This Week on the Dining Table...January 29th Edition

The "Mardi Gras Season is in Full Swing" Edition.....  

You can't look anywhere without seeing decorations(both indoors and outdoors)in purple, green and gold and King Cakes(which is really a pastry, not a cake).  Heck my old PT has a Mardi Gras TREE up!(Take a Christmas Tree, remove all the red and dark green and Christmasy stuff and add purple, gold and green bling and top it with a crown.)

This is day 232 of the new "diet".  Down 59 lbs. since the cruise(not counting the 8 I gained on the cruise and then lost again, which would make it 67 lbs.).  

Not actively trying to lose right now, just maintaining.

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned for last week...........

1. Sunday--leftover Cabbage, Chinese takeout for lunch

2. Monday--leftover Chinese take out, strawberry cheesecake

3. Tuesday--Cheeseburger(bun optional), Spinach Soufflè

4  Wednesday--Chicken and Dumplings w/Carrots

5. Thursday--Don't know and don't care

6.  Friday--Don't know and don't care

7. Saturday--Don't know and don't care

And here's what actually happened.......

1. Sunday--Chinese takeout for lunch, Leftover Cabbage for dinner

2. Monday--leftover Chinese take out, strawberry cheesecake

3. Tuesday--Cheeseburger(bun optional), Spinach Soufflè

4  Wednesday--Chicken and Dumplings w/Carrots

5. Thursday--Lasagna Bolognese (Dinner out)

6.  Friday--Frozen Pizza

7. Saturday--Veal Parm, Leftover Collards

Didn't do a lot of shopping and didn't have many veggies other than some lunch salads.  Some week are like that.

What got taken out of the freezer last week...

*  Strawberry Cheesecake(Birthday!)

*  4 Hamburger Patties

*  1 Spinach Soufleè

*  6 Chicken Thighs

*  1 Frozen Pizza

*  1 Veal Parm Pack

What got put into the freezer last week....

*  1 Pizza(The same one I took out later)

Last week we spent $50.08 on grocery shopping for January. 

Total shopping comes to $652.94 for January.   

There are 2 shopping days left in January.  

Rebate monies earned this month so far.....

I've earned $224.29 on Ibotta in January.

I've earned $59.50 on Shopmium in January.

I've earned $14.00 on Alexa app in January.

I've earned $2.20 on Kroger Cash Back in January.

I've earned $43.97 on TaDa in January.

I've earned $7.76 on Checkout51 in January

I've earned $3.00 on Aisle and $12.84 on a Manuf. Rebate.

I've earned 5,663 points from food shopping on Fetch in January.

I've earned 360 points from food shopping on Shop Kick in January

I've earned 0 SB from food shopping on Swag Bucks in January.

That is $351.36 in rebates(not counting the Kroger Cash Back/Shop Kick/Fetch/Alexa)on $652.94 of grocery spending so in reality it's $301.58 in food spending after the 6 rebate apps I count. 

My savings percentage for the last week was 46.76% and the monthly savings total for January comes in at 52.80% spent.  

Leftovers going into this week....Chicken and Dumplings, 2 Hamburger Patties, 2 pieces of Veal Parm and 1 piece of Pizza.

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Zaxby Zalad

2. Monday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), Baked Sweet Potato Fries

3. Tuesday--Leftover Chicken and Dumplings

4  Wednesday--Salmon, Stir-Fry Veggies

5. Thursday--Soup and Sammies or ?

6.  Friday--???

7. Saturday--Whatever is easy or Hubs makes

I have 2 x $3 off $3 deli meat/cheese Qs from Kroger I must use this week and I heard there are some Frozen food deals at our Walmart here going down but other than that, the grocery stores hold no big allure for me this week.

3 of my days this week are taken up with medical appointments(Pain Management/Neurology/Dermatology), one out of state as there is no Derm that treats HS in the whole state of LA(crazy, right?)so the plan this week is to use what we have and/or find food. Period. lol

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any deals on food at your stores this week?  

Sluggy    

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Weight Loss is Still the Focus/Would You Eat This?" Edition.                                            

On my one trip out to Walmart I saw there on the clearance aisle....Hot Tamale Cinnamon candy flavored Peeps.  With all the spicy food lovers down here I am sure they got snatched up in a hot minute! lol

I'm still making progress and the knee is holding up somewhat.  My doctor is on board with this way of eating to reach a short term goal so no unsolicited advice on this eating plan please.  While I appreciate the concerns I am fine.

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned for last week.......

1. Sunday--2 Chicken Strips, leftover Veggie Mix

2. Monday--Spinach Soufflé

3. Tuesday--Yogurt, Protein Shake

4  Wednesday--2 Chicken Strips or some other Protein in the freezer

5. Thursday--half a bag of Green Beans

6.  Friday--Salmon, Yogurt

7. Saturday--other half of Green Beans

And here's what actually happened........

1. Sunday--2 Chicken strips, leftovers mixed veggies

2. Monday--Yogurt, 3 homemade Meatballs in Pasta Sauce

3. Tuesday--Yogurt, a small amount of something else I can't remember

4  Wednesday--a Vanilla Protein Drink, 6 strawberries

5. Thursday--6 Strawberries, Yellow Squash w/Onions

6.  Friday--Salmon, Sweet Potato Wedges

7. Saturday--a Chocolate Protein Drink,6 strawberries

I also drink, water, iced tea(unsweetened), hot tea with lemon and honey and the odd zero sugar soda or Zero sugar Powerade/Gatorade and keep my stomach full and it also keeps me hydrated.   I mostly stick with the water or unsweet iced teas with lemon added.

This one mini-meal per day where I change between vegetable matter and a lean protein and a yogurt cup when these other meals won't suffice.  There also is a regime of supplements I am currently on, either to maintain my body's condition or were already taking them for various conditions.

I guess you'd call this an extreme intermittent fasting deal with many supplements to keep all my innards working and healthy.  I consulted a new PCP and my food plan was given the green light and my blood work came back aok. 8-)

What got taken out of the freezer last week...

*  2 Chicken Strips

*  3 Meatballs

*  10 Sweet Potato Wedges

*  a Hunk of Salmon

What got put into the freezer last week....

*  3 more bag of Veggies

Last week we spent $52.35 on grocery shopping.

Total come to $128.68 for June. 

 Total comes to $0 for July(so far).

There are 28 shopping days left in July.

I've earned $49.45 on Ibotta in June.

I've earned $0 on Checkout51 in June.

I've earned $7.09 on Coupons dotcom in June.

I've earned $11.00 on Shopmium in June.

I've earned $0 on Kroger Cash Back in June.

I've earned 3,009 points from food shopping on Fetch in June.

I've earned 1,015 points from food shopping on Shop Kick in July.

I've earned 0 SB from food shopping on Swag Bucks in June.

That is $18.09 in rebates(not counting the Shop Kick/Swag Bucks/Fetch)on $128.69 of grocery spending so in reality it's $110.60 in food spending after the 5 rebate apps I count.

My savings percentage for the last week was 58.05% and the monthly savings total for June comes in at 41.57% so far spent.

Leftovers going into this week...Nothing

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--half a bag of green beans

2. Monday--strawberries, Don't know as daughter is taking her dad out for a belated Father's Day meal.

3. Tuesday--a slice of smoked Brisket, yogurt

4  Wednesday--other half of meal out

5. Thursday--other half a bag of green beans

6.  Friday--a banana, Salad

7. Saturday-yogurt, Protein drink

I also drink, water, iced tea(unsweetened), hot tea with lemon and honey and the odd zero sugar soda or Zero sugar Powerade/Gatorade and keep my stomach full and it also keeps me hydrated.   I mostly stick with the water or unsweet iced teas with lemon added.

This one mini-meal per day where I change between vegetable matter and a lean protein and a yogurt cup when these other meals won't suffice.  There also is a regime of supplements I am currently on, either to maintain my body's condition or were already taking them for various conditions.

What do I need to buy to fix everything on this menu?  Nothing except maybe a banana. lol

The only cooking I'm doing is a small beef brisket and heating up frozen veggies.

Right now there is still plenty in the freezer Hubs can partake of but are off limits to me right now.  Or he may go buy more tv dinners as he doesn't like to cook. lol

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any deals on food at your stores this week?  I confess that I don't need to buy anything right now nor have I had any desire to read the ads.

Sluggy  

This Week on the Dining Table

The "How Not to Wear a Mask" Edition................

With this Pandemic there was a strict protocol when Hubs went to get his eye shot.  He got this nifty face mask to wear.  Here he is demonstrating how NOT to wear your mask. lolz

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning-

This is what was planned for last week.......

1. Sunday--Cheese Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread
2. Monday--single serve Devour frozen dinners or Potatoes au Gratin and Roasted Carrots
3. Tuesday--Cheeseburgers on buns, sweet potato fries

4. Wednesday--Sweet and Sour Chicken w/Broccoli

5. Thursday--Leftovers or FFY

6. Friday--Fajitas
7. Saturday--Leftovers or FFY

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Cheese Lasagna, Salad, Garlic Bread
2. Monday--single serve Devour frozen dinners
3. Tuesday--Cheeseburgers on buns, sweet potato fries

4. Wednesday--Leftovers(I had strawberries, we got subs for lunch)

5. Thursday--Homemade Sweet and Sour Chicken w/ Broccoli, Rice

6. Friday--Corn on the Cob and whatever leftovers you wanted(I just had corn)
7. Saturday--Take-Out Chinese(I got Mu Shu Chicken)

Last week saw 4-5 nights of home cooked dinners(1 was tv dinners tho),  1-2 nights of leftovers/FFY, and 1 night of Take-Out(plus 1 Take-Out for lunch).

What got put into the freezer last week....
* Scallions(I chopped and froze a restaurant sized bag)
* 4 lbs. Shredded Mozzarella
* 4 lb. bag Oriental Blend Veg
* large bag of Peach Slices
* 2 lb. bag of Shrimp
* a piece of the Lasagna I made

What got taken out of the freezer and used.....
* 1 pack of chicken breast
* 4 hamburger patties
* 3 frozen dinners
* 1 bag of mozzarella
* 1 box of garlic bread
* 1 bag of broccoli
* 1 partial pack of sea legs
* 1 lb. shrimp

1 trip each to P and R Discount Outlet and Maines restaurant supply had me spending $131.49 this past week and brings my April Total spending on food so far to $219.49.
Being a restaurant supply I knew I'd be able to find some things there I couldn't have Hubs get at Weis(flour, cheese, some veggies)but also being a restaurant supply I spent more because the containers were larger(10 lb. flour, 5 lb. cheese, etc.).  This just means I won't be needing some items for quite awhile.  I didn't overbuy but in the back of my head was the thought "get it now and get a lot so you don't have to go to the store for a longer time".
I hit P and R first and what was cheaper there I got there before hitting Maines.   I also got some deals at P and R....like 3 of Ex-CB's fav coffee, a box of Panko, 2 boxes of off brand Twinkies(a yellow one and chocolate one)since you never know when Hubs or Ex-CB will have a Twinkie emergency(I don't eat that stuff)and a bottle of yellow mustard because we were on our last one and I just realized it.....eek!

This having Hubs shop for me at Weis is not working out very well.  My list and instructions have to be so detailed and he just doesn't have the "shopping intuition" or ability to think on his feet if A is out, get B.
If I wrote EVERYTHING/EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO out for for him it would take me days to make a list. And god forbid he actually CALL or TEXT me on his phone if there is a problem......

Thank god that when I die he'll be happy just eating pasta and jarred sauce every single day plus nuking a bag of frozen peas to throw into the mess.
I am thankful that he did end up getting the correct free ham at Weis though.  I had my doubts he would but that worked out ok.

I don't worry so much about going to the small stores I've been to during this as they aren't as crowded as a major grocery chain like Weis and I wear a mask, a glove and my container of Lysol wipes to wipe down any surface I come in contact with.

I am still at $6.20 earned  in Ibotta rebates in April.  Nothing earned this week on Ibotta since Maines and P and R don't qualify as stores they recognize. 8-(

My savings percentage last week was 42.16%(without Rite-Aid trips)and April's monthly savings total comes in at 39.04% so far(w/out R-A).  

I have 10 more food shopping/spending days in April.

Leftovers going into this week.....Rice, 1 helping of Pork Salt Lick Teriyaki Stir-Fry, Green Beans, Chicken Marsala(1 helping), 2 ears of Corn, Lasagna, Sweet and Sour Chicken, more Rice, Leftover Chinese Take-Out, Sizzling Rice Soup(I made not take-out).
The rest of the Lasagna will get thrown into the freezer and the rest will be lunch fodder

Here is this week's "food plan".....

1. Sunday--Steak, Baked Potatoes, leftover assorted Veg
2. Monday--Chicken Fajitas
3. Tuesday--Pierogies, Sautéd Cabbage

4. Wednesday--Broiled Flounder, Au Gratin Potatoes, leftover Veg or Tossed Salad

5. Thursday--Leftovers or FFY

6. Friday--Meatloaf, Yellow Squash Casserole
7. Saturday--Leftovers or FFY

What needs buying for this menu?
I'm feeling the need for salad greens so that needs to be procured but otherwise nothing pressing.
The Weis(PMITA)Markets sales ad is two whole pages long this week.  There is nothing on sale really so not worth bothering unless we run out of something that's crucial(which we won't except maybe milk).

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?

Was last week's plan successful, did you go off plan or did you not even plan what was going to be eaten last week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?  

Sluggy

Food Spending August Week 4 & Meal Planning Week 4+

Ok, so this photo doesn't have anything to do with cooking.  Though it is a reminder to slow down in life and enjoy the ride. ;-)

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And here is the "meal plan" that actually happened last week.....

Sunday--Son's belated Birthday dinner out-Steak

Monday--Pulled Pork BBQ sandwiches, Cole Slaw, Birthday Cake

Tuesday--Lime Citrus Chicken Quesadillas, beans

Wednesday--Leftovers

Thursday--Chinese take-out

Friday--burgers, green beans(from garden)

Saturday--Leftovers again

 

 

The weekly food spending was $79.30.  I stocked up on 100% juices again, butter, ravioli at rock bottom prices.  The needs were milk, cabbage(for coleslaw), 1 onion, small packet of ground beef, rolls, lunchmeat, deli cheese and 2 kinds of fruit.  The family's wants were crackers, ice cream, frozen fries, whack biscuits and Kraft mac and chemical cheese--all on sale.

I have $2.72 left of my $400 food budget for August and 5 days left in the month.  That's enough for 1 half gallon of milk.  I may be going over slightly for the month if anything comes up this week.

Going into the new week I have the following leftovers to use up.......2 portions of the lime citrus chicken, 1 portion of barbecue pork(after Sunday's dinner), half a bowl of coleslaw, 1 portion of green beans.  I am figuring on using the chicken on Friday when it's only 2 of us at home.

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This week's menu.....

Sunday--Barbecue Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw

Monday--Taco Bell-after music lesson

Tuesday--Dinner Out-30th Anniversary Date night

Wednesday--Pork Chops, Saffron Rice, Broccoli

Thursday--Alfredo Primavera

Friday--Chicken Tacos(using leftover chicken)

Saturday--Leftovers 

 

 

What I need to buy this week to serve this menu?.....rolls, some fresh veggies(for the primavera).

Basically 3 of my meals are based on leftovers and 2 are Eating Out, so only 2 new meals cooked this week.  This makes it an easy week for me in the kitchen, what with getting 2 students back in school and not running the oven since it's hot and muggy again here.

So what are you cooking at your house this week?

Sluggy

May Food Spending Week 4, Meal Plan Week 4+/Week 1

I hope everyone had a reflective Holiday. Let's open today's Food post/Meal plan with this clip I "lifted" off someone else's blog......

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And here is the meal plan that actually happened last week.....

SUNDAY--Baked Tilapia, Stuffed Clams, Mixed Veggies
MONDAY--TV Dinners from the back of the freezer....uh, oh.....
TUESDAY--Sloppy Joes, Corn on Cob(or COC as it's known around here)
WEDNESDAY--London Broil and Pineapple on the grill
THURSDAY--Sausage or Chicken patty Sandwiches, Harvard Beets
FRIDAY--Chinese take-out
SATURDAY--Leftovers

We finally got those dreadful tv dinners outta here! Just 1 night of take-out. The weekly food spending was $129.85 this past week.
Again with the going over $100 in a week. ugh 4 times to the grocery stores this past week. I bought some London broils and chicken breast(BOGO deals)and then I spazed out and bought SIX BOXES of frozen fruit bars!lol It seemed like the most logically thing to do at the time and given the sale price and the heat the last few days, those suckers will be gone in no time.lol

Value of food bought was at $210.79 so my savings rate was 38.40% for the week. Total spending for the month to this point is $327.99. It's a good thing I 'upped' my food budget to $400 for May, huh?

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 In terms of leftovers, I'm going into this week with a little Sloppy Joe left, half of the London Broil I cooked last week. After Monday's cook-out I also have a large amount of baked beans and potato salad to use up this week.
The weather here is extremely hot for May, at least until Thursday so I'll be avoiding running the oven until then.

This week's menu.....
SUNDAY--Leftovers and/or Whoppers
MONDAY--Burgers/Dogs cookout, baked beans, potato salad
TUESDAY--Alfredo with veggies and steak slices, tossed salad
WEDNESDAY--Leftovers (crazy schedules night)
THURSDAY--Spaghetti and turkey meatballs, saute veggie mix
FRIDAY--Pizza
SATURDAY--BLTs or Cheese Steaks(diners choice)

This menu gives us 5 new meals and 2 nights of leftovers(or 1 night of leftovers and 1 night of fast food).
As for items I need to buy for this week......hot dog rolls, sauerkraut, meatballs, tomato, lettuce. We'll be buying milk as usual, along with some fresh fruit.

So what is everyone else eating this week?  

Sluggy