Do You Repurpose Your Things?

bbudgetbungalow.com

Are you a shopper who buys things with a single purpose? If so, you may own rarely used appliances, pricey storage containers, or new stuff when the old stuff still sufficed.

When I was just starting out, I bought more than I do now, probably due to my inexperience. What cured me was after replacing a set of bath towels I thought were showing signs of wear, I noticed that the new towels looked no better then the old set after a few washes.

Now don't get me wrong, you want to replace articles if they wear out, and sometimes you really do need to buy a specific item if it does an important job properly. Obviously, you wouldn't wear a lamp shade for a hat to shield yourself from the sun, nor use a magnifying glass to read when you need a pair of eyeglasses. When something is essential; it makes your life better, safer or happier, buy it.

But nowadays, I'm more mindful about buying new things. I try to separate my wants from my needs; and consider the cost to the environment with a desire to lessen my carbon footprint. Furthermore, I learned not to buy toys, tools, or kitchen gadgets that aren't very practical. How often will you use a bread maker, or a tomato slicer? I mean, you can make bread in a mixing bowl and your oven. It takes two seconds to slice a tomato using a sharp knife.

I also try to repurpose things when it makes sense. Here are four ideas that might let you use an old standby in a new way, resulting in savings:

1) Mason jars (above) - Canning jars are sturdy, transparent and come in all sizes. You can repurpose them in so many ways! I store everything from dried spices, flour, sugar, refrigerated leftover food, loose buttons and small office supplies in them. 

I will probably never again buy another candle holder. Mason jars make beautiful glass candle holders, and the price is right.

Photo: instructables.com

2) Cake pans - A Lazy Susan will set you back $10 to $25. But you can easily make your own Lazy Susan by using extra cake pans of the same size; or go to a dollar store to buy two 9-inch round pans and a package of marbles for a couple of bucks. (Better yet, repurpose table salt so you don't have to buy marbles. Salt works!) Pour the salt (try what you have at home first) into the bottom pan. Stack the pans, one inside the other. Voila: a turning Lazy Susan for your spices.

Photo: iPhone

3) Plastic pillow casings - I repurpose the protective plastic casings that come with new pillows. They are usually heavy duty plastic, plus have a handy zipper. I use them to store other items that need protecting like my Everly Brothers paraphernalia, or blankets that get put away until next winter.

Photo: instructables

4) A shoe organizer as a vertical herb garden - This last idea is one I must try as a space saver in my apartment. Clever, right? My research says an indoor (or outdoor) vertical garden is easy to grow. Remember to test the caddy for leakage as you will be watering it, and hang it in a sunny area. Very efficient, indeed!

Shoe organizers come in both cloth and plastic. You can repurpose one to organize all kinds of things to hang in your bathroom; on one side of a door; or inside a closet. Vertical storage saves horizontal feet! There is no reason to restrict a shoe organizer to just shoes.

Have you repurposed something you'd like to share? Your ideas may be even better than mine!

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Why Is Ground Beef More Expensive?

Photo: Culinary Arts

The price of beef has gone up. The reason: Last year the midwest experienced a drought, so farmers reduced their herds of cattle and this created a beef shortage. 

Recently, I paid $4.99 (per pound) for ground round on sale! Not tenderloin, mind you, but the meat we use to make burgers! This got me wondering: How can a family stretch their beef budget? And ... what is the difference in all the types of ground beef on the market?

It turns out that some ground beef is made with the leftovers of other cuts of beef from the entire body of the cow. For ground beef to be called a specific type, such as chuck, round or sirloin, it can only come from that section of the animal. So here is what a consumer is buying:

Hamburger: Can have the trimmings from the entire cow. It can also have up to 30% of added fat. Personally, I never buy it. You have no idea what you are getting, nor do you know how many cows are used in one pound of meat.

Ground beef: Has the trimmings from the entire cow, but no extra fat can be added. The fat must come from the pieces of meat used, and it can have up to 30% fat. I don't buy this choice either.

Ground chuck: Chuck comes from the shoulder and neck sections of the cow. It is 15-20% fat. Many people like this cut to make juicy burgers and meatloaf. It is considered a flavorful cut of beef. Pieces of chuck, not ground, often get used in beef stew, or goulash, or stroganoff.

Ground round: Comes from the lean round and rump sections of the cow. It is 10-15% fat. This is a muscular section of the animal and some people consider it too dry to make burgers or meatloaf, but I prefer it. (I also use round and rump roasts ... or round pieces in beef stew. Lacking the marbling of fat, the meat is tough, but braising for a few hours will tenderize and turn it into a delicious meal. That's for a roast. Ground round isn't tough.) 

Ground sirloin: This meat comes from the sirloin section of the cow. It contains 8-10% fat and is the leanest and most expensive of the selections.

Although ground round and ground sirloin make a drier burger and meatloaf, I prefer its flavor to that of chuck, but like the white and dark meat of a chicken, it's a matter of individual taste. So decide for yourself. What's more, I can't tell much of a difference between ground round and ground sirloin, so I usually buy the one that goes on sale.

Now let's discuss how to stretch your beef budget. There are three easy ways:

1. Catch the supermaket sales. 

2. Buy larger quantities: Three pounds or more is often cheaper than lesser weights, then freeze the portions you don't use right away.

Photo: faithfulprovisions.com

3. Use less beef in your recipes: 1) Combine a can of mashed kidney beans with two pounds of ground beef to make a meatloaf {along with a diced onion, red pepper and celery! I also add a cup of oatmeal and two eggs + spices}; 2) Mix rice with a pound of ground beef to make stuffed cabbage; 3) Combine fresh vegetables with ground beef to make hobo packets, etc. These are delicious dishes. You won't miss cutting down on the beef.

I have a hard time giving up red meat altogether, but it's actually a healthy diet to eat less of it and/or to combine it with other food groups.

I'm more mindful these days about how food gets on the table. Now I consider my carbon footprint on the planet, as well as, the cruelty to animals, so I find myself eating less meat in general. However, it's so tasty and filling that I haven't given it up entirely ... not yet! 

How about you?

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Happy Earth Day: Think Green

Photo: Brian Chase via Facebook

It's hard to find people who have the skills to repair things today. For that reason, we've become a throwaway society. Too often, buying a new television, electric blender or watch is cheaper than fixing an old one. It wasn't always the case, and we are creating a lot of garbage in the process. According to the Center for Sustainability And Commerce at Duke University, the average person generates 4.3 pounds of waste per day. Much of it ends up in landfills.

That's way I admire savvy individuals who start groups that give us a way to recycle and get more value out of our stuff.

1. Sandra Goldmark and Michael Banta started Pop Up Repair - a traveling team of handymen-and-women who repair worn and broken appliances, jewelry or toys that might otherwise be tossed. Look for Pop Up Repair at greenmarkets around New York City.

2. GrowNYC - sponsors recycling with free Stop 'N' Swap events - You bring portable things you no longer want, such as clean, reusable clothing, books, appliances and toys and swap them for items you do want. You can even show up empty handed. But, unless you're in need, don't! 

3. Freecycle Network - is a grassroots movement of local groups: You get rid of stuff you don't need and/or find stuff you do want, including computers, furniture, clothes and a myriad of practical things. Effort is made to hook up people (who have broken things) with people who can repair things and, if desired, donate the thing (example a printer) to a 3rd party. Marked "wanted" people can post for specific items; or labeled "offer" list their giveaways.

4. PaperBackSwap - lets you trade books you have read with other readers. You mail a book and get a book.

5. SwapaCD - allows you to exchange a used CD, or you can SwapaDVD.

Even merchants are helping save Mother Earth:

6. H&M will accept clothing in any condition - You bring a pile of clothes to the store that you no longer want and are rewarded with 15% off a single item for not letting fashion go to waste. H&M sends the garments (or fabric) off to be recycled.

 I am proud to live in a progressive age with a green focus. 

A majority of New Yorkers take recycling and safeguarding the environment very seriously, and the city is always looking for ways to be more eco-friendly. 

A municipal law may soon pass. It would charge customers 10 cents every time a plastic or paper bag is needed to bag groceries. If it passes, it will effect my pocketbook, not because of my inability to bring a canvas bag to a shop, but because years ago, I bought a trash receptacle designed to use those plastic bags as garbage bags, so for the first time in my life, I will need to buy kitchen trash bags. But if the big picture means less waste going to a landfill, I am willing to adjust. Perhaps, there's a green solution I don't know about yet?

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10 Women I'd Like To Meet For Tea

Sarah Jessica Parker on Katie 

Let's play a game: Name 10 women you'd like to meet for tea. I'll go first. (If you are a man, you have to come up with men.)

If any of the ladies on my list call to invite me to tea I will drop whatever I am doing to accept. I'll take a day off from work, fly back from another continent, or sneak out of the hospital (with tubes and medicine attached) so as not to miss my fun chance.

Not only do I admire each name on my list for her life accomplishments, I think each woman is a good person. Smart, savvy and positive, they seem like grounded, lovely women, whose hearts and minds are in the right place. Just the kind of women one would enjoy sharing a laugh, chat and cup of tea with. So in stream of consciousness fashion, here are my choices:

1. Michelle Obama - America is lucky to have her as First Lady. Bright. Straightforward. Warm. She cares about people. Do you think she'd introduce me to Bo and Sunny?

2. Sarah Jessica Parker - As a child, she supported her entire family of seven siblings with her Broadway actor's wages, and today remains a successful actress, producer, clothing and shoe designer. She's a wife, mother of three, on the New York City Ballet board of directors, social activist and down-to-earth person. I like how she loves fashion, always looks great, but doesn't take it too seriously. 

3. Jennifer Lawrence - Talented, focused, witty, a lovable goofball (I think, because she grew up with brothers), real, has a good heart, as well as, a wise head on her young shoulders. (I love Louisvillians and Londoners. It's a long story.)

4. Drew Barrymore - Overcame a less than ideal childhood, but learned from her mistakes and got on a healthy path. She sort of raised herself. Today, she's a successful actress, executive producer, as well as, wife, mother and founder of Flower, an affordable line of cosmetics.

Julianne Moore & family (photo: isubscribe.co.uk.com)

5. Julianne Moore - Actress extraordinaire. From all accounts, intelligent, level-headed and a wonderful person. Without a doubt, she'd be a joy to hang with.

6. Katie Couric - She is a good journalist, that's a given. Moreover you just sense, she's the girlfriend everybody should have - fun, thoughtful and watches your back.

7. Meryl Streep - Inside and outside the film industry, who doesn't love Meryl? ♥ ♥ ♥ She's our Queen of Hearts. The admiration spans several decades and just continues ... 2014 ... going strong.

8. Kathy Lee Gifford - As the hostess of the third hour of the Today Show, she

Jennifer Lawrence (photo: stylebistro.com)

expresses her views on the topical issues of the day. She has a positive, yet knowing outlook. When she gives her two cents, I find myself agreeing with her. She understands human nature and talks sense.

9. Kate Middleton and her mother Carole Middleton - Carole started a successful business and raised 3 balanced, happy children; there is never a wrong step in that family. I bet, Carole and Kate are delightful company, together and separately. 

10. Kristin Van Ogtrop  - Real Simple's editor-in-chief. (Full disclosure: I have reported to KVO.) She is nothing like the diva portrayed by Meryl Streep in The Devil Loves Prada, despite being as smart, savvy and successful as that movie's main character. KVO is an inspiring boss and a genuinely nice person. Reading her blog, Adventures In Chaos, inspired me to start mine. She is a brilliant writer sharing her snippets of life as a working mother.

I have a hard time stopping my list at ten women. There are many more -- Shakira and The Chew's Carla Hall are also on it, but now it's your turn.

Who would you like to meet for tea?

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Vegan Beauty Products To Try

Photo by Dermstore

Vegan products are popular with consumers who are concerned about staying healthy, animal curelty and protecting the environment.  Made with pure, wholesome ingredients that are not tested on animals, they are very often organic, as well as, biodegradable and come in minimal, recyclable packaging, according to veganpresence.com.  Being more mindful of the products we buy is a good thing.  Finding products that are good for the planet and the people who live on it is common sense, right?

To celebrate Earth Day on April 22, THE SAVVY SHOPPER is highlighting three vegan, all-in-one products.  As more shoppers lean towards vegan and eco-friendly goods, the production for them will go up, making them cheaper to buy.  Another way to lessen your carbon footprint is to look for products that do double, or even quintuple duty.  The following are beauty products with several benefits that yours truly is eager to try:

1. Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup Foundation - Lightweight coverage with built-in skincare ingredients.  It's a face powder, concealer, sunscreen and moisterizer all-in-one. Smooths away fine lines, plumps, lifts and firms the skin's appearance.  Bring it on, sister!  Costs: $27.
2. Salon Grafix Healthy Hair Nutrition Conditioning Cleanser Line - Sold as a new concept in hair care.  It's sulfate-free and lather-free.  Cleans and conditions without stripping hair of its natural oils.  Takes the place of 5 hair products: shampoo, daily conditioner, deep conditioner, leave-in conditioner and detangler.  Revitalizes damaged hair leaving it shiny and full of body. Costs: $8.
3. Medicine Mama's Sweet Bee Magic All In One Healing Cream - It's certified organic and contains healing bee properties like honey, bee pollen and royal jelly, plus olive oil to nourish, smoothe and protect the skin.  Treats cuts, dry and sensitive skin. Costs: $25. (But, you can find it for $16.98)

I am always on the lookout for products, containing top-notch, all natural ingredients that work, and I love double duty products.  One product -- with multi-benefits and several uses -- saves time, money and reduces clutter.

If you want to explore other vegan merchandise, go t0 VeganEssentials and VeganStore.

Happy Earth Day!

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Ringing In The New Year

New Year's Day has come and gone, but the new year has just begun.  I don't make New Year's resolutions, per se.  I think you need motivation, direction and discipline everyday to live a life of purpose, as well as, the flexibility to meet the challenges that will invariably arise.  Nothing earth-shattering here ... stay positive, always do your best, learn from your mistakes and keep trying.  (Sometimes, trying something else.)  I don't believe this way of thinking guarantees you'll achieve every goal, get rich, or avoid all hardship, but I think over the course of a lifetime, you'll find contentment in knowing you were the best you could possibly be.  You will live a meaningful life, and one that you direct.

That being said, there are a few things I'd like to have more and less of in 2011:

More

Laughs with family and friends

Fabulous voices to listen to – (No mosh pits for me!)  Music by gifted performers who really can sing.

Interesting books to read – What will I discover in the new year?

Congress working together – Compromise, government getting the job done

Pilates – Good teachers nearby

Organization of home and work space – Forever makes me happy! 

Wholesome, delicious food to eat – Forever makes me happy!

Patience – Practicing it, receiving it

Generosity of spirit – Possessing it, receiving it

Transparency – Living it, being surrounded by it. Forever makes me happy!

Less

Negative people - Life is too short.

Lindsay Lohan - Her mother, her father 

Kate Gosselin - And the journalists who interview her.

Heidi Montag - Ditto.  Let's go back to, you must have a talent to become a celebrity.

Christine O'Donnell and those like her - "I am not a witch."  Enough said.

Processed food 

Clutter

Movies – That are slight, depressing or pointless.

Facebook – A little goes a long way.

Twitter – A miniscule goes a very long way.

And finally, I'd like to share a clever quote from Suzy Orman, who gives advice on tracking your spending and staying out of debt, “You are creating a life where people come first, then money, then things.”  It's a good thought to start a new year, don't you agree?

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Ready For Halloween?

When I was a little kid I loved Halloween (as kids do), in spite of the fact that I dressed up in the same bear costume for four years in a row.  That's because before I entered school, I didn't realize that kids changed costumes every year.  

My parents didn't bother to tell me.  They just dressed me up in the bear outfit, made a fuss, mocked excitement and pretended they didn't recognize me that year again!  So totally oblivious to the fact that trick-or-treaters changed themes, annually, I happily walked around my neighborhood, collecting candy, as the same, not-so-scary bear for four straight years.  

My parents got away with their omission until I came into day-to-day contact with other kids, and the jig was up.  

So this is what I want to know:  Were my parents (a) clever [saved time and money, extra points for recycling], or (b) wily [took advantage of my youth and inexperience, plus played me like a fiddle!]?

According to National Geographic, Halloween dates back more than 2,000 years.  Europe's Celtic peoples celebrated their New Year's day, or Samhain on November 1.  On Samhain eve (October 31) it was believed that good and evil spirits roamed the earth on their way to the afterlife.  People wore disguises -- face masks and animal skins -- to fool the evil spirits, so the demons wouldn't possess them.  The early Celts also went from house to house, engaging in silly pranks, in exchange for food and drink.  And, they celebrated with bonfires and community pageants.

 As time went on, the Christian Church got involved and the eve of Samhain acquired a new name, “All Hallows' Eve,” later shorten to Halloween, the day before All Saints Day.  It continues to be observed on October 31, mostly in The UK, Ireland, the United States and Canada.

 

National Geographic reports that in 2010 the Average American will spend $66.28 on costumes, candy and decorations. [My 4 ideal places to find them are a corner drugstore, Target, thrift shops and a family attic.]  If you want to be original, or not, consider the following interesting lists:

Source: National Geographic

The Ten Most Popular Adults' Halloween 2010 Costumes are:	The Ten Most Popular Children's Halloween 2010 Costumes are:
1. Witch	1. Princess
2. Vampire	2. Spider-Man
3. Pirate	3. Witch
4. Nurse	4. Pirate
5. Wench/Tart/Vixen	5. Disney Princess
6. Cat	6. Action/Super Hero
7. Zombie	7. Ghost
8. Fairy	8. Pumpkin/Vampire (Tie)
9. Athlete/Batman (Tie)	9. Batman
10. Dracula	10. Star Wars Character

I have a feeling, today's tots are a lot wiser than yours truly was years ago.  Happy Halloween, everyone.  Go ahead ... enjoy your favorite treats, or a good scary movie. Boo!

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Celebrate Earth Day

Search Amazon.com for An Inconvenient Truth and the BBC's Planet Earth

Today marks the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day, a day – and in some places a week – set aside to appreciate our planet and learn how to take better care of it.  Many communities have become more eco-friendly, implementing programs to make it easier for residents to recycle glass, metal, paper and plastic.  Doing our part is simply the right thing to do, and as I learn more, I want to do more.  

Here are a few steps, I've taken over the last year:

1) Switched to compact fluorescent light bulbs, except for one reading lamp.  The trick is to make changes gradually that you can stick with, as opposed to, all at once.  Small measures make a big difference collectively.

2) When possible, I use salt, vinegar, baking soda and borax as household cleaners over commercial products, containing a multitude of chemicals.  Washing windows with vinegar and water really works! So does unclogging a drain using baking soda, vinegar and hot water. Click here to read how.

3) I put more thought into why I buy stuff and have learned to live with less.  Now I must have a valid reason to bring new things into my home.  If you have $20 burning a hole in your pocket, why not deposit it into your bank account, or donate to a cause you believe in?  Saving for a rainy day, or making this world a better place for another person pays greater dividends than buying material things you don't need.

4) I'm slowly giving away clothes and household items I never touch.  Do you (like me) wear favorite outfits time and again, while the bulk of what's in your closet never sees the light of day?  Usually, if something -- whether it's a second raincoat, an extra skillet, or a spare vase -- is tucked away in a closet, it goes unused.  Lately I'm asking myself:  Should I keep an object, if I have to move another object to get to it?  I've decided to give many of the things, that hide behind other things away to friends and charities who can use them. 

And guess what?  I'm not depriving myself.  It all adds up to lessening my carbon footprint and living a simple life of greater purpose.  Care to join me?  Calculate your carbon footprint here, and Happy Earth Day.

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