Here's a Tip Tuesday!

A pictures worth a 1,000 words...



Happy Tuesday :)

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another installment of HATT!


This one isn't so much a tip, as a discussion topic. We are in full force wedding season and I have 2 coming up to attend in the next 3 weeks. From what I got from the formal, novel-esque invitations, these will run as "traditional" weddings. This got me thinking. In 2010, does the word "traditional" still mean the same thing in terms of weddings?


Whether it's who pays for what, should the groom not see the bride before the ceremony, seating arrangments or what have you, what needs to stay and what needs to go for a modern day wedding?

Do tell :)

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

First of all, let me lay a little disclaimer on you. I am not a follower of Dr. Oz. To be completely honest, I don't know very much about him at all. But I ran across this article yesterday and with bathing suit season nealy upon us, I thought I would share the goods. Again, I'm not a Dr. Oz advocate, but even the lay man knows this is common sense, good advice! Small changes everyday, add up to big changes over time.


1. Thou Shalt Not Wear Pants that Stretch
Your clothing is an early-warning system for weight gain. When it’s getting hard to snap your jeans, you know it’s time to be vigilant. Wearing stretchy clothes allows you to live in ignorance of how your body is growing, making it easier to pack on pounds without knowing it.


2. Thou Shalt Not Keep Bad Clothes in Your Closet
When you keep the clothes you wore at an unhealthy weight, it gives you a back-up plan if the pounds don’t come off. Instead, force yourself to stay on track by 86ing your “fat pants.”


3. Thou Shalt Not Eat Meat That Walks on Four Legs More Than Once a Week
Meat that comes from an animal with 4 legs is higher in saturated fat (the unhealthy kind) than that which comes from 2-legged animals such as chickens, or animals with no legs, like fish. Plus: women who eat large amounts of red meat more than once a week have a 50% higher chance of dying from heart disease and have higher cancer rates.


4. Thou Shalt Not Graze
Plan your meal before you open the refrigerator, get what you need, and close the door. Opening it throughout the day leads to impulsive choices and overeating.


5. Thou Shalt Not Eat After 7:30pm
When you eat late at night you are more likely to be eating in front of the TV (when you won’t pay attention to how much you’re putting in your mouth) and you’re more likely to pick high-calorie snacks.


6. Thou Shalt Not Pile Food More than 1 Inch High or Within 2 Inches of the Plate Edge
Larger portions equal more calories. ‘Nuff said.


7. Thou Shalt Not Chew Food Less than 20 Times Per Bite
Chewing allows your body to realize that you are eating food, prompting it to create a sensation of fullness at the appropriate time. When you don’t chew enough, you get ahead of that process, eating well past when you are actually satisfied.



8. Thou Shalt Not Covet Thy Neighbor’s Plate
Spend your day nibbling bites on someone else’s sandwich or afternoon snack, and you will add on 1,000 calories easy.


9. Thou Shalt Not Carry Small Bills
Nothing loves a small bill better than a vending machine. When you have them at the ready, you are one step closer to an impulsive, calorie-loaded afternoon slip up.


10. Thou Shalt Not Eat While Standing Up
Eating sitting down enables you to be aware of what you’re eating and eat it slowly so that your body can tell you your full before it’s too late.

Here's a Tip Tuesday: Grillin' Time

**Before we get started, here are a few add on's to the tips from last weeks edition:

Sarah let us know: "I use baking soda to clean my shower!! It is amazing.. I used to scrub and scrub with those nasty chemicals and now it is a cinch!"

Amanda filled us in on more lemony goodness: "Just the other day, I learned if you cut a lemon in half, dip it in salt, you can scrub your pots with them and they'll look shiny & new!"

Regan added: "Lemon~ freeze left over rind for a quick way to clean and deodorize your garbage disposal."**

Thanks so much ladies!! :)

On to this weeks HATT!

Last weekend Jason bought a massive, 140lb box. 3 hours later, a brand new commercial series, infrared, something-rather, grill was born. And I can't wait to sink my teeth into a piece of beef that has done some time on this baby (how to vegetarians do it?!?).


So, it seems fitting that with my mind on the grill, that I pass along a few tips about said topic.


Whenever barbecuing, use tongs to turn the meat. A fork should never be used as it will punch holes in the meat and allow the natural juices to escape, causing the meat to lose flavor and become chewy. Turning only once during cooking time is recommended.


When grilling corn, baste with butter or olive oil just as you would baste grilled meats.


Tomato and/or sugar based BBQ sauces should be added only at the end of the grilling process since these products burn easily.

Use leftover pineapple rind as "wood chips" when making tropical dishes.


Have some of this on hand at all times, (I use it on everything even in rice and on baked potatoes):

BBQ Rub:
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
1/4 cup sweet paprika
3 TBSP black pepper
4 TBSP coarse salt
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp onion powder
2 tsp celery seed
1 tsp cayenne pepper

If you're mouth isn't watering right now you might want to check your pulse! :)
Do you have any tried and true BBQ tips or tricks to the perfect grilled meal? Do share! :)

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another HATT! The weeks are just flying by, and I'm ready for the warm weather to stick around.

Today I will go over some creative uses for 3 everyday household items.

THE DRYER SHEET

Keep bugs away: Tuck some in your pocket or under lawn furniture to repel bees and other insects
In the kitchen: Soak cookware with burnt or baked-on food in warm water, with a dryer sheet or two. Makes clean-up a breeze. Also works on cook tops.
Clean paint brushes: Soak your used paintbrushes in warm water with a dryer sheet, and that pesky latex paint will come off in no time.
In toilet paper: Roll up a dryer sheet in your toilet paper roll. Each time you spin, it releases a little freshness into your bathroom.



THE LEMON

Cleaning the microwave: Popping popcorn or cooking something with a strong odor in the mircowave can really leave its mark. Once you have sprayed down and wiped off excess loose dirt, add a cup of water with a few slices of lemon. Heat for 4 minutes on high. Remove and wipe excess dirt once again. Add a fresh cup of water with a few slices of lemon and heat for another 3 minutes. The microwave should be as good as new!
Garlic be gone: After chopping fresh garlic, rub your hands with a cut lemon. I also like i sprinkle my fingers with baking soda or Kosher salt before I use the lemon. The smell of garlic on my hands drives me crazy!
Sanitize a chopping block: Run a slice of lemon over the surface to disinfect.



ALKA-SELTZER

Clean jewelry: Drop your dull-looking jewelry in a glass of fizzing Alka-Seltzer for a couple of minutes. It will sparkle and shine when you pull it out.
Unclog a drain: Drop a couple of Alka-Seltzer tablets down the opening, then pour in a cup of vinegar. Wait a few minutes and then run the hot water at full force to clear the clog. This is also a good way to eliminate drain odors.
Clean your toilet: Believe it or not it is an effective toilet bowl cleaner too. Drop a couple of tablets into the bowl for 20 minutes or so. When you return, a few swipes with a toilet brush will leave your bowl gleaming.


Have any tried and true uses for common household items?

Weekly Deal Round-Up

Later then usual but it's Saturday again (whoo hoo!) and it's time for the Weekly Deal Round-Up highlights for the week of 3/21-3/27. I spent this gorgeous 78 degree outside working on something I'll post next week!

(personally not loving CVS this week, the toothpaste and mouthrinse will probably be all I get)
Colgate Total Advanced, Enamel or Sensitive Toothpaste at $3.99=$3.99 ECB's (Limit 1)
.75 off Colgate Total, printable
$1 off Colgate Total Toothpaste 3/7 SS
Final Cost: $.75-$1 Money Maker!

Pampers Diapers Jumbo pk or Easy Ups $8.97= 3 ECB's (Limit 2) (I don't have kids, but people are excited about this deal so I'm guessing it's a good price for diapers!)
$1.50/1 off Pampers Diapers or Pants 2/7 PG
$1.50/1 off Pampers Easy Ups Trainers 2/7 PG
$1.50/1 off Pampers Extra Protection Diapers 2/7 PG
$2/1 Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers or Extra Protection Diapers, PG 2/21 or RP 3/14
Final Cost: As low as $3.97!

Crest or Oral B Products Listed at $3.99=2 ECB's wyb one of the following items(Limit 1)
Pro Health Toothpaste 7.8 oz, or Rinse 14.8-16.9 oz
$.75/1 Crest Toothpaste 3/7 PG
$1/1 off Crest Rinse 3/7 PG
$2/1 off Crest Rinse 2/7 PG
Scope Outlast Toothpaste 7.6 oz., or Rinse 25.4 oz
$1/1 off Scope Rinse, 710mL 2/21 or 2/7 PG
Glide Floss or Picks 30ct
.75/1 off Crest Glide Floss, 35m or Glide Floss Picks, 20 ct. or more 2/7 PG
Cross Action Toothbrush
.75/1 Oral-B Pulsar, Cross Action, Advantage Toothbrush 2/7 or 2/21 PG
Final cost: as low as FREE with the $2 Crest Rinse coupon

Dawn Dish Soap 96¢
-.25/1 off Dawn, PG 3/07, “Home Made Simple” home mailer
-$1 off Dawn Renewal “Home Made Simple” home mailer

Kellogg’s Raisin Bran, All Bran, Frosted Flakes, Mini Wheats, or Special K $1.97
$1/2 Kellogg’s All Bran, Frosted Mini Wheats, or Raisin Bran 3/7 RP
$1/3 Kellogg’s Cereals 2/7 RP (expires on Sunday 3/21)




Always maxi pads 12-22 ct, pantiliners 40-60 ct or wipes, Tampax tampons 20 ct (excludes Pearl) $2.99
Submit for $1.00 SCR #51 (limit 1)
$2/1 Always Infinity 3/7 PG
$1/1 Tampax Product 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pads 3/7 PG
$1/1 Always Pantyliners 3/7 PG
Final Cost: as low as FREE

Huggies Goodnights, Pull-ups, or Jumbo pk diapers $8.99
Submit for $1.00 SCR #53 (limit 1)
$3/1 Huggies diapers printable (no longer available, hope you grabbed this one!)
$2/1 Huggies Little Snugglers or Little Movers 3/21 SS
$1.50/1 Huggies Pullups Training Pants 2/28 SS
$1.50/1 Huggies Diapers 3/21 SS
$2/1 Huggies Diapers Jumbo Pack AD PERK or
$2/1 Huggies Pull-Ups or Goodnites AD PERK
Final cost: as low as $2.99!

Buy Almay Foundation, get Concealer Free
Submit for $5 SCR #7 wyb (2) (limit 1)
$1/1 Almay Cosmetic 3/7 SS
$2/1 Almay Cosmetic product 2/7 SS
Final cost: FREE for any 2 products $9 or less

Cover Girl Mascara B1G1
B1G1 Cover Girl Face product 2/7 PG(makes both FREE)
$1/1 off Cover Girl products 2/7 PG
$2.50/2 Cover Girl products 2/7 PG
$1/1 off Covergirl Product 3/7 PG
Final cost: as low as FREE




Monopoly $7
$5/1 printable

Dial NutriSkin Hand Soap $1.37
$1/1 Dial Nutriskin Target Coupon
.35/1 Dial Liquid Hand Soap 3/7 SS
Final cost: .02!

Airwick Freshmatic Ultra iMotion Starter Kit $6.00
$5/1 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra i-Motion Starter Kit, 3/7 SS
$1/1 Air Wick I Motion Starter kit Target Coupon
Final cost: FREE

Dove Daily Moisture Shampoo or Conditioner $3.44
$2/1 Dove Hair Care Shampoo, Conditioner, or Daily Treatment Conditioner HERE
$1/1 Dove Hair Care Product (Shampoo or Conditioner) ETS Target Q HERE x4/17
Final cost: .44!

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another HATT!

I could eat an entire can of chocolate icing with an entire box of graham crackers and consider it a well balanced meal. What's that you say? I could double the amount of frosting from that little can?

Thats right!

All you need to do it whip it for a few mintues in a mixer and you can double it in size. Not only will you be able to frost more cupcakes (or graham crackers) with the same jar, there will be less sugar and calories per serving. And who ever thought that more chocolate icing=less calories. Have I died and gone to heaven?



I NEED this cake pan.

** Forgot my camera at work last night so I didn't even get to take any pictures but I tell you what, I made 24 of the cutest little Green Velvet Cupcakes, got them all liberally frosted and had some to spare!

Here's a Tip Tuesday...

Will actually be "Here's a Tip Wednesday" this week. I know, it doesnt have the same ring to it, but I won't be able to get any photographs until tonight.

Hope everyone has a great Tuesday and if you have any tips you wish to share and want to be featured here on My Quarter Life Crisis, email me!!


**that picture up top makes it sound like SUPER exciting, it's not really (haha) so don't get your hopes up :)

Here's a Tip Tuesday: Where's the beef? (and chicken)

I have found the toughest thing to coupon for is fresh meat. I just want to let you know, it can be done! The best part, NO COUPONS! Very simple. And this brings me to...

TODAY'S TIP:
THINK AHEAD. Do not, I repeat, do NOT say, "I think I'll make chicken tonight" and then proceed to the grocery store to pay some $4/lb for chicken breast. You are being R-O-B-B-E-D.
The solution, scan the meat case every time you are in the store, whether you are planning on buying meat or not. Trust me, I know I sound like the anti-couponer, but impulse buys for meat are the only ones that fly with me.
There is a catch of course. FYI: Never in a million years did I think a shot of raw meat would make it on my blog.

Those little orange stickers are the ticket.


You see there, this chicken was being sold at $4.99/lb last week, no freaking wonder it's still sitting on the shelf.
Do you also see the Sell By date? It's the 22nd. I bought these on the 21st and they are now nestled happily in my freezer, and my money nestled happily in my pocket.

Not convinced?

How about a Pot Roast for a family of 4? Or for just Jason and I and then 3 lunches for me during the week?


Let me tell you, it was yummy. I crock-potted it yesterday with potatoes and carrots.

The moral of the story:
Look for meat that is going out of date within a day or so. Take it home and freeze it so when you do want to cook it, you aren't forced to pay what the store is asking for it that week.
I'm just saying.

Here's a Tip Tuesday!

Welcome to another HAAT! This one is plain and simple... MAKE THIS SOUP! It's cheap, healthy and yummy!

SPICY BLACK BEAN SOUP
Here's what you need (I doubled this batch so my photos will show double what the recipe truly calls for)

2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
1 medium to large onion
2-3 cloves of garlic (I use jarred garlic for this recipe, so maybe a TBSP? I'm not the best with measurements, but has too much garlic ever hurt anyone?)
1 cup chicken broth
2 cans, undrained, black beans (I use the reduced sodium kind so I can add the salt to my liking)
1 cup salsa (thanks Brianne)
1 TBSP cumin
1 TBSP cayenne pepper (we like ours spicy but this can be adjusted to your taste. Start off with less if you don't like things too spicy, and add more later)
salt to taste

First, heat up a the olive oil in a big pot over medium-medium high heat
Then, add the onion and heat until translucent

Then add garlic and heat for about 30 seconds

Then mix in the cumin and the cayenne, and heat for another 30 seconds


Add 1 can of black beans and the chicken broth


Bring to a boil

Now take an emerson blender (I didn't have one the first few times I made this, and just ladeled it into a blender in 2 batches, no biggie) and blend until smooth

Add 2nd can of beans

Add salsa

Give it a taste, and add salt and/or cayenne pepper to get it how you like it. If you use full salt black beans you probably wouldn't need any extra salt.

Return to a boil

Turn off heat and let it sit a thicken for a few minutes, and serve!
I like mine with tortilla chips!



Those little Kerr canning jars are the perfect serving size, and they are great to grab and go for lunch.

(holy glare)


Cost break down:
2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil (most already have on hand)
1 medium to large onion ($.50)
2-3 cloves of garlic (I use jarred garlic for this recipe, so maybe a TBSP? I'm not the best with measurements, but has too much garlic ever hurt anyone?)($.50)
1 cup chicken broth ($.83)
2 cans, undrained, black beans ($.92/each)
1 TBSP cumin ($.10-$.20)
1 TBSP cayenne pepper ($.10-$.20)
salt to taste (already have)
Total is: About $4.00 for 7 servings, thats $.57 a serving!

linked up over at ASPTL for DIY Day!
Partying over at Remodelaholic!