1. If you haven't filled up your freezer with all of those amazing sale items you find, you might want to find a way to fill up that empty space. Freezers are most efficient when they are full. One way to do this is to fill up plastic jugs with water. This way, you save money on your electricity bill and have a storage of fresh water in case of an emergency.
2. Zip-top bags  make the best freezer containers because they waste less space than plastic storage containers. Be sure to buy bags that are specifically for freezer storage. You might be tempted to save money and buy regular zip-top bags, but you will regret it when your food quickly gets freezer burned.
3. If you buy meat in bulk packages, divide it into meal sized portions before freezing. This way you don't have to use the whole package when you defrost the meat. I also like to flatten and or slice the meat before I freeze it. If you like the convenience of individually frozen chicken breasts, wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top bag.
4. Properly wrap foods! I can't stress this enough. All of your freezing success will depend on how well you remove excess moisture and air.

From The Complete Cheapskate by Mary Hunt, pg. 116

Mr. Free Stuff is an awesome website that I just found out about. It lists lots of free stuff samples and offers that you can sign up to receive. I especially like to sign up for free diaper and food samples. Often, samples will come with a coupon as well. Be careful about entering your personal information for any offer. Never give out your credit card/bank information. Also, use a different phone number or birthday if possible.

By now you know that you can use your freezer to store produce, bread, and some dairy items, but did you know that you can preserve the freshness of much more? Check this list out!

Brown and powdered sugar-Prevents lumps
Coffee-Maintains freshness
Nuts-Prevents them from turning rancid longer than if you keep them in your pantry
Popcorn kernels-Freezing keeps kernels fresh and encourages every kernel to pop
Marshmallows, potato chips, pretzels, and crackers-Store in original, unopened containers

You may be thinking, "I don't have that much freezer space to begin with-how am I supposed to fit my brown sugar in there too?" If you do not have enough room in your freezer and you have enough room in your budget, you might want to consider purchasing an extra freezer. My parents bought a small one for me when I was in college. It wasn't too expensive, and it has more than doubled my freezer space. You really do save money when you can stock up on sale items, but only if you can keep those items without spoiling.

From The Complete Cheapskate by Mary Hunt, pgs. 116-17

Now through Thursday, you can get a free 8x10 print from Walgreens Photo Center. Click here to access the coupon. Walgreens has a different digital photo deal every day this week. Check it out here.

Yesterday, I made a delicious Sunday dinner for some of my extended family. Before I get to the menu, I have to share that it required no extra trips to the grocery store. I opened up my freezer and pantry and put together a fantastic spread.

The menu:
Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
Roasted Red Potatoes
Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
Cantaloupe
Apple/Cherry pie

A meal like this could have cost a pretty penny, but because I stocked up when things were on sale, I didn't feel the pinch. I bought the pork when Albertsons had their buy 1 get 2 free deal. The red potatoes and carrots came from a Sunflower Market sale. Normally, I would have made the rolls, but I got the Hawaiian Sweet Rolls a couple of weeks ago for less than what it would cost to make them myself. The cantaloupe was on sale this week, and the pie was from the Safeway bakery and reduced to $0.99 (again, no way I could have made a pie for this)!

This just goes to show you that by shopping the sales and stockpiling food in your pantry and freezer, you can quickly put together a great meal for company without breaking your budget. Check out my recipe for the pork below.


Garlic Crusted Pork Tenderloin
2 cups Panko bread crumbs
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1/2 TBSP dried thyme
1/2 TBSP onion powder
1 TSP black pepper
1/2 TBSP coarse salt
4-5 lb. pork tenderloin
olive oil

1. Sprinkle the bottom of your roasting pan with olive oil before adding the pork to the pan.
2. Mix bread crumbs, garlic, and seasonings together in a small bowl.
3. Spread bread crumb mixture over the pork and pat into the meat.
4. Cover pan with foil and bake at 300 degrees Farenheit for 4 hours (or until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees).
5. Let meat rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing to maintain juiciness.
6. Enjoy! If you want to, use the pan drippings to make a delicious gravy.

This article is fascinating. When you wonder if it is really worth your time to cut and sort coupons, check this math out. http://customsites.yahoo.com/financiallyfit/finance/article-108816-4123-3-how-to-save-100-in-an-hour?ywaad=ad0035. Thanks Renee!

As spring draws near, stores are gearing up for warmer weather by putting winter merchandise on sale. Winter clothing, snow shovels, ice melt, ice scrapers, boots, and even toys can be had for a steal. Did you know that February is the best time of year to buy big screen TVs (before the Super Bowl), cameras motorcycles, boats, air conditioners, tools, and recliners? If you think you might need an air conditioner this year, buy one before the warm weather drives the demand and prices up.