The Best of the Beach at Low Prices

Raining today. Sunshine on Friday. This weather report reminds me that its time to pull together my summer beach survival kit. Here are my recommendations on getting the best of the beach at low prices. Save yourself time , money and effort by stocking up on these fun in the sun summer essentials:


Mass Park Pass. Unlimited day use parking pass at Mass state beaches and parks. Great fun to be had at Salisbury State Beach Reservation. Available for purchase at all state parks, the annual pass runs for $35.

Beach Towel. Old Navy's lush and plush beach towel in a nice leopard print is made for sun in the fun. Purrrfect!($12)


Sunglasses (polarized). Get in touch with your inner Jackie O, and protect your eyes from the sun with a great pair of polarized sunglasses from Chili's. Your eyes will never look so good($19)


Sunhat. Yup. Time to invest is a big ole wide brimmed hat from Target so that you age ever so gracefully. ($26)


Patchwork Plaid Beach Bag. Great carry all tote bag from LL Bean for the beach and beyond. Can't tell you the number of people who comment on its cute factor. ($19).


Waterproof Sports Watch. It's good looking. It's waterproof. It's inexpensive. And it's a Timex! Who could ask for anything more? ($15)


Water Bottle. These on the go water bottles from Rubbermaid can't be beat. Great leakproof top. $3.99 for a 20 0z bottle at your local CVS. $9.99 for a 6-pack of the bottles at your local BJs.


Coppertone Nutrashield Sunscreen. Get great skin protection and antioxidants to help reverse those little signs of aging on your face. Great broad spectrum of protection from SPF30 - SPF 70! $9.99 at most mass retailers like CVS, Target, and Wal-Mart . $3 coupon offered by Coppertone attached.

Getting Serious with Baking Substitutes

Ordinary Girl's Top 10 list of ingredient substitutions that are handy in a pinch. Simple, practical, and economical substitutions when you're short on time and can't dash out to the supermarket.

Baking Powder: Sift together 1/4 cup cream of tartar & 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Sift three times. Store in air tight container at room temperature for up to 4 wks.

Buttermilk: For 1 cup, mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or 1 tablespoon lemon.

Brown Sugar: For 1 cup packed, mix 1 cup white sugar plus 1/4 cup molasses.

Chocolate (semi-sweet): For 1 oz, 1 (1 oz) square of unsweetened chocolate plus 4 teaspoons of sugar.

Corn Syrup (light): For 1 cup, 1 1/4 cup of white granulated sugar and 1 cup of honey

Corn Syrup (dark): For 1 cup, 3/4 cup light corn syrup plus 1/4 cup molasses

Bread crumbs: For 1 cup, 1 cup of crushed cracker crumbs OR 1 cup of ground oats.

Marscapone Cheese: For 1 cup, 3/4 cup cream cheese beaten with 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream.

Tapioca (instant): For 1 teaspoon needed, 1 1/2 teaspoon of flour.

Vanilla Bean: For 1 bean, use 3 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.

Note: Ingredient substitutions can cause a slight change in taste or texture. The degree of change depends on whether the substitution is a major or minor ingredient in the recipe.