Archive for the 'Cheapskates' category
Homemade Christmas Eggnog
Saturday, December 23, 2006 10:28 pm
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 quarts milk
- 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- ground nutmeg
In heavy 4-quart saucepan, with wire whisk, beat eggs, sugar, and salt until blended. Gradually stir in 1 quart milk and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon well, about 25 minutes (mixture should be about 170 F to 175 F. but do not boil or it will curdle).Pour custard into large bowl; stir in vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and remaining milk. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled, about 3 hours.
To serve, in small bowl, with mixer at medium speed, beat heavy or whipping cream until soft peaks form. with wire whisk, gently fold whipped cream into custard mixture.
Pour eggnog into chilled 5-quart punch bowl; sprinkle with ground nutmeg.
Serving Size: 16.
A cheap gift that doesn’t look cheap!
I cannot advocate buying a cheap gift, unless you really cannot afford anything more expensive. No one likes a cheapskate! Still, even if you are on a budget, your gift does not have to look cheap. There are loads of inexpensive handmade or unusual items on the web that, whilst making cheap gifts, are not easy for her to value.
Be sure to avoid the high street or stuff that she is likely to see on the Net. There’s nothing worse for a girl than finding out just how much you’re worth, from the price tag of a gift you spot at a local store. It’s not so bad if it’s reassuringly expensive, but spotting a cheap gift you just received, ends up making you feel equally cheap!
Less cash, more effort
The thing is, with a little effort and imagination, that needn’t happen — it’s more down to laziness than a lack of cash. Your cheap gift needn’t look cheap if you shop around for something unusual and put an extra effort into how you wrap it.
Here’s our checklist of how to make the best of a low gift budget…
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Top 10: Cheap Date Ideas
Monday, December 18, 2006 11:06 pm
You’d love to whisk your girl away to the Swiss Alps on a Leer jet. With your budget, however, you can scarcely afford a rented gyrocopter ride to the nearest bunny slope!
How does one impress a lady without breaking the bank? How do you woo a girl on a budget?
The tips listed below should put you on the right track towards winning her heart without ending up destitute in the process.
Number 10
The coffee date
This scenario is only plausible for the initial date. Use it more frequently than this and the girl will think one (or more) of the following: 1) You’re just interested in being friends, 2) You’re cheap, or 3) You are a caffeine addict.
Cafes are great for first dates as they’re casual and you’ll likely only be footing the bill for a couple of lattes and biscotti. Unlike a bar, where one drink can easily escalate into many if things are going well, a coffee date will likely never evolve beyond a single refill. If you can, choose a caf that is part of a bookstore. The added benefit here is you can position yourself as literati.
Estimated cost: $5-$10. Price may vary depending upon the number of refills and inclusion of biscotti or savories.
Number 9
The hike or bike ride
If you’re really hard up, this may be your best bet. Granted, this is only a viable option if you live within close vicinity to a hiking trail. Hiking gives you an excellent opportunity to show off your rugged masculinity. Catch a wild rabbit with your bare hands and barbecue it for your soon-to-be betrothed while trekking through the backcountry.
In all seriousness, a walk through nature provides a wonderful opportunity to chat up your date, enjoy the outdoors and show her you’re a versatile guy. If a hiking trail is not in the cards, try a bike ride. Make sure to bring some refreshments.
Estimated cost: $5-$10. You’ll want to bring along some water, fruit and other snacks.
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