photo by Lance Fisher
DEAR SARA: What is the best way to store opened containers of ketchup? I buy my ketchup in the club pack. I did the math, and the club pack is extremely cheap compared to the regular size. It also helps save the environment because it’s less plastic being sold and put into this household. I am having an issue with ketchup cans, primarily. I bought a club-pack-size …

photo by petit hiboux
Gathering your baking supplies can be time-consuming. Sometimes measuring cups and spoons get separated or pans get shoved far back into the cabinets. It can end up a real workout before you’ve even started mixing ingredients. You might end up buying replacements for supplies you’ve misplaced. The first tip is a wonderful way to organize your baking supplies. It will create fond memories for children, too.
ORGANIZE …

photo by Ellie Vanhoutte
Produce can be expensive. Fortunately, there are frugal ways to keep it low-cost. First, find out what is grown locally at your state department of agriculture Web site. Or visit www.localharvest.org/csa to find community-supported agriculture in your area. CSAs allow you to buy produce directly from a local farmer. You pay to be a subscriber or shareholder and receive produce throughout the season.
Here are a few more …

photo by zorilla
Frugality and decluttering can sometimes conflict. You don’t want to save everything, but you don’t want to toss a useful item that can be reused or be left without anything when something breaks. You might want a spare item for work, the car, when you travel or if something is lost, too. It’s helpful if you buy your spare items deeply discounted or secondhand, so you don’t pay …