Friday, November 22, 2013

Living On Dime Christmas Sale - All books 50% Off!

For those interested, Living On A Dime is currently holding their annual Christmas sale.  All books - print and e-books - are 50% off.  {You save even more when you buy a set!}  The sale lasts until December 3rd.  However, the EARLY BIRD FREE BONUS ends TONIGHT at midnight.  The early bird bonus item is the Menus from Dining On A Dime Menu Planner.  But, there are additional free bonus downloads available during the Christmas sale {you can find the list of all the items here}.

http://www.livingonadime.com/store/dining-on-a-dime-cookbook/?ap_id=whomekpr1


If you have thought about trying the Dining On A Dime Cookbook, now is your chance to get it at a great price!  My personal copy is very well-loved, complete with cooking stains and dog-earred corners!  It is a must have resource for any frugal cook. 

http://www.livingonadime.com/store/penny-pinching-mama/?ap_id=whomekpr1


As an early Christmas present for myself :) I'm getting a copy of Penny Pinching Mama.  A book filled with practical, every day ideas for stretching a small income.  In my opinion, whether your income is considered small, large or in-between, it is beneficial to live below ones means.  So, I'm hoping to gather more ideas and inspiration from Jill Cooper's story of living on $500 a month {as a single mom, with two teenagers!}.


Mary Ellen



Saturday, November 9, 2013

Good Morning Green Smoothie

 
 
 
Looking to add more greens to your day?  Try my Good Morning Green Smoothie
 

 
Start with a generous handful of kale.  I never measure, but aim for filling the container until it is 3/4 full with kale.

 
To the kale, add spinach.  Fill it to the top!
 

 
Next, add frozen mango chunks.  Then, add about 1 cup of cold water and a splash of orange juice.  If you prefer less sugar from the juice, add a medium orange (peeled) instead.  And, then my favorite part - a small lemon, peeled.  I just love the scent of lemon in the mornings!  Such a refreshing wake me up! 
 
 
To peel the lemon (and orange if using), cut the ends off.  Then, slice around the lemon removing the peel.  Don't worry about the seeds - the Vitamix will take care of those!
 

 
Turn the Vitamix on low, then slowly increase the speed until all greens are completely blended.  And that, is the basis of my Good Morning Green Smoothie!  Guaranteed to win over those reluctant to try green smoothies - like my Momma.  She now has a green smoothie every morning!

 
I have recently started adding these two healthful additions to my green smoothie, spirulina and organic maca root powder.  Spirulina is a blue-green algae rich in antioxidants and vitamins.  It boosts energy and immunity.  Maca is a Peruvian root vegetable.  It aids hormonal function and was traditionally used as a libido and fertility booster ;)     
 
Mary Ellen