Food Storage

When you start out on your own, you aren't really sure about expiration dates on foods. Your parents generally took care of this, and you are beginning to realize that the food you buy, won't last forever, as you walk into your apartment one day and realize by the smell that most of your food has gone bad. This is a great little cheat sheet that will help you to know how long to keep your food, and when to throw it out.

• First: have a labeling system. Buy a labeler (or just some masking tape), and whenever you buy an item write down the date you bought it. Time can get away from you fast, and with as much food as you may buy, you may forget to throw something out. 
• Apples: 3 weeks: Store them in the refrigerator, unwrapped. Also, don't touch them! 
• Grapes: 1 week: Store in the refrigerator in a vented plastic bag. They often come in bags like these, and for a reason! 
• Berries: 3 days: Keep them in a ventilated container in the refrigerator
• Onions: 2 months: Store in a cool, dry, ventilated place. 
• Carrots: 3 weeks: Remove the green and store in a plastic bag. Limp carrots can be resuscitated by soaking in ice water for 30 minutes.
• Raw Chicken: 1-2 days: Keep refrigerated at 40F or lower. Always observe "use by" dates.
• Cooked Chicken: 3-4 days: Refrigerate in shallow, covered container
• Ground beef: 2 days: Keep refrigerated and observe "use by" date; freeze if use more than 2 days from purchase.
• Eggs: 3-5 weeks: Keep on a lower shelf in the refrigerator- not the door.
• Pizza: 3-4 days: Put in refrigerator within 2 hours of delivery or else throw it out. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated otherwise. 
• Flour: 6-8 months: Store in a sealed container in a cool dry place. Keep out moisture. 
• Dry pasta: Up to a year: Store in a cool, dark place in a sealed container to keep away mold and weevils (tiny, grain-loving bugs)
• Whole Coffee Beans: 1 month: The flavor is best within the first 10 days. Store in a cool dark place in a container.
• Ground Coffee Beans: 2 weeks: same as above.

If you are anything like me, and work retail, and are on your feet for 8 hours, you don't always feel like making anything for dinner. And on some nights money could go to waste if your food spoils in a matter of days. So, if your recipe calls for something that spoils within days, esp meats, pick it up on your way home. You can't know exactly how your day will go, even the day before, so it is best to buy expensive food that spoils fast when you know exactly how you will feel. 

It is best to buy in bulk. You get more for each individual penny. But it doesn't make a difference if you only use about half of it. Don't buy a huge thing of coffee, if you are the only one who drinks it in your house (unless you drink a cup every hour). Gage how much you really use. But always remember these dates in order to eat the freshest possible food, and stay as healthy as possible. 

And for even more go to: www.realsimplereallife.com/television/browse-by-topic/food-recipes/how-long-last-00000000005600/idex.html?iid=rs.comhp

Sportsmanship

For those of you not into basketball Tobacco Road is a series of about 4 colleges in central North Carolina all situated within hours of each other. Two of the schools are situated less than 10 miles from each other. This is arguably the number 1 college basketball rivalry of all time. DUKE and UNC! Considering the first game of the season between the two teams is tonight, let me go over good sportsmanship. 

• Remember! The other fans have feelings! Don't make fun of the other teams players (on the outside). The other fans are fans of the other team for a reason. Respect their reasons (even if in your opinion they are wrong). Remember that they are people, and in many cases your friends.
• Cheer! You are watching sports! Clap your hands, whistle when appropriate. But don't boo! Don't yell out when the ref makes a bad call (although grunting is expected). It makes you look bad. 
• Congratulate! One team is going to win, and hopefully the better team. But one team will lose. And there is a chance that the losing team will be yours. You don't have to run around shaking hands as soon as the game is over, but if you have a friend who is a fan of the opposing team, tell them "Good Game!"
• Most importantly: If the better team (your team) does win, don't get in the opposing fans face. Their team, and often pride and joy, just let them down. They are upset. Getting in their face could cause problems. Tell them their team did a very good job. Maybe even site one point when you thought the game was over. Offer to buy them a beer. 
• And of course Go DUKE!

How to reuse ordinary household items

Everyone has certain items laying around their house, that are simply going to waste. Everyone also has needs for special items. But what if you were able to figure out away to use your items that are going to waste, instead of buying a new item? This blog will help you use your items you have lying around the house, or help you save money so that you don't have to buy a brand new item. 

Below is a chart my dad found that has a list of common household items.

The above photo can be found larger at

More can be found at Breaking the Chain

• Puffiness under your eyes... use preparation H
• Congestion... chew a few altoids
• Splinter... put a tab of Elmers Glue on it, let dry and peal off
• Stinky wet dog... wipe down with a dryer sheet! 

I found the following uses for paper towel tubes on another blog

• Stuff with grocery bags and store in your car- great for dirty clothes, wet bathing suits, and trash
• Papers you want to display, but not yet, can be rolled and safely stored in one 

I found even more as a yahoo answers question

• If you buy expensive (or sometimes less expensive) liquor and have a pretty bottle, reuse it! Stick a bottle pourer in it (great for parties for their intended use as well) and use it as a very attractive soap dispenser, or for bubble bath.
• Reuse plastic sprayers by filling them with water and vinegar and spraying down your shower after you shower. Or with just vinegar as a natural weed killer

Simply googling household items uses or some version of this will help you find many more uses for your house hold items that will go to waste. 

How to Make Your Home Instantly Grown Up!

As you decorate your apartment, you have to buy things that you will like for years to come, because furniture isn't something most people can buy as the seasons change. Despite the fact that many of us just graduated college, we have to put our hs and college decorating sense away, and learn how to have a more mature decorating sense.

• Get a neutral sofa. As the seasons change, and styles go in and out of fashion, simply change your throw pillows. If anything, buy inexpensive slip covers. I'm purchasing the below sofa and matching chaise lounge from IKEA in the next few months. IKEA also has slip covers that go with their furniture. 

• Get a comfortable ottoman! It can be used as a comfy place to rest your feet, and also as a coffee table. 
• If you get a rug, get one that is big enough! Most apartments have carpeted floors, but if you are lucky enough to have wood floors, a nice rug is a great accent. But make sure it is big enough to go under all of the furniture. The room will look more pulled together!
• Make a conversation area! Arrange your seating to face each other, and not just your TV. If you don't have a lot of room, arrange the main pieces towards the tv, and one or two beside the TV. It would be best to have an entertainment center that can close.
• Hire a designer! It is a waste of money to make mistakes. But if you don't have a lot of money, recruit a friend! With this economy most interior designers aren't getting a lot of business. So you may be able to get a friend to do it for a small fee. 
• Get a round dining room table! These are more inviting, and they also take up less space in a small apartment.
• Get a big mirror! It gives your room the allusion more space!
• Get double use pieces! Buy pieces that can be used for decoration and storage! Old suitcases are great for this, as well as many ottomans! 

This is an article found in March 2009 Cosmopolitan. My favorite magazine! 

Recipes

McDonald's Snack Wrap

• White tortilla shells
• Cheddar cheese
• Grilled or fried chicken strips
• Shredded lettuce
• Dressing of your choice

1. Take a tortilla shell and squirt an even layer of dressing on the shell
2. Add cheese and lettuce
3. Add chicken to the middle
4. Fold your tortilla shell up about 2 inches
5. Wrap it up from each side
6. Enjoy! 

Teriyaki Chicken and Seafood Sauce

White Rice

• 1 package white rice
• water

1. Prepare rice according to manufacturer's directions. This takes about 20 minutes

Seafood Sauce- this is the white dipping sauce I get at the mall at Japanese restauants

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar (this was a bit much, next time I'm cutting in half)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 3/4 teaspoon paprika
• 3/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1. Mix all ingredients together and store in refrigerator

Teriyaki Chicken

• 1 package of pregrilled chicken
• Teriyaki Sauce

1. Spray your skillet with pam and warm it up
2. Put unfrozen chicken in your skillet
3. Pour a little teriyaki sauce on the chicken, enough to cover it
4. Stir the chicken as it fries (stir-fry). After a moment pour a little more teriyaki sauce on your chicken. Stir fry your chicken for a few minutes, until it is warm

To make this a complete meal, add some vegetables to your stir-fry, such as carrot slices or chopped onion.

Rigatoni

Mueller's pasta has great recipes on their boxes. They are very simple and easy. And anything can be added as you see necessary. These are great to make in the beginning of the week, and then bring to work to save money for days.

• 16 oz Mueller's Rigatoni
• 1 lb bulk Italian sausage
• 3/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped or 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 (26 oz) jars pasta sauce, any flavor
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 3 cups (12 oz) shredded Mozzarella cheese, divided
• Chopped parsley or garnish (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 350F.
2. Cook and drain Rigatoni according to package directions
3. Cook sausage until browned in a large skillet over medium heat
4. Stir frequently, breaking up sausage into small pieces
5. Drain off fat; add onion and garlic; cook and stir until tender
6. Add pasta sauce and Italian seasoning
7. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes
8. Combine Rigatoni, cooked sauce and 1-1/2 cups cheese in a large bowl
9. Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan
10. Cover and bake 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly
11. Uncover; top with remaining 1-1/2 cup cheese
12. Bake 8 minutes longer or until cheese melts
13. Garnish with parsley, if desired

To make this a complete meal, add a salad. To make it easy, buy premade salad in a bad with everything you need. Add croutons, or there are premade salad additions. 

Easy Tuna Casserole

• 3 cups cooked maceroni
• 1 (6 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1 (10.75 oz) can tuna, drained
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 1/2 cups french fried onions (or plain chips)

1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In a 9"x13" baking dish, combine macaroni, tuna and soup. Mix well and top with cheese
3. Bake at 350 for 25 minutes, or until bubbly. Sprinkle with fried onions (or chips) and bake for another 5 minutes. Serve hot

To make this a complete meal, add a salad. To make it easy, buy a premade salad with everything you need. Add croutons, or there are premade salad additions. Or you can add a vegetable. 

What to keep with you!

Now that you are independent from your parents, you will have to take care of everything on your own (don't forget that if you have questions your parents will always be there to answer them. You can't be expected to know everything). Here is a list of things you should keep with you at all times to hopefully get you through your everyday.

Wallet

• Cash! It is always good to keep some cash with you. First of all, it is much easier to keep track of your spending if you keep cash with you. Also, some services only allow cash payment, or a minimum of a certain amount for cash. For instance, if you have to get towed by AAA, they will tow you a short distance at no charge, but you have to pay by the mile beyond this. And they charge to a card a minimum of about $30, unless you have cash. To be sure of the amount contact your AAA, or other similar service. 
• Credit Card! Unless you have a problem with self control, it is a good idea to keep a credit card with you for unexpected charges. Most unexpected charges are known in advance (doctors appointments, car repairs), but it is a good idea to prepare for the unexpected.
• Photo ID! Preferably a driver's license, this is always good to keep with you. It is required to drive, purchase tobacco, alcohol and pseudo-ephedrine. And also for proof of name or address. 
• Emergency contacts! If you are in an accident (heaven forbid), the important people can be contacted. Typed will be easiest.
• Important medical information! If you are in an accident, doctors cannot automatically know what prescriptions you are on, what medical conditions you have, what allergies you have. Once again, typed will be easiest. Type all of your medical conditions, prescriptions and drug allergies. Also add your doctors names and phone numbers. 
• Health insurance cards! Make sure you have them all, including prescriptions... if you have them. Make sure you know the difference!  I am a pharmacy tech and you have no idea how many times we get a doctor's or dentist insurance card, something we can't do anything with! 
• AAA! You never know when you may have a flat tire, or your car break down. It is a good idea to have this and so that you have the phone number and your account number. 

Purse

• Daily Medication! If you are on any daily medication, carry a few with you at all times, just in case you don't make it home. Especially if this is a medication you cannot go a day without, ask your pharmacist if you can pay out of pocket for a few, and carry them in a little pill box. Any small, sealable box will do, even an extra pill bottle. Make sure it is sealable, and will stay sealed. For instance, small jewelry boxes are pretty, but made for show and they may open back up fairly easily.
• Pain relievers, decongestants... Anything you feel as though you may need when you are out. If you get headaches or other pains at all, keep some Ibuprofen or Tylenol with you. If you have a sensitive stomach keep something for your tummy with you. Anything you think you may need. Many of these have travel size bottles. Most Targets have a section devoted to travel size.
• Pepper Spray! Anyone, especially females can be subjected to random acts of violence. If you are ever walking through an empty parking lot or parking garage, or just get a feeling, pull it out and hold it until you reach your car and lock it! And leave immediately. If you are the type to write down your transactions down and sit in your car for a few minutes, get out of this habit. Even in the middle of the day someone can carjack you. Pull your receipts out, place them in your lap, or somewhere you will remember, and copy them down at home where you are safe. 
• Female products! Keep a few spare ones available for surprises, or for friends. Many women track their cycles, but if you are anything like me and can't remember, or you have an unreliable cycle, keep some with you. 

Car

• Insurance! It is a good idea to keep a copy of your insurance information, as well as contact information, typed and in an envelope, in your car. Keep several copies. This is a good idea because what if you are in an accident. Even if it isn't your fault, you should still exchange information 
• Registration! You never know when you may be pulled, or drive through a check point. Make sure you have this handy and up to date! Mark this on your calendar when your registration needs to be updated! Some officers won't do anything if your registration is recently expired, a simple warning, but this is a ticketable offense. Make sure it is handy. Remember that the officer is vulnerable, and often not very liked, out on the road or highway, he or she doesn't want to be out there long. 
• Cell phone charger! You never know when you will need your cell phone. It would be very bad if you were to run out of gas or pop a tire and be left with a dead cell phone. I have had a phone that had a little battery inside that is only activated during 911 calls, but don't count on this. 
• Umbrella! Even if you are like me and think that umbrellas are too much to worry about on most days, what about those days when you spend a lot of time on your hair and make-up for a nice dinner and everything cooperates, and the weather decides not to cooperate. Toss it in the back of your car (or there is space in the drivers side door in Jettas?). 
• Maps! With the prevalence of smart phones today, these aren't as necessary, but it is always a good idea to keep a map in your car of your state, especially if you just moved.
• And more can be found here!

It is always a good idea to be prepared for the unexpected. With this guide you will hopefully be able to get through almost any situation. But everyone is different and may need a few more things. If you think of anything else you need add a comment to help the rest of us! 

Advice

I am here to offer you advice. If you have any questions or issues with any part of life, I can give you any advice I can. If you have relationship issues, roommate issues, apartment issues, budgeting issues, job issues... ask me about it and I will give you some advice. Just post a question in the comments or e-mail me at rfwarlick@vzw.blackberry.net and I will reply ASAP.