Do you love strawberries?

They are one of the best early summer fruits, and are so wonderful whether eaten fresh from the stem, or added to a delectable concoction for dessert.

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Reading other food blogs is becoming a new hobby.  I’ve pretty much kept to “Mommy” blogs for several years, who offer up recipes every so often – which are very enjoyable.  However, honing in on “Food” blogs is new and so far, I’m really liking what I see!!!

Being involved in a food blog has had a rather positive effect on me. Rather than obsessing about food or mindlessly eating, I find that I am purposely thinking about food in an objective way.  YAY!  I think this translates to some behavior changes where my eating & lifestyle is concerned.  =)

My Favorite Blog Posts This Week:

• Family, Friends, and Food:  Strawberry Spa Salad with Almond Vinaigrette - sounds lovely for a nice Spring salad!

• Metropolitan Mama: 5 Healthy Snacks for Moms (and their Kids, too!) – barring any allergies, these are easy, portable snacks, too!

• Schweet ‘N Savory: Banana Cream Cheese Muffins – This blogger is a High School Junior – Impressive!!!

• Nagle5 News: Twenty Minute Chicken Parmesan – this is a healthier, quick version of an Italian classic!

• Stop and Smell the Chocolates:  Cake Week – Day 3 – WFMW – Creative Cupcakes – anyone who celebrates with a week of cakes deserves some kind of awards.  This post is fantastic – funny and luscious at the same time!!!

• bell’ alimento: Pineapple Fusion Scallops – I’m a fan of scallops but have not been very adventurous.  This post inspires me to change!

• Profitable Mommy Blogging – Don’t Do It For Free -  Although not a food blog – this post gave me food for thought.

And that wraps up my Favorite Blog Posts This Week!  Tune in next Saturday for more…

I’ll admit it: I don’t particularly enjoy meal planning.

HOWEVER, it has been a big help for our family and I do it for that reason.  It saves time, money, and stress.  I know what we have on hand and what I can make and there isn’t a whole lot of wondering about “What am I gonna make for dinner?” at the last minute!

If you’re like me, the weekend is not when I want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.  I enjoy baking or making goodies on weekends – but I don’t like the regular cooking & cleaning that goes with the 3 meals a day cooking on weekends.

We tend to do a lot of snacking.  No large meals – but several “mini-meals” throughout the weekend. We are trying to cut back on our fast food eating and want to incorporate healthier options.

Finding healthy options doesn’t have to be difficult.  I saw this video and thought Natalie gave some great tips for quick, healthy snacks:

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjzyyMWGFbs

What are your thoughts?  What are your favorite healthy snacks?

Do you typically shop at your local grocery store – purchasing fresh produce and baked goods? Do you buy organic or whatever is on sale?

Do you shop at specialty bakeries, delis or other shops for particular items?

Do you ever shop at whole food markets or health food stores?  Local farmers markets?

In this age of ever growing consumer awareness – eating whole, unprocessed foods is coming into the limelight.  More and more people are just as concerned about where their food comes from and how it was grown, as they are about the price.

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