2011 New Year

I've been sticking to a double-whammy of a New Year's resolution: to eat healthy as well as on a budget. Every day starts with a wholesome, homemade breakfast — whether it's one that's on-the-go for weekdays, or a more involved (but still relaxed!) weekend brunch.

My latest Saturday a.m. staple is this unusual omelet, filled with cumin-laced black beans and crumbled feta. It's everything one could ask for in a breakfast — salty, creamy, and filling — but it clocks in at under 350 calories and about $1.50 per serving. You can't beat that! Want the recipe? Then read on.

Straightforward budgets aren't always the best solution for people trying to get a handle on their money — the inflexible nature of budgeting can be a frustrating turn-off. Just because you're not one for budgets doesn't mean there isn't hope for following a plan that will get your finances on track. A spending plan is a better solution than a traditional budget for those who want a less rigid method for managing their money. Give your dollars some direction and take control by taking these five simple steps to creating a spending plan.

1. Calculate — Determine your discretionary income with a quick calculation: take your monthly income after taxes and subtract your fixed expenses like rent, insurance, and bills. The money left over is your discretionary income.
2. Think Ahead — Look into the near future and pick out any expenses on the horizon like vacations, gifts, appliance replacements, etc.

For the rest of my tips, read more

Since the International Lighting and Accessories Market is taking place this week in Dallas, TX, it seemed like a perfect time to share some upcoming trends in lighting design. Check out four major 2011 lighting trends from Sean Lavin, Vice President of Product Design at Tech Lighting.

• The Updated Classic – Beautiful Hand-blown Glass in Daring New Styles and On-Trend Colors "Timeless classics are inspired by the past, with a contemporary aesthetic extending to the future. Traditional materials such as hand-blown glass from Murano, Italy, and classic silhouettes are updated with fresh details and in new proportions. Among the colors for 2011 that will breathe new life into rooms for years is smoke, which has made its way into glass and other lighting fabrications as well."
• Contemporary Organic – Making Statements With Fabric "Natural materials and colors drawn from nature, including wool, tweed, thatch, linen, and braided styles are on-trend as calming neutrals. Silhouettes and patterns in this category find inspiration from around the globe, while palettes and textures add timeless interest."

Keep reading for two more trends!

The science of happiness can seem like a cruel joke. Most studies tell us who is happier — 54-year-olds, West Coasters, or people with sisters — rather than how to be happier. And tangible advice usually oversimplifies life and states the obvious. But psychotherapist Philippa Perry's advice in today's Guardian on how to rewire our brains sounds like it could actually work.

It's not easy, or even foolproof, but that's why I actually believe it. She acknowledges happiness levels are mainly set in the first two years of life, when our brains form neural connections that determine how we regulate emotions. Less-than-ideal parents can put you off the beaten path to contentment, and any later trauma can undo the good done early on.

Regardless of the cause, chronic unhappiness is no way to live, but the brain is quite pliable and it's not too late to rewire it. Find out how below.

A banana-berry or avocado-pear smoothie make sense for those on-the-go weekdays, but if you're looking to get your Saturday or Sunday off to a healthy start, try making your own pancakes at home.

I must admit I'm not the biggest pancake person, but this recipe for blueberry-cornmeal griddle cakes, which comes courtesy of the Lake Austin Spa Resort in Texas, made me a total convert. There's something about the rustic cornmeal texture and the spicy-sweet chili honey that keeps me intrigued. Want to re-create a spa breakfast in your home? Read on.

Clutter is expensive, because you spend a lot of money buying and storing it. Having clutter can also emotionally cost you — the sight of things lying around unused or messing up your house may cause you stress. Here are some places you should consider cleaning up:

• Closet: I'm sure you have a couple of pieces that you can't fit into or that were in fashion, like, 10 years ago. Start afresh and either sell, donate, or throw them away. Remember, you can help someone out (and get a tax refund) if you give it away to places like the Salvation Army.
• Computer: Come on, admit it. There's plenty of stuff in your computer that needs to be thrown out — old word documents, emails, and online coupons you haven't used. Clean up your computer to make way for more memory space, and sell your unused coupons on CoupRecoup. Make sure to freshen up your online accounts as well like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn so you can use them more efficiently.

For more places that could use some January cleaning, read on!

What are you up to this weekend? If you've been toying with the idea of hosting a get-together with your friends, then I've got the perfect inspiration for you.

Earlier today, I introduced you to Colleen Reilly and Stephania Stanley, two friends who've been hosting girls' night get-togethers complete with crafts, cooking, and lots of conversation for seven years running. In the first part of our interview, where the two discussed their Thursday night dinners, they offered some general tips on getting your own event started. Now they're back with even more ideas to make your hosting dreams a reality.

CasaSugar: What would you recommend as a good starter Thursday night craft night or dinner hosting experience?

Colleen Reilly: Our "Not Your Typical Doily-ed Valentines" are a good starter Thursday craft because the supplies needed are very shareable and they require little artistic skill, so ladies who don't feel as confident in their crafting abilities can feel comfortable to join in.

Stephania Stanley: Anything in our Lazy Thursdays section on our website would be good for a starter Thursday. Also, Yiayia's Quick Bean Soup is a great, easy cold weather recipe that will feed a lot of people.

Keep reading for more advice on hosting your own girls' night!