When you have to organize dinner for a large group of quilters, friends, family or other guests, you can still save money by following some of the basic rules you learn at the workshop. Case in point: this past Sunday, one of my quilting groups gathered in my home. I still have a tight household budget, but instead of buying willy-nilly, I used my shopping cents buying both my groceries and a few specialty items at great savings.
The result: my shopping bill, originally $78.47, was ultimately 45.22, or 43% savings. I did this all in less than an hour, as my life this week was crazy, returning from two weeks of travel, and visiting my Mom, who is in a nursing care facility recuperating from a broken leg. You can do this too!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dinner for 20, $6 apiece
I love Easter, the spiritual and the secular sides of it. Rebirth, new beginnings and endings. Everything is beginning to green up again, and it's a perfect opportunity to reconnect at a big family gathering. My household is a twosome, and typically it's the twosome that gets invited over to someone else's home for a meal. So how did we get to play hosts? I realized, while at a holiday meal with my partner's family, that we had not seen many of them since the holidays the year before. I vowed to correct that, as I am and always have been family oriented. Since they didn't have a standing invitation for Easter, I invited them over (6 adults, 1 teen, 2 children). My family typically comes out for Easter, (5 adults 1 teen). I typically invite a few neighbors whose families are not nearby (3). That's how we got to 20. Since our household is on a tight budget, I had to be creative with the menu, which includes that great buy I got on a pork tenderloin last week, a free turkey, and use of my pantry. The shopping included a items to make up four Easter baskets for our younger guests (yes, even the teens get Easter baskets...some traditions continue! Here is my Easter menu: Garlic rubbed Pork Tenderloin with Onion Marmalade, Roast Turkey, Carrot Souffle, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Pasta Primavera, Spanish Rice, Corn Pudding, Macaroni and Cheese, Balsamic Roasted Asparagus, Spinach & Cheddar Strata, Cornbread Stuffing, Lemon Buttermilk Poundcake, Carrot Cake (guest contribution) Apple Walnut Pie (guest contribution), Potato Rolls, Ice Cream, Punch and Iced Tea. The menu is varied because of a few dietary restrictions. The total food bill was a little over a hundred dollars. I only bought sale items and am I truly looking forward to brining and roasting the Turkey. The one I put on the table at Thanksgiving was a work of art! Off I go to slice and chop before an early nap.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Teach a Man (or Woman) To Fish
I have some stories I'd like to share with you about my recent BeCentsable workshops in Spotswood.
The first involves a neighbor who went with me to the workshop. While she saw some benefit in the workshop, she was really going to support me (I am thankful that I am blessed with such friends). What made my day, though, was a call from her telling me that she used a couple of the strategies, and saved $12.50. That might not sound like much, but let's say we use it as a baseline, and if she saves $12.50 each week, that's $50 a month. I was grinning from ear to ear, and I could hear her enthusiasm as well.
The second involves an attendee who basically didn't coupon, saying she had saved money by switching to lower cost brands. One of the brands she mentioned was her love of Lipton Green Tea, and she bought a cheaper brand because she was trying to cut her budget. What did I find in my Sunday inserts but a sale price for Lipton Green Tea? I immediately sent her an email, and then clipped the coupons, which I will mail to her tomorrow.
The third story is one where one of the attendees was a heavy duty coupon user. She thought there was nothing we could teach her about couponing, but happily, she was wrong. What makes this a really good thing was the fact that she uses her couponing skills to create baskets that she donates to a homeless shelter. What she learned will benefit many other people.
These three stories leave me with a glow. I often say, give a man a fish; he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. I've taught these three to fish, and that gives me immeasurable happiness.
The first involves a neighbor who went with me to the workshop. While she saw some benefit in the workshop, she was really going to support me (I am thankful that I am blessed with such friends). What made my day, though, was a call from her telling me that she used a couple of the strategies, and saved $12.50. That might not sound like much, but let's say we use it as a baseline, and if she saves $12.50 each week, that's $50 a month. I was grinning from ear to ear, and I could hear her enthusiasm as well.
The second involves an attendee who basically didn't coupon, saying she had saved money by switching to lower cost brands. One of the brands she mentioned was her love of Lipton Green Tea, and she bought a cheaper brand because she was trying to cut her budget. What did I find in my Sunday inserts but a sale price for Lipton Green Tea? I immediately sent her an email, and then clipped the coupons, which I will mail to her tomorrow.
The third story is one where one of the attendees was a heavy duty coupon user. She thought there was nothing we could teach her about couponing, but happily, she was wrong. What makes this a really good thing was the fact that she uses her couponing skills to create baskets that she donates to a homeless shelter. What she learned will benefit many other people.
These three stories leave me with a glow. I often say, give a man a fish; he eats for a day; teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime. I've taught these three to fish, and that gives me immeasurable happiness.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Enjoying a Bargain
Bottom round roast was on sale this week, so I purchased a 3 1/2 pound one. It's been a busy week, with the church newsletter, two BeCentsable workshops in Spotswood, NJ, and a guild meeting today. I didn't have time to cook the roast, so I let the crockpot do the work (again). Once it was cooked, I sliced it and froze the remaining parts in two serving portions. Here is the recipe:
Crockpot Bottom Round Roast
Potato Rolls
Prep: 45 minutes
Rise: 1 hour 35 minutes
Bake: pan rolls 20 minutes; individual rolls 10 minutes
Ingredients
4- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package rapid rise yeast (you can substitute regular yeast)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup mashed potato, instant or homemade (using buttermilk in mixture)*
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. In a saucepan heat and stir milk, water, sugar, shortening, and salt just until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and shortening almost melts; add to flour mixture along with egg and mashed potato. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double (about 10 minutes Rapid Rise Yeast, 1 hour with regular yeast.).
3. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan or a large baking sheet. Divide each dough portion into 12 pieces. Gently pull each piece into a ball, tucking edges under to make smooth tops. Place in prepared baking pan or 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Cover; let rise in a warm place until nearly double (35 to 45 minutes).
4. Bake about 20 minutes for rolls in 13x9x2-inch pan; if necessary cover with foil the last 5 minutes to prevent overbrowning. Bake rolls on baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove rolls from pan Cool on wire racks.
5. Makes 24 rolls
6. *Homemade Mashed Potato: Peel and quarter 1 medium potato. Cook, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed. Measure 1/2 cup.
7. Instant Mashed Potato Rolls: Prepare as above, except omit cooking the potatoes. Prepare packaged instant mashed potatoes (enough for one 1/2-cup serving). Substitute prepared mashed potatoes for the cooked mashed potatoes, and add an additional 1/4 to 1/3 cup flour.
8. Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through step 3, except do not let rise after shaping. Cover shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap, leaving room for dough to rise. Chill for 2 to 24 hours. Let stand, loosely covered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake as directed.
I hope you enjoy making these recipes for your families while you save money!
Crockpot Bottom Round Roast
- 3-4 lbs boneless bottom round roast
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon sage
- 1 tablespoon rosemary (reserve 1/2)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, quartered
Directions
- Mix all dry ingrediants together in a plate.
- Rub roast in oil.
- Roll roast in dry mix.
- Place onions on bottom of crock pot.
- Place roast in crock pot.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
- Throw in remaining rosemary 1/2-1 hr before dinner to send the aroma once again through the house.
- Use the juices to make a gravy... I like to brown onions, with a little oil and flour, then add the juices.
Potato Rolls
Prep: 45 minutes
Rise: 1 hour 35 minutes
Bake: pan rolls 20 minutes; individual rolls 10 minutes
Ingredients
4- 4 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 package rapid rise yeast (you can substitute regular yeast)
1 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup shortening
1-1/2 teaspoons salt
1 egg, beaten
1/2 cup mashed potato, instant or homemade (using buttermilk in mixture)*
Directions
1. In a large mixing bowl combine 2 cups of the flour and the yeast. In a saucepan heat and stir milk, water, sugar, shortening, and salt just until warm (120 degrees F to 130 degrees F) and shortening almost melts; add to flour mixture along with egg and mashed potato. Beat with an electric mixer on low to medium speed for 30 seconds, scraping bowl. Beat on high speed 3 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, stir in as much of the remaining flour as you can.
2. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead in enough of the remaining flour to make a moderately stiff dough that is smooth and elastic (6 to 8 minutes total). Shape dough into a ball. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease surface. Cover; let rise in a warm place until double (about 10 minutes Rapid Rise Yeast, 1 hour with regular yeast.).
3. Punch dough down. Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide dough in half. Cover; let rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Lightly grease a 13x9x2-inch baking pan or a large baking sheet. Divide each dough portion into 12 pieces. Gently pull each piece into a ball, tucking edges under to make smooth tops. Place in prepared baking pan or 2 inches apart on baking sheet. Cover; let rise in a warm place until nearly double (35 to 45 minutes).
4. Bake about 20 minutes for rolls in 13x9x2-inch pan; if necessary cover with foil the last 5 minutes to prevent overbrowning. Bake rolls on baking sheet for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately remove rolls from pan Cool on wire racks.
5. Makes 24 rolls
6. *Homemade Mashed Potato: Peel and quarter 1 medium potato. Cook, covered, in a small amount of boiling salted water for 20 to 25 minutes or until tender; drain. Mash with a potato masher or beat with an electric mixer on low speed. Measure 1/2 cup.
7. Instant Mashed Potato Rolls: Prepare as above, except omit cooking the potatoes. Prepare packaged instant mashed potatoes (enough for one 1/2-cup serving). Substitute prepared mashed potatoes for the cooked mashed potatoes, and add an additional 1/4 to 1/3 cup flour.
8. Make-ahead directions: Prepare as above through step 3, except do not let rise after shaping. Cover shaped rolls loosely with plastic wrap, leaving room for dough to rise. Chill for 2 to 24 hours. Let stand, loosely covered, at room temperature for 30 minutes. Uncover, and bake as directed.
I hope you enjoy making these recipes for your families while you save money!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Shopping Savings, Week of March 30
Here's a summary of my shopping savings for this week:
Stores shopped: 5 (3 for household shopping, 2 for miscellaneous shopping)
Savings: $41.50 (21%)
First, I started at Target, where they were offering a $5 Gift Card with purchase for the I-Pod shuffle, on sale for $45. I have been wanting a shuffle for exercising, as I don't want to carry my heavier unit. I used the gift card to buy a copy of the on sale Slumdog Millionaire DVD for 10.99 (-$9)
I then went to Walmart, where I bought several copies of All You magazine, costing $2.24 each and filled with $51 worth of coupons, and pecans, (typically $7-8 a pound, even at Costco) for less than $5 after using my $1 coupon. (-$1)
Off to Costco. The trick to Costco is if you are going there for a few items, head straight for those items. Today I needed dog food. Costco dog food is very highly rated by Consumer Reports. It is more highly rated than brands such as Science Diet and Iams. My dog is allergic to soy, and soy fillers are in almost every major brand of food. I walked out with my food, happy.
Next stop was CVS, where I scanned my card, got my $5 with $25 purchase coupon, my CVS Rewards bucks ($2), and a coupon for BOGO gum. Because we use Poise (r) pads to diaper our dog, I buy them whenever they are on sale, and sometimes when they are not, if I need to round out a purchase to reach a certain total ($5 off a $25 purchase amounts to a 20% discount, as long as I don't go too far over the $25). Poise pads were on sale this week, 2/9, but not in the size I regularly use. I chose to get one, to see if the smaller pads would be as effective, and save me some money. I bought a few more sale items, adding the stuff up with my calculator to make sure they'd add up to $25. When I reached the magic number, I checked out, handed the cashier my $5 off coupon, then handed her the other coupons I had, bringing my total to under $20. I love a great sale! ($-8.50)
Off to ShopRite, where I maximized my savings by buying only things that were on sale, and using my coupons, which they doubled. A $98 bill wound up being $75. I forgot my bags, or my bill would have been under $75, close to a 25% savings! (-$23)
Tomorrow night, I am leading a BeCentsable workshop at the Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood. It is a fundraiser for their 7th graders.
Stores shopped: 5 (3 for household shopping, 2 for miscellaneous shopping)
Savings: $41.50 (21%)
First, I started at Target, where they were offering a $5 Gift Card with purchase for the I-Pod shuffle, on sale for $45. I have been wanting a shuffle for exercising, as I don't want to carry my heavier unit. I used the gift card to buy a copy of the on sale Slumdog Millionaire DVD for 10.99 (-$9)
I then went to Walmart, where I bought several copies of All You magazine, costing $2.24 each and filled with $51 worth of coupons, and pecans, (typically $7-8 a pound, even at Costco) for less than $5 after using my $1 coupon. (-$1)
Off to Costco. The trick to Costco is if you are going there for a few items, head straight for those items. Today I needed dog food. Costco dog food is very highly rated by Consumer Reports. It is more highly rated than brands such as Science Diet and Iams. My dog is allergic to soy, and soy fillers are in almost every major brand of food. I walked out with my food, happy.
Next stop was CVS, where I scanned my card, got my $5 with $25 purchase coupon, my CVS Rewards bucks ($2), and a coupon for BOGO gum. Because we use Poise (r) pads to diaper our dog, I buy them whenever they are on sale, and sometimes when they are not, if I need to round out a purchase to reach a certain total ($5 off a $25 purchase amounts to a 20% discount, as long as I don't go too far over the $25). Poise pads were on sale this week, 2/9, but not in the size I regularly use. I chose to get one, to see if the smaller pads would be as effective, and save me some money. I bought a few more sale items, adding the stuff up with my calculator to make sure they'd add up to $25. When I reached the magic number, I checked out, handed the cashier my $5 off coupon, then handed her the other coupons I had, bringing my total to under $20. I love a great sale! ($-8.50)
Off to ShopRite, where I maximized my savings by buying only things that were on sale, and using my coupons, which they doubled. A $98 bill wound up being $75. I forgot my bags, or my bill would have been under $75, close to a 25% savings! (-$23)
Tomorrow night, I am leading a BeCentsable workshop at the Immaculate Conception School in Spotswood. It is a fundraiser for their 7th graders.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Timing is Everything
St. Patrick's Day is a big event in these parts. Most people wear green for good luck, and if you are working in midtown Manhattan, there is no way to get around the parade: either your in the mix before it, or after it, when the watering holes are filled to capacity.
As a smart food shopper, my take on St. Patty's Day is different: it's a good time to get corned beef at a good price. Cabbage and potatoes are also on sale. Whether you're buying the corned beef already cooked for sandwiches, or buying a brisket to cook, you can save 30%-50% off the regular prices. I like to buy several whole briskets, cook one in my crockpot, and freeze the others. The recipe follows, but I put it on in the morning, and voila, at the end of the day, dinner is mostly done. The others, I freeze and cook on another busy day.
Speaking of freezing, March has been designated Frozen Food Month, and you'll find good buys on frozen vegetables, entrees, breakfasts, and such. While my preference is fresh vegetables, when choosing between canned and frozen, I'll choose frozen. I try to keep any frozen food coupons I've gathered until March if possible, knowing there will be deals celebrating my grocer's freezer aisle. Did you know that grocers came up with Frozen Food Month because they found that there was no big food holiday between the Superbowl and Easter? Food for thought! Now here are my recipes for Crockpot Corned Beef and Sauteed Cabbage.
Crockpot Corned Beef
1 corned beef brisket, fat trimmed
1 teaspoon whole mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 bay leaves
1 cup apple cider
Water to cover
Place corned beef in crockpot; add sugar, mustard and spices. Pour cider over spices, then add enough water just to cover beef. Cook 7-8 hours on low, or 4-5 hours on high. Meat should be fork tender.
Sauteed Cabbage
1 head cabbage, outer leaves and core discarded, sliced
4 strips cooked bacon, chopped large and set aside, bacon fat reserved in pan
1 red pepper, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
Spoon three tablespoons of the bacon fat into a deep skillet or dutch oven. Layer cabbage and peppers, sprinkling each layer with some of the salt and pepper. Pour water over the cabbage, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Add 1-3 tablespoons of water if necessary while cooking. Cabbage should be tender. Top with bacon.
As a smart food shopper, my take on St. Patty's Day is different: it's a good time to get corned beef at a good price. Cabbage and potatoes are also on sale. Whether you're buying the corned beef already cooked for sandwiches, or buying a brisket to cook, you can save 30%-50% off the regular prices. I like to buy several whole briskets, cook one in my crockpot, and freeze the others. The recipe follows, but I put it on in the morning, and voila, at the end of the day, dinner is mostly done. The others, I freeze and cook on another busy day.
Speaking of freezing, March has been designated Frozen Food Month, and you'll find good buys on frozen vegetables, entrees, breakfasts, and such. While my preference is fresh vegetables, when choosing between canned and frozen, I'll choose frozen. I try to keep any frozen food coupons I've gathered until March if possible, knowing there will be deals celebrating my grocer's freezer aisle. Did you know that grocers came up with Frozen Food Month because they found that there was no big food holiday between the Superbowl and Easter? Food for thought! Now here are my recipes for Crockpot Corned Beef and Sauteed Cabbage.
Crockpot Corned Beef
1 corned beef brisket, fat trimmed
1 teaspoon whole mustard seed
1/2 teaspoon whole peppercorns
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tablespoons salt
3 tablespoons prepared mustard
2 bay leaves
1 cup apple cider
Water to cover
Place corned beef in crockpot; add sugar, mustard and spices. Pour cider over spices, then add enough water just to cover beef. Cook 7-8 hours on low, or 4-5 hours on high. Meat should be fork tender.
Sauteed Cabbage
1 head cabbage, outer leaves and core discarded, sliced
4 strips cooked bacon, chopped large and set aside, bacon fat reserved in pan
1 red pepper, sliced
1 green pepper, sliced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 cup water
Spoon three tablespoons of the bacon fat into a deep skillet or dutch oven. Layer cabbage and peppers, sprinkling each layer with some of the salt and pepper. Pour water over the cabbage, and cover with a tight-fitting lid. Cook 20-25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes. Add 1-3 tablespoons of water if necessary while cooking. Cabbage should be tender. Top with bacon.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
First Workshops Scheduled
I have scheduled my first BeCentsable Workshops, and hope to keep this ball rolling. The earliest date is April 3 and 4, in Spotswood, NJ, followed by June 18, in South Orange, and a TBD in Palisades Park.
I have established both a Facebook page (Centsable Aleeda) and a Twitter (centsablealeeda) page for people who want to keep up with my BeCentsable adventure, and up to the minute info I find out on savings opportunities.
I am contacting the Community Centers in nearby towns who might like to schedule a BeCentsable Workshop.
I have established both a Facebook page (Centsable Aleeda) and a Twitter (centsablealeeda) page for people who want to keep up with my BeCentsable adventure, and up to the minute info I find out on savings opportunities.
I am contacting the Community Centers in nearby towns who might like to schedule a BeCentsable Workshop.
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