Save Time And Money By Following These Food Hacks

As much as we want to prepare delicious and healthy meals for our entire family, doing so can be a quite a chore!

This is why some of us opt to order in or to eat out. However, this can lead to an increased spending and to an unhealthy lifestyle. The solution is to find ways to save yourself money and time while prepping your meals. Start with these simple food hacks:

#1: EGGSPIRED

Equipped with a shopping list in one hand, I enjoy my weekly trips to the grocery. Egg is among the items that will always be present on the list. For many of us, it is difficult to tell whether a set of eggs is expired. When this happens, you either throw out edible eggs or take the risk of eating expired ones. Avoid these situations by following a simple trick:

Put your eggs in a bowl of water. The expired eggs will float and the fresh eggs will sink. Quickly grab the good eggs in the bottom of the bowl.

#2: POTATHROW

I love potatoes! Whether it be mashed or fried, potatoes can drive many people into frenzy! Say you want to fry potato wedges or mash some potatoes. It is best to spend as little time as possible in peeling each individual potato. Furthermore, you are only wasting money by peeling too much.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

So, take a sharp knife and gently run the blade around the circumference of the potato. You must break the skin without puncturing the potato. Repeat this step for each potato that you intend to cook. Place all the potatoes in a pot and add boiling water. After all these are fully boiled and drained, you may put the pot under cool water for a few seconds. This is the perfect time to gently remove the potato’s skin using your fingers. Watch as the skin slip right off as you save energy on a simple task.

#3: FREEZE-FULL

One of the kitchen tools that many of us often under-utilize is the freezer. Using the freezer efficiently to properly store your food will save you money, effort, and time. Keep this tip in mind – maintaining an empty or an almost empty freezer is a mistake! The freezer has to double its work to cool itself, which will lead to energy wastage. The coolness is retained better if the freezer a little more full.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

I am not saying that you must completely pile up items as that will restrict air circulation. Instead, you must replace what you use with new frozen food items. Practicing this cycle will ensure that your freezer is used to its fullest potential.

#4: MEATICULOUS

Meat gets ridiculously more expensive as time passes. By buying large amounts of meat when it is on sale can help you save money and time in the grocery store. You can either cook everything at the same time or store everything in the freezer into usable portions.

For instance, you may use ground beef for spaghetti sauce and chicken strips for salads. There will be no leftovers!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Money Tips That Moms Will Surely Benefit From

Congratulations on becoming a dedicated mother! From now on, all you will do is smart mommy moves…

THE KITCHEN

For most mothers, they let their creativity shine through the dishes they cook. The magical recipes they prepare delight their family each day. Savvy mothers can take control of their food expenses by laying out a weekly meal plan. Make a grocery list consisting of items that you will need in the next seven days. Steer away from the temptation of impulse purchases by sticking with your grocery list. If your tummy is not that sensitive, you may cook your meals in advance and freeze for future consumption.

Another simple way to save money in the kitchen is by maximizing the available tools. For instance, you may cut your sponges in half. Let us be honest! Sponges can get disgusting in a snap. Some people opt to microwave their sponges to remove the crawling germs. On the other hand, others replace their sponges every week. Use half of a new sponge and save the other half for the next week. This allows you to save money despite the high replacement rate.

THE BATHROOM

A personal bathroom is a haven where you can temporarily rest or contemplate (on pressing matters). Bathroom supplies such as soap, tissues, and cotton balls seem to fly in thin air! Thus, the cost of these supplies add up. Stock up on bathroom supplies when these are on sale. Buying in bulk may eat up a significant portion of space but, the savings are worth it.

Another aspect of the bathroom is the medicine cabinet. When it comes to medicine, you must not shy away from the generics. Generic products are similar to the quality of the branded counterparts in many situations. Stretch your dollars’ worth by considering over-the-counter medicines (e.g., Vitamin C). You may even purchase generics for spices such as salt and sugar.

THE ENTERTAINMENT ROOM

The entertainment or living room is the ideal place to cultivate lasting memories. It is no secret that children put high regard on toys. Try making your own toys to save some cash. You are probably doubting that statement as you have limited time on your hands. However, you must not quit right away. Search through your cabinets to lift the available resources. As a preschool teacher, I suggest that you create a sensory bottle. Combine sand, beans, buttons, beads, and other small toys inside an empty bottle. Let your child shake it and spot each item. Go to Pinterest for more experimental ideas.

What do children value aside from toys? As sentimental as this may sound, children put highest value on quality time. Children crave for your undivided attention especially during their formative years. Strengthening your connection with your loved ones reduces the need to compensate through gifts. Show your love through presences and not with presents!

THE OFFICE

When it comes to your job, you can employ many strategies to work your way around. Make ends meet by embracing the “work-from-home” lifestyle. Raising your child is challenging when you have to keep a full-time job. Consider becoming a brand ambassador for companies such as Avon or Herbalife instead. Isn’t it nice to find a workplace within your play-space?

Secondly, you may become an entrepreneur by selling your stuff at Singapore’s mommy communities. I recommend the “New mums Singapore“. It is a Facebook group that lets you sell your baby-related items and join occasional mommy events. Here are just two ideas that you may get started with.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Let me close this post by sharing profound wisdom from the best-selling author Farnoosh Torabi:

“Child care is expensive and it may seem like the only option you have is to quit working to become the full-time caretaker, but try to avoid staying out of the work force for more than a year. Continue to work when your children are young so that you can go on to earn the seniority that’s often necessary to call the shots and create a better work/life integration as your kids grow older and demand more of your time.”

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Do Not Tell These Money Statements To Your Kids

There are some financial issues and information that you shall just keep to yourself.

1. “Your Dad makes more money.”

In a dual-career household, you shall refrain from pointing out which parent earns more than the other. Putting a distinct label on the breadwinner signifies that one’s contribution is more important than the other. It is better to highlight that the two of you work as a team in order to cultivate a brighter future.

2. “Your uncle owes us S$5,000.”

You may be infuriated that your brother has not paid his debt. Sure! S$5,000 is a decent amount of money, but you shall not get your children involved in this issue. Children usually mirror the reactions and emotions of their parents. Telling your daughter that her uncle owes you money may ignite hatred or uncomfortable feelings toward him.

It is an admirable thing to warn your children about the risks of lending money. However, you must use an example that is too close to home.

3. “I spent a lot of money for your gift.”

Most children do not mind the cost of your gift. They simply want to relish the excitement that the act of receiving brings. To an innocent child, there is no difference between a bespoke and a store-bought cake. It is still a sweet dessert!

Putting a price on a gift (i.e., high/low or cheap/expensive) can just change their perceptions. Teach your children that the value of the gift is not always reflected on its price tag.

4. “I am broke.”

Have you ever noticed that some of our adult conversations are exaggerated? Children are less likely to absorb our subtleties in communication. Imagine you uttered these words: “I am broke.” Your young offspring may misunderstand what you just said due to your choice of words. Avoid declarations of financial disaster.

Instead, it is important to give your children reassuring messages. You may say that you have to wait a week until the pay day comes.

5.”Do not tell your Daddy/Mommy that I bought this.”

Your devotion to your spouse does not stop after having kids. Make it a point to discuss about your spending habits and future goals. If you are about to purchase something that you want to conceal for now (e.g., a surprise birthday present), do it at your own time. Do not use the vulnerability of a child as an escape.

If you encourage a child to lie to the other parent, it increases the likelihood of dishonesty. It sends a message that spending money is merely a shameful act. All these wrong signals can be prevented by you.

6. “I dislike going to work.”

No matter how tired you are of answering demanding calls or how much you hate your boss, you shall not verbalize these thoughts when your child is around. Complaining about these negative aspects of the job can make your child feel anxious about the future.

Opt for sharing the aspects that you enjoy the most about your job. What makes your work fulfilling and interesting? Dwell on that. Save the serious talk until she or he reaches maturity.

7. “We cannot afford to buy that.”

After spending a few hundreds on the grocery store, it can be confusing to tell your child that you cannot afford to purchase a toy. He or she may think that you spent all your money on groceries or that you have no more money for the important things. Turn this situation around by teaching your children about the importance of prioritizing and delayed gratification.

You may say something along these lines: “Please put that toy back. We do not need it right now. If you really want to buy it, you have to save up for it. I can help you!”

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As with most aspects of parenting, it is best to lead as a positive example to your children. Choose your words wisely.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Money-Saving Parenting Hacks That Work

MAKING YOUR OWN SWIVEL ROCKER

Looking for a great way to save on your nursery swivel rocker? Instead of looking at the baby aisle, try looking for the office aisle. Consider purchasing a pre-owned armchair online and adding your own rocking base to it. You will not only save a lot of cash but you can also have an unforgettable DIY experience with your spouse.

Simply follow the instructions – here.

ORDERING GROCERIES VIRTUALLY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

One marketing strategy that groceries employ is targeting the children’s interest because they play an influence on what goes inside the carts. Supermarkets purposely place cereals, toys, and sugary treats at a kid-friendly level. If you cannot leave the kiddos alone, opt for shopping online.

A revolutionary feature of most “big name” grocery chains in Singapore is that they offer access to online grocery shopping. This can help you to save money by religiously sticking to your list (or budget), by avoiding the transportation costs, and by preventing the impulsive buying power of your children.

For everyday shopping, I recommend fairprice.com.sg as they have regular deals and discounts. As for affordable organic produce, you can visit bestorganicfood.sg.

STOCKING UP FOR KIDDIE PARTIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Children’s toys, clothes, and other fun items go on sale from June to August due to the Great Singapore Sale. Take advantage of this annual event by stocking up on a variety of inexpensive gifts that you can give on kiddie parties or even Christmas. Set a limit for every individual to avoid going beyond your budget.

KEEPING A PIGGY BANK

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Be the good example to your children by putting some of your loose change into a money jar. Since most young children want to be like their parents, seeing you do it will provide them with encouragement to save.

After serving as an example for a month, provide your child with his or her very own piggy bank. Have your child draw the picture of the specific toy on the side of the piggy bank. Through this, they will be motivated to save in order to get what he or she wants.

USING FREE RESOURCES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Your nearby public library can serve as your savior during those school-free days. Not only can you borrow children’s books but you can also rent CDs/DVDs for the whole family – at no cost. Aside from these, the public libraries also offer a wide array of free events that your family can join. Visit nlb.gov.sg to stay updated with the National Library Board’s events calendar.

BREASTFEEDING YOUR BABY

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

One of the empowering things that only women can do is to breastfeed their baby. As much as you can, opt for breastfeeding because it will not only be healthy but also be able to save you as low as S$1,500 per year.

If you want to save even more on breast pump, borrow from your family or friends but make sure to change the plastic attachments. You can buy those for far less than a brand new pump.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Wallet-Friendly Ways To Make Parenting Simple And Fun

One of the best parts of parenting is spending quality time with your children. Most of the time, creating fun memories are simple. However, there are days when it is far from easy.

This is why you must unlock the “inner child” within you by trying these inexpensive ideas:

1. BE A PART OF WHAT THEY LOVE TO DO

In the weekends, you just want to lay down and rest your body from all the week’s work. But, you also want to spend time with your beloved ones. Kill these two birds with one stone with the “Car Play Shirt”.

The Car Play Shirt allows you to relax and lay down while your kids are playing with the activity on your back. The interactive puzzle is drawn at the back of your shirt lets your boys imagine where they want their cool cars to go. You can either purchase them for S$32.17 or make your own by following this tutorial.

Image Credits: thebluebasket.blogspot.sg/2011/09/tutorial-car-shirt.html

Image Credits: thebluebasket.blogspot.sg/2011/09/tutorial-car-shirt.html

2. TALK ABOUT THEIR FEELINGS

Children who do not express themselves genuinely can become people-pleasers with low self-esteem or unhappy adults who cannot reach their fullest potentials. This is why as parents, it is important to encourage the child to be more demonstrative.

Do so by making “Paper Plate Emotion Masks”. The goal of this artistic activity is to open up a conversation with your children to know more about them. With this, you can emphasize more on happy situations and decrease the sad situations.

Simply gather these materials: paper plates, popsicle sticks, markers, crayons, scissors, and tape. Then, let your child create a mask with basic emotions such as happy, sad, scared and angry. If you need more help, follow the instructions here.

Image Credits: thepinterestedparent.com/2013/11/teaching-toddlers-emotions

Image Credits: thepinterestedparent.com/2013/11/teaching-toddlers-emotions

Note: This activity is great for toddlers and preschoolers.

3. FEED YOUR CHILD’S IMAGINATION

If you want a few minutes to an hour to yourself to do some work at home, you can try indulging your child with arts and crafts. Aside from keeping him or her occupied, art therapy is especially beneficial for children since they are naturally more imaginative and creative. Furthermore, it enhances the child’s problem solving and cognitive (brain) skills.

Inspired by various craft from the Internet, a blogger that goes by the name of “A Little Learning For Two” came up with the “Sticky Window Art”. This easy craft lets your child illustrate endless images with colorful sticks drawn on the “sticky paper” that is plastered in the window. You would need these four items: scissors, clear contact paper, tape, and colored matchsticks/popsicle sticks. After which, follow the tutorial here.

Image Credits: alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.sg/2010/11/sticky-window-art.html

Image Credits: alittlelearningfortwo.blogspot.sg/2010/11/sticky-window-art.html

Much to the blogger’s surprise, her daughter played this activity for almost an hour without losing interest!

Note: A roll of clear contact paper can be found at your nearest stationery shop such as Popular Bookstore. 

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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