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I recently became unemployed.

The company I was working for is facing some financial adversity and so they have begun to lay people off. Being the lower "man" on the totem pole, I was one of the first to go. I have never been laid off (or fired) before, so this is all new territory to me.

Not to mention, completely unexpected...




Here are some of the tips I have been offered from friends and family:

1. Apply for unemployment benefits AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I am learning firsthand that it really is a long and arduous undertaking, applying for and waiting for that unemployment check. There are a lot of hoops to jump through to get it. The sooner you start the process, the better.

2. Update your resume. It has likely been awhile since you have fixed yours up, so get cracking! When it comes to job opportunities, the pickin's are slim so you'll want to come off as the cream of the crop to get that interview call.

3. Reasses your spending priorities. Now that you are short on income, your budget will look different to you. You may no longer consider things you used to take for granted and deem "necessary" as such. Cut out whatever unnecessary spending you can. Plan a tighter budget. There are always things you can cut out or cut back on.

4. Call your credit card companies, utilties, etc. and ask about hardship programs. Many offer them, but do not advertise their availability. Explaining your situation honestly and openly can help you cut down the size of your payments for a limited time.

5. Tap into your emergency fund. If there ever was a time to utilize these funds, it is now.

6. No emergency fund? Go into resource-finding mode. Sell things you don't really use or need on Craiglist or ebay. Sell your old jewelry and coins to a local jeweler. Cash in savings bonds.

7. Get creative. What special skills or talents do you have that you can put to work to earn some extra income while you search for the right job? Can you tutor/give music lessons/fix computers/do basic car maintenance?

8. Take good care of yourself. Sudden loss of your job can be tough to take. Make sure you continue to get adequate rest, eat healthy, get exercise, and find things to do that you enjoy on a daily basis. Now that you have some extra (okay, a lot) of free time, it is a great opportunity to catch up on your well visits, physical exams, and other health care we frequently put off because we are so busy with work.

9. Stay positive and seek support. A good frame of mind can go a long way. Be sure you have a few good people in your life who you can talk about your situation with when you need to. It is important to get your feelings out and process them. Not to mention, if people know you are out of work they just might be able to help you find new employment. Extra sets of eyes and ears are a good thing to have!

I am craving strawberry cheesecake big-time! These stuffed strawberries are reminiscent of the flavors of it and are very low in points.

It is 1 Weight Watchers Points Plus* per serving. Makes 12 servings (of 2 stuffed berries each).

Ingredients:

-1 pound strawberries
-4 ounces fat-free cream cheese
-1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
-2 1/2 tsp. Splenda

Directions:

Wash the strawberries and pat them dry. Cut off the tops of the berries so they are flat. Cut a small hole in the flat part of teach berry. Using a hand mixer, blend together the cream cheese, vanilla, and Splenda. With a small spoon, stuff the berries with a tiny dollop of the cream cheese mixture.

Chill until ready to serve.

*Weight Watchers Points Plus values were calculated using the Recipe Builder e-tool, to the best of my ability.

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I helped throw a baby shower this past weekend and anyone who is watching their weight knows that parties are hard on us dieters! The best thing to do is bring your own food to share, ensuring that there will be some healthy choices available to you. I knew that the chocolate cupcakes were going to be calling my name, so I had to be sure I brought an equally decadent and delish dessert that was Weight Watchers-friendly.

So I made my own version of Pineapple Angel Lush (and it went really fast--and there were cupcakes left over after the party because my dessert was such a hit!)

It is 4 Weight Watchers Points Plus* per serving. Makes 12 servings.

Ingredients:

-1 store bought angel food cake
-1 tub of Fat-free Cool Whip
-1 can of crushed pineapple in water (or its own juice--avoid it in syrup)
-1 small box of Sugar-free vanilla pudding
-strawberries

Directions:

In a bowl, mix together the Cool Whip, pineapple (drained of most of its liquid), and pudding mix. In a 13 x 9 pan, spread enough of the mixture to cover the bottom. Cut up the angel food cake into small pieces and put in an even layer in the pan. Top with spoonfuls of the remaining mixture and spread all over the top. Garnish with strawberries.

*Weight Watchers Points Plus values were calculated using the Recipe Builder e-tool, to the best of my ability.