Dine in, with Style!

Enjoying a nice meal out every so often is a great treat, and a wonderful way to spend time with loved ones and friends. But if there's one thing I learned in this economic climate, it’s that dining out is a luxury, not a necessity. There's nothing in style about spending $150-$200 a week eating out. Did you know that spending $20 a day eating out can add up to almost $7,500 over the course of a year?!?

So, instead of heading to my favorite 5-star restaurant, corner fish fry or family bakery every time my cravings hit, I've taken this opportunity to brush up on my cooking and baking skills.

Though I was hesitant at first, I must say that cooking has since turned into a fun hobby. Not only do I cook for myself, but my friends and I also pitch in on ingredients and get together for a fun night in at someone’s home. No valet parking fees, overpriced liquor, unhealthy restaurant food, hefty server tips for big parties, or headaches over splitting the check at the end of the night. Instead, you can have a healthy, yet tasty, 3-course meal, with wine for less than $10 a person.

For delicious recipes, try cookbooks, like Patti LaBelle's Recipes for the Good Life, cooking blogs, including one of my favorites, For the Gourmandise In Us All, and cooking websites, such as celebrity chef Rachael Ray and celeberity chef Brian Scott.

Whether you choose to dine out or dine in, keep it consistent in "Life...With Style."

Ghost Blogger for
Michael Ferrera