The Realm and the Writer

thanks-giv-ing (thangks'-gi-ving) noun 1) holiday celebrated with the goal of over eating till pain is achieved. 2) day in which female family members must slave in the kitchen; usually includes football watching and an abundance of uneaten food and too many dishes. --See Christmas.

1. Camel

~ I've always been amused buy these spit spewing creatures. I'd love to raise them. How fun would that be!


2. Horse Drawn Sleigh

~ Complete with snow, cocoa, and someone you love. *Sigh*


3. Elephant

~ And not at a circus. I'd love to hitch a ride into the jungle on the back of one of these beasts.


4. Helicopter

~ Never been on one but I do love to fly. I think it's be fun.


5. Spaceship

~ I'd love to see space up close and personal. Not just a run around the planet either. Pack my bags and send me to infinity!

Are you a Grinch? I bet you are, well maybe only sometimes hehe. Today at Meme Express the prompt is Grinch. I've decided to take this opportunity to get in a few good Stumbles via StumbleUpon.

I found this adorable and funny pic of "Simon the Grinch". Hope it turns your frown upside down.

Next I found this very helpful list on how to BE a Grinch. Not like you need any help hehe (JK).

And last but not least, a nice collection of Grinch coloring pages. A fantastic way to bring the kid out of ya. Maybe your heart will grow a few sizes.

Don't be a Grinch this year!

glitter-graphics.com

Most people will argue with me when I say that I live in and near one of the most beautiful places in the world, but we all feel that way about the area we were raised. Well, most of us do anyway. It is almost a yearly spring/summer tradition here, in our little tri-county area, to visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and climb the dunes.

The dune climb rises over 130ft and continues strait on about 3.5 miles and may take 3-4 hours depending on your condition and the weather. It ends at a rather steep sandy cliff over looking the majestic shores of Lake Michigan. A must for any tourist and local to complete at least once in a lifetime.

Please play along!

1) Ninja Kiwi

A large collection of free online games sure to entertain for hours. I highly recommend Bloons, a highly addictive game where the goal is to pop the required amount of balloons with darts to pass to the next round.


2) Brain Train

The Australian Lipton Tea site offers a great mind exercise program. Comparable to the Nintendo DS game.


3) Wild Mood Swings

A UK site which prompts you to select a 'mood'. Once a mood is chosen a random correlating website will be chosen and you will be whisked away to your enjoyment.


4) QuizBox

Huge selection of quizzes and tests. Mostly user submitted but loads of fun!


5) The List Universe

Lists and lists galore! Everything from top 10's, 25's, and more.

Would you like to design your own products? Do you enjoy supporting the small business? Then look no further!

Owned and operated by my good friend Mary Burns, Wear It Out specializes in customized products. These include, but are not limited to, window decals, shirts, pants, gifts and much more!

Please take the time to visit her and perhaps place an order (please click the image below). You wont be disappointed!

I remember watching them go when I was just a first grader. Off on the sixth grade Grand Rapids trip. So in awe over the fact that their parents let them go on a trip alone. Now it was my turn, sitting in English class, the teacher handing out crisp white permission slips. They floated down the rows of desks like little golden tickets of freedom.

I remember getting home, overly excited about my new fantastic news. "Your not going," my dad's voice seemed to echo. I felt a sinking hole of disappointment well up in my stomach. It was all about it being co-ed. I knew it. I broke the news to my English teacher the next day. Her outward display of dismay took me off guard completely. She told me she's speak with my parents and see what she could do and I felt a glimmer of hope form on the horizon.

It took nearly three whole months to get him to say yes. I remember sitting in the cafeteria and my dad coming in and giving me the news. That renewed sense of joy had returned. I hardly knew what to do. I panicked. It occurred to me just then that the trip was scheduled for that weekend. I had hardly any time to prepare. And he was going to be there.

Oh, about the he. His name was Micheal (or Mike for short). He had, by far, the biggest ears I had ever seen on a person. But, when he smiled, he just looked so darn cute! Yes, he'd be there and I was hoping to win his affections.

The morning of the trip started all wrong. I didn't find the matching shirt to my shorts until the last minute. I had to wait at my parents work until it was time for the bus to leave, and then there was Eric. The biggest nerd in our entire grade. Crooked teeth with oddly angled braces, a constant runny nose, and has terrible sense of style. Sadly his aunt worked with my parents, meaning I had to ride to the school with him. I was mortified, completely humiliated. Fortunately, that was the least of my worries.

We arrived at the school with little to no teasing, so I felt pretty confident that my day was turning round. The ride down even went pretty well. It didn't all turn sour until it was time to go for a swim. The hotel we were staying at had an awesome indoor pool. Now mind you there are over 30 of us students to monitor, and not everyone was guaranteed to act their age. I excitedly changed into my new suit, I had painstakingly searched for the perfect one. It made me feel pretty and a shoe in for Mike's heart.

My friends and I made it down to the pool and set up residence on the shallow end steps. My confidence lasted until the prettiest girl in school, Sara, walked in. It looked like she had done a lot of growing up this past year, while it looked that I had not. She looked fabulous in her suit, and I was terribly envious and self conscious.

I sat, secretly watching Mike play volleyball,for quite some time. Suddenly, and without warning, Sara was standing right there. Seems in my laps of perception one of the teachers had shown up next to our group and Sara just had to talk to her. I caught her snide looks and the giggling of her friends behind her as she whispered to them. I know they were laughing at us. For the cherry on top of the proverbial cake, I turn to see Mike and his friends looking this way. I knew they saw it to.

When the teachers finally ended 'pool time', we were all hustled off to our rooms to change for a nice dinner out. I had picked out the cutest dress I could find, I knew I looked great. I hoped I still had a chance to salvage what chances I had left. Dinner was fabulous and he even sat at my table! Right across from me to be exact, I felt my heart stop every time I caught a glance. Our teachers had chosen one of the Japanese restaurants where they cooked the food right in front of you. Interesting but very very messy. The chef had been showing us awesome tricks while he grilled us some shrimp. When each one had finished cooking he would toss it into the closest waiting mouth. It soon became my turn and I tried to refuse, yet peer pressure got the best of me and I figured I'd give it a shot. I opened my mouth, tilted my had a little and closed my eyes. I heard the spatula and braced myself. Splat.

I feel the heat from the shrimp smack into my stomach. The thin silk of my dress soaking up the grease greedily. I scooped it up and dropped it onto my plate as fast as I could and looked up. He was laughing at me. I wanted to crawl off and hide. We finished our dinner and took a fabulous tour of some famous mansion downtown. We had to wear little paper slippers and it smelled like moth balls had been used to paint the walls. After we finished our little history lesson we were shuttled off to late night ice cream before our return the the hotel. It was a bit too cold for ice cream, but the teachers managed to get a place to open just for us. Everything went great, although I didn't really spend any time wooing my crush. I was more than ready to call it a night and prepare for the next day.


My sleep was restless, my roommate had fallen sick and I was stuck with the Librarian. A woman who snores to awful loud and coughed nearly to much. I was glad to see the light of the morning. After a continental breakfast we headed out for some museum hopping. It was fun, with hardly a sight of him the whole day. We had pizza delivered to the hotel and I was allowed to bunk with a few of my friends. We had a blast staying up late and watching the latest drama unfold on the walkway outside our door. Seemed some boys had walked in on Sara changing. What a laugh. The sleep was great and I felt I was renewed for the ride home.

We left early, I got a seat across from Mike. My best friend Mary served as my wingman as I made my last attempt to gain his attention. The first five minutes were great. We ignored him and he ignored us, in the typical sixth grade manor. Jessica M. was sitting in front of us, a snotty girl who just happened to be the Superintendents Daughter. Noticing how close I was to Mike sparked her vicious teasing. It escalated as time wore on, the bus ride home started to feel too long. After some time his friends joined in the fun. They teased about everything, what I wore, what he wore, his ears, and even the dreaded subject...my crush.

He denied liking me, not wanting to be poked at by his friends any longer. I was so angry. Public rejection turned out to hurt far worse than private humiliation. One of the teachers stepped in after the volume of the antics rose to an unnerving level. Now with silence I caught a glimpse from him, I found what little courage I had and decided to make that leap. I told him I liked him and how I'd love to be his girlfriend. He resisted, of course. I let it go with that final blow and sat quietly for the next hour. A few miles from the school he called my name. I looked over shocked as he, in a very hushed mumbled voice, asked me to be his girlfriend. After all that happened that weekend I finally came out on top. He let me sit with him for the rest of the ride, and I got to say goodbye to him, it was amazing.

Our little 'relationship' didn't last. We grew bored with each other and mutually agreed to break up. I still remember what his mom told me at one of his football games. She had told me that he kept a photo of me on the fridge, and said good morning to it every day. How sweet is that.

Questions provided by Patrick's Place Saturday Six. Please play along!

Q1. If you had to fill in as a substitute teacher at a local middle school, what subject would you be most comfortable teaching?

A: To clarify, I don't particularly feel I am a genius in any one area, but know more than enough in plenty of subject areas. I feel I would enjoy teaching science, most likely earth science. Through all of my years of schooling Natural/Earth sciences have always been my strong suit. I would find this subject a blast to teach.


Q2. When you were in school, what was a better indication of your true understanding of what you were learning: class participation, the accuracy of your homework, or your test scores?

A. Participation. I have never felt homework or testing were very accurate.


Q3. You meet someone for the first time and have a brief conversation with them. If you run into them the next afternoon, how likely are you to remember their name?

A. Probably not. Unless their name came up again.


Q4. TASK - Take the quiz: Do You Have Gaps in Your Knowledge?


Q5. If you had “gaps” in your knowledge, did you expect to have them where they were predicted? If you had none, which of the listed subjects would be the ones you’d most expect gaps to be?

A. I did have one gap, History. I was expecting more failure from Art, but I have never been drawn in by history, particularly American.


Q6. If you could go back to school for one semester free of charge and “try again” with any subject, which one would you choose and why?

A. Knowing now that I'm obviously behind in History, I would choose just that. With my current studies a strong background in History is much needed.

J'aime.

I love the flow, the soft caress of the beginning and the glorious rapture in between. It flows sweetly on an even tempo, speaking of uncertain love. Quick and happy, like a bird taking flight.

battit de l'aile et s'envola...

The swaying of the notes moves the mind. To and fro, up and down, keeping pace. Smiling.

tu crois l'éviter, il te tient.



(The portions of french are lines from the famous Habanera - Carmen. For the full lyrics and translation please click here.)

Run the road.
Go through life on fire.
Find that love that sets you free.

If we have but one,
why waste what's given?

Is it merely fear?
Fear that sends us hiding.
Run the road.
Find your peace.

Although it has been some time since I've participated in the Heads or Tails meme, I was pleasantly surprised to see today's challenge: Guard. In honor of my sweetheart and his practice of Brazilian Jujitsu I decided to share with you one of my favorite guards. Enjoy!

Maybe this should've gone to the Boy's Locker... but oh well. It's something I found while browsing the web.


31 Things Guys Should Know About Girls

Written by a guy. After years of experience.

1. Whatever you do, don't just show up at their house...they run around in their underwear just like we do.

2. Don't cheat on them. It may seem foolproof, but girls tell each other everything about everything. Trust me, they WILL find out and you will be mud.

3. Beware of every single male relatives and all guy friends. Any of them would kick your butt at the drop of a hat, and a lot of them wouldn't even wait for the damn hat.

4. Never miss an opportunity to tell them they're beautiful.

5. Don't refuse to kiss in front of your friends. If they laugh at you, it's because they're jealous.

6. If they slap you hard, you deserved it.

7. Don't be afraid to touch them if you want to. If they're going out with you in the first place, it's because they like being in your arms.

8. If you don't sleep with them, do not tell your friends that you did.

--8.5. If you DO sleep with them, don't tell your friends that you did.

9. You can be dirty minded in private, really...most of them are not offended by it...

10. Not all of them eat like birds, a lot of them can eat like whales.

11. Most of them don't mind paying half of everything, but they do discuss these things with their friends. Realize that if you make your girlfriend pay half all the time, everyone will know about it and your friends will know you're a *****.

--11.5. Do you honestly need all your money that much? Be a man, pay all the time!

12. Every girl should eventually get three things from her boyfriend- a stuffed animal, one of his sweatshirts, and a really pretty ring. Even if it's not a serious relationship.

13. Make sure she gets home safely as often as you can. If you're dropping her off, walk her to the door. If you aren't dropping her off, call to be sure she's home safely.

14. If a guy is bothering her, it is your right to kick the crap out of him.

15. If you're talking to a female friend of yours, pull your girlfriend closer.

16. Never, ever slap her, even if it's just in a joking way. Even if she swats you first, and says, "Oh, you're so dumb" or something, never make any gestures back.

17. Go to a chick flick once in a while. She doesn't care whether you enjoy it or not, it just matters that you went.

18. You're dead meat if you can't get along with their pets, parents and best friends. Be prince charming to their friends, Mr. Polite to their parents, and make sure to be nice to their animals.

19. Don't flirt with their moms or friends...that's just freaky.

20. Don't be freaked out by PMS. It's not gross, and it really does make them feel like crap, so be understanding.

21. If you don't like the way they drive, you do it.

22. If you're officially dating, and you're introducing her to your friends, you'd better damn well introduce her as your girlfriend.

23. Don't stress where you go for every date. They really only want to be with you.

24. If they complain that something hurts, rub it for them without being asked.

25. Girls are fragile. Even if you're play fighting/wrestling, be very gentle.

26. Memorize their birthdays. You forget her birthday and you're basically screwed for life.

27. Don't marinade the cologne.


28. Don't give her something stupid for her birthday or Christmas or Valentine's day. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it has to be meaningful. Jewelry is always nice.

29. If you think the relationship isn't going to last, don't wait to find out. It will only hurt you more if you draw it out.

30. After you've been dating for a while, realize that they really have started to trust you. When you have a girlfriend who truly trusts you, you have a lot more responsibility, privilege and control than you would think. Be careful with it, most guys would kill for that kind of power, and it can be lost in a nanosecond.

31.Don't ever do anything wrong (well not anything). girls remember things for life and anything you did wrong will be used against you in the future.

Now ladies, don't expect a guy to know every single thing here (even though that would be nice).

Most of these habits are frugal, many are healthy, and quite a few are both. Enjoy!

At Work

1. Bring your own morning coffee in a travel mug; that’s good for the environment, your wallet, and will keep things warm.

2. Bring leftovers for lunch.

3. If you do splurge on eating take out with everyone else, have a healthy high fibre snack at least 15 minutes before hand so you don’t eat as much.

4. Always have water on hand. Always. Consciously set the amount of water you plan on drinking every day.

5. Have a big glass of water a few minutes before your lunch, it’ll help you to feel fuller.

6. If you don’t want to miss out on the social aspect of eating out at lunch. Eat a snack or your lunch first, and just order an appetizer when you do go out.

7. If you do eat out with everyone else take a minute to study the menu and consciously make healthy food choices rather than letting your hunger guide you. You can use some of the healthy substitutes in the restaurant survival tips below.

8. If everyone orders in, you can still bring your lunch and socialize with them. If they’re really your friends they won’t judge you for trying to be healthy and taking care of yourself–plus it’ll be a nice break from your work day.

9. Go one step further and actually bake or make your snacks brought from home. Baking a whole batch of muffins and throwing them in the freezer can be a quick breakfast or snack to grab and go.

10. If you have the time, start a group that walks for a few minutes after lunch. Even a spin around the block or building will help your lunch to settle a bit.

11. If you get tons of treats delivered to your place of work by appreciative clients during the holidays, I have some suggestions. Freeze some of them to enjoy later. When I used to work over the Christmas holidays, I’d put some of the stuff away for the staff for later and take the boxes and boxes of unopened chocolate to the food bank for their baskets. There are also charities like Second Harvest that will gladly pick up perishable and non perishable food for others to enjoy, you can check them out at http://www.secondharvest.ca/ in Canada or http://www.secondharvest.org/ in the U.S.

At restaurants and take-out places

12. Order water with lemon instead of sugary drinks or alcohol. The lemon is refreshing, and will help your body process the fatty food you’re eating.

13. Order a baked potato or salad instead of those fries.

14. If you just want a bite, split a dessert with others.

15. Better yet, just get something tasty (and less expensive) on your way home from the restaurant.

16. When ordering at a fast food place, get the kids combo–which incidentally is the size that combos actually used to be.

17. At many fast food places you can usually substitute that sugary soda for a milk or cup of tea at no extra charge.

18. When ordering Chinese food, you can get steamed rice instead of fried rice.

19. Get take out and eat with a side of cut up veggies at home. No tip required and the carrot and celery sticks are a good, high fibre compliment to whatever greasy, delicious food you’ll be eating.

20. Many pizza places have a special price for walk-in customers on a one topping pizza. Maybe this is all you need and it’ll cost a whole lot less. Our personal favourite is the large, walk-in pineapple pizza from Pizza Pizza for $8.99. We get extra sauce, and get them to leave it in a bit longer than normal, then put fresh basil and crushed chili flakes on it when we get it home. Yum!

21. If you’re going out to a restaurant late in the evening, just order a couple of appetizers and split them. You can nibble on the food while you’re talking. This will probably be enough food, besides–you really shouldn’t eat a huge meal late at night anyway.

22. If you want to go to an expensive restaurant or buffet, go for lunch, you’ll enjoy the same quality of food at a much lower price. You also will have that big meal earlier in the day.

23. Say yes to a doggie bag. If you know the portion is going to be huge, remove the temptation and ask them to please put half of it in the doggie bag before they serve you your meal. Lunch the next day and built-in portion control.

At parties

24. It can be challenging not to fall off the wagon at social gatherings or during the holidays. Some people actually eat more because they are stressed–there is a chemical reason for it. Do some deep breathing, stretching, take a walk, to try listening to your favourite song to try to get those stress-hormone levels down before you surround yourself with food.

25. If you’re drinking alcohol, always alternate one alcoholic beverage for a glass of water. This will help to keep your bar tab down, keep you from making an ass out of yourself, and help keep the aforementioned body part from getting any bigger

26. Eat something sensible before you go. Don’t go to these things ravenous, it spells E-A-T-I-N-G D-I-S-A-S-T-E-R

27. Balance some of the higher fibre veggies or hard fruits with the fatty foods. If you want to make sure there’ll be something healthy for you to munch on, offer to bring it yourself as a contribution to the party!

28. Just say no. Politely decline the tray that gets passed around again, with a word about just how great the food is and how you’re good for now.

29. Be conscious of what you’re eating and enjoy every bite. It’s not worth the calories if you don’t even remember eating it

30. If it’s a potluck, plan ahead to bring something you made yourself, creative, and good for you. This is a much better contribution than running to the grocery store at the last minute and buying an expensive and lame fruit tray.

31. Don’t double fist drinks or food. Leave one hand free to shake hands and hug your friends.

32. Just take a few things at a time on a small plate–you can always go back for more later if you need it.

33. If you see something you really like, but don’t have room, split it with a friend or partner, that way you can still have a bite to try it.

34. Take people up on their offer to send some of the food from the party home with you. You won’t have to cook later and you’re saving the food from going to waste.

Meals at home

35. Use smaller plates. If you feel the need to fill your plate, you’ll be eating much less food. If you want seconds then you don’t have to feel guilty.

36. Have some veggies cut up in the fridge and put them out to munch on while you’re getting dinner ready.

37. If you’re trying to lose weight, try eating 4 to 6 smaller meals instead of 3 including a big dinner.

38. Make large quantities of food at once so you have some for lunch, or to throw in the freezer for another day when you have less time.

39. If possible, grow a little vegetable garden–you’ll never match the taste of homegrown food!

40. Have a little indoor or outdoor herb garden. Fresh herbs are loaded with flavour and countless health benefits.

41. Just heard this tip from Dr. Oz, and am trying it, have a piece of whole grain bread with extra virgin olive oil 5 minutes before dinner to help keep your appetite in check. I do it more like 15 minutes ahead of time.

42. Make meals from scratch, or close to it. It’s generally less expensive and you control what ingredients go into them.

43. Have an orange or some grapefruit after your meal for dessert. This will also help to cut the fat you just ate.

44. Consider just eating the whole piece of fruit instead of buying juice. More nutrients and more filling. You can get a fair amount of fruit for what you’d pay for premium juices.

45. Toast up some sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, or slivered almonds for your salads. You can get small amounts for less money at places like Bulk Barn.

46. Add small amounts of ground flax to your yogurt, prepared oatmeal, smoothies, or many other things. It’s rich in omega fatty acids and has been taken by some breast cancer patients due to its high lignin content.

47. Add just half the amount of salad dressing you normally eat and mix it in well. If you do end up needing more add a bit in later.

48. Make your own salad dressing using olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or olive oil and lemon juice, or do a web search for more cheap and healthy dressings that aren’t loaded with bad-for-you-oils.

49. Make your own delicious dips and spreads to help fill you up such as a kalamata olive tapenade, roasted red pepper dip, hummus, or onion dip with low fat sour cream.

50. Snack on high fibre crackers and breads like Wasa crackers, whole grain Melba toast, and whole wheat pita bread–try putting your homemade spreads on them. Who cares about chips when you’ve got this!

51. If you have kids, just remember that all of the bites of kid food you eat to clean up plates adds up. A nugget here, macaroni and cheese there, and before you know it you’ve gained weight trying to stop wastage. Instead, serve them very very small portions and they can always ask for more if they finish what they have.

52. Make a conscious effort to have at least one serving of fruits and or veggies with every meal and snack. If you look in the food guide, one serving really isn’t that much.

53. Have a bowl of broth-based soup before your meal, you’re likely to eat less at the main course.

54. Try food from different countries, “ethnic” foods can be more economical and in some instances healthier than what you normally would eat. Looking for ideas, try reading my posts on Food Around the World, Ethnic Food to Try Part 1 and Part 2.

55. Take a look in cookbooks, magazines from the library and online to always search out new and exciting recipes.

56. Try to re-create your favourite restaurant dishes at home for less to keep yourself motivated not to eat out. You never know, you may find the recipe on the web. Right now, I have my own version of East Side Mario’s Cheese Capeletti in the oven…can’t wait!

57. Learn and teach other family members to share food with each other. There’s a priceless lesson in being just as happy with less.

When travelling away from home

58. Bring your own snacks to eat in the airport. I can guarantee the $10 you’d have spent on airport coffee and a bagel could be put to better use.

59. Pack salty and sweet snacks like crackers and granola bars in your suitcase for when you get there. You’d be surprised how handy they come in when you’re hungry, grumpy, and have taken a wrong turn in a foreign country.

60. Get a travel guidebook or go online and plan which restaurants you’re going to eat at. You can sometimes even get an idea of pricing or see some, or all of the menu items ahead of time!

61. When you get to your destination, find a drugstore or supermarket and buy your own case of bottled water for the time you’ll be there. Otherwise you’ll pay way too much for little bottles, one at a time at the tourist areas.

62. The night before, pick up some fruit, cheese and buns or pastries for breakfast the next morning. I like that much better than paying for an expensive hotel breakfast or hungrily walking the streets in search of food.

63. Plan a picnic for lunch wherever you’re going that day.

64. Provided the food is cooked well, and everything appears clean, you may want to try some of the local food for that country from an inexpensive street vendor. If you’re not comfortable with that of course, you could try it for a bit more in a restaurant too. Afterall, a big part of why we travel is to fully experience other people’s cultures.

65. If you save on breakfast and lunch, then you can splurge a bit on dinner, or vice versa, and you might get a really nice meal for lunchtime prices!

66. Get some take-out, a bottle of wine, and enjoy a nice dinner in your hotel room.

67. This isn’t technically an “eating habit”, but carry hand sanitizer in case you can’t wash your hands before you have to eat something.

68. Being frugal isn’t about being cheap–don’t drink tap water or get ice in your drink when you travel–or you may get a whole lot more than you bargained for.

At the Grocery Store

69. Eat before you go grocery shopping to avoid the impulse purchases of a starving person.

70. Do most of your shopping around the perimeter of the store, where more of the whole and unprocessed (and often less expensive) foods are.

71. Know the prices for everything you buy. Yes, this means you have to learn what is a good price. Many people also keep price books to help with this.

72. Go right when the new flyer comes out, if you wait, you may miss out on the specials or loss leaders that week, or end up with no selection.

73. You can usually buy just one item for the discounted price when there’s a 2 for this price sign.

74. Don’t buy pre-prepared food unless it’s selling for less than you could make it yourself.

75. If you see a great deal stock up.

76. Make a list and plan your meals according to the sales (for more on this read My 25% Grocery Savings Rule and 10 Ways to Save on Groceries).

77. As you’re going through the grocery store, grab any coupons for items you think you might use in the future.

78. Coupons are no good when they’re expired or you can’t find them. Buy or make some kind of coupon organization system so you always have them at your fingertips when needed.

79. Before using your coupon weigh its use against another comparable or possibly identical house brand product. Sometimes even with the coupon you’re not saving enough. On the other hand, sometimes there’s just no substitute for the real thing and you can get it on sale!

80. By completely cutting out pop (or soda for my American friends) you’ll save money and can lose an unbelieveable amount of weight over time.

81. If you want to buy sweet treats like chocolate, wait until after a big holiday like Christmas, Easter, or Valentine’s Day when they’re eager to slash the prices on the stock to clear the shelf. Chocolate keeps well in the freezer–and it’ll help with the portion control. You’ll have to make a trek over to the freezer if you really want some.

82. Some items are less in bulk. Consider splitting a Costco or other price club membership with a friend or family member. If you don’t have a large family, you can also share the cost of some of the items you buy in large quantities.

83. For more specific ideas on portion control and packing nutrients into your meals and snacks check out Frugality and Calorie Control

84. Just remember–you’re in control of your own eating habits–you can’t eat what you don’t bring into the house. Healthy eating starts with the decisions you make and follow through with at the grocery store.

In the car

85. Always take some water in the car with you. It will quench your thirst and cut down on the craving to stop for a sugary drink–and then a cheeseburger on the side.

86. Ditto for the snacks. Have both salty and sweet snacks on hand to cover whichever craving and help get you through until you’re back on home turf.

87. Keep your car free of garbage, don’t let last week’s McDonald’s bag send you a subliminal message to stop for an unnecessary snack or meal.

88. If you’re in a rush, bring a breakfast you can eat in the car (when you’re stopped of course), or when on public transit.

89. If you plan on being on the road all day, or don’t want to eat a soggy sandwich or take-out, plan on stopping at the grocery store for lunch. You can pick up a bun, some cheese, cold meat if you like, and a fresh piece of fruit. Less expensive and much better for you than fast food.

In general

90. Stop eating 2-3 hours before bed time, this way you’re not going to bed on a full stomach.

91. Make a conscious effort to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, for more tips read 7 Ways to Increase Your Water Intake

92. If you have a fast paced job or do shift work, force yourself to eat a meal or at least have snacks throughout the workday, this’ll avoid the gorging on expensive and high calorie food later in the day, or right before you go to sleep.

93. Eat breakfast every day. Once you get into the habit, it’s not that hard to do. If you need to start off by making it easier on yourself and buying transportable things like yogurt cups, then go for it. The earlier you start eating in the day, the sooner your metabolism starts working, and the less likely you are to crave large amounts of high calorie food later in the day.

94. Try to have some protein in your snacks, this helps to even out your blood sugar throughout the day.

95. Keep a small snack in your bag or purse to ward off any low-blood-sugar-induced grumpiness or bad eating decisions.

96. Try to make sure you eat or drink something with some protein in it right after you exercise to help your muscles recover. I don’t usually feel like eating, but I do drink chocolate milk!

97. Try focusing on the quality and taste of the food rather than the quantity.

98. If your partner’s bad eating habits are dragging you down, talk to them about it, and reach some kind of a compromise that will work for both of you.

99. Organize a cookie or other food swap with your co-workers and friends. For example, everyone brings a dozen of their snack for each person there, and they all go home with a freezer full of treats.

100. Bring your own snacks to the movie theater rather than eating the overpriced, oversized offerings they have. Shhhhh…you never heard this from me. If you somehow feel guilty about this, go to the drive-in where you can see 2 movies for the price of one!

Now for the bonus tips…102 Frugal and Healthy Eating Habits didn’t have the same ring to it…

101. If you fall off the wagon with your healthy eating plan, jump back on! It’s never too late.

102. If you’re trying to break a habit or establish a new routine, I’ve heard 30 days to break a habit. If you can make it 30 days with whatever your goal is, you’re almost there!

Value For Your life

I say ... and you think ... ?

1. In love :: Romance
   
2. Be my guest :: Belle
   
3. Number one :: Number 2
   
4. Swallowed whole :: Eat
   
5. 50 percent :: Dollar
   
6. Made in :: China
   
7. Supplement :: Vitamin
   
8. Right for :: Me
   
9. Endless :: Cookies
   
10. Ceramic :: Bowl

Participate?

In a dusty cafe near the center of town sat a placid gentleman with deep-set grey eyes. He took sips from his worn cup and shuffled lazily through the days yellowed newspaper. The dense smog of the city filtered through the door and a chorus of short harsh coughs could be heard almost continuously. The atmosphere is quiet for the time of day, only a few customers spread out like lone chess pieces on an over used board. A young man sits, perched upon a torn black stool, his tan suit neatly pressed and his auburn hair freshly greased. He's eating a rather limp looking pie, taking his time seemingly enthused with the process. In the front near the door a young mother fidgeting with her young son wait to be served by the waitress. Her blonde hair held up in pins and her black and white polka dot dress fitting high upon her neck give her a false sense of aristocracy. The waitress, in her grey dress and coral pink apron bring them each a glass of milk as she pulls a pencil from behind her ear. The scene is almost surreal in appearance until the young man at the counter quietly stands and throws his plate of pie viciously at the window behind him. It shatters with a piercing crash. The mother, covering the head of her now crying son screams out a bit in fright. The waitress rushes back behind the counter and out of sight, most likely phoning the proper athorities. The older gentleman sits still, staring forward, his newspaper now resting on the table. He new they'd be coming.

The young man at the counter silently returns to his stool and resumes the same position he held while eating the now discarded pie. A rush of running feet bring forth a crowd of police. Dressed in black, with reflective black helmets, they all look the same. Same height. Same build. The crowd into the small cafe and surround the young man. He looks up shocked at the sight before him. He stammers an objection as they place him in cuffs and life him off of the stool.

"Mr. T. R. Jenkins. You are under arrest for violation of article 6577B, section 2. Your punishment for such crime will be considered after a thorough emotional examination."

They haul the stunned man off, leaving the cafe in a silent state of shock. The gentleman fold his paper neatly and slips his coat on, revealing a circular badge on the left breast reading, "Department of Justice, Cognitive Division." He had known what would occur this day, it was his job. To observe the criminals emotional and physical behaivor leading up to the transgression. A detailed background of each criminal was investigated 3 months prior to the incident to help determine the punishment to be delivered for the crime. The gentleman knew the young man's fiance had just left him. He was torn with dispair at the lose of the one he loved. Therefore his punishment was classified under sadness. One of the hardest punishments to endure.

The gentleman left the cafe and walked quickly down the main street of the yellowed city. The days, being perpetually cloudy from pollution set off a yellowing fog which drifted in an out of every passageway. The gentlemen was heading to the rehabilitation center on the edge of town. A solid white, rectangular structure void of windows, save for the one near the door. The inside was steel. Silver metal as far as the eye could see. He grabbed his labcoat as he rushed through the doors to the containment center, just in time to see the other doctors strapping the young man to a chair facing a large screen. Electrods were attatched to his head and chest and a needle connected to a wire was gently inserted into the base of his scull. Above the scene sat a glass room, an observation deck filled with computers and instruments used to project the last emotional thoought, which led to the outburst, onto the screen below. The young man screamed in agony as clips were put in place to hold his eyelids open, forcing him to watch the screen through the entire process.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and the screen popped on in a brilliant haze of greys and blues. The depressing moment of his loss focused in and the dialog began broadcasting through the speakers on the walls.

"I just don't love you any more," the young woman in the image kept repeating. The young man twitched and shifted, trying desperately to free himself from the torture. He began sobbing uncontrollably, the first sign of mental breakdown. The memory played out a few more times before others began flickering across the screen. Images of his parents on their death bed. The loss of a childhood pet. Suddenly the young man wrenched into convulsion, the moment of psychosis had been achieved. Here, in their city, the joy of this psychotic experience was considered the norm and highly saught after.

As the screen faded to black and the young man drifted off into unconciousness the doctors released him from his restraints and escourted him off the grounds. Another justice served and another happy citizen released back into society.

A log was kept of every crime ever commited. Each crime classified under one of six primary emotions (sadness, happiness, anger, fear, disgust, surprise). Each classification held it's own type of psychological punishment, each resulting in the same euphoric psychosis in the end.

The city was a quiet one, everyone keeping to themselves, no one hardly talking to another. But punishment would always be served. All in order to maintain the peace and trainquility needed to keep them there. Keep them from discovering themselves.