Alright kids... its time for me to put the "frugal" into The Frugal Mom! We have covered lots of topics with some great tips. Well today I am bringing you some tips for something that effects us all... food! We all must buy groceries at some point in order to live, so why not have ways to make a necessary task a bit frugal? So here ya go!
Frugal Grocery Shopping Tips
BEFORE SHOPPING
Check your pantry to see what you already have. Don't spend money on things you don't need.
Plan your spending to avoid impulse buys.
Grow it or Make it yourself and save!
Make a price book, and frequently refer to it. For more information about price books, click here.
Prepare your menu for the week around what you already have, and what's on sale.
If your area has food co-ops, Join up! A food co-op can reduce your weekly food bill by as much as 50%.
Shop for items BEFORE you run out of them. If you run out of an item you'll have to pay whatever the store is charging that week.
Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.
Avoid trips to the "corner store".
Make a grocery list during the week. Take it with you when you shop. Stick to it.
If you go to the supermarket early in the morning (before 9am) you have a better chance of getting mark down items. Local stores in my area mark down fresh veggies and fruits, frozen items, milks, and meats.
Shop alone - this will save lots of money and frustration.
You have heard this before, but it is so true ... don't shop for groceries on an empty stomach.
Clean out your refrigerator, it will be much easier to put away groceries.
Due to volume discounts, larger stores are generally cheaper than smaller ones.
More often than not, the best sales are on the front and back of your supermarket flyer.
WHILE SHOPPING
Stick to what's on your shopping list.
Ask staff to help you rather than wasting time looking for items or better deals.
Meat is a good source of protein but it's expensive. Cheese, poultry, eggs, peanut butter, dried peas, beans, lentils, and some fish are less expensive and excellent sources of protein.
Buy whole chickens. If you want only breasts, save the dark quarters, freezing for later use. Buying breasts alone is very expensive.
Buy locally grown foods; they are fresher, more nutritious and ecologically smart.
Shop the sales! Take advantage of each store's loss leaders.
Most bargains are found on the higher and lower shelves. Most expensive brands are at eye level (to get your attention).
Watch for unadvertised specials.
Shop for items that you use regularly at all times. If you run out, you will have to pay whatever the supermarket may be charging when you need it.
Stockpile, Stockpile, Stockpile! If a product you use is on sale, buy as much as you can afford and store to last you until the next sale. This is a BIG money saver!
Wait if you can until the item is on sale. If you know your products and stores, you can have enough to last until the item is discounted again.
Use your freezer to stock up when there is a sale on frozen or dairy items, such as cheese, butter and milk.
Buy in bulk when the unit price is less. Larger sizes do not always mean lower prices.
Just because an item has the word "SALE" on it, doesn't mean you are getting it for a lower than normal price. Know your prices. This is one way that a price book can help you.
Use store specific savings cards.
Don't be afraid to try generic or store brands. Most stores will refund your money if you are not satisfied.
Pretty packaging costs you money. You are not only paying for the product, but for the packaging (and advertising) as well.
Buy and use in season veggies and fruit.
Always check the expiration date on dairy products.
Avoid anything disposable.
Convenience foods are more expensive, you are trading money for time. Slice, season, mix, and cook it yourself.
Always check the day old bread basket, and the reduced merchandise cart.
Always ask for a raincheck if an advertised special is out of stock. While you are waiting for the product to come back in, look for more coupons for that product.
AFTER SHOPPING
Always return a product that is spoiled.
Send off for rebates to get items free, or nearly free!
Learn the sales cycles of your favorite stores, and know when to expect certain items to go on sale.
Shop at bakery outlets. Breads and rolls freeze very well.
Remember that no particular store has the lowest price on all items.
Create a "shopping pool". Agree with family and friends to shop sales for each other.
Ok, I also want to let you all know that I put a few things on Etsy finally. Its pretty much the same things on my website, but the difference is that right now, I can put more things on Etsy than on my site. So I have added the link on the sidebar, or you can go to ReneeTheFrugalMom on Etsy.
So do you want to make something spectacular today? I want to show you a frugal recycling craft to make something I absolutely adore... roses! You can make these roses from denim scraps and attach them to bags or whatever you please! You can make a bouquet and use as decor in your home. Your imagination is the only limitation. So when you hem some jeans, or maybe have some you can't fit anymore... consider this craft!
Craft Idea of the Day: Denim Roses
Materials:
Length of Denim or Turned up Hem Cut off
Glue or Sewing thread
Directions:
This project uses the piece you cut off your jeans when turning them up. The width should be no less than 1 1/2 inch or you will not have anything to sew up at the back.
Start by taking one end of the length. And begin rolling it loosely into your hand, you will see as you go, that it begins to resemble a rose. You can make the layers more loose towards the end to portray an opening rose bloom.
Secure with craft glue at the back and pin until dry. Or hand sew the rose into place with small stitches.
I actually used hot glue which was super easy and popped a magnet onto the back.
You can use these roses for embellishing Hats, scarfs belts or pop them onto a pin for a brooch.
It's time to praise Presley! WOOHOO! Now many know that Elvis was in the army and that's what I want to talk about today. Who doesn't like a man in uniform? LOL! On March 24, Presley was inducted into the U.S. Army as a private at Fort Chaffee, near Fort Smith, Arkansas. Captain Arlie Metheny, the information officer, was unprepared for the media attention drawn by the singer's arrival. Hundreds of people descended on Presley as he stepped from the bus; photographers then accompanied him into the base. Presley announced that he was looking forward to his military stint, saying he did not want to be treated any differently from anyone else: "The Army can do anything it wants with me." Later, at Fort Hood, Texas, Lieutenant Colonel Marjorie Schulten gave the media carte blanche for one day, after which she declared Presley off-limits to the press.
Soon after Presley had commenced basic training at Fort Hood, he received a visit from Eddie Fadal, a businessman he had met when on tour in Texas. Fadal reported that Presley had become convinced his career was finished—"He firmly believed that." During a two-week leave in early June, Presley cut five sides in Nashville. He returned to training, but in early August his mother was diagnosed with hepatitis and her condition worsened. Presley was granted emergency leave to visit her, arriving in Memphis on August 12. Two days later, she died of heart failure, aged 46. Presley was devastated; their relationship had remained extremely close—even into his adulthood, they would use baby talk with each other and Presley would address her with pet names.
After training at Fort Hood, Presley joined the 3rd Armored Division in Friedberg, Germany, on October 1. Introduced to amphetamines by a sergeant while on maneuvers, he became "practically evangelical about their benefits"—not only for energy, but for "strength" and weight loss, as well—and many of his friends in the outfit joined him in indulging. The Army also introduced Presley to karate, which he studied seriously, later including it in his live performances. Fellow soldiers have attested to Presley's wish to be seen as an able, ordinary soldier, despite his fame, and to his generosity while in the service. He donated his Army pay to charity, purchased TV sets for the base, and bought an extra set of fatigues for everyone in his outfit.
I can only imagine that when Elvis got home, he was craving some down home southern favorite foods. Another one of the King's favorites was Pork Chops and Mashed potatoes. So how in the world do you "jazz that up" you ask? Let me show you! Fruit is a wonderful pairing with pork, so how about some Caramel Apple chops and some Mashed SWEET potatoes for supper? YUM!!!!
Caramel Apple Pork Chops
Ingredients
4 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops
1 teaspoon vegetable oil
2 tablespoons brown sugar
salt and pepper to taste
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tart apples - peeled, cored and sliced
3 tablespoons pecans (optional)
Directions
Preheat oven to 175 degrees F (80 degrees C). Place a medium dish in the oven to warm.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brush chops lightly with oil and place in hot pan. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, or until done. Transfer to the warm dish, and keep warm in the preheated oven.
In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, salt and pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg. Add butter to skillet, and stir in brown sugar mixture and apples. Cover and cook until apples are just tender. Remove apples with a slotted spoon and arrange on top of chops. Keep warm in the preheated oven.
Continue cooking sauce uncovered in skillet, until thickened slightly. Spoon sauce over apples and chops. Sprinkle with pecans.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Ingredients
6 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup maple syrup
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add potatoes and cook until tender, 20 to 30 minutes.
With an electric mixer on low, blend potatoes, slowly adding milk, about 1/2 a cup at a time. Use more or less to achieve desired texture. Add butter and maple syrup, to taste. Blend until smooth. Serve warm.
Ok everyone, thats it for today. Did you enjoy your visit? Are you hungry now? I hope so LOL. I also hope that you visit again tomorrow for more fun and excitement and that you remain safe in whatever you find yourself doing today! I'm outta here... HUGS!
Those foods look absolutely delicious. I will have to try them soon. Congrads on being on Etsy and good luck to you.
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