Thursday, July 31, 2008

Fountain aerates water for cats

I rescued four kittens over three years. A few months ago, I gave our "problem child," Mushoo, to a friend. (Mushoo is aggressive and likes to pick on our other cats.) She gave him back when her allergies kicked in to point where she was almost hospitalized. Packed with Mushoo was the neatest gadget, a fountain water bowl.

All my cats love it. This small fountain circulates, filters and aerates the water. It flows through a charcoal filter and down a ramp into the bowl.

Cats need to drink plenty of water to avoid urinary track disease. My cats are fascinated by the sound and movement. The fountain costs about $40 and can be bought at local pet stores or online.

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Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Take a hike with a walking stick

After my dog was attacked by a smaller but vicious dog on one of our daily walks, I started using a walking stick. The intention was to use the stick to ward off future attacks. Instead the walking stick helped me as a walking aid.

I'm top heavy so walking on trails with loose gravel, branches and shallow holes made for slow, unsteady progress. Having an excited dog pull on the leash just added to feeling unbalanced. I have fallen several times and broken my pinkie and foot. So I am wary of walking in rough terrain.

With the walking stick, I walk faster and with more confidence. I enjoy the walks a lot more. The cane provides a third foot on the ground, creating a tripod, which is more stable than a bi-pod.

As the walking stick distributes your weight through three points, it takes the stress off any painful joints you may have. It didn't take long for me to pick up a natural gait using the walking stick.

I'm not the only one has thought of using a walking stick as a weapon. A walking stick or cane is used in martial arts and has been used as a weapon for centuries by many cultures when formal weapons were outlawed.

You can buy a fancy cane or walking stick or you can make your own. I haven't used my walking stick to hit anyone, but I did scare two little terrier mutts back into their yard. And then I dashed away, with confidence.

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Monday, July 28, 2008

How to survive a power outage

Even if a storm like Hurricane Dolly leaves your home unscathed, a power outage could make your life uncomfortable for days. Hurricane winds of 75 mph with gusts up to 100 mph can knock down power lines if the uprooted trees don't fall on them first.

As of today, there are still homes that don't have electrical service five days after the hurricane left the area. But there doesn't have to be a storm to snuff out electrical service. In the summer blackouts can be caused by the excessive demand of air conditioning.

It's a smart idea to be prepared for power loss year-round. Check the Washington State Department of Health for tips for surviving a power outage.

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Wednesday, July 23, 2008

After the storm, check for water damage

Hurricane Dolly is creeping towards us this morning. It's a slow-moving storm so it's expected to dump from 10 to 15 inches of rain.

Following a storm, it is important to check for water damage in your house within 24 to 36 hours to prevent mold growth. Mold is not only unsightly, it can cause health problems from allergic reactions to respiratory issues.

I once attended a training with the foremost expert on mold. "Control moisture. Control mold. Thank you, that is the end of my lecture," he joked. He was only partly joking. Cleaning up water damage and preventing moisture is the key to mold growth.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has tips for preventing and cleaning mold in your home.

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Monday, July 21, 2008

What happens to pets during the storm?

Pets are part of the family. No one whats to abandon them in case of an evacuation. Among the many lessons we learned from Katrina was that pets cannot fend for themselves during a hurricane.

You can download a free brochure on Preparing Your Pets for Emergencies Makes Sense. Having a plan in place makes sense.

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Sunday, July 20, 2008

Place spare eye glasses in emergency kit

Lists that show what to put in an emergency kit are popping up now that hurricane season in underway. One item I have noticed that is missing from these lists are extra eyeglasses. If you're caught in a downpour, there's a good chance your glasses could slip off.

You may hate the idea, but a chain or cord to hang your glasses around your neck could save you from having to hunt for them when you should be hauling out of the house. Save a couple of pair of your old glasses to put in your kit.

Also important to stash in your emergency kit is a small book to read and a pack of playing cards. These small items could help you pass the time with your family and keep your mind off of the storm howling outside the shelter.

For more things to pack in your emergency kit, check out Ready America.

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Saturday, July 19, 2008

AT&T ate my homework

I don't know how it happened, but AT&T disconnected my Internet. I noticed the plug was pulled at 12:15 a.m. as I was in the middle of a nocturnal homework session. By the way, a call to tech support somewhere in the Philippines shortly after midnight doesn't get you reconnected.

Nor did two weeks of calls, including one from a very sympathetic Kathy in New Orleans who told us our records showed that we had requested the Internet be discontinued because we had switched to another provider. There was nothing she could do about it. After staying on the line for two hours and innumerable line transfers, someone finally told my husband, they could reconnect in 14 days. He explained that I had just invested $3,000 in Internet classes and needed it right away. In that case, they said they'd reconnect in 2 weeks.

Frustrated, when the service was not connected after two weeks I made another call to AT&T and talked to Lori in Michigan. I begged her not to transfer me to a foreign country because they have not been able to help. She was incensed and called me rude that "Just because they have accents, they are highly trained employees." Then she wished me, the bigot, "good luck" pretended to switch me and disconnected my call.

It got to be annoying as we explained to each new rep we were transferred to what the problem was. Each rep had a different excuse for our situation. Apparently AT&T doesn't keep records of each call. My husband stopped calling after a rep told him we didn't get DLS in our area. "Oh, really," my husband told him. "We've been getting it for two years." After a month of daily calls to AT&T, we were ready to sign up with dish Internet.

My son asked my husband to let him try talking to AT&T. He got a hold of a representative who not only told him we were already hooked up but she walked him through the steps to re-establish the service.

My son, my hero. He fancies himself a consumer advocate. I read that staying calm and polite and having a sense of humor will win you points with service reps. But it is important to get connected with reps who have the authority to do something for you other than read from a script about what a valuable customer I am.

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Monday, July 14, 2008

Save on children's clothes

It’s time to start thinking about back-to-school clothes. The end of summer sales will be advertised soon. In temperate climates, summer clothes can be worn with sweaters in the fall and layered when it gets colder.

First, you’ll need to make room for the new stuff. Help the kids go through their drawers and closet. Place items that are too small in a bag to be given away, and those that need mending in a laundry basket for later attention.

If there’s an item that still fits, but they’d like to revamp it, turn it into a "Project Runway" activity. Help your child design the new look. Some changes only need a few snips of the scissors, others may need some work on the sewing machine. It would be a great project for those days when the kids cry "there’s nothing to do!"

This would be a fun way to turn hand-me-downs into something personal for the new owner and won’t cost anything. In the Rio Grande Valley, used clothing can be bought inexpensively by the pound. Teen-agers make it a Saturday excursion and thrifty-minded parents keep an eye out for good quality staples, like jeans and shirts.

E-How has more tips on how to save money on kid's clothes.

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Sunday, July 13, 2008

Eating out on a budget

It isn't uncommon for families to eat out several times a week. And if you work, business lunches are an almost daily routine.

A recently as a generation ago, eating at a restaurant was reserved for special occasions, like an anniversary. Now we eat out to save time or because we don't feel like cooking.

Eating out is a popular recreational activity for a lot of people. It can be fun and relaxing to be waited on for a change.

One way I save at restaurants is to drink water instead of a $2.50 glass of tea or soda. A few clients have given me gift cards to local restaurants. It's a gift a working mom can really appreciate. For more tips on how to save money dining out, visit EverSave.com.

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Saturday, July 12, 2008

Who taught my dog to tell time?

My dog Okie can tell time. She's a border collie/American Eskimo mix with an internal timing precision that would make the Swiss envious. Her mother was a pure bred American Eskimo. We kept her in a fenced backyard so it was a surprise when she ended up pregnant by a neighborhood rogue.

By Okie's markings and intelligence, it appears the father contributed traits of the border collie. And if you're wondering, yes, Okie was born in Oklahoma. She's black and white and as intolerant of me as a teen-ager. Have you ever seen a dog roll up its eye and sigh? She only puts up with me because I walk her.

We walk early in the morning and then again at 7 in the evening. When she senses it's time, she'll start with subtle moves, like putting her head on my lap. Once I stand up, stand back. She gets excited, barks and whines, and heads for the door, only to turn back to bark, hurry up.

Though sometimes I'm convinced she's part Timex, she's not so smart. Sometimes she comes to me 2 minutes early.

Besides giving Okie a treat to see new sights and get some exercise, the walks help me out as well. It helps me clear my head and stretch my legs. Dog walking has been touted as a great way to get exercise and save money in the bargain. You don't have to pay for a gym membership if you stay faithful to a walking routine. And if you have a living, breathing clock, like I do, nudging you when it's 7 p.m., it's not likely that you'll forget.

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Friday, July 11, 2008

Rain or shine, Internet keeps kids busy

A few of my co-workers suffered from cabin fever over the rainy weekend. There's always the question of how to keep the kids occupied when they can't go outside to play. Down here in the sunny Rio Grande Valley, we have to haul in the kids when the afternoon heat gets fierce.

You don't have to spend a fortune buying toys and games for the kids. Internet sites have lots of ideas for inexpensive projects.

Disney's site FamilyFun is packed with arts and crafts, themes for parties and games. You can choose activities based on age or interest. There are so many activities, you could run your own little summer camp in the backyard. The fun doesn’t stop at night. What kid doesn’t love a flashlight? He can play games and send Morse code messages to his buddies. Star gazing is fun and costs nothing.

There’s a recipe for homemade finger paints. Use them to paint on a white sheet. After displaying it for a while, rinse it off and make a new one. One family painted an American flag, using the children's hands dipped in white paint for the stars.

There are also how-to directions for decorating the children’s rooms. This could be a big summer project for older children.

The children's store Kid Source hosts a Website with lots of advice for parents. Especially helpful are the reading lists provided by Reading Is Fundamental, Inc. (RIF) and the American Library Association. The titles of books are listed by recommended age. Reading is such a fun activity for children. Younger children could read with their parents then act out what they have just read.

Parents who are looking for free educational Internet games should check out Sears' Website for kids, FunBrain. The graphics and sound effects of the games are outstanding. The games teach math, reading and other learning skills.

These are just three sites available on the Internet. Do a search for a particular subject or interest of your child’s. I would recommend that parents do the online search since the children might stumble onto something that is not family friendly.

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Monday, July 7, 2008

Soaking up the rain


It's been raining for a week. What a treat to hear pattering on the roof that isn't a possum or a cat. After a month of stifling temperatures, it's glorious to have these gentle showers. Today is a refreshing 75 degrees....ahhh.

It's kind of dark and gloomy. I love gloomy days. I feel like baking and knitting a sweater for the dog.

The rain is warm and inviting. I love to walk in the rain. Only lunatics do that, I've been told on several occasions. Yet, no one wants to join me. Maybe if I had company it would look like a planned activity and not just someone who escaped from her caretaker.


If my husband would walk with me, people would look out their windows and smile, "Oh, look, there's Nora and her husband walking in the rain together like lovers." Or if my son would join us, we'd get big nods of approval, "Oh, look, there's Nora and her little family spending quality time together walking in the rain." The reality is more like "There's that lunatic from down the street with her dog. She doesn't have enough sense to get out of the rain. The dog's sweater is cute, though."

Even if I can't fully enjoy the rain, the crops are benefiting from the free irrigation. The rain is helping the cotton crop, but the soggy fields are keeping the sorghum from getting harvested.

Growing up, I always wondered why adults were so preoccupied with the weather. In a community tied to agriculture, the success of a crop can be measured in rainfall. Too little or too much can be disastrous.

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Saturday, July 5, 2008

Summers exist for watermelon

I'm convinced ice-cold watermelon is the only thing that makes it worth getting out of bed on weekends. The growing season is over for the Rio Grande Valley, but they'll be harvested well into September in north Texas.

A co-worker mentioned pickled watermelon rind recently. I was astonished because no other person I know has ever heard of the food, much less have fond memories of it. I ate pickled watermelon rind at my grandmother's house when I was about 10. It was delicious. Put enough sugar on anything unpalatable, say, like ... melon rind ... and it can be turned into candy.

If you'd like to try using watermelon in other ways, the National Watermelon Promotion Board has recipes for salsas and other treats. It's a great Website for watermelon facts and instructions on how to carve a watermelon. After all, summer is all about watermelon.

Photo pubished with permission from Christine Rodgriguez, smoochmonkey.com

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Wednesday, July 2, 2008

When good picnics go bad


Nothing can ruin a summer picnic faster than an attack of fire ants. Even worse, would be getting sick from something you ate. With the heat - and boy is it hot - we have to take special precautions with food. You don’t want your Fourth of July spoiled by food-borne illness, often referred to as food poisoning.

Making a visit to the hospital could wreck your budget. You wouldn’t be alone in the emergency room wondering if the chicken had gone bad.

Food-borne diseases are blamed for 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year at a cost of $5 to $6 billion in direct medical expenses and lost productivity.

Bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, can cause food-borne illness. Symptoms may include stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and headache.

Packing a safe picnic basket starts at home with proper food preparation and following simple hygiene practices like throughly washing your hands and sanitizing the counters. Once at the picnic site, remember to keep cold food cold (40 degrees F.) and hot foods hot (140 degrees F.)

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Sunday, June 29, 2008

Dog days of summer

Pets need special care during the hot summer months to keep them comfortable and safe. While we can perspire to help cool our skin, cats and dogs don't have sweat glands. The dispel heat by panting and through the bottoms of their feet.

It's hot and humid. Air conditioners aren't the only things that feel blowing a fuse. Now image how you'd feel if you were wearing a fur coat and couldn't take it off. That's exactly how your cats and dogs feel.

Pets should never be left alone in a car, even with the windows cracked open. Temperatures can quickly reach 120 degrees F. If you see an animal in a parked car, notify the store manager or call the police.

At home, make sure outdoor pets have plenty of cool water and shade. The Animal League of Arlington (VA) has more tips for keeping pets safe in the summer heat.

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Saturday, June 28, 2008

Feed your face for less


We don't have food riots here, not yet anyway. Food shortages have been in the news lately. We love our food, maybe a little too much. We have networks devoted to cooking and fine eating. Is there anything better than watching a marathon of "Top Chef" while eating a bucket of fried chicken?

Have you noticed that bucket costs more? Connect the dots with corn. Corn is in short supply because it being used to make Ethanol to help alleviate the petroleum shortage. It's taking corn away as a food source. Corn isn't only found creamed in cans. It's used to feed cows that make milk that is turned into cheese, butter, ice cream and other creamy goodness. Some cows end up on our grills on a hot summer day. Corn is also used to feed the chickens that end up in the Colonel's bucket.

With the recent flooding along the Mississippi River, crops took a hit, contributing to the food shortage. We connect the last kernel of the cycle with the higher cost of shipping food to your grocery store due to, what else, higher cost of fuel.

Gasoline is taking a bigger bite of our monthly budgets so we struggle to find ways to shave a few bucks or even cents from our controllable expenses. Food prices may be rising, but it is possible to eat well with a little planning and creativity.

My favorite trick is to use a crock pot. My crock pot is about 30 years. The brown crockery is round and deep. New models are oval and a lot more streamlined. The premise is same after all these years. You put the ingredients into the pot in the morning, set the timer and take off for work. Eight hours later, the odors of cooked food greet you at the door. You'll be less likely to pick up some fast food on the way home, if you know dinner's almost on the table.

Eating out costs three times more than cooking at home. Here are some more tips on how to save money on food.

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Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Bankruptcy hits self-esteem

I teach money management classes for people going through bankruptcy. Nationally, the majority of bankruptcies are related to medical bills, divorce, widowhood or unemployment. My clients are no different. People of all ages and different walks of life have attended my classes.

There have been teachers with master's degrees, restaurant owners, and a bank manger who said he has "seen the dark side of the banking industry."

Some of the saddest cases are retired couples who co-signed loans for their adult children and got stuck with the debt when their children could no longer make the payments.


A disabled Gulf War veteran has short-term memory loss and can't hold down a job any longer. Some couples work two minimum wage jobs each to pay the bills. While bankruptcy may bring relief from the bills that are stacking up, it may be a short-term solution. Unless their income increases, there's a good chance they will be drowning in debt once more in a few years.

The Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act of 2005 requires that those filing for personal bankruptcy learn how to manage their money. How they got to the point of bankruptcy is a road often filled with desperation, depression and for most shame: "At my age I should known better" is a common self-deprecating remark.

Some of my clients tried to hang on as long as they could by supplementing their monthly living expenses by using credit cards, hoping their situation was short-term and their financial situation would improve before the next month's bills started to pile up. Instead they found themselves deeper in debt.

My students have been hit in more ways than just financially. Some are suffering deep depression and loss of self-esteem. A student told another how his deep faith gave him a reason to live for when he had thoughts of suicide.

Bankruptcy is not a perfect solution. The bankruptcy will remain on a credit report for 10 years. Prospective lenders usually charge them higher interest rates since they are now considered a higher risk. It will take years to rebuild good credit, but it is possible.

The general advice has been to live within your means. Go one step further and live below your means. Save, invest or donate what you don't spend. Your life will be richer for it. Jack Zavada retired at the age of 51 by living below his means. His 10 smartest ways to live beneath your means make sense and won't hurt your standard of living.

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Monday, June 23, 2008

Birds of paradise


The Rio Grande Valley is considered a birding mecca.  Some beautiful and exotic birds can be sighted only here and in Northern Mexico.  Bird and butterfly enthusiasts bring millions into the area.  It's a daily occurrence for locals to spot colorful parrots and Green Jays.  In the fall and winter, cardinals were a rare treat this far South.  A popular tourist site is the World Birding Center at Quinta Matalzan in McAllen.  The beautiful grounds of a historical hacienda with its outdoor classrooms and walking trails is open for special tours.  The Texas Butterfly Festival is held in October in Mission.  Eco-tourism is a good business that makes local and visitors appreciate the beauty of the area. With so many jobs being lost in agriculture and the few manufacturing plants heading overseas, eco-tourism may be salvation for the area.









                                            Green Jay

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Saturday, June 21, 2008

It's the economy, again, stupid

Bill Clinton's famous campaign slogan for his 1992 presidential bid - "It's the economy, stupid" -  focused on the shaky economy.  There were early signs that a recession was developing, and the cost of oil spiked dramatically at this time.  Despite President George H.W. Bush's 90 percent approval rating in 1991 following the invasion of Iraq, his popularity dropped to 64 percent the next year.  

Déjà vu or a Bush redux? Rising oil prices, a recession, a Bush in office, a war in the Middle East.  It's the same old script that ousted the last Republican presidency.  I can't help but wonder, if the economy is being manipulated to influence the presidential election.  The obvious question is who or what has this kind of power?  OPEC? Priory of Sion? Osama Bin Laden sitting in a cave buying and selling stock on a lap top? 

When choosing our next president, let's consider all the issues - health care, education,  jobs, the war - and not get carried away with the price at the gas pump.   

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Wednesday, June 18, 2008

Conserve water this summer on lawn care

When I was growing up in the Rio Grande Valley in the '60s, the area was considered a semi-tropic. Now it's often referred to as semi-arid. Diminished rainfall makes the once lush landscape parched and a fire hazard during windy days (which is more often than not). The Rio Grande runs slow and low as the population on both sides of the river continues to grow and increases demand for water for new households, agriculture and business.
Summer is here in full force and lawns are looking a little ragged. If you want to conserve water and few bucks while keeping your lawn healthy, check out Water-Saving Tips for Your Lawn under Read More About It.

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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Border Patrol announces zero tolerance policy - what they were kidding before?

"Operation Streamline" will prosecute migrants crossing the border illegally.  The program has been successful in rural areas of the Texas and Arizona, drastically reducing illegal entry into those states.  

The plan has been criticized for possibly overwhelming federal courts.  The program will be implemented along a four-mile stretch of Cameron County's border with Mexico.  Undocumented immigrants who are arrested will be sent to court and could face jail time of up to 180 days and then be deported. 

Before the crack down, first-time offenders were given the choice of voluntary deportation.  They were processed, placed on a bus and were home in Mexico within hours of their arrest.

The thinking is that the unpleasant experience will discourage people from returning, and they're warn others not to cross the border.

A few years ago, my daughter's boyfriend came to visit during the Thanksgiving holiday.  Mexico was one of the places he wanted to visit before he returned home.  While we were walking across the bridge into Mexico, we spotted three people floating across the Rio Grande on inner tubes.  When they reached the banks of the U.S., they took off running.  This all happened in broad daylight.  There was nothing sneaky about their crossing.  I wonder what happened to them.  Did they make a clean break and find jobs up north.  Do they celebrate every Thanksgiving to mark the anniversary of their entrance into this wonderful country?  Or were they caught, processed and sent back home within hours, after enjoying a Thanksgiving dinner courtesy of the Border Patrol?

Some Mexicans enter the U.S. in luxury sedans.  Wealthy Mexicans pump millions into the Rio Grande Valley economy.  Stores in the local mall consistently rank among the highest grossing stores in their appropriate chain.  



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Saturday, June 14, 2008

The pie stays the same size, it's the slices that are getting smaller

In our petroleum-dependent economy, we have seen prices for food, fuel, utilities and other goods and services rise as the cost of oil hovers at $135 a barrel.

Since I my job depends on a certain amount of driving, I can't realistically cut back on gasoline.  Since gas takes up a larger slice of my budget, that leaves less money for the rest of the pie.

Something has to give, as in cut back or eliminate. With the cost of living spiking, now would be a good time for us to re-evaluate our budgets.  Don’t wait until you’re caught up in a serious cash crunch and turn to credit cards to finance your monthly living expenses.

And while we're at it, let's call it a spending plan instead of a budget.  The word budget has an ugly connotation of depriving yourself , kind of like the word diet.  Doesn't a food plan sound less restricting than "diet?"

Here are three budget guidelines to consider: Prioritize, Economize, and Increase Income Size. 

Prioritize 

Ask yourself if a purchase is based on a “need” or a “want.”  Needs are necessary for survival: a roof over your head, a car to get to work, food to nourish your body.

Sure “wants” make life more fun or comfortable.  But you can probably do without those little luxuries. Don’t confuse your need for a car as an excuse to buy a prestige model when a more affordable car will be kinder to your budget.  We all need to eat, but ordering steak every day may an indulgence.

First things first. When doling out money each month, the first payment should be for shelter.  Pay your rent or mortgage payment first.

Save as much money as you can each month.  This savings account can be used in an emergency instead of using a credit card.  If economists are correct in forecasting an impending recession, you want to be prepared.

Economize

Compare the rates of utilities, phone services and insurance.  Sometimes you can get a discount by signing up for a package of several media and communication services.

Use the Internet to compare prices for loans.  Many companies offer Internet specials.  I just refinanced a car for 4.25 percent over the Internet and transferred credit card balances for 2.99 percent for the life of the loan.

Get reacquainted with the stove and cook more.  Eating out costs three more than eating at home. To cut on food costs, revive old family recipes.  One-skillet recipes stretch meat, which can be the most expensive ingredient in a dish.  Make your own fruit juice pops when the kids want something cold from the freezer instead of ice cream.

You can still have fun while watching your budget.  If you love movies, consider taking the family to the dollar cinema, just forgo the pricey popcorn and soft drinks.  Or you could always rent a movie and pop your own corn at home.

Check out the weekly specials at the grocery store.  We often get busy and make the same old dishes.  Develop recipes based on the fresh produce and meats that are on special.  Some store, such as Wal-Mart, will honor competitors' prices when the ads are shown to the cashier. Coupons for items you regularly purchase can save you big bucks.  Beware that some companies have to entice customers to buy their products because they are expensive even with the coupon savings. 

Increase Income Size

Look for a second job.  Even a part-time job will bring in extra cash.

Have a garage sale to sell unwanted items.  Some cities require a permit so call city hall first.

Encourage your teen-age children to get part-time jobs.  They can pay for their own clothes, entertainment and gas, lightening the load for parents.  Working builds character and teaches life skills, such as getting along with co-workers, managing money and handling difficult people.  My son started his job eight days ago at a fast food restaurant and has learned there are good days and there are bad days on the job, but you just do your best.

Before you start your campaign to balance the family budget, it’s important to change your attitude about what is really adding value to your life. It’s also important to get the entire family onboard.  Constant complaints could sabotage your good intentions.

 

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Friday, June 13, 2008

Rising gas prices create indigestion for commuters

With gas prices hovering at $3.89 a gallon here, creative scheduling is one resort to squeezing the most octane out of a tank.  Students attending South Texas College and the University of Texas are typically commuter students.  Most live at home and many hold down full-time jobs while attending classes.  This results in drive time to and from campus.  UTPA recently announced it would lengthen class sessions so students could attend classes on only two instead of three days of the week. (Source: The Edinburg, TX, Review, June 11, 2008)


Will work for gas 
My husband is rather casual with our yard care.  It has been several months since anyone has stopped by to ask if we'd like the lawn mowed.  It was not unusual to have two or three people stop by on a Saturday and ask for the job until my husband would take the hint and pull the lawn mower from the garage.  
People living on marginal jobs can no longer afford the gasoline to drive around town looking for day work.  Delivery jobs that depend on personal vehicles are also being hit hard.  Think pizza, newspapers.  Who will come to your house with a hot cheesy pizza when the cost to deliver it is more than the profit from the food? 
There aren't may options for mass transportation in the Valley.  The public bus system is very limited.  People must rely on getting to their destination on their own.  People living on meager salaries also tend to have older vehicles, which guzzle gas.
Even those of us with steady jobs are feeling the pinch.  I now have a little built-in gas-o-meter. On the way to do an errand this morning, I was typically day dreaming and passed the building. I had to turn around.  It irked me.  Later I accelerated to pass a slow-moving car, only to be stopped at the corner by a red light.  This stop-and-go driving burns up precious fuel.  My mental gas-o-meter calculated the costs.  I slowed down and paid attention to the road.

Now You Want to Conserve Natural Resources
or tips for conserving gasoline
1.  Walk or ride a bike.  Bicycles are flying off the shelves at Wal-Mart.  It isn't Christmas so it's probably one remedy to cutting down on driving. 
2.  Save driving time by grouping errands so you can do them at the same time.  Do errands on the way to and from work.  
3.  Consider a staycation.  Stay-at-home vacations are a sensible alternative to high plane tickets and expensive road trips.  Leave the Suburban in the suburbs.  Leave the Explorer on the driveway while you have fun inside.  If cabin fever hits and you absolutely have to get out, take a day trip to explore the local sites you never have time to visit.  When was the last time you took the family to the local museum or library?
4.  Avoid rush hour.  Stop-and-go traffic is hard on gas mileage.  (Day dreaming just prolongs trips.)
5.  Speed kills - your wallet.  According to the Department of Energy, you lose 7 percent efficiency for every 5 mph you drive over 65 mph. 
6. Buy a locking gas cap.  A co-worker's mom had her tank syphoned dry at a hospital parking lot.  This is a new criminal activity for this area so maybe crime rates are increasing.

For more tips, check out "Easy ways to conserve gas" listed to the left.





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Thursday, June 12, 2008

Rotten Tomatoes Rotten for Business

The salmonella scare has hit tomato U.S. producers and importers hard. Though tomatoes are easing their way back into supermarkets in the Rio Grande Valley, people are removing them from their menus. A local produce importer is sitting with half a million dollars of tomatoes in his warehouse. Demand has dropped across the nation, as well. Though he says his tomatoes have been cleared by inspectors no one's ordering because they're from Mexico, the suspected source of the contamination, according to recent news accounts. The businessman has laid off five people locally and there may be more job losses by farmers in Mexico.

Source: The Monitor.com

Consumers love their tomatoes. Overheard at Whataburger, a local hamburger fast food restaurant: Why don't you have tomatoes in the salad? Are you at least going to discount my salad?
Skip the cucumbers, give me a double heaping helping of Salmonella. Any e-coli in the house?

Cooking without the pathogens
If you have to have your tomatoes, and you have to have them now, turn to the canned stuff. The canning process kills pathogens. Since canned tomatoes are juicy, be sure to drain them well. Save the juice for soups. Chopped coarsely or diced finely, canned tomatoes can be used in tacos and in Pico de Gallo without losing the integrity of the dish.
Here's a tasty Pico de Gallo that's just as good with canned tomatoes as it is with fresh. Pico de Gallo is translated from Spanish as rooster's beak, most likely in reference to the spicy bite it imparts. Pico de Gallo is chunkier and drier than salsa, even the kind from New York City. It is served with meats and tacos or with tortilla chips as a dip.

Pico de Gallo
2 medium tomatoes, diced or 1 small can of tomatoes, drained and diced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1/2 fresh jalapeño, seeded and chopped (use the entire pepper if you dare)
1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
1 green onion finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Combine tomato, onion, jalapeño (to taste), cilantro, garlic and green onion. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed. Refrigerate for 30 minutes. Garnish with cilantro sprigs. Great for barbecues and picnics.


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