I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one to notice that summer is rearing it’s ugly hot head at us. But if you’re like us you’re still enjoying family activities as the time comes closer for the kids to return to school, and we fall back into our routines.
According to Phil Lempert an industry trend watcher, food prices are on the way up. (as if they aren’t high enough already, eh’?) Up 6% already compared with last year, due to various causes.
Recently ConAgra Foods conducted a survey the revealed four of five Americans (79%) agree that they do not feel like the recession is over, and 71% (seven in ten) say they will continue the savings habits developed during this economic downturn.
Many Americans are cooking at home more often, 75% are cooking more at home now compared with the same time last year. I’m not shocked.
If you’re looking to stretch your dollar at the grocery store or make the most out of your meals at home, Phil is a great go-to guide when it comes to increasing and getting the best value from our food purchases.
“Phil Lempert, frequent contributor to SimpleandDelicious.com and maintains the SupermarketGuru.com, is one of the best go- to resources for grocery store savings.”
Below are three of Phil’s Tips for Summer Saving and Snacking
- It’s okay to indulge - Take a break and treat yourself to something healthy, sweet and inexpensive such as Peanut Butter Fondue with fresh, seasonal fruit like strawberries and bananas. Take advantage of summer’s bounty and opt for produce that’s on sale at your local grocer. Whether it’s apples or berries, all fruit pairs well with Phil’s favorite fondue recipe made with smooth Peter Pan Peanut Butter.
- Snack healthy with seeds – Nuts and natural seeds are fantastic on-the-go snacks that will keep kids full in between camp and practice schedules. Consider David Sunflower Seeds and creating your own trail mix for affordable, homemade snacks. Rather than reaching for your wallet and popping by a fast food restaurant keep your car stocked with summer time snack favorites.
- Summer Brunch for the Family – Dining outdoors is a warm weather favorite that everyone adores. Brunch is a long time family favorite so in the lingering summer Sundays ahead, gather family and friends for lazy Sunday brunch of your own. Shop locally the Saturday before when Farmers Markets are abundant then plan out your meal. Consider time saving solutions such as Alexia all natural Hashed Browns and Oven Crinkles. And for all of the garlic lovers out there, a recent trend report from Lempert uncovered the top 10 seasonings on grocery store shelves and in home cupboards. Numero Uno? Garlic powder! So if you’re feeling inspired to add a little kick to the breakfast potatoes, reach for spices that are already in your pantry.
Win It: Two NetWorkingWitches readers will win their own Guru Goody Bag that will contain the items below:
- Reusable ConAgra foods tote bag
- Coupon for 1 package of Free Hebrew National Hotdogs
- Hunt’s 100% Natural Ketchup (with no high fructose corn syrup)
- Orville Redenbacher popcorn
- 5 Coupons for Marie Callender’s Frozen Meal or Pot Pie
- Coupon for 1 Free Healthy Choice Frozen Meal
- Coupon for 1 Free Banquet Fruit Pie
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Comment# 317 Tabathia B
Comment#455 Terri
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22654902064
chirp
“stack’ coupons if possible- use manufacturers and in store!
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22679219291
chirp
8/31 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22682239217
john at darrows dot us
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22682789667
chirp
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22685662174
tweety
9/1 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22687999434
john at darrows dot us
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22688669985
tweet
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22694958724
g’morning sunshine!
Daily Tweet
http://twitter.com/mnsteph/status/22697584969
I hit the bulk bins for dried beans and grains. You can use them as a the base for many healthy, inexpensive meals.
Drinking filter water from the tap not from bottles
Don’t let anything go to waste. Have a smorgasbord night and eat leftovers.
coupons, coupons and more coupons. From the paper, direct mail, printed at home, ads, flyers, shelves in the store, catalina… COUPONS!!@#$!@#$!%^!@$^^&
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22728527380
chirp
9/1 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22728700499
john at darrows dot us
Buy used whenever possible. Not only will you save money but it’s also good for the environment. I find great buys on Craigslist, at yard sales, and at thrift stores.
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My best saving tip is to only shop once a week. The more times I go to the store the more I spend. I can’t seem to pick up only one thing.
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9/1 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22738528974
john at darrows dot us
my tip is to use coupons
like hunt’s on facebook-lmurley2000
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My fave tip is to buys lots of fruits for the kids to snack on. If you don’t bring it in the house, they can’t eat it!
Like Hunt’s on FB: Tesa Shelton
I buy the store brand products.they are cheaper and most taste just as good as the name brand ones.
Use a free coupon on a buy one get one free offer, yielding two items!
9/1 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22750683270
john at darrows dot us
My favorite way to save is to buy in bulk and divide.
Meat is usually always cheaper bought in bulk and can be divided into meal size portions.
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I like to save by making my menus based on what is on sale at the store. You can really save a ton on your grocery bill that way!
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Lists! Lists! Lists! Make a list and stick to it. And I also rely on lots of great blogs to coupon match for me for top savings!
Always eat your leftovers to avoid wasting food. Will save you money.
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My favorite savings tip is to discipline yourself when making purchases between ‘want’ vs. ‘need.’
I like Hunts on FB: Cori Eckstrom Westphal
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I have your button: http://asahmlookingforadeal.blogspot.com/2009/09/sahm-looking-for-deals-favorite-blogs.html
Entry 1
I have your button: http://asahmlookingforadeal.blogspot.com/2009/09/sahm-looking-for-deals-favorite-blogs.html
Entry 2
I’m entered in the Sport Brella giveaway.
I put all my change in a jar each day. At the end of two months I convert it at a Coin Star for a gift card.
My favorite saving tip is to buy produce when it is in season and buy reduced groceries such as cans that have been dented.
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22772527375
tweety
Tip- learn how to preserve fruits, vegetables & meats
I buy and cook in quanity , then portion and freeze. Saves time and money.
Use coupons on the smallest size package that you can use the coupon on.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22775936825
chirp
tip- Buy reduced meats at the super market, sometimes you can get a good savings if the meat was reduced from the day before. Try going early morning and looking around or ask the butcher
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22782832128
I am hungry now!
My kids love Sunny D bottles but prefer fruit juice. We save the bottles to refill with real juice. Everyone is happy!
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http://twitter.com/mnsteph/status/22788475947
I load electronic coupons to my store’s loyalty card for extra savings-no clipping!
I follow your blog via Google Friend Connect as dwellenstein.
Coupons, coupons, coupons. I also buy some store brand items and shop several stores for the best prices.
We double up on manufacturer and store coupons, along with waiting for sales.
Use coupons, shop sales, buy 1 get 1 free, and shop dollar stores.
When you find something you like on sale..stock up!
I use a lot of coupons! I save so much money using the coupons in the dollar stores. If shampoo coupon say save $1.00 and the shampoo is $1.25 I only pay 25 cents. Great saver on money.
Coupons and sales
I clip coupons every Sunday and keep them organized in a binder by category so it makes them easy to use when I grocery shop!
9/2 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22819193861
john at darrows dot us8051
go shopping on double coupon day
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Coupons + sales=the best deals!
I use coupons and buy store brands when I shop
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9/2 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22826322090
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