Ride With Me To Work Today

This week was ride your bike to work week, and today is Ride Your Bike To Work Day. I actually almost always ride my bike to work, but I thought I'd bring a camera along and take a couple pictures so you could ride with me today.

 

Its just as easy to get ready in the morning when I plan to ride and it doesn't require that I wake up any earlier than usual. This is because my ride to work is only 5 miles so it takes about twenty minutes, just a few minutes longer than if I drive. If you have farther to ride you'll need to figure about 4 minutes per mile to ride, so if you have to travel 10 miles you'll need to give yourself 40 minutes to ride, whereas you might only need 20 to drive. Anyway, I pack my salad and yogurt and soda for a lunch the evening before and my lunch bag is ready to go in the morning. I bring a fresh clean bra, undies, and a shirt each day to work. I wear the socks I'm going to wear all day. I keep about 6 or 7 pairs of pants and capris at work in a desk drawer to wear at work. I also have 5 pairs of shoes under my desk to wear with my variety of pants. I wear those funny black shorts with the padded butt, along with my Keen Commuter Cycling Sandals (which I highly recommend) and a bright neon yellow shirt. Once I get to work, I change into work clothes.

 

So once I've packed my clothes and lunch in my panniers, I'm ready to go. The ride has nice calming segments in neighborhoods at the beginning and end which is nice. The middle 3 miles are on a busy 50 mph road with a 3 ft shoulder that I can safely ride on. The route brings me past a busy high school and the teen drivers are my biggest worry. They have almost all the accidents I see on my way to work and I hope that one doesn't hit me from behind. I'm wearing my hi vis yellow shirt, and I use my rear view mirror all the time to see whats coming up behind me. I ride on the right side of the road with traffic, and stop at all the lights too.

 

At first its a little intimidating to ride with the fast traffic, those big diesel dump trucks and the city buses - but you get used to it. I would like to encourage you to try to figure out a way you can ride your bike to work. It really can help you feel better about yourself and your health will improve. Next time you're driving to work, notice the road you're on and see if it has a shoulder to ride on. If not, is there a sidewalk? If not, is there a side road that is parallel to your route you could take? Probably. It's actually pretty easy to figure out a safe route to most places, but it might take a few minutes more to get there.

 

So there's another week left in the month, why don't you try to ride your bike next week?

 

7 of The Cheapest Cities In Europe

Now that the summer season is slowly approaching, it's time to start thinking about that dream summer vacation you have been planning over the long, cold, wintery months.

If you're worried about draining all of your savings for a short getaway this summer, then fret no more. It may surprise you to learn that many cities in Europe, even the touristy ones, can be incredibly cheap if you do the proper research and calculations beforehand.

If you're struggling to think of where you can go in Europe this summer, here are seven cities in Europe that are not only easy on the eyes, but easy on your money as well:

1.       Bucharest (Romania)

If you have a fascination with Vlad the Impaler AKA Dracula then be sure to check out Romania's capital city, Bucharest. Hostels cost as little as $10 USD a night even during the peak tourist season, however, be forewarned that Eastern Europe may not be the best area to travel alone, especially if you are a backpacking female.

2.       Sofia (Bulgaria)

Again, this is another area in the world that is probably not the wisest area to travel alone in, but it's still dirt cheap nonetheless. The majority of hostels are in the $10 to 15 USD range, which is a fraction of the cost of a hostel in cities like Barcelona, Amsterdam or Paris.

3.       Istanbul (Turkey)

Travellers have nothing but great things to say about travelling to Turkey, not only because the culture is extremely unique but because the cost of travelling in Istanbul is fairly cheap as well. Some hostels cost as little as $7 USD per night, but the majority of top-rated hostels cost $10 per night, making Istanbul well worth the time if you're running out of funds during your trip.

4.       Budapest (Hungary)

Sure it's a little out of the way but hostel costs in Budapest range between $5 to $10 USD a night, and most of which are considered to be some of the best in Central Europe.

5.       Prague (Czech Republic)

As long as you avoid the touristy areas of this popular Central European city and you know where to find cheap hostels, you may end up paying as little as $7 USD a night just to stay in this "city of fairy tales."

6.       Krakow (Poland)

If you're hoping to check out Auschwitz during your travels, or even if you have a fascination with Polish culture and architecture, hostels in Krakow can cost as little as $5 USD, even for a private room!

7.       Edinburgh (Scotland)

Sure the United Kingdom can be extremely expensive, especially if you're visiting cities like London, Brighton or Bath. But after an eight hour drive up north you will start to see prices drop down to as little as $7 to $10 USD a night to stay in Scotland's capital city; (and the costs are relatively the same in Glasgow as well).

Author Bio: Aside from school and working part-time as an Assistant Chef, Bridget Sandorford is the resident Culinary Schools blogger where recently she's been researching Las Vegas culinary colleges as well as Pittsburgh culinary colleges. Her passion for food has followed her research into many different areas, such as nutrition, fitness, organic foods, gardening, and cooking on a budget. She lives outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

photo via

Publix Weekly Ad 5/19-5/25/11

BOGOs:
Tostitos Salsa, 15.5 oz jar or Dips To Go Medium Salsa, 9.9 oz pkg, (no price)

Kanimi Crab Smart Surimi, 8 oz, save up to 3.69
John Morrell Off the Bone Honey Ham or Brown Sugar, 9 oz, or Oven Roasted Turkey, 8 oz, save up to 3.79
Alternative Bagels Roasted Onion, Sweet Wheat, Cinnamon Spice, Blueberry or Country White, 10 oz pkg, save up to 3.19
Wish-Bone Dressing, 16 oz bottle, save up to 2.63
Kraft Barbeque Sauce, 16.25 or 18 oz bottle, save up to 1.32
A.1. Steak Sauce, 10 oz bottle, save up to 4.19
Lipton Tea Ice Tea Brew Bags, Family Size, 24 ct box, (excluding Decaf 24 ct), save up to 2.59
Hunt's 100% Natural Tomatoes, 28 oz can or Tomato Sauce or Puree, 29 oz can, save up to 1.89
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail or Juice Drinks, 6 pk, 10 oz bottles or Cranenergy Drinks, 4 pk, 12 oz bottles, or Sparkling Cranberry, 4 pk, 8.4 oz can, save up to 3.99
Prego 100% Natural Italian Sauce or Meat Sauce, 23.5 or 24 oz jar, save up to 2.15
Ronzoni Pasta, 12 or 16 oz box, (excluding Lasagna, Jumbo Shells, Manicotti, Healthy Harvest and Garden Delight), save up to 1.39
Post Cereal, Selects or Great Grains, 13 to 16 oz box, or Trail Mix Crunch, 17 oz box, save up to 3.29
Pepsi Products, 2L bottles, save up to 1.69
Propel Zero Water Beverage or Propel Fitness, 6 pk, 500 ml bottles, save up to 3.99
Orville Redenbacher's Gourmet Popping Corn, 12 to 19.8 oz box, or 30 oz jar, save up to 4.89
Nabisco Toasted Chips, 8.1 oz bag, save up to 3.39
Blue Diamond Almonds, 6 oz can, save up to 3.19
M&M's Chocolate Candies Peanut, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Almond, Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Peanut, or Pretzel, Large Bag, 15.4 to 19.2 oz bag, save up to 4.59
Arnold Whole Grains Bread or Grains & More, Healthfull or Country White, 24 oz loaf, save up to 4.29
Lender's Bagels, 6 ct bag, located in the dairy section, save up to 1.89
Smart Balance Spread, 13 or 15 oz or 2 pk, 7.5 oz tub, or Spray, 8 oz bottle, (excluding Organic), save up to 2.99
Hungry-Man Entrees, 13.1 to 17 oz box, save up to 3.69
Ore-Ida Steam 'n Mash Potatoes, 24 oz pkg, save up to 3.99
Mayfield Ice Cream, 48 oz carton, save up to 5.57
Boca Meatless Burgers or Veggies or Chick'n Patties, or Ground Crumbles, 10 or 12 oz pkg, save up to 3.49
Popsicle or Creamsicle Pops or Fudgsicle Bars, 21.6 to 39.6 oz box, save up to 4.29
Cole's Garlic Bread or Breadsticks, Cheesesticks, Toast Slices, or Cinnamonsticks, 10.5 to 17.5 oz pkg (excluding Mini Loaf and Mini Toast), save up to 2.89
Bic Multi-Purpose Lighter, save up to 3.49
Chinet Dinner Napkins Classic White, 3 ply, 40 ct, or All Occasion, 90 ct, save up to 2.15
Pedigree DentaStix for Dogs or Jumbone, 6 to 7.1 oz pkg, ($3)
Whiskas Cat Food, 2.7 to 3.3 lb bag, save up to 4.49
Lysol Disinfectant Bathroom Cleaner Removes Soap Scum: Island Breeze or Mildew Remover with Bleach, 32 oz bottle, save up to 3.69
Dial Bath Soap or Coast, 3 ct, 4 oz pkg, save up to 2.29
Arm & Hammer Toothpaste Mint: Peroxi Care, Dental care or Complete Care, 6 or 6.3 oz tube (excluding Advance White Varieties), save up to 2.93
Publix Allergy Relief, Loratadine Tablets, 24-Hour, 10 mg, 30 ct box, save up to 14.99

Bakery:

Italian Five Grain Baguette, 8 oz bag, 1.49
White Mountain Bread, 16 oz loaf, 2.49
Tuscan Roasted Garlic Loaf, 16 oz loaf (selected locations), 3.99
Mini Cookie Bites, 14-Count, 8 oz pkg, 3.49
Chocolate Overload Cake or Carrot Bar, Red Velvet Bar or Italian Wedding Bar Cake, 16 or 19 oz, 4.99
Cinnamon Buns, 6 ct, 14 oz pkg, 4.69
Variety Cheesecake Wheel, 36 oz, 12.99

Dairy:
Liberte Mediterranee Yogurt, 6 oz cup, 10/$8
Publix Deluxe Sliced American Cheese, 12 oz, 2.99
Dannon Activia Yogurt, 4 pk, 4 oz cup, 3/$6
Breakstone's Cottage Cheese Doubles, 100 calorie, 3.9 oz cup, 20/$10
Publix Sour Cream, 16 oz cup, 1.29
Publix Soft Cream Cheese, Regular, Light, Fat Free,, with Chive & Onion, or with Strawberries or Whipped Spread, 8 oz cup, 3/$4
Organic Valley Organic Milk, half gallon, 2/$7
Kraft Shredded Cheese or Cracker Cut, Chunk or Cubes, 4.5 to 8 oz pkg, 2/$5
Sargento Cheese Slices, 5 to 8 oz pkg, 2/$6

Deli:
Publix Deli Cuban Sandwich, Pre-Packaged, 2.99, Made with Boar's Head, 3.49
Publix Deli Fresh Chilled BBQ Rotisserie Chicken, 4.99, Hot 5.99
Publix Deli Southern Style Potato Salad, 16 oz, 1.99
President Feta Cheese, 6 oz tub, 2.99
Boar's Head Turkey Half Sub Combo, 5.99
Crunchmaster Multi-Seed Cracker or Multi-Grain, 4.5 oz pkg, 2/$5
It's a Wrap Group Price when One of Each is Selected:7.99
Publix Pre-Sliced OvenGold Turkey Breast, 12 oz, Publix Deli Macaroni Salad, 16 oz, and Toufayan Wraps, 10 oz (excluding Low Carb)
Boar's Head Colby Jack Cheese, 6.99/lb

Frozen:
Weight Watchers Ice Cream Bars, or Ice Cream Sandwiches, Sundae Cones or Frozen Yogurt Bars, 12 to 24 oz pkg, 2/$7
Farm Rich Appetizers, 20 to 32 oz bag, 2/$10

Grocery:

Tostitos Tortilla Chips, 9 to 13 oz bag (excluding Baked! and Natural), 2/$6
Publix GreenWise Market Organic Juice Cranberry or Grape, 64 oz bottle, 3.99
Kashi Cereal or Hot Cereal, 10.4 to 17.5 oz box, or Granola Bars, 6.7 to 8.4 oz box, 2.99
Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna, in water, 4 pk, 5 oz can, 3.00 off wyb one Kraft Mayo or Miracle Whip, 30 oz jar
Pure Wesson Oil, Vegetable, Canola, Corn or Best Blend, 48 oz bottle, 2/$6
Gatorade Thirst Quencher or G2, 8 pk, 20 oz bottles, 2/$10
Juicy Juice All Natural 100% Juice Blend, 64 oz bottle or 8 pk, 6.75 oz box, 2/$5
Del Monte Fruit or Fruit & Gel 4 pk, 3.75 to 4.5 oz cup, or Fruit Chillers, 8 ct, 2 oz tube, 2/$4
Domino Sugar, 5 lb bag, 2.99
Kellogg's Cereal Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Fun Pak, Smorz, Cinnabon, or Eggo Maple Syrup Cereal, 8.56 to 10 oz box, 1.99
Coca-Cola 12 pk, 12 oz cans, 3/$11
Arizona Tea, 1 gallon, 2/$5
Frito-Lay Baked! Snacks or SunChips Multigrain Snacks, 8.75 to 11.5 oz bag, 2/$6
Keebler Cookies, 6.6 to 18 oz pkg (excluding 12 ct Keebler, Gripz, and Right Bites Multipacks), 2/$5
Pepperidge Farm Chunk Cookies, 7.2 to 8.6 oz bag, 2/$5

Health & Beauty:
Dove Hair Care Products, 4 to 12 oz bottle, 2.79

Dove Hair Care Products 25.4 oz bottle, 5.79
CoverGirl Foundation or Concealer, Pressed Powder or Blush, 2.00 off
Gillette Good News! Disposable Razors or CustomPlus, DAisy or Daisy Ultragrip, 10 or 12 ct, 5.99
Alcon Opti-Free Replenish Solution Multi-Purpose Disinfecting: No Rub Sterile or Express Lasting Comfort Formula, 10 oz, 7.99
Slim-Fast! 3-2-1 Plan Shakes, 6 pk, 11 oz can, 4.79
Excedrin Pain Medicine, 20 or 24 ct, 2.79
Caltrate Calcium Dietary Supplement, 60 to 200 ct, 25% off
Ice Hot Medicated Patch or Sleeve, 3 or 5 ct, 2/$10
Huggies Wipes, 184 to 216 ct pkg, 5.99
Gerber 2nd Foods, 2 pk, 3.5 oz (excluding Organic and DHA Varieties), 10/$9

Household:
Publix GreenWise Market Hickory Chunks or Mesquite, 1 pk bag, 2.99
Rubbermaid TakeAlongs Containers, 1 to 5 ct pkg, 2/$4
23-Quart Styrofoam Cooler, 4.99
Publix Tall Kitchen Bags with Drawstring or Flap-ties Closure, 13 gal, 55 or 85 ct pkg, 4.99
Ziploc Freezer or Storage Bags, Value Pack: Quart or Gallon, 30 to 50 ct, Jumbo Size Freezer Bags, 10 ct, 2/$7
Bounty Paper Towels, White, Prints, or Select-A-Size White, Big Rolls, or Basic Prints Mega Rolls, 6 roll pkg, 6.99
Kleenex Cottonelle Toilet Paper Regular, Aloe & E, or Ultra, Double Roll, 12 roll pkg, 6.49
Dixie Cups, Plate, and Napkins Group Price when One of each is selected: 8.99
Plastic Cups, Value Pack, 16 oz, 68 ct pkg, Soak Proof Sheild Plates, Value Pack 8 5/8 inch 100 ct pkg and Rainbow Napkins, 360 ct
Woodridge Mesh Patio Set, 99.99
9' Wooden or Aluminum Market Patio Umbrella, 39.99
Adirondack Chair, 16.99
Leisure Ways Barbeque Charcoal Grill, Disposable, 2/$6
Wrangler Charcoal Smoker/Grill, 99.99
Coleman 40-Quart Wheeled Cooler, 29.99

Pet:

Publix Crunchy Dog Food Adult Formula or Bites & Bones, 20 lb, 9.99

Produce:
Green Beans, Okra, Eggplant, Yellow Squash or Zucchini Squash, 1.29/lb
Idaho Potatoes, 5 lb bag, 2.99
Premium Tomatoes, 1.29/lb
Plum Tomatoes, 1.29/lb
Grape Tomatoes, pint, 2/$3
Corn, Yellow, White or Bi-color, 12/$3
Sweet Onions, 0.79/lb
White Mushrooms, 16 oz pkg, 2.69
Southern-Grown Blueberries, 1 pint pkg, 2,99
Asparagus, 2.99/lb
T. Marzetti Dressings 1.00 off wyb two Fresh Express Salads, 5 to 12 oz bag
Athena Cantaloupes, 2/$5
Premium Strawberries, 16 oz pkg, 2/$5, 32 oz pkg, 4.99
Cucumbers, 2/$1
Red Seedless Watermelon, 4.99
Royal Gala Apples, 1.49/lb
Mangos, 10/$10
Fruit Salad, 2.99/lb
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice or Ruby Red Grapefruit or Trop50 Juice, 59 oz, 2/$6

Seafood:
Fresh Tilapia Fillets, 5.99/lb
Large White Shrimp, 31 to 35 per pound, 6.99/lb
Large White Shrimp, Peeled and Deveined, 31 to 40 per pound, 7.99/lb
Dungeness Crab Clusters, 7.99/lb
Medium Cooked Shrimp, 41 to 50 per pound, 6.99/lb
Fresh Swordfish Steaks, 5.6 oz minimum, 8.99

Thanks to Slickdeals Publix Thread, check there for matchups. I have highlighted some deals in RED that are free or cheap with coupon stacking.

Moneymaker Deal

You can do this deal at either Publix or Target using coupons from the last couple weeks. The small package of Carefree 20 ct are $1.27 at Publix, and I've heard they are $0.94 at Target. Anyway, here is the matchup

 

Carefree 20 ct, liners $1.27

$1/1 Carefree 18-22ct MQ, 5-8 SS

$0.01 Carefree TQ 5-1 SS (regional coupon - not found in all inserts)

Use one of each coupon per item.

The MQ gives max value of $1, but the second TQ will stack and have a value of $1.26. so result is a $1 money maker on each item.

Stamp Out Hunger - Donate Foods Sat. 5/14

In your mailbox today, you'll probably receive some information and a bag about Help Stamp Out Hunger. Its an annual food drive with help from the United States Post Office, where you can put out a bag of non perishables (from your stockpiles) by your mailbox, and your letter carrier will pick it up. The bags will be donated to local food shelters and pantries.

 

I've already got a bag put together of pasta, cereals, koolaid, macaroni & cheese and snack crackers. I suppose they could also use personal care items like body wash, toothpaste and deodorant too, so I'll put together more of that stuff.

 

More than 50 million Americans are at risk of hunger! Go to www.HelpStampOutHunger.com to learn how you can help. #StampOutHunger.

 

Free McDonalds Frozen Lemonade Coupon

Check your upcoming Sunday papers for this coupon for a free 12oz Frozen Strawberry Lemonade. Its in the USA/Parade section and the red top border sticks out of the magazine. Expires 06/15/11

There is also a coupon for a $1/1 Med or Lrg Frappe or Smoothie.

Google Music Beta

I love google and all their products, so I'm sure I'll love this one too. My blog is google, my email is gmail, my phone numbers are Google Voice, and of course Picasa Web, Google Docs, and YouTube. Now Google just launched it's Music Beta page, and is taking invitation requests, a la Google voice back in the day. Their service won't let you purchase any music just yet, because their negotiations with the record labels has fallen through, for now, but they will allow you to upload up to 20,000 of your own songs to "the cloud" for play from anywhere.

You can get to your personal music collection at home or on the go. Listen from the web or any enabled device with the Music app available from Android Market. Not online? No problem. The songs you've recently played will automatically be available offline. You can also select the specific albums, artists and play lists you want to have available when you're not connected.

The sooner you put in your request, the sooner you'll get your invitation.

http://music.google.com/'rel=nofollow'

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age 9

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed — for all the right reasons.

By David Lowry, Ph.D.

 

written by Parents.com

Originally published in the March 2011 issue of Parents magazine.

 

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."
Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6
The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7
Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.
Manner #8
When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10
Knock on closed doors — and wait to see if there's a response — before entering.
Manner #11
When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12
Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.
Manner #13
Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15
Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.
Manner #16
Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17
If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."
Manner #18
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.
Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20
If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so — you may learn something new.
Manner #21
When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.
Manner #22
When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23
Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.
Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Spend $50 & Get $10 GC at Publix

Tampa - Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas counties - Check your Red Plum mailer from today's mail for a Publix flyer with lots of coupons! It has all the great meal deal coupons, plus on the front is a coupon for a $10 GC wyb $50 worth of groceries (w the usual exclusions). Expires 05/24/11

NHL Tampa Bay Conference Finals Schedule (vs Boston)

Here's the schedule for the next set of hockey playoff games in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

This 3rd round playoff of the Tampa Bay #Lightning is against the Boston #Bruins.

Game               Date                             Location                                      Time
Game 1     Sat., May 14                 TD Garden (Boston, MA)                        8 p.m.
Game 2     Tues., May 17               TD Garden (Boston, MA)                        8 p.m.
Game 3     Thurs., May 19              St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa, FL)          8 p.m.
Game 4     Sat., May 21                 St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa, FL)     1:30 p.m.*
Game 5**  Mon., May 23                TD Garden (Boston, MA)                        8 p.m.
Game 6**  Wed., May 25                St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa, FL)         8 p.m.
Game 7** Fri., May 27                   TD Garden (Boston, MA)                        8 p.m.

* - Time subject to change
** - If Necessary

Tickets Go On Sale starting Wednesday, May 11 at 10:00 am EST.