On the night of June 23, join families across the country in the Great American Backyard Camp Out.  Now as you know, the Frugal Diva is not a camper however they say you could even try spending the night in your own backyard. This didn’t sound too bad. You could even jog back into the house to use the bathroom and there are usually no wild animals to worry about. They even give you reasons why children benefit from camping. For someone who spent their entire childhood reading and afraid of the dark, this was a revelation.

Now everything is free – camping tips, finding participating campsites, how to safely start a campfire and even songs to sing – with registrations however they are doing this as a fundraiser. If you have the ability to donate or get sponsors in your area that helps the National Wildlife Federation keep up all these great programs.  Join with friends, coworkers, neighbors, or your family and see how spending a night outdoors creates lasting memories. Smores, anyone?

You only have 30 minutes to get dinner on the table. It has to be quick and easy—and healthy, of course. Don’t let your busy schedule get in the way of good nutrition. Make a satisfying supper in record time—and stay within your budget—when you think F.A.S.T.

Frozen: Frozen meals have come a long way since the old-fashioned TV dinner. Today, you‘ll find healthy frozen meals low in sodium, free of preservatives and full of taste. Before you buy, read the Nutrition Facts on the package, paying attention to serving size, total calories, sodium content and sugar and fat sources. (Tip: multiply servings per container by total calories to determine how much of the meal satisfies your daily caloric needs.)

Ahead of time: Prepare your meals ahead of time and cut costs, calories and stress. When you prepare your own food, you control the ingredients, and the portion sizes. Set aside time on Sunday to plan next week’s menu. With list in hand, purchase only the foods you need for those meals and snacks. Save time by knocking out some of the prep-work in one session: Cut up raw vegetables for stir-fry, or divide trail mix and other bulk snacks into bags. This way, when you’re packing lunch, you can just grab and go!

Semi-homemade: Cook with a mix of fresh and prepared foods to save time. Homemade tomato sauce is delicious, but is it necessary? Spare time (and labor) without sacrificing quality by incorporating all-natural and organic prepared foods into your meals. Here are a few semi-homemade cooking ideas:

-          Use jarred organic tomato sauce for pasta or pizza.

-          Canned vegetable purees, such as organic pumpkin, are great with pasta dishes or baked into desserts (no carving, dicing or slicing required!).

-          Instant rice is an instant crowd-pleaser. Use it to stuff peppers, bulk up soup or just as a side.

-          Toss organic dried fruit pieces into tossed salads or stews, or use in baking recipes.

-           Use pre-cooked chicken breasts, canned salmon or canned tuna to save time preparing and cooking meat.

Take-out: Some nights, even a microwave meal is too much of a hassle. Surrendering to takeout is OK on occasion. To help ensure you’re choosing the healthiest options, gather up your restaurant menus beforehand and circle the best entrees. Keep these tips in mind:

-          Red sauces and soups are better than creamy versions.

-          Skip the cheese, or substitute avocado for cheese when possible.

-          Request dressing on the side.

-          Avoid fried foods. Go for steamed or grilled entrees and side dishes.

-          Request un-buttered bread—whole wheat, if they have it.

-          Try dividing meals in half before you eat, saving a portion for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner. This will help prevent overeating.

When you’re constantly on the go, it’s natural to reach for the nearest food in sight—candy, fast food or processed vending machine snacks. But these foods don’t provide the fuel your body really needs. Think F.A.S.T. to eat healthy when you’re in a hurry—and nothing will be able to stop you!

This article has been provided by the folks at Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com has been selling discount vitamins since 1994. Since then it’s grown into one of the biggest online marketplaces for healthy living essentials-with vitamins and supplements being just one of their many helpful categories! Get the best price on vitamins such as vitamin D and Vitamin B12, nutritional supplements, health foods and diet products. Vitacost.com’s customers mean the world to them, and it’s their goal to provide you with the best nutritional supplements, natural foods and sports nutrition to help with your health and wellness. Vitacost.com is not affiliated with this blog, and isn’t responsible for content outside of this article.

Insurance is a gambler’s game. You and the insurance company are playing the odds. You can be sure, the game is rigged in favor of the insurance companies. When it comes to health insurance, the deck is stacked against you. There is no way most people can afford to risk the possibility they will suffer a chronic illness or catastrophic accident that will be financially devastating. So health insurance is pretty much a necessity. Automobile insurance is required as is homeowner’s insurance if you have a mortgage. Life insurance is the biggest gamble of all, and the only way you win is by dying.

Now, it is possible to buy health insurance for your pets. Of course, the standard concerns apply. Does it pay? You have to ask yourself some pertinent questions:

• How much is the monthly premium, and how does it change over time and with respect to the age of your pet when you start the coverage? How does it change if you use the policy especially if you end up with a chronically ill pet?
• Can the policy ever be cancelled by the insurance company because you have used it too often?
• Are there limitations on the amount of the payments and acceptable fees? Does it take into account where you live? A specific operation might cost $1,000 in a big city and $600 in a smaller community. The insurance company might only allow $400 and pay only 80% of that.
• What is the deductible and how does it affect your premiums?
• What is covered and, more importantly, what is not covered?
• How long has the company been in business, and what is their track record?
• What does your vet think about the different companies and pet insurance in general?

In the end, it comes down to one thing. What will you do if your pet comes down with a chronic illness or has a serious accident? If you think you could let your pet go, you might be wrong. Faced with the prospect of losing your companion, you might not be able to do that. You might find yourself spending the thousands of dollars it will take to care for the loving creature that keeps you company and accepts you for who you are, warts and all.

That is the big question and, ultimately, the one that matters the most. If you are certain you would do whatever was necessary to take care of your pet, then insurance is probably a very good idea. If you are absolutely sure you would not and have had the experience that allows you to know this is true, insurance may be a waste of money.

Here is a suggestion. Sit on your couch and call your pets. While they are busy wagging tails, snuggling up and purring, make your decision. If your heart melts, and you can’t imagine life without them, pick up the phone and start to learn everything you can, so you can make the best decision. Otherwise, take a look at the numbers and make your decision based on the cold, hard facts. Regardless of why you choose to take out a policy, if you do, remember to read the fine print.

Guest post by Nancy Richardson who writes for Key Insurance Quotes.com and has four dogs and two cats. They were all rescues that didn’t even make it to a shelter. They were street rescues, and she loves them all.

The Avery Give Back to Schools™ campaign launched on May 7th, marking the third year the company has given back thousands of dollars in products and cash to schools, students, educators and communities throughout the United States. K-8 schools are selected to win through an online voting process at avery.com/giveback.

Beginning May 7th – September 14th 2012, communities, students, families and school supporters (ages 18 and older) can vote for their local K-8 school at avery.com/giveback.

Avery is expanding the 2012 campaign to award 40 schools with much-needed educational resources and offering cash benefits through Avery’s partnership in Box Tops for Education®. Avery manufactures a large selection of school supplies such as binders, dividers, Sticky Notes, NoteTabs™, Hi-liters and Glue Stics, as well as a diverse selection of office and organizational supplies that will prove to be extremely valuable for schools across the country.

This year, Avery will award the top 35 schools with the most online votes in a tier-based structure:

- The top five schools with the most online public votes will each receive $10,000 worth of Avery office products and school supplies of their selection, 25,000 Bonus Box Tops coupons (redeemable for cash by schools) and ten $100 gift cards to be split among the teachers for purchase of additional classroom supplies; the school with the most votes overall will receive an in-school donation presentation.

- The next 25 schools with the most votes will each receive 10,000 Bonus Box Tops coupons (redeemable for cash by schools).

- 10 randomly selected schools with over 100 votes will be awarded 5,000 bonus Box Tops.

There are so many mothers these days. Between moms, grandmoms, stepmoms, stepgrandmoms, moms-in-law, step moms-in-law, surrogate moms, egg donors moms, birth moms, and Heather has two moms, it’s time to start shopping.  It is under two weeks away and if your mother is out of town quickly get to the Internet and save.

ProFlowers has these beautiful lilies and irises in a keepsake vase for $19.99 or a dozen assorted roses at the same price.  A great option when you are out of ideas and mom has too much stuff anyway.

Check my post about  magazine subscriptions or get her a museum membership for ideas that last all year long.

Make a donation in Mom’s name to her favorite charity.

Maybe Mom would like a night out, buy a gift card to the movie theater near her home or tickets from Goldstar.

Try Target for a special Mother’s Day CD . It makes a sweet gift paired with some Burt’s Bees products.

Amazon is still the easiest with the most variety and mostly free shipping if you order over $25.00. They even have a page set up with Mother’s Day suggestions and sales.

Make this day special with choices tailored to your mom.

Art Lover Mom reads the arts section first, collects catalogs, and thought your first grade drawings were influenced by Kandinsky. Take her to your local art museum and have a bite at the cafe.

American History Buff Mom knows the name of every U.S. President, fact checked your homework, and easily quotes what happened on this day fifty years ago.   Head out to the a historical site in your city and have a picnic nearby.

Environmental Mom recycles everything, knows global warming is not a hot flash, and uses both sides of the printer paper.  Spend the day helping out at a beach clean up or food bank.

Design Mom knows what is the new black this year,  how to use Photoshop to make your holiday pictures more interesting, and only sees art films.  Take an architectural tour of your city.

Sports Mom was always at little league and knows all the baseball stats. Take her out to the ball game for some peanuts and cracker jacks.

Yoga Mom stays flexible, eats vegetarian, and believes that meditation will solve all your problems. Here in Los Angeles take her to BryanKest’s Power Yoga Santa Monica Studio for a donation only class and then to Real Food Daily for lunch.  Sit on the beach afterwards and chant OM.

Let me know if you have interesting ways to celebrate Mother’s Day.

The second How Can We Help You Live Solid? webinar is this Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. Scott Hansen,  SunTrust Home Equity Product Manager, will answer viewer questions to help them achieve their financial goals. Viewers can submit questions in advance or tune in live.

Topics that will be discussed include:

Is a home equity line/loan a good option to pay off higher interest-rate balances?

Can I use a home equity line to pay for my child’s college expenses?

What types of questions should I ask before applying for a home equity line/loan?

What is the difference between a home equity line of credit and home equity loan?

Solid advice about these important financial issues.

We carry them and they carry us through a day’s work, evening out, marketing, and trips to the gym.  Our purses need to have everything from bandages for that occasional blister, lip gloss, all manners of ID, a little cash and some change for the parking meter, hair brush, sun block, keys,  phone and phone accessories, coupons (of course), maybe a laptop or iPad, extra pantyhose, and various unmentionables.  The Frugal Diva watches with envy as The Frugal Dude grabs his wallet and keys to brave the world for an entire day.

Where do we get these fabulous bags and how do we get them at the best price?

Bananas For Hand Bags has some sweet deals and is vegan friendly.  The pictures show they are good for classics or a punch of color for the new summer styles. Never a charge for shipping and just in time for Mother’s Day!

Bananas For Bags

Bananas For Bags

Check out Bad Joan for the fabulous Carla Mancini line.

6pm.com (an advertiser on this site) carries a hugh inventory of everything including backpacks, clutches, and handbags. They are usually my go to place for shoes however the bags are very cute and what’s a great pair of shoes without a bag.

Try  Baghaus for hot, haute bags that include all the latest totes.

Target has lured so many great designers that it is worth your time to cruise the site or stop in person to snap up the latest trend.  Summer is for fun and they have wonderful selections of fringed and print bags.

Have fun shopping out there and let me know your favorite finds!

The Frugal Diva thinks every day should be Earth Day. Recycle, repurpose, and replenish, it’s the best way to be thrifty.
Since no one is an authority on everything,  here are my favorite resources for going green.

Let’s start with one of my favorite activities, spring cleaning.  Yes, I am a bit of a neat freak and love nothing more then to take everything off my pantry shelves, clean, and reorganize. Sometimes you just  have to admit that you are truly never going to use that bottle of caraway seeds. This site has so many great tips Planet Green on how to use kitchen staples instead of toxic cleaning products, ways to repurpose items, and how to recycle electronics.

Here are actitivies for Earth Day 2012 0n April 22nd.  You can start now with small acts that will help you and your community.

Even Amazon has gotten into the act with a shopping green page that includes clothes, household items, energy saving  light bulbs, and kitchen wear. When sending a gift you can also send a message about sustainability.

Learn that green in terms of clothing no longer means hemp sacks at Care2.  This site also gives great tips on crafts and healthy homes.

Energy Star is a government backed program with energy saving tips for home improvement.  Learn how to lower fuel bills by getting rid of drafts and having better insulation.

And for those who garden, Organic Gardening has 20 budget tips and even how to grow herbs indoors for apartment dwellers.

Let me know if you have other helpful sites and I will update this post.

Don’t waste vacation time and travel dollars under the weather.

Traveling can be exciting, exposing you to different people, languages, food and much more. Unfortunately, traveling can also expose you to different bacteria and viruses. Avoid returning home with unwelcome souvenirs using these stay-healthy tips:

Uncommon infections

Traveling overseas and to remote areas can expose you to foreign infections. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website (http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/) for the most recent risk factors, which you can search for by region. Allow plenty of time to receive any necessary vaccines or to begin medication. For instance, vaccination for hepatitis A requires more than one dose, with six to 18 months between each dose.

Seasonal illnesses

Flu and cold-like symptoms always seem to be floating in the air. To help prevent the most common infections, you should practice the most common hygiene habits:

-          Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly (between fingers and under nails).

-          Use hand lotion to stay moisturized (bacteria can wiggle its way into the crevasses of skin).

-          Brush your teeth at least twice daily.

-          Drink plenty of (clean) water to stay hydrated.

-          Get sufficient sleep for natural energy.

Food allergies

Read up on the ingredients of dishes you may encounter on your trip. If you don’t know conch is a type of shellfish and you’ve got a shellfish allergy, your escape to the Bahamas could be ruined in one bite. It also pays to learn the language or regional dialect, so you know how to communicate your allergy to your server when ordering food.

Digestive woes

Jet lag, culture shock and general anxiety can send your stomach into orbit. Traveling throws off your internal clock, partly due to eating at inconsistent times of day. Be especially cautious of spicy, creamy or cloudy food and drink. These could be signs of contamination and/or triggers for indigestion. Also beware of undercooked meats, recent recalls and local label warnings. (Tip: if you’re advised not to drink the tap water, use bottled water to brush your teeth and order your drinks without ice.)

You don’t have to fly over oceans to be at risk for illness. Even a domestic ski trip can cause elevation sickness. Your best plan of attack is to practice healthy habits – regular exercise, balanced diet and good sleep – to keep your immune system strong for the journey ahead.

This article has been provided by the folks at Vitacost.com. Since 1994 Vitacost.com has been selling discount vitamins and supplements and has grown into one of the biggest online marketplaces for healthy living essentials-with many other helpful categories! Get the best price on vitamins, nutritional supplements, health foods and gluten free diet products.

Vitacost.com sells everything from Coconut Oil to Raspberry Ketones. Vitacost.com is not affiliated with this blog, and isn’t responsible for content outside of this article.