How To Prepare For A Hurricane

This is what I ran out and picked up at Target and CVS and the dollar store yesterday in anticipation of Hurricane Sandy.

Half and half for my coffee.
Diet Coke. (2L on sale for $0.88 this week)
Candles.  ($1 from Dollar General)
Applesauce squeezy thingies.  Just in case.  Plus, I love them.  Great to toss in a bag for a snack on the go.

Notice that my haul does not include batteries.  I searched high and low for D batteries to use in an old boom box in case of power outage.  But it seems that everyone else beat me to the punch.  Which makes sense as I went on this big search around 2 in the afternoon.

Bottom line.  I was happy as a clam.  I had a chicken in the crockpot and a big glass of wine and all my necessities at the ready.  Just in case.

How did you prepare for Hurricane Sandy?  And did your area have much damage?  I hope not!

Easy and Inexpensive Gift Ideas

I thought this might be a good time to show y'all some gift ideas that have been big hits in my family over the years.  My biggest challenge is always kids from age 5-16.  I don't seem them enough to know what's cool and not cool and what they have already.  By that age they certainly have big wardrobe opinions.  And in my family, they are nearly all little boys.  A complete mystery to me.

This was a BIG hit!  I picked up lots of funky flavored sodas as well as a bottle koozie and funky straw (pack of 6 just $1 at Dollar General).  Put everything in a colorful bucket from the $1 section at Target.  Added crinkle and wrapped it all up in a big bag.  As always, click the images to see the original explanation posts.

And for the family gift exchange, a little bucket full of nips.  These are fun to make single drinks or to add to a hot bevvy during the 75 months of winter we have ahead of us.

These were other favorites.  What I called Sugar Buckets.  I bought buckets at the Dollar General.  And kiddie snacks and sweets at various stores.  Very inexpensive.  And a HUGE hit with kids.  Parents, perhaps notsomuch.  Ha. 

I love how I wrapped them and actually use this method a lot with oddly shaped gift baskets.  Take a yard of scrap fabric, place the bucket or odd shaped gift in center, and tie with a grosgrain ribbon bow.  Simple as can but but be prepared for everyone to make a big fuss over your amazing gift wrapping skills. 

Oh and last year I made initial towel wraps.  You need to know some basic sewing skills but they were pretty simple and inexpensive.  And I hope pretty useful- bath, pool, beach, etc.  Again, click the images to see better explanations of the gifts.

Feta Cheese From The Dollar Tree

There is a one Dollar Tree store sort of near me (East Greenbush) that has a row of fridge and freezer cases in the back.  And sometimes they have feta cheese (my favorite).  They've not had any in at least six months but I was over that way running errands today and they were back in stock.  Albeit a different brand (they used to carry the same brand as Price Chopper) and a smaller size.  I still think $1 for a 2 oz pack of feta is a good deal. 

For those wondering why I bought eight, it's because I freeze them.  When you find a good deal, buy many and freeze until you need it.  Cheese freezes great so I am never worried about it tasting funny later.  I use feta in salads, pasta dishes and in spinach feta omelets (which I eat a few times a month I must admit).

The Dollar Tree is also a great resource for cheap prices on spices.  I ran out of onion powder last weekend so this was prefect timing.

I don't buy much at dollar stores but sometimes you just hit the bargain jack-pot. 

Other things I try to get at the Dollar Tree are....
* Minced garlic
* Tortillas (before I stopped eating gluten)
* Chicken stock

This is sort of my dirty little secret.  I don't know why I have no shame in using coupons but shopping at the Dollar Tree feels seedy.  But it does- ha.  So shhhh...don't tell anyone!

Don't Overlook The Dollar Store

So I don't get much from the dollar stores as we can often save more using coupons elsewhere.  I do swear by their gift bags though.  Great variety and serve their purpose.

But I also pick up a few random food items when I happen to notice them.  I use garlic and onion just about every evening.  And while fresh is great, I have to admit that a jar of minced garlic (it's just garlic in water) is super duper convenient.  I've been out for a while and finally saw jars in my favorite dollar store the other day.  So I bought three!  I also picked up a jar of salsa.  I've never bought it there before and doubt I would ever use it with chips as a dip.  But I figure its a good staple to have on hand to add into foods.  I go through salsa like water so this is worth a try.