Trading Up Downtown

As you probably know, coupons and in-store sales are a grear way to save money at the grocery store while you shop,  but you can even save more with some smart shopping strategies. Here are some tips to help you make budget-friendly choices in the bread aisle!

1. Check out the day-old shelf: Most grocery stores have a day-old shelf or rack where you can find day-old bread at a deeply discounted price. If you don’t know where yours is located, ask the bakery counter. Day-old bread is perfect for making your own bread crumbs or French toast.
2. Take advantage of buy one, get one deals: Don’t need two loaves of bread? Buy one and freeze one for later!
3. Get creative: Is your bread at home about to expire? Crumble it into burgers or meatloaf. You’ll use less meat without skipping out on flavor, which means you’ll save some money in the end!
4. Make your own snacks: Instead of buying expensive bags of chips, make your own at home using corn or flour tortillas. Crisp up the tortillas in the oven (or toaster oven) and sprinkle with sea salt or garlic powder.

Trading Up Downtown Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered this week’s giveaway! Here’s you winner: 75!

Congrats, Daria! Please email me at thaupert@nuval.com with you full name and mailing address to claim your prize.

The other day, my husband came up with the brilliant idea of purchasing unfinished furniture to save us some money. We like doing home improvement projects, so sanding and staining new furniture isn’t a hassle at all for us. Plus, we’re all about saving money where we can!

On Monday, we headed to a local furniture store that specializes in unfinished pieces. We found all sort of great stuff, and our trip was a huge success because we bought a new TV stand (below), a desk, and a cabinet for my office for hundreds of dollars less than we planned to pay at one of those big furniture stores. And the quality of the pieces was excellent. All three were built well with beautiful (real) wood. Woohoo!

Trading Up Downtown Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered last week’s giveaway! Here’s your winner: 60!

Congrats, Jillian! Please email me at thaupert@nuval.com with your full name and mailing address to claim your prize!

Have you ever heard of an oil mister? Is a great little kitchen tool that you fill with olive oil and use to “mist” your food or a cooking dish– sort of like nonstick cooking spray, but a lot more nutritious for you and, of course, less chemically. It’s also a great way to save calories and fat (if you’re watching your weight) as well as your hard-earned money!

I recently received a fancy bottle of expensive truffle oil for Christmas, so I put it in my oil mister to help me use less of it so it lasts longer. Instead of pouring the truffle oil, I light spritz it on my meals/food.

Trading Up Downtown Giveaway

Thanks to everyone who entered this week’s giveaway! Here’s your winner: 20!

Congrats, Lindsay! Please email me at thaupert@nuval.com with your full name and mailing address to claim your prize.