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How to save money on gas + gas price finder for your zip code

February 14, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

I thought it would be appropriate to share some articles on saving gas and therefore, money. Most of us have probably heard many of these tips already, but always a good reminder.

This is an older post, but I got it out, dusted it off and am reposting it. Prices are expected to hit $4 and over by this Memorial Day, according to a news report I just saw on NBC about 15 minutes ago. These are common tips that are published many places, but always a good reminder.

1. Buy a fuel efficient car if you can.

2. Keep your car tuned up and tires inflated.

3. Stick to posted speed limits.

4. Avoid quick accelerating and hard braking.

5. Participate in rewards programs where it’s appropriate and doesn’t require spending you wouldn’t normally do. (Giant gas points, gas cards that give you % back and so on)

6. Carry a light load–if you have heavy items in your trunk (dog food, strollers) unload them as soon as you can.

7. Don’t idle for more than a minute.

 

And, I’ve updated and added the gas price widget to the bottom right sidebar. Just put in your zip code and find gas prices in your area.

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Valentine’s Day Ideas: Easy Biscuits

February 13, 2012 by · Leave a Comment

This recipe comes from my cookbook Don’t Panic–More Dinner’s in the Freezer: A Second Helping of Tasty Meals You Can Make Ahead, which is one of my favorite buys.  I never actually ended up putting any in the freezer and instead of making them thick enough to roll I make drop biscuits. However, for a very simple Valentine’s Day dinner accent(or strawberry shortcake),  make them and cut them out in a heart shape before baking.

This recipe would be great to get your kids in the kitchen with you. It is never too early to learn how to cook and bake. Ok, maybe under 18 months is pushing it.

2 cup flour
1 Tablespoon baking powder
2 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar (I have skipped this with no problem)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup shortening
2/3 cup milk

 

Stir together dry ingredients. Cut in shortening until mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center of the flour and pour in milk. Stir just until dough clings together.  Knead gently on floured surface for 10-12 strokes. Do not over knead.

Roll dough 1/2 inch thick and cut. Bake in preheated oven at 450 for 10-12 minutes on un-greased baking sheet.

Also absolutely perfect for strawberry shortcake!

Want to freeze them? Wrap the cut, unbaked rolls in plastic wrap, with a layer of plastic wrap between each biscuit. Freeze in freezer bags.  Bake as per the directions above, frozen.

May be frozen 2-3 months.
Makes 10-12 biscuits.

 

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Review & Giveaway: Mediflow Pillow, ends 2/20.

February 12, 2012 by · 5 Comments

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 Recently I was asked by Mediflow pillow to review one of their pillows. I was actually very excited to get this offer. I love sleep……..love love love sleep and in our household we really make it a priority. Lack of sufficient sleep is a significant health issue, and not one that people talk about. Insufficient sleep has been linked to everything from heart disease and diabetes to obesity, depression to ADHD and more. Too many of us don’t get enough sleep. I knew that I didn’t really love my pillow, and was certainly interested in trying a new one. But, to be honest, I didn’t think there was much difference. After all, over the years we’ve purchased the $10 pillows and the $50 pillows and one never seemed to be significantly better than another. But the Mediflowwas interesting to me.

 As you can see from the diagram, you fill it with water. I was very leery of doing this. We recently got a new mattress and the last thing I need is for it to be wet and mildewy. But it comes with a one way valve and seal, no leaking.
 
I started with a little bit and worked my way up. The support of the pillow and personal comfort ranges vary with the amount of water in it. And so now….here comes the part where I tell you how I slept on it for a few nights and how fabulous it is. Sigh, no. Because my husband hijacked it. I slept on it for two nights and that was it. Gone. I think I like it. I know my husband likes it, and he is very picky and been complaining about pillows for years. And apparently my experience is not unusual. When I posted the Mediflow on my Facebook wall earlier, several other readers commented that their spouse or child had taken it.
 
Luckily, they are reasonably priced, at about $30-$35. You can find them many places, even on Amazon. Right after I finish this post, I think I will order another. Or, actually my husband is out at a family event tonight, maybe I can get mine back and be asleep on it before he gets home. They are fantastic pillows and you’ll get a great night’s sleep if you get one. Frugal living tip: If your mattress needs to be replaced and you can’t afford to right now, get a memory foam topper and two new pillows, and you’ll think you have a new mattress. Seriously. We got 17 years out of our last mattress, and 10-15 is the norm.
 
I’ve partnered with Mediflow so that one lucky reader will win one. I’ve made this one very easy–four very easy, all optional, ways to enter. Contest ends 2/20 and I will contact winner and send your name and address to Mediflow.
 

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Valentine’s Day Ideas: Easy Truffles

February 12, 2012 by · Leave a Comment



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I have seen this basic recipe so many places over the years and have used it several times.

1 – 8 oz. package cream cheese
3 cups 10x/powdered sugar
12 oz. german chocolate, semi sweet or dark chocolate baking bars/chips
1  1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Soften the cream cheese.
Melt the chips.
Beat cream cheese in the mixer.
Slowly add sugar until smooth.
Add melted chocolate and vanilla. 
Mix well. 
Refrigerate approximately 1 hour.
Take out and roll mixture into 1 inch balls. 

Decorate with powdered sugar, cinnamon, cocoa powder, coconut, sprinkles, whatever you want.
Put each one in a mini cupcake holder for something fancy.
Eat – Melt in your moth delicious-ness.

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