Sandwiches make a quick and economical lunch, but they sure can be bland. If you’re anything like me, you make the same kind over and over (turkey on whole wheat, uh)! Fillings I can vary, but the bread always stays the same. In an effort to shake my lunch rut, I’m experimenting with different options. Try any of these to beat bread boredom:

*  Bagels

*  French

*  Cinnamon Raisin

*  Rye

*  Pita

*  Onion

*  Potato

*  Pumpernickel

*  Naan

*  Cornbread

*  Oatmeal

*  Italian

*  Fruit breads  (Banana, pumpkin, cranberry, etc)

*  English Muffin

*  Challah

*  Biscuits

*  Flatbread

*  Sub rolls

*  Texas toast

*  Hot dog buns

*  Sourdough

*  Beer

*  Focaccia

*  Multigrain

*  Irish Soda

*  Brioche

Just sick of bread altogether? Substitute any of these for a new twist, which are great for a light, snack-y lunch.

*  Matzo

*  Crackers

*  Waffles

*  Pancakes

*  Rice Cakes

*  Tortillas

 

Remember: Keep it fun, keep it fresh, and sandwiches won’t be such a drag!

We can pick up free apples with a new rebate! This will work on any variety at any store—love having multiple options!

Buy an apple at $0.99/Lb, which should be right around $0.25. Submit for a $0.25 rebate. Total: Free!

If you find apples for less than $0.99/Lb, you can get additional apples for nothing. The key is weighing the produce before you buy it.

Head to Wal-Mart for this great deal on yogurt!

Buy a Yoplait single, regular price $0.50. Submit a $0.25 rebate. Total: $0.25!

If you’re willing to try generics, many groceries stores sell their house brand yogurt even cheaper.

 

I’m so tired right now, because I was up five times in the night. The culprit? A 10:00 PM Chinese food feast! (Why, oh, why do I give in to late night food cravings?!) Hungry Bear and I should’ve known better, but we just couldn’t resist heaping plates of chicken lo mein, fried dumplings, and beef skewers. Did I mention we also had my all-time favorite hot & sour soup? Yes, it tasted great, but the cost was way too high—hours of indigestion!

Maybe it’s because I’m getting older, but I just can’t eat heavy, greasy food like I did in my teens. I never sleep well on a full stomach anyway, but this experience was torture! I can remember my dad complaining about indigestion during my entire childhood. My sisters and I didn’t understand and the family joke was that he was addicted to Alka Seltzer. My dad is no longer living, but if he were, I would’ve called him to commiserate! I drank 2 Alka Seltzers myself around 3:00 AM, and it certainly wasn’t fun!

My stomach has nearly recovered, but I doubt I’ll be awake long enough to see the ball drop live tonight. As for my New Year’s Eve feast…well, I think tea and toast is about it.

Resolution for 2015: Never eat Chinese food before bed!

 

If you celebrate secular new year, have a wonderful time, don’t drink and drive, and please eat lightly!  🙂