Food Storage

As the colder weather is now here in the northeast, we often think of spending more time indoors and travelling less as the weather may be treacherous in some areas of the country.  We long for warm meals, comfort foods, and often stock our pantry and freezer with items that can be kept for a long time.

That is why food safety is very important no matter the time of year, especially when many will be entertaining during the Christmas and New Year holidays.  No one wants the food to go bad.  Consuming spoiled food can lead to physical discomfort with a possible trip to the urgent care center.  Knowing how long it is safe to store foods his highly recommended.

In the last blog entry, the difference in "Use By," "Sell By," and "Best By Date" were explained.  It is also important to know how long to keep food in the fridge before it is considered unsafe or in the freezer before the taste would be compromised due to spoilage.

It all begins with selecting foods at the store or farmers market that are of the best quality, then safely transporting them home in a timely manner to not compromise their quality.  Before freezing meats, check that the packaging is properly sealed.  The shrink wrap may not maintain the "cling."  Placing the item in a freezer storage bag can extend the life.  Knowing how to store an item in the refrigerator - whether the item should be placed in the crisper bin or not washing until it will be used can cause it to spoil sooner than later if not cared for properly.

For example, did you know how to prevent moldy berries?  Before storing, prepare a mixture of one part white vinegar to ten parts water. Place the berries into the mixture and swirl around. Drain, rinse, if you want, (though the mixture is so diluted I find you can't taste the vinegar,) and pop in the fridge.

The vinegar kills any mold spores and other bacteria that might be on the surface of the fruit, and voila! Raspberries will last a week or more, and strawberries go almost two weeks without getting moldy and s and place in the fridge.  The vinegar kills mold spores and other bacteria, allowing the fruit to last a week or more without getting moldy.

The following web site will allow you to look up additional information on different types of foods, including how long they should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.  http://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/storagetimes.html

*** You may notice that I did not post an entry since October 1.  Due to a potential medical issue, I chose to take a short hiatus from writing this blog.  As I refocus my life on what is most important, I will be resuming the entries, but on a monthly basis.  Look forward to upcoming posts in 2013 about travel, birthday celebrations, and helping out a local charity. ***

Shelf Life - Expired or Not?

Have you ever pulled something out of the fridge or cabinet only to discover that the manufacturer's date stamped on it has passed?  While some products might be fine to use, others are definitely not.

I know that I have used a product beyond the date listed, but with caution.  At times it is safe but there is that little voice in the back of my head warning me to be careful.  Some items are obviously bad - smell, discolored, or texture once the date arrives, while other products might appear to be fine. Sometimes it's a judgement call.  I opt for the better safe than sorry whenever possible.

Check for the dates on your purchases when you shop.   The employees stocking the shelves should be rotating the items to place those with the upcoming dates at the front and the items they are just placing on the shelves at the rear.

With the date are the words such as Use By or Sell By.   What do these terms mean?   This blog entry is devoted to answering that quandary based upon 4 types of dates.

 

Let's begin with the one that is most stringent, the "Sell By Date."  If you are shopping in a store and see this date is passed, the product should NOT be purchased.   This is the last date the item should be on a store's shelf.   This is often seen on products that go bad quickly like milk, yogurt, fresh meat, and poultry.

 

The "Use By" is a date for which you should use the product for it's best quality.  Many of these items have preservative in them and a short shelf life.   It often appears on eggs, pretzels, bread, and baked goods.  This date may be a few weeks or a few months away.

 

Next in the hierarchy is the "Best By Date."  This is not the date to purchase the item by, abide by this date to be finished with the product for the best flavor and quality.  Some of these items may have preservatives in them, but their expiration date is months from their production date.  Products can include soda, cereal, salad dressings, and pasta.

The final category is used for items in jars and cans, an "Expiration Date."  The manufacturer stamps this date on their packaging and this date is normally the one that can be stored for the longest amount of time.  Items like pickles, tuna fish, vegetables, and spaghetti sauce have a long shelf life.  There are also similar expiration dates found on medications and cosmetics.

 

There are also other factors that can affect the items both before you purchase them and once you get them home.

• Store the item at the correct temperature.  Too much heat or cold may damage the item, as can humidity.  Set up your grocery store stop to be the last things you do before heading home.  Then select the proper storage location.
• Environmental factors like air and exposure to light may altered the product, particularly oils.  Look for special storage recommendations.
• Damaged packaging such as a dent in a can, a torn package, or a broken seal can compromise the integrity of the contents due to microorganisms.  Once opened an item needs to be repackaged in a plastic container or a new plastic bag.  Folding the bag over and using a clip may be fine for a day or two, but items like pretzels can go stale easily.

Here is the United States, there are few federal regulations for food safety.  To help protect the consumer, a few states have set up laws, but the manufacturer and retail stores are the ones who are the most responsible for maintaining safe food on the shelves.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a page that expands on the information in this blog at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/factsheets/Food_Product_Dating/index.asp.

 

More coupons sites and not paying for coupons

Have you ever paid for a coupon that you could get for free?  It is not recommended and was featured on Good Morning America during the weekend of July 15 about people in Arizona being arrested for producing and selling counterfeit coupons.

A quick search this weekend of “coupons” on Ebay had more than 71,000 results.  As I scrolled down, I saw many coupons from the Sunday coupon inserts, as well as other coupons that are free like the one I received recently from Kohl’s for a percentage off a purchase during a particular time period.  Although I found many valid coupons, but by the time you add the cost of the coupon (some were Buy It Now, others were part of an auction), shipping fees, and the amount of time necessary for the transaction to conclude, you could either be paying too much for the coupon or it could be expired.

There are also counterfeit coupons advertised on web sites like Ebay.  Just like counterfeit money, some are better reproductions than others.  If you are caught using a counterfeit coupon, you could be subject to arrest for fraud.  Contact authorities if someone asks you to sell or buy these coupons, as they are illegal.

My discussion here does not include legitimate coupons that you pay for, like the promotional booklets that schools and athletic associations sell as fund raisers.  These are coupons that are available for free, some by purchasing a product and mailing in your receipt or others that are available online.  For additional information, go to the Coupon Information Corporation at www.couponinformationcenter.com.  They have more tips and articles about couponing.

Some legitimate web sites where you can obtain coupons, sign up for freebies (many are sample size, but allow you to try a product), or even obtain codes for discounts (most to purchase items online) are:

     retailmenot.com – codes for web sites

     couponcabin.com

     couponnetwork.com

Remember, be careful of offers that seem “too good to be true.”   Be a friend and share this with your friends.

 

Some couponing mistakes and more ideas

There are so many things to remember when you start couponing.  You will learn through trial and error.  What one couponer does may not work for you, so adapt to your needs and organizational abilities.  There are also many ways to gather and organize coupons, but one of the biggest mistakes we all make is forgetting to use your coupons.

There are different systems for storing coupons, determine which way you want to keep yours.  It could be in a 3”x5” index card box; a 3-ring binder with sleeves used for baseball or postcards; an envelope; or some other method.  Some people like to set their coupons up based upon the layout of the grocery store they shop the most often.  I use a zippered coupon holder I purchased many years ago (possibly from Current) and divide my coupons into categories based upon 6 major categories (there are 6 sections):

•             Baking/Pasta/Condiments
•             Cleaning/Laundry/Paper Products
•             Health and Beauty/Pet Supplies
•             Breakfast/Snacks/Beverages
•             Misc. – this includes coupons for batteries, restaurants, and other
•             Dairy/Frozen/Meats

Each week, I cut coupons and place them in the appropriate section.  At least once a month I pull out the expired coupons (I have noticed the expiration date appears to come faster as many expire within a month).  As I review the sale ads and make my list, I pull the appropriate coupons and place an “*” on the right side of my shopping list.  I also list the sale price with initials for the store so that I can get a good deal.  For example my list might look like:

                       Ice cream  W 3.00  OD 2.99                                   *
                       Paper towels OD 1.19  R 1.09                                *
                       Yogurt R .33  W .39

After coupons that have expired I believe the second mistake we make is forgetting to take your coupons with you.  Why spend all the time to cut, organize, and create your lists if you do not use them?  In a way, this is a trick question.  At times, the coupon may not be the best deal.

Carefully look at the size and quantity on the coupon and determine if the deal using the coupon will save you money.  There are many store brand items that I purchase because we like them more than the name brand not only for the price, but for the quality.  Sometimes using a coupon because you have it is not a deal.  Coupon inserts are designed to appeal to the general population, not you specifically, which means that you won’t use all the coupons in each insert.  Yes, that $2 coupon off some random product is a great deal, but is it something you want and will use?  Don’t pay for something you don’t actually want, no matter the bargain.

Coupons can be found everywhere.  Not only are they delivered to your home in the Sunday newspaper (none on Labor Day weekend due to the holiday - here is the insert schedule for the year www.sundaycouponpreview.com/2012- sunday-coupon-insert-schedule); they come in your mailbox in the format of Valpak (also online at www.valpak.com/coupons/home) and publications like Clipper Magazine (also online at www.couponclipper.com); they can be found in some stores at their customer service desk or on their bulletin board; and are on the Internet including store web sites (Target - www.target.com/coupons); and sites specifically designed for coupon users.

Here are just a few sites I either use or have checked out:

•             coupons.com
•             shopathome.com 
•             couponmom.com

Please feel free to share unique places you have found coupons or your favorite place to get that deal.  In a few weeks, I will continue with more ideas on where to find coupons, including one key tip about coupons that are not free.

I did not get to write a blog entry for the middle of August.  I promise the second part of the coupon blog will be done for September.

Thanks to a friend Marilyn Motley, here is something that is FREE and is all around the country on Saturday, September 29, 2012.

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/museumday/

Type in your zip code and you will receive a map view.  Click on the orange pins and the museum name will appear.

Extreme Couponing

Have you ever watched the show, Extreme Couponing?  It is on the HGTV network, and shows people who spend lots of time clipping and organizing the coupons, then pouring over the sale ads to see who has the best sales on items that match their coupons.  Then they take friends or family with them in at least one vehicle, sometimes with a trailer or oversize van to stuff with all they purchase.

I have been disturbed by three major points with the premise of the show:

1.       How stores can allow stacking of coupons (using more than one coupon on the same item)?  I have checked local stores and none in my area allow this occurrence.

2.      Do these people eat meats and fresh produce?  Their shopping carts rarely have any of these foods in them since they do not have coupons for them.

3.      How can anyone ever make the space to store and in some cases, even use the massive quantities of items they redeem with coupons?  One episode had a college aged male getting free female hygiene items.  He had no idea what the product was for and had no one planned to give them to.

In the end, their goal is to spend as little money as possible on the stock pile after spending hours collecting these items in multiple carts.

Having a friend who works in the grocery industry; the thought of coupons makes those working in the grocery industry cringe.  They hate them because they create too much work, that they actually lose money because of all of the man hours they put into redeeming coupons.  But if they do not accept coupons, they lose customers – it’s a love hate relationship that they must accept.

Some points to know about me:

1.      I am a coupon clipper, only cutting ones for items our family will use.

2.      The stores where I shop do not allow stacking of coupons, so I do not stock pile large quantities of coupons.

3.      I do spend time each week reviewing the sale ads, whether from the newspaper or online.

4.      I purchase generic items when possible, with few exceptions.  If I try the generic option and do not like it, I am willing to spend the extra money on a name brand.

The quickest place to get coupons for food, health and beauty, and cleaning coupons is the Sunday newspaper.  Yes, you pay for the Sunday newspaper, but this is just one of the many features of the newspaper.  Major coupon inserts from the Sunday newspapers include:

¨      Redplum – coupons are also available at Redplum.com

¨      Smartsource – coupons area also available at Smartsource.com        

¨      Proctor and Gamble - pgeveryday.com –web site only shows you what coupons will be in newspaper and in which ones by entering your zip code, however, they offer quarterly free samples of items such as shampoo

After you cut the coupons you plan to use, share the coupon inserts with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers.  If someone has a cat and you do not, offer them those coupons.  Our church recently began a coupon pantry, where someone cuts the coupons and places them in two small labeled plastic mini filing drawers.

In my next installment, I will continue the topic of coupons with more options on where to locate coupons.

Saving by Gardening

Thank you for all who encourage me in my writing of this blog.  I have enjoyed sharing ideas on ways to live a thrifty lifestyle.  Not all deal with saving money, as some may save you time which can equally be important.

To those who have left private messages on Facebook, I would appreciate you leaving your input here in the comment area so that others can also see it.  That is another part of my intention of this blog, for my followers to share ideas with each other.  The topic of this blog will allow you to do just that – share a recipe.  Read on …

It is a wonderful time of the year, as the abundance of summer produce is available, possibly from your own garden or at local produce stands and farmers markets.  My garden is starting to produce wonderfully fresh items including different varieties of lettuce, tomatoes, green beans, zucchini, and fresh herbs.  We like to eat healthy, and knowing that we can grow our own vegetables and herbs makes it easier.

If you haven’t started a garden, plan one for next year if space allows.  Otherwise, stop by farm markets or produce stands.  Not only will you be supporting a local home business, but you will be purchasing foods grown near where you live that are fresh.

Many people blanch and freeze corn on the cob or can produce like green beans.  Personally, I have never tried either of these methods, but have frozen other produce both in raw and in a processed form.

Before doing so, follow safety tips to make sure the food will be safe to eat.  Libraries are a great place to be educated and locate recipes.  There are also many good web sites with proper safety preparation information and recipes.  Personally, I like http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/food-preservation.

A few summers ago, the overabundance of tomatoes and jalapeno peppers gave me the idea to make my own salsa, which freezes well.  After defrosting it, all I have to do is drain off some of the liquid and it tastes great.

Never having grown zucchini, a few years ago I had no idea that 4 plants would produce more than we could eat.  I gave many of them away and sought out recipes using it.  Did you know it could be used in baking with chocolate – YUM!

Now it’s your turn to share.  Please post one of your favorite recipes using locally grown summer produce.  I’ll start with one I discovered last year using zucchini and I added carrots to,  If shredded enough you might be able to get your children to eat their vegetables without knowing it!

---------------

Carrot and Zucchini Meatloaf

Meatloaf

2 eggs, slightly beaten

1 cup either chopped or shredded carrot

2 cups shredded zucchini (1 large or 2 small)

1/3 cup plain bread crumbs

1/3 cup chopped onion

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 1/2 lb lean ground beef

Topping
    1 tablespoon packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons ketchup

1/2 teaspoon yellow mustard

·         Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, mix all meat loaf ingredients until well blended.

·         Press mixture into an ungreased 9 1/2-inch deep-dish glass pie plate. Bake 35 minutes.

·         Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix all topping ingredients.

·         Remove meat loaf from oven; pour off drippings. Spread topping over loaf. Return to oven; bake 10 to 15 minutes longer or until thoroughly cooked in center and meat thermometer reads 160°F. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Photographic Memories

Memories are made, time marches on, and things change.  We look back and wonder where the first six months of 2012 have gone.  As we reminisce, we may also wonder how other years have passed so quickly.

Our lives are constantly changing.  Before you know it, you have graduated from high school or college.  Your children are grown, and you are a grandparent.  Maybe you are in a different point in your life and you are downsizing, moving from the home where you raised your family to a smaller, easier to manage residence.

More now than years go, we document our lives in photo.  So what have you done with your photos and other memories?

Before my parents downsized a few years ago, I had begun to gather and organize their photos and other printed memories such as marriage invitations, school graduation programs, and funeral memorial cards.  As they moved, these items seemed to multiple.  I located more in their collection that had been packed away, plus some appeared that previously belonged to both of my grandmothers.  Now the decision arose, what to do with all of these precious memories.

This began an ongoing project, where I am dividing and labeling these items.  When on sale, I went to either A.C. Moore or Michaels and purchased memory boxes in two sizes.  The 12”x12” boxes are great for oversized photos and for items like school graduation programs.  The smaller boxes can hold up to 1000 photos and come with divider cards.

Setting up three different families of boxes (different colors), I am currently pouring over thousand of photos, attempting to label a dozen or two a day.  One set of boxes is for my father’s families, another set for my mother’s, and a set for my parents life together that includes my siblings, and our families.

Since some of the photos were still in the developing envelope, I was able to easily decipher what year they were taken.  Others were not as easily identifiable.  My parents have been able to assist me with some, but there are others that could be relatives who passed long ago or they may have been family friends.  For those that neither my parents nor I could not identify, I scanned and emailed some of the photos to relatives who I knew might be able to assist me in this project.  For some I was able to gain knowledge, others remain as unknown.

After identifying who was in a picture and listing the year and in some instances only the decade, I placed them in the boxes using both the divider cards and also index cards (since there are never enough dividers) standing on end with the year listed.

What I learned from this entire project are some words of wisdom I wish to pass along to anyone who gives photos as memories.

1.      Start labeling your photos now while it’s hot outside – this is an activity that will allow you to sit and keep cool.  Also, the longer you put it off, the more memories that will be created and even forgotten as we age.  I have scanned and backed up many of these memories that I know are irreplaceable like the only know photos of some relatives.

2.      Use a storage method that is also safe for the memories.  A shoebox is a good temporary storage method, but not as safe for long time storage as are the photo memory boxes which are created to be acid free.

3.      Gather these memories in one place.  You may be surprised of what is found in drawers, basements, and attics.  Memories may be damaged due to extreme temperature changes, light, mold, and other environmental factors.

4.      Using a photo safe labeling pencil or pen, identify on the back of your photo the who, what, where, when, and why of the picture.  Do not use a ball point pen, nor write on the front of the photo, nor attach a label as even permanent ones lose their “stickiness” many years later and fall off the photo.

5.      If you give photo Christmas cards; consider putting the year and names on it in the order that the people are standing.

6.      Consider assisting your parents or older relatives in doing this type of a project, because one day you may be the individual who inherits the family treasurers.

As someone who has loved genealogy and putting together the pieces of my family tree, I have come across photos that I never knew existed of relatives who I never met because they passed before I was born.  These organized and labeled treasurers along with my printed family history are a legacy that I can pass down to my niece and nephews.

Photo Developing

There are many web sites where you can preserve your memories in digital format.  You can have your photos printed at many locations both at a store or online.  Some of the places to consider are:  warehouse stores (BJs, Sams Club, and Costco); drug stores (CVS, Rite-Aid, and Walgrens); department/chain stores (Boscovs, Wal-Mart, and K-Mart); and with locations that are only online (Shutterfly, Snapfish, and Kodak Gallery).  Some allow you to upload your photos and have the order print out at their location, while others allow you the option of having the finished product delivered to your home.

Other than cost, here are some things to consider when ordering photos through an online website:

Size – what do they offer - wallet, 4x6, 5x7, or another size?  Do they offer any package deals?

Finish - matte or glossy?

Processing - color, black and white, or special toning like sepia?

Paper – Kodak, Fujicolor, or another?

Enhancement - does their site allow for editing such as cropping, adjusting red eye, etc.?

Shipping and Handling - what fees are charged and what service is used to ship to your home or to their location?

Taxes - will you pay tax for in store or mail delivery?

Fees - are there any hidden or membership fees?

Time - how long will it take to produce and receive them?

Upload photos - individually or in a cluster?

Packaging - are the pictures mailed in a sturdy package?

Photo storage - cellulose acetate (negative), photo CD, or print containing all photos?  Will they maintain your photo library on their site?

Return policy - how do they handle photos that do not print correctly?

Photo gifts - can you order a mug, calendar, or other specialty item with your photo(s) on it?

Scrapbook pages – can you order photo pages in 7x7, 8x8, 12x12, or anther special size?

No matter what you chose to do with your photo memories - always, always, back up your photos to another location such as an eternal hard drive or to an online photo storage location.  It's a tragedy when your precious memories are lost.

Seek out special offers and sales for photos you do not need to have your photos developed immediately.  Be nice, and share your finds with your family and friends.

Where do you have your photos developed?  Recommendations are always appreciated by your fellow readers because you may know of a place where we can all save money.  Now say Cheese and take some pictures this weekend!

Photographs - Saving our Memories

As summer looms, many people will be attending graduations, weddings, cookouts, pool parties, and taking trips to the beach and mountains.  Don’t forget your camera so you can take digital photos.

This is a two part blog to help prepare you for photo opportunities.  Here are some tips:

1.      Remember to check your camera and accessories (tripod, filters, etc.) for working condition.  Have them serviced if necessary.

2.      Have two sets of fresh batteries – one as a back-up set.  Rechargeable batteries can be useful.

3.      Will your memory card hold enough photos?

4.      Think of taking different shots of the same scene.  Include family members in some of your shots, and make sure to put yourself in some.  Remember to take some close ups too.

5.      Is anyone else in your party taking pictures?  Coordinate with them to get different angles and to be in different places at the same time so that special events can be captured and shared.

6.      Back your photos up.  If something happens to the camera, you will have a way to recover them.  This can be done on your computer, an external hard drive, or on a web site that allows you to store your photos.

7.      Think about ways to use your photos as gifts.  Photos can be turned into mouse pads, coffee mugs, calendars, and scrapbooks.

8.      Is time a necessity in getting your photos produced?  This could be one determining factor in deciding where to get them printed.  There are many online locations where you can upload them and either have them mailed to your home or pick them up.  (More on this topic in the next blog in the middle of June.)

Remember to have fun and enjoy your summer while preserving your memories.

Unclaimed Property

Unclaimed Property

You may have heard that each state has a depository where unclaimed property is reported by banks, insurance companies, and other entities.  It is worth a few minutes of your time to look for yourself and relatives. This money is legally owned by someone and it just could be you.

While doing the search just in my state, I found two direct relatives and several distant relatives listed as having unclaimed property.  I also located someone who is deceased, to whom I notified their one and only legal heir.

To be sure you have the correct web site, either go to your state’s Treasury Department or to http://www.unclaimed.org.  This unclaimed money or property legally belongs to someone who “forgot” about it.  The entity who held it must be law make attempts to locate the rightful owner in the state of their last known residence.  At some point, it is turned over to their state’s Treasury Department.

Per the web site listed above comes their definition:

“What is unclaimed property?

Unclaimed property (sometimes referred to as abandoned) refers to accounts in financial institutions and companies that have had no activity generated or contact with the owner for one year or a longer period. Common forms of unclaimed property include savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed dividends or payroll checks, refunds, traveler's checks, trust distributions, unredeemed money orders or gift certificates (in some states), insurance payments or refunds and life insurance policies, annuities, certificates of deposit, customer overpayments, utility security deposits, mineral royalty payments, and contents of safe deposit boxes.”

In Pennsylvania, there is a form that must be completed with proof of who you are (copy of your driver’s license).  A notary’s stamp may also be required to assist in verifying that you are the individual you claim to be via the paperwork.  By also registering an email address in Pennsylvania, you can track the status of your claim for the property once the claim form is submitted.

If you have gone to a web site that lists unclaimed property but charges a fee or asks for a credit card, DO NOT follow through with their process, as it may be a scam.  Make sure you are on the official state site for each and every state in which you have resided.  Why pay someone else when you can do it for yourself.  Their finder's fee could take a nice chunk of your claim if the property is monetary.  However, if unclaimed property is items such as jewelry, you could be putting out money to receive your property.

Who knows what you may find with just a few minutes of your time, and check at least once a year since unclaimed items are turned in all the time.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Here in Pennsylvania, we have had a very mild winter and spring, which has encouraged many people to start planting their gardens early this year.  When I took stock, I noticed that most of my herbs from last year survived.  Even a few of the annuals in my containers lived.  That is very unusual, as a good frost normally kills plants that are not hardy here in the northeast.

There are ways to save money while beautifying your flower and vegetable gardens.  Some of my best tips on saving money include:

1.      Before purchasing any plant, you should know in which zone you reside as many plants will not thrive nor survive in certain zones.  The web site I recommend is from the US Department of Agriculture, a very reliable source.  By entering your zip code you can learn number and letter combination for the zone in which you dwell.  Check it out at:  http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb

2.      Doing your research is important in planning your garden.  Check out books at the library, talk to the experts at garden centers, and use the Internet.  Most plants will have a tag indicating if the plant is an annual (one year) or a perennial (repeated years), how many hours of sun it requires, how to plant it in regards to depth and space, any other special details.

3.      Because some plants and vegetables come in quantities of more than one, consider the option of sharing them with someone.  By splitting the cost, you can receive some of each plant, and not be overwhelmed with too many of the one plant.  You can do the same with swapping plants that multiple and can be either divided or produce offshoots like Hosta and Forsythia.  Share with your family and friends.  Also, check your newspaper for groups who offer swaps where you bring your extra plants and go home with some new varieties.

4.      Starting plants from seed is another option.  Start them now as the number of days to maturity on certain plants may take the date into mid to late July before you can truly enjoy some vegetables!  Building a cold frame using some lumber and an old glass window with hinges, purchase a seed starter kit, or as I did, saving the plastic 4-packs from other plants and placing them inside near a window and watering them.  My lettuce and green beans are started.  I will also be planting a second batch in a few weeks to stagger my crop to keep receiving its produce.

5.      Create your own flower container combinations.  Why spend $15 to $20 on a hanging basket?  Instead of purchasing a pre-made basket at a garden center, I create my own combinations based upon what I find on the Internet and use baskets and containers in my collection.  On the Internet, there are many great sites for you to view to become familiar with what is available in our zone and get an idea of prices, growing conditions, and colors available.  My favorite site is the Proven Winners web site because they have combinations showing a photograph and a scheme of where to plant the flowers in the pot.  Check it out at www.provenwinners.com/container-gardening/container-recipes/search.  Although my baskets are smaller in diameter than they recommend, I adapt their combinations to fit, and sometimes even change the colors they recommend.  Their products are also available in my local area.  I have also found that the local businesses where I shop (many are roadside stands and small Mennonite run greenhouses) will take back the empty pots I purchased from them.

6.      Once everything is planted, remember to tend to your plants, knowing when to water, weed, and fertilize to get the best results.  One product to help reduce the need to water is Soil Moist.  It is a product that allows you to water less because the soil stays moist.  It is similar to the granules in a baby diaper that absorb the moisture.

I am very anxious to begin enjoying the fruits of my labor, eating homegrown produce - tomatoes, colored bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, green beans, cucumbers, lettuce, and herbs!  Yum!  Not only will I know where and how my produce was grown, but I will be cutting my grocery bill and if there is abundance, I will be sharing with family and friends.

In the next week, I anticipate finishing my planting and mulching.  So what are you looking forward to in your garden this year?

Environmental Ways to Save

While saving money is very important in today’s economy, so is doing good things for our environment.  There are many things you can do to help Mother Earth while saving money.  With Earth Day on April 22, this entry is dedicated to a few ways to help our ecosystem while doing your part to recycle, reuse, and reduce.

Most trash bills include the fees for recycling (newspaper, glass, plastic, and tin/steel cans).  Locally, we can recycle household batteries in an orange bag.  But have you used rechargeable batteries?  Our flashlights and camera use either AA or AAA batteries, so we have switched.  If you drink soda, have you thought about saving the aluminum cans and cashing them in?  Check for local recycling centers that will pay you for metals.

Composting can be a great way to enrich your soil.  By taking items such as fruit and vegetable scraps, leaves, and shredded paper, you can create a great fertilizer to amend your garden soil.  We add cooking water from pasta or vegetables or even leave the lid off when it rains to keep it moist.  Building your own composting bin or purchasing one gives you options for where to place it.  We attended a seminar at our township building a few years ago and received our composting bin for FREE!

Watering your garden and lawn, is a major use of water consumption during the summer.  A rain barrel hooked up to your downspout is a great way to collect and store water.  Making your own barrel is much less expensive than purchasing a ready-made one if you are into saving money and creating one from a large 55-gallon drum.  Unlike water from your tap, the collected water contains no chemicals like chlorine, lime, or calcium and can save you money if your water supply comes from a municipal water authority.

Inside your home, there are many things you can do to conserve resources and save money.  Try turning off the electricity in a room when no one is in it.  Appliances are a major source of electric usage, some even using electricity when not in use.  Unplug ones that do not need to be plugged into their power source and turn off power strips when not in use.

Only wash clothing or run your dishwasher when you have a full load.  Turn off the water while brushing your teeth.  Adjusting the thermostat a degree or two can cut you heating and cooling costs.  Keep your curtains closed to keep the heat in during the winter, and the sun out in the summer.

Be a conscientious shopper.  Buy recycled products and items made of recycled materials.  There is a brand of toilet paper that now comes without the cardboard tube.  Many products come in excessive packaging, so look for those that are at least made of recyclable materials and/or can be recycled once you are done with the item.  Even using recyclable grocery bags are a way to reduce the use of plastic shopping bags.  Some stores even pay you for using a cloth bag.

Just reducing your consumption of these resources is good for the environment, and can save you money.  The Internet has great resources to assist you in implementing the composting and rain barrel ideas, as well as other sites with Earth Day suggestions. 

Warehouse Memberships

To join or not to join, that is the question.  Here are some important points to ponder when considering if a warehouse shopping membership is worth the cost.  The main point is to be a conscientious shopper, not an impulse shopper no matter where you shop.

1.       What is the annual membership fee?  How many people can join in the membership?  What forms of payment are accepted other than cash (not all credit cards are honored at the register)?  Some shoppers may see their membership as being paid for after a few trips.

2.       What are the store hours?  Do they have a policy for coupon and refunds?  Check out their web site to see these items plus how specials are listed on their site.

3.       Can you get a “visitor’s” pass or go along with someone who already is a member to see how the store is laid out and what products they offer?  Not all name brands are available at all stores.

4.       How far is the location from your home, work, or another place you would be driving from to go shopping?  With the price of gas today, that may be a factor in how often you might go – once or twice a month should suffice for most families.

5.       What items might be on your shopping list?  Know your prices – what would you spend per ounce or pound at another store.  That way you can compare and determine if it is a deal.  You might save only a few pennies, but you could save a great deal of money in the long run.  Make that list and stick to it to keep your budget.

6.       Quantity does matter.  Normally their items are either jumbo sized or in multi-packs.  Do you have the space for the items in your freezer, linen closet, or pantry?  How long will it take you to use the quantity?  If it is something you use often, it is worth it, but if not, do not spend the money.  Things that do are non-perishables like office supplies are good to purchase if you will use it within a reasonable time period.

7.       Check for the expiration date.  Can you use the item before the date stamped on it?  Perishables that can be frozen could be worth the price if you can divide them, but dairy products and fresh fruit/vegetables may not due to spoilage.  If it is something you use all the time and the size would not be too much then purchase it.  Otherwise, consider splitting items with someone else.

8.       Do not be wooed by items you do not have on your shopping list.  It is only a bargain when you really need it and it truly is a deal.  These stores like impulse buyers.  Although their displays are not glamorous like regular stores, they place items on end caps and near the front that can draw you to take a look.  That big screen TV might look nice in your family room, but is that what you are shopping for today?  If so, is it the latest model?  What parts are included or excluded – think about the extra costs involved?  If you are looking at a printer, can you purchase supplies such as ink cartridge at what cost?

9.       What specialty departments and services are offered?  Many locations have photo developing, a pharmacy, a gas station, and even a bakery that can make your membership more valuable. 

Be a smart shopper so you can get in and out quickly with the items on your list crossed off and your wallet not too thin.

Currently, I am not a member of a warehouse store, although, in the past I held a membership.  I was a big user of their photo services and purchased my dry goods and pet food there.  The distance is my main reason for not belonging to one now.  There are three different warehouse stores in our area, but the closest is more than a 20 mile drive from my home, and not near other places my family frequents.