How Can You Turn a Bottle of Lotion into a Dress? Easy – Recycle It!

Many people spend hours rinsing peanut butter jars and milk cartons before they place them in the recycling bin but did you know that you can just as easily rinse out your shampoo bottle and recycle it as well? And that empty roll of toilet paper? Yup, that can also go into the recycling bin, along with a plethora of other bathroom products that typically end up in the garbage can. According to a recent study conducted for the Ad Council, 52% of Americans don’t know which items can be recycled in the bathroom. And only 10% of Americans have a recycling bin in their bathroom, compared to the 45% who have them in the kitchen.

Incredible Savings at Family Dollar + Tips on How to Save

When you have three kids and a large extended family it can be be tough financially to get everyone everything they want. Between kids, other family members, teachers and friends, you can find yourself going over your budget in the blink of an eye. Family Dollar  comes to the rescue for those times you want to get the brands but for less. Much less. I recently attended an event for Family Dollar and learned some cool tips to help me get the most bang for my buck and have everybody happy.

The Best Books For Your Kids

My oldest is now in kindergarten and I want to prepare her for first grade. Reading a variety of books will not only broaden her horizons but also increase her vocabulary and although we have many books at home it’s always good to read more. Now that the cold weather is here, the library will be a place we’ll be visiting often. I found and printed these great lists for must-read books that I plan on taking with me to the library to have her read there and also to bring home.

8 Yummy Things To Make With Leftover Halloween Candy

If you’re like me and have more candy than trick-or-treaters, or if your kids got way too many that they can handle, here are some delicious suggestions of what to do with them. (Note: some of these suggestions may even be healthy!)

Yom Kippur: 7 Tips For an Easy Fast

Yom Kippur is the Day of Atonement in the Jewish religion – the holiest day of the year. It is a day to make peace with others and with God. On the days leading up to Yom Kippur Jews seek out people they want to make amends with and request forgiveness from those they have offended.

Yom Kippur is also marked by prayer as well as fasting for 25 hours, from sundown of one day, to sundown of the next. Food or liquid may not be consumed during this time. Contrary to popular belief, fasting is not done to punish the soul for our sins, but rather to focus on our prayer, without concern for our bodily needs.

Studies show that there are many health & emotional benefits to fasting, even if it’s just for one day. For example, fasting allows your digestive system to rest and for the body to cleanse and detoxify. Since the body is not using its energy to digest food, some of this extra energy goes to the brain and can provide mental clarity. There are also spiritual benefits to fasting; as the body begins to feel lighter, we begin to get quieter and still and are able to spend time reflecting and being more in touch with our inner self.

7 Tips for an Easy Fast During Yom Kippur:

1. Eat a light lunch before the pre-fast meal.
2. Leave adequate time to eat your meal slowly.
3. Include foods that are high in fats as they will make you feel full.
4. Avoid salty or spicy foods to prevent thirst during the fast.
5. Eat complex carbs (such as brown rice instead of white) and lean protein, as they, along with the fats, will take longer to break down.
6. If you have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, consult with your doctor first.
7. During the break-the-fast meal, don’t eat too quickly. Start with some water and a small snack first.

Food Tip: Frying Eggplant

More often than not, I see eggplant recipes that require frying, or even just stir-frying in oil and I can’t help but cringe. Eggplant is like a sponge and any oil you add to it gets absorbed immediately. This causes it to have a very oily flavor to it which, in my opinion, ruins the taste. I always try to use only cooking spray for a stir-fry recipe, or cook in a pot with water (or roast) in recipes that call for actual frying. It is so much healthier, and you’re not left with an icky taste in your mouth at the end of the meal..