How Doctors Die (Another Slow Medicine Article)

Yesterday the Tampa Bay Times included an article that so closely echoed my feelings about death and invasive medical care that I knew I had to share it with you.  This article discusses how many doctors choose, at the end of their lives, to refuse medical interventions.  These people who know more about medicine and it's practice than most others, chose to live the end of their lives out quietly, with family and without pain and anxiety.

Here is a link to the article:  How Doctors Die.

This article make me want to have No Code tattooed on my chest or at least get  a really big No Code medical alert necklace.

God bless,
Pam

CVS Purchase and Shopping Strategy

I don't usually go over my individual purposes, but I wanted to show you an example of my couponing and shopping strategy.

Each week I go to Southern Savers to make out shopping lists for three stores:  Publix, Walgreens, and CVS.  Another good site is The Krazy Coupon Lady.  Here I can print lists that include the coupon matchups to go with each item.

Then I sit down for about 20-30 minutes to clip the coupons I need.  Then I paperclip each stack of coupons to the corresponding list.  I keep the lists in my car, so I can run by the store at my convenience.

Today I stopped at CVS on my way home from dropping DD off at school.  You must have a CVS card to take advantage of their sales.  You can sign up online or in the stores.

When I entered the store I went to the coupon machine and scanned my card.  It printed out three coupons, one which matched some of the items I was purchasing today.  That meant I had both a manufacturers coupon and a store coupon for those items.  Yay, extra savings.

Then I shopped for the items on my list.  All of them were marked down and I had coupons for them.  Here is what I ended up with:

I spent $13.38 for these items, plus I received $11.00 in Extra Bucks coupons, which means I actually spent $2.38 for these products.  Remember that even if an item isn't something that you may use, you can be sure that the local shelter will be happy to have it.

Happy couponing!

God bless,
Pam

Buy The Small Size To Save Money

When you are couponing you have to get away from the idea that buying the larger size will save you the most money.  It may be true that it is less per ounce (which, nowadays is not always true), but with coupons you can save more by buying the smaller sizes.

Here is an example:  If you buy one 32 ounce mouthwash for $5.00 and use a $1.00 off coupon you have spent $4.00 for 32 ounces.  If you buy two 16 ounce mouthwashes for $5.50 and use two $1.00 coupons you have spent $3.50 for 32 ounces.

I know that it goes against everything that we were taught by our mothers and the local big box stores, but when you have coupons, buying smaller is definitely better.

This is also why you should get multiple coupon inserts each week.  It allows you to use several coupons on smaller sizes in order to get the amount of product that you want.

God bless,
Pam

Pollen Alert

Our very warm winter has caused us to have one of the worst Spring allergy seasons that I have ever seen. My eyes have been bright red and scratchy for weeks now and DD has had the same symptoms plus runny nose and sore throat.  I prefer not to use medication, but must admit that I have occasionally broken down and taken a pill.

Oak Tree With Pollen

The biggest problem has been oak pollen.  It is literally draped over our roof, covering the driveway and covered our cars with a layer of yellow dust.

Covering The Ground

And The Cars

One of our natural ways to fight the pollen is to use a saline rinse to flush the pollen from the inside of our nasal passages using a neti pot.  This is a simple method that has been used in India for thousands of years.  Just follow the instructions that come with the neti pot; there is a slight learning curve, but it is actually very easy.  If you have young children you can use saline drops in their noses to accomplish the same thing.

Stay inside as much as possible, especially during windy times and immediately after a rainstorm.  The rain actually stirs up the pollen that is lying on the ground making it air borne.  If you do go outside change your clothing as soon as you come indoors.  Shower before going to bed at night to wash the pollen out of your hair.  Pets also need frequent rinsing.

I have been running the air conditioning rather than opening the windows; both in my house and in the car.  Anything to avoid coming into contact with the pollen.

As a last resort you may need to use a antihistamine.  Drugs such as Zyrtec, and Zicam can be expensive.  Try some of the older drugs such as Benadryl and Chlortrimeton to save some money.

We are the first to suffer here in Florida, but be prepared if you are further north, it's coming your way soon.

God bless,
Pam

The Frugal Kitchen: Chicken and Yellow Rice

I needed to make a quick meal last night with the ingredients I had on hand.  In the fridge I had a package of chicken thighs and in the cupboard a package of Vigo yellow rice.  Yep, time for chicken and yellow rice, one of DD's favorite meals.

CHICKEN AND YELLOW RICE

1 pkg. chicken thighs
1 pkg. yellow rice
1/4 piece of garlic clove
1 tablespoon lime juice
3 tablespoons olive oil
red pepper flakes to taste
salt to taste

Poach the chicken:  Place chicken in salted water and bring to a boil.  Then cover pot with lid, turn off heat and leave for an hour.  Remove chicken from pot and allow to cool.  When cool remove skin and tear chicken into pieces.  Dispose of skin and bones.  Reserve broth for another recipe.

Make Mojo sauce:  In a food processor add garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt and red pepper.  Process until you get a smooth consistency.

Rice:  Follow package directions.  Add a small can of peas for the last five minutes of cooking.

Mix the Mojo sauce with the chicken, toss to coat.  Serve rice with chicken on top or mixed in.  I like to buy some frozen fried plantains and refry them to serve with this dish.

Enjoy!  I be having the leftovers for lunch today.

God bless,
Pam

Gas Prices May Reach $5 This Summer

I have been reading lately that gas prices may reach $5 a gallon in the United States this summer (yes, I hear my European readers laughing hysterically) and most people are under the impression that this is being caused by increased upset in the Mideast.  But, this is not the cause; most people are not aware that gasoline is a commodity in this country and, as such, gas prices fluctuate as the result of commodity investors.

Here is an excerpt of a letter sent by several US congressman:


The Honorable Gary Gensler
Chairman
U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Three Lafayette Centre
1155 21st Street, N.W.
Washington, DC  20581

Dear Chairman Gensler,

There is strong evidence the recent surge in gas prices has little to do with the fundamental supply and demand for oil.  Government data confirm that oil speculators are driving the price increase.  We urge you to restore integrity to our energy markets by exercising the CFTC’s authority to require higher margin levels for speculative oil futures contracts.

Speculators are seizing on recent political turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East to drive energy prices to unwarranted levels.  The Commitment of Traders Report reveals that speculators have flooded into the market in recent weeks.  Since protests began in Egypt on January 25, 2011, money managers have increased their long positions in NYMEX West Texas Intermediate crude oil futures contracts by more than 35 percent, or the equivalent of 75 million barrels of oil.  Oil speculators have increased long positions on the Intercontinental Exchange by nearly 50 percent.  At the same time, actual true hedgers have reduced their long positions in the oil futures markets.

The loser in this game of oil speculation is the American consumer.  Rising oil futures translate into higher gas prices, and that means Americans have less money in their pockets to pay for basic needs.

It's time to let our congressmen/women know that we are tired of paying more money, so a few, not so scrupulous investors, can make a huge profit.  Sent an e-mail, tweet or good old fashioned snail mail to your representatives.

God bless,

Pam

Retail Me Not Coupon Codes

I make some of our purchases online because some items are not available in our area and some things are just cheaper online than in my local stores. There is a way to get additional savings and that is by using coupon codes.

When coupon codes are entered during the online checkout process they can get you a discount, free mailing or a free gift. My favorite web site for finding coupon codes is www.retailmenot.com. This site is easy to use and lists codes not seen in other places.

So, before you place your online order first go to retailmenot to see if you can get an even deeper discount.

God bless,
Pam