Say "Cheese!"

Today's money-saving idea comes from my favorite sister-in-law Debra:

Here are a couple of ideas that might be new to someone out there:

Did you know you can freeze milk?  The lower fat milks freeze best for longer times.  Whole milk ought to be used within 2 weeks.  To use frozen milk, just let it thaw (on the counter is how we do it), shake it well, and drink or use as desired.  We like it best when it still has ice slushies in it - YUM.  Anyway, freezing milk helps me limit my trips to the grocery store and thus save money.  I also get to take advantage of sales on milk this way.  Try it!

You can also freeze cheese.  Shredded cheese or stick cheese are naturals for freezing!  Just plonk them in and use them within a year or so.  I do like to buy my shredded cheese in bulk and divide it into quart or sandwich bags before I freeze it.  That way, I just get out what I will use right away and the rest stays fresh frozen. 

Block cheese freezes beautifully and can keep for about a year in the freezer.  When you freeze block cheese, there is a trick to getting it to not crumble when thawed.  Make sure you thaw it in the fridge instead of on the counter.  That is the big secret.    Now you can take advantage when cheese goes on sale and stock up for later!  BTW, I have frozen all kinds of cheese successfully from cream cheese (thaw completely, then stir it well to restore creaminess - or use without stirring for cooking) to Monterrey jack, cheddar, parmesan, Mexican cheese blends, etc.  I have NOT tried American cheese.  We don't like it, so I've just not tried freezing it.  Has anyone else?

Debi's Daily Dollar Idea

Anyone remember Reddy Kilowatt?  That lovable cartoon character that was the spokesman for electricity in the 1960's?  I remember my mother telling me not to stick forks and other items in the electrical outlets because Reddy Kilowatt would get me.  I've learned not to be so curious about those outlets, but Reddy still manages to get me anyhow - in my wallet.  If I'm not careful he'll drain that wallet faster than I can say "Reddy, leave me alone."  Thankfully I've learned a few tricks that keep Reddy, and his wallet-snatching lightning bolt fingers out of my pockets.

There are a hundred ways to conserve electricity around the home, and in the previous post I highlighted one of my favorites - putting the dryer on notice by using a clothesline instead.  I'd like to list another idea that helps to lower that monthly electric bill:

Unplug, unplug, unplug.  My kids think I'm the electric outlet czar because I'm constantly either unplugging appliances, or turning off the power switches.  Because of "phantom electricity," appliances and other electrical devices that stand ready to deliver power immediately when turned on can use up to 75% of the power used when turned OFF.  Yes, you read that right.  Televisions, computers, microwave ovens, digital clocks, and other appliances all draw power when turned off.  No sense having the television and microwave ready to power up when we're all sleeping at night.  In my home I have four television sets (I'm pretty embarrassed to admit to that number!)  Three of those either have an XBox, or a DVD player hooked up to them.  By unplugging them each night I'm stopping the electricity use from seven items.  Then add in the microwave oven, ceiling fans, lamps and other items I either unplug, turn off when not in use, or switch off at the power strip and there's even more savings.

CHALLENGE:  Take an inventory around your home and see how many items stand ready to deliver electricity and then get in the habit of either unplugging them, or plugging them into a power strip that has an off switch.

Use Reddy Kilowatt responsibly, and keep your green in your wallet!

Debi's Daily Dollar Idea

I'm toying with the idea of creating a new blog about ways to save money everyday.  This would include couponing, thrifty finds, ways to cut back on electricity, anything that keeps the green in the wallet and the red out of the checkbook.  My plan is to do the research and both save myself money, and pass along my info so as many as possible can benefit from saving as well.  Sometimes these savings ideas will be coupled with a challenge

So, here's my first Debi's Dollar Idea:

8/6/10  Hang up freshly washed laundry instead of using the dryer.  For the next week don't use the dryer, and keep track of how many loads you didn't spend that electricity on.  If you have access to a clothesline, use it!  Take advantage of the free drying power of the sun.  Or, hang items inside your home.  I frequently put wet clothes on hangers and line them up on the shower rod, from cupboard handles or doorways.  Large, heavy items such as towels, blankets and jeans often find themselves hanging over the fence.  Your neighbors, or even your own family may think you've lost your marbles.  But if you can save yourself a few bucks, who cares?

I'll be checking with my electric company to see just how much I'm saving per dryer load I'm NOT using.  Perhaps an extra challenge would be to use the money saved from not using the dryer to help pay down a credit card, or to add to an existing savings account.

Fun with Juliette

I always love it when Matt, Raquel and Juliette stop by. I managed to get a few photos of Juliette, who will NOT stop long enough for me to get many shots!.

Cents make sense

Here's what I got at Publix a couple days ago for 32 cents.

Great website on planning now for the possibility of coming together during a disaster. It may be necessary to take in a few or more people, and you want to make sure you and your provisions are safe. Also, you want to make sure those you take in can contribute something.

http://preparednesspro.wordpress.com/2009/10/23/a-community-of-disaster/

Here is the photo from my great shopping trip at Publix. Total before coupons was $81. Total after coupons was $7. Normally I don't do regular shopping at Publix because it's more expensive than other stores. I got:
4 cans of Raid
2 can of Off!
4 lg. cans of Baked Beans
2 bottles A1 Steak Sauce
2 bottles chocolate syrup
4 bags of salad
1 bag doggie snacks
4 cans dog food
2 bags of salad toppers
5 rolls of dental floss
5 ears of corn
1 cantalope
2 bags hamburger buns
2 boxes lag. bandaids
1 box rolled gauze