Thursday, February 26, 2015

Irish Soda Bread - A St. Patty's Day Tradition

St. Patty’s Day is just around the corner and in our family, that’s a reason to celebrate! Growing up Irish with the bright red hair to show it, I learned the importance of family and tradition at an early age. One of my favorite Irish traditions is baking Soda Bread – a must-have for St. Patrick’s Day! The best part of baking soda bread is that you don’t have to wait for it to rise like you would with a yeast bread. In fact, from start to finish it only takes about an hour. My family loves it and I hope yours does too!


Traditional Irish Soda Bread


Prep time
20 mins
Cook time
10 mins
Total time
30 mins

Serves: 1 8-inch loaf (8 servings)

Ingredients
  • 4 cups flour
  • 2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 3/4 cups buttermilk
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease and flour a round cake pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda and salt.
  3. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until the dough comes together in a slightly sticky ball.
  4. Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times.
  5. Form the dough into a ball and then press into the prepared pan so that the dough resembles a large disk. The dough should reach the edges of the pan, but may spring back slightly.
  6. Cut an X into the dough with a sharp knife, about 1/4 of an inch deep. Cover the pan of dough with another round cake pan turned upside down.
  7. Bake for 30 minutes, covered, then remove the top pan and bake uncovered for about 10 minutes more or until the crust is dark golden brown.

For more great recipes, DIY ideas and money saving tips, be sure to follow Good Buys All the Time on Facebook

Thursday, February 12, 2015

Practical Ways to Save this Spring

In the months following the holidays, families are often looking for extra ways to save. Bills can begin to add up, the kids have spring activities starting which means money spent on sports equipment, gas and weekend trips, plus the family dog needs a check up which is never inexpensive. Things can seem overwhelming, but these practical tips can help you save on everyday expenses so you've got more money for your family vacation this summer!

1. Buy in Bulk
Little trips to CVS or the grocery store for toothpaste, paper products, makeup, soap and shampoo can add up.  Instead of purchasing one or two items at a time, make a list and plan a trip to your local wholesaler or try finding your favorite products online! At Good Buys All the Time, we carry a variety of soap, body wash, toothpaste and more at wholesale prices - and chances are you'll qualify for free shipping! 


Great Products to Buy in Bulk
Shampoo
Soap
Razors
Paper Plates, Cups, Napkins
Paper Towels and Toilet Paper
Household Cleaners
Baby Wipes and Diapers


2. Don't Just Donate - Try Consignment for Name Brand Clothing
If you've got kids, you understand the struggle of going through clothes and pairs of shoes too quickly to count! If you don't have younger children to wear hand-me-downs, clothing often gets sent straight to Goodwill or Salvation Army without a second thought. As you begin your annual purge this spring, set aside gently used, name brand clothes and shoes and try your local consignment shop instead. If you've spent good money on things, there's no shame in trying to make some money back. 

Another idea is to have a good old fashioned yard sale. Get some friends together to make it worthwhile and tell them products and clothing must be high quality - no one wants to come sort through your junk! Find out when other neighborhoods are having their yard sales and plan for the same weekend when more people will be passing by. 



3. Save on Sports Equipment
As an elementary schooler I remember trying countless sports until I found the ones I wanted to excel at. Luckily, I had a big sister to pass me her hand-me-down baseball gloves, hockey sticks and shin guards. If you've got an ambitious athlete and hand-me-downs aren't an option, try a re-use-it shop for basic equipment until you know the sport is going to last longer than one season. Hockey and lacrosse sticks can cost upwards of $200 so there's no point in spending an arm and a leg if your little athlete isn't sure they want to keep playing.  

Another way to save during spring sports is to car-pool. It's a great way for your kids to make friends with their teammates and a fun way to meet other team moms!