Atlanta's Frugal Mom

I came across this article recently on buying in bulk, " Why Buying in Bulk Is Bad for Your Health "  and wanted to see what y'all thought.  I know with the recent rise of "Extreme Couponing" (y'all-don't-get-me-started!) , we are seeing more people buying bulk.  But this article makes the arguement that this practice can be detrimental to your health.  Read the article here , and then come back and let me know what YOU think.  Do you agree or disagree?  Have you found ways to buy food in bulk, while  maintaining  a certain level of health and nutrition?  Do you think it's possible to stockpile/buy in bulk, while also eating healthy?  If so, please share!   Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

For lunch today, I made a surprisingly quick, easy, and semi-healthy (except-for-the-cheese-and-potato) frittata. --and all with ingredients in the fridge.  You can add or omit ingredients to your liking, and depending on what' in your freezer or fridge.   Quick and Easy Frittata 1 tb oil (EVOO) 1 hasbrown patty (thawed overnight in fridge if frozen) 1/2 c frozen veggies (also thawed overnight in fridge, if possible) -- I used onion, and red, green, and yellow pepper 1/2 c finely chopped fresh spinach (yep, spinach again!) turkey bacon, crumbled OR bacon bits 1 egg (I use egg substitute) 1/4 c shredded cheese salt and pepper to taste Warm up oil in small pan.  In small dish, crumble up and grind hashbrown patty, then combine veggies and bacon. Cook on medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until hashbrowns are browned and veggies sauteed to desired consistency.  Add eggs, cheese, salt and pepper.  Let sit for about 3-4 minutes, then flip.  Finish ...

Get a FREE diabetic low-carb recipe book! It's got more than 60 recipes, including ones for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks -- each with 10g or less of carbs! If you or someone you know is diabetic, or perhaps just watching their carb intake, snag this recipe book while it's still available. Go  here  for your FREE book.   Once you've gotten this one, check out the other recipes and free recipe books available through AFM. Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara  

I hoard containers. There — I put it out there. I save various, sturdy containers, with the idea that I could re-use it ….for something. This came in handy the other day with my 3-year-old daughter. I’m always looking for ways to keep my children entertained, as well as offer them chances to explore and learn.  If I can additionally do so in a “green” manner, even better. For this occasion, I put red food coloring in an old throat spray bottle, blue in an old dish soap bottle, grabbed some old foam letters (but sponges would work just as well) and put a little paint in old flushable wipes containers, gathered up a few unused medicine droppers, opened some paper bags at the seems, and threw in a few paint brushes, and  empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls. In our driveway, we “painted” a large hopscotch-like path with various shapes using the dish soap bottle. Then we experimented with painting with rocks, sticks, and our fingers. When asked ...

Hubs and I recently packed up the ol' minivan and took the family to the beach, per my longing. (Honestly, I think the last time my toes were stuck firmly in the sand was our honeymoon!). We scoured through the travel deal sites to find the best deal, and we did ok. There are quite a few sites out there offering great travel offer, deals, and promotions -- one is www.mega.co.uk -- it's a one stop shop for finding great deals and steals for your travel needs. What is YOUR ideal vacation? I challenge you to find a great deal for it at MEGA today! :-) Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

I hoard containers. There -- I put it out there. I save various, sturdy containers, with the idea that I could re-use it ....for something. This came in handy the other day with my 3-year-old daughter. I'm always looking for ways to keep my children entertained, as well as offer them chances to explore and learn.  If I can additionally do so in a "green" manner, even better. For this occasion, I put red food coloring in an old throat spray bottle, blue in an old dish soap bottle, grabbed some old foam letters (but sponges would work just as well) and put a little paint in old flushable wipes containers, gathered up a few unused medicine droppers, opened some paper bags at the seems, and threw in  a few paint brushes, and   empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls.

A few nights ago, my daughter had her first sleepover. Other than the two whirlwind nights I spend in the hospital when her brother was born, I’ve never been apart from her for the night. So, while it was difficult for me to let me to let her spend the night away from me, I knew she was in good hands. After all, she was at my parents house.  Literally down the street.  And I knew it was an experience she needed to have.  I needed to have it, too. While I weep for the loss of each new stage in her life -yearning to hold on to even the smallest pieces of my “little” girl, I can’t help but feel excitement.  I have nothing but fond memories of spending the night at my grandparents houses, and I want nothing more than for her to build such memories with the people she loves as well. Happy Wednesday, y’all! Keep on saving!  :o) –Barbara **This post may contain affiliate links.**

A few nights ago, my daughter had her first sleepover. Other than the two whirlwind nights I spend in the hospital when her brother was born, I've never been apart from her for the night. So, while it was difficult for me to let me to let her spend the night away from me, I knew she was in good hands. After all, she was at my parents house.  Literally down the street.  And I knew it was an experience she needed to have.  I needed to have it, too. While I weep for the loss of each new stage in her life -yearning to hold on to even the smallest pieces of my "little" girl, I can't help but feel excitement.  I have nothing but fond memories of spending the night at my grandparents houses, and I want nothing more than for her to build such memories with the people she loves as well. Happy Wednesday, y'all! Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara

A bunch of preggos awating the doors' opening... Holy baby food, Batman! Look at all this loot!!  Let this serve as a reminder for y'all to attend next year, AND as my way of saying THANKS to all who put this amazing event together!! :o) P.S.  I didn't get to stay too long, as I had my infant son with me.  But I rumor has it Vera Bradley bags were given away, and there was a stellar diaper party to benefit the Atlanta Diaper Relief ! MAM, Enfamil, and misc. items Food Allergy Kids , a non profit educating educator Rounding up the organic foods, we have Plum Organics, NurtureMe, Happy Family, and CasCal Daddy Scrubs !! And all the other loot -- big, small, and in between.  :o) Keep on saving!  :o) --Barbara