Most of us think of vegetables as just an accompaniment to meat loaf, a broiled steak, grilled fish or roast chicken. But green beans – cheap and bountiful this time of year in both supermarkets and at farmer’s markets – can be the star of the meal. Green beans, also called string beans or snap … [Read more...] about Green Beans: More than just a side dish
Home & Garden
Cheap recipes for your barbecue
Are you starting to panic because you have a big crowd coming over for a barbecue? Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd. Find guidelines for cooking for a crowd on one of our favorite free recipe sites, allrecipes.com. Where to buy bulk meats at big savings Use your club … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your barbecue
How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
The old saying is that in real estate, everything is negotiable. But is it really? When you go to buy a house, you’re certainly hoping to get the best price and terms. To do that, you need to know when to start negotiating and when to stop. That begins with being familiar with the market, down to … [Read more...] about How to negotiate the best deal when buying a house
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Arrange them casually down the center of the table, or … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
21 fun ideas for kids on summer break
School Break. Spring Break. Summer Break. Fall Break. The terms excite students across the country but also can instill dread in the minds of the parents of school-age children everywhere. Days or weeks in a row with no school. What can you possibly do to prevent hearing "I'm bored" over and over … [Read more...] about 21 fun ideas for kids on summer break
17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
Much of the nation still is suffering from drought. (The areas that aren’t flooding, that is.) Water has become our most precious resource in some places, especially out West. But unless you have your own well (which is not, by the way, always a guaranteed source of water), it might be smart to … [Read more...] about 17 tips to save water, reduce bill in summer
What to include in a minimalist wedding registry
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One of the things I struggled with the most while planning the wedding of the century was registering for gifts. I mean, I don't like the idea that only married people get to have neat kitchen things. And furthermore, we're both past 30. We have a stocked kitchen. Our home lacks for nothing, really. … [Read more...] about What to include in a minimalist wedding registry
5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
This post is by Catey Hill of Zillow.com. While many people fear negotiating with landlords, car dealers or salesmen, finding the courage to negotiate up front can save time, money and a lot of hassle down the road. For most people, housing is the largest monthly bill they pay, whether that’s … [Read more...] about 5 things renters should negotiate before signing a lease
5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower
One of my readers, Amanda, recently moved into her first home with a yard and grass that needs cutting. "It's huge," she told me, "and I don't know what to do. Is it OK to buy a used lawn mower or does it have to be new?" That's a great question. Whether your old lawn mower has finally called it … [Read more...] about 5 things to consider when buying a used lawn mower
How to find the best home inspector
Before you buy a home, it’s always a good idea to get a professional home inspection. In most cases, you can make your purchase contract contingent on a satisfactory inspection. That means if you don’t like the inspection results, you can cancel the contract, get your deposit back and walk away from … [Read more...] about How to find the best home inspector
How to get along with your HOA
If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association. About 20 percent of Americans live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to the Community … [Read more...] about How to get along with your HOA
How to start a minimalist wardrobe
Brent moved in recently, and can I just say? The boy has a lot of stuff. Holy cow. In fact, I think he has more clothes than I do. Which is fine, because I really don’t have very many clothes. I teased him a little about it, and he got rid of a few more shirts, but the fact of the matter is, I … [Read more...] about How to start a minimalist wardrobe
