Spring has sprung in Maine. Gardening season is here which means more time spent outdoors so beware of ticks and lyme disease. It’s also the time of year when families gather for picnics and barbeques. Listed below are just a few publications from the Unversity of Maine Cooperative Extension’s online publications catalog:
#4278 Barbecue and Tailgating Food Safety
#4279 Food Safety for Camping and Hiking
#5047 Ticks
#2367 Lyme Disease
#5108 Insect Repellents
#5110 Mosquito Management
The month of November is the start of the winter season which can also bring question on several different topics such as Thanksgiving, food safety, balsam fir tipping, and another heating season to name a few.
Cooperative Extension has a variety of publications available that may interest you.
Here are just a few publications that you may be interested in……..
#4213 Helpful Hints for Handling Turkeys for Thanksgiving
#4107 Basics for Handling Food Safely
#4214 General Food Safety Tips for Preparing Food
#7011 Balsam Fir Tip Gathering
#7012 Making Balsam Fir Wreaths
#7210 Maine Home Energy Series
You can find many more when you visit Cooperative Extension’s online Publication Catalog
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We all want to save money and time on our grocery bill. If you are a coupon clipper, here are some tips to follow to increase your savings:
Check all kinds of sources for coupons. The Sunday paper, on store shelves, inside or attached to products, magazines, coupons by mail, online and even a text. Note: there is an annual fee for some of these on-line services. Some of these have a higher value, which equal more savings! As they say, buyers beware of what you are signing up to purchase.
There are coupon sites that give you additional information on stores that have special savings codes (such sites as RetailMeNot).
If you select to print FREE coupons, you might be asked to give your email, cell phone number or date of birth, just be mindful of who you are sharing this information with or know how it will be used.
Be aware as you might start getting up solicited phone calls or unwanted emails. Simply reply by asking them to remove your number and stop the calls or emails. Sites such as grocerycouponcart.com or couponalert.com will promote free coupon, but you will need to download software and agree to their licensing requirements. There are some sites that will have free printable sites; while other sites may even have time sensitive dates or be location specific. So be sure to read the details.
Go directly to the store’s website. This might be the quickest and safest way to really save.
Watch for multiple ways to save. This simply means saving multiple times with multiple offers with just one purchase. For example, some products have a coupon on their website that you can print and save on your purchase; then cut the UPC code from the item and for every 10 you mail in you will get a free coupon for the product. Some yogurts offer this option. Participating schools get $.30 for each label and they match the 1st $100. So while saving money you can help your local schools out too!
Take advantage of store coupons and look for unadvertised sales. Often people do not realize that you can use a store coupon on top of a manufacturer’s coupon to maximize your savings. More often than not you can actually get stuff free! Look for unadvertised specials and clearance prices while shopping. Pair them up with coupons and you will find yourself racking up the free and cheap.
Get Organized. Make sure you find something that is comfortable and convenient to use to store your coupons. Use a binder for easy viewing and storage. Using envelopes with clothes pins, divided up by categories can be a simple way to get started. Be organized to save time and take advantage of saving money.
Use coupons beyond the grocery store. You can find coupons for just about anything. Restaurants, haircuts, department stores, kids’ activities, entertainment, auto care, and more!
Make the most of your coupons by following some of these ideas and tips:
NOTE: Information in this article is provided purely for educational purposes. No responsibility is assumed for any problems associated with the use of products or services mentioned in this article. No endorsement of products or companies is intended, nor is criticism of unnamed products or companies implied.
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Hey, Kids!
Try this recipe with
your parent(s).*
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Salad:
1 pound green beans, cut and steamed
4 large potatoes, diced and boiled
2 scallions
Dressing:
2 tablespoons oil
2 tablespoons vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 small onion, sliced
1/2 teaspoon oregano
Black pepper to taste
Directions:
Makes 6 servings
*NOTE: Take care with kids in the kitchen! Children should always be watched by an adult when preparing food!
For more healthy recipes: http://maine.edu/food-health/recipes
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Mealtimes can be a struggle. Do your children resist new or healthy foods? These are common complaints of many parents. There are creative ways to help broaden your child’s palate and ease any “food frustration” during family mealtimes.
Be the eater you want your child to be.
Bring the kids into the kitchen.
Table Time.
Food is fun!
Changing attitudes about new and healthy food is not always easy, but having fun and being a role model are among the first steps. Try making small, creative changes instead of trying to change everything at once. Once you and your child(ren) have tried broccoli, then on to another food challenge!