photo by Taylor Flannagan Being frugal doesn’t have to be anyone else’s business. Some frugal people don’t have like-minded friends and family, so they keep their frugality to themselves. But even if you enjoy talking about your money-saving ways with others, there’s probably at least one thing that you don’t care to share. Maybe you [...]
photo by ChickPita Fresh Mediterranean Grill Cucumbers are a tasty addition to salads, dips and sandwiches. Their high water content and crunchy texture make them a refreshing favorite during warm weather. They’re low-calorie, too. The following recipes will help you enjoy them whether you buy them at the store or grow them in your backyard. [...]
photo by fotoosvanrobin DEAR SARA: Can ground cinnamon be substituted for sticks? If so, what’s the conversion? — Missy, Colorado DEAR MISSY: Yes it can. It’s tedious, but you can grate the sticks using a basic microplane. There is one type of microplane that has a storage compartment and shaker, too. Visit http://www.thespicehouse.com/spices/microplane-spice-grinder-with-built-in-storage-and-shaker. One cinnamon [...]
photo just_smile Flavored coffee creamers can be expensive. You can make your own at home for a fraction of the cost. The first reader tip shares a basic liquid creamer recipe and flavored additions. You can shake and store it in a large mason jar. HOMEMADE COFFEE CREAMER: I must have creamer in my coffee. [...]
Don’t waste another dollar on expensive deli meats and cheeses only to find them spoiled in less than a week.
photo by Muffet Frugal people sometimes feel discontentment. There are times you might compare yourself to others and feel a twinge of envy. Some people are fortunate and can think about themselves in a confident way and let things go that are draining them. For other people, it takes making something happen or a change [...]
photo by krisszphotography Frugality is a way of life for many people. You might forget all the ways you’re frugal because you’ve been that way for such a long time. While they are common habits for you, there are plenty of people who are new to frugality. What dollar-stretching tactics have you tried lately? Here’s [...]
Spinach is tasty raw or cooked. It’s a nutritious vegetable that can be served in a salad with strawberries or as a lettuce replacement on a sandwich. Incorporate spinach into an omelet, rice dish or homemade macaroni and cheese, or use it as a pizza topping. Warm up the chilly days of spring by trying [...]
photo by quinn anya DEAR SARA: I received a bunch of brown sugar from my kitchen-inept brother, and it’s all dry and hard as concrete. I tried blending some in the blender, but it became very powdery. Any ideas on how I can soften it to its regular soft consistency? — L.N., Canada DEAR L.N.: [...]
photo by just a temporary measure Whenever you use a pourable product, you risk using too much. Measuring can help you waste less, but with foods such as salad, dispersing the perfect amount of dressing depends on the portion size of your salad. The first tip shares a way to use the least amount of [...]
photo by heidi elliot Frugality involves being less wasteful. Even if you’re pretty good about not wasting much, there’s always room for improvement. What ways do you avoid being wasteful? Here are a few ideas. CRAFT SCRAPS: Don’t throw away yarn or fabric scraps. Fabric scraps can be used in applique, coasters, sachets, hair scrunchies, [...]
photo by zero-g DEAR SARA: I need ideas for items to fill a gift bag for a pregnant friend. What do you think would be appropriate and not too expensive? — Heather, California
Are you preserving your garden harvest? Maybe you’ve already “put up” dozens of jars this year. Whether you’re looking to add to your canning supplies or are just starting out, now is a good time to buy them. Check garage sales, thrift stores and clearance shelves at your local discount and grocery stores. Remember to [...]
Moving can be exciting and stressful. Whether it’s your first apartment or a move into a new-to-you home, you’ll be tempted to buy new furnishings and home decor. Many interior decorating accents and solutions can be either handmade projects or purchased secondhand. Maybe your budget has room to splurge a bit. You can combine and [...]
D EAR SARA: We’re on WIC and got all of these boxes of baby cereal, but my daughter won’t eat it. I don’t blame her, because it tastes like paste. Do you have any alternative uses for it? — Andrea, North Carolina DEAR ANDREA: Here are a few recipes that were shared by one of [...]
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 [...]
