Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Save Money Now: 25 Ideas for Saving

I breathed a gigantic sigh of relief when I made my final student loan payment. I worked hard to pay off my credit card debt and worked doubly hard to pay off my car two years early. This was my last debt. What a great feeling to be debt free. 

But that's just me. We still have mortgage debt. And my husband has some credit card debt. 

We're working on it.

We're not alone.

According to Federal Reserve statistics, the average United States household owes $15K in credit card debt, $154K in mortgage debt and $34K in student loan debt.



Overwhelming.

Our long term goal is long term travel. We hope to buy income property here in the States and live comfortably on our retirement once we are in Spain full time. It's a lofty goal.

So how can we make this happen? How can you make your saving goals happen? 

Here are some ideas.


  • Pay down the debt. Pay off debt with the highest interest rate first. Then apply that payment to what is being paid on the next highest and so on. Keep working up until all debt is paid. Or start with the smallest debt and work your way up. And no new credit cards. Pick one (or two) and stick with it. 
  • Create a budget and stick to it.
  • Make sure your tires are properly inflated and save in gas mileage.
  • Try a savings plan like the 52 week savings plan.


  • Brown bag your lunch and save up to $2500 a year.
  • Consign clothes you no longer wear and items you no longer use.
  • Install energy saving devices in your home.


  • Turn down the heat/ac. Consider an automatic thermostat to regulate your temperatures.



  • Quit cable and use Hulu or Netflix. Try a Roku and stream on your television.
  • Find a meet-up group centered around fitness and put your gym membership on hold. Get outside.



  • Cook at home and take the money you would have spent and add it to your savings.
  • Make your own coffee. 
  • Set up automatic savings from your paycheck to a savings account. It all adds up.


  • Have friends over for a get together instead of going out. There is more than a 300% markup on alcohol in bars and restaurants. The savings on drinks alone makes it worth it to have your wine, beer and drinks at home.
  • Use generic items. You may have some non-negotiables, but most items are just as good as the brand names.
  • Consider a dollar store...you may be surprised by what you can find these days.
  • Use only your bank's ATM and avoid costly fees. Get free checking with no fees.


  • Shop at a consignment store. Or, if you go retail, only shop on sale. Take the money the receipt says you saved and add it to your savings.
  • Use your library instead of buying books. Many libraries have e-books that can be sent directly to your e-reader.


  • Know your prices and only buy things on sale. Save where you can.
  • Walk, bike ride, use public transportation, or carpool whenever possible. It saves energy and money.
  • Have a movie night at home, or if you want to see a first run movie, go to the last matinee of the day. Also, around here, Tuesday is "Cheap Movie Night" where the theater charges matinee prices for prime time showings. Check out your local theater...maybe you can find a deal.
  • Use savings sites like Groupon or Goldstar.com to find deals on entertainment.
  • If you're not using it, shut it off.
  • Give up a vice. It may save you hundreds per year.
Saving today is not easy. But if you save where you can and put that money into  a savings plan, you may be surprised at how quickly it accumulates. 



How do you save? Any great tips? 

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Snack of Champions...Shake it Up, Baby!

I'm not a huge fan of bananas. 

But, when my potassium levels dropped, I realized I needed to incorporate more potassium rich foods into my daily diet. 

There are many potassium rich foods, including dark leafy greens, white beans, avocados, and sweet potato. An official list from the USDA is here

And then we have the poster child of potassium...the banana.



I love peanut butter. I eat it like it's my job. And peanut butter goes splendidly with bananas. I can tolerate bananas...if I have peanut butter. 

If you like bananas, or will tolerate them with peanut butter, this snack is for you...

  • Take a bag...any sandwich bag will do. 
  • Peel, slice and place the banana into the bag.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of PB2 powdered peanut butter*. I find this at Walmart, my local food stores and vitamin shops and online at Amazon. There is one infused with cocoa as well...still delicious. 


  • Close your bag and shake it up. Each slice of banana will be perfectly coated in peanut butter deliciousness.


Enjoy!

*PS--Natural peanut butter is best, but it's difficult to coat the bananas well. And this is so easy and portable. If you're not into the powered peanut butter, try natural peanut or other nut butter. Maybe heating to melt it a bit will help with the coverage. 


Friday, April 25, 2014

5 Ways to Maintain a Healthy Weight

Maintenance is the holy grail of weight loss. 

Having lost and gained hundreds of pounds throughout my life, I am one of those people who can usually lose weight. But keeping it off? Well, that's another story. 

I routinely fall off my own wagon, but it doesn't mean I don't know how to drive. I do know that there are certain habits of success that make maintenance an achievable goal. 

Here are 5.

1. Plan
When you know better, you do better. Knowing your nutritional plan for the day, or even the week, removes the guess work. Your choices are made; make good ones. 




2. Be accountable
Whether you use a paper and pencil or an app like My Fitness Pal or Spark People, track your food. You may not have to do it forever, but knowledge is power. That handful of nuts you grab while cooking may have more of a caloric punch than your anticipated. Know what you're eating. Acknowledge it. Own it.

3. Build community. 
I am so blessed to be part of my local gym community. The instructors, trainers and members of my gym are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. We are all working toward a common goal. When we miss a class or haven't been seen in a while, we check in on each other. We are connected in person and on social media, like Facebook. We encourage each other and celebrate each other's success. 

Create a community of friends who share your fitness goals. Try a new class. Introduce yourself. If you're not a gym person, see if there's a local fitness club or class offered at a community center or local park. Check out www.meetup.com. Maybe there people who like the exercise you do and are eager to find others who share that fun.

4. Discern between hunger and appetite.
I often mistake hunger and appetite. Hunger is a physical need to eat. Appetite is an emotional desire to eat...also known as head hunger.

I often eat when I am probably thirsty. 

I eat when I'm bored or watching tv.

Tune in to your body. It's normal to get hungry every 3-4 hours. Grazing all day...not so much.



Looking for alternatives to snacking? Start here. 

5. Get back on the wagon.
We all make mistakes. Eating candy after breakfast or in the middle of the day does not mean you have to start over tomorrow. Acknowledge the bad choice and turn it around. Get back up on the wagon and move forward.Take the emotion and shame out of it. Eat to live. 



What are your tips for maintaining a healthy weight?

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Avocado Adoration: 10 ways to indulge in this heart healthy affair

I adore avocados. In fact, this love affair borders on addiction, but we won't talk about that. 

I eat avocados every day. My husband laughs that between my, and now my mother-in-law's, love of the "alligator pear," our food budget consists, primarily, of avocados and figs. 

It could be worse. 

My adoration runs so deep that I experience avocado anxiety when we're down to our last one, fearing a deficit of perfectly ripe ones at the supermarket, or worse...



Avocado adoration can be difficult because you're always on the verge of disappointment, until you learn how to play the game. 




The key is keeping some on hand ripening while you keep your perfectly ripe ones in the fridge to avoid spoiling. As you eat them, rotate in the ripe ones. 


Winning!



So, what do you do with all of these lovely avocados? Here are some ideas.

1. Avocado toast. Spread half of a ripe avocado onto a piece of multi grain toast.  Salt and pepper to taste.

2. Add to a roll-up. Spread a wrap with 2 tablespoons of hummus and add 1/4 to 1/2 sliced avocado. Roll-up and enjoy!

3. Dice avocado onto your salad.

4. Top your scrambled eggs with salsa and diced avocado.



5. Guacamole...'nuff said. Mash with some fresh lime juice and salt and pepper. Consider adding some diced tomato or corn. Just about anything goes. Make it yours.

6. Grill it. Rub with olive oil and place on the grill, cut side down, about 5 minutes. 

7. Bake it with an egg in the middle. Preheat your oven to 425. Scoop out just enough avocado to let the raw egg fit nicely. Add your egg in each half and bake 15-18 minutes, depending on size and desired level of done.

8. Mix diced avocado with black beans, corn, and diced mango for a cool summer salad. Add balsamic vinaigrette table-side.

9. Add to your smoothie with yogurt and fruit.

10. Grab a spoon and enjoy. 



Avocados are good for you. Yes, they have fat, but it is heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fat. And it will keep you feeling full longer. 

They are one of the safer conventionally grown foods because of their thick skin. They have anti-inflammatory properties and twice the potassium of a banana. Add fiber, vitamin E and B vitamins and you have yourself a super food. 

If you haven't tried one lately, try one again. Worst case scenario, you still don't like it. But what if you do? Your heart will thank you. 

Are you an avocado fan? What are your favorite ways to enjoy it?

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Recipe: Quiche with goat cheese and roasted tomato

I hosted Easter this year. 

There were only five of us: my parents, my mother-in-law, my husband and me. 

I decided to serve brunch instead of Easter dinner, thinking that I could experiment with quiche as an occasional alternative to our traditional egg dish: tortilla espaƱola. 

I hit a home run.

I made two quiches for Easter. I made a traditional quiche Lorraine, with bacon and Swiss cheese. 



And I also made a roasted tomato and goat cheese quiche.



It was amazing!


Quiche with goat cheese and roasted tomatoes

  • 1 refrigerated pie crust (the box comes with two). If you can find a frozen shell, you can use that too...you pre-bake the crust, so it's not terribly important.
  • 2 containers of grape or cherry tomatoes (about 2 cups +/-)
  • olive oil 
  • salt and pepper
  • 4 eggs
  • 1-1/2 cups of half and half or whole milk* (I used the half and half)
  • 1/2 cup of crumbled goat cheese
  • Parsley or chives for garnish

Here's how I made it.


  • Preheat the oven to 400. 
  • I used a 9" deep dish pie plate. If I had a tart pan, I would have used it. But, the pie plate worked just fine. *If you do use the tart pan or tart shell, halve the custard (eggs and half and half or whole milk)
  • Spread the pie dough into your pie plate. Set aside.
  • Halve the tomatoes and toss with olive oil, salt and pepper. About 2 tablespoons of oil should be fine. You can eyeball it.




  • Place the tomatoes cut side up on a baking sheet. 
  • Roast at 400 for about 30 minutes.




  • Reduce the heat to 375.
  • Beat the eggs and half and half. Season with salt and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon of each).
  • Crumble 1/2 of the goat cheese (1/4 cup) onto the bottom of the pie shell. 
  • Add the roasted tomatoes.
  • Add the egg custard on top and sprinkle with the rest of the goat cheese. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.




  • Bake about 30 minutes, or until the custard has set.
  • Let cool and serve slightly warmer than room temperature.


I served the quiches with French bread and an arugula salad:
    • 1 container of baby arugula 
    • 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
    • 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan cheese
Dressed with 
    • 1/3 cup olive oil
    • 1/2 freshly squeezed lemon
    • salt and pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each)


Did you host or attend an Easter feast? What was on your menu?






Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Visit Massachusetts: Boston

Massachusetts has it all. 

Each region of the Bay State has unique offerings that make it a destination on its own. Home to more than 100 colleges and universities, Massachusetts has a youthful demeanor that, like a university’s extracurricular activities board, has something for everyone. 

In this first installment of a new Visit Massachusetts series, we explore the capital city of Boston.



Boston
Boston is the capital of Massachusetts. It has a rich history as a key locale in the American Revolution, and was home to such historical notables as Paul Revere, Samuel Adams, and Louisa May Alcott, and more contemporary celebrities as Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and the band Aerosmith. It hosts the longest continually run marathon every April and has a legion of sports fans proud of the legacy of their hometown teams.

Boston is the tenth largest metropolitan area in the United States, but its cozy neighborhoods and walkable city center give Boston a hometown feel. 

Follow the red line along the Freedom Trail, a 2.5 mile brick path through the city and see historical sites made famous for their role in the American Revolution, like the Old North Church, Paul Revere’s house, the Old State House and the U.S.S. Constitution


Take a Duck Tour and hear the truth behind stories like the Great Molasses Flood of 1919. 



Tour Fenway Park or the Boston Garden and feel the pride we feel in the home teams. Depending on when you go, you may be able to see a game. 



Sample the best Italian food in Boston’s “Little Italy,” the North End, or any of the other diverse neighborhoods and see why Boston is a foodie destination. 


Soak up the culture offered in the city’s museums, like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Isabella Stuart Gardener Museum. 



Get to know the city’s penguins and sea lions at the New England Aquarium and channel your inner Einstein at the Museum of Science and the Omni IMAX Theater. 

Explore the waterfront and the Public Gardens. Take a ride on the Swan Boats in the spring and summer, or skate on the Frog Pond in the winter. 



Give your credit card a workout in the high end shoppes of Newbury Street, as well as  the shoppes of the Prudential Center and Copley Place. 



Cross the Charles River and explore Harvard University and the lively Harvard Square. Take the “T” to get around. 



Use your “Charlie Card” for the color coded subway system; both are user friendly and affordable.



If you are lucky enough to visit New England, be sure to make Boston a must-see. Whether you're looking for a family friendly destination or a romantic destination for two, Boston has it all. You'll quickly see why Bostonians "love that dirty water." 

Boston, you're my home. 



Have you ever been to Boston? Where are your favorite places in the city?










Monday, April 21, 2014

Boston Strong and the 118th Marathon

"Today is a holiday in Massachusetts -- Patriots’ Day. It’s a day that celebrates the free and fiercely independent spirit that this great American city of Boston has reflected from the earliest days of our nation. And it’s a day that draws the world to Boston’s streets in a spirit of friendly competition. Boston is a tough and resilient town. So are its people. I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way." 

~President Barack Obama


My heart is with Boston today. 

It's with my family and friends who are Boston veterans and newbies alike. You have inspired others as you fought through a brutal winter of training. 

Many of you spent weeks fundraising for a cause that has touched your heart and one that fuels your fire. 

My heart is also with the runners' support people, whose cheerleading will carry their athletes in love. 




It's with the survivors and a city that refused to give up and who refused to give in. 

It's with a community who embraces and embodies strength and spirit and love...the true essence of Boston Strong.


I am proud to be from Boston...maybe not within city limits, but certainly within the limits of heart and mind. 


Wishing you all a glorious run, full of pride in your own personal best, and joy and camaraderie as one of the millions of Boston Strong. 

God bless you all. 

Sunday, April 20, 2014

Second chances

Today is Easter Sunday. This year, Holy Week seemed to coincide with Passover. 

Perfect timing .

Religious tradition or not, there is something to be learned from these Spring holidays. 

It's all about second chances.

Spring is a time of renewal. There are signs of rebirth everywhere. Flowers emerge, trees bud and blossom, and lambs bleat for their mamas. 

Whether you celebrate new life or the joy of being "passed over," these holidays let us know that our work is not done. We have another chance to make our mark.



What will you do with this second chance? How will you make a difference in your life... your family... your community...your world?




Happy Easter! Happy Passover! Happy Spring!

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Travel Regrets

Travel is an amazing and transformative experience, but it also can be overwhelming, for novices and seasoned travelers alike. Jet lag, hectic schedules, and culture shock can create tension and anxiety that keeps tourists from fully experiencing the beauty and wonder of a trip abroad, or even, at times, domestic.

Travel has a sweet spot...the key is finding yours. 


Learning from others' mistakes can help you avoid your own travel pitfalls and better insure that your own journey will fulfill, or even exceed, your own expectations. 

Here are three common travel mistakes that, in hindsight, may become travel regrets, and how you can avoid them.

Wait...where am I?
When you're visiting a new city for the first time, it's exciting to see the places you've seen only on television or in movies. Perhaps you bought a guide book or looked up the must-see locations online. 

As tempting as it is to try and fit in everything, refrain. You may end up exhausted and cranky, overwhelmed, and feel like you're only moving from place to place, snapping photos of landmarks that you passed too quickly to truly remember. 

And, if you haven't seen everything, you have a reason to go back. Don't look at your travels as some grand checklist or "Been there, done that." Live like a local and less like a tourist. 



I wish I had tried that...
When you travel abroad, or even out of your home region, it may be tempting to stick to what you know. If you have dietary restrictions, I empathize with why this makes sense. But, if you are able to eat, throwing abandon to the wind, so so. 

Go off the beaten path and eat where the locals do. Nothing sends me farther away than when I see an "American menu" abroad. Even in the most tourist driven areas of Spain, you can enjoy the Menu del Dia, and experiment with flavors and culturally adored comfort food. Why search out pizza when you can experiment with tortilla espaƱola. Even if you don't like it, you can be assured that, more than likely, it was properly prepared and cooked, not simply cut out a bag, standardized across a chain or franchise of restaurants.



What a waste...I never even used that...
It's tempting to pack options. With variable weather and dining options, it's hard to know exactly what you will need when you travel. Here's what I learned. Overpacking is a nightmare. Worst case scenario, you buy something in your destination and you end up with a souvenir. It's a win-win.

Unless you are traveling to the most remote areas of civilization, I can almost guarantee they have what you need. If sizing is an issue, I appreciate your concern, but nevertheless, you may be carrying that bag around...at least at the airport. Think before you pack.

Take out everything you want to bring. And then, aim to remove half of it. Bring your most versatile items that can serve double duty. And truly consider what you need versus what you want. Less is more. And you'll feel like a packing ninja! 


Travel is a transformative experience. As someone blissfully infected with wanderlust, I can vouch for the power of the journey. But making mistakes, like the ones above, can diminish the experience and prevent people from taking chances on longer, more extensive trips. 

Knowledge is power. Note people's success and learn from their mistakes and set off on your own journey. And then inspire others to take that first step themselves. 

What travel advice would you offer novices? 



Monday, April 14, 2014

Breaking through fitness walls

As part of my own Back to Basics campaign, I hired a trainer at the gym for a month. Yes, I wanted to lose some weight, but even more important was my goal to get stronger, to feel fitter. 

And I do. 

What's even more fascinating to me, is my willingness to just go with it. Whatever he tells me to do, I do. 

A few years ago, the elliptical machine was off-limits. It made me sea sick and I had no stamina to make it past 2-3 minutes. The first week, my trainer put me on the intervals for cardio after our appointment. I made it the required 10 minutes (about 2 miles), at continuous intervals of levels 1 and 6. 


The second week, before my training appointment, I went 20 minutes, keeping my levels 1 and 6 intervals throughout the workout, and went 5.1 miles. I made gains in speed and distance..progress! 

Last week, I increased my elliptical intervals from levels 1 and 6 and 20 minutes to levels 2 and 7 for 30 minutes, and logged 8 miles. 

I am lifting heavier weights and performing exercises that I never would have tried without his guidance. I felt like a rockstar.

Until the box jump.

For the past five years, I have participated in a step class, now re-branded as Group Blast


For five years, a box jump onto the step (with or without risers) has been integrated into various cardio tracks. 

For five years, I have stepped up, not jumped. I embraced my modification and I was happy with what I was able to do, given my size and fitness level. Fear of falling and uncertainty of my ability to clear the step kept me grounded. 

Who wants to be "that girl," especially in those days when I was the biggest one in class? I was continually haunted by the ghosts of my obese past.

Today, I am no longer obese, but I am was still doubtful. 

FEAR is False Evidence Appearing Real. 


And it was. 

Last week, my trainer, told me to box jump up onto the step. 

I said no. I can't, I said. 

He reassured me that I could and he suggested made me jump next to the step to prove it. 


And I did. 

And then onto the step. 

And then onto the step with risers. 

For three sets. 


BOOM!

I can't wait to see what this week brings. 


Have you ever had an aha moment, when you broke through a wall that you thought you might never conquer?