Today's article is about having a well stocked pantry. Hmmm, it seems as though most of my recent article finds have been about food and eating! But, since food and eating seems to cost more and more these days, I think this is a timely article. Enjoy!
A Well Stocked Pantry
By: Patty Getz
A Well stock Pantry contains….
Have you ever wondered how some people keep their food bills down so low? Have you tried to learn their secrets, only to find that your store does not double coupons, or you just don’t have the time to clip coupons for foods you don’t really eat anyway. One of the best principles of grocery budget management aside from coupons is a well stocked Pantry. Having a well stocked pantry allows you to slide during lean times between grocery trips but more important even than that, it allows you to hold out for the really good sales, to add to your pantry. This principle can save you more money than just about anything. So what is a well stocked pantry? A lot of that depends on your eating style. I am going to share a basic pantry list with you, but for your own list, take the one I provided; cross out the things you don’t use, and add in the things you use most, to the list. This list will help assist you in stocking your pantry, and give you some idea of what to look for in the sale papers each week. Once you have it stocked then it is a simple matter of keeping it stocked by catching the sales each week.
Here is my well stocked pantry list.
Dry BulkGoods
•Flour(white, wholewheat, and bread)
•Sugar(white, brown and powdered)
•Cornmeal
•Dried beans (kidney, black, split peas white navy, garbanzo)
•Oatmeal
•Pasta
•Rice
•Soups (cream of chicken, cream of mushroom)
•salt
•baking soda
•baking powder
•Yeast
•Vanilla
•Maple syrup
•shortening
•spices
•dry milk
•dry eggs
•cocoa
•Vinegar
•Olive oil
•Canola oil
•Canned veggies (green beans, corn, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste)
•Home canned veggies(variety)
•Canned beans
•Canned Fruit(pears, peaches, applesauce, pineapple)
•Canned Meats
•Mac and cheese
•Peanut butter
•Ketchup, mustard
•Crackers
•Topramen noodles
•Popcorn
•Pretzels
•Coffee
•Tea
•Raisins
•Nuts (peanuts, walnuts, almonds)
•Grains-barley, wheat
•Cereal
•cake mixes
What I keep regularly stocked in the Freezer
•Butter
•Cheese
•Milk
•Hamburger
•Chicken
•Juices
•Lunchmeat
For the Bathroom
•Toilet paper
•Toothpaste
•Shampoo and conditioner
•Deodorant
•Soap
•Mouthwash
This list is by no means complete and may not match your list, that is ok, this is just a list to get you started. All of these things can be bought on sale, and picked up a bit at a time. Many of these items on this list are on here, because I can pick them up for super cheap on sale, like cereal and cake mixes. Pay close attention to the sales in your area, and add in your favorite loss leaders. I hope this helps you get a start on your pantry, and shows you how much you can save by shopping this way.
Article by:
Patty Getz is Is a Sahmom with a mission to educate families, on the alternatives, to high debt, fast food, and fast living. She is the Owner of www.totallyfrugal.com and the author of several articles on Frugal living,cooking, and Simple Living.
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Eating Healthy On A Budget
Today's frugal entry is Eating Healthy On A Budget. Read and enjoy!
Eating Healthy On A Budget
By: Judy Turner
We all know that we need to eat better but isn't it frustrating that the healthier you try to eat the more money you seem to spend? It doesn't have to be that way. Here are just a few tips to help you feed your family nutritious meals without breaking your budget.
1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Is chicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying 1 pack purchase several packs, separate into family size portions and freeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale (besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon have a well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocery bill.
2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full of preservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do you like the convenience of boxed foods? There are several good cookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keep on hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to macaroni and cheese and more. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with the directions to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!
3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you gone to the store with a fist full of coupons only to come home spending more than you planned? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchase the items you would normally use anyway. You will also find that the store brand may still be the better bargain. If your coupons are used at the same time an item is on sale you may also end up getting it for next to nothing, if not free!
4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family and friends who get the Sunday paper and exchange coupons for ones you can use. That way you can really stock up when your favorite items are on sale and you have coupons.
5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you will usually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to take advantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buy items like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freeze them for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.
6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of those impulse buys!
7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take out because you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home.
8) Shop alone whenever possible. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when your kids are with you! You will also get out of the store much quicker which will actually save you money.
9) When buying meat think of recipes where you can get more than one meal out of it. Meatsauce is still satisfying with half the amount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stir fries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quick healthy meal.
10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores have certain items priced really low to get your business. If you have several grocery stores in your area try and take advantage of what deals each store has to offer.
11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. An omelette, toast and fresh fruit is very economical and very quick to cook on a busy night.
These are just a few tips to help you save money while eating better. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for your family!
Article by:
Judy Turner is a work at home mom who is always looking for ways to cut expenses. For work at home resources visit www.wahmonabudget.com. For frugal recipes and money saving tips visit www.eatingonabudget.com
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Eating Healthy On A Budget
By: Judy Turner
We all know that we need to eat better but isn't it frustrating that the healthier you try to eat the more money you seem to spend? It doesn't have to be that way. Here are just a few tips to help you feed your family nutritious meals without breaking your budget.
1) Plan your meals around the sales. Stores routinely rotate sales items every 6 weeks so plan accordingly and stock up. Is chicken breast on sale this week? Instead of buying 1 pack purchase several packs, separate into family size portions and freeze. If you routinely purchased only what was on sale (besides the perishables you need each week) you will soon have a well stocked freezer and pantry as well as a smaller grocery bill.
2) Avoid purchasing boxed foods. Most boxed foods are full of preservatives and trans fats so it is best to avoid them. Do you like the convenience of boxed foods? There are several good cookbooks and recipes online for making homemade mixes to keep on hand. Everything from homemade cookie mix to macaroni and cheese and more. Put these mixes in a pretty jar with the directions to prepare and it also makes a nice frugal gift!
3) Use coupons wisely. How many times have you gone to the store with a fist full of coupons only to come home spending more than you planned? The key to saving with coupons is to only purchase the items you would normally use anyway. You will also find that the store brand may still be the better bargain. If your coupons are used at the same time an item is on sale you may also end up getting it for next to nothing, if not free!
4) Do a coupon exchange. Check with family and friends who get the Sunday paper and exchange coupons for ones you can use. That way you can really stock up when your favorite items are on sale and you have coupons.
5) Buy produce in season. It will taste much better and you will usually pay less. Also in the warmer months be sure to take advantage of farmers markets for low prices on produce. Buy items like peppers and onions when on sale, chop them and freeze them for quick recipes during the week. Zucchini can be shredded and frozen for zucchini bread and other recipes.
6) Make your grocery list and stick to it. Beware of those impulse buys!
7) Shop after dinner. You wont be tempted to pick up take out because you are too tired and hungry to cook when you get home.
8) Shop alone whenever possible. Nothing blows a budget quicker than when your kids are with you! You will also get out of the store much quicker which will actually save you money.
9) When buying meat think of recipes where you can get more than one meal out of it. Meatsauce is still satisfying with half the amount of ground beef. Slice up other cuts of meat for stir fries or to put on top of a nice salad and you have a quick healthy meal.
10) Don't be loyal to just one store. Most grocery stores have certain items priced really low to get your business. If you have several grocery stores in your area try and take advantage of what deals each store has to offer.
11) Have breakfast for dinner once in a while. An omelette, toast and fresh fruit is very economical and very quick to cook on a busy night.
These are just a few tips to help you save money while eating better. I hope that you find some or all of them useful for your family!
Article by:
Judy Turner is a work at home mom who is always looking for ways to cut expenses. For work at home resources visit www.wahmonabudget.com. For frugal recipes and money saving tips visit www.eatingonabudget.com
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Lower Your Phone Bill
After taking a Sunday off, I am back with a frugal tip on how to lower your phone bill from the resident expert at About.com
Lower Your Phone Bill
From Erin Huffstetler,
Are you paying more for phone service then you’d like to be? Then, see if one of these seven strategies could help to lower your bill:
Switch to VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a relatively new technology that allows you to make and receive calls over a broadband Internet connection. Providers include Vonage, SunRocket and a host of others, including many phone and cable companies.
Cost: Plans offering unlimited local and long distance range from $15-25 a month. Smaller, minute-based plans are also available; and start at $9.95 a month. To get started, you may also need to purchase a VoIP router, though many service providers offer a free router with sign-up.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for VoIP from your current monthly phone charges.
Pros:
* Calls to the United States and Canada included in the pricing
* International call rates as low as 3-cents per minute
Cons:
* Doesn’t work during a power outage unless you have a back-up battery system
* VoIP may not be compatible with your local 911 system
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Bundle Your Services
Do you have cable, high-speed Internet and a landline or cellphone? If so, bundling all of your services with one provider could be your biggest source of savings.
Potential savings: $20 or more a month.
Pros:
* Only one bill to pay
* New customer rebates and introductory offers may make the deal even better
Cons:
* You’ll probably be required to sign a contract
* Many bundle offers include a low introductory rate, and a much higher rate thereafter
* Taxes and other hidden fees may apply
Ditch Your Landline
Use your cell phone for all of your calls, and cancel your traditional phone service.
Potential savings: The cost of your current landline plan: local and long-distance.
Pros:
* One less bill to pay
* The ability to answer all of your calls on the go
Cons:
* If your cell plan doesn’t include unlimited minutes, you could accrue overage charges
* 911 service for cell phones isn’t available in all areas
* Forget to charge your battery, and you’re temporarily off the grid
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Cancel the Extras
If your phone service comes packaged with a bunch of features—call waiting, caller ID, etc.—you may save money by unbundling your services and shopping a la carte.
Contact your service provider to find out how much a basic, no-frills phone line costs. Then, add on just the features that you need (generally about $5 each).
Potential savings: Varies, but a basic phone line usually runs around $22 a month (taxes and fees included).
Pros:
* You only pay for what you want
* You get to customize your phone services
Cons:
* Less bells and whistles
Comparison Shop
Not satisfied with the deal your current provider is giving you? Then, shop around for a better rate. When it comes to phone service, there are more options than ever.
Potential savings: Varies by customer and locale.
Pros:
* You don’t have to wonder if you’re getting the best rate possible
Cons:
* Requires a bit of effort
Unlimited Long Distance
Do you make a lot of long distance calls? If so, signing up for an unlimited long distance plan could make a lot of sense.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for unlimited calling from your current monthly long distance bill.
Pros:
* The same bill every month
* The freedom to make as many long distance calls as you want
Cons:
* Terms and exclusions may apply
Use a Phone Card
If you only make occasional long distance calls, a phone card may be cheaper than paying for traditional long distance service.
Potential savings: The cost of long distance service in your area.
Pros:
* You only pay for the calls that you make
* Your long distance service is portable—just take the card with you when you travel
* Since you pay up front, there are no surprise bills
Cons:
* Most cards have expiration dates
* Connection fees often apply
* Lose the card, and you’ve lost the minutes
Lower Your Phone Bill
From Erin Huffstetler,
Are you paying more for phone service then you’d like to be? Then, see if one of these seven strategies could help to lower your bill:
Switch to VoIP
VoIP, or Voice over Internet Protocol, is a relatively new technology that allows you to make and receive calls over a broadband Internet connection. Providers include Vonage, SunRocket and a host of others, including many phone and cable companies.
Cost: Plans offering unlimited local and long distance range from $15-25 a month. Smaller, minute-based plans are also available; and start at $9.95 a month. To get started, you may also need to purchase a VoIP router, though many service providers offer a free router with sign-up.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for VoIP from your current monthly phone charges.
Pros:
* Calls to the United States and Canada included in the pricing
* International call rates as low as 3-cents per minute
Cons:
* Doesn’t work during a power outage unless you have a back-up battery system
* VoIP may not be compatible with your local 911 system
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Bundle Your Services
Do you have cable, high-speed Internet and a landline or cellphone? If so, bundling all of your services with one provider could be your biggest source of savings.
Potential savings: $20 or more a month.
Pros:
* Only one bill to pay
* New customer rebates and introductory offers may make the deal even better
Cons:
* You’ll probably be required to sign a contract
* Many bundle offers include a low introductory rate, and a much higher rate thereafter
* Taxes and other hidden fees may apply
Ditch Your Landline
Use your cell phone for all of your calls, and cancel your traditional phone service.
Potential savings: The cost of your current landline plan: local and long-distance.
Pros:
* One less bill to pay
* The ability to answer all of your calls on the go
Cons:
* If your cell plan doesn’t include unlimited minutes, you could accrue overage charges
* 911 service for cell phones isn’t available in all areas
* Forget to charge your battery, and you’re temporarily off the grid
* Call quality may not be as good as it is on a traditional phone line
Cancel the Extras
If your phone service comes packaged with a bunch of features—call waiting, caller ID, etc.—you may save money by unbundling your services and shopping a la carte.
Contact your service provider to find out how much a basic, no-frills phone line costs. Then, add on just the features that you need (generally about $5 each).
Potential savings: Varies, but a basic phone line usually runs around $22 a month (taxes and fees included).
Pros:
* You only pay for what you want
* You get to customize your phone services
Cons:
* Less bells and whistles
Comparison Shop
Not satisfied with the deal your current provider is giving you? Then, shop around for a better rate. When it comes to phone service, there are more options than ever.
Potential savings: Varies by customer and locale.
Pros:
* You don’t have to wonder if you’re getting the best rate possible
Cons:
* Requires a bit of effort
Unlimited Long Distance
Do you make a lot of long distance calls? If so, signing up for an unlimited long distance plan could make a lot of sense.
Potential savings: Varies by person. To estimate your savings, subtract the monthly cost for unlimited calling from your current monthly long distance bill.
Pros:
* The same bill every month
* The freedom to make as many long distance calls as you want
Cons:
* Terms and exclusions may apply
Use a Phone Card
If you only make occasional long distance calls, a phone card may be cheaper than paying for traditional long distance service.
Potential savings: The cost of long distance service in your area.
Pros:
* You only pay for the calls that you make
* Your long distance service is portable—just take the card with you when you travel
* Since you pay up front, there are no surprise bills
Cons:
* Most cards have expiration dates
* Connection fees often apply
* Lose the card, and you’ve lost the minutes
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Using Up Those Leftovers!
It's Sunday again and time for another frugal tip article! This one is to help cut down on the cost of groceries.
Using Up Those Leftovers!
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Managing leftovers is a challenge we all face! Throwing food away is just like throwing money away. With a little time,organization and using
a little ingenuity, leftovers can be dealt with efficiently.
Be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly and use them within one or two days or freeze. If you have any doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, throw it out!
Keep your leftovers in a section of your fridge that you designate only for leftovers. Then it's easy to see what you have.
Leftover meat like roast beef, turkey or chicken can easily be used in sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch. Or it can be chopped, frozen and used in a casserole later in the week.
Leftover ham makes great ham salad or you can use it to make ham and bean soup.
Leftover onions, green peppers can be chopped and sealed in zipper-top bags and kept in the freezer. It's economical and time-saving, too. Next time you need chopped onions, just pull a bag out of the freezer!
Leftover bread can be used to make bread pudding. If your family doesn't eat the heels of a loaf of bread, keep a bag in the freezer and add the heels until you have enough.
Favorite Bread Pudding
3 cups soft bread crumbs
2 cups milk, scalded with 1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Place bread crumbs in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Stir remaining ingredients together and pour
over bread crumbs, mixing well.
Place baking dish in pan of hot water (water
should be about 1" deep) and bake in preheated
350 degree oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Test for doneness by inserting a knife 1 inch
from edge - it should come out clean.
Delicious warm!
Bread can also be used to make croutons. Just cut
the bread into cubes. Toss with melted butter,
seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and whatever other
seasonings you like. Bake in a 300 degree oven
till the cubes are golden brown.
Use these croutons to top salads or casseroles or
even as a snack.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, besides the obvious potato cakes, try this: Fry an egg and serve over a warm mound of mashed potatoes. Makes a different kind of supper.
Make a meal from leftovers seem special by adding homemade rolls or biscuits. Or serve along with a family favorite side dish or salad.
"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."
---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly e-newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Using Up Those Leftovers!
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Managing leftovers is a challenge we all face! Throwing food away is just like throwing money away. With a little time,organization and using
a little ingenuity, leftovers can be dealt with efficiently.
Be sure to refrigerate leftovers promptly and use them within one or two days or freeze. If you have any doubt about whether a food is still safe to eat, throw it out!
Keep your leftovers in a section of your fridge that you designate only for leftovers. Then it's easy to see what you have.
Leftover meat like roast beef, turkey or chicken can easily be used in sandwiches for tomorrow's lunch. Or it can be chopped, frozen and used in a casserole later in the week.
Leftover ham makes great ham salad or you can use it to make ham and bean soup.
Leftover onions, green peppers can be chopped and sealed in zipper-top bags and kept in the freezer. It's economical and time-saving, too. Next time you need chopped onions, just pull a bag out of the freezer!
Leftover bread can be used to make bread pudding. If your family doesn't eat the heels of a loaf of bread, keep a bag in the freezer and add the heels until you have enough.
Favorite Bread Pudding
3 cups soft bread crumbs
2 cups milk, scalded with 1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs, slightly beaten
1 teaspoon cinnamon or nutmeg
Place bread crumbs in a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
Stir remaining ingredients together and pour
over bread crumbs, mixing well.
Place baking dish in pan of hot water (water
should be about 1" deep) and bake in preheated
350 degree oven for 40 - 45 minutes.
Test for doneness by inserting a knife 1 inch
from edge - it should come out clean.
Delicious warm!
Bread can also be used to make croutons. Just cut
the bread into cubes. Toss with melted butter,
seasoned salt, parmesan cheese, and whatever other
seasonings you like. Bake in a 300 degree oven
till the cubes are golden brown.
Use these croutons to top salads or casseroles or
even as a snack.
If you have leftover mashed potatoes, besides the obvious potato cakes, try this: Fry an egg and serve over a warm mound of mashed potatoes. Makes a different kind of supper.
Make a meal from leftovers seem special by adding homemade rolls or biscuits. Or serve along with a family favorite side dish or salad.
"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."
---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the bi-weekly e-newsletter "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another", bringing you practical, money-saving tips, recipes and ideas. Visit her online at http://www.cynroberts.com to subscribe and receive the Free e-course, "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Frugal Microwave Cooking
This week's entry is about microwave cooking. You can cook dinner and save energy! Who doesn't want that?
Frugal Microwave Cooking
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Microwave cooking can save you time and energy all year long. But it is especially nice in summer because it enables you to cook hot meals without heating up your home.
Microwave heat is produced only within the food, so the microwave oven stays cool and your house does, too, saving you money on your air conditioning bill!
In general, the microwave oven uses only one-fourth of the energy used by a conventional oven.
In order to get the most from using your microwave oven, remember these tips:
1. Covering most foods will speed up cooking.
2. Use round or oval dishes, instead of square or rectangle, for more even cooking.
3. If you are cooking two foods at the same time, choose foods that take about the same amount of time to cook.
4. Heating continues after food is removed from the microwave oven, so allow time for this additional cooking.
5. Arrange chicken pieces so that the thicker, meatier portions are toward the outside of the dish and the thin, bony parts are toward the center.
6. Foods containing sugar and fats cook faster.
Many of your family's favorite recipes can be converted to a microwave recipe.
To figure microwave cooking time, start with one-fourth of the conventional time.
Always undercook--if more time is needed, you can always add another minute or two.
Use less liquid because there is not as much evaporation.
It may help to find a recipe that is similar to yours that is written especially for microwave ovens and use it as a guide.
SWISS STEAK
3 tbsp. flour
1 lb. beef round steak, 3/4 inch thick
3 tbsp. dry onion soup mix - shake mix before measuring
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. water
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Sprinkle half of flour on one side of meat; pound in with rolling pin or meat mallet. Turn meat and sprinkle with remaining flour; pound with rolling pin. Cut into 4 serving size pieces.
Arrange in 8 inch round microwave baking dish.
In small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, blend well. Pour over meat. Cover tightly with microwave safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium for 12 to 17 minutes or until meat is almost tender. Let stand tightly covered for 10 minutes.
Serves 4
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steamed Veggies
Vegetable (green beans,carrots, broccoli, whatever)
Small amount of water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Put veggies and water in a microwave-safe container and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap,loosely, so steam can escape.
Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute at time, until done to desired tenderness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Microwave Raspberry Cake
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Mix in preserves. Blend well. Add sour cream and eggs. Beat well. Blend together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add gradually to first mixture, beating well.
Pour batter into greased 8-inch round microwave-safe dish. Microwave on full power for 4 to 5 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with finger.
Cool. Frost with Raspberry Frosting.
Raspberry Frosting
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
Combine butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and preserves. Blend well. Add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Spread on cake.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Frugal Microwave Cooking
Written by Cyndi Roberts
Microwave cooking can save you time and energy all year long. But it is especially nice in summer because it enables you to cook hot meals without heating up your home.
Microwave heat is produced only within the food, so the microwave oven stays cool and your house does, too, saving you money on your air conditioning bill!
In general, the microwave oven uses only one-fourth of the energy used by a conventional oven.
In order to get the most from using your microwave oven, remember these tips:
1. Covering most foods will speed up cooking.
2. Use round or oval dishes, instead of square or rectangle, for more even cooking.
3. If you are cooking two foods at the same time, choose foods that take about the same amount of time to cook.
4. Heating continues after food is removed from the microwave oven, so allow time for this additional cooking.
5. Arrange chicken pieces so that the thicker, meatier portions are toward the outside of the dish and the thin, bony parts are toward the center.
6. Foods containing sugar and fats cook faster.
Many of your family's favorite recipes can be converted to a microwave recipe.
To figure microwave cooking time, start with one-fourth of the conventional time.
Always undercook--if more time is needed, you can always add another minute or two.
Use less liquid because there is not as much evaporation.
It may help to find a recipe that is similar to yours that is written especially for microwave ovens and use it as a guide.
SWISS STEAK
3 tbsp. flour
1 lb. beef round steak, 3/4 inch thick
3 tbsp. dry onion soup mix - shake mix before measuring
1 tbsp. brown sugar
3 tbsp. water
1 tsp. prepared mustard
1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
Sprinkle half of flour on one side of meat; pound in with rolling pin or meat mallet. Turn meat and sprinkle with remaining flour; pound with rolling pin. Cut into 4 serving size pieces.
Arrange in 8 inch round microwave baking dish.
In small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients, blend well. Pour over meat. Cover tightly with microwave safe plastic wrap. Microwave on medium for 12 to 17 minutes or until meat is almost tender. Let stand tightly covered for 10 minutes.
Serves 4
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Steamed Veggies
Vegetable (green beans,carrots, broccoli, whatever)
Small amount of water (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup)
Put veggies and water in a microwave-safe container and cover with microwave-safe plastic wrap,loosely, so steam can escape.
Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute at time, until done to desired tenderness.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Microwave Raspberry Cake
1/2 cup butter
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup seedless raspberry preserves
1/4 cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
Cream butter and sugar in large bowl. Mix in preserves. Blend well. Add sour cream and eggs. Beat well. Blend together flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Add gradually to first mixture, beating well.
Pour batter into greased 8-inch round microwave-safe dish. Microwave on full power for 4 to 5 minutes or until top springs back when pressed with finger.
Cool. Frost with Raspberry Frosting.
Raspberry Frosting
2 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar, divided
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup seedless raspberry preserves
Combine butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, vanilla extract and preserves. Blend well. Add remaining 1 cup powdered sugar and stir until smooth. Spread on cake.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Cyndi Roberts is the editor of the "1 Frugal Friend 2 Another" bi-weekly newsletter and founder of the website of the same name.
Visit http://www.cynroberts.com to find creative tips, articles, and a free e-cooking book. Subscribe to the newsletter and receive the free e-course "Taming the Monster Grocery Bill".
Saturday, June 23, 2007
SD Virtual Assistant - Do you need a spreadsheet designed?
Do you need a spreadsheet designed that is specific for your company? For a limited time, get your spreadsheet designed for $20.00 ($5.00 off of the regular price). I will design what you need and offer free support for the spreadsheet.
A worksheet calculating commissions owed to your reps - you plug in the sales amount and it calculates the commission due along with any commissions due from the rep's downline. (Free support will include updating commission rates if they change, adding new reps, etc.)
Or
A job costing worksheet. Your sales, commissions, etc versus your expenses. (Free support will include adding accounts to the appropriate section.)
Or
Any type of spreadsheet that you might need.
Whatever your accounting or clerical needs may be, I can help. I have been in accounting for over 20 years. I worked for 15 years as an accounting clerk for several CPAs. I currently work as the financial secretary for a local church. My rates are reasonable and my goal is to help you achieve your financial dreams.
Please email me regarding a quote for services for you! One size does not fit all!
info@sdvirtualassistant.com
SD Virtual Assistant
A worksheet calculating commissions owed to your reps - you plug in the sales amount and it calculates the commission due along with any commissions due from the rep's downline. (Free support will include updating commission rates if they change, adding new reps, etc.)
Or
A job costing worksheet. Your sales, commissions, etc versus your expenses. (Free support will include adding accounts to the appropriate section.)
Or
Any type of spreadsheet that you might need.
Whatever your accounting or clerical needs may be, I can help. I have been in accounting for over 20 years. I worked for 15 years as an accounting clerk for several CPAs. I currently work as the financial secretary for a local church. My rates are reasonable and my goal is to help you achieve your financial dreams.
Please email me regarding a quote for services for you! One size does not fit all!
info@sdvirtualassistant.com
SD Virtual Assistant
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Frugal Sunday - 40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
This week's frugal article is about getting fit. Enjoy learning how to get fit and save some dough!
40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
Friday, 07 April 2006
About The Author:
DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc. is a service company that provides health administrative services, access to prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. The company also sells pet medications to pet owners.
40 Frugal Ways To Get Fit!
Written by Ashlynn Donaldson
Friday, 07 April 2006
| "I can't get fit because I can't afford [pick one] the equipment, a trainer, a gym membership." "Can't afford to get fit" is one of the top excuses people give when asked why they don't exercise. That's about as logical as saying, "I can't drive because I can't afford a Mercedes." Here are 40 penny-wise ways to get fit:
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
DoctorSolve Healthcare Solutions Inc. is a service company that provides health administrative services, access to prescription pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter (OTC) products predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. The company also sells pet medications to pet owners.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Rainy Day Activity Box
Since the kiddoes are out of school for summer, I thought this would be a good article to share.
Rainy Day Activity Box
By Sara Noel
If you have young children, creating an activity box is a creative way to keep them from becoming bored during rainy days or times they can’t get outside to play. The box can contain items that you don’t use often, so the activity box creates extra excitement when it’s brought out and becomes a special part of building fun memories.
Starting the Fun
You can purchase a plastic container or you can custom decorate your own cardboard box. The size of it is entirely up to you, based on the amount of activity items you plan to store inside of it. Some fun ways of decorating your box can be up to your child, but some suggestions are sequins, stickers, markers/crayons, glitter, ribbon, and contact paper.
Activity Items
Choosing what your box will contain is the best part. Keeping in mind that your child shouldn’t be unattended.
The following is a starter list:
- Magazines
- Puzzles
- Crayons
- Glue
- Scissors
- Board game
- Music cd
- Brown paper lunch and grocery bags
- Pompoms
- Buttons
- Tape
- Stapler
- Paint
- Paper towel rolls
- Matchbox cars
- Construction paper
- Rubber stamps
- Paper airplane instructions
- Cookie cutters
- Popsicle sticks
A few items you can make yourself:
Play dough
- 2 Tablespoon cream of tartar
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup flour
- 2 teaspoons food coloring
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup salt
- Cook on stove top over medium heat for four minutes.
I-Spy treasure bottle
Use a 2-liter pop bottle, insert small items like a paper clip, coins, foam shapes, beads, jingle bells, and buttons and then add birdseed. Some people use rice or sunflower seeds. Tilt the bottle and search for the little treasures.
Coloring books or printable pages http://www.everythingpreschool.com/themes/weather/coloringpage.php
Besides the above craft supply and game items, you can also use this time as a “teachable moment".
The following are ideas to teach more about the weather:
1. Books and information on weather, rain, clouds, rainbows, how plants outdoors grow, and storms. http://www.dcrafts.com/weatherbooks.htm
2.You can use an old coffee can, two liter pop bottle, or glass jar to create a rain gauge outside. Just mark off increments. They can measure the amount of rain.
3.You can make a rainmaker craft out of an empty paper towel roll too. Just decorate the outside by rolling a piece of construction paper around the roll and taping it. Then roll up tin foil and place it inside and add loose dried beans and rice. You can seal off the ends by stapling or taping them down flat. When you turn your “stick” it will sound like rain.
4. Discuss the water cycle http://www.first-school.ws/activities/science/drippy.htm
You’ll have a handy box of boredom busters. Many of the items you probably have readily available in your house already and if not, the items are all inexpensive to purchase, so creating the box is frugal fun too. It’s so much fun, the kids won’t mind rainy days.
Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the Editor/Publisher of http://www.FrugalVillage.com http://www.HomesteadGarden.com and http://www.Homekeeping101.com Visit these sites for information on getting back to basics through frugality, gardening, organizing, home keeping, lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural family living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Noel
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Check out the latest issues of the Witty WAHM newsletter
The May 23rd issue and the June 6th issue are online now.
Be sure to check out the articles in both issues -
May 23rd -
Be sure to check out the articles in both issues -
May 23rd -
- Don't Be A Victim of Work at Home Scams
- The Four Truths Of Network Marketing
- Networking Tips for Moms
- How to Spend Quality Time with Your Children When You Work from Home
Sunday, June 03, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Seven Household Budgeting Tips
Several weeks ago, I brought you an article on how to set up a budget. This week, the article contains some budgeting tips.
If you have a favorite frugal tip, send it my way! You just might see it end up here!
Seven Household Budgeting Tips
Written by S. L. Simmons
Do you frequently get cash from ATMs and then have no idea where it ends up? Do you end up paying late fees simply because you don't have a good system in place for tracking and paying your bills? If you don't have a good budget system in place, it is easy to lose track of your hard earned money. The tips below can help you to keep your finances under control.
1. Keep your financial records organized and your filing up to date. Have a set of file folders for items such as receipts, bills, canceled checks, checking account statements, etc. Have a designated place where you keep or can easily assemble your master budget, your financial files, checkbook, etc. so it is all in one convenient location.
2. Avoid spending cash, unless you are good at writing down cash expenses in a journal. It is all too easy to get $100 from the ATM and then have no idea where it all went at the end of the week. If you have trouble figuring out where your cash gets spent, keep a small amount of cash on hand for minor purchases. For everything else, try to pay by either a paper check, online checking or through credit cards so you have a record of your purchases. Credit cards are a good way to track purchases unless you have trouble controlling your spending. If this applies to you, then avoid credit card purchases and focus on keeping track of your expenses in a journal or by paying for items by check.
3. Give your children a set allowance for things like movies, CDs, snacks and toys instead of just giving them money on as needed basis. Giving children an allowance teaches them to make wise spending choices at an early age. A twelve year old who spends all of his allowance right away on CDs and then doesn't have enough money to go to the movies with his friends on the weekend has just learned a good lesson on the negative consequences of impulse spending.
4. Have a system in place for handling the mail. If you are not in the habit of misplacing bills or checks, good for you. Keep on using whatever system you have in place now. However, if losing track of bills is an issue at your house, it may help to have a designated mail drop box inside the house. Each family member should be instructed that whoever brings in the mail that day should always put the mail in the designated mail box for later sorting. Then the family member who has responsibility for sorting the mail should do so near the financial folders. That way checks get put right away in the check folder, bills in the bill folder, etc.
5. Avoid going to stores where you have had problems overspending in the past. Our neighbors stopped shopping at warehouse clubs and actually ended up saving money. They found they spent more money by not being able to resist all of the warehouse club bargains on products they really didn't need than they would by just getting their food at the local grocery store.
6. Have written, long term savings goals. Some sample goals might be getting out of debt, saving for a college, or building a retirement fund. It helps to avoid spending money on day to day purchases if you have financial goals in mind. Not having any compelling reasons to save makes it easier to fritter away money on small day to day purchases instead of saving for the long term.
7. Have a set time each week to review and pay the bills. If you have the money to pay your bills, there is no point in getting unneeded late fees due to disorganization or lost bills. If you take home $15 an hour after taxes, then to make up for just one $30 late fee you would have to work an extra two hours to cover the fee.
Getting organized is one of the first steps to getting your budget under control. Avoiding unnecessary late fees, paying bills on time, and having a good system in place for filing and paying your bills can all help to keep your household budget on the right track.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Copyright 2006 Always Frugal.
S. L. Simmons is a thrifty mom and editor at Always Frugal. Visit her site at http://www.alwaysfrugal.com/budgeting.html for more tips on household budgeting, a free budget template, and more articles on how to live frugally.
If you have a favorite frugal tip, send it my way! You just might see it end up here!
Seven Household Budgeting Tips
Written by S. L. Simmons
Do you frequently get cash from ATMs and then have no idea where it ends up? Do you end up paying late fees simply because you don't have a good system in place for tracking and paying your bills? If you don't have a good budget system in place, it is easy to lose track of your hard earned money. The tips below can help you to keep your finances under control.
1. Keep your financial records organized and your filing up to date. Have a set of file folders for items such as receipts, bills, canceled checks, checking account statements, etc. Have a designated place where you keep or can easily assemble your master budget, your financial files, checkbook, etc. so it is all in one convenient location.
2. Avoid spending cash, unless you are good at writing down cash expenses in a journal. It is all too easy to get $100 from the ATM and then have no idea where it all went at the end of the week. If you have trouble figuring out where your cash gets spent, keep a small amount of cash on hand for minor purchases. For everything else, try to pay by either a paper check, online checking or through credit cards so you have a record of your purchases. Credit cards are a good way to track purchases unless you have trouble controlling your spending. If this applies to you, then avoid credit card purchases and focus on keeping track of your expenses in a journal or by paying for items by check.
3. Give your children a set allowance for things like movies, CDs, snacks and toys instead of just giving them money on as needed basis. Giving children an allowance teaches them to make wise spending choices at an early age. A twelve year old who spends all of his allowance right away on CDs and then doesn't have enough money to go to the movies with his friends on the weekend has just learned a good lesson on the negative consequences of impulse spending.
4. Have a system in place for handling the mail. If you are not in the habit of misplacing bills or checks, good for you. Keep on using whatever system you have in place now. However, if losing track of bills is an issue at your house, it may help to have a designated mail drop box inside the house. Each family member should be instructed that whoever brings in the mail that day should always put the mail in the designated mail box for later sorting. Then the family member who has responsibility for sorting the mail should do so near the financial folders. That way checks get put right away in the check folder, bills in the bill folder, etc.
5. Avoid going to stores where you have had problems overspending in the past. Our neighbors stopped shopping at warehouse clubs and actually ended up saving money. They found they spent more money by not being able to resist all of the warehouse club bargains on products they really didn't need than they would by just getting their food at the local grocery store.
6. Have written, long term savings goals. Some sample goals might be getting out of debt, saving for a college, or building a retirement fund. It helps to avoid spending money on day to day purchases if you have financial goals in mind. Not having any compelling reasons to save makes it easier to fritter away money on small day to day purchases instead of saving for the long term.
7. Have a set time each week to review and pay the bills. If you have the money to pay your bills, there is no point in getting unneeded late fees due to disorganization or lost bills. If you take home $15 an hour after taxes, then to make up for just one $30 late fee you would have to work an extra two hours to cover the fee.
Getting organized is one of the first steps to getting your budget under control. Avoiding unnecessary late fees, paying bills on time, and having a good system in place for filing and paying your bills can all help to keep your household budget on the right track.
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com
About The Author:
Copyright 2006 Always Frugal.
S. L. Simmons is a thrifty mom and editor at Always Frugal. Visit her site at http://www.alwaysfrugal.com/budgeting.html for more tips on household budgeting, a free budget template, and more articles on how to live frugally.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Witty WAHM's Sister site is looking for the Member of the Week. Is it You???
Would you like to be the Member of the Week at the Witty WAHM's sister site - At Home Mommies Club?
At Home Mommies Club - A community and resource site for at home mommies or those that want to work at home! You can find information on direct sales, online parties, starting a business and more!
We will spotlight you on our home page and in our newsletter in the order of our receiving your information!
Simply email us with the following information:
Your Name
Contact Email
Website (if any)
Business Name
About Your Business
Banner or URL of banner
Send your emails to info@athomemommiesclub.com with the subject "AHMC MOTW".
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Let's go to a Garage Sale and Make Money
I mentioned several weeks ago that garage sales are a booming thing in my area. They probably are pretty popular where you are as well. Have you ever thought about finding things at garage sales to sell on auction sites and/or flea markets? Take a look at the enclosed article and see if it might not work for you.
Let's go to a Garage Sale and Make Money
By: Chaele McMillan
You can go to a garage sale, buy something like a camera, cookie jars, children clothing, furniture and consign it to a second-hand store. The store might sell your $5.00 camera for $30.00. If they keep a $10.00 commission, You would still make $15.00.
Another way to make money off your items is to buy from thrift stores, Sales at retail stores and put your items on Ebay. It will cost you a few dollars to place your item but you can make money doing this. People have made thousands and thousands of dollars off of Ebay.
The key to making money by re-sell is to not invest much money in the item. Don’t make the price so low that the commission and fees make you lose money and learn how to wheel and deal at Garage Sales. Offer to buy 2 items and get a discount on the third.
You may not get rich but you might be surprised what you come across and it might pay your way to the movies!
Article by:
Chaele McMillan is a work at home mom. She owns Mom State University and is the Outreach Manager for Sunrise Retreats. Sign up for a free healing, inspirational Newsletter at www.SunriseRetreats.com
Article Source: www.ladypens.com
Let's go to a Garage Sale and Make Money
By: Chaele McMillan
You can go to a garage sale, buy something like a camera, cookie jars, children clothing, furniture and consign it to a second-hand store. The store might sell your $5.00 camera for $30.00. If they keep a $10.00 commission, You would still make $15.00.
Another way to make money off your items is to buy from thrift stores, Sales at retail stores and put your items on Ebay. It will cost you a few dollars to place your item but you can make money doing this. People have made thousands and thousands of dollars off of Ebay.
The key to making money by re-sell is to not invest much money in the item. Don’t make the price so low that the commission and fees make you lose money and learn how to wheel and deal at Garage Sales. Offer to buy 2 items and get a discount on the third.
You may not get rich but you might be surprised what you come across and it might pay your way to the movies!
Article by:
Chaele McMillan is a work at home mom. She owns Mom State University and is the Outreach Manager for Sunrise Retreats. Sign up for a free healing, inspirational Newsletter at www.SunriseRetreats.com
Article Source: www.ladypens.com
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Frugal Sunday - How to Create a Frugal Budget
In searching for Frugal ideas and tips, I found this on About.com. What can be more frugal than learning to budget?
1. Assess your monthly expenses.
Make a list of all of your regular monthly expenses, including any money that you spend on fun things like eating out, entertainment and hobbies; and any minimum payments that you have to make towards your debts. You can use a budget form for this purpose if it makes the job easier.
2. Total your earnings.
Calculate how much you make per month, including any money that you receive from investments and other forms of residual income.
3. Subtract expenses from earnings.
Test out the effectiveness of your budget by subtracting your monthly expenses from your earnings. This will show you how much you can expect to have left at the end of the month.
4. Rework your budget.
If your budget comes out on the negative side, rework it until your numbers crunch. To do this, go back over each expense, and look for places to make cuts.
5. Build in money for debt reduction.
If you have debts, your budget should already include the minimum payments that you have to make each month. Now you need to find the money to pay down those debts. Look at your numbers again, and determine where you are willing to make sacrifices to get out of debt.
6. Build in your savings and investments.
Now it’s time to budget money for your financial goals. Do you want to have an emergency fund? Retirement investments? Vacation savings? Make a list of what you hope to achieve, and then survey your budget once more to find the money that you need to reach those goals. If you have a lot of debt, you may need to skip this step for a while, and that’s okay—debt reduction should be priority one.
7. Put your budget to work.
Once you’ve created a budget that covers all of your monthly expenses and financial goals, it’s time to put your budget to the test. Try to live within your budget, and see how it feels.
8. Assess your budget.
At the end of each month, look over your expenditures to see if they are matching up to your budget. If they aren’t, determine if you need to work harder to stick to your spending plan; or if you need to rework your budget to reflect your actual spending.
9. Assess and assess again.
A frugal budget is never finished. Continue to look over your budget every month to catch areas of overspending. Then, crunch the numbers again until you’ve made it right.
Tips:
1. Be honest about your spending habits, and you’ll end up with a much more realistic budget.
2. Don’t forget to budget for fun; budgeting isn’t about total deprivation.
3. Don’t be afraid to change your budget; a good budget is always evolving.
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/ht/Frugal_Budget.htm
1. Assess your monthly expenses.
Make a list of all of your regular monthly expenses, including any money that you spend on fun things like eating out, entertainment and hobbies; and any minimum payments that you have to make towards your debts. You can use a budget form for this purpose if it makes the job easier.
2. Total your earnings.
Calculate how much you make per month, including any money that you receive from investments and other forms of residual income.
3. Subtract expenses from earnings.
Test out the effectiveness of your budget by subtracting your monthly expenses from your earnings. This will show you how much you can expect to have left at the end of the month.
4. Rework your budget.
If your budget comes out on the negative side, rework it until your numbers crunch. To do this, go back over each expense, and look for places to make cuts.
5. Build in money for debt reduction.
If you have debts, your budget should already include the minimum payments that you have to make each month. Now you need to find the money to pay down those debts. Look at your numbers again, and determine where you are willing to make sacrifices to get out of debt.
6. Build in your savings and investments.
Now it’s time to budget money for your financial goals. Do you want to have an emergency fund? Retirement investments? Vacation savings? Make a list of what you hope to achieve, and then survey your budget once more to find the money that you need to reach those goals. If you have a lot of debt, you may need to skip this step for a while, and that’s okay—debt reduction should be priority one.
7. Put your budget to work.
Once you’ve created a budget that covers all of your monthly expenses and financial goals, it’s time to put your budget to the test. Try to live within your budget, and see how it feels.
8. Assess your budget.
At the end of each month, look over your expenditures to see if they are matching up to your budget. If they aren’t, determine if you need to work harder to stick to your spending plan; or if you need to rework your budget to reflect your actual spending.
9. Assess and assess again.
A frugal budget is never finished. Continue to look over your budget every month to catch areas of overspending. Then, crunch the numbers again until you’ve made it right.
Tips:
1. Be honest about your spending habits, and you’ll end up with a much more realistic budget.
2. Don’t forget to budget for fun; budgeting isn’t about total deprivation.
3. Don’t be afraid to change your budget; a good budget is always evolving.
http://frugalliving.about.com/od/frugalliving101/ht/Frugal_Budget.htm
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Handy Home Prepared Mixes
If your household is anything like mine, it seems like the grocery budget is growing out of control! Every time I go to the grocery store, I bring out fewer items for a larger amount of money!
This week I would like to share the following article - "Handy Home-Prepared Mixes".
If you have any tips that you would like to share, send them to me at MizMara@wittywahm.com along with a short text ad that I will publish in the next Witty Wahm Newletter.
Handy Home-Prepared Mixes
By Sara Noel
Pre-packaged store-bought box mixes are expensive. Have you considered homemade alternatives? Made-from-scratch mixes are healthy, cost beneficial, store well, and taste great. Often times, you’re paying for the packaging of commercial “convenience” foods and you don’t have any control over the additives and preservatives they contain. When making your own mixes, you tailor the ingredients, so have control over the quality and quantity.
Making your own bulk mixes is a great way to stock your pantry. Creative containers make homemade mixes a terrific frugal gift idea too. There’s something deeply satisfying when cooking from scratch. It takes some minimal preparation, but many of the ingredients are already a staple in your pantry. It’s not as time consuming as you may think.
Supplies
Plastic baggies
Glass containers with tight fitted lids
Prep area
Labels
Appropriate ingredients
Storage area
Basic kitchen tools
Plastic containers
Decorative items for gifts. (ribbons, printable recipe cards, labels)
Master Baking Mix
9 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1 Tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk solids
2 cups shortening (which does not require refrigeration)
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar and sugar three times. Add dry milk. Mix well. Cut in shortening until mixture looks like cornmeal. Store in covered container at room temperature.
Biscuits
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Combine 1 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix and 1/3 cup milk in a bowl. Add milk and stir. Knead lightly on floured board. Roll 1/2-inch thick; cut and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Makes 8.
Options: Add grated cheese and chopped herbs. Increase milk to 1/2 cup for drop biscuits.
Muffins
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Beat together in a bowl 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 3 cups Master Baking Mix. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased muffin pans or into paper muffin cups and bake 20 minutes.
Options: Add drained fruit, chopped nuts or dried fruit. Replace 1/3 cup of Master Baking Mix called for with quick-cooking oatmeal or All-Bran® cereal. Add chopped dried fruit and nuts to recipe and bake as a fruit bread in a greased 8 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Pancakes or Waffles
Beat together 1 cup milk and 1 egg. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix. Bake on griddle or waffle iron.
Dumplings
Mix 1/3 cup water to 1 cup Master Baking Mix. Drop into hot stock and cook 10 minutes, uncovered, and 10 minutes, covered.
Yellow Cake
Sift together in a large bowl 3 cups Master Baking Mix and 1 1/4 cups sugar. Mix together in a small bowl 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add this to dry ingredients. Beat at high speed for 4 minutes. Grease a 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Frost or sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top. Options: For chocolate cake increase the sugar to 1 1/2 and add 1/2 cup of cococa powder.
Coffee Cake
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat together in a bowl 1/3 cup milk and 1 egg. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 2 1/4 cups Master Baking Mix. Stir until well blended, about one minute. Pour into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons margarine and 1/4 cup chopped nuts and sprinkle over the top. Bake 25 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookies
Place 2 1/4 cups Master Baking Mix in a bowl. Stir in 1 3/4 cups brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Combine 1/3 cup milk, 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup melted shortening. Stir into mix and blend well. Add 3 cups oatmeal and mix. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 12 minutes.
Banana Bread
Beat 2 eggs and 1/4 cup sugar together in a bowl until well blended. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 1/4 cups (about 3) mashed bananas. Stir in 2 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix. Pour into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 55 minutes or until brown.
Pizza Crust
Add 1/2 cup water to 2 cups Master Baking Mix and form into a ball. Knead and roll out 1/2-inch thick. Place in a 10-inch pan, leaving a rim around the edge. Brush the dough with oil, then spread with favorite toppings.
Basic Mixes
Chicken Coating Mix
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons onion powder or dried minced onion
2 teaspoons dried minced celery
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
To use: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Gently beat 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg together in a bowl. Wash and pat dry chicken. Fill a bag with 1 cup of the coating mix. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk-egg mixture and then drop a piece of chicken into the bag and shake. Let pieces dry thoroughly before baking. Place chicken on a shallow, lightly greased baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
Stuffing Mix
6 cups large bread cubes
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1 Tablespoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon leaf thyme, crumbled
1/2 cup dried minced celery
1/2 teaspoon leaf sage, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled, or 3 Tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
Bake bread cubes on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning a few times to brown evenly. Toss bread cubes with remaining ingredients until the cubes are evenly coated. Store in a tightly closed container on the shelf for 1 to 4 months, or freeze for 1 year. To use: Melt 3 tablespoons butter; stir into 2 cups Stuffing Mix in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup chicken broth or water, stirring gently. Warm in a pan on top of the stove, in the oven, or in a microwave.
Condiments
Ranch Dressing Mix
15 saltine crackers
1 cup dry parsley
1/2 cup dry onions
2 Tablespoons thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Whirl in blender until crumbs are very small. Store in an airtight container. It will keep for 1 year.
To use: Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup buttermilk and 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dressing Mix.
Italian Dressing Mix
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 Tablespoons garlic powder
6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Mix and store in an airtight container.
To make dressing: Use 3 Tablespoon mix with 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil and 1/2 cup wine vinegar.
Beverages
Cocoa Mix
8 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/2 cups non-dairy coffee creamer
3 cups instant chocolate drink mix for milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
In a large bowl, combine all and blend well. Store in an airtight container.
To serve: Combine 1/2 cup of mix with 9 ounces of boiling water. Stir well. Makes 16 cups of mix.
Cappuccino Mix
1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
2/3 cup instant coffee crystals, regular or decaffeinated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine creamer, drink mix, coffee crystals, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and mix well. Store in airtight container. Makes 3 cups dry mix, 15 servings.
To prepare: Add 3 Tablespoons mix to 6 ounces of hot water and stir well.
Spice Blends
All Purpose Spice Mix
1/3 cup Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Sesame seeds
2 Tablespoon Paprika
1 Tablespoon Poppy seeds
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 teaspoon Dried parsley
1 teaspoon Onion flakes
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Crush bouillon cube into fine powder, put in screw-top jar. Add remaining ingredients and shake until well mixed. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 months. May be used on fish, meat, stews, casseroles, salads, vegetables.
Onion Soup Mix
2 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup beef bouillon crystals
2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
Mix and store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
To prepare: Mix 1/3 cup dry Onion Soup Mix with 1 1/2 cups water. Cook and stir until thickened.
Gift Ideas (Gifts In a Jar)
Dreamsicle Cookies
1/2 cup orange-flavored drink mix (Tang)
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups vanilla baking chips
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Combine the flour with baking soda and baking powder. Starting with the Tang, then sugar, chips and flour mix, layer the ingredients in a glass jar.
Attach Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Empty contents into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg and teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
Colorful Soup Mix in a Jar
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup uncooked twist macaroni
1/4 cup barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/3 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
Use a funnel. Layer ingredients in the following order: bouillon, onion flakes, split peas, small shape pasta, barley, lentils, rice, and enough tricolor spiral pasta to fill jar.
Attach Instructions: Brown 1 pound ground beef or stew beef in a little olive oil. Remove tricolor pasta from top of jar and reserve. Add the rest of the jar contents to the pan and add 12 cups water. Boil and simmer 45 minutes. Add tricolor pasta and simmer 15 minutes more.
Tips
Be sure to store your mixes in a cool, dark place. They hold a shelf life of approximately six months. You can also freeze flour for 24 hours prior to using in your mixes to prevent the possibility of bugs.
Gifts In a Jar Tips
When assembling gifts in a jar, you should use one quart, wide mouth canning jars;however, many containers will work such as mugs, baskets, gift bags, flower pots, bowls, and teapots. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. You can decorate with fabric, floral and ribbon embellishments, or by drawing on jars with glass paint markers. You can consider attaching small gifts to the container such as ornaments, cookie cutters, measuring spoons, or a wooden spoon. Don’t forget to attach the recipe to your homemade gift.
If you enjoyed these mix recipes, you’ll love Just Recipes website with over 700 mix recipes at your fingertips.
You’re well on your way to creating great alternatives to store-bought convenience foods. Who thought it could be so simple and sensible? You’ll create something handy, frugal, healthy, and tasty. They’re wonderful for stocking up, camping trips, and emergencies too. You’ll even have wonderful kitchen gifts to share. Not bad for thinking “outside of the box".
Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the Editor/Publisher of http://www.FrugalVillage.com and http://www.HomesteadGarden.com Visit both these sites for information on getting back to basics through frugality, gardening, lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural family living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Noel
This week I would like to share the following article - "Handy Home-Prepared Mixes".
If you have any tips that you would like to share, send them to me at MizMara@wittywahm.com along with a short text ad that I will publish in the next Witty Wahm Newletter.
Handy Home-Prepared Mixes
By Sara Noel
Pre-packaged store-bought box mixes are expensive. Have you considered homemade alternatives? Made-from-scratch mixes are healthy, cost beneficial, store well, and taste great. Often times, you’re paying for the packaging of commercial “convenience” foods and you don’t have any control over the additives and preservatives they contain. When making your own mixes, you tailor the ingredients, so have control over the quality and quantity.
Making your own bulk mixes is a great way to stock your pantry. Creative containers make homemade mixes a terrific frugal gift idea too. There’s something deeply satisfying when cooking from scratch. It takes some minimal preparation, but many of the ingredients are already a staple in your pantry. It’s not as time consuming as you may think.
Supplies
Plastic baggies
Glass containers with tight fitted lids
Prep area
Labels
Appropriate ingredients
Storage area
Basic kitchen tools
Plastic containers
Decorative items for gifts. (ribbons, printable recipe cards, labels)
Master Baking Mix
9 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/3 cup baking powder
1 Tablespoon salt
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
4 Tablespoons granulated sugar
2 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk solids
2 cups shortening (which does not require refrigeration)
Sift together flour, baking powder, salt, cream of tartar and sugar three times. Add dry milk. Mix well. Cut in shortening until mixture looks like cornmeal. Store in covered container at room temperature.
Biscuits
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Combine 1 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix and 1/3 cup milk in a bowl. Add milk and stir. Knead lightly on floured board. Roll 1/2-inch thick; cut and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Makes 8.
Options: Add grated cheese and chopped herbs. Increase milk to 1/2 cup for drop biscuits.
Muffins
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Beat together in a bowl 1 egg, 1 cup milk and 2 tablespoons sugar. Add 3 cups Master Baking Mix. Stir just until dry ingredients are moistened. Spoon into greased muffin pans or into paper muffin cups and bake 20 minutes.
Options: Add drained fruit, chopped nuts or dried fruit. Replace 1/3 cup of Master Baking Mix called for with quick-cooking oatmeal or All-Bran® cereal. Add chopped dried fruit and nuts to recipe and bake as a fruit bread in a greased 8 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake 40 minutes at 350 degrees F.
Pancakes or Waffles
Beat together 1 cup milk and 1 egg. Stir in 1 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix. Bake on griddle or waffle iron.
Dumplings
Mix 1/3 cup water to 1 cup Master Baking Mix. Drop into hot stock and cook 10 minutes, uncovered, and 10 minutes, covered.
Yellow Cake
Sift together in a large bowl 3 cups Master Baking Mix and 1 1/4 cups sugar. Mix together in a small bowl 2 beaten eggs, 1 cup water and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Add this to dry ingredients. Beat at high speed for 4 minutes. Grease a 9-inch square pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 25 minutes. Frost or sprinkle confectioners’ sugar over the top. Options: For chocolate cake increase the sugar to 1 1/2 and add 1/2 cup of cococa powder.
Coffee Cake
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Beat together in a bowl 1/3 cup milk and 1 egg. Add 1/4 cup sugar and 2 1/4 cups Master Baking Mix. Stir until well blended, about one minute. Pour into a greased 8-inch square baking pan. Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 3 tablespoons margarine and 1/4 cup chopped nuts and sprinkle over the top. Bake 25 minutes.
Oatmeal Cookies
Place 2 1/4 cups Master Baking Mix in a bowl. Stir in 1 3/4 cups brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Combine 1/3 cup milk, 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup melted shortening. Stir into mix and blend well. Add 3 cups oatmeal and mix. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for about 12 minutes.
Banana Bread
Beat 2 eggs and 1/4 cup sugar together in a bowl until well blended. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon baking soda and 1 1/4 cups (about 3) mashed bananas. Stir in 2 1/2 cups Master Baking Mix. Pour into a greased 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 45 to 55 minutes or until brown.
Pizza Crust
Add 1/2 cup water to 2 cups Master Baking Mix and form into a ball. Knead and roll out 1/2-inch thick. Place in a 10-inch pan, leaving a rim around the edge. Brush the dough with oil, then spread with favorite toppings.
Basic Mixes
Chicken Coating Mix
1 cup bread crumbs
1/2 cup flour
2 teaspoons onion powder or dried minced onion
2 teaspoons dried minced celery
2 teaspoons poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
To use: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Gently beat 1/2 cup milk and 1 egg together in a bowl. Wash and pat dry chicken. Fill a bag with 1 cup of the coating mix. Dip each piece of chicken into the milk-egg mixture and then drop a piece of chicken into the bag and shake. Let pieces dry thoroughly before baking. Place chicken on a shallow, lightly greased baking dish and bake for 45 minutes or until tender.
Stuffing Mix
6 cups large bread cubes
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1 Tablespoon parsley flakes
1 teaspoon leaf thyme, crumbled
1/2 cup dried minced celery
1/2 teaspoon leaf sage, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
3 cubes chicken bouillon, crumbled, or 3 Tablespoons chicken bouillon powder
Bake bread cubes on a cookie sheet at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, turning a few times to brown evenly. Toss bread cubes with remaining ingredients until the cubes are evenly coated. Store in a tightly closed container on the shelf for 1 to 4 months, or freeze for 1 year. To use: Melt 3 tablespoons butter; stir into 2 cups Stuffing Mix in a large bowl. Add 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup chicken broth or water, stirring gently. Warm in a pan on top of the stove, in the oven, or in a microwave.
Condiments
Ranch Dressing Mix
15 saltine crackers
1 cup dry parsley
1/2 cup dry onions
2 Tablespoons thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon onion salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Whirl in blender until crumbs are very small. Store in an airtight container. It will keep for 1 year.
To use: Whisk together 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup buttermilk and 1 Tablespoon Ranch Dressing Mix.
Italian Dressing Mix
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon onion powder
2 teaspoons basil
2 teaspoons paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
2 Tablespoons garlic powder
6 Tablespoons granulated sugar
Mix and store in an airtight container.
To make dressing: Use 3 Tablespoon mix with 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil and 1/2 cup wine vinegar.
Beverages
Cocoa Mix
8 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/2 cups non-dairy coffee creamer
3 cups instant chocolate drink mix for milk
1 1/2 cups confectioners sugar
In a large bowl, combine all and blend well. Store in an airtight container.
To serve: Combine 1/2 cup of mix with 9 ounces of boiling water. Stir well. Makes 16 cups of mix.
Cappuccino Mix
1 cup instant coffee creamer
1 cup instant chocolate drink mix
2/3 cup instant coffee crystals, regular or decaffeinated
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Combine creamer, drink mix, coffee crystals, sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg, and mix well. Store in airtight container. Makes 3 cups dry mix, 15 servings.
To prepare: Add 3 Tablespoons mix to 6 ounces of hot water and stir well.
Spice Blends
All Purpose Spice Mix
1/3 cup Grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup Sesame seeds
2 Tablespoon Paprika
1 Tablespoon Poppy seeds
1 chicken bouillon cube
2 teaspoon Dried parsley
1 teaspoon Onion flakes
1 teaspoon Garlic powder
1 teaspoon Celery seed
1/2 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Pepper
Crush bouillon cube into fine powder, put in screw-top jar. Add remaining ingredients and shake until well mixed. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 months. May be used on fish, meat, stews, casseroles, salads, vegetables.
Onion Soup Mix
2 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup beef bouillon crystals
2 Tablespoons dried onion flakes
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crushed
Mix and store in an airtight container in refrigerator.
To prepare: Mix 1/3 cup dry Onion Soup Mix with 1 1/2 cups water. Cook and stir until thickened.
Gift Ideas (Gifts In a Jar)
Dreamsicle Cookies
1/2 cup orange-flavored drink mix (Tang)
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups vanilla baking chips
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Combine the flour with baking soda and baking powder. Starting with the Tang, then sugar, chips and flour mix, layer the ingredients in a glass jar.
Attach Instructions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F Empty contents into a large mixing bowl. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg and teaspoon vanilla extract. Mix well. Roll heaping tablespoonfuls into balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool.
Colorful Soup Mix in a Jar
1 cube beef bouillon
1/4 cup dried minced onion
1/2 cup dried split peas
1/2 cup uncooked twist macaroni
1/4 cup barley
1/2 cup dry lentils
1/3 cup long-grain white rice
1 cup uncooked tri-color spiral pasta
Use a funnel. Layer ingredients in the following order: bouillon, onion flakes, split peas, small shape pasta, barley, lentils, rice, and enough tricolor spiral pasta to fill jar.
Attach Instructions: Brown 1 pound ground beef or stew beef in a little olive oil. Remove tricolor pasta from top of jar and reserve. Add the rest of the jar contents to the pan and add 12 cups water. Boil and simmer 45 minutes. Add tricolor pasta and simmer 15 minutes more.
Tips
Be sure to store your mixes in a cool, dark place. They hold a shelf life of approximately six months. You can also freeze flour for 24 hours prior to using in your mixes to prevent the possibility of bugs.
Gifts In a Jar Tips
When assembling gifts in a jar, you should use one quart, wide mouth canning jars;however, many containers will work such as mugs, baskets, gift bags, flower pots, bowls, and teapots. Press each layer firmly in place before adding the next ingredient. You can decorate with fabric, floral and ribbon embellishments, or by drawing on jars with glass paint markers. You can consider attaching small gifts to the container such as ornaments, cookie cutters, measuring spoons, or a wooden spoon. Don’t forget to attach the recipe to your homemade gift.
If you enjoyed these mix recipes, you’ll love Just Recipes website with over 700 mix recipes at your fingertips.
You’re well on your way to creating great alternatives to store-bought convenience foods. Who thought it could be so simple and sensible? You’ll create something handy, frugal, healthy, and tasty. They’re wonderful for stocking up, camping trips, and emergencies too. You’ll even have wonderful kitchen gifts to share. Not bad for thinking “outside of the box".
Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the Editor/Publisher of http://www.FrugalVillage.com and http://www.HomesteadGarden.com Visit both these sites for information on getting back to basics through frugality, gardening, lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural family living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Noel
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The lastest issue is online!
The latest issue of the Witty Work At Home Mom is now online - May 9, 2007.
It contains two articles:
Come on by and take a look. Subscribe and enter the contest for a free text, button, or banner ad.
Witty WAHM
It contains two articles:
- Direct Sales: You Joined! Now what?
- Keeping In Touch With Your Clients
Come on by and take a look. Subscribe and enter the contest for a free text, button, or banner ad.
Witty WAHM
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Frugal Sunday
This week's Frugal Sunday is about Garage Sales! It's that time of year again! And, here where we live, Garage Sales are BIG business! There are always plenty to go to. In fact, there are so many, you can't make them all!
If this is the case in your area, perhaps the following article will be helpful.
Holding a Successful Garage Sale
By Sara Noel
Hosting a garage sale is a great solution for ridding yourself of clutter and making some extra money. To have an effective, efficient, and successful garage sale, it takes some preparation and basic know-how. Part of the apprehension in having a garage sale is the fear of a negative outcome. Let’s cover the basics to optimize the best results.
First Things First
Before you start planning, phone your local authorities to inquire about any permits you may need and any provisions or ordinances they may have. Some communities may prohibit the sale of food items or used bedding.
Plan ahead what you’d like to do with remaining leftovers that don’t sell. Donations are always welcome at thrift stores, some shelters, and even some nursing homes. Call ahead to these establishments and get information on any items they don’t accept or how and when they accept drop-offs.
Decide if you want to include others. Maybe you have friends or family that would like to add some items to your sale. You may want to consider an entire neighborhood or block sale. This can cut your advertising costs down considerably.
Safety Tips
Have a phone handy if possible.
Post a sign on any entrance doors that states “Off Limits". You don’t want anyone inside your home or wandering around the perimeter of your home. For safety reasons, consider sitting outside of your garage. Being inside the garage is often remote and not visible from roadside. Keep your cash box in a safe location.
Don’t permit any hanging sale items or tables to obstruct your view. Don’t place items right next to the road where they could be easily stolen. If you have a pet, please make sure it’s on a leash.
While making change, always keep the money handed to you in plain view. This prevents anyone from claiming they gave you an amount they didn’t. In many areas, it’s illegal to post signs on utility poles because it’s a potential hazard to workers. Check before placing your signs.
Be sure the items you’re selling have not been recalled or pose any potential hazards. You should avoid selling older cribs, strollers, helmets, playpens, carseats, and baby gates.
Consider not posting your full address in your ads. You can share main cross streets and let visitors follow your signs.
Gathering the Goods
You can start at anytime to declutter and organize items you don’t want to keep. You can start organizing your unwanted items into boxes. There are many practical items that are great sellers, so don’t overlook anything because you think it won’t sell. You never know who might purchase it. Every little sale adds up. You should try to have a wide variety of items. Many collectors and dealers frequent garage sales, so don’t be afraid to include one of a kind type items. (Ex: one single glass or one individual candlestick)
Items to consider selling
Baby items
Household items and kitchen appliances
Toys
Books or magazines
Craft supplies
Linens
Plants
Tools
Go room to room and start cleaning, purging, and placing all your unwanted “stuff” into your garage sale holding boxes. Don’t forget to go through closets, dressers, basement, attic, and even the garage to haul out your “junk”.
As you’re placing items into the designated sale boxes, note if anything is easily cleaned or repaired. It’s much easier to go through this process as you’re slowly accumulating and collecting, than to inspect everything all at once while you’re pricing items later.
Planning the Date
Your best day to host a sale is on Saturday because most people get paid toward the end of the week and are looking for sales on the weekend. The majority of garage sale days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You may want to consider hosting your sale more than one day, but you’ll want to have a lot of items if you opt for a multiple day sale.
All is not lost if you decide to have your garage sale on a weekday. The benefit of having it during the week is that the people attending won’t be garage sale hopping and holding out for better deals elsewhere.
Try to avoid a date that conflicts with any major holidays, as they may not be as profitable. Keep in mind that you can’t accommodate everyone.
Be prepared for early birds. Someone always comes early! Decide if you’re willing to accept people arriving any time prior to your advertised time of your sale. Don’t be afraid to turn folks away, if they come knocking too soon and you’ve decided not to permit early birds. You’re better off to be prepared than to have possible regrets later. If you do plan to permit early birds, be prepared the day before your sale or at the very least an hour before.
When planning the date, clear your family calendar for the entire day. You may want to recruit some help, so make sure others are available to assist. Give yourself at least a couple week’s notice to organize well.
Getting the Word Out
You need to advertise your sale. You can advertise your sale in community papers, signs, local newspaper, word of mouth, laundromats, and grocery stores.
Advertising tips
Displaying balloons at your house is an eye catching way to show where you’re located.
Your garage sale sign(s) should have arrows, be simple, readable, and bright.
If you live on a side street, a few signs leading to your house is a good idea.
If posting a printed ad, be sure it’s printed on a weekend and offers a couple days notice because most garage sale buyers check out the ads Friday thru Sunday.
It’s best if you can mention the best items in your ad to show that you have a good variety available and to attract the most people. Please remember to take your signs down after your sale too.
Pricing and Money Matters
Every item should be priced and easy to read. Label anything damaged or questionable “as is". I recommend using easy to remove price tags. Stickers and string hang tags work best. There is nothing more disappointing than finding an item at a sale and the seller has added the price directly on the item in black marker. Color coded stickers are great if you’re holding a group garage sale with others.
It is sometimes beneficial to have current prices of what your items cost new. This can serve as a comparison to how good your prices truly are. Pricing can be set at about 1/2 the retail cost to you.
Prep tips
Post a sign if you’re not accepting checks and that all sales are final. Don’t hold items without a deposit. Be sure to have lots of change for your sale, a calculator, paper or sale’s slips for receipts, bags, boxes, and newspaper to wrap things. If holding a group sale, plan with others the lowest price they’ll accept on their items.
Display Tips
Neat displays and groupings are recommended.
Long narrow portable tables work great.
Display large merchandise and some good items for both men and women visibly appealing from roadside. Items like tools, lawn equipment, weights, and electronics, furniture, baby gear, and bikes are good examples. If it looks like junk from roadside, people will drive right by and not bother to even stop.
Have an electrical source. This is for people to test any electrical items you have for sale. Maybe consider having these items plugged in already. Place breakables towards the back of tables or higher for protection against breakage.
Leave enough walking space for shoppers.
Clothing can be difficult to sell. You should arrange them neatly. Consider displaying them by color or size. Hanging clothes is best, but you can also fold items neatly or try a “filling a bag for $1.00? special. You can also try box lots. This box for $5.00 or everything on this table $1.00. Make sure that items that aren’t for sale are set aside, so buyers don’t try and buy them.
Smart Selling
Everyone loves a bargain. Be prepared to haggle and set your prices accordingly. Greet visitors and be friendly, but let them browse freely too. You don’t want to be a high pressure salesman, so I suggest you sit someplace out of the way, yet still accessible. You want to give your visitors some space to look items over, but be ready to answer questions, if they ask. You can share any information you have about items they are interested in.
Don’t allow anyone to intimidate you. Be firm and don’t reply in an uneasy or uncertain tone. If they offer you less than an item is worth, just nicely mention your price is firm on that item. If you’re flexible but hoping someone else will purchase it for your asking price, you can always ask them to swing by later and if it’s still not sold, you’ll accept their offer.
Boredom Busters
Plan some activities to keep yourself occupied, in case of slow times. Consider a good book, crossword puzzles, crochet, or cards to keep from being bored. You can play some music for yourself and the buyers.
You can also offer refreshments for a small fee too.
After The Sale
After your sale be sure to divide the money, if it’s a joint sale. Put your money in a safe place.
You can take down your signs and start packing up your items that didn’t sell. You can decide if you want to donate your items or keep them for your next sale.
It all makes “cents”. We’ve covered all the basics of running a successful garage sale. Hopefully, your sale will be profitable and it will encourage you to have more sales in the future. If nothing else, you’ll clear out some clutter , organize your home, and have some fun. You can then decide what you want to do with your cash from “trash”.
Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the Editor/Publisher of http://www.FrugalVillage.com and http://www.HomesteadGarden.com Visit both these sites for information on getting back to basics through frugality, gardening, lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural family living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Noel
If this is the case in your area, perhaps the following article will be helpful.
Holding a Successful Garage Sale
By Sara Noel
Hosting a garage sale is a great solution for ridding yourself of clutter and making some extra money. To have an effective, efficient, and successful garage sale, it takes some preparation and basic know-how. Part of the apprehension in having a garage sale is the fear of a negative outcome. Let’s cover the basics to optimize the best results.
First Things First
Before you start planning, phone your local authorities to inquire about any permits you may need and any provisions or ordinances they may have. Some communities may prohibit the sale of food items or used bedding.
Plan ahead what you’d like to do with remaining leftovers that don’t sell. Donations are always welcome at thrift stores, some shelters, and even some nursing homes. Call ahead to these establishments and get information on any items they don’t accept or how and when they accept drop-offs.
Decide if you want to include others. Maybe you have friends or family that would like to add some items to your sale. You may want to consider an entire neighborhood or block sale. This can cut your advertising costs down considerably.
Safety Tips
Have a phone handy if possible.
Post a sign on any entrance doors that states “Off Limits". You don’t want anyone inside your home or wandering around the perimeter of your home. For safety reasons, consider sitting outside of your garage. Being inside the garage is often remote and not visible from roadside. Keep your cash box in a safe location.
Don’t permit any hanging sale items or tables to obstruct your view. Don’t place items right next to the road where they could be easily stolen. If you have a pet, please make sure it’s on a leash.
While making change, always keep the money handed to you in plain view. This prevents anyone from claiming they gave you an amount they didn’t. In many areas, it’s illegal to post signs on utility poles because it’s a potential hazard to workers. Check before placing your signs.
Be sure the items you’re selling have not been recalled or pose any potential hazards. You should avoid selling older cribs, strollers, helmets, playpens, carseats, and baby gates.
Consider not posting your full address in your ads. You can share main cross streets and let visitors follow your signs.
Gathering the Goods
You can start at anytime to declutter and organize items you don’t want to keep. You can start organizing your unwanted items into boxes. There are many practical items that are great sellers, so don’t overlook anything because you think it won’t sell. You never know who might purchase it. Every little sale adds up. You should try to have a wide variety of items. Many collectors and dealers frequent garage sales, so don’t be afraid to include one of a kind type items. (Ex: one single glass or one individual candlestick)
Items to consider selling
Baby items
Household items and kitchen appliances
Toys
Books or magazines
Craft supplies
Linens
Plants
Tools
Go room to room and start cleaning, purging, and placing all your unwanted “stuff” into your garage sale holding boxes. Don’t forget to go through closets, dressers, basement, attic, and even the garage to haul out your “junk”.
As you’re placing items into the designated sale boxes, note if anything is easily cleaned or repaired. It’s much easier to go through this process as you’re slowly accumulating and collecting, than to inspect everything all at once while you’re pricing items later.
Planning the Date
Your best day to host a sale is on Saturday because most people get paid toward the end of the week and are looking for sales on the weekend. The majority of garage sale days are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. You may want to consider hosting your sale more than one day, but you’ll want to have a lot of items if you opt for a multiple day sale.
All is not lost if you decide to have your garage sale on a weekday. The benefit of having it during the week is that the people attending won’t be garage sale hopping and holding out for better deals elsewhere.
Try to avoid a date that conflicts with any major holidays, as they may not be as profitable. Keep in mind that you can’t accommodate everyone.
Be prepared for early birds. Someone always comes early! Decide if you’re willing to accept people arriving any time prior to your advertised time of your sale. Don’t be afraid to turn folks away, if they come knocking too soon and you’ve decided not to permit early birds. You’re better off to be prepared than to have possible regrets later. If you do plan to permit early birds, be prepared the day before your sale or at the very least an hour before.
When planning the date, clear your family calendar for the entire day. You may want to recruit some help, so make sure others are available to assist. Give yourself at least a couple week’s notice to organize well.
Getting the Word Out
You need to advertise your sale. You can advertise your sale in community papers, signs, local newspaper, word of mouth, laundromats, and grocery stores.
Advertising tips
Displaying balloons at your house is an eye catching way to show where you’re located.
Your garage sale sign(s) should have arrows, be simple, readable, and bright.
If you live on a side street, a few signs leading to your house is a good idea.
If posting a printed ad, be sure it’s printed on a weekend and offers a couple days notice because most garage sale buyers check out the ads Friday thru Sunday.
It’s best if you can mention the best items in your ad to show that you have a good variety available and to attract the most people. Please remember to take your signs down after your sale too.
Pricing and Money Matters
Every item should be priced and easy to read. Label anything damaged or questionable “as is". I recommend using easy to remove price tags. Stickers and string hang tags work best. There is nothing more disappointing than finding an item at a sale and the seller has added the price directly on the item in black marker. Color coded stickers are great if you’re holding a group garage sale with others.
It is sometimes beneficial to have current prices of what your items cost new. This can serve as a comparison to how good your prices truly are. Pricing can be set at about 1/2 the retail cost to you.
Prep tips
Post a sign if you’re not accepting checks and that all sales are final. Don’t hold items without a deposit. Be sure to have lots of change for your sale, a calculator, paper or sale’s slips for receipts, bags, boxes, and newspaper to wrap things. If holding a group sale, plan with others the lowest price they’ll accept on their items.
Display Tips
Neat displays and groupings are recommended.
Long narrow portable tables work great.
Display large merchandise and some good items for both men and women visibly appealing from roadside. Items like tools, lawn equipment, weights, and electronics, furniture, baby gear, and bikes are good examples. If it looks like junk from roadside, people will drive right by and not bother to even stop.
Have an electrical source. This is for people to test any electrical items you have for sale. Maybe consider having these items plugged in already. Place breakables towards the back of tables or higher for protection against breakage.
Leave enough walking space for shoppers.
Clothing can be difficult to sell. You should arrange them neatly. Consider displaying them by color or size. Hanging clothes is best, but you can also fold items neatly or try a “filling a bag for $1.00? special. You can also try box lots. This box for $5.00 or everything on this table $1.00. Make sure that items that aren’t for sale are set aside, so buyers don’t try and buy them.
Smart Selling
Everyone loves a bargain. Be prepared to haggle and set your prices accordingly. Greet visitors and be friendly, but let them browse freely too. You don’t want to be a high pressure salesman, so I suggest you sit someplace out of the way, yet still accessible. You want to give your visitors some space to look items over, but be ready to answer questions, if they ask. You can share any information you have about items they are interested in.
Don’t allow anyone to intimidate you. Be firm and don’t reply in an uneasy or uncertain tone. If they offer you less than an item is worth, just nicely mention your price is firm on that item. If you’re flexible but hoping someone else will purchase it for your asking price, you can always ask them to swing by later and if it’s still not sold, you’ll accept their offer.
Boredom Busters
Plan some activities to keep yourself occupied, in case of slow times. Consider a good book, crossword puzzles, crochet, or cards to keep from being bored. You can play some music for yourself and the buyers.
You can also offer refreshments for a small fee too.
After The Sale
After your sale be sure to divide the money, if it’s a joint sale. Put your money in a safe place.
You can take down your signs and start packing up your items that didn’t sell. You can decide if you want to donate your items or keep them for your next sale.
It all makes “cents”. We’ve covered all the basics of running a successful garage sale. Hopefully, your sale will be profitable and it will encourage you to have more sales in the future. If nothing else, you’ll clear out some clutter , organize your home, and have some fun. You can then decide what you want to do with your cash from “trash”.
Sara Noel is a freelance writer and the Editor/Publisher of http://www.FrugalVillage.com and http://www.HomesteadGarden.com Visit both these sites for information on getting back to basics through frugality, gardening, lost arts, simplicity, homesteading, and natural family living.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sara_Noel
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Wedding Cost Tips
This week's Frugal Sunday tip is about weddings. I have a few frugal tips posted on the frugal Witty WAHM webpage.
Wedding Cost Tips
Every wedding is as unique as the couple getting married. What may appear as traditional to one person may be totally new to another. Shortly after the engagement has been announced, the couple should discuss with both sides of the family about the sharing of wedding costs.
Traditionally, the family of the groom has paid for the rehearsal dinner. However, this should not be assumed and should be included in the discussion about sharing the costs of the wedding.
Often the marriage finances set nervousness in the mind of the people. Make a list of various fixed or variable costs.
Fixed costs include expenses which have to be incurred at any cost irrespective to the number of guests.
Variable guests can have more impact and they can be controlled flexibly.
A wedding generally covers many ceremonies, some may be optional or some may be compulsory.
A wedding is an occasion which demands various things like costumes for the couple, refreshments, decorations or the meals.
A small optional get together between the two families can be organized and planning for the cost allocation can be done.
A simple engagement party can save may bucks. The key to this question lies with the bride and groom. Only close friends, family members and close relatives can be invited. It is not a gift-giving occasion and in fact, the purpose of the party may not be announced until the guests have arrived.
Once a couple engages, the next probable ceremony is wedding. The wedding plans are in the works to make the upcoming wedding a sure success. The bride and groom invite a lot of people to share special day to have fun and enjoy.
Generally, guests pay their own way for traveling and accommodations and send or bring wedding gifts or flowers.
The secret to the success of any wedding is good communication, listening and sharing ideas. Friends and relatives can also help the bride and groom. They can support them throughout their wedding.
Instead of going for the lavish decors, adore the simple ones.
While deciding about the marriage costs, you can work with some smartness and logic.
You can cut your costs and show how smart and talented you are?
Since it is your own wedding party, you won’t be able to DJ your reception since you will be busy cutting the cake, dancing with your parents and being in every picture. You can take the services of your best buddies and make them perform a few things like handling guest, acting as bar tenders or playing DJ for your party. This will save lot of money and your pals will be pleased by the gesture.
But, there are plenty of before the wedding things you can do your self. Consider making your own veil, arranging flowers since the cost is in the labor and not the blooms themselves. You can write out invitations and design and print them using your computer.
If you are looking for a creative, unique and original invitation with which to impress your guest and set the perfect tone for your wedding or party, then you can send memorable invitations that is handcrafted and completely unique to you and your event.
Enjoy the wedding and the memories you will have to share.
By: Rafi Michael -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Toronto Weddings http://www.videobabylon.ca/services.html Wedding Photography & Video Productions Toronto we specialize in individually tailored Wedding Photography, Videography.
Wedding Cost Tips
Every wedding is as unique as the couple getting married. What may appear as traditional to one person may be totally new to another. Shortly after the engagement has been announced, the couple should discuss with both sides of the family about the sharing of wedding costs.
Traditionally, the family of the groom has paid for the rehearsal dinner. However, this should not be assumed and should be included in the discussion about sharing the costs of the wedding.
Often the marriage finances set nervousness in the mind of the people. Make a list of various fixed or variable costs.
Fixed costs include expenses which have to be incurred at any cost irrespective to the number of guests.
Variable guests can have more impact and they can be controlled flexibly.
A wedding generally covers many ceremonies, some may be optional or some may be compulsory.
A wedding is an occasion which demands various things like costumes for the couple, refreshments, decorations or the meals.
A small optional get together between the two families can be organized and planning for the cost allocation can be done.
A simple engagement party can save may bucks. The key to this question lies with the bride and groom. Only close friends, family members and close relatives can be invited. It is not a gift-giving occasion and in fact, the purpose of the party may not be announced until the guests have arrived.
Once a couple engages, the next probable ceremony is wedding. The wedding plans are in the works to make the upcoming wedding a sure success. The bride and groom invite a lot of people to share special day to have fun and enjoy.
Generally, guests pay their own way for traveling and accommodations and send or bring wedding gifts or flowers.
The secret to the success of any wedding is good communication, listening and sharing ideas. Friends and relatives can also help the bride and groom. They can support them throughout their wedding.
Instead of going for the lavish decors, adore the simple ones.
While deciding about the marriage costs, you can work with some smartness and logic.
You can cut your costs and show how smart and talented you are?
Since it is your own wedding party, you won’t be able to DJ your reception since you will be busy cutting the cake, dancing with your parents and being in every picture. You can take the services of your best buddies and make them perform a few things like handling guest, acting as bar tenders or playing DJ for your party. This will save lot of money and your pals will be pleased by the gesture.
But, there are plenty of before the wedding things you can do your self. Consider making your own veil, arranging flowers since the cost is in the labor and not the blooms themselves. You can write out invitations and design and print them using your computer.
If you are looking for a creative, unique and original invitation with which to impress your guest and set the perfect tone for your wedding or party, then you can send memorable invitations that is handcrafted and completely unique to you and your event.
Enjoy the wedding and the memories you will have to share.
By: Rafi Michael -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
Toronto Weddings http://www.videobabylon.ca/services.html Wedding Photography & Video Productions Toronto we specialize in individually tailored Wedding Photography, Videography.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
The April 25th issue of the Witty WAHM Newsletter is now online!
The April 25th issue of the Witty WAHM Newsletter is now online!
There are two great articles -
- Tips To Make A Standout Business Card
By: Owen M -
Soft-set Goals For The Hard-pressed Achiever
By: Susan K. Minarik
You can subscribe on the main page of the Witty WAHM website.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Frugal Sunday - Online Bill Paying
Welcome to Frugal Sunday!
This week's entry is about online bill paying. I happen to think it is a great deal! And, I am including a link to an About.com article - Why Online Bill Paying is Good for the Environment. You can go "green" and save money at the same time! This is a good way to save on postage which happens to be going up May 14 from $0.39 to $0.41.
I had been paying some of my bills online - at the credit card websites. It is fast and easy and as safe as putting a check in the mail. And, when I first heard about the newest postage rate increase, I decided to check into paying my bills online through my bank. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that there was no charge for 10 payments per account. As I have access to my mother's account and have it linked to mine in my online banking account so I can pay her bills for her, that was a plus! However, you need to research the plans that your bank has as it must likely will be different from mine.
I love it! If I have to pay bills, I might as well do it the frugal and green living way! Go online, log into my bank account, choose the bill I want to pay and the amount, and CLICK!
I will be back next Sunday with another frugal idea!
This week's entry is about online bill paying. I happen to think it is a great deal! And, I am including a link to an About.com article - Why Online Bill Paying is Good for the Environment. You can go "green" and save money at the same time! This is a good way to save on postage which happens to be going up May 14 from $0.39 to $0.41.
I had been paying some of my bills online - at the credit card websites. It is fast and easy and as safe as putting a check in the mail. And, when I first heard about the newest postage rate increase, I decided to check into paying my bills online through my bank. I was very pleasantly surprised to find out that there was no charge for 10 payments per account. As I have access to my mother's account and have it linked to mine in my online banking account so I can pay her bills for her, that was a plus! However, you need to research the plans that your bank has as it must likely will be different from mine.
I love it! If I have to pay bills, I might as well do it the frugal and green living way! Go online, log into my bank account, choose the bill I want to pay and the amount, and CLICK!
I will be back next Sunday with another frugal idea!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Witty WAHM Special -
*Sponsor Button or Banner On The Witty WAHM Message Boards
Your button linked to your website will be placed on our forums. 2 Button spaces and 1 banner space are available now! $7.50/month per banner or button.
Check out the other advertising options.
Witty WAHM was created to help you succeed with your business. We have paid and free advertising, a message board, link exchange, a shopping village directory, and a growing list of resources to help you grow your business. Sign up for the monthly newsletter and be eligible for free advertising!
If you have questions, contact me!
Your button linked to your website will be placed on our forums. 2 Button spaces and 1 banner space are available now! $7.50/month per banner or button.
Check out the other advertising options.
Witty WAHM was created to help you succeed with your business. We have paid and free advertising, a message board, link exchange, a shopping village directory, and a growing list of resources to help you grow your business. Sign up for the monthly newsletter and be eligible for free advertising!
If you have questions, contact me!
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Frugal Sunday!
I am going to start posting tips, hints, ideas, links, etc. on how to live a frugal lifestyle.
I don't know about you, but it seems like every time I go to the grocery store, I am spending more money on food and all those other items. Part of being a Witty WAHM is being frugal. I grew up with the notions of use it up completely and fix it and use it some more. There have been times in my life that it was a matter of survival to pinch pennies. Even though I am not at that point in my life anymore, I don't like to spend more that I have to.
Frugal as defined by Dictionary.com:
–adjective
Now that I have defined what Frugal Sunday will be, I will start off by giving you the link to the Frugal Witty WAHM. There are quite a few links to great penny pinching ideas. There is a section with ideas on how to help keep down the cost of your wedding for those of you who will be getting married soon.
Check back next Sunday as I will have more ways and/or ideas on how to be frugal.
Enjoy!
I don't know about you, but it seems like every time I go to the grocery store, I am spending more money on food and all those other items. Part of being a Witty WAHM is being frugal. I grew up with the notions of use it up completely and fix it and use it some more. There have been times in my life that it was a matter of survival to pinch pennies. Even though I am not at that point in my life anymore, I don't like to spend more that I have to.
Frugal as defined by Dictionary.com:
–adjective
| 1. | economical in use or expenditure; prudently saving or sparing; not wasteful: a frugal manager. |
| 2. | entailing little expense; requiring few resources; meager; scanty: a frugal meal. |
Now that I have defined what Frugal Sunday will be, I will start off by giving you the link to the Frugal Witty WAHM. There are quite a few links to great penny pinching ideas. There is a section with ideas on how to help keep down the cost of your wedding for those of you who will be getting married soon.
Check back next Sunday as I will have more ways and/or ideas on how to be frugal.
Enjoy!
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Sale on Logos, Banners, and Buttons! This Weekend Only!
Divine Designs by Leslie!
The ~~ MYSTERY SHOPPER CONTEST ~~ is still in progress! And, we are having a sale this weekend only on LOGOS, BANNERS and BUTTONS ....or any web design....(for the web site design to be included in the sale, you must make a down payment on a site design).
USE COUPON CODE 15OFF and get 15% off...this weekend only...through midnight Sunday night! HURRY THIS SALE WON'T LAST LONG...!
http://divinedesignsbyleslie.net/store/affiliate.asp?aff=4728805
Divine Designs by Leslie!
Your ONE STOP SHOP for business materials, sales aides, personal printing needs, and web services! Visit us at http://divinedesignsbyleslie.net/store/affiliate.asp?aff=4728805 today!
ChristieP
MizMaras@gmail.com
The ~~ MYSTERY SHOPPER CONTEST ~~ is still in progress! And, we are having a sale this weekend only on LOGOS, BANNERS and BUTTONS ....or any web design....(for the web site design to be included in the sale, you must make a down payment on a site design).
USE COUPON CODE 15OFF and get 15% off...this weekend only...through midnight Sunday night! HURRY THIS SALE WON'T LAST LONG...!
http://divinedesignsbyleslie.net/store/affiliate.asp?aff=4728805
Divine Designs by Leslie!
Your ONE STOP SHOP for business materials, sales aides, personal printing needs, and web services! Visit us at http://divinedesignsbyleslie.net/store/affiliate.asp?aff=4728805 today!
ChristieP
MizMaras@gmail.com
Friday, April 13, 2007
Have you checked out the Witty WAHM Message Board?
If not, you should! Come by and check it out - Witty WAHM Message Board -
The newest board is "Filler Packs". You list what you are looking for to put in your advertising packs or what you have available to be included in someone's advertising packs.
Go take a look! While you are there, you may find a new business opportunity or make a new friend.
The newest board is "Filler Packs". You list what you are looking for to put in your advertising packs or what you have available to be included in someone's advertising packs.
Go take a look! While you are there, you may find a new business opportunity or make a new friend.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
April 11th issue is now online!
The April 11th issue of the Witty WAHM Newsletter is now online!
There are two great articles -
You can subscribe on the main page of the Witty WAHM website.
There are two great articles -
- WAHM Doesn't Mean Work At Home Maid
By: Stephanie Davies -
A Different Selling Approach
By: Cynthia Marcano
You can subscribe on the main page of the Witty WAHM website.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
And, in other news....
Witty WAHM has a sister site - The At Home Mommies Club! Be sure and go by to check it out!
At Home Mommies Club - A community and resource for at home mommies or those that work at home! Information on direct sales, online parties, starting a business and more!
PLUS
I am having a It's My Birthday! and I want to Party!! Ad Sale on all 3 sites - Witty WAHM, At Home Mommies Club, and Mara's Ads Vendor Fair Alerts! You can find all of the available ads listed here. Mix em' and Match em'! But, hurry! The sale won't last long!
At Home Mommies Club - A community and resource for at home mommies or those that work at home! Information on direct sales, online parties, starting a business and more!
PLUS
I am having a It's My Birthday! and I want to Party!! Ad Sale on all 3 sites - Witty WAHM, At Home Mommies Club, and Mara's Ads Vendor Fair Alerts! You can find all of the available ads listed here. Mix em' and Match em'! But, hurry! The sale won't last long!
I am only a couple of months behind!
Wow! I need to update the newsletter links!
February 14, 2007
February 28, 2007
March 14, 2007
March 28, 2007
Next issue is due out April 11th!
February 14, 2007
February 28, 2007
March 14, 2007
March 28, 2007
Next issue is due out April 11th!
Saturday, January 20, 2007
The latest issue of the newsletter is now online!
The latest issue of the Witty WAHM Newsletter is now online. Check it out!
The next issue will be out January 31st. Be sure to watch for and the chance to win a free ad in the next issue!
Stay warm and dry!
Christie
The next issue will be out January 31st. Be sure to watch for and the chance to win a free ad in the next issue!
Stay warm and dry!
Christie
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Witty WAHM is having a "Bring in the New Year" Ad Sale!
WooHoo! Let's bring in the New Year with a Bang! All ads on Witty WAHM and Mara's Ads Vendor Fair Alerts are on sale at half price! What a deal! Check out the listings available at the Witty WAHM Resource Shop
If you have any questions, contact me at wittywahm@marasads.com
Happy New Year! Let's make 2007 the best year ever!
And, the next issue of the Witty WAHM newsletter will be online Wednesday, Jan. 17th! Watch for it!
If you have any questions, contact me at wittywahm@marasads.com
Happy New Year! Let's make 2007 the best year ever!
And, the next issue of the Witty WAHM newsletter will be online Wednesday, Jan. 17th! Watch for it!
Saturday, January 06, 2007
The lastest issue is online!
The latest issue of the Witty WAHM Newsletter is now online. And, no one has answered the contest question yet for a free ad! There is still time!
The next issue will be out January 17th. There is still time to get your ad in!
WooHoo! Let's bring in the New Year with a Bang! All ads on Witty WAHM - and Mara's Ads Vendor Fair Alerts - are on sale at half price! What a deal! Check out the listings available at the Witty WAHM Resource Shop.
If you have any questions, contact me at wittywahm@marasads.com
Happy New Year! Let's make 2007 the best year ever!
The next issue will be out January 17th. There is still time to get your ad in!
WooHoo! Let's bring in the New Year with a Bang! All ads on Witty WAHM - and Mara's Ads Vendor Fair Alerts - are on sale at half price! What a deal! Check out the listings available at the Witty WAHM Resource Shop.
If you have any questions, contact me at wittywahm@marasads.com
Happy New Year! Let's make 2007 the best year ever!
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