Supply us with your "tip for Living Well for Less"

We will include your tip and at the end of the month provide a reward for the best of the best.

November 13th, 2009

Smart Shoppers Save Money and Time.

I used to go to the grocery store and “walk” the aisles to shop, and always too many “tempting” items I didn’t really need found their way into my basket. Let’s face it, there is always one dangerous aisle in the store and it isn’t the same for everyone, but some to watch out for are the cosmetics, candy, gourmet and gadget aisles.

My suggestion is never to go to the store without a list, (they hope you will because a lot of stuff hanging on strips between shelf sets are “impulse” items, same as at the checkout.

Yes, a list indicates some pre-planning-even menu planning, but you don’t come home with items you really could have done without, and you don’t forget a really important item and it saves a lot of time that you can ultimately spend on something else you would rather do.

I watch for the grocery flyers that come in the mail for specials. Plan at least a weeks menus and ingredients needed, plus staples and things I’m low on or have run out of, plus a limited amount of snacks and then go shopping. Works for me!

November 2nd, 2009

As an interior designer, I recommend professional carpet cleaner vs. those spray cans, or rental units at the supermarket, but, do not get talked into all extra services offered, like anti-allergens, stain repellents, fragrances, etc. Most of the time, these are not worth the money. Good basic carpet cleaning is what you want. Check for on-line coupons or specials from reputable companies.

October 22nd, 2009

Living Well Tips

“Planned Overs”

Many years ago I heard the term “planned overs” vs. leftovers as so many people HATE to eat leftovers. Although aware of the concept, most of the time they were still the typical re-runs.

While spending time with one of my daughters in law who hated to cook, it took on a whole new meaning, Once a week was “Clean out the fridge” night, usually the night before weekly grocery shopping to help clean out the box in preparation. With 4 kids you need to “think” about the “box” (the ice box, as we used to call it). All the leftovers were taken out and arrayed on the counter, everyone could put whatever they wanted on their plate, zap it in the microwave or toaster oven and “dine” on their chosen leftover. It completely removed the stigma of leftover, and I will tell you my daughter in law hated to waste food even more than she hated to cook. So there were always plenty of candidates after a week of eating. Occasionally my husband and I will have a “clean out the fridge” night, but more often our planned overs go into the freezer for a future meal. After being used to cooking for 3 kids and with the quantities in most recipes for 4 or 6 servings its easier to cook the suggested quantity, and I detest having bits and pieces of unused preparation items, so I cook the recipe, we dine, I decide if we will eat it one more time that week or not and “another meal” goes in the refrigerator for when we don't know what we want to eat, or are too tired to cook, etc. Its time and money in the bank. Sometimes I will increase the amount of the recipe if it is something we really like and freeze it. Some good candidates are soups, and casseroles, like gumbo or lasagna. This is not just a money saver since you can take advantage of specials or items during season, its also about time and who couldn't use more of that to “Live” well.

October 21st, 2009

Use vinegar to clean your appliances and around the kitchen rather than expensive and harsh cleaners

Mix vinegar with water 1 part vinegar and 1 parts water. Use paper towel to clean areas.