Indie Mission

A Succulent & Luxurious Summer Pleasure for Pennies

2006-08-18T15:52:00.000-07:00

Here we are on the waning arc of August and some stray leaves are beginning to turn and flutter down into the garden. One of the greatest pleasures of summer is enjoying this harvest time, traditionally associated with county and state fairs.

Along with my perennial herbs, the mainstay green herbs like rosemary, thyme, savory and oregano, I planted several pots of basil from seed. The basil is rich and aromatic and incomparable paired with fresh tomatoes.

I don't have a full-size garden, but plant in pots and a small raised bed intensively. This year I have several tomatoes, peppers, squashes and tomatilloes. One of the most succulent and luxurious things we've been doing late this summer is making our own salsa.

Salsa that's made from fresh ingredients, with time allowed for the flavors to marry, and then consumed immediately is the taste of summer itself. We adjust the combination of fresh vegetables based on what we have picked, but all is delicious. Following below is a general recipe for fresh homemade salsa. If you don't grow your own vegetables, pick up some at the Farmer's Market. You'll still save more, and savor it infinitely more, than the expensive jarred salsa from the grocery store.

Important tip: Do not refrigerate tomatoes unless they're cut. The flavor of a tomato improves at room temperature.

Basic Salsa

2 diced fresh tomatoes (at room temperature)
2-3 scallions (green onions) cleaned and diced
1 jalapeno pepper
1/3 cup rinsed/diced cilantro leaves
1 TBL diced garlic
1 TBL cumin (or to taste)
1 TBL lemon or lime juice

Place all above ingredients in non-metallic bowl and pound, or use mortar and pestle. Let stand at room temperature for at least 40 minutes. Add I cubed avocado, if desired, and salt and pepper to taste.

Variations are endless, for example:

Basil, parsley or Italian parsley instead of cilantro
Adding diced summer squash or zucchini

My Cash on Hand Emergency Fund

2006-07-26T16:34:00.000-07:00

While most PF bloggers have an emergency fund, or are building one, I wonder how many have a stash of cash-on-hand? Other than the coin car and the pennies collecting on the shelf above the dryer, how many people maintain a reserve of cash on hand? I do.

I keep between $200-250 available tucked away at home. It's an emergency fund already in cash. I know it's there if ATMs are down in an actual emergency, if I need to pay for a taxi for a friend, or even if the pizza delivery driver suddenly won't take a check. I don't care a lot of cash with me, to avoid the temptation to spend.

A Tale of Tall Savings

2006-07-26T11:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a little trick that you can use to cage some savings. My teen-age son is 6'5", broad in the shoulders, plays #8 position on his rugby team. He's also tough on t-shirts and clothes generally. I've found the best way to keep him clothed is to buy good quality shirts and trousers that can stand up to a lot of action. The problem is he wears tall sized clothing to cover his frame and that tall sizes of men's clothing always cost more.

What I've found is that some online retailer sales or outlets will markdown tall sizes for the same price as regular sizes. For example:

A regular sized t-shirt normally sells for $15
A tall sized t-shirt normally sells for $20

However, when the t-shirt goes on sale, both sizes are marked down to $10. The savings on the regular size is 33% while the savings on the tall size is 50%.

This savings is also widely compounded on more expensive items like coats or outerwear. Try the sale pages at LLBean, Eddie Bauer Outlet, or Land's End if someone in your family wears talls.

Keep your Lap Cool and your Laptop Humming

2006-07-23T09:06:00.000-07:00

In my last post about beating the heat and savings tips, I mentioned #2 that I use a handy little device to cool my laptop (and me.) I've received a few inquiries for more information about the LapCool2. Here are a few more details:

It cost about $24 and protects my seriously higher investment in my hardware. Think about it this way: I invested 60 times that amount in my computing hardware and this is a very inexpensive way to protect it and keep myself cool at the same time. Don't just take my word for it, read what Hi-Tech reviews has to say about the Vantec LapCool2:

From Hi-Tech Reviews :

"I think a sadist designed the way a laptop computer dissipated heat. He must have had a great big laugh when he came up with the idea of having the entire heat of the computers processor being adsorbed into the persons legs as they sit and use it. That was until Vantec came along and stole all his thunder with their new LapCool2 Notebook Cooler. Now you don't need to feel like you're having some one ironing your pants with you in them.

The Vantec LapCool2 does exactly what it says it will do and does nice and quietly. The fans on high are slightly audible but not enough to be that noticeable and they do create a generous amount of airflow across the base of what is normally one very warm computer base. The LapCool2 is stylish and sleek and with its high-speed 4-port USB port this product should be on everyone wish list if they own or plan to own a laptop computer. The first time you use the LapCool2 and get up from your chair and don't have to rub your legs to put the fire out from the heat build- up, you will be glad you have this little jewel. "

Hot Ideas to Save in the Heat

2006-07-22T16:10:00.000-07:00

It's hot in the Pacific Northwest this weekend and a look at the weather map for the entire country looks like the rest of the country is sweltering too. Several other posts have shared ideas and/or links about keeping costs down while surviving the sun's scorching move into Leo today.

I've got a few hot ideas of my own to cope with these 100+ degree days, motivated, I must admit, more by the fact that we don't have central air conditioning, or even a single window air conditioning unit. (We rely on the Pacific marine air to move in and keep the heat down. That isn't happening as a ridge of serious high pressure is stalled out over most of the greater Northwest.)

1. Don't use appliances during the heat of the day. Run the dishwasher (turn off the heat dry option) and washer at night. Forget about the dryer. Hang those shirts on the line. Mine were dry in about 30 minutes and smell delicious.

2. Laptop hot? I've got an ingenious LapCool2 device that fits under the laptop, uses one USB port for power and has two fans to keep my machine cool. Keeps me cool too on my lap right now. Great investment and will help extend the life of my machine.

3. Water, of course. Take a lukewarm bath (not cold, as your body will want to generate heat to keep your body temperature stable.) Pat dry. Wet a clean cotton bandana and drape it over the back of your neck.

4. Freeze a few washcloths. Take one out and spritz with rosewater or aromatic oil (use almond or vanilla extract, lacking the foregoing.) Drape the frosty fragrant thing over your face and relax in the shade.

5. Stay in the shade. Only mad dogs and Oregonians go out in the midday sun.

6. Tired of flat ice water? Add lemon, or better yet add a snippet of freshly cut and crushed mint. Just drink lots of it.

7. Wet hair and wet feet. Keep your hair damp and dip those dogs in the kiddy pool every so often. I twist my bushy mane into knots while it's wet and secure with a couple chopsticks. Then I tie a wet cotton scarf from nape and forehead.

8. Water yourself while you water the plants. Run through the sprinkler, hose down the decks and benefit from evaporation.

9. Cook up a few salad bowls full of pasta salad in the morning while it's still (relatively) cool. Lots of fresh veggies, some cheese, and an olive oil-lemon juice vinaigrette will taste great at suppertime.

10. Keep the shades, windows and doors closed in the heat of the day. We are fortunate that our downstairs is built into the hill and stays fairly mild. The upstairs benefits from the cool evening breezes. We open the windows as the temperature drops and close them in the morning.

11. Don't necessarily run off to find respite in air-conditioned malls, movie theaters or restaurants. You'll spend a boatload of money and you will have short-circuited your body's ability to modulate and adjust to the heat. Go to the public library if you really need a break, or your local art museum.

12. Settle down in the hammock with that novel you've been meaning to read. Keep that bandana damp and the ice water flowing.

Straying from Best Blog Intentions

2006-07-21T15:29:00.000-07:00

I find I've strayed from my best blog intentions. I started this blog as a compendium of notes and articles to help my seventeen (now eighteen)-year old son launch his own mission to be independent and self-reliant.

Some posts, as I review them, have furthered that original purpose; others have meandered off onto other tangential paths.

Bo is eighteen now. He's in summer school and, despite summer school being a total of 20 days long, in trouble with biology. He didn't graduate this spring, lacking credits. He still doesn't have a job. The sweet used 95 Camry has been sold. He's biking it.

I'm looking back at my original list of topics in the back of my pocket calendar. It lists the following, in brainstorm order:

Topics - Move Out Boot Camp

Taxes
Deposits & Downpayments
Staples - Pantry
Cooking 101
Cleaning 101
Laundry - Remedial
What's a Budget?
Banking
Insurance & Taxes
Credit
Utilities & Computers
Savings & Investments
Roommates
Transportation & Travel
Shopping
Working, Career, Education
Pets
Health & Safety

I think it's time to go back to this blog's roots and not stray too far from my best blog intentions.

$127 Flexible Spending Account Check Received

2006-07-07T17:01:00.000-07:00

I submitted my documentation for health care reimbursement ten days ago and last night the check for $127 was in the mailbox. I turned around and paid the two bills this morning---so it's a wash. Only it's not: by contributing to my employer's flexible spending account savings plan, I'm able to pay non-covered costs and deductible with pre-tax dollars.

During this year's enrollment I elected to contribute the amount of our family deductible and save 25% off the costs of health care. (This account even covers the cost of cough drops!) My contributions are taken directly out of each paycheck, so it's a very painless way to save for covering health care costs that are uninsured or prior to meeting the deductible. Only warning: these accounts are use-it-or-lose-it annually. Usually there is a 90-day grace period stretching into the next year. If your employer offers this option, look into it.

Blog Debris Howling at the Moon

2006-07-06T16:41:00.000-07:00

Where do old abandoned blogs go?

Take a look at any blog directory like Blogwise, do a search of "personal finance" as a keyword. You'll find blogs like lost wallets on the sidewalk. Photos and postings and comments, left out on the blog-street. Some blogs have been suspended, some have moved, and some are out waiting in the park after we drove off and left them.

I have an orphaned blog or two, one that I started with a group of friends who never got the hang of posting or commenting. It never did stand up and breathe. The other one is still waiting for me to return, and I'll be back soon. Or that's what I keep telling myself.

Extra $7200 to Equity Today

2006-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

Today, as our mortgage payment processes, we've made an additional $7200 payment to our principal balance this year. Our fixed rate is 5.125%. Because interest earning rates have been below that, we've made extra 1/2 payments each month for a year, as a guaranteed return that's extremely safe (thousands of dollars in interest spared).

Now that savings and Money Market rates are paying nearly 5% (Vanguard's Money Market fund is currently paying 4.95%) it's time to reassess whether the extra principal payments or stashing the cash makes sense. Because we're already maxing out 401(k)s and IRAs, only taxable options remain. Thoughts?

20% Savings: Save $10 on a $50 Grocery Purchase

2006-07-05T11:48:00.000-07:00

Every few months these coupons show up in the newspaper that offer $10 off a $50 grocery purchase. They never have a very long shelf life (like four days) so I always clip them and run. The trick is to use them for staples, other items already offered on sale, to target spending at exactly $50 to maximize the savings percentage, and purchase only food items. This coupon comes from Safeway and is valid if you also have a club card.

We used the coupon to stock up on dog and cat kibble (we like to keep at least one extra bag of each as part of our emergency supplies.) Threw in 2-for-1 18 count eggs on sale (hey, when teen-agers are running through at all hours of the day or night, lots of eggs are required), bread, pasta, milk, OJ, some fresh produce and such. We did exceed our $50 by about $6, paying $46 for the whole load.

These types of coupons make it worthwhile to clip and use them. While I see lots of postings about others clipping coupons and finding lots of deals in their Sunday newspapers, I honestly am usually disappointed with the offerings. All I ever seem to see are coupons for hair coloring products, expensive disposable razors, or Captain Crunch cereal. When I do see a coupon for a product we actually use, it's dismal: .30 cents off two jars of salsa or something. Not many coupons for avocados, cantaloupe or milk in our hometown Sunday paper.

July 4th Special: Add on a Room to Your House for Free

2006-07-03T16:21:00.000-07:00

Given that work-a-day Monday, between the weekend and the Tuesday 4th of July holiday is something of a disconnected island, this post seems a perfect secret to share : add on a room to your house for free and enjoy it all summer, or longer.

Outdoor rooms provide private sanctuaries that let you enjoy the wonderful sights, sounds and scents of summer; an outdoor room will remove you from the chore reminders of the main house. To create an outdoor room, and actually expand the size of your living quarters, plan a room that can be functional both day and night. If you live in a warm climate, design your room to span several seasons. Don't buy a new patio set, lounge chairs or plastic rattan. Go down to the basement or up to the attic and you'll find the treasures to haul out and set up the space. You'll have more fun and love your outdoor room even more---More ideas about this later.

We have two outdoor rooms. One is the second floor deck that runs the western length of the house. A collapsible awning runs half the width of the deck. We haul out chairs, tables, bookcases and fill it with pots of flowers, vegetables and herbs. Candle lanterns hang from the rafters and iron lanterns dot the flooring. The view of the butte to the south is breath-taking. The trees provide shade, wonderful patterns of filtered light and the various birds that flitter down to the feeder or the bird bath.

Take a look at your space. Do you have a balcony, a front stoop, a private side yard? Any small space can be privatized. Fabrics are key: drape fabric (a clean sheet will do) over a bamboo or closet rod and create vertical space. Drag out an old rug and let it define the floor space. Bring out a few chairs, a table and some candles. Do you have a tabletop fountain? Add it to the room.

Several years ago, in another home, I bought two outdoor umbrella bases on sale. I looped colorful sari fabric over the horizontal rod, and placed two rods upright in each base. I then secured the horizontal rod by tying if off with twine. I used this outdoor "screen" and a tall pot of bamboo to block the neighbors view into my outdoor room. The wind rippling in the fabric was lush and satisfying. Bamboo is an excellent screening device as well.

Enjoy summer while it's here, and celebrate the 4th in your own outdoor room.

500% Return Guaranteed

2006-06-06T17:04:00.000-07:00

This time of year, especially with the DOW tanking, there's one investment that's guaranteed to return at least 500% over the initial investment in value and satisfaction: Summer is just around the corner and there's still time to get a few tomatoes and some fresh basil planted.

Most nurseries and garden centers are starting to heavily discount their bedding plants. (Last year I spent $1 for two tomato and two pepper plants--that's right .25 cents each, that produced fresh sweet cherry tomatoes and sizzling jalapenos.)

Check out the veggie starts at the grocery store too. All you need is a container, and it doesn't have to be a fancy glazed pot, some soil, light and water. Containers can be almost anything: a child's Easter bucket with a drainage hole pierced into it, for example. Place the pot next to the window if you don't have a yard, balcony or front stoop.

Basil is another fabulous investment; even at the farmer's market, bunches of basil for that fragrant garnish of summer over your fresh tomatoes, is thrillingly expensive. A pot of basil with good light will produce many batches of pesto well into September. Invest in summer and invest in the good life.

Catch-and-Release Strategy

2006-06-06T16:57:00.000-07:00

There's something new to learn from everyone, particularly when it comes to hunting down the best deals in anything: stocks, funds, shoes, software or sweaters. My sister has a unique style that has saved her thousands over the years: catch-and-release shopping.

How does it work? Working the market is no different than working the mall: we're all looking for a deal. We're looking for greater value than price.

Sometimes in the glitz and glitter of all those fluorescent lights and mirrors, or catching a surge in volume in after-hours trading and thinking you've hooked a big one, you pull in a trout and not that monster Ahi. Only you don't realize it until you get home and find that that killer white T-shirt is the identical twin of the one in the closet. Or that your buy order just got you over-allocated in tech.

Time to release the little fella'. Save your receipts; take it back to the store (make sure you understand the return policy and time limits.) Set your price to sell and dump it. Just because you caught a minnow doesn't mean you need to keep it.

Win $100 with Your Money-Saving Idea

2006-05-27T07:09:00.000-07:00

Reminder that Bankrate's Frugal U's tips runs a monthly contest for the best money-saving tip. The best tip wins $100. This month's contest ends on June 1st, so check out the entries so far and vote for a favorite, or wait to enter your best idea until June 2d.

May's winning entry for $100:

Winning tip: When you're finished pumping gas in your tank, turn the pump off and then squeeze the pump handle. You'll get the extra little shot of gas that was left in the hose. You've already paid for it so you might as well take it!

Enter here at Bankrate.

Consider Yourself Warned

2006-05-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

While out of the country traveling in the Mediterranean, we watched the DOW climb and crash. Now home, I'm reviewing my portfolio, which contains a good share of foreign and emerging market funds. One of my favorites, and a great performer, has been T. Rowe Price's Emerging Eastern Europe and Mediterranean fund (TREMX).

This story at Smart Money caught my attention, as the NAV has fallen by $6 in a few weeks: "Emerging-Markets Run Ending?"

In part, the story narrates:

"Still, even with the impressive economic gains in developing nations, emerging-market investors must be prepared for the possibility of complete implosion (recall, for instance, the Russian debt crisis of 1998) that is mostly foreign to investors in established markets. And if interest rates continue to rise, emerging markets will likely be hit the hardest, as investors grow cautious and corporate spending dips.

Does that mean there's no place for an emerging-markets fund in your portfolio? For long-term investors, no. But it does mean now is not the time to be chasing returns and the age-old advice that one should only have limited exposure to this group should be closely followed. (Dollar-cost averaging is a tried and true way to avoid buying at the peak). And if you're sitting on substantial gains from your recent forays into Latin America and Eastern Europe, now might be a good time to think about paring back. "

The fund screen used in this story includes TREMX. Since I've harvested some gains during the past couple years and reinvested in other sectors, I'm still watching to see how emerging markets perform.

The Emerging Markets Fund Screen Recipe

Fund Classification = Emerging Market
Annualized 3-Year Return (%) = Top % in Fund Classification = 50.0
Rank in Classification (%) (3 year performance) = Display Only
Annualized 5-Year Return (%) = Top % in Fund Classification = 50.0
Rank in Classification (%) (5 year performance) = Display Only
Expense Ratio, Bottom % in Fund Classification = 50.0
Load Fund (type) = No Load
Minimum Initial Investment <= 5000 Open to New Investors = Yes Total Net Assets ($ millions) >= 50

Foreign Exchange Notes

2006-05-27T06:47:00.000-07:00

Having just returned from Europe, we can confirm that the dollar keeps losing value against the Euro. During our travels in Greece during May, we found the exchange dropping dismally, if by pennies, each day.

Foreign currency often feels like "play money" therefore it's always wise to fix firmly in your mind what items or services cost in dollars. How much is that 33 euro pashmina scarf is USD$? Multiply by .25 and find the true cost is over $40.

Several ways to exchange currencies while in-country:

1. Cash exchange. Check both the exchange rate and the commission. Often hotels will change money for guests without charging commission.

2. ATMs. Money can be withdrawn through your ATM checking or credit card and automatically exchanged. Make sure you use your own network provider; fees and commissions are a shot-in-the-dark as they are not generally disclosed prior to the transaction. Save your receipts.

3. Credit cards. Cash can be withdrawn as a cash advance. However, most cards charge an exchange fee of approximately 3%. Contact your credit card company before you leave home to do two things:

a. Find out the exchange fee;
b. Advise your credit card company you're leaving the country. Many companies now automatically do not authorize purchases unless you've advised them you're leaving the country.

Field Guide to the Grocery Aisles

2006-04-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

Some great tips for navigating the grocery aisles and maximizing time, money, and nutrition in the NYTimes Dining section. Marion Nestle, a professor of nutrition, shares aisle-by-aisle advice in her book "What to Eat."

According to the article "The new book is for anyone who has read a food label; been annoyed at how often their children nag them for certain cereals; wondered about the difference between natural and organic; or questioned who is minding the store when it comes to nutrition and food safety."

Some tips and tidbits:

eat locally and, if possible, organically; keep it simple; concentrate on vegetables and fruits and make meat a condiment; and forget about processed foods.
No matter what their labels say, margarines are basically the same — mixtures of soybean oil and food additives. Everything else is theater and greasepaint."
She also advises parents who want their children to eat healthfully to stick to the periphery of the store. That's where the fresh, unprocessed foods are. "Don't set foot in the center aisles," she cautions. The chapters are divided by aisles: produce section, dairy section and so on. Safety and nutrition are addressed in detail.

$65 Paid on my Sharebuilder Account

2006-04-28T10:36:00.000-07:00

I made $65 on the Sharebuilder-Costco account promotion today when the promotion amount was credited to my Sharebuilder account. I signed up for the promotion as a Costco Business member and Sharebuilder promised to credit me with $65 once I executed my first trade.

I transferred $100 into my Sharebuilder account and purchased four shares of PBW, the alternative energy Powershares ETF that tracks the WilderHill Clean Energy Index. That trade cost me $15.95 and have since earned back the commission amount since the late March trade.

Sharebuilder was good to their promise, and promptly credited the amount in 4-6 weeks. Now I can either:

1. Let it ride
2. Use the free money to execute more trades; add more funds
3. Set up an ACH transfer @$4 per investment the first Tuesday of the month...

I'm considering the options.

Stock Forecasts: May 5, 2006 and Beyond

2006-04-25T18:39:00.000-07:00

Trying to make sense of the market is like trying to predict the weather--although there are not necessary corresponding seasons. There are cycles and patterns and moving averages. I've been following with pleasure the Market Week forecasts of Raymond Merriman. He provides both short-term and long-term analysis, and is more frequently than not, right on the money.

“But our focus for stock indices is on...May 5th. If this corrective decline ends sometime this week, we could see another leg up as the indices resume their “blow-off” pattern.
Right now it is grandeur and a littler hysteria, and it is not “common sense.” We do not live in a time when “common sense” rules the day. And in my opinion, we may very likely experience the opposite end of this dynamic—panic—in 2011.

Outstanding investment opportunities for the long-term: These will result from the social discontent that is already starting, and will inspire young people to find alternative ways to construct their collective life style in the next two decades. As mentioned before, watch the young people. Watch what they do, and what they rebel against. Watch the Establishment too, for what they will try to suppress in regards to “youth movements” will likely fail, as the “New World” and new ideas emerge.

Credit Limit Increase - They Just Keep Coming

2006-04-25T17:53:00.000-07:00

I received a letter from the company that carries one of bank cards today. They're raised my credit limit to $20K and practically begged me to use the card. It's ironic that by not using the card, my credit limit is steadily increased and the advantage offers, dividends and perks just keep increasing.

With two bank cards that I pay off each month, I almost feel sorry for them. Should I use it? I make a purchase or two each year to keep the card active and avoid any other fees that might be lurking in the fine print. Are banks getting more desperate for our finance fees?

Bare Skin Beauty - Big Savings

2006-04-25T11:23:00.000-07:00

I'm always amazed that women will spend hundreds of dollars for expensive skin care creams. The truth is only water will add moisture to your skin and only oil of some type will seal the water in.

If you're spending money on expensive creams, lotions or moisturizers---stop now. Even if you're buying generic at the grocery store you can still save money and get absolutely wonderful skin care. Buy sweet almond oil in bulk---take in your own plastic bottle and fill it up. Price per pound is usually about $5.

Scent it with some vanilla or almond extract or essential oils. Use it in the shower, just before rinsing, to keep skin soft and supple. Add it to wet hair, wrap and read a magazine, and then shampoo out for your own hot oil treatment (if you need product!) Slather it on your heels and put some socks on for a pre-pedicure treat. You won't need Estee Lauder anymore!

We're Honeymooning in Europe with our Tax Refund

2006-04-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

When we married last year (second marriages for both of us) I was too involved in launching a project to take more than a few days off. We never had a honeymoon and now we're going to take one---several weeks in the Mediterranean.

After buying a house together and joining households, we stayed with our current "S" withholding allowances. Although we could have changed our W-4's and greatly reduced our withholding, we didn't. We let the government save the money for us last year. Based on our experience with our tax returns for 2005 (we also bought points on our mortgage last year that were deductible) and the IRS worksheets, we adjusted our withholdings for 2006. Now the government isn't saving for us, but the thousands we got back this year are funding our belated honeymoon.

Pantry Meal #2 - Hearty Sunday Breakfast- $.88 cents per serving

2006-04-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

What to do when a dozen eggs doesn't last until Sunday morning because Bo ate half-a-dozen in his omelet after coming home Saturday night? What's for breakfast when there's no bread, no eggs and low on milk? Go to the pantry and find a wholesome breakfast of hot cereal made delicious by adding a few other pantry touches. Vanilla and almond extracts are great items to have on hand to add aroma and flavor to much more than cookie dough. We also keep a supply of soy or almond milk on hand in the pantry; it's shelf-life is long and flavors are an interesting and healthy break from dairy.

This meal is high in fiber, iron, A, B & C vitamins, and antioxidants (blueberries!)

Whole Grains and Fruit Breakfast

1 cup 10-grain cereal (.33)
3 cups almond milk, or soy or evaporated milk diluted (.90)
1 cup dried mixed berries or other dried fruit diced into small pieces (.75)
2 cups applesauce (.60)
1 tsp. butter (.05)
1/2 tsp. vanilla or almond extract (.03)
1/4 tsp. salt (.001)
sprinkle of brown sugar, if desired

Bring almond milk, butter, salt, mixed dried berries and vanilla extract to boil. Add cereal, lower heat and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes. Spoon into bowls and sprinkle with brown sugar, if desired, and 1/2-3/4 cup of applesauce. Makes three servings.

Spring Time Saving$ - $250 Each Year

2006-04-23T11:29:00.000-07:00

We have a nifty gadget that cost $19.99 and allows us to save $250 each year: ever seen one of these?

Our home is heated by electricity, as are all our appliances. One our biggest volt-suckers is the clothes dryer - coming in second after the electric oven.

Now that spring is here, clothes can be dried on an outdoor clothes line. Our yard didn't have an appropriate space for a conventional clothes line---either too shady, hard to access on a slope, or exposed to dust and chaff. So we bought and installed a retractable clothes line. These are very popular in Europe, but this one happens to be USA-made. The casing is attached to the support post of our upper deck; the other post has a hook. The clothes line spools out of the reel and is attached to the hook. The line is pulled taunt by a twist around the anchor at the lower left. In all, we have about 20 feet of line that can accommodate two loads of clothes.

When you do need to use the dryer, put a dry towel in the clothes dryer with each load of wet clothes. The dry towel adsorbs dampness and reduces drying time. Try to dry several loads of laundry in a row to take advantage of the heat that's built up in the dryer drum.

102.62 Check Received as Pre-tax HSA Reimbursement

2006-04-20T16:08:00.000-07:00

I just deposited a check for $102.62 for my health savings account benefits reimbursement. I submitted the claim form and supporting documentation a couple weeks ago. The check was in the mail last night.

A health Savings account is one of the benefits of my job. I can pay for deductible expenses or non-covered expenses with pre-tax dollars and save 25%. If you have a plan and you're not taking advantage of it, take another look.