Living large in lean times

Mens Health Magazine brought together a roster of contributors and peered into the pocketbooks of more than 1,000 men in their largest-ever financial survey to help readers find ways to live better, for less. Read on, and start reaping the rewards.

Happy New Years!  

Cavities, tap water & fluoride (WSJ)

From the WSJ: The prevalence of cavities in children aged 2 to 5 decreased steadily through the 1970s and 1980s, thanks largely to the expansion of water fluoridation and to advances in treatment and prevention, dental experts say. The trend appeared to hit a low around the mid-1990s, when about 24% of young children had cavities, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.But tooth decay then began heading higher. A CDC survey found that 28% of small children had cavities in the five years ended 2004, the latest data available. The reasons for the increase aren't entirely clear. But dental experts suggest it may be due to children drinking more bottled water that doesn't contain fluoride, and to changes in dietary habits. You can read the rest of the article here: Link. And, an article I wrote about water consumption for this blog here.

Free airport Wi-Fi for the holidays

Google is footing the bill for WiFi access at 47airports in the United States through mid-January. For a list of locations, click here.

Gift for all seasons and reasons (re-post)

Gifts for all Seasons or Reasons

Gift giving, in this country, is a social norm and therefore a social need in our hierarchy. We’ve all received gifts for which we have little or no use. Unknowingly, we may have given gifts like this as well. For many of us gifting can be time consuming and expensive. With the holidays behind us, now is the perfect time to get this year’s gifting in order – GivingGrinch style.

Imagine always having the perfect gift – something personal that anyone would appreciate – on hand. I have three gift ideas you can make today, but first the criteria I came up with:

1. Something personal (preferably homemade)
2. Something anyone can use
3. Ability to make and store in bulk
4. Economical to make, but not something others will find cheap
5. Long shelf life

Spices and Rubs
There are tons of spice and rub recipes available on the web. One you can buy at the store is Emeril’s Essence. Instead, make your own and “spice it up” as a gift. Mr. Lagasse provides this recipe on his website, http://www.emerils.com/. Adjust the ratios to make in bulk.

• 5 tablespoons sweet paprika
• 1/4 cup salt
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons onion powder
• 2 tablespoons cayenne
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme

Spice/Rub Shelf life: Dried leafy herb mixes will last 1-3 years, ground or powdered herbs retain freshness up to a year.

Homemade Herb Infused Olive Oil (for drizzling or dipping)

1. Choose your herbs. Popular choices are rosemary, basil, mint, tarragon, thyme or marjoram. Another option, whole garlic.
2. Wash and thoroughly dry the herbs. Slightly tear or bruise the herbs so that they release their aroma and flavors.
3. Heat olive oil over a low flame until warm (not hot). Use a pot or pan with a wide base, like a sauce pan, to evenly warm the oil.
4. Stuff herbs into bottles. A little goes a long way.
5. Pour oil into bottles.
6. Let the bottles sit for a while until cool.
7. Place cork or rubber top on bottle and set in a cool dark place for about a week. If you use garlic, refrigerate the oil to avoid botulism.
8. Strain out herbs or garlic and you’re ready to consume or gift.

Storage: Cool, dark place

Homemade Jam

My family picks berries every year to make jam. I asked my Mom to send me a starter recipe. Here is her No Cook Strawberry Freezer Jam Recipe:

1. Measure 1 1/2 cups sugar into bowl.
2. Add contents of one Ball Company Fruit Jell Freezer Jam Pectin pouch (available at large grocery stores)
3. Stir until mixed
4. Crush fruits, 4 cups (crushed) and add to pectin mixture.
5. Stir 3 minutes
6. Ladle jam into clean jars leaving half inch headspace; apply lids.
7. Let stand until thickened (about 30 min.)

Yield: Five 8 ounce jars. Refrigerate up to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage - up to one year.

So there you have it - gifts with personality and utility without tasking your mind or breaking your bank.

Direct Buy Commentary

Kiplinger's December 2009: From the vantage point of your own couch, the furniture, cabinetry and other household items seen on Direct-Buy commercials seem attractive. So do claims that you can save thousands of dollars on your purchase. Don’t take the bait until you find out how much you’ve got to ante up before you can realize any savings. That number is frustratingly hard to nail down, but it, too, can be in the thousands. Link

Five ways wireless carriers try to gouge you

A recent article in PC World brought to light some tactics  mobile carriers use to get more from your wallet including text fees, contract requirements, overseas calling charges, overseas data charges and a few zingers found in the fine print. For the full article, click here.

Goodwill...charatable giving on a budget

Want to support a worthwhile cause, but money is tight? Charitable giving takes can take on many forms and donating items to Goodwill is a very affordable way to help those in need in your community. The San Antonio Current recently listed a few good things that happen when you donate to the Goodwill. 

• Job seekers get help through Goodwill operated job banks
  
• Careers get launched at the Good Careers Academy
• Those who want to work gain valuable skills working at the Goodwill
  
• Individuals with disabilities find jobs at the Goodwill
  
• Recycling reaches new heights
• You may get a break at tax time
• Your clutter gets cleared
  
• Good deeds lead to great feelings