Sunday, March 8, 2009

I Posted a New Poll: What Is Your Favorite Color?

Just in case your favorite color is not listed (or if you want to specify more accurately your exact shade of your favorite color) you can utilize this spot for your posting. Feel free to elaborate "why" if you so desire.

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

A Worthwhile Quote...

"Man finds it hard to get what he wants, because he does not want the best. God finds it hard to give, because He would give the best and man will not take it."

~George MacDonald

Monday, March 2, 2009

Frugal Tips...

Please submit your favorite frugal/thrift (not cheap) tips. I distinguish cheap as that which is done to save money at the expense of others (i.e., stiffing a waitress of her tip or stealing hotel room items...CHEAP!).

One recent frugal tip that I did this past month was to write an email to request coupons from my favorite cheese manufacturer. They mailed me 4 coupons for $1 off, and threw in one FREE purchase to boot. I use their cheese as frequent as is feasible, but it's not cheap in our local grocery stores. I told them that as much as I love their cheese, it's not economical for me to buy very often, so I have been left to buy it for special occassions, like when I have guests over. I have recruited quite a few folks to their cheese. (You are all probably wondering what cheese I'm referring to: Boursin, Gournay Cheese with garlic and fine herb flavoring).

Buy online overstock/clearance items from high end stores. I recently found several items from Lands End for less than what I'd pay at Walmart, but rather than cheap quality, they are well made and in classic styles that will endure for years rather than for a season. Also, avoid buying trendy pieces, rather go trendy on small ticket items like accessories that can update a classic, enduring article of clothing.

Check out the scratch and dent section of the grocery store for canned and boxed food items. For perishables, you can consider the day old baked goods and freeze them for later use. I do this with meats and produce that is discounted for quick sell. I immediately will prepare it (i.e., portion out meat servings, cut up fruits and veggies, and then freeze them for later use). I also will make a big pot of beans or grains and portion them out into one cup servings and freeze them for meals. Saves me time and money! When I have leftovers I will do likewise, portion out a serving or two for a meal later. I find that others are more inclined to eat leftovers if some time has passed before you reintroduce the food again. Also, I will use leftovers to make a stew, soup, or casserole.

Poll Results of Favorite White Wine Variety

Reisling was the BIG WINNER with NINE VOTES. Runner up was Chardonnay with ONE VOTE. Thanks for submitting your vote(s). Now, go out and pick yourself a nice bottle of Reisling, pour yourself a glass, fix yourself a nice hot bath, and open up a good book. Enjoy!