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Last-minute budget Thanksgiving dinner grocery shopping list for emergency party planning

2017-11-21T20:00:00.001-05:00

Uh-oh, someone bailed and now you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner last-minute! Congrats! Are you nervous? Well don't be; here's a surefire emergency Thanksgiving dinner planner with quick, easy grocery shopping list including stores with best prices on holiday foods to feed a party of 10. For best prices, buy supplies on the grocery list from Aldi, Save-a-Lot, Meijer, Dollar Tree or Walmart.

Supplies:

large foil roasting pan with handles
4 disposable baking pans with lids (2-pack at Dollar Tree)
25 square-foot package heavy duty aluminum foil
10 heavy paper plates
10 good disposable cups
napkins
plastic cutlery

Groceries

turkey (choose a large one and freeze leftovers)

green bean casserole:
6 cans cut green beans
1 large can mushroom soup
1 large bag french fried onions (Walmart)

candied sweet potatoes (you'll use some ingredients for other recipes, noted with an *)
8 large sweet potatoes
2 # bag brown sugar*
2 # stick butter or margarine (2 boxes)*
one large can pineapple or orange juice concentrate

stuffing
1 24 oz loaf of white bread
one large onion
one stalk of celery
one large box or can chicken broth
two sticks of butter, above

cranberries
one bag fresh cranberries
1/2 cup white sugar

miscellaneous
one can refrigerator biscuits or King's Hawaiian rolls
5 # white round potatoes (cook and add two sticks butter)
two frozen pies (you'll do homemade next year when you have more time!)
one 8 ounce tub whipped topping
one gallon milk
cornstarch or flour for gravy (1/4 cup)
poultry seasoning or sage
garlic powder
salt
pepper
pumpkin pie spice (you can use ginger, allspice, mace, nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon if you have them separately, otherwise get a blend)

Beverages
2 bottles medium red wine such as Pinot Noir or Carmenere
1 bottle semi-dry white wine like Chardonnay
12 pack session IPA like Founder's All Day
ice water
several bottles soda

Clean out refrigerator, use up leftovers and thaw turkey. Use the grocery list to go shopping or shop ahead and get best prices on holiday foods. Visit my blog Great Food 4U for recipes and ways to make this Thanksgiving dinner happen. Visit Diynhow24u.blogspot.com for ways to coordinate large gatherings in small spaces.

Best and worst Halloween candy alternatives: Trick-or-treat candy safety list

2017-10-03T20:21:00.001-04:00

With All Hallows Eve right around the corner, you may be thinking Halloween candy. Maybe you want candy alternatives. You might substitute prizes for candy. But you'll probably get flak. You think you're being so health conscious and forward-thinking. But the plebs (aka your family) don't. They just see no Trick or Treat candy. My husband said we'd probably get egged if I gave out books (insert eye roll). So here's a guide to Halloween candy shopping plus a list of the best and worst Halloween candy options to give out.

Halloween candy safety test (from the spouse of a militant candy-sorter) Check wrappers. Candy-checking parents are rabid on loose wrappers. Choose Trick or Treat candy that is double-wrapped, or factory sealed at both ends. Skip the twisted wrappers such as those on Tootsie Rolls and bubble gum.

Skip folded candy wrappers too. Many a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup goes in the trash after wrappers failed dad's safety detectors. You know those yummy little Palmer's chocolates shaped like bloody fingers, severed ears and such? They are acceptable only if they are not foil-wrapped. The foil comes un...foiled very easily.

Halloween candy taste test. Please for the love of Mike, skip those temptingly cheap mixed assortments that are heavy on junk candy: The nastiest candies are: Mary Jane, Root Beer Barrels, Boston Baked Beans (shudder), Mike and Ikes, Dots, Good and Plenties, Hot Tamales and peanut butter kisses. These are not trick-or-treat candy. These are not any kind of candy. They may be petrified rodent feces. No child in the history of Trick or Treat has every actually eaten a Mary Jane and lived. Or those ghastly banana chews. Pass the Xantac just thinking of it. Sixlets, Laffy Taffy and Now and Laters are debatable--some kids like 'em but most don't.

Choose Halloween candy made in America. C'mon, seriously, you can find a decent Trick or Treat candy without imports. This isn't referring to fine Dutch chocolates. This is the junky--sometimes unsafe-Chinese candy: Warheads, Toxic Sludge and some others. Safety--and common sense--first.

In summary, just pass out well-wrapped chocolates and candy bars and no one gets hurt. The more people pass candy bars out for Trick or Treat, the fewer fights when mom gets caught nabbing the chocolate candy. Since they don't allow the distribution of wine at Halloween, parents need a legal alternative. Did I mention chocolate??
Neighbors, think of it as your civic duty.

Sugar Bear, obese wife egg Honey Boo Boo to obesity, spite Mama June weight-loss

2017-04-12T10:18:00.001-04:00

WEtv Mama June Shannon is flaunting big weight-loss after gastric bypass and plastic surgery, but she's taken a lot of flak for not helping her obese daughter "Honey Boo Boo" Alana Thompson lose weight. Well, it seems that as per Alana, the reality television mom is trying to feed her better. But while most parents praise her efforts, two are sabotaging it: HBB's own dad "Sugar Bear" Mike Thompson and her new stepmom. On June's new show "From Not to Hot," morbidly obese Jennifer Lamb body-shamed Shannon, accused her of abusing and depriving Honey Boo Boo, and then stuffed the 11-year-old full of junk food. Are Sugar Bear and Lamb egging Alana to obesity to spite June? Sugar Bear, obese wife egg Honey Boo Boo to obesity, spite Mama June weight-loss

Emma Thompson boasts weight loss on Kate Middleton trainer Louise Parker diet but cost will choke you!

2017-01-29T19:00:00.001-05:00

Oscar-winner Emma Thompson is celebrating weight loss that dropped her two dress sizes. The "Harry Potter" star credits the personal trainer of Kate Middleton for her success. Thompson gushed over guru Louise Parker, who helped her shed pounds with a no-diet system that fit her personal style. But before you run out and buy the "The Louise Parker Method," get a taste of the cost. This highly-touted method beats obesity and tames eating, if you can swallow the price. Emma Thompson weight loss down to Kate Middleton trainer, but get a taste of the cost

Dr. Oz miracle weight loss by ketogenic bowling cuts carbs, calories easier than you think

2016-11-10T19:15:00.001-05:00

Obesity fighter and TV Health guru Dr. Oz shared a new weight loss system and this miracle diet is so crazy-easy you'll wonder why you didn't think of it before. It's called bowling and features Total 10 Diet protein superfood bowls to cut carbs and calories but also hunger and cravings. A recent episode of "The Dr. Oz Show" explored the magic behind food bowls, plus three power bowl recipes. Are you hungry for more? Dr. Oz miracle weight loss by ketogenic bowling cuts carbs, calories easier than you think

Supersize vs Superskinny' 'My 600-lb Life' show diet drives obesity, weight loss

2016-10-10T21:17:00.001-04:00

Does every episode of "My 600-lb Life" leave you nodding your head as you watch how folks eat? It should, because like "Supersize vs Superskinny" these shows prove you are what you eat. It may get old to read about links between diet, obesity, and weight loss, but it's crucial all the same. It can't be overstated that obesity is at an epidemic stage and it's killing more folks faster than ever. Here are a few mythbusters on obesity and weight loss plus shopping tips on getting the healthiest most diet-friendly foods. Supersize vs Superskinny' 'My 600-lb Life' show diet drives obesity, weight loss

DIY crafts: Homemade cat beds, personalized pet beds from recycled materials

2016-06-21T14:59:00.001-04:00

Do you love your kitties? Do you love buying cat toys and treats for your pets for holiday gifts? You can make cheap pet beds, specifically cat beds easy with recycled materials. Make DIY crafts of personalized pet beds your animals will love. You'll save a lot of money making homemade cat beds. Half the fun for a cat and cat owner is to find just where kitty will decide to sleep next. The last place he'll probably sleep is the expensive cat beds you bought! DIY crafts: Homemade cat beds, personalized pet beds from recycled materials | Examiner.com

Mother's Day gifts under $5, 50 nifty budget presents for mom under five bucks

2016-05-04T23:10:00.001-04:00

As Mother's Day approaches, do you find yourself with more special ladies to remember than money in your pocket? Don't worry. You can find nice budget presents for mom. Here are 50 nifty Mother's Day gift ideas under $5. Many of these Mother's Day presents cost only one to five bucks! Check Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, World Market, dollar stores, Family Dollar, Big Lots, Aldi, Walmart, Dollar General and Target. Mother's Day gifts under $5, 50 nifty budget presents for mom under five bucks | Examiner.com

How to save money on prom, graduation, open house, high school senior costs

2016-03-28T15:34:00.001-04:00

Prom, graduation, open houses, they all add up. Parents, if you have a graduating senior or a student going to prom, be prepared to pay. Or you can save money on graduation and prom. It's your choice. Here are ways to trim spending on prom dresses, tux, graduation, high school senior costs open house. I've graduated three seniors and picked up some penny pinching tips. How to save money on prom, graduation, open house, high school senior costs | Examiner.com

Weight loss antioxidants: Chimex Artichoke Vitae Plus fat burning superfood

2016-03-10T16:17:00.001-05:00

Obesity and weight loss are always top health news articles. I've lost about 100 pounds with a combination of weight loss strategies. Most of what I did to lose weight was by trial and error. I'd read about different fat burning antioxidants or superfood cleanses and if it seemed to make sense, I tried it. If it worked, I kept using it and if not I quit. Using these weight loss methods, I've trimmed fat from every part of my body and dropped from size 20 to 4. My BMI has gone 34 which is obese to 24 which is normal. It took me about two years to lose weight and as you can imagine dieting got old. Weight loss antioxidants: Chimex Artichoke Vitae Plus fat burning superfood | Examiner.com

Free printable paper dolls, doll clothes of celebrities, movie stars, cartoons | Examiner.com

2016-02-22T22:40:00.001-05:00

Free printable coloring pages are popular with good reason--they save money on kids crafts, provide coloring skills practice and they're fun. Even more fun than coloring crafts are free printable paper crafts. These do triple duty--along with saving money, they provide practice in fine motor skills, eye hand coordination, cutting and paper folding. Scissors crafts keep little ones productively occupied (and out of mischief) for hours! How about some free printable celebrities paper dolls and paper doll clothes? There are TV and movie stars, cartoons, child actors, royal figures, rock and country singers and a lot more. Free printable paper dolls, doll clothes of celebrities, movie stars, cartoons | Examiner.com

Free printable blank checks, play money, banking slips, money math lessons

2016-02-08T12:37:00.001-05:00

Money math, banking and finance are some of the most practical math applications. Students learn real-world math lessons by writing checks, balancing checkbooks and managing debit and credit cards, savings and checking accounts. To help, here are free printable blank checks, play money, check register forms, banking slips, deposit slips and withdrawal slips. Use to teach hands-on money math lessons Use for consumer math classes, special education lesson plans and homeschool math activities. Free printable blank checks, play money, banking slips, money math lessons | Examiner.com

A-Z healthy school lunches kids love: Lunchbox foods, quick lunch recipes menu | Examiner.com

2016-01-28T18:17:00.001-05:00

Healthy school lunches is the buzz phrase as obesity rates in kids grows. Looking for healthy, portable lunchbox foods kids will love? Here's month lunch menu of easy, quick lunch recipes. These healthy school lunches and quick lunch recipes that kids will "eat up!" To keep lunchbox foods fresh, buy a freezer ice pack or bento box with freezable tray. Wash daily, freeze overnight and pop in lunch box in the morning. Better still, have kids make their own healthy school lunches with these easy, quick lunch recipes. And be sure to always read product nutrition data. Some foods are surprisingly unhealthy and some brands are healthier than others. Use snack-sized zippered bags for kid-friendly portion control and to avoid waste. Rotate this lunch menu monthly so kids won't get bored. A-Z healthy school lunches kids love: Lunchbox foods, quick lunch recipes menu | Examiner.com

Free printable blank checks, play money, banking slips, money math lessons | Examiner.com

2016-01-19T21:36:00.001-05:00

Parenting: Allowances, paid chores teach responsibility, budgeting, money skills

2016-01-07T22:12:00.001-05:00

Most would probably agree that allowances teach children budgeting and money skills. The tricky part is setting up allowances so that kids learn about earning and spending. How much is fair pay for an allowance? Should children children have to earn allowances Should some tasks be paid chores and some unpaid chores? Which should be paid chores? What items should kids spend their allowances on and what should parents buy? Here's a Q-and-A guide to pay allowances to teach responsibility, self-care, budgeting and money skills. Parenting: Allowances, paid chores teach responsibility, budgeting, money skills | Examiner.com

Top 10 best gifts for teen boys: Christmas presents for adolescent guys

2015-12-18T01:01:00.001-05:00

Need a gift for a teenage guy? For some reason, many people find it difficult to shop for teen boys. What boys want for Christmas hasn't changed much over the years. They love whatever technology is popular that year. So items on wish lists have gotten more digital and electronic. Here are Christmas presents for adolescent guys. Take this list of top 10 best gifts for teen boys with you Christmas shopping and you can't go wrong. Top 10 best gifts for teen boys: Christmas presents for adolescent guys | Examiner.com

Budget Christmas shopping: Save money on Christmas presents, holiday gift-giving

2015-12-11T10:33:00.001-05:00

Do you have a long shopping list of people to buy Christmas presents for? Spouse, kids, significant others, extended family members, friends, co-workers, gift exchanges, charity gifts--it adds up. But don't worry, here are budget Christmas shopping tips to save money on Christmas presents and holiday gift-giving for everyone on your shopping list. Budget Christmas shopping: Save money on Christmas presents, holiday gift-giving | Examiner.com

Facebook Secret Sister gift exchange scam: Online chain letter pyramid scheme | Examiner.com

2015-11-11T21:27:00.001-05:00

The Facebook Secret Sister gift exchange may look like a fun Christmas activity. But it's a scam that preys on the vulnerable, lonely and gullible, reported the Sydney Morning Herald on Nov. 11. Facebook users are urged to beware of this social media pyramid scheme. The Secret Sister gift exchange works kind of like a chain letter. Requests come from Facebook friends and family to join them for a "secret sister gift exchange." As in a chain letter, you are told to send the letter six friends. You mail a gift to the first "sister" on the list. add your name to the end. Your friends do likewise and you all wait for your gifts to arrive. Only the gifts never come because this is an MLM (multi-level marketing) pyramid scheme. In most cases, only one person collects presents. And the Secret Sister gift exchange scam is illegal for the same reason a chain letter or pyramid scheme is illegal: they are fraudulent.Facebook Secret Sister gift exchange scam: Online chain letter pyramid scheme | Examiner.com

Halloween candy alternatives: cheap toys, non-candy prizes for Trick or Treat | Examiner.com

2015-10-21T13:12:00.001-04:00

Halloween is an ironic celebration: all year parents teach kids to eat healthy. They tell them not to take candy from strangers. Then on Trick or Treat, parents dress kids in costumes and tell them to beg for candy door to door! Then all that candy has to be sorted and half gets thrown away. Then kids eat too much sugar and get wild or sick. So, here are 50 Halloween candy alternatives and cheap non-candy Trick or Treat giveaways kids will love. Non-candy giveaways work for kids with ADHD, allergies, special needs or health conditions. Use these ideas for the classroom, scouting activities and Halloween party planning. These ideas will work for Trick or Treat handouts at libraries, banks, businesses, restaurants and any other places. These treats will be less messy and cost effective as well. Halloween candy alternatives: cheap toys, non-candy prizes for Trick or Treat

Sweetest Day gifts: Romantic personalized presents outside the box and vase

2015-10-16T09:08:00.001-04:00

Sweetest Day is the third Saturday in October: Oct. 17, in 2015. As always with holidays, the buzz is on the best gifts for sweethearts said Fox 6 Now on Oct. 15. Stores and advertisers would have you believe romantic gift-giving is about spending big. But remember, there's a lot of competition for your gift buck. The most romantic Sweetest Day gifts are personalized presents. Stores and vendors are ripe with advice about what your sweetie supposed wants. They're sure women want gifts of chocolates, cards and flowers. (Hint, they don't). This Sweetest Day, think outside the box, envelope and vase.Sweetest Day gifts: Romantic personalized presents outside the box and vase | Examiner.com

Volkswagon may drop VW CEO Martin Winterkorn in emissions test cheating scandal | Examiner.com

2015-09-29T18:46:00.001-04:00

In a wave of trouble, VW may drop CEO Martin Winterkorn in the vehicle emissions test cheating scandal reported Reuters on September 22. Winterkorn, the head of Volkswagen AG, will be replaced after the beleaguered German automaker was found to have falsified emission tests in the United States. This could affect some 11 million cars worldwide. The Tagesspiegel newspaper quoted sources who said Volkswagen's supervisory board would decide Friday on whether to replace Winterkorn with Matthias Mueller, who heads the company's Porsche sports car business.Volkswagon may drop VW CEO Martin Winterkorn in emissions test cheating scandal | Examiner.com

United Airlines booted mad lady off plane for refusing to cage bad dog - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

2015-08-18T22:06:00.001-04:00

Like owner, like pet, the video caption could have read. United Airlines booted a mad lady off the plane for refusing to cage her bad dog. Fox News reported on August 17 that the little dog was barking and snarling at crew and so they called in their own "guard dogs" and evicted the angry woman, who was doing her own snarling and barking! A fellow passenger filmed TSA attendants telling the p-o'd passenger to get off and take her dog. United Airlines booted mad lady off plane for refusing to cage bad dog - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Lambert's Cafe sued for 'throwed rolls' injuries: Man hurt in thrown roll shtick

2015-08-14T12:43:00.001-04:00

A iconic restaurant in Sikeston, Missouri is being taken to court by a patron who claims he was hurt by a thrown roll. Lambert's Cafe bills itself at the "Home of the Throwed Rolls." That's throwed as in tossed: waitstaff lobs dinner rolls to patrons across the crowded restaurant. Patron Troy Tucker was hurt in Lambert's thrown roll stick. He says he got caught in the crossfire and took a roll to the eye. Tucker is suing Lambert's Cafe for his "throwed rolls" injuries, reported Tribune News Wire on August 13. He calls it careless and irresponsible of the restaurant to fling food at customers. Lambert's Cafe sued for 'throwed rolls' injuries: Man hurt in thrown roll shtick - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

McDonald's Happy Meal Minions toys say WTF? Parents swear Minions curse at kids

2015-07-12T22:15:00.001-04:00

Do McDonald's Happy Meal Minions toys say WTF? That's what some claim. And besides the F-bomb, parents swear Minions curse at kids in other ways, reported MSN July 9. The cute little vitamin-B shaped Minions are accused of muttering"Well, I'll be d**ned." Listen to the Minions video here at Youtube. What do you hear? Are Stuart and Dave really blurting obscenities at children? McDonald's Happy Meal Minions toys say WTF? Parents swear Minions curse at kids - Grand Rapids News | Examiner.com

Patriotic salads, red white and blue vegetables, Memorial Day recipes - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com

2015-05-23T15:30:00.001-04:00

At Memorial Day or Fourth of July picnics, you can usually find patriotic cookies, flag cakes and red,white and blue fruit. But what about red white and blue vegetable? Here are patriotic salads recipes, RWB appetizers and American themed veggie trays. Patriotic salads, red white and blue vegetables, Memorial Day recipes - Grand Rapids Holidays | Examiner.com