spices

Health food stores can be a good place to buy spices. They are sold in the herbal area in 2 oz. bags, and smell fresher than their counterparts in the grocery store. It's also affordable to try more exotic spices that you might not normally be able to budget for.

Health food stores are also good for buying nuts in their bulk section. Sometimes you can get the raw nuts cheaper, and all you have to do is put them in the oven for 5-10 min (don't let them brown too much--almonds that are cooked too long smell like coffee), and you have the roasted version.

Asian markets can sometimes be good for spices too, but you have to cross-check.

compost the vegetables you like

If you want good, strong seed for your vegetable garden, let at least one plant for each variety go to seed in an inconspicuous spot in your garden, and collect the seed. This is a great time to plan for that in places where the cold weather plants are meeting the heat: lettuces, herbs maybe a bit later in the summer (dill, cilantro, basil, summer savory, etc.)

You can also keep the seeds from things you buy at the store--squashes, tomatoes, potatoes (pieces that are sprouty and not good to eat anymore), not seeds), peppers etc. It's nice compost, and free plantings too!

Tis the season for winter clearence

It is time to shop for winter clothes for the kids. I need to troll the nicer shops and see if there is anything left at 75% off. By now there will be little left. We do live in a large-family town, after all.

DI is good for shoes. I got Littlest some light-up Cars shoes for $3. I also accidentally drove around the neighborhood with a pair of his shoes sitting on the trunk. I didn't realize until I went out this morning to find only one still sitting there! Luckily, even though it was garbage day, no one chucked it, and I did find it on the path I took yestereve.