We have a huge dining room table. When both of the leaves are in it can easily seat a dozen people. I cook both Easter and Thanksgiving dinner every year and invite everyone in my family and some additional folks as well. We usually can find enough room at the table but for a couple of years we never had enough chairs. If you’re in the situation I used to be in and need some extra seats, try an office furniture store. You can usually find some inexpensive office chairs. Some even carry folding chairs. No need to recycle seats or pray someone doesn’t make it to dinner anymore!

I have a ritual that I do twice a year, once right after New Years and once just before or after Independence Day. I spend part of one day going through my bills and calling the companies to see if there’s any room for cutting or saving. I make sure that I’m in the appropriate phone package, the appropriate cell phone package and check that there’s no better deal on my satellite television. I even call my auto insurance company and check with them and then I call two or three other companies and request an auto insurance quote from them. How do you make sure you’re getting the best rates or prices on your regular bills?

I love coffee and haven’t gone a day without at least one cup in a very long time. I have two cups a day on a typical day. I have noticed for the last couple of years that more and more people seem to buy their coffee while they’re on the go rather than make it at home. I see people lined up ten people deep in the coffee store and 8 cars long on line at the drive through and they’re there every day. I asked someone once why they bought Dunkin Donuts coffee every day and they told me theirs didn’t taste as good. Now don’t get me wrong, Dunkin Donuts coffee does taste good. But it’s too expensive to buy every day. These people could save a lot of money if they made coffee at home. There’s lots of really good coffee makers out there. Anyone who says their coffee doesn’t taste good should try either different coffee or a different machine. I love the taste of fresh ground coffee so I have a coffee maker with a built in bean grinder. It tastes as good or better than any restaurant out there.By making coffee at home you’re saving the trip out, which will cut back spending on gas and coffee as well as your time. Do you buy something out that you could make at home?