Best Money Saving Articles Online

Less Money for Dishes

Nov 20, 2009 Save Money

Dishes are a necessity much like soup. Luckily, you don’t need to replace them too often but who couldn’t use some money saving tips on these as well? Find out how to save with this article.

Stores that buy salvage have great deals on dishes. Even department stores often have sales on discontinued lines.

Find stores that don’t specialize in cookware and home goods. For example, getting them from hardware stores usually means good deals because they usually don’t sell many of them and sometimes need to clear out inventory.

Go DIY if you truly want to save. With ceramic classes, you get to have fun and you can get some free dishes out of them as well. As long as it’s of decent shape, it works well.

Yard sales are a great place to find dishes. While the electric cookware might be super dirty and require scrubbing, the dishes are easy to clean and make new again.

One warning though. Never buy dishes with cracks obviously so check diligently to see if there are any chips. One small imperfection can lead to a broken dish very quickly.

Don’t forget that dishes can be used for a variety of reasons. If you really want to save money, buy the bigger ones and skip the smaller ones because not every size is really needed.

Unless you have a house with ten people, don’t go to warehouses like Costco or Sam’s Club because the dishes are sold in bulk. It’s not like you ever have to use all 15 dishes in that package anyway.

Rub your finger around the mouth or bottom of water glasses or other glass items to check for tiny chips that are difficult to discern with the naked eye.

Thrift shops that sell clothing and everyday household products are actually a great place to get dishes because no one ever expects to find them there.

Using Netflix coupon to get those free trial is good. Actually, they are very good.

Tags: buy, cooking, Dishes, frugal living, home, kitchen, money, personal finance, Save Money, Shopping, women

Fun Pink Kitchen Accessories Any Girl Will Love

Nov 9, 2009 More Saving

No matter what your age is, pink kitchen accessories are always a great touch for a girl’s kitchen. When it comes to cooking your favourite meal, baking a cake, or just having a girl’s night, you can’t go wrong with any type of pink accessories for your kitchen. And, there are thousands of different pink kitchen accessories out there that you can use to dress up your kitchen and add some of your own personal style to each meal. These are just six of the great accessories that you’ll find in pink for your kitchen:

Wire Dish Drainer: Who really wants that yucky old dish drainer on their counter in red or black anymore? Well, have no fear, pink kitchen accessories are here! There are some wonderful pink wire dish drainers out there that can give that dirty old drainer the boot and help you add some style to your kitchen without taking a chunk out of your budget.

Cutlery Sets: Thank goodness that you’ll have some other great pink kitchen accessories to go in your pink wire drainer - there are some beautiful pink cutlery sets out there pretty cheap that you can buy to spice up any meal and your kitchen. You can find these are ornate or plain as you like, and will find them to fit any budget.

Cooking Utensils: There are even more pink kitchen accessories out there that can help you spice up your cooking and your meals. There are other great pink utensils, such as spatulas, basting brushes, spoons, ladles, spaghetti spoons, and much more - all in your favourite color: pink. It doesn’t matter what you are cooking for dinner, you will be able to add your favourite color into the mix.

Muffin Pans: Who doesn’t love fresh muffins and cupcakes? And what girl won’t like to cook them in cute pink muffin pans and moulds? Pink kitchen accessories have to include some fun pink pots and pans to bake in, so why not get a few of these great little muffin pans to add your own style to your next batch?

Party Silverware Sets: There are also several wonderful pieces and sets for parties and tea that come in pink. Pink kitchen accessories such as cake servers, spoon and fork sets, ice cream scoops, and more offer a great touch to any party no matter what it’s for. These are usually pretty ornate and will offer a beautiful touch to any birthday, tea party, or girl’s night that you want to host.

Microwave: Now your larger electronics can get in on the fun of pink kitchen accessories as well. You will find that there are several different makes of microwaves out that now come in pink and allow you to add some fun to any meal that you might want to cook. And, with different sizes of microwaves, you’ll find the right one for you to fit within your budget.

With all of the thousands of great pink kitchen accessories out there, you are sure to find the perfect ones for you, your style, and your budget. And, if you are looking for these for a gift for a loved one, you are sure to find exactly what they will love so they can think of you each time they cook. It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, chances are that you can find it in pretty pink.

Ian discusses why women love pink things and pink stuff

Tags: car, cooking, fashion, furnishing, gift, home, interior design, kitchen, lifestyle, More Saving, women

Hello Kitty Accessories That Any Girl Will Love

Sep 24, 2009 More Saving

With all of the Hello Kitty accessories out there, it’s easy to dress up your home with your favourite cartoon character from your childhood. It doesn’t matter if you are a Hello Kitty fan or not, little girls today love her and love anything with her on it. There are thousands of different Hello Kitty accessories and bling out that will make any girl swoon. But, sorting your way through all of these accessories doesn’t have to be hard, in fact no matter what you are looking for - bedroom items, kitchen stuff, or even bags - you can easily sort through to find what you want. Here are six great styles of Hello Kitty accessories to help you out:

Canvas Tote Bag: Want a great way to carry all of your stuff? Hello Kitty has her own canvas tote bag that will carry everything you need and do it in style. No longer do you have to carry around boring totes, you can have one of these great Hello Kitty accessories to take with you wherever you go.

Mail Bag: This is a great way for anyone to take Hello Kitty wherever they want to go. From school to work to grandma’s house, you will find so many great uses for these Hello Kitty accessories. And, the best part is that they can be used for so much since they offer a bigger bag compartment and a large flap that closes securely.

Glitter Lamp: Every little girl needs some pink lamps in their room to light up the night, and this Hello Kitty glitter lamp is the best way to go. Similar to a lava lamp, these great Hello Kitty accessories offer a great way to sit back and enjoy some family time while the glitter goes round and round.

Dishes: Lovely Hello Kitty dishes will make any meal better no matter what time it is. With fun plates, mugs, cups, lunch boxes, and silverware, you will be able to please your little girl and still feed her that nutritious meal. And, of course there are tons of other great Hello Kitty accessories that will go along with your wonderful new dishes to keep everyone happy during dinner time too.

Clocks: Hello Kitty was always on time, and now you can be too with one of the many great Hello Kitty clocks. Small to large, no matter what size of Hello Kitty accessories you’re looking for when you take a gander at these clocks, you’ll find the perfect one for your style and needs. And, what girl wouldn’t love a sweet Hello Kitty clock smiling down at them?

Stationery: And what little girl won’t be happy with some cute stationery and pens that all revolve around their favourite Hello Kitty? These Hello Kitty accessories offer a great way to take Hello Kitty anywhere you want to go, from school to work to home, you can take her alone with you anywhere.

See, it doesn’t matter how old you are, Hello Kitty is cool once again. No matter where you are, what your budget is, or who you’re buying these Hello Kitty accessories for, your main problem will be choosing just a couple to order as there are so many great ones out there to pick from.

Tags: car, characters, cooking, fashion, furnishing, gift, home, interior design, kitchen, lifestyle, More Saving, women

Pink Home Accessories A Great Way to Show Your Personality

Sep 5, 2009 More Saving

Pink has always been seen as a color that represents femininity, for this reason many single women are turning towards decorating their private spaces with pink home accessories. The pink home accessories are common and are needed, the only difference is their color overall.

You can look into obtaining pink carpets, or different color pink chairs, everything for your home can be purchased in the color. Why not decorate your home in a color that you like? The whole meaning of what the color pink means has changed over the years as well.

Many people think of the color pink to distinguish between a mother giving birth to a boy or a girl. Often times a woman will decorate her daughter’s room in as many different things that come in pink as she can find. The pink home accessories for little girls are growing out of control. So, to make up for the market many retailers have turned their attention to selling pink home accessories for adults as well. Just because someone grows up does not mean they have to cease liking their favourite color.

There are different pink home accessories that you can purchase as well, so there is always something pink that you can have in your home at all times.

There are even different shades of pink that you can have the accessories come in. Some of the most popular shades of pink are metallics and the ever so soft baby pink color. The baby pink color has a white shade to it so it inadvertently appears softer to anyone that is gazing upon it.

Pink home accessories are great for any home. The color is not too outlandish and people will actually like looking at it. Some of the most prominent buyers of pink home accessories are women, but that does not mean that men have to shy away from the color in any respects.

In fact a man can make a girly room that is nothing but pink home accessories for the woman that he loves. A woman can use this room as her getaway room or even as her own home office that has a special touch of her favourite color to it.

The color pink can mean so many different things to so many people. A lot of people already know that the color red is supposed to mean love. The color pink also is used to desire a sense of care for a person. People will give someone something like a pink rose to show that they do care about them.

However, remember that roses do welter away and die at some of the weirdest times. So if you want to give someone something pink that adamantly shows how much you truly care about them consider giving them pink home accessories instead. Its well worth the investment plus it will last forever.

Pink home accessories are great for any home. The color can tell people different things about you such as your fun to be around, you’re adventurous and you truly know what you like.

Jack writes why you either love pink home accessories or would rather throw them in your pink bin

Tags: car, cooking, fashion, furnishing, gift, home, interior design, kitchen, lifestyle, More Saving, women

The Pink Princess

Aug 17, 2009 More Saving

In the last few years, there has been a new colour invading high fashion and personal accessories: the colour pink. Pink lovers are finding new ways to incorporate their favourite colour, using pink as a fashion statement that seems to represent a whole outlook on life, even become an obsession. How did this trend start?

The History of Pink - Pink has been used as a colour in fashion and make-up for centuries. However, it was only after the second World War that pink became associated with femininity. Before World War II, baby boys were often dressed in pink, as red was viewed as a masculine colour, and pink was just a “watered down” red. (By contrast, baby girls were typically dressed in blue.) However, after World War II, pink began to be associated with traditional womanhood.

During the booming post-war economy of the 1950s, women were finding their way back out of the factories and into the home. The stronger economy led to a rise in the sale of consumer goods and make-up. As women began to purchase pink nail polish and blushes (where pink symbolized health and vitality), pink began to become more heavily associated with women. The phrase “think pink” began to appear in sales to women after appearing as a song in the 1957 film “Funny Face,” starring 1950s icon Audrey Hepburn. At the same time, the Barbie doll was introduced, and capitalized on the rising pink associations. Later, in the 1960s, pink was used as an ironic way to undercut masculinity, as in the “Pink Panther” film. Pink continued its rise as a cheeky, feminine symbol in songs like “Pink Cadillac” and “Pretty in Pink” in the 1980s. In 2000, a new singer with hot pink hair even arrived on the scene, going by the name Pink.

What Started the Current Pink Obsession? - The real cause of the current pink obsession may be the 2001 film “Legally Blond.” In the film, Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods, a law student with a pink-clad Chihuahua who manages to overcome the sexism of her cruel boyfriend and the legal system by pluckiness and a love of the colour pink. The film, which depicts how a woman can simultaneously be intelligent and sexy, was so popular that it was even turned into a Broadway musical. The popularity of pink climbed as women began to embrace the colour as the perfect symbol of modern femininity.

Pink Home Decor - Pink began to make its way out of the make-up bag and into a wide range of products for decorating the home in pink things. Home decorators can now consider using pink not only for cute accent accessories but as the dominant colour for an entire room. For the bed room, the pink lover can find pink sheets, pink blankets, and even a pink shag carpet. For the bathroom, there are now pink toothbrushes and shower curtains to create a fun and pretty colour scheme. Pink kitchen accessories are also now becoming available. Decorators and pink lovers can even find pink kettles and toasters, or a pink microwave oven.

Pink Motoring - Those who love pink do not just want it for the home, however. Pink car accessories are now the rage, with pink flashlights, key chains, and even car mats for pink floors. Travellers heading overseas may decide to purchase pink luggage, which not only makes a statement but is easy to spot at the airport.

A Psychology of Pink - A “pink princess” is the nickname given to women devoted to the colour pink. Pink princesses embrace pink as a whole identity, a personal statement and an outlook on life. Edith Piaf’s song “Ma Vie En Rose” translates well for these pink lovers: “My Life in Pink.” The colour offers a wonderful combination of associations: on the one hand, pink is soft and flirty, but it is also elegant and fashionable. The growing field of colour psychology makes even more dramatic claims about pink, arguing that the presence of pink even has the power to soothe. Studies suggest that even criminals may behave better when surrounded by the colour pink.

The current obsession with pink may be a short-term trend, but it is also possible that it is part of a rising new view of life. Pink lovers are trying to “see the world through rose-colored glasses,” to surround themselves with one more tool for happiness.

Tags: car, cooking, fashion, furnishing, gift, home, interior design, kitchen, lifestyle, More Saving, women

Dollar Store Treasure Hunt

Jun 3, 2009 Save On Shopping

I often find myself, living in a little less than a metropolis, and bored for something to do. Also, the struggling economy keeps me, along with everyone else, looking around for the best deal for the daily needs for a family. So, let’s go to the local dollar store to find what they can supply us with for fun or need.

Desperate to budget our money, I strolled through the dollar store with surprise at how many items I had been purchasing elsewhere for much more money. I don’t care if you live in Texas, Oregon, Utah, or California just a few miles away you will find a dollar store. The finds I found can also be interesting for anyone trying to save extra money.

My ten month old son and I were most surprised to find how much they had in store for him. I was so excited to see how many baby items they had. With all the little essentials a small person requires, I have saved quite a bit a money.

For example, for his feeding I have found small bowls, plastic spoons, sippy cups, and bibs. They also sold socks, wash cloths and even onesies! Since I discovered these baby items add up very quickly to be very expensive, it’s well worth a trip to the dollar store for them instead.

Besides taking care of my baby, I spend a great deal of time cooking. I really enjoy making food and especially eating it. Of course, the cooking is only fun if you have the right utensils to help you. This also seems to be an expense that I am at a loss for at the current state of the economy.

Here at the dollar store, the wall was filled with every possible contraption for use in the kitchen imaginable. I finally have my zester, a grater, basting brush, whisks, spatulas, and mashers. My spoon drawer is now filled with a spoon for stirring, serving, ladeling, straining, and even eating soups. Don’t worry about expensive knives, because they can supply you with what you need for paring, steaks, butchering, dicing, and slicing. Your culinary masterpiece is no longer just in your imagination.

Your kitchen also isn’t complete without items like cling wrap, aluminum foil, casserole dishes, or large bowls. Also, the table can be adorned with cloth napkins, place mats, matching dish sets, and glasses that believe it or not are not disposable material. They come in glass and sturdy plastics from even possible color and design to choose from.

I also find myself unable to bear skimping on cleaning in my home, so the dollar store comes complete with a fully stocked cleaning aisle. I found everything I needed for my kitchen cleaners, bathroom disinfectants, window cleaners, and even easy and useful wipes for all surfaces. Whether you need dusting, mopping, sweeping, or sanitizing, the supplies to help you are here.

Please don’t forget these items all come at one measly dollar each. In comparison with what they would cost even at the most discounted of department stores, you’ll save so much money it will astound you. Don’t overlook the frugality of shopping at your local dollar store. Just wait and see what treasures you will find there.

Tags: a, b, baby, budget, c, cleaning, cooking, d, Dollar Store, e, economy, f, Family, finance, h, hobby, home & family, l, leisure, m, money, o, s, save, Save On Shopping, Shopping, thrifty, u

Save money on Gifts, Bake Holiday Eggnog Bread - Fruit Cake with a twist

Jan 9, 2009 Save Money

This is one of the longer videos on our channel, because it actually goes out as a ‘gift’ to my email subscribers to match the recipe in our newsletter this month.

The recipe is going out tonight in our monthly newsletter. If you are not signed up, go to: http://www.eatgrains.com and maybe you’ll be in time to get it. If not, you’ll enjoy a free recipe each month and we can forward you this one that you missed!

Great tasty bread for the holidays. Not your usual fruit cake.

Tags: "bread, "fresh, "fruit, "whole, baking, cake", Chanukah, Christmas, cooking, creanberries, dates, eggnog, frugal, gift, grain, Hanukkah, holiday, home, machine", made", mill", money, organic, save, sugar, wheat"

Save money on Gifts, Bake Holiday Eggnog Bread - Fruit Cake with a twist

Jan 9, 2009 Save Money

This is one of the longer videos on our channel, because it actually goes out as a ‘gift’ to my email subscribers to match the recipe in our newsletter this month.

The recipe is going out tonight in our monthly newsletter. If you are not signed up, go to: http://www.eatgrains.com and maybe you’ll be in time to get it. If not, you’ll enjoy a free recipe each month and we can forward you this one that you missed!

Great tasty bread for the holidays. Not your usual fruit cake.

Tags: "fresh, "fruit, "whole, baking, cake", Chanukah, Christmas, cooking, creanberries, dates, eggnog, frugal, gift, grain, Hanukkah, holiday, home, machine", made", mill", money, organic, save, sugar, wheat", Wit

5 Creative Meals Based On Leftovers

Dec 30, 2008 Uncategorized

After several months of big meals, many folks run out of ideas for eating the many dishes of leftovers piling up in the refrigerator. I am guilty of forcing my family to eat endless repeats of the same old plates filled with the same old food. Chances are you’ll be throwing out food if you try to present that same plate a third time.

You want to invent new dishes from the same old leftovers, but how? When you look at your leftover dish, make a mental list of what you used in that recipe and think about what other recipes you might have or can find that use similar ingredients.

1) Creamy Potato Soup

Mashed potatoes are a good basis for most creamy soups. In your big soup pot, brown up some diced bacon, about three or four strips. Then, in the same pot, add some cut up celery and carrots, as much as you like. Once they are soft, add diced onion. When the onion is soft, add 1 tbsp. oil, 1 tbsp. flour, and 1 1/2 cups milk and stir until thick. Now add your potatoes and bacon pieces and cook very slowly until nice and warm. This is a simple and filling meal with a little crusty bread alongside.

2) Turkey And Gravy Sloppy Joe’s

Cut up or fork-shred some turkey, both white meat and dark will do. In a large skillet, brown a little diced up bacon. Add some diced onion and minced garlic if you like. Put the cut up turkey in the skillet and top with enough leftover gravy to cover the turkey pieces. Now add just enough of a good barbeque sauce or grill flavoring or dry rub to flavor your gravy and turkey mix to give it that Sloppy Joe flavor. Scoop on top of a hamburger bun or a leftover dinner roll.

3) Curry Turkey Cauliflower Soup

Place cooked cauliflower into a food processor and blend until smooth, drizzling in milk until you reach a smooth, soupy consistency. Put about 2 teaspoons of curry in as you blend. You may want more or less curry, so start slowly. In a heavy pot, drizzle a little oil and cook some chopped carrots and onion until just tender. Add your creamy cauliflower mixture to pot. You may now add some cut up turkey that you have leftover. Cook the soup slowly until heated through.

4) Green Bean Tomato Cheese Soup

If you have leftover green bean casserole, you’re in luck. It makes the perfect start for a cheese soup. Adding some diced tomatoes gives this soup a fresh flavor. Get out your big soup pot and saute up some bite size pieces of celery until just soft. Add several big chunks of onion, cooking until transparent, and then add a little minced garlic. Pour in a can of diced tomatoes. You may want a little extra seasoning, like a grill seasoning or dry rub. Put in your green bean casserole, slowly mixing in all the ingredients. If it seems a little thick, add a bit of chicken broth. Now just heat, stirring often, until the soup is all creamy and hot.

5) Breakfast Stuffing Cups

Coat your muffin cups with non-stick spray or butter. Put stuffing in cup, working up the sides to form a dish for an egg. Crack one fresh egg in each stuffing cup and top with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the egg is cooked and cheese is all melted. When done cooking, remove and let the muffin tin cool for a minute or two before removing the egg cup.

Using up holiday leftovers is always a challenge. No one wants to look at the same dishes being served time and time again. If you give some thought to the ingredients that went in to creating the dish in the first place, you’ll no doubt be able to add complimentary food items to build a whole new dish out of the old one.

Tags: budget, cheap, cheap recipes, cooking, frugal, frugal cooking, frugal meals, home, mom, Money Saving, parenting, recipes, Saving Money