Rolling out nationally this month, these are the first chocolate dipped ice cream bars in this calorie range, having 70 percent fewer calories, fat and sugar than other premium bars.  Even better, they’re made with all natural ingredients everyone can pronounce. The unique blend of whey protein and monk fruit sweetener make this great tasting treat that even those with dietary restrictions can enjoy.  Other benefits include that they are gluten free, lactose intolerant friendly, low sugar, low glycemeic and suitable for type 2 diabetics. They’re, only 85 calories. www.myarticzero.com

 

Here are some products I recently purchased and have to say I really love and best of all they’re not expensive.

 

 

First one is Jergens Natural Glow Firming Moisturizer. I’m always reluctant to hand over money for products that claim to do this and that but my legs needed some color and thought I’d give this product at least a chance. I have to say it has added a nice tint to my legs and yes, firmed them up somewhat. Although I should add that’s I’ve also been doing more leg exercises since I’ve been using this product. Price $8.79.

 

The next two products are from one of my favorites, E.L.F cosmetics. Both are from their Studio Line. First one is their Mineral Face Primer cost was $6. Once again I was skeptical about buying it but now glad I did as it really gets your skin ready for applying makeup. A little goes a long way too.

 

Next product goes on my list of must haves and cost just $3. It’s the tinted moisturizer with SPF 20. Does two jobs in one, moisturizes and also gives your face a nice color. It’s great when you don’t want to put on makeup but don’t want to go completely bare either.

 

Although summer’s barely started anytime after the Fourth of July is perfect for picking up bargains like patio furniture, kid’s outdoor play stuff, swimwear, summer fashions etc. I’ve even seen some fall items heading into the stores which means they have to make room for it and discounts can’t be far behind.

 

Okay, this one might not help me because I don’t have one of the printer brands on the list but I thought I’d pass this along to you. You know my biggest pet peeve is the price of ink cartridges. I’m currently working on an article about freebies for writers and was sent this information which I thought would interest you too.

 

Would it surprise you to learn that you can get free ink cartridges? Staples and Officedepot pay $2 for empty printer cartridges. If you could only get them for $2, your final cost would be zero. And you can. At http://www.ccs-digital.com/ we have discovered a unique product – ink cartridges where the ink is kept in a separate replaceable tank inside the cartridge. When the tank is empty, you don’t buy a whole new cartridge with chip, you just replace the ink tank. Most tanks are in the $2 range, a few go as high as 2.50. After the $2 back from Staples or Officedepot, your final cost is no more than 50 cents and often free. We also offer free cartridges to repeat customers, to those who referred others and to those being referred. So our customers get plenty of free ink.

 

 

• New to the Produce Section: cucumbers, eggplants, sweet bell peppers, tomatoes, Bartlett pears, plums.
• At Their Peak: corn, red onions, nectarines
• Grab them Soon: lettuce, Vidalia and Walla Walla onions, cherries

 For August-At their peak:green beans, corn, cucumber, summer squash, raspberries, melons, and plumsGrab them while you can: blueberries, blackberries

 Salad Days are Here

 

I love salads all year but there’s something about sitting outside enjoying the freshest produce of the season that makes summer extra special.

Not Your Usual Tuna Salad

While tuna, chicken, and tuna salad remain perennial favorites for most of us, there are lots of ways you can jazz them up. Try serving them as a trio. Just serve smaller amounts of each salad. How about using an ice cream scoop to get three perfect round servings and placing them on a plate with some crusty French bread, or crackers. One of my favorite ways to serve these types of salads is to scoop out a beefsteak tomato, chill it for an hour or so, and then fill it to the brim with your prepared mixture. You can do the same thing with a melon. I like to scoop out the middle, and slice it into rings and place the salad inside. And for a little extra pizazz, try adding chopped fruits, like apples, grapes, nuts such as toasted pecans or cashews, and even a teaspoon of curry powder. One other ingredient I’ve recently discovered is smoked paprika. It’s not the cheapest spice at the store…but it’s so packed with flavor, a little goes a long way. It really gives the salad more depth and makes it taste extra special.

No Iceberg Please

 During the summer months just about every lettuce is on sale and. that means you don’t have to spend much more to get a lettuce like red leaf or romaine, and which in my opinion make a more hearty salad. And speaking of lettuce, here’s trend I’ve been seeing at lots of restaurants. Instead of serving a salad using chopped lettuce, many eateries are opting to give customers a ‘wedge’ of lettuce. It’s then topped with things like shredded cheese, chives, and croutons and drizzled with dressings such as ranch. If you’re getting bored with your usual salad, give it a try.

Coleslaw and Potato Salad

When you think of picnic fare, coleslaw and potato salad spring to mind. While I have to say I really enjoy both of them, I do like to occasionally try something a little different. For coleslaw I like to add shredded cheese. (This is also a great mixture to top baked potatoes). I also like to use the shredded broccoli you can buy in bags in the produce department, and add blue cheese dressing to it. And for potato salad, I sometimes add chopped vegetables, like carrots and peppers. This is also a great way to sneak some vegetables into your child’s food without them noticing.

Fruit and Cheese

A fruit and cheese platter always makes a quick and light meal. And as most fruits are cheaper right now, you can experiment with just about any combination. And here’s something that’s just perfect for a hot summer day, when you don’t feel like cooking, or when you’re watching your weight.

• ¼ cup of cottage cheese
• ¼ cup sour cream (go with the light variety if you’re counting calories)
• ¼ cup chopped pineapple, make sure you drain it well
• ¼ cup toasted shredded coconut

Put everything in a bowl and mix well. It makes about a cup and keeps for about a week in the refrigerator. You can serve it on top of a fruit platter or use it as a dip for things like strawberries, pineapple, and cantaloupe. It makes the ideal snack on hot days.

Let’s Not Forget Our Leftovers

As we budget smart cooks should always be thinking about getting the most mileage from our food, let’s not forget that leftovers can make the perfect salad too. Leftover pizza can be cubed and used instead of croutons. Leftover meats can be sliced, tossed in salad dressing and put on top of lettuce. Even beans and rice can become interesting salad fixings.

Articles of Interest-

If you shop at CVS this one’s for you-

http://shine.yahoo.com/event/financiallyfit/how-to-save-money-at-cvs-2507857/

 Heading out to the mall this weekend?

http://financiallyfit.yahoo.com/finance/article-113019-10115-3-10-things-shopping-malls-wont-tell-you?ywaad=ad0035&nc

Shop at the local dollar store?

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/629/how-to-score-amazing-dollar-store-beauty-steals/

Have a wonderful summer.