Tag: save money

Homemade Ice Cream Makes for the Perfect Summer Treat

May 22, 2016MBEhleCookout, DIY, Healthy, Recipes, Seasonal, Summer

Ice cream is synonymous with summer, when rising temperatures and vacations from school and work call for some refreshing celebration. Those who want to experiment with homemade ice cream may want to consider the following recipe for “Dulce de Leche Ice Cream” from Lou Seibert Pappas’ “Ice Creams and Sorbets” (Chronicle Books).

Dulce de Leche Ice Cream

Makes about 1 quart

2 cups half-and-half or milk

4 large egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

12 ounces butterscotch chips, divided

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Prepare a large bowl or pan of ice water.

In the top of a double boiler, heat the half-and-half over simmering water until steaming. In a bowl, whisk the egg yolks until blended, then whisk in the sugar. Whisk in about half of the hot half-and-half and pour the yolk mixture into the pan of half-and-half. Stir with a silicone spatula or spoon and cook over simmering water for about 8 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of the chips and continue stirring until blended in and the custard coats the back of the spatula, about 2 minutes more. Immediately place the custard pan in the ice bath and stir the custard occasionally until it cools to room temperature. Transfer to a container and stir in the cream and vanilla. Cover and refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 3 hours.

Freeze in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer’s instructions. When the ice cream is almost frozen, add the remaining 1 cup chips and churn until blended in, about 15 seconds more. Transfer to a container, cover and freeze until firm, about 2 hours.

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5 Simple Tips to Get Dinner on the Table

May 19, 2016MBEhleAdvice, Cookout, Food, Grilling, Organize, Produce, Recipes

The challenge working parents face in maintaining work-life balance is often compared to a juggling act. Finding time together, especially on weeknights when family schedules tend to be hectic, is no small task.

But finding time together, particularly at the dinner table, can pay a host of dividends. According to the Family Dinner Project, studies have linked regular family dinners with higher grade-point averages and self-esteem in children, as well as lower rates of obesity and eating disorders in both children and adolescents.

Cook, writer, activist and mother of two Katie Workman knows full well how difficult it can be to make nightly dinners together part of a family’s routine. But Workman, whose latest book, “Dinner Solved!” (Workman Publishing), provides 100 family-friendly recipes and variations to ensure that everyone at the table is happy, relishes the opportunity to help others make family dinners a fun part of their nightly routines.

“Many of us put so much pressure on ourselves when it comes to family meals,” says Workman. “But when we ease up on that pressure, dinner actually seems to happen more often, and the meals are a lot more fun.”

To help even the busiest moms and dads find time for family dinners, Workman offers the following tips so parents can produce weeknight meals the whole family can enjoy.

1. Less is more

Don’t make yourself crazy trying to master a recipe with an endless ingredient list on a Wednesday night. Weeknight meals don’t have to be perfect or exotic. Even the simplest recipes can make for delicious meals.

2. Change it up

Skip those time-consuming, last-minute trips to the grocery store for missing ingredients by replacing them with something similar that you already have on hand.

3. Elevate your meal from simple to sophisticated

Pairing weeknight meals with the perfect wine can elevate midweek meatballs to something more memorable. Versatile and budget-friendly, Greystone Cellars® wines are approachable and easy to drink. Since 1995, Markham Vineyards has been producing a small amount of Greystone Cellars wines exclusively for the Culinary Institute of America, which receives a portion of the proceeds for each Greystone Cellars bottle sold. Befitting their connection to the CIA, Greystone Cellars wines enhance any meal, making them ideal options for cooks whose weekly meal schedule includes pasta, pork chops and everything in between.

4. Get a head start on prep work

Whenever possible, reduce the stress of weeknight meals by doing some of your meal prep long before dinnertime. Chop veggies for the week on Sunday nights or take a few minutes each morning to gather ingredients for that night’s meal.

5. Make it a family affair

Make weeknight meals more fun by involving the whole family. Parents can let the kids peel carrots or measure rice or perform other age-appropriate activities.

Nightly family dinners help families build stronger bonds, and weeknight meals need not be lavish undertakings. Learn more about Greystone Cellars wines at www.greystonecellars.com.

Delicious and easy-to-prepare, this recipe for “Maple-Barbecue Pork Meatballs” from Katie Workman’s “Dinner Solved!” makes the perfect weeknight family meal. Pile them on rice or couscous or quinoa with a few extra spoonfuls of barbecue sauce for an easy and different weeknight dinner.

Maple-Barbecue Pork Meatballs

Serves 6

3/4 cup panko bread crumbs

1/2 cup barbecue sauce, plus more for dipping if you like

1/2 cup grated peeled apple

1/3 cup minced onion

1 large egg, lightly beaten

Kosher or coarse salt, to taste

1 tablespoon maple syrup

11/2 pounds ground pork

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.

2. Combine the bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, apple, onion, egg, and salt in a large bowl. Add the maple syrup and stir to blend. Add the pork and combine well using your hands, but try not to squeeze the mixture too much. Form 1-inch-round meatballs and place them on the baking sheet.

3. Bake the meatballs until cooked through, 16 to 20 minutes. Serve hot, with extra barbecue sauce on the side.

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Boost Energy at the Office

May 15, 2016MBEhleAdvice, Healthy, Organize

Maintaining energy throughout the workday can sometimes be difficult. For busy professionals, compromised energy levels can be especially problematic, causing workers to fall behind and maybe even forcing them to work extra hours just to catch up.

While infrequent days of low energy should not pose too great a threat, working professionals who routinely find their energy levels sagging by the end of the workday might want to take certain steps to boost their energy and ensure their productivity doesn’t wane.

· Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Failing to get adequate sleep can have an adverse impact on your career. According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School, failure to get enough sleep, even for just one night, can impair a person’s ability to function by affecting his or her ability to focus and access high-level cognitive functions. A panel of experts from sleep, anatomy and physiology, as well as pediatrics, neurology, gerontology and gynecology convened by the National Sleep Foundation in 2015 recommended adults between the ages of 26 and 64 get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Make a concerted effort to get more sleep if you’re falling short of those recommended guidelines.

· Eat a productivity-friendly lunch. If afternoons are when your productivity really starts to drop off, it might be time to reconsider what you eat for lunch. The body, which converts the foods we eat into glucose that energizes our brains and promotes alertness, processes different types of foods differently. So the food you eat for lunch may affect your energy levels for the rest of the day. For example, eating pasta provides a quick burst of energy because pasta releases glucose quickly. But that burst is often followed by a noticeable downturn in energy levels sparked by fading glucose levels that make it difficult for the brain to focus. In contrast, fruits and vegetables aid in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps the brain stay motivated and engaged. Including some fruits and vegetables in your lunch or snacks may just lead to a more productive workday.

· Squeeze in a midday workout. Numerous studies have shown the many benefits to daily exercise, but professionals may not know that exercise can help improve their productivity at the office. A 2005 study from researchers at the then-named Leeds Metropolitan University in England asked 200 workers to answer questions regarding their productivity on days when they exercised at lunchtime and days when they did not exercise. Sixty percent said their job performance, including their ability to meet deadlines and manage their time, improved by a considerable amount on the days when they exercised.

· Limit caffeine consumption. According to the Mayo Clinic, consuming more than 500 to 600 milligrams of caffeine per day can contribute to insomnia and lead to feelings of nervousness, restlessness and irritability, among others. While that afternoon cup of coffee might provide an immediate jolt, it could be contributing to sleeping problems that will affect your productivity in the days to come.

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Transition Your Wardrobes From One Season to the Next

May 12, 2016MBEhleAdvice, Cleaning, DIY, Home Improvement, Organize, Projects

People who put a lot of thought into their wardrobes know that one of the challenges presented by the changing seasons is figuring out what to wear and when. For example, as spring transitions into summer, the occasional chilly day is to be expected, removing summertime attire like shorts and sleeveless shirts from consideration.

Such sudden changes can be problematic, as not everyone has the room to store multiple seasons’ worth of clothing in their closets and drawers. Yet, with a little ingenuity, men and women can make their seasonal wardrobe transitions a little easier.

· Layering: Layering is the key to keeping comfortable no matter the weather. Layering enables you to take off layers or put them on as needed. Lightweight sweaters or blazers can be worn over short sleeves or sleeveless ensembles when temperatures have yet to reach their midday highs. Layers also can prove invaluable in office settings where the air conditioning may make working environments especially chilly. Leggings can be worn under skirts or dresses and then removed as temperatures rise.

· Long-sleeved shirts: Keep a few long-sleeved shirts at the ready. Simple sleeve length can mean the difference between comfort and discomfort. Covering shoulders and/or arms with a lightweight top also can protect against the rays of the sun. Choose among your most versatile long-sleeved shirts, meaning basic colors that will blend well with any outfit.

· Bright colors: Bright colors go hand in hand with warm weather. Keep bright-colored items you typically wear during other seasons so they can be paired, if necessary, with summer staples. This may include a thick sweater for cooler nights on the beach or trousers for formal evenings out on the town.

· Maxidresses: When shopping, invest in maxidresses. They’re easy and cool for hot days and nights, but they also can be refashioned if you wear them with long sleeves or knit sweaters. When covering up, use a waist-cinching belt or scarf to add structure to the look.

· Vary shoes: While flip-flops and other sandals may be summer staples, have a few other pairs of more traditional shoes at the ready as well. One can get away with boots with a maxi-dress. Ballet-style slippers are delicate enough for the season and provide extra foot coverage for comfort. If you walk a lot, look for shoes with structure, as summer footwear tends to provide less support than footwear worn during other times of the year.

Transitioning clothing from one season to the next takes a little ingenuity. While it may not require a person to keep all of his or her clothing out of storage, transitioning from one season to the next may require reserving a couple of versatile items that can be worn throughout the year.

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Make a Lunch Kids Will Devour

May 8, 2016MBEhleUncategorized

Children can be picky eaters, making it challenging for parents to find foods their kids will consume. Family dinners are challenging enough, but lunches kids will love can be even more difficult to come by.

Parents can prepare lunches kids are certain to devour by thinking outside of the traditional lunch box. Using some creativity and building off of kids’ favorite foods is the key.

Make it miniature

Mini versions of kids’ favorite foods can be entertaining and entice children to try things they normally wouldn’t. If it’s fun-sized, it can be swallowed in one bite. Think about mini sandwiches cut into fun shapes with a cookie cutter. Or use little condiment cups to hold chicken salad, soup or yogurt.

Offer variety

Give kids a bit of a buffet inside of their lunches. This way, if something isn’t tickling their taste buds, they still have other healthy options at the ready. This technique also ensures that kids will not get hungry after skipping meals. Lunch buffets do not have to be complicated. Include half of a sandwich, a piece of fruit or an applesauce cup, some trail mix, and a granola bar. Look for complex carbohydrates and protein so that little bellies will feel full.

Go with what works

If a child really enjoyed the previous night’s dinner, offer up a repeat for lunch the next day. Some schools have a microwave where hot foods can be reheated. If that’s not available, invest in a thermos or a durable, insulated container that can keep the foods at a comfortable temperature. Lunchtime at school occurs not too far into the day, and it’s feasible that food can still be warm if heated right before leaving the house.

Sneak in some nutrition

If kids are bound to eat the same thing over and over again, mix it up in subtle ways. Add a slice of tomato to a plain cheese sandwich and serve it on whole-wheat bread for added nutrition. Blend cauliflower into mac-and-cheese so it’s barely noticeable. Add flavor to lunch meats with a piece of bacon. Bake up nutritious cereal bars on your own that pack a nutritious punch and could have pureed fruit as the base.

Breakfast for lunch

Most kids go ga-ga over breakfast foods. Use that to your advantage, sending them in with egg-bacon-cheese bagel sandwiches, or some cereal to which they can add milk bought from the cafeteria. Thin pancakes can be rolled and stuffed with fruit in a crêpe style that makes for a tempting treat.

Rely on school lunch

School lunches shouldn’t be dismissed. When the pantry and refrigerator simply aren’t offering up the right inspiration, let children try something provided by their schools. They may like the menu, and that will save you time and effort in the morning. Plus, many school lunches are designed to be nutritionally balanced.

Picky eaters frequently make meal creation challenging. However, with some ingenuity, kids’ lunches can be enjoyed and savored.

EL166149

How to Make Moving Go Smoothly

May 5, 2016MBEhleAdvice, Home Improvement

People relocate for various reasons. Many relocate for professional opportunities, while others relocate to pursue their educations. And while some may relocate to enjoy a lower cost of living, others may find themselves relocating to satisfy their sense of adventure.

Regardless of why a person is relocating, doing so without preparing for the move can make the transition that much more difficult. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, roughly 19 percent of the 35.9 million people one year and over who moved between 2012 and 2013 did so for a job-related reason. Relocating to a new city for a job is different than moving from one home to another within the same community. Relocating to a new city can be a life-changing event that requires planning and maybe even a little luck to make it work.

· Examine your finances. Moving is expensive, and it can be even more expensive when moving to an entirely new city. If you are moving to pursue career opportunities but don’t yet have a job offer in hand, examine your finances and work out a worst-case scenario in the event that your job hunt takes longer than you hoped for. Unless you have a benefactor who can help you pay your bills and avoid debt while you look for a job, make sure you have several months’ worth of living expenses saved up before moving.

· Research the job market. Certain cities have more opportunities for people in certain fields than others, so make sure the city you plan to relocate to is a place where you will have ample opportunities in your chosen line of work. Otherwise you might find yourself settling for a career you don’t like or relocating again to a job market more accommodating to someone in your field.

· Research the real estate market. Before hitting the road and heading for your new home, research the real estate market in that area. Try to find out the average rental price via online forums or even online newspaper classified sections. Find out if people tend to live with roommates or go it alone in the city you’re relocating to. If you are moving to a city where you know very few people or no one at all, consider becoming someone’s roommate. The right roommate can provide an instant social network and help you learn the ropes of your adopted home. If you plan to live alone and rent, recognize that many landlords will require a guarantor before renting to tenants with no income.

· Don’t be shy. Unless you are moving to a place where you already have a built-in social network, you should expect to encounter some loneliness upon arriving in your new location. Resolve to make the most of all your new home has to offer by joining a social organization, connecting with your university’s alumni group or volunteering with local charities. If you have a job lined up, sign up for company-sponsored outings or teams.

Relocating to a new city can produce mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement. Planning ahead and doing some homework can help you as you transition to your new home.

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Create a Budget-Friendly Home Landscape

April 17, 2016MBEhleAdvice, Seasonal

Homeowners understandably envy the award-worthy photo spreads in lawn and garden magazines, wanting to emulate those same looks on their own properties. Scores of designers and landscape architects are involved in the process of creating those amazing lush lawns and perfectly placed plantings. Although not every homeowner has the budget to create lavish landscape designs, it’s still possible for homeowners to create lawns they can be proud of.

· Establish your budget. The first step in any project is to determine how much money you can devote to the job. Once you have established the budget, all other factors can be built around it.

· Find an inspiration piece. Great landscapes are inspired by many things, whether it’s a memorable piece of art or a landscape layout in a lawn and gardening magazine. Use photos of other gardens or neighbors’ yards as inspiration and build off of them. As long as the theme is cohesive, it will look pleasing to the eye.

· Consider the space and how you want to use it. Understanding the space will help you better allocate your budget. If your yard is more of a retreat, look for ways to create privacy and a vacation feel. If you have kids and entertaining friends is a main priority, focus on recreational aspects, such as a pool, playset and some durable plants. Understanding how to allocate your budget will help you to avoid spending money frivolously.

· Think about reclaimed or repurposed materials. Brand new items can quickly eat up a budget. However, repurposing salvaged or inexpensive items can stretch that budget while adding some unique flair to a landscape. See if you can find an outdoor patio set that someone is giving away or selling for a lower price. All it takes is a coat of paint and some new cushions to make it look like new. Discarded bricks or stones can be worked into a patio space or used to create raised garden beds. Purchase inexpensive flower pots and then paint them to make them look like stone or another desired material.

· Buy native plants. Native plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers will fare better than non-native, exotic plants. That means you’ll have to spend less time and money nurturing them into health, and less money having to replace plants that cannot withstand your climate.

· Consider perennial plants. Perennials may cost more at the outset, but the savings will be realized in the years to come.

· Hire a professional. It may seem counterintuitive to spend money on a landscaping professional when you’ve established a strict budget, but that’s one way to save money. Landscape artists or garden designers have the experience to guide you in the right direction and help you avoid potentially costly mistakes.

· Use gravel in spots where plants don’t thrive. Gravel is an inexpensive landscaping material that can fill in voids where plants or ground cover simply do not flourish. Those working on limited budgets may be happy to learn gravel is typically less expensive than concrete or pavers.

· Ask friends or family for clippings. Don’t be shy about admiring the plantings of those you know. Flatter their good taste and ask if you can have some clippings to propagate yourself. These clippings can turn into lush plants in no time – with no additional spending required.

With some frugal spending, planning and budgeting, anyone can create a beautiful landscape. GT164006

Gold iPad Giveaway! Ends 12/18

December 12, 2014MBEhleContest

Do you like GOLD? Who doesn’t? The Franklin Shopper is hosting a Free Giveaway that will make you feel like King (or Queen!) Midas!

Winner receives a Gold Apple Ipad Mini!!

Enter Daily by typing in the Secret Word of the week!

(Giveaway ends 12/18)

ENTER HERE

Back to School Savings Tips

August 14, 2014MBEhleCoupons, Saving, School, Shopping

Back to school shopping can take a big bite out of your wallet! In the whirlwind of prep heading back to class, penny-pinching while you shop can only add stress.

No matter what your budget may be, there are a few simple tips that can help stretch your spending as well as ease some of the stress from the hectic fall season.

*Take inventory of what you have: Get rid of what you don’t need by donating or reselling in the local classifieds

*Set a budget & stick to it: Consider your necessities vs. wants

*Buy in bulk: Save time and $ by purchasing frequently used items in bulk – lunch item & snacks to paper & pens

*Pay attention to what’s on sale: Local businesses often offer special discounts and savings during back-to-school shopping. Look for coupons and comparison shop around town to $ave

Save with Coupons – Top 5 Tips

August 7, 2014MBEhleAdvice, Shopping

Who doesn’t like to save some dough? With average costs of living on the rise, most Americans enjoy saving a little cash – any chance they get! One classic way to save is coupon clipping – While savings can vary per coupon or store, this simple money-saver can really add up!

Top ways to $ave with coupons:
• Get organized: Store coupons in small file folder or a simple zip-lock bag

• Keep coupons visible: Don’t tuck them away to gather dust! Hang on the fridge or next to your grocery list

• Buy in bulk for must-have items: Toilet paper, paper towels, spices, juice & coffee

• Look for what’s in season: Fresh produce offers an instant in-season discount due to bulk availability

• Support local businesses: Large manufacturers aren’t the only ones giving deals – Local businesses often run special promotions that can offer big savings

-> Dont forget to check out the Coupons online at the Franklin Shopper for featured weekly deals!

Winner receives a Gold Apple Ipad Mini!!

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