"Tis the Season to Go Broke

I love Christmas as much as anyone and I certainly hate to be The Grinch, but folks need to use a bit of self control during the Season.

Already, I am seeing people go somewhat insane with shopping fever, a condition that never ends well. Do not spend more than you can afford and try to stay away from credit. if you cannot pay cash, do not buy it,

We all would like nothing better than to give our loved ones whatever their hearts desire, but that is not possible. Those nasty old landlords, car dealers, finance companies and grocers just refuse to grant payment amnesty through the Holidays. They, Scrooge-like, want their money and, if you are honest, so do you. Most folks would not be happy if their employers stopped paying them for the Season.

Then, after New Year, come the bills. If you have used credit, you had best pay them immedieately, in full, or you begin dealing with interest, and you will never catch up, unless you grow very thrifty and disciplined. Start with those  assets and avoid insane spending and save yourself the grief..

The Christmas Season is fun and family and, for many, a deeply spiritual time You can enhit akk od these things without going broke. Junior may nit get that video gane he wants and may sulk a bit but, I'm sure he'll enjoy having a roof over his head next year.

Use your head and have a Merry Christmas..

Cooking Fun

Being practical does not mean you cannot have fun. Thanksgiving is a prime example.
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I love the traditional foods but a bit of variation can be great, You do not have to use seasoned bread crumbs as stuffing. I have used potatoes, peeled and mixed with olives and onion, Try wild rice with fruits or fruit preserves.  Couscous works well with some capers and mint or cilantro. If you use bread crumbs consider sourdough and you can add sausage or oysters.

Like mashed potatoes? Mix them with mashed turnip roots or parsnips or.
 both.
For  a different ham glaze try a mango chutney. In fact, a fine way to use leftover turkey is to make tacos with mango salsa.

For veggies, try roasting root vegetables Just cut them to a small, but not tiny  size, and toss with any herbs and olive oil. place them in a single layer on a baking sheet pan and toast until brown and tender, maybe 15 minutes. They are outstanding.

 Use your imagination, have some fun and have a Happy Thanksgiving..

Thanksgiving

Turkey day is just around the corner. Hooray, But, for many, it is a day of high stress. There is no need to stress out, have fun.

To start with, don't over do it. You do not have to cook 40 dishes, just a bit of variety.

A huge turkey and/or ham is pretty, but off you only have a few guests, go small and decorate more.

Ask everyone to bring a  dish. Most folks like to show off their specialties and this allows you to concentrate on the center of attraction.

Do not be ashamed of not cooking the whole dinner, If you have little room, talent, or time, order a meal from any of the many catering services and concentrate on the decoration  and ambience. This is especially true of desserts. They can be  messy and time consuming.

A social tip: do not start serving alcohol until dinner is about to start. If you do, serve  something mild with appetizers. Alcohol on empty stomachs is a sure way to ruin a nice party./

Remember. the food is great, but the point of Thanksgiving is to gather  and celebrate friends and family. Have fun. Happy Thanksgiving,

Wunter's Coming

Jack Frost is knocking at the doo. Well, actually, je doesn't; knock. Je barges on in. Some like him, some don't, but either way, je can be a nice guest is you are ready.

Out doors, clean up your yard before snow and ice arrive. Trash left for the season gets kind of funky when Spring gets there. If you garden, take care of any plants you hope to have next year, each has its own needs. Tend to any lawn equipment that will be put away for the Winter; you want it ready to go in the Spring.

If you love in an extreme climate, tend to your vehicle/ Winter can be very hard on cars and trucks.

If you have pets that spend part of their days outdoors, make sure they have a warm shelter, a place to get out of the wind and rain. And, please, when the weather turns extreme, take them inside.

Check furnaces. If you use electric heaters, check the wiring. Make sure you have adequate weather stripping. It will help keep heating bills down.

Then, sit`back and enjoy Winter.

A Simple Way to Cook

Fixing dinner is a boring, difficult thing for any folks. Here is an easy, cheap and flexible way to handle it.

Cook some pasta, any type. While that cooks, chop veggies,  say onion, peppers, carrots, celery, whatever you want, anything. Pan cook some meat, burger, sausage, or add ant leftover meats. Your choice. Add yurt veggies and cook until done. Add cooked, drained pasta and some grated cheese and, quock as that, you gave dinner.

Add what you want. A can of beans works. Use any cheese/ Substitute left over gravy for pasta sauce. Use butter or olive oil in the sauce. Use rice or potatoes instead of pasta. Any herbs or seasonings you want.

You end up with a tasty, healthy, cheap meal, enough to feed any family and you get a bonus. Save any left overs and they are better the next day.

Winter is On the Way

Where I live bow, it is hot and steamy. Tropical weather is still drifting around and California is blazing. But, like it or not, winter is coming

The Practical American will be ready when the cold wind blows.

That wind is an issue. Be sure that your weather stripping is in good shape. . That cold air will find every little gap and your heating bill may soar. Just checking that stripping may help keep you warm and save you a bundle.

Look at your winter clothing. If you need new jackets and caps and globes, buy them now. In the fall, stores have a large winter selection. Once the cold hits, the selection thins. This is especially true of thermal underwear.
Make sure your heating system is in working order. If you wait until the freeze hits, you may wait days for service.

Finally, is you live in the lands of snow and ice, make sure you have the needed attachments for your tires, such as chains and keep some rock salt to prevent slipping and sliding around your property/

Then, enhot the new season

Stay Cool

Well, all hell seems to have broke loose in America. What can the Practical American do?

Stay cool, di nit panic and do not despair. This too will pass. If you five in to panic and despair, you will lose. It is essential for all of us to keep a cool head..
Admittedly, 3 major hurricanes and a mass shooting are extreme, but we must keep working, keep smiling and keep having fun.

Go out, be fearless, but use your head. We will prevail.