Single Moms Grind TradeMark

Dollar Stores Rock

As a single mom I am always trying to save money.  This means I am always on the hunt for a deal.  Over the years I have grown to love my local dollar stores.  It's like being a kid in a candy store. They carry everything from Dermasil Lotion (for a 1.00) to Remolds Wrap Aluminum Foil.  This week I was so excited to find these Kraft Recipe Makers.  These meal starters would have cost me at least $2.98 at the regular grocery store but I snagged them for $1.00.  I am super excited.  I can't wait to try these meals out.  Check out the video don't they look tasty?

Trader Joe's Veggie Burgers are Delish

In my quest to transition from a carnivore to a herbivore I find that I have been scouring the web and stores for great clean, gluten free, dairy free eats.  Today I tried Trader Joe’s frozen Veggie Burgers for the first time.  Now, I have been an avid Trader Joe's shopper for several years and there has been little that I have tasted at Trader Joe's that I have not liked so I was super excited when I came across the Veggie Burger.  Especially since I am trying to cut back on my meat intake.  I mean really what a great dinner option.  I am happy to say I was not disappointed. They were delicious.  Not only did I like them but my daughters who are not really enthused about our new lifestyle thought they were good.  My youngest daughter said "Mom buy those again."  As most moms know that is always a good sign.  I thought to myself this is a win win situation.  They were cost effective at $3.49 for 4 patties.  That breaks down to $ .87 per patty.   I also thought the nutritional breakdown was good.  They are low in calories and they have a healthy source of healthy fats. 
Calories: 230
Total Fat: 11g
Sodium 470mg (Not so great considering the recommended daily intake is 2,400)
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 5g

Not bad right?  The next time you are in Trader Joe's I suggest you pick up a package of their Veggie Burgers.









 

Happy New Year 2014

I love the New Year. I look at it as a time to reflect on where I have been and where I want to go.  I am always surprised when I talk to friends and they say they don't make resolutions or set goals.  I'm always left thinking "If you don't set any goals for yourself how do you navigate through the year.  I see my new years resolutions (they are more goals than resolutions) as my map.  It's my plan to help me get where I want to go?   I have big plans (which I will be blogging about) for the new year but I'm starting with my finances.  I was reading an article by Libby Kane and she suggested the following:

1. Take a look at your finances. What is the big picture? Are you saving for retirement, college or to buy a home?  Figure it out.

2.  Build an emergency fund. Nothing else needs to be said.  Just do it!!!

3. Stop eating out and learn to cook those same restaurant meals at home.

4. Stick to your budget.  Walk away from impulsive purchases.

5.  Refrain from using your credit cards.  Whenever possible pay cash.

Another area that I will be working on improving this year is my health.  I have been doing a lot of research on the food processing practices in the United States.  After watching Food Inc. and Earthlings documentaries I no longer want to consume meat or support a industry that's driven by profit with no concern for humanity or the earth.  So in 2014 I plan to transition from a meat eater to a vegetarian.  Follow me on my journey to financial freedom and better health.

Gluten Free Living

I recently had a conversation with my doctor about my poor memory.  As a single mom I often find myself juggling many balls. So I know that part of my difficulty remembering things is because I often spread myself thin. Still, it bothers me when I can't remember what I ate for dinner the night before or a conversation that I had with a friend.  My doctor suggested I try a Gluten Free Diet.  Apparently there are a number of benefits of following a GF diet.  I had read about the benefits of a GF diet in several health magazines but never gave it much thought because I don't suffer from Celiac Disorder.  What I did not know was that reducing you gluten intake could actually improve my  memory.  With nothing to loose I decided to give it a try. Well its been 3 weeks since I started eating GF and wow can I see a difference.  I literally feel as though a fog has been lifted.  The funny thing is that I did not know I was in a fog until I removed gluten from my diet.  At work I find I am more alert.  At home I have found myself actually being able to participate in conversations and retrieve information I know I would not have been able to before.  What's funny is now that I am transitioning to a GF diet I am finding GF products everywhere I go.  This is what I found today.  Gluten free spaghetti sauce.  Who knew? I can't wait to try it with my GF spaghetti. What's ever more exciting in the process of this transition I have lost 13 lbs and gained a burst of energy.