Monday, March 28, 2011

Couchsurfing:A Fun and Frugal Way to Travel

World-travelImage via WikipediaDo you dream of travel but think the cost is beyond you means? Hotel rooms can sometimes be hard to book and high priced. Several nights away from home can be a real strain on a vacation budget. Why not couchsurf instead and save your vacation dollars for fun stuff!

Couchsurfing is a social network and website that has participants in over 250 countries. Travelers can find a willing host who will cheerfully offer you a place to bunk in their home, or folks willing to take you around to see the sights and enjoy the local culture.

You can also sign up to sponsor a traveler to return the favor!

Curious to learn more? Try these links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CouchSurfing
http://www.couchsurfing.org/help.html

Want to participate? Look here:
http://www.couchsurfing.org/

Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com
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Healthy Budget Stretching Foods

Ipomoea batatas, Convolvulaceae, Sweet Potato,...Image via WikipediaFood prices seem to be skyrocketing lately! It is getting harder to eat well without blowing the family budget. So I have compiled a list of nutritionally sound but inexpensive foods you can rely on as dietary staples.

Brown rice is a good source of fiber, It is low in calories and can be stored up to two years, so it is a great item to buy in bulk. Often rice can be purchased for about 50 cents a pound!

Oatmeal is filling, warming in cold winter months, and lowers cholesterol levels. Buy it plain and add your own dried fruits or spices for a different taste each morning. Slow cooked is generally cheaper than instant oatmeal in individual packets, and can also be used for baking.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes are high in fiber, delicious and can be bought for 40-60 cents a pound. They can be cooked in so many ways, your family won't get tired of eating them.

Eggs are high in protein and inexpensive to buy. Two eggs for breakfast will cost you about 40 cents! They can be kept refrigerated for several months, so it is an item you can stock up on when you find  a good sale.

Apples are loaded with dietary fiber and anti-oxidants. They keep well and cost roughly 70-90 cents per pound. They are an easy addition to packed lunches and a great after-school snack.

Lentils are high in fiber and protein, keep well, are fast cooking and inexpensive. The cost is generally under a dollar a pound.

Beans of any variety are always a great deal and a wonderful source of protein. They can be stored for a long time, are simple to fix. Just cover them with water and let them simmer in the crock pot overnight. They can be used in soups, stews, burritos, and as a healthy side dish. Buy them dry for less than a dollar a pound.


Irene Helen Zundel is a freelance writer, educator and mother, and an expert in child development, home schooling and creative parenting and home making. Visit her online at http://www.irenehelenzundel.com
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I am a freelance writer, Reiki master, and educator, with diplomas in teacher's aide and child psychology, and numerous writing courses. I home schooled my son, who was born 10 weeks early and was expected to have developmental and learning lags. In 6th grade, he took an 8th grade standardized achievement test, and scored as a college sophomore in math and English. It inspired me to write a book, which I have given away for free! It is called Make your Kid a Genius, and can be downloaded at my website http://www.irenehelenzundel.com I am passionate about alternative healing methods; especially Reiki, aromatherapy, acupressure, therapeutic massage and music and sound therapy.