1. Banana Pops - Peel a banana and cut in half crosswise. Insert a wooden craft stick into each cut end. Spread the outside with peanut butter then wrap in wax paper. Freeze for four hours.
2. Petite Pitas - Fill mini pita pockets with tuna salad and sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
3. Cheesy Pinwheels - Spread a flour tortilla with low-fat cream cheese and sprinkle with shredded carrots. Roll up tightly and slice crosswise
4. Fondue - Microwave 1 cup of shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup apple juice and 1Tbs. cream cheese in one minute intervals, stirring until melted. Then cool. Serve with pretzel nuggets, apple wedges or veggies.
5. Parfait - In a parfait glass, layer vanilla yogurt, sprinkles, sliced strawberries, sliced bananas and granola.
6. Mini Pizza - Spread pizza sauce on a small prepared pizza crust. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and broil until melted. Add olives and red pepper.

Here in our small town, there is not much of a choice for restraunts if you are going to eat out so McDonald's ends up becoming the "gathering" place. People go there for coffee clubs of a morning and afternoon and it's a place people gather to share the latest news. In turn, it can be easy to collect many Monopoly game pieces.

So far, I already have a couple of FootLocker coupons, a few free breakfast sandwiches and small drinks or coffees. I have also won 75 My Coke Rewards points in the online game.

I find it funny, but it never ceases to amaze me what people will sell on eBay. There are auctions all over for 2008 McDonalds Monopoly game pieces. The sad thing is, some are going for $10-$15 and more. So if you have a few extra game pieces lying around, you might want to pop them up for sale on eBay. You might at least earn the money back for your meal.

4 Game Pieces for McDonalds 2008 Monopoly Game    US $.50

McDonalds Monopoly Footlocker Pieces 10 15 25 off    US $.15

To show your appreciation for all that they do for you, why not pamper them with a new treat or something special?

25 CNT 6 BULLY STICKS DOG CHEW TREAT SNACK GET 5 FREE    US $34.99

Flint River Ranch Dog Treats 20 lbs Glucosamine Joints    US $63.49

Flint River Ranch Natural Dog Treats 20 lbs Oven Baked    US $61.49

100 COUNT 6 BULLY STICKS ALL NATURAL DOG CHEW TREAT    US $64.99

100 THICK 6 BULLY STICKS ALL NATURAL DOG CHEW TREAT    US $84.99

Patriot Pet USA MADE DOG TREATS Turken Sticks Case    US $49.99

Pup Peroni LEAN BEEF Dog Treats 56 lbs    US $42.99

15 Merrick Dental Flossies 6 8 Dog Treats FRESH FAST    US $38.99

Zukes Mini Naturals Dog Training Treats SALMON 6 OZ    US $4.49

Freeze Dried Chicken Liver Dog Cat Treats Made in USA    US $7.99

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Naturally, I thought this would be a good time to start a series of posts on ways to save some extra money.

According to previous research, nearly 42% of the money households spent on food went toward snacks and meals away from home. Here are a few tips that can help you save in that department.

Try dining at restaurants that have daily specials and bargains such as bar only menus. Applebee's offers half-price appetizers during certain hours in the afternoon and then again later on in the evening after dinnertime hours. Check your location to get exact times. You can also go to www.hotcoupons.com to find deals at Subway and many other places.

Another way you can save big is at the grocery store. Make a list and map your route before you ever go. You are more likely to make impulse purchases if you wander up and down every aisle. You can also avoid temptation by taking your spouse or kids with you and dividing the list. Not only do you get the shopping done faster, but you are more likely to pick up only what you need.

Spray them with window cleaner and wipe with a damp cloth. Window cleaner works faster than products made specifically for cleaning sneakers. Using this technique, you can get them clean quicker and faster than soaking or scrubbing.

The best window cleaners for this project come in a spray can and foam when used. You can find these window cleaners for $1 at your local Family Dollar or Dollar General Stores. Places like Wal-Mart carry a similar product, but it is now over $3 a can. I opt for the cheaper version because it works just as well.

If you do not access to purchase these type of window cleaners, regular Windex and spinoffs of the product will work just as well.

You can also scrub your leather sneakers with a paste of baking soda and water. Just mix enough of each to make a paste, wipe on and then wipe clean with a damp cloth.

• Flowers with hollow stems output a milky type of substance after they are cut. In order to make them last longer, these stems need to be seared. To do this, hold the end of the stem over the flame of a candle or lighter. They will last even longer if you put the stems in warm or lukewarm water instead of cold after they have been seared.
• Add a teaspoon of vodka or gin to the water in your vase.
• Another method to help them last longer is to use the following solution - 2 drops of household bleach, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 quart of water

Here are a couple of hints to perk up flowers that are starting to droop

• Add equal parts of water and a citrus flavored soft drink that contains both carbonation and sugar (like Sprite). Flowers will perk up in a matter of hours.
• You can also try a solution of 2 Tablespoons of vinegar, 1 teaspoon of sugar and 1 quart of water.

Enjoy those fresh cut flowers of summer and if you have a tip you would like to share, please feel free to leave a comment.

Take a wide mouth jar, such as a canning jar or empty mayonnaise container, and place a piece of bait such as a piece of bread, fruit or any solid sugary substance in it. Then insert a funnel into the jar.

Next place a couple of pieces of wood or something to elevate the jar on the counter. Now turn the jar with the funnel upside down and set it on whatever you are using to elevate it.

The flies will be drawn into the jar because of the bait but will not be able to find their way out. Then to get rid of the flies, simply turn the jar right side up and fill it with water through the funnel. Then pour the drowned flies outside of the house. Quick, simple and easy.

Of course, there are also products you can buy, however there is really no need when a simple solution such as this is available. Go ahead and give it a try, it works.

Mishmash and the Venus Flytrap Cone Shortall hc 1st    US $15.99

LOT 4 CATCHMASTER FLY WASP INSECT CATCHER TAPE TRAP    US $9.99

VECTOR FRUIT FLY TRAPS Fly Control 3 traps FREE SHIP    US $19.99

VECTOR FRUIT FLY TRAPS Fly Control 12    US $54.95

LOT OF 3 105 GOLD STICK Fly GLUE TRAP w PHEROMONE    US $9.90

NIP 6 PACK FLY RIBBON TRAPS FLYING INSECTS NO POISONS    US $2.30

Mishmash the Venus Flytrap by Molly Cone HCDJ 1976    US $.99

TRAP N TOSS LIVESTOCK AND BARN FLY TRAP    US $1.50

Ortho Sticky Fly Traps 18 Total Traps    US $3.49

Ortho Sticky Fly Traps 72 Total Traps NO RESERVE    US $9.99

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Hemorrhoids are basically distended blood vessels that form either outside or the inside of the rectum due to strain or pressure. Then end result is a combination of pain, itching and bleeding. They are quite common among adults, especially pregnanat women or new mothers.

It is also said that over half of all people over the age of 30 will get hemorrhoids at at some point and most are too embarrasssed to talk about it. If and when this condition bothers you, here are a few steps you can take to help get quick and significant relief.

* Beef up your fiber intake. Fiber is considered an ideal way to prevent as well as treat hemorrhoids. Fiber works by softening and bulking up the stool which often helps to reduce irritation. Several recent studies have shown that people who used a fiber supplement were able to reduce their symptoms.

* Drink a lot of water and stay hydrated. It is healthiest drink for you anyway, but aim for six to eight glasses of water a day. When combined with a fiber rich diet, water helps keep you regular which in turn helps to avoid straining from constipation. It is also good to steer clear of foods that can cause constipation, especially during flare-ups, like bananas, dairy foods and fatty, sugary snacks.

* Avoid lifting heavy objects. Another cause of hemorrhoids that many do not think about is straining to lift extremely heavy objects. Depending on how you lift, it can put too much pressure on the rectal area. If you are prone to getting hemorrhoids, you should avoid lifting heavy objects unless you have ample help.

* Make yourself comfortable. The majority of hemorrhoids go away after a week although some severe cases may require surgery. You can help decrease pain by sitting in a warm water bath for 10 to 15 minutes anywhere from one to three times a day. If you use a warm washcloth or Tucks pads that contain witch hazel, it will help soothe soreness. Other remedies include steroid suppositories, topical anesthetics and over the counter pain meds.

* Learn to sit smarter. If you are on your bottom all day, try sitting on a cushion instead of a hard surface. This will help reduce the swelling of existing hemorrhoids and just might even prevent new ones.

When should you see your doctor? Most cases of rectal pain, itching or bleeding are due to hemorrhoids and will possibly go away on their own. However, it is important to rule out other possible causes of these symptoms such as colon polyps and anal fissures.

Do you have a cure for hemorrhoids you would like to share? Leave us a comment and let us know.

For minty peas, heat one package of frozen peas and drain. Stir in one tablespoon of butter and one tablespoon of chopped fresh mint.

Try lemon broccoli - heat one package of frozen broccoli florets and drain. Stir in one tablespoon of olive oil, one tablespoon of drained capers and one teaspoon of grated lemon zest.

For fiesta corn, heat one package of frozen corn and drain. Stir in one tablespoon of butter, one tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro and 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder.

Asian stir fry - heat one package of frozen stir-fry vegetables and drain. Stir in one tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce then top with a few sesame seeds.

For cheesy vegetables - heat one package of frozen mixed vegetables and drain. Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Have fun and let me know how you like any of these quick recipes.

Go to http://www.cookingbynumbers.com and type in what you have on hand. The site will instantly find a recipe tailored to your ingredients.

Have fun with it!