D.L. Jones Home Team - January/February 2024

This delicious soup is heart-healthy, vegetarian, and gluten-free! (Leave out the cheese and make it dairy- free, too!) Courtesy of Ashley Jones. Roasted Cauliflower & Potato Soup LISA’S KITCHEN

Traveling can be an enriching and fulfilling experience, but it can also be costly. Many people dream of exploring new destinations, but financial constraints can be limiting. Fortunately, we are here to share five practical tips to help you save money while enjoying your trip. Plan and budget ahead. One of the most effective ways to save money is by planning and budgeting your trip in advance. Create a comprehensive budget that includes airfare, accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. Having a budget lets you track your expenses and helps you avoid overspending. You can also take advantage of early bird rates for flights and hotels. Cancel unnecessary subscriptions. Before you travel, review your monthly subscriptions like gym memberships, streaming services, or magazines you will not use while you are away. Temporarily canceling these subscriptions can free up extra cash for your travel fund. Look for discounts and offers. Keep an eye out for discounts, offers, and coupons that 5 Proven Strategies for Cost-Effective Travel

INGREDIENTS

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1 yellow onion, cut into chunks

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6 cups vegetable stock 4–5 medium-sized Yukon Gold potatoes 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Green onions or freeze- dried chives for garnish

2 cloves garlic

1 head of cauliflower (about 2 cups), chopped 1/4 tsp cracked black pepper

2 tbsp olive oil, or more as needed

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Toss onion, garlic, and cauliflower in olive oil and pepper. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20–25 minutes, turning the contents halfway through. 2. While the cauliflower is roasting, bring vegetable stock to a boil and cook the potatoes until fork-tender, about 20 minutes. 3. Combine the potatoes and contents of the baking sheet in a blender and emulsify until smooth or desired consistency. Note: Set aside a few pieces of potato or cauliflower if you prefer the soup to be chunkier. 4. Return the contents of the blender to the pot and add red pepper flakes and 3/4 cup of shredded cheese (leave the remaining 3/4 cup for garnish). Cook on low heat for 5 minutes to allow the cheese to melt and the ingredients to combine. 5. Serve, garnishing with the green onions or chives and remaining shredded cheese.

can help you save money on activities, dining, and shopping. Websites

like Groupon and LivingSocial offer various deals that

could be useful during your trip. These websites often provide discounted tickets to attractions, cheaper dining options, and even discounted rates for experiences like spa treatments or outdoor activities.

‘Paint Every Room of the Home a Different Color!’ No! Prospective buyers will likely not have the same taste or be able to envision your home as you did when you were watching HGTV! Of course, there is nothing wrong with a few strategic pops of color, but be wary of painting each room an entirely different color from the rest. Next thing you know, you are breaking your back (or bank account) trying to repaint these rooms when you decide to sell. ‘Never Buy the First Home You See!’ There is nothing wrong with love at first sight! Just in case you want to “sleep on it,” always remember that someone else saw that house before you and already “slept on it” and might be submitting an offer while you are sleeping. If you love a home, even the first home you see, do not hesitate to make an offer! Once that home is under contract, the chances of buying that home or finding a similar home are significantly diminished. –Dennis & Lisa Jones

Travel during off-peak seasons. Traveling during off-peak seasons will save you money on flights, hotels, and activities. You also benefit from less crowded destinations and shorter queues for popular tourist attractions. This is a win-win for travelers seeking a budget-friendly and less-crowded travel experience. Use local grocery stores and pack snacks. Another way to save money while you travel is by shopping at local grocery stores for snacks and meals rather than eating out for every meal. This gives you a taste of local businesses and culture. Packing snacks can also help you avoid buying overpriced food at airports or touristy areas. By implementing these tips into your travel planning and experience, you can stretch your dollar further without compromising the quality of your trip. Happy traveling!

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