by Cheryl Moeller

Matthew 14:19-21 And Jesus commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fishes, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and brake, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. And they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the fragments that remained twelve baskets full. And they that had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

1. I have started carrying fruit or a Ziploc bag of dry cereal with me.
I can’t tell you how many times it has stopped me from getting fast food
or ice cream. I just hand the kids cereal or a banana to stave off their hunger
Now, that it’s summer, we are carrying a small cooler with us, filled with water.

2. When I go to a store, I search online first for a coupon. I did this five
times last week, and found a coupon, for each place I was going. Some
places like Jiffy Lube, will take a competitor’s coupon. You have to arrive
at Jiffy Lube, with the coupon or sale ad. I have taken in coupons from
other oil places for $10 off and Jiffy Lube honors the competitor’s
coupon. Also, go before 10:00 a.m. and save $10 at Jiffy Lube. Then,
there’s amazing friends like the Pedersons and Davenports, who change
their own oil. We have been looking online for coupons, and have found
some amazing deals.

3. Also, when we go to a store or business, we check online to see what their sales are. Then, we are able to compare with other store’s sales. (The only thing to watch for: some places don’t have the same sale in the store, as online.) My friend Nellie tries to limit the number of times in one month, that she enters a store. “Out of sight, out of mind” is her motto. If shopping is your hobby, maybe you better get a new hobby, or head to the “vintage boutiques!”

4. Yes, I know this idea sounds like it’s from the middle ages, but the master mixes are good for savings. I did one up today. I can go to my bakery and buy five muffins for $10 or make 2 dozen for 49 cents, total. hhhhhhhhmmmmmmmmm Is that a savings? I think so. les-more.html You can google other dry mix recipes, that might appeal more to you. I use canola oil, but then keep the mix in the frig. It will keep for one month, in the frig. The recipe usually call for shortening. You can also use 1/2 whole wheat flour. My friend Elyse makes the Master Mixes and says it does save money and time. She has four kids and needs something quick and cheap in her kitchen repertoire. She is a low maintenance person, so this can’t be that hard to do. Also, if you don’t want to make it from scratch, the master whole wheat mix at Trader Joes is great.

5. Last summer, with gas prices, we took staycations and stayed home, telling our kids that the garage really did look like Universal Studios. This summer try your vacation summer, at a friend’s home. So, beware, I may be driving into your driveway. In other words, “Bless” a friend or family member, with your presence this summer. You are invited to my home also, if you don’t mind six kids and three dogs! We are alot of fun and make a mean pot of potato soup. Bonus for coming to Chicago: kids ride free on the Chicagoland Metra trains, on the weekend.

6. It’s not just inexpensive groceries, but remember it saves to use those to make inexpensive meals.

7. Soups still can be served in all seasons, including the summer. There’s nothing less inexpensive! What other meal boasts of 1/2 water!

Cheryl Moeller is a stand up comic, syndicated mom humor columnist, retreat/conference speaker, and mom of 6. She uses her over-the-counter-top humor to show moms the humor in the everydayness of life. Check out her humor, books, and musings at http://momlaughs.blogspot.com.

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