How to Declutter and Clean Out Your Phone *This article absolutely applies to the new year as well! It's always a great time to get a fresh start on everything in our lives. While you're busy spring cleaning your home (WINDOW SILLS AND BASEBOARDS AND LIGHT SWITCHES, OH MY), you may forget about some of the smaller, less conventional "spring cleaning" type items. If you're anything like me, you're ready to throw open the windows and shake off the dust from being inside ALL WINTER. This is also an excellent time to "spring clean" your phone. Your phone goes with you just about everywhere: in your purse, your back pocket, the front seat of your Keep Reading

For many of us, the new year brings a renewed desire to get our finances in order. It's a great time to evaluate the specific items in your budget, but it can be a bit overwhelming. Where do you start? What line items should you focus on? Here are six fairly simple things you can do to start this year off on the right financial foot: 1. Set one financial goal for your family or yourself for this year. Make it something you can accomplish within the next couple of months with a reasonable amount of discipline and effort. Why start with a goal? Your efforts at cutting expenses and tightening up your budget will peter out without a goal in Keep Reading

Are you ready to shed some weight and renew your energy? You’ve heard that your neighbor felt so much better after she tried a “detox,” and you wonder: “Does it really work? What does it cost? Should I do it, too?” Detox or cleanse are words that are thrown around all too often these days.  It seems everyone is trying this detox or that cleanse in order to feel better. You must admit, all those health claims are intriguing: Lose 10 pounds in 7 days! Feel better than ever with our ABC detox! Restore your body’s function with XYZ cleanse! Regain the lost energy you crave! The question is: Do they work? Can it really be the cure all? Keep Reading

We came up with the idea for these easy make-ahead smoothies the year my son started school and our mornings got crazy. My husband is gone before anybody wakes up which leaves me one hour to get myself and three kids five and under fed, dressed, packed up for the day and out the door. I found myself falling in to the temptation of offering cereal and a banana every morning often enough that we wanted to have some healthier options for a quick breakfast. Inspired by an expensive, sugar-filled smoothie kit I saw in the freezer section at the grocery store, we created our own smoothie kits. Basically, I put all the smoothie ingredients ahead of time in Keep Reading

5 Ways to Tighten Your Budget Belt A few years back, I wrote about my life as a couponer, from reluctant to ridiculous to relaxed. Many of you could relate, sharing your own stories and observations. I loved reading all of your comments. It reminded me of the great amount of wisdom hanging out in this virtual community every day. You are some seriously smart shoppers. It also reminded me of the many options we have to cut back our spending in ordinary, everyday areas. Spending less can be tough. However, it is possible to make simple cuts that will still allow you to live well. Today I’m going to share a few from my family. This is not rocket Keep Reading