For those who transitioned

What products were in your holy grail? I've done this before, but a lot has changed these days lol. I usually co-wash every other day, but needed some assistance on finding a good deep moisturizing conditioner (I love Elasta QP DPR-11). Like I think most of my breakage is due to the fight of the dual textures (I have about 1.5 inches of ng). Any tips besides doing the BC (not ready to doit just yet)?

25 ways to stretch your food budget

For all of us who are feeling the crunch, here are some helpful tips courtesy of Eat Better America.

25 Tips to Stretch Your Food Budget
When you have to think twice about every penny you spend, these tips can help you make smart choices.
When it comes to buying food, a good way to stretch your budget is to eat at restaurants land fast-food venues less often. And while that might mean a few more trips to the grocery store, it also means more time at home enjoying the company of family and friends. Preparing a meal with your kids, sharing laughs and catching up porides rewars beyond saving money!

AT HOME
1. Cook at home instead of going to restaurants or fast-food venues.
2. Make a realistic food budget.
3. Clip coupons from newspapers or download them from Web sites.
4. Plan your meal around in-store specials, especially meats.
5. Make a grocery list and stick to it.
6. Save money - and time - by shopping and cooking with a friend.
7. Stretch meat further by making casseroles and stir-fries.
8. Grow your own vegetables and herbs.

AT THE GROCERY STORE
9. Choose products from the top or bottom shelves in the grocery store. Items at eye level are usually more expensive.
10. Be aware of sell-by dates. Perishable foods are often reduced in price as that date nears.
11. Limit purchases of prepared and packaged foods. They're convenient but more expensive than buying ingredients to make it yourself.
12. Shop the "reduced section" of the store and stock up on products you use regularly.
13. Join grocery-saving club stores that entitle you to memembers-only savings.
14. Buy items like meat in bulk or family-size packages and divide and freeze for later.
15. Purchase fresh ingredients that are in season.
16. Shop the end-caps of the aisles for great deals.
17. Don't shop when you're hungry. Everything looks good then.
18. Allow enough time for shopping so you can compare prices.

MEAT MATTERS
19. Purchase inexpensive cuts of meat and use them in your slow cooker.
20. Instead of buying pre-made ground beef patties, make your own.
21. Purchase less expesive ground beef. Brown and drain in a colander, then rinse with hot water to remove excess fat.
22. Buy a bag of frozen meatballs and use the meatballs in several recipes.
23. Roast your own whole chicken instead of buying a rotisserie chicken; make a casserole, pot pie or soup with leftovers.
24. Use bone-in chicken thighs instead of boneless skinless chicken breasts.
25. Stock up on canned tuna, salmon and chicken when they're on sale. They make tasty casseroles and sandwiches.

Food tips for the budget friendly

It's lent over here in my house, so buying any type of beef (I gave it up, but not my bacon!!!! lol), is not even going to happen. Only family sized packs of ground turkey or chicken come in here, and I can get those from my neighborhood shoppers for under $6. The family pack equals 2 different meals (baked ziti and turkey burgers).
A roasted chicken equals about 3 meals: chicken with mashed potatoes and spinach one night, chicken hash (shredded chicken, thinly sliced potatoes, onions, salt and pepper with some oil), and of course some type of chicken soup (w/ veggies and rice or pasta). Yeah I've been good at this.
Also you know those turkey breast you can find at Wal-Mart, well that'll save you a lot of money when it comes to deli meat. You spend $8 for that breast, and bam you have sandwiches for at least a month (for a family of three).
When it comes to buying cheese, buy a block of cheese. That way you can use it for more than one thing (shred it go with your pasta, shave it to go on your sandwiches, cube to eat with your fruit/or crackers, etc.). You'll save at least $2 from your food bill.
Buy generic! This is coming from a certified food snob, but hey sometimes we have to budget. Who knows there might be that certain yogurt that you have to have because it has all of these health benefits (yes I am referring to myself, and my love of Kefir lol). You buy that store brand sharp cheese, pasta (Richfood and Nature's Promise are good brands), making it easier for you to get that special item.
Beans, beans the musical fruit. The more you eat, the less you have to worry about your fiber intake lol. I have a tasty version of black bean soup, that even steak lovers will love, and it's vegan friendly. It requires a a crockpot (have no fear you will be using this), a bag of black beans (don't get the can, you'll be spending more), 2 cloves of garlic, some olive oil, 2 plum tomatoes, 1/2 a habanero pepper, and onion soup mix (make sure there is no beef or chicken stock added). Soak your beans for at least 6 hours, overnight if you can. After soaking the beans, heat up a small pan with the 1/2 tsp olive oil (or margarine if you don't want to spend the money for oil), Add the 2 cloves of garlic (smashed), and sautee' until softened. Add the beans, tomatoes, garlic oil, the pepper, soup mix, and add water until the beans are covered. Put the pot on low (if you're going to work), or you can put it on high until the beans are tender. Make some rice, and if you want to get fancy you can add some cheese on top OR chopped onion and tomato.
Okay little one is up, courtesy of her Daddy, so I must retire. We have a busy day of playing and learning!