So, maybe the current state of the economy has us all a little spooked.  I know I have looked at some pricier handbags with a different eye lately and we’re putting off a few splurges indefinitely.

Since we’re all probably looking over our budgets with very different priorities now, I wanted to highlight a few of my favorite things that I think are worth the money.  No, they’re not exactly handbag-related.  But, they are all products or companies personally tried-and-tested by yours truly.  Here are a few that top the list…more to follow.

Foodsaver

I have used a Foodsaver vacuum sealer for years.  Not only do I love being able to keep food fresh longer, I can buy in larger quantities and save money.  I particularly like using the various sizes of canisters and being able to seal things in canning jars.  I can also reseal bags of chips.  But the best part is having food last longer.  MUCH longer.  Cheese lasts an age in a foodsaver bag. Produce stays crisp much longer.  Whole meals can be sealed in a bag, frozen, and reheated later in the microwave.  Think about all the food you throw away in a year.  The Foodsaver will pay for itself in just a few months.  Maybe even weeks.

Save $10 off your order of $75 or more at FoodSaver with code LINKAFFJ75.  Offer good 10.1.08 to 10.31.08 only!

Free Shipping on FoodSaver orders over $100!

Keurig / Green Mountain Coffee Roasters

We decided on a single-cup machine rather than a standard drip coffeepot, and after reviewing several types and getting recommendations, we decided on the Keurig, by Green Mountain Coffee.  Green Mountain Coffee Roasters offers a huge selection of K-Cups, the pre-filled single-serving coffee/tea/cocoa pods.

We’ve been really impressed with the quality, convenience and taste of the coffee that comes from the Keurig.  It’s also been fun working our way through the many varieties of coffee available.  Flavored, decaf, organic, Fair trade, tea, cocoa, you name it, you can get it in a K-cup.

More importantly, Keurig also offers a “My K-Cup” insert that comes with a tiny filter basket that allows you to brew a single cup of your favorite coffee from your own grounds.  I loved this idea so much that I bought two insert kits along with an additional pack of two filter baskets.  We keep a variety of K-Cups around for convenience, but also keep the four filter baskets going each day.

One way to try a variety of coffees and find your favorites is to order their trial or variety packs.

Buy a machine today and your whole order ships free.

Oxo Good Grips POP Storage Containers

Quite simply, awesome.  Available in a variety of sizes, these sturdy containers are made to stack neatly, are clear for easy viewing of contents, and a press of the button on top pops out the handle and releases the seal.  I use them for all kinds of things – coffee, tea, creamer, sugar, cookies, rice, flour, etc.  My kitchen is full of them.  In a small space, they are a godsend.  Worth every penny.  Available in a variety of sizes at Amazon.