Have you ever given any thought to how much food you waste by forgetting it is in the refrigerator?
Just yesterday I had to clean out my fridge. For some reason, it was packed full but there wasn’t really anything to eat! I’m sure you have all felt that way at times. As I started pulling out containers of leftovers that had to be thrown away, I was disgusted. I probably threw enough food away to make at least two full dinners for my family of four.
In reality, it was probably more than that. We had a few containers of fruit that had gone bad, and several containers of leftover meat, among other things. Considering that finances are always tight, I was sad that we had not been better stewards of our money. I have never been very good at keeping my refrigerator organized, and usually my husband takes leftovers for his lunch at work, so I was surprised to find this much food I had to toss.
So, I’m working on a plan to stop this. I have a roll of the “blue” tape that is used for construction work. It sticks well, but does not leave a sticky residue when it’s removed. I plan to mark what’s in the container and the date on the blue tape and place it on the container before putting it in the fridge. Then, I will keep a list on the front of the fridge with the same information.
So, when someone pulls out the leftovers to use them, they can cross it off the list. Or, when I’m trying to figure out what to make for dinner, I can look at my list and see what needs used up before making more.
I’m also going to try to keep my refrigerator a little more organized so I can easily find the containers! I’d love to hear any suggestions you have for what works for you. This is a work in progress!
Good Sales
Did anyone get a chance to take advantage of Publix great sales last week? I had a great shopping spree there. I saved over 50% on my order! For those who live in areas where stores offer double coupons, I know that may not seem so great. But, without double coupons, my goal is to save 50% and it’s not always easy to do! If you’d like to see how I did it, you can read about it here.
Attention Walmart Shoppers!
According to the Clark Howard website, Walmart may be lowering prices on many items in the near future. Click here for more information on Walmart’s “return to low-price legacy.”
New club for pet owners! Publix has started a new Pet Club. Register now to receive tips, valuable coupons and advance notice of special events. And, if you register before March 31, 2011, you will be entered into a sweepstakes to win free food for you and your pet. You can find all the details and/or register here. And don’t forget they have other clubs and programs that can save you money. You can find all of them here.
For local calendar events:
For Delray Beach, click here.
For Boynton Beach, click here.
For Boca Raton, click here.
Now, on to the deals this week!
Know the Lingo
BOGO – Buy one, get one free
SS – Smart Source (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
RP – Red Plum (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
PG – Proctor & Gamble (coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
GM – General Mills (occasional coupon inserts in Sunday’s papers)
Blinkie – coupon dispensers in stores
Peelie – coupons found on products that you peel off
Hangtag – coupons found hanging on bottles
All You – Magazine sold at Walmart or via subscription
Whole Foods: Click here for their coupons. If you prefer to shop at Publix, they should accept these as competitor coupons.
Publix Greenwise: Click here for their weekly ads.
Many thanks to IHeartPublix.com for their great tips on shopping at Publix!
**Rumor has it that Publix will be having a new “Buy theirs, get ours free” promotion this week. Be sure to check their ad or in stores to see which items this will include. It’s a great time to try some new products, and you can still use coupons on the name brand items. IHeartPublix has a sneak peek of items available, but check your store to make sure it is participating. You can find the sneak peek here.
For Publix “Super Deals” for 2/24-3/2/11, please click here.
For Publix full sale list with coupon match-ups for 2/24-3/2/11, please clickhere.
For Publix Advantage Buy Flyer sales, please click here.
Renita’s Favorite Money-Saving Sites
http://www.simplycvsshopping.com/
http://www.specials.publix.com
http://www.cvsdeals.gather.com
http://publixpennypincher.blogspot.com
http://www.thesimpledollar.com
http://www.iheartthemart.com
E-Book now available!
I’m excited to tell you that my book is now available as an e-book! So, you can save money while you learn to save even more money by purchasing an e-book instead of a traditionally bound book! For more information, please clickhere.
Kindle book now available!
My book is now available for the Kindle! Please click here!
Renita is a resident of Palm Beach County, and author of “Wow! You Saved How Much?” For more information, visit her website athttp://wowyousavedhowmuch.com.
“Copyright © Renita R. Perrone All rights reserved. Permission granted to reprint this article on your website without alteration (excluding the weekly deals) if you include this copyright statement and leave the hyperlinks live and in place.” http://wowyousavedhowmuch.com
