Blog

herbs growing in a planter box

Patio Herbs

I live in a small house with just a little bit of outdoor space. In the summer, I try to maximize that space by filling it with pots of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Fresh herbs are something I do not buy at the grocery store very often because they are expensive and often spoil before I can get the package used. So, I see fresh herbs as a seasonal treat I can enjoy from late spring through early fall when I’m growing them. I use dried herbs the rest of the year. Today I would like to share how I use the herbs I grow. Most years I grow basil, parsley, thyme and rosemary. I also grow cherry tomatoes in a big flower pot.

washing spinach at the sink

Get Help Buying Healthy Foods

For many of us, money is tight right now. The cost of groceries and gas are extremely high and additional SNAP benefits provided during the pandemic have ended in many states.

zucchini

How do you like your zucchini?

My kids love zucchini…in cake that is! And their grandma (my mom!) enjoys making it for them when zucchini is in season. A couple of weeks ago Parker got to help grandma make zucchini cake for us. It was quite delicious with cream cheese frosting!

strength cardio and stretching

Strength, Cardio, and Stretching Routine

The past couple of months I’ve shared about new physical activity videos we have on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. I enjoy making these videos to share because I am passionate about helping people find ways to be active that are fun and easy for them. Last time I shared Low Impact Cardio Intervals and Lower Body Stretch. Today I’d like to share our Strength, Cardio, and Stretching Routine. During the 10-minute routine strength exercises alternate with short cardio bursts. The routine ends with stretching. It is important for people of all abilities and skill levels to be physically active. This can be done by modifying movements for various needs. This routine can be done while sitting or standing so it is adjustable to meet your needs. I do the exercises sitting and my friend Katy does them standing. Grab a friend and get moving with us!

young child cooking

Sharing Spend Smart. Eat Smart. – With a Fellow Mama!

Christine kicked off our newest blog series in June by interviewing her mom, Betsy. It was fun to read about her mom’s food memories and her favorite recipes!

three water bottles

Hydrate and Stretch this Summer!

Summer is in full swing and my kids are busy with sports camps and day camps. My son is doing a strength and conditioning camp and the first day after camp his legs were sore! I encouraged him to do some leg stretches to help loosen them up. I got to thinking there are lots of activities we do during the summer that might make our legs a bit sore. Going for hikes, riding bikes, playing sports, walking while sightseeing on vacation and more! A new physical activity video we have on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. that might be helpful when you have sore legs is our Lower Body Stretch. It can be done as a standalone stretch or done when the body is warmed up for a deeper stretch.