Looking for a chemical free, all natural, all purpose cleaner that won’t cost a lot and kills germs?  Try this natural mix (it also won’t leave streaks on your mirrors and windows!):
In a store bought spray bottle, mix 1 part water with 1 part vinegar.  It’s that easy!  Vinegar makes a great degreaser, it disinfects, [...]

I just found this great site, and it is amazing!  Kids.gov has great information for kids grade K-8 and has information on Federal holidays, test taking tips, computers, health and safety, money, school subjects, fun stuff, and has links to other great, safe sites for children and their parents.  There are even slide shows to [...]

Brown sugar gone hard and lumpy?  Toss an apple slice in a bag or container with the sugar - the acidity helps loosen the clumps.
Potatoes getting “sprouty” before you can use them?  An apple in the bag will keep them fresher, longer.
Don’t have a cake decorator or a liquids press?  Fill a turkey baster full of frosting, deviled [...]

Looking for a new, light, delicious side dish that is easy to make and tastes great with lots of different main courses?   Give this spicy mint sauce over cucumbers a try – it’s it a treat, and it is great for parties too!
Ingredients:

3 cucumbers washed and sliced
1 bunch mint
dash cayenne pepper or to taste
1 tsp salt
2 [...]

Need to beat the a.m. hunger pangs and keep calories low?  Try one cup of old fashioned oatmeal mixed with 1/3 cup light soy milk and 1/8 cup dried cranberries or raisins and 1/8 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans are my favorite).  This breakfast is filling, easy and quick to make (about 3 minutes total) [...]

Just a reminder that, if you are local to the Scappoose, St. Helens, or Portland area, my very first signing event is taking place this Wednesday at the Scappoose, Oregon Curve’s and I’d love to see you there if you can make it!  You can find more information under the “Events” tab at the top [...]

Did you know that Pinto beans are the most popular beans in the United States?  For good reason too!  Pinto beans, which are of American Indian and Mexican origin, are low calorie, packed with nutrients, and taste great.  Similar to other beans, they supply 171% of your daily molybdenum, 74% of your daily folate, 58% of [...]

Looking for an easy, delicious, hearty Sunday meal?  Try this great pot roast recipe!
Ingredients:

8 large potatoes (Yukon or russet), rinsed
2 cups (or 1 can) of yellow corn
8 to 12 ounces mild salsa (I use the fresh salsa recipe in my book, Quick Fix Healthy Mix, but you can also use a jar of salsa – I prefer [...]

Check out these great websites to find functions, events, restaurants, attractions, and more near you!
www.local.yahoo.com/weekender
www.planjam.com
www.citysearch.com
Most cities and towns have their own website or a Visitor’s Bureau site where you can find local events and attractions, special offers, and more.  For example, Longbeach Washington (which I highly recommend visiting) has a fantastic site at:
www.funbeach.com 
If you love [...]

In today’s economy it is important for all of us to save where we can, and just like our grandparents and parents told us, saving a little here and there adds up to big savings in the long run.  Try these tips and tricks for saving money:

Make loan or credit card payments bi-weekly, instead of [...]