience is that often these are underlying emotions that we are not aware of on a day to day basis.  Let me give you an example, "Hiding behind the numbers."  If you avoid what's in your checking account and continue to spend you in fact spend more money...overdraft fees, credit card interest, and impulse purchases.  Being in control, means you know what's going on in your accounts.

It's important to confront your relationship with your money and get in control.  It's spring time, so why not do a financial check-up.  I've had the great opportunity to work with many families and help them recreate their spending habits, develop a spending plan, and have monthly check-ups with these clients.  It's great to be working with readers and watching them growing through our Financial Coach work together.  What are you waiting for, schedule your 30 Minute FREE Consultation Today.  Once scheduled you'll be asked to complete a brief confidential snapshot of your finances so that we can use our 30 minutes evaluate your spending habits, problem areas, and develop goals.  So, let's get a head start and spring clean your finances together.

FREE Redbox Rental Code

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Save this code you have until 5/8 to get a FREE Movie at Redbox.  Enter promo code F2AMA8TG3 at checkout (online or at the box), for a free 1-day DVD rental. 
Thanks Hey, It's Free!

Great Toy & Game Coupons

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Great toy & game coupons out there. Hasboro, Barbie, Fisher Price, Easter Candy
 http://www.coupons.com/alink.asp?go=13903xh2010&bid=1253230001

Whole Foods Great Price Coupon Class

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Want to learn how to save big while you eat a quality diet?  Eleni Alexiou from Eleni Saves U saves an average of 50% or more at Whole Foods Market.  Eleni will teach you how to save with strategic methods, coupons, and sales to cut your grocery bill.  You will leave this class with skills and tools to coupon.  Each participant will receive a starter set of coupons, have an understanding of couponing vocabulary, learn how to stock their pantry, and organize coupons.  

Thursday 3/21 at 6:30pm Rockville, MD.  To register for this FREE class, contact  RockvilleCommunity at wholefoods.com or 301-984-4880.

Would you like us to come to you. Speaking engagements and classes are available to you at your home, kids school, organization, or place of work. Eleni Alexiou has taught in homes, lecture halls, Whole Foods, universities, places of work, MOMs groups. Eleni Saves U will travel within the Metro DC area and will travel further for an additional cost. Contact us at elenisavesu@gmail.com

Udi's $3 Off Coupon (Facebook Offer)

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In an effort to celebrate reaching 1 Million Fans.  Udi's Gluten Free is offering $3 Off Printable Coupon.  Print coupon HERE.  If you are familiar with the brand you know this saves you a ton and may even get you a product for FREE.  Please print ethically (2/ computer).

Gigantes: Greek Baked Beans Recipe

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It's been quite the hectic week.  My father-in-law passed away and although we all knew his health wasn't well, it happened overnight.  My husband and I packed up the family in the wee hours of the morning and made our way over the border.  

Needless to say, this week you've heard less from me.  However, we heard so much from family and friends that we are truly blessed.  Thank you for those of you that went out of your way to send us meals and flowers, it made such a difference to have support especially for my husbands family.  As we end our last few days up in the cold North, my mother-in-law cooked up one her favorite Greek Bean Recipes.  Hope you enjoy Gigantes as much as we will tonight.  It's such a Greek Comfort food.

Serves 4-6.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  
Cook Time: 2-3 hours

• 2 cups of Lima beans (if dried, soak overnight in water)
• 1 cup of Kidney beans (if dried, soak overnight in water)
• 1 cup Strained Tomato Juice
• 2 cups Warm Water
• 3 carrots, chopped
• 3 Celery stocks
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 Garlic cloves chopped thinly
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, Greek if possible
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• Parsley
• Black pepper and Salt

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large, lidded pot gently cook the onions in olive oil until they are soft, but now browned. Salt them a little while they cook. Add everything, plus enough water to barely cover the beans. Cover the pot and cook in the oven for 1.5 hours.   Then remove cover and bake for another 30 minutes or until the beans are lovely and soft. Do not rush this by turning up the hear. Beans need to cook slowly.  Let it cool down in the oven.
2. When the beans are nicely soft, ladle some out into a bowl. Serve warm or cold with bread and wine.

A Pinch of Vegetarian: Tasty Thursday Menu Plan

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It's amazing how easy it is to get off track on eating healthy and meal planning when life throws you a curve ball and your plans change. Nothing big happened, I just realized in talking with some of my peers it's important to say that your meal plan can and will change weekly even if you plan it out.   This week I added some new Vegetarian Meals for our family.

Menu Plan for Our Family This Week 

(with Recipe Links)

Dinners

• Homemade Black Bean Veggie Burgers with salad
• Grilled Cheese with Store Bought Tomato Soup
• Tofu Bites over Greek Salad
• Pizza with friends (Whole Foods B1G1 Free) 
• Asparagus Gruyere Tart Appetizer
• Falafel Pita Stuffed with Vegetables
• Dinner at Friends 
• Simple Turkey Chili over Pasta with Salad

Source: marthastewart.com via Eleni from on Pinterest

Breakfasts
Cascadian Farm Cereal with Almond Milk with Fruit
Frozen Waffles and Fruit Smoothies
Grapefruit and Toast with Peanut Butter

Vegetable Juicing Recipes ~ usually juice once/day.

Lunches
Turkey/ Peanut Butter-n-Jelly/Tuna Sandwiches w/veggies Cobb Salad
Leftovers from dinner

Snacks
Fruit Bars at Whole Foods/ Trader Joe's
Fruit Smoothies with Whey Powder
Grapes/ Bananas/ Strawberries/ Blueberries/ Grapefruits
Chips and Salsa
Cheese and Crackers

Have you planned out your menu for next week?  We would love to hear from you and share recipes.  I often find that it helps you jump out of your comfort zone and try something new.  

Friday $1.99/ lb Organic Whole Chicken

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Valid in only some states.  Check your local stores for details.

31 Days Receipts

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That's right.  I am asking you to keep the paper.  It's an old school trick that works like a charm!
February is coming to an end and often times I find it hard to tune back into those New Year's Resolutions we all made in January. One of the best ways I have found to help clients and readers to get control of their finances is to become AWARE.

So, get ready it's your turn. For the next month I want your household to collect EVERY receipt (store them in a front entrance shoe box, receipt drawer, whatever creative area you wish).  If you prefer the modern way of Neat Receipts, then invest in one.  A word of caution.  My husband I always find that its hard to be 100% honest, right.  You want to believe that you are saving every penny and in charge of your finances.  However,  I find this is the best way to loosen up and budget holes.

Then at the end of the month you do the math. Create your own realistic budget based on your spending and also add up how much you saved.  It helps turn financial short-term and long-term setting into realistic goals.  Our family did this last month and we did more saving then we anticipated and stayed on projected budget.  For 31 Days in March are you in for the Challenge?  What do you anticipate to find in as your budget holes?

My Double Coupon List at Harris Teeter

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If you have a Harris Teeter's near you week's like this are worth stopping in to get items at rock bottom price.  Check out how I coupon HERE.  Yes, I really do save 50-70% and it's worth every 1 hour I spend a week to get my grocery lists in order.  Here are some top items that are making my list this week.  Ii'm still working on my grcoery lists and menu plan for the week.  What I know already is there are 6 Dinner Meal's to plan.  If there is a day you don't want to cook, but still save.  Be sure to check out your local Groupon Deals.

Here are the TOP purchases of mine for Harris Teeter this week

• Eight O’ Clock Coffee, 11-12 oz, at $6.95 ($3.47)
• $1 off Eight O’Clock coffee, SS 2/03 (makes it $1.47 ea.)
• Hefty Slider Bags, 17-22 ct., at $3.29 ($1.64)
• $1.50/2 Hefty slider bags, RP 11/11 (makes it 14¢)
• Reach Floss, 55 yds., $1.43
• $1/2 Reach floss items PRINT HERE (makes it FREE)
• Sesmark Crackers, 3.5 oz, $2.50
• $1.50/2 Sesmark products, SS 12/09 (makes it $1 each)

Thanks Southern Savers!

Harris Teeter: FREE Bag of Shredded Cheese

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Sign up HERE for Harris Teeter's Taste and Tell to get your FREE Bag of Cheese from 3/6-3/19.  Upon validation of the information provided, your FREE offer will be available at your Harris Teeter starting March 6, 2013. Be sure to use the VIC card you registered in our Taste and Tell promotion at checkout and your item will ring up FREE.

Starbucks FREE Coffee up to $2.60

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It's back! Get a FREE tall Blonde roast coffee for you and a friend valued at $2.60 each from Starbucks through Facebook.  Everyday Starbucks is giving away 5,000 freebies each day through Feb. 22. If you got the freebie in January, you can't get it again.

Like the Starbucks fan page and click the "Starbucks Blonde Roast" tab to get a eGift voucher by to redeem for a free Blonde roast or Vanilla Blonde brewed coffee at participating coffee shops. The voucher never expires!

I sent a gift to a friend that I know could use one this morning ;)  Who are you going to share this freebie with?