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Grocery Shopping Tips During High Inflation

shopping

If you’ve been grocery shopping lately and compared the prices on the shelves to the prices you paid six months or even a year ago, you’ve probably noticed some changes. Inflation is part of life, but it can greatly impact your grocery budget and may require you to change some things about the way you shop. The following tips can help you deal with inflation at the grocery store so you’re able to get what you need to feed your family.

Stock up on foods with a longer shelf life

If you find a good deal on foods that have a longer shelf life, it’s helpful to stock up on those foods while keeping your budget and storage space in mind. Shelf-stable foods, canned goods and frozen foods can last a long time when stored properly. Just be sure to rotate your foods using the “first in first out” method so nothing goes bad before you can use it.

Shop at different stores

While your normal grocery store may offer some good sale prices, their shelf prices can be higher than other stores. For foods that you eat a lot of, consider shopping in bulk at a club store or through an online retailer. Amish stores, discount grocers and ethnic food stores often have excellent prices, and many have foods that you can’t find elsewhere.

Learn how to store foods

Buying in bulk and shopping ahead only works when you know how to store your food. If you eat a lot of frozen foods, consider purchasing a deep freezer that will allow you to keep more foods on hand. Keep dried goods stored in airtight containers in an area with stable temperatures and little light. Store canned goods on stable shelving to prevent dents, which can greatly decrease the shelf life of the foods inside. If you want to learn more about storing foods long-term, look into dehydrating or canning your foods at home.

We all have to buy groceries even as the prices go up. It’s not uncommon to have to shift some of your budget from so-called frivolous purchases to your grocery budget during times of high inflation. But there are some strategies you can use to shop smarter so that you have peace of mind that you can continue to feed your family the foods they enjoy.

Unique Summer Vacation Ideas

vacation

For many people, summer vacation means a trip to the beach, an amusement park or a road trip. While these can all be fun ways to spend time with the family, there are also plenty of other options if you want to try something a little different. With rising costs of gas and other essentials, you may be looking for something closer to home, or you may just want to give your family the opportunity to have a unique summer experience.

Look for a different type of lodging

Staying in hotels or standard vacation rentals isn’t the only way to spend your vacation nights away from home. No matter where you’re vacationing to, you’re likely to find a unique lodging option. Many mountain destinations have cabins with plenty of amenities to keep your family occupied during downtime. Some other options include yurts, treehouses and themed hotels.

Find fun stops on a road trip

Road trips can be fun, especially if you add in some stops that aren’t always on the list of popular destinations. Unique roadside attractions can allow the family to get out some energy during a monotonous drive. These stops may be off the beaten path, but they’re often worth the trip. Venture further out from the main highway and use a virtual map to find hidden gems. You can also look through online travel sites to find new places to visit. Pay particular attention to reviews from other travelers as they can provide useful information to help you find some fun places to visit along the way.

Check out summer festivals

There are festivals for nearly anything you can think of. Many are centered around foods, seasonal events or pop culture interests. If your family has a particular interest, do a quick online search and you may find a festival that celebrates it. The great thing about festivals is that most are kid-friendly and they usually have unique foods to try along with plenty of other activities. Many festivals are also in areas with other attractions, allowing you to make a full vacation of it.

There’s nothing wrong with vacationing to your favorite destination year after year. There’s something to be said about traveling to familiar places and having those family traditions. But sometimes it’s also fun to try something new by staying in unique lodging, stopping at lesser-known destinations on a road trip or taking your family to a festival that offers fun for the entire family.

How To Best Prepare For Summer Storms

storms

Summer weather can bring sunny days with ideal conditions, allowing you to spend time enjoying the outdoors. But in many areas, summer also brings severe storms. If you live in an area that gets inclement weather during the summer, you may have experienced power outages, damage to your home or other storm-related issues. While you can’t control the weather, there are some steps you can take to prepare your yourself for violent summer storms.

Be ready for power outages

It’s not uncommon for severe storms to knock out your power for hours or even days. While power outages in the summer may not be as bad as those in wintertime when you have to worry about cold temperatures inside your home, they can still cause a lot of problems. If you live in an area where power outages are frequent, it may be wise to look into purchasing a generator. They can be used in times of emergency to keep your refrigerator and other essential appliances running. For those with rare outages, be prepared with flashlights, extra batteries, lanterns and some shelf-stable food along with a manual can opener.

Know what to do in extreme weather

Tornadoes and hurricanes can be dangerous. You may be required to evacuate your home, so it’s important to be prepared with an evacuation route and to keep a bag packed with essential papers and other items to get your family through a few days away from home. If you live in an area with these types of extreme weather, it’s smart to invest in a battery-powered radio so you can stay updated with weather information.

Outdoor preparation musts

High winds in summer storms can bring down limbs and entire trees on your property, destroying structures and endangering people. You may want to have a tree expert evaluate the trees around your home to see if some should be trimmed or removed. It’s also helpful to have a plan in place to secure outdoor furniture and other heavy items to prevent them from damaging your home or surrounding homes in high winds.

Many people look forward to the weather in summer but not the extreme elements that can come with those sunny days. Thunderstorms, hurricane and tornadoes can cause a lot of damage. Know the risks of these weather events in your area and prepared ahead to keep your family safe in case of a weather emergency.

Stock Up On These Simple Ingredients For Quick Dinners

ingredients

A well-stocked kitchen allows you to make healthy meals at home. If you have the basic ingredients in your kitchen and you restock as needed, you won’t be tempted to frequently order out or pick up fast food on the way home. For quick meals, there are some basics that you can keep on hand when you want to make an easy homecooked meal. Consider stocking up on some of these items so that you’re always prepared to make a quick dinner that doesn’t require a lot of planning or prep work.

Pantry staples

A stocked pantry makes it easy to cook fresh meals in little time. Keep a variety of spice blends, seasonings and marinades to flavor meats and vegetables. Consider having different types of grains like quinoa, rice and various types of pasta. Don’t forget the sauces. While jarred sauces may not be as good as homemade, they are a great timesaver on a busy night. It’s also a good idea to have a few different types of cooking oils, as some work better at different temperatures for frying, baking or roasting.

Baking basics

Not everyone enjoys baking or has the inclination to try it. But there are some shortcuts you can take if you want fresh baked goods without the hassle. Check your store’s baking aisle for premade mixes for biscuits, cornbread, cakes and cookies. These usually require you to add only a few additional ingredients before baking. For scratch baking, most things can be made using basic ingredients like flour, sugar, yeast, salt, eggs, butter, baking powder and baking soda.

Meals with few ingredients

One-pot meals and sheet pan dinners are quick and easy to cook and clean up. There are many different tried-and-true recipes available online that show you how to use a few ingredients to make quick meals in little time. Pick a few of your favorites and keep those ingredients stocked. A sheet pan dinner can be as simple as roasting your favorite veggies with a protein in some oil and seasonings. Pasta and rice dishes are perfect for creating one-skillet meals from what you have on hand.

A well-stocked kitchen of simple ingredients can help you get dinner on the table in little time. Experimenting with new dishes can be fun, but it’s also a good idea to have some simple favorites that you can turn to when you don’t have time or energy to be creative. Keep the basics on hand so you’re ready to prepare simple meals without spending hours in the kitchen.