Wise Bread (Myscha Theriault)

20+ Bargains at Save-a-Lot Grocery Stores

Myscha Theriault — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 11:24:08 +0000

Looking to take your bargain shopping efforts to the next level? Discount grocery stores can play a huge part in that plan. Offering staples, produce, and even some brand-name grocery items at significantly reduced prices, these chains can be a penny pincher’s paradise. One of the more prevalent discount grocery chains in my area is Save-a-Lot. It’s also one of my favorites. While you won’t find much there in the way of organic groceries, you will find numerous conventional food items for a song. For my money, this makes it one of my go-to places when I need to fill in with basic non-organic produce or pick up some quick menu items for a dinner party. Here are my favorite shopping deals from Save-a-Lot. (See also: Save on Groceries With Discount Grocery Stores)

1. Cocktail Bread

Cocktail bread is one of my all-time favorite party hacks. Already baked in a size suitable for appetizers and conveniently sliced for easy assembly, it can be a best friend to any hostess in a hurry. While I don’t have a problem dishing out the $3-$4 it normally costs at other grocery stores, I was seriously stoked to find the rye-flavored loaves for $1.89 during a recent Save-a-Lot visit. It makes a great base for a favorite party spread I make with canned salmon and works with other canapé recipes as well.

2. Mini Pizza Crusts

Remember those toaster-oven appetizers I recommended in my business tips article for bed and breakfast owners? Well, you can now prepare them even more affordably. During the same visit I discovered the cocktail bread, I also noticed multi-packs of personal-sized prepared pizza crust for roughly $3. Requiring only 5-8 minutes in the oven to heat the toppings properly, these make for a fun lunch or a simple elegant dinner when paired with a mixed green salad and your wine of choice. They are also great for trying out different pizza sauce ideas, since you can put several customized pies in the oven at once.

3. Pineapples

When this fruit is in season, it can still cost anywhere from $3-$5 at other grocery stores in my area. They’re always less than $2 at the nearest Save-a-Lot, leaving me to enjoy all of the pineapple recipes I want during the summer. One of my favorite simple ones is grilled pineapple steaks on the grill with an all-purpose Asian grilling sauce.

4. Bananas

Frequently as low as 33 cents per pound, and routinely less than 50 cents, I always stock up when I happened to be in the store. Banana recipes are flavorful, provide boatloads of potassium, and are extremely affordable for the average family.

5. Wine

While the selection is minimal, Save-a-Lot has started offering a modest wine selection with a few brands that we don’t mind stocking for a basic weekday dinner. I don’t do all of my wine shopping there by any means, but it’s been nice to have the option to pick up a basic bottle there instead of having to make an extra stop on family pasta night. They also have a few brands which are suitable for sangria.

6. Spices

With bargain brands like Badia available, it’s easy to stock up on things like garlic powder and ground cumin when my schedule’s too tight to drive down to the Pakistani market in the city. Not only are these seasonings helpful for basic soups and sauces, they also work well for putting together homemade bread mixes for a savory dinner side.

7. Turkey Ham

When it comes to saving money on meat, the Jenny-O turkey hams are one of my top tips for busy home cooks. Easily diced and sliced with no de-boning or cooking necessary, I’ve priced them at $2.50 at Save-a-Lot versus $4-$5 at most closely priced store. We’re not eating that much meat at our house anymore, but for those who are, these are great. You can whip up pasta salad, carbonara, and a number of other simple dishes on the fly.

8. Sofrito

For those who enjoy Latin-style cooking, the jars of sofrito in the ethnic cooking section are a steal. They are definitely an affordable convenience food that I’ve leaned on for savory soups and sauces. One of my favorite is an El Salvadoran soup made with those bags of mixed seafood, tomatoes, and a few vegetables.

9. Corn Tortilla Mix

If you want homemade with a little less hassle, then you may want to check out the bags of corn tortilla mix. Easily stored in an airtight pantry container or large canning jars, this mix is an affordable way to enjoy tortilla-based meals with extra-fresh flavor.

10. Peppers

With green peppers typically priced at two for a buck, whipping up your favorite Cuban food recipes is more affordable than ever. They’re also great for stir fry dishes, pizza toppings, and homemade spaghetti sauce in the crock pot.

11. Roma Tomatoes

These are one of my two favorite types of tomatoes, and I love the fact that Save-a-Lot has them for less than a buck per pound at various times during the year when they cost nearly double elsewhere. One easy way to use them when feeding a crowd is in Middle-East-inspired cocktail sandwiches made with bulk mozzarella. They also work well in spinach salad. Again, they’re not organic, but for a quick fill in on a busy week, it’s nice to be able to pick them up in the same plaza where I frequently run other errands.

12. Avocados

Avocados are one of several plant-based diet tricks that make transitioning to a reduced-dairy lifestyle easier. Full-flavored and healthy, they make a creamy addition to many meals you may already enjoy eating, such as tacos, sandwich wraps, and homemade guacamole. They are regularly priced at $1 each for the larger ones in season, and at other stores I have to wait for a sale to see that price. This makes it worth my while to stop there specifically when I’m on an avocado mission.

13. Sweet Potatoes

Always less than a dollar per pound and sometimes as low as 39 cents per pound, the jumbo sweet potatoes at Save-a-Lot make their way into my refrigerator produce drawer on a regular basis. They make an elegant and simple side dish when paired with roasted beets, and when I don’t feel like making veggie burgers, I can slice off large rounds to roast in the oven. Yes, they’re still just sweet potatoes, but the side next to the baking dish that’s been brushed with olive oil caramelizes nicely and provides the look of miniature patties on the plate when I’m serving other items that are more traditional for meat and potatoes dinner guests. Bonus? They cook more quickly that way.

14. Cilantro

It may not be on everybody’s list of favorite kitchen herbs, but it is extremely popular with a fair number of people. It’s also one of the easiest soup garnishes to prepare. Just snip into a bowl, and you’re good to go. While the large bunches are priced at 2 for $1 on a regular basis, I typically have to pay more than a dollar for just a single batch at my other favorite chain stores. The only place I can top this price is at Patel Brothers, which is in a location I can only manage to get to once every two or three months. So when I need a fresh batch of this herb and don’t want my grocery budget to take the hit, Save-a-Lot is where I shop for it.

15. Mangoes

The large mangoes are routinely priced at around a buck per mango, similar to the way they price the large avocados. This makes them extremely affordable to bring home and prepare things like mango sorbet, a grilled fruit medley, or one of my favorite black bean recipes, mango-black bean salsa. Since the store also carries cilantro, jalapenos, canned beans, limes, and other basic ingredients, the salsa can pretty much be whipped up with one-stop shopping. It pairs well with grilled fish, plain rice, or even grilled pork medallions if you’re so inclined.

16. Snacks

When it’s junk food you’re craving and you don’t want to spend much for it, Save-a-Lot has a decent snack selection that includes things like Fritos, cheese crackers, Doritos, and other guilty pleasures. The cracker selection also works well when planning a party with a variety of spreads and dips.

17. Cured Turkey Sausage

As I pointed out in my previous hurricane preparedness article, cured meats are a great way to remain prepared for both power and entertainment emergencies. They are shelf stable; easily sliced or chopped for sauces, pasta salads, and other delicious num-nums; and reasonably affordable, depending on where you purchase them. That’s why I was excited to see packages of short-linked, cured turkey sausage on a recent cruise through the Save-a-Lot aisles.

18. Cabbage

While cooking with cabbage is relatively inexpensive no matter where you buy it, I have noticed that it’s usually less than 50 cents per pound at my local Save-a-Lot store. So if you don’t want to wait for those March sales and aren’t planning to buy organic anyway, this is a great place to stock up on this particular produce item.

19. Ramen

The six-packs of ramen here are regularly priced at six for a dollar, a price I need to sale-watch for at my other favorite stores. So if ramen recipes are something you enjoy, then this might be your best bet if you have a location near where you live.

20. Meat and Dairy

I realize I’ve already listed a couple of other meat items above, but for those who indulge regularly in these types of food items, I feel they deserve their own category with regards to this particular article. The bargain meats, cheeses, and other dairy products at Save-a-Lot are a huge money saver for those whose favorite sandwich ideas include stacking ‘em high with protein and multiple cheesy flavors. Other meat items are extremely affordable there as well, including turkey breasts, chicken leg quarters, and prepared treats like meatballs, chicken tenders, and more.

21. Canned Goods

While we try to eat mostly fresh and frozen items when we can, the truth is it’s difficult to resist the convenience of canned items at least occasionally. The way I figure it, it’s at least cheaper than takeout or frozen pizza. So when push comes to shove I don’t mind using canned products for my favorite bean recipes or picking up a can of fruit for an easy meal enhancement. At this store, I routinely see canned goods priced at less than 60 cents each, making them an affordable time saver on a busy evening.

22. Mixes

Seasoned rice blends, dry pizza crust blend, and cake mixes are readily available for less than $2 each, making for simple side dishes, corn muffins, dump cakes, and other easy menu items when you need a break from the stove at the end of the week, yet still have a Sunday dinner to pull off. While I don’t recommend overloading your family meal plan with processed foods, there’s nothing wrong with a little help now and again in the form of prepared items.

OK Wise Bread readers, these are my favorite bargains at Save-a-Lot. Do you have a list of favorite things you like to pick up there? Or another favorite grocery chain that offers a selection of superior values?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Eating Vegan on the Cheap

Myscha Theriault — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:24:13 +0000

Exploring a plant-centered lifestyle is popular these days, but with it comes the common concern of a cost increase for the household grocery budget. Now that I've been in a (mostly) vegan household for a little more than two years, I’ve learned a thing or two about going vegan on the cheap. Here are a handful of my top tips. (See also: 25 Delicious, Healthy, and Cheap Bean Recipes)

Select Seeds

When it comes to vegan protein, many people gravitate immediately towards nuts. While I love a good cashew-pepper stir fry as much as the next girl, stocking your pantry with even conventionally grown nuts can cost as much per pound as high-quality organic meat. If you’re looking to spend less, seeds are a safe bet. For example, sunflower seed kernels can be used to make spreads, seed butter, gluten-free baked goods, and more. I’ve also found that organic versions of popular seeds such as pumpkin, flax, sesame, and others actually cost less than conventional nuts as well. Bonus? Those with nut allergies can feel free to indulge.

Season With Liquid Smoke

This is one of the best-kept secrets of maintaining a successful plant-based diet. If you’re new to being vegan and are concerned about filling your flavor requirements affordably, liquid smoke is something you are going to want to purchase for your refrigerator. Available in a variety of flavors, it adds smoky goodness to any dish you want, making it more like the meat dishes you may have previously been used to. I use it in Middle Eastern eggplant dip, pea soup, and other dishes to add “meaty” flavor without the actual meat.

Stock Up on Beans and Legumes

In addition to the seed suggestion above, beans and other legumes and pulses pack a nutritional punch as well. For example, there are several split pea recipes that are very affordable and easy to make. And not all of them are soup based. Another often-overlooked vegan grocery item is lentils. There a number of varieties that can be used in pilafs, soups, vegan meatloaf, and more.

Go for Green Groceries

While organic groceries are great, what I’m talking about here are fresh grocery items that are actually green in color. They tend to be some of the highest-rated items on the nutrient density index and can be remarkably affordable. Organic romaine hearts go on sale all the time, making them a steal for salad fans. Other affordable ideas include incorporating some frozen broccoli recipes, roasting Brussels sprouts, and trying out baby spinach as an add-in for some of your favorite sandwiches and pasta dishes.

Try Toppings

Incorporating a few toppings is a great way to jazz up a meal. They don't have to be expensive, either. For instance, chopped scallions are one of my favorite soup garnishes for simple broths, tomato bisques, and old-fashioned potato soup. They dress things up, are nutritious, and can be prepared relatively quickly with a chef’s knife and cutting board. Another option for enhancing a meal affordably is to use creative salad add-ins. Bacos — believe it or not — are actually vegan. I love to use them on top of salads, on pizzas and even in tortilla wraps. Homemade croutons are another one of my favorite salad ingredients.

Choose Long-Lasting Produce Items

For those with crazy schedules, watching produce go bad due to lack of time can be disheartening. That’s why shopping for long-lasting veggies such as cabbage and onions can keep you on track financially while still keeping you stocked with vegetables. This might mean you eat fewer salads and enjoy winter squash more often, but in general you’ll have more flexibility with your groceries when work keeps you on the go.

Once you’ve done your research and test driven a few types of recipes to determine what’s right for you and your family, you’ll see that pulling off vegan on the cheap isn’t necessarily as difficult as you might have previously have thought. For those more experienced vegans reading, what are some areas of savings that might surprise the rest of us?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

7 Easy Lunch Ideas for Work

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:00:15 +0000

We all know that bringing lunch to work can be a huge money saver. So why don’t more of us do it? Well, the reasons are as individual and varied as lunch itself can be, but in the end a couple of basic themes rise to the top: time and convenience. Here are a few strategies that will help you stick to your guns and save money. (See also: 25 Quick, Cheap Lunch Ideas)

1. Stock a Lunch Pantry

Keep one of your desk drawers, some space in your locker, or even a clear plastic box with a snap-on lid in the office refrigerator stocked with long-lasting groceries suitable for on-the-fly lunch ideas for work. Crackers, rice cakes, organic tea bags, peanut butter, and even pourable boxed soups can all be stored in a drawer until you’re ready to use them. If you have a little extra room, you can even stock a few seasoning items such as cinnamon, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. For those who want to use the clear tote in the fridge idea, some of these easy cream cheese appetizers can easily be modified for a lunch of crackers and fruit with a fun spread.

2. Consider Foods in Envelope Packets

For fast-moving city commuters, envelopes and foods that come in flat packs are a great solution. Envelopes of miso soup, pre-cooked sandwich salmon, and even ramen can be tucked into the slots of your messenger bag otherwise used for files. Tasty Bite has fun international foods available in envelopes as well, and a trip down the aisle at your grocery store can result in additional finds such as envelopes of pre-cooked rice and lentils, and premixed sandwich salads you can spread on crackers from your lunch pantry.

3. Get Delivery — Through the Mail

If your commute involves lugging a bag full of tech equipment into the city via several subway changes, then taking even a small lunch to work can be cumbersome. If staying on a cheap food budget without resorting to greasy fries is a priority for you, consider the case for Amazon that Wise Bread’s own Linsey Knerl made a few years back. If you have access to a Prime membership for free shipping, then there are any number of easy, shelf-stable, and affordable lunch options you can have shipped to your place of employment to store in your lunch pantry. Lightweight vegan soup cups you can make by adding hot water, healthy protein bars, and more can all be ordered by the case and stored easily for those days when even an apple seems like too much trouble to pack.

4. If You Must Go Out, Try a Food Truck

While hitting the local diner every day might not be the thriftiest move, exploring your nearby food truck options just might be. Many cities have a food truck scene that brings more variety than any food court at the mall ever could, and often for less than the value menu at a typical fast-food drive through. For example, in Miami, many tourists and residents purchase affordable food truck munchables before heading to one of the city’s pocket parks to enjoy a quiet, affordable, and stress-free lunch. Similar options exist in areas of Boston, New York, and other large cities.

5. Get Yourself Some Great Grab-and-Go Items

Bake up a batch of chicken nuggets on a Sunday and package up some quarter-pint canning jars full of your favorite dipping sauce. Thai sweet chili sauce and peanut sauce are two of my faves. The point is, planning brown bag lunches for the week doesn’t have to take up a large amount of time. A few simple ideas for your main event, and you’ll only need to pick a few favorite fillers to round things out.

6. Grazing Is Good

If you don’t have to be on the phone most of the time, then using some of your favorite healthy road trip snacks as lunch-worthy items you can eat during smaller breaks throughout the day might be your best bet. Snack ideas are often easier to come up with than a full menu plan, even when it comes to lunch ideas for work.

7. At Least Once a Week, Go the Extra Mile

If you can carve out time to go the extra distance with sandwich ideas and zero waste lunch supplies at least once a week — say, Wednesday — it will help you feel good about the choices you’re making and maintain enthusiasm for the extra effort it can sometimes take. Take that slammin’ sandwich to the park or find a quiet corner to enjoy some streaming online news during your lunch hour.

See? Easy lunch ideas for work actually do exist. Try a few of these simple strategies for yourself, and use the money you save to get ahead financially in a way that suits your family’s needs.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Making the Most of Shopping at Marshalls

Myscha Theriault — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 11:24:20 +0000

Famous for affordable luxuries and discount home goods, Marshalls is also a great place to shop for other things, such as career clothing, Christmas presents, and baby shower gifts. If you want the best bargain shopping experience available however, it pays to go in with a plan. Here’s how I make the most of any shopping trip to Marshalls. (See also: Tips for Perusing the Perimeter at Target)

How to Shop

Having a few penny-pinching strategies up your sleeve will go a long way towards making sure you get the price point you’re hoping for. This relates as much to how you shop as what you actually shop for.

Look for Red Tags

If you’re wondering how much longer you should wait for the price to drop on an item you’ve been coveting, wonder no more. Once an inventory item has reached the point of receiving a red sticker, the price has dropped as low as it is going to. According to Sonya Cosentini, a Marshalls style expert, red tags indicate a clearance item. What’s more, clearance markdowns are made at only two times per year (July and January), when the chain is making room for new fall and spring merchandise, respectively.

...But Also Keep an Eye Out for Purple

Cosentini points to purple as another color to be on the lookout for while scouring your local Marshalls. Apparently, the lavender stickers denote high-end merchandise by designers you are likely to see on the runway during Fashion Week. Items of this sort can range from shoes to jackets and offer significantly greater savings. These fashion finds move quickly, however, so don’t be surprised if your first few forays into the store don’t result in the discovery of the coveted purple sticker. I spent a couple of hours during my sleuthing session without noticing a single one. Persistence is key however, so those with a bit of time on their hands should eventually find success.

Patience Will Be Rewarded

While it’s typically possible to go in and grab a last-minute gift without difficulty, finding just the right clothing item to replace a critical wardrobe piece may take a few tries. Always having a list of classic items you’re looking to replace or upgrade will enable you to pounce on any hot deals that make their way to the Marshalls racks. Jeans, black dress pants, workout wear, and seasonal wraps all come to mind as frugal fashion pieces that are worth the wait when you’re looking for the right deal.

Compare Prices to Sniff Out Savings

While Marshalls always has a price comparison listed on each item’s store tag, I’ve found that for some reason, these can be more of a conservative estimate. That’s why I like to check for the original price tags to see how much more I might actually be saving, particularly on clothing items. For example, I recently purchased a reversible Ralph Lauren dress belt for my husband. The Marshalls price was $16.99 with a “compare at” listing of $55. While that was a decent deal in its own right, I noticed that the original price tag from Ralph Lauren showed an even higher original price of $95. A quick internet search upon arriving home confirmed the cost, but I could have easily accomplished this on site with a price comparison shopping app. I guess it’s not really a big deal since I’m saving money either way, but I found the price difference of note, and it’s nice to know when I’m getting an even greater savings opportunity.

Become the Store Manager’s Best Friend

Boatloads of new items arrive in Marshalls stores weekly. Buddying up with the managers is a great way to stay informed as to when shipments including your favorite brands will be delivered. Remember, their job is to move merchandise. So if you’re prepared to power shop, don’t be afraid to let them know. This is also a fab strategy for sought-after seasonal items such as specialty chocolates, back-to-school goodies, or holiday ornaments.

If Necessary, Haul in the Professionals

It’s a discount store, remember? That means wide aisles and other streamlined shopping perks aren’t necessarily as prevalent. I’m not saying Marshalls doesn’t do their best to make it as pleasant as possible, but when you have that many categories of items in a smaller retail space, it’s inevitable that you’ll eventually need to ask for help. The other day, I was hoping to find a particular item and for the life of me I thought I’d looked everywhere it could possibly be. I hadn’t. Which is why I’m glad I was so shameless about flagging down a clerk to point me in the right direction. I was able to get the item that I wanted (a travel case for reading glasses) at a price point I could afford (roughly $5).

What to Buy

Some product categories offer more spectacular savings than others. While a great deal of the purchasing decisions for any shopper will be personal in nature, there are a few categories that most of us shop for at one time or another.

Shoes, Shoes, and More Shoes

OK, maybe not that many. But of all the shopping categories up for grabs at this retail chain, the shoe department is one of the most extensive. They have a number of higher-end brands at greatly reduced prices, making them one of my go-to sources for seasonal replacements, special-occasion shoes, and reconnaissance for classic options I’m looking to add to my wardrobe. Once a year, I usually pick up a pair of Ann Klein t-strap, high-heeled sandals in black. I wear these frequently with jeans, dress pants and mid-calf dresses. They’re a casually dressy footwear option that will let you show off a pedicure and are easily tucked into a tote purse when you need to slip on something sturdier for a couple of hours of shopping. I’ve also scored Born shoes at 80% off, and glittery special-occasion sandals when the situation demanded it.

Goodies for the Guys

I realize that most of the time, these shopping tips articles tend to leave the guys out in the cold. That’s why I made sure to give the men’s section of Marshalls a thorough going over when I drove down to research this article. Items of note included belts, brand-name sport and dress socks, and a number of gift items such like traveling shoe care kits, Rockport and Woolrich slippers, and fragrance selections. There is also decent men’s fashion selection, although it’s not as extensive as the women’s one.

Hostess Items

Entertaining guests in your home at any time of year requires a variety of serving items, and this is one area where Marshalls has a fair amount to offer. Serving trays and platters, barware, and even a brushed steel cake server were on the shelves on the day I did my walk through. Also present are many excellent items to bring as hostess gifts when someone else is throwing an event, such as gourmet food items for gift baskets, sparkling organic juices, scented candles, and gift-worthy Christmas ornaments.

Classic Gifts

Special gift-giving occasions take place all year long, and when you want to give an elegant present without breaking the bank, it’s nice to have a place to go where the bargain selection is a bit snazzier than the dollar store. Don’t get me wrong — dollar stores definitely have their place, and I shop that circuit for many items, including gift wrapping supplies. But when I’m shopping for a baby shower, graduation, or wedding, I’m usually searching for a way to give the best gift I can on a budget. And while the selection changes weekly, I know there’ll always be something I can pick up when those events arise. Also of note are a variety of items suitable for children’s gifts (love those board games), classroom supplies, and even stocking stuffers.

Personal Care Items

From facial hair grooming tools for men to hair care products for women, there’s always something available at Marshalls when I want to step up our collective “beauty” routine at home. Recent finds include discounted Bed Head shampoo and conditioner and Body Shop body butter for $5. Normally, a basic lotion and sunscreen make up the bulk of my skin care routine, but every once in a while it’s nice to have a more luxurious moisturizing treatment on hand. Particularly during the winter months when elbows, heels, and other areas need a bit more TLC.

Spa Treats

Looking for some luxurious items to stock your at-home spa bathroom? If you’re not stuck on searching for a particular brand and are open to adventure, then stop by on a deal-sleuthing trip and see what you find. Again, these are the kinds of items that rotate in and out weekly, so shopping with a particular brand and scent in mind could very well end in frustration. That being said, heading into the store with an open mind could result in some seriously fun finds. A few that caught my eye on my last visit to Marshalls were cupcake guest soaps, pomegranate bath pearls, and a reasonable selection of scented French lotions all priced at a level comparable with generic bargain brands at my local big-box store.

Bed Linens

One of the things that kept us from upgrading to a king-sized bed long before we did was a concern over the cost of bed linens. When you pay full price, the cost difference between queen and king can be significant. But as I mentioned in my article Savings in Every Room, hitting discounts stores such as Marshalls makes purchasing these items as affordable as it would be for a smaller size of bed at the regular, full price.

Kitchen Items

As with other Marshalls household items, you are at the mercy of what their buyers were able to negotiate deals for. That being said, there are some seriously slamming gourmet kitchen supplies available here on a regular basis. Stock pots, woks, sauté pans, and more line the shelves, albeit with a fluctuating selection of brands. Since one of the best ways to score cheap food that’s also good for you is to prepare it from scratch, young people starting out will be able to stock a much nicer kitchen for less and save money on their grocery bill to boot.

Travel Gear

While it doesn’t represent a major portion of their inventory, Marshalls does carry a variety of travel gear. I recently purchased a Swiss Gear toiletry bag for my husband with a separate lower compartment suitable for first aid and pharmaceutical supplies. The $15 price tag was half of what I had paid for another name-brand bag of comparable quality that had been damaged on vacation. While this piece of gear was designed more for adventure travel, there were other brands of shaving kits on the shelves that would appeal to the business or luxury travel crowd.

Additional travel items I spotted on the shelves were hand-held luggage scales, document wallets, and women’s business totes designed for traveling light. There’s also a luggage section featuring larger pieces for checking and smaller, wheeled carry-on totes. Wardrobe item replacement from the road is also a concern for frequent travelers. Broken heels, torn sweater sets, and ripped dress pants are part and parcel of the road warrior lifestyle. And while you certainly can’t expect to waltz in and come out with an exact duplicate of the item you’ve damaged or lost, you can expect to be able to find something suitable for the duration of your trip and shoes you can feel confident about for your next after-hours business social. With some of the brand options that regularly surface in their inventory, you might even find a clothing item you like better than the one you had to replace.

This is by no means a comprehensive list of savings opportunities you can expect to find at Marshalls, but it does represent the areas of need that arise most frequently in my home and life. Clearly a bit of flexibility and patience are key. If that’s OK with you, then you may be able to incorporate the use of this particular retail chain into your long-term arsenal of savings strategies as I have.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Save Thousands While Traveling: 25 Ways to Use Hot Water

Myscha Theriault — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:48:12 +0000

Life on the road can be hectic, to say the least. Staying nourished and healthy while traveling for business, dealing with your daily commute, booking a romantic cabin getaway, or even taking a family vacation can take serious planning. It’s hard to be prepared for every emergency, however, particularly when space is limited for lunch items and vacation snacks. That’s where having a healthy list of hot water strategies up your sleeve can save you thousands of dollars per year compared to the cost of high-priced resort food, restaurant dinners on your lunch hour, or room service on yet another extended business trip.

This free resource is available at hot water stations in the work place, from the hotel coffee bar, and via your hotel room’s microwave or coffee maker. It can also be prepared on a one-burner camping stove with a small pan, or in a hot pot plugged into your van’s electrical outlet. Here’s how you can put it to use on business trips, ski getaways, family vacations, and more. (See also: 6 Ways My Family Scores Free Travel With Credit Cards)

1. Sore Throat Solution

Heading out on any sort of travel adventure, business related or otherwise, leaves you at risk for catching a variety of cold and flu viruses. Once they’ve caught up with you, a sore throat won’t be far behind. This lemon and honey water idea from the Savvy Vegetarian can easily be accomplished for free using supplies from your hotel’s morning breakfast bar. Business travelers who make their living on the speaking circuit should find this tip particularly helpful, as will daily commuters with access to a hot water dispenser in the staff lounge.

2. Hot Chocolate

Who doesn’t love a warm, chocolaty treat while they’re on the road? Packing envelopes of hot chocolate mix will give you something to look forward to in the hotel room at the end of a long day. If you’re really feeling indulgent, hit the liquor store for a bottle of butterscotch schnapps and create candy-bar flavored cocktails while you catch up on the day’s news.

3. Tea

Even if you don’t have time to tuck in a few packets of your favorite flavor, there are always plenty of tea bag options in the priority pass lounges and hotel hospitality bars that you can take advantage of for a free herbal spa break. When my husband and I travel home during the colder months, we always stop at the same Hampton Inn in South Portland before heading north on the highway. They have a coffee, tea, and cookie bar going at all hours, and we always fix ourselves a couple of hot cinnamon-apple teas to enjoy by the fireplace while we wait our turn to check in. It’s a simple, no-cost treat that warms us up, and since they have an array of options, we usually take two or three packets back to the room to enjoy there as well.

4. Ramen

Seasoned road warriors turn to ramen recipes while traveling for fast and frugal comfort food. They can be created easily in the hotel room using either the coffee maker or the microwave, and they provide a workable solution when you need something to take away the hunger pains in a hurry. Depending on the brand you choose or whether or not you use the seasoning packet, it’s even possible to enjoy vegan ramen from the road.

5. Theraflu

When the nasties get the better of me, Theraflu is my go-to beverage to help me sleep things off. It’s particularly helpful to use while traveling, because the powdered hot drink envelopes pack easily into the side pockets of business totes, messenger bags, and rolling carry-on luggage. Tip — it’s been my experience that this stuff will put you to sleep with lightning speed, so you definitely don’t want to mix it up until you are literally standing beside the bed in your hotel room. (Others may have powdered OTC beverage medicines that they favor instead. This is just the one that I’ve been using since before I left home, and the one I feel most comfortable with. I am not a doctor, and this by no means constitutes medical advice. It’s just my personally preferred product.)

6. Miso Paste

I actually got this idea from Ms. Alicia Silverstone herself. I was watching a Google Talk she gave when promoting her cookbook and someone was asking her about vegan travel. Her response was to carry resealable envelopes of miso paste. Using a spoonful at a time mixed with hot water, according to Silverstone, was what she used to create an on-the-fly soup that would perk her up and keep her nourished between meals.

7. Oatmeal

If you’re like me and sometimes have trouble eating a hearty breakfast in the morning, then consider just having some fruit with an English muffin and peanut butter while carrying a couple of the oatmeal packets back to your room to have for lunch or even instead of seasoned rice as an in-your-room dinner side. I’m certainly not suggesting you be a dining dunce and waltz off with the lion’s share of the available supply. But considering some people are able to wolf down as much as they would at an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet before 7:00 a.m., it isn’t that much of a stretch to take a few minor items back to your room if all you ate over coffee and the news was a banana.

This can also work if you’ve had a late night the evening before and can’t get down for breakfast until five minutes before it ends. In that case, enjoy a small hot item in the company of others, and take back items (like oatmeal) that can be prepared with hot water later in your room. My husband and I use this trick all the time when we wake up late and also happen to be traveling with the dog. Her separation anxiety makes it nearly impossible to leave her alone in the room, which means we need to grab breakfast tag-team style.

8. Indian Food

Recently at Costco, I noticed that bulk boxes of Tasty Bite treats were available. One kind was even vegan and came in an envelope that could easily be added to hot water in a bowl and prepared in the microwave. I’ve also seen envelopes of precooked lentils from the same company at my nearest Super Target. There are certainly other ethnic foods available in mix-and-eat formats as well. I point to Indian food specifically in this piece because it’s so hearty and full of fun flavors that with help you forget you’re being frugal. Tuck a few envelopes into your luggage for emergency supplies on your next road trip.

9. Noodle Dishes

Packets of flavored instant noodles have been a favorite of the backpacking crowd for years, but they can easily do double duty for family or business travel. I’m not saying the sodium count in these things is the healthiest, but to get you over the hump when your schedule doesn’t allow a restaurant stop, there are certainly worse things you could be eating. Mix in some chopped frozen broccoli from the grocery store before you heat things up to keep the veggies flowing and toss in a bit of ready-to-eat salmon (also from an envelope), and you’ve got a decent, fast meal that’s cheaper than takeout and just as fast.

10. Seasoned Rice

This is available in tube-shaped packs in a variety of flavors, usually in the ethnic food aisle of your grocery store. Saffron flavored, red beans and rice, and even black bean and rice combos can all be prepared with a microwave and hot water when you’re hitting the hotel circuit. Paired with simple greens and a few salad add-ins, this isn’t a bad way to go for frugal food on the fly.

11. Soup Packets

There are too many brands to list really, but suffice it to say these pack just as easily as anything else you’ll find. If you are traveling by vehicle and your hotel is near a grocery store, grab some scallions or Bacos to use as soup garnishes and perhaps pick up a package of dinner rolls for dunking. This is perfect for when you want something warm and filling, but aren’t up for a heavy meal.

12. Broth

Bouillon cubes are available in chicken, beef, and veggie flavors and mix easily with hot water in an insulated paper cup available for free from the hotel. Crumble up a few seaweed snacks for a bit of extra nutrition, and chances are it’ll hold you over for long enough to come up a workable food plan that won’t sink you major bucks. Sometimes it’s just about having a little something to get you by for a bit so you don’t overindulge at the nearest fast-food restaurant you find.

13. Couscous

Prepared in a flash with hot water, couscous is great for traveling whether you’re hitting the hiking trail or a business-class hotel room. Toss in a few extras like dried cranberries, and you’ve got a rockin’ side dish at your disposal. Frozen peas can provide a veggie component and some slivered almonds can pack a protein punch, if finding those items happens to be convenient.

14. Multigrain Hot Cereal

Bringing along a package of this stuff can keep you powered for hours, and it only takes some hot water to get the ball rolling. Tack on an apple for a snack, and you’ll easily be set until you get back to your room later in the day.

15. Cream of Wheat

Less hearty but still easily prepared with access to hot water, cream of wheat is a simple breakfast you can dress up with raisins or a side of orange wedges. If you’re packing a one-burner stove for that family road trip, this can make a great late-morning breakfast when you pull off the highway at the rest stop to let Rover have a romp.

16. Frozen Vegetables

With a bit of water in the bottom of your travel bowl for steaming, microwaving frozen vegetables from Costco or the local grocery store is an easy way to get a healthy dinner side on the travel table. Pick up some grilled chicken strips and potato salad from the deli, and you’re good to go. If you’re traveling as a family, one parent can get the kids to the pool to start working off energy while one of you hits the store and comes back to get grooving with dinner. They’ll sleep like babies (which means so will you), and you’ll feel better knowing they have had a healthy meal instead of another round of French fries.

17. Mac and Cheese

You’ll need to carry along an envelope of powdered milk and a stick of margarine to pull this off, but with those extras, a collection of macaroni and cheese dinners and a hot pot, you can easily use the hot water from your vacation rental (or heat it up in the hot pot if you’re operating from the back of a mini van) to create a budget-friendly vacation dinner side. If you’re cooking for kids and need something simpler, try mixing in some chopped frozen broccoli and sliced hot dogs for a travel casserole that doesn’t require an oven.

18. Instant Potatoes

You’ll likely need to include a bit of margarine again, but combining hot water with instant potatoes just might be the solution when you need something to accompany the chicken fingers and three-bean salad you picked up at the grocery deli.

19. Polenta

When the kitchen facilities at your hotel suite are primitively stocked, polenta is easy enough to whip up with cornmeal, hot water, and basic seasonings. Pair it with a green salad, some spicy vegetarian sausage, and a bottle of affordable wine for a simple, romantic dinner for two. If you’re trying to accomplish a classy dating experience on a budget, affordable menus such as this one prepared with your accommodation’s kitchen facilities provide an excellent way to do that.

20. Hot Buttered Rum

This tip is definitely for those who are able to unfurl at their vacation rental for a while. It’s an elegant, relaxing drink to have available. Dating on a dime doesn’t have to be a drag, and simple strategies like this one will help sweeten the experience.

21. Instant Coffee Latte

Looking for a way to dress up instant coffee on the road? Add hot water and some holiday eggnog or soy milk along with your sweetener of choice and prepare in the hotel microwave. You’ll have an acceptable, albeit froth-free, coffee beverage that’s easily accomplished with the most basic hotel amenities and a quick stop at the store.

22. Peanut Sauce

If you’re looking something to pair with the crudités you brought along for healthy road trip snacks, consider whipping up a simple peanut sauce using peanut butter, hot water, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. You can use the blender in your vacation rental, or bring along your magic bullet to whip up a fresh batch for your next tailgating menu.

23. Vegan “Cheese” Sauce

If your idea of affordable dating includes camping, then this recipe for vegan cheese sauce mix from Trail Cooking might be just the ticket to pulling off a winning meal in the wilderness. It’s easily prepared in advance and whisked with hot water on site to use as a topping for your campfire-baked potatoes or a batch of vegan nachos.

24. Gravy

Pack your favorite envelope mix and a miniature whisk to whip up a batch of gravy in a small pot over your one-burner camping stove. Perfect with grilled pork chops and Polynesian foil packets, gravy can also be served to dress up fast-roasting fingerling potatoes or grilled portabella caps.

25. Loosen Up

Don’t forget that hot water can be your biggest ally when trying to open stubborn jars of pasta sauce, pesto, salsa, and other bottled travel food treats that can occasionally be difficult to access. Running the jar top under hot water for a few moments has helped my cause on more than one occasion.

As free travel resources go, this one can clearly go the distance on the money-saving front. While tap water can save you money as well, it’s nice to feel so armed on the meal and beverage front with hot items, since that’s where so many travel dollars tend to go out the window.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

25 Tasty Topping Ideas for Rice Cakes

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 11:00:35 +0000

When people start looking for ways to cut calories, one of the first products they tend to reach for is rice cakes. While I’ve previously thumbed my nose at them, a recent haul of generic items at my local Winn Dixie has me listing rice cakes at the top of my grocery list. At roughly two bucks per large sleeve, they provide cheap lunch fodder and make stocking the pantry a simple and affordable process. (See also: 6 Painless Ways to Cut Calories)

However, it took me a while to come up with some topping ideas for rice cakes that suited our eating style and budget. Since I had to research a few for myself anyway, I put it a bit of extra time to come up with a list that provided options for meat lovers, vegans, and vegetarians alike. And since we’re talking rice cakes, that makes all of these ideas appropriate for the gluten-free crowd. Score!

1. Hummus

Full of fiber and suitable for spreading on plain or flavored rice cakes, hummus is a fun lunch treat that can also be topped with chopped sprouts, scallions, or even chopped tomatoes and zatar for a bit of Middle Eastern flair. If you’d like a break from the traditional, consider a homemade alternative like white bean hummus with sundried tomatoes to mix things up a bit. I recently made a hunger-satisfying snack hummus using garlic, tahini, and brown lentils because I wanted to take advantage of their high nutrient density.

2. Guacamole

If you’re craving full-fat flavor but still want to keep things healthy, consider some guacamole or mashed avocado with diced veggies to top off your rice cakes. They’re full of good-for-you oils and are one of my favorite secret-weapon foods for going vegan. You can even mix in a little canned corn if you like to bulk up your midday meal to keep you going strong until dinner.

3. Mexican Mix

Try topping your rice cakes with refried black beans with shredded soy cheddar, black olives, and other Mexican ingredients. Of course you can always use pinto beans, but the black beans add an extra antioxidant punch and keep things fresh and unexpected on the lunch front.

4. Nutty Butters

For frugality, it’s tough to beat peanut butter, but there are other options including both almond and cashew. For those with across-the-board nut allergies, consider making a homemade “butter” from sunflower seed kernels. You’ll still have a bit of nuttiness in the flavor, but you’ll remain allergen free.

5. Organic Strawberry Spread

There are any number of lower-calorie jams and jellies worth spreading on your rice cakes at breakfast or snack time, but I’m particularly fond of strawberry for a couple of reasons. First, I’ve always been a strawberry fan. Second, it’s one of several great bulk bargains available to me when I shop at Costco, and I haven’t found any other low-sugar organic fruit spread that compares in price.

6. Lentil Pâté

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of lentil recipes, so it should come as no surprise to see lentil pâté on my list of low-calorie topping ideas for rice cakes. There are several different kids you can make. Some of them are based on red lentils; others include the brown variety combined with mushrooms and nuts. The point is, this is a simple way to use a recipe you can whip up affordably in a large batch and have on hand for snacks and lunches throughout the week.

7. Mushroom-Walnut Spread

Mushrooms bring a great deal of meaty flavor to the plant-based diet table, so if you’re in the middle of a full-blown vegan transition, you may want to consider something for your rice cakes that includes them. This mushroom-walnut spread from She Runs, She Eats should do the trick.

8. Sturdy Soups and Stews

If the soup or stew you are digging into is sturdy enough, rice cakes can make an excellent delivery system. Scooping up an old-fashioned split pea soup or some other suitably chunky alternative with your rice cake bulks up the meal and adds extra fiber along with stick-to-your-ribs goodness. Use scallions or other soup garnishes to liven things up and add a bit of extra crunch.

9. Nutella

A decadent chocolaty-nutty spread available around the world, Nutella makes great travel food and the perfect topping for your rice cakes when something sweet is in order.

10. Chutney

When you want something a little chunkier than jam on the fruit front, consider a hearty chutney. Available in a variety of flavors like mango, papaya, pineapple, and more, chutney makes a great condiment as well as a rice cake topping.

11. Apple Butter

A low-fat spread that’s perfect for autumn, apple butter is one of many fantastic uses for apples and a powerful topping idea for rice cakes at that time of year. If you’d like even more frugal fiber, consider mixing in a few raisins, chopped nuts, and perhaps a bit of coconut.

12. Baba Ghanoush

Healthy and extremely rich-tasting, baba ghanoush is one of my favorite Middle Eastern eggplant recipes. Spread some of its smoky goodness on top of your rice cakes and sprinkle on a little chopped parsley to liven things up.

13. Caribbean Eggplant Spread

I wish I had the time and energy to make this stuff every day. That’s how much I love this Caribbean eggplant spread. Loaded with roasted eggplant, jerk seasoning, chopped tomatoes, garlic, and cilantro, it’s as tasty on rice cakes as it is toasted bread rounds and cucumber slices.

14. Olive Tapenade

A fun alternative topping for your rice cakes, olive tapenade is also fantastic on strips of flatbread and cocktail crackers. Granted, to keep it affordable, you’ll definitely need to utilize your bulk buying skills. It’s still possible, however, especially with large-quantity deals available at places like Sam’s Club and Whole Foods.

15. Artichoke Spread

Artichokes are an unsung hero when it comes to dairy-free ways to add a bit of creaminess to favorite comfort foods. They’re also spectacular in a variety of spreads that are well-suited to rice cakes. Two that caught my eye are this warm vegan artichoke spread from Vegan Street and a white bean and artichoke spread from the folks at Go Dairy Free.

16. Spinach Dip

There are a number of ways to tweak the calories with reduced-fat cream cheese and other ingredients, making spinach dip suitable for lunchtime rice cakes as well as afternoon snacks. Use frozen spinach to keep it thrifty and toss in a piece of fruit and some carrot juice for extra energy.

17. Surimi Salad

Otherwise known as imitation crab meat, surimi is a budget seafood product popular for its affordability. Mix some with scallions and a light mayo and spread on a couple of rice cakes for a late breakfast.

18. Pizza Toppings

According to the people at Taste of Home, you can make rice cake pizzas. Who knew? Simply choose your favorite pizza sauce and other toppings such as sliced mushrooms, pepperoni, or ground beef and pop the whole shebang into the toaster oven for a few minutes. Basically, it’s an easy gluten-free version of English muffin pizzas.

19. Vegan Tuna Salad

Who says vegan sandwiches have to be made with bread? Try using a couple of rice cakes to create an alternative to this toasty and hearty vegan tuna melt. Mix in some chopped chives or sprouts for a little green, and you’re good to go.

20. Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for more open-faced sandwich ideas to try with your rice cakes, try using up the rest of those baked chicken leg quarters to make a horseradish-infused chicken salad. It's perfect with a little chopped fresh spinach mashed into the top and a great way to use up leftovers.

21. Salmon Spread

While I normally make my cream cheese and salmon spread as a cocktail appetizer for moderate-to-large gatherings, there’s no reason it can’t be used as a jazzier lunch option to pair with rice cakes as well. Using canned salmon helps control the cost and enables you to stock a key ingredient affordably in your pantry.

22. Chopped Ham and Relish Spread

If you’ve got some leftover ham and a few extra ingredients, you can whip up a fun rice cake topping. Mix finely-chopped ham with minced onion, pickle relish, mayo, pepper, and salt to taste and store in a container until you are ready to use. It’s a great way to stretch your meat money and bring some fun flavor to an otherwise hum-drum afternoon meal.

23. Cream Cheese Spreads

There’s nothing wrong with plain cream cheese, but sassing things up a bit with homemade cream cheese spreads is much more fun. Mix in some fun extras like raisins, pineapple, coconut, or fresh herbs to make your rice cakes sing.

24. Pumpkin

If you want to bring some traditional holiday flavors to the rice cake table, using canned pumpkin to create a hostess-worthy spreadable butter will do the trick. It works great on rustic baked goods as well.

25. Traditional Tuna

Mix in a bit of horseradish and some red onion to take traditional tuna salad to the next level. Put it in a separate container to spread on your rice cakes during your break and polish off with a crisp apple. You’ll have a full-flavored brown bag experience without breaking the bank.

There’s no reason to be bored if you’ve decided to work rice cakes into your menu plans. With these 25 ideas to get you started, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

6 Cheap Cruciferous Vegetables for Health-Conscious Cooks

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:36:58 +0000

With all the cancer-fighting health benefits of cruciferous vegetables, many of us are searching for affordable ways to incorporate more of them into our diets. While certain veggies on the list might be difficult to locate due to location, or cost more than typical budget cooks would prefer, others remain completely accessible and affordable. Here are six cruciferous vegetables that offer food flexibility with cost-conscious prices. (See also: 50 Healthy Foods for Under $1 a Pound)

Cabbage

Dropping in price to less than 20 cents per pound in mid-March, and topping off at less than a buck per pound during the rest of the year, this is one of those cruciferous vegetables that takes the idea of thrift to the next level. It doesn’t have to be boring, either. Many cabbage recipes exist to suit a variety of flavor preferences, which is why this ingredient always makes the final cut for my survival mode produce list.

Cauliflower

If you’ve grown up with this vegetable being boiled to mush, then you might not think many tasty cauliflower recipes exist. You’d be wrong. Cauliflower has more menu flexibility than most of the other cruciferous vegetables, offering everything from tasty roasted goodness as a side dish or mashed potato replacement to a carb-cutting bread crumb substitute to frugal appetizer fodder for parties.

Kale

At roughly $2 per bunch, kale is hailed by many as the ultimate sautéed sandwich extra, pasta accent, and soup ingredient. Admittedly, even with all of the hoopla surrounding this cruciferous powerhouse, I’ve had a hard time bonding with the flavor of kale. That being said, I’ve finally found some middle ground with roasted kale, although it has taken me a while to get used to its texture as a side dish.

Broccoli

While the ever-fluctuating fresh price can put this one toward the top of the cost scale for cruciferous vegetables, frozen broccoli recipes are extremely affordable and offer directly comparable nutritional value. Easily stored in your freezer, broccoli provides serious meal-planning flexibility for those searching for healthy, cheap food to feed their families.

Collard Greens

These can be grown as a perennial even in colder climates, making them a terrific source of free food from your yard. Used in everything from dinner sides and soup to stuffed rolls and Ethiopian appetizers, collard greens are popular in a number of countries. While it can take a bit of work to prepare them, they are one of the top-ranking cruciferous vegetables as far as nutrient density is concerned, and they are dirt cheap to boot.

Brussels Sprouts

You have to shop around to get the best prices, but Brussels sprouts make a great roasted side dish and can even be lightly steam-fried and sauced with a simple ginger, garlic, and orange juice sauce if you’re looking for something a bit more elegant. They bring superior nutrition to the dinner table and are relatively simple to prepare. In my opinion, buying fresh is key to actually enjoying Brussels sprouts. There just isn’t any comparison. Trying to stick with frozen is one of the reasons it took me so many years to personally begin appreciating them.

You don’t have to break the bank in order to put healthy meals on the table. And if cruciferous vegetables are part of your health-maintenance plan, these six should help you stay on budget.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

How to Handle Flight Delays Like a Pro

Myscha Theriault — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:48:19 +0000

As much as we all love to hate them, flight delays are just a natural part of the travel experience. With them comes the inevitable need to reschedule a variety of other travel reservations, resulting in a domino of extra phone calls, down time, and overdue meals. Here are four survival strategies for handling flight delays like an experienced travel veteran. (See also: 40 Most Useful Travel Websites That Can Save You a Fortune)

Use the Downtime for Catching Up on Work

After you’ve made all of the necessary rescheduling calls, consider using the next few hours to catch up on work. Scanning documents for that expense report, researching background information for articles, and catching up on electronic filing and document organization are all worthy goals for using this unscheduled block of available work time. Nobody likes an outlet hog however, so one of my favorite travel tricks to roll with flight delays is to bring along a multi-plug adapter that only takes up one slot. It’s one of several pieces of budget travel gear I buy at the hardware store or other discount retailers such as the Dollar Tree.

Decide Whether or Not to Book a Hotel Room

This isn’t necessarily the simplest of all travel decisions when flight delays are involved. Depending on the length of delay and whether or not the airline is at fault, you may be offered a hotel voucher from the company you’re flying with. This makes it worth your while to wait a bit, in case you can save yourself the cost of that hotel room at next-to-the-airport rates. Also, check with your credit card company to see if they offer you any additional coverage for handling a missed flight.

Hit the Lounge

Airport executive lounges offer a huge value for travelers who are temporarily stranded due to flight delays. If you have a first- or business-class ticket, chances are you’ll be allowed access to your airline’s executive lounge anyway. If not, and your delay isn’t long enough to warrant a hotel stay, consider trying out one of the priority pass lounges, which provide access to free Wi-Fi (saving you the cost of logging on at the main terminal), an open bar, snacks, newspaper and magazine access, and more including the occasional shower facilities, napping rooms, and sound-proof children’s play areas. Chances are you’ll spend less than a trip to a restaurant and bar on the concourse anyway, and gain comfy chairs and quiet to boot.

Manage Your Munchies

If you’ve run out of road trip snacks and the items on the executive lounge hospitality buffet don’t quite fill you up, there are other ways to control the cost of travel food. For many flight delays or missed connections, airlines will offer meal vouchers that can be used at various venues throughout the terminal, including the numerous sundries shops where you can purchase nuts, seeds, and dried fruit to hold you over until the next flight.

Flight delays might be tedious and annoying, but they don’t have to run your work schedule or your budget off the rails. Use these savvy strategies to manage downtime as well as costs.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

25 Cheap and Tasty Frozen Broccoli Recipes

Myscha Theriault — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:36:22 +0000

Let’s face it. When it comes to cheap food, frozen broccoli is tough to beat. And with a nutritional value comparable to other powerhouses such as collards, cabbage, and kale, working more of it into your weekly menus makes superior sense. If you think frozen broccoli recipes are bound to be boring, think again. Here are twenty-five cheap and tasty ways to use this thrifty frozen vegetable on the home front. (See also: 25 Ways to Use Frozen Spinach)

1. Give it some latke love.

Whether you enjoy potato pancakes during the winter holiday season only or any time throughout the year, there are plenty of ways to jazz them up, including with the addition of frozen broccoli. This recipe for broccoli-potato pancakes from the folks at Taste of Home is one classic example that successfully works in a green vegetable.

2. Green up your pizza.

Chopped frozen broccoli (with the excess moisture squeezed out) makes a great roasted topping for homemade pizza. Using your own pizza dough dry mix recipe to keep things affordable, and a roasted garlic and coconut milk pizza sauce with extra add-ons like sundried tomatoes and sliced portabella mushrooms, you can have a creative gourmet pizza that’s short on cost and tall on flavor.

3. Try an easy, low-fat dip.

I love simple recipes for party food, and this minimal-ingredient broccoli dip from Real Simple fits the bill. Using low-fat cottage cheese blended with the broccoli bits and desired seasonings, this recipe can easily be modified to suit a variety of flavor preferences.

4. Make a sexy stuffed-bread appetizer.

My mother-in-law makes this quite often, which is how I was first turned on to the concept of stuffing bread loaves for a stylish appetizer or dinner side. It’s even great on its own for lunch, or paired with a homemade tomato soup on a brisk day. Basically, you bake up a batch of frozen bread dough wrapped and sealed around a few minor ingredients that run the length of the loaf. Chopped frozen broccoli with cheese and turkey is one of my favorite ways she makes it, and a great way to stretch your meat money. This recipe for an Italian stuffed bread appetizer gives you the directions on how to pull it off. Simply swap out the stuffing ingredients to suit you.

5. Craft homemade Asian dumplings.

Whenever I do these recipe roundups for frugal foods, I always try to search out ideas that are unique and get people excited about using a typically overlooked meal ingredient, which is precisely why this recipe for broccoli-ginger dumplings caught my eye. Since they call for precooking the vegetable anyway, I don’t see any reason why frozen broccoli couldn’t be used for this recipe.

6. Add some bang to your breakfast smoothie.

With all due respect to the people that drink straight green smoothies religiously, I just can’t pull it off, at least not yet. But I can slap some dark greens into my berry-laden breakfast smoothie successfully, because the other flavors drown out the flavors of the vegetables that I just can’t seem to stomach for breakfast. (Believe me, I’ve tried.) So when I saw this recipe for a fruit-heavy green breakfast smoothie using frozen broccoli, I was stoked. This is a much more affordable way to go than fresh baby spinach, and it works with flavors I already enjoy. Score!

7. Whip up a romantic bread bowl dinner.

If you like to make your own bread mixes for the bread machine, you already know that many of the machines make round loaves. These loaves are perfect for an elegant meal featuring a bread bowl filled with a cheesy broccoli sauce and paired with a simple mixed green salad and spritzers made from white boxed wine. Use frozen broccoli in the filling to control the cost, and save the inside bits, along with the sliced-off top, to break up and toast for dunking. You can also make an extra loaf for this purpose as well.

8. Try your hand at homemade hot pockets.

There are many things you can do with puff pastry, and homemade hot pockets are at the top of the short list. Use chopped frozen broccoli with mushrooms and cheese for a meatless treat, or go nuts with chicken and pesto for something any meat lover would enjoy.

9. Make a grilled cheese on ‘roids.

If you’re trying to get more green veggies into your kids and looking for sandwich ideas that will help you pull it off, then consider using some chopped frozen broccoli in your next grilled cheese sandwich. Finding yourself on the road often with student sports activities? This is one of numerous fun sandwiches you can make with a travel press. Add in whatever seasonings work for you, and pair with a sliced apple or carrot sticks for a fun afternoon meal.

10. Take a fresh stab at lasagna.

Using alternative vegetables such as frozen broccoli in your lasagna recipe is a great way to mix things up for dinner. This recipe for broccoli lasagna does just that. Personally, I love the idea of trying a white sauce in a lasagna that uses broccoli. It seems like a great way to provide color contrast in a dish that should pair elegantly with a mescaline salad and white wine.

11. Puree it for a tasty entrée sauce.

Really, the sky’s the limit as far as your seasoning choices go, but this option from Food.com for pasta with broccoli sauce should point you towards a decent starting point. I would think this would also work as a sauce for grilled chicken breast paired with something bold-colored like sweet potatoes or roasted beets.

12. Include some frozen broccoli in your corn bread.

Corn bread and muffins provide a spectacular opportunity to go nuts with add-ins such as red pepper flakes, chopped fresh jalapenos, or canned corn. Since we’re on the subject, however, adding in some frozen broccoli is also a great way to include your green veggies when pairing corn bread with simpler soups such as split pea or pumpkin bisque. Making your own homemade corn bread mix in bulk keeps you prepared for fast dinner prep on a budget.

13. Consider using frozen broccoli spears on your next potato-topping bar.

Using your favorite cheese or white sauce with thawed frozen broccoli spears to top a giant baked russet might be old school, but it’s classic comfort food that keeps your household budget in check. On its own or paired with barbecued lentils, this is one of those down-home potato ideas you can use time and again.

14. Go for cream of broccoli soup on a cold day.

If you’re looking for cheap and tasty ways to use up some frozen broccoli, then a recipe for cream of broccoli soup is a good thing to have in your repertoire. One way to pull it off affordably on the fly is to keep a bulk batch of homemade, fat-free cream soup mix in your pantry. It mixes up easily at the last minute and is a great secret weapon for those who want to pull off once-a-month cooking without a freezer.

15. Add it to noodles.

One of my favorite ramen recipes is to add broccoli and red pepper flakes with a simple, homemade peanut sauce. It’s an inexpensive work-at-home lunch that gives me a yummy protein hit in the middle of the day when I need it most, and it's an easy option for vegan ramen when I’m trying to keep meat and dairy to a minimum, which is most of the time. If you’re looking for an affordable grown-up dinner on a dime, however, try using the frozen broccoli and peanut butter along with diagonally-sliced carrots and linguini for an impromptu vegetable lo mein.

16. Bring power to the breakfast table with broccoli-and-cheese omelets.

Hey, it’s hard to work in veggies at the breakfast table. But tossing in some frozen broccoli bits does the job nicely. If you’re already using eggs (or egg substitutes) to create more affordable fare, then this idea will work right in. Pair the omelets or veggie scramble with toast and sliced fruit for a hearty weekend breakfast.

17. Perk up your pasta salad.

Using thawed, frozen broccoli florets with rotini, Italian dressing, and other fun bargain ingredients makes for a pasta salad recipe that’s great to enjoy all year. Pack some in your brown-bag lunch, have it as a picnic side, or pair it with grilled items for a backyard barbecue. This is good, stick-to-your-ribs food that offers a great deal of menu flexibility.

18. Make a mixed-veggie side dish.

By mixing other frosty veggies like carrots and cauliflower in with some frozen broccoli and the right sauce and topping combo, you’ll have an easy vegetable casserole to use as a frugal side dish with flair. Pair it with a rotisserie chicken or pot roast and a batch of homemade biscuits.

19. Save on strata.

Strata is sort of a savory bread pudding that’s eaten at mealtime rather than for dessert. It’s a popular choice for brunches and holiday dinners as a way to use up aging bread, but I love this breakfast strata featuring mushrooms, frozen broccoli, and cheese from the Food Network.

20. Make your own baby food.

Creating your own baby food to freeze in ice cube trays for later use is a great way to save money. This recipe for baby food using broccoli is from Momtastic, and it can easily incorporate the frozen variety.

21. Bring in the style with a broccoli soufflé.

It even sounds fancy, doesn’t it? Serving a soufflé is sophisticated, stylish, and a serious money-saving move when it comes to menu planning with limited funds. This broccoli soufflé from My Recipes would pair well with baked chicken pudding, meatloaf, or leftover cooked ham on a busy day.

22. Consider a quiche.

If you love dining with French flair but have a hard time keeping it frugal, consider broccoli quiche or frittata as an affordable midday meal to serve with mixed greens and mint iced tea. Quiche is classy, is affordable, and walks that difficult line between elegant and rustic, making it perfect for those unexpected events that need to be a bit of both.

23. Make more of a statement with a broccoli ring mold.

Whether you are whipping up something formal for the holidays or simply looking for a way to add a bit more pizzazz at your next dinner party, a molded broccoli ring will make more of a statement than any traditional casserole every could. Pair this with pot roast, planked fish, or a creamy baked chicken pudding.

24. Create a casserole.

Creating your casserole of choice with frozen broccoli as the featured vegetable gives you numerous options. Include pasta and shrimp for an affordable seafood entrée, or pair it with chicken and rice for a great way to use up leftovers from that batch of baked chicken leg quarters. The point is, the use of this particular frozen vegetable allows a great deal of flexibility, and since most kids don’t mind dunking the raw stuff into their favorite dip, seeing it on the dinner plate won’t make them cry foul.

25. Steam it to keep things simple.

As much as I love to branch out with unexpected recipes, the truth is you can steam or microwave frozen broccoli florets for a dinner side, and there’s absolutely no reason to feel pressure for further flair. If it’s a busy night and you just need to get something on the table fast, there’s no shame in the thaw-and-heat plan. Sure, it isn’t quite the same as fresh, but adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or a homemade tahini sauce can add a bit of zip without undue stress.

While I already had a few of these frozen broccoli recipes up my sleeve, researching this piece has shown me there are many more options for this bargain produce item than I ever would have guessed. We’ll definitely be stocking more of it in our freezer from now on.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Frugal Uses for Sea Sponges

Myscha Theriault — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:48:11 +0000

Popular today with spa goers and eco-enthusiasts looking to reduce waste, the sea sponge has actually been a home, health, and beauty tool for generations. While I’ve always been a fan, I was recently interested to learn that one of the main locations for sea sponge harvesting in the world is just down the road from me in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Sea sponges last a long time when properly cared for, making them a great natural product for those looking to go green and save money. Here are five frugal uses for sea sponges. (See also: 10 Ways to Go Green and Save Money at the Same Time)

Wash Your Car

Many car geeks prefer sea sponges because of the amount of sudsy water these things are able to hold. Also, they are great at drawing smaller dirt particles away from the painted surface of your automobile. This makes washing your car with a sea sponge even more frugal, since you save on paint touch ups as well as automatic vehicle washing fees.

Make Your Wine Glasses Sparkle

If you’ve never washed out your glassware with a sea sponge, you’re missing out. It’s one of my favorite kitchen hacks. As mentioned above, a natural sea sponge holds a ton of suds and water. It also provides terrific surface contact for cleaning glass, china, and other shiny dishes, helping to get all of the residue off in the first round of washing. I’ve also found that a sea sponge lasts longer than a bargain sponge, so I don’t need to replace it nearly as often.

Make a Sea Sponge Tampon

Interested in eco-friendly feminine hygiene, or just plain curious? Women have been incorporating sea sponge tampons into their menstrual routines since at least Roman times. There are commercially available sea sponge tampons, or you can cut a cosmetic-quality sea sponge to the desired size and let it expand internally to fit your body.

Apply Makeup

If you love to keep things natural by making your own beauty products, then using a sea sponge to apply your cosmetics is likely the next logical step. Try applying foundation and blush for a smooth finish, then rinse and dry for use another day. If the idea of the sea sponge tampon suggested above appeals to you, then you could purchase a box of cosmetic sponges to keep in your bathroom supply closet. That way, you’ll have replacements for both uses when you need them.

Add Luxury to a Bubble Bath

I’m always looking for ways to amp up the spa bathroom experience at home, and having a sea sponge on hand for late-night bubble bath is an affordable luxury I truly enjoy. Throw in a loofah and a lava rock, and the world is your eco-oyster.

Create a Custom Paint Job

Sure, color is the most important thing in painting a room. But if you really want to take design on a dime to the next level, try incorporating a sea sponge into your home decorating efforts. You can create a variety of different looks with your paint job that will bring a level of professionalism to your finished project. Just because you need to incorporate cheap decorating tricks to stay on budget doesn’t mean the end result needs to be anything less than spectacular.

As you can see, sea sponges are a natural product with many practical uses at home. For sea sponges for decorative and auto projects, look no further than your local hardware store. For cosmetic uses, check out online retailers, health food stores, and occasionally, the Dollar Tree.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Bar Thrift: Easy Ways to Serve Stylish, Cheap Drinks

Myscha Theriault — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 10:24:17 +0000

Nobody wants to look like a cheapskate when they are hosting a party, but having an open bar with every drink on the planet available for a large group is of financial concern, no matter what your budget. Having a few strategies on hand for serving cheap drinks with style can help keep costs under control at your next shindig. (See also: Living Large With Lower Calorie Cocktails)

1. Get Your Grenadine in Bulk

Those who have been reading my work for a while now know what a fan I am of bulk buying. At the liquor store near my house, they carry grenadine in the 750 milliliter bottle for roughly the same price as the tiny jars you can find at the grocery store. This is a huge savings for cocktails like the tequila sunrise that require a splash of grenadine in order to complete the look and flavor. We’ve had our current bottle for three years and are still making fun cheap drinks with it on a fairly frequent basis. The smaller grocery store jar would have been used up within a single party.

2. Make Hot Drinks for Great Entertainment Value

Because steamy beverages are far less likely to be consumed quickly, they are great for gracious entertaining on a budget. This makes having a hefty list of hot toddy recipes a smart idea for those who host fall and winter parties on a regular basis. One of my favorite cheap drinks for cold weather is hot buttered rum, the recipe for which can be mixed in bulk and stored in the freezer.

3. Lose the Mixer

Certain spirits taste fine on their own, either neat or on the rocks. For example, when I recently tried a peach vodka cocktail called the Fuzzy Navel Crush, which requires Van Gogh peach vodka, the fruit flavor stood out so much in the drink that I decided to test drive the spirit on its own over ice. It was smooth, full-flavored, and absolutely fine without a mixer. Considering the price (about $27 per 750 ml bottle) is about what plain vodkas of a similar quality cost, I figured if I really wanted to enjoy this on a regular basis, it would be affordable because I wouldn’t need to purchase all of the additional ingredients I would normally have to for the types of drinks I like to mix.

Also, as with things like great seafood, higher-quality European cheeses, and gourmet hummus, a little tends to go a long way. This same strategy applies to flavored rums, aged Scotch whiskey, and other spirits as well.

4. Look to Boxed Wine for Flexibility

When it comes to gracious entertaining on a budget, using boxed wine is a great way to offer cheap drinks that aren’t tacky. Whether it’s mulled wine, sangria, or simple wine spritzers, there are multitudes of options for using inexpensive wines in a stylish way. I’ve even used boxed wine for marinades, fruit salad dressings, pasta sauces, and other elegant recipes when I needed pizazz for pennies.

5. Combine Liquor and Ice Cream for Affordable Decadence

Because ice cream cocktails tend to be quite rich, the consumption rate is similar to hot beverages — not very rapid. One example is the eggnog milkshakes my mother always made on Christmas Eve. As an adult, I've made these during the holidays with the addition of rum. Another way I like to enjoy liquor and ice cream together is by drizzling my flavor of choice (usually crème de menthe or butterscotch schnapps) over individual servings of vanilla ice cream. Cinnamon schnapps is another fun and classy Christmas idea to try with your ice cream, particularly for people who live in warmer climates.

6. Simplify Your Cocktail Selection

This will allow you to serve stylish cheap drinks without trashing your budget. There are actually a couple of ways I like to go here. One is to choose cocktail recipes with a short ingredients list. The other tip I like to use is to limit the drink selection in general. If I have one signature cocktail I’m serving in order to enhance the theme of the event, then the other beverages I offer are limited and affordable. For example, if vodka slush is the featured beverage, then sparkling water and a case of affordable microbrew on ice might be my only other beverage options in addition to coffee and tea.

See? Cheap drinks don’t have to be tacky. There are any number of stylish beverage ideas that can be mixed affordably.

What are your favorite party ideas for cheap drinks with style?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

25 Frugal Items for Your Organic Vegan Grocery List

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 10:00:15 +0000

With all the talk about plant-based diets these days and the expanding market for organic foods, developing an organic vegan grocery list that’s actually affordable is becoming more of a priority for some families. While it’s true that many organic items can feel out of financial reach, it’s equally true that a number of organic vegan items are within the price range of the typical American family. If you’re looking to develop a list of go-to items to put on your vegan grocery list, these 25 are affordable, organic, and flexible enough to go the distance in a variety of meal plans. (See also: 6 Plant-Based Diet Tricks for Carnivores)

1. Flax Seeds

Full of essential fatty acids and nutrients, flax seeds are a powerhouse addition to the vegan grocery list. With the organic version available for a per-pound rate that’s less than conventional walnuts, it’s tough to argue against them. Great as an egg replacer in vegan baking, they can also be ground and added to baked-good batters, oatmeal, and breakfast smoothies.

2. Brown Lentils

When it comes to making your organic vegan grocery list frugal, stocking up for an assembly cooking round of lentil recipes obviously makes good financial sense. If you really want to pinch your plant-based diet pennies, then it’s time to bring brown lentils to center stage. Suitable for curries, loaves, and soups, these bargain beauties can also be used in a variety of ways as a vegetarian ground beef substitute. I’m able to purchase organic brown lentils using my bulk bin bags for roughly $1.50 per pound. Since they double in size when cooked, this gives us a price of seventy-five cents per pound of organic, ready-to-eat product.

3. Bananas

At less than a dollar per pound for the organic variety, incorporating as many banana recipes as possible into your weekly menu plans is an affordable way to add both nutrition and flavor. Bananas are a great year-round vegan grocery item that can be used for frozen treats, baked goods, vegan pancakes, and even French toast. They are also an easy pack-and-go item for brown bag lunches.

4. Tamari

Essentially a wheat-free version of soy sauce, tamari is available in a low-sodium organic version as well. Smaller bottles are available at several grocery stores in my area, but the larger bottles are available for the six or seven dollar range at the nearest Whole Foods. Considering how long the supply lasts at our house, and the fact that it can be used for anything from creating my own soy burger crumbles to seasoning a homemade peanut sauce, this makes it a huge bargain in my book.

5. Carrots

When I think of cheap food that’s also organic, carrots are one of the first items that come to mind. At Costco, I’m able to purchase whole organic carrots for roughly seventy-five cents per pound. However, even at most of the grocery stores in my area, organic carrots are still only a dollar per pound on average. This makes them one of the least expensive items you can have on an organic vegan grocery list. Grate them for a coleslaw, cut them for dipping, or chunk them up for a soup. There are many other ways to use carrots, of course, but the point is they are flexible and cheap, even if you are shopping organically.

6. Greens

By shopping at the warehouse store, I’m able to purchase one-pound tubs of organic baby spinach and mixed greens for roughly four dollars each. That’s half of what I pay per pound for the conventional variety at most chain grocery stores. With these large tubs of greens, I’m able to make a wide variety of vegan sandwiches, dinner salads with hummus and bruschetta, and homemade spinach-and-mushroom pizza. I can even chop up either type of green to use as a taco topping. Many people pass on these when they shop using their club memberships because they think they won’t eat that much salad per week. However, at our house we’ve found that by using the greens for other things we are indeed able to use the entire amount.

7. Balsamic Vinegar

I purchase mine at Super Target, and the price is consistently within a dollar or two of the conventional variety. With regards to usage rate, I put balsamic vinegar in the same category as tamari. Since it lasts for some time and I’m able to use it to season and sauce several different meals, the one or two dollar difference in price is an acceptable expense to me. Paired with a few sassy salad add-ins, it adds and elegant touch to dinner as well as a bit of zing.

8. Cider Vinegar

Not only can you use organic cider vinegar for homemade salad dressings like this berry vinaigrette, you can also use it for sauces, dips, and to “curdle” non-dairy milks for certain vegan baking recipes. Generic versions are available for those who are looking to get the best price possible. If you’re trying to save money by stocking your pantry with organic vegan baking supplies, cider vinegar is a great place to start.

9. Coconut Milk

Whether you are using the richer canned version or the So Delicious brand in the half-gallon cartons, organic coconut milk is a serious secret weapon when it comes to going vegan. It can be used to make soups creamier, sorbets richer, and even as a coffee creamer. Another fun use for coconut milk is to blend it with roasted garlic and use it as an alternative pizza sauce.

10. Frozen Costco Veggies and Berries

One of my favorite sources for affordable organic groceries is Costco, and several of the items available are also vegan. At the top of my cheap list is their selection of frozen organic vegetables and berries. Having a bag of each type in the freezer is great if you want to be prepared for company. Mixed frozen peas and carrots can be used for potato-stuffed samosas, fried rice, or simply steamed and seasoned as a basic side dish. The frozen broccoli florets work in stir fries, pasta salads, and creamy soups. Their organic blueberries are priced comparably to the conventional ones I buy elsewhere and are a go-to item in our house for desserts, smoothies, and muffins.

11. Oatmeal

A regular on our grocery list at Whole Foods, we purchase organic oatmeal from the bulk bins and use it as a breakfast cereal, baking ingredient, and smoothie thickener. It’s a heart-healthy item that keeps your budget in check and provides an easy-to-prepare meal option on a busy morning. Oatmeal raisin muffins and hearty homemade sandwich bread are other frugal recipes you can try.

12. Raisins

As shelf-stable bargain produce items go, raisins rock. While fresh fruit needs to be eaten right away, raisins can remain at the ready for granola, trail mix, muffins, scones, and more. If you feel like something more exciting, consider a homemade rum-raisin vegan ice cream or zesty, meat-free mince meat.

13. Sunflower Seed Kernels

Less than two dollars per pound at the health food store, organic sunflower seed kernels are one of my favorite ingredients to put a little protein into homemade bread, snack on with dried fruit, and even use as a salad topper. Some people with nut allergies use a food processor to create their own seed butter. Sunflower seed kernels, along with flax seeds, are one of my favorite ways to save money on a plant-based diet. We use nuts quite frequently instead of meat, but seeds are way more affordable to stock up on (often costing several dollars less per pound) and provide similar nutrition.

14. Romaine Hearts

At three dollars per pack, organic romaine hearts can make easy, low-carb taco shells or sandwich wraps, and are a great salad ingredient. Even a simple three-ingredient salad of grape tomatoes, romaine, and onions sprinkled with a little Italian seasoning makes a decent side dish for steamed fish, grilled polenta, or baked chicken legs.

15. Tofu

I purchase the generic Whole Foods 365 brand for a buck fifty per pound. For those that don’t have access to a Whole Foods, most grocery stores carry organic tofu in the refrigerated section. While I don’t rely heavily on this particular vegan grocery list item, it is handy to have on hand for Pad Thai, stir fry meals, and certain soups. Some people grill it in slices or cubed and threaded onto barbecue skewers.

16. Corn Chips

One of the easiest strategies for buying organic groceries on a budget is to purchase generic, store-brand versions of your favorite foods. Super Target carries a boatload (technical term) of store-brand organic items, including yellow, white, and blue organic corn tortilla chips. They cost less than my favorite vegan Doritos and have more in the bag. A bag or two of these per month is an affordable luxury for family movie night and a reasonably healthy snack to have with lunch.

17. Salsa

Large jugs of organic salsa can be purchased affordably at Costco. Because it’s such a low-fat, nutritional power house, I use salsa to accompany not only the organic corn chips mentioned above, but also with vegan quesadillas, as a salad dressing, and even to jazz up crock pot vegetable soup when I have leftovers at the bottom of the jar. You can also puree salsa for when you want a thinner sauce to use on tacos and other Mexican dishes.

18. Marinara

Another affordable organic item for your vegan grocery list is Newman’s Own marinara sauce. At the Super Target near my house, it sells for $2 per jar and can be used for pizza sauce on a homemade crust, breaded eggplant sandwiches, homemade calzones, and more. Paired with conventional or vegetarian breaded chicken patties, it also provides a time-saving hack to have Chicken Parmesan on the table in a flash.

19. Potatoes

For my money, organic potatoes are one of the more affordable items to put on your list. They last for some time in the fridge or root cellar, can take center stage at dinner time with a few simple toppings, and have a great deal of flexibility when it comes to side dishes. They are also a helpful go-to item when you are trying to prepare hearty meatless meals for people with big appetites.

20. Peanut Butter

If you want your organic peanut butter to be affordable, then where you purchase it will make a big difference. The two most affordable places I’ve found are the grind-your-own station at Whole Foods and the large-jar multipack at Costco. Once you have a deep supply on hand, you’re all set to go for after-school cookies and tasty ramen recipes,

21. Tea

By purchasing loose or generic-brand tea, I’m able to enjoy the organic version at a comparable to lower cost than I’m able to buy conventional brand-name teas. Green and flavored white teas are our favorites for health reasons, but there are certainly a variety of others on the market. Making your own sun tea and adding a splash of pomegranate juice is fun way to make your own health drink without paying for the bottled drinks with all of their excess packaging.

22. Ketchup

As with peanut butter, where you buy your organic ketchup will great increase its affordability as a regular item on your vegan grocery list. I’ve always found the Hannaford brand of organic ketchup to be comparable to conventional alternatives, and they don’t use high fructose corn syrup.

23. Canned Tomato Products

Purchasing canned tomato products by the case at Costco is one of my top strategies for bringing home this grocery item affordably. Buying in bulk is something we do frequently, and with fresh tomatoes fluctuating in price so often, canned is what we use the most of in the winter months. While everyone uses this product in their own way, our top methods include homemade pasta sauces, tacos, curries, and even as a soup broth ingredient.

24. Black Beans

I’ve always been a fan of black beans, but when I discovered that they have antioxidant properties comparable to cranberries, I started collecting black bean recipes with gusto. Salsas, wraps, hummus, and salads are just a few of the simple ways I incorporate them into our regular menus. I’ve never paid more than $2 per pound for dried organic black beans, and cooking them in large batches to freeze for later is simple enough to do on a Sunday afternoon.

25. Quinoa

What’s not to love about quinoa? A nutritious protein source that cooks easily in your rice cooker, quinoa can be used for breakfast porridge, as a stir fry base, and in a chilled summer salad such as this quinoa-mushroom pilaf. It’s also shelf stable, making it a perfect vegan grocery list item with which to stock your pantry. In the bulk bins at my favorite health food store, I’m able to purchase organic quinoa for less than $3 per pound, which I try to make my cut-off price for dry staple ingredients.

Developing an organic vegan grocery list doesn’t have to throw your budget off the rails. With so many people being directed towards a plant-based system of eating by their doctors these days, I felt it was important to start providing resources on the subject. As always, I’d love to hear which items the readers put on their short list for organic, plant-based groceries.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

8 Easy Ways to Score Free Travel Food

Myscha Theriault — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:48:21 +0000

Finding ways to eat conveniently and affordably on the road can be a challenge. This is particularly an issue if you’re not including highway driving on your trip, as you’ll likely find your access to grocery stores limited. Once you run out of healthy road trip snacks, you might think you’re on your own. Not so. Use these eight savvy strategies for scoring free travel food, and save your pennies for other travel expenses. (See also: 5 Perfectly Respectable Ways to Get a Free Meal)

1. Complimentary Hotel Food

For starters, many mid-range hotels offer extensive free breakfast buffets. Oatmeal, scrambled eggs, cereal, and multiple juice selections are just some of the typical options. For those attempting vegan travel, the peanut butter packets and English muffins paired with fruit and tea are enough to fuel you for several hours, and vegetarians have even more choices. Meat eaters aren’t left out in the cold mind you, as these breakfast bars usually include things like ham slices and sausage patties which are easily tucked in with some eggs to form a decent on-the-fly bagel sandwich.

Breakfast buffets aren’t the only free hotel food options, though. A number of hotel chains also offer evening buffets of snacks and light meals, making lunch and snacks your only additional meal expenses. For example, when we stayed at the Drury Inn in Nashville during a cross-country trip with the dogs, the complimentary evening noshables included a selection of appetizers and mini meals that trumped any happy hour I’ve ever seen. Which brings me to my next tip...

2. Happy Hours With Free Food

Provided you were already planning on going out for a drink anyway, plan to execute your cocktail excursion at whatever establishment has the best happy hour offering. Many bars offer high-end sushi, stuffed mushroom caps, and more as complimentary snacks when you stop by for a drink. While you’ll want to tip your waitstaff and be sure to order at least one cocktail, this can be a fantastically frugal way to go, especially if there are other snacks available at your hotel when you return.

3. Airline Meal Vouchers for the Airport

Many airlines offer free meal vouchers when your flight has been missed or delayed due a mishap on their end. You just need to make your way to their main help desk to request one. For particularly long delays, I’ve been issued up to three meal vouchers. They can be used anywhere in the airport, including for nuts, seeds, and dried fruit at the sundries shop if you arrive after all the restaurants are closed. If your delay is overnight and they also comp you a room, then combining these free meal vouchers with the hotel food option suggested above can help you reduce meal costs for up to a few days.

For example, there have been times when I’ve been able to grab an earlier flight than expected and made a point of purchasing healthy packaged snacks instead of restaurant food, since I wouldn’t be there long enough to consume the additional meals. Having those bags of trail mix and a few pieces of fruit in my day pack provided greater food flexibility on the next travel leg.

4. Airline Lounge Snacks (and Drinks!)

While these are usually for first and business class travelers, those with high levels of frequent flyer miles are often allowed to access these lounges as well. For those without a set miles program, there are Priority Pass lounges which can be accessed for a moderate fee and provide the same sorts of snacks, magazines, free Wi-Fi, complimentary bar beverages, and more. Who doesn’t love free alcohol to go with their snacks?

5. Hotel Hospitality Bars

When we fly home to visit family in Maine, we usually stay overnight at the Hampton Inn in South Portland before embracing the day-long drive to the other end of the state. In addition to coffee and a wide selection of teas, they often include a basket of cookies and an urn of soup. Not a full-blown snack selection to be sure, but enough to take the edge off while you are unpacking and searching out a place to have dinner.

6. Visitor's Bureau Tourist Coupons

The tourist information offices hand out loads of maps and tourist brochures, and they frequently have coupons for free and discounted food items. Often, it’s just a free ice cream or beverage. While those provide a nice treat in the middle of your tourist itinerary, there is occasionally the option to enjoy a complete meal. During a recent walking tour my husband and I took on a photography outing to Tampa’s Ybor City, we noticed coupons for a free entrée at the nearby Ikea. I guess it’s a win-win for them, since most people who stop by for a light meal will likely also take the time to shop. The point is though, an entire entrée was offered for free, and whether or not you purchase anything in the store afterward is completely up to you.

7. Airplane Food

If you flight is long enough, your meal is often included. This is particularly true on international flights. The other good thing about airline food that many people do not know is that if you contact the airline ahead of time, you can order a selection customized to your needs with regards to religious restrictions (halal or kosher), preference (vegan or low fat), or food sensitivities. This makes traveling with food allergies or gluten issues much easier.

8. Free Food Samples at Stores and Markets

While I’m sure a fair number of broke college students have grabbed a spring break lunch by cruising Costco, that’s not what I’m suggesting here. Rather than go out of your way for free food samples, consider experiencing the ones that are already built in to your travel itinerary. Strolling through tourist areas with snack shops, gourmet food stores, and weekly outdoor markets can provide you with the opportunity to sample some items for free before deciding if you want to dish out the dough. When we lived in Italy, this is how we discovered what would become our favorite gelato shop in Sirmione and a phenomenal honey and hazelnut spread that we purchased several jars of at a waterfront farmers market during a weekend getaway to Slovenia’s Lake Bled.

As you can see, searching out free travel food doesn’t have to mean scrimping on style or nutrition. There are a number of ways to keep your meal budget under control while you travel.

What are your favorite ways to enjoy great travel food on a budget?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Cooking Without Electricity: Hurricane Preparedness With Style

Myscha Theriault — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:24:09 +0000

Getting ready for post-hurricane power outages and other emergencies can get overwhelming. Gas in the vehicle, propane for the grill, emergency water, and storm shutters seem to get all the air time. When it comes to stocking the pantry and cooler, most people head to Costco to pick up a case of sandwich crackers. While that might be fine for a day or two, eating that way for any length of time leaves you susceptible to getting sick. After living for roughly three months on Guam with no power after a super typhoon, I learned a thing or two about cooking without electricity. Here are my top tips for eating healthy — and with style — after a storm. (See also: 20 Things to Have on Hand for Power Outages)

Use bulgur for a perfect no-cook meal or side dish.

The cool thing about bulgur is that you can put it in a bowl of water to cold soak before you go to work. Come home, add some freshly squeezed lemon juice along with your veggies and seasonings of choice, and you’re good to go. If you’re making the bulgur salad your full meal, then you may also want to consider tossing in some canned black beans for protein. The end result is easy cheap food that will keep you healthy during storm recovery.

Eat breakfast cereal using powdered milk.

If the power’s out for a few weeks, and you still need to get the kiddos off to school each morning, mix up some powdered milk in one of your extra canning jars. You can mix it right in the container and prepare just enough to get you through breakfast. This means no worries about finding room in your already-overflowing cooler. If oatmeal is your thing, you can always prepare it on a single-burner camping stove, toss on some raisins, and use this same milk-in-a-jar strategy. It’s actually a little more appropriate that way because you don’t have to worry about the milk being cold.

Count on cured meats, which can be stored without refrigeration.

This means those packs of turkey pepperoni and cured salami you see in the non-refrigerated sections of your grocery store can be stored in your pantry at any time of year for hurricane preparedness or regular meal prep. Slice some up with veggies and greens for a simple salad with zing, or mix up some pizza dough from your bulk mix supply and toss on a creative pizza sauce along with some of your cured meat. Put the whole thing on a pizza stone inside a covered grill, and you’ll have restaurant quality dinner all your neighbors will be jealous about. We’re eating less meat these days, but when we were in full-blown carnivore mode, I used this strategy with gusto. It’s a stylish way to stay stocked and be able to pull off a nice meal for those times when you lose power for other unexpected reasons.

Look for vegetables that don't need to be kept in your cooler.

In general, anything that isn’t refrigerated in the grocery store can skip the cooler. That being said, there are some other vegetables that can probably go a few days as well. One of those vegetables is cabbage. While I wouldn’t leave it permanently out in the heat, it can spend the night on the counter if you need to save the cooler space for other items. One of our favorite items to make with it is cabbage and ramen noodle salad. There’s a reason this recipe made it home with me from Guam. You can prepare the bulk of the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in individual packets. The wet ingredients for the dressing store well in the cupboard, and cabbage is the only other ingredient. This makes the dish one of my favorite ramen recipes ever, and a great way to embrace assembly cooking without a freezer.

Make it elegant.

Can you say candlelight? That’s half the battle. If lasting for twelve weeks without electricity has you feeling like peanut butter and crackers will become your own personal aversion therapy, rest assured you’ll have plenty else to eat. Classico makes a great basil pesto that’s shelf stable until it gets opened. Put some on a batch of angel hair pasta that you boil in a pot on top of your camping stove and pair it with a bottle of white wine. OK, so chances are it’ll have to be room-temp white wine. But the point is, this entrée with some mixed greens and a light dressing can provide a bit of luxury when you’ve been without power for the long haul. And speaking of dinner beverages, extended post-hurricane blackouts are a great reason to stock up on boxed wine.

Let foil packets become your new best friend.

In addition to grilling fish, polenta, or even burger patties, you’re going to want some veggies. If you only have access to a one-burner camp stove, then it’s time to get creative. That’s where adding foil packets to your grilling repertoire comes into play. Try slicing some potatoes with onions, olive oil, and seasonings to roast, or these Polynesian foil packets to pair with some planked fish. Nearly any vegetable combination will do, so feel free to get creative with vegetables your family favors. Add a little cooking spray to the foil before you start so things don’t stick.

Go with flaming fruit for an elegant dessert.

Mixed Berries Romanoff and Bananas Foster can each be prepared in a frying pan on a single burner. You just need a little butter, brown sugar, and some serious rum. Decide in advance if you want to bring home a small container of vanilla ice cream to stash in the cooler and serve with your finished creation. Either of these ideas makes a great break in the monotony after a few weeks.

While this list doesn’t include every single recipe we use for power outages, it does provide a launching point for you to prepare. Cooking without electricity or even a full stove doesn’t have to mean peanut butter and jelly for months on end. A little planning and out of the box thinking can keep things fun, healthy, and affordable.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

7 Fresh Ideas for Healthy Road Trip Snacks

Myscha Theriault — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 09:48:20 +0000

If you’re going on a family road trip, you really can’t escape the need to pack some food. Even if you’re planning on eating out or preparing food in the kitchen at your destination, packing a few healthy road trip snacks is still a necessity. Traffic delays, vehicle troubles, and other travel snafus are common enough that at some point you will indeed be dining in your car. Here’s how to stay prepared. (See also: Meals on Wheels: Four Simple Tips for Dining in Your Car)

Roasted Chickpeas

Typically I’d use these more for family movie night than for road trip snacks. That being said, there’s no reason you can’t take a batch of roasted chickpeas in the car with you. Season them with a flavor blend the whole family likes and store them in kid-friendly airtight containers for the road trip. They’re crunchy, packed with protein, and perfect for families dealing with peanut allergies.

Canning Jar Anti-Trail Mix

Before all of the world’s backpackers descend and accuse me of sacrilege, let me just say that I am indeed a trail mix fan. That being said, when it comes to healthy road trip snacks, I’ve found we get more meal mileage by keeping certain items separate. By filling quart-sized canning jars with various items such as sunflower seed kernels, walnuts, and dried fruit, we have the items we need to mix up trail mix if we desire. However, we also have individual items that can be used for hotel oatmeal toppings, salads, and other simple travel meals.

The jars are easy to keep organized in sectioned, fabric wine bags. Remember those ones I pick up for free while bargain shopping at Whole Foods? I can easily slip canning jars into the sections designed for individual wine bottles and stand the whole thing upright in a milk crate or clear tub. If we run out of something a few days into the trip, the jars are easy enough to fill up again from the bulk bins at the grocery store.

Sun Tea

Hey, it’s not just for your back porch anymore. Using large canning jars filled with water, slip an organic green or white tea bag in and hang the string and paper tag outside of the jar before putting the cover on. If you do this in the morning and store it in a clear tub or milk crate near the back window, you’ll have fresh sun tea to pour into your travel mugs by your mid-day stop. Just be sure to pack something soft behind the jar so it doesn’t accidentally get cracked. If you use a half-gallon sized canning jar, you’ll have enough for several people. Plus, you can start another batch after you distribute the tea from the morning. How cool is that?

Whole Fruit

It doesn’t get more low prep than this. Simple, whole fruits like bananas, apples, and even seedless grapes make perfect healthy road trip snacks. Keep a container to hold the peels and cores and compost them when you arrive at your destination. It’s an easy, zero-waste solution that keeps road food fun and nutritious.

Crudités

They are selling large bags of pre-cut crudités mix now at warehouse stores for a song. Pack a jar of homemade peanut sauce, or purchase large bulk jars of salad dressings that can also be used as dips. Ranch, honey-mustard, or Vidalia onion flavors all work well, as does the sweet Thai chili sauce in the quart-sized bottle. If you decide to go with the dipping option, then these are more of a snack to enjoy at the rest area. Otherwise, you’re going to have sauce all over the car. (Tip: A nice middle-of-the-road option here is to use plain peanut butter on the crudités. The kids will dig it, and you’ll have less mess than with a thinner sauce.)

Grab and Takes

While you can certainly find a power bar on the market to suit any dietary requirement (halal, vegan, kosher, gluten free), finding an affordable and easy option to make yourself is a great way to control nutrition, cost, and calories. For me, that option is breakfast cookies. Easily customized to suit your family’s tastes and budget, breakfast cookies can be prepared with chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, raisins, and even dates.

Spiced Almonds

With all the health benefits associated with almonds, finding ways to incorporate them into your diet more often just seems to make good sense. Normally, I make spiced almonds for holiday treats and hostess gifts. But if we have a long road trip ahead of us, I’m not above whipping up a batch for those extra-long days in the vehicle. They taste great, travel well, and provide a serious protein hit precisely when we need it.

Whatever road trip snacks you choose, keeping food in your car does more than save you money. It saves your sanity when travel difficulties arise. So how about it, readers? Do you have any additional ideas for healthy road trip snacks?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Ramen Recipes to Write Home About

Myscha Theriault — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 10:24:18 +0000

The affordability of ramen is no secret. It's the product most people think of when they hear the words "cheap food." But if you don't have access to the good stuff (I sure do miss my favorite noodle house on Guam), finding good ramen recipes based on the bargain brands can be tough. Sure, there are plenty of them out there suitable for a college dorm room. But I'm talking about ramen recipes your average work-at-home professional and general Asian-food fan can get excited about. (See also: 10 Awesome Easy-to-Freeze Meals)

Here are my favorite ramen recipes to enjoy at home. Those following a plant-based diet may prefer recipes for vegan ramen specifically, although there are a few on this list that would convert easily enough.

Ramen Salads

A favorite one that we make quite often in the summer time is this cabbage ramen noodle salad. Aside from the cabbage, which keeps for quite some time in the refrigerator, all of the ingredients can be kept in the pantry. This makes it a perfect recipe for assembly cooking. Simply prep all of the dry ingredients and store them in canning jars or anything that's airtight and resealable. That way, all you need to do is cut the cabbage and mix up the liquid dressing when it comes time for dinner.

Ramen Soup

To mimic the more traditional uses for this popular pasta, think about the ingredients you'd have in your bowl of ramen soup if you were at a Japanese noodle house or elsewhere in East Asia. This Korean ramen soup from the folks at Eat Your Kimchi looks fun and affordable, particularly if you have access to an authentic Asian market. You could also get creative and try making your own ramen soup with spinach, mushrooms, affordable imitation crab meat, and a few fun garnishes like chopped scallions and crumbled nori sheets.

Dishes That Go the Extra Mile for Flavor

This recipe for Asian noodles with shrimp is made with ramen and features coconut milk, snow peas, and loads of style. If you're a fan of street food, then this recipe for pad Thai made with ramen might be just what the budget doctor ordered. Of course, you could always just cook up the noodles and simply stir fry them with a few vegetables to make lo mein. But if you're looking to step outside of the ramen box a bit, consider a ramen carbonara or these spicy curried ramen noodles for a flavorful and affordable last-minute meal on a busy day.

Ramen Pizza

That's right. I said pizza. According to this ramen recipe resource from the Nissin company, you can turn ramen noodles into a pizza crust and slice as usual. Who knew? They top theirs with traditional ground beef and mushrooms, but I'm sure you get creative with your pizza sauce and other toppings to create a unique pizza suited to your personal taste.

Hotel Coffee-Maker Ramen

Hey, we've all been there. Stuck in a mid-class or lower hotel for business with the only dining options being the local grocery store and greasy drive-through for yet another night in a row. That's when you need some serious ramen recipes for the budget traveler. While many people think that eating ramen when you travel should be relegated to the camping and backpacking arenas, the truth is there are a fair number of meals you can create using your hotel coffee maker as a launch platform.

You can even steam some broccoli and shrimp separately in the filter compartment to combine with the noodles when they are finished. Mix in one of the extra peanut butter tubs from the establishment's breakfast buffet and you're in business with an impromptu peanut lo mein.

Clearly, ramen doesn't have to be delegated to dorm rooms alone. It's earned its place at the dinner table, at least from time to time. Do you have any exceptional ramen recipes that you feel are worth writing home about?

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Fun and Functional Souvenir Ideas

Myscha Theriault — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 09:48:13 +0000

With the amount of money you'll be spending to get where you're going, it only makes sense to shop for inexpensive souvenirs where you can. But who wants to bring home a pile of crap that neither you, nor your gift recipients will ever enjoy? These ideas for souvenirs are not only affordable, but fun and functional as well. (See also: The Best Inexpensive Souvenirs)

Sarongs

It's no secret I'm a huge fan of sarongs. They can be used as fun shower curtains, sassy tablecloths, and make fabulous impromptu picnic blankets that even city-bound executives can tuck into their briefcases. Also, sarongs are great for traveling. They make great skirts, beach cover-ups, and in-a-pinch shower towels. This also makes them one of several perfect gifts for adventure travelers.

Beads

Whether you purchase them loose or strung, beads can be turned into travel souvenirs that suit a variety of gift-giving purposes. From fun zipper pulls and friendship pins your kids can make for their school chums, to funky hand-crafted napkin rings and custom-designed jewelry, you can get a ton of memory mileage from beads purchased at market stalls around the road. They're also great on their own if you want to bring a gift back to a creative friend. The other thing that's great about incorporating beads into your souvenir repertoire is that they are well suited for traveling light.

Home Décor Items

If you are into eclectic, tribal, museum-quality decorating, then designing your travel-themed home based on decorative items you purchase abroad is an affordable way to go. Pottery, crystal, table linens and hand-woven baskets are all items I've picked up for a song while traveling. They're also items that don't necessarily experience much wear and tear, making them the ultimate design on a dime choice.

Bandanas

Usable for anything from zero waste lunch kits to children's bedroom décor, bandanas are one of the ultimate souvenirs when it comes for function and affordability. They're light, wash and dry easily and can be purchased at the souvenir stands of many destinations. Bandanas are useful for travel as well. If you need place to organize your food for a park picnic, are in need of a travel washcloth, or just need to tie your hair back for that windy ferry ride, it's worth having a few bandanas on hand. When they wear out, you can be confident you'll find more at your next destination.

Children's Gifts

Those wishing to dote on their grandchildren by purchasing unique travel gifts for kids will find it easy enough to do so from the road. Rustic and formal dolls, fun school sweaters, puppets, and all sorts of affordable goodies can be picked up as children's gifts when you're traveling. There are deals to be had for stateside getaways as well. For example, one way to save money at the Kennedy Space Center is to take advantage of the discount prices you can get on the kiddy clothing and T-shirt combo packs at the gift store.

As you can see, it's possible to purchase affordable souvenirs that are also fun and functional. Do you have any ideas for favorite frugal gifts to purchase on the road?

Author's Note: The travel image used in this article is part of a creative commons travel photography project I recently launched (Pictures of Travel Places) with a colleague. All images on the site (and there are many more to come soon) are free for online use, provided a return link is included somewhere in the scrollable area of the article where the image is used. Basically, it's a stock photo free-for-all that you get to use with our compliments.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

Healthy Summer Side Dishes That'll Save You Money

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 10:00:10 +0000

When it comes to hot-weather meal ideas, one of the main concerns is having a repertoire of simple side dishes to go along with them. These healthy summer side dishes are not only simple, but cheap to boot. (See also: Simple Summer Menus)

Grilled Veggies

Grilled vegetables aren’t anything but healthy, and there are a number of different ways you can go. You can grill corn on the BBQ with your favorite sauce, baste some zucchini strips with a tomato-basil vinaigrette, or whip up some pepper-and-mushroom skewers to top off your favorite dinner salad. Grilled eggplant slices are another fun way to go if you’re looking for an unusual way to squeeze in more veggies to your hot weather meal planning. Whatever veggies you decide to slap on the barbecue, you can rest assured you’ll end up with a health dinner side that’s great for your waistline as well.

Foil Packets

Aluminum foil packets save on cleanup time and fat content whether you are tossing them on the grill or in the oven. Why? Because you can minimize oil due to the steaming factor, the calorie content is reduced greatly. A simple one to start with is chunks of red Spanish potatoes mixed with olive oil, chopped rosemary, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Placed on the grill, they are done by the time that chicken breast or steak is cooked to perfection. One of my favorite tropical treats to make is Polynesian foil packets made with pineapple chunks, green pepper pieces, and other ingredients. It’s one of a number of cheap pineapple recipes I like to use in the summer to keep things fresh and light at the dinner table.

Bean Salads

The health benefits of beans are well documented. But how do you keep them fresh and fun as a dinner item for the summer months? By chillin’ them up in a side salad of course. A fun and frugal one that I make quite frequently is to cook up large batches of kidney and garbanzo beans in advance for a variety of uses, and then tossing them together with chopped French green beans and a light homemade vinaigrette. It’s colorful, healthy, and super affordable to whip up. You can also use regular green beans from the garden if you have one. Two other fun salads are this zesty lime-marinated white bean salad and Lebanese black-eyed pea salad. Neither white beans or black-eyed peas take forever to cook like some beans do, so you can have them cooked and chilled for salad prep much faster than other bean varieties.

Toaster Oven Yummies

If there’s something you need to make that absolutely requires baking on a hot day, consider whipping it up in your toaster oven. The overall energy cost will be less, and you won’t have to heat the house up unnecessarily. One simple thing we do quite often is to slice long, whole-wheat sub rolls into half-inch rounds to toast up and have as a salad side with hummus. It’s a filling side that takes minimal prep and costs pennies. Also, since I frequently put potatoes in the crock pot in the summer, I have a ready supply of material to make homemade potato skins in the toaster oven. The baking strategy is much less fatty than deep frying, and I can control the calories even further by brushing on a limited amount of olive oil as opposed to having the skins be coated with too much of it.

Greens, Greens, Greens

Not only is eating as many dark, leafy greens as possible good for you, it’s cheap and easy as well. One of the easiest side dishes we eat regularly during the summer (and all year, really) is sautéed Swiss chard. It’s only a buck or two per bunch at the grocery store (free if you’re an at-home gardener), cuts up without needing to remove the center vein like collards, and wilts down with a couple of tong tosses in less than three minutes. It’s a nice break from spinach salad, and a colorful addition to the dinner plate. This Swiss chard recipe from the Mayo Clinic adds soy milk and cheese for a bit of creaminess, if that appeals to you. If gardening isn’t in your schedule this summer, and pennies are tight, consider foraging for edible greens in your back yard and perhaps tossing in some free wild mushrooms for extra flavor.

Healthy summer side dishes don’t have to cost a mint or require much time. These five ideas are proof.

Do you have a favorite summer side dish that’s healthy and cheap? Share the love in the comment section below.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more articles from Wise Bread.

5 Travel Bag Solutions for the Digital Nomad and Business Traveler

Myscha Theriault — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 09:36:13 +0000

Finding the right travel bag is challenging under any circumstances. But as a digital nomad and semi-frequent business traveler, I’ve found it extra challenging. Factor in my need to carry specialized camera equipment and a 17-inch laptop, and perhaps you’ll begin to see why this quest has sent me nearly over the edge. This list has narrowed however, and I’ve managed to find several bags that fit the bill without the outrageous prices normally seen for specialized professional luggage. My solution? I’m going commando.

No, not that type of commando. What I’m talking about here is shopping for a travel bag made of ballistic nylon that’s sturdy enough to stand up to a bit of abuse and able to serve me seamlessly between adventure and business-travel excursions. One of the best ways to find that type of travel bag is to search out the type of gear purchased by special forces soldiers, police officers, and SWAT professionals. These people don’t exactly get paid the big bucks, yet have gear transport and light packing needs that closely parallel those of a digital nomad or business traveler. (See also: 7 Tips for Single Bag Travel)

Tech equipment needs to be inserted and extracted easily, sturdiness is a huge concern, and storage capacity is paramount. The cleaning and care that comes with special ops gear is way less than with leather, and I can substitute my smart phone for the traditional sidearm to have easy, exterior-pocket access to on-the-road messages.

The following list includes several travel bag ideas that are currently on my radar. While not available at department store prices, these bags cost far less than most of the camera and media bags I’ve see priced at hundreds of dollars. And since I use thrift store luggage and Dollar Tree travel items where I can, the saved funds can be channeled to specialty gear like this when needed.

Tactical Attaché

Designed with larger, 17-inch laptops in mind, this tactical attaché case has room for your computer and a fair amount of other gear. There are loads of extra pockets on the outside, making the organization of road warrior office supplies a simpler scenario than it otherwise would be. It has plenty of space for electrical outlet adapters, door wedges, and other travel supplies I buy at the hardware store, as well as battery packs, cell phone chargers, a water bottle, and emergency power bars. Coming in at just shy of $130 USD, it definitely costs more than a duffel, but provides additional functionality I don’t mind dishing out for. I may have to use this in tandem with another bag if my camera equipment is coming with, but I’m putting it on the list because it is definitely in the running for my bag of choice and is a perfect bag for those who don’t have to worry about lugging a digital SLR.

Patrol Bag

Also capable of holding a 17-inch laptop, the patrol bag provides a fair amount of functionality as well and could also be a useful resource for floating educators who need to move from classroom to classroom. I like the flexibility with this one, and the fact that it has straps on the outside that allow you to clip on peripheral storage items. At a cost of roughly $80, you get storage and functionality that aren’t available with your average single-compartment bag.

Military Ops Shoulder Bag

The military ops shoulder bag has a wider strap for weight distribution, which is important for a digital nomad or business traveler with a boatload of gear to carry. Trust me, once you’ve had to do the O.J. Simpson dash across multiple airports in a twelve-hour period, you’ll be glad for any shoulder relief you can get. While the jury is still out on whether I’ll be able to embrace downsizing to a 15-inch laptop with the type of work I do, I am definitely grooving with the fact that this travel bag can handle both a laptop and camera equipment while looking fairly low key. The last thing any business traveler or digital nomad wants is to look like they’re carrying as much tech gear as they actually are. It’s a lousy security practice that just begs for trouble. So avoiding it with a bag like this that still gets the transport job done is a much safer travel bet. And at less than $130, it’s an affordable piece for the specialized functionality it provides.

The Tenba Large Messenger Bag

While technically not a military or law enforcement gear bag, it’s available in black rip-stop nylon with steel rings, which means it provides similar functionality while fitting a large, 17-inch laptop, camera gear, and lots more with a water-resistant bottom panel that stays flat on the ground. The large Tenba messenger bag also offers discreet access to equipment and allows you to reach numerous items from the top without having to open the entire bag and exposing expensive gear you may not want to draw attention to. At a cost of roughly $110, this one provides a fair amount of bang for the buck.

Military-Grade Multipurpose Bag

This multipurpose military bag can hold a 17-inch laptop, camera, and other gear. It’s the extra large version of Maxpedition’s other multipurpose bags and designed to stand up to the type of use that law enforcement professionals need. I like the fact that this particular travel bag can easily be adapted for other packing needs, which is helpful when you are going to be dishing out for a more expensive piece. And at nearly $200, the Maxpedition multipurpose bag is the most expensive of the affordable gear bags I’ve narrowed this list down to. I’ve included it because for those who need extra industrial-strength sturdiness with their travel bag, it’s nice to know there’s one out there that can also handle your tech gear. I’ll likely stick with one of the other four bags, but those who are looking for such a piece of luggage should know it’s out there.

It’s probably obvious by now, but I’m still making up my mind as to which travel bag I’m going to purchase. This list represents over a year of searching, and hundreds of other bags that I have priced, researched, and read reviews for. Finding the final five has been quite a quest, to say the least. Regardless of which one (or ones) I finally purchase, I wanted others to know these options were there and also to ask for input.

Is anyone who’s reading involved in the same line of work that I am? Or one of the professions these types of bags were designed for? And if so, have you used any of these bags? As I said, the jury’s still out, so I’m open to suggestions and information while I’m in the process of making my final decision. If you are a digital nomad or business traveler looking for the ultimate travel bag, this article was written with you in mind. I hope you found it helpful.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, and I will earn a comission for any purchases made through these links.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more Travel articles from Wise Bread.

Sexy Summer Dinners: 5 Great Hot-Weather Meal Ideas

Myscha Theriault — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:00:23 +0000

One of the best parts of the warm-weather season is the sultry evenings and the great summer dinners that go with them. Hot-weather meals need to make the most of outdoor cooking spaces, be reasonably easy to prepare, and have enough style to make your dinner party or backyard barbecue memorable. Here are some of my favorite menu plans to accomplish just that. (See also: Simple Summer Menus That Will Save You Money)

Grilled Pizza

Pizza’s a favorite for many families, and a suitable food item for mixing it up with backyard dining as well. One of the easiest ways to prepare it on the barbecue is with a pizza grilling stone. This allows you to keep the crust from dipping through the grate and provides a smooth surface from which to remove the pizza once it’s fully cooked. It’s also one of my favorite grilling gifts to bring hosts who we stay with during summer travels. Because pizza is so versatile, you can really have fun with this at a small gathering by letting people choose their own toppings such as an alternative pizza sauce, veggies, or unusual types of cheese. Try this bulk dry mix recipe for pizza dough to save money, or a homemade gluten-free crust if you are watching your wheat.

Go Caribbean

Nothing celebrates summer like Caribbean food, which makes it an excellent menu choice for summer dinners. Caribbean recipes come from a part of the world that basically has summer all year round, making hot-weather meals a mainstay. So grill up some Jamaican jerk chicken and serve some spicy, low-fat Caribbean eggplant spread as a condiment or stylish-yet-healthy appetizer. Looking for an affordable side dish? Slice up some plantains on the diagonal and sauté them in a frying pan.

Fruit Salsa With Fish

I’m a huge fan of pairing firm, fresh-fruit salsas with fish for light summer dinners that are heavy on flavor. The tropical pico de gallo featured in this list of pineapple recipes certainly makes a statement, as does a simple mango and black bean salsa made with red onion, chopped jalapeno, cilantro, mango, black beans, and lime juice. If finding time to catch your own fish isn’t in the schedule, Sam’s Club has large bags of individually-frozen tilapia for less than two bucks per pound. Thawed, they cook easily in foil packets on the grill or in the toaster oven.

Middle-East Barbecue

Hot weather meals and living in the desert go hand in hand. So fire up the grill for a round of shish taouk paired with a Lebanese black-eyed pea salad and a dollop of harissa. If you’re hoping to keep things a bit more vegetarian, try these Middle-East sandwiches or veggie kabobs basted with a sumac, olive oil, and lemon juice marinade. Toss in a side of flatbread and some hummus, and your dinner menu’s ready to roll.

Rice Pairings

There are a number of summer dinners you can prepare by firing up the rice cooker and pairing basmati or brown rice with other foods. For example, a beef-and-pepper stir fry or this recipe for kung pao shrimp with cashews are both suitable for serving company and can be prepared relatively quickly. For a self-serve backyard menu that will easily feed a crowd, use the largest rice cooker you can get your hands on, and whip up a giant batch of Indian black-eyed peas in a spicy Goan curry in your electric roaster. (You thought it was just for turkeys during the holidays, didn’t you?) Set the foods on a serving table and run an outdoor extension cord to your power supply. Serve with fresh topping selections such as chopped green onions, diced fresh tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and grated coconut.

Serving hot-weather meals doesn’t have to mean hum-drum. With these stylish summer dinners, you’ll have a satisfied crowd using meal plans that won’t break the bank.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, and I will earn a commission for any purchase made through these links.

Written by Myscha Theriault and published on Wise Bread. Read more Food and Drink articles from Wise Bread.