Monthly Archives: July 2023

What Type of Entrepreneur Are You?-Part 2

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If you are interested in starting your own business, you might wonder what kind of entrepreneur you are, and how your zodiac sign influences your style and approach.

In Part 2, I’ll explore the characteristics of the last six and how they relate to entrepreneurship. I will also provide some examples of famous entrepreneurs for inspiration.

Libra (September 23 – October 22)

Libra entrepreneurs are diplomatic, cooperative, and fair-minded. They value harmony and balance in their business dealings, and they are good at building relationships and partnerships. Libra entrepreneurs are also creative and artistic, and they can come up with innovative solutions and products. However, they may struggle with indecision and procrastination, as they tend to weigh all the pros and cons before making a move. They may also avoid confrontation and conflict, which can make them appear passive or weak.

Some examples of Libra entrepreneurs are Kim Kardashian (KKW Beauty and SKIMS), Ralph Lauren (founder of the fashion brand that bears his name), Mark Cuban (owner of the Dallas Mavericks NBA team and co-founder of Broadcast.com; also, a “Shark Tank” investor), and Barbara Corcoran (real estate mogul and also a “Shark Tank” investor).

Scorpio (October 23 – November 21)

Scorpio entrepreneurs are passionate, determined, and resourceful. They have a strong will and a clear vision of what they want to achieve, and they are not afraid to take risks or face challenges. Scorpio entrepreneurs are also loyal, trustworthy, and secretive, and they protect their business interests and assets fiercely. However, they may be too intense and obsessive, as they tend to get emotionally involved in their work and have a hard time letting go. They may also be suspicious and jealous, which can make them paranoid or manipulative.

Some examples of Scorpio entrepreneurs are Bill Gates (co-founder of Microsoft), Hillary Clinton (former First Lady, New York senator, Secretary of State, and founder of Onward Together), Katy Perry (Katy Perry Collections), Marie Forleo (founder of B-School and host of MarieTV), and Sean “Diddy” or”P. Diddy” Combs (Rapper, actor, producer, and founder of Bad Boy Entertainment).

Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21)

Sagittarius entrepreneurs are optimistic, adventurous, and enthusiastic. They have a positive outlook and a sense of humor, and they enjoy learning new things and exploring new opportunities. Sagittarius entrepreneurs are also generous and honest, and they share their knowledge and resources with others. However, they may be too restless and impulsive, as they tend to jump from one idea to another without finishing what they started. They may also be careless and irresponsible, which can make them unreliable or reckless.

Some examples of Sagittarius entrepreneurs are Walt Disney (The Walt Disney Company), Taylor Swift (singer/songwriter and founder of Taylor Swift Productions), and Steven Spielberg (Amblin Entertainment),

Capricorn (December 22 – January 19)

Capricorn entrepreneurs are ambitious, practical, and disciplined. They have a long-term vision and a realistic plan, and they work hard and diligently to achieve their goals. Capricorn entrepreneurs are also responsible and reliable, and they deliver on their promises and commitments. However, they may be too conservative and rigid, as they tend to stick to the rules and the status quo without taking any risks or trying anything new. They may also be pessimistic and cynical, which can make them dull or boring.

Some examples of Capricorn entrepreneurs are Jeff Bezos (founder of Amazon and owner of The Washington Post), Michelle Obama (former First Lady, best-selling author, and co-founder of Higher Ground Productions), and Howard Schultz (former CEO of Starbucks and founder of the Schultz Family Foundation).

Aquarius (January 20 – February 18)

Aquarius entrepreneurs are innovative, original, and independent. They have a unique perspective and a visionary approach, and they are not afraid to challenge the norms or break the rules. Aquarius entrepreneurs are also friendly and humanitarian, and they care about social causes and the greater good. However, they may be too eccentric and unpredictable, as they tend to act on their whims and follow their own agenda without consulting others. They may also be detached and aloof, which can make them seem cold or indifferent.

Some examples of Aquarius entrepreneurs are Oprah Winfrey ( founder of OWN), Ellen DeGeneres (Ellen Digital Ventures), Thomas Edison (Edison Electric Light Company), and Sara Blakely (founder of Spanx).

Pisces (February 19 – March 20)

Pisces entrepreneurs are intuitive, imaginative, and compassionate. They have a strong sense of intuition and a creative flair, and they can tap into the trends and needs of the market. Pisces entrepreneurs are also empathetic and altruistic, and they have a genuine interest in helping others and making a difference. However, Pisces entrepreneurs may be too dreamy and unrealistic, as they tend to lose touch with reality and get carried away by their fantasies. They may also be passive and indecisive, which can make them dependent or submissive. Some examples of Pisces entrepreneurs are Steve Jobs (Apple), Rihanna (Fenty Beauty), and Steve Irwin (wildlife conservationist and TV personality).

What Type of Entrepreneur Are You?-Part I

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Have you ever wondered what kind of entrepreneur you may be? Some clues might be found in your zodiac sign. Here are some insights into the entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses of each sign, and some examples of successful entrepreneurs to inspire you.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

Arians are bold, passionate and adventurous. They love to take risks and try new things. They are natural leaders who inspire others with their enthusiasm and charisma. Aries entrepreneurs are often pioneers in their fields, creating innovative products or services that challenge the status quo. However, they can also be impulsive, impatient and aggressive. They may act without thinking, or clash with others who don’t share their vision. Aries entrepreneurs need to learn to balance their energy and passion with patience and diplomacy.

Some famous Aries entrepreneurs are: Steve Jobs (Apple, co-founder of Pixar), Hugh Hefner (Playboy), Larry Page (co-founder of Goggle), Lady Gaga (singer and business owner/entrepreneur), and Reese Witherspoon (actress and producer).

Taurus (April 20 – May 20)

Taureans are practical, reliable and hardworking. They value stability, security and comfort. They are loyal, trustworthy and dependable. Taurus entrepreneurs are often experts in their fields, providing high-quality products or services that satisfy their customers’ needs. They are also good at managing their finances and resources. However, they can also be stubborn, possessive and resistant to change. They may stick to their routines, or hold on to their ideas or possessions too tightly. Taurus entrepreneurs need to learn to embrace change and innovation, and to let go of what no longer serves them.

Some famous Taurus entrepreneurs are: Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook, now Meta), Jessica Alba (The Honest Company), David Beckham (soccer player and businessman), Adele (singer and songwriter), and Dwayne Johnson (former wrestler, currently actor and producer).

Gemini (May 21 – June 20)

Geminis are curious, versatile and communicative. They love to learn new things, explore new possibilities and share their ideas with others. They are witty, charming and adaptable. Gemini entrepreneurs are often creative, innovative and original. They can come up with brilliant solutions or inventions that appeal to a wide audience. They are also good at networking, marketing and promoting their businesses. However, they can also be restless, inconsistent and superficial. They may lose interest in their projects, or switch from one thing to another without finishing anything. Gemini entrepreneurs need to learn to focus, commit and follow through.

Some famous Gemini entrepreneurs are: Donald Trump (former US president and businessman), Kanye West (rapper and fashion designer), Angelina Jolie (actress and humanitarian), Morgan Freeman (actor, narrator, and business owner), and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen (actresses and fashion moguls).

Cancer (June 21 – July 22)

Cancers are caring, nurturing and emotional. They value family, home and community. They are loyal, compassionate and supportive. Cancer entrepreneurs are often driven by a sense of purpose, passion or mission. They want to make a positive impact on the world or help others in some way. They are also good at creating a cozy, comfortable and inviting atmosphere for their customers or clients. However, they can also be moody, sensitive and defensive. They may take things personally, or overreact to criticism or feedback. Cancer entrepreneurs need to learn to manage their emotions, and to accept constructive criticism as a way to grow.

Some famous Cancer entrepreneurs are: Elon Musk (Tesla and SpaceX), Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post), Richard Branson (Virgin Group), and Tom Cruise (actor and producer).

Leo (July 23 – August 22)

Leos are confident, generous and charismatic. They love to shine, express themselves and inspire others. They are natural leaders who have a strong sense of self-worth and pride. Leo entrepreneurs are often ambitious, creative and visionary. They can create impressive products or services that attract attention and admiration. They are also good at motivating, influencing and persuading others to join their cause or buy their products. However, they can also be arrogant, egocentric and domineering. They may be too self-centered, or demand too much loyalty or praise from others. Leo entrepreneurs need to learn to be humble, respectful and collaborative.

Some famous Leo entrepreneurs are: Barack Obama (former US president and author), Jennifer Lopez (singer and actress), and J.K. Rowling (author of Harry Potter).

Virgo (August 23 – September 22)

Virgos are meticulous, analytical and organized. They value efficiency, quality and perfection. They are diligent, reliable and detail-oriented. Virgo entrepreneurs are often skilled, knowledgeable and professional. They can provide excellent products or services that meet high standards of quality and accuracy. They are also good at planning, managing and optimizing their businesses. However, they can also be critical, fussy and nitpicky. They may be too hard on themselves or others, or focus too much on the flaws or errors rather than the big picture. Virgo entrepreneurs need to learn to relax, appreciate and enjoy their achievements.

Some famous Virgo entrepreneurs are: Warren Buffett (investor and philanthropist), Beyoncé (singer and entrepreneur), Jack Ma (founder of Alibaba), and Cameron Diaz (actress and author entrepreneur).

Tasty Burgers

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Hey, burger lovers! Are you looking for some easy and delicious recipes to spice up your next cookout? I have two of them for you: one for a spicy jalapeno burger, and the other for a regular one.

While you’re chomping away, there’s a “Did You Know” segment that you may also enjoy.

Spicy Jalapeno Burger (for the bold)
Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • 1/4 cup of finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of pepper jack cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped pickled jalapenos
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, mix the ground beef, onion, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into four patties.
  • Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side, or until done to your liking. Top each patty with a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking.
  • In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and jalapenos. Spread some of the mixture on the bottom halves of the buns.
  • Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like. Enjoy!

Regular Burger (for the faint of heart)
Ingredients:

  • 1 pound of ground beef
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 slices of American cheese
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • Ketchup, mustard, relish, and any other condiments you like
  • Lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like

Directions:

  • In a large bowl, season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Shape the mixture into four patties.
  • Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes per side, or until done to your liking. Top each patty with a slice of cheese during the last minute of cooking.
  • Toast the buns lightly if desired. Spread some of the condiments on the top and bottom halves of the buns.
  • Assemble the burgers with lettuce, tomato, onion, and any other toppings you like. Enjoy!
  • If you have time, another cooking option is baking the burger patties for about 5-7 minutes per side; while preparing them, you can chop up some onion and insert the bits into the patties, then cook (don’t forget to drain the oil).

Did You Know That…..

The first hamburger chain in the U.S. was White Castle, started by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in I92l, in Wichita, Kansas.

Hamburgers were 5 cents apiece and considered low-class food before White Castle’s targeted ad campaigns.

By l96l, White Castle became the first chain to sell a billion burgers.

Most historians agree that the first cheeseburger was created in l924 by 6-year-old Lionel Clark Sternberger as a culinary experiment at his dad’s sandwich shop, upon the suggestion of a homeless man who wanted cheese added to his burger.

Both Sternberger and his dad liked the new concoction; thus the first “cheese hamburger” (as it was called then) was born.

According to the company’s founder, Dave Thomas, Wendy’s burgers are square, designed this way for grill efficiency. The four corners tend to hang out over the bun’s edges, which makes the burger look bigger.

Others say it’s a marketing tactic.

according to one study, people who prefer burgers are introverts.

at one time, 96% of all American children could recognize Ronald McDonald.

about 7% of all working Americans have worked at McDonald’s at some time.

The hamburgers McDonald’s serves in a week equal more than l6,000 head of cattle.

There is a difference between Burger King and McDonald’s burgers; it’s all in the production and the corporate culture of each.

The biggest difference is:

McDonald’s cooks their burgers using a batch process; Burger King uses a machine-paced assembly.

a batch process is when:

The burgers are fried on a large platen in batches or groups of up to I2. Two or more batches may be on the platen at one time, in various stages of cooking.

I2 burgers are made at one time; hand-seared after 20 seconds on the grill, turned at 60 seconds, and pulled at I00. Once off the grill, workers must move quickly to get them ready. Speed is essential to keep production going. The workers must all be a cohesive team. This process also means less room for individual differences in members of the batch. The I2 burgers will be ready and all done the same whether or not customers are ready for them. This process, though, allows for much greater input and faster service speed (300 burgers per hour).

Burger King’s machine-paced assembly operates this way:

Raw burgers are placed at one end; 80 seconds later they come out the other end, cooked due to the continuous chain broiler.

One burger at a time comes off the chain broiler at the rate of eight per minute, maximum.

Since one patty comes out at a time, each can be made to an individual order.

McDonald’s/Burger King Source: “firsts: Origins of Everyday Things That Changed the World” by Wilson Casey, 2009 and “Uncle John’s 4-Ply Bathroom Reader” by the Bathroom Readers’ Institute, 2003

Southpaw

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Did you know that about 10% of the world’s population is left-handed? That means that one in every ten people you meet prefers to use their left hand for writing, eating, and other tasks. Being left-handed can have some advantages, such as being more creative, having better spatial skills, and being able to use both sides of the brain more efficiently. But it can also have some challenges, especially in a world that is designed for right-handed people.

Left-handed people often face difficulties in everyday situations, such as using scissors, can openers, keyboards, and musical instruments that are made for right-handed people. They may also struggle with school desks, spiral notebooks, and pens that smudge their writing. Left-handed guitarists and violinists must re-string their instruments, while left-handed saxophonists do not exist. Gum wrappers are right-handed (really!), as are apple corers, Polaroid cameras, scissors, can openers, wristwatches, and the typical power saw and rifle. Even merry-go-rounds and the average classroom desk favor the right-handed.

The kitchen can be very treacherous; as a result of mishaps and accidents from using right-handed equipment, guests, family, and a lot of lefties themselves simply conclude it’s due to clumsiness. And that’s not always so. 
Right-handed tools cause one to use the wrong leverage and pressure. Counterclockwise equipment would enable lefties to achieve the proper equilibrium needed.

Fortunately, there are some businesses that cater to the needs and preferences of left-handed people. For example, there are online (and physical) stores that sell products such as left-handed scissors, knives, watches, guitars, and mugs, like thelefthandedstore.com, leftyslefthanded.com, and anything lefthanded.co.uk. These businesses not only provide useful and comfortable products for left-handed people but also create a sense of community and pride among them.

Gadgets aren’t the only block.

Some left-handed people even experience discrimination or stigma from others who think that being left-handed is abnormal or unlucky.

Throughout history, being left-handed was viewed as negative. Even today, sometimes I will STILL get unsolicited comments: “Hey, you got your watch on the wrong hand“, “Why are you writing that way? Here, let me position that for you“, or “You’re not cutting that right. You’re WHAT?! Oh, then you weren’t taught any better.” (I kid you not!)

Teachers, especially in Catholic schools, traditionally always tried to make a leftie go against nature and attempt to write right-handed (Ronald Reagan was a born lefty who was switched to the right), which can cause stuttering or other problems.

Left-handed students are often among the best AND the worst in their class. It’s a paradox, for there are many lefties in gifted and advanced classes; 20% of Mensa members consist of left-handers. Yet there are also a high number of lefties with learning disabilities and in remedial classes, and their dropout rate’s higher.

Children were often punished for using their left hand, for it was widely believed that being a lefty was a sign of Satan!

In many cultures, the left hand (and even the left side of the body) was considered bad. The Eskimos believed that every lefty was a sorcerer. In Japan, a man could divorce his wife for being left-handed. And until very recently in Taiwan, lefties were strongly encouraged to switch to the right hand.

Many languages, including English, use the same word for “right” and its meaning is “correct, proper.” In those same languages, the word “left” has many negative meanings; “clumsy, awkward, insincere, unlucky, malicious,” etc. (Ouch!) The Italian word for left is sinistra, from which the word “sinister” is derived. In French, it’s gauche, which also means “clumsy or awkward.” 
Even sunbathers traditionally associated their left side with evil, since people facing north would see the sun set, or disappear, on their left.

Which writing hand a person uses is NOT an absolute indicator of favored hand, because there are many who may write with their left, but use their right hand for everything else, or vice versa. 
Facts: 
– One person in ten is left-handed. 
– If both parents are lefty, 50% of the kids will be. 
– If both are right-handed, only 2% will be lefty. 
– There are more lefty boys than girls. No one knows why. 
– Older women will produce more lefties than younger ones. 
– 4 of the 5 original MacIntosh computer designers were left-handed. 

There are studies that imply that lefties don’t live as long as right-handed people. It’s because (so they say) lefties have a weaker immune system, and are more accident-prone. (OKAY; probably brought on using a very right-handed product!)

There’s even a theory that being left-handed is due to brain damage during birth, and that difficult or stressful births happen more frequently among left-handed babies.

In spite of the inconveniences lefties have dealing in a mostly right-handed world, there are a few things that lefties do BETTER than righties. And they are:

1. BOWL-The spin that makes the ball curve into the strike pocket is counterclockwise and uncomfortable to a righty. But to a lefty, it’s clockwise and familiar. Lefties have been conditioned to it from turning doorknobs, screws, etc.

2. PLAY PIANO-When learning piano, you’re taught the treble staff (right-hand keys) first, then the bass (left-hand keys) in relation to it. A lefty plays the base more strongly and easily, making for a more balanced performance.

3. TYPE-Most of the major keys are on the left side of the computer keyboard (or typewriter for “old school” style).

4. PLAY BASEBALL-Lefties excel at this. The batter’s nearer first base, the first baseman covers the field better, and the pitcher keeps an eye on the first batter.

5. PLAY PING-PONG-A right-handed opponent of a lefty is faced with an unfamiliar spin and hop on the ball. Also, a ball that’s met by a righty’s weak backhand becomes a strong lefty forehand. Look out! 

Swimming also favors the lefty. Neurologists have shown they adjust more easily to underwater vision. Remember Mark Spitz? 

Southpaws make fantastic tennis players; it’s been estimated that at any given time, about 40% of the top pros are lefties.

One out of every four Apollo astronauts were left-handed. And there’s a high number of engineers and drafters, for lefties have tremendous math ability. 

Here’s a partial list of some famous lefties:

Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Diane Keaton, Goldie Hawn (also the mother of Kate Hudson), Sarah Jessica Parker, Jason Bateman, Jim Carrey, Phil Collins (of one of the best rock groups ever, Genesis, successful solo artist, and the father of Lily Collins), Natalie Cole, Ted Koppel, Peter Fonda, Bruce Willis, Matthew Broderick (married to Sarah Jessica), Pat Robertson, Tommy Hilfiger, Steve McQueen, Celine Dion, Lady Gaga, the late Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles, Queen Victoria, Prince William (many members of the British royal family were and are lefties), Carol Burnett, Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, Harry Truman, Drew Carey, Morgan Freeman, Prince, Tim Allen, Mary-Kate Olsen, Paul McCartney (plays left-handed guitar), Nicole Kidman, Dan Aykroyd, Tom Cruise, Sylvester Stallone, Ringo Starr, Robert DeNiro, Bill Clinton, Angelina Jolie, Keanu Reeves, Ben Stiller, Kermit the Frog (his creator, Jim Henson, was a leftie), Winona Ryder, Demi Moore, Whoopi Goldberg, Rock Hudson, Richard Pryor, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix.

On the infamous side, there’s Jack the Ripper, The Boston Strangler, John Dillinger, and Tiny Tim (Well, we can’t all be perfect).

There’s a special day for left-handers on August 13th called Left-handers International Day (It was first celebrated on Friday the 13th, 1976, by the LI organization to address all the myths and “theories” about lefties).

One final thing: If you are right-handed, DO NOT sit next to a leftie if you’re both eating or writing. Elbows will collide!














One final thing: If you are right-handed, DO NOT sit next to a leftie if you’re both eating or writing. Elbows will collide!

Food for Thought and Cutting Costs

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Good For You

Green Beans-They are high-fiber, help prevent weight gain and promote weight loss without having to diet (how cool is that?). My brother Mike loves them and could easily eat green beans at every meal.

I love cooking them with a sprinkling of red pepper flakes, a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, and a dash of black pepper and garlic pepper seasoning (this mixture takes the standard ‘green bean‘ taste to a whole different level, believe me; sometimes I’ll add some Italian seasoning as well). Other options: Strawberries, Raspberries, and Chickpeas

Tuna is omega 3-rich; eating a little more than 5 ounces weekly decreased the development of precancerous skin lesions by almost 30 percent. The omega-3s are thought to act as a shield, protecting cell walls from free-radical damage. Tuna is a personal favorite, due to its tremendous versatility; this fish is deliciously prepared as a salad (or added to one), with rice or noodles, as a fish cake, sandwich filling, or simply eaten “as is.” Another great option is Salmon.

Watermelon is a good source of vitamin C and lycopene (an antioxidant that may help prevent heart disease and some types of cancer). Did you know that eating foods full of water (watermelon is 92%!) will keep you satisfied with fewer calories? Other options include Cucumbers (95% water), Salad Greens (90%-a personal favorite, served with dressing, sometimes adding eggs, shredded cheese, bacon bits, croutons-or tuna!-or as part of a classic BLT sandwich), and Strawberries (91%).

Blueberries contain a diverse range of polyphenols, which are health-promoting plant compounds that include anthocyanins and ellagic acid (provided from all berries) that can keep your heart healthy. Also, eating just under a cup of mixed berries daily for 8 weeks can increase “good” HDL cholesterol and lower blood pressure. Other options to try: Red Raspberries and Strawberries-two personal favorites, used as drinks or tea, part of a dessert, or eaten “as is.”

Tomatoes are loaded with vitamin C, which keeps your skin looking young (lowering wrinkles and age-related dryness). Vitamin C also protects against ultraviolet rays and helps to maintain skin firmness. Also try Oranges, Strawberries, and Broccoli.

Marinating

Marinating is a basic cooking technique that I love. Practically any kind of meat, fish, seafood, veggies, or even soy products can be soaked in one, transferring a dish or meal from just regular to simply superb.

The cool thing about marinades is that they can be either store-bought or handmade. And there’s never a “wrong” way to create or make a marinade; it can consist of anything from herb and citrus-based to Asian-inspired ginger, apple cider vinegar, and a dash of teriyaki to a spicy Mexican one with cumin, a dash of chili powder and red pepper flakes in diced tomatoes or pasta sauce. In my humble opinion, a marinade is limited only by your imagination!

Here are a few guidelines:

  • Thin food needs less marinating time.
  • The more acid in the marinade (such as vinegar or citrus juice), the less soaking time the food needs (because anything acidic will start to “cook” the food and make its texture mushy).
  • Put the marinating product in the fridge ASAP once you’re finished, unless: You’re marinating for 20 minutes or less or you’re doing a veggie marinade.

For more info, go to http://www.foodsafety.gov.

As for how long it takes to marinate, for me personally, it depends on how much free time I have. But generally:

Chicken

Whole-4 to 12 hours

Bone-in pieces-2 to 6 hours

Boneless-30 minutes to 2 hours

Big Roasts-2 to 8 hours

Large, Tough Steaks-1 to 2 hours

Smaller Steaks and Chops-30 minutes to 1 hour

Fish

Fillets and Shrimp-15 to 20 minutes

Whole-30 minutes

Tofu-30 minutes to 1 hour

Thick vegetables (like carrots, potatoes, squash)-1 to 3 hours

Softer vegetables (like tomatoes, broccoli, zucchini)-30 minutes to 1 hour

 Personal Fave

I love apple cider vinegar. It’s not only a great base for marinades, but it’s also fabulous in any stir fry, an instant flavor booster for most veggie dishes, and an effective meat tenderizer (while still adding flavor). I have heard that it’s also great for losing weight, but I’m not sure about that (there was a segment on Rachael Ray today that addressed that very issue. This theory hasn’t actually been proven, but the overall consensus was that digesting apple cider vinegar certainly wouldn’t hurt). It doesn’t matter if I lose weight or not; I’m hopelessly in love with the taste!

There’s a new cookbook that I plan to check out when I’m able that’s called House of Vinegar by Jonathan Sawyer (Ten Speed, $30).  Yes, this is a shameless plug!

Cutting Costs

Becoming aware of where your money goes is very important. The savings add up when you watch your spending. People often think that saving money is hard, but it isn’t (It’s been my lifestyle for so long that it’s become an art form!). Here are some simple, easy ways to cut expenses (and earn extra income).

Turn off your oven just before cooking is finished; the heat that is left will usually finish the cooking (I do this all the time!).

Use instant powdered milk for cooking and baking. It’s cheaper than whole milk and really, you won’t be able to taste the difference when its powdered stuff is mixed with other ingredients.

Plan meals that will provide leftovers. You’ll save money, time, and energy.

Take advantage of all double and triple coupon days at your supermarket.

Make a shopping list and stick to it. And do your grocery shopping after you’ve eaten something (trust me on this one).

Brown-bag your lunch as much as possible. Now I know that many of you like to eat out regularly, but you’ll be amazed at how much you’re spending. You can literally save hundreds!

If possible, buy “day old” bread. It’ll still taste fine but will be much cheaper.

Eat fresh fruits and vegetables when they’re in season. When they’re out of season, buy canned or frozen.

If you drink a lot of canned pop daily or weekly (or cola, soda, etc.) try to cut it down by one (or two) less. Not only will you save money, but you’ll lose weight.

Keep plenty of popcorn around for snacking. It’s cheap, healthy (if you don’t drown it in butter), and low-calorie.

Be on the lookout for food coupons, sales flyers, and other goodies.

Buy meat and poultry whole and cut them up yourself.

Buy potatoes, onions, oranges, grapefruit, and other produce by the bag instead of individually.

Make your own iced tea and lemonade. Drink this in place of the extra soda.

Celebrate special occasions by going out to LUNCH, not dinner.

Place the food you reach for most often in the front of your refrigerator.

When storing food in the fridge, cover liquids and moist foods; if uncovered, moisture’s released. Your fridge will have to work harder.

 When baking, preheat the oven only when the cooking time is less than one hour.

Use glass and ceramic baking pans.

Don’t cook on the wrong-size burner (if you have an electric stove).

Don’t open the oven door to peek in when cooking something.

If you just can’t resist or really need to check, try to limit the “peeks” to just one (or two). 

Sources: “5 Best Good-for-You Foods” from EatingWell’s Nutrition Editor, Brierley Wright-info flyer, “How to marinate anything” by Katie Workman, The Associated Press-The Vindicator, Oct. 9, 2019, and my own recollections.