February 25, 2015

A happy, snowy day to all! We are all waiting for the next snow storm to arrive, but at the moment it is sunny and beautiful. I had Little Man earn $20 for shoveling the drive way and sidewalk, but now it is melting off in the rest of the neighborhood. I should have waited until tomorrow.

IN THE NEWS!

I saw in the Sunday paper that several stores are leaving MacArthur mall. I am particularly disappointed at the exit of Harry and David. Hubby loves their Moose Munch. I suspect that this is another example of the changing retail market. So many people shop online that a lot of traditional retailers are finding that an actual, physical store is no longer worth the cost of operation. in the article by Sarah Kleiner Varble, a spokesperson for Hallmark, who is also closing a store, said the card company, "has taken a big hit because consumers tend to put birthday messages on Facebook or send e-cards for special occasions"

This is a case where technology is a win-lose. The winner is the consumer who can save money by not purchasing a card or a yummy treat. The loser is the person who needs the job at the store. According to Rick Caruso, ' Within 10 to 15 years , the typical U.S. mall, unless it is completely reinvented will be a{n} historical anachronism-a 60-year aberration that no longer meets the public's needs, the retailers' needs, or the community's needs."


I had promised you all a few things and I do mean to get to them

MEAL PLANNING 

I know that sounds a lot like a budget and most people hate the idea of both. Of course, I know that none of you feel that way and I am sure you all make a budget every payday. If not we will deal with that later.

There are many reasons to have a meal plan. First it can help you keep a balanced diet with healthy meals and lots of fruits and veggies. It also helps you to create a list of what you need before you go to the store. If you only buy what you need for the week or pay period, you will have a little leftover to take advantage of specials to stock up. The best reason for a meal plan in my opinion is that you do not have to look at the clock at 4:00 in the afternoon and in a panic say what is for dinner. I hate that.

I set up a weekly calendar of 3 meals and 2 snacks per day. I did this years ago because needed to have some order in meal preparation and a weapon against picky eaters.( I will explain that later.) I used Microsoft word and set up a grid with spaces for the meals and snacks.

Now, let's take a moment and be real. Before you panic and start pulling out your cookbooks trying to fill in each grid with some big fancy meal, think about what you eat already. I usually eat the same thing most mornings for breakfast. I do this because I am not awake enough to be creative before my first cup of coffee. I bet you aren't either. If you are trying to rush kids out the door, or you homeschool and they are making their own breakfast, how much mess do you want with making pancakes or something else that you have to cook.I love a big breakfast. However, Monday through Friday it is not practical. So what do you eat? Write it in the spaces for breakfast.

We will continue this later. get to work and send me your suggestions and ideas!
T