Frugality

Image by tina vallèsThere's a certain simple beauty that can be attained by taking things that would otherwise be wasted and turning them into something delicious.

I have a middling-sized air-tight plastic container that I keep in the freezer. I toss scraps and ends of vegetables in it. When it starts to get full, I make vegetable stock.

Image by Autumn WellesI was having coffee with a colleague last week, and we were talking about food. I know. This is shocking. She lamented the fact that whenever she took something to a church function, her serving plate would disappear.

I've had similar problems, myself. Even if it isn't a pot-luck per se, I like to take food when I go to social gatherings. Sometimes, I forget to take the bowl or plate I brought it in when I leave. Other times, I end up leaving early and abandoning it there (and then forget about it).

Yes, you're supposed to give the books back (but if you find one you love, you can always get your own copy...)

I'm surprised by how few people I've run into know better than to go grocery shopping while hungry. When you're hungry, everything looks good, and you end up paying far more attention to your stomach than you do to your wallet.

If you absolutely need to go shopping while and you happen to be hungry, grab a quick snack first. Even if you have to buy a snack, the amount you spend will probably still save you money.

If you are like me, you loathe buying tomato paste. The stuff is incredibly useful, sure. Unfortunately, I invariably only need a tablespoon or so. I buy a can, use maybe 1/6 of it, and the rest goes into the refrigerator. There it sits.