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7 Macaroni Crafts To Do During Snow Days

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There is still snow on the ground, and hopefully it is the last of it! If you’re stuck in base housing, or out in town and the kids are making your brains feel a bit like overdone noodles, then take me up on this fun Pinterest post of ideas you can do with your noodley brain.

The Gold Medal Goes to You!


Kraft Macaroni Snowflakes are Far Easier to Drive Through


Its Never Too Late To Make a Valentine


Perhaps Van Gough Also Got Inspiration From Being Locked up Indoors


If You’re REALLY Feeling OCD Inspired


Create Your Own Bling!


The Dangers of Driving Distracted

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You’re excited…or you’re not. You’re moving to a new duty station. The goods are packed, the family is ready, your mail is forwarded and now all that is between you and your new life for the next 2-4 years is the road that will take you there. How many times have you gotten behind the wheel, zoned out, and had difficulty remembering the last 10 miles? This is so easy to do, especially when going long distances, or when driving a stretch of road you are very familiar with. Never take your mind off of driving – even if you think that you won’t be the cause of an accident, someone else that is driving and distracted might not be so lucky.

distracted driving, driving responsibly

It doesn’t matter whether you are going 100 miles or 3,000 – you need to be mentally engaged in the drive. Geico.com states that Distracted Driving is any activity that takes your primary attention away from the task of driving. The three types of distractions Geico identifies are in their report on The Distracted Brain- The Dangers of Driving Distracted are:

  • Visual
  • Manual
  • Cognitive

That split second it takes to reach for a french fry in a greasy bag. The time it takes to push play on the DVD player strapped to the back of the passenger head rest. The agonizing torture of knowing your phone has slid between the seat and you need to get it – All of these are split instances that are just long enough to take your eye off of the road and get into an accident.

If you really need those french fries, tell the passenger to feed them to you – think of it as strengthening the marital bond if it is your spouse, or building a trusting friendship.

distracted driving, driving responsibly

Teach the kids that patience is a virtue and that you want teach them to fish, not just hand them the fish. Either they can learn to push play themselves, or they have to wait until you or the passenger can do so safely. Don’t give into their demands and satisfy their incessant groveling. You’ll be rewarding the wrong quality – you want them to wait patiently and arrive alive to the destination. They’ll live…during the drive. What happens after the drive is completely up to you as a parent.

Now, the phone. Ask yourself this. Will the phone still be there if you leave it where it is or will it be lost forever? A little distance from your cell phone never hurt you – just think about the 80’s or early 90’s when cell phones were a luxury. You lived right? You’ll continue to live – trust me. Plus, the fact that you are obsessing over your phone already shows that you are not cognitively focused on the drive. Forget the phone, not the rules of the road.

It is very possible that you will never get into a car accident your entire life and you have made ALL of the errors above – you’re lucky – because the odds are against you if you do just one of these.

Above all, think about the destination, not the journey. Arrive alive, and ensure your safety, your passenger’s safety, and filling that billet that so eagerly awaits you at your new duty station.

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distracted driving, driving responsibly

How To Go Gluten Free

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You'll be surprised at how much food you CAN eat on a Gluten Free diet thanks to Heinz.

You’ll be surprised at how much food you CAN eat on a Gluten Free diet thanks to Heinz.

Is being more health conscious one of your New Year’s resolutions? Did you know that the commissary is equipped to feed any diet?

Going gluten free in 2014 doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. No need to break the bank or even shop out in town. Your local commissary is filled with Gluten Free products to help you make the healthy switch.

How do you start to implement a gluten free diet? Here are a few tips on going gluten free from Heinz nutrition website and some great tricks from gluten free families.

What ingredients and foods contain gluten?

These are foods and ingredients that you need to avoid while maintaining a gluten free diet.
• Barley
• Bulgur
• Couscous
• Durum
• Farina
• Flour
• Graham flour
• Matzo
• Rye
• Semolina
• Spelt
• Triticale
• Wheat

What are safe grains and foods for Gluten Free diets?

These are grains and foods that are gluten free and can be included in your new diet.
Safe Grains
• Amaranth
• Arrowroot
• Bean flours
• Buckwheat
• Cassava
• Chickpea flour
• Corn
• Corn grits, cornmeal, corn flour, cornstarch, corn bran, corn on the cob
• Flax seed
• Millet
• Nut flours
• Oats (pure, uncontaminated)
• Popcorn
• Potato flour, potato starch
• Quinoa
• Rice (flour, brown rice, white rice, wild rice, rice bran)
• Sorghum
• Soy (flour, soybean)
• Tapioca (pearls, flour, starch)
• Yucca

Safe Gluten Free Food Groups

When looking at meal planning these are great guidelines to plan meals based on the basic food groups.
• Fruits and vegetables (in their natural state, fresh, canned or frozen), fruit juices
• Meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, legumes (in their natural state), nut butters
• Milk, most plain or fruit yogurt (with no granola), cheese, ice cream/puddings with no cookies or brownies
• Fats: oils, butter, margarine, mayonnaise

Packaged Foods: Look for “Gluten-Free” next to or below the ingredient list. There is no one tip to choosing gluten free packaged foods. Be informed, read packages and do research before shopping and meal planning.

Does a gluten free diet have to be bland? No, absolutely not! Some spices and condiments (like Heinz Ketchup) do not include gluten. Other additions to meals include some vinegars, lemon/orange zest, etc. that can add flavor to any family meal.
Is eating out a no-no? Of course not!

Many restaurants are becoming more flexible and offering gluten and allergen free options to guests. Check the menu online ahead of time and call ahead if needed.

When in doubt go for plain foods (no gravy, sauce or breading) and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure that the food you order isn’t cooked in the same area or cookware with non-gluten-free foods.

Quick Gluten Free Snack Ideas

Here are a few quick snacks for mom, dad or kids’ after school ideas.
• Turkey and cheese rollups
• Fruit tray
• Veggie tray

Gluten Free Tricks of the Trade

Are you making these mistakes and affecting your Gluten Free diet?

• Have 2 of any food that may be “double dipped” (dressing, peanut butter, etc.) because cross-contamination can occur from bread crumbs/crackers that may be on utensils.
• Create a “self-serve snack area” where kids (or adults) can quickly grab gluten-free options. For kids, a low shelf or cabinet works great.
• Have a separate set of cookware for gluten free items if your family is planning on preparing meals with gluten as well. Food should be cooked in pots and pans that have not been used for gluten filled ingredients to prevent cross-contamination.
• Be the “snack mom”! For kids’ sports and activities it might be a good idea to volunteer to bring snacks or provide a list of gluten free foods.

 

How Heinz is making going gluten free a breeze:

• A variety of Heinz Ketchup, Condiments and Sauces do not contain gluten.
• Heinz also offers convenient options for gluten-restricted diets, including; Ore-Ida® frozen potatoes, and Smart Ones® Frozen Entrees.
• For people who follow a gluten-free diet, Heinz is making it easier to make the right choices by clearly labeling all ingredients in their products.
• Heinz also offers designated “Gluten-Free” products for peace of mind and easy shopping.

Learn more:

• Heinz Nutrition Website
• Heinz gluten free products
• Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
• American Celiac Society
• Celiac Disease Foundation
• Gluten Intolerance Group

FRITOS® Chili Pie In A Scoop!

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fritos-chili-pie

The Original now made bite sized!

Any red-blooded American will tell you that Superbowl Sunday is about three things: football, family, and, last but definitely not least, snacks- it’s no coincidence that “football” and “Frito-pie” both start with the letter “F”  No Superbowl Party is complete without a stellar snack spread, and you definitely don’t want to miss having this awesome bite-sized spin on the classic FRITOS® Chili Pie using FRITOS® SCOOPS!®!

FRITOS® Bite Sized Chili Pie Recipe

Shopping List

1 large bag of FRITOS® SCOOPS!®
1 15-ounce can of chili with beef (with or without beans), heated
1 8-ounce bag of shredded cheese

Optional Toppings:

Tomatoes
Onions
Jalapeños
Guacamole
Sour Cream

Instructions:

1.  Pre-heat your oven to 350 degrees.

2.  On a baking sheet, place individual SCOOPS! in rows like little bowls.

3.  Heat chili and place a spoonful of chili in each SCOOPS!.

4. Garnish each bite-sized Chili Pie SCOOPS! with ingredients like onion, tomato, and jalapeño as desired.

5. Sprinkle cheese all over and pop into the oven at 350 degrees till the cheese is a little melted.

6.  Optional: Top each Frito Pie Scoop with a dollop of guacamole and/or sour cream

Serve and enjoy!

See the original FRITOS® Chili Pie Recipe and more on the FritoLay Website!

7 Warning Signs That You Could Be Anemic

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What is the “hidden hunger”?  Did you know that you or your child could have it and never know?  Here are 7 warning signs of iron deficiency anemia and how to easily add iron to your diet with everyday foods.

Surprisingly, the World Health Organization estimates 2 billion people worldwide are anemic and the number soars when you include those who are mildly iron deficient.   It is easily diagnosed and treated but the symptoms are often disregarded or even invisible and are most common in infants 9-24 months of age.

Symptoms of Anemia

  1. Weakness, fatigue, or lack of stamina.

  2. Shortness of breath during exercise.

  3. Headache.

  4. Decreased appetite (especially in children).

  5. Irritability.

  6. Dizziness.

  7. Pale skin.

Other signs may include:

  • Rapid heartbeat.

  • Cracked lips.

  • Muscle pain during exercise.

  • Trouble swallowing.

  • Brittle nails.

  • Sore tongue.

  • Unusual food cravings (called pica).

In small children, it is so important to diagnosis and treat iron deficiency anemia. Long term problems include growth delays, development delays and mental or behavior problems. Irritability and short attention span can also be a result.  Some of these may become permanent if not treated but usually fade away when the deficiency is successfully treated.

Personally, my youngest daughter was diagnosed with iron deficiency at 2 years old.  Her pediatrician and I thought her symptoms were from a recent virus plus dehydration.  However, they became progressively worse and she was admitted to the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit).   The doctors and lab work indicated leukemia and the beginning of organ failure.   She had several blood transfusions and was scheduled for more bone marrow testing.  We met with her team of oncologists as we prepared for the worst.

After the transfusion, her blood work started to come back to normal levels and over a week’s hospitalization she was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia.  The speed and overall effect of iron deficiency shocked me as a parent.   Also, when we PCS’d (permanent change of station) from Texas to Virginia, the vital testing at 12 months for iron levels was somehow missed.

After the week in the hospital she was seen by a hematologist/oncologist for 6 months before she was released.  After 6 months of iron supplements, blood work, and change in diet, she was healthy, gained weight and happy again.  To this day, we have to focus on enriching her diet with iron strong food and adding iron supplements.  Her PCM tests her blood with every illness just to make sure her levels are within a normal range to prevent another relapse.

Foods with iron, everyday foods with iron, adding iron into my diet, adding iron into my kids diet,

My daughter recovering after blood transfusion

In my daughter’s case (as in many cases in small children), drinking too much cow’s milk was the core cause of iron deficiency.  It contains less iron than many other foods and also makes it more difficult for the body to absorb iron from other foods. Cow’s milk also can cause the intestines to lose small amounts of blood.

How Can You Prevent Anemia?

  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all infants be fed breast milk or iron-fortified formula for at least 12 months.

  • The AAP does NOT recommend giving cow’s milk to children under 1 year old.

  • Including iron-rich foods in your diet is the best way to prevent and treat iron deficiency.

Everyday Foods with iron

Foods that are good sources

  • Oatmeal

  • Kale & other greens

  • Prunes

  • Raisins

  • Spinach

  • Tuna

Foods that are better sources

  • Chicken and other meats

  • Dried beans and lentils

  • Eggs

  • Fish

  • Molasses

  • Peanut butter

  • Soybeans

  • Turkey

Foods that are the BEST sources

  • Baby formula with iron

  • Breast milk

  • Infant cereals and other iron-fortified cereals

  • Liver

  • Prune juice

Did You Know?

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign fights “hidden hunger” in millions of children worldwide. Children who appear well-fed could have iron-deficiency anemia. This is caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, which can weaken the immune system and impair physical and mental development.

The Heinz Micronutrient Campaign HMC is the signature global social responsibility program of the H.J. Heinz Company and its Foundation. Since its inception in 2001, the HMC has reached 3.5 million children in 15 developing world nations with life enhancing vitamin and mineral powders. The primary aim of the HMC is to reach children who cannot access or afford commercial fortified foods to combat the global health challenge of malnutrition, especially the “hidden hunger” of vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Learn More:

The Shocking Truth About Grains In Pet Food

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Purina Grain Free Food

Click for more Purina products

I love my dogs. They are just as dear to me as my real children. They have successfully survived two cross country PCS moves from Virginia to San Diego and back again. Our puppy even made the long trip from Afghanistan to the U.S. after my husband fell in love with him during deployment. The 4lb puppy is now 90lbs and still growing – God help us and our wallets!

We want the absolute best for our four legged loves. With all of this grain free propaganda flying around we had to really stop and think whether we were going to buy into it, or if our dogs, like us, have evolved since caveman/wolf times and are now able to process grains in their guts…

So, are grains essentially bad for dogs?

Do I really need to cut grains from my dog’s diet all together?

We have a pretty unique perspective on the topic. My husband said that all the dogs in Afghanistan would eat was bread from their owners, and whatever they could hunt down. In fact, bread was the bulk of their diet.

Luckily, there is also a lot of real research to turn to when it comes down to answering this question, and not just our own personal observations. First of all dogs are different from wolves. According to research done for Purina, in order to ensure that their formulas are still the best for dogs, a starch-rich diet was key to the evolution from wolf to dog. This challenges the idea that dogs should not eat food like wheat and corn. This is a major breakthrough that has come about from comparing the two types of animals.

This challenges the idea that dogs should not eat food like wheat and corn.

Ultimately, what works best for your pet depends on their needs, however there is no reason to cut grain from your dogs food unless there is a medical reason – like allergies for instance.  You want to be able to make the best choices available for your dog and make sure that the all-American pup makes many more PCS moves. I don’t know where I would be without my dogs – Kali is the best deployment buddy and always knows when I need an extra snuggle, and Ghost – well, the story is that we saved him from Afghanistan, but really, he saved my husband.
Screen Shot 2014-02-24 at 1.48.54 AM  Screen Shot 2014-02-24 at 1.50.21 AM

 

Purina offers you a variety of pet food for your animals. When it comes to making the formula for the food, Purina will study what nutrients each type of pet might need and then look and see what ingredients can provide that. Grains have antioxidants, energy-rich carbohydrates and fiber to help promote optimal digestion. They can also help dogs digest other nutrients in their foods. Grains like corn deliver more complete nutrition than the ingredients that brands typically use to substitute for grains, like potatoes. It should make you feel good to know your dog is getting the best type of food for what he or she actually needs.

Click the picture below to find coupons on Purina products.

militaryshoppers purina

Click to find information on Purina products and coupons!

 

 

 

5 Shopping Mistakes to Stop This Year

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tips for saving money, 2014 guide to saving money

Are you making it a goal to save money in 2014?  Are you new to budgeting?  If you said yes, this is your 2014 Guide to saving money!

Broad resolutions are often the easiest to break each year.  Start off the New Year by changing specific personal habits to avoid spending money.   You can amaze yourself by the amount of money you save by cutting out extras, spontaneous purchases and other small expenses that might not be noticeable.  Planning before you spend a cent is a great way to start tightening those purse strings.

Are You Making These 5 Money Wasting Mistakes?

  • Not using Coupons & store loyalty cards– This is a big way to save money on things you buy anyway.  Learn the basics of couponing and sign up for your favorite store’s reward card.
    • Commissary Sales – Plan your grocery list based on current sales
    • Online Coupons – Print out coupons from a wide selection of sources
    • Register for MilitaryShoppers.com– Register to save, find coupons and more
    • Order groceries online- from local store for delivery or participating commissary (Click2Go) for pickup.  This will save time AND money by stopping those extra purchases.
  • Making payments instead of managing debt– Determine your existing debt and make a plan to manage payments in order to pay it down.
  • Paying “what you are given” interest rates:  Active duty members can lower interest rates during deployments under the SCRA.  A lot of companies are willing to negotiate rates and payment due dates for anyone.
  • Making a budget but not budgeting – Planning is the biggest step in successful money management.  Create a family budget to see how much income you have, how much money you can spend, and how much, if any, will be left over. The key is to actually live on the budget you create.
  • Fast food and restaurants– Fast food and restaurants are a luxury some of us can’t cut out completely.  Search for daily deals, kids eat free nights, coupons and other specials. Make it a point not to eat out unless it is with a coupon or a special discount.

Small moves to make during 2014:

  • Use online banking (auto bill pay, saving gas or taking advantage of USAA’s exclusive member discounts can help you get ahead)
  • Find out your credit score and start to take steps to improve
  • Ask for discounts (military or otherwise)
  • Set up an emergency fund

Start with changing these 5 habits and add the smaller moves as the year progresses.  You will see what is working, and what is not, for you.  Plus, the motivation from seeing the savings add up is priceless! Use one or use all of these tips, but make this THE year that you start spending wisely.

From NextGen MilSpouse: 5 Culinary Time Management Tips for the New Year

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445144_74571728The new year is upon us and so are those resolutions that you have written down in that journal of yours.  You know, the one all decked out in pink camouflage?  Yes, that one.

If learning about kitchen management made your resolution list for 2014, congratulations!  This post is meant for you.  If it didn’t but you wouldn’t mind learning how to juggle your time in the room that gets used the most in every household every day, then read on.

Planning and preparing meals can be a daunting and overwhelming task.  Especially when your spouse is working those long hours, or he/she has been deployed or TDY.  Use these 5 tips to save time in the kitchen so you can spend time enjoying the now!

1.  Make a menu

Make a list of everything you have in your cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer. Then, make a menu (breakfast, lunch,   and dinner) for each day of the week based on what is on the list.  Your menu can be weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.  By making menus, it takes the guess work out of what to have for each meal every day.

2.  Make a grocery list from the menu and go shopping

Make a grocery list from the menu.  It’s ok if you need a few extra ingredients to make the meals, just as long as the grocery list includes the items from the menu.  Making the list ensures that you will have everything you need for that particular meal, so you aren’t running to the store at the last minute before it’s time to cook.  Purchase only what is on the list and you will also save yourself money as well.

Read the rest at NextGen MilSpouse, Five Culinary Time Management Tips for the New Year!

 

 

From NextGen MilSpouse: Are You In On The 52-Week Money Challenge?

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TPiggybankhe 52 Week Money Challenge is all the rage across the interwebs and we’re dying to know if you’re participating in the money saving madness!  The New Year is the perfect time for any and all resolutions and why not add saving a little bit of cash to your new year to-do list? In case your curious, the 52 Week Money Challenge originated via a Facebook group created by Kassondra Perry-Moreland in early 2013.  Struggling to figure out how she hadn’t managed to save money during her adult life, she felt compelled to make a change.  According to an article in Black Enterprise,

“She stumbled upon an image that outlined a 52 week savings challenge. It seemed simple enough.  Each week you deposit the number of that week into a savings account. For example, the 1st week of 2013, you would deposit $1.00 into the savings account. Week 2, you would deposit $2. Week 3, $3 and so on. The largest deposit ends up being $52.00 and that will be the very last week of 2013. At the end, you would have amassed $1,378.”

Once the savings challenge hit social media, I guess you could say that the rest is history!

Visit NextGen MilSpouse to learn 3 different spins on the 52 Week Money Challenge and start saving now!