There seems to be a prevailing idea that pick-your-own fruit and vegetable farms are far less expensive than the grocery store. After all, you're doing all the work, cutting out the middle man, it should be less, right? But, is it really?Before you start thinking I'm going to pooh-pooh U-Pick … [Read more...] about Pick your own produce: Deal or no deal?
Food
Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Backyard barbecues are a great way to entertain, but even when you host a potluck, they can be a pricey way to party. Whether you are entertaining a small or large crowd at your backyard barbecue, you can still stay on budget. Here is our guide to cooking on the cheap for a crowd at your next … [Read more...] about Cheap recipes for your backyard barbecue
Eating gluten-free on a budget
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As anyone with celiac or gluten intolerance will tell you, the label “gluten-free” will automatically increase the price of your groceries.But with a little bit of nutritional know-how and shopping savvy, you can stay gluten-free and keep your expenses within your grocery budget. Here are some … [Read more...] about Eating gluten-free on a budget
Make the most of your garden’s harvest
In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest
Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It doesn’t get better than this.Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, then four, then … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer corn
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
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Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from your house and yard Use green cuttings from your yard such as ivy, rosemary, bay … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
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This article is part of a Don't Throw It Out! series on how to preserve fresh foods and avoid food waste.Food waste by the average American family is estimated at about one-third of your grocery shopping dollars, and fresh vegetables top the list. Those crisp heads of lettuce and feathery … [Read more...] about How to keep summer veggies fresh to avoid food waste
Cooking for 1 – or 2 – without waste
When we live alone or with just one other person, it can be hard to scale down portion sizes so that you don’t waste a lot of food or end up throwing your grocery money in the trash.It’s not only a poor financial investment, it’s just wrong to waste that much food! So how do we avoid tossing out … [Read more...] about Cooking for 1 – or 2 – without waste
Ways to save money on groceries
You don't need a government statistician to tell you the inflation level when you can see the price of eggs go up every time you shop. Food prices are one of the most common ways people gauge the cost of living. Cutting your grocery bill is one of the best ways to save when money is tight, but … [Read more...] about Ways to save money on groceries
5 leftovers you should never throw away
You pay a lot of money for that artisan loaf of bread, then don’t eat it all before it gets stale. You have a recipe that calls for egg whites (or yolks) but not the rest of the egg. The rotisserie chicken is pretty much stripped of the best meat.But don’t throw them away!Some … [Read more...] about 5 leftovers you should never throw away
Best shopping apps to save money
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Everyday purchases are the ones that add up and bust your budget. Items like food, cleaning supplies and even gasoline can end up costing you the most. Many frugal shoppers have turned to shopping apps to save them money and help them stick to their monthly budgets.There are so many phone apps … [Read more...] about Best shopping apps to save money
Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
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I hate wasting food almost as much as I love saving money. So anything that can help me save money AND food is a good idea in my book. Since those are the key benefits to vacuum sealers, you know I'm going to find the most cost-effective ways to use them.A vacuum food sealer is basically a small … [Read more...] about Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
Save money with a freezer-meal party
When you’re trying to balance work, school and other obligations, coming up with dinner ideas can seem like a thankless task that renews itself each night. And chances are, many of your overscheduled friends feel the same way. Share the dinner burden by hosting a freezer-meal party. You’ll stock up … [Read more...] about Save money with a freezer-meal party
