Is That Coffee and Lunch Worth Missing a Vacation?

American workers spend an estimated $3,000 a year on weekly coffee and lunch. Spread that across 30 years, and that's $90K without interest, a nice bit of pocket change.

I must admit I never looked at it that way. But that's a lot of money that can be save by packing a lunch and skipping java. I can easily take a nice vacation somewhere for $3K. Oh the madness! The things we do to ourselves without realizing it.

Well, there is a reason we do certain things, according to Cornell University behavioral economist David Just, who studies our eating choices. He explains why it is more difficult for some people in a Huffington Post article. 

But MoneyTalks News' video really brings it home with the $90,000 lunch. Check it out.

Now, I will confess I'm not giving up my coffee. I generally sip a cup a day, but it's free at work. The coffee I drink at home more than pays for itself at $1 a bag. But the article certainly has reinforced my habit of packing a lunch.

Vacation, here I come!

What are some of the spending habits you have that you think can be eliminated to save money?

Little-Known Virus Causes Pork Price Sticker Shock

Bacon! Bacon! Bacon! It may be what's not on breakfast plates in American households for the summer.

A diarrhea disease is killing piglets and pushing pork prices higher, according to the Associated Press. The virus, which apparently doesn't affect humans, has spread to 27 states and Canada.

Can you envision the frown on my face? First for concern over the increasing number of viruses affecting our food supply. Second because of the number of piglets dying. And last because, well.....bacon, bacon, bacon!

 Aside from just being good, bacon has so many uses in cooking. And the pig provides so many meat options. I know. That is selfish. But it's true.

Alas, we have few choices.
So prepare to pay up for this American staple. Or learn to forgo it. Unfortunately, this may be one meat missing from plates for a while.

What's Your Money IQ?

If you are like many Americans, your financial literacy can use some occasional polishing.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago has been offering the tools and opportunities for people to brush up on their financial knowledge annually -- at least -- through Money Smart Week, which ends Saturday. The public awareness campaign, started by the Reserve Bank in 2002, aims to help consumers better manage their finances.

The 10-year-old initiative has grown nationally and includes partnerships with schools, nonprofits, libraries, businesses financial institutions and more. Events are planned through April 12. If you're interested in attending a presentation or seminar, go to moneysmartweek.org to find a local event.

You can't make your money work for you until you know how your money works.

Make The Perfect Panini Sandwich

I'm no longer a big bread eater. Though when I do eat bread, I want it to be part of an unforgettable sandwich. I made just that sandwich after discovering panini slims, bread sold at Trader Joe's. I've made this sandwich for dinner and lunch, and I've varied the contents depending upon what's in my refrigerator. Each time, the sandwich was spectacular if I may say so myself. 

If you have 15 minutes to spare, you can make this sandwich, too. Here are the instructions:

Coat the inner side of bread with butter. I used my homemade basil-flavored butter. Grill both sides of the bread, about two minutes on each side.

 

Add a layer of cheese then a layer of spinach. Cook for a minute. Add a layer of meat on one slice of panini, and add cheese on the other slice. Cook 30 seconds before placing the slices together. Press the slices together and cook on each side for about 30 seconds. Serve whole or cut in half or quarters.

Meatless Dinner: Try This Egg-Drop Soup

I've been searching for quick, easy recipes for egg-drop soup for a while. Finally, I found two.

Not only are the steps easy to follow, the ingredients are likely to be in your refrigerator. Even if you have to go to the grocery store, you'll find these ingredients on most store shelves.

I've posted both videos on making egg-drop soup. Check out both and let me know which one you like best.

Recipe 1: Egg-Drop Soup in 15 minutes

Recipe 2: Egg-Drop Soup with homemade stock

Ten Food Facts That Will Surprise You

Do you know how pound cake got its name? Can you guess nutmeg's power over the mind? If you answered no to either of those questions, you're not alone. Check out BuzzFeed's fun slideshow of 10 food facts. Find out about other food trivia.

Try These Cookies For Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

 Cookies often are relegated to the role of snack-time treats or desserts. Nothing wrong with desserts. I enjoy eating them when I can. And that's how some cookies, like these Oatmeal Maple Cookies, should be viewed.

  I typically will cook two dozen oatmeal raisin cookies and divide them into snack baggies. Some I store in my car for quick, energy-boosting snacks when I'm running errands and don't have time for a sit-down meal. Some I keep for lunch. Some I give away to family and friends.

  If you don't have maple syrup called for in this recipe, don't worry. These cookies are a treat with or without it.

 Keep in mind you can adapt this recipe to your taste. I add dried cranberries or brown and golden raisins.  Give it a try and share your thoughts here.