Snack planner Make the most of your shopping list

Get Shopping!Planning your family's meals for the week makes life easier in so many ways. Planning your family's snacks can bring the same ease and convenience, as well. You'll be amazed at how easy it is to do, and how much time and money you'll save. You may just end up with better snacks, too.

We all know the benefits of meal planning. You save time by knowing ahead of time what you're going to make instead of staring endlessly into your pantry and freezer. You also save money by not making multiple trips to the grocery store, because sticking strictly to your shopping list isn't always easy.

Those same facts are true for snack planning. The next time your kids say, "Mom, I'm hungry," you'll know exactly what's on the snacking menu. Simply grab what's next on your snack list and get back to what you were doing. Here are a few benefits and tips on planning out your family's snacks:

Convenience

The next time you have a few free hours on the weekend, make up a bunch of freezer-friendly snacks, and you'll be set for months. Make batches of cookies and whole-wheat breads and muffins. You can even pre-assemble and freeze snack-size burritos and seasoned ground meat for nachos. Wrap everything individually, or at least in small groups, so you'll be able to thaw only as many as you need at a time. You won't believe how much easier your life is when you can hand your child a homemade snack that you didn't just make.

6 Freezer staples the family will love >>

You also can pre-assemble snacks for the week and keep them in your fridge. Throw together a fruit salad and store it in individual containers. Cut up vegetables and store them in snack-size bags, along with individual containers of dressing or peanut butter for dipping. Cut up meats and cheese, and store them in plastic bags with crackers so your kids can assemble their own little snack sandwiches.

Economy

Store-bought boxes of snacks are easy to buy and easy to serve. If you study the packages, you can even find some that are healthy. They're also easy to over-buy, so you end up spending more money (and wasting more space) on snack items than food for your actual meals. By snack planning, you'll know ahead of time how much snack food you need. This way, you'll have just enough and be prepared, even if you don't make your own.

Printable grocery shopping list >>

Kid-friendliness

The only thing worse than staring down your pantry shelves looking for a snack idea is watching your kids do the same thing. By snack planning, you'll have a whole week's worth of snacks all ready to go. Older children can just reach into the fridge and help themselves. Label snacks by day of the week, and maybe even time of day. Life will be much easier for you, and your kids will love that little bit of independence.

Easy, healthy snacks for kids who can't wait for dinner >>

Make your shopping list at home, then go through your cabinets, pantry, fridge and freezer to make sure you don't already have anything you listed.More snack ideas

7 Finger food snacks for kids
Top 10 healthy snacks for kids
Budget-friendly snack ideas for kids

Top 10 strangest liquor (and beer) flavors

Would you drink a bacon
or fish martini?

We at SheKnows are quite fond of our libations. From Easter candy martinis to boozy milkshakes, we love trying new and delicious cocktail creations.

However, we have to draw the line somewhere and that line might be smoked salmon vodka or, gag, pickle-flavored vodka. These weird, flavored vodkas, along with eight others, make our list of the 10 strangest liquor and beer flavors.

Although some of these sound downright gag-worthy (need we say pickle-flavored vodka, again?), some sound pretty tasty, like peanut butter and jelly or cake! Check out these strange liquors and tell us what you think. Gross or good?

10Bubble gum vodka

Although it's still a little strange, this vodka flavor was a long time coming. Made from the people who also make cherry vodka (Three Olives), this vodka tastes just like a big piece of Double Bubble. If you find yourself feeling a little nostalgic for the days of your bubble gum chewing youth, try out a bubble martini. The taste is light and refreshing, so it's the perfect cocktail for summer. Just don't try to blow a bubble with it; it won't end well.

9Peanut butter
and jelly vodka

Whomever came up with this idea is a bit of a genius. Who doesn't love a traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich? Turn your favorite childhood lunchbox sandwich into a happy hour libation with this deliciously strange vodka created by Van Gogh. Since you can't very well serve vodka between two pieces of bread, try mixing it with milk for an updated white Russian!

8Cake vodka

This sounds too good to be true! Cake, in drink form? Could it be? The makers of Pinnacle vodka, who first coined the whipped cream flavored vodka, turned your favorite dessert into something you can drink. For your next adult birthday party, skip the actual cake and serve up birthday cake martinis instead. Just don't light a candle near your drink if you want to keep your eyebrows.

7Cotton candy vodka

Cotton candy is another whimsical, strange and innovative flavor to come out of Pinnacle. Unlike the light as air, fluffy cotton candy you buy for your family at the local fair or theme park, this cotton candy isn't meant for kids. Pair this super sweet flavored vodka with some club soda for a cotton candy club or, if you're feeling really brave (or had an exceptionally bad week) with tequila for a strange, interesting margarita.

6Yogurito

Yep, you read that read, there's a liquor that tastes like yogurt. However, sadly for U.S. residents, Yoguritio is really only sold in Japan. This tangy and creamy liqueur is made in Holland and is a hit among Japan's health-conscious population. Mix with some pineapple or cherry juice and it's like you're eating a fruit on the bottom yogurt cup. However, don't be fooled. Just because it tastes like yogurt doesn't mean it's yogurt, so don't go switching out your morning Chobani for liqueur. Unless you're on vacation, then in that case, all bets are off.

5Hemp seed spirits

Hemp seeds? In a drink? The Alaska Distillery is the first one ever to create a spirit with hemp seeds. Hemp is a low strain variety of the cannabis sativa plant. A higher THC strain of this plant that you may have heard of is called marijuana. However, don't think a sip of this will get you high, man. The distillery uses sterilized hemp seeds with no THC. This drink, ironically and symbolically named Purgatory, is a great addition to your 4-20 celebration.

4Cookie dough vodka

And Pinnacle makes the list, again! This strange, yet incredibly intriguing flavor of vodka could go either way for us. On one hand, the only reason we make cookies is so we can sample some of the dough. On the other, though, we've all felt the wrath in our stomachs of too much cookie dough and the outcome ain't pretty. In moderation, this could be a delicious addition to a chocolate martini or vanilla ice cream (right?), however, too much could have us reliving those not-so-glorious days of our youth when we had just a little too much raw egg and chocolate chips.

3Pizza-flavored beer

There's nothing better than a cold beer with your pizza, right? After a long work day, you pop open your favorite brewed bottle and sit down to a piping hot pizza from Papa Johns. As good as these two are paired next to each other, we're not so sure they would taste as great if they, you know, mated. However, Tom and Athena Seefurth, who created this Illinois-based brew swear by it. Made the same way you make pizza, except strained, filtered and steeped, each sip tastes like a bite of pie. Forget ordering out, just drink your pizza for dinner tonight instead.

2Smoked salmon-
flavored vodka

This is easily one of the weirdest flavors of vodka to ever be invented. Created by the same people who made the hemp seed spirit, it's for those of us who can't get enough of that smoked salmon taste. So, we beg the question, does it actually taste like fish? Laurie Constantino, a food writer and blogger, tested this out so we didn't have to (thanks Laurie!) and says the dominant flavor is smoke, but there's a slight aftertaste of salmon. It's not a drink to sip on its own but would make a great addition to a bloody mary.

1Bacon vodka/
Pickle flavored vodka

We have a tie for the weirdest flavor vodka because it was just too hard to pick between these two, bacon-flavored vodka and pickle-flavored vodka. Bacon vodka, created by Seattle's Black Rock spirits has the peppery, cured, meaty and crispy flavor you know and love from cooked bacon, just in a drink form. This is not a sipping vodka (unless you really, really love bacon) but we hear it's delicious in a bloody mary and in vodka sauce! Pickle-flavored vodka, or Snooki's dream come true, tastes like a pickle, simple as that. Another vodka you wouldn't just sip, it could be mixed in a bloody mary. We don't know about you, but the thought of drinking spiked pickle juice makes us want to throw up.

Tell us

What are your thoughts on these weird, flavored drinks? Have you had one and loved it? Hated it? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section!

More foodie top 10s

Top 10 reasons not to eat fast food
Top 10 health foods that aren't healthy at all
Top 10 foods you should be eating but probably aren't

Black Friday deals for the foodie!

Black Friday
Foodie Finds For those who like to cook -- or do just about anything else in the kitchen -- Black Friday 2010 is what you need to get your food on! Whether it's a gift for yourself or your favorite foodie, retailers nationwide are sure to provide Black Friday sales you can sink your teeth into.

It sounds more like something that would send you hiding, but Black Friday, traditionally the day after Thanksgiving when retail stores open before dawn to kick off the Christmas shopping season, is a day many shoppers look forward to all year long. Some people avoid the stores on Black Friday at all costs, while others wait in line for hours, often in their pajamas.

Although retail experts say that the sales really start in October, Black Friday is still a draw for those looking for the "thrill of victory" in scoring sales. While people generally head out for Black Friday's early morning electronics and toy extravaganza, don't fret. Retailers like Sears have indicated that 2010 is the year that sales will be bigger and more expansive, reaching a variety of products. You'll be sure to find kitchen goodies of all sorts, either as a gift to yourself or for your favorite foodie.

In the past, retailers would keep a tight lid on their big sales up until the week of Thanksgiving. Now it seems that ads "leak" out well in advance of the big day. Below is a retail roundup of the stores and items you'll find with deep discounts to help you get your cook on this holiday season.

Target Black Friday Deals
Emerson 12 Bottle Wine Cooler - $69 (Regular price $99.99)Black and Decker 5-Cup Coffeemaker - $8.99 (Regular price $14.99)Black and Decker Family Size Griddle - $19 (Regular price $29.99)Black and Decker TRO490B 4-Slice Toaster Oven – $19 (Regular price $29.99)Chefmate 5 Speed Electric Hand Mixer - $3.00 – Stores OnlyNinja Master Prep Food and Drink Maker - $28 (Regular price $49.99)

Sneak a peek at the Target ad

Macy's Black Friday Deals4.5-Quart Kitchenaid Stand Mixer - $179.99Bella Cucina Juicer - $39.99 (Regular price $79.99)Cuisinart Food Processor - $69.99Sunbeam Stand Mixer - $49.99

Sneak a peek at the Macy's ad

JC Penney Black Friday Deals
Sunbeam Stand Mixer - $99.88 after mail-in rebate (Regular price $199.99)Corningware 12-piece Cookware Set - $38.88 after mail-in rebate (Regular price $99.99)Kitchenaid 16-piece Triple-Rivet Cutlery Set - $39.88 (Regular price $119.99)J.A. Henckels 8-piece Steak Knives in wood gift box - $24.88 (Regular price $79.99)

Sneak a peek at the JC Penney ad

Sears Black Friday Deals
Keurig B40 Single Serve Coffeemaker - $109.99 (Regular price $119.99)Hamilton Beach 4-quart Slow Cooker - $9.99 (Regular price $19.99)

Sneak a peek at the Sears ad

Kohl's Black Friday Deals
Bobby Flay 5-pc. Griller's Kit - $47.99 (Regular price $79.99)Food Network Nonstick Roaster - $29.99 (Regular price $49.99)

Sneak a peek at the Kohl's ad

Even More Black Friday Deals:

www.theblackfriday.com

www.blackfriday.fm

www.blackfriday.info

More Black Friday Deals from SheKnows:

How to save money on Black Friday

Black Friday 2010 ads leaked!

More Black Friday 2010 ads leaked!

3 Sangria recipes for Cinco de Mayo

What better day to overindulge in sangria, margaritas and cervezas than Cinco de Mayo? Get the party started with a pitcher (or two) of these fruity cocktails perfect for a day of celebrating in the sun.

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with sangria!

Sangria is a wine punch usually containing fruit, brandy and a sweetener. Although it originated in Spain, it is now served all over the world and is likely to be on every Mexican restaurant menu you see. Variations of sangria are innumerable, with different wines, spirits, fruit and other additions used to create a very easy-to-drink cocktail.

These sangrias are especially refreshing over ice on a hot day, particularly Cinco de Mayo!

Classic red sangria with citrusIngredients:1 bottle dry red wine1/4 cup lemon vodka1/4 cup orange vodka1/4 cup brandy1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice2 tablespoons simple syrup8 lemon slices, halved8 lime slices, halvedDirections:

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

White sangria with pearIngredients:1 bottle dry white wine1-1/4 cups pear juice1/4 cup brandy1 cup chopped canned pears1 cup chopped canned peaches8 orange slices, halvedDirections:

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Rosé sangria with limoncelloIngredients:1 bottle rosé wine1/2 cup limoncello1/4 cup brandy1/2 cup lemon-lime soda1 tablespoon lemon juice1 cup sliced strawberries8 lemon slices, halvedDirections:

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

More cocktails for Cinco de Mayo

Fun, fruity margarita recipes
Spicy Cinco de Mayo cocktails
5 Tequila cocktails

How to talk to your doctor

Getting The Most Out Of AppointmentsWhether you're going to the doctor for a routine checkup, or feeling brave enough to finally find out what that nagging pain is about, get the most out of the short time you have with your doctor by laying the foundation for a good relationship.

Research shows that patients who have good relationships with their doctors and play an active role in their health care are more satisfied and ultimately have better, more-positive outcomes.

Talk, talk, talkDon't wait to be asked questions - open up and give your doctor information that includes:Your health history (more than what you filled out on the questionnaire at registration)Symptoms you are experiencingTell him or her what you think might be causing the problemRecent changes in your life (something that is causing you stress, for example)List the vitamins and supplements you takeTalk about any special diets and outline what your typical exercise routine includesBe sure to tell your doctor about any herbal or alternative medicines you may have tried or are thinking about tryingBe honest

Your doctor has probably heard and seen it all, so don't be bashful or hide anything that may seem embarrassing. Talk openly and honestly about all of the details and fears that you may have. For example, if you are afraid that your headache is due to a brain tumor, now's the time to say it out loud. This shows your doctor that you are genuinely concerned.

Come prepared

While it may seem a little bizarre to carry around your family's health histories, it may prove to be a valuable tool when it comes to diagnosing something that may be afflicting you. Be sure to bring any x-rays, films, or test results, and a complete list of the medications you are currently taking.

Get information

The best way to get the information you need is simply to ask questions. Ask about anything that might seem unclear to make sure you understand everything before you leave the office. You may want to consider writing a list of questions so you don't forget what they were. Take notes and ask for written instructions, as well as informational packets that you can take home with you. If it makes you feel better, bring along a buddy to listen to what the doctor says, as well as for moral support.

Follow-up

If you have any follow-up questions, or experience any worsening symptoms or side effects that may be due to new medication, be sure to call your doctor right away. If you had tests and have been waiting a while for the results, don't hesitate to call and get the status.

The typical doctor face time at appointments is only 15-minutes on average, so make each minute count by knowing how to talk to your doctor and partnering up for a solid healthcare relationship.

More on healthy doctor-patient relationshipsGetting doctors involved in birth plans15 Signs you should dump your doctorMini-clinics or the McDonalds of medicine?

Healthy grab-and-go breakfast ideas

Grab'n'go BreakfastsKeeping your healthy New Year's resolution starts with breakfast! If you need to waken up your first meal of the day try these quick and simple meals you can take on the go!Bake & Take Oatmeal

Cinnamon Raisin Variation

For cinnamon raising oatmeal, add in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and 1/8th of a cup of raisins before baking.

Chocolate Chip Variation

Sprinkle 1/8 cup miniature chocolate chips over the top of the oatmeal before baking.

Hazelnut Variation

Sprinkle 1/8 cup chopped hazelnuts over the top of the oatmeal before baking.

On a cold morning a warm breakfast can get your day off to a great start! But boxed flavors were last years oatmeal. Why not try a preservative free, healthy version of oatmeal? Bake ahead or while you are getting ready for the day and off you go with a healthy fitful meal!

Ingredients:3/4 cup quick cooking oats1 tablespoon packed brown sugar1/8 teaspoon salt1 egg1/4 cup almond milk1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract1 tablespoon canola oilDirections:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour a small oven-proof bowl.In a large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. To save time, consider doing this the night before or even making a few and keeping them in sealed containers for future use!In a separate medium bowl, stir together the remaining ingredients. Combine with the dry ingredients, mixing thoroughly. Spoon into the prepared baking dish, and spread evenly.Garnish as desired. Bake for 20 minutes in the preheated oven. To test if the oatmeal is done insert a knife in the center. If ic comes out clean it's ready to go!

Pineapple banana smoothie

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Variation

Replace the 1 cup of frozen pineapple with 3/4 cup frozen strawberries. Continue as directed.

If you are trying to put more fruits and vegetables into your diet, no doubt you've considered making a smoothie! They are simple, quick, and a great way to add extra nutrients into your diet! Adding two cups of spinach to any smoothie will hardly affect the taste and add all your daily Vitamin A and 10% of your Iron all for just 14 calories! To get started try out these two smoothie recipes! Five minutes to make and a to go cup will get you out the door with a healthy meal to start your day!

If you're looking to save even more time, make two or three smoothies at a time. Put them in freezer safe containers and take out of the freezer an hour before you want to eat them. By the time you are showered and dressed, breakfast is served!

Ingredients:2 cups spinach1/2 cup almond milk (we like to use the sweetened vanilla kind)1 cup frozen pineapple1/2 of a small bananaDirections:

Place your spinach in the blender.Add the almond milk and frappe until smooth.Add the frozen pineapple chunks and banana. Blend again until smooth.

Breakfast Tacos

Tired of the same old egg dishes? Try waking them up by putting them in a breakfast taco! Starting out the day with protein from the eggs and cheese and the fiber from the avocados will help keep you full until lunchtime!

Ingredients:2 large eggskosher salt and black pepper2 corn tortillas, warmed1/4 avocado, thinly sliced4 teaspoons salsa (optional)4 teaspoons Mexican Blend CheeseDirections:

In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper.Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the eggs, stirring, until set, 2 to 3 minutes.Divide the eggs among the tortillas. Dividing evenly, top with the avocado, salsa, and cheese.

More health and wellness links below

Important nutrients for active kids
10 ways to embrace your flaws
How to discover your strengths

How to have your fittest spring yet

Get in shape this spring

A new season is a great time for a fresh start, which is why we always get excited about spring. As the weather warms up (and bathing-suit season draws ever closer) we get extra-motivated to embrace a healthier lifestyle. As you emerge from hibernation, let us help make this spring your fittest yet!

To learn more we turned to Joyce Daoust, certified nutritionist and national bestselling co-author of The Formula: A Personalized 40-30-30 Weight Loss Program. She shares her tips on how to best get fit this season.

Know your caloric requirements

Winter and the holiday season usually mean excess food and drinks, but in the spring and summer we feel the need to restrict ourselves (sometimes trying crazy diets to lose weight quickly). Not a good plan, warns Daoust. "If you eat too many calories, you’ll gain weight. Eat too few calories and you’ll lose lean muscle, slow your metabolism and lose even less fat," she explains. But if you eat the proper amount of calories for your gender, size and activity level (with the 40-30-30 ratio of carbohydrate, protein and fat), you can maximize the burning of stored body fat for energy.

Hire a nutrition coach

If can be tough to get motivated to eat right and focus on fitness after a long winter. Just knowing where to start when it comes to what to eat -- and what not to eat -- can be frustrating enough. Make things easier with some help. "Just as a great private trainer teaches you how to train correctly and efficiently for your individual needs, a nutrition coach can show you exactly what to eat to maintain lean muscle mass, lose body fat and enjoy a lifetime of better health and wellness," says Daoust.

Never carbo-load

Oh, how we love our simple carbs, but they can make getting fit that much harder if that’s all you’re eating. "A bowl of cereal for breakfast or even a banana before your work out can dramatically slow your ability to burn stored body fat during exercise," Daoust explains. "When carbohydrates are eaten without adequate protein and fat, blood sugar levels rise and stimulate the release of insulin, a fat storage hormone that slows your body’s natural access to stored body fat for energy," she adds. Even worse, insulin converts any excess carbohydrates (glucose) into fat.

Change your workout

To really put the focus on fitness this spring, shake up your workout. "If your body stops responding to your workouts, it’s time to change up your routine and push yourself to reach new fitness levels and goals," Daoust says. Consider working with a private trainer just for spring, or challenging yourself to a few of the hottest workouts like P90X, TRX, the Bar Method, Dailey method, CrossFit or kettlebells.

Eliminate high-glycemic carbohydrates

Not seeing the results you want? Daoust tells us you can always kick up your weight loss another notch by completely eliminating high-glycemic carbohydrates such as starchy vegetables and grains (white pasta, bread) and choosing only medium- and low-glycemic carbohydrates from fruits and vegetables. "They contain a higher percentage of water and fiber and are packed with nutrients, with little or no starch or gluten," she explains. It's always a good idea, however, to talk to a nutritionist or dietitian before you eliminate too many food items from your diet.

Monitor your progress

Nutrition journals can help you plan your meals, monitor your fitness and weight loss results and keep you focused and motivated. Spring is the perfect time to start a food and fitness diary, says Daoust. She also suggests having your body fat tested every few months to monitor and record your actual body fat percentage and lean muscle-mass gains. "When the scale stays the same but your clothes fit better and you look better, you’re probably losing fat and gaining and toning valuable lean muscle mass."

More get-fit tips

Family fitness: Fun ways to play your way into shape
Why you should burn 500 calories this week
Fit to be tied with a battle rope workout