I use grapeseed oil as my all-purpose cooking and baking oil; I found out about it in Mark Bittman's book How to Cook Everything. Bittman suggests using either corn oil or grapeseed oil; since I dislike corn oil I tried grapeseed instead. It doesn't smoke at higher temperatures. What really surprised me is how dramatically it improves the taste of baked goods. I hope I never have to do without it!
If you have a car, the hotels near the Santa Ana airport can be much less expensive for much higher quality. They are within a 30 minute drive of Disneyland, but you just have to watch out for rush hour traffic which is tough but should head in the opposite direction (bad toward Disney in the evenings). If you stay near Disneyland, you can usually walk to the park in less than 20 minutes.
I LOVE the BOGO sales that are buy one get one 50% off. Well, I always stop and think, lets see, I'm essentially buying two items that are 25% off each. Usually not worth it.
You know, I came across rice bran oil in my caloric research, but I have to admit that I have not seen it on grocery shelves here in the US. I'm sure it's available, but it's not common. Do you like the taste?
Good article!! But I can't stand the expression, "You get what you pay for." Sounds like one of those nonsensical things my grandma used to say like, "a penny saved is a penny earned." ...And I disagree with the premise itself.
I bought my dad a $100 tablet on sale which he uses every day and carries it around like it's a newborn child or something. I knew that he'd be too scared to actually use a more expensive one. My brother, on the other hand, (who's always cash-strapped) has been through about three $500 iPads in the same 12-month period. One broke, one was stolen, and he's on the third now (can't wait to find out what happens to that one). Sometimes the cheaper item is the better. You don't have to worry about it getting stolen. You don't have to worry about getting sand in it at the beach. If you break it, it's not gonna run you $500.
So, "you get what you pay for"? Well, is a Mercedes really that much better than a Kia if you're just using it to get around anyway?
I have a business goal and a personal goal:
For business my goal is to restucture my billing to better cover my costs.
For personal my goal is to (finally) establish an emergency fund.
In reference to #7 about BOGO sales, while people regularly think about stocking up on things like food and personal care products, these types of sales can be a great time to stock up on things like athletic shoes and basic clothing. If you find a pair of shoes that you love and fit well and are at a great price, why not buy two or three pair? Shoes wear out. If you're active, athletic shoes wear out fairly quickly and don't really go out of style (or no one really cares) or come up with new, must have technology or features on a regular basis. So it can make good sense (and save money in the long run) to stock up when you find a great deal. Similar thinking can be applied to things like socks, underwear, school supplies. And, to a lesser extent, to things like towels, belts, backpacks, lunchboxes or other things that wear out and must be replaced every few years. I even did this with luggage once when I found a great deal on sturdy rolling duffel bags at Target. I was able to travel fairly extensively for over 12 years using the two duffel bags that I bought for $25 each. The bags have recently been retired to "non-airline" trips only, but I still plan to use them for those sorts of trips for a number of years to come.
I have an issue with #3. I promised myself, a long time ago, that if the tax code was so complex that i could not do my own taxes I would sue the government. I will never go to an accountant to do my taxes. It is ridiculous for it to be so complex that an individual with a master's degree cannot figure it out.
hello Julie. Glad I found your blog.
Here is my situation. I own a condo in boston; lived there for four years. Refinanced last year to a current rate of 5.375% on a 30 yrs fixed. Now, interest rates have fallen. However a) my home is now a rental - I moved overseas and rented it out and, b) I am stuck overseas at least for six months and cannot refinance to a lower market rate. I heard that I could get a low 4s rate on an investment property, however I cannot be there for the closing. Getting a POA is too complicated (need signatures from a US consulate - none in my city where I live currently).
So..... I am wondering if paying off extra each month is good to get my principal down a bit and not worry about refinancing right now. Granted, a refi would reduce my monthly payments, but of course I would be paying interest again for a few years and not chipping down the principal at all.
Does it make sense for me to pay an extra hundred each month if the mortgage co. allows it? or make a lumpsum payment of 5k or so and then do a 100 a month? thanks.
Brian
If you add just about anything to the mash, it changes the flavour. The malt is used to break the starches into sugar. If you are already using just sugar, it is just an added cost. Save it for corn meal recipes. Polenta, or grits, are real cheap. Don't forget to give extra nutrients to your yeast. Powdered baby cereal, like rice or oats, has all you need. Even a cup of the mix per 5 gallons will help it along. It can bubble pretty hard, so be careful. There are calculators on the net for sugar-startch conversion, also sugar to alcohol. Try to keep it to a lower % during fermentation, so as not to effect the taste. 14% it starting to hit your limit on taste changes. I found 3-5 passes thru a Britta filter will smooth out the taste. It makes for nice vodka.
I have had a hard time of late with this. I often feel like my "free" time shouldn't be spent just enjoying the little things, but should be spent on my freelance assignments since I so badly want to be back on the road. It is hard, but I am trying to be OK with just drawing a line, taking a night to just turn on the television and veg. Thanks for this!
As part of my resolution to make better use of my time, I have tried to stick to my schedule but already ran into different work (and life) obstacles. I think it's something where it's not going to hurt to be organized and have things scheduled, but you have to be flexible and not get too worried if your schedule gets overtaken by real life.
I use grapeseed oil as my all-purpose cooking and baking oil; I found out about it in Mark Bittman's book How to Cook Everything. Bittman suggests using either corn oil or grapeseed oil; since I dislike corn oil I tried grapeseed instead. It doesn't smoke at higher temperatures. What really surprised me is how dramatically it improves the taste of baked goods. I hope I never have to do without it!
Thanks for the mention Ashley!
If you have a car, the hotels near the Santa Ana airport can be much less expensive for much higher quality. They are within a 30 minute drive of Disneyland, but you just have to watch out for rush hour traffic which is tough but should head in the opposite direction (bad toward Disney in the evenings). If you stay near Disneyland, you can usually walk to the park in less than 20 minutes.
You are welcome!
I LOVE the BOGO sales that are buy one get one 50% off. Well, I always stop and think, lets see, I'm essentially buying two items that are 25% off each. Usually not worth it.
Oooh. I'm very glad to know about that SoCal resident discount. I think an amusement park day needs to happen sometime soon...
Does anybody have any other suggestions for visiting Disney on the cheap?
You know, I came across rice bran oil in my caloric research, but I have to admit that I have not seen it on grocery shelves here in the US. I'm sure it's available, but it's not common. Do you like the taste?
Good article!! But I can't stand the expression, "You get what you pay for." Sounds like one of those nonsensical things my grandma used to say like, "a penny saved is a penny earned." ...And I disagree with the premise itself.
I bought my dad a $100 tablet on sale which he uses every day and carries it around like it's a newborn child or something. I knew that he'd be too scared to actually use a more expensive one. My brother, on the other hand, (who's always cash-strapped) has been through about three $500 iPads in the same 12-month period. One broke, one was stolen, and he's on the third now (can't wait to find out what happens to that one). Sometimes the cheaper item is the better. You don't have to worry about it getting stolen. You don't have to worry about getting sand in it at the beach. If you break it, it's not gonna run you $500.
So, "you get what you pay for"? Well, is a Mercedes really that much better than a Kia if you're just using it to get around anyway?
I "liked" Wise Bread's Facebook page & left. Wall post as well. Great site!
I've decided to eliminate SODA and opt for more WATER this year. I know it will not only be cost-saving but also healthier for me.
I just called and made an appointment with my doctors office - thank you! ...and I'm classic #6! hahahaha!!!
Sticking to the meal/food budget and scaling back on dining out - $200 to $100.
I have a business goal and a personal goal:
For business my goal is to restucture my billing to better cover my costs.
For personal my goal is to (finally) establish an emergency fund.
In reference to #7 about BOGO sales, while people regularly think about stocking up on things like food and personal care products, these types of sales can be a great time to stock up on things like athletic shoes and basic clothing. If you find a pair of shoes that you love and fit well and are at a great price, why not buy two or three pair? Shoes wear out. If you're active, athletic shoes wear out fairly quickly and don't really go out of style (or no one really cares) or come up with new, must have technology or features on a regular basis. So it can make good sense (and save money in the long run) to stock up when you find a great deal. Similar thinking can be applied to things like socks, underwear, school supplies. And, to a lesser extent, to things like towels, belts, backpacks, lunchboxes or other things that wear out and must be replaced every few years. I even did this with luggage once when I found a great deal on sturdy rolling duffel bags at Target. I was able to travel fairly extensively for over 12 years using the two duffel bags that I bought for $25 each. The bags have recently been retired to "non-airline" trips only, but I still plan to use them for those sorts of trips for a number of years to come.
I have an issue with #3. I promised myself, a long time ago, that if the tax code was so complex that i could not do my own taxes I would sue the government. I will never go to an accountant to do my taxes. It is ridiculous for it to be so complex that an individual with a master's degree cannot figure it out.
Great articles! Thanks for the mention.
hello Julie. Glad I found your blog.
Here is my situation. I own a condo in boston; lived there for four years. Refinanced last year to a current rate of 5.375% on a 30 yrs fixed. Now, interest rates have fallen. However a) my home is now a rental - I moved overseas and rented it out and, b) I am stuck overseas at least for six months and cannot refinance to a lower market rate. I heard that I could get a low 4s rate on an investment property, however I cannot be there for the closing. Getting a POA is too complicated (need signatures from a US consulate - none in my city where I live currently).
So..... I am wondering if paying off extra each month is good to get my principal down a bit and not worry about refinancing right now. Granted, a refi would reduce my monthly payments, but of course I would be paying interest again for a few years and not chipping down the principal at all.
Does it make sense for me to pay an extra hundred each month if the mortgage co. allows it? or make a lumpsum payment of 5k or so and then do a 100 a month? thanks.
Brian
If you add just about anything to the mash, it changes the flavour. The malt is used to break the starches into sugar. If you are already using just sugar, it is just an added cost. Save it for corn meal recipes. Polenta, or grits, are real cheap. Don't forget to give extra nutrients to your yeast. Powdered baby cereal, like rice or oats, has all you need. Even a cup of the mix per 5 gallons will help it along. It can bubble pretty hard, so be careful. There are calculators on the net for sugar-startch conversion, also sugar to alcohol. Try to keep it to a lower % during fermentation, so as not to effect the taste. 14% it starting to hit your limit on taste changes. I found 3-5 passes thru a Britta filter will smooth out the taste. It makes for nice vodka.
Tweeted my answer for my third entry: https://twitter.com/#!/grigorylukin/status/154834093434085376
Thanks a lot! :^D
I "liked" you guys on Facebook ages ago. :) I "liked" the link to this article and left a comment on your page.
My main resolution is to save up enough cash to buy a condo.
I liked you on Facebook.
My financial resolution is to save money on healthy and organic produce by going to the farmer's market and having a garden of my own.
I have had a hard time of late with this. I often feel like my "free" time shouldn't be spent just enjoying the little things, but should be spent on my freelance assignments since I so badly want to be back on the road. It is hard, but I am trying to be OK with just drawing a line, taking a night to just turn on the television and veg. Thanks for this!
As part of my resolution to make better use of my time, I have tried to stick to my schedule but already ran into different work (and life) obstacles. I think it's something where it's not going to hurt to be organized and have things scheduled, but you have to be flexible and not get too worried if your schedule gets overtaken by real life.