tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post6797298116699647277..comments2024-03-24T05:22:27.179-04:00Comments on Orthonomics: Orthonomicshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07892074485262548496noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-81322050118096976632008-07-23T15:31:00.000-04:002008-07-23T15:31:00.000-04:00Adding juice to seltzer is a great idea, but it wo...Adding juice to seltzer is a great idea, but it won't result in sugar-free soda. Isn't juice 100% fructose (fruit sugar)? It's not really any better for your teeth than sucrose (table sugar) or corn sweetener-- unless you're adding less juice to your seltzer than the amount of sugar you would find in a bottle of soda.Ahuvahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12313911386166259760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-78428449904750815702008-07-23T15:21:00.000-04:002008-07-23T15:21:00.000-04:00This may be a dental-bill-saving suggestion rather...This may be a dental-bill-saving suggestion rather than a grocery-bill-cutting suggestion, but those of you who can't manage without soda might want to try adding (unsweetened) grape juice or orange juice to your seltzer, thereby making your own sugar-free soda. Be sure to use 100% juice (no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, etc.) If you don't want to make drinking soda a habit, save this as a Shabbat or Yom Tov treat.Shira Salamonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15989302669175887512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-39154995976000194532008-07-22T09:24:00.000-04:002008-07-22T09:24:00.000-04:00Perhaps the SL has either more will power or highe...Perhaps the SL has either more will power or higher metabolism than I do, but I buy the packaged snacks for my child's lunch box, since I nosh if I pack them, and at my stage of life, the pounds mean more than the money.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-83342258638476295902008-07-18T16:11:00.000-04:002008-07-18T16:11:00.000-04:00Speaking from the 5 Towns, I have to say that the ...Speaking from the 5 Towns, I have to say that the kosher stores actually have better prices on some items than the supermarkets do. While they don't usually have the best bargains on regular ice cream or breakfast cereals, one of them has the best price on a half gallon of regular milk. I end up buying most of my produce in these stores because they actually have the best area prices unless a supermarket is offering some special on something like whole watermelon or corn. And the regular supermarkets actually have higher prices on Empire and other specialty kosher items unless there is a special sale before Pesach or such.Ariella's bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09409352047101582583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-67655072769620509522008-07-18T10:12:00.000-04:002008-07-18T10:12:00.000-04:00Whereas, in Providence, the Kosher store (there's ...Whereas, in Providence, the Kosher store (there's only one) has the <B>best</B> prices on Kosher food. So it pays to know your stores and comparison shop. Stop & Shop might have kosher boxed frozen pizza for $12 while our little kosher store has it for $9. Instant soups are $1.29 at the supermarket, and .79 at the Kosher store. (You might argue that instant soups aren't food, and that it might be cheaper to make the pizza yourself, assuming you have the time and inclination, of course, but I don't do the shopping and those were prices I knew to offer for comparison.)miriamphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14339767447913960853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-38552604970110963932008-07-17T12:10:00.000-04:002008-07-17T12:10:00.000-04:00On the bottom of the Pathmark receipt it tells you...On the bottom of the Pathmark receipt it tells you how much your year to date savings are. I recently checked it and saw that we have saved over $2000 so far this year using coupons and buying things on sale. Stop and Shop is currently offering a free gallon of milk after a purchase of 6 gallons, with little kids, this could be done in a month. I would say the biggest way to save money on groceries in frum communities is NOT to shop in the kosher stores. You can get fresh kosher chicken in Pathmark and ShopRite and the kosher stores take tremendous advantage of the consumer (especially in outer NYC suburbs like Teaneck or the 5 Towns). Also, regarding soda, it can be found on sale sometimes for 88C a bottle and it stores well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-79129530685501362902008-07-17T11:53:00.000-04:002008-07-17T11:53:00.000-04:00The warehouse club (costco. BJs, Sam's Club) membe...The warehouse club (costco. BJs, Sam's Club) membership more than pays for itself if you make your own challah and only ever buy yeast there. You get 2 lbs of yeast for half the price of one of those little 4 oz glass jars. (I don't know exact numbers, because my husband does the grocery shopping). But yes, you can't assume that everything is a bargain just because it's there. Yeast pays for the membership, and eggs are a pretty good deal, and the big things of laundry detergent -- there are certain things my husband makes sure to buy there, and others he makes sure to buy elsewhere. (He's very disciplined about grocery shopping, and has the equivalent of a price book in his PDA, along with the prioritized grocery list.)miriamphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14339767447913960853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-51628056551826314572008-07-16T22:29:00.000-04:002008-07-16T22:29:00.000-04:00making your own selzter is SO worth it. we asked f...making your own selzter is SO worth it. <BR/>we asked for one for a wedding present and make seltzer every day. one gas cartridge (45 dollars for 2, and that includes shipping) lasts us just a bit more than two months, so that means that we are spending about 9 bucks a month for seltzer that we dont have to shlep up to our apt or throw empty bottles out for. We dont buy the soda mixes. at 70c/bottle (sometimes more at random places in our area) and about 3L of seltzer a day, we are saving... 54 dollars a month.Miriam Segura-Harrisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09797210023053288251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-14863526586582908092008-07-16T17:29:00.000-04:002008-07-16T17:29:00.000-04:00I have one more suggestion. I started to buy my co...I have one more suggestion. I started to buy my coupons on Ebay. I know why pay for coupons, but wait, you can buy 20 coupons of $1 of per item for $2. What I did I went around my house with a pencil and paper and wrote down all the brand names that we use, than I searched on ebay for those particular coupons. I bought a lot of them then I waited when my products went on sale and than I bought 20 of them with my dollar off. I am comitted to a healthy lifestyle, that means we do not eat trans fats and artificial colorings or flavors and I try to buy organic fruits and veggies on sale. I have to save that I have saved hundreds of dollars this way. I also make weekly menus and cook ahead and make own pizza and challah. It does take practice but it saves you a lot of money and you can be proud of helping the family budget.<BR/>BaraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-54557433457583172262008-07-16T17:23:00.000-04:002008-07-16T17:23:00.000-04:00I think that making my own deserts is a big saver....I think that making my own deserts is a big saver. The kids like a little something sweet after dinner, and I started making my own stuff - not as fancy, but healthier than what you'd buy, and less expensive.<BR/><BR/>As for the insurance issue, and this is for all insurance, not just life, which company you chose is much less important than exactly what the policy says. Read everything. The large print, the fine print, every term and every condition. If there's anything you don't understand, ask the agent for an explanation and make sure you get it in writing.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-91344298369980543252008-07-16T15:56:00.000-04:002008-07-16T15:56:00.000-04:00Here are two links that may help fellow readers:Ho...Here are two links that may help fellow readers:<BR/><BR/>Homemade Ginger Ale - I loved the strong West Indian "ginger beer" when I lived in New York, but can't get it here in Israel. This website shows how to use regular yeast to make your own, homemade soda - with as much ginger as you want.<BR/><BR/>http://biology.clc.uc.edu/fankhauser/Cheese/Ginger_Ale_Ag0.htm<BR/><BR/>I have changed the recipe a bit by making up concentrated ginger syrup (grated ginger, water, sugar, corn syrup/honey). I use this to flavor the soda. Less mess and I can use it to flavor plain water and in cooking.<BR/><BR/>2) No-knead pizza dough - there has been a wave of no-knead bread recipes over the past year, sparked by an article in the NY Times.<BR/><BR/>Letting dough ferment slowly in the fridge or on a countertop actually adds flavor. If kept in the fridge, the dough can last several days. You can dip into the dough over several days to make pizza, focaccia, calzones, etc. - and it can also be used with fillings used for burekas.<BR/><BR/>This is just one of many such recipes - google "no-knead bread" for many more:<BR/><BR/>http://ayearinbread.earthandhearth.com/2007/03/beth-pizza-dough.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-57267681310952522032008-07-16T13:20:00.000-04:002008-07-16T13:20:00.000-04:00Ahuva - We have a seltzer maker and it definitely ...Ahuva - We have a seltzer maker and it definitely saves us a lot of money. (Will only apply if your whole family drinks seltzer regularly.) We also found cheap sugar-free flavored drink mix, so we make whole bottle of punch and other flavored drinks for less than one bottle would cost in the store.Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09546504942311091442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-72172434340727023692008-07-16T13:17:00.000-04:002008-07-16T13:17:00.000-04:00Here's a related one - learn to make your own pizz...Here's a related one - learn to make your own pizza, or anything else that you order when you eat out. We haven't eaten pizza out in ages since my husband starting making it at home, it tastes better, and can even be healthier (he makes it whole wheat). As someone mentioned in the previous post, this also leads to savings on whatever else you would order if eating out (like drinks).Estherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09546504942311091442noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-81438781348917027702008-07-16T13:15:00.000-04:002008-07-16T13:15:00.000-04:00If you really like seltzer, what about buying a se...If you really like seltzer, what about buying a seltzer bottle (abt $45) and making your own? I'm having a hard time running the numbers because I'm not sure how many bottles of store seltzer = 1 C02 cartridge (about .70 each). I think this has the potential to save money over the long run since the bottles seem like they would last for many years, but I don't drink enough seltzer to be sure.Ahuvahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12313911386166259760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-4922710941243604962008-07-16T13:13:00.000-04:002008-07-16T13:13:00.000-04:00Plant a small herb garden. Even in an apartment, y...Plant a small herb garden. Even in an apartment, you can probably do a window garden.<BR/><BR/>The cost/benefit of fresh herbs is astounding.Davehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04391023891253673160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-34600804100064344592008-07-16T12:35:00.000-04:002008-07-16T12:35:00.000-04:00Other great ways to get coupons. Go to a manufact...Other great ways to get coupons. Go to a manufacturer's site and browse. Many of them have coupons you can print out. Proctor and Gamble has a coupon now that saves on the Crest rinse and toothpaste, plus others. Go to one of the coupon exchanges that exist online. Sending away the coupons you are exchanging will cost you a stamp but can save you tons of money. Kosher consumers cannot use a lot of the coupons out there, so exchanging those for coupons you can use makes sense. A third way is if you have a non Jewish neighbor. We get all kinds of circulars with coupons and the newspaper with coupons, a lot of them that are for non kosher products and restaurants. I had a neighbor that I would regularly give those coupons to. She would reciprocate with those coupons I could use.ProfKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17954446826821665314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-40508967084332877612008-07-16T10:35:00.000-04:002008-07-16T10:35:00.000-04:00Clipping coupons and hanging on to them until they...Clipping coupons and hanging on to them until they match up with an item on sale at the store sale can save you a pretty penny and can even be cheaper than the generic or store brand. Also, places like Walmart and Target are also good for certain (kosher)food items, toiletries, cleansers, etc. Target has its own coupons and you can stack them with manufacturer's coupons. For example, if you have both a Target coupon and a mfg's coupon for Dove soap, you can use both of them and get some really cheap soap. Walmart accepts competitor's coupons.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-78144844662512597712008-07-16T10:13:00.000-04:002008-07-16T10:13:00.000-04:00Thanks for the tips, SL and ProfK.::sigh:: If only...Thanks for the tips, SL and ProfK.<BR/><BR/>::sigh:: If only FreshDirect accepted coupons...or the local supermarkets near my apartment didn't transform the shopping experience into a living hell.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-24996944503437866172008-07-16T09:20:00.000-04:002008-07-16T09:20:00.000-04:00I think I've mentioned it here before but it works...I think I've mentioned it here before but it works really well for me and for others who have tried it. Using only a visual check of the stores you have in hand works okay when you have a relatively small store of items. Instead I use a list I've compiled on the computer and that I print out and post in my storage areas and for my freezer. The list is every product we use organized by general headings such as laundry, canned goods, dairy etc. Next to each item I post how many of that item I have in stock and I change that number when I remove or add something. Stores use such inventory lists and it works at home too. <BR/><BR/>I also put the brands I will use on that list. There is no savings in buying a mayonnaise that is super cheap if no one will eat it. Ditto on other products. At this point we have tried enough different brands that I know which ones worked for my family and which ones didn't. <BR/><BR/>If you are trying a new product buy only one of it at first. If it works then fine. If not, you haven't lost more than that one product's money.<BR/><BR/>If you like a particular national brand but not its price, ask your supermarket manager which companies package their store brands. The national brands make a fortune in producing the products that come under the store's brand. Shoprite tuna is Chicken of the Sea with a different label and a lot better price.Before Pesach, for instance, the Shoprite OUP solid white tuna was 99 cents a can--the Chicken of the Sea was $2.49. The America's Choice products that are found as one of the store brands in Pathmark and Waldbaums are all manufactured by the name brand companies, and if you read the labels they are identical to the originals.ProfKhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17954446826821665314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-44751387708007434982008-07-16T08:38:00.000-04:002008-07-16T08:38:00.000-04:00LOZ-Costco requires tremendous discipline, but the...LOZ-Costco requires tremendous discipline, but there are good deals. I don't use tremendous lightly. <BR/><BR/>Enjoy your seltzer. I love seltzer too and buy it from time to time, but there is no question that regular use can be a money drain.Orthonomicshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07892074485262548496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21976303.post-81869343882525684902008-07-16T01:15:00.000-04:002008-07-16T01:15:00.000-04:00i think costco is a great place for savings on foo...i think costco is a great place for savings on food (and other products). the membership fee is easily made up from savings and the extremely generous return policy (as long as you remain a member, you can return almost any product in any condition, for any reason, even without a receipt or original packaging.) the only problem is you have to be extremely disciplined when shopping there. i was once going to post about this.<BR/><BR/>"And do learn to make your own challah."<BR/><BR/>someone bought us a bread machine for our wedding. my wife used it a few times to bake chalah, but the machine has sat in the cabinet for about 6 years now.<BR/><BR/>"seltzer"<BR/><BR/>i knew someone was going to say seltzer is a luxury. i've cut out most of the crap from diet. you aren't going to deny my a simple (and relatively affordable) pleasure like seltzer.<BR/><BR/>"I'm hoping that there is a life insurance expert out there will kindly submit a guest post"<BR/><BR/>from what i understand term is more appropriate for younger people and you buy as much as you can afford in order to cover the projected annual budget (taking into account mortgage, tuition, etc.).<BR/><BR/>but how do you choose between companies? a friend bought it online using a comparison website, but i don't understand how to choose one company over the other. you can go to a broker, but who says he has your best interests at heart? in sum, assuming you know which type of policy and how much, how do you evaluate different comapanies? are some more reliable? what small print is involved? are there special options or riders? etc.Lion of Zionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10342299133387602141noreply@blogger.com