Anna Monette Roberts
Assistant Editor, Food
budget tips

How-To: Break 5 Bad Financial Habits

Everyone has a bad financial habit.

Everyone has a bad financial habit. We live in a country that spends billions on advertising to make us want to make purchases; However, if you are looking to make change and break your bad financial habits use these tips. Remember: even though the habits are hard to break and require conscientious effort, there is payoff. Note the emphasis on the word payoff.

  1. Pay bills when you receive them. Think of all the stress and anxiety (not to mention late fees) that you experience when you put off paying your bills. When you receive the email notification or open the bill in the mail, take care of it. It will only take five minutes, and you won't be swamped with bills at the last minute.
  2. Use cash and not your card. You need to save up for a trip or need to pay off a credit card, but you have a hard time controlling the amount of swipe purchases you are making. Minimize this urge by using your ATM card once a week to withdraw the amount of money you have allotted yourself for the week. Keep your cards at home, and even stow your credit cards in a hard to reach place in your closet to keep you from using them.

See more ways to break your bad financial habits.

Holiday

5 Moves Toward Tight, Toned Thighs!

Sure, you want your abs to be tight and toned for Summer, but don't forget about your thighs!

Sure, you want your abs to be tight and toned for Summer, but don't forget about your thighs! Between the short shorts and bikinis, show your legs some love with these five inner and outer thigh moves. From step-ups to leg lifts these target exercises will have you on your way to lean, mean legs in no time!


— Additional reporting by Emily Bibb

Wine

7 Bottles to Celebrate National Chardonnay Day

May 23 is National Chardonnay Day, and to celebrate the most popular white grape varietal, we rounded up seven bottles we've recently tried and adored.

May 23 is National Chardonnay Day, and to celebrate the most popular white grape varietal, we rounded up seven bottles we've recently tried and adored. Whether you're a fan of the big oaky, buttery styles, prefer a clear and crisp version, or even lean toward sweeter white wines, we've got a bottle for you.

summer

Three Twins New Organic Ice Cream Flavors: Worth Scooping Up?

With Memorial Day on the horizon, it is officially ice cream season again.

With Memorial Day on the horizon, it is officially ice cream season again. This week, we taste tested new products from Three Twins Organic Ice Cream: four new pint-sized flavors ($5) and one new ice cream sandwich ($2). Read on to see whether the likes of chocolate malt and butterscotch pecan deliver — and if they're worth stopping for in the supermarket freezer aisle.

digital culture

7 Wedding Tech Etiquette Rules

Smartphones at a wedding, and the ability to instantly capture memories and share them with others, can be both a blessing and a curse.

Smartphones at a wedding, and the ability to instantly capture memories and share them with others, can be both a blessing and a curse. When the emotions are high and the champagne flutes are flowing, err on the side of caution before publicly postings certain photos, which could potentially upset the bride and groom (maybe they want to be the first to share photos of the food on Facebook!). Since you're an invited guest, maintain good tech etiquette with our seven-rule guide:

  1. Ask first: Before you start snapping and sharing away, ask the bride and groom if it's OK or if there is anything they would prefer you don't capture. While many people actively engage in social sharing, some prefer a private and intimate affair.
  2. Don't circulate dress photos before the ceremony: As tempting as it is to tweet a photo of the bride's gown before the ceremony, never ever do it! It spoils the surprise for the groom and guests.
  3. Be courteous and cautious: The vibrating buzz from your cell phone is distracting, so keep the attention on the bride and groom by turning your cell phone off, putting it in airplane mode, or silencing the vibrator during the ceremony.
  4. Capture big moments when appropriate: The bride and groom are busy greeting their guests throughout the reception. Don't follow them around like paparazzi, but do snap big moments like toasts, first dances, and the cake cutting. The bride will appreciate seeing your photos before the photographer's come in.

Find out the one photo you should whip out your phone for after the jump.

grilling

5 Alternative Burger Recipes to Try Immediately, From Lamb to Salmon

Love an anything-but-beef burger?

Love an anything-but-beef burger? At Sutter Home Winery's Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest this past weekend, contestants submitted alternative burger recipes for a chance to win $15,000. These five finalists flew to Napa Valley to cook their alternative burgers (including pork, salmon, and lamb) in front of the judges. Take a look and get inspired to cook something other than beef!

Cooking Basics

How to Shell and Prepare Fava Beans

Unless they're very young (in which case they can be eaten whole), fava beans must be peeled twice: the outer shell and outer skin of each bean must be removed to enjoy the tender, buttery fava beans.

Unless they're very young (in which case they can be eaten whole), fava beans must be peeled twice: the outer shell and outer skin of each bean must be removed to enjoy the tender, buttery fava beans. It's a little bit of a fussy technique; however, blanching and shocking the beans in their shell makes it easier to shuck them. Fava beans are in season from April to July, so take a look at these step-by-step photos for easy prep all Spring and Summer long.

grilling

The Top 5 Finalists From the Build a Better Burger Contest

For the past 20 years, Sutter Home Winery has hosted a Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest, where over 5,000 Sutter Home fans submit their original recipes for a chance to win $100,000.

For the past 20 years, Sutter Home Winery has hosted a Build a Better Burger Recipe Contest, where over 5,000 Sutter Home fans submit their original recipes for a chance to win $100,000. Five finalists were selected, and they flew into Napa Valley this weekend to cook their burgers for the judges. With lavish additions like pretzel buns, seaweed, fried watercress, and salted caramel bacon, we promise these burger recipes are worth making at home.

Breakfast

What's the Difference Between American and French Omelets?

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America.

If you've ever ordered an omelet in Europe, then you know you were served something very unlike the omelets we know and love in America. Many Americans feel squeamish about undercooked eggs (hello, risk of salmonella!), but that custardy, underdone quality is sought out in Europe. Whether you plan to cook one of the styles yourself or experience it at a European restaurant, here are the main differences between American and French omelets.

An American omelet, as pictured on the top, has a speckled golden crust from the pan, and the surface is uneven with craters. This effect occurs because, similar to how steak chars on a pan, the scrambled eggs are cooked over a high heat and left untouched until the eggs set. The round omelet is then folded in half and served. Often, the fillings like meat and vegetables are cooked into the eggs rather than added afterward.

Learn more about the French-style omelet when you keep reading.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Pico de Gallo Shrimp Cocktail

Who needs a piñata when you can treat yourself to this colorful pico de gallo shrimp cocktail, courtesy of eatspinrunrepeat?

Who needs a piñata when you can treat yourself to this colorful pico de gallo shrimp cocktail, courtesy of eatspinrunrepeat?

Pico de gallo shrimp cocktails are a perfect appetizer for Spring and Summer. I've put a Mexican twist on the traditional shrimp cocktail.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog, and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

taste test

Taste Test: Coffee Bean's New Birthday Cake Ice Blended

To honor 50 years of being in business, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has released its new limited edition Birthday Cake Ice Blended ($4) drink, out starting today and available until Sept.

To honor 50 years of being in business, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has released its new limited edition Birthday Cake Ice Blended ($4) drink, out starting today and available until Sept. 2. We've seen a slew of cake batter ice creams and frozen yogurts, so we were excited by the prospect of a cake-flavored frozen beverage from the makers of the Original Ice Blended Drink. Keep reading to see our review.

condiments

10 Mouthwatering Ways to Use Mayonnaise

Hellmann's mayonnaise is celebrating 100 years of its top-secret vinegar, egg, and oil recipe, and the company has launched its biggest ever campaign, beginning today, which will feature everything from the world's largest picnic table to recipes developed by Mario Batali.
Recipes With Mayonnaise

Hellmann's mayonnaise is celebrating 100 years of its top-secret vinegar, egg, and oil recipe, and the company has launched its biggest ever campaign, beginning today, which will feature everything from the world's largest picnic table to recipes developed by Mario Batali.

We're happy to join in on the occasion, as some of our favorite foods just wouldn't be the same without a jar of mayo. Click through our slideshow, and be ready for your mouth to water. From classic applications like deviled eggs to out-of-the-ordinary ones like artichoke dip-stuffed mushrooms, these recipes will remind even the most mayo-adverse that we could all use a little more of the creamy condiment in our lives.

savory sights

Savory Sight: Sweet and Sour Sloppy Joes

If you elevate them with Asian pantry staples, sloppy joes can be classy too.

If you elevate them with Asian pantry staples, sloppy joes can be classy too. Just ask dmash.

It turns out that when you mix together green onions, a little soy sauce, ginger, tomato paste, brown sugar, and ground beef, you’re in for the tastiest Asian-inspired sandwich ever.

For more — and the recipe — visit her blog and then be sure to share your food photos via Savory Sights on POPSUGAR Social or by starting your own blog. If you're on Instagram, then chime in on the conversation with the hashtag #savorysight.

salads

10 Tricks For the Best Homemade Salads

Do you have a whole plateful of salad woes?

Do you have a whole plateful of salad woes? If you find that your homemade salads just aren't as good as those in restaurants, perhaps the problem rests in the prep of the salad, the choice of ingredients, or the dressing itself. Integrate these 10 tricks into your salad-making routine, and we promise, you'll toss better homemade salads in no time.

Vegan

Do Beyond Meat's Chicken-Free Strips Really Taste Like You-Know-What?

There are some pretty scary mock meats out there, but here's a new one that claims it doesn't compromise flavor or texture: Beyond Meat Chicken-Free Strips ($5).

There are some pretty scary mock meats out there, but here's a new one that claims it doesn't compromise flavor or texture: Beyond Meat Chicken-Free Strips ($5). These strips, which are sold at Whole Foods nationwide, are being touted as gluten-free and protein-rich (about 18 grams for 3 ounces). They've even garnered praise from the likes of Mark Bittman, who claims he was "fooled badly" in a blind tasting. But let's get to the real heart of the matter: is this product, made primarily of non-GMO soy and pea protein, just a science experiment of sorts, or is it really worth eating?

Cooking Basics

10 Tricks For Better Fruit Salads

It may seem as though there's not much to a fruit salad other than tossing chopped fruit in a bowl, but a few simple tricks transform a flat fruit salad into something enticing to the eye and pleasing to the palate.
How to Make a Really Good Fruit Salad

It may seem as though there's not much to a fruit salad other than tossing chopped fruit in a bowl, but a few simple tricks transform a flat fruit salad into something enticing to the eye and pleasing to the palate. From picking fruit with the same level of ripeness to spritzing fruit with lemon juice, these 10 tricks will help you make better fruit salads all year round.

Source: Shutterstock