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From the mail we receive, we knew that organic foods was a hot topic. We were thrilled to receive these helpful tips from our readers. We hope their input encourages you to eat healthier.

Mendy Thorsland from Rock Stream, New York, shares how she saves money on organic food for her family.

You work hard to save money on groceries. You review the food ads, and plan your menu around them. You reorganize and catalog what you have in your pantry and freezer so you know what you have in stock. You plan your shopping list and figure the most efficient route to take so you can hit two or three stores in one trip. You’re armed with a great plan and ready to make a killing on the food you’ll purchase to feed your family.

Americans are infatuated — maybe even obsessed — with people who have what we don’t. The media encourages our coveting by presenting a steady diet of lifestyles of the apparently rich and famous in magazines, on TV’s celebrity news and on Internet sites. We dress like celebrities, talk like them and may secretly aspire to live like them.

This killer idea was shared with us by Dianne Guastella — Annette’s best friend from grade-school days. It takes some planning, but works like a charm.

We recently were given a new queen-sized mattress. You know, one of those super thick ones that look like you’re re-enacting The Princess and the Pea? As a result, none of our other queen-sized sheets would fit and we needed to buy some new, deep pocket sheets.

We’ve always made lists: chore lists, errand lists, to-do lists, projects lists, possible baby-names lists, financial goals lists, Christmas lists — and the lists go on and on. But years ago, when we were “dirt poor,” we started doing something that has stuck with us to help avoid impulsive and costly purchases. It has also helped us to stay focused on what we really want and has given our kids and us great satisfaction. It’s something we call a wish list.

Frugality is finally in vogue. Saving money is the main topic of discussion at work, at school and in the media. So be bold, let people know that saving money is a fun game and that it produces great dividends; more security, more time with family and friends and less stress.

Pork prices seem to be relatively stable lately. In our area, we’re regularly seeing sale prices of 99 cents per pound, so we thought you’d enjoy a family favorite recipe for pork chops and rice.

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