Kitchen Hacks to Save Money and Stress

This a guest post about saving money.

When the budget is tight and you have to throw food away because it’s spoiled, it probably kills you a little inside. Don’t fret, there are so many ways to repurpose food waste to save you money and you don’t have to be bummed out for wasting food. Eating is essential, no reason to feel stressed out about it. Life is already stressful. Here are some great kitchen hacks to up-cycle your food waste. 

 

Banana peels as Fertilizer

Most of us know by now you can use overripe bananas to make banana bread. There’s actually a ton of recipes you can do with overripe bananas. However, there’s another banana hack you may not know and you can use every last piece of it. Save the banana peels and add to water for a great fertilizer. Your house plants will thank you. 

 

Veggie or Meat Stock From Scraps

Next time you’re cutting veggies, keep all the scraps you’d normally toss in the trash. Put those scraps in a bag and keep in the freezer. When the bag gets full put all the scraps in a pot with water, season to your liking, and simmer on the stove. You’ve just made delicious veggie stock. For meat stocks, save your bones and meat trimmings to add to it. 

 

Stale Bread

Stale slices of bread left over? You can rehydrate stale bread by quickly putting it under running water and putting it in the oven at 350 for 5-10 minutes. You can also turn your stale bread into breadcrumbs. Tear stale bread into pieces and place on a baking tray. Drizzle pieces with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and spices of your choice. Bake at 250F for about 20 – 30 minutes. 

 

Grow from scraps

Want to save a bunch of money and have your own fresh organic fruits and veggies? You’d be surprised how many fruits and veggies you can grow from the scraps of produce you buy at the supermarket. A quick google search will tell you everything you need to know to grow your own produce at home, and it’s super easy!

 

Cheese Rind

Leftover rind from Parmesan cheese? Don’t throw it away. Keep it in the fridge or freezer, and toss it in soups, sauces, or stews for an extra oomph to your dishes. 

 

Leftover Herbs Into Olive Oil or Freezer Cubes

Do you ever buy fresh herbs for a dish and have more than you know what to do with? Put your leftover herbs in olive oil for infused oils for cooking. You can also put fresh herbs in an ice cube tray, top with water, and freeze them. The next time you need them, you’ll have perfectly portioned herbs. Just toss them into whatever you’re making and the water will melt. 

 

Coffee Scrub

This is a wonderful kitchen beauty tip. After you’ve made coffee take the leftover grounds and mix with coconut oil for a moisturizing body scrub with a buzz. Coffee scrub is great for blood circulation and your skin will be silky smooth. 

 

Bruised Fruit Face Masks

Do you have bruised fruit that’s on its last leg? You can always make a delicious smoothie out of it. However, if you need a little self-care, why not make a face mask? Bananas, papayas, strawberries, and avocado are all great ingredients you can add into a DIY fruit face mask. Got a little yogurt that’s about to go off? You can throw that in too! Yogurt has lactic acid in it which is great for skin cell turnover. Mix up the ingredients of your choice, apply to your face and leave on for 20 minutes. It’s a free spa day at home! Self-care Sunday anyone?

Self-care is essential for our well-being. It’s important to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health on the regular. If you’re feeling particularly stressed pop on that face mask and visit MyTherapist. It’s an affordable online counseling service where you can talk to a trained professional in the comfort of your own home.