Egg-celent Ideas

After spending months, literally, trying to figure out what to do with leftover egg cartons (it's a long story that I'll share another day), I stumbled upon an article at FrugalVillage.com where DOZENS of uses for egg cartons are listed – toolshed organizer, loose change holder, travel container for jewelry, seed starters, desk organizer. The possibilities really are limitless. 

Tell me more! What do you do with those pesky egg cartons? What about milk jugs and oversize tin cans -- how do you recycle those?

Never Waste Money On Gifts Again!

I've been told that I'm an oddity when it comes to receiving gifts, in that I absolutely adore every single gift I get, from the blingy watch my husband bought for me a few birthdays back to the scribble drawing my three-year-old nephew created for me this birthday. I don't care what it is, as long as I get something. 

What to Do With Those Leftovers

(Add them to this yummy pasta dish!)

When it comes to food, my eyes are always bigger than my stomach. Instead of baking a couple of drumsticks for my husband and I (the only two in my household), I cook a whole roaster with intentions of eating the entire thing in one dinner. It never works out that way. I'm stuffed after my fill and we're left with more than half a chicken!

I just met Stacey DeHass, the Executive Chef at Amish Naturals, a  fast-growing organic food company out of Holmesville, Ohio. Because of the high price of food these days, Stacey has gotten quite crafty in the kitchen and has developed an entire roster of  tasty, fulfilling and healthy recipes by using leftovers. Here's one of her delish concoctions:

***This recipe is a perfect way to utilize seasonal vegetables, which are generally cheaper, and to experiment with different additions such as leftover grilled chicken.  Just heat it in the microwave and toss it in at the end.

12 oz Pasta (try Amish Naturals Pasta...it's really good!)

4 qt Water

1 Tbsp Kosher Salt

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Roasted Garlic, crushed

3/4 cup Sweet Onion, diced

3/4 cup Bell Peppers, diced

3/4 cup Zucchini, diced

3/4 Mushrooms, sliced

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Asiago Cheese

Boil water with tablespoon of kosher salt in large covered stock pot.  Remove lid, add pasta and boil according to package instructions or until al dente (soft but not overcooked).  Drain pasta through colander and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking process.  Set aside.

In large sauté pan over medium heat, heat oil, then stir in garlic, onions and peppers and sauté until nearly tender.  Add zucchini and mushrooms and continue sautéing.  Season with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste and mix in remaining butter.  Stir in pasta and cook long enough to heat thoroughly– garnish with grated cheese to serve. 

Cracking the Creditor Convo

Health Benefits that Benefit You…And Your Wallet

In the middle of the night my husband had an allergic reaction a couple of weeks ago to one of the ingredients in our favorite restaurant’s “secret ingredient barbecue sauce.” He needed to get to the emergency room asap, but (since we don’t have a car) he was hesitant for me to call an ambulance. “How much do you think our insurance will cover,” he managed to muffle out of his growing-by-the-second lips. Once again, we found ourselves nickel and diming our health benefits

According to Tracey Baker, a Certified Financial Planner, there are easier (and less itchy) ways to save money with your health plan. There are key financial decisions that we can make to put as much as $4,000 back in our bank accounts. Oh, what I could do with $4,000!

1.       Save with Mail Order

Many health plans offer discounts if you use mail-order pharmacies for routine medications. You could get a three-month supply of your drug but only pay for a two-month prescription.

2.       Go Generic

Last year, the average brand name prescription drug cost about $85 more than the average generic.  By switching just one prescription from a brand name drug to a generic, you could save more than $1,000 a year.

3.       Visit Your Doctor Online

Some doctors offer online consultations, which are often more convenient than in-person visits.  Talk to your doctor or your insurer to find out how to use online visits properly.  Virtual doctor appointments save you gas money, too!

For more information on making smart health benefits decisions at every stage of click on the “Navigating Your Health Benefits” tool at www.PlanforYourHealth.com.