Do the math: To help you put the cost of various “fun” expenses in perspective, take your household income and divide it by 2,000. That tells you roughly what you earn pretax per hour. Before you buy something, figure out how long you have to work to afford it.

Get e-mail deals: Check out your in-box. There may be bargains there.

Take a great staycation: Instead of spending money on travel, explore the neighborhood.Ê Go to the tourism bureau to see about discounts and free events.

Create a “digital envelope” system: Split your budget into categories and load up a prepaid card. That can help you stick to a budget, and with a prepaid card, you can’t overspend.

To provide consumers with a best-in-class prepaid option, one company now offers a prepaid reloadable card with no monthly, recurring or maintenance fees, no impact on your credit and no risk of overdraft.

Unlike other prepaid reloadable cards, the American Express Prepaid Card has no fees for purchasing the card online, monthly maintenance, activation, balance inquiries, alerts, card replacement, foreign exchange transactions or loading via bank account.

The funds do not expire and the first ATM cash withdrawal is free. The card is safer to carry than cash and if it’s ever lost or stolen, the funds can be replaced.

Cardmembers get some of the same benefits you’ve come to expect from American Express-like Purchase Protection, Roadside Assistance, Global Assist and more. The card can be used virtually anywhere that accepts American Express and it’s available online at http://www.americanexpress.com/prepaid.

About the Author:
Ms. Thakor is co-author of two critically acclaimed personal finance books: “On My Own Two Feet” and “Get Financially Naked.” Her national TV appearances include CNN, CNBC, PBS’ “Nightly Business Report,” “ABC News Now” and “The Rachael Ray Show.” She is currently working with American Express on the launch of the Prepaid Card.

Common allergens, such as dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen, can be found on furniture, in ventilation systems and in bedding. Irritants, like tobacco and fireplace smoke, strong fumes and odors, wood dust and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), produce particles that can pollute indoor air and irritate the airways in the lungs. These asthma triggers can be either right out in the open or hiding in unexpected places, but there are ways to reduce exposure to some asthma triggers and take steps to create a more asthma-healthy home.

To highlight the importance of maintaining an asthma-healthy home throughout the year, Carter Oosterhouse, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Habitat for Humanity and Merck have teamed up on the national asthma education program, Build Smart, Breathe Easier.

“Many people may not realize the impact their home might have on their health, especially those living with asthma,” said HGTV personality and carpenter Carter Oosterhouse. “There are simple ways to try to make your home more asthma-healthy, including using materials, such as hard-surface floors or nontoxic paint, that are easy to clean and less likely to contain irritants.”

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. Common symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness.

Asthmatic airways can be especially sensitive to allergens or irritants that may be found on surfaces and materials in the home, and symptoms may result from this exposure. While patients often consider these symptoms a normal part of their disease, worsening asthma symptoms may be a sign that asthma is not well controlled.

“While there is no cure for asthma, it is important for people with the disease to work with their health care provider to determine an appropriate asthma action plan to meet their individual needs,” said Dr. Reynold Panettieri, asthma researcher and professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “I believe that reducing exposure to asthma triggers in the home should be a part of every asthma action plan.”

With a better understanding of what might trigger their symptoms and flare-ups, people with asthma can incorporate materials and techniques to help build, furnish and maintain a more asthma-healthy home. They can also take certain precautions when cleaning, in an effort to make their houses more asthma-healthy.

For more information about Build Smart, Breathe Easier, including tips for maintaining an asthma-healthy home, visit http://www.BuildSmartBreatheEasier.com.

Mrs. Wages spokeswoman Laura Strickland says, “Plan ahead to divvy up the supplies and make sure everyone brings different fruits or vegetables to share.”

Equipment You’ll Need:
Glass canning jars
Rings and lids
A nonreactive pot
Hot water bath canner with a rack
Jar lifter
Canning funnel
Fruit, vegetables and canning spices

Pasta Sauce – Yields 5 pints
6 pounds fresh tomatoes (about 18 medium)
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 pouch (5 ounces) Mrs. Wages Pasta Sauce Mix

Wash fresh tomatoes. Scald 3 minutes in boiling water. Dip into cold water. Cut out cores, remove skins and puree to smooth consistency in blender or food processor.

Combine puree, sugar and pasta sauce mix in a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Pasta sauce is ready.

Serve it: Ready to use, or pour into containers and refrigerate up to one week.

Freeze it: Pour into freezer containers and let cool. Store in freezer up to one year.

Can it: Pour hot sauce into clean, sterilized pint canning jars, leaving ½-inch headspace. Cap each jar when filled.

Process 40 minutes in boiling water bath.

Test jars for airtight seals according to manufacturer’s directions. Store up to one year. If jars do not completely seal, refrigerate and consume within one week.

Canning 101 Tips:

• Use fresh produce.

• Pickling salt is a finely milled salt, with no anti-caking additives. It dissolves cleanly and quickly. Pectin is a very fine, water-soluble fiber that helps create a stable gelled preserve. With Mrs. Wages products, you don’t need specialty spices or ingredients. The company uses high-quality, 100% natural ingredients.
• Fill jars quickly and carefully. Use a wide-mouth funnel and avoid spilling liquid on the jar’s rim, where it may interfere with a good seal.

• Wash and rinse jars thoroughly. Set jars in clean, hot water until used. If using dishwasher, keep jars in dishwasher until use.

• For food safety, do not alter recipes.

For canning tips, a canning guide, recipes and templates for print-at-home labels, visit http://www.mrswages.com.

For example, smart kitchen appliances let you connect to the Internet to download recipes and create a grocery list that’s accessible from a mobile device while shopping. Many newer model microwaves even have a message center for family reminders.

Furthermore, with 75 percent of cable customers now enjoying digital services, the home entertainment room may be wall to wall with innovation. For instance, many customers can now use a smartphone or laptop to set the DVR from anywhere. Once the app (often free) is downloaded, it’s simply a matter of entering in the show title and clicking “record.”

Digital cable customers can also rent the hottest new movies with a push of the remote button. Movies On Demand provides instant access to top hits, most available the same day as the DVD and Blu-Ray releases and often weeks before they’re on Netflix.

Great flicks being offered these days on Movies On Demand include the “Source Code” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, “The Lincoln Lawyer” with Matthew McConaughey and Marisa Tomei, “Arthur” with Russell Brand and “Limitless” starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper. When you’re ready to enjoy a little family fun, you can watch Johnny Depp as he entertains in “Rango.” To make it a double family feature, add the inspirational story of “The Perfect Game.” Go to www.rentmoviesondemand.com to see the latest titles and trailers.

If that still doesn’t satisfy your inner geek, there are new iPad, Xoom and other tablet apps that provide instant in-home access to a friendly, searchable program guide. With one tap on a Movies On Demand poster image, you can have the film rolling on the big screen in the living room. Plus, a growing number of studios and cable networks have created apps that add social and interactive dimensions to the TV viewing experience.

It takes only a few minutes to discover the convenience and fun of technology features that may already be available in your home and on your mobile device.

Transform ordinary cocktails and mocktails into extraordinary beverages that are sure to dazzle dinner guests. The basis for these bubbly beverages starts with a few common items from the fridge and freezer and a flashy finish using Ocean Spray’s new Sparkling Juice Drinks.

Chill out with a sweet twist on a smooth cocktail by combining ice cream with your favorite Sparkling Juice Drink flavor and liqueur.

Put a cool spin on mixers and avoid watering down drinks by freezing juice in festive ice cube trays.

Add a refreshing pop of bubbly goodness to seasonal fruit drinks by muddling strawberries, blueberries, pineapples and peaches with a splash of Sparkling Juice and your favorite spirit.

Dress up gatherings with formal champagne flutes or make guests look and feel extra cool with their drinks served in frosted mugs and glasses.

Scan here for more bubbly cocktail ideas. Scanning the QR code will take you to additional Ocean Spray recipes.

Don’t have a QR reader? Download a free reader from the Mobile App store or visit us at http://www.OceanSpray.com.

Cranberry Strawberry Sparkle
2 medium strawberries, hulled, chopped
2 tablespoons frozen strawberry daiquiri mix
1 8.4-ounce can Ocean Spray® Sparkling Juice Drink, any flavor, chilled
fresh strawberry, garnish

Directions:
Combine strawberries and daiquiri mix in a tall glass; crush strawberries with a spoon. Pour in Sparkling Juice Drink. Add ice. Garnish with strawberry, if desired. Makes 1 serving.

You can share recipes, tips and photos from your favorite parties, past and present, at http://www.oceanspray.com and also http://www.facebook.com/oceanspray.

This wakeup call charged Shape Up America! and the National Turkey Federation (NTF) to launch the Meal Upgrade Calculator, a web-based tool that shows parents how to make simple changes—or “upgrades”—so families can reap the benefits of taking in fewer calories. For meals served at home, the calculator allows consumers to choose possible “upgrades,” starting by changing the meat to turkey, which is low in fat and calories and is an excellent protein source. Outside the home, the calculator shows parents how to improve school and restaurant meals and increase children’s physical activity.

By taking advantage of these “upgrades,” Shape Up America! estimates an average savings of 100 calories a day through improvements to family meals and another 100 calories through increased physical activity—or 200 fewer calories a day.

“When it comes to healthier eating and moving more, small changes add up,” said Barbara J. Moore, Ph.D., Shape Up America! president and CEO. “The Meal Upgrade Calculator shows parents how to make simple ‘upgrades’ in children’s meals and activities that will instill healthy habits that will last a lifetime.”

The Meal Upgrade Calculator is available on the websites of Shape Up America! and the National Turkey Federation at http://www.ShapeUp.org and http://www.EatTurkey.com.

El Macho Turkey Dogs Recipe
Turkey hot dogs
Hot dog buns (toasted)

Toppings (as desired):
Sweet onions (chopped)
Sweet pickle relish or dill pickle chips (drained)
Salsa
Jalapeño peppers (seeded and minced)

Cook turkey hot dogs on the grill until heated through. Or simmer hot dogs in water to cover for 5 minutes. Drain. Place on buns and top with any of the desired toppings.

- Recipe and photo courtesy of the National Turkey Federation.

As these become increasingly popular, security is a top priority for banks. Many use the latest technology to help prevent fraud and identity theft, detect suspicious activity and resolve problems quickly. It’s still important, however, that you, as the user of mobile and online banking services, take the proper precautions to be protected.

Here are some tips:

• Don’t use your full or partial Social Security Number as a Personal Identification Number (PIN), user ID or password; use separate user IDs and passwords for your financial accounts and for other sites.

• Choose a bank with products that keep you protected without lifting a finger. For example, with Bank of America’s Online Banking features such as Shop-Safe® (a unique temporary credit card number), SafePass (a one-time pass code texted to your mobile phone), SafePass Card (a wallet-sized card that provides a one-time security code) and SiteKey (an online security sign-in feature), you get an added layer of security.

• Don’t use your mobile device to store sensitive personal information or bank account numbers. The bank’s Mobile Banking and Text Banking features let you access your accounts and related details without exposing your account numbers. Consider a screen lock on your mobile device.

• Limit the amount of personal information you provide on social networking sites and be cautious about messages on such sites that contain links.

• Never respond to urgent e-mails or open attachments claiming to be from a bank or any company that requests your account information or personal details. Forward these e-mails to your bank.

• Keep your computer operating system and browser up to date with the latest software and security downloads.

If you suspect fraudulent charges on your account, report them to your bank immediately. Bank of America customers are not liable for such transactions, they’re protected with a $0 Liability Guarantee. The bank will credit any fraudulent charges made with your debit or credit card back to your account as soon as the next day.

Learn more at http://bankofamerica.com/security.

The next time you need to do a financial transaction, you can just phone it in. Your mobile phone can become your movable bank.

For something simple yet sensational, consider a delightful dip and glasses and serving pieces that create a festive atmosphere with a dash of style.

Black Bean and Artichoke Dip
Recipe by Tupperware – Serves 16

½ cup bottled salsa
1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and rinsed
½ cup mixed black and green olives, pitted and chopped
1 clove garlic
2 green onions, chopped, green part only
4 oz./155 g reduced-fat cream cheese, room temperature
½ Tbsp. Simple Indulgence™ Southwest Chipotle Seasoning Blend
½ cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
½ cup black beans, drained and rinsed

In base of a food processor fitted with blade attachment, combine salsa, artichoke hearts, olives, garlic and green onions. Cover and coarsely chop. Add cream cheese, seasoning blend and cheese. Cover and process until well combined. Using a spatula, stir in black beans and place in a serving bowl. Refrigerate until serving.

How To Serve It
For serving pieces as tasteful as the food, consider the beautiful items made for outdoor entertaining by Tupperware. Dramatic, elegant and contemporary, the premium-quality, chic dining serving collection has modern design with timeless appeal. This artful collection has contrasting textures and color tones inspired by nature to complement every dining setting or occasion. The set includes serving bowls in three different sizes, all with lids, plus a charming, four-compartment, one-piece appetizer tray that lets you carry and display up to four different appetizers, snacks and dips.

Sip In Style
You can also give your guests their drinks in a dramatic, elegant and contemporary premium-quality cocktail line. Sophisticated and practical, the glasses come with a lifetime guarantee. The Chic Dining set includes stemless glasses, champagne flutes, wineglasses and wine charms so your guests always know where their glasses are.

Both the bowls and the glasses come in an elegant shade of Margarita green. Together, they make for a great way to tastefully and safely serve beverages, appetizers, entrées and desserts at formal or casual outdoor events and social gatherings.

Learn More
You can get more information and order these or any of the company’s products at http://www.tupperware.com.

Whether the soup is too salty, the sauce is too spicy or the veggies are a mushy mess, making a mistake in the kitchen doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch, throwing out expensive ingredients and wasting precious time. With these tips from restaurateur, “Top Chef” contestant and http://DinnerTool.com blogger Ariane Duarte, you can easily fix mistakes and save your meal.

Too Salty
If you accidentally dumped the contents of your saltshaker into your soup, a medium-sized potato can save the day. Simply peel and slice the potato, cook for 20 minutes and discard. The potato will release some of its liquid and soak up some of that extra salt.

Too Spicy
Ouch! Perhaps you overestimated your heat tolerance for jerk-rubbed chicken or you used peppers in a sauce that ended up hotter than you expected. In sauces, adding sweet ingredients such as tomatoes can serve to dial down the spice factor. A touch of butter, yogurt or another creamy dairy product can also tame the flames. If you’ve over spiced your meat, whip up a sweet, creamy sauce and serve it on top.

Mushy Vegetables
While it’s not possible to undo an overcooked, mushy serving of broccoli or asparagus, you can give it a new life in a soup. Puree the vegetables in a blender with some butter and chicken stock, then simmer in a pot with milk or cream. Season with white pepper and you have a delicious, nutrient-rich meal. If you have overcooked sweet potatoes or carrots, throw them in a blender or food processor with milk and butter to make a yummy puree. If you have soggy potatoes, fry them.

Overcooked Pasta
Good news. There is a simple cure for overcooked pasta. Sauté the noodles in a hot pan with some butter and olive oil—the pasta will be revived and take on a little bit of a crunch. Serve as planned or simply add a touch of wine, cream and Parmesan cheese and you’ll have a great dish.

For tons of great tips on how to fix common cooking blunders, including scorched soup and too sweet sauce, and for ingredient- saving tips like what to do with hardened cheese or stale bread, go to http://www.dinnertool.com/tips.

“With 85 percent of Americans saying they eat burgers once a month or more, we know that they can enjoy putting a twist on an old favorite,” said Chef Edward Leonard, certified master chef and Le Cordon Bleu executive chef. “Our goal is to make it easy to experiment with new ingredients that can make ordinary into extraordinary. When it comes to creating your own, don’t be afraid to mix it up and combine a variety of ingredients that appeal to you.”

Before you head out to the grill, browse the farmers’ market or grocery store to get inspiration from fresh produce. If you are looking for something spicy, try adding fresh jalapeños or cayenne pepper to your patties. If you like sweet and salty combinations, grill up some pineapple and add teriyaki sauce.

“The toppings and seasoning of a burger play a big role in the overall taste,” said Chef Leonard, “but if they aren’t grilled properly, chances are it won’t turn out well.” Preparing burgers for the grill can be a critical step to ensure they turn out juicy and delicious. When selecting meat, purchase the freshest meat to achieve the best taste. Before placing burgers on the grill, heat it up and brush the grates with olive oil. This will prevent the burgers from sticking. When grilling the patties, do not press down with a spatula. This squeezes the juices out and can result in a dry burger.

Once the burgers are cooked, the real fun begins. Chef Leonard suggests creating a Mediterranean lamb burger to wow your guests.

“For those who have a passion for cooking and want to create more mouthwatering food, I suggest checking out the Le Cordon Bleu Chef’s Series,” said Chef Leonard. “Our 16 campuses across the country hold monthly, hands-on classes where food enthusiasts can experience a class with a professional instructor.”

Mediterranean Lamb Sliders

Relish Ingredients
1 cup coarsely chopped red bell peppers that have been grilled or broiled until charred and then skinned and seeded
1 finely chopped sweet Walla Walla onion
½ cup coarsely chopped, pitted, kalamata olives
½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
the juice of one lemon
1 tsp thyme leaves
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 cloves finely minced garlic

Slider Ingredients
1½ lb. lean ground lamb
1 tsp chopped fresh rosemary
¼ cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
½ tsp crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp finely minced garlic
salt and cracked pepper to taste
½ cup crumbled feta

Heat grill to medium-high heat. Prepare the relish: In a small serving bowl, stir together the peppers, onion, thyme, olives, parsley, lemon juice, olive oil and garlic.

Prepare the burgers: In a large bowl, gently mix together the lamb, parsley, red pepper, rosemary, garlic, salt and black pepper. Form into 8 mini burgers, flatten to about ¾ inch thick, and gently press your thumb in the center of each to help cook evenly.

Grill or panfry the burgers carefully for about 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare. A few minutes before they are done, top with feta and finish cooking to melt. Note: The fat in lamb can cause flare-ups. Serve on lightly grilled soft mini buns, topped with the relish.

Makes 8 mini burgers.

To learn more about Le Cordon Bleu, visit http://www.chefs.edu.