An apple a day keeps green potatoes away!

I have solved the problem of green potatoes in our household! I was constantly throwing out potatoes as we never seemed to go through a whole bag of potatoes in time before they turned green. We are only a small family but I didn't want to buy smaller bags, as the larger bags were so much cheaper. Fortunately I discovered a way to extend the life of them and it's so easy! All you need to do is to keep them in an aerated spot in a gunny bag or bowl (basically out of plastic) with a whole apple . The gases from the apple stops the potatoes from going green, doubling the shelf life of the potatoes. Needless to say, make sure you also check the apple each time you use the potatoes to make sure it's not going bad!

DIY 'Cryovac' seals your food at home for free!

My savvy DIY food sealing method has saved me a fortune and is so easy! I like to organise meals ahead of time, and have at times thrown out food due to serve freezer burn. I researched Cryovac machines, but priced at anywhere from $400 - $500, not to mention constantly buying bags, it was out of the question. So I came up with a solution! I fill up a container, or the kitchen sink, and when I have the meals prepared in bags and ready to go, I slowly lower it into the water until it is almost level with the top of the bag. Then I just seal it shut. The water forces the bag together and pushes out the air. It works a treat and I have saved hundreds not having to buy a machine, replacement bags and also power!

Quick hint about slow cooking

I leave for work at 7.30am and get home at 6.30pm, but I still need to prepare dinner for my husband who starts night shift at 5pm. If I turn on my slow cooker at 7.30am, the food is sometimes overdone by the time he gets up at 3.30pm.

To solve this problem, I have purchased a cheap plug-in timer, just like the one people use to turn on their lights when they go on holiday. My cooker now comes on during the day and dinner is perfectly cooked by 3.30pm! This saves on power because the slow cooker is not turned on all day.

'Less is more' for motivation

I have decided I want a house which I can clean in minutes and I don't want any more energy or money draining clutter that makes it harder to control. The more I have the harder it is to control and the more motivation I need to contain it. 'Less is more' is my new mantra! I am applying this principle to my finances as well - when I buy too much it is such a burden and I don't have the motivation to stay on top of all the bills. Therefore, less is more - more energy, more money and more happiness!