Perennial Foods
Want to enjoy home-grown food year after year without having to start your garden from scratch each spring? Then, it's time to discover the perennial food garden.
All of the following herbs, vegetables, fruits and legumes can be planted once and enjoyed for many seasons to come:
Perennial Herbs
Basil (African Blue, East Indian)
Chives
Fennel
Garlic
Ginger
Horseradish
Lavender
Lemon Balm
Mint
Onions (Potato onions, Shallots, Japanese bunching onions, Welsh onions)
Oregano
Parsley
Rosemary
Sage
Thyme
Perennial Vegetables
Artichoke (Jerusalem, also known as sunchokes)
Asparagus
Broccoli (Nine Star, Purple Cape)
Radicchio
Rhubarb
Spinach (Ceylon, Sissoo, New Zeland)
Sweet Potato
Water Cress
Yams
Perennial Fruits
Apples
Apricots
Avocado
Blackberries
Cherries
Currants
Fig
Goji Berries
Huckleberries
Grapes
Kiwi
Lemons
Limes
Nectarines
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Persimmon
Plums
Raspberries
Strawberries (Ever-bearing varieties can be maintained as perennials in colder climates)
Perennial Legumes
Beans (Winged bean, Scarlet Runner)
Note: While all plants listed are perennials, they may not grow perennially in all locations. Check for compatability with your region before making a purchase.
From About.com
Showing posts with label Frugal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Frugal. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Lanscaping with Edibles
Planning to do some landscape work on your yard? Think about going with edible plants.
An edible landscape will:
•Reduce your grocery bill
•Allow you to enjoy foods at peak freshness
•Make it easy to eat more fruits and vegetables
•Help you to weather financial hardships
Here are some great edibles to work into your landscape design:
Ground Covers
Vining cranberries
Creeping thyme
Alpine strawberries
Lowbush blueberries
Trees
Apple
Apricot
Avocado
Chestnut
Cherry
Crabapple
English Walnut
Fig
Filbert (also known as hazelnut)
Gingko
Lemon
Lime
Mulberry
Nectarine
Olive
Orange
Pawpaw
Peach
Pear
Pecan
Persimmon
Pine
Plum
Quince
Flowers
Calendula
Chives
Daylilies
Hibiscus
Lavender
Nasturtium
Pansy
Roses (the hips)
Sunflowers (the seeds)
Violas
Ornamental Shrubs/Plants
Eggplant
Huckleberries
Lettuce
Lignonberries
Okra
Passion fruit
Peanuts
Peppers
Prickly Pear cactus
Privacy Plantings
Bush apricots
Bush cherries
Chokecherries
Elderberries
Goji berries
Gooseberries
Highbush blueberries
Honeyberries
Jostaberries
Mulberries
Pomegranates
Raspberries
Roses (the hips)
Saskatoons
Vining Plants
Grapes
Kiwi
Squash
Peas
So research what would grow well in your area and..........Grow your Own!
From About.com
An edible landscape will:
•Reduce your grocery bill
•Allow you to enjoy foods at peak freshness
•Make it easy to eat more fruits and vegetables
•Help you to weather financial hardships
Here are some great edibles to work into your landscape design:
Ground Covers
Vining cranberries
Creeping thyme
Alpine strawberries
Lowbush blueberries
Trees
Apple
Apricot
Avocado
Chestnut
Cherry
Crabapple
English Walnut
Fig
Filbert (also known as hazelnut)
Gingko
Lemon
Lime
Mulberry
Nectarine
Olive
Orange
Pawpaw
Peach
Pear
Pecan
Persimmon
Pine
Plum
Quince
Flowers
Calendula
Chives
Daylilies
Hibiscus
Lavender
Nasturtium
Pansy
Roses (the hips)
Sunflowers (the seeds)
Violas
Ornamental Shrubs/Plants
Eggplant
Huckleberries
Lettuce
Lignonberries
Okra
Passion fruit
Peanuts
Peppers
Prickly Pear cactus
Privacy Plantings
Bush apricots
Bush cherries
Chokecherries
Elderberries
Goji berries
Gooseberries
Highbush blueberries
Honeyberries
Jostaberries
Mulberries
Pomegranates
Raspberries
Roses (the hips)
Saskatoons
Vining Plants
Grapes
Kiwi
Squash
Peas
So research what would grow well in your area and..........Grow your Own!
From About.com
Saturday, July 9, 2011
How to Eat When You're Really Broke
How to eat when you're really broke
Forget fast food, processed foods and eating out frequently. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still serve healthful, tasty meals.
The average American family of four spends $727 a month on food -- but you can spend substantially less and still be healthy.
Nutritious meals for two adults and two kids can be prepared for just over $500 a month, said Robert Post, the deputy director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. A single person can get by with a monthly food budget of about $225 a month.
You do not have to sacrifice the healthy choices on a low budget
If you're newly broke, or trying to save money for other purposes like paying down debt, your grocery list is a great place to look for savings. Although food is the third-largest expenditure for most households, after housing and transportation, it's also one of the most flexible and can easily be trimmed on the fly. Here are some general principles to keep in mind:
Eat mostly at home.
U.S. households on average spend 41% of their food budgets outside their homes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (the proportion is 44% for singles). While you may think you're saving money dining off the dollar menu, you could be courting health problems, since the cheapest fast food items are often the ones loaded with fat and sugar. The foods that should be filling half your plate -- fruits and vegetables -- may be hard to find or overly processed when you buy them from fast-food outlets, so ultimately you'll save money and eat better preparing food at home.
Skip the processing.
Steer away from foods with lots of additives, chemicals and packaging; they're often not as good for you, and they can drive up the cost of your groceries. Instead, opt for foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. That may mean you have to spend a little more time preparing your meals, but I've included helpful tips below on how to make that more convenient.
Demote meat.
Beef, chicken, pork and fish often take a starring role in American meals, whereas in less-wealthy countries they're often supporting players or make only cameo appearances: Think bowls of rice or grain topped with lots of veggies and a few bits of meat or seafood. Or you can skip meat entirely for much cheaper protein sources, such as eggs or beans (a half cup of beans has as much protein as 3 ounces of steak).
Nuts, legumes, seeds and dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt, are other good sources of protein. Water-packed canned tuna and salmon, which you frequently can find on sale, can help you get the 8 to 12 ounces of seafood the USDA says you should have every week. The new "Healthy Plate" guidelines, which the USDA recently introduced to replace the old food pyramid, reflect these changes by replacing the old "meat and beans" category with "protein foods."
Promote veggies.
The typical household should spend about 40% of its food budget on fruits and vegetables, Post said. Buying in-season produce on sale is one way to save while filling your plate. Also consider frozen or canned vegetables and fruit. Frozen produce is typically processed soon after harvest, which preserves more nutrients, but be careful with canned foods, because they can have too much salt and sugar. Opt for low-sodium versions and fruit packed in juice, not syrup, Post recommended. If you have a farmers' market nearby, consider shopping there, especially toward the end of the day when you may be able to negotiate deals on produce farmers would otherwise have to haul home. Or grow you own!
Go for the grains.
Wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley and cereal grains are filling and fairly inexpensive, especially if you buy in bulk. Opt for whole grains, which offer more nutrients and fiber. Oatmeal makes a nutritious, satisfying breakfast for just pennies a serving, while brown rice can be served at any meal (it's pretty good heated up with milk and honey).
Watch the waste.
Studies estimate that Americans waste up to 40% of our food supply. If that's the case in your household, you could save hundreds of dollars a year just by patrolling your refrigerator, freezer and pantry each day so you can use stuff before it rots.
Drop your bad habits.
Alcohol, tobacco, soda and sugary treats may be pleasurable, but they don't fill nutritional needs. That's not to say you can never indulge, but when money's tight, you need to rein in your guilty pleasures.
If you need help finding recipes or more suggestions:
• Use the USDA's "recipe finder" or search for "budget recipe" sites.
• Your local library has budget cookbooks and other information on saving money.
• Check out frugal-living websites; a good one to try is the Dollar Stretcher.
If your problem is a lack of time to prepare budget meals -- which leads to the temptation to spend more eating out -- here are ways to make sure you still can eat well on a budget:
Get a slow cooker.
You can pick up a basic Crock Pot for as little as $16 online or find one for even less at a garage sale. Slow cookers allow you to assemble a meal in the morning so you can have a hot, ready-to-eat dinner when you get home.
Cook once, eat twice.
Make double the number of servings you need and freeze the excess to reheat later. Some foods don't freeze well, such as potatoes and crisp vegetables, but most -- including soups and stews -- do just fine. Use freezer-weight storage bags or containers, and mark them with the date so you can use them within three months.
Learn to love lentils.
Like beans, these legumes are loaded with protein and iron but are typically much faster to prepare, with cooking times under 30 minutes for most varieties. Couscous and quinoa are two grains that are fast to prepare as well -- five minutes for couscous, 15 minutes for quinoa, compared with 30 to 40 minutes for brown rice.
Have some go-to recipes.
Egg dishes, pasta and many casseroles tend to be easy to throw together in a hurry. Keep some veggies, such as a carrot and celery sticks, in a glass of water in the fridge for snacking while you pull together the meal.
From MSN Money
*Linking to Homestead Revival Preparedness Challenge
Forget fast food, processed foods and eating out frequently. Even if you’re on a tight budget, you can still serve healthful, tasty meals.
The average American family of four spends $727 a month on food -- but you can spend substantially less and still be healthy.
Nutritious meals for two adults and two kids can be prepared for just over $500 a month, said Robert Post, the deputy director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion. A single person can get by with a monthly food budget of about $225 a month.
You do not have to sacrifice the healthy choices on a low budget
If you're newly broke, or trying to save money for other purposes like paying down debt, your grocery list is a great place to look for savings. Although food is the third-largest expenditure for most households, after housing and transportation, it's also one of the most flexible and can easily be trimmed on the fly. Here are some general principles to keep in mind:
Eat mostly at home.
U.S. households on average spend 41% of their food budgets outside their homes, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Expenditure Survey (the proportion is 44% for singles). While you may think you're saving money dining off the dollar menu, you could be courting health problems, since the cheapest fast food items are often the ones loaded with fat and sugar. The foods that should be filling half your plate -- fruits and vegetables -- may be hard to find or overly processed when you buy them from fast-food outlets, so ultimately you'll save money and eat better preparing food at home.
Skip the processing.
Steer away from foods with lots of additives, chemicals and packaging; they're often not as good for you, and they can drive up the cost of your groceries. Instead, opt for foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. That may mean you have to spend a little more time preparing your meals, but I've included helpful tips below on how to make that more convenient.
Demote meat.
Beef, chicken, pork and fish often take a starring role in American meals, whereas in less-wealthy countries they're often supporting players or make only cameo appearances: Think bowls of rice or grain topped with lots of veggies and a few bits of meat or seafood. Or you can skip meat entirely for much cheaper protein sources, such as eggs or beans (a half cup of beans has as much protein as 3 ounces of steak).
Nuts, legumes, seeds and dairy products, including milk, cheese and yogurt, are other good sources of protein. Water-packed canned tuna and salmon, which you frequently can find on sale, can help you get the 8 to 12 ounces of seafood the USDA says you should have every week. The new "Healthy Plate" guidelines, which the USDA recently introduced to replace the old food pyramid, reflect these changes by replacing the old "meat and beans" category with "protein foods."
Promote veggies.
The typical household should spend about 40% of its food budget on fruits and vegetables, Post said. Buying in-season produce on sale is one way to save while filling your plate. Also consider frozen or canned vegetables and fruit. Frozen produce is typically processed soon after harvest, which preserves more nutrients, but be careful with canned foods, because they can have too much salt and sugar. Opt for low-sodium versions and fruit packed in juice, not syrup, Post recommended. If you have a farmers' market nearby, consider shopping there, especially toward the end of the day when you may be able to negotiate deals on produce farmers would otherwise have to haul home. Or grow you own!
Go for the grains.
Wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley and cereal grains are filling and fairly inexpensive, especially if you buy in bulk. Opt for whole grains, which offer more nutrients and fiber. Oatmeal makes a nutritious, satisfying breakfast for just pennies a serving, while brown rice can be served at any meal (it's pretty good heated up with milk and honey).
Watch the waste.
Studies estimate that Americans waste up to 40% of our food supply. If that's the case in your household, you could save hundreds of dollars a year just by patrolling your refrigerator, freezer and pantry each day so you can use stuff before it rots.
Drop your bad habits.
Alcohol, tobacco, soda and sugary treats may be pleasurable, but they don't fill nutritional needs. That's not to say you can never indulge, but when money's tight, you need to rein in your guilty pleasures.
If you need help finding recipes or more suggestions:
• Use the USDA's "recipe finder" or search for "budget recipe" sites.
• Your local library has budget cookbooks and other information on saving money.
• Check out frugal-living websites; a good one to try is the Dollar Stretcher.
If your problem is a lack of time to prepare budget meals -- which leads to the temptation to spend more eating out -- here are ways to make sure you still can eat well on a budget:
Get a slow cooker.
You can pick up a basic Crock Pot for as little as $16 online or find one for even less at a garage sale. Slow cookers allow you to assemble a meal in the morning so you can have a hot, ready-to-eat dinner when you get home.
Cook once, eat twice.
Make double the number of servings you need and freeze the excess to reheat later. Some foods don't freeze well, such as potatoes and crisp vegetables, but most -- including soups and stews -- do just fine. Use freezer-weight storage bags or containers, and mark them with the date so you can use them within three months.
Learn to love lentils.
Like beans, these legumes are loaded with protein and iron but are typically much faster to prepare, with cooking times under 30 minutes for most varieties. Couscous and quinoa are two grains that are fast to prepare as well -- five minutes for couscous, 15 minutes for quinoa, compared with 30 to 40 minutes for brown rice.
Have some go-to recipes.
Egg dishes, pasta and many casseroles tend to be easy to throw together in a hurry. Keep some veggies, such as a carrot and celery sticks, in a glass of water in the fridge for snacking while you pull together the meal.
From MSN Money
*Linking to Homestead Revival Preparedness Challenge
Friday, July 8, 2011
14 Grocery Staples Getting Costlier
14 Grocery Staples Getting Costlier
High prices at the gas pump have been grabbing headlines, but it's rising costs at the supermarket that are really starting to take a bite out of household budgets. The component of the consumer price index that tracks grocery prices, known as the food at home index, jumped 0.5% in May from where it stood in April, calculated on a seasonally adjusted basis. Meanwhile, the gasoline-index component of the CPI fell 2.0% in May, the first decline since June 2010.
Food prices have been creeping up all year. According to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey, 14 of the 16 supermarket staples it tracks have increased in price between the first and second quarters of 2011. Boneless chicken breasts (down 7%) and shredded cheese (down 1.5%) are the only two grocery items that cost less than they did three months ago.
Here are the 14 common grocery-list items from the Marketbasket Survey that have climbed in price since the first quarter, as well as the federal agriculture department's latest projections for food-cost increases in 2011. As a bonus, we've thrown in a few tips on how to save on these grocery items.
Russet potatoes
• Current average price: $3.07 for a 5-pound bag
• Price change (from Q1): up 43 cents
• Percent change: 16.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%
Savings tip: Make the most of a bargain 20-pound sack of spuds. Mashed, fried, baked or roasted, potatoes are filling and can stretch a meal budget. Store in a dark, cool place to keep fresh longer.
Sirloin tip roast
• Current average price: $4.48 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 52 cents
• Percent change: 13.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%
Savings tip: Minimize your mealtime costs and make your cardiologist happy by going meatless twice a week. A family of four can save $624 annually.
Bacon
• Current average price: $4.18 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 32 cents
• Percent change: 8.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%
Savings tip: Get a better deal by buying your bacon in bulk from a warehouse club. Put your extra slabs of pork in re-sealable plastic bags, and stash them in the freezer. Bacon defrosts rapidly.
Apples
• Current average price: $1.56 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 11 cents
• Percent change: 7.6%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Buy apples by the bagful rather than individually to reap a lower unit cost. Stow your Granny Smiths and Red Delicious in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and juicy.
Sliced deli ham
• Current average price: $5.26 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): Up 35 cents
• Percent change: 7.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%
Savings tip: Ask your local butcher for the lunchmeat ends that may otherwise go to waste. They're cheaper than a pound of deli meat and just as tasty in your brown-bag lunch.
Ground chuck
• Current average price: $3.29 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 19 cents
• Percent change: 6.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%
Savings tip: Instead of buying ground beef, purchase a chuck roast on sale and grind it yourself. It'll taste the same -- or perhaps better, considering the money you'll save -- and allay your mystery-meat fears.
Whole milk
• Current average price: $3.62 per gallon
• Price change (from Q1): up 16 cents
• Percent change: 4.6%
• Projected change for 2011: 5%-6%
Savings tip: Reserve your regular milk for your morning bowl of cereal. For recipes that call for milk, use the less expensive powdered version instead. Just add water. You won't taste the difference.
Vegetable oil
• Current average price: $3.01 for a 32-ounce bottle
• Price change (from Q1): up 13 cents
• Percent change: 4.5%
• Projected change for 2011: 6%-7%
Savings tip: If you normally use expensive extra virgin olive oil for cooking, opt for a lower grade instead. Scan your supermarket shelves for bottles labeled simply "olive oil."
Toasted oat cereal
• Current average price: $3.17 for a 9-ounce box
• Price change (from Q1): up 12 cents
• Percent change: 3.9%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Try your grocer's store-label equivalent or buy a generic version of your favorite morning munchies. If you can't live without name brands, look for coupons in the Sunday newspaper.
Eggs
• Current average price: $1.65 per dozen
• Price change (from Q1): up 3 cents
• Percent change: 1.9%
• Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%
Savings tip: Visit your farmers' market near closing time for a better deal on fresh, locally produced eggs. At day's end, vendors are more likely to slip something extra into your bag.
Orange juice
• Current average price: $3.18 for a half-gallon
• Price change (from Q1): up 4 cents
• Percent change: 1.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Head to the frozen foods aisle for cheaper-per-ounce and just-as-refreshing orange juice concentrate. Add water, stir and enjoy the very same vitamin C rush.
Bread
• Current average price: $1.86 for a 20-ounce loaf
• Price change (from Q1): up 2 cents
• Percent change: 1.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Pounce whenever your grocery store or bakery has a two-for-one sale. Eat one loaf immediately -- French toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and grilled cheese for dinner -- and freeze the other for later.
Bagged salad
• Current average price: $2.67 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
• Percent change: 0.4%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Go online to find discounts for popular brands of bagged salad. Check Facebook and Twitter pages for printable coupons, and subscribe to email alerts for special deals. Or grow you own!!
Flour
• Current average price: $2.52 for a 5-pound bag
• Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
• Percent change: 0.4%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Unless you're an avid baker, you probably don't use much flour. If that's the case, buy only what you need when you need it from a bulk bin. Don't let your money sit idle in the pantry.
From MSN Money
High prices at the gas pump have been grabbing headlines, but it's rising costs at the supermarket that are really starting to take a bite out of household budgets. The component of the consumer price index that tracks grocery prices, known as the food at home index, jumped 0.5% in May from where it stood in April, calculated on a seasonally adjusted basis. Meanwhile, the gasoline-index component of the CPI fell 2.0% in May, the first decline since June 2010.
Food prices have been creeping up all year. According to the latest American Farm Bureau Federation Marketbasket Survey, 14 of the 16 supermarket staples it tracks have increased in price between the first and second quarters of 2011. Boneless chicken breasts (down 7%) and shredded cheese (down 1.5%) are the only two grocery items that cost less than they did three months ago.
Here are the 14 common grocery-list items from the Marketbasket Survey that have climbed in price since the first quarter, as well as the federal agriculture department's latest projections for food-cost increases in 2011. As a bonus, we've thrown in a few tips on how to save on these grocery items.
Russet potatoes
• Current average price: $3.07 for a 5-pound bag
• Price change (from Q1): up 43 cents
• Percent change: 16.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%
Savings tip: Make the most of a bargain 20-pound sack of spuds. Mashed, fried, baked or roasted, potatoes are filling and can stretch a meal budget. Store in a dark, cool place to keep fresh longer.
Sirloin tip roast
• Current average price: $4.48 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 52 cents
• Percent change: 13.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%
Savings tip: Minimize your mealtime costs and make your cardiologist happy by going meatless twice a week. A family of four can save $624 annually.
Bacon
• Current average price: $4.18 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 32 cents
• Percent change: 8.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%
Savings tip: Get a better deal by buying your bacon in bulk from a warehouse club. Put your extra slabs of pork in re-sealable plastic bags, and stash them in the freezer. Bacon defrosts rapidly.
Apples
• Current average price: $1.56 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 11 cents
• Percent change: 7.6%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Buy apples by the bagful rather than individually to reap a lower unit cost. Stow your Granny Smiths and Red Delicious in the refrigerator to keep them crisp and juicy.
Sliced deli ham
• Current average price: $5.26 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): Up 35 cents
• Percent change: 7.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 6.5%-7.5%
Savings tip: Ask your local butcher for the lunchmeat ends that may otherwise go to waste. They're cheaper than a pound of deli meat and just as tasty in your brown-bag lunch.
Ground chuck
• Current average price: $3.29 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 19 cents
• Percent change: 6.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 7%-8%
Savings tip: Instead of buying ground beef, purchase a chuck roast on sale and grind it yourself. It'll taste the same -- or perhaps better, considering the money you'll save -- and allay your mystery-meat fears.
Whole milk
• Current average price: $3.62 per gallon
• Price change (from Q1): up 16 cents
• Percent change: 4.6%
• Projected change for 2011: 5%-6%
Savings tip: Reserve your regular milk for your morning bowl of cereal. For recipes that call for milk, use the less expensive powdered version instead. Just add water. You won't taste the difference.
Vegetable oil
• Current average price: $3.01 for a 32-ounce bottle
• Price change (from Q1): up 13 cents
• Percent change: 4.5%
• Projected change for 2011: 6%-7%
Savings tip: If you normally use expensive extra virgin olive oil for cooking, opt for a lower grade instead. Scan your supermarket shelves for bottles labeled simply "olive oil."
Toasted oat cereal
• Current average price: $3.17 for a 9-ounce box
• Price change (from Q1): up 12 cents
• Percent change: 3.9%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Try your grocer's store-label equivalent or buy a generic version of your favorite morning munchies. If you can't live without name brands, look for coupons in the Sunday newspaper.
Eggs
• Current average price: $1.65 per dozen
• Price change (from Q1): up 3 cents
• Percent change: 1.9%
• Projected change for 2011: 4.5%-5.5%
Savings tip: Visit your farmers' market near closing time for a better deal on fresh, locally produced eggs. At day's end, vendors are more likely to slip something extra into your bag.
Orange juice
• Current average price: $3.18 for a half-gallon
• Price change (from Q1): up 4 cents
• Percent change: 1.3%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Head to the frozen foods aisle for cheaper-per-ounce and just-as-refreshing orange juice concentrate. Add water, stir and enjoy the very same vitamin C rush.
Bread
• Current average price: $1.86 for a 20-ounce loaf
• Price change (from Q1): up 2 cents
• Percent change: 1.1%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Pounce whenever your grocery store or bakery has a two-for-one sale. Eat one loaf immediately -- French toast for breakfast, sandwich for lunch and grilled cheese for dinner -- and freeze the other for later.
Bagged salad
• Current average price: $2.67 per pound
• Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
• Percent change: 0.4%
• Projected change for 2011: 3%-4%
Savings tip: Go online to find discounts for popular brands of bagged salad. Check Facebook and Twitter pages for printable coupons, and subscribe to email alerts for special deals. Or grow you own!!
Flour
• Current average price: $2.52 for a 5-pound bag
• Price change (from Q1): up 1 cent
• Percent change: 0.4%
• Projected change for 2011: 3.5%-4.5%
Savings tip: Unless you're an avid baker, you probably don't use much flour. If that's the case, buy only what you need when you need it from a bulk bin. Don't let your money sit idle in the pantry.
From MSN Money
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Dollar General $5.00 off Coupon
Remember the Razor Deal I told you about at Dollar General this week?
I found this coupon for $5.00 off at Dollar General good for July 2, 2011 only.
If you combine the sale, coupons and the $5.00 off, that would be 12 Razors for $7.00
I found this coupon for $5.00 off at Dollar General good for July 2, 2011 only.
If you combine the sale, coupons and the $5.00 off, that would be 12 Razors for $7.00
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Raspberry Jam
Kroger had Red Raspberries on sale 10 for $10.00
I took advantage of the sale and made some Raspberry Jam today.
I got 10 jelly jars and 2 pints of Jam from this batch of jam
Look at the pretty labels I made!
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Deal at Dollar General
Deal Alert:
Dollar General has 3 pack Schick Xtreme 3 Disposable Razors on sale for $4.50.
$1.00 off Coupons have been in past inserts. I also had a BOGO Coupon.
I got a total of 12 Razors for $12.00
Walgreen's Shopping Trip
$70 worth.of stuff for $40 at Walgreens
Then my bank gave me $2.00 back in their PreReward program!!
Monday, June 20, 2011
What Real Extreme Couponing Looks Like
While the show Extreme Couponing is great... It is unrealistic.
Cart after cart loaded with items is great but Most "extreme couponers" do not shop like that all the time.
That may happen when stores are having mega sales or inentives but for the most part, real extreme couponing looks like this.
I check the Sunday Ads and see what is on sale at my favorite stores.
I match up items on sale with coupons that I have.
Then I make detailed lists of what to get.
I do this with envelopes.
I make the lists on the outside and put the coupons inside.
Tip #1
Use Blogs to find coupon match ups.
This save a tremendous amount of time!
Tip #2
You will notice that my lists are not a "super haul" or
a complete grocery list by any means
Once you have a stockpile of items amassed
You can just shop for deal or sale items.
***********
Now let's look at my Walgreens Receipt for this week
You will note that almost all items I got were on sale.
Usually, I do not buy an item unless it is on sale.
The only exception is the Pledge Fabric Sweepers. I had $1.00 off coupons that were about to expire.
So in this trip:
I saved $11.86 by buying sale items.
I had $5.75 in coupon savings.
I got a free toothpaste tube and toothbrush in a buy one get one promo
Sunday, June 19, 2011
The New and Improved Coupon Binder
This was my old coupon binder.
Just an accordion file divided into 12 categories.
I also had envelopes of subcategories in each section.
It got a little confusing remembering what was where......
So I ordered a Coupon Binder Kit from www.momsaves.com
I had started to price out making or buying all the parts and found
that it was cheaper just to buy the kit from www.momsaves.com
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Here is the completed project. It took me about 5 hours
to put the binder all together, label, divide, sort and load everything.
I also had to make a run to the Office Supply Store
to get more section dividers and some card stock
I ended up with 42 category sections
covering everything from food to health and beauty items
I organized it to follow the layout of my favorite grocery store.
The one that gives double coupons!!
The sections are easy to read and get to,
so if I decided to go somewhere else
it won't be a problem to find the right coupons.
I put in heavy card stock in the plastic holders
so I could use each section front and back.
Increasing the amount of coupons I can store!
I ran out of the pretty paper so on the last few
I just used some index cards.
And here it is all loaded with coupons!
This was a bit of a task, I admit.
But as I was putting coupons in I noticed that I was
able to do it faster than with the old system.
And I can flip to a section and see what coupons I have in a matter of seconds.
This will help while I am looking at the weekly ads
and on shopping day.
Friday, June 17, 2011
Home Remedies for Bronchitis
I have had Bronchitis going on 2 weeks now. I have been to the Doctor and have been on a round of antibiotics and steroids but it doesn't seem to be getting better. I am researching home remedies for bronchitis on the Internet and thought I would share some with you.
1: Humidify Your Environment
Believe it or not, coughing is actually good for you. It's the body's way of eliminating the infection that causes bronchitis. So, instead of stifling a cough with an over-the-counter suppressant, help it along by using a warm- or cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Take care to use and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.) The added humidity will help bring the sputum (matter that's coughed out of the body) up and out of the body. Standing in a steamy shower with the bathroom door closed, keeping a pan of water at a slow boil on the stove (never leave it unattended!), and using a tea kettle to shoot out warm, moist air can also help loosen and bring up phlegm. And if you have a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to add to the water, these can be quite soothing.
2: Drink Plenty of Liquids
Drinking fluids can help get rid of mucus.
Taking in extra liquids helps keep the sputum more fluid and therefore easier to expel. It doesn't really matter what type of liquid you drink, although tea, soup and other warm liquids may feel better than cold ones. As a bonus, warm fluids may also soothe the irritated throat that may result from all that coughing.
You can also use water for a steam treatment. Fill the sink with hot water, bend down to it, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint or rosemary oil, if you have one of them. These help clear and soothe the respiratory passages.
3: Gargle with Warm Saltwater
Gargling with saltwater may provide a double dose of relief by soothing the inflammation in the throat and by cutting through some of the mucus that may be coating and irritating the sensitive throat membranes. It only takes one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water; too much salt causes burning in the throat, and too little is ineffective. Gargle as often as needed, but be sure to spit the salty water out after gargling.
4: Rest, Rest, Rest
Since your bout with bronchitis probably followed on the heels of a cold or the flu, you may find it hard to sit still any longer. But walking around with bronchitis will only make you feel worse and slow your body's ability to fight the infection, so you'll need to take it easy a little longer. Those who won't be exposed to your germs will probably be thankful, too.
5: Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen to Relieve Chest Pain
Aspirin can help with chest pain.
If a bout with bronchitis produces muscle pain in the chest, these anti-inflammatory medications may provide some relief. Acetaminophen doesn't have an anti-inflammatory effect and so may be less helpful.
6: Use a Cough Remedy as a Last Resort
Remember, coughing is your body's way of driving out the infection and keeping your breathing passages clear. The best cough remedies for bronchitis contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up sputum. But if you're at the end of your rope and can't bear another minute of hacking, especially if it's been keeping you from getting the sleep you need to recover, you can try a medicine that contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Take it only as often as absolutely needed. Check with your doctor if you're unsure. Combination products should generally be avoided; decongestants, antihistamines, and alcohol (common ingredients in combination products) have no role in the treatment of coughs and may even increase discomfort by causing side effects. Most of the candy-type cough drops act as demulcents on the throat; in other words, their soothing properties are due largely to their sugar content.
7: Keep an Eye Out for Complications
While letting nature take its course is generally the best treatment for acute bronchitis, complications can sometimes occur, so you'll need to stay alert for signs that it's time to see your doctor. The most worrisome complications include pneumonia, sinus infection and ear infection, all of which need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. Signs that one or more of these complications may be present include a persistent high fever (not a typical characteristic of bronchitis), severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing spells or a cough that lasts more than four to six weeks, severe chest pain, pain behind the eyes or ear pain. Be on the lookout for blood in your sputum or sputum that changes dramatically in color or consistency, and report it to your doctor. In addition, tell your doctor if you suffer frequent bouts of bronchitis, since you may be suffering from a more serious respiratory problem that requires medical treatment.
8: Almonds
Almonds are full of health benefits.
These little cure-all nuts have loads of vitamins and nutrients, and they're said to help everything from mental acuity to sexual vitality. Rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, almonds are especially known for their healing powers in respiratory illness. So when you're down with bronchitis, eat them in any form (except candy-coated or chocolate-covered). Sliver some almonds and garnish your veggies. They're good in a citrus fruit salad for a little added crunch or rubbed in a little honey, coated with cinnamon, and roasted in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 25 minutes.
9: Honey and Onions
To relieve the cough that comes from bronchitis, slice an onion into a bowl, then cover with honey. Allow to stand overnight, then remove the onion. Take 1 teaspoon of the honey, four times a day.
Onions are expectorants and help the flow of mucus. You can also eat onions raw, cooked, baked, in soups and stews or as seasoning.
10: LemonsIt's a tart little fruit, but a lemon is incredibly useful.These help rid the respiratory system of bacteria and mucus. Make a cup of lemon tea by grating 1 teaspoon lemon rind and adding it to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Or, you can boil a lemon wedge. Strain into a cup and drink. For a sore throat that comes from coughing, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to 1 cup warm water and gargle. This helps bring up phlegm.
11: Bay Leaf
Ancient Romans and Greeks loved bay leaves. They believed that this simple herb was the source of happiness, clairvoyance and artistic inspiration. Whatever the case, it does act as an expectorant and is best taken in tea. To make the tea, tear a leaf (fresh or dried) and steep in 1 cup boiling water.
12: Other Herbs
Savory. This potent, peppery herb is said to rid the lungs of mucus. Use it as a tea by adding 1/2 teaspoon savory to 1 cup boiling water. Drink only once a day.
Thyme. This herb helps rid the body of mucus, strengthens the lungs to fight off infection, and acts as a shield against bacteria. Use it dried as a seasoning or make a tea by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon thyme (it's a very strong herb, so you don't need much) to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and sweeten with honey. If you have thyme oil on hand, dilute it (2 parts olive or corn oil to 1 part thyme oil) and rub on the chest to cure congestion.
13: Spices
The warmth of an old-fashioned mustard plaster relieves symptoms of many respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Take 1 tablespoon dry mustard and mix with 4 tablespoons flour. Stir in enough warm water to make a runny paste. Oil the chest with vegetable shortening or olive oil, then spread the mustard mix on a piece of cloth -- muslin, gauze, a kitchen washcloth -- and cover with an identical piece. Apply to the chest. Keep in place until cool, but check every few minutes to make sure it doesn't burn the skin. Remove the plaster if it causes discomfort or burning.
Ginger is also a potent expectorant that works well in tea. Steep 1/2 teaspoon ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon in 1 cup boiling water.
I think I might try a few of these.
Anyone out there have any tried and true home remedies for Bronchitis?
*info from Discovery Fit & Health
1: Humidify Your Environment
Believe it or not, coughing is actually good for you. It's the body's way of eliminating the infection that causes bronchitis. So, instead of stifling a cough with an over-the-counter suppressant, help it along by using a warm- or cool-mist humidifier to add moisture to the air. (Take care to use and clean the humidifier according to the manufacturer's instructions.) The added humidity will help bring the sputum (matter that's coughed out of the body) up and out of the body. Standing in a steamy shower with the bathroom door closed, keeping a pan of water at a slow boil on the stove (never leave it unattended!), and using a tea kettle to shoot out warm, moist air can also help loosen and bring up phlegm. And if you have a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to add to the water, these can be quite soothing.
2: Drink Plenty of Liquids
Drinking fluids can help get rid of mucus.
Taking in extra liquids helps keep the sputum more fluid and therefore easier to expel. It doesn't really matter what type of liquid you drink, although tea, soup and other warm liquids may feel better than cold ones. As a bonus, warm fluids may also soothe the irritated throat that may result from all that coughing.
You can also use water for a steam treatment. Fill the sink with hot water, bend down to it, cover your head with a towel and breathe in the steam. Add a few drops of eucalyptus, peppermint or rosemary oil, if you have one of them. These help clear and soothe the respiratory passages.
3: Gargle with Warm Saltwater
Gargling with saltwater may provide a double dose of relief by soothing the inflammation in the throat and by cutting through some of the mucus that may be coating and irritating the sensitive throat membranes. It only takes one teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water; too much salt causes burning in the throat, and too little is ineffective. Gargle as often as needed, but be sure to spit the salty water out after gargling.
4: Rest, Rest, Rest
Since your bout with bronchitis probably followed on the heels of a cold or the flu, you may find it hard to sit still any longer. But walking around with bronchitis will only make you feel worse and slow your body's ability to fight the infection, so you'll need to take it easy a little longer. Those who won't be exposed to your germs will probably be thankful, too.
5: Take Aspirin or Ibuprofen to Relieve Chest Pain
Aspirin can help with chest pain.
If a bout with bronchitis produces muscle pain in the chest, these anti-inflammatory medications may provide some relief. Acetaminophen doesn't have an anti-inflammatory effect and so may be less helpful.
6: Use a Cough Remedy as a Last Resort
Remember, coughing is your body's way of driving out the infection and keeping your breathing passages clear. The best cough remedies for bronchitis contain guaifenesin, which helps bring up sputum. But if you're at the end of your rope and can't bear another minute of hacking, especially if it's been keeping you from getting the sleep you need to recover, you can try a medicine that contains the cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Take it only as often as absolutely needed. Check with your doctor if you're unsure. Combination products should generally be avoided; decongestants, antihistamines, and alcohol (common ingredients in combination products) have no role in the treatment of coughs and may even increase discomfort by causing side effects. Most of the candy-type cough drops act as demulcents on the throat; in other words, their soothing properties are due largely to their sugar content.
7: Keep an Eye Out for Complications
While letting nature take its course is generally the best treatment for acute bronchitis, complications can sometimes occur, so you'll need to stay alert for signs that it's time to see your doctor. The most worrisome complications include pneumonia, sinus infection and ear infection, all of which need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. Signs that one or more of these complications may be present include a persistent high fever (not a typical characteristic of bronchitis), severe shortness of breath, prolonged coughing spells or a cough that lasts more than four to six weeks, severe chest pain, pain behind the eyes or ear pain. Be on the lookout for blood in your sputum or sputum that changes dramatically in color or consistency, and report it to your doctor. In addition, tell your doctor if you suffer frequent bouts of bronchitis, since you may be suffering from a more serious respiratory problem that requires medical treatment.
8: Almonds
Almonds are full of health benefits.
These little cure-all nuts have loads of vitamins and nutrients, and they're said to help everything from mental acuity to sexual vitality. Rich in potassium, calcium and magnesium, almonds are especially known for their healing powers in respiratory illness. So when you're down with bronchitis, eat them in any form (except candy-coated or chocolate-covered). Sliver some almonds and garnish your veggies. They're good in a citrus fruit salad for a little added crunch or rubbed in a little honey, coated with cinnamon, and roasted in the oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 to 25 minutes.
9: Honey and Onions
To relieve the cough that comes from bronchitis, slice an onion into a bowl, then cover with honey. Allow to stand overnight, then remove the onion. Take 1 teaspoon of the honey, four times a day.
Onions are expectorants and help the flow of mucus. You can also eat onions raw, cooked, baked, in soups and stews or as seasoning.
10: LemonsIt's a tart little fruit, but a lemon is incredibly useful.These help rid the respiratory system of bacteria and mucus. Make a cup of lemon tea by grating 1 teaspoon lemon rind and adding it to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes. Or, you can boil a lemon wedge. Strain into a cup and drink. For a sore throat that comes from coughing, add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to 1 cup warm water and gargle. This helps bring up phlegm.
11: Bay Leaf
Ancient Romans and Greeks loved bay leaves. They believed that this simple herb was the source of happiness, clairvoyance and artistic inspiration. Whatever the case, it does act as an expectorant and is best taken in tea. To make the tea, tear a leaf (fresh or dried) and steep in 1 cup boiling water.
12: Other Herbs
Savory. This potent, peppery herb is said to rid the lungs of mucus. Use it as a tea by adding 1/2 teaspoon savory to 1 cup boiling water. Drink only once a day.
Thyme. This herb helps rid the body of mucus, strengthens the lungs to fight off infection, and acts as a shield against bacteria. Use it dried as a seasoning or make a tea by adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon thyme (it's a very strong herb, so you don't need much) to 1 cup boiling water. Steep for 5 minutes and sweeten with honey. If you have thyme oil on hand, dilute it (2 parts olive or corn oil to 1 part thyme oil) and rub on the chest to cure congestion.
13: Spices
The warmth of an old-fashioned mustard plaster relieves symptoms of many respiratory ailments, including bronchitis. Take 1 tablespoon dry mustard and mix with 4 tablespoons flour. Stir in enough warm water to make a runny paste. Oil the chest with vegetable shortening or olive oil, then spread the mustard mix on a piece of cloth -- muslin, gauze, a kitchen washcloth -- and cover with an identical piece. Apply to the chest. Keep in place until cool, but check every few minutes to make sure it doesn't burn the skin. Remove the plaster if it causes discomfort or burning.
Ginger is also a potent expectorant that works well in tea. Steep 1/2 teaspoon ginger, a pinch of ground cloves, and a pinch of cinnamon in 1 cup boiling water.
I think I might try a few of these.
Anyone out there have any tried and true home remedies for Bronchitis?
*info from Discovery Fit & Health
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Make your own Oatmeal Packets
Homemade Instant Oatmeal Packets
Super easy homemade instant oatmeal packets put boxed packets to shame!
Ingredients
• 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
Directions
1. In a food processor pulse 1 cup of oats until coarse powder.
2. Mix powder oats with whole oats and brown sugar in large bowl.
3. Mix in your flavor options…listed below.
4. Place 1/3 Cup Oatmeal Mix in each ziploc bag or single serve container.
5. To serve: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk. Stir and let stand for 2 minutes.
6. For thicker oatmeal, use less liquid – for thinner oatmeal, use more liquid.
Notes
Gluten Free- Make sure you buy Certified Gluten Free Oats.
Dairy Free- Do not use powdered milk option. Use Milk alternative as liquid for creamy oatmeal.
Possible Mix Ins (Customize it to your taste)
-Craisins/Raisins
-Any Type of Dried or Fresh Fruit
-Cinnamon
-Powdered Milk (for a creamy taste)
-Sprinkles
-Pop Rocks
-Chocolate Chips
Super easy homemade instant oatmeal packets put boxed packets to shame!
Ingredients
• 3 cups Quick-Cooking Oats
• 1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
Directions
1. In a food processor pulse 1 cup of oats until coarse powder.
2. Mix powder oats with whole oats and brown sugar in large bowl.
3. Mix in your flavor options…listed below.
4. Place 1/3 Cup Oatmeal Mix in each ziploc bag or single serve container.
5. To serve: Empty packet into a bowl. Add 3/4 cup boiling water or hot milk. Stir and let stand for 2 minutes.
6. For thicker oatmeal, use less liquid – for thinner oatmeal, use more liquid.
Notes
Gluten Free- Make sure you buy Certified Gluten Free Oats.
Dairy Free- Do not use powdered milk option. Use Milk alternative as liquid for creamy oatmeal.
Possible Mix Ins (Customize it to your taste)
-Craisins/Raisins
-Any Type of Dried or Fresh Fruit
-Cinnamon
-Powdered Milk (for a creamy taste)
-Sprinkles
-Pop Rocks
-Chocolate Chips
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Combine Coupons with Drug Store Rewards Programs and Save BIG!
• Coupon 101: Combine Coupons with Drug Store Rewards Programs and Save BIG!
Although you may not count stores like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen's amongst those you make your weekly shopping trip to, you may want to going forward. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find some of the best deals week after week. Many of them offer valuable rewards programs to loyal shoppers that not only save you money, but can also help you score loads of products for FREE when combined with those hot little coupons you're holding. Sure, you probably won’t be able to get all of your groceries there, but you’ll reap more by going than by skipping them all together.
The methodology behind each stores rewards program varies slightly, but all have the same end goal – to save you money and keep you coming back for more. Because shopping at stores that offer rewards programs means employing a different strategy than shopping at stores that don’t we’ve rounded up 5 tips to help you save big:
1. Check the weekly circulars. Whether you check them out online, or grab them out of your Sunday newspaper, this is where you’ll find products that are offering rewards for the current week. For example, CVS may have your favorite shampoo on sale for $4.99 and offer $3 ExtraBucks (coupons good for money off at CVS) when you purchase one. Based on the products offering the best rewards, make a list of items that appeal to you and your family.
2. Check your coupons. Most retailers will allow you to match manufacturer’s coupons (like those found on RedPlum.com or through RedPlum’s weekly coupon inserts) with a store’s reward items. You can not only get items for free by using this strategy, but can even make money if you play your cards right. Here’s how: Let’s say you have $1 off coupon for that shampoo you plan to buy – that means you’ll get it for FREE when you combine your coupon with the ExtraBucks reward ($4.99 - $3 ExtraBucks - $1 coupon = FREE!).
3. You have to give to get. In order to receive the benefits of rewards programs you first need to shell out some cash in order to purchase your items. But don’t worry, as long as you follow the rules you’ll get payment back in the form of a coupon or rebate check that can be used toward future purchases. While some stores, like CVS, print rewards in the form of dollar-off coupons good for future purchases, stores like Rite Aid run rebate programs where you need to submit for refunds online.
4. Pay attention to the fine print. Take note of the specific offer details noted in the stores weekly circular, including size, variety and quantity requirements.
5. Membership has its privileges. In order to cash in on reward offerings you’ll first need to sign up for the stores’ program.
*information from redplum.com
Although you may not count stores like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreen's amongst those you make your weekly shopping trip to, you may want to going forward. Why? Because that’s where you’ll find some of the best deals week after week. Many of them offer valuable rewards programs to loyal shoppers that not only save you money, but can also help you score loads of products for FREE when combined with those hot little coupons you're holding. Sure, you probably won’t be able to get all of your groceries there, but you’ll reap more by going than by skipping them all together.
The methodology behind each stores rewards program varies slightly, but all have the same end goal – to save you money and keep you coming back for more. Because shopping at stores that offer rewards programs means employing a different strategy than shopping at stores that don’t we’ve rounded up 5 tips to help you save big:
1. Check the weekly circulars. Whether you check them out online, or grab them out of your Sunday newspaper, this is where you’ll find products that are offering rewards for the current week. For example, CVS may have your favorite shampoo on sale for $4.99 and offer $3 ExtraBucks (coupons good for money off at CVS) when you purchase one. Based on the products offering the best rewards, make a list of items that appeal to you and your family.
2. Check your coupons. Most retailers will allow you to match manufacturer’s coupons (like those found on RedPlum.com or through RedPlum’s weekly coupon inserts) with a store’s reward items. You can not only get items for free by using this strategy, but can even make money if you play your cards right. Here’s how: Let’s say you have $1 off coupon for that shampoo you plan to buy – that means you’ll get it for FREE when you combine your coupon with the ExtraBucks reward ($4.99 - $3 ExtraBucks - $1 coupon = FREE!).
3. You have to give to get. In order to receive the benefits of rewards programs you first need to shell out some cash in order to purchase your items. But don’t worry, as long as you follow the rules you’ll get payment back in the form of a coupon or rebate check that can be used toward future purchases. While some stores, like CVS, print rewards in the form of dollar-off coupons good for future purchases, stores like Rite Aid run rebate programs where you need to submit for refunds online.
4. Pay attention to the fine print. Take note of the specific offer details noted in the stores weekly circular, including size, variety and quantity requirements.
5. Membership has its privileges. In order to cash in on reward offerings you’ll first need to sign up for the stores’ program.
*information from redplum.com
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Coupon Terminology
Coupon Terminology You Need to Know
WYB = When you Buy
BOGO = Buy one Get one free
FAR = Free After Rebate
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
IVC = Instant Value Coupon at Walgreens (Walgreens store coupon).
MIR = Mail In Rebate
OYNO = On Your Next Order
OOP = Out of Pocket.
RP = Red Plum insert
SS = Smartsource insert
P&G = Procter and Gamble insert
GM = General Mills insert (usually a Smartsource insert)
Moneymaker: Getting something better than free after coupons and sale. Also known as getting paid to shop.
CAT = Catalina coupon that prints at check out.
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary. It basically means that your experience may be different from the rest
ECB = Extra Care Buck (CVS coupon good on your next order)
RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens Rewards program, Manufacturer coupon good on your next order)
SCR = Single Check Rebate (Rite Aid rebate program)
+UP rewards = Rite Aid reward program (coupons good on your next order)
WYB = When you Buy
BOGO = Buy one Get one free
FAR = Free After Rebate
IP = Internet Printable Coupon
IVC = Instant Value Coupon at Walgreens (Walgreens store coupon).
MIR = Mail In Rebate
OYNO = On Your Next Order
OOP = Out of Pocket.
RP = Red Plum insert
SS = Smartsource insert
P&G = Procter and Gamble insert
GM = General Mills insert (usually a Smartsource insert)
Moneymaker: Getting something better than free after coupons and sale. Also known as getting paid to shop.
CAT = Catalina coupon that prints at check out.
YMMV = Your Mileage May Vary. It basically means that your experience may be different from the rest
ECB = Extra Care Buck (CVS coupon good on your next order)
RR = Register Rewards (Walgreens Rewards program, Manufacturer coupon good on your next order)
SCR = Single Check Rebate (Rite Aid rebate program)
+UP rewards = Rite Aid reward program (coupons good on your next order)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Coupons Tips
The best deals on your weekly ads are posted on the front and backpage of the ad.
These are what are usually referred to as ‘loss leaders’. These are the rock bottom offers that bring shoppers to the store. This is the first place you should look for bargains when scanning your weekly ad. If there are any coupons available for these items, that is where you get the big savings. Your goal is to focus on buying groceries only when they are at this rock bottom price. Luckily for you, these ‘loss leader’ sales come around in a ‘sales cycle’ that is generally every 6 to 8 weeks.
When you find this opportunity to save big by combining a great sale with a coupon, you want to maximize those savings by buying enough items (at this rock bottom price) to last you until the next time the item goes on sale.
A great Stockpile is the pride of every Couponer!
These are what are usually referred to as ‘loss leaders’. These are the rock bottom offers that bring shoppers to the store. This is the first place you should look for bargains when scanning your weekly ad. If there are any coupons available for these items, that is where you get the big savings. Your goal is to focus on buying groceries only when they are at this rock bottom price. Luckily for you, these ‘loss leader’ sales come around in a ‘sales cycle’ that is generally every 6 to 8 weeks.
When you find this opportunity to save big by combining a great sale with a coupon, you want to maximize those savings by buying enough items (at this rock bottom price) to last you until the next time the item goes on sale.
A great Stockpile is the pride of every Couponer!
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Affordable Generator at Harbor Freight Tools
800 Rated Watts/900 Max Watts Portable Generator on Sale at Harbor Freight Tools for $79.99!
Granted....this won't power the whole house but it is a nice litle generator for the price. We are thinking it would be great for camping trips!
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Another Gift in a Jar- Hot Chocolate Mix
Hot Chocolate
Keep this mix on hand for a tasty and frugal way to warm up your holiday season.
Hot Chocolate Mix
5½ cups dry milk powder
1 cup plus 2 T. sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
Combine all ingredients. Stir well.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Makes 7¼ cups.
* I placed mix in a pint canning jar. Put a label on with instructions and tied a bow around the jar.
There you have it.....instant Christmas Gift!
To Make Hot Chocolate
1/3 cup hot chocolate mix
3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Bring water to a boil. Add mix and blend well. Add vanilla. Serve warm.
Makes 1 serving.
Keep this mix on hand for a tasty and frugal way to warm up your holiday season.
Hot Chocolate Mix
5½ cups dry milk powder
1 cup plus 2 T. sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
Combine all ingredients. Stir well.
Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Makes 7¼ cups.
* I placed mix in a pint canning jar. Put a label on with instructions and tied a bow around the jar.
There you have it.....instant Christmas Gift!
To Make Hot Chocolate
1/3 cup hot chocolate mix
3/4 cup water
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
Bring water to a boil. Add mix and blend well. Add vanilla. Serve warm.
Makes 1 serving.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Finally a use for my Bundt Pan
In the September issue of Real Simple there's a piece on new uses for old things.
I might have to try this one out - using a bundt pan as a vertical roaster for chicken.
They suggest layering potatoes, carrots & onions on the bottom, then seasoning the chicken
and stand it up over the center tube. Place pan on a cookie sheet to catch the drippings.
Some Bundt Pan resources:
Cuisinart Chef's Classic Nonstick Bakeware 9-1/2-Inch Fluted Cake Pan
Nordic Ware 2 Piece Non-stick Formed Bundt Pan Set 6 Cup & 12 Cup Capacity
Nordic Ware Platinum Collection Original Bundt Pan
Nordic Ware Pro Form 6 Cup Bundt Pan
Bundt Classics Cookbook
Bundt Cake Bliss: Delicious Desserts from Midwest Kitchens
Cake Keeper Cakes: 100 Simple Recipes for Extraordinary Bundt Cakes, Pound Cakes, Snacking Cakes and Other Good-To-The-Last-Crumb Treats
Nordic Ware Bundt Cookbook - Soft Cover
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