Poor (Wo)man’s Charcuterie Board

If you’ve ever assembled your own fancy charcuterie (say shar-koo-tur-ee)/cheese board to pair with your favorite wine, you know it’s not as cheap as it looks. Sure, you can grab a couple blocks of average cheeses (think sharp cheddar and mozzarella), but let’s be honest, that’s just a boring cheese and cracker situation.

So how do you get the good stuff on a budget? If you like variety like I do, it’s going to be pretty wasteful (and expensive) if you get some big ol’ chunks of stinky cheeses. Let’s first determine what makes a fun and delicious charcuterie plate.

Cured meats
Cheeses
Nuts
Fruit/Veggies
Sauces/Condiments
Crackers/Bread

The expensive part is the meat and cheese. Surprise, surprise…I have the way you can enjoy this for a small group (2-4) and not break the bank.

Cured Meats – Go to your grocery deli counter and ask for 1/4 lb. of your favorite options (salami, turkey, etc.). No need to buy several full packages as a full platter of goodies will be plenty to fill your belly.

Cheeses – Some specialty grocers (Sprouts Farmers Market, Whole Foods Market, New Seasons Market) have random hunks of cheese, that are essentially odd shaped end pieces, thrown into a basket near the cheese area. This is where you find those ridiculous $39.99/lb options. All you need is a tiny sliver to enjoy. Can you imagine getting normal size blocks varying from $14.99/lb – $39.99/lb. Forget about it!

Nuts – Depending on what kind of nuts you like, this could be a little bit pricier. Grab one of those snack pack single servings you find at the checkout counter.

Fruit/Veggies – This one’s already a fairly cheap option. I love apples with cheese, and you only really need about a half of an apple between 2 people. I usually rummage through my crisper to see what I have. I added carrots in the platter above. If you want your plate to be pretty too, berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries) and kiwi are good choices).

Sauces/Condiments – I’m a real saucy broad, so this is my favorite add. Great options include: jellies/jams, mustards, and honey.

Crackers/Bread – Let’s be honest, while we love our carby options, they are just a vessel in which to get the tasty treats to our mouths. Grab a 99 cent grocery store baguette or any generic cracker you enjoy.

If you know of any other grocers that have an end piece cheese basket, let me know in the comments below!

For your viewing pleasure…look at the color the fruit brings.

Get Free E-Books Legally!

Mamarelli (aka my mom) took forever to buy into the e-reader, specifically Kindle. She loved going to the thrift store, paying 50 cents for a book she could hold in her hands, and let it whisk her away to another world. She reads so fast that she didn’t want to keep buying new e-books to feed her fix. Low and behold, I discovered BookBub…the website where you can get deeply discounted or FREE e-books!

Once you sign up, be sure to update your settings: select your categories, follow authors, and track your books.
Don’t have an Amazon Kindle? That’s okay, they list e-books for these retailers as well: Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple iBooks, Google Play and Kobo.
They often have the first of a series for free…then if you’re hooked, you’ll have to buy the rest.

So if you’re a used book reader and were on the fence because you didn’t want to pay full price for a book, it’s time to take the leap. There are no excuses!

3-in-1 No Sew Upcycle T-Shirt (gift bag, headband and tote)!

by I’ve come to the realization that I’m not quite as satisfied unless my craft is an upcycle. It’s just not the same when you walk into Michael’s and purchase an assemble-yourself kit. I’d rather keep something out of the landfill and re-purpose it into something useful and fun.

I don’t know how to sew and I don’t have the patience to ever learn. That means my glue gun comes in handy when I’m putting together a costume, outfit…or bag!

As you probably know, 85% of my clothing comes from a thrift store (usually Team Amvets Thrift Store). Once I saw the idea of making a T-shirt tote, I had to look for some interesting designs. It then came to me…why waste trees by using wrapping paper? Or even a gift bag…I THINK most people reuse them for someone else’s gift, but they might only have a life of 3 holidays until they end up in the trash too.

What better use of an old T-shirt than making it into a gift bag for a baby shower, birthday, Christmas or even a “just because” gift? Not only is it an adorable way to present a gift, but it’s a usable gift itself! A collapsible tote to take with you to the grocery store, department store, farmer’s market, an overnight bag…the possibilities are endless. Let’s take it 1 step further and not let those scraps go to waste either. Make a headband with flower embellishments.

What you need:

A t-shirt of your choosing (the larger, the better)
Scissors
Hot glue gun
Glue sticks
Extra t-shirt/t-shirt scraps for additional embellishments

Step 1: Cut above the bottom seam.

Step 2: Fold the shirt in half and cut the sleeves off.

Step 3: While still folded, cut around the neck.

It should look like this:

Step 4: Go to the base of the shirt and cut about 3 inches up with about an inch between each cut.

Step 5: Start tying the corresponding flaps to each other and double knot them.

It will look a little something like this after you finish the line…but you’re not done yet.

See this gap here? I’m sure it would be okay if you don’t put tiny items inside, but I like a nice, solid bag…

Step 6: Tie the flaps next to each other to close up those gaps. Double tie these as well.

Ta-da! This is actually acceptable as is…but not as much fun as it can be.

Step 7: Take one of the sleeves and cut into 3’s. Make sure the middle section is larger (this will be your headband)

Step 8: Make a rose out of the smaller strip.

Put a dot of glue and make a triangle at the corner.
Start to circle the fabric around the center. Run glue down the strip.
Be sure to twist the fabric to add some texture.

Look how cute these are!

Step 9: Attach your rose embellishments to the headband with the glue gun.

All done!

Right here, you have “wrapping” for a Christmas gift, a Valentine’s gift, a birthday present for the poet/child/nerd in your life.

I Have Unclaimed Money From 25 years Ago?! Score!

No, I do not have unclaimed money from 25 years ago…but Paparelli does! $82.00 in fact!

One of my Facebook friends posted a link to Unclaimed Property Search in California. You have to look yourself up, right? So I did and found $20.22 due to me from about 10 years ago. Then I was on a roll and got obsessed with looking up everyone I know in California. Turns out Mr. Beaverelli has $18.98, Broelli has over $30, I even found a friend with close to $400! Now I could have just posted the link on Facebook for everyone to look themselves, but I really wanted to be the bearer of good news, so I collected a bunch of screen shots and started delighting my friends and family.

Ladies, don’t forget to check your maiden name too!

Don’t live in California? Don’t fret, you can find a link to your state government’s page on the National Unclaimed Property Network.

No More Wasting Food…Brilliant!

by I got inspired. Inspired to get involved and inspired to dig up the ol’ Achiever Beaver.

Mr. Beaverelli forwarded me an article talking about a new app called OLIO that will reduce the waste of food. As you all know, I HATE waste and do everything I can to prevent it.

The company was started by by a woman in England (notice the spelling of some words) and an American woman from Iowa with the following idea in mind:

“OLIO is a free app connecting people with their neighbours and with local shops so surplus food and other items can be shared, not thrown away.

If you love food, hate waste, care about the environment or want to connect with your community, OLIO is for you.”

I immediately signed up to not only be an ambassador, but to also be a Food Waste Hero (FWH). I’m volunteering to spread the word about the app…after all, the more participants, the better…and to be matched up with local food vendors, bakeries, food grocers, restaurants, etc. A FWH then brings these items home and posts them to OLIO to distribute to those in need/want.

ADDED BONUS: It isn’t all about food. You can give away non-food items for free…or even better yet, ask for donations to then give to your favorite charity. I love this idea! How often are you trying to collect donations for that 5k and are struggling to meet your goal? How about those items you haven’t taken to the thrift store yet? Why not post them requesting a donation and meeting your American Cancer Society goal at the same time?

So take a moment to join the revolution…OLIO

Don’t Have A Really, Really Free Market Where You Live? Start One!

You don’t have a Really Really Free Market in your city or town? Then it’s time you took matters into your own hands. You ask, “what the heck is that?” Well, you can read all about the San Diego Really Really Free Market here.

What a great concept! My biggest regret is when I have items I don’t want or need anymore, but I cannot donate them. Here are some ideas for items that you can take to the Really Really Free Market

New or partially used bottles of cleaners
New or partially used toiletries
New or partially burned candles
Cords and cables
Trinkets/knick knacks
Full or partially used paint cans
Wood pieces
Canned or boxed food
Leftover supplies after home repairs
Offer goods and services from your business (baked goods from a bakery, haircuts, put on a little concert)
The possibilities are endless!

Why not pick a day, go to a park (check to see if you need a permit) and advertise to all of your friends? Start with social media, put an ad on Craigslist, start a blog…endless possibilities! Sure, it will be small at first, but make it a goal to do it quarterly. If you build it, they WILL come!

Citrus Garlic Vinaigrette

I won’t even buy dressing in a bottle anymore. For one, they put a lot of preservatives and crap in it…2, I don’t really like the taste anyway. Making your own is the way to go, and it’s not that difficult! I prefer vinaigrette anyway, so they are often pretty easy to throw together. This one is great for a nice summer salad to take to a BBQ.

Total Time: 10 mins

Prep: 10 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Ingredients

Servings 6-8

Units US

2 medium oranges
1 medium lemon
3 cloves of garlic
1/4 cup olive oil
Sea salt to taste

1. Click the photo below to learn how to cut that lemon the right way (yes, I said RIGHT way) and squeeze the juice into a small bowl or ramekin.

2. Cut the oranges in half and use a citrus juicer over the bowl/ramekin. My hand held one works just fine.

3. One of my favorite kitchen tools is the grater plate. It turns garlic into a paste. More details about it here and where you can buy it: Kitchen Must-Have: Grater Plate. Add it into the juice mixture.

4. Add olive oil.

5. Add salt to taste.

What Is A Must-See In Every City You Visit?

The local outdoor markets, that’s what. Whether it’s an open market, farmer’s market, flea market or swap meet, it’s the place to go to find some local culture…and usually at a discount! I always find that you can learn a lot about the region by doing this. Not to mention delicious eats from pop-up vendors too. I enjoy going to the swap meets and farmer’s markets in San Diego, so why wouldn’t I want to find them in foreign lands or cities? My main focus is usually food and jewelry.

Here is a market we discovered in Florence, Italy.With plenty of tasty treats. Too bad we had just eaten and the cruise ship doesn’t let us bring food back.

Mmmm, mini crepes…

The produce in Rome, Italy is simply amazing. All of the colors and freshness.

Free Grappa samples…don’t mind if I do…Our new scarves. Unfortunately, I think these were made in China.

Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain

Lots of these charcuterie counters OUTSIDE. There isn’t a lack of patronage here, that’s for sure.

I purchased several pieces of this volcanic rock jewelry…rock bottom prices!

And right here in the good ol’ US of A, at the Portland Saturday Market.

Skip the shopping malls and get outdoors. The exception, of course, is if you’re traveling during cold winter months, you’re probably not going to find these little spots of heaven.

It’s Time To Purge, Do It NOW

by Spring cleaning. We’ve all heard it, but have you ever put it into action? In my case, it’s not necessarily to clean up and get rid of things I don’t need. Sure, that happens, but I mainly do it so I can justify acquiring more! You should do this with everything, but I’m going to focus on clothing, shoes and accessories.

There are so many ways to keep your wardrobe fresh and make room for more:

Take it to/have a clothing swap! If you happen to have Trendy Trade Clothing Swap show up near you, this is a great one. Read how you can get Free Fashionable Clothing AND Help Women In Need.
Donate your old stuff to a local thrift store.
Post it on Craigslist – give it away free or make a little cash.
Do an online “yard sale” on Facebook to see if your friends and family want it.
Take it to a Really Really Free Market (if you don’t have one near you, start one!).
Download the OLIO app. You can give these items away free, or even better, collect a dollar amount you can donate to your favorite charity!
Get out a box, bin or suitcase just sitting in the garage rafters and put up your fall/winter clothing and take out your spring/summer dresses and skirts.

I have a giant suitcase that sits unused for the majority of the year. Let’s be real, you don’t need your sweater dresses and furry boots hanging around in the closet in the sweltering summer months. They are just taking up valuable closet real estate. The best part? It’s like getting new clothing all over again! I just rediscovered sundresses that I haven’t laid eyes on in 6 months and completely forgot that I had. I don’t even have to go shopping to get my new-to-me fix. Instant money saver. Bam!

Bye bye winter…

Yes, You Can Buy Used Shoes…

by You just have to clean them up…and I suggest you do. Once upon a time, I wouldn’t even consider buying previously owned shoes, because I feared the dreaded athlete’s foot. I needed a pair of sandals for a Halloween costume and went into a thrift store that happened to have the perfect pair in my size! I wear a 5.5, so this is NOT an easy feat. I wore them all night at the country western bar party, and sure enough, I got athlete’s foot. It’s gross to have it anyway, but to think I got it from some grimy idiot that had peeling feet and still thought it was a good idea to donate her old shoes. *shudder* Many, many more years went by (at least 10) before I got smart enough to buy them anyway and then disinfect. Duh.

I do it one of two ways: with rubbing alcohol or Lysol. I prefer rubbing alcohol, because even though I like the smell of Lysol, I don’t really care to walk around with my shoes smelling like it.

I picked these gold wedges up from AmVets for 50% off the ticketed price, so these were $6.50. It looks like they’ve been worn 0-1 times. Not too shabby for next to brand new shoes. I chose rubbing alcohol for this simple job.

If a shoe has a slick insole area, then I douse a cotton ball with rubbing alcohol and rub it over all areas that will be touching my hind paws.

I use the Lysol for shoes that do not have a slick inside. Sneakers, for example, will work much better with a spray on disinfectant.

That’s all there is to it…so what’s stopping you now?by

Achiever Beaver

The Buck$ $aved Here

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