photo by Joe Shlabotnik You try to get a lot done in a day. Maybe you make lists, label, set reminders, or create shortcuts to save some time or make the best use of it. Often, you do some tasks so frequently that you start to perfect them. It gets to where you can streamline [...]
photo by Tom Higgins Weekend cooking is the perfect time to make a hearty meal. You have more time to prepare dinner. The meat doesn’t need to be pounded, so there’s a mini-shortcut on time, but not on flavor. The following recipes can be altered to suit your tastes. For example, the meat tastes especially [...]
photo by miss rogue DEAR SARA: How hard is it to color your own hair? Is it messy? I want to use a more low-impact/natural hair color. However, all the hair salons in this town that use these products are so expensive. I don’t want to pay $130 for a haircut and color. I’d like [...]
photo by jc westbrook Ever cringe when you see your old nylon or natural bristle pastry or basting brush? They always look horrible. The first tip shares an idea for a modern replacement. You won’t have stray bristles in your food, and it can go directly into your dishwasher after you’re done using it. SILICONE [...]
photo by thebittenword Buying in larger quantities can save money, but that’s only if you use it up before it goes bad. Many households waste food. Having a waste-not, want-not kitchen can be a key strategy in this economy. How do you waste less food? Here are a few suggestions. FRUIT: Ripe bananas can be [...]
photo by aprilandrandy Frugality takes creativity. Sometimes you have to be a little sneaky when the family won’t buy into your plans to save money. Secret solutions can be revealed after family members have successfully accepted them unknowingly. Some people would never keep frugal secrets. I’m not suggesting you hide important financial decisions, but you [...]
photo by Brisbane falling Rice and potatoes are a mainstay in many kitchens, so it’s easy to get into the rut of preparing them the same way. Next time you want to make them, try one of the following recipes. Three are easy side dishes, and one is a main dish. Cream-Cheese Potatoes 10 medium [...]
Prepare your home for guests by making festive desserts that go well with coffee and tea. They’re a sweet ending to any holiday meal and a nice change from traditional desserts, such as Christmas cookies or fruit pies. The pumpkin squares and coffee cake can be wrapped and transported easily to send home with family [...]
photo by koadmonkee DEAR SARA: What do you do when dinner doesn’t go as planned? We stick to a strict meal plan. However, we’ve run into problems with it sometimes when something goes wrong and it can’t be fixed. For example, if the meat for the meatballs is bad and I don’t know it until [...]
photo by postcool The first tip is a creative way to wrap and give a gift. You could easily replace crepe paper with yarn. These work well for Secret Santa gifts for co-workers or to have on hand for any emergency last-minute gifts. You can embellish the outside with a jingle bell, silk flower or [...]
Tightwads have their limits. If you’re frugal, you might buy the occasional convenience product, but you have a list of items you simply refuse to buy. The price isn’t worth the benefit of a mini shortcut that saves only a couple of minutes or seems absolutely crazy to spend money on, such as over-processed or fast food.
photo by Rubbermaid Products Transitioning to one income can be tough. The more time you have to plan, the easier it can be. It may seem impossible to make ends meet, but often, there are added costs to being a two-income family. Try this handy “how much does that lifestyle of hard work REALLY benefit [...]
photo by emdot Some folks just don’t get it. Frugality can be fun! Even if you’re not frugal, you probably know someone who is. Read on for a few little frugal insights submitted by readers. We’re kindred spirits! Let me know if any of these signs remind you of anyone you know. You know you’re [...]
photo by shell s One way to save on food costs is to create a meal plan. You don’t want to face the same old chicken every week, but it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. I tend to plan a week’s worth of meals at a time. Sometimes, I’ll have free time and [...]
photo by Dave Melbourne DEAR SARA: I had a recipe for a plant spray that was comprised of garlic, water and maybe soap or vinegar. I can’t find it. It was very effective and kept the insects away from all my plants that I move outdoors during the summer. Do you know of this recipe? [...]
photo by alibree DEAR SARA: My problem is, when I buy bananas, I have to know where I should store them — either in the refrigerator or on the kitchen counter. The bananas ripen too soon, so give me some advice where to store them (temperature, etc.) — Frances V., Pennsylvania DEAR FRANCES: You can [...]
It’s time to think about winter-proofing your home. Many supplies are cheaper in the off months. You’ll save more money if you implement changes before the cold strikes because many changes work well to keep homes cool in warmer months, too. A few examples include blocking drafts, adding insulation, installing a programmable thermostat, servicing your [...]
