Live 4 Today

May 2012 Issue #008

Welcome to this month's issue.

1. Slow down
2. Frugal Fun
3. Medicinal Herbs
4. Frugal Tip of the month
5. Meat-free Monday Noodles

NO RUSH

"For fast-acting relief, try slowing down." - Lily Tomlin

Life can be so rushed.

Hours, days and weeks fly by in a blur as we rush between chores, school activities, sport, housework and work commitments. We find ourselves so stressed out and determined to "get things done" - that we often lose out on life and living.

Time Management is vital.

Instead of running around, racing against time and then at the end of the day feeling guilty for not having spent time with your family - plan your week or month and be smart about it.

Through proper time management , you'll find that you do have time to relax with your husband, play with your children, pamper yourself or to read a favourite book.

FRUGAL FUN

We love the outdoors and often take our kids for a walk in the forest or on the beach or just a walk around the neighbourhood, while they ride their bikes.

This helps me unwind and also helps the kids get rid of some accumulated energy.

Spend time with your kids - they grow up so fast and they'll remember the things you did together as a family - all the fun times together.

There are so many free or affordable fun things you can do as a family - make time for each other. You're worth it ;-)

MEDICINAL HERBS

I have, and I find that it not only works but is much kinder to my wallet.

You can use herbs bought from a health shop or you can grow your own herbs , to treat anything from a head ache to infections to tummy upsets.

For a relaxing drink, you can even try to make your own herbal tea!

HEALTHY FRUGAL EATING

For the last couple of months I have been doing a lot of research on healthy eating and more specifically incorporating it into a frugal lifestyle and I will add a few pages on my Website specifically on this topic in the next few months - so.....

.... watch this space ;-)

TIP OF THE MONTH

Write your shopping list and reminders at the top and let your children draw at the bottom end.

MEAT-FREE MONDAY NOODLES

Ingredients

• 1/2 a packet of pasta shells (about 4 handfuls) - cooked
• 1 cup dried lentils - rinse well


• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp crushed garlic
• 1 large red onion, finely chopped
• 4 large tomatoes, chopped and skin removed (or 2 tins chopped tomatoes)

OR

• instead of the tomato and onion - 2 tins tomato and onion mix
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1 red pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 Tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Oregano
• 1 tsp Thyme
• 2 Bay leaves
• 1 Cup of water
• 2 Cups of Homemade cheese sauce (Mornay sauce)
• 1 Cup dried bread crumbs

• Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onion, garlic and red pepper until soft.
• Add the tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, thyme, bay leaves, lentils and water and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes - stirring occasionally and add more water if necessary. (I make my cheese sauce during this time)
• Remove the bay leaves, add the sugar and add salt according to taste.
• Pour a thin layer of cheese sauce in an ovenproof dish, followed by a layer of the lentil mixture and a layer of pasta.
• Continue until you have used all the ingredients - end with a layer of cheese sauce.
• Sprinkle dried breadcrumbs on top and bake for 25 minutes at 180C

Serves 4

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11 verse 28

Relaxed 4 Today

Happy Frugal Living everyone!

Ray xx