NASHVILLE TRIP & TIPS

Back from a 5 night stay in Nashville from Thursday through Tuesday.  Like New Orleans your liver can't really handle more than 4-5 days.  Since it was our first visit we had to do all the touristy things which helped give us more things to do besides drink.  The area wasn't quite what I expected.  I thought Broadway/The Honky Tonk area was a small quaint town but it is a street in a city with skyscrapers.

Here are my tips:

• Country Music Hall of Fame:  If you have to pick one do this.  I typically spend about 1-2 hours in a museum but we were there for over 4 hours.  I think we read it all.  I would recommend the audio tour so you don't have to read but it was excellent.  I don't typically listen to country music unless it crosses over to the pop charts but I did grow up with it all so I know it well.
• Ryman tour:  Nostalgic and interesting tour.  I would recommend looking at the venue before you go in case you are able to attend a show.  It is a small venue so any seat will be good.
• Grand Ole Opry:  We did the backstage tour but I was very disappointed when I learned that Keith Urban would be there the night we were leaving.  Definitely see the radio show when you are there.  It may not say someone you know but members are required to preform and sometimes they just make a surprise appearance.  I was sad we didn't understand that.  We didn't know this was the longest running radio show, over 90 years I believe.  If we return it will be to see this show.
• Johnny Cash Museum:  OK, better if your a Cash fan but price wise the others are more worth it to me.  My parents were big fans so it brought back a lot of memories for me which I loved so I'm glad I didn't pass it up.
• Bars:  Don't worry about where people tell you to go.  They are all basically the same, some more divey (no shade, I love a good dive bar) than others but the key is to walk by and if you like what you hear go in.  If there isn't a seat, head up to the roof and check out the other floors as you head up.  Don't like it, leave and try another.  Since there are no cover charges you can do this.  The musicians play multiple venues and can be in multiple bands so you may see them at several places.  Also it is not only country, you will hear rock & roll and pop.  Genres are crossing, country has crossed over into pop and visa versa, eg Taylor Swift.  I didn't learn about her through country even though I learned that is where she started.
• Have bills on hand, $1s and $5s and when you love them give them more especially if you stay for their set.  They rely on tips since they don't get paid by the bar.  I say $1, not so you only give a dollar but depending on when their set is ending you may walk in right before the tip bucket is passed and if you have $1s you can give them a few.
• Drinks:  Drinks are a measured 1 oz., not as strong as I like so I didn't catch a buzz but that also allows you to drink all day, 10am to closing :)  I try not to get drunk on vacation because I hate a wasted next day.
• Food:  Not the food mecca I always hope for, Hot Chicken (fried chicken with hot sauce, think hot wings sorta)  is what Nashville is known for.   They also have BBQ, which we tried once at a place on Broadway but I wasn't impressed.  It was chopped dry pork and the Mac & Cheese however very creamy was more like the blue box version, not a lot of flavor.  I did however have mac and cheese at another place for dinner and it was excellent, more adult with the garlic flavor.  What I missed while there was veggies.  We are use to sandwiches or bar type food for lunch but we have healthier dinner meals but all we had was bar food.  On a positive note when you drink all day you need sustenance, bread or foods that soak up booze and you don't want to walk into a nice restaurant half lit so it all works out.  Luckily our hotel included breakfasts and they were very good.  It also allowed us to forgo the decisions of where to go first thing in the morning.
• Walk ability:  The downtown area is totally walk able and although I saw lots of heals I couldn't imagine wearing them.  I went comfy.  We even walked back from The Gulch after riding the Hop on Hop off trolley tour to get there but it's a short Uber ride.  The Grand Ole Opry however is not in walking distance but less than a $20 uber ride.  If you are adverse to walking scooters are everywhere just be careful.  I saw one girl who had crashed and that would make for a bad vacation. The Parthenon is also not walk able, we took the trolley over.  Since I left my trolley pass with the Parthenon pass in it on the trolley, I was too much of a wreck to really enjoy the mosaic gallery so we took a pix of the large statue inside and caught the next trolley out.  They were so nice to let me into the  museum for free, the trolley let me back on without my pass and they found my pass by the end of our ride.
• Murals:  Look at them online and get the addresses of the one's you like.  I saw the famous wings but there were others that I should have noted the address.
• Weather (in May):  We lucked out after feeling how hot it must get as it gets closer to summer.  It was overcast our trip which I was not happy about especially when it was drizzling but on the one blue sky day the sun was blistering.  I don't like it too hot and I hate humidity.  Even tough it was overcast my hair was a frizzy mess because of the humidity and it was extremely mild.  An umbrella can be hard because of the crowds so a rain jacket with a hood may be better.
• Pictures:  Your camera phone is fine.  I carried around my Canon Rebel camera but I didn't find enough opportunities to take the kinds of pictures I like using my better camera.  I like architecture, historical sites, flowers and murals (which they have many) but the pictures I ended up with are not pictures I will blow up and frame.  They are more memories and social media photos so a good camera phone is fine.  The think I missed were the neon signs at night.  I wish I would have gotten night time pictures of them.
• One refreshing thing was that the people were enjoying their time in Nashville with the people they came with or met there.  They were not spending time on their phones, taking selfies or recording the musicians.  I can count on my hands how many people I saw focusing inward on themselfs or providing updates to their online friends.  It was GREAT!

"forgot to post this back in May, oops"

Disneyland & CA Adventure Trip Tips for Adults

Don't do like I did and spend hours over many days researching a game plan (what to ride, what to ride first, what to eat, etc.), only to print it out and not follow it once there.  Instead read up and go with the flow.

1. Save money and book an off park hotel.  We stayed at the Red Lion Inn which is the furthest point you should stay and still be able to walk to and from.
2. Before you leave
• Book flight and Super Shuttle before you leave.  The shuttle is only $12pp and AAA will give you a $2 discount if you belong.  A car is not necessary if you are only going to the parks.  It is walkable from a lot of hotels and there is a shuttle to the park if you need it.
• Make dinner reservations if you want to go to some of the most popular nice dinner spots.  I recommend Napa Rose in the hotel next to California Adventure.  It is about $100pp ($45 filet) an excellent steakhouse atmosphere.  Blue Bayou Restaurant is a popular dinner spot, not much cheaper ($35-40 for fish or jambalaya), the atmosphere is more Disney, not as fancy but cooler since you can sit on the river on Pirates of the Carabbean and although inside you feel like you are outside.  Unfortunately the food is never as good as the location.  It is the last time I'll go here.  If it wouldn't have been my husbands birthday I would have complained about the food.  The rice under my fish and the rice in the Jambalaya was not cooked properly
• Buy your park tickets through AAA, if you belong, and enjoy free parking at the park if you drive.  But at the very least avoid the lines at the park to purchase tix.  I recommend the 3 day park hopper.  Four days was one too many.
3. Go on a Tues & Wed.  Wait times are the best and get worse as it gets closer to the weekend.  The most we waited in line was 30 minutes but that was only on a few rides, the rest were very quick.  When it hit Thur and especially Friday some rides were over 90 minutes.  Way too long for me.  I  just don't have that kind of patience.
4. Arrive when the parks open, don't get there an hour early only to wait in line to get in.
5. Pick up a map and show schedule and as you ride mark off what you have done if your intent like mine is to do it all.
6. First day Disneyland, second day California Adventure, Third day combo.  Three days is plenty.  By day four I was sick of the crowds and lines.

DISNEYLAND (First day)

1. Head down Main Street and make a quick stop at the end, on the left at the Jolly Holiday Bakery Café for a Madihorn Macaroon.
2. Then head straight to Fantasyland.  The lines here can get really long and they are pretty boring lines.  I would start with Madihorn, then Peter Pan, It's a Small World, Snow White, Pinochio, Alice in Wonderland, Mr. Toads Wild Ride,
3. Next hit your favorite rides or the most popular aka longest lines.   And remember some rides are worth the wait but others are fun but not worth an hour of your time so ride the one's you won't wait in long lines for first.
• New Orleans Square:  Pirates of the Caribbean & Haunted Mansion (2 favorites)
• Adventureland:  Indiana Jones
• Tomorrowland:  Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters
• Frontierland:  Big Thunder Mountain
• Critter Country:  Splash Mountain

Not worth a huge wait but worth going on:

• Main Street:  Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln
• Adventureland:  Enchanted Tiki Room, Jungle Cruise
• Critter Country:  The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Tomorrowland:  Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage, Autopia

Note:  I ride all but a few rides (eg teacups) and since I don't go with kids I avoid Mickey's Toontown.


CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE (Second day):
This was my first trip to CA Adventure.  At first I wasn't too impressed by the rides, and it felt amall until the crowds picked up then it was nice to get out of Disneyland, grab a drink and relax here.

1. Head to Soaring Over California first.  If you don't like heights sit in the back row which will end up the lowest row.
2. Second over to "A Bug's Land" to get your fast pass for Radiator Springs Racers.  If there is a long line get your World of Color fast pass first then go back.
3. Third over to Grizzly Peak by the wooden bear to pick up your World of Color fast pass.  Both Radiator Springs Racers and A World of Color will sell out so getting a Fast pass for each is important.  You can always check out the wait if it is not long and ride a second time if you like.
4. Finally hit the most popular rides:
• Hollywood Land:  Tower of Terror
• A Bug's Land:  Nothing but the 3D show "It's Tough to be a Bug"
• Pacific Wharf:  Nothing
• Paradise Pier:  California Screaming
• Grizzly Peak:  Grizzly River run if you don't mind getting soaked.

Rides I don't miss if possible: 

• Paradise Pier:  California Screaming, Toy Story Midway Mania, Little Mermaid
• Hollywood Land:  Monsters Inc:  pay attention to Roz at the end, she see's you and will talk directly to you.

FOOD (split everything so you can have more choices) & DRINK:

Disney:

• Main Street:  Jolly Holiday Bakery Café:  Madihorn Macaroon and the corndog at the Little Red Wagon Truck on the right at the end of main street.  But if you will only do one corndog don't do this one.  Instead wait for CA Adventures, Corn Dog Castle:  Hot Link corn dog (opens at 11).
• Adventureland:  Bengal BBQ:  Jalapeno & Mozzarella stuffed pretzels.  Avoid the chicken and beef skewers.
• New Orleans:  Café Orleans:  Monte Cristo is a donut stuffed with cheese, ham and turkey.  Sprinkled with powdered sugar and berry  jam for dipping is sinful.  It is pricy at $18, be sure to split it and even with that and sharing an order of fries I was ruined for food the rest of the day.  It was just too much.
• Tiki Room:  Dole Pineapple ice cream.  Although I am not a big fan of ice cream this was good.  I preferred it by itself vs. as a float with the pineapple juice.

California Adventure:

• Cars Land:  Cozy Cone Motel, Chili Cone Queso ($6.99).  The chili, cheese and corn chips were tasty.  The bread cone was a bit disappointing and could be better.
• If you drink beer you are in luck at CA Adventure.  If you drink mixed drinks it is not worth it.  After 3 Long Island Ice Teas I still couldn't feel it.  I should have been on the floor.  Face it the reason people drink is to feel the effect.  If you are just thirsty stick with a water or soda.  At $10 a drink for a measured shot you will go broke before you go buzzed.  And yes Disneyland is not the place to get drunk but a relaxing happy feeling after a long day of walking is deserved.
• Starbucks is in CA Adventure but if there is a line don't bother.  Head over to Paradise Peer's coffee cart by the bridge.
• Grand Californian Hotel:  Napa Rose:  My rating is a 5 star minus a bit of attitude from the waiter.  Don't drink here, they are the smallest TALLs in the park.  See Yelp review for full write up.  Make reservations.
• Carthay Circle Lounge:  Nice, restful lounge with comfy leather chairs.  Only 4 bar seats so good place to relax in quite for a drink but not my kind of a "bar".
• Al Fresco Lounge:  Again relaxing, quite, upper level bar with a semi view (not as impressive as I read), focusing on wine and champagne.  OK but as I said above not my kind of a bar.
• Cove Bar:  Best bar in the park however they seat you so you just can't walk up to the bar which I hated.  If you want a drink, go here but go early to avoid the lines and get a seat at the round bar.  The service was a 3/4, Long Islands were a 4 but go for the generic and save $2.  Only problem is I should have felt my 3 drinks.  AVOID like the plague the Lobster Nachos.  I read they were the best but they were fishy and crumbles of so called lobster.  Don't believe what you read about them.  I rate them a 0.
• Grand Californian Hotel:  Hearthstone Lounge:  wood, elegant, small bar top but tons of tables.  Not worth sitting at the bar but if with a group or you want some quite, grab a table.  At the bar however you get crunchies.

Downtown Disney:

• Disneyland Hotel:  Trader Sams Tiki Bar:  best bar and appetizers.  Have a mai tai, the kaluha pork flat bread & the ahi tuna.  The lettuce wraps were just OK.  Beware of the sinking stools.  There are three, one on each side and they slowly sink and rise.  It is fun to see if people notice.
• Tortilla Jose Cantina:  Happy hour between 3-5, great nachos - but not the one's on the happy hour menu get the regular "real cheese" ones.  Lively outdoor atmosphere, friendly bartenders, cheapest happy hour drinks (premixed margarita or draft $5). 
• Uva Bar:  Great spot if you are a smoker.  You sit outside at the round bar in the center of Downtown Disney.  If you are not a smoker, not the best spot unless you don't mind the smoke.  No Stolie so Kettle Soda $11.50, Harp $8.50
• Ralph Brennan Jazz Kitchen: Largest "TALL" vodka soda, more like what I expect when I order a tall anywhere else.  I prefer a pint.  Split the cheesesteak and it was pretty good.
• ESPN Zone:  loud, sports, chain restaurant atmosphere.  It would have been better if I wasn't as tired and had a better seat at the bar.  Stolie Soda $8.25, Does Eques $6.50

Garden Walk

• Bar Loui:  Bacon Cheeseburger sliders were good and was a good end to a long day.  Drinks were a 2.5 but service was a 2.

Frothing Milk: Why you don't need to purchase a $100 machine to do it

I was on the verge of purchasing this machine, the Nespresso  Aeroccino and Milk frother for $95 until I read an article on line on how to froth it in a glass jar:  shake it and microwave.  $95 SAVED.  If you froth a lot of milk or just want a fancy frother I heard on the Chew that this was Clinton's favorite.  You can find it on Amazon, otherwise see the recipe below that I now use.  I'm calling it the Red Neck Frother.

FROTHED MILK

1 microwaveable jar with screw top lid

-milk

Fill it no more than half way with or just as much milk as you would normally put in your coffee. Close lid tightly and shake as hard as you can for 30 seconds. Remove lid. Put in microwave for another 30 seconds. Pour milk into coffee, holding back foam with spoon. Top off with foam.

Note: I use a 1 qt. mason jar with a plastic screw top lid which you can find at any hardware store and some grocery stores. I used nonfat because it is what I always have on hand but I hear whole milk is suppose to froth better.

Why buy eye makeup remover when you have what you need in your kitchen

It is official.  I now only use equal parts distilled water and EVOO (extra virgin olive oil) for removing my eye makeup.  Mix it in a dark glass spray bottle (I found mine at Sprouts but you can also get them on line or probably at Whole Foods and other various stores).  Prior to using, shake vigorously to mix.  Spray onto a cotton pad, sponge or paper towel and wipe off eye makeup.  I swear it works and it is CHEAP!

Locally made items

Although it is hard I am always on the lookout for items made in the USA.  I would rather spend my money to help our economy since we are in such bad shape.  I also try and purchase local produce to reduce the travel time on food.  Today I found this site giving me the opportunity to purchase locally made items, locally for me is the San Francisco Bay Area.  Check it out and see what you think.  If you don't live in the area but are visiting it is better to purchase a souvenir that was made where you are traveling to vs. Made in China.  The site is SF Made.

Volenteer Opportunities: Doing research to get involved

There are so many different organizations you can volunteer your time depending on your interests or likes. You can check volunteer match for some ideas or do some research on your own.  Here are a few opportunities I'm looking into as I try to find an organization I can support.  I have done some volunteering in the past, I want to do more but I have been procrastinating about getting started.  This is my start. 

• Donors Choose:  Funds specific project requests from teachers in the US public schools
• Global Giving:  a marketplace that connects donors to 1,000 pre-screened grassroots charity projects around the world
• Modest Needs:  assists families who are unable to pay their monthly bills
• Kiva:  which is peer to peer micro lending to the applicant of the donor's choice
• Charity Navigator:  an independent charity evaluator to research other charities.
• ValleyCare Axillary:  They are always looking for volunteers to staff the gift shop, thrift shop and other areas they serve.  Call 925-735-3368
• Heather Farms: 925-947-153
• Meals on Wheels: 925-937-8607, 935-937-8311
• Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, 925-771-1315
• Bay Area Rescue Mission:  Serving homeless people in Richmond
• Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa:  Serving hot meals
• Christmas for Everyone:  Christmas celebration in Concord.
• John Muir Health Services
• Volunteer Match:  pick projects based on your zip code
• Volunteer Abroad:  worldwide opportunities
• City Lights San Ramon:  Volunteer opportunities in my area.

Recycling: Examples of E-Waste

At various times during the year different organizations offer E-Waste pickups or drop off locations.  The following items are usually included as E-Waste so instead of tossing them in the garbage for landfill, recycle.

• Televisions
• Monitors
• Computers
• Laptops
• Printers
• MP3 players
• Scanners
• Video Games
• IPods
• Fax machines
• Arcade games
• Cell Phones
• Microwaves
• Stereo Equipment
• Digital cameras
• Batteries
• Video cameras
• Computer parts
• Musical equipment
• Medical equipment
• Amps and Speakers
• Household phones
• Network equipment
• Misc wires and cords
• Power tools

A Collection of Travel Tips

Here are a list of travel tips I have heard over time.  As I learn more tips I'll update this post.

• Once you look on line you should always call the airline or hotel directly and see if you can get a better deal.  Not all deals are put up on the web and the web doesn't always have the best price.
• Book your flight 3 1/2 months in advance, no further, no later.  Airlines post their fairs 11 months in advance at the highest price and as seats don't sell the price goes down.
• Download your boarding pass to your smart phone.  You no longer will need to carry a paper pass.
• Stay hydrated, drink bottled water vs alcohol. 
• To avoid germs:  Carry an alcohol based hand sanitizer and anti bacterial wipes.   Wipe down all surfaces.  Don't dig around in the seat pocket or put your things in there.  You don't know what was there before (Kleenex, diaper, etc.)
• Wear loose fitting clothes made of cotton or other natural fibers, comfortable shoes preferable slip ons for easy passage through security and layers.  If you are wearing layers you can remove some if you get too hot and add some back if you get too cold.  If you don't have layers you could be in trouble.

Avoid Food Dyes: Yellow 5&6, Green 3, Red 3&40, Orange B

Once again Europe is ahead of the US when it comes to healthier eating.  The US needs to follow suit.  You have heard of the book "French Women Don't get Fat", here is yet another reason why us Americans do.  Too many preservatives and just plain junk in our food.  I have been making a real effort to get rid of most processed foods in my life, eating real food and making it from scratch.  Here is another reason to continue on this path for me.

Dyes in food are being linked to causing hyperactivity and behavioral changes in kids.  Europe is now labeling foods so parents will know that foods contain these dyes so individuals can choose to avoid them if they want.  Go Europe, the first step is to label it so we know what we are eating.

Avoid or look for the following dyes:  Yellow 5&6, Green 3, Red 3&40, Orange B

Best Deal

Want to make sure you are getting the best deal on line without spending a lot of your own time?  Check out Pronto.  They will search multiple websites to make sure the purchase you are making is a good one.

Looking to Organize your life, home, office, etc.?

Did you New Years resolution contain something about organization?  If so here are some items you can purchase to help you out.  But remember know what you will be using it for and where it will go before you buy.  It is always tempting to purchase a container and then when you get everything organized the item you purchased doesn't work for what you intended it to.

Memo Canisters:  These canisters have a chalk board on the outside so you can white what is inside them.  They are porcelain canisters with a seal tight lid and are dishwasher safe.  They come in two sizes, from Solutions catalog, Item# 97794 (4") for $12.95 or #87795 (5") for $22.95.

Drawer Dividers:  A great way to organize a drawer and contain those unruly utensil's or office supplies.  From Solutions catalog, Item # 81639, on sale for $14.90 each.

Fridge Binz:  Is your refrigerator out of control?  Have the condiments taken over?  I know my fridge has way too many condiments and I am even trying to limit the amount of processed/prepackaged items.  Here are some containers that will contain that clutter.  From Solutions Catalog, here are a few of the numbers:  Item# 86801, 02, 87618, 87758, for $12.95, $14.95 or $19.95 but if you buy 2 or more they are $11.95, $13.95 or $18.95.  They have more options on the web, even an egg holder.  Check them out and clean up that fridge.  Don't go overboard though or you won't have any room to put leftovers. (for a better pix, check the website)

Purse Organizer:  Is your purse a mess?  Do you change purses frequently?  This is a great solution.  It not only organizes your purse clutter but it allows you to easily switch purses.  From Solutions Catalog, Item# 85790 for $19.95

Good Posture is Important

I know this first hand and I never thought I had bad posture.  Sure I cuddle up on the couch and I may not sit properly at my desk but I am aware when I am hunched over at a restaurant or bar because I notice how bad or how much of a lump people look like when they slump over and don't sit up straight.  It also makes you look heavier and just less attractive.

So when my hip started hurting I visited my doctor.  I ended up in physical therapy.  They told me my lower back was the problem, not my hip.  After spending over $300 in copay the end result was sit up straight.  So now I'll try and save you from wasting $300.  Try sitting up straight and not sitting too much.

Here are some other things I have read:

• Take the wall test.  Stand with your head, shoulder blades and buttocks touching a wall with your heals 2-4 inches away from it.  Slide your hand behind the curve in your lower back.  You'll feel about one hand's thickness of space between your back and the wall.  If there's too much space, tighten your abdominal muscles.  If there's too little space, arch your back.  Walk away from he wall and maintain this posture.
• Keep your body in alignment when sitting.  Rest both feet flat on the floor while keeping your knees level with your hips.  Sit with your back against the chair, suing a cushion if you need support.  Stretch you head toward the ceiling and tuck your chin in slightly.  Keep your upper back and neck straight and shoulders relaxed (not rounded or pulled backward).
• Exercise to strengthen your core.  Start with easy stretches and exercises.  Check out AARPs site.  Work up to taking classes in Pilate's, yoga and strength training.  If you already have back or other physical problems, talk to your doctor before you start a program, and work with a physical therapist or personal trainer (briefly for exercises you can do at home).
• Keep your bones strong:  Maintain a healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D.  To prevent osteoporosis, do weight bearing exercise such as walking, jogging and climbing stairs.  Strong bones and good muscle support will help you make correct posture a habit.

Keep your Private Information Private

I just heard about a URL today that had private information of myself and how I could make my listing unpublished.  It had my name, husband's name, marital status, income, pix of my house (way too much information).  I heard that I could remove myself so I did.  I suggest you to the same.  As I learn about other sites such as this I will update this post.

Spokeo:  Enter you name, to the left of the page there could be several listings.  Look for your state and click on it.  It will narrow down the list.  Now look for your address and click on it.  If you have found yourself, copy the URL at the top of the page then in the lower right corner look for the word "privacy" and click on that.  Paste the URL into the box, enter your email and they type in the code they list and submit.  You should receive an email confirming that your listing has been removed.

FREE FRUIT: Share Fruit and Save Money

I just found out about this web site today and I think it is great, if it works.  I signed up for an account and am going to start searching for free fruit in my area.

Check it out, http://neighborhoodfruit.com/

Coupons: Save Money with Coupons

Here are sites to check out for coupons before you go shopping.  I'm not so good at doing this each time but I'm going to try and start doing a better job before grocery shopping.  Here in CA the store adds come out on Sunday and run through Saturday.  The grocery adds come out on Monday, start on Wednesday and run through Tuesday.  Every Monday I write down what is on sale the upcoming week.  Since I do this every week, on Tuesday I know what is going off sale and what will be doing on sale so I can compare the two adds and see when it makes more sense to go to get the best sales.  Today I went through the sites of my three main grocery stores (Lucky's, Safeway and Nob Hill) and later today I will go shopping and see what I can save.  The plan is to not purchase things I don't need but on a weekly basis go through these three sites and print the coupons to save some money.  If this becomes a habit I will start looking through the other grocery sites and see what else I can save.

• Lucky's:  Local CA grocery store chain.
• Safeway:  Local CA grocery store chain.  You have to register and have a Safeway club card.  Once you have registered go through all three tabs (Coupon Center, Personalized Deals, You Club Specials) and then print grocery list.  These coupons are added to your club card so no need to hand them coupons, GREAT!
• NobHill / Raleys:  Local CA grocery store chain.  You need to register to print your coupons.

Here is a website you can use to do your grocery list if you go to multiple stores, Grocery IQ.  You need to sign up for an account but it is free.

BYOB: Bring your own bag and receive about 5 cents per bag: Lucky's, Safeway, Whole Foods, Target

Here are other coupon sites:

• Alex Coupons: Offers coupon codes for more than 1,200 stores and helps in the fight against childhood cancer
• Coupons: before purchasing online check for coupon codes
• Coupon Cabin: print store (local or on line) and grocery coupons
• Coupons for Change:  get a coupon and they donate to a charity.
• CouponMom: print store and grocery coupons
• CouponSuzy: print grocery coupons
• Coupon Sense Blog: This blogger will tell you the deals they find.
• Coupon Winner: print store (local or on line) and grocery coupons
• Drugstore:  coupons
• eBates: Rebates for shopping by joining eBates.
• FreeShipping: Search for free shipping coupons
• Grocery Game: check out the 1st Sunday of every month.
• Grocery Price Book
• Groupon: This link is for SF but it's also available in the East Bay for discounts on restaurants and stores.
• PennyPincher Gazette
• PlasticJungle and GiftCardGranny: Never pay full price for a gift card again.
• Red Plum: Grocery, restaurant, online coupons
• RetailMeNot:  Before you make an online purchase look for a coupon on this site.
• Shop It To Me: They find discounts on things your looking for and send it to you via email.
• Short Cuts: Grocery, Store, cash back, coupons
• The Krazy Coupon Lady
• Veebow:  Free coupons, why pay a site to get something that has always been free.

Deals:

• Living Social:  This site offers deals on your local businesses, one per day.  You sign up and receive daily emails.  There is a time limit on the deals but from what I saw today you can get some good deals.  I will be keeping my eye out for the deals perfect for me.
• Dealio:  Enter in product and let Dealio track them for the best prices.
• Deal News:  Enter in product and let Dealio track them for the best prices.
• Restaurant deals:  get discounted deals at your favorite or new restaurants.

Discounted Bread: Sounds better than Day Old Bread

If you haven't been to one of the day old bread stores like Hostess Bread Outlet or one of the many others you should check them out.  I use to go years ago but when I moved out of that area I stopped going and even though I had seen another bread stores I never gave it a try again.  My attitude seemed to change, like I was afraid of the day old bread or maybe it was because money wasn't as important as it use to be.  Well recently someone mentioned how great the bread store was in Dublin, CA so I decided to give it another shot.  After all, times are tough and I am doing all I can to save a buck here and there. 
I was pleasantly surprised and will go back again when I'm looking for buns.  When I purchase buns at the grocery store I usually purchase Colombo Sweet Rolls.  They last long, stay soft, they make good sandwiches and pressed like a paanini, baked in the oven or used to make garlic bread.  So even as they become less fresh for sandwiches they work out great when heated.  The package of 6 costs about $4-$4.50.  At bread store they were $2.  Half price, what a deal.  I also saw some Colombo potato rolls I had purchased for our Halloween party to be used for pulled pork sandwiches.  I don't eat the bakery items but if your family does they have it all. 

What ever the reason may be that you haven't stopped in one of these stores, let it go and give it a try.  What could you loose, a couple of bucks.  It's worth it because what will really happen is you will SAVE a couple of bucks.

Do you have Bad breath? or don't you know.

Bad breath is one of those things that people don't always want to tell you but you need to know so you can correct it.  I always think if my mouth tastes bad it must smell bad but sometimes that may not be the case.  Another way to determine it is to lick the inside of your wrist, wait 4 seconds, then smell.

If you brush and floss but your bad breath doesn't go away you may have gum disease or digestive problems.  One option I know for sure that works is to start using TheraBreath Toothpaste and Mouth rinse.  It's expensive but when it gets rid of your stinky breath you will realize that it is worth it.

I find these products at CVS, Walgreen's, Lucky's and Safeway grocery stores but not always.  It seems to be a popular product because I can't always find it so keep your eye out and if it works stock up.  You can order it on line but then you have to pay for shipping so I avoid this.

Kitchen Food Staples

Here are the staples in my kitchen.  I have been doing my best to cook from scratch and get rid of most processed foods from my life because if you look at the ingredients a lot of the items are not really food.  There are some things I'm never going to get rid of, for example I'm not going to bake my own crackers but they are also not a staple in my house.

STAPLES
Italic: Not purchased regularly, Buy when on sale or for holidays.

DAIRY
Butter, unsalted
Cheddar block to shred
Eggs 12 L O
Milk, non-fat O
Parmesan, shredded
Greek Yogurt: Fage nonfat
Tortilla whole wheat 8” soft taco size (10 ct.): Mission

Bread: Orawheat Natural Honey
String or Bonny Bell Cheese

VEGGIE

Bell Peppers (red, yellow, orange)
Carrots -baby
Celery O
Garlic bulb
Ginger
Lettuce: Romaine O
Onion - green
Onion - yellow
Radishes
Tomatoes O
Veggie of the Season

Onion - Red

FRUIT

Bananas
Fruit of the Season

MEATS

Ground Beef: Laura’s Beef O
Ground Turkey
Ground Bison
Chicken Breasts - boneless/skinless
Pork Chops
Sausage, maple: Jimmy Dean
Sausage bold: Jimmy Dean
Sausage hot: Jimmy Dean

Pork Butt

Pork Roast
Chicken Thighs, skinless, boneless
Chicken breasts bone in
Beef Roast
Beef Stew Meat

PASTA & WHOLE GRAINS

Brown rice
Spaghetti - whole wheat
Linguine - whole wheat
Rigatoni - whole wheat
Couscous
Farro
Beans: Pinto
Beans: Split peas
Beans: White
Beans: Lentils

Campanile

Egg Noodles no yolks
Lasagna sheets
Salad macaroni
Shells - large and small
Risotto
White rice

CAN GOODS

Corn Kernel
Beans - Black
Beans - Garbanzo
Beans - Kidney
Chicken broth, no fat: Swanson
Green Chilies: Ortega
Enchilada Sauce - green
Enchilada sauce - red mild
Olives - black
Olives - green
Pickles - dill
Pickles - sweet
Pineapple - chunks
Pineapple - crushed
Refried beans, no fat
Tomatoes - Stewed
Tomatoes - Chopped
Tomato paste
Tomato sauce
Tuna - Albacore in water

Chicken Stock

Beef Stock
Hormel Chili No Bean
Beans: Van de Camp Pork

BAKING

All Purpose flour unbleached
Baking powder
Baking soda
Cornstarch
Nuts: 

• Almonds – 3 lbs.
• Walnuts – 3 lb
• Pecans – 2 lb.

Sugar - brown
Sugar - white

Cranberry - jelled

Cranberry - whole
Evaporated milk
Sweet Condensed milk
Pinenuts

CEREAL:

Old Fashioned Oats
Fiber One Cerael: Honey Clusters

SPICES:

Basil
Bay leaves
Celery Seed
Chili Powder
Cinnamon
Cumin
Dill
Garlic Salt: Lawry’s
Garlic Powder
Ginger
Mustard, ground
Onion powder
Oregano
Paprika - sweet
Paprika - smoked
Parsley
Pepper - black, fine ground
Pepper - black, coarse ground
Pepper - cayenne
Pepper - chipolte chili
Pepper - red pepper flakes
Peppercorns - black
Sage
Salt - iodized
Salt - sea salt, lg flake
Taragon
Thyme

Dry Italian dressing mix

Dry Ranch dressing mix
Dry Lipton Onion soup mix
Gravy: Williams Country, plain
Lime juice - better by limes
Ginger
Marjoram
Nutmeg
Vanilla Beans (for vanilla)

CONDIMENTS

Capers
Garlic, Minced
Honey bear (sm.)
Ketchup: Heinz
Mayonnaise- light: Best Foods
Lemon juice better lemons
Maple Syrup - pure
Marsala: Colombo Sweet Pace
Mustard: Best Foods Dijoneese
Oil: Canola Oil
Oil: Toasted Sesame oil
Oil: EVOO – cold pressed
Peanut Butter: Skippy O
Salsa, medium
Soy Sauce, low sodium
Hot Sauce: Tabasco
Hot Sauce: Saracha
Taco sauce
Vinegar, white
Vinegar, balsamic best you can afford no caramel flavoring
Vinegar, rice
Vinegar, red wine
Vinegar, white wine
Vinegar, apple cider
Worcestershire

FROZEN

Blue Berries

Corn

Peas
Pasta Prima Spinach / Mozz raviolis

DRINKS

Beer
Coffee: Beans O
Diet 7up
Diet Coke
Pineapple juices (sm. can)
V8 juice (sm. can)
Vodka: Absolute vodka. 1.75L
Vodka: Stolie. 1.75L
Vodka: Stolie Blue 1.75L
Vodka: Stolie Raz 1.75L
Tea: Good Earth Green Lemongrass

Apple Cider (pkg or fresh pressed)
Cramberry Juice
OJ
Sunkist soda
A&W Rootbeer

SNACKS:

Rold Gold Pretzels
Doritos
Lays BBQ Chips
Cheetos

PERSONAL

Hairspray: Finesse
Toothpaste: TheraBreath
Toothpaste: Crest Sensitive
Oral Rinse: TheraBreath
Deodorant: Sure
Deodorant: Lady Speed Stick
Shampoo: Pantene
Conditioner: Pantene
Bath soap: Coast
Olay Face Cloths (normal/dry)
Spray Gel: Pantene (men)
Floss: Glide waxed
Hand soap, refill
Panty liners: Always
Panty liners: Kotex
Tampons (super) 100 ct.: Tampax
Tampons (reg.) 100 ct.: Tampax
Qtips (3 pkg.)
Skintamate shave (blue)
Shave (men-no gel)

MEDICINE

Alcaseltzer
Excedrin Migrane 300 ct.
Aleve Gel 160
Motrin IB

CLEANING

Bleach: Clorex
Dryer sheets: Bounce
Clothes soap: Kirkland 170 oz.HE
Dish soap: Kirkland
Stain Remover: Spray n wash
Wipes

CAT

Cat Litter, scoopable
Dry Cat Food, purple bag
Wet food small cans
Flea medicine: Frontline

MISC

Computer Ink: Cannon
Computer Paper Xerox 800 sheets 24lb. weight
Photo Paper - glossy: Kirkland
Garbage bags - Kitchen
Foil, heavy duty: Reynolds
Foil, regular: Reynolds
Kleenex 10/85ct
Paper towels -Kirkland
Parchment Paper
Propane
Plastic Wrap
Plates - small: Kirkland
Plates - large: Chinet
Stamps
TP - individual wrapped: Kirkland
Freezer bags - gallon: Ziplock
Freezer bags - quart: Ziplock

Garbage bags - Outdoor

Note: As of 11/2010 no longer purchase frozen shrimp at Costco or any seafood where the origin is Asia. Buy only US seafood to try and avoid harmful chemicals.

Also need to check on Chicken Breasts: Call the customer service department of the chicken producer whose poultry you buy. Ask if they give arsenic to their birds or buy organic (cannot legally be given arsenic). Many poultry producers feed animals an organic form of arsenic to control intestinal parasites. One study showed: Arsenic in 55% of 155 samples purchased in MN and CA supermarkets. All 90 samples from fast food restaurants contained it.

HOMEMADE ITEMS

No longer purchase these processed items.
Seasonings
Taco seasoning
Italian seasoning
Blackening spice
Oat Flour
Pumpkin Pie Spice
Rosemary (plant)
Zest (lemon, orange, lime)
Bread Crumbs
Vanilla
Dairy
Grated Cheese, buy blocks
Sauces
Pesto
Pizza sauce
BBQ Sauce
Sweet n Sour sauce
Salad Dressing
Spaghetti Sauce
Food from Scratch
Chili
Spanish Rice
Soda Water
Products:
All purpose cleaner
Steamer Mop
Coffee filters (use a metal one)

NOT FAVORITES

Snyder’s of Hanover: Pretzels, shinny coating not good.

Note: As of 11/2010 no longer purchase frozen shrimp at Costco or any seafood where the origin is Asia. Buy only US seafood to try and avoid harmful chemicals.

Letting Wine breath without Decanting it

I love my Vinturi Wine Aerator.  It instantly aerates wine for a better bouquet and flavor.  But my suggestion is taste your wine first before you run it through the aerator.  Some wine become weaker and are better before you do this so try a bit, then try some aerated and see which you prefer.

You can purchase one of these from a variety of stores including but not limited to Brookstone, Crate and Barrell or William Sonoma.  They run about $40 and at Bookstone it's Item# 635144

A great gift for any wine enthusiast.

I found another one on QVC that I may like better.  The problem with the Venturi is that you need to hold it and pour into it over the glass which can result in spilled wine which is a sin.  They do now have a stand for this but that is too much to store.  So Rabbit is offering one on QVC which I ordered as a gift (yet to arrive).  I purchased the gold color.   Item# K31934 for $19.32+ $4.22 S/H.  If you don't know Rabbit let me tell you they make a great wine opener also.

FREE STUFF OR DISCOUNT OFFERS

With times as they are we are all looking to save some money and better yet get something for nothing.  Usually something for nothing doesn't work out but here are some cases where it does.  As I learn more about free things I will update this list.

Money:  The best free thing there is.  Google your local state treasure and look under unclaimed assets for your last name and see if there is money sitting unclaimed with your name on it.  The link here is for California which doesn't fall under the state treasurer but instead the state controller.
Best Free Stuff On Line:  Variety of free stuff
Free Fruit:  Shop in your neighbors backyard for free and share your extra fruit from your trees.
Godiva Rewards:  Get free chocolate by joining the rewards program.
Chilies Restaurant:  Sign up for the email club and get a free Chips and Queso
WorthMonkey:  Find out what your stuff is worth and then put it up for sale on eBay, Craigslist or Diggerslist
Free Wifi:  Find free wifi spots all over the country.

Share, Swap or Trade and save money
ShareSomeSugar:  Lets you borrow vs purchasing.
eBooks (download for free)
Gutenberg
Librophile
Books Should Be Free
Book Mooch:  Enter the books you want to give away, receive requests, ship books, enter request for new books. 

Cash for Goods:
Cash for Books:  Send in your already read books for cash
Plastic Jungle:  Have a gift card you don't want but need the cash, donate it for a tax credit or purchase a gift card at a reduced price.

TV Shows:  (Free sites with shorter add breaks, internet connection required):
Hulu:  A joint venture with NBC and FOX contains a deep library from 140 providers like Comedy Central, Food Network and PBS.
TV:  CBS
Joost:  CBS and Viacom
Fancast:  From Comcast
CBS:  CBS posts episodes 24 hours after they first air
ABC:  ABC posts episodes 24 hours after they first air
Clicker:  TV shows on line.

Movies:
GoFobo:  Signup for advanced movie screenings

Things to do and Travel discounts:
Free Museum days
William  Sonoma:  Coooking technique demonstrations
Carmel by the Sea:  Coupons for local restaurants.  Also ask your hotel.  Our room key gave us discounts on some restaurants.  I found most restaurants were providing some sort of discount.

Clothes & Personal Items:
Clothing Swaps:  Bring your unwanted items and swap them for something else
Toothbrushes:  If you go to the dentist on a regular basis (2 visits per year) they will give you a free toothbrush each visit.  If you like me you don't change it more often so this works out fine.
Antibiotics:  Check with your local pharmacy when you get a perscripton for antibiotics to see if they have some free one's.  It is strange but according to the report I heard they do have free one's on hand.  In this report Stop and Shop does it.

Laungage Lessions:
On Open Culture you can learn a forgein language, get free audio books and take free courses.
FSI Language courses:  They also offer free language courses on line.


FOR KIDS:
Kiddie Records:  Classic online audio books online for free.
Swap.com:  Swap books and movies online with other moms.
Kik:  Free texting from phone to phone.
Game Stop:  Bring in your own games to GameStop stores and get other used games in exchanged.
Paper Toys:  Print out and make cool paper toys with your kids.
Babies On Line: Find baby samples, coupons and more.
Just Between Friends:  New or gently used items that individuals put on consignment saving you 30-90%
Activities:
Barnes & Noble Story Time: Find the store nearest you and check their events for a story time event. All ages are welcome and some give away coloring books, crayons and stickers.  You can also join their kids club.
Apple Store: Learn how to make CDs and photo albums at an Apple store near you.