I haven't been doing many (any?) book reviews lately, mainly because I don't have much time for them.  But when the offer to review Spice Up Your Life the Flexitarian Way, it caught my eye.  I's a cookbook influenced heavily by Indian cooking with recipes that are primarily vegetarian.  Since I'm basically vegetarian and have recently discovered that I adore Indian food, this book was right up my alley!

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There's no question that many people are having difficulty keeping up with household and food expenses in these tough economic times.  This is especially true for those who have lost a job or are now working in lower paying jobs out of necessity.  I often hear people complain that they would like to eat healthier, but it’s just too expensive to buy the right foods.  While it is true that many inexpensive sale items you see at the grocery store are the foods with poor nutritional value, there are still a number of things you can do to eat well without spending a lot of money. 

 

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1. Never stop picking up.
Try picking up during TV commercials or while you are waiting for something to boil on the stove. You will be amazed how much you can get done in five minutes.

Have the entire family spend five minutes picking up the family room or living room before they go to bed. Set a timer for young kids so they don't get overwhelmed.

If your family members go to bed at different times then have each member pick up his or her items before bed time. Once this becomes a habit, you will be amazed how much easier picking up becomes.

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When the new year rolls around, are you setting near-impossible goals for yourself, only to be disappointed by February (or sooner!)?  Or are you thinking long-term and figuring out ways to build new habits for yourself that you know you can keep once established?  The new year offers us a chance to start fresh and create new patterns and routines in our lives that will move us in more positive directions.

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There are many things you can do to save money on food when you have free time such as baking from scratch, growing your own vegetables or clipping coupons. These ideas work out great for some people, but not everyone has the time or desire to take on such time consuming tasks. Even if you are a busy working parent, there are still a few ways you can keep costs down on your food budget that require a minimal amount of time and effort. Some of my tips are listed below.

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For most of you being a mother is one of the most wonderful and rewarding experiences that you will have in your life. It can also be a time when you feel lost and out of touch with who you are outside of being a "mommy". Maintaining an identity outside of your children is vitally important, not just for you, but for your family as well. So here are ten strategies that not only keep you connected with you, but also have the added bonus of being an important life skill to teach your children.

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