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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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. [...]
photo by special dark Preparing food in a slow cooker works well during the summer months. It’s a hands-free way to cook without heating up your kitchen. You can bring it outside, plug it in and cook with it, so it’s a great alternative to backyard grilling. Cleanup is a snap, too. Here are four [...]
photo by nutmeg DEAR SARA: How do you get a Crystal Light stain off a kitchen counter? I am going to blame my kitty cat for this. It’s that red color, and I have been cleaning it today, and it is a little lighter but still there. — Palooka, forums DEAR PALOOKA: I use melamine [...]
A kitchen-inventory list helps you to plan and organize your meals. You waste less, too. It can be as easy as using a dry-erase board, notebook or printable sheets; you can use a simple slash system to keep track of what you have on hand. One example can be found on my forums. The first [...]
photo by dearanxiety Swap parties have regained popularity because of the economy. Many people don’t have a lot of money to throw parties, and if they do, maybe their friends don’t. It works well whether you’re going through a tough time or not, and no one has to know if you are. It’s a great [...]
photo by squirrel cottage Frugality is about choices. Frequent small expenditures can leave you wondering where your money has gone. Ever backtrack your purchases and discover you didn’t lose that $20 after all? Tracking your spending will pinpoint your money leaks, and wise consistent choices will help improve your savings, too. It’s as simple as [...]
Strawberries are the first fruits of the season to enjoy. With their short storage life, you’ll need to freeze, dehydrate or use them up quickly before they mold. The fruit of choice for smoothies, they are delicious in salads, baked goods, jams and desserts. Here are four strawberry-dessert recipes to enjoy this season. Berry Crisp [...]
photo by ginnerobot DEAR SARA: How do you stretch steaks? We bought half a cow. It’s a ton of meat, but I am hoping that I can make it. I know how to make ground beef go further, but am at a loss on what to do with the steaks to make them last for [...]
photo by Angie Torres Frugalitarians take a lot of flak about washing baggies. But they’re so easy to wash and reuse it’s a shame to throw them away. They’re perfect to use for organizing and to keep things dry. You can put often-used recipes inside a baggie. The recipe card stays clean for the next [...]
photo by aldinegirl12 DEAR SARA: One of the local stores is running a special this week on cereal, snack mixes and a couple of other things. The deal is really good — 10 for $20, with an instant $10 savings coupon. It works out to $1 a box. My boyfriend said it wouldn’t do any [...]
Have you ever had bits of potato chips, cereal or pretzels left over after a night of munching? Maybe the chips have been pulverized into crumbs or are partially stale, or there isn’t enough cereal for a full serving. There’s no need to toss the foods or feed them to the birds. Put them to [...]
Placemats are expensive to buy new. They’re cheaper to buy secondhand or in the clearance aisle at discount department stores. Maybe you’ve come across an odd number of cloth or polypropylene placemats while shopping. Or you might have older placemats that you haven’t used in a long time. They can still be used in ways [...]
photo by squirrel_cottage DEAR SARA: When you started down the frugal road, are there tips that you said you would never do but are doing now? — Michelle, Texas DEAR MICHELLE: I never thought I’d be the one to encourage eating at home. I enjoy eating out and was accustomed to it. Now I’m the [...]
Don’t buy new if you have something that works just as well. Often, you can repurpose an item and produce a unique and stylish piece to add to your wardrobe or decor. What have you turned from trash to treasure in your home? What do you have that you’re using differently than was originally intended? [...]
