32 Ways to Save

32 ways to save when Grocery Shopping


~ Trim your food bill by as much as 19 percent simply by shopping at a couple of different stores.

~Don't "crisis cook" : Shopping after work for the day's dinner gets expensive. Plan a weekly menu before shopping and watch your grocery bill shrink.

~Don't waste money on prepared foods. Instead, prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them, or double a recipe when cooking, and freeze the second for a hectic day coming up.

~Don't be fooled by familiar products, such as cereal, that have decreased package sizes while keeping prices constant, the food industry's latest response to rising costs.

~Take the farmer's market approach: Buy produce that's fresh, inexpensive and in season. With less middlemen involved, you get good buys and your family gets the freshest food.

~The highest markup items on the shelves are at about chest level. Reach up or kneel down to select the cheaper house or generic brands.

~A grocery store's main aisles, like the paths to milk and bread, are usually strewn with high-priced land mines. Avoiding those pricey areas will really help.

~Try to shop when you're alone. Those little helpers can quickly boost your bill.

~Shop early in the day. You get through the store faster with your list and spend less.

~Avoid shopping for food when you're hungry; you'll buy more.

~Don't grocery shop when you're tired, you'll buy more sweets, more high-carbohydrates. When you're angry you go for crunch food, the junk food.

~Buy on the markdowns and save as much as 20 percent.

~Read your newspaper's weekly food section for local grocery sales and menu ideas.

~Clip coupons. You'll also find coupons in women's and general-interest magazines. Only clip what you will use!

~Find coupon swap-boxes, generally found at (surprise!) supermarkets, but also at some public libraries.

~Take advantage of in-store coupon displays and the machines that spew them.

~Log on to your supermarket's online home page for coupons.

~Call the toll-free numbers on your favorite products' labels and tell the customer-service rep how much you enjoy them. Some reps will offer cents-off (or even free) coupons for the product itself.

~Nab a newsie. Does your newspaper vendor just dump the inserts in unsold papers at the end of the day? If so, would he mind tossing a few your way?

~Check out the wealth of national-brands coupon-offering services on the Web. They can save you money -- even the ones that charge nominal fees.

~Seek out supermarkets that will double -- some super stores even triple -- the face value of manufacturers' coupons.

~Try for triple plays. That's when you use a manufacturer's coupon and a store's own coupon.
~Some retailers guarantee that if the item doesn't ring up at the correct price, you get it for free or at a discount. Pay attention to the details.

~Avoid purchasing nongrocery items, such as painkillers, contact lens solution, etc., at a grocery store. You usually pay more.

~Always get a rain check if a sale item is gone.

~Know when your store marks down goods that expire, like meat and bread. The deal: Use them that night or freeze them.

~Check your store for a small section where they discount products that aren't as popular as the manufacturer had hoped. This area can be a gold mine for bargains.

~Shop with a calculator. That way, you can figure whether the unit price for a case lot is really cheaper than buying one of the same item.

~Request price matching. Find a store in your area that will honor all competitors' ads. You'll save money, time and gas.

~Beware of "discount store syndrome." Just because you're in a bargain store doesn't mean you're getting the best price on every item.

~Check your receipts. No matter how careful you or the store staff might be, mistakes happen.

~Always send in for the rebate on a purchase whether it's $2 or $50. It all adds up.

~Put your savings to work. Whether it's a trip, a car or a savings account, have some specific goals for the money you're not spending on food.

www.Bankrate.com

We won!!

We won!!

I think I have mentioned before, My Sister in Law works for Spring Hill Nursery. Spring Hill is working on a update project for their catalogs. Spring Hill offers Step by Step Gardens, which is all you need to make a pretty garden but the pictures are all illustrated in the catalog. They want to update the catalog by having pictures of actual planted gardens.

So they took entries from people who would be willing to participate. We won over several other entries. I am so excited!!

Spring Hill will do all the prep work, planting and even pruning and maintenance for the first two years while they take pictures of the planting and growing Gardens. So we get some pretty landscaping and our House will be in a Spring Hill Catalog.

How cool is that?!?!

If you would like more information on Spring Hill or the Step By Step Gardens, Please click the Spring Hill picture link in the sidebar to be taken to their site.

Zeke

Just wanted to let you all know that my Brother in Law's K-9 Partner Zeke was put to rest today.

Keep the Rosengarten's in your prayers during this difficult time.

Frugal Grocery Tip

Look down while shopping at the Grocery Store.

In many grocery stores the best bargains are closer to the floor.
The pricier items are often at eye level.

Product Review

                                 Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer SPF 15 1.7oz


Last week I noticed that I needed moisturizer for my face. I was also looking for a change in my makeup routine as I am getting ready to return to the work force. I wanted something quick, easy and lasting. That is when I came across this great product from Olay.

Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation

I love the 7 in 1 benefits and the touch of foundation is just the perfect amount. It evens out my skin tone without the mask-y look of foundation. I have noticed a general improvement in my skin since using the product too. Even Hubs noticed! He told me my skin looked pretty.

Here is more information on the Product:

Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer plus Touch of Foundation

Why is Total Effects plus Touch of Foundation right for you?For those looking to smooth away the appearance of wrinkles and uneven skin tone without looking too made-up.

Total Effects 7 Anti-Aging Therapies:
~Line Minimization: Reduces the appearance of fine wrinkles
~Nourishing Moisturization: For a radiant, healthy glow
~Subtle Lifting: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance
~Brightening: Improves skin surface dullness
~Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture
~Pore Refinement: Minimizes the appearance of pores
~Free Radical Defense: Helps prevent damage to skin's surface

The result?
Visibly younger-looking, even-toned skin you may not want to cover with makeup.

How does it work?
This daily facial moisturizer combines the benefits of 7 anti-aging therapies PLUS a touch of sheer foundation to delicately even out skin's tone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
Try it!! I hope you like it as much as I do!




Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-Aging UV Moisturizer SPF 15 1.7oz

What's for Dinner- Easy Shepherd's Pie

www.kraftfoods.com

Easy Shepherd's Pie

1 lb. ground beef
2 cups hot mashed potatoes
4 oz. (1/2 of 8-oz. pkg.) Cream Cheese, cubed
1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
1 cup beef gravy

Make It
PREHEAT oven to 375ºF. Brown meat in large skillet. Meanwhile, mix potatoes, cream cheese, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheese and the garlic until well blended.

DRAIN meat. Return to skillet; stir in vegetables and gravy. Spoon into 9-inch square baking dish; cover with potato mixture and remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheese.

BAKE 20 min. or until heated through.

Material Provision Priorities

When it comes to you and your families survival, some things are important to have.

Following is list of provisions in a Priority List:

Priority 1:
*Basic Food Plans for one year with recipes.
*Water Purifier. Water for 2 weeks. 14 gallons per person.


*Garden seeds for 1 season.


*Manual grain mill.


*Basic medical supplies and medicines.


*Minimal sanitation needs.


*Clothing to last a year.
* Bedding to keep you warm with out additional heat.

*Methods to cook and heat with fuel for one year.


*Basic Survival Library.

Priority 2:
*Portable Storage for minimal needs for 72 hours. Emergency Evacuation Kit.

Priority 3:
Storage and other items necessary for a more normal life style. equipment, tools, supplies including a self suffient homestead or survial retreat.

From: Crisis Preparedness Handbook by Jack A. Sparelli

What's for Dinner?- Prairie-Land Pot Roast

www.kraftfoods.com

Prairie-Land Pot Roast

Prep Time:20 min
Total Time:2 hr 40 min
Makes:8 servings

What You Need
1 boneless beef shoulder pot roast roast (2 lb.)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 bottle (8 oz.) CATALINA Dressing, divided
2 large onions, sliced
2 lb. Yukon gold or all-purpose potatoes, peeled, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 lb. carrots, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
water
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley

Make It
SEASON meat with salt and pepper. Brown in large heavy pot or Dutch oven on high heat in 1/4 cup dressing, turning to brown both sides. Add onions; cook until browned, stirring occasionally.

ADD remaining dressing, potatoes, carrots and enough water to come 3/4 the way up side of meat (about 1-1/2 to 2 cups). Bring to boil; cover. Simmer on low heat 2 hours or until meat and vegetables are tender.

REMOVE meat from pan; cut across the grain into thin slices. Serve meat and vegetables topped with pan gravy. Sprinkle with parsley.

How to Thicken Pan Gravy
If a thicker pan gravy is desired, mix 1/4 cup water with 2 to 3 Tbsp. flour. Remove meat and vegetables from pan to platter; cover to keep warm. Bring reserved liquid in pan to boil on medium-high heat. Gradually whisk in flour mixture; cook until thickened to desired consistency.

Brand Name vs. Generic: Part 3

Part 3 Brand vs. Generic

article by www.walletpop.com


Brand Name Baby Wipes
Brand: Huggies Natural Care Wipes
Price: $3.99
Size: 80 wipes
Review: Huggies Wipes are embossed with cutesy teddy bear shapes and are somewhat thicker than generic wipes. Unfortunately, they're also flimsier, and tear easily when you're taking them out of the dispenser, or when you're wiping enthusiastically.

Generic Baby Wipes
Brand: Safeway Mom to Mom
Price: $2.99 (or $5.99 for a three-pack)
Size: 80 wipes
Review: Mom to Mom wipes are textured with a simple dot pattern and, though they look flimsier than Huggies, are actually a lot sturdier; and seem to have a milder scent.
Verdict: In my side-by-side testing, I was able to use fewer Mom-to-Mom wipes to get the job done. They were easier to remove from the package and had a less pronounced scent. Since they are far cheaper and sturdier than Huggies, I'll only buy Mom-to-Mom in the future.

Brand Name Black Tea
Brand: Choice Organic Irish Breakfast Tea
Price: $3.89
Size: 16 tea bags/1.1 ounces total
Review: Choice tea is an excellent Irish Breakfast tea with a sharp but smooth flavor. The tea bags are usually good for a second steeping if you've brewed your first cup quickly.

Generic Black Tea
Brand: Trader Joe's Fair Trade Organic Black Tea
Price: $2.59
Size: 20 tea bags/1.4 ounces total
Review: Trader Joe's is very comparable to Choice brand; though it's slightly less richly flavored and, when brewed at the same time, took longer to reach desired strength.
Verdict: These teas are very close in flavor and Choice brand is significantly more expensive, but Trader Joe's tea bags are individually wrapped in plastic, meaning every box sends 20 plastic wrappers into the trash. The entire contents of the Choice brand box can be composted or recycled.

Brand Name Cranberry Cocktail
Brand: Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Price: $3.29
Size: 32 oz.
Review: Tastes just like the juice you've always known since you were a kid.

Generic Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Brand: Target's Market Pantry Cranberry Juice Cocktail
Price: $2.99
Size: 32 oz.
Review: A little more watered down and a little more sugary-tasting than the Ocean Spray.
Verdict: The taste wasn't that different, so for the money I saved, would actually go with the Target brand over Ocean Spray.

Brand Name Apricot Scrub
Price: $3.99
Size: 6 oz.
Review: The No. 1 Most Popular facial scrub on Drugstore.com, and an Allure Magazine beauty pick. I have been using this stuff for years, but I think they've recently changed the forumla. It now has a very unappealing scent, like an apricot gone bad. I still like how it scrubs my face, though.

Generic Apricot Scrub
Brand: CVS Brand Apricot Scrub
Price: $2.99
Size: 6 oz.
Review: A little less grainy than the St. Ives, but it has a much more appealing scent. It cleans my face pretty well.
Verdict: I would actually lean toward the CVS brand since it smells so much better. I might use St. Ives every once in a while because it scrubs harder but CVS might be my new go-to scrub.

Brand Name Cashews
Brand: Planters Whole Cashews
Price: $10.99
Size: 21 oz.
Review: Delicious, but salty, with a satisfying al dente crunch. Many in the can were in halves, not whole.

Generic Whole Cashews
Brand: Kirkland (Costco) Whole Fancy Cashews
Price: $12.99
Size: 40 oz.
Review: Nuts are very large, meaty and satisfying. Not too salty. Seemed very fresh.
Verdict: It's a close race, but I prefer the Kirkland nuts, especially for the price. They are bigger (almost none were in halves), meatier, and have a soft-yet-firm texture that makes them seem just out of the shell. My family favored the Planters, which are saltier, crunchier and, they argued, more flavorful.

Brand Name Dishwashing Detergent
Brand: Cascade
Price: $4.39
Size: 45 oz.
Review: Cascade really does seem to provide the extra "grease-fighting power" and "shine shield" that its label promises. Detergent is thick and smooth and easy to pour.

Generic Dishwashing Detergent
Brand: Kirkland (Costco) Liquid Gel
Price: $7.99
Size: Two 125 oz. bottles (250 oz)
Review: Cleans well, but gel can separate and be watery at first, then later get clumpy and harden around the top of bottle so it doesn't close properly.
Verdict: I'll keep buying Kirkland on price alone. Cascade seems to get the dishes a bit cleaner and the liquid has a better consistency, but Kirkland does the job too and is much cheaper.

Brand Name Paper Towels
Brand: Bounty Paper Towels
Price: $0.99 per roll
Size: 69 sheets
Review: The paper towels felt thick and fluffy. After spilling a little bit of water and laying a paper towel on the spill, it picked up most of it but water remained in some spots.

Generic Paper Towels
Brand: Wegmans Paper Towels
Price: $0.89 per roll
Size: 60 sheets
Review: The paper towels were not as soft as Bounty but had the exact same results.
Verdict: Since they are equally effective and the price works out to be almost the same, your choice basically comes down to whether you want floral print or plain.


Brand Name Orange Juice
Brand: Tropicana No Pulp
Price: $2.99
Size: 1/2 gallon
Review: Tasted like it was just squeezed, had a pleasing look, perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.


Generic Orange Juice
Brand: Wegmans No Pulp
Price: $2.59
Size: 1/2 gallon
Review: Tasted great, but slightly less sweet compared to Tropicana. The color was a little lighter, too.
Verdict: They both taste almost the same (neither are from concentrate), but the Tropicana OJ is just barely sweeter than the generic brand. If extra sweetness is worth 40 cents to you, go with the Tropicana, otherwise stick with the store brand.

If you have tried a Generic Brand after reading the article, Give us your review!

I want one.......

An idea whose time has come…….again

Mrs. Pegg’s HANDY LINE

The clothes line has been around since your great-grandmother's time. With the advent of the automatic clothes dryer, the clothes line slowly fell out of fashion. But the clothes dryer came with a price - it's hard on fabrics, shortening the life of your clothes.

Your clothes dryer consumes a lot of energy, like your air conditioner. At today's sky high energy prices, it can cost as much to operate your dryer as it cost to buy it.

Check out Mrs. Pegg’s HANDY LINE: http://www.mrspeggshandyline.com/

~Pre-assembled - simply take it out of the box and set up for use. No installation required.
~Available in two sizes large and small
~Lightweight - large line weighs only 5.9 Lbs, small 5.7 Lbs.
~Folds flat for storage and can be hung on the back of your closet door.
~Can be moved with a full load of washing.
~45 Lineal Ft of line space (large), 35 Lineal Ft (small).
~Large line holds 4 king size sheets (with 2 spare lines) and the small line holds 4 double sheets.
~Quick locking mechanism for fast and easy folding.
~Legs splay beyond top frame for extra stability.
~Leg caps for floor protection.
~Capable of handling heavy washloads and hangers.
~Quilts and blankets may be tented over the top of the HANDY LINE.
~Sweaters can be laid flat on top of line.
~Made from robust and non-corrosive materials - can be left outside permanently and will not rust. No maintenance required.
~Lower line level makes it easy for those who have difficulty reaching a conventional line.

This would be the perfect solution for hanging clothing to dry during the winter months when I can't hang them outside.

I want one.....................


Until then, I will use these: