Secrets of Success

Envelope system

Every month we set aside cash for groceries, entertainment, and basic expenses, all in seperate envelopes. We budget so that we can ONLY spend each month what is in those envelopes for those expenses. When we break a dollar, the change goes into a jar. At the end of the month, any bills leftover and all the change in the jar goes into savings!

Too much onion or celery?

Ever have too much onion or celery and end up throwing it away when it goes bad? Chop up what you didn't use, and freeze it to cook with later!

Snacking at night

This tip was given to me from another SP member and wanted to share. Like many of you, I eat well all day, but can't fight the urge to snack at night ! Instead of fighting it, work WITH it. Keep a bowl of cut veggies in the fridge for night-time snacking. My downfall is chips and dip, so I dip the veggies in salsa and get the same "crunchy snack" satisfaction and pack in more veggies for the day!

Lentils!

Lentils are weight loss' best kept secret! They are dirt cheap, full of protein, and don't require much seasoning because they have a delicious flavor all on their own! I simmer mine with onion and pepper and eat them with brown rice and steamed veggies. Try it! Also, they do not require soaking and cook fast (about 20 minutes)

NO more ziploc bags

Since me, my husband, and our daughter all pack a lunch every day, we were going through a LOT of ziploc bags. I switched to reusable plastic containers; this saves money PLUS keeps needless plastic from going into the landfill.

Wholly Salsa

Wholly Salsa is absolutely delicious; it tastes like it was just made, much better than the jarred ones on the shelf. Tip: if you are like me and are a chips and salsa fan, try dipping baby carrots or carrot chips into this salsa instead! It helps my cravings plus I get extra veggies in!

Fels Naptha

Fels Naptha is the best laundry stain remover I have EVER found and it is dirt cheap! It comes in a bar soap with a white paper wrapper and costs a dollar at Walmart. I have used it to successfully take out makeup, grass stains, and all kinds of other crud.

Reuse shampoo and conditioner

Have shampoo that just didn't work out? Don't throw it away. It makes great hand soap!

Conditioner you didn't like? You can use it as shave cream!

Look at bikinis

I'm trying to lose weight for my wedding and honeymoon this summer, so when I feel like I want to go binge or skip a workout, I go to VIctoria's Secret's website and look at the bikinis. It reminds me that a bad choice will set me back from my goal.

Belvita

Belvita breakfast biscuits are really tasty and they're very balanced nutritionally. I fnd that if I eat a package of them and a glass of milk, I'm full until lunch. It's a great grab and go breakfast for when you're running late and otherwise wouldn't be able to eat. TIP: there are 3 flavors, but the blueberry ones are the best--they taste like a crunchy blueberry muffin!