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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Giveaway Ends 09/02/10 @ 11:59PM CST
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Guru Goody Bag (Groceries) Giveaway Ends 09/02/10 *2 Winners*
Comment# 317 Tabathia B
Comment#455 Terri
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22833965357
chirp
Definitely shop sales and use coupons. and if there’s a rebate too, even better!
Thanks for the giveaway!
I “Like” Hunt’s on Facebook-Joanne Schultz. http://www.facebook.com/js2222
Use rebates – oftentimes found on liquor (OK thats not normal groceries but ya know)
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22837624732
chirping
I subscribe to your blog’s feed via google reader.
I Follow you using NetWorked Blogs-Joanne Schultz. http://www.facebook.com/js2222
i follow @NetworkingWitch on twitter – js22222222 .
i follow @CountrySprite on twitter – js22222222 .
tweet: http://twitter.com/js22222222/status/22838329388
shared on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1432554339&v=wall&story_fbid=131513896895437
I entered your Speck Products Giveaway
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22842458256
cheep
My savings tip is to clip coupons and watch the paper for sales.
Savings tips: clip coupons, sign up with Groupon, Plum District and other savings spots.
I always read the store flyer and make out a shopping list before I go shopping, with the sales for that week and then match up the items on my list with the coupons I have, on those items. I shop at a store that doubles coupons every week and that saves me a lot, too. This contest would be nice to win, thanks for having it.
My #1 tip is to always match coupons to items that are on sale and STOCK UP!
I’m following your blog in Google Friend Connect.
I like Hunt’s on Facebook.
I’m following NetworkingWitch on Twitter (I’m @LuckyJinxy).
I’m following @CountrySprite on Twitter (I’m @LuckyJinxy).
I’m subscribed to your RSS feed in my Google Reader.
tweet http://twitter.com/LuckyJinxy/status/22852366248
http://twitter.com/tannawings/status/22852629536
chirp
My supermarket has weekly buy one get one, and using coupons for this makes the purchase very reasonable, and sometimes free.
Save and use your coupons. Buy what you can at the dollar store.
Buy in bulk if it saves money in the long run.
Like Hunt’s on facebook.
Brutus Duffy
Following you publicly via GFC.
Following you through Networked Blogs.
Brutus Duffy
Following you on Twitter
@fatmeatloaf1
Following Country Sprite on Twitter
@fatmeatloaf1
http://twitter.com/fatmeatloaf1/status/22856891852
Also entered the Sport-Brella giveaway
I stock up on items that are on sale.
I follow you with gfc
I follow you on networked blogs.
I subscribe to emails
I follow you on twitter. gnwg
Do your homework at home with sale papers and coupons.
Saves time and money instead of searching for items at the store.
My fave savings tip is to check out some websites for products you normally get, you will probably find some awesome coupons!
I am following you via gfc
justine417
I am following you via networked blogs
justine pierson
I am CST…central standard time.
It is only 11:23 here so this entry should count!!!
I subscribe via email
My favorite savings tip is to buy family size packages of meat and make smaller packages when you get home.
I’m following Networkingwitch via twitter
ShesAnAngel417
I’m following Country sprite via twitter
ShesAnAngel417
I tweeted
http://twitter.com/ShesAnAngel417/status/22859480641
My favorite saving tip: stay out of stores, visit garage sales. Thanks for the contest.
FB like Hunt: Slehan
Look at sales flyers online weekly and compare sales.. then use coupons!
networked blogs: Slehan
9/2 – tweeted – http://twitter.com/JD_Denver_SW/status/22859725929
john at darrows dot us
Twitter follow @NetworkingWitch: slehan
Twitter follow @Countrysprite: slehan
http://twitter.com/slehan/status/22859751349
We use Coupons!
I Entered the HawthoRNe Giveaway!
My Favorite savings Tips is coupons coupons coupons especially high dollar and double coupon