For most of us, the next few weeks are going to be stressful – what with Thanksgiving in a couple of days, then there’s the Christmas shopping and Christmas celebrations, New Years etc – not only will we be indulging on all kinds of goodies but it will be taxing on our time and finances as well.

So here are 5 Tips that will hopefully help you save some money and/or time:

1. Get a FREE Turkey! Many grocery stores are currently offering free turkeys so check out the local one in your area. I myself just got a 14 lb bird after I spent $99 on groceries at Lucky’s.
2. Have a Potluck style Thanksgiving or Christmas. If you are having friends or family over, have them bring one or two items so you have less to do, or do the same if you are going to someone else’s place.  Martha Stewart’s side dishes look yummy  if you want to check out her website.
3. Incorporate anti-stress related  foods into your menu. In addition to turkey  which seems to definitely get everyone dozing off after their feast (LOL),  studies have shown that almonds help lower blood pressure and are also high in B vitamin components. Another stress relief power food is the Avocado so be sure to include them  in your salads as they are high in potassium which reduces your blood pressure as well.
4. Give it away - try to go without gifts this year and use the money to help someone else. You will make a difference to someone less fortunate. I was so proud of my daughter and her husband when I found out that they had used the money they had budgeted for gifts for each other and instead spent it on filling a number of shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
5. Avoid the Black Friday Rush – If you do have gifts to purchase, avoid black Friday and try to shop the following Monday – there will still be awesome sales, as stores are really trying to get customers in. And you will avoid the insanity of packed stores the day after Thanksgiving. However if you absolutely must shop on Black Friday, here is a BlackFridayInfo.com link that may help you search ahead of time for what some stores are advertising on this day.

Here’s to Your Good Health and Abundance.  Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Connie

I would like to share with you an absolutely delicious and healthy recipe that my guests at my March 15 boot camp (Scotts Valley, CA) loved. I have been getting requests for the recipe from some of them so I thought I would just post it here.

This is such an easy spread to make so here it is:

• 2 cups of edamame beans
• 3 garlic cloves
• 2” section of fresh ginger
• 4 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup of water

Blend everything together into a paste. Depending on how thick you want it you may need to add a little more water.

If you want to make it a little spicy, add some cayenne pepper or fresh chillies. You can get edamame beans in most grocery stores (under $4 at Costco for a large container).

You can enjoy this spread on whole wheat crackers, or with fresh fruit for a nutritious snack or light meal.

Hope you enjoy it.

To Your Longevity and Abundant Living!

Connie