In our house, we eat berries by the container full.  I'm not complaining, but that gets EXPENSIVE this time of year!! 

I was so excited when I saw the organic raspberries were the same price as regular at Meijer this week.  $1.66 for some berries is great for this time of year!!

Even better?  With each carton, you can take a quick survey (3-4 minutes) for the Driscoll's Rewards program and in return get a coupon!  Score!

The rewards program is free and you get special offers and a little birthday berry treat.

You all know I love to take surveys...might as well get some coupons while you're at it.  I love when I can find deals on produce, since coupons are hard to come by in that department.  With each survey you take, you are also entered to win $100.  Hey, you never know!

What are your tips for saving in the produce department?

The minute I walk into the store, I beeline for the markdown produce cart.  Ricky says I can sense a orange clearance sticker from a mile away!

Not sure what to do with markdowns?  Here's a few tips for you:

• What to do with grocery markdowns
• Markdown bananas
• Turn day old bread into garlic bread for your freezer

Mmmm Mondays: Garlic bread from markdowns

I love markdown groceries!  Ricky thinks it's my superpower: I can scope out a bright markdown sticker from a mile away.  If you look in my linen closet, most of the toiletries have Target clearance stickers on them.  It's the way to go!

I've shared some tips in the past about what to do with markdowns you might find:

• Markdown Bananas
• More markdown tips from produce to meat
• Markdown tips!

Today I'll cover one of my favorite finds: markdown bread.  I love to make fresh breadcrumbs or croutons.  My favorite thing is homemade garlic bread!  Lately, there have been a lot of butter freebies at Meijer and I have a ton in the back of my fridge.  This is a great way to use it all up!

Yes, I know you can find relatively cheap garlic bread in the freezer section, but it doesn't really taste as great as homemade.  Plus, you have no clue what they put in that stuff!


Here's what you need:

• Butter.  Any kind, although it needs to be room temp or spreadable
• Seasonings: Italian herb, garlic salt/powder...whatever is on hand.  I like pesto too!
• Fresh garlic, 2-3 cloves minced
• Optional: Parmesan cheese

(Pretty self-explanatory) Instructions:

1. Slice bread
2. Combine seasonings, garlic and butter
3. Spread on both sides of the bread
4. Place bread (back as whole) on a baking sheet and freeze
5. Once frozen for a day, break it into sizes your family will use and wrap in foil. 

Bake at 400 for 5-8 minutes!  Enjoy with some spaghetti!  

What's your favorite type of markdown to find?