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Restaurant Quality Meals On The Cheap with DIY

July 5, 2011 By 2 Comments
fresh cooking ingrediants

photo credit natural home living

Have you ever gone out to a restaurant and had a meal that really wowed you? I have.  A few weeks ago I had a business luncheon at a local Italian restaurant and had some bruschetta that knocked my socks off! I have remembered that yummy bruschetta a few times  and thought about going back to the restaurant just to get some more. And then it occurred to me, why not just learn to make it on my own – it has to be cheaper right?

After some research, I felt ready to tackle the project. I had a 4th of July picnic to attend so it was the perfect opportunity to try out my new recipe!

Here’s the breakdown of my ingredients and what I spent:

  • loaf french baguette – $2
  • 2 lbs fresh tomatoes – $4
  • 1/2 C Balsamic Vinegar – $2
  • 1/2 C Olive Oil – $2
  • 1 lb Goat Cheese – $5

I won’t count the salt, pepper and onion I used because those were already in my pantry. So for $15 I was able to make about 36 delicious pieces of bruschetta – enough for a picnic crowd with some leftovers. I would say mine was at least as good as what I had at the restaurant, and the appetizer I had there was $6.50 for 6 pieces. The 36 pieces I made at home would have cost a whopping $38.99 in the restaurant, not including tax or tip. This works out to $1.08 a piece. In start contrast, the homemade bruschetta ended up costing about 0.41 for each piece. This is a 0.67 difference in price for each piece. Quite a savings!

There are lots of different ways to save in this way! For instance, my family loves pizza, but takeout or delivery is expensive and frozen just isn’t quite as good. Our solution? We buy plain cheese take and bake pizzas from a local grocery store – $5.99 for a 16 inch. Then, we take them home and add our own toppings. My personal favorite is sautéed peppers and onions, sliced tomatoes and feta cheese. I’ve figured out that typically the toppings I add end up costing me about $6 more. So for about $12 we end up with a gourmet, hot and fresh pizza that feeds my family of 4. In contrast, the 12 inch pizzas that we would order from a delivery place locally would usually cost between $20 and $30 since it would take 2 to feed my crew (with some leftovers). This is a dramatic savings for very little effort.

It doesn’t even have to take a ton of cooking expertise to copy some of your favorite restaurant meals – if you can follow a simple recipe, you can probably handle most of the techniques you would need. Granted, there are some complicated ones out there, but you can match your skill level to the ones that fit you best.

The possibilities are endless if you start digging a little bit! I found this great post about how to make your own Frappucinos (a la Starbucks) at home for a fraction of the  cost.

So how about you? Have you successfully copied any of your favorite restaurant meals? Share your results with us in the comments.

Filed Under: Cheap Living, Entertainment, Featured, Food Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

Spring Savings Tips

May 17, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

spring flowers

photo credit elated.com

Walking my dog this weekend, I finally spotted enough sites around our neighborhood to be convinced spring has arrived.

Yes, I know the calendar listed the first official day of spring as March 20th, but that’s not always the best way to confirm the season.  I’m finally seeing the finches and other birds at the feeders.  I’ve also spotted a Mother Goose leading her goslings through the park.  And on this walk, my dog Fluffy, is channeling her inner hunter and chasing rabbits.  But I’ve also spotted a few other signs of spring, and that has me thinking of a few springtime ideas for saving money.

  1. Car Wash- Last weekend in almost every shopping center around my house, there was a car wash, sponsored by a marching band, a church youth group, and a school class raising money for a summer camp.  I’m sure many neighborhoods have similar sites. If the thought of washing your own car seems like too much work, and you don’t want to the local gas station or a professional to have it washed, stop by the charity car wash.  You’ll drive away with a clean car and the feeling you did a good deed.
  2. Garage Sale-A garage sale is a great way to save money if you’re shopping and make money if you’re trying to un-clutter your life.  Two suggestions though.  If you’re shopping, only buy what you need. No matter how good the deal, if you don’t really need it, you’ll be looking for a way to unload it.  If you’re selling, remember the goal is to get rid of items.  Be reasonable on the price. If you only have a few items to get rid of, you can always ask a neighbor who is having a garage sale if you could sell your items in their sale and give them a portion of the sale price for the trouble.
  3. Charities Need Help-Speaking of un-cluttering.  If organizing a garage sale sounds overwhelming, it’s a good time of year to donate items to charity.  Donations routinely drop in the summer, so charities such as Goodwill and the Salvation Army need donations to fill their stores with new items.  Also, many churches and other groups sponsor their own charity garage sales and are collecting items.  Some groups will even pick up the items from your house.
  4. Gardening-It isn’t news to anyone that food prices are going higher.  It’s time to think about planting a garden, even if it’s a small one.  Gardening is fun, relaxing and saves money on the grocery bill.  There are sales on plants, seeds, planting soil and everything else you need for a garden right now.
  5. Used Sports Gear-This is the time of year when many weekend athletes get moving again.  If you need new gear, stop by the second hand sporting goods store before buying brand new gear.  Many times, athletes want the newest gear even though their old gear is in fine shape, it’s just not new.

Any other money saving thoughts for spring you want to share? Give us a shout – out in the comments!

Filed Under: Featured, Money Saving Tips Tagged With: , , ,

The Best Money Lessons I Learned From My Parents Part 2

April 7, 2011 By 1 Comment
boy holding money lessons i learned from my parents

Photo credit cognitra.com

In our previous post we covered some of the best money lessons that people learned from their parents growing up. Here are the rest of the “good” results!

  1. Think twice before you buy; spending money is making yourself poorer and somebody else richer, probably somebody who didn’t work as hard for the money as you did.
  2. I have learned that money should always be saved. Savings are important to meet financial needs at critical times. A person should always save up to 30% of his earnings as investment.
  3. Each and every person face many difficult crisis in their life, so if we save money it will be needful in our difficult times.
  4. My mother in law always teaches me to not to waste anything, She warns me when I waste food or money. She also keeps the house clean and tidy. [Read more...]
Filed Under: Featured, Financial Tips and Tricks, Money Management Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Its in Your Genes: Financial Lessons I Learned From My Parents

February 16, 2011 By Leave a Comment

little girl and parents on beach flying a kite Our parents pass down many things to us in their lifetime: genes, words of wisdom, values, habits, and the list goes on.  One thing parents may not realize that they are teaching their children is the value of money and spending habits.  Whether you talked openly about family finances or never heard the word “no” when it came to getting what you wanted, these experiences have a lasting impact on how we conduct our financial lives on a daily basis.

My parents were always fairly open about finances and where our family budget was spent.  As children we were aware of what were realistic expenses for the family and what expenses should be saved for special occasions.  As I get older and am embarking on my own financial journey, I reflect back on these financial lessons that I learned from my parents:

Spend on experiences, not things

This is probably one of the top lessons from my parents that I continue to use in my own life.  Some of my best memories come from camping trips we took as a family where we experienced the great outdoors and braved the elements (I remember a few VERY cold nights).  We cooked all of our own meals, visited free national parks, and spent time bonding around the campfire.  As far as vacations go, these were relatively inexpensive and allowed us to focus on the true meaning of a “family vacation”.

Buy what you can afford

In addition to taking affordable family vacations, my parents always drove vehicles that correlated to the state of our finances.  While they were not flashy and certainly not new, they were always reliable and got us back and forth to our assorted activities.  There were a few instances as a teenager where I can remember asking to be dropped off down the street from school so that I wouldn’t be seen in my dad’s latest work van.  As an adult, I am proud that my parents had the foresight to stay out of debt and have continued to value function over form when considering vehicle purchases.

Family time is frugal time

Whether we were embarking on a family road trip or spending a Friday night hanging around at the house, my parents always found ways to entertain us without spending a fortune.  Instead of spending money on fast food, we would pack a cooler and stop for a picnic along the way.  Our living room was mostly free of children’s electronics (no Nintendo!) and instead we spent the time making crafts or playing family board games.  Even television turned into a family activity; we would pick a favorite show and all sit down to watch it together.  These experiences are some of my greatest childhood memories and something that I hope to share with my future children some day.

Having parents who talked openly about finances and engaged in responsible spending habits really impacted who I have become “financially” as an adult.  Whether or not you intentionally discuss personal finance with your children, they do pick up on your money   management habits.  As Americans continue to rack up credit card debt and delay retirement, it’s important to educate the youth and reverse this trend.  What are some personal finance lessons you are teaching your children?

Filed Under: Budgeting, Money Saving Tips Tagged With: , , , , ,

Don’t Get Poufed: 5 Financial Lessons I Learned From MTV’s “Jersey Shore”

February 4, 2011 By

jersey shore

Whether you follow the hit MTV reality series “Jersey Shore” or not, you are bound to have heard about these poufed-hair, tanned-skin, party-going individuals.  If you are like me, the names “Pauly D” and “Jwoww” have quickly become household entities.  Fan of trashy TV?  Guilty.  While I tune in every week for the entertainment factor (there is always guaranteed to be something happening in the house), there are a few financial lessons we can take away from our favorite members of the Jersey Shore.

The Lessons

1.  Protect Yourself Financially. Recently Jersey Shore’s Jwoww and her live-in boyfriend, Tom, parted ways after a dramatic break-up over the phone.  Jwow returned to the home she shared with Tom to find several of her belongings missing and money extracted from her account.  While this is an extreme case, it does bring up some flashbacks of roommate horror stories I have heard over the years.  If you choose to live with someone that you are not legally bound to, it is important to make sure that you are protected financially in case anything should happen.

2. Entertainment Doesn’t Have to Cost a Fortune. Not all of us have friends and roommates as entertaining as these eight individuals, but good times can be had without breaking the bank.  These roommates seem to have a blast strolling the boardwalk or hanging out at the house rather than going out and spending money on entertainment.  Surround yourself with good company and have a blast without spending a dime.

3.  Don’t Spend Money on Expensive Clothes.  The term “It’s T-Shirt Time” says it all.  If these stars can make the T-Shirt the new formal wear, I for one am all for it.  So forget those expensive clothes, throw on your favorite T, and rock it like a rock star.

4.  Capitalize on Your Experiences. Have something to share?  Developed a skill that can turn into cash?  Capitalize on it!  Jersey Shore’s Snooki has recently announced the launch of her first book “A Shore Thing” which is a verbal account of her time on the show.  Sure to excite Jersey Shore fans, the book is a means for Snooki to branch out from the show and increase her revenue.  Not a bad move Snooks.

5.  Pay Now, Pay Later.  Not every purchase is a one-time expense.  The bronzed beauties of the Jersey Shore will soon learn the value of that lesson after spending a pretty chunk of cash on all that tanning.  Tanning may seem like a onetime expense, but add in the lotion, wrinkle cream, and potential medical treatments for the skin damage it causes and you have probably tripled your investment!

So next time you hear the words “GTL” or someone shouting “Cab’s a’ here”, remember these 5 financial lessons and how to protect yourself from going into debt.

Filed Under: Cheap Living, Entertainment, Featured Tagged With: , , , , ,

Wine and Dine Without Spending a Dime

February 2, 2011 By 2 Comments

couple at restaurant I love everything about Valentine’s Day, from the sappy romantic movies to the yummy heart-shaped edible treats.  While Valentine’s Day may not be for everyone, it’s a great excuse to spend some time with your loved one and simply enjoy each other’s company.  For this reason, I am a huge advocate of saving money and celebrating Valentine’s Day at home in an intimate setting.  So put the kids to bed early, take out the candles, and cook up a delicious at-home meal!

Cook at home!

Are you looking for some great restaurant-worthy dishes to try out at home?  I have compiled my favorite budget-friendly dishes from some awesome frugal bloggers that will make any dinner a hit.  Since Italians are known for their romance, here are some great Italian-inspired dishes to set the mood.

Spinach and Tomato Stuffed Chicken Breast from $5 Dollar Dinners

  • This recipe is absolutely delicious!  I paired it with a loaf of fresh French bread I got on sale at the grocery store and it was a total hit.

Penne Pasta Casserole from Cheap Eats

  • If you have anyone with a big appetite or you want leftovers, this is a great dish to fix.  A nice twist on traditional pasta that is full of flavor.

Fettuccine Alfredo from Kitchen Daily

  • A great homemade version of a classic dish.  This one is perfect if you need a vegetarian option!

Chicken Parmesan from Good Cheap Eats

  • A great dish with a great story!  Perfect way to share a Valentine’s Day tradition.

Cheap, tasty wine

If you are looking for a great wine to compliment your meal, try going to a wholesale retailer such as Costco, BJ’s, or Sam’s Club.  Trader Joe’s and World Market also have great wines for low prices (by signing up for a free membership at WM you can get additional deals on wine).

Remember, Valentine’s Day is all about spending time with a special someone.  Forgo the crowds and hassle of going out and take a night in to relax and reconnect with these amazing eats!

Filed Under: Cheap Living, Entertainment, Holiday Spending, Money Saving Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

5 Ways to Avoid the Drive Thru

January 27, 2011 By Leave a Comment

fast food burgerIt’s quick, relatively cheap and normally conveniently positioned on the way home.  It calls to you, promising speedy service and mouthwatering food.  You feel your willpower weaken and the next thing you know, your answering yes to “do you want fries with that?”.  If this seems like a common scenario, you’re probably among the millions of Americans who buy fast food every week.

Unhealthy for body and budget

Now why is this a problem?  Aside from the health issues that eating too much fast food can pose, it can also be detrimental to your wallet.  While it may seem relatively inexpensive to spend $3-$5 on a meal, that amount can add up over time and is significantly more than you would spend if you bought groceries and brought meals from home.  Plus, decreased health can lead to medical issues, which in turn can lead to hefty medical bills.  So all in all, the convenience of regular trips to the drive thru seems to have some substantial hidden costs.

Tips

To avoid these pitfalls, here are 5 tips to solve the drive thru dilemma

1.  Cook meals on the weekends and freeze them for the week.  If you are short on time, cooking meals ahead of time can be a great way to put together a speedy dinner.

2.  Pack snacks.  Buy fiber-rich snacks such as granola bars, fruit, veggies, crackers, etc. and stash them in convenient locations such as your purse, gym bag, car, or at the office.  Fiber helps keep you full for a longer period of time, so this is a great way to keep you full in between meals.

3.  Stock up.  We often resort to fast food when we get stuck late at the office or need a quick meal.  Keep frozen meals on hand for these occasions so that you won’t be tempted to hit the nearest fast food joint.  Need something that is fast and portable?  Grab a bag of microwave popcorn and zip out the door.

4.  Make eating at home fun. If you have kids, you know that cool packaging and toys add to the appeal of the drive thru.  Instead, make eating at home a fun adventure.  Plan “theme” nights, eat somewhere besides the kitchen table, have dinner for breakfast, etc.

5.  Go to the grocery store instead.  If you find that you forgot your lunch or need to grab something on the go, run into the grocery store instead.  The grocery store is full of fast and healthy options that you can take on the go.

What are your tips for avoiding the drive thru?

Filed Under: Featured, Financial Tips and Tricks, Money Saving Tips Tagged With: , , ,

Save $1406 This Year – Easily!

January 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

money stack bow With a couple of simple and quick changes your savings can add up to a lot of dough! Here are 4 easy ways to save big this year.

So how are those New Year’s resolutions coming along? By this time in January, probably not well.  Surveys show that even after the first week of the New Year, 25 percent of people have already failed to keep their resolution.  And the numbers keeping dropping from there.

Trouble is, if those resolutions concerned saving money, you can’t afford not to keep the resolution.

But, relax. There are a few simple, relatively painless tips, small steps if you will, that you should resolve to do starting right now. Guaranteed, it will help you save more than $1000 this year.

1. Brew your own coffee.

I’m not even talking about that $4 double-mocha-latte with whipped cream.  Even if you spend $2 for a large, plain coffee at a drive-thru, that quickly adds up to $40 per month.  Instead, if you brew the high-end ground coffee at home (let’s say it costs $8.00 a bag), then you’re only spending .50 cents a day.  And even better, if you brew the supermarket brand (let’s say it cost around $5.00 a bag), then you’re only spending .40 cents a day on coffee.  Switching to home brewing saves about $384 a year.

2. Along the same line, pack your lunch to work.

Even if you choose items from the $1 menu at a fast food chain, on average you’re going to buy three items, which adds up to $3 per lunch. That totals $60 per month.  Compare that with the roughly $7 you’d spend to buy a week’s worth of supplies to make lunch at home. Pack your own lunch and save $356 a year.

3. Send free e-cards.

Remember it’s the thought that counts on any occasion, so most people are just as happy to get an e-card than the old-fashioned kind, which run anywhere from $2 – $7 each.  Depending how many cards you send a year, you could save up to $120 per year by sending free e-cards.

4. Finally, substitute water for the daily 20 ounce soda.

Not only is it healthier and have zero calories, it is much cheaper.  Tap water is, in fact, free.  If you cut out $1.50 a day for a soda, you’ll save $10.50 a week.  Replacing soda with water will save $546 per year. (Of course if you want to use a water filter, try a filtrated pitcher for about $27 and add in a $15 refill which lasts a few months.  You’ll still save $504 a year.)

Now here comes the fun part.  Let’s add up what you’ll save if you follow these four very simple resolutions.

$384 on coffee + $356 on lunch + $120 on greeting cards + $546 on water = $1406 total savings

Now, that is an easy way to save more than $1000 in a year.  The next step is figuring out what do with that saved money.  Let us make the following suggestions:

Save for college
Start a Savings Plan
Start a Coin Savings Drive

Filed Under: Featured, Money Saving Tips, Saving Tagged With: , , ,