Cacciatore.  We've been making this amazing recipe for years, I can't believe that anyone who cooks Italian (spaghetti, lasagna, whatever) isn't making this instead all the time.

Cook a large onion (sliced) in 1/4 c. of good olive oil till soft.  Add 1/4 c. of white vinegar, boil up a minute, then add a can of crushed or diced tomatoes, 2 bay leaves, 1/2 tsp. each of thyme and allspice, 3 or 4 sliced mushrooms (or a can), a clove of minced garlic, and salt/pepper to taste.  Stir it all up and bring to a simmer, add chicken pieces on top and cook (covered) till tender.  Serve over pasta or rice.

We usually double the sauce because S. and I want it for leftovers for days after, and the house smells SOOOOO good.

Saving money on exercise...I posted earlier about exercise, but I've been very pleased to pay Netflix instead of a gym membership, and to have my husband need a pair of running shoes every year and that's about it.  We did also buy our P90X set on Craigslist for $50 a while back, after borrowing from a friend first to be sure we really wanted to own it.  In terms of swimming, we're going to skip the pool membership this summer, and instead go infrequently and piggyback with friends so we can get in as guests and just pay the fee as we go.  We'll see how practical that is and report back!