photo by oskay

Some produce comes wrapped on foam trays. Rather than throwing them away, they can be reused as paint palettes, crafts or packing material. You can place them in your pantry under items such as oil or honey that might drip or leak on your shelves or make a compass, too. The first reader tip shares more ways to use them.

REUSE TRAYS: My dad uses them instead of plates. He likes them more than plates because they’re lightweight. He can put it on his lap to peel an orange or hold peanut shells because of the raised sides. He also uses it for toast or pizza. When the tray gets ratty, he tosses it and pulls out another. I do use them once in a while (after I’ve sanitized them). I will line a tray with foil and sprinkle sugar or cinnamon in it for when I need to coat the top of a baked cookie. Place the cookie in a tray, spoon the sugars over the top to let it stick, and then put on a cooling rack. I also use a tray to roll around a food item — something that needs breading, for example. To be “frugal” this year, I have the club-pack/family-pack size — the long ones. I’m going to line them with foil and place my baking on them and wrap as gifts. I’ve also seen them used as plant trays to catch the excess water. We do get a lot of these trays, but not from meat. Produce from the Asian stores are cello-wrapped onto them to help protect the produce. — Libby, Canada

BUDGET RECIPES: I used to make trips to the store to pick up ingredients to try a new recipe, which, of course, then lead to a whole cart full of stuff — no more! If I don’t have it already, I make something else. I’ve made that into a challenge for myself — to come up with creative new recipes using what I already have on hand. That way, I still get to try new recipes, but our budget doesn’t suffer. — Amy, Ohio

USING THE WHOLE APPLE: My husband loves homemade apple pie. The last few times I’ve made it for him, I put the peels and cores in an ice-cream bucket that I stored in the freezer. I decided I needed to make room in the freezer, so I took out the bucket. I cut off the stem and blossom ends and then used the cores and peels to make jelly. The skins have enough pectin in them that I didn’t need to buy any extra. You put the peels and cores in a pot, cover them just barely with water, then cook until mushy. Put this mushy concoction into a muslin-lined sieve or colander that you then put over another bigger bowl. (You can also put it in a muslin bag, tie it shut, and hang it over a bowl to drip.) Allow the juices to drain overnight. The next day, measure how much juice you have. Put an amount of sugar equal to the amount of juice you have in a pot. For instance, if you have 2 cups of juice, then add 2 cups of sugar. Boil the sugar and juice until it thickens to jelly consistency. It’s the right consistency when you place a drop of jelly on a chilled plate and it doesn’t run all over the plate — it just stays in a drop. Then pour into clean jars, seal with lids and rings, and process in a boiling-water bath for 10 minutes. If you are going to use the jelly right away and will be keeping it in the refrigerator, there’s no need to process it in the water bath. — Katrinka G., Missouri

The two winners are Clay Rosenberg and frugalwarrior2. Enjoy your coffee and French press!

Congratulations and thank you to everyone that entered. A special thank you to Starbucks for sponsoring this fun giveaway.

photo scaleovenstove

You can be one question away from saving money. If you don’t ask for discounts, you’re missing opportunities to hang on to more of your hard-earned cash. It can be tough to muster up the courage, but it gets easier once you’ve done it a few times. You don’t have to be a tough negotiator. Be honest, undemanding and prepared for rejection. Many places offer unadvertised student, senior, military and employer discounts or will reduce the price if you buy in bulk, merchandise is slightly flawed, or if you’re a frequent and good customer.

Where have you been successful asking for a discount?

FAVORITE BRANDS: Call, e-mail, or write to your favorite product manufacturers. Be sincere in complimenting them on their products, and ask whether they offer any coupons. On the flip side, if a product is unsatisfactory, let them know, too.

GROCERY STORES: Talk to a manager, and ask when they mark down meats or have reduced-price produce or bakery items. Asking these simple questions can make a big difference in your grocery bill.

SECONDHAND SHOPPING: If you shop thrift stores, ask a manager whether they have a preset sales schedule. You can also ask whether they can keep an eye out for certain items for you and call you if they get the item in stock. Of course, not all stores will do this but you won’t know if you never ask. You can ask friends and family to look for things for you when they’re shopping, too. You can exchange wish lists and help one another out to increase your chances of finding the secondhand items you want.

MEDICAL SERVICES: Ask family doctors, dentists, pharmacies or veterinarians whether they’ll give a discount for visits if you pay cash. One reader, Kate in Pennsylvania, shares: “When I was unemployed last year, I asked my doctors if they would be willing to negotiate a sliding fee for cash. They all said YES! So, instead of charging $160 per office visit to the insurance company, and then fighting with the bureaucrats over it and waiting for a check, now they only charge me $35 per visit.” Sometimes, if you offer cash for a prescription, it can be cheaper than using your prescription-insurance coverage. Ask your vet whether he or she offers discounts for multiple pets, and don’t forget to ask doctors’ offices for samples, too.

EMPLOYER: Ask human resources whether there are company perks, such as discounts to local museums, ballparks or movie theaters. Some companies offer discounted cell-phone service plans, too.

BANKS: Ask for free checks. Another reader, Nicole in Texas, shares: “I used to pay for checks through the bank, and one day I went in and told them the other banks were giving free checks, and I think they should give me free checks, too. They said OK. It was that easy. I really didn’t think they would do it.”

Frugal people have quirks. We can’t help ourselves. We know that our frugal habits make a difference. Often, these little frugal ways can drive our families crazy. But we all know who is right in the thermostat wars. Ha! You deserve some validation. What frugal things do you do that make your family roll their eyes?

LIGHTS OFF: They turn the lights on, leave the room, and leave the lights on. You walk around shutting them all off. No need for a pedometer. You know you’ve made plenty of steps each night. You can fix their wagon. Try the Lights Out AutoSwitch by Black & Decker. It turns on the lights when someone enters a room and then automatically turns them off one to 30 minutes after the room is empty. But this doesn’t mean you have to stop having only one light on in the ceiling fan.

UNPLUGGED: They probably think something is broken or there was an overloaded circuit. No, you unplugged it to save electricity.

CUTTING IT OUT: You might clip coupons or cut out the bad parts on fruit or a block of cheese. These things can drive family members up the wall. Somehow, they’ll survive the grocery checkout and mealtimes. Keep track of your savings, and share it. Milissa in Georgia writes: “My family can’t stand it when they want to buy something and I make them wait until Saturday afternoon when I can get the Sunday paper and check next week’s coupons and sales! Many times, I have saved us plenty by holding out until Saturday afternoons. My husband bought me a picture frame. In it is my “best savings yet” grocery shopping receipt. Whenever I outdo myself, he smirks as I sing and do a little dance in the car on the way home, knowing that I’m going straight to the picture frame in the den.”

TOWN CRIER: It’s fun to announce how much things cost. You can’t help it and just blurt it out. Like that cereal? Regular price: $4. I paid 50 cents! Reminding family how much you paid for something as they’re using it will sink in eventually. They can roll their eyes only for so long before it starts to rub off.

EVERY LAST DROP: You cut open tubes to scrape the last bit out or tip bottles upside down to get every little bit of product. M.H. in Texas shares: “I always add a little water to the last of everything if I’m the last one to use it (ketchup, salad dressing, shampoo). It’s not enough to give it that watery consistency but just enough needed to get the leftovers from inside of the bottle. My family hates me. Ha ha.”

I’LL TAKE THAT: You rescue items before they hit the trash, and not just your own trash.

STOCKPILE: You like to have a stocked pantry so you don’t pay full price or pay more later. You’re covered in case of an emergency, unplanned extra expenses, bad weather or lean times, too. They might make fun of you, but they’re happy when they run out of something and you have what they want or need, right?

Recipes with just a few ingredients are often cheaper, but they don’t have to lack in flavor. They don’t have a lot of steps and measurements so they are simple to prepare. You’ll have most everything you need already in your kitchen, too. The following recipes can be jazzed up with additional ingredients or left basic and hassle-free.

Apricot Chicken

1 whole chicken, cut up
1 cup French dressing
1 packet dry onion-soup mix
1 cup apricot preserves

Mix all the ingredients, and pour over the chicken. Bake at 350 F for one hour, covered. Remove the cover, and cook for an additional 15 to 30 minutes. Serve over rice. — Marcia, Missouri

Taco Cornbread Pizza

1 package (8-1/5 ounces) corn-muffin mix
1 pound ground beef
1 package (1-1/2 ounces) taco-seasoning mix
1 package (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Prepare the corn-muffin mix as directed on the package. Spread the batter into a greased 12-inch pizza pan (or use a parchment paper on a baking stone). Bake at 400 F for eight to 10 minutes, or until lightly brown. Brown the meat; drain. Prepare the seasoning as directed on the package, and add to the meat. Sprinkle 1 cup cheese over the baked crust. Top with the meat mixture and remaining cheese. Bake four to five minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Cook’s note: It tastes great by itself, but if you want to dress it up, use favorite taco toppings such as lettuce, tomato, sour cream and salsa. It serves eight. — Denise, Illinois

Slow-Cooked Pulled Pork

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 pounds boneless pork-shoulder roast
1 can French-onion soup
1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup cider vinegar
4 tablespoons packed brown sugar
12 toasted sandwich rolls

Heat the oil in a skillet. Add the roast, and brown on all sides. Place the roast in a slow cooker. In a bowl, mix the soup, ketchup, vinegar and brown sugar; pour over the roast, and slow cook on low for eight to 10 hours. Remove the roast from the cooker. Let it cool slightly. Shred. Return the shredded pork to the sauce in the cooker, and heat through. Serve on rolls. — Carolyn, Georgia

Stroganoff Burgers

1-1/2 pounds ground beef
3 slices bacon, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1-1/2 tablespoons flour
salt and pepper, to taste
1 can cream-of-mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
10 hamburger buns

Brown the ground beef with bacon and onion in a skillet, stirring frequently; drain. Add the flour and seasonings; mix well. Stir in the soup. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the sour cream; mix well. Heat to serving temperature; do not boil. Serve on toasted buns. — Denise, Illinois

Tomato Macaroni

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
1 can (16 ounces) whole or diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons butter
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
grated Parmesan cheese

Cook the macaroni as directed on the box. While the macaroni is cooking, heat the tomatoes with liquid, butter, salt, pepper and the oregano to boiling. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, 10 to 12 minutes. Arrange in a serving dish, pour sauce on the hot macaroni, and serve with Parmesan cheese and a tossed salad. — Darlene, New York

DEAR SARA: I made a ham and just froze the bone and some ham for soup later, but what can I do with the drippings? Seems a shame to waste them. I’ve never done anything with ham drippings. At the very least, I could make some suet for the birdies. Any other suggestions? Could I perhaps use them to make soup broth? — Leslie, Illinois

DEAR LESLIE: You can use the drippings to make ham gravy. Tastes great with mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes. Or use the ham drippings when you make beans, such as dried navy beans or green beans. Yes, you can use it for soup, such as baked-potato, split-pea or black-bean soup. Visit www.mrdata.com/~benwbrum/lensflare/recipies/ham.html for a ham plan.

DEAR SARA: My apartment has one large room that I use as the living room and my bedroom. I don’t have a couch yet to separate the space a bit. How about some ideas on how to give my bedroom more privacy? I thought about a screen, but they are so expensive. Thanks! — B.N., Canada

DEAR B.N.: You can use bookcases and floor and hanging plants; hang sheer curtains or beaded or bamboo curtains; hinge together louvered folding doors, curtain cables or a rail from Ikea (the rail would allow you to slide it open or closed); or use a wooden garden trellis to divide the room.

DEAR SARA: I need to get glasses ASAP. I keep missing my teacup, putting the spoon beside instead of inside the cup. I’m getting nervous about driving. I need a place that is good and inexpensive. I’ve looked online and found America’s Best. They have an eye exam and two pairs of glasses for $69. I also looked at Wal-Mart’s site, but they don’t give prices. I’m unsure which way to go here. Price is important, as is quality of exam and frames. I have no more then $100 for both the exam and glasses. Any suggestions? — Polly, Pennsylvania

DEAR POLLY: America’s Best seems hard to beat. You can price compare an eye exam and get the prescription to take elsewhere, such as Zenni Optical (zennioptical.com) or 39 Dollar Glasses (39dollarglasses.com). You didn’t mention your financial situation, but you can also look into Vision USA (www.aoa.org/visionusa.xml). According to the Web site, the general eligibility requirements vary by state.
To receive free services, you must:
– Have a job or live in a household where there is one working member.
– Have no vision insurance (this may include Medicare/Medicaid).
– Have income below an established level based on household size.
– Not have had an eye exam within two years.
The following Web address won’t help you specifically because there aren’t any listings for Pennsylvania, but it might help others. To view state listings of organizations that can help with free eye exams, visit www.neweyesfortheneedy.org/us/freeexams_states.html.
Other organizations that can help include the Lions Club (www.lionsclubs.org), One Sight (www.onesight.org) and Eye Care America (www.eyecareamerica.org).

It’s always useful to have a spare set of keys. Don’t try to hide keys on a doorframe or underneath a doormat, garden rock or the body of your car. These are obvious spots that thieves look first. The first tip has a good suggestion for spare keys.

SPARE KEYS: My husband and I each have one to my van and an extra key to his truck in a safety box in our house. I have a key to my best friend’s house, and she has one to mine. Plus, we have keyless entry into our garage. It makes it easy if my teen comes home before I do. He just puts in the code. He used to lose his key every so often. — Kim, Oklahoma

CREATIVE REUSE: Those plastic produce bags are a godsend. I use them religiously for breading and flouring foods prior to cooking. I also find them useful when packing shoes in a travel bag, defrosting things in the refrigerator to avoid spillage and leaks, storage for open dry goods and in my RV so I don’t have to throw toilet tissue into the commode. Anyone with some ingenuity can find hundreds of uses for these bags, and best of all, they are free for the taking. Every day, my morning newspaper comes in two clear plastic bags. What we do is cut them in half, tie a knot in the open half and use the halves for picking up dog doo. We do have a small Yorkie, so others may need to use the whole bag. Speaking of dogs, we buy bed liners and use for them wee-wee pads. They are a lot cheaper than the pet wee-wee pads. We also purchased cloth wee-wee pads and simply wash them out when it isn’t suitable to walk our pet. — Hank G., e-mail

WATCH PRICES: Beware of the dollar stores. I know that we all love them, but I learned early on just how dangerous these places can be. You need to make sure to check the prices and sizes. Sure, I can get 18 ounces of juice for $1, but is it worth it when I can get a gallon for $1.75? No, but we have a natural tendency to think that it’s a good deal because it’s only a dollar. There is also a huge danger of overshopping when things are only a buck. You go in for two or three items and come out with $35 worth of stuff. So before you start spending the singles, check yourself. The dollar stores aren’t always worth it. — Ryan, Illinois

MAKE SUGGESTIONS: If your public library has a “suggest a purchase” option, go ahead and suggest books you would like to read. If they decide it’s of value to the community, there’s a good chance they’ll order it. And you’ll be first on the “hold” list after it’s processed. — Jora, e-mail

DUST IT OFF: I dug out my toaster/convection oven. I timed it, and it takes about one-third the cooking time of the oven, as it doesn’t have to preheat a large area and then heat a whole oven area to boot. It also does not heat up the house. The toaster oven will hold a six-cupcake/muffin pan and does fine with less electricity. — Niko, Florida

It’s time for a frugal year in review. Financial gurus always encourage you to pay yourself first. This is important. All of the debt-reducing, money-saving strategies and ways to increase your income won’t mean much if you don’t take care of yourself first. When you reflect upon the past year, what’s the most frugal thing you learned?
Here are a few frugal-living highlights to keep in mind.

MOOD MUSIC (sung to the tune of “What a Wonderful World”):
I see stockpiles of foods, and other things too,
The closets are full, the freezer is, too.
And I say to myself … what a wonderful year.

I see freebies on shelves, coupons in binders,
Gifts ready in closets, and frugal reminders.
And I say to myself … what a wonderful year.

I see things being used, and less being wasted,
A challenge I couldn’t face, yet I have faced it.
An emergency fund to fall back on ‘cuz times are now tough,
But I see God’s provision and I have enough.
And I say to myself … what a wonderful year. — Incognito, New Mexico

TREAT YOURSELF: You shouldn’t stop living simply to save money for the future. Enjoy today. One reader, Tisha in Canada, advises: “You cannot restrict yourself too much, or it’ll make you feel a little bit resentful toward frugality in general. Allowing yourself some wiggle room without throwing your whole world off-axis is a great way to keep balance in your life. Our wiggle room would have to be to save our big purchases until we really need them and to treat ourselves to the small things often.”

APPRECIATE WHAT YOU HAVE: Make use of and enjoy things you already own. Look through your closets, basement or attic, and dust off something you’ve forgotten about. Maybe it’s an old appliance, sewing machine, crafts or decorative item. Is it simply clutter? Sell it, toss it, or donate it. Experience the joy of giving. If you can’t donate items or money, volunteer time to a worthy cause. There’s always someone worse off.

THE THREE R’S: Continue to look for ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

BACKUP PLAN: If you don’t have an emergency fund in place, start one today. Another reader, P.T. in Colorado, adds: “I’ve learned that an emergency fund and a good stockpile need to be in place at all times. You never know when a storm is coming, which I have learned a lot this year since Murphy has made our house a permanent residence. Even with him living here, if you are prepared, it’s a bump in the road instead of an emergency.”

BUYING CAN SAVE: Many things you buy can help to save money. Items such as a freezer, heated mattress pads, cast-iron cookware, reusable containers or tools can be money well spent. S.G. in New Mexico adds: “I learned that asking for a Wii was a risky gamble for my birthday (my husband got it on sale), but it has paid off. The kids don’t ask to go to the play place, they have bowled more than we could ever afford at a real bowling alley, I never hear “I’m bored,” Christmas shopping was easy, and virtual trainers are a bad as real trainers — I hurt. In reality, it was a small expense to keep the whole frugal belt-tightening from hurting.”

DON’T GIVE UP: If you fall off the frugal wagon, jump back on. Frugality isn’t instant. But when you look back year to year, you’ll see your progress.

The new year gives a fresh start for frugality. It’s the perfect time to start planning, organizing, learning and challenging yourself. Some frugal strategies are harder than others. Master one tough area, and slowly add easier methods throughout the year to avoid burning out. But which strategies tend to be the hardest?
Here are a few.

TRACKING SPENDING: You need to know what you’re spending to pinpoint where you can pare down. Some people enjoy using software, but a simple notebook works. A price book (www.frugalvillage.com/2008/08/23/use-a-price-book-to-pay-less) can help track your spending on grocery-related items, so you’re less likely to overspend. It’s a notebook that contains item names, prices, unit sizes, unit prices, store names and dates. It helps you compare prices on frequently bought items so you can identify what prices are a good deal. You can base your price book on information from a recent shopping receipt or sales flier.

PUT IT INTO SAVINGS: One reader, Laura in New Hampshire, shares: “My frugality downfall is actually spending the money I save. I know some people who look at the savings on their receipt and take that amount and deposit it into a savings account. A couple of weeks ago, I saved $50 at the grocery store but just turned around and spent it at Home Depot. I do that stuff all the time. I spend a ton of time searching sales and clipping coupons just to spend the money on something else. You’re not saving money if you don’t actually put it into your savings account.”

WANTS AND NEEDS: It’s easy to get caught up in bargain shopping. It’s not a bargain if you don’t need it, never use it, and you’re overspending.
Another reader, Margery in Canada, shares: “After a certain amount of dejunking and noticing that some of these bargains are in the junk pile because they never got used, or in the toss pile from the pantry and therefore not such a bargain, it’s easy for me to pass up a bargain. Most of the time, my bargain shopping can be summed up like this: I look for a deal on toilet paper or coffee or what I’m running out of. I spot a deal on those things and know we will be using it in case lots. So I buy them. Key words — I went looking for the sale, the sale didn’t come looking for me.”

Ask yourself the following questions prior to purchasing: Do I need it? Will I use it? Is there room for it? Can I borrow this? How long will it last? Can I do without it? Can I find a better price? Are there negative consequences? Do I have something else I own that will work instead?

EATING OUT: This is a tough habit to break. Arm yourself with a game plan, and be determined to make a change. Calculating what you spend on dining out can be a real eye-opener. Another reader, Jayne in Pennsylvania, shares: “This is a daily struggle for me. I have found my Crock-Pot to be my best defense. Also, I keep reminding myself that all that money spent on dining out could be going toward my new kitchen.”

Create a list of quick-and-easy meals. This will save you from struggling to decide what to cook when you’re busy, so you’re less likely to get takeout. Write down all your favorite restaurant foods, and try to replicate some of them at home. On days you know you’re going to be busy, have everyone chip in to help. It will cut down on the amount of work you do. If you consider that a home-cooked meal often yields leftovers for the following day, you’re ahead of the game. It’s all in the planning and perspective.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for chocolate, and it’s never too early to plan for the sweet stuff. These recipes are all quick and easy to prepare. The first two make a single serving, so they’ll work well whether you celebrate with someone else or alone. Simply double the recipe for two. One of the following desserts is made in a slow cooker, so you can start it midday and it will be warm and ready for after-dinner consumption. The last two recipes make enough for seconds. You’ll want to keep them handy because you’ll be asked to make them again soon.

Cake in a Mug

4 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tablespoons milk
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons chocolate chips, optional
a splash of vanilla

Put the dry ingredients in a mug, and mix well. Add the egg, and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil, and mix well. Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla, and mix again. Microwave for three minutes. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don’t be alarmed! Allow to cool, and tip the cake onto a plate if desired — or eat right from the cup. Enjoy! — Patty A., Utah

Chocolate-Peanut-Butter Spread

1 tablespoon smooth or crunchy peanut butter
2 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar
1 teaspoon cocoa
few drops water (boiled and cooled)
few drops vanilla, optional

In a cup, place the peanut butter, confectioners’ sugar, cocoa and a few drops of water. Add vanilla, if desired. Stir vigorously until blended, and add more drops of water until consistency is reached for spreading. Spread on bread to desired thickness. — Donna, Canada

Slow-Cooker Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 box instant chocolate pudding
8 ounces sour cream
4 eggs
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup water

Mix all the ingredients together well. Spray the slow cooker well with nonstick spray. Pour the batter into the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for six hours. Serve with ice cream. Cook’s note: I slid a sharp knife around the edge of the cake, and it slid out quite nicely onto a plate. — Pip, e-mail

Chocolate Layered Dessert

Crust
1 stick butter
3/4 cup pecans
1 cup flour

Filling
1 cup powdered sugar
12 ounces Cool Whip
8 ounces cream cheese
1 small box of chocolate pudding (make as pudding)
1 small box of vanilla pudding (make as pudding)

Melt butter in a 13-by-9-inch pan in a 375 F preheated oven. Add the pecans and flour. Mix well, and spread out. Stick back in the oven until slightly browned. Let cool.
Mix 1 cup confectioners’ sugar with 6 ounces Cool Whip and cream cheese. Spread all over the crust, add the chocolate pudding (make the pudding first) spread, and then add the vanilla pudding (make first), and over the top add 6 ounces Cool Whip and pecans. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Optional: Use your favorite pudding flavors, such as butterscotch, banana, lemon, etc. — T.P., New Mexico

Chocolate-Peanut-Butter Balls

1-1/2 cups peanut butter
1 cup butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
6 cups confectioners’ sugar
4 cups milk-chocolate chips or chocolate candy wafers

In a large bowl, mix together the peanut butter, butter, vanilla and confectioners’ sugar. Roll into 1-inch balls, and place on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet. Press a toothpick into the top of each ball, and chill in the freezer for a half-hour or the refrigerator for an hour to firm them. Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler, in a bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water or slowly in a microwave. Stir frequently until smooth and fully melted. Dip the chilled peanut-butter balls into chocolate. Remove toothpick. Put back on a wax-paper-lined cookie sheet, and refrigerate until serving. — Kimberly, New York