Move over, panini press. Do you remember the sandwich maker? The compact appliance with the triangular wells? It presses the edges to make toasted pockets of yummy molten goodness. Yes, it’s that gadget you had to have and then you shoved it into the closet, never to be seen again. Take it out, clean it [...]
photo by house of sims DEAR SARA: My chili is too spicy. Is there anything I can add to take the zing (less like “zing,” more like “fire”) out of it? I can’t imagine young children eating this. Help, please! — Debbie, Texas DEAR DEBBIE: Tone it down by adding more of the initial ingredients, [...]
photo by AMagill One of the most common money leaks in the family budget is frequent dining out at restaurants. For many, cutting it from the budget entirely isn’t a viable option, so I’m sharing some frugal solutions that can make eating out lighter on your wallet. PLATE SHARE: Share an entree. We always drink [...]
photo by misocrazy Are you a haggler? I was never very good at haggling before I sold merchandise at flea markets. I was embarrassed to ask for a lower price on items at garage sales, secondhand stores and even flea markets. I accepted the price for whatever it was marked. I was introduced to reselling [...]
photo by sleepyneko Autumn is my favorite time of year. The days grow shorter, the air is crisp, and home is where I want to be to relax. With the temperatures beginning to drop, I embellish my home with comfortable items that make each room feel cozy, such as books, handmade afghans, oversize chenille pillows, [...]
photo by Avoir Chaud Frugal people are known for baking from scratch. However, some homemade recipes are too time-consuming or costly compared to packaged mixes. Many busy frugal cooks buy brownie and cake mixes when they are on sale instead of mixing them up from scratch. Who can blame them when you can often find [...]
photo by cyndiesmithdesigns DEAR SARA: I’m looking for something around the house to polish copper bracelets with. I know toothpaste works well on silver. Any tips? — Gayle W., e-mail DEAR GAYLE: Use vinegar and salt. Place the bracelets into a container filled with vinegar and about 1 teaspoon salt. Let soak. You can use [...]
photo by Lance McCord It’s the season for reselling unwanted gifts and rearranging our homes to accommodate new stuff. Out with the old and in with the new. Before you profit or purge, consider that there are others who will find value in the things you don’t want. If you believe you don’t have anything [...]
photo by erin.kkr Pasta is a frugal staple. It’s economical and easy to prepare, and its versatility makes it a budget-friendly favorite. You can serve it hot or cold, make a meal for one or a big crowd, and dress it up for an elegant meal or toss together as a casual dish. Plus, there [...]
photo by Rubbermaid Products Storage space can be a problem. Maybe you’d like to stock up on nonperishable products when they’re on sale, but you’re limited on space. Be creative and find the hidden storage areas in your home. You don’t have to resort to using a trash barrel with a plywood top covered with [...]
photo by Rhett Sutphin DEAR SARA: Can I freeze whipped cream? Is it possible to make a big batch of real whipped cream and just take out a few servings at a time? — Constance, New Jersey DEAR CONSTANCE: Yes, you can freeze whipped cream. You can use a pastry bag with a large tip [...]
Flavored coffee can be expensive. You can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. The first reader tip shares a flavored creamer recipe. You can add flavor to your coffee grounds prior to brewing, too. Simply add 1 teaspoon cocoa and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon to your coffee grounds. When it’s [...]
