Luanne's Life 96.5 Blog

Sioux Falls’ Own National Spelling Bee Entrant

luanne — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:18:45 +0000

Sean Calhoun, most recently finishing up at Patrick Henry Middle School, is one of 48 remaining contestants in the National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C. and will compete again tonight. Watch him during coverage on KSFY-TV this evening!

Mother’s Day Coupons

luanne — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:27:43 +0000

Okay, so you’ll have to hand these coupons out yourself, Mom. But if you get them back, it will be the gift of gifts!

Clutter-busting tips

luanne — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 16:45:35 +0000

Last Saturday, Suzanne and I went to Sioux Center for the Women of God Conference fundraiser for The Bridge. We talked about how God is stretching us. Suzanne shared about eating healthy, and I told about my de-cluttering!

Here are some helpful tips I found online (from Brooks Palmer).

Pringles recall

luanne — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:53:31 +0000

The Cheeseburger and Taco Night flavors are being recalled. More info here.

Fundraiser auction for my daughter’s school

luanne — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:46:46 +0000

It’s this Saturday, March 6, starting at 11:00 am. It’s at Christian Center Elementary School in Sioux Falls, and you’re welcome t0 stop by!

16 year old to sail around the world solo

luanne — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 17:15:31 +0000

Have you heard of Abby Sunderland? This 16 year old set sail January 23rd to circumnavigate the globe by herself. She hopes to complete the journey by June 2010. Read more at Abby Sunderland’s website.

A healthier you means less sodium

luanne — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:33:55 +0000

Do your heart good and launch your own campaign to cut back on sodium. Here are 5 easy ways to cut sodium from your diet:

1. Don’t add it if you can’t taste it. As a rule, I don’t add salt to boiling water for pasta or potatoes. I prefer to add salt to a dish when its impact will be strongest—usually at the end of cooking. A little salt goes a longer way if it’s sprinkled on a food just before serving; you’ll taste it in every bite.

2. Use sea salt. Even if you’re watching your sodium intake, you can enjoy sea salts. While gram for gram sea salts contain as much sodium as table salt, their larger crystals and unique flavors, derived from various sources, may result in your using less salt overall, says Chef Kyle Shadix, M.S., R.D., director at Nutrition + Culinary Consultants in New York City.

3. Use fresh ingredients whenever you can. You’ll save umpteen milligrams of sodium by making your own sauces and soups, and simmering dried beans until soft (rather than opening a can). Yes, it’s a time commitment, but if you’re serious about salt reduction it’s time well spent. Make these staples more convenient by cooking them in big batches and freezing in single-serving portions for later use.

4. Use convenience foods wisely. Opt for frozen (unsauced) vegetables rather than canned—and when you can’t, seek out low- or reduced-sodium varieties. Rinse the foods in a colander before using to get rid of some of the salt. Cut back or eliminate additional salt in a recipe that calls for canned goods. Fresh vs. frozen vegetables: which is healthier? The answer may surprise you.

5. Look for low-sodium products. If you’re really watching your intake, look for “low sodium” on the label: that product can’t have more than 140 milligrams of sodium per 100 grams (about 336 milligrams per cup). The term “reduced sodium”—also called “lower sodium”—is regulated by the FDA and means only that the product contains at least 25 percent less than its original version.

By Michelle Edelbaum

Michelle is the associate editor of interactive for EatingWell Media Group. In between editing and writing, she enjoys sampling the tasty results of the easy, healthy recipes that the EatingWell Test Kitchen cooks are working on.

2010–How do you say that?

luanne — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:06:20 +0000

Happy New Year! With a new decade comes options on how we say the year: do you find yourself saying “two thousand and ten” or twenty ten”? A quick survey of the staff revealed mixed results. I am leaning toward “twenty ten” as the simpler, shorter sounding version. It will be easier a few years from now to say twenty thirteen as opposed to two thousand and thirteen. Now I just have to make it a habit!

What do you say?

Free, unlimited Wi-Fi coming to McDonald’s

luanne — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:38:41 +0000

Find out more at this link.

Penny Pinching Breakfast Mix

luanne — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:44:37 +0000

Mix together a large batch of instant oatmeal and scoop up a serving that costs only about a quarter a day. In a large bowl, combine 1 container (18 oz.) quick cooking oats, 1 envelope (3.2 oz.) nonfat dry milk, 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar and 1 cup raisins (or any dried fruit you like). Transfer to an airtight container. For breakfast, scoop 1/2 cup oatmeal mix into a bowl and add 1 cup water. Microwave on high about 1 1/2 minutes. Makes about 16 servings.