photo by D’arcy Norman Say goodbye to bottled marinades, and make your own. Marinades add a kick of flavor to meat, seafood and poultry. Don’t let the season stop you. You can fire up your grill any time of the year. When you bring your fresh, packaged meat home, you can repackage it into a [...]
photo by lizmarie DEAR SARA: Any suggestions for some frugal, healthy meals for one that don’t require a lot of preparation? I’m tired of the old soup and sandwich and canned chili meals. Thanks! — Jilly, Texas DEAR JILLY: Most recipes can be made, portioned and frozen into individual servings — think casseroles, lasagna, stew, [...]
photo by jslander Taking along a snack is a great idea for kids and adults. It’s simply good planning for any time you’re traveling. You can use any type of container, such as a tote bag, cooler, backpack, box or even an empty plastic baby-wipes tub. While you’re at it, make sure that you have [...]
photo by wheany Frugal living can help you ride out the storm. But it’s a lifestyle that’s practical in high and low times. After a few months to a year of frugality, you’ll look back and be amazed by what you’ve accomplished. Time and time again, readers have shared what a difference frugality has made [...]
photo by kweezy mcG “No act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” — Aesop A random act of kindness is doing something nice for someone other than yourself without wanting anything in return. The beauty of kindness is that one simple gesture can make a difference. The “power of one” has the capacity to [...]
Quick breads are easy to make. You don’t have to knead or let dough rise. You can freeze them and pull one out later for dessert or for an unexpected guest. But you’ll want to keep some all to yourself, too. Enjoy a slice for breakfast with tea or coffee. Remember: The key to perfecting [...]
photo by athenamama I share tips from e-mail, my forums and postal mail, but I thought I’d feature tips from my blog readers, too. The first tip is neat. I never would have thought of it. DUAL-PURPOSE ROLLING PIN: A few years ago, the Tupperware lady at the mall said that she puts a dozen [...]
photo by DDFic I keep salt or de-icer pellets in my garage in a bag or bucket. I’m going to use the first tip to do my front walkway with ease. It’s much easier than my reusable scoop or a large plastic cup. A spreader is great for large areas, but a shaker is handy [...]
photo by whgrad Many people are cutting back on spending. Some are even cutting things right out of their budget. It’s always interesting to see what makes the cut. If you’re frugal, you’ve done everything “right” by living within your means, yet somehow you are still along for this economic bumpy ride. But you’re prepared. [...]
photo by ChezDeniseetLaudalino Small kitchen appliances can be an obsession. You don’t realize how many you own until you try to list them all. Some collect dust and serve as a reminder of your good intentions. One underutilized appliance is a conventional countertop blender. It’s often overshadowed by stand mixers with accessories, immersion hand blenders, [...]
Rubbing alcohol is often shoved into the back of the cabinet. It usually gets pulled out as a first-aid item to prevent infection from minor cuts and scrapes. It’s time to move it toward the front of the shelf. It’s considered a frugal household staple because it’s cheap to buy and has multiple uses. How [...]
photo by Andres Rueda DEAR SARA: If you were going to make a sewing kit, what items would you add into it? I do not have a sewing kit. I have one roll of black sewing thread and probably two needles. I went to sew a hole in my sock yesterday and could not find [...]
Cones are a practical, edible and portable container to hold snacks for kids. You can pour snacks such as trail mix, goldfish or animal crackers, fresh or dried fruit, mini marshmallows, popcorn or pretzels into a waffle or sugar cone. Or, when you make Rice Krispies treats, mold individual portions into cones to prevent sticky [...]
