GYOP (Grow Your Own Produce)

Let me start off by saying that I have a black thumb. I would like to think that I don't - I've been able to keep a plant alive at my office for almost a year, but that is literally the only plant that has lasted longer than a month. I'm making it my goal (in my new house!) to get some semblance of a garden started, and this article from Women's Health Magazine really helped me get an idea of what to expect.

I really love the idea of growing my own produce and herbs. First off, it saves you a ton of money. Have you ever purchased fresh herbs at a grocery store? For the amount you spend on one plant (typically around $4 for a mature one, significantly less than that for seeds), you get a lousy few ounces at the supermarket. Another benefit is you know exactly where your produce came from, and it is most likely organic. And doesn't it feel good to play in the dirt?!

But I'd love to hear from some of you who have small gardens or windowsill gardens - what do you plant? Has it been successful for you?

10 Ingredients, 40 recipes

So as much as I love talking about saving money, I also love talking about healthy cooking and living. (Ehem, I did just make two dozen Funfetti cupcakes just so I could bake and eat a few, but never mind).

Anyway, one magazine I love is Women's Health. They are a great mix of nutrition, workout tips, relationship, fashion, etc. They had a wonderful article a year or so ago on how to use 10 ingredients (plus pantry basics) to make 40 different, HEALTHY meals! First of all, I love this article because it reminds me of good staples to put in my kitchen - things like red wine vinegar, breadcrumbs, tortillas, chicken broth, etc. These things (although probably not put together) are definitely a skeleton for dozens of meals. Add a couple of canned or fresh ingredients and you have a great dinner!

But what I love most about this article is that it takes the guesswork out of leftovers. You can prepare turkey the same way and have about 7 different ways to use that same prepared turkey in other fun dishes. And by using everything you have in your pantry, you're saving money at the grocery store (or at least you're not wasting food you don't eat).

Without further delay:

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/healthy-recipes-0