It’s true what they say about opposites attracting. I like my food spicy; my husband likes his bland. I like my fruit cold; he likes his hot. Well, not exactly hot, but at room temperature. The problem is that all day the fruit sits in our excessively warm house-he likes it that way-and it quickly goes bad. In the name of marital unity, I have finally convinced my husband that the jumbo bag of oranges from Costco can remain in the fridge and then be taken out to “warm up” one by one, on an as needed basis. I am also faced with the challenge of my three little blessings leaving the boxes of cereal and crackers open. By the time I reach for the crackers for my tomato soup, it’s usually too late. I have started hiding my own stash of crackers in a secret location. Aside from hiding your food, here are a few more ways to stop throwing money down the drain and keep food fresh longer.

Microwave Magic-If the cereal box at your house is left open, just pour it onto a plate and pop it in the microwave for about 30 seconds. It will be good as new!

A couple of days ago I went over to the Minneapolis Habitat for Humanity office to complete my volunteer orientation. I’m so excited because within a week I get to start helping to build and rehab houses for needy families.

Before you start thinking that I am wonderfully compassionate and selfless, I want to let you in on a little secret; I am not just doing this to help others-there is something big in it for me. I want my basement finished, on the cheap, and I want to learn some money-saving construction skills. Do you want to stop waiting for your Honey to get started on that Honey-Do-List you’ve assigned?? A great way to learn how to tackle minor (and maybe a few major) home repairs is by becoming a volunteer at Habitat For Humanity. You will accomplish the perfect mix of helping others while learning valuable skills that save you big bucks.

I remember when my husband and I had to buy our very first washing machine. We were living in the Milwaukee, WI area; it was our first big appliance purchase, and our budget was extremely tight. As we went from store to store, comparing prices, a Sears employee told us about the nearby Sears Outlet and its great prices. That was all I needed to hear and I was off to find it.

As we approached the location, it looked a little scary; it sat among some abandoned buildings in an industrial park, near the railroad tracks. Having heard about the deals that were waiting inside, I pushed past my apprehensions and went in. I was amazed by what I found; brand new appliances and furniture discounted by 50% or more off regular store prices.

I just got off the phone with my girlfriend Danielle. She was calling me to be sure that I had set aside time on my Thursday morning calendar. See Danielle and I have taken a strong liking to garage sales and Thursday is our day to hit the sales. Garage sale season is in full swing now and it’s a great place to get mega-bargains. I know you are wondering why we could be attracted to the act of rummaging through other people’s junk that has been hauled from inside their home to the garage. (Often in preparation for the donation truck that will arrive in a couple of days.) Well here is the answer: There is often hidden treasure to be found (imagine my best pirate voice). Garage sales are perfect for tight budgets or for the person who simply wants to stretch that dollar as far as possible. If you have never garage-saled before, or if it’s been a while and you are a bit rusty, I want to give you some ideas on how to snag a steal this week.