Chicken on the Cheap

Trying to eat delicious, healthy food on a budget? Planning affordable meals is easier than you think. First, cut back on going out and learn to prepare simple dishes at home. Second, pick meals that utilize low-cost, healthy ingredients. Remember, cooking from scratch is better for your body and your wallet than going out or buying frozen meals.

One of the greatest ingredients to start cooking with is chicken. Sure, you can get tired of eating the same thing every night, but with such a variety of cheap chicken recipes out there, you can enjoy this meat regularly without boredom.

Each of these three recipes (which make 2 servings each) is under $3 per serving:

Chile-Crusted Chicken

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (make your own with some toasted wheat bread!)
• 1/2 tsp. chile powder
• 1/8 tsp. black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. oregano
• 1/4 cup sour cream

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Mix together breadcrumbs and seasonings.
3. Coat chicken with sour cream.
4. Dip chicken in crumb mixture.
5. Bake chicken for 15 - 20 minutes or until cooked through.

White Chicken Chili

• 1 bonless, skinless chicken breast
  
• 1 tsp. olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, pressed
  
• 1 can diced tomatoes (with chilies if you prefer)
  
• 1 can white beans (like cannellini)
  
• 1 cup chicken broth (or water)
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 1 tbsp. flour or cornstarch

1. In a large pot, saute garlic and onion
2. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and add to pot
3. Continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink
4. Add tomatoes, beans, and chicken broth and bring to a boil
5. Stir in seasonings and let simmer 25 minutes
6. Add flour / cornstarch while stirring until chili thickens

Lemon Garlic Chicken

• 2 chicken breast halves or 4 chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/2 tsp. oregano

1. Mix together all ingredients except chicken.
2. Place chicken in glass baking dish.
3. Cover with mixture and let marinate at least 20 minutes.
4. Bake at 400 degrees for 40 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

Working for the Government

A great alternative to working in the private sector is obtaining a government job. Contrary to what many people believe, government work is not always under-appreciated and underpaid. In fact, most government jobs offer great incentives. From competitive salary to exceptional benefits packages, a job in the public sector can be truly rewarding.

In addition to the great benefits of a government job, these positions often offer greater job security than those in the private sector. In fact, given the current economic climate, a public service position can be easier to obtain and retain than work in other industries.

To find a government job, you can check your local classifieds or browse one of these specialized sites:

GovCentral

USAJobs

Work for America

You can also find information on top-paying government jobs here and a survey of the best places to work in government here.

Do Your Part! Recycle

By now, you probably know all the great reasons why people should recycle, but are you actually following through? It's certainly simple enough. All you need to do is sort your waste and put it in the right place. Not sure how to do this where you live? Check out Earth911 for all the recyling information you could ever need (including pickup sites in your area!).

Want to know more about what gets recycled? Here's a quickie guide.

Need more reasons to recycle? Here are some fun facts.

• Each of us uses approximately one 100-foot-tall Douglas fir tree in paper and wood products per year
• Recycling 1 ton of paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity
• Energy saved from recycling one ton of aluminum is equal to the amount of electricity the average home uses over 10 years.
• Americans throw away enough aluminum every month to rebuild our entire commercial air fleet.
• Glass never wears out -- it can be recycled forever.
• Plastic bags and other plastic garbage thrown into the ocean kill as many as 1,000,000 sea creatures every year
• The highest point in Ohio is "Mount Rumpke," which is actually a mountain of trash at the Rumpke sanitary landfill

Of course, you could be more creative with your trash. Checkout this site for some cool craft ideas with recycled goods.

Job Fairs

Lists of Job Fairs:

• Employment Guide's List
• National Career Fairs
• Career Builder
• Monster's Listing
  

Want to meet tons of employers and apply for multiple jobs as quickly as possible? Well, then you should consider attending a job fair. Job fairs are offered year-round across the country and around the world. You can even "attend" online career fairs at certain sites.

Job fairs are usually centered around a particular career field or location. Both of these formats can be useful to you. The first type is best if you know what you want to do and don't care where you do it. The second is better if you're committed to living in a paritcular city or state. To make the most of your job search, you will probably want to attend both kinds of fairs.

You can find out about job fairs by checking the list of links above, searching online, reading your local paper, or checking college websites. Keep in mind, some schools only open their fairs to their own students. However, many college fairs will admit students from other schools and/or the general public.

Before you attend a job fair, though, it is useful to do some research. First, figure out what companies / organizations will be represented at the event. The last thing you want to do is show up and find nothing of interest. Second, see if those employers have listed the jobs they are recruiting for. This is helpful to tailor your resume and portfolio prior to applying.

You should also find out about any registration requitements for the job fair. Many events are open to the public, but some require job seekers to sign up in advance. Additionally, some fairs may charge an entrance fee, while some may have specific identification requirements to attend. Make sure you bring everything you need to get through the door smoothly.

Once you arrive at the job fair, you'll want to make the most of every opportunity. I've listed a few tips below, but for a more comprehensive explanation of job fairs, you should check out this site.

• Dress for success. Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions.
  
• Come prepared with a stunning resume.
• Bring a list of references with contact information.
  
• Research employers and be prepared with questions and comments.
• Take time to talk to recruiters instead of just dropping off a resume and leaving.
• Follow up after the job fair with a thank you letter.
  

Choosing a Tax Program

Getting ready to do your taxes? If you’re like many Americans, you will probably turn to commercial tax software to help you do the job. Unfortunately, with all the options out there, it can be hard to know which program to pick. First off, don’t like claims of “free e-filing” fool you. Pretty much every program offers this. The real important criteria are 1) how easy is it to use? 2) will it get me the maximum refund? And 3) How much will it cost?
With this in mind, let’s take a look at the three most popular ones and see how they stack up.

TurboTax – My parents have been using this program for the last few years, and it’s clearly a top choice for many people. With prices as low as $29.95 (for the federal edition only), buying a copy of TurboTax wont cut into that refund check too much. According to several reviews, this program also seems to have the most intuitive user interface. Plus, the program comes with some neat planning features to help you start saving for retirement and get the most money back on next year’s taxes.

H&R Block Tax Cut – This program gets a lot of attention because it’s backed up by a real financial services firm. It costs about the same as TurboTax, and has the same level of intuitive controls. Plus, its got an added deduction finder feature and can connect you with a live tax consultant if you need additional help.

TaxAct – Cheaper than its competitors, TaxAct features the very basic tools you need to get through the core tax forms. However, it lacks some of the additional support other programs offer. The user interface is still pretty easy to use, but it’s not going to take you by the hand the way its competitors do. If you’ve never done your taxes before, it may be best to stay away from this program. If you do opt for the cheapest fix, make sure you have someone knowledgeable to help you out.

President's Day Reading List

In honor of President's Day, here's a list of some quality reading you can do to brush up on some of the most notable men to be Commander in Chief.


John Adams by David McCullough - McCullough is known as one of the best presidential biographers around. In this work, he takes a close look at our second president. With a detailed look at his personal wife, in addition to her service as president, this book provides a multi-dimensional glimpse at an influential leader.


Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin - There have been hundreds of books written about Honest Abe, but few explore his presidency like Goodwin's work. Here, the author probes more deeply into Lincoln's leadership style and the advisors he made use of during his years in office.


Nixonland: The Rise of a President and the Fracturing of America by Rick Perlstein - In this work, Perlstein examines Nixon's political tactics and discusses how he impacted Americans' thoughts and beliefs on his road to victory.


Franklin Delano Roosevelt: Champion of Freedom by Conrad Black - This comprehensive biography discusses FDR's life in great details. Plus, the author's exceptional storytelling style keeps the book interesting rather than becoming another dry non-fiction compilation.


His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis - This is one of the best books about our first presdent's life. Ellis not only discusses Washington's term as president, but also his military campaigns and private life. The author relies extensively on primary documents to paint a picture of Washington's views and the evolution of the man as a leader.

Top 10 Smart Pantry Staples

Want to know what you should keep in your pantry at all times? Here are the top ten staple ingredients that you should stock up on. All of these are non-perishable, which means you can buy in bulk and keep them for months or even years.

1. Diced Tomatoes - These cans are great to keep handy. They can be used in tons of recipes from pastas to tacos. You can even use diced tomatoes as a base for soup. Just keep in mind that canned goods can have a lot of extra salt. So, look for low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties.

2. Chicken Broth - Chicken broth is great for soups, but it can also be used to create sauces for meaty dishes and stir-frys. Plus, broth is a standard ingredient in many casseroles. Just like the diced tomatoes, you should look for low-salt options. Oh, and don't be afraid to swap in vegetable broth for a recipe if you're a vegetarian.

3. Beans - There are so many varieties of beans, and each has its own unique taste and texture. Pick the ones you like the best (I love kidney beans) and keep a stock of them. You can use beans in salads, soups, stews, tacos, and much more. They are a great source of protein and fiber, too, which makes tem ideal for replacing meat or fish as your main course. Just remember to always rinse canned beans thoroughly. Not only does this keep them clean, it also removes a lot of the sodium.

4. Oatmeal - Quick-cooking oats (like the ones that come in the big canister) are cheap and versatile. You can use them for breakfast (with additions like cinnamon, fruit, milk, etc.) or bake cookies for company. You can even use oatmeal in recipes that call for breadcrumbs (like hamburgers and meatballs) as a healthy substitute.

5. Quick Cooking Brown Rice - Brown rice is much healthier than its white, processed counterpart. It's also a smarter choice than white pasta. Keep a box in your pantry for a quick side dish, and dress it up with seasonings to add a flavor kick. You can even make a meal out of it with some meat (this is a great way to reuse leftovers), beans, and veggies.

6. Canned Meat / Fish - Canned protein doesn't have to mean tuna and SPAM. You can find varieties of chicken, salmon, and even clams in shelf-stable form. These are great to keep on hand for casseroles, soups, stews, and even salads. Just be sure to check how much salt is used, and pick varieties packed in water instead of fattening oil.

7. Dried herbs / spices - Keeping these around can help you improve the taste of any dish. While there are literally hundreds of varieties available, a few staples to keep handy are basil, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, ginger, and cinnamon.

8. Oil and Vinegar - These two staples are great for all sorts of cooking, marinading, and dressing. As for the specific varieties you keep on hand, the choice is yours. I recommend olive, canola, or flaxseed oils (these are the healthiest) and red wine or balsamic vinegar.

9. Canned Pumpkin - Okay, I'll admit this sounds a little weird, but don't knock it just yet. You can use canned pumpkin as an add-in for oatmeal or mix it with yogurt for some extra fiber at breakfast. Pumpkin is also a healthy addition to baked goods. In fact, you can mix 1 box brownie mix + 1 can pumpkin for a healthier dessert in less than 30 minutes (no eggs, oil, milk, etc. needed). There are even some awesome soup and stew recipes that use pumpkin.

10. Cereal - When all else fails, a bowl of a (healthy) cereal variety can substitute for any meal. You can even find some fun cereal recipes online!

Top 10 Apartment Dogs

Looking to adopt one of man's best friends? Here's a list of the best breeds to raise in an apartment.

1. Pug - The pug is a great apartment dog. It is relatively small and barely sheds at all. It is also a rather friendly breed and will treat strangers well.

2. Sussex Spaniel - This friendly breed deals well with being home alone, requires little space, and is remarkably intelligent. It is one of the breeds most recomended for new owners.

3. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - This breed (my favorite) is great for apartment life. It is small, but not pocket-sized, and quite intelligent. They are easy to train and ideal for first-time dog owners.

4. Miniature Schnauzer - These dogs are playful and friendly with strangers. They are also small enough to thrive in an apartment.

5. Pomeranian - Very active indoors, these dogs don't need to play outside. They should, however, be kept cool in warm climates and are best for people who do not have kids (as they can become jealous).

6. Yorkshire Terrier - These playful little dogs are great for a mostly indoor life. They don't like the cold, though, so keep them bundled up in the winter.

7. Lhasa Apso - Although they require a bit more grooming than other breeds, these dogs are extremely devoted and obedient. Plus, they are nice and small; perfect for an apartment.

8. Chihuahua - These small dogs are fashionable in Hollywood and work well in small spaces. Plus, they do not shed (great for those with allergies) and don't need much space to be active.

9. Havanese - If you can deal with a long-haired dog, these are great companions. Exceptionally friendly and compassionate, they are great with strangers, easy to train, and don't run around much.

10. Basenji - You may not have heard of this breed, but its a winner for apartments. The basenji can be left alone and doesn't need a lot of space. However, it can be playful and is quite intelligent. It may also be a little stubborn to train.

Still unsure what pup to get? Try this quiz.

Save Money on Groceries

Let's face it, food is one of those expensive you'll never get rid of. However, you can lighten the burden of your grocery bill by following these great tip! Remember, every dollar you save at the store is more money for treating yourself to a meal out.

1. Read the ads - If you live near more than one food store (and most of us do) check the ads for all of them. Then, split your list between 2 or 3 with the best sales. You should also take a look at ads for retail stores like Target and CVS. They often have good deals on shelf-stable goods like cereal and crackers.

2. Clip those coupons - Even if you don't get them in the mail, you can still take advantage of coupons. Visit some of the online sites offering printable discounts. Some of my favorites are SmartSource and Coupons.com

3. Buy frozen produce - Wait until your favorite frozen fruits and veggies go on sale. Then, stock up. They'll stay good longer (and usually cost less) than the fresh stuff.


4. Buy in bulk - You can save a bundle each year by joining a wholesale club like BJs or Costco. Stock up on the stuff you eat a lot (as long as it's not perishable) and save some dough in the process.

5. Shop online - Sites like Amazon that offer groceries can really save you money during sales. Save more by looking for free shipping options (Amazon offers this on certain products).

Valentine's Day DIY

Looking for ideas for the perfect Valentine’s gift, but need to stick to a budget? Well, in the spirit of the holiday, maybe you should give a gift that’s truly from the heart; one you made with your own two hands. Whether it’s something for your best friend, crush, or lover, there are countless great ideas for creating meaningful (and cheap) gifts from scratch.

Make a slideshow – I’ve done this for so many occasions (including the romantic stuff). It’s really easy to do if you have a computer with any basic software. Windows PCs usually come with MovieMaker, which is a really easy program to learn. All you need are some great pictures and a few songs and you can make a musical slideshow that means a lot. Use your DVD burner to turn this digital creation into a hard-copy gift.

Make dinner – Going out to a fancy restaurant is one of those cliché Valentine’s traditions. To save some cash this year, why not make dinner at home? You can set the scene with candles, dishware, and tablecloths. Then, make your date’s favorite meal (or a simplified version if you’re not an expert chef). Top the evening off with a bottle of wine (find the best pairings here) and some decadent dessert.

Make chocolates – This is another activity I am quite familiar with. Making your own chocolates can be a lot of fun. All you need to do is visit a craft or confection store and buy some plastic molds and chocolate pieces. The pieces come in different colors so you can make red roses and pink hearts. Simply melt the chocolate, pour into the mold, and freeze for 10-15 minutes. You can also get more creative and use multiple colors or add lollipop sticks (sold in the same stores and used with special lollipop molds).

Box of love – You can paint / decorate a wooden box bought for roughly $1 to $5 from a craft store. Then, fill the box with anything you like. Homemade jewelry (if you’re extra-crafty) is an option, or you can do something simpler like candy or love notes.

Get crafty - For more great ideas, check out this site.

Learning a Language

Most of us have to learn a little bit of a new language when we’re in high school. However, for many people, this simply is not enough. You may need to learn a new language for work or education purposes. If so, there are some things you should keep in mind.

Learning a language takes time. You will want to give yourself at least 3-6 months before you need to use your new language with some skill.

At-home programs require dedication. Sure, the ads for Rosetta Stone make it seem like you can learn a new language right in your home, but this really only works if you are committed. If you want to go it alone, try to get a variety of materials. The more you immerse yourself in your new tongue, the better. So, grab a computer program, language CDs, and even try watching a few of your favorite movies in your new language.

If you need to learn a language fast, consider enrolling in an intensive language program. Now is a great time to start applying for summer opportunities. Many colleges offer intensive courses. However, if you want a cheaper option, consider applying to the Critical Language Institute. You get an all-expenses-paid trip overseas to be immersed in a new language. It's run by the U.S. Department of State to help future policy officials learn important second languages like Arabic and Persian.

The key to mastering a language, though, is practice. If you can't find someone to talk to in your new language, check out one of the many social language websites. I'm a member of interpals, which is a great place to meet new people. Other good sites include livemocha and speakingcam.

Good Luck!

Plan the Ultimate Board Game Night

Looking to host a fun and friendly gathering? Why not plan an awesome board game night! Sure, board games may sound like kid stuff, but people of all ages can appreciate a few hours away from the TV to enjoy some childlike fun. Plus, there are some great ways to spice up board game night and keep things interesting.

The first step to the ultimate game night is, of course, to pick the games. Old-school options like Monopoly and Risk are classic favorites. Want to stretch your mind? Trivial Pursuit and Scrabble are also popular choices. Some more social and carefree games include Apples to Apples and Loaded Questions (one of my personal favorites!). If you ever get bored of the classics, though, here is one site with an impressive selection of off-beat games.

To make things more interesting, you can always add themed drinks (and fun rules on when to drink them) and snacks. Cookies and cakes can be easily decorated to resemble your favorite games. Check out a few awesome sheet cakes here!

Next up, make your space party-friendly. You don't need to raid the party store for great decorations. Some colorful tablecloths and plates go a long way. Spice things up by making your own game-themed centerpieces, place cards, and more. Check out this link for one great idea.

You can bump up the level of competitiveness by playing games for prizes. If you're playing multiple games, give winners points for how they do in each. Otherwise, you can play a single game as a tournament. Setting up a money pool is one option, but you can also have other (cheap) prizes like dollar-store goodies or IOUs for favors. You may even want to ask each guest to bring a grab-bag prize.