Cutting costs is truly an art, and here at Lincoln, we’re zeroing in on some effective strategies for pinching pennies with our Live Smart campaign.
When it comes to spending, much of our income goes towards food, food-related items, and appliances. It’s been discovered that Americans spend the majority of their time in the kitchen, and for good reason. Cooking at home betters your health, relationships, and the thickness of your wallet. In this sacred space, quality should not be sacrificed in favor of cutting costs, which is why we’re highlighting ways to live better and in a more cost-effective manner in a Lincoln kitchen.
Ditch Disposable Items
Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to find permanent replacements for disposable items. The first and obvious step to take is to rid your home of paper plates, cups, bowls, utensils, etc. The ease of throwing away your cutlery instead of placing it in the dishwasher may seem advantageous in the moment but in reality, it’s harmful for the environment, adds more items to your grocery list, and makes the dreaded task of taking the trash out more frequent. The next step is to assess disposable items that are more acceptable, and find alternatives. Paper towels are found in almost all kitchens and are often overused. Purchase a bundle of cheap rags, and keep them handy in a cabinet alongside a DIY cleaner. Other household staples are tin foil and plastic wrap. Too often we cover our leftovers with environmentally harmful and costly materials. Growing your Tupperware collection will save you money in the long run, and will keep your food fresher longer!
Meal Prep
Meal prepping has grown in popularity in recent years due to the convenience, health benefits, and monetary perks. Aside from the obvious savings stemming from eating store-bought food, this trend also decreases food waste through meticulous planning. Meal preppers often devote a few hours in the kitchen every Sunday to whip up large batches of meals to consume throughout the week. They make the most of their groceries, as they know exactly what is on the menu for the next five days and can shop accordingly.
Learn The Basics of Storing Produce
Say goodbye to smelly spinach and browning bananas. Storing produce can be a bit complex, as all fruits and vegetables differ, but once you get it down you’ll be enjoying crisp apples and vibrant veggies in no time. Begin by researching every type of produce you purchase and writing down proper storage instructions. You’ll see that many types of vegetables and fruits are best preserved in a crisper drawer in the refrigerator, while some need to be stored in cool, dry locations. Many produce-savvy individuals invest in garlic containers, which offer a cool, dry, and ventilated shelter for your bulbs. Also, when items begin to turn, swiftly toss them in the freezer to be used in your next smoothie.
Expansive kitchens, sleek countertops, and top of the line appliances make mastering your kitchen space a breeze at Lincoln. Take a look at our featured property, The Cadence in Nashville, TN, to see how easy it is to Live Smart with Lincoln.
Contact us today to see how you can #LPCLiveInspired, or to find a Lincoln home near you.
