11 Innovative Kitchen Tips for Those Who Don’t Like to Spend a Lot of Time Cooking

1. Soak pasta before cooking so that it’s done in 60 seconds.

It may sound weird but it really works! Soak pasta in water in a leakproof container and leave it for several hours or overnight. After that, you can cook the pasta really quickly in boiling water or just add hot sauce to it.

2. Cut a mango into even cubes in less than a minute.

It’s the quickest and easiest way to peel a mango and cut it for a salad.

3. Add baking soda to caramelize onions 2 times faster.

Add 1/2 or 1 tbsp of baking soda to 2 lb of onions right after they turn slightly brown in a frying pan. Right before your eyes the onions will caramelize and won’t burn.

4. Grate parmesan or any other kind of cheese at room temperature.

At room temperature, cheese becomes softer and is easier to grate.

5. Remove an avocado pit in 1 second.

To remove a pit, you should use a sharp knife and be very careful. The easiest way to do it is to put the avocado on a cutting board.

6. Freeze meat to cut it quickly for frying or making stew.

Thanks to this tip you’ll get perfectly even, thin slices of meat that won’t take much time to cook.

7. Cook once and use leftovers to make other dishes.

Turkey or pork are not-easy-to-cook foods and take a lot of time to make, but they’re perfect for family meals. The leftovers can be used to make different dishes during the weekdays. Keep leftovers in sealed containers and use them to make sandwiches, salads, and snacks.

8. Cut a stick of butter into pieces to make it soften much faster.

You can also place butter near a stove to warm it while you’re cooking something else.

9. Learn to peel potatoes quickly.

Put potatoes into boiling water for 30 seconds. Then put them into a bowl of cold water. After 30 seconds, you can peel the potatoes with bare hands. No effort needed due to the temperature difference. Another way is to keep the potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes.

10. Cut a pineapple into even pieces in 2 minutes.

Use a very sharp knife to cut a pineapple into 4 halves and then cut each half into pieces. Easy!

Must Eat in Taiwan!

Top 10 most favored Taiwanese dishes

• 
  1

  Beef Noodles

  Beef noodles are one of the most liked common cuisines in Taiwan. Delicious beef noodles require three essential elements which are noodles, broth, and beef. The broth is especially crucial because it is the soul of beef noodles. There are two kinds of beef noodles, braised and clear stewed that come with stewed sirloin and cow tendon. Street vendors and old shops alike endeavor to cook the best beef noodles of the finest taste, and beef noodles have become the pride of Taiwan.
• 
  2

  Soup Dumplings

  The famous snack originated from the south of Changjiang. It features small size, a considerable amount of fillings, juicy and fresh taste, thin wrapper, and exquisite shape. Soup is the soul of traditional soup dumplings. In pursuant of paper-thin wrappers and nice presentation, chefs spread flour on the rolling pin before rolling the dough. Traditional soup dumplings have at least 14 folds each, but in some stores that are particularly dainty about soup dumplings like Din Tai Fung, a soup dumpling might have over 18 folds.
• 
  3

  Minced Pork Rice (Stewed Pork Rice)

  A bowl of regular-looking minced pork rice will surprise your tastebuds with the tenderness of the pork without greasiness. You can find minced pork rice everywhere from a street vendor to a five-star hotel. It was even once featured in a state banquet. Gastronome Shu Guo-Zhi, the “founder of Taiwanese snacks”, once commented that minced pork rice is the “national rice” of Taiwan. Stewed pork rice commonly refers to the minced pork rice served in Northern and Central Taiwan of which the pork is minced by a knife and stewed with soy sauce. In Southern Taiwan, the pork is minced by machine and the dish is called minced pork rice in direct translation from Chinese. Whereas, stewed pork rice in the South refers to rice that comes with stewed pork bellies which are called soy-stewed pork with rice in Northern and Central Taiwan.
• 
  4

  Intestine and Oyster Vermicelli

  Vermicelli is a common Taiwanese food. Other than birthday vermicelli, pork knuckle vermicelli and sesame oil vermicelli, intestine and oyster vermicelli using red vermicelli is probably the most renowned Taiwanese dish. The main ingredients of the dish are oysters and vermicelli. Oysters are coated with cornstarch. Sometimes stewed intestines are used as well. Whether a dish of oyster vermicelli is successful depends on the freshness and size of the oysters. The stewing process of the intestines and the ratio over vermicelli are crucial, too. When enjoying a nice bowl of the intestine and oyster vermicelli, you can add some of the store’s signature chili sauce, black vinegar, minced garlic, and coriander to elevate the flavor!
• 
  5

  Oyster Omelet

  A perfectly cooked oyster omelet has a crispy texture from the coating made of yam flour and cornstarch. Each store boasts its signature chili sauce that adds to the smooth and chewy mouthfeel of oyster omelets. The rich scent of eggs explodes in your mouth as you first take a bite of the omelet with refreshing vegetables including garland chrysanthemum and bok choy. Then, as you chew on the star of this dish, the fat, moist and fresh oysters, the crisp sweetness and naturally savory taste of the sea pervade your mouth. It is a must-eat snack when you visit the night market!
• 
  6

  Stinky Tofu

  Stinky tofu was named after the special aroma of fermented tofu. Whether it is deep-fried or steamed and stewed, that indescribable flavor is what makes it an iconic local snack. Most stinky tofu vendors in Taiwan offer deep-fried ones with non-spicy Taiwanese kimchi or Sichuan kimchi as a side dish to balance off the greasiness of the tofu. Spicy stinky tofu is a new way of enjoying fermented tofu in recent years. It comes with duck blood curd and pickled cabbage in a thick spicy broth immersed in the unique stinky tofu aroma. Some vendors add intestines to the dish known as “intestine stinky hotpot”.
• 
  7

  Chicken Cutlet

  Chicken cutlet has earned a special status among all Taiwanese snacks with its reputation as the “evilest national food that is most-liked”. Variety in flavors ranges from chili pepper to various seasonings like five-spice, seaweed, and wasabi. There are even variants like barbecued chicken cutlet with sweet sauce and Japanese-style cheese chicken cutlet with cheese fillings. The cooking method varies from the traditional deep-fried version to charcoal-grilled or cheese casserole. There are also vendors that feature gigantic chicken cutlets or chicken thigh cutlets. Speaking as a whole, chicken cutlets are portable and absolutely fulfilling. They are probably the most common street food in Taiwan.
• 
  8

  Bubble Tea (Pearl Milk Tea)

  Speaking of chicken cutlets, we must not forget about bubble tea. Chicken cutlet and bubble tea make a classic snack combo. Not only does bubble tea looks awesome with different layers, but the chewy tapioca balls (pearls) immersed in the mellow milk tea are also the spirit of the drink that takes you on a journey of revolutionary tastes. The texture of bubble tea is so special that it is extremely well received and has become the most iconic drink of Taiwan. What’s more, bubble tea has even become popular in East Asia, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East!
• 
  9

  Shaved Ice

  The shaved ice was first introduced to Taiwan during the Japanese colonial period. It is made with an ice-shaving machine and added with different toppings and sauce. It has since become a very common threat in Taiwan. The hot-selling mango shaved ice was selected by CNN and a travel magazine as one of the world’s finest desserts. Top choices include a bowl of mango shaved ice-rich in Taiwanese flavor, taro shaved ice and red bean shaved ice that is most mesmerizing in the mind of many Taiwanese adults and the sweet, retrospective brown sugar shaved ice!
• 
  10

  Pineapple Cake

  Pineapple cake is a renowned Taiwanese snack made of flour, butter, sugar, eggs, Chinese squash, and pineapple jam. The tender fillings inside the shortcrust coating are full of local flavors that are simple yet authentic. The Taiwanese pronunciation of pineapple sounds like “ong lai” which signifies auspiciousness and prosperity. It is also one of the most popular souvenirs in the minds of foreign tourists in Taiwan.

All you need to know about buying sports equipment

Here’s a roundup of all the bonuses and few drawbacks of buying sports equipment from a speciality sporting goods rather than a big-box store.

A specialist for every sport

Whether you love to run, play golf or do yoga, almost every sport has a specialized outfitter for your favourite activity.

What are the bonuses of specialty shops?

Variety of choice

You can find basic gear and accessories at a big-box store, but you won’t have a huge selection to choose from. Sporting goods stores offer different equipment in various models from all the top brands.

Quality

Equipment sold in specialty stores are most often, if not always, much better quality than anything found in a superstore. Although low prices are attractive, cheaper quality rackets and tennis shoes won’t live up to their task if used more than just a couple of times a year. This means you’ll have to spend money to replace them more frequently.

It’s important that gear and accessories perform as they should. Quality and function are a priority for anyone passionate about their sport and plays it on a regular basis. Gear must be long-lasting and durable for maximum enjoyment.

Pro tips

Owners and staff at specialty stores love the outdoors and are usually athletes themselves. Beyond all the equipment you need, experts will help you choose the best gear and will advise you on how to use and maintain it.Some specialty stores even offer lessons to either learn a sport or improve your technique.

So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll get answers to your questions and expert advice — for free!

Disadvantages

Cost

It’s pretty clear that quality and durability come at a cost. A variety of factors influence prices in speciality sports like manufactures’ recommended pricing, as well as the competition associated with the volume and purchasing power of superstore franchises.

Fewer shops

Depending on where you live, you may have trouble finding a store specializing in your sport. Outfitters may be a neighbourhood boutique or an outlet store. Unfortunately they tend to be less visible, and fewer and far between. Accessibility also depends on the sport. The more popular your sport, the more likely you are to find a specialty shop catering to it.

Pre-owned equipment to buy or rent

Have you thought about buying or renting used equipment? These are good options if you want quality gear but are operating on a small budget. If you buy, you’ll save a lot of money in the long run. On the other hand, leasing is perfect for anyone just starting out. It’s the best way to practice without investing in a sport before you know if you'll enjoy it.

10 Shopping Tips to Save Money at Outlet Malls & Factory Stores

When it comes to shopping, is there anything better than an outlet mall? Amazing sales, deep discounts, and significant savings abound, all in one place. However, the problem is that what seems like an amazing place to score great deals can actually end up being a spending trap – especially if those so-called “deals” aren’t all that great.

A savvy outlet mall shopper knows that just because something has a sale tag on it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a worthy discount. In fact, some of the secrets behind how outlet malls actually operate could surprise you – and make you think twice before pulling out your wallet the next time you visit one.

Savvy Shopping at the Outlets

You can find amazing deals on clothes, home goods, sporting goods, and everything else at the outlets, as long as you spend carefully and do your homework. Understand how they work, and use a discerning eye when it comes to that giant “SALE!” sign on the front door of your favorite store.

1. Understand the Difference Between Types of Outlet Stores

Not all outlet stores are created equal, and discounts vary between them. There are generally four types you should know about: outlet, factory, retail, or refurbished. When in doubt, ask a store employee what type of products are sold there to know what kind of deals to expect.

True Outlet Stores
True outlets carry merchandise that was originally stocked in regular retail stores and has been discontinued or phased out due to the shopping season, resulting in steep discounts. These stores also often carry damaged goods, so always check items carefully for irregularities before you buy anything. Examples of stores in this category include the following:

• Lands’ End
• REI
• Old Navy
• Levi’s
• Lululemon
• Champion
• Eddie Bauer
• Nine West
• Children’s Place
• Chico’s
• Motherhood Maternity

Factory Stores
Factory stores sell goods that were specifically produced for outlet malls. While these items may look like those in regular retail stores and bear the same name, they’re usually made with cheaper fabrics or fewer features than their full-price counterparts. For example, a dress carried in a J. Crew retail store might be designed without the expensive lining and fabrics and then sold through the J. Crew outlet. Stores that sell outlet goods specifically include:

• Nike
• J. Crew
• Crewcuts
• Polo Ralph Lauren
• GUESS
• Calvin Klein
• Gymboree
• Loft
• Coach
• Banana Republic
• Coldwater Creek
• Oakley
• Ann Taylor

Retail Stores
Retailers that want to take advantage of the foot traffic in outlet malls sometimes purchase store space there without actually offering outlet products. Designated “outlet” stores, on the other hand, should notify buyers somewhere on the store sign so you don’t get caught paying retail price unknowingly. Some retail stores that simply operate space in outlet malls include:

• Famous Footwear
• American Eagle
• Maurice’s
• Charlotte Russe
• Columbia Sportswear
• Sunglass Hut
• Zumiez
• PacSun
• Aeropostale

Refurbished Electronics Stores
Many electronics manufacturers sell refurbished goods such as computers, TVs, and stereo systems at outlet malls. They are less common than clothing or sporting goods stores, but if you happen upon one, you might be able to snag a deal on refurbished goods classified as “like new.” Just make sure that whatever you buy comes with a warranty, which is standard among refurbished retailers.

Some electronics companies that have brick-and-mortar refurbished outlet stores include the following:

• Bose
• Nikon
• Dell
• Toshiba
• KitchenAid

Obviously, deals vary based on your location and which stores are available to you.

2. Get the Inside Scoop

Before I visit an outlet mall, I always view its website. By doing so, you can see which stores have promotions and sales, and even download online coupons. If there is no website for the outlet mall you plan to visit, or you don’t find any coupons online, stop first at customer service, where you may find coupon books and information sheets. You can also join outlet mall loyalty programs to receive things like points for purchases, exclusive coupons, and notifications of sale dates.

3. Set a Shopping Budget

If you go shopping without a budget, you’re bound to spend more than you’d like as you’re lured into store after store. Because outlet malls usually have plenty to choose from, I rarely set a store-to-store budget. However, before you head out for the day, make sure you have a “cap” on how much you plan to spend.

A surefire way to stay within your limits is to withdraw the amount you plan to spend in cash, and when it’s gone, stop shopping and go home. If you’re nervous about carrying that much cash with you, you can load up a prepaid debit card with the same amount and still stay within your budget for the day.

4. Check Prices Online

The folks who operate outlet stores are masters of enticing customers to spend. They know that outlet mall shoppers are looking for good deals and are more likely to buy something if it’s marked down – so they often proclaim sales, even when prices aren’t deeply discounted.

Before you snatch up that scarf or purse, try scanning the bar code with a smartphone shopping app such as ShopSavvy or RedLaser. Both check prices for the store you’re in, nearby brick-and-mortar stores, and online retailers to make sure you’re getting the best deal – with or without the giant sales tag.

5. Shop Close to Home

There’s a reason outlet stores are usually found off the beaten path and away from metropolitan areas: They need a lot of space, and land is cheaper in the boonies. However, there’s also another reason that outlet mall owners don’t mind building away from large cities: Shoppers are more inclined to “make a day of it” when the stores are an hour or so away. When you shop farther away from your home or hotel, you may feel more pressure to get your money’s worth and spend a lot on deals you feel you can’t get anywhere else.

I was surprised to see how much my shopping habits changed when a new outlet mall opened closer to my home. Previously, when the closest one was 90 miles away, I’d stay all day and spend like crazy to make it worth my while. This year a new outlet mall opened just 30 miles from my home, and I feel much less pressure to spend because I can go back anytime I want. Therefore, I don’t blow my entire budget in one trip. The moral of the story is, when it comes to outlet shopping, the closer to home, the better.

6. Go for Major Sale Weekends

One way to make sure you get the most out of your outlet mall experience is to plan your shopping trips around popular holiday sales, such as Black Friday. Because of stiff competition against regular malls and other stores within the outlet mall for your foot traffic, they’re prone to give steep discounts, release coupons, and bring in new stock for the masses.

Some of the best weekends to shop include the following:

• Memorial Day weekend
• The Fourth of July
• Labor Day weekend (especially for back-to-school specials)
• The weekend after Thanksgiving

You’re likely to see busy crowds around holiday weekends, but that’s easily compensated for by the discounts.

7. Use Coupons With Caution

There’s nothing like getting an additional price reduction on an item that’s already on sale. Just use coupons carefully when at the outlet mall. Sometimes, what you think is a coupon to Gap Outlet is actually a coupon to Gap, an entirely different store.

Usually, if the brand has both outlet and regular stores, the coupon must say “outlet” or “factory” somewhere to be eligible for use at the outlet mall. Still, it never hurts to ask whether or not a coupon is valid, especially if there’s potential for added savings.

If you’re a member of an outlet mall loyalty program, you can receive coupons via email or home postal mail. Just be sure to check the dates so you only shop when they’re valid.

8. Dig for Clearance Deals

Like their regular retail counterparts, outlet stores are laid out for maximum customer spending. That means more expensive and full-priced goods are at the front, while clearance and more heavily discounted deals are in the back.

Plan enough time to really dig through the merchandise and you can score the best bargains. Don’t be afraid to make a beeline for the clearance racks, and check for additional discounts on top of closeout products. Of course, it never hurts to ask a sales associate about current deals – they’re usually happy to point the way to any promotions.

9. Check the Return Policy

While you’re hemming and hawing over that sweater, it’s a good time to ask a sales associate about the store’s return policy. Outlet stores often have limited return policies, and some items may actually be final sale – which might affect your decision whether to make certain purchases.

Proximity of the outlet mall to your home is another factor to consider when contemplating returning items. If you’re traveling or visiting from another city, the chances of you actually getting back there before the return policy window is up are pretty slim. Don’t buy anything unless you’re sure you want it, since there’s a good chance it’s yours for good.

10. Don’t Assume the Outlet Is Cheaper

Never assume something is a good deal just because you found it at an outlet mall. Sometimes, regular malls offer the same discounts without all the digging – and they’ve got better return policies. Check your shopping app to make sure you’re getting a good deal.

Big sale weekends and sidewalk sales in regular malls could net you higher-quality items for comparable prices, so it’s worth the extra look before you splurge on something at the outlet mall. This is definitely a benefit if you’re searching for quality over quantity. And, if you’re savvy on a sale weekend, heading to the retail mall for great deals on good-quality stuff may save you money over paying for a lower-quality item at the outlet.

Of course, when it comes to stuff like kids’ clothes, seasonal shoes, and trendy items, you shouldn’t mind lower quality. If you’re looking for something that you want to last forever, though – a leather jacket or little black dress, for example – it’s probably best to head to the retail store.

'Buy less and wear clothing more' - style expert

Material possessions, such as cars and clothing decrease in value soon after buying them, but as first impressions count, it can be important to invest in looking good.

Living in New Zealand no longer limits access to fashion as online shopping options continue to increase. High competition allows people to shop around - and that includes looking at second-hand clothing to help both the environment and the back pocket.

Newshub spoke to a style consultant and the manager of Recycle Boutique for tips on how to look good for less.

For people wanting to curb their spending on clothes, Jackie O'Fee, owner of Signature Style, said there's never been a better time.

"My top tip for looking stylish on a budget is to buy less and wear clothing more.   

"Shops such as BooHoo, ASOS, BNKR and Topshop have current season looks at great prices."

Although the challenge is finding quality clothing at good prices, many online retailers have upped their game on returns.

O'Fee says that people should head straight to the 'sale' tab on designer websites - or pound the pavement and visit sale racks for bargains.

"The Global Financial Crisis changed the way we shop and the way retail works, as retail chains [usually] have some form of offer.

"Garments on sale racks are often unsold as they have no 'hanger appeal', but as clothes are made for bodies - they come to life when worn.

"Try them on," O'Fee urges.

Buying in second-hand stores

As a society, we're slowly coming around to supporting the environment and local second hand clothing stores are an ideal place to go.

"[From second-hand stores], people can create a unique look that's carefully curated, rather than purchased in stores the same as their peers," O'Fee said.

Mark Cowie, general manager at the Recycle Boutique, said that now, people are much more in tune with sustainable fashion, which is fuelling demand for second-hand items and causing people to re-evaluate how they buy.  

"Statistics show that second-hand clothing will be larger than fast fashion within ten years," Cowie said.

"[Within the Recycle Boutique], American vintage is a popular section  and we [regularly stock labels such as] Karen Walker, Ruby, Ralph Lauren, Moochi, Sass and Bide and Tommy Hilfiger," Cowie added. 

In addition to helping the environment by reducing landfill, the draw-card to buying second-hand are the huge savings on retail costs.

"At Recycle, [clothing is] generally a third of the retail price. 

"It's better for the environment and [shoppers are] supporting the local community of recyclers. 

"We encourage a circular fashion economy: if [people] buy something, [we suggest they] make way for it in their wardrobe by selling something else," Cowie suggested.

Figure-flattering style tips

As every piece of clothing is unique and doesn't suit every body, O'Fee suggests that people dress with this in mind.

"Print [styles] hide figure challenges, [the material] stays cleaner longer and is more interesting.

"Wear a print that suits you: if you're petite, wear a smaller print or curvy figures can go larger," O'Fee advised.

Another style tip when adding colour is to go lighter or place prints to draw the eye to certain areas. 

"[To balance] larger thighs [for example], wear print on top and keep the bottom half simple."

People who lack in waist definition should avoid large tight belts and choose clothing that creates shape through the torso.

"Tailored blazers, fit and flare dresses are examples of [good choices]," O'Fee added.

The modern workplace is ditching the suit and tie in favour of 'smart casual' - however, there's a subtle difference to the type of clothing people typically wear out with friends.

"Choose work clothes with a degree of formality," O'Fee suggests.

"[Choose] more formal jackets, tailored trousers and slightly longer skirts."

When putting the total look together, the small things shouldn't be forgotten.

"Don't forget the finishing touches, such as jewellery and the right shoe: don't undermine a great outfit by neglecting these," O'Fee advised.

Environmentally-conscious people having a wardrobe cleanout ahead of summer are advised to mend, upcycle, give clothing away - or use the material to make something new.

As online shopping and second-hand clothing provide the option to try out different looks, whilst comparing prices and spending less, for people wanting to look stylish for less, there's never been a better time.