Get Healthy, Get Thrifty and Get Dinner - 9 Recipes Under 400 Calories & Less Than $4

Affiliate links may be included. 

Contrary to the results of many of the dinners I've produced for my family, I actually like to cook. 

Unfortunately, the other parts of life like work, keeping up the house and all that other stuff seem to suck the time and enjoyment of making perfectly delicious meals that are good for my family AND taste good, too. 

15% off your order at eMeals.com when you use code DINNER15! 

Add the fact that I'm really working to get the weight off of me, I just don't have time to plan two sets of every meal - including the grocery store wandering, budget planning and food prep.  I mean I barely have time to make sure I get 8 oz of water...(no joke!) That, my friends, is called a short order cook and unless the kids are going to start tipping, then I'm definitely not going to keep entertaining that idea. 

Emeals takes almost everything off your shoulders by providing a seven-day menu, recipes and the shopping list as well. They do everything short of pushing your grocery cart and washing dishes....and I promise if that service comes up soon, I'll be on that subscription list, too. 

The other night we enjoyed Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine and it didn't take me any time at all except boiling the water. Thankfully with my 33 years of experience, I have water boiling down. And with the help of eMeals, you'll have dinner making down and can actually spend time of the fun stuff...like dishes, laundry and good night kisses. 

Low Calorie Dinner Recipe: Garlic Shrimp with Blistered Tomatoes and Linguine

Ingredients

• 12 oz uncooked whole grain linguine
• 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• ½ teaspoon salt, divided
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat broiler.
2. Cook pasta according to package directions.
3. Meanwhile, toss tomatoes with 1 tablespoon oil, ¼ teaspoon salt and red pepper on a rimmed baking sheet.
4. Broil 4 to 5 minutes or until tomatoes burst.
5. Melt butter in a large skillet with remaining 1 tablespoon oil.
6. Sprinkle shrimp with ¼ teaspoon salt; saute shrimp and garlic 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink.
7. Toss shrimp with tomato mixture.
8. Divide pasta evenly among 6 shallow bowls.
9. Top with shrimp and tomato mixture.
10. Sprinkle each serving with cheese.

Not into seafood or working on a Paleo diet? Emeals has those options, too. Just check out this recipe for Clean Eating Thai Pork Lettuce Wraps. 

At less than $4 and under 400 calories, I think that looks like a winner. So take the work at dinner and get your eMeals delivered to you each week with everything you need to plan for great, healthy dinners. 

Check out more of these 9 low-calories recipes and more with this eMeals preview!

Then make sure you get your Emeals soon! 

SPRING Into Action to Protect Your Home: Termite Awareness Week, March 16-22

Disclaimer: This was a sponsored post by Adams Exterminating. 

Before I bought my first home, my visions of homeownership included painting the walls, planting the flowers, buying furniture, etc.

Once I bought my first home, I realized homeownership consisted of much more than that like replacing roofs, shifting foundations, and implementing pest control.

Not exactly the images of the Home & Garden Channel I once thought, but certainly a huge responsibility that happens when you own a home.

Unfortunately for me, pest control has been one of those not-so-fabulous issues I’ve had to learn a lot about. Not because we aren’t clean people or don’t keep a clean house, but when if live next to a creek, are surrounded by trees or simply have a home that is comprised of wood…surprise! You can have any number pest concerns to take care to make sure you and your home are protected.

Since March 16-22 is Termite Awareness Week, I was reminded of real honey-do I had yet to take on – a termite inspection. While an inspection was completed on our home during the buying process, that of course, was seven years ago. Well, a lot can happen to a home in seven years, especially when it comes to termites. These “silent destroyers” (as termites are often referred as) can take down the façade of a home as well as its interiors way before a homeowner will detect a structural problem.

Did you know that termites cause $5 billion in property damage every year, according to the National Pest Management Association?

And as we move into the spring season and the ground’s temperature increases, termites are in search of new mates and new homes to conquer.

Isn’t home ownership fun?

While I consider myself a jack of many things and a master of nothing, this is one area I recommend be left to the professionals. However, there are things you can do to prevent termites. The Better Business Bureau offers four ways to avoid a termite infestation:

1. Repair and replace when necessary.
Repair leaking faucets, water pipes and AC units on the outside of the home. Repair fascia, soffits and rotted roof shingles. Replace weather stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundation and windows.

2. Keep it clear.
Store firewood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground. Direct water away from your house through properly functioning downspouts, gutters and splash blocks. Keep mulch at least 15 inches from the foundation. 

3. Inspect, inspect, inspect.
Routinely inspect the foundation of your home for signs of mud tubes (used by termites to reach a food source), cracked or bubbling paint and wood that sounds hollow when tapped. Monitor all exterior areas of wood, including windows, doorframes and skirting boards for any noticeable changes.

4. Protect your investment.
Not sure if you have termites? Consider a termite inspection from a qualified pest management company like North Texas' own Adams Exterminating, every 1-3 years. Since 1947, the Adams family has provided quality, affordable pest control service to the North Texas area for 66 years.

While I don’t know much about termite control, I am excited that employ the Sentricon System, the only pest control product ever to earn the Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award presented by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).Thankfully with this system, you don't have to compromise between earth-friendly and being effective. 

To learn more about the Sentricon System or to find the nearest Adams Exterminating near you, visit www.adamspest.com or follows them on Facebook.

Don't let bugs get to you!

Last-Minute Must Pack Items for SXSW

Disclaimer: I was selected to represent Pfister at SXSW. I was provided a Powerrocks charger as a promo item. Hormel sent over several packs of their new Rev Meat Snack Mix for me to try complimentary, and I'm obsessed. 

I'm a planner-kind-of-gal. I like to know what to pack, what to bring and what to have just in case. So when going to a conference, especially a biggie like SXSW for my first time, I wanted to make sure I had everything I could possibly need as I journeyed down to the capital of Texas with Shannon of milkandcuddles.com for three days of all things technology, digital, interactive everything.

While I've been to Austin many times, I'll admit a forecast for rain threw my whole plan a little out of whack since normally Austin is prime for sandal weather, but I was so glad I made some specific choices to make sure I was ready to go at it like a pro (minus forgetting my galoshes.) 

While the weather wasn't going to be on my side as I headed to Austin for SXSW 2014, I at least make sure I packed a few things to make my experience a little more convenient, connected and tastier. 

1. Hormel Rev Meat Snack Mix: 

Ever wish you could eat pizza and type on your keyboard with making a mess? Or drive without dropping your BBQ sandwich all over you at the same time? Well, Hormel is making my dreams come true with their new high-protein, on-the-go snack, Rev Meat Snack Mix. Exclusive to Dallas-Fort Worth for now, I was sent a few of these babies to try out and they were the perfect SXSW treat. Packed in a small-cup size, they are perfect for snacking when you are driving down the road (it sits perfect in my cup holder), hiking/camping or gaming and don't want to stop. Best of all, the mix varieties including Spicy BBQ & Bacon, Turkey Ranch and my family favorite, Pepperoni Pizza, are loaded with tasty flavors that will satisfy the perfect craving for meat, spice and crunch. And you can't go wrong when your snack is full of protein with 9-10 g protein per serving. For me, it's so much better than just snacking on jerky. Just don't leave them in the cabinet while you go out of town, or your family will devour all of them. You can find these at Kroger for a limited time!

2. Powerrocks Charger: 

Everyone at SXSW will run put of power at least once if not twice a day. When you're talking technology and the future of interactive nonstop for a week, running out of power is the point. But with my handy (affiliate link) Powerocks Magicstick, I just plug it into my phone, put it in my pocket and keep going. Love it! And it's pink too so that doesn't hurt my feelings either! While I would pick up a few of these while I was at the conference, I can't tell you how many times I needed more than one recharge in a day for the iPhone and the iPad. Thankfully Powerrocks charges them all!

3. Go Go squeeZ: 

As the ambassador for Go Go squeeZ, I always have my green packs of fruity fun around. And when you're hiking around Austin, waiting in line, or dying of hunger, go go is an awesome + easy way to get some fruit into system and eat it while I'm tweeting. I wish I had brought more for the hackers and power computer users who never left their laptop. Go Go makes it easy to eat over your computer without mess or from stopping what you're doing. Believe me, you can subsist on Go Go squeeZ when you are on a deadline for many hours and have a sweet craving. 

4. Cords, Cords, and More Cords: 

Not only do you need to bring a small charger to keepy our devices running at SXSW, but you'll also need to make sure to bring an extension cord. If you are taking notes and on your computer the whole time and have already gone through that recharge pack (or saving it for an emergency), make sure to utilize an opportunity to charge up your computer. And considering outlets may not be handy, having that cord can save you every time. I've learned this from other conferences and even if you don't have to use it often, there's always going to be that time you should have and didn't. 

5. Boots. 

Yes, it seems so cliche, but it's the truth. Any trip to Texas you should bring your boots. I actually had read a post about What to Wear to SXSW and the author mentioned boots. Considering I'm from Dallas/Fort Worth (well, Arlington), I thought that was only fitting for foreigners (people from outside of Texas), so I decided not to comply. Dumb girl. It rained so much on Saturday, even the most comfortable flats I own that are made for walking couldn't handled the rain along 6th Street as I walked at least four miles that day. And it was cold too. So heed the advice: Bring your boots. Cowboy, rain or just cute riding ones - just leave the ones with the 4 inch heel at home. They just ain't fittin' as Mammie would say. 

I'll definitely be sharing more about my experience at SXSW in coming posts, so make sure you stay tuned for the good stuff. 

Easy, Natural Spring Cleaning Tips from Mama Challenge on TV

This weekend the clock sprung forward an extra hour and for many of us it marked the unofficial beginning of spring...which also means spring cleaning! 

(Hold back the enthusiasm, right?) 

But when you are a busy mom with kids (and for me with two kids at home during spring break), it's a REAL challenge to get caught up with that spring list of chores you've been holding off for months to do. 

This morning I conquered a few spring cleaning tips on WFAA Good Morning Texas using products you probably have at home that can make your job easier. And I even have a tip to get the kids involved, too! 

Check my Spring Cleaning segment here on Good Morning Texas. 

Here's a list of some of my favorite tips we covered during this segment and soon I'll have another segment air that will cover some more of the ways you can keep up on your Spring Cleaning list! 

SPRING CLEANING TIPS FROM MAMACHALLENGE

My Most Important Tip: Baking Soda isn’t just for refrigerators and baking anymore, folks!

Clean Your Mattress:

Have your child jump on bed to bring up dust from inside.

Then sprinkle with baking soda.

Then vacuum the mattress top.

Baking Soda as Silver Polish:

To polish silver: Wash items, then place on aluminum foil in the bottom of a pot. Add a baking-soda solution (¼ cup soda, a few teaspoons salt, 1 quart boiling water) and cover for a few seconds.

Use a Baking Soda paste for stains on your cups/plates.

Use a Baking Soda paste to clean stove instead of those corrosive oven cleaners.

 

Clean Your Stainless Steel with Baking Soda:

2 tbsp baking soda, ½ cup vinegar, 2 cups warm water. Put in a bottle once the suds have gone flat.

Clean Your Grout with Hydrogen Peroxide:Just dilute hydrogen peroxide with water before applying on the grout and then leave it for few minutes. It can also be applied in combination with baking soda.

Clean Your Microwave with Vinegar:

½ vinegar

½ water

Microwave and let it steam. Then wipe it down.

White Bread as Glass Magnet:

The next time a tumbler takes a tumble, sponge up the shards with a slice of bread. Even tiny slivers will cling to it.

What's your favorite spring cleaning tip? 

TV ALERT: 
Watch me next week on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, 2014 
 for St. Pat's Treats you can make with the kids! 

"Cool Tips for Healthy Lunches" on KTXD TVs D: The Broadcast

Wow Mom Wednesdays:

Going back to school is a hard transition -- and so is getting back to the routine of making lunches for the kids. However, did you know it's possible to make healthy lunches that kids will love to eat and not spend all night making them? Yep, you can with three easy tips and a few examples I shared today with the amazing Pat Smith on KTXD TVs D: The Broadcast today. She's a mama of five kids with Dallas Cowboys great Emmitt Smith and runs her own busy non-profit for women called Treasure You.

She's an amazing woman, so I was so excited to share a little time in the spotlight and give her a few tips I think might help you, too!

Do you have any healthy lunchbox tips to share? 

Also, you can check out my other TV appearances here!

The Best Places to Find + Post Garage Sales

To-Do Thursdays:

Last weekend the rain convinced me to face up to a task that had been looming for a long, long time. 

I finally had to clean out my kids' rooms. 

My youngest was getting ready for potting training so she was ready to move up to a big-girl bed and the oldest recently announced to me that it was time to move out the Thomas the Tank Engine and bring out the Legos. (There were tears when he told me.) 

But to be honest, there was a lot more to do than that. I needed to pull out those old toys, clothes, shoes and whatever else that we had finally outgrown and send them to storage. You see I hadn't gotten rid of anything from either of kids since they were born. (Shame, right?) 

So before people started to make a call to the show Hoarders, I moved out the old stuff and put them in storage with all the other stuff we were holding on to. Except this time, I couldn't close the door. And there wasn't enough Rubbermaid to organize all this craziness. I needed to make like a cheerleader and purge (just kidding.) 

And since all the junk was a big eye sore each time I walked by, I needed to rid my house of the crap quickly (especially before I began to think about keeping that "one" outfit that would without a doubt turn into 20.) 

Considering there was that much stuff, everything pointed to the idea that I needed to host a garage sale. But since I don't go to garage sales and the only one I ever had made like $20, I went on a mad search for how the age of technology had changed garage sales. 

Seven online sites you can find (and post) a garage sale in your area:

1. Craigslist.org
2. Yardsalesearch.com
3. Gsalr.com (this one even has a cool app that maps your garage sales!)
4. Yardsales.net
5. Atgaragesale.com
6. Online Private Facebook groups (you may have to research these, but they are controlled groups on Facebook that keep the "Craiglist experience" more local.)
7. And don't forget to look at your local newspaper. (Many of them offer really cheap online ads for garage sale listings that can be both print and online!) 

Good to Know: 
I also needed to add that BEFORE having a garage sale, make sure you check your city's rules on hosting a garage sale. Some request a permit, some don't and there may be other rules for signage, ordinances, etc. For instance in Arlington, Texas, we have all kinds of rules on garage sales like where we can post a sign and that you can only host a sale no more than twice a year. 

AND of course, if you are looking for GIRLS & BOYS BABY/KIDS CLOTHES,FURNITURE AND TOYS for ages 0-4, then come on out to see me on Saturday! 

Got Bugs? 5 Tips for a Bug-Free Summer 2013

Does it seem like your house has been taken over by gnats and flies? I know I've had out my fly swatter every day and have been like a mad woman trying to clean up every crumb after my children in hopes that I wouldn't wake up with some new friends swarming my sink. I mean we aren't gross people, so what's with all the bugs? 

After I had this same conversation with about five different people in one day, I figured it was time to go to the professionals. But who? It was easy to find the answer: www.gotbugs.com.

Arriving right on time after only making my appointment only about 48-hours before, my friendly "bug man" came out and take a look to give me some tips I could do my self on what I could do to not feel like I lived in Oscar the Grouch's garbage can. 

I had several questions for him, but went straight for the biggie: 

"What's with all the bugs?" 

He explained that since we had such a mild winter season with very few cold storms, the bugs from last year never died. "Basically, there was no kill season - so they had an extended mating opportunity." 

Oh gross. But now it was on to finding a way to get rid of the little buggers. 

With just a quick walk around my yard, he was able to give me a few thing I could actually do. 

{This is the part you take notes.}

TIP #1: Move the trash away from the door. 

One of the common places for people to put their trash and undoubtedly one of the easiest ways for bugs to get in the house is to leave it next to the back door. While it may not be as convenient, moving our trash just a few feet has greatly changed the number of bugs we've seen. 

We all remember last year we were all on West Nile watch. While there have been cases this year, it's nothing compared to the issues we had in summer 2012, thank goodness. But there are things we can do to prevent as much risk as possible. 

TIP #2: Avoid going outdoors from 7-9 pm (dusk) to alleviate your risk for mosquitos.  
One of the things I learned was that mosquitos like to perch on the underside of bushes - so basically, you can't get to them by just spraying them yourself. (Super, right?) That means you have to take other precautions to keep those pests away. But since I'm not going to put a timer on my summer entertaining, he also suggest another tip:

TIP #3: Whoa on the water. 

Not only does watering your yard too much add to water shortage issues, but it also makes it a nice environment for the skeeters to live. 

While we are also talking about water, make sure that you have all leaks and sprinklers fixed as well as any water sources at a minimal so the mosquitos don't have a place to nest. Keep gutters clean and unclogged so it is unable to hold water as well as make sure your downspouts drain properly, without leaving puddles in the drainage area. 

Tip #3: Mind the gaps. 
Bugs are always looking for places to live - including the cracks in your walls. So by filling in the cracks with sprayable insulation or even using a small square of folded window screen can help from bugs taking home in your home. 

But there are a couple of gaps you actually should increase between you and infestation. First, make sure to trim back your shrubs trimmed back from the walls (basically overgrown plant life just help build easy road ways for critters to get around.) And thinking you're being so smart to trim your trees and then pile them close to the house to use for firewood? Think again. Your pile just become an apartment complex for termites. 

Oh, how fast can I move those limbs, right? 

TIP #4: Keep your yard mowed and the garden mulched. 

A manicured lawn is actually an unhospitable place for critters - including ticks, ants, fleas and mosquitos. Basically, if they don't have a comfortable place to hang out, they won't (as much at least.) So keep those blades at bay with a weekly whacking. 

And one more helpful tip he offered is if you find tick or fleas in your yard, you probably have another problem - a much bigger pest that is keeping them happy and fed. (That's a whole other discussion that includes rats, squirrels, opposums...)

TIP #5:  Go green and plant your own insecticides. 

There's a whole industry built on sprays, fogs, powders and more to help cope with your yard. Unfortunately most of them don't work (I say that from my own experience.) So consider natural options. While sage, jasmine, and mint are good for your herb garden, they aren't good for bugs. So bring on the fragrant plants to help get rid of the bugs. 

While of course, there are many things I need to leave to the professionals, I was so appreciative of just the couple tips he shared for me to help get rid of my guests. And when you Got Bugs, then call the guys at Metroguard Termite Pest Control.

Disclaimer: There was no compensation or services rendered in exchange for this post. Metroguard Pest Control provided only their time and knowledge for the purpose of this review. 

5 Quick Tips to Making Family Count TODAY

Want-it Wednesday:

This Want-it Wednesday, all I want is a BREAK from the crazy. And of course when mama’s crazy, so is the rest of the family.

And then I found her and it – at least a way to close down the crazy and to make our family make those valuable moments count. 

Susan Sachs Lipman, founder of slowfamilyonline.com, writer for Christian Science Monitor‘s Modern Parenthood, is also author of Fed up with Frenzy, which teaches parents how to incorporate Slow Parenting into their family's hectic lives and trade in frenzy for quality family time. She shared a few quick tips to help me take a deep breath through special techniques and tips like:

1. Slowing Down the Morning Rush- Instead of battling the busy drop off rush at your child’s school, take time to park the car a few blocks away and walk your child to school. This strengthens family connection and starts the day off in a relaxing and peaceful way.

2. Make Meal Time Meaningful- Dinner is one of the few times families get to spend time together during the day. Make the most out of dinnertime by picking a family question to share, for example, “What’s the funniest thing that happened during your day?” Families can also create fun bonding time by picking recipes, and preparing meals together throughout the week.

3. Say No to More Things- Parents don’t have to serve on every school committee and children should not sign up for a lot of activities. More pleasure comes from devotion to one thing at a time and free play, rather than organized activity.

4. Give Your Electronics The Day Off- Call for a family “day of rest” from technology. This can be incredibly restorative, to give full attention to your loved ones. Even cutting out a 30 minute TV show and substituting it with a family walk or game can add joy to your life.

5. Do a Fun Activity or Craft- Many wonderful activities like making sock puppets, pinecone bird feeders, or singing around a campfire have gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of our overly scheduled lives. These fun activities can bond families and create lifelong memories.

Source: etsy.com via Cherae on Pinterest

While I’m rarely the one to “take time out,” this book has empowered me to be a better role model for my kids to take time to making it count. It’s about honoring life’s simple pleasures in the relatively short time we’re all here together. It’s about connecting to that part of ourselves and our families that somehow got lost in the shuffle of our busy lives.

Slow down the frenzy. Enjoy the family. 

Fed Up Frenzy

Susan Sachs Lipman

Sourcebooks

Buy on Amazon.com

ISCLAIMER:
I received one or more of the mentioned products for the sole purpose of this review. No other compensating was given and all opinions expressed are 100 percent my own. (Accordance with FTC's 16 CFR Part 255, "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.")

5 Tips to Not Gaining 5 Pounds During the Holidays

One of my biggest “mama challenges” is my weight. 

So much so I wait to buy my Halloween candy until the day before because I know I'll begin trick or treating a little early...That kicks off the weight-gain season and last until Jan. 2, when I vow not to ever eat anything unhealthy ever again...ha. (If you've ever taken a look at my Foodspotting shots or my Pinterest Food Board, you know that food, especially the unhealthy stuff, is my downfall.)

Actually not that I don’t know what it is healthy; it’s my control issues that get in the way. I always feel like if I don’t “partake” them I’m missing out. But I’m learning that the only things I am really "missing out" from are wearing the cute clothes I have tucked away in my closet that I wore before I had kids and the years I’d add to my life if I was healthier.

Since the official “party” season has already hit – with my October birthday, Halloween, a trip to Napa and soon Thankgiving, Christmas (and all the stuff in between), I’ve decided to make a plan on how I can try to celebrate WITHOUT packing on the extra weight.  So I’ve enlisted a professional expert to get me moving in the right direction: Susan Albers, Psy.D, author of Eating Mindfully.

Whether you’re throwing a girl get-together or a formal holiday soiree, you can help yourself and your friends eat more mindfully.

Here are some sneaky tips to help your guests avoid eating too much by DO THIS – NOT THAT! Hopefully this might make the holidays something I can really enjoy and not dread after the festivities are over!

Do This!	Not That
Turn the lights down low and play soft music	Fast paced music and bright lights.   A study by a researcher out of Cornell found that people who ate in a fine dining like setting ate less on average 775.3 calories (vs 942.2 calories) than when listening to fast music.  In this atmosphere, people talk more and eat slower.
Red Plates	White plates A study in the journal of Appetite found that people eat less on red plates compared to white or blue.  Whether it is a plate or sign, we think stop when we see red!
Food you Eat with Forks	Appetizers According to the “Pistachio Effect,” food that you can easily pop in your mouth such as appetizers leads to overeating.  Eating slowly with a fork can save you a minimum of 100 calories.
Get out your tall, thin drinking glasses	Short, fat drinking glasses Hide your short glasses!  Drinking alcohol can lead to overeating.  A tall glass creates an optical illusion that you are drinking more than a short wide cup—even though they are exactly the same amount according to research by Dr. Brain Wansink.
Keep the party food in a different room than socializing or place the buffet against the wall	A food buffet in the middle of the room. Research indicates that where you place food matters.   You can save 200 plus calories by moving food off to the side of the room.

So now the challenge begins!