Thoughtful Thursday: Maybe We Should Be More Like Animals...

This week a lot of animal clips have come through my inbox and DVR that reminds me of how people could learn a lot from animals.

Baby and Boxer


Bella and Tara


Christian the Lion


Do differences really matter?

(house)Work Wednesday: Spring is in the Air

Two Sundays ago Lisa, YM, and NEB went to the Southern Ideal Home Show for a very domestic double date. Plus we won free tickets so why not?

Anyway after an afternoon of searching the fairgrounds for the perfect hot tub, closet organization system, and appliances for my future house, we headed to Cameron Bar and Grill for a late lunch. Lisa and I had the Strawberry Salad and it was amazing...

...so amazing that I wanted it again for my late dinner...but I couldn't justify $16 in salads in 5 hours. Sigh. So instead of getting the salad, I headed to Harris Teeter for the weekly produce trip and went to get all my lunch meats and such. As walked through the deli a light bulb went off in my head: MAKE THE SALAD YOURSELF!!!

Now I know most people might have thought of this, but I am not the type to think of restaurant food as something I can DIY-ify but this seemed like a good start.

Here's how it broke down-

• 1/2 pound of fresh Salad Mix: $3


• 1 1lb tub of strawberries on VIC card special: $1.25


• 1 bottle of light raspberry vinagrette dressing: $2.49
  


• A dash of sugar because I don't like the candied pecans in the original salad: $0
  


• Some feta cheese from my fridge: $0

= 3 Strawberry Salads for $6.74 + tax.

And voila!!!

Isn't it pretty?

Teach It Tuesday: My new "favorite" foods

I went to the doctor a couple weeks back and after some blood test was told that I have high cholesterol. I expected it to be a little high from my awesome college eating habits, but didn't expect it to be as high as it was...especially since I'm in my mid 20s.

Luckily because I am in my mid 20s, there's changes I can make now to get it back down where it should be and keep it there without medication or too much worry about long lasting damage. In honor of my cholesterol enlightenment, here are some facts about it that I hope will help you all out.

• Your cholesterol should be under 200mg/DL and your triglyceride level should be under 150 mg/dL.
• One of the main sources of cholesterol in the human diet is animal fats (especially in red meat and eggs.)
• Foods that are high in saturated and/or trans fat are usually also high in cholesterol.
• Cholesterol is required to built and maintain cell membranes but your body creates cholesterol on its own, so you don't have to eat it to get enough of it.
• A person with normal cholesterol levels should limit themselves to 300mg of cholesterol a day to remain healthy. Those who need to lower it (like me) should stick to 200mg or less.
• If you want to lower your cholesterol, foods that are high in soluble fiber will help a lot.

This is the "increase these in your diet list" from my doctor:

• Soy products
• Red wine
• Oatmeal
• Almonds
• Fish
• Garlic

High cholesterol can lead to a higher risk of heart disease because cholesterol will sit on the walls of your arteries like spackle, making it difficult for blood to flow properly. Ewww.

Here's an additional source for more information: American Heart Association

Money Monday: 10 Commandments- Courtesy of MSN Money

I came across this Financial Commandments for Your 20s and I thought of all the people who I know who need to read this article.

Basically:

1. Thou shall plan ahead
2. Thou shall live WITHIN your means
3. Thou shall make saving a habit
4. Thou shall pay off your credit cards
5. Thou shall start investing
6. Thou shall establish credit
7. Thou shall develop a marketable skill
8. Thou shall cut the financial umbilical cord
9. Thou shall marry wisely
10. Thou shall have fun

I think I'm in good shape but it's always nice to have a easy to understand reminder.