Saving on Staples: Baking Supplies

Anyone planning on doing some baking in the next couple of months?  Maybe just a little bit?  With holiday season in full gear, most of us will be doing at least a little baking.  Here are some tips on saving on baking supplies........

*Plan Ahead:  Making a dessert for Thanksgiving?  Thinking about making some sweets for your neighbors for Christmas?   Plan what you will be making now.  If you wait until the week before, you will be buying what you need at whatever price.  If you plan now for the rest of the season, you can start picking things up as they go on sale!  Not only will you be getting your ingredients at a better price but you'll feel less stressed the night before Thanksgiving because you have everything you need already!

*Use Coupons:  Coupons for baking supplies are pretty rare but you find one, print it!  It will go quickly.  Remember that Gold Medal Flour coupon?  Yeah, it went fast! 

*Stock Up:  Write down the items that you use a lot, especially during the holidays.  And when you find a good deal, stock up!  Buy enough to last you until the next sale, at least.

*Buy in Bulk: Buying bulk is not always the answer (especially when you can combine promotions) but with a lot of baking supplies, it is.

*Consider Amazon:  I know a lot of you are saving the Amazon gift cards you've been earning through Swagbucks for Christmas gifts but think about using some of them to buy some of your supplies.  I have saved SO much on my grocery bill by buying groceries on Amazon.  Oatmeal, peanut butter, coconut oil.......

*Mill Your Own Flour: I don't do this so I don't know the ins and outs.  Here's an article that provides reasons you should mill your own flour....and saving money is listed as a reason!

How do you save money on baking supplies? Looking for ways to save on milk, meat, and other staples?  Check out the entire Saving on Staples series!

Saving on Staples: Bread

Somehow I managed to forget about bread as a staple!  But, if you have young kiddos, I bet you go through a lot of bread!  We sure do......pb&j, grilled cheese, pb & bananas, egg on toast!  Lots of bread.  Bread isn't an expensive staple but it does add up and any savings is helpful!

*Use coupons and combine with a sale:  From time to time, you can find coupons for bread in newspaper inserts.  You can usually find Aunt Millie's coupons in the paper a few times a year.  Combine this with a sale (usually as low as $1) and you can get a great deal on bread!  You can also email Aunt Millie's and tell them how wonderful they are - they might send you coupons.

*Shop Bakery Thrift Stores/Outlets:  Check for local bakery thrift stores near you.  I live close to an Aunt Millie's Bakery Outlet and I'm able to get bread for $.89.  Sometimes lower when they have a sale!  I'm also able to get pita bread, flat bread, buns, bagels, english muffins and more.  It is close to the sell by date but I grab a bunch and freeze it. 

*Freeze It:  When you get a good deal or you visit a thrift store, grab a bunch!  You can freeze it. 

*Make Your Own: Save money on bread by making your own!  Bread machines are always on sale at garage sales so you should be able to get one for $5-$10 or skip the bread machine altogether.  Buy the ingredients in bulk and you can make delicious bread at home.

How do you save money on bread? Looking for ways to save on milk, meat, and other staples?  Check out the entire Saving on Staples series!

Saving on Staples: Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is just one of those items that you can't live without.  And it also seems to be one of those things that is tough to find a good deal on.  At least for me it is!  Here are a few tips for saving on toilet paper........

*Use Less.  I am TERRIBLE about this.  I just pull the toilet paper off without paying any attention and often use more than I actually need.  For awhile, I had a post note above the toilet paper roll that said "Use Less" in purple marker.  And it really did help!  Also, be sure to talk to the kiddos about this too.  I realized this when Cailynn clogged the toilet because she had used to much!  Now she counts the squares to figure out how much she needs.

*Fold Your Toilet Paper:  Don't wad it up.  This is a new one for me that I heard recently.  Apparently you use up to 50% more when you wad up the toilet paper vs when you fold it.  We haven't tried it so I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts!

*Take Advantage of Sales and Coupons and Stock Up:  Obviously.  The more promotions we stack together, the better the deal!  On sale + manufacturer's coupon + store coupon + catalina offer = great deal!  And when you find this great deal, be sure to stock up!!

*Don't Be Afraid to Try Other Brands: I think toilet paper is one of those things people become brand loyal to.  I know I certainly have my favorites.  But if a great deal comes along and it's a brand we've never tried or don't use often, I'll pick it up.  There have been brands that my husband has asked me to pass on.....even if I get them for FREE but we're always willing to give it a try first.  It's much easier to find a deal if I'm willing to buy three or four brands than if I'm stuck with just one.

*Check Out the Drugstore Deals:  If you were to walk into Walgreens or Rite Aid on any given day, it would be much more expensive.  But if you keep an eye on the sales, you can actually get some pretty great deals.  Especially if you have some Register Rewards or Up Rewards to spend. 

*Use Amazon:  If we need toilet paper and I can't find a great deal, I head over to Amazon.  Not only do they have some decent prices, but I'm also able to use the gift cards I earned through Swagbucks to get it for FREE!!  Right now you can get Charmin Ultra Soft, Double Rolls, 4 Count Packs (Pack of 10) 40 Total Rolls for just $24.91 when you clip the $.25 coupon and select Subscribe and Save! 

*Separate a 2 Ply Roll into Two Rolls:  This one might be stretching it but if you are really looking for a way to save and to stretch your toilet paper a little further, it would help!  Just use an empty toilet paper roll to put it on as you separate!

How do you save on toilet paper?  Looking for ways to save on milk, meat, and other staples?  Check out the entire Saving on Staples series!

Saving on Staples: Eggs

With very few coupons and rising prices, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good deal on the grocery items you use every day in your household.  Here are a few tips for saving on eggs..............

*Know Your Store Prices:  I do most of my shopping at Meijer BUT unless they are on sale, they do not have the best prices. Hardings and Aldi are usually cheaper.  So, when I grab my Sunday paper, I also grab eggs!

*Stock Up When It's on Sale:  So you can't buy a six month supply but you can grab a few extra containers.  When it's on sale for $1, I often buy 4-6 containers.  We like our eggs!

*Take Advantage of Coupons: They don't happen often but, from time to time, we see egg printable coupons!  Be sure to print them right away because they don't usually last long!

*Freeze Them:  I know, I had no idea either!! I have not tried this but others swear by it!  Check out this great post from Living the Frugal Life.

*Raise Your Own Chickens:  It's not for everyone but it certainly is an option!  Something we would seriously consider if we had a compatible yard.  I don't think our (townhouse) neighbors would appreciate it!

*Egg Substitutes:  Much to my surprise, there are lots of ways to substitute eggs when you are baking.  Not sure if these will actually save you money but they certainly are handy if you run out!  And we've all done that!  Here's a great list of egg substitutes!

Looking for ways to save on milk, meat, and other staples?  Check out the entire Saving on Staples series!

Saving on Staples: Meat

With very few coupons and rising prices, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good deal on the grocery items you use every day in your household.  Want a few tips on how to save on your everyday grocery staples? Here are a few tips for saving on meat..............

*Shop Sales and Buy Extra:  When beef or chicken is on sale, I always buy a lot and freeze the extra meat.  Meat freezes wonderfully!  I just wrap it in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil and throw it in the freezer. 

*Eat Meatless Meals: When I suggested this, my husband's response was "What's the point?"  Yep, that's my husband!  But I've managed to talk him into one meatless meal a week(ish).  Not his favorite meal but he doesn't complain a bit.  Do you have a favorite meatless meal to share with us?  I am always looking for new ideas!!

*Buy Bone-In Chicken:  It costs less and has more flavor!  I know it can be a little intimidating but it's really not that difficult to cook with!  Bake it or boil it and then shred it to use in a variety of recipes.

*Buy Discounted Meat: Look for that orange clearance sticker.  If you aren't planning on using it right away, you can freeze it!

*Use Less Meat: Everything suggests onFe pound of meat but what if you use .80 pound of meat.  For most recipes, it really doesn't change anything.  When I'm at the store, I get out my calculator and figure out how many .8(ish) parts I can divide the meat into.

*Stretch Your Meat:  Add some beans to meat when you're making burritos.  Throw in some oatmeal or breadcrumbs.  Your meat will go a little further and you'll save some money!

Do you have any other tips on saving on meat?  Please share!!

Saving on Staples: Produce

With very few coupons and rising prices, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good deal on the grocery items you use every day in your household.  Bananas two years ago: $.39/lb.......one year ago: $.44/lb........and this year: $.54/lb. But we don't want to give up fresh produce!  We LOVE fresh produce.  Want a few tips on how to save on your everyday grocery staples? Here are a few tips for saving on produce..............

*Grow Your Own:  Plant a fruit and vegetable garden at your home.  Or if you don't have run, look for a community garden close to your house.  Be sure to do your research.  It isn't something that you can do on a whim.   

*Choose Seasonal Produce:  Pretty simple - buy what's in season.  Before I starting using coupons and paying attention to sales, I always bought pineapple, grapes, and strawberries.  Didn't matter what season it was, these were my favorite.  Way too expensive!  Now, for the most part, we eat what's in season.  Check out this fruit salad I made last summer with fruits that were on sale.......It didn't have all of my favorites but it was still very tasty!!

*Buy Local:  Check out your local farmer's market.  Not only are you supporting your local community, but you're also more likely to get better prices.  Or head to a U-Pick farm and pick your own.  You'll get some great deals AND it's a fun time!  Check out PickYourOwn.org to find U-Pick farms near you!  Here's a picture of Ellie while picking strawberries this summer:

*Check for markdowns: Most stores have an area in the produce section with marked down produce. Produce that has a day or two left before it goes bad. This is a great way to get fruit for the next day or two. Or you can freeze it. I often pick up bananas for baking and throw them into the freezer until I'm ready to use them!  Peppers, too - I cut them up, throw them in a freezer bag, and pull them out when I need them!
 
*Frozen Fruits and Veggies: I realize this is a post about saving on fresh produce BUT during the winter months, it is difficult for many of us to get great deals on the fresh stuff!  Fortunately, frozen is a good alternative.  Pick it up when its on sale with a coupon to get the best deal!!

Saving on Staples: Milk

With very few coupons and rising prices, it is becoming increasingly difficult to get a good deal on the grocery items you use every day in your household.  While on vacation, we found the price of milk to be $3.53!  And I bet that isn't a shock to some of you!  Want a few tips on how to save on your everyday grocery staples?  Here are a few tips for saving on milk..............

*Look for Markdowns:  Stores will often mark down dairy products that are close to their sell by date.  My local grocery store (Hardings) has great dairy markdowns.  I have been able to get a gallon of milk for as low as $.50!  Yes, the sell by date was the following day but I knew it would still be good for a few days.  Certainly long enough for us to finish it up!

*Use Coupons: Milk is one of the few grocery staples that I see coupons for.  The coupons are usually for the high priced brands of milk but, on occasion, the coupon combined with a sale will get you a good price for milk.  The best example is Smart Balance Milk.  I have been able to get it for as low as FREE with a sale and coupons. 

*Buy it at a Drugstore:  If you play at the drugstore game at Rite Aid, Walgreens or CVS, you can use your Up Rewards, RR or ECB to pay for milk.  When I was shopping at Rite Aid, I did this often.  It worked great as a filler or on weeks when I didn't have anything to spend my Up Rewards on.  Some states do not allow these rewards to be used on milk so read the exclusions carefully!

*Drink Less Milk: We need dairy in our diets but milk is not the only source of dairy.  Eat some yogurt, have a cheesestick.  Make sure you are getting enough dairy each day but get it from other sources.  Yogurt is on sale often!

*Don't Waste It:  Seems simple but I'm guessing it happens way to often for most of us.  Make sure that the half full sippy cup gets in the fridge when it isn't being used.  Drink the milk at the bottom of the cereal bowl in

*Use Powdered Milk:  I am far from an expert on this one since I have not tried it but I thought it was worth mentioning.  I have heard of people mixing milk with powdered milk to stretch a gallon of milk further.    You could also use it for cooking.  Here's a great resource on using powdered milk to save money!  Do you use powdered milk?  What do you use it for?

*Add Water: Again, something I haven't tried but I might the next time I find whole milk on markdown!  Double bargain.  Felicia suggests buying whole milk and adding up to 4 cups of water to every half gallon. 

*Freeze Your Milk:  When you find a great deal on milk, buy extra and freeze it!  I have heard mixed reviews on this.  Some say its fine, others say they use it for cooking, and some won't use it at all.