More Reusing and Quick Cooking Ideas

Good Morning,

Here are a few little things with your home and time in mind.

[1] To keep your burgers all the same size and portion, use a canning jar lid and ring. Use a wide mouth for adults or big eaters and the regular size for children or small eaters. Place your ground meat into the lid set, with ring facing up, use another lid to press down on the meat to get all the air out and fill in the ring. When you have it nice and neat, lift up the patty and push out from the back. You will get even size burgers, allowing for better frying, grilling and of course, eating.

[2] Keep your used coffee grounds to use in your flower pots or garden. They add nutriments and keeps the soil loose for better water retaining. If you are a non coffee drinker, ask at your local restaurant for their's. Provide them a container with lid. Set a day and time you will pick up your bounty that is convenient for them. Your plants will reward you, in a big way.

[3] If you like fresh chives with your soups, baked potatoes or salads but can not afford the cost, here is a quick and easy substitute . Buy a hand full of spring green onions and place them in a glass container on your window seal. Using scissors, snip off the tips as you need them. They will need fresh water every few days to keep them growing but you will always have a supply of fresh onion snips anytime you get the urge. The sprouts will grow back almost as quickly as you eat them.

[my kids reminded me recently, there was always something growing on our kitchen window seal,,and they are right..lol. even now]

Faylee

Tips for Saving Money on Automobile Costs

[1] Slow it down.
Studies have shown that the faster you go the more gasoline your vehicle will use. Lower your speed to put savings in your pocket.

[2] Use your brakes less.
Less speed is one way of cutting down on using your brakes, not tailgating is another. Not only do you burn more gasoline each time you use your vehicle's brakes, you also ware out the brake pads faster.

[3] Do Regular Maintenance on your vehicle
Keeping your filters, belts and tires in the best condition can make a big difference in the fuel use of your vehicle.

[4] Do not let your vehicle sit and idle
If you know you are going to be stopped for more than 30-60 seconds,[not counting time waiting at signal lights] turn your motor off. The motor only needs about 5 seconds of fuel to restart, anything over that is wasting fuel and your money.

[5] Check for alternate routes
If you travel the same route to work or events, look for other routes. Sometimes we can find shorter routes or less fuel use ways. Look for routes with less signal lights, pot holes or hills to climb. All these things cause you to use more fuel. Saving one dollar a day is 365 dollars in a year. Do this with 5 different everyday events and you will have saved $1825.00 in one year.

[6] Lighten the Load
All of us carry little used items in our vehicles. Unload them, put them in the garage, where they belong. Every extra pound of weight you carry in your vehicle, adds to your fuel cost.

[7] Roll down the windows
Air conditioning can account for 25% of your fuel cost. For slow city travel, roll down the driver's window a few inches. Do the same to the back passenger window on the opposite side for increased air flow. When going faster, close the windows and turn on the ventilation fan. Only use your vehicle's air conditioner on high heat days.

Using one or several of these suggestions will not only lead to more money in your budget but less ware and tare on your vehicle, allowing it to last longer.
Ways to save money are all around us, we just have to be open to using them.

Faylee

Frugal Use of Your Food Budget

[1] When going grocery shopping instead of making a shopping list, make a list of what you have in your pantry and refrigerator. This way, you will not buy duplicates items or things that can not be used with items you already have on hand.

[2] One to 2 days a week, eat from what is in your pantry or refrigerator. Delaying your weekly shopping even one day a week will save on your food budget. It's like eating free 4 days a month.

[3] If you are at a pot luck where food is left over, ask to make yourself a plate to take home. Even one free lunch will save on your food budget.

[4] Always ask for a doggie bag when eating out. Leaving half of your food on the plate is like giving away part of your food budget.

Happy Savings, Faylee

Back to School Saving Ideas for Your Home

Not only is back to school season, a good time to buy your home office supplies for the coming year but it's a good time to refresh your children's bed or play rooms.

Often you can find festive furniture or bedding, to add color, new style or completely change a room for a lot less. You can update your little girl's room to the teen she is becoming, with the help of dorm furniture. Add a small refrigerator or microwave to your family room for easier snack time. Buying them all during Back to School Savings time.

Happy Savings,

Faylee