This great vegetable dip is a healthy dip alternative that is high in protein and low in fat.

My grandmother is famous for her dill vegetable dip that is made with full fat sour cream and mayonnaise.  While it is very tasty, it is quite unhealthy.  I have come up with the perfect alternative that you can use as healthy appetizers or a vegetable dip to accompany your meal.  Tonight I used it as a dip for grilled lamb and it was amazing!

The recipe starts of with a lot of fresh dill.  You can substitute dried dill in a pinch, but fresh is so much better!

Combine the sour cream, cottage cheese, dill, and seasonings in a food processor and process until smooth.

Serve with vegetables, as a side for grilled meats, or as an alternative to ranch dressing on salads.

Have you grown up reading comic books or watching the shows about comic book characters on TV?  I can remember reading and watching shows about comics growing up!  I still love them now!  This giveaway is hosted by Jwan Jordan Comics!  Jwan is a self publishing author for comic books.

His comic books are good for all ages! You do not need to worry about your children reading his comic books because he gears them toward children and makes them all family friendly!

These comic books are also priced reasonably so you do not need to worry about them costing you an arm and leg!  

Are you curious what his comics are all about!? I bet you are!!! Come check out all about them!!!

Affairs of the Mind (AOTM):

Tells the tale of Rose Wood, our humble hero of the story, with a big mission on her hands. Rose is a regular teen with a very peculiar gift, as she has a broken halo that floats over her head that only she, and a few special others, can see. Rose soon discovers that whenever she does a good deed for someone in who needs help, her halo repairs itself. Intrigued by this strange phenomenon, she embarks on an mission to help all those she can. The only problem is that Rose is the most unpopular girl in high school and no one wants help from her! Thus a very comical and peculiar quest begins for little Rose Wood.

Affairs of the Mind Chibi! (AOTM-C)

Affairs of the mind Chibi is more focused towards a very young audience. 

AOTM-C stars little chibi Rose Wood in her many adventures of helping her friends while learning a valuable lesson about friendship, love and a variety of wholesome moral lessons. Staying true to children entertainment AOTM-C is a book that parents can read to their kids and enjoy while learning and fun lesson. Enjoy!

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My daughter’s new favorite phrase is “it’s not yours, it’s mine.”  She it almost always right when she says this, but we are working with her on not being bossy.  She turns two on Thursday so I knew this stage would be coming!  For all you parents of toddlers, I thought you would find this amusing!

On April 16, 2012 Merrick Pet Care, Inc. signed an agreement to acquire Castor & Pollux Natural PetWorks, the official pet food sponsor of Coping with Frugality.

The acquisition of Castor & Pollux further advances Merrick’s key growth strategies of expanding the company’s branded portfolio in the attractive “super premium” pet food segment and allows for greater utilization of its manufacturing facilities located in Hereford, Texas.  Castor & Pollux is best known as the creator of the ORGANIX® brand, the leading certified organic pet food in the United States, and the only food my cat and dog eat!

“This acquisition is about building a new company that is even stronger than the sum of its parts,” said Greg Shearson, chief executive officer for Merrick Pet Care, Inc. “Both Merrick and Castor & Pollux were built by passionate founders determined to provide optimal nutrition for pets. That remains our commitment today. Our Merrick pet food recipes are developed and made everyday in our own facilities, enabling us to deliver superior nutritional quality and safety.”

Retail sales of dog and cat food exceeded $19 billion in 2011 according to market research company Euromonitor International. The “super premium” and “natural/organic” segments within the overall pet food category are estimated at $6.2 billion and are growing at a faster rate than the rest of the category. Packaged Facts estimates 40 percent of dog-owning households purchase some type of natural/organic pet foods, treats or supplies.

“Even in this historically difficult economic environment, we see pet parents seeking higher quality and ingredient certainty in the food choices they are making for themselves and their pets,” said Shearson. “And together, we can better meet the growing demand for the highest quality pet food.”

As a pioneer in natural and organic pet food, Castor & Pollux has a loyal and growing consumer base in the U.S. and internationally. Its primary product lines are ORGANIX®, the first food for dogs and cats to meet the USDA’s National Organic Program requirements, and NATURAL ULTRAMIX®, with no wheat, corn or soy, only natural chicken and real pieces of fruit and vegetables. Castor & Pollux also has a natural treat brand, GOOD BUDDY®, that offers pet treats and pet care supplies. The brands are sold at Petco, PetSmart, Whole Foods Market and other specialty retailers in the U.S., Canada and several international markets.

Merrick will continue Castor & Pollux’s successful go-to-market approach but will consolidate operations at Merrick’s facilities in northwest Texas. Merrick will continue to distribute its pet food brands nationally at independent pet specialty stores, including Petco, and online.

“We’re delighted to be joining Merrick Pet Care given their long term vision and company values” said Brian Connolly, co-founder of Castor & Pollux. “Merrick has been an innovator in the pet industry for decades and we look forward to an exciting future together,” he said.

Merrick Pet Care Inc. Founder Garth Merrick said, “The addition of the outstanding Castor & Pollux brands gives us a solid footing within the natural and organic space. Coupled with some exciting new plans we have to evolve the Merrick brands in the next few months, we are well positioned for growth of our entire Texas-based operation.”

I am excited to see what this new partnership brings.  Both companies really put pets first so I can only imaging the great things they will do together.

Hop on over to the Coping with Frugality Facebook page for a great Memorial Day giveaway for 5 Castor & Pollux gift certificates!

Do you plan to head out to the beach, mountains, or a friend’s BBQ this weekend?  We had looked into some cheap all inclusive holidays in California and Las Vegas where we could visit friends and family, but I think we have decided to stay home this year.  There is a ton to do around the house and in the garden and with so many other people being on the road this weekend, we would prefer to play it safe and stay home.  If you are going to be traveling this weekend there are some travel safety tips you should consider so that you and your loved ones have a happy and safe holiday weekend.

Drive Safely.  I know this sounds like a given but with more people traveling over the holiday weekend, it’s more important than ever to drive safely.  Be well rested and alert, use your seat belts, observe speed limits and follow the rules of the road.  If you plan on drinking alcohol, designate a driver who won’t drink.  Do not drink and drive!

Prepare for the Unexpected.  Pay attention to the weather forecast for your destination.  Travel and weather web sites can help you avoid storms and other regional challenges that could impact your safety.  Don’t let your vehicle’s gas tank get too low. If you have car trouble, pull as far as possible off the highway.  Carry a disaster supply kit in your trunk.

Have food and drinks packed in the car.  Not only will this have you prepared should there be an emergency and you are stuck in your car for a long period of time, but it will also save you time, money, and calories on picking up junk snacks on the way!  Pack high protein snacks along with plenty of water.

If you plan ahead and pay attention, you should have a wonderful holiday weekend!

Yala Designs is a family owned and operated company that offers the most wonderful clothing for baby, toddlers, men and women along with bedding, bath items and also travel accessories so you can feel pampered away from home too.  Yala’s standard of business is simply exceptional, they truly care about their customer’s comfort as well as the planet and how they affect it as a company and support over a dozen local and global organizations.

Everything you purchase from Yala Designs is shipped sustainably, using recycled and reusable materials, with the most efficient routes possible throughGreen Shipping.  Yala is also a proud member ofGreen America and the Organic Trade Association.  All of their fabrics are dyed using only low impact, Azo-free dyes, and they offer an awesome Free Soul Collection which proceeds go towards providing income and stability to women in developing countries.  They even drive a carbon free electric truck, and generate a portion of their energy needs using solar power- now that’s what I call an eco-friendly business!!

I was thrilled to get the opportunity to review an item from their new Spring/Summer collection.   It isn’t always easy to find clothing that’s stylish, comfortable, versatile and good for the earth.  I chose the Bamboo Dreams Julia Dress in black with the Skinny Scarf to wrap around the waist.  My hopes was to find a dress that was versatile enough to be worn to the office as well as a Sunday BBQ.  This dress fits the bill!  While it is a little short to wear to court, for days when I am just in the office it is perfect.

This dress flatters every figure with its crossover bodice, elastic waist and faux wrap skirt that floats around your knees in the silky Bamboo Dreams fabric (95% Viscose from Bamboo / 5% Spandex).  Adding the Skinny Scarf as a funky belt makes it the perfect outfit.

Now that Spring is here it’s the perfect time to add a few new pieces to your wardrobe, and Yala Designs is the perfect place to shop!  You’ll find everything you need to give yourself a fresh new look with timeless, high quality apparel that will last for years to come.  To help get you started Yala is offering one lucky Coping with Frugality reader a $50 gift card!  Just enter on the easy form below.

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Are you planning on grilling this weekend for Memorial Day?  Print out this great coupon to save on propane.  There is nothing worse than running out of propane half way through cooking so I always have a spare container on hand just in case!

While you are at it, print out these great coupons for $1 off Butterball Turkey Burgers and $1 off Morning Star Veggie Products for healthy grilling options.

Welcome back for another great edition of Delicious Dish Tuesday.  There were a bunch of great recipes linked up last week.  I love seeing all the new blogs that link up each and every week.  It is great to find new blogs to follow!

My favorite recipe from last week was the Jump Up Chicken Orange Salad with Feta and Pecans.  I have never grown edible flowers but  the idea of eating something this beautiful has me looking into varieties to grow at home!

Today I am guest posting over at The Simple Homemaker and sharing my theory on pouch cooking and my recipe for Baking Fish in Foil.  This is a super easy, healthy, and flavorful meal that comes together in minutes!

Please link a post that is Delicious! If you are new, read the Original Post which includes the rules for linking up. As always, if you have any questions please email me at amanda(at)copingwithfrugality(d0t)com.

~Please include a link back to one/any of the host sites (through worded link or badge). The Delicious Dish Tuesday hosts include:

Johanna of Mama Chocolate
Alesha of Full Time Mama and
me, Amanda of Coping with Frugality

Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at The Simple Homemaker about a healthy, simple, and tasteful recipe; and I’m excited to welcome Mary from The Encouraging Home to Coping with Frugality:

Essential oils are a wonderful addition to your family’s health cabinet. One of my favorites and one that no home should be without is Lavender. Lavender is the most versatile of all essential oils and is known as the “universal oil“.

Lavender is noted for its relaxing effects. It may be used to cleanse cuts, bruises and skin irritations. The fragrance is calming, relaxing and balancing – physically and emotionally. Lavender is grown and distilled at Young Living Farms. Great care is taken and high standards are met to ensure the therapeutic, medicinal grade of all Young Living Oils.

Lavender oil can diffused or inhaled directly for aromatherapy. Apply topically to skin irritations, cuts, or wherever desired. Add to food or rice milk as a dietary supplement~Only recommended if using Young Living Oils.

A few of the many uses for Lavender:

• Inhale to relax mind and body
• Diffuse
• Rub on pillow to aid in restful sleep
• Massage on feet to help with relaxation
• Add a few drops to a warm bath
• Put a few drops to soothe a minor burn
• Put a drop or two on a cut or scrape to cleanse the area and speed healing
• Use on dry skin and minor rashes
• Use on a sunburn
• Diffuse for seasonal allergies
• Put a drop on an insect bite or bee sting
• Add a few drops to your moisturizer or put on face or wrinkles
• Add a few drops to your vacuum to deodorize the house
• Add a few drops to a damp washcloth and put in dryer
• Place a few drops on a cotton ball and place in drawers or closet

Internal Use (IF Young Living Lavender)

Use lavender to infuse lemonade, marinades, and dressings to create unique variations of your favorite recipes.

I am giving away one Lavender Essential Oil to a reader.  Learn more about Young Living Essential Oils here.

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Mary is a farm girl and homeschooling mom to 2 sons. She has been married to her sweetheart for 14 years. She is passionate about her faith and family and strives to find balance in home life, farm life, homeschooling, and healthy living. She blogs at The Encouraging Home where she tries to encourage others and offer a variety of resources for life. She also has helps to educate people on the health benefits of essential oils through her Young Living Essential Oils business, as well as help other moms establish a home business. Mary hopes that you will find a place of renewal and refreshment when you visit her blog.

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Visit Life Your Way to see all of the Ultimate Blog Swap participants!