Sunday, May 4, 2014

10 Ways to Slash your Grocery Bill



 
 
10 WAYS TO SLASH YOUR GROCERY BILL

1. Plan all your meals for the month.
     By doing this, you'll know exactly what to shop for each month, for the whole month. Your shopping list will get easier and more precise.

2. Get a good sized freezer.
     Any freezer space is good to begin with. Many things that you want to last longer, especially leftovers, you're going to need an extra freezer.

3. Cook one large meal and freeze portions.
     This is a good one. If you plan your meals then you know you'll eat certain dinners 3-5 times a month or so. You might as well make it all at once. That way you can freeze the extra dinners for later on in the month. It's easy for someone else to 'make dinner'.

4. Buy in bulk.
     Buy planning your meals, you'll know exactly how much of each item you'll use, down to the amount per or pounds each, and then can buy those in bulk. Freeze, or cook and freeze portions for later use.

5. More whole food, less packaged 'food.
     If you think about it, any food that is packaged has been cooked/baked/prepared somewhere else. You can do it at home, and it will be much healthier and cheaper. More food made from fresh fruit, vegetables, rice, nuts, seeds and beans are going to be better for you. Cheaper. Less chemicals and processed organisms. Better for your brain and body.

6. Learn how to Can.
     This is the process of cooking food, or preserving fresh produce without having a freezer. Putting the finished product in jars, that is sitting in large pots of boiling water, and putting lids on properly will preserve the food in an airtight container while sitting for a long time at room temperature.

7. Juice it yourself.
     Buying fresh produce and juicing it yourself is cheaper than buying juice, and it's less sugar. Stop buying mostly water anyway. You can also make Soy, Rice or Almond milk with a large juicer. The pulp or 'meat' of the fruit can be added to many dishes and breads. The remainder can be added to compost and recycled into the ground in your new garden.

8. Organize multi-family potlucks.
     Or have arranged dinners once a week at someone else's house. If you do this with a few families, then at least 1-2 times a week you don't have to cook dinner. You have the pleasure of other's company, and it's easier on the wallet for everyone. Instead of cooking the food, trade excess of products with others.

9. Cook more.
     This is simple. Whether you spend money eating out, or your buying prepared food such as frozen dinners, boxed meals, or canned soups you will save money by again, buying more whole food and less packaged.

10. Grow your own.
     Simple enough. You can hang planters off a wall or fence, have small buckets on the back porch, or even a full area in the ground. Automatic drip systems are worth the time and money. It saves water and also assures that your food doesn't go bad. Check on them as often as you remember. Make sure no bugs are getting into the area. Dawn dish soap mixed with some water in a spray bottle is a perfect harmless pesticide.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

The Top Ten things I want for Mother's Day

TOP TEN THINGS I WANT FOR MOTHERS DAY


Mother's Day is almost here, and for all you ladies, I know you're thinking the same thing.


1. I want coffee as soon as I wake up. Get up early, make it, have it ready, keep it hot and fresh and make it the way I like it. As soon as I open my eyes and sit up, hand it to me. You might have to stand there a while, silently breathing, keeping the coffee hot and fresh somehow.


2. The kind of breakfast you would make if it meant life or death.. I want the whole shebang. I'll stay in bed waiting patiently, and don't forget to refill my coffee.


3. I'm still confused about the whole kid thing on Mother's Day. Is it about me, or them? Do I take them somewhere fun, or are they to not be heard all day? Is there a camp they're supposed to go to?


4. The house cleaned, and not just half assed, I mean do it all. Don't leave anything for me the next day.


5. I want to watch whatever shows or movies I want. I'm going to play whatever music I want to as well, and you're gonna like it. I shall dance and you shall like it!


6. No, I'm not wiping anyone's butt today.


7. I hereby absolve myself of answering any questions today whatsoever.


8. For dinner? Reservations!


9. A nice long, hot, uninterrupted bath, while the kids get put magically to bed, and everything is quiet and peaceful.


10. Wreck it.