One of the most expensive items that you will purchase for your family is that of the protein variety. However, here is a sure fire way to save on the most needed staple!
1. Check the front and back pages of most supermarket circulars, that is where most chain stores advertise their weekly meat savings. Do you use a lot of chicken breast and they happen to be a steal? Buy them and freeze the extra, just make sure to mark the date on the package so you know when they need to be used by. You aren't going to save much if you waste much!
2. Always talk with the butcher or meat-case manager, they may be able to make deals on bulk purchases that are not on sale. It is also wise to check the fresh meat counter vs what is already pre-packaged, you may find a better deal at the counter! You may also get alerted to upcoming sales from the sales staff...if they know you and what you typically buy, they'll be more eager to tell.
3. Look for package deals! Many stores are selling meat packs for $20 or less that include: chicken, ground round or chuck, bacon or sausage and some type of roast. Even if you don't see any in the display case, ask! The last time we purchased one, we ended up saving well over $5.
4, Stretch! Use less meat and add more veggies and grains to keep you full. Make fajitas, stir fry, pasta toss, etc. Just use your imagination!
5. Remember that meat is not the only source of protein. Nuts and beans can certainly make great additions to salads and soups to give you your needed protein and a meal without meat. For a family of four, take a head of lettuce and core and chop into 4 large wedges. Cut one granny smith apple into julienned strips and divide. Add 1 oz of pecan and drizzle with your favorite dressing. Oh so good and makes your tummy happy.
Hope that these tips help. Happy Meating :)
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Gourmet Girl...on a Budget!
My big plans for 2010 include more inventive cooking, organizing and getting back to my scrap booking. While I am getting back into the swing of things, I want to be more resourceful and budget-friendly! Being married to a resourceful man that also moonlights as an awesome cook, I think that I am in luck :) I've been working on recipes that utilize fresh ingredients as well as items that I can buy/cook in bulk to use later on down the road. I think that this is also a great time to start sharing meal times with our families. It usually only costs pennies more to include one of our families in our meal, so why not? So, I have decided to talk about my journey and include gourmet budget and time saving tips! Today, I have decided to talk about my grocery store tips that will save you time and money!
HOW TO SURVIVE...GROCERY STORE EDITION
1. Keep a layout or an aisle listing of your favorite or most frequented stores. This will help you write a grocery list in the order of how you travel the store. In some cases, larger stores will have maps on their website or at the customer service desk, so go ahead and check it out. If not, make a list of your own the next time you visit. It may help you from running back and forth!
2. We all need the staples from the inner aisles of the store, but fresh produce, meat and dairy are almost always around the perimeter. Try only going down the aisles that house products that you absolutely need and you are bound to save a few dollars.
3. Check the circulars for your area and see if your favorite store does a price match on items that you use frequently. It is also best to do a quick check of their price match policy. Some stores only offer price match on items that say the actual price, not buy one get one or 2 for a certain price. Some also require that you have the circular or sale bill in hand, so make sure to take it. I place post-its for each item on the front of the ad and hand them the little note. If they need the ad, I have it, but they don't have to flip around that big circular! Trust me, the cashier will be happy if you are organized.
4. Coupons and store savings clubs are also great ways to save. Most stores are now accepting online coupons, but it is best to check their policy. I check a variety of websites, such as those of my favorite stores, redplum and other coupon sites. The Sunday paper offers coupons, but most of them are becoming few and far between. Some in store savings clubs also print coupons at the register for items that you normally purchase, which can be very helpful for future trips. Get a coupon at one store but want to use it at another? Ask the store if it can be counted as a price match. If they are eager to get your business, they will more than likely oblige. If you are swapping coupons, make sure you belong to a legitimate group or know those that you are trading with...many people print out coupons or copy them and try to sell them on auction sites at a decent price. With a bit of work, you can save on your own, with no up front costs.
Just keep a few tips in mind and you are sure to save. Keep track of your grocery expenses and see how they shrink! Happy shopping!
HOW TO SURVIVE...GROCERY STORE EDITION
1. Keep a layout or an aisle listing of your favorite or most frequented stores. This will help you write a grocery list in the order of how you travel the store. In some cases, larger stores will have maps on their website or at the customer service desk, so go ahead and check it out. If not, make a list of your own the next time you visit. It may help you from running back and forth!
2. We all need the staples from the inner aisles of the store, but fresh produce, meat and dairy are almost always around the perimeter. Try only going down the aisles that house products that you absolutely need and you are bound to save a few dollars.
3. Check the circulars for your area and see if your favorite store does a price match on items that you use frequently. It is also best to do a quick check of their price match policy. Some stores only offer price match on items that say the actual price, not buy one get one or 2 for a certain price. Some also require that you have the circular or sale bill in hand, so make sure to take it. I place post-its for each item on the front of the ad and hand them the little note. If they need the ad, I have it, but they don't have to flip around that big circular! Trust me, the cashier will be happy if you are organized.
4. Coupons and store savings clubs are also great ways to save. Most stores are now accepting online coupons, but it is best to check their policy. I check a variety of websites, such as those of my favorite stores, redplum and other coupon sites. The Sunday paper offers coupons, but most of them are becoming few and far between. Some in store savings clubs also print coupons at the register for items that you normally purchase, which can be very helpful for future trips. Get a coupon at one store but want to use it at another? Ask the store if it can be counted as a price match. If they are eager to get your business, they will more than likely oblige. If you are swapping coupons, make sure you belong to a legitimate group or know those that you are trading with...many people print out coupons or copy them and try to sell them on auction sites at a decent price. With a bit of work, you can save on your own, with no up front costs.
Just keep a few tips in mind and you are sure to save. Keep track of your grocery expenses and see how they shrink! Happy shopping!
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
I want snow!!
I am anxiously awaiting the first major snowfall of winter, but it looks like that may not come anytime soon :( The temperatures are nice and frosty, so why not let us enjoy the sights of winter as well? I guess good things come to those that wait, so I better just wait! But you all know me, and being patient isn't always my strong suit!
This year will be the first Christmas that my dear friend Tracy will not be here to share with us. She recently moved North and we certainly will miss her cheer. I could go on for hours about our wacky holiday memories...driving in circles in Indianapolis, making crazy gingerbread houses, on and on! However, this will also be the first year that my Great-Grandma will be involved of all of the holiday cheer since she is now residing with my parents. Nothing says lovin' like a Christmas morning in our household :) My brother won't be here until after Christmas, so I think we certainly have first dibs on all of his gifts, ha ha. Just kidding!
I need to finish up a couple of cheesecakes before next week and then I am going to do a mad dash to start/finish my fudge and cookies. We are having lots of get togethers after Christmas, so it will allow me some wiggle room to catch up. My sweet husband already gave me my KitchenAid Mixer (yay), so there is no excuse for the lack of yummy baked goods :)
Well, I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas spirit and gearing up for a beautiful New Year. God Bless!
This year will be the first Christmas that my dear friend Tracy will not be here to share with us. She recently moved North and we certainly will miss her cheer. I could go on for hours about our wacky holiday memories...driving in circles in Indianapolis, making crazy gingerbread houses, on and on! However, this will also be the first year that my Great-Grandma will be involved of all of the holiday cheer since she is now residing with my parents. Nothing says lovin' like a Christmas morning in our household :) My brother won't be here until after Christmas, so I think we certainly have first dibs on all of his gifts, ha ha. Just kidding!
I need to finish up a couple of cheesecakes before next week and then I am going to do a mad dash to start/finish my fudge and cookies. We are having lots of get togethers after Christmas, so it will allow me some wiggle room to catch up. My sweet husband already gave me my KitchenAid Mixer (yay), so there is no excuse for the lack of yummy baked goods :)
Well, I hope you are all enjoying the Christmas spirit and gearing up for a beautiful New Year. God Bless!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Is ole' man winter losing his grip?
After days of frosty temperatures, we are receiving a sneak preview of springtime weather! 50 degrees, minimal wind and a sprinkle or two of rain! I certainly love the weather, but it is reeking complete havoc on my sinuses. I am in the mood for a decent snowfall and a fluffy white Christmas...it has been a few years since we've had the perfect yule tide weather :) Seeing snow on the ground makes me want to bake, sip hot cocoa and sing Christmas songs until I drive my family up the wall. I'm sure these mild temps will not last long and ole' man winter will make his triumphant return!
We did celebrate Christmas on Saturday with family at my great-grandma's annual party. She will be turning 90 this year and we'll continue our holiday cheer with a celebration of her birthday this weekend. I'm in charge of making the cake (along with the hubby), so I guess I better get all of my stuff together. Half chocolate, half vanilla with wedding cake icing...mmmm, I am making myself hungry. Maybe I should make her a little cake that she can eat all by herself, just like they do for little kids. Use your hands, stick your face in it, who cares?!? Grandma Great is super and 90 years is quite the accomplishment, so whahoooo!
Steven and I will be sharing our 5th Christmas together this year (where did the time go) and spending it in our new home :) I've already broke-in the kitchen with lots of party mix baking, thanks to my brother, and soon with fudge and cookies! I found a wonderful recipe for a chocolate mint fudge that looks fantastic and just is begging to be cooked and popped into my mouth ha ha. I'm also going to try to make some fiesta wedding cake cookies for my Dad. I also want to dip pretzels and oreos, but we'll see if I still have time :)
Well I hope that everyone is enjoying their Christmas time!! God Bless.
We did celebrate Christmas on Saturday with family at my great-grandma's annual party. She will be turning 90 this year and we'll continue our holiday cheer with a celebration of her birthday this weekend. I'm in charge of making the cake (along with the hubby), so I guess I better get all of my stuff together. Half chocolate, half vanilla with wedding cake icing...mmmm, I am making myself hungry. Maybe I should make her a little cake that she can eat all by herself, just like they do for little kids. Use your hands, stick your face in it, who cares?!? Grandma Great is super and 90 years is quite the accomplishment, so whahoooo!
Steven and I will be sharing our 5th Christmas together this year (where did the time go) and spending it in our new home :) I've already broke-in the kitchen with lots of party mix baking, thanks to my brother, and soon with fudge and cookies! I found a wonderful recipe for a chocolate mint fudge that looks fantastic and just is begging to be cooked and popped into my mouth ha ha. I'm also going to try to make some fiesta wedding cake cookies for my Dad. I also want to dip pretzels and oreos, but we'll see if I still have time :)
Well I hope that everyone is enjoying their Christmas time!! God Bless.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wow...am I a little behind or what?!?
Well, I am sorry that it has been months since I have been on here to blog. Life in general has been fairly hectic, but I sincerely need this outlet for talking and sharing. Well, here is a bit of a recap from the past couple of months!!
October: My dear friend, Nicole Davis, was married the first part of the month and I was honored to be the Matron of Honor. She chose to use several shades of pink and had a very nice day. I also was ill for several weeks and spent a lot of time resting and trying to not spread my cooties to the rest of the family! The rest of the month was used for working in the house and getting things ready for fall/winter.
November: More housework being completed! New windows, paint and a finished bathroom :) Steven and I hosted my mom's side of the family for Thanksgiving, but there were very few of us there due to work and sickness. I was very happy that my brother and his wife were able to join us and even attend Tina's big 5-0 party! We rounded out November with lots of holiday decorating and I am sure it will continue even until Christmas...I love to decorate and make each room as festive as possible.
December: Well, our first "large" snowfall happened today (Dec 7th) and we received about a whole half-inch!! It looks beautiful, but the roads are slick...US 27 is kind of like an ice skating rink. We also had an outdoor water valve break, so the side of my house looks like some scary ice cave...oh what a morning!
I hope that each and every one of you are having a very blessed holiday season. Remember that there is no Christmas without CHRIST!! God Bless!
October: My dear friend, Nicole Davis, was married the first part of the month and I was honored to be the Matron of Honor. She chose to use several shades of pink and had a very nice day. I also was ill for several weeks and spent a lot of time resting and trying to not spread my cooties to the rest of the family! The rest of the month was used for working in the house and getting things ready for fall/winter.
November: More housework being completed! New windows, paint and a finished bathroom :) Steven and I hosted my mom's side of the family for Thanksgiving, but there were very few of us there due to work and sickness. I was very happy that my brother and his wife were able to join us and even attend Tina's big 5-0 party! We rounded out November with lots of holiday decorating and I am sure it will continue even until Christmas...I love to decorate and make each room as festive as possible.
December: Well, our first "large" snowfall happened today (Dec 7th) and we received about a whole half-inch!! It looks beautiful, but the roads are slick...US 27 is kind of like an ice skating rink. We also had an outdoor water valve break, so the side of my house looks like some scary ice cave...oh what a morning!
I hope that each and every one of you are having a very blessed holiday season. Remember that there is no Christmas without CHRIST!! God Bless!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
S-U-C-C-E-S-S...that's the way we spell SUCCESS!!
After two rummage sales, my mom's Memory Walk team made more than double their goal...yay!! We had a lot of fun and several generous donors, so thank you to everyone that supported our cause! Our first Memory Walk is next Saturday at IU East in Richmond and will be lots of fun as always. I'll be on the campus Wednesday and Thursday to start getting things set up :)
Steven and I have also decided to set up a booth at the Winchester Mardi Gras from October 7th-10th and will be selling all kinds of sweet goodies and coffee! We're currently toying with the menu, but homemade NY style cheesecake is top on the list! We'll be selling it by the slice or you can reserve an entire cheesecake (yum). All profits are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association!
I hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy this beautiful weather and soaking in these last few days of summer!
Steven and I have also decided to set up a booth at the Winchester Mardi Gras from October 7th-10th and will be selling all kinds of sweet goodies and coffee! We're currently toying with the menu, but homemade NY style cheesecake is top on the list! We'll be selling it by the slice or you can reserve an entire cheesecake (yum). All profits are being donated to the Alzheimer's Association!
I hope everyone is getting a chance to enjoy this beautiful weather and soaking in these last few days of summer!
Monday, August 10, 2009
Remember When...Rummage and Bake Sale
On Labor Day weekend, my family will host a rummage and bake sale in order to raise funds for their respective Memory Walk teams!
Rummage Sale: All proceeds will be given to the Alzheimer's Association. We'll have a wide-variety of items (clothes, books, furnishings, etc...) thanks to the generosity of our friends and family!
Bake Sale: Mmmmmm wonderful homemade goodies that will be available for sale...again, all proceeds going to the association. Also, my husband will be selling his DELIGHTFUL New York style cheesecakes and they are worth every calorie! $20 per cheesecake and $10 from each will go to the association.
We are currently pinning down a location for this event and I will keep everyone updated! If you would like to make a donation, please email me at nicole.fields@alz.org.
Rummage Sale: All proceeds will be given to the Alzheimer's Association. We'll have a wide-variety of items (clothes, books, furnishings, etc...) thanks to the generosity of our friends and family!
Bake Sale: Mmmmmm wonderful homemade goodies that will be available for sale...again, all proceeds going to the association. Also, my husband will be selling his DELIGHTFUL New York style cheesecakes and they are worth every calorie! $20 per cheesecake and $10 from each will go to the association.
We are currently pinning down a location for this event and I will keep everyone updated! If you would like to make a donation, please email me at nicole.fields@alz.org.
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