PhotobucketWhy Be Frugal?

I consider frugality an art form and a religious conviction. I learned about paying cash for purchases, recycling and reusing just about everything and being generous to friends and those in need from my parents.

My faith instructs me all things are gifted by God and so I am compelled to be a good steward of my gifts. [The highest heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth he has given to man. Psalm 115:16]

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Thursday, January 21, 2010

Chop Chop Chop!

One great modern convenience - especially for those of us who like to cook -- is the abundance of grated, chopped, sliced and cubed cheese, fruits and vegetables available at the grocery store.

I'm all about saving time, but at this point in my life, saving money is even more important! The truth is, the more "processed" the food is, the more expensive it is. You can save at least $2 per pound buying block cheese vs. grated. Involve the kids and have them use their math skills by bagging up 1- or 2-cup portions into freezer bags.

Dig out that vegetable peeler and peel your own carrots. Buy "whole" celery stalks, wash, trim. Cut vegetables up into slices and divide them into single servings in zipper bags so the kids can help themselves to a healthy snack. Chop up 1-cup portions to have handy for salads and other uses.

You'll save a couple of bucks a week buying vegetables that haven't already been "cleaned up" and "cut up."

Of course, reuse those zipper bags over and over again! You can use plastic containers , but they take up a lot of space and can be quite expensive.

Think about this: saving just $7-$8 a week equals over $400 a year!

3 comments:

Debbie said...

Good suggestions. I have taken to using a celery container that is made to keep celery sticks fresh. Cheaper than buying them all cut up. If I could find another one for carrots, I would be in heaven.
thanks again, deb

Andrea said...

Great!!
Thanks,
andrea

Nikki (Sarah) said...

great ideas....thanks for this. sarah