Back in October, I started to forgo any dairy but full-fat. I was concerned that I would become obese. So far, I do not believe I am obese. I don't have a scale, but it's looking like I'm still fitting into all my clothes. In December I contracted the Black Death and probably dropped a solid 5 pounds or so, but I don't think that's a factor anymore.
Now, this is not a plan for those who can't stop eating. The trick here is to stop when you're full. For example: I ate a dove bar the other day. It was soooooooo rich and delicious!!!!!!!! Later, my sister offered me some dark chocolate. I just could not handle it. The dove bar was so rich anything else would make me feel gross, and I just didn't really want it (!!!!! I always want chocolate !!!!) so I ate one little piece and gave back the rest. Hopefully this will last. I will tell you one thing: If I had eaten a Skinny Cow, I would've inhaled 17 other things after it, those things do not satisfy me at all.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Clean-Out-Your-Cupboards Beans and Rice!
I decided I need to eat more beans and rice; in part because it's good protein, and in part because it's cheap! I looked up a recipe tonight for it, and it called for a bunch of stuff I didn't have--onions, garlic, etc. So! I took the lazy route and dumped a can of kidney beans, a can of mild enchilada sauce, and a can of black beans (the kind that have spices and lime in them). I just simmered them together while my rice was cooking and viola!
I just so happened to have shredded cheese (as always!) and sour cream, so I topped it with that...this would be good to dump anything else on top, such as avacado, guac, fresh tomatoes...whatever.
I'm guessing that between those 3 cans and the rice, the total was $5. I can probably get 4 servings out of that, so that's like $1.25/serving! Awesome! I wish I had made that more often my whole life. Sheesh! The beauty is, there are so many variations to this that you can experiment and never get bored (I always get bored.)
Get cooking! And tell me if you come up w/ a good combo!
PS this would be good for CROCKING!
I just so happened to have shredded cheese (as always!) and sour cream, so I topped it with that...this would be good to dump anything else on top, such as avacado, guac, fresh tomatoes...whatever.
I'm guessing that between those 3 cans and the rice, the total was $5. I can probably get 4 servings out of that, so that's like $1.25/serving! Awesome! I wish I had made that more often my whole life. Sheesh! The beauty is, there are so many variations to this that you can experiment and never get bored (I always get bored.)
Get cooking! And tell me if you come up w/ a good combo!
PS this would be good for CROCKING!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
One-Armed Consumer Reporting: Pond's Clean Sweep
When you go ahead and shatter your elbow, you realize that there are several things on the earth that one cannot easily do with only one hand. Washing one's face is one of those tasks that works so much better with two hands. As such, I was forced to buy face wipes, as it was the simplest and least sloppy way to wash my face off. I purchased these pre-moistened Ponds Clean Sweep ones. Now, a while ago I got a mini pack of these at the dollar travel bin section at target. I put them by my bed for those times when I roll in at 3a.m. and can't be bothered to wash off my face--I thought I could at least wipe it down. Well, that morning never happened so I bought this bigger box.
Anyway! Listen, these things are not recommended. They are pricey! And there is no type of exfoliation whatsoever, and I must say my skin hasn't been that bad in a while. It was total pizza face. I wouldn't even use these for travel or early morning roll-ins. If I really need to wipe down my face again I'm hitting the Huggies baby wipes and will probably save $10/pack. Furrealz.
Anyway! Listen, these things are not recommended. They are pricey! And there is no type of exfoliation whatsoever, and I must say my skin hasn't been that bad in a while. It was total pizza face. I wouldn't even use these for travel or early morning roll-ins. If I really need to wipe down my face again I'm hitting the Huggies baby wipes and will probably save $10/pack. Furrealz.
I Need a New Magazine
A few months ago I was at a party and I literally sold three subscriptions to Domino magazine because I love it so much. 2 seconds later, they folded! I am so pissed!!!!!! In the meantime, I've been looking for a new mag to fill the void without much luck. All the good magazines fold!!! DAMMIT!
I recently picked up a copy of Better Homes and Gardens (don't laugh--it had a really good home decorating section and good recipes) and Martha's revamped mag, Living. Now, last time I checked, Martha's magazine was pretty pricey--$60 or something for a year. This new one is very good, and at a lower price of maybe $15/year. (You have to do some math to figure it out). Of course, her mag for the younger crown, Blueprint, folded recently, which broke my heart as well...sigh! I guess I'll make do with these until something more amazing comes out...let me know if you have any other suggestions.
Smugal tip: Do not sign up for mags online! They are sneaky, and if they have your credit card number, they will renew your subscription without asking you. I always pay by check so they can't charge me for renewals I don't want.
I recently picked up a copy of Better Homes and Gardens (don't laugh--it had a really good home decorating section and good recipes) and Martha's revamped mag, Living. Now, last time I checked, Martha's magazine was pretty pricey--$60 or something for a year. This new one is very good, and at a lower price of maybe $15/year. (You have to do some math to figure it out). Of course, her mag for the younger crown, Blueprint, folded recently, which broke my heart as well...sigh! I guess I'll make do with these until something more amazing comes out...let me know if you have any other suggestions.
Smugal tip: Do not sign up for mags online! They are sneaky, and if they have your credit card number, they will renew your subscription without asking you. I always pay by check so they can't charge me for renewals I don't want.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Recommended Book: The Complete Tightwad Gazette
My sister recommended this book to me, and she's totally bonkers over it. I'm usually leery of these types, because often, I feel if one has any common sense, one knows 99% of what's in here. However, this book is actually compiled newsletters about being a tightwad, with readers writing in w/ tips and asking for advice, etc.
There is tons of cost comparison and anaylsis...you could spend hours, months, or years on some of this stuff. This is pretty helpful if you're a single gal...but more helpful if you've got a family to feed on one income. Overall, still pretty useful. I like how she sprinkles recipes throughout...for example, she gives a quick granola recipe that could maybe save me $5/month or so. So I'm game. Anyhoo, I'll try to throw in some of her tips here and there to inspire you.
Tightwad Gazette Tip: I've always torn my dryer sheets in half, thus doubling how long the box lasts. One tipper suggests that you can tear the sheets up as much as 4 times with the same results. Now I will literally be able to use 1 box for 1-1.5 years, thus saving me personally maybe $2-10 or so, depending.
There is tons of cost comparison and anaylsis...you could spend hours, months, or years on some of this stuff. This is pretty helpful if you're a single gal...but more helpful if you've got a family to feed on one income. Overall, still pretty useful. I like how she sprinkles recipes throughout...for example, she gives a quick granola recipe that could maybe save me $5/month or so. So I'm game. Anyhoo, I'll try to throw in some of her tips here and there to inspire you.
Tightwad Gazette Tip: I've always torn my dryer sheets in half, thus doubling how long the box lasts. One tipper suggests that you can tear the sheets up as much as 4 times with the same results. Now I will literally be able to use 1 box for 1-1.5 years, thus saving me personally maybe $2-10 or so, depending.
Pasta Salad: We Are Friends
A few weeks ago my friend brought over some pasta salad. I was always afraid of making this, because in high school i made "suddenly salad" and thought the homemade pasta salad ingredients had to be all herby-spicy-something i don't know. Anyway, it turns out you can just make pasta and dump the contents of your fridge and pantry in it, plus olive oil! For good measure I used fresh garden chives and Italian herbs. Viola! It can be as cheap or expensive as you want it. I am a huge fan. This is a perfect summer meal. I can't believe I'm so late to this.
One-Armed Consumer Reporting: Oral-B Floss Picks
Well! Part of the reason I fell off the blogging wagon is on account of shattering my elbow. As such, simple every day tasks became more challenging, if not impossible. Flossing my teeth was one of those things. I am, by nature and nurture, extremely serious about oral hygiene. However, it's always been hard for me to get really seriously into the flossing game. I figured a shattered elbow was a good enough reason to try out these (environmentally irresponsible) floss picks.
I'm not going to lie: I don't mind these. They get me flossing better than regular floss. They're kind of fun. If you're a reluctant flosser, they might be for you. The downside is that a) they're more expensive than regular floss; b) sometimes the floss breaks in the pick, so you could go through 2-3/time; c) you have to rinse it off if you get a big chunk of nasty...you can't just reposition the floss. Overall, if you need a fun way to kick-start flossing, give it a shot.
Verdict: Only if you're a reluctant flosser.
I'm not going to lie: I don't mind these. They get me flossing better than regular floss. They're kind of fun. If you're a reluctant flosser, they might be for you. The downside is that a) they're more expensive than regular floss; b) sometimes the floss breaks in the pick, so you could go through 2-3/time; c) you have to rinse it off if you get a big chunk of nasty...you can't just reposition the floss. Overall, if you need a fun way to kick-start flossing, give it a shot.
Verdict: Only if you're a reluctant flosser.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Commentary on Prods, Prods, Prods
I have read in a few places that if you're going to spend money on products, don't spend it on ones that are going to get washed down the drain--namely shampoo, conditioner, and cleanser--and instead spend money on what actually stays on your skin and hair. I wish I had remembered this before I splurged and bought Sally Herschberger conditioner for $12. That was dumb. Live and learn! I just discovered Bumble and Bumble Curl Conscious, which, when used w/ Sally Herschberger primer and a diffuser literally gave me the BEST HAIR OF MY LIFE! However, I borrowed some of this and do not know where to purchase it! Ulta? I don't know. Someone tell me.
Prods, Prods, Prods: Keeping it Real in These Ridiculous Economic Times
From Special Guest Blogger Phoebe:
Recently, with Suzy Orman shouting in the back of my ear "We are f'ed! Don't spend money!" I have gone all drugstore on prods, and to be honest with amazing results. Rather than buying my $50 moisturizer I purchased $20 Oil of Olay moisturizer and have been amazed by the smell and silky smooth results. I also purchased $3 mild face soap, which has worked just fine. Meanwhile, in the shower, I found that I love Dove "shiny hair" shampoo and conditioner! I mean can we say Jennifer Aniston with this stuff? And the combo was a mere $6. However, there is one area that I realized I absolutely cannot go cheap on and that is my Bumble and Bumble orange bottle styling cream. I tried a $3 Tresemme volumizer and it did the exact opposite of its description. I felt flat and dull not bouncy and volumized! So despite the (gulp) $26, I remain devoted to Bn'B styling cream. I had a titch left in my old bottle and used it this morning and feel completely Jen A.
Bumble and Bumble 4 Life,
Recently, with Suzy Orman shouting in the back of my ear "We are f'ed! Don't spend money!" I have gone all drugstore on prods, and to be honest with amazing results. Rather than buying my $50 moisturizer I purchased $20 Oil of Olay moisturizer and have been amazed by the smell and silky smooth results. I also purchased $3 mild face soap, which has worked just fine. Meanwhile, in the shower, I found that I love Dove "shiny hair" shampoo and conditioner! I mean can we say Jennifer Aniston with this stuff? And the combo was a mere $6. However, there is one area that I realized I absolutely cannot go cheap on and that is my Bumble and Bumble orange bottle styling cream. I tried a $3 Tresemme volumizer and it did the exact opposite of its description. I felt flat and dull not bouncy and volumized! So despite the (gulp) $26, I remain devoted to Bn'B styling cream. I had a titch left in my old bottle and used it this morning and feel completely Jen A.
Bumble and Bumble 4 Life,
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Max Factor, I'm Back!
I'm sure you're all on pins and needles about my mascara situation. If you're new, here's a little sampling of my pain. And here. And here.
There's more, but I'm too lazy to dig them up. Anyhoo, I defected to Prescriptives mascara, because it's top notch, passes the crying/rubbing/all day test, and I could conveniently buy it at the department store over my lunch break. Well, current circumstances have forced me to go back to a less-expensive product, so I finally broke down and went to Ulta where there was a special...buy 2 get a dollar off or something, so I ended up only paying like $4/each. A bargain compared to $21 at the Prescriptives counter. And man, I am mad I piddled away alllll those $21 times I didn't buy Max Factor! O.M.G.!
My life is all topsy-turvy because I discovered Max Factor's new Volume Couture! (Their dumb site takes forever to load).
This stuff is amazing. You know how in the morning, you put on your mascara and it's all great, and your eyelashes are super long, and then at the end of the day when you go to wash your face you notice that somehow your lashes are maybe 2 centimeters shorter, but you're not sure how it happened b/c you use Prescriptives so there's no flaking or smudging, but it's still not there and it just doesn't look your BEST? Well this stuff makes your lashes look the exact same all day long and all day strong! I can't even believe it! Every time I'm in front of the mirror I keep staaaring b/c I can't even believe it! And according to their site, this stuff is the "official mascara of milan fashion shows." And Gisele is their new spokesperson, which is awesome because she's HOT. A+ all around!
There's more, but I'm too lazy to dig them up. Anyhoo, I defected to Prescriptives mascara, because it's top notch, passes the crying/rubbing/all day test, and I could conveniently buy it at the department store over my lunch break. Well, current circumstances have forced me to go back to a less-expensive product, so I finally broke down and went to Ulta where there was a special...buy 2 get a dollar off or something, so I ended up only paying like $4/each. A bargain compared to $21 at the Prescriptives counter. And man, I am mad I piddled away alllll those $21 times I didn't buy Max Factor! O.M.G.!
My life is all topsy-turvy because I discovered Max Factor's new Volume Couture! (Their dumb site takes forever to load).
This stuff is amazing. You know how in the morning, you put on your mascara and it's all great, and your eyelashes are super long, and then at the end of the day when you go to wash your face you notice that somehow your lashes are maybe 2 centimeters shorter, but you're not sure how it happened b/c you use Prescriptives so there's no flaking or smudging, but it's still not there and it just doesn't look your BEST? Well this stuff makes your lashes look the exact same all day long and all day strong! I can't even believe it! Every time I'm in front of the mirror I keep staaaring b/c I can't even believe it! And according to their site, this stuff is the "official mascara of milan fashion shows." And Gisele is their new spokesperson, which is awesome because she's HOT. A+ all around!
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Update: Eating More Fat
Here's the problem with my whole-fat dairy project: I do not own a scale. So for all I know I could weigh 40 more lbs. Also, I finally broke down and bought halloween candy! And busted into the first bag! And am terrified that I will eat 43 peanut butter cups! Which will muck up my little experiment, but there you are.
Anyway, so far I am definitely more full w/ the cream in my coffee. When I put real cream in there, I'm too full to want to really eat any breakfast. Weird. And my full-fat yogurt-granola combo keeps me full at least 5 hours. So I think that's pretty good. I'll take it. I wonder what the cost breakdown of that is per bowl. And what that would be versus cheerios and whole milk...and how long that would keep me full...I can see I have some more work to do. So far, I'm still in favor. I also want to point out that full-fat is the same price as reduced fat! You'd think reduced fat would be more, considering they have to process it, but there you are.
Anyway, so far I am definitely more full w/ the cream in my coffee. When I put real cream in there, I'm too full to want to really eat any breakfast. Weird. And my full-fat yogurt-granola combo keeps me full at least 5 hours. So I think that's pretty good. I'll take it. I wonder what the cost breakdown of that is per bowl. And what that would be versus cheerios and whole milk...and how long that would keep me full...I can see I have some more work to do. So far, I'm still in favor. I also want to point out that full-fat is the same price as reduced fat! You'd think reduced fat would be more, considering they have to process it, but there you are.
Chakra Massage: Total Bliss
Yesterday I had my chakra massage. Who knew this existed? It was pretty sweet. The same price as a regular massage, which for me means save your pennies! And use sparingly. Anyhoo, here's how it went down: There was a lot of focus on the spine-area. Then we did a little chakra work; she said a chakra word and color, and I had to think about both things while she did some energy work over the chakra. Apparently, thinking about both these things engaged both parts of my brain and...I have no idea why that was important, but apparently it was.
Anyway, then I flipped and she did some reflexology on my feet. Now, here's the part where I started to panic. I am a total idiot and decided not to shower the day of my massage because I was just going to get all oily and greasy anyway--but not thinking that the massage therapist was going to be touching up all over me, including my toe-jam. I was also scanning my brain to remember the last time I shaved. I'm pretty sure my leg hair could've cut diamonds. DIAMONDS. I'm positive her hands started to bleed after rubbing my beardy-legs and it probably looked like a crime scene. I wouldn't know, I kept my eyes shut and was praying hard that she wouldn't say anything and add to my humiliation. She didn't--phew!
So, after that all passed, she did some energy work on my chakras, did a neck rub deal, put a hot towel on my face and called it a day. When I got up, I was totally buzzed. I was super zen-d out the whole rest of the day. Parking meter ate my quarter? Whatever. $6 bowl of cold soup that was really only worth $4 at most? Who cares. Running late to book club? Eh.
I wish this high lasted for the rest of my life, but alas! It was not to be. This morning I was totally surly and emotional. Not sure what to attribute it to...maybe all the toxins that got jolted around? Maybe my chakras continuing to balance? Hormones? Conspiracy? I don't know. All I know is, let's assume this mood change was unrelated and I'll do it again! Bring it!
Anyway, then I flipped and she did some reflexology on my feet. Now, here's the part where I started to panic. I am a total idiot and decided not to shower the day of my massage because I was just going to get all oily and greasy anyway--but not thinking that the massage therapist was going to be touching up all over me, including my toe-jam. I was also scanning my brain to remember the last time I shaved. I'm pretty sure my leg hair could've cut diamonds. DIAMONDS. I'm positive her hands started to bleed after rubbing my beardy-legs and it probably looked like a crime scene. I wouldn't know, I kept my eyes shut and was praying hard that she wouldn't say anything and add to my humiliation. She didn't--phew!
So, after that all passed, she did some energy work on my chakras, did a neck rub deal, put a hot towel on my face and called it a day. When I got up, I was totally buzzed. I was super zen-d out the whole rest of the day. Parking meter ate my quarter? Whatever. $6 bowl of cold soup that was really only worth $4 at most? Who cares. Running late to book club? Eh.
I wish this high lasted for the rest of my life, but alas! It was not to be. This morning I was totally surly and emotional. Not sure what to attribute it to...maybe all the toxins that got jolted around? Maybe my chakras continuing to balance? Hormones? Conspiracy? I don't know. All I know is, let's assume this mood change was unrelated and I'll do it again! Bring it!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
New Money-Saving Strategy: Eat More Fat
Apparently, there is a school of thought that eating good-for-you fats can actually help you lose weight (when done reasonably). My sisters are on this train, and I'm climbing on board. As my (poorest) sister pointed out, you consume less food, and thus spend less money. I'm for that!
I am testing this idea for a week or so to see how it goes. I know one thing: everything is more delicious! I poured a little cream on my peach crumble at lunch today and I *may* have experienced nirvana. I also bought a ton of cheese and yogurt, so luckily I'm not a vegan. I spent $38 at the co-op today, so hopefully all my full-fat dairy will last for a few weeks. Fingers crossed!
I am testing this idea for a week or so to see how it goes. I know one thing: everything is more delicious! I poured a little cream on my peach crumble at lunch today and I *may* have experienced nirvana. I also bought a ton of cheese and yogurt, so luckily I'm not a vegan. I spent $38 at the co-op today, so hopefully all my full-fat dairy will last for a few weeks. Fingers crossed!
When You Start to Get Poor, Shop in OTHER People's Closets
Last weekend I went to a fashion swap. This was an excellent idea (thank you, M!)! You clean out your closet, get a bunch of ladies together, and then swap around your clothes, shoes, handbags, and accessories! You get rid of your stuff, get fun new stuff, and don't even spend a dime. Except for on the booze you should have as you do this.
I'm going to try to sell some of the better stuff I had leftover, and the rest goes to charity (which I am dropping off by the 20-lbs bags tomorrow), so the giving keeps on! I don't know why we didn't think of this before.
I'm going to try to sell some of the better stuff I had leftover, and the rest goes to charity (which I am dropping off by the 20-lbs bags tomorrow), so the giving keeps on! I don't know why we didn't think of this before.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Crockpotted: Peach Crumble
This was one of my more cost-effective recipes. It is basically a peach "crisp," with just an oatmeal/brownsugar/butter mixture on top of peaches. The recipe calls for fresh peaches, but they're no in season and also who wants to pay for 2 pounds of fresh peaches anyway? So I subbed in canned and it was fine. And it only needed about 2.5 hours to cook.
In my cost breakdown, I'm just counting the peaches because other ingredients are what you'd have on hand. This was sooooooo good and serves 6. It's cheap enough that I am seriously considering eating this as my main meal for maybe the rest of my life. I was supposed to take this over to a friend's for a screening of Mad Men (my new fave show!) but my car died in the garage! And now I have to deal with a large mechanic's bill in the morning, I am sure. Sigh!
Per serving cost: approx 90 cents
Verdict: eat it!
In my cost breakdown, I'm just counting the peaches because other ingredients are what you'd have on hand. This was sooooooo good and serves 6. It's cheap enough that I am seriously considering eating this as my main meal for maybe the rest of my life. I was supposed to take this over to a friend's for a screening of Mad Men (my new fave show!) but my car died in the garage! And now I have to deal with a large mechanic's bill in the morning, I am sure. Sigh!
Per serving cost: approx 90 cents
Verdict: eat it!
Monday, October 13, 2008
Day Drinking: Rounds 3 and 4
As it happens, I daydrank by accident yesterday...I still feel like it doesn't count as much on a weekend, but there you are. Anyway, I forced my mom to take me to lunch, because sometimes a girl wants a free meal! So when the waitress asked me if I wanted a bloody mary, I took it as a sign. Now I KNOW I didn't drink it with a grilled cheese, but I figured you would forgive me. I ate it w/ eggs benedict. This was a good plan! I have never actually had a real bloody mary before, and I am impressed! (It was actually a little too spicy for my delicate nordic palate, but I still managed.) You couldn't even taste the vodka. The downside to this is that you need to watch it to make sure you can still drive your mom home after consuming one of these things, but just be responsible.
My next round came today...my friend lured me to her house on this dreary, rainy day with the temptation of brandy apple ciders. Yum! Never even heard of them before, but this is a drink I approve of. Had to stick with just one (on account of the driving home part), but I have confirmed that drinking during the day, no matter what the alcohol, is done much better in company.
My next round came today...my friend lured me to her house on this dreary, rainy day with the temptation of brandy apple ciders. Yum! Never even heard of them before, but this is a drink I approve of. Had to stick with just one (on account of the driving home part), but I have confirmed that drinking during the day, no matter what the alcohol, is done much better in company.
When You Start to Get Poor, Shop in Your Closet
Apparently Oprah's doing some series on finance with Suze Orman. You'd think I'd be all excited about this, but as it turns out it's pretty lame. Suze just gets all up in these dummies' faces because they'd rather buy their 5-year-old a trip to Disney World than pay their mortgage. Come on! Don't waste my time. Last week some mom was martyred because she could feed her family of 5 on $4 a meal. Really? And she's proud of that? She's serving meat--which means the sick giblets the butcher scrapes off his boot and onto the styrofoam tray and marks with a special sticker that says "half price." I mean, I'm frugal, but sometimes you need to have standards!
Anyhoo, I got a bee in my bonnet to clean out my closet this past week. Suddenly, it was as if my messy, unorganized closet was the one thing that is holding me back. It was as though clearing, cleaning, sorting, and folding was going to change my life forever for the good. And I must say, I already feel better about being organized in general. Anyway, my point is thatI unearthed a ton of stuff--which was a seriously smugal move.
I found a tub of face cream (ran out last month, have been scraping by on regular face lotion--not the same!), 2 bars of scented soap (running low, won't need to buy new ones!), some reasonable stuff I could sell for cash (sweet!), hair product (I'm pretty sure I will not run out of hair prods until I'm 83 years old, but always good to find new ones), a few clutches I hadn't seen in a while, a pair of boots for fall, and 2 bottles of shampoo! I won't have to hit target for another 9 months at this rate! Going through all the stuff I have is like the gift that keeps on giving...gets rid of my crap and saves me TONS of money. I figure I easily save $80. Try it!
Anyhoo, I got a bee in my bonnet to clean out my closet this past week. Suddenly, it was as if my messy, unorganized closet was the one thing that is holding me back. It was as though clearing, cleaning, sorting, and folding was going to change my life forever for the good. And I must say, I already feel better about being organized in general. Anyway, my point is thatI unearthed a ton of stuff--which was a seriously smugal move.
I found a tub of face cream (ran out last month, have been scraping by on regular face lotion--not the same!), 2 bars of scented soap (running low, won't need to buy new ones!), some reasonable stuff I could sell for cash (sweet!), hair product (I'm pretty sure I will not run out of hair prods until I'm 83 years old, but always good to find new ones), a few clutches I hadn't seen in a while, a pair of boots for fall, and 2 bottles of shampoo! I won't have to hit target for another 9 months at this rate! Going through all the stuff I have is like the gift that keeps on giving...gets rid of my crap and saves me TONS of money. I figure I easily save $80. Try it!
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
Crockpotted: Mac and Cheese
This was the easiest thing in the whole world. I dumped evaporated milk, noodles, cheese, and an egg in the pot and turned it on. Didn't even need to pre-cook the noodles! The recipe said to cook for 3.5-4 hours, but right at 3.5 it was already overcooked! The edges were all brown and crunchy and not really edible, so really I only got about 2 servings out of it instead of 4. This was a cheap one, though, and I figure I only spent about $4 on it, so $1/serving. Not bad! But you're going to want 2 servings, so really $2/pop. Not great, but not terrible.
Because I am gourmet (and wanted to use up my mozzarella cheese and not buy cheddar), I varied the recipe and and made "Italian Mac and Cheese," made w/ mozz (obv), fresh tomato on top, and Italian herbs. It got rave reviews from my guest.
Per serving cost: $1-2
Verdict: eh.
Because I am gourmet (and wanted to use up my mozzarella cheese and not buy cheddar), I varied the recipe and and made "Italian Mac and Cheese," made w/ mozz (obv), fresh tomato on top, and Italian herbs. It got rave reviews from my guest.
Per serving cost: $1-2
Verdict: eh.
The People Have Been Heard
The votes are in! Grilled cheese and bloody marys it is! I was trying to figure out what all is in a bloody mary, then decided to just buy the mix, then said "F that! I'm having the smugal woman's bloody mary!" which will be V-8, vodka, and an organic celery stick. Work with what you got! I'll let you know how Day Drinkin' 3 goes next week. I think that's the first time I can do it...
Reading Magazines is Bad for Your Budget
I had the misfortune of reading Allure magazine this weekend. I was reading some article about how to give yourself the Perfect Blowout, and discovered that I need more hair tools! I am pissed, because I was just thanking god that in my past I am a hair product hoor, because I have at least a year's supply of shampoo, conditioner, primer, goos, creams, gels, sprays, serums, and shine-enhancers! I don't even need to tempt myself in those aisles, and in fact have banned myself from crossing over to the dark side at Target.
But now I can see that volume is in! Obviously I need volumizer for my roots! I don't have any! And it turns out that I need an ionic hairdryer! With a nozzle! And barring that, I need a nozzle for my current hair dryer! Suddenly, I need to spend $50 more than before I started reading that. Dammit! I think I have to ban all fashion/beauty mags until after I start raking in the dough.
But now I can see that volume is in! Obviously I need volumizer for my roots! I don't have any! And it turns out that I need an ionic hairdryer! With a nozzle! And barring that, I need a nozzle for my current hair dryer! Suddenly, I need to spend $50 more than before I started reading that. Dammit! I think I have to ban all fashion/beauty mags until after I start raking in the dough.
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