**I shared this tip a couple of years ago, but I thought I would bring it back since prime strawberry season is coming up. YAY!**

Gotta love Pinterest.  Some things are hit or miss, but I found a strawberry tip a few summers ago and it WORKS!  Don't you hate when you buy berries and they are moldy by the next day?! I love to use this tip especially when they go on sale for $1 at Meijer.

How to keep your berries fresh!

1. Fill a large mixing bowl with cold water and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
2. Place berries in the bowl and move around for a minute. I like to put a colander inside of my bowl for easy draining.DO NOT RINSE!
3. In the bottom of the berry container, place a folded paper towel.
4. Put the berries back in their original container or chop up and put in a covered bowl in the fridge.

They stay fresh so much longer!  Don't worry, you can't taste the vinegar... it just kills all of the mold spores.  I do this before I freeze my berries, as well.  This is a great tip for markdown fruit!  This works well with blueberries too! I also use it to wash off waxy fruits like apples or cucumbers.

Have you tried this before?

UPDATE: Don't forget to sign up for the Driscolls Rewards for berry coupons!  You simply enter a code from the bottom of the package and take a quick survey--helps save SO much!

Quick tip: how to roast garlic

Garlic is super cheap right now and one of the best ways to enjoy it is roasting it!

Your house will smell amazing.  Plus it will keep the vampires away.  Maybe even the neighbor kids.  I'm kidding....kind of.

What do you do with it?

Add it to pasta, make hummus or add it to your favorite dips.  I put it in my creamy pesto sauce and it adds an amazing flavor to it.

You can roast garlic in 4 simple steps!

1. Chop off the top of the garlic.  Leaving the root end keeps it together.
2. Place on foil, add some EVOO and salt and pepper.
3. Wrap in foil and roast for 35-35 minutes at 350.  When it turns golden, it's done.
4. Let cool and squeeze out of clove.  I store some in the fridge and the rest in a bit of EVOO in the freezer.

Have you tried to roast garlic before?

Quick tip: How to make perfect rice

Rice is such a simple side dish, yet so easy to screw it up.  I know you all have made burnt rice before!

I have a few tips to help you out.  Of course, I still make crappy rice occasionally.  Usually when the twins are being crazy and I forget to listen for the timer.  Does anyone else have kids that go absolutely loco at 5 pm?!

Here's the deal.  Use brown or white rice, whatever you prefer.  Keep in mind that brown rice takes almost twice as long.  When I make it, I usually double or triple up the batch and freeze the extras. 

Tips:

1. Never use water.  Take the opportunity to add extra flavor by using stock.  Chicken or veggie!
2. Place the rice in the pan and toast with a dash of oil.  This prevents mushy rice.  Add the liquid, as usual after toasting for 2-3 minutes.
3. Always set your timer for 14 minutes after liquid starts to boil.

That's it!

Now for the fun add-ins!

Asian:  Make rice as normal, but finish off with almond slices and green onions

Mexican:

• Add normal amount of liquid
• 1/4 cup tomato sauce 
• whole jalapeno 
• 2 smashed garlic cloves 
• Handful of cilantro
• Salt, to taste

Cook as normal and fluff after 14 minutes.  So simple, but turns out amazing.

How do you like your rice?

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?  

Quick Tip: Look for coupons in products!

This was a great deal because it was on sale, I had a coupon and I got $2 off the yogurt I was already buying!

Whenever you are buying a product, do you check the other boxes to see if there are coupons on or inside?  Usually I move a few boxes to make sure there aren't any with special markings. It's a simple step, but you can end up saving more money!

Currently, we have a bunch of cereal boxes and granola bars that state "$5 breakfast savings inside" and there are great coupons.   The perk to getting these is they are usually better than ones you can find in the Sunday paper.  Plus, they usually have much later expiration dates.

At Target, I always check peelies.  If they are "Target" coupons, you can double them up with manufacturer coupons.

Make sure you aren't buying a larger size or spending more money just to get the extra coupons though! 

Two books that will save you TONS!

If you are my age (28! That is the first time I've said it!), you are bound to know someone either having a baby or getting married.  When I found out I was pregnant with the twins, I was given the book Baby Bargains and I fell in love.  Now that I am planning a wedding, I knew Bridal Bargains would help me out as well. 

What's so great about these books?  The honest advice.  There are no sponsors or advertisers to please, so all recommendations are tried and true.  The authors take advice from readers and revise each book every year or so, which keeps the information up to date.  There is also a website, but I found it a bit confusing.  Inside each book contains mounds of valuable advice and helpful websites.  I had always been a couponer, but after reading Baby Bargains I knew how to start saving on the really expensive stuff: baby gear. 

As have been planning my wedding (coming up in May, eek!), I have found so many helpful websites inside.  Did you know that you can BUY a brand name tux from some websites cheaper than renting them at the Tux shops?  It is easy to know where to search locally for deals, but when it comes to the web it is hard to trust just any website, especially if they are selling something for a wedding.  There are so many rip-offs out there!  Both bargain books have a rating system and thorough reviews for both brands and websites. 

If you want to buy your friend a valuable and useful gift, pick up these books! 

Have you checked out these books before?

How to save money without double coupons: step 3

The past two days I have been giving tips as to how to save money when you can't have double coupons.  Today is my last batch of advice.  I hope you are learning something!  Even if you have doubles, this is a great refresher on how to save extra money!  Everyone can use some cash around this time of year.

• Stockpile when you can.  This doesn't mean go Extreme Couponing and get 715 toothbrushes, but get what you can use if you have the coupons.  I stock up on toiletries and household items when a great coupon comes out.  I have enough toothpaste and fabric softener for at least a year!  All for free, cannot beat that!  
• Best advice: be realistic as to what you can use and the shelf life of the product.
  
• Most people are confused how to find the great deals.  There are tons of savings websites out there, but I cannot say enough about Afullcup.com.  I have found out about so many great deals earlier than other websites.  
  
•  Use both store and manufacturer coupons.  If you are unsure as to how this is done, here's a previous post of mine.  You can get a lot of cheap or free items by combining the two types of coupons.  
• Meijer has both Mealbox coupons and Mperks.  You can use both with manufacturer coupons, but not the two together.  Why do they make it so confusing!?  I wish they would make Mealbox coupons digital, it would make everything a breeze!
• If you see any coupons in a store ad, make sure to keep them and even grab extras when you go to the store.  
• Find a local blog which gives you coupon match-ups.  They do all of the dirty work for you!  My favorite for this area is Saving Addiction.  

What is your best money-saving tip?  Are you one of the lucky ones in a doubling area?  You might be and not even know it! 

Other posts:

• How to save money, day 2 
• How to save money, day 1

How to save money without double coupons: Step 1

When we moved back to Michigan last year, I was shocked when I found out there are NO stores in my area that double coupons.  Actually, we have one Kmart which occasionally does, but their prices are SO much higher!  It was a bit of a bummer, especially since the grocery prices are higher here.

After making some adjustments, I have learned to save almost the same amount of money.  It's sad watching that crazy Extreme Couponing show and realizing some areas of this country TRIPLE coupons.  I can't even imagine!

Here are some tips for everyone in the land of no doubles (or LOND in bloggy world).  

• Shop early in the day.  Especially Monday or Tuesday.  

• As the shelves are restocked, they mark down boxes that are not so pretty (ripped, smashed, etc).  Look for big orange stickers.  With cereal and crackers, this doesn't matter because the food is in another bag inside.  Who cares what the box looks like!  You can save 50% or more.  Use that with a coupon and you are getting super cheap items.  I stay away from cans, unless it is just the tag that is ripped. 
• Reduced produce carts go out early, as well.  I was almost stalking the produce lady last Tuesday when I realized she was marking down items.  I got 20lbs of Gala apples for $5...perfect for applesauce and baby food.  I also get potatoes, onions, grapes, berries (watch out for mold!), citrus.  
• Don't be afraid of markdowns in the meat section.  You can get great cuts of meat cheaper.  Stay away from browning meat, though!  I just repackage once I get home and throw it in the freezer.  Chicken breasts have been my favorite find lately, they bake quickly for a  weeknight meal.
• By the salad mix are bags of broccoli, stir-fry mix, squash, etc,  I LOVE these bags because I always can find at least one marked 40% off ($1.20) and they steam right in the microwave.  So quick and easy.  If I find a lot, I throw them in the freezer.
• On other non-food items, markdowns are done overnight or early.  
• Target has a set markdown schedule (great to know if you are watching an item):
• Monday: Kids Clothing, Stationary Items, Electronics, Baby
  Tuesday: Domestics, Food, Women’s Clothing, Pets
  Wednesday: Men’s Clothing, Toys, HBA, Lawn and Garden
  Thursday: Housewares, Shoes, Lingerie, Sporting Goods, Media, Books              Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, Jewelry

Tomorrow, I'll cover more tips, including how to shop the sales ads!

Quick tip: what to do with markdown bananas

Do you ever see these in the grocery store? They are almost always available!

A lot of times, with markdown fruit you don't know what to do.  Most people assume the bananas inside the yucky peels are bruised, but for the most part they are perfectly fine!

What do you do with them?  Peel and freeze for smoothies, breads and other recipes.  You can save a ton of money this way!  I am addicted to frozen bananas in smoothies because they have a much creamier texture.

Other great items to pick up on markdown: meat, yogurt, zucchini, spinach/lettuce, mangoes, berries, potatoes and onions.

I peel and freeze them like this.  If they are flat like this, they barely take up freezer space.  Just take one banana out when you need it!

Do you hunt for those big Manager's Special stickers like I do?  I get so excited when I have a coupon to match!


Other posts you might like:

• What to do with grocery markdowns
• Smoothies (although I am posting an easier one this week!)

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MYO Tortilla Chips!

 

Note: Watch these super close, they burn!  (see those few toasty ones)

After making my own tortilla chips, I seriously doubt I will buy them again, unless I'm in a time crunch.  Baked chips are SO good and much healthier than their fried alternatives.  Here are the easy steps.

1. Buy corn tortillas.  Super cheap, you can usually get 16-20 for less than $1.50
2. Preheat oven to 425
3. Cut each tortilla into 6 chips (cut in half, then 3 out of each half)
4. Place a cooling rack on top of a cookie sheet, then add a single layer of chips
• This technique helps them get crispy on both sides, no flipping needed!  
5. Spray with Pam and a sprinkle of salt
6. Bake 5-8 minutes.  Watch closely!
7. Tada!  You have crispy chips.  Store in a ziploc bag for 1-2 days.

I'm known for my turkey nachos.  I would say they are 100% better with these chips!

Try them!  I'm sure if you ask nicely, I can share my nacho recipe!

If you are tailgating this weekend (Go Bucky!), make my guac too...here's the recipe

Quick tip: HARO

Good morning!!

This post is mostly for my blogger friends, but it can be helpful for everyone who likes to share advice. 

There is a website Help a Reporter Out (HARO) which you can sign up for free updates daily.  There is a paid section, but I just stick with the free emails.  Basically, when a reporter needs help with an article or for more information, they submit queries.  A lot of the topics are looking for doctors or professionals of some sort, but there are also a lot of post looking for bloggers or parents to give advice.

Since I have joined the mailing list, I have had three people use my advice/info.  Very fun and a great way to get your name out and bring traffic to your blog!

Also, national talk shows post on there when they are looking for someone for a segment.  The inner star wannabe in me loves these posts...you never know, you might be on TV from this!

Have you ever heard of this website? Any luck getting something published?

Quick Tip! Make your morning coffee better

I have a 3 foot pile of magazines to catch up on and I just happened to find an article on salt.  One tip was to add a sprinkle of salt your coffee grounds to remove some bitterness.  I tried this for a week and I must admit, my coffee is amazing.  I don't know if it is really that much better, or its all mental (very possible...).  At least Ricky agrees with me!

Try it!

Quick tip: Roasting fruit

When I think of roasting produce, I think mostly of veggies.  I love roasted root veggies, peppers or garlic.  Earlier this summer I was reading an article in a local magazine and they were talking about roasted strawberries.  How could I not have thought of that?  Since then, I have been trying new combinations and I am addicted.  It's so easy to roast anything- basically cover in foil and roast at 400 degrees until soft.

Today I tried something new: roasted mangoes.  I got the idea from Food Network this weekend, but I decided to make my own variation.  I love the mango vinaigrette at Qdoba and I figured I could make my own variation.

(Of course I forgot to take photos....)

All you do is cover a mango in foil and roast for 20ish minutes at 400.  You are just looking for the mango to be shiny and soft.  Let cool and scoop out the insides into a chopper. 

Quick & Easy Vinaigrette

• 1 small handful of cilantro (or parsley for the cilantro haters)
• 1/4 cup EVOO
• 1/8 cup vinegar (I like red wine or apple cider)
• 2 roasted mangoes + 1/2 cup of pineapple chunks
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 jalapeno, seeded
• 2 tablespoons of agave nectar or honey

1. Blend together and add more oil & vinegar, if too thick. 
2. Cool in fridge and enjoy with salads or chicken!

I was seriously licking the spatula, I loved it!

With roasted strawberries, you can do this same recipe with some simple swapouts:

• basil instead of cilantro
• 1/4 cup green pepper for the jalapeno
• Balsamic vinegar for the apple cider

Note: This is another perfect way to use reduced produce from the store.  They always have strawberries and mangoes at our Meijer.  I usually chop and freeze them for smoothies for the twins, but this is a fun new way to dress up summer salads. 

Do you have any new ideas for light, summer cooking?! I would love to hear them!

Quick tip: Rainchecks!

Lately, I have been super frustrated with finding the "hot deals" of the week.  I swear there is someone who gets to the store 5 minutes before me and clears the shelves for every great deal.  If available, always ask for a raincheck!  That little piece of paper can save you time (and expensive gas money!).  Instead of driving around town to other stores trying to find the sale item, just wait until the item is no longer on sale. You usually have from 2-4 weeks to get the item at the sale price.  Just remember to check your coupon expiration dates! You don't want to miss out on a super great deal by forgetting that your coupon expired! 

Quick tip: how to keep greens fresh

As I've said before, we fly through produce.  Since we buy so much, I have quickly learned how to save everything so it stays fresh and tasty as long as possible.  My one tip for most items: a slightly damp paper towel.  I just take a paper towel and flick it with some water from the faucet.  You don't want it soaked, just enough to make it damp.  This little item will save your greens so much!

• Wrap it around green onions to keep them crispy.  Store in a baggy or the produce bag from the store.
• Top salad mix containers or bags with the paper towel to keep lettuce from getting brown or wilting
• Wrap herbs and store in a baggy to keep fresh much longer

That's all for now!  Enjoy your day!