The first of the month flew up and it’s almost Valentine’s Day. Be sure to check out the sales after the 14th on things like chocolate…perfect for baking later in the year. Also, red items like wrapping paper and bows which also work during for wrapping Christmas gifts too.
Best Buys for February
New at the store:
Artichokes, asparagus, navel oranges and I’ve been seeing some rhubarb and also yesterday apples were on sale
At their Peak:
Broccoli and grapefruit and other citrus fruits, avocados
Grab them while you can:
Cabbage and Brussels sprouts
Laundry Detergent
I’ve just finished working on an article on green cleaning products for a magazine. While I was researching online I came across a laundry product called Soap Nuts. They’re all naturual and the price isn’t bad either. One great feature is they offer a trial size good for 4-7 loads that costs just $1.89 and the company also offers a money back guarantee. Looks like they also have some other cleaning products like an all purpose cleaner that’s not that expensive either. Definitely two items I’ll be checking out.
Gardening
I’m already sick of winter and looking at snow in my yard. I remind myself that spring is only six weeks away and often turn to the many gardening catalogs that arrive in the mailbox. It might seem too early to think about planting flowers and vegetables but it’s a good way to pick up some bargains too. My goal this year is to divide lots of plants instead of buying them, spend more energy on the vegetable garden. And as trees and shurbs die off , replanting them with things that prevent food like apple trees and blueberry and raspberry bushes.
If you’re thinking of doing the same here’s a link to Burpee who have a $5 off coupon if you spend $30
And if you love heirloom vegetables…I have to say heirloom tomatoes are the best tasting, here’s a pack of seeds you can buy for $19.95
$5 Pizza
You may have seen the advertisements online that Digiorno are offering pizza for $5. I stocked up on some yesterday. Don’t know how long the promotion lasts and the Web site doesn’t say but you can visit
Super Bowl Sunday
The big game is this weekend yes, some overeating is inevitable but Rachel Begun MS, RD at Kettle Cuisine who I mentioned in Monday’s blog sent along ways to cut those calories and there’s also recipe to try-
Fuel up before the Big Game – Arriving at a party hungry often leads to eating more total daily calories than if you had eaten sensibly throughout the day. Eat small meals throughout the day that are rich in complex carbohydrates, fiber and protein, as these nutrients keep you feeling fuller longer.
Scout the roster – Just like each team knows the opposing team’s key players, strengths and weaknesses, you should know what’s on the menu before diving in. If you know you just can’t say no to Kettle Cuisine’s Angus Beef Tostadas (recipe below), then you can plan to lay off other foods that are not as interesting to you.
Huddle your appetizers – A few chips and guacamole here, a handful of nuts there, several chicken wings in between. Calories add up quickly when randomly nibbling appetizers. To ensure you don’t overdo it before meal time, huddle your favorites that can fit onto one plate.
MVPs (most valuable produce) – fresh fruits and vegetables are low in calories while high in fiber, allowing you to feel fuller on less calories than other foods. Try to get at least one serving of fruits and veggies into your appetizer and at least two into your main meal.
Prevent overtime – Hangover time that is. If you drink alcohol during the Big Game, make sure to follow up with plenty of water before bedtime. Waking up with a hangover leads to overeating the next day.
Rachel Begun, MS, RD is a registered dietitian and nutritionist In addition to writing articles for Soup’s On, she is the face behind Kettle Cuisine’s blog, Kettle’s Edibles. You can also follow Rachel on her own blog, The Gluten-free RD (glutenfreerd.wordpress.com), and on Twitter @RachelBegunRD.
Game Day Angus Beef Tostadas
(with Kettle Cuisine Angus Beef Steak Chili with Beans)
by Joseph Ascoli, Kettle Cuisine Chef
Grab a handful of napkins and put some smiles on your guests faces by taking a regular plate of nachos to the next level by creating these customizable supersized nachos. Each Tostada is hearty and lightly spiced to keep you and your guests all warm and cozy. These personal appetizers are sure to be the perfect starter snack for watching the Big Game.
Ingredients: Salsa
1 tbsp. Canola Oil
2 ea. Garlic Cloves, minced
1 tsp. Serrano Chili, finely diced
1 tbsp. Red Onion, finely diced
¼ tsp Mexican Oregano
2 ea. Limes, juiced
3 ea. Tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
1 tbsp. Cilantro, finely chopped
Dash Cumin, ground
Dash Chipotle, ground
Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
Ingredients: Corn Tostada
6 ea. Corn Tostada Shells
2 bowls Kettle Cuisine Angus Steak Chili with Beans (10oz) (thawed overnight in the refrigerator)
12 oz. Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
Garnishes: (optional)
1 ea. Avocado, diced
Sour cream (mixed with lime juice and chipotle chili powder)
Method of Preparation:
Make the salsa. Combine all salsa ingredients together in a non-reactive bowl, mix and refrigerate for at least one hour
Assemble the Tostadas. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
Place a single layer of tostada shells on a metal baking sheet
Scoop 1/3 bowl of chili onto each shell, spreading evenly leaving as shown in photo
Sprinkle about 2 oz. cheese evenly over chili and bake until cheese melts and chili has warmed through
Remove tray from oven and let cool for 5 minutes
Garnish with avocado, salsa and drizzle with sour cream mixture (if desired)
Serve and Enjoy!
Fiction that’s like Real Life
Last year while I was interviewing this author, I stumbled across one of her past titles called Small Change. When I read the synopsis I thought this is about Budget Smart Girls. She kindly sent me a copy of the book and besides being a great story, it’s main focus is about saving money. Three friends who are facing their own financial dilemmas get together and tackle their problems. The book has some great tips and recipes too. If you’re looking for something to put on your to read list, I can recommend it. I thought it would be fun for you to hear about how the book came about so here is my chat with its author Sheila Roberts
Budget Smart Girl (BSG)-Tell us about yourself, your books, where you live?
Sheila Roberts (SR)-I live on a little lake in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by nature and a fun bunch of neighbors. Many of my books discuss things we women deal with: diets, budgets, body image. I like to think of them as self-help fiction. And I like to think of them as fun reads.
BSG-What made you write a fictional story centered around money saving topics?
SR-This is something I wanted to talk about for a long time since it’s a subject near and dear to my heart. I’ve lived most of my life on a tight budget. But even when money was tight we always managed to enjoy life. I firmly believe a woman can live large no matter what the size of her income, and for years I wanted to write a non-fiction book on how to manage money and live well on little. Since I’m not a finance guru though, this was a hard sell. I finally decided to write a novel and combine both fiction and money advice – and wound up with “Small Change”, which is a book I’m very proud of. I’ve heard from so many readers who read it and came away encouraged, and that makes me really happy since that was the purpose of the book.
BSG-Were you raised in a budget smart family?
SR-Not really. My dad was a hard worker but he didn’t know the meaning of the word budget. By the time I hit middle school he suffered some health and business problems that lead to tough times. But even during those hard times my parents made sure my life was happy and our home was always open to my friends. We had fun no matter what was going on with the checkbook. When I got married my income didn’t exactly skyrocket but my husband is an amazing budgeter. He can squeeze a penny ’til it shrieks. And that’s a good thing, because budgeting is a great tool for helping you meet your financial and life goals. We have managed to live what my friend Lisa calls a juicy life.
BSG- All the topics in the book like unemployment, having to move back with your parents etc. are so relevant today. When you wrote the book did you ever guess how true to life it would actually be?
SR-I must admit, I was seeing some trends that made me all the more determined to write a money-oriented novel.
BSG-One of your characters, Rachel, starts her own blog offering readers money saving tips. Were these all your own ideas or other people’s too?
SR-The ideas are mine. (Well, and my husband’s – he contributed the house payment tip, and that could save the average home owner well over a hundred thousand in interest!) The recipes I collected our got from friends. The blackberry cordial was courtesy of my friend Kathy. Yummy stuff! In fact I have some “stewing” on my counter right now, which I’ll soon be bottling and giving out for Valentine’s Day.
BSG-Any tips you want to share with us?
SR-Get educated. Check out money management books from your local library, listen to finance experts on the radio (I love Dave Ramsey! Clark Howard is great, too.) The more you learn about managing your money the better it will work for you.
BSG-The three friends start making homemade foods like jam. Any favorite recipes you’d care to share?
SR-Right now I’ve got a great soup recipe posted on my website. http://www.sheilasplace.com/recipes.html
BSG-Any plans to write more stories about money topics or even more books featuring these wonderful characters?
SR-Sadly, probably not. But years ago I wrote a party book with all kinds of theme party ideas. I may just resurrect that 
Meanwhile though, I hope women will continue to read and enjoy “Small Change”. I still believe what my characters learned in the book: Small changes can add up to a big difference!
This month’s articles of interest-
Here are some articles I found interesting-
Check out the budget buys in this article-
Thinking about starting a business?
Prices are going up but there are alternatives-
Have a great month.
