The Home Front
Posted by Danielle Bean in Home Front on Friday, July 11, 2008
NUTRITION
BY Danielle
Sensational Smoothies
When it comes to making healthy snacks, on-the-go breakfasts, and summertime treats, a blender is this mom’s best friend. Even my pickiest kids who prefer sugary snacks to fresh fruit and yogurt will get in line when I offer them a “smoothie.” The most mom-friendly thing about a smoothie is that you get to decide what goes in it. You really can’t go wrong... READ MOREThe Homefront
Posted by Danielle Bean in Home Front on Monday, July 14, 2008
Pack a Perfect Picnic
Get outdoors and enjoy some springtime sunshine with your meals! Lunch at the playground is free and easy fun for moms and kids alike. Some things to keep in mind:
Be safe. Perishable food can go bad quickly in the heat of the sun. Always pack refrigerated items in a cooler.
Save space. Bags of frozen fruit or frozen juice boxes can double as ice packs in your cooler.
Get creative.... READ MORE
Buying for Baby
Posted by Danielle Bean in Homemaking on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A reader writes:
“I am 6 1/2 months pregnant with my first baby. This little girl is going to be the first grandchild on my side of the family and my parents are very happy and ready to buy EVERYTHING for their new and first granddaughter. I’m also excited about buying stuff, and yesterday we bought the bedding for the crib and we’ll paint the room and buy the furniture in the next couple of months.... READ MORE
Whole grains made easy … and delicious!
Posted by Danielle Bean in Home Front on Friday, August 15, 2008
NUTRITION
by Danielle
Whole Grain, Whole Health
Does the mention of “healthy whole grain” make you lose your appetite? If so, you’re not alone. Even though diets rich in whole grains have been proven to reduce risk of heart disease and lower rates of obesity, few Americans actually eat the three whole-grain servings per day recommended by USDA dietary guidelines. Adding whole grain to your diet need... READ MORE
Handi Snacks
Posted by Rachel Balducci in Food on Saturday, August 23, 2008
Paul and I are packing up our brood tomorrow morning, hitting the road for an end-of-the-summer trip that will include a drive through the mountains, a visit to our nation’s capitol and several other stops along the way.
While we’re in the car, I’d like to pack a cooler filled with delicious, healthy food in order to both avoid fast food restaurants and save time and money. Where this gets tricky: the second day of our trip is our drive through the mountains, and I’d love to have a nice picnic for us at lunchtime. Do you have any practical suggestions for having some sort of moveable feast that can still taste fresh after being in the cooler overnight? Or am I shooting the moon?
Electric Blues
Posted by Danielle Bean in Homemaking on Wednesday, October 22, 2008
When Dan told me how much our electric bill was for last month, I nearly choked.
$218.
I winced just typing that number. That’s a lot of juice.
When we examined the bill, though, we found that it’s not our usage that has gone up significantly—it’s our rate.
I whined only for a moment before realizing no amount of complaining was going to slash my utility bill. Next, I researched some ways... READ MORE
the Home front
Posted by Danielle Bean in Home Front on Friday, October 24, 2008
NUTRITION by Danielle
8 Ways to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain
Party Plan
Attending a Christmas party doesn’t have to blow your goal of healthy eating. Here’s a plan:
• Eat first. To avoid overeating, have a high-protein, low-sugar snack like nuts, whole grain crackers, or low fat yogurt to satisfy your hunger before attending a holiday party.
• Alternate. For every alcoholic drink you consume, drink... READ MORE
Debt is the Real Grinch
Posted by Melissa Hartog in Features on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
By Phil Lenahan
ipersonally have never felt the “holiday blues.” But I know many, many people who have celebrated a beautiful Christmas — only to get the bills blues in January.
I will always remember a young couple who once participated in my 7 Steps to Becoming Financially Free small group study.
They had been fortunate to purchase a home just before the housing boom and run-up in prices. They... READ MORE
Alimony Payback Time
Posted by Father Richard Gill, LC in Spirituality on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Question
My daughter has been divorced for five years. She
left her husband because he took up with another woman, to whom he is now
married. He has been paying child support for their three children regularly.
The divorce was very bitter and the children suffered a lot. One day he contacted
her and claims that he has inadvertently been overpaying and demanded $25,000
to be returned right away.... READ MORE
Profit Seeking
Posted by Danielle Bean in Family on Friday, October 31, 2008
The other day, Gabrielle received a gift of a silk flower from her grandmother.
Quite predictably, she loved it. She wore it in her hair, carried it in her purse, and displayed it on the desk in her bedroom.
So I was surprised yesterday when she approached me, silk flower in hand, and asked how much I thought she could get for it if she sold it.
“I was thinking maybe ten dollars,” she suggested.
“Wow,” I said. “That’s a lot of money for a fake flower. You can probably buy one at the store for about 25 cents.”
“I know that,” she answered in exasperation. “That’s why I need to sell this one for at least ten dollars—so that I can buy a whole bunch of flowers at the store!”
New strategy suggestion, Sweetie: Wear the flower and attract a smart businessman for a husband.

