Nakita De Souza-Plaatjies has joined the team as our new 041Budget columnist and this week she shares some snack ideas to keep the December budget under control.
THE 12th and final month of the year. December, Deza the fun and expensive month. The month when most of us don’t consider the budget. We use terms like ,” I worked hard all year,so I can spoil myself” or my personal favourite “January will figure itself out.” This I’ve come to realize is a very wrong way of thinking. You are basically setting yourself up for financial blues in the new year,all because it’s December.
Let’s be smarter and better, yes we deserve nice things but we also don’t need to start 2024 in a financial chokehold.
Here are a few simple frugal tips that can save you a little bit of money but also provide your family with a “healthier” snack option…
Popcorn
Jelly cups
Energade concentrate
Water bottles (water in reusable bottles)
Chips (the big packet,split and divide)
Sweets (buy in bulk and split into portions)
Homemade biscuits
Keep a little cool box or lunch bag in the car,to keep your water or cooldrink bottles cold while you are out and about. I use these really cute ice packs to keep my goodies cold. If you don’t have these you can freeze some water in bottles and that way kill two birds with 1 stone,ice packs and icy cold water to drink.
Popcorn
Heat some oil in the pot , add your kernels ,put the lid on and pop. Once the popping starts to slow down, turn off the heat and remove the pot from the hot plate. Add your favourite spices,and divide into small packets for a ready to eat snack. You can try a sweet variation , a caramel popcorn and even colourful popcorn, yes that’s right!
Follow these steps for a colourful sweet Popcorn treat
Popcorn already popped
To a saucepan on low-medium heat add
50ml water
¼ cup of sugar
½ teaspoon butter
A few drops of food colouring
Bring it to a boil for a sticky syrup, now add your Popcorn and mix until covered. Spread out your sweet Popcorn on wax paper to dry and then enjoy.
Jelly cups
Make your jelly as per packet instruction. Portion small amounts into little containers,(you can save your yoghurt containers and use these just cover with cling wrap) let it set and you have a nice cold treat for these summer days.
Energade concentrate
I have recycled a few of our mini Energade bottles, buying them like this isn’t very “frugal” of me,but I have purchased the concentrate and I can now make them according to our liking. I use the recycled bottles, this way if we out,on a hike or at the beach we can just pop them into the bin no fuss. These are great for those Mondays in the office after a really long weekend (wink,wink)
Homemade biscuits on the go
Find your favourite recipe and bake those biscuits. Add a few to a small container that fits into your handbag and there you have it ,no more Hunangry moods. This really helps on those long days out shopping. You can add Sweets,chocolate or chips into a small container and throw it into your bag or even keep it in the cars cubby.
Hope these little ideas are useful for you, until next time.Don’t forget to sprinkle some kindness.
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