1) Eating locally and saving are big around here. Lee had this to say about Megan’s post about a new blog where a couple is eating on 30 Bucks a Week: “We are working on eating more locally and this blog’s suggestions will help tremendously….thanks.” Read all about it here.

2) Bulk shopping can actually help with storage. Ellie says: “I sometimes tag along with a friend and buy my toilet paper in bulk because I prefer the individually wrapped rolls. Then they can be stored separately. Some in each bathroom and the rest I leave hidden in the linen closet.” Do you buy in bulk?

3) Thrift store shopping can lead to classic design finds! Alison says: “I found an Ironrite chair at my local Goodwill last September — didn’t know what it was then, just that it was something special. (I am always on the lookout for chairs of an interesting design that are the right size for my short legs…)” As Alison says at her blog, not bad for $4.99! Read more about the Ironrite Mangle Ironer here.

4) Megan B.’s curry and orzo salad recipe remains a winner. Rebecca says: “Any chance you’d be willing to post that curry orzo salad recipe? That sounds delicious!” Actually, we already did — before Megan became a contributor, she won our picnic recipe contest with the recipe she included in her cookbook — you can see her yummy entry and get links to others here.

5) A personal cookbook as a gift is also a winner. Jaymie says: “One of the best Christmas gifts from a college friend once was a cookbook, she printed all sorts of salad recipes in different fonts and then put them in one of those cheap $1 4×6 photo albums. And included the coolest salad forks, serving ones. Adorable idea!” See what Megan made for Mother’s Day here.

Photo by Tunckan Yildiz