When the kids were little, we invested in a commercial standing freezer and bought in bulk. DH and I've been fans of vacuum sealers since we got married and have gone through 3 in the past 30 years. I also was a fan of the "Make a Mix" books and made up a lot of baking, seasoning and pre-cooked mixes to fulfill a month's worth of menus, and would pre-packaged meals.
I taught my kids how to shop outlet stores, and our local Goodwill gets overstock from the high-end department stores. So, they can find some of their favorite designer clothes - still with original tags - for just a few dollars (like a Tommy Hilfiger shirt for $5). My mom works for Tuesday Morning, so we get to use her discount for high-ticket items - it's really cool to pick up 1000 count thread sheets or pricey bamboo textiles for practically nothing, or be able to get super expensive cookware for a serious discount (thanks, Mom!).
Now that we're empty nesters, we really don't need to plan as intensely, but we still buy a few things in bulk, like spices, paper goods and foods we don't mind freezing, or frozen foods we don't mind breaking into smaller meals. I'm very particular about the pastas, rice and other products I buy; but, I also know which brands are packaged with the store label.
If you haven't already, you should buy stock in dollar stores. They're faring extremely well in this economy. I love the dollar stores for gift wrap, some cleaning products, candles, etc. After a recent expose on expired goods sold at dollar stores, the local stores have been more diligent about tossing expired products. My kids all have their own apartments and learned that they can buy eggs, milk and paper goods, as well as dry pasta, rice, canned and even some frozen goods at the dollar store, and there's nothing wrong with the products.
I'm in total agreement with Susan about Farmer's markets. They're wonderful! I love Panera - wish we had one close by!
I guess one of the advantages I have is a mom who grew up during the depression. Being from San Francisco, her family kept a huge garden and did a lot of fishing. She often told us stories about how the Asian families helped their non-Asian neighbors survive the depression by feeding them and teaching them how to garden for maximum yield. Great stories!
I do pay the price for certain organic foods, and only those I consume most often. I have a Total Gym and will probably invest in a combination treadmill/stepper; plus, I'm getting a new road bike and rack to use it as a recumbent. Now, if I could just talk DH into having a pool installed, I wouldn't need to jog a block to the heated community pool and fight the swim teams for lap time. LOL!
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When the kids were little, we invested in a commercial standing freezer and bought in bulk. DH and I've been fans of vacuum sealers since we got married and have gone through 3 in the past 30 years. I also was a fan of the "Make a Mix" books and made up a lot of baking, seasoning and pre-cooked mixes to fulfill a month's worth of menus, and would pre-packaged meals.
I taught my kids how to shop outlet stores, and our local Goodwill gets overstock from the high-end department stores. So, they can find some of their favorite designer clothes - still with original tags - for just a few dollars (like a Tommy Hilfiger shirt for $5). My mom works for Tuesday Morning, so we get to use her discount for high-ticket items - it's really cool to pick up 1000 count thread sheets or pricey bamboo textiles for practically nothing, or be able to get super expensive cookware for a serious discount (thanks, Mom!).
Now that we're empty nesters, we really don't need to plan as intensely, but we still buy a few things in bulk, like spices, paper goods and foods we don't mind freezing, or frozen foods we don't mind breaking into smaller meals. I'm very particular about the pastas, rice and other products I buy; but, I also know which brands are packaged with the store label.
If you haven't already, you should buy stock in dollar stores. They're faring extremely well in this economy. I love the dollar stores for gift wrap, some cleaning products, candles, etc. After a recent expose on expired goods sold at dollar stores, the local stores have been more diligent about tossing expired products. My kids all have their own apartments and learned that they can buy eggs, milk and paper goods, as well as dry pasta, rice, canned and even some frozen goods at the dollar store, and there's nothing wrong with the products.
I'm in total agreement with Susan about Farmer's markets. They're wonderful! I love Panera - wish we had one close by!
I guess one of the advantages I have is a mom who grew up during the depression. Being from San Francisco, her family kept a huge garden and did a lot of fishing. She often told us stories about how the Asian families helped their non-Asian neighbors survive the depression by feeding them and teaching them how to garden for maximum yield. Great stories!
I do pay the price for certain organic foods, and only those I consume most often. I have a Total Gym and will probably invest in a combination treadmill/stepper; plus, I'm getting a new road bike and rack to use it as a recumbent. Now, if I could just talk DH into having a pool installed, I wouldn't need to jog a block to the heated community pool and fight the swim teams for lap time. LOL!
March 6, 2009 - 5:30pmThis Comment
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