Originally Posted By: jawjaw

I know I started this thread asking about recipes for homemade soups, etc., but I also wanted us to share tips on getting back to the basics.

I've thought about it and one tip I'll share is to get a library card if you don't have one. I tell ya, some weeks I just couldn't live without mine! If I want to rent a movie (FREE) I go the library. When we get ready to discuss a book choice here, I first see if the library has it. Another savings...

One more tip would be to buy generic brands at the grocery store. I cannot believe the cost different between some well-known brands and store labels. Holy cow! Now I'll add with a red face that I won't skip on the mayo...gotta have Helmans. GOT TO!


The librarian here (me) would like to remind folks that buried deep in the website of most large public library systems are licensed research databases. Since some of you run small businesses or might do consulting on the side, do seriously check out what you can access for free if you have your library card or if you visit the library in person.

To illustrate since Dotsie lives near Baltimore, I checked the website for Baltimore Public Library. And buried deep (amongst other juicy, free meaty research databases with verifiable/authenticated info.) was this link which requires Baltimore library card number:

http://www.prattlibrary.org/findanswers/database.aspx?id=2604
Most likely this link for only Baltimore residents with library cards, gives you access to a meaty database or more full of extensive business directories and business research information all in 1 place.

Rethink what your public library website offers. Alot of library directors for all the big city library systems have become aggressive in purchasing annual licenses to such databases. Same for the university libraries...in your local area. However if you don't have a university library card, in many cases you might be able to search freely if you visit library in person.
_________________________
http://cyclewriteblog.wordpress.com/ (How cycling leads to other types of adventures, thoughts)
http://velourbansism.wordpress.com