livingitup

Sometimes budgeting makes me feel so lonely.  Everyone else is meeting up for dinner later, or going to the game, and I am stuck sitting at home falling out of the loop, and imagining all the fun that could be had.  Here are some suggestions to keep you entertained & entertaining for less.

1. Get food to go. Many restaurants now offer their full food menu for carryout.  They will box it up for you, and some will even bring it to your car.  Saves you money–don’t have to buy drinks for one.  As far as tipping goes–it doesn’t hurt your service to be known as a great tipper–but you can still stick within reason.  If a bartender is taking your order, remember they often depend on tips to keep them afloat (but not as much as servers).  They do spend less time on you, after all.  Some places even have full-on to-go positions.  Those places usually their workers min. wage at least.  Still…..
2. Make your own specialty liqueurs.  You’d be surprised how easy some liqueurs are to make.  Don’t pay $30 for a chocolate liqueur.  With vodka, cocoa powder, vanilla extract and sugar, you can make your own.   Others are simple, too.  Experiment to create something that is perfect for you.
3. Use spritzers, punch, or sangria to extend the life of your party refreshments.  Of course, if you add other, cheaper products to your alcohol, you can spread it out.  Doing these things also adds a special, personal touch to your soiree.
4. Have a potluck.  Sometimes it’s fun to try new things–and it’s always great to have variety. Create your own dish, and request friends bring their own specialty.
5. Soups, stews, and SUSHI??  Never throw away your leftovers.  Reuse them in a soup or stew.  Freeze them in the freezer if you aren’t quite ready to make them.  If you use great freezer containers, they can last for a while.  They also have great sushi kits–or make your own with sticky rice and seaweed wraps.  Sushi doesn’t have to be seafood, either.  Try avacado, apple, chicken, and asagio cheese wraps and you’ll be a believer.
6. Give your own food a special twist.  I like to top our hot chocolate with whipped cream or milk froth and cinnamon.  Then we add a candy cane in for a swizzle stick.  It’s fun, and it feels as though we are being spoiled.  Don’t forget the value of presentation, either.  Stack your food.  It simply looks better piled up creatively.  Stimulating all of your senses help you savor the meal–and keeps you from feeling deprived.
7. Grow something.  Plant your own crops–even if it is just in a planter sitting in your kitchen window.  Fresh herbs are idea–cheap, easy, and amazingly versatile.  They will really kick your food (whether microwave dinners or full-on gourmet) up a notch.  Bam!  (Thanks Emeril!)

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