Midwest Money Savers

Get 300 Plus Live TV Channels with Sling Freestream

July 5, 2023July 5, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Sign up for free Sling TV to watch 300+ live TV channels and thousands of hours of hit shows and movies on demand! You all know I love a good freebie, so I was excited when I came across this. Lately, the cost of cable TV has gotten totally out of hand. I’m unwilling to spend the equivalent of a small car payment on Xfinity.

More and more, I’m finding that I watch fewer premium cable shows. I subscribe to amazon prime and get free streaming with Paramount+ and Pluto TV via my Walmart+ membership. This is plenty of content to keep everyone busy in your household.

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Free

Black Beans and Rice Recipe

May 23, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good Tuesday morning my frugal friends. Today I would like to share my favorite recipe for Black Beans and Rice. This recipe is delicious by itself or as a side dish, and I especially love this recipe served with some broiled boneless chicken breasts. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do!

Black Beans and Rice

One tablespoon of olive oil
1/2 onion, finely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 cup uncooked white rice, long grain or jasmine rice
2 cups chicken broth (or stock)
One 14-ounce can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1.5-2 tablespoons lime juice (adjust to your tastes)
Two tablespoons finely chopped coriander (or parsley) to garnish

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cumin to the pan, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning. Cook this for about 1 minute or until the garlic is fragrant.
4. Next, add the uncooked rice to the saucepan. Stir well to ensure each grain of rice is coated with olive oil and mixed with the onion, garlic, and cumin. Toast the rice for a few minutes until it starts to become golden.
5. Pour the chicken broth into the pan and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it simmer. This will allow the rice to absorb the broth, which should take 15-20 minutes. Check the rice periodically to avoid it getting too dry or burnt. Add a little more broth or water if it looks too dry before it’s fully cooked.
6. After the rice is cooked, stir in the drained and rinsed black beans. Cover the pan again and cook for another 5 minutes until the beans are heated.
7. Remove the pan from heat and add lime juice to your taste. Stir well to combine.
8. Finally, garnish your dish with the finely chopped coriander (or parsley), and serve.

Enjoy!

~Kelly

Recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian

Top Five Reasons to Become an Avon Representative

February 27, 2023January 4, 2024 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

What does being an Independent Avon representative do with saving money? I’m going to tell you exactly that. My favorite perk of being a representative is access to the What’s New brochure and two campaigns early. This is a great way to plan my purchases to maximize my savings. You also have access to special bundles of customer favorites.

In addition to all that money you’ll save, I’ve included four other reasons why you should become an Independent Avon representative.

Flexible schedule: Representatives can create work schedules, which allows them to balance work and personal commitments.
Earn extra income: Representatives can earn extra income by selling Avon products and building a customer base. The more they sell, the more they can earn.
Discounted products: Representatives can purchase Avon products at a discounted rate, which allows them to try out new products and save money.
Personal development: Avon offers training and development opportunities for its representatives, which can help them build new skills and improve their personal and professional growth.
Networking opportunities: Representatives can connect with other representatives and potential customers, leading to valuable networking opportunities and social connections.

Does this sound interesting to you? You can click here for a more in-depth look at what Avon offers.

Have a beautiful day!

Kelly Gilbert
Independent Avon Representative

Avon

Natural Hypertension Treatment Options

February 25, 2023May 10, 2025 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Natural hypertension treatment options have become an important part of my health journey, and I want to share what I’ve learned along the way. High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious problems. While medication plays a key role, adding natural remedies and supplements can help support healthier blood pressure levels. Exploring natural hypertension treatment options has helped me take small steps toward better heart health.

Magnesium for Natural Hypertension Treatment

Magnesium plays an important role in keeping your blood pressure in check. Research shows that taking magnesium supplements may help lower blood pressure, especially for those already dealing with hypertension. Foods like spinach, almonds, and black beans are natural sources of magnesium, but supplements can help fill any gaps. You can find a popular magnesium supplement on Amazon here. You can also learn more about magnesium’s benefits from Harvard Health.

CoQ10 in Natural Hypertension Treatment Options

Coenzyme Q10, or CoQ10, helps your cells produce energy and may lower blood pressure as well. Studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements can improve heart health and reduce hypertension. Including CoQ10 in your natural hypertension treatment options may provide extra heart support. You can find a well-reviewed CoQ10 supplement on Amazon here. For more information on CoQ10’s benefits, visit Cleveland Clinic.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Heart-Healthy Fats for High Blood Pressure Support

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon and mackerel, are known for their heart benefits. Supplements containing omega-3s may lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation. A review published by the American Heart Association highlights how omega-3s can be helpful for those managing hypertension. You can purchase a quality omega-3 supplement on Amazon here.

Potassium for Natural High Blood Pressure Support

Potassium helps balance sodium levels in your body, which is key for blood pressure control. Eating potassium-rich foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, and lentils is a natural way to increase intake. Potassium supplements can also be beneficial, but should be used with guidance from your doctor. You can find a popular potassium supplement on Amazon here. For more on potassium and heart health, visit the National Institutes of Health.

Garlic as a Natural Hypertension Remedy

Garlic doesn’t just add flavor—it may help lower blood pressure. Studies have shown that garlic supplements have a mild blood pressure-lowering effect in people with hypertension. Adding garlic to your natural hypertension treatment options could provide another gentle way to support your heart. If you’re curious about using garlic for heart health, check out this article from Johns Hopkins Medicine. You can purchase garlic supplements on Amazon here.

Vitamin D for Natural Blood Pressure Management

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, but research also links it to lower blood pressure levels. If you’re low on vitamin D, a supplement could help support overall heart health. Learn more about vitamin D’s impact at Mayo Clinic. You can order a trusted vitamin D supplement on Amazon here.

For a deeper look at natural ways to manage high blood pressure, visit Dr. Axe’s article on reversing high blood pressure symptoms naturally. Taking small, proactive steps and exploring natural hypertension treatment options can make a big difference in your heart health. If you found this information helpful, please share it with your friends and leave a comment below.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice. Before adding supplements to your routine, always talk to your healthcare provider. Supplements should never replace prescribed treatments, but they can be a helpful addition if used safely under professional guidance.

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. For more information, please see my disclosure policy. Thank you for supporting Midwest Money Savers.

Health

Fibromyalgia: Symptoms and My Personal Journey

February 24, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good morning my frugal friends! The following post is off-topic and deals with my struggle with fibromyalgia. What is fibromyalgia, you ask? Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and tenderness in localized areas of the body. The exact cause of fibromyalgia is unknown, but it is believed to involve abnormalities in how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. I have struggled with this most of my adult life.

Some of the significant symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

Widespread pain: This is the most common symptom of fibromyalgia. It is characterized by a dull ache that lasts for at least three months and is present in the body’s upper and lower parts. The pain can be described as a constant, burning, or sharp sensation. Fatigue: People with fibromyalgia often experience overwhelming fatigue, even after a night’s sleep. They may also feel drained as if their energy has been completely sapped.
Sleep disturbances: People with fibromyalgia often have trouble sleeping, even when extremely tired. They may wake up frequently during the night or have difficulty falling asleep.
Cognitive difficulties: People with fibromyalgia may experience “fibro fog,” characterized by problems with concentration, memory, and mental clarity.
Headaches: People with fibromyalgia may experience chronic headaches or migraines.
Tingling or numbness: Some people with fibromyalgia may experience tingling or numbness in their hands, feet, or face.
Stiffness: People with fibromyalgia may experience muscle stiffness, particularly in the morning.

It’s important to note that the severity of fibromyalgia symptoms can vary from person to person. If you have fibromyalgia, it’s essential to talk to your healthcare provider to receive a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment plan.

Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor, and the following information I’m presenting is my own opinions and experiences. Please see your physician for guidance on developing a treatment plan custom-tailored to your medical situation.

Instead of taking prescription medication for pain, I have decided to treat myself through diet, supplementation, and exercise. My physician suggested taking magnesium malate to help with my nerve pain. It also is anti-inflammatory; it helps relieve depression and increases your ability to tolerate exercise. Magnesium malate is a supplement form of magnesium that is made by combining magnesium with malic acid. It is not a naturally occurring form of magnesium found in foods, so you won’t be able to find any foods that are naturally high in magnesium malate. You can click on the picture below to see what I use.

However, you can find foods high in magnesium, an essential mineral the body needs to perform various functions. Some magnesium-rich foods include:

Spinach
Almonds
Avocado
Black beans
Cashews
Dark chocolate
Edamame
Pumpkin seeds
Quinoa
Whole grain bread

Many other magnesium supplements are also available, such as magnesium citrate, glycinate, and magnesium oxide. Talking to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements is essential.

Have a great day,

~Kelly

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. Thank you for supporting Midwest Money Savers.

Uncategorized

Get Your Free Box of Healthy Snacks from Healthy Snack Boxes

February 22, 2023February 23, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

What’s the catch, you ask? There isn’t one! Brands want to hear what you think of their products.
They’ll send you a box filled with delicious healthy snacks; all you need to do is let them know what you think. Shipping is free, and no credit card is required, EVER!

Have a great day!

~Kelly

Free

Top 5 Best Free Budgeting Tools 2023

February 21, 2023February 23, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good morning my fabulous frugal friends! As promised in my earlier post-Top 10 Ways to Save Money in Illinois, I promised to share everything I have done in the last year to save money. So without further ado, here are some of my favorite budgeting tools that are available for free.

I have found that once you become more cognisant of where your money is going, you tend to make better financial decisions altogether. For example, I never realized how much money I spent at Starbucks until I started tracking my expenditures, and I spent at least $50 a week there. When you start to really think about it, that’s $2,600 a year on coffee alone!

Coming in at number one is Intuit Mint. I can personally tell you that this has been this freebie has been most instrumental in my personal financial journey. How does it work, you ask? For starters, you can see all your accounts in one place. In addition, you get a bill payment tracker, budgeting goal tracker, budget alerts, and your free credit score. It even lets you categorize your bank transactions!

Mint: Mint is a free budgeting tool that allows you to connect all your financial accounts in one place. It automatically categorizes your expenses and provides personalized budgeting advice. Start reaching your financial goals with powerful tools, personalized insights, and more. Sign up for free here.
Personal Capital: Personal Capital is a free budgeting tool that offers a comprehensive view of your financial situation, including your investments, net worth, and spending. It also provides personalized investment advice.
EveryDollar: EveryDollar is a free budgeting tool that helps you create a monthly budget and track your spending. It offers a free version and a paid version with additional features.
PocketGuard: PocketGuard is a free budgeting tool that helps you track your spending and create a budget. It also offers personalized saving tips.
Goodbudget: Goodbudget is a free budgeting tool based on the envelope system. You can set up virtual envelopes for your expenses and track your spending in each category.

Many more free budgeting tools are available online, so it’s worth exploring a few options to find one that works best for you.

Have a great day,

~Kelly

Free, Money Saving Ideas

Chicago Area Friends: Free Days at the Adler Planetarium 2023

February 20, 2023February 23, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good morning my fabulous frugal friends! If you live in Illinois, I’ve found another freebie for you and your family to enjoy. Adler Planetarium has recently announced that every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 PM, the planetarium will be free for Illinois residents with proof of residency. For more information, you can visit the Adler Special-events site here.

The Adler Planetarium is a public museum in Chicago, Illinois, United States. It was founded in 1930 by Chicago businessman Max Adler and was the first planetarium in the Western Hemisphere. The museum’s mission is to inspire exploration and understanding of the universe.

The Adler Planetarium is home to several exhibits, including three full-size theaters, interactive displays, and the historic Atwood Sphere. The planetarium also has a significant collection of astronomical artifacts and literature. One of the most popular exhibits at the Adler Planetarium is “Mission Moon,” which explores the history of America’s space program and the race to the moon.

The planetarium is also home to a research and education center that offers a variety of programs for students, educators, and the general public. The center offers classes, workshops, and lectures on various astronomy and space science topics.

Bank of America cardholders receive complimentary Museum Entry the first weekend of each month. To take advantage of this benefit, proceed to the Accessible Entrance on the day of your visit and show the box office staff your Bank of America card and matching photo ID for admission access. If you’d like to add on any sky shows or purchase additional tickets, you can do so. At this time, online reservations are not available for this benefit.

In addition, the Adler is proud to participate in Museums For All, an initiative designed to make museums more accessible to families nationwide by removing financial barriers. Any family that qualifies for state food assistance and is in possession of an EBT card (known in Illinois as a Link card) or a WIC ID is eligible to participate. Eligible participants may receive a Museum Entry +1 (which includes one show) for up to eight people at $1 per guest. Any guest who wishes to upgrade to a Museum Entry +2 may do so for $5 per guest. Cards or IDs must be shown at the Adler Box Office only to receive this special rate. At this time, no online ticket purchases are available for this discount.

The Adler Planetarium is open to the public every day except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Admission fees vary based on age, residency, and membership status. The museum is accessible via public transportation and offers parking for an additional cost.

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Chicago Area Events, Free, Illinois

Top Ten Ways to Save Money in Illinois

February 17, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Good Friday morning to you all! I was sitting here early this morning thinking about everything I have done in the last year to save money. That is when the idea popped into my head to create this list. The beauty of this is that many of these ideas can be implemented in other areas of the United States. Over the coming weeks, I will be elaborating further on each topic. I know that many of these ideas are very elementary, but I assure you that even if you only use one or two, you’ll save money.

Create a budget: Create a monthly budget to track your expenses and identify areas where you can cut back.
Use public transportation: Illinois has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains, which can save you money on gas and car expenses.
Cook at home: Eating out can be expensive, so try cooking meals at home to save money. You can also save money by buying groceries in bulk and planning your meals ahead of time.
Use coupons and discount codes: Look for coupons and discount codes before making purchases online or in-store. You can also check out cashback apps or browser extensions to save money.
Take advantage of free events: Illinois has many free events, including concerts, festivals, and museum days, which can help you save money on entertainment.
Negotiate bills: Don’t be afraid to negotiate your bills, such as your cable or internet bill, to save money. You can also shop around for better deals from different providers.
Use energy-efficient appliances: Illinois can have extreme temperatures during the summer and winter. Using energy-efficient appliances can save you money on your utility bills.
Avoid unnecessary expenses: Be mindful of unnecessary expenses, such as subscription services you don’t use or impulse purchases. Cut back on these expenses to save money.
Buy second-hand: Consider buying second-hand items, such as clothes or furniture, instead of new ones. You can find good deals at thrift stores or online marketplaces.
Maintain good credit: Maintaining good credit can help you save money on interest rates and fees. Pay your bills on time and keep your credit card balances low to maintain good credit.

I hope you have a good day,

~Kelly

This post may contain affiliate links. These affiliate links help support this site. Thank you for supporting Midwest Money Savers.

Illinois, Money Saving Ideas

Groundhog Day: Will Punxsutawney Phil See His Shadow in 2023?

February 2, 2023February 2, 2023 Kelly Gilbert No Comments

Groundhog Day is a holiday celebrated on February 2nd in the United States and Canada, originating from a Pennsylvania Dutch tradition where a groundhog was used to predict the arrival of spring. If the groundhog saw its shadow, it was believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. There are two famous celebrations of Groundhog Day, one in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, and another in Woodstock, Illinois.

Punxsutawney Phil is the name of the groundhog in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania who is the star of the famous Groundhog Day celebration held in the town. The tradition of using Punxsutawney Phil to predict the arrival of spring dates back to 1886 and has since become a well-known cultural phenomenon.

On Groundhog Day, thousands of people gather in Punxsutawney to witness Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow. If he sees his shadow, it is believed to indicate six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, it is believed to indicate an early spring.

Punxsutawney Phil is considered to be the only true weather-forecasting groundhog and is revered by many as a symbol of hope for an end to winter. The celebration of Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney has become a popular event, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness the annual event and participate in the town’s festivities.

The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, a group of local residents, is responsible for caring for Punxsutawney Phil and organizing the annual celebration. They claim that Punxsutawney Phil has a lifespan of over 100 years and is able to predict the weather with 100% accuracy. Whether or not this is true, Punxsutawney Phil remains an important part of American folklore and a beloved symbol of the Groundhog Day celebration.

The groundhog in Woodstock is named Woodstock Willie and is the official groundhog of the city’s Groundhog Day celebration. The celebration in Woodstock is known for its festive atmosphere, with activities such as live music, food vendors, and children’s games. The event is attended by locals and visitors alike and has become an important part of the community’s cultural heritage.

Woodstock is also the setting for the classic 1993 film “Groundhog Day,” starring Bill Murray, which has added to the city’s connection to the holiday and made it a popular tourist destination on February 2nd. You can visit the Groundhog Day movie locations page to see all the locations the movie was filmed.

Let’s hope that Phil doesn’t see his shadow today!

Have a blessed day,

~Kelly

Chicago Area Events