This Week on the Dining Table.....March 31st

"It's That Time Again!"

Walmart had a big sign on one of the poles outside the door urging you to pre-order your mudbugs.
This will be the last time I have to see these signs.\ as I am not a fan.  I'd rather have a juicy Maine lobster. 8-))

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Steak, Salad, leftover Corn Casserole

2. Monday--Fish, Cabbage

3. Tuesday--Chicken Marsala, leftover Veggies, Mashed Potatoes(optional)

4. Wednesday--Poultry Pot Pies, Salad

5. Thursday--Scallops, Leftover Green Beans

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Leftovers(if no leftovers, we'll think up something else)

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Steak, Salad, leftover Corn Casserole

2. Monday--Mushroom Parmesan, Asparagus

3. Tuesday--Cheeseburger(bun optional), Sweet Potato Fries

4. Wednesday--Fish(Salmon or Trout), Green Beans

5. Thursday--Chicken Marsala, Saute Cabbage

6. Friday--Big Lunch out(no dinner)

7. Saturday--Leftover Cheeseburgers, Leftover Veggies(Asparagus and  Sweet Potato)

Most everything happened(except the pot pies and the scallops)but not necessarily when planned.

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

*  Salmon

*  Steak

*  Trout

*  Ground Beef

*  Chicken Breast

Last week we spent $91.06 on groceries and the savings rate came in at 40.17%. Spending for the month is $301.38 and the savings rate is 49.66% for March before rebate monies are added in.

Rebates earned in March-

$84.08 on Ibotta

$19.75 on Checkout51

$3.99 on Aisle and Misc.

$107.82 total in $$

Total spent after rebates is $193.56

2,495 Pts. on Fetch

2,133  Pts. on SwagBucks

346 Pts. on My Points

3,554 Pts. on ShopKick

0 Pts. on TaDa

(I don't count these until I cash out for a gift card or cash.)

Before AND after rebates we had a low spend month for groceries at least for us.

Leftovers going into next week...

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Beef and Broccoli

2. Monday--Leftover Mushroom Parmesan, Salad

3. Tuesday--Leftover Chicken Marsala, Leftover Cabbage

4. Wednesday--Poultry Pot Pies, Salad

5. Thursday--Scallops, Green Beans

6. Friday--Leftover Beef and Broccoli

7. Saturday--Leftovers(if no leftovers, we'll think up something else)

I won't be cooking much this week as we'll be packing things up in between doctor appointments.  Next week we'll be emptying out the freezer more.

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  I chose my meals by cherry picking the deals and building meals around those items, combined with what is in my freezer.

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.

Sluggy   

This Week on the Dining Table.....Feb. 23 to Mar. 1

The "Back to Meal Planning" Edition........I've been bad and not meal planning.

I'm still kicking myself for not buying this stout I saw at Trader Joe's after Xmas of 2023.

It's a play on the winning entry of a contest to name a ship if you never heard of it.....

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-36064659

At least I took a photo. 8-)

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Didn't make a plan

2. Monday---Didn't make a plan

3. Tuesday--Didn't make a plan

4. Wednesday--Didn't make a plan

5. Thursday--Didn't make a plan

6. Friday--Didn't make a plan

7. Saturday--Didn't make a plan

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Don't Remember

2. Monday---Breaded Shrimp(Baked), Squash

3. Tuesday--BLTs

4. Wednesday--Steakhouse Wedge Salad(Hubs had Brats)

5. Thursday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), leftover Squash, leftover Cabbage

6. Friday--Catfish, Green Beans, Cole Slaw

7. Saturday--Portabello Mushroom Parmesan, Caesar Salad

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

*  Shrimp

*  Bacon

Last 2 weeks we spent $187.89 on groceries and the savings rate came in at 43.08%. Spending for the month is $287.17 and the savings rate is 41.57% for February before rebate monies are added in.

Rebates earned in February-

$82.22 on Ibotta

$0.00 on Checkout51

$20.73 on Aisle and Misc.

$102.95 Total in $$

Total spent after rebates is $184.22.

8,868 Pts. on Fetch

3 Pts. on SwagBucks

783 Pts. on My Points

30 Pts. on ShopKick

0 Pts. on TaDa

(I don't count these until I cash out for a gift card or cash.)

Leftovers going into next week...Pot Roast Stew, 1 Brat, partial container of Tuna Salad.

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Cheeseburgers, Sweet Potato Fries

2. Monday---Chicken w/Stir-Fry Veggies

3. Tuesday--Meatloaf, Green Beans

4. Wednesday--Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Leftovers 

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  I chose my meals by cherry picking the deals and building meals around those items, combined with what is in my freezer.

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? 

Sluggy  

This Week on the Dining Table......Jan. 26th to Feb. 1st

* Still taking names/emails of people who want continued access to the blog after I take it private.  If you left me a comment with your email or emailed me I have you, don't worry. 8-)

The "I'm Confused" Edition........

I was in Walmart last week and saw this sign.  The Rollback price is higher than the regular price?  The other side of the bin also had the same configuration--$1.08 lb. reg. price and the Rollback price being $1.48 lb.  WTF???

I mentioned this discrepancy to a produce employee, who brought it to the attention of his manager and the manager removed the $1.08 lb. sign right in front of me.  Walmart-what a bunch of crooks!  I would have been so mad if I was a low-income shopper who thought she was getting that squash for $1.08 lb. because of that sign only to be tricked into paying $1.48 lb. at the register.

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Beef Pie

3. Tuesday--Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke

4. Wednesday--Soup and Cornbread

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Salmon, Sweet Potato Fries

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Eat Out Lunch

3. Tuesday--Eat Out Lunch

4. Wednesday--Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke

5. Thursday--Beef Pie

6. Friday--Caesar Salad, Pizza

7. Saturday--Salmon, Leftover Green Beans,

Corn on the Cob

Got a day old Rotisserie Chicken to use in Chicken and Dumplings.  Got some marked down Chicken Thighs to make the Lemon Pepper Chicken. some marked down Ground Beef-some to make Hamburgers, some for Beef Pie and some for the Freezer for later.  We ate out for my Birthday 2 lunches, used a gift certificate for one of those meals.

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

* Ground Beef

* Chicken Thighs

* Salmon

* Pizza

Last week we spent $76.27 on groceries(proving that eating healthier is more expensive)and the savings rate came in at 50.71%. Spending for the month is $367.64 and the savings rate so far is 38.57%.

There are 5 days left in the month.  I may actually come in under $400 this month for food shopping.  That's just so unheard of!

Leftovers going into next week...1 slice Meatloaf, 2 Hamburgers, 2 helpings Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke, Beef Pie, lots of Chicken and Dumplings.

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Leftover Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Chicken, Green Beans

3. Tuesday--Leftovers(probably the Hamburgers and a Veg)

4. Wednesday--Shrimp, Baked Sweet Potato Fries

5. Thursday--Pasta in Mushroom Sauce with Meatballs, Salad

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Salmon or Chicken Burgers, Leftover Green Beans

I really like the Kroger shrimp and it was on special this week so we picked some more up.  I also bought 4 lbs. of strawberries as they were $2.99 per and I'll be eating those with yogurt for breakfast or for a snack at night this week.  Got a bag of 2 lbs. of green beans and 4 corn on the cob so those are on this week's menu(well the corn got eaten Sat. evening).

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  I chose my meals by cherry picking the deals and building meals around those items, combined with what is my freezer.

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? 

Sluggy  

This Week on the Dining Table Jan. 20th to 26th

The "Soup Smelling Candles?" Edition........

I saw these candles advertised the end of 2024.

Campbells Soup smells of Side Season?

I don't know if this is a gag or real but who wants a Cream of Mushroom or Cheddar Cheese Soup scented candle??

No thanks.

Onward to the meal planning!

Here is what was planned for the last week.....

1. Sunday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), sautè yellow Squash

2. Monday--Stir-Fry Veggies w/Pork, Rice(optional)

3. Tuesday--Leftover Ravioli, Salad

4. Wednesday--TV dinners

5. Thursday--Salmon, Baked Sweet Potato Fries

6. Friday--Pasta w/Meatballs, Salad

7. Saturday--Chicken & Dumplings(if I can find a marked down rotisserie chicken at Walmart)

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Cheeseburgers(bun optional), sautè yellow Squash

2. Monday--Stir-Fry Veggies w/Pork

3. Tuesday--Leftover Ravioli, Salad

4. Wednesday--Leftover Meatloaf & Green Beans

5. Thursday--Leftover Pork Loin, Spinach Soufflè

6. Friday--Salad, Pizza

7. Saturday--Leftover Pork Stir-Fry

We had so many leftovers that half the meals didn't get made last week.

Got a bogo deal on pizza at Kroger on Friday so that got added to the meal plan too.

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

* Ground Beef

* Pork Loin

* Spinach Soufflè

* Pizza

Last week we spent $132.37 on groceries(proving that eating healthier is more expensive)and the savings rate came in at 37.43%. Spending for the month is $291.37 and the savings rate so far is 34.31%.

Leftovers going into next week...1 slice of Meatloaf and 2 helpings of Green Beans.

Here is what was planned for this week.....

1. Sunday--Chicken and Dumplings

2. Monday--Beef Pie

3. Tuesday--Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke

4. Wednesday--Soup and Cornbread

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Leftovers

7. Saturday--Salmon, Sweet Potato Fries

Just trying to eat down what is here when I'm not getting great deals.  Got some reduced chicken thighs(hard to find them with skin on here but my recipe above requires that)as well as a marked down 3 lbs. of Ground Beef.  I made 3 hamburger patties and browned the rest.  Ate one pattie for lunch and the other two will become lunch this coming week for Hubs, while the browned beef will go into the Beef Pie and the other half will go into the freezer for a later meal.

I found a marked down Rotisserie Chicken on Friday and that became Sunday's Chicken and Dumplings.

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? 

Sluggy 

This Week on the Dining Table....Nov. 18th to Nov. 25th

The "Meat & Three" Edition.........

I remember when we first moved down here we went to a "Meat & 3" restaurant.  We didn't have these type of establishments up North and I rarely went to one where I grew up in Virginia.

I have just "the 3" veggies and I didn't get the meat item.  That's my plate--some kind of greens, a sweet potato casserole and something else I don't recall now and the rest of a dinner roll.

I was not impressed by this lunch, especially the sweet potato casserole as it was sooo sweet!  Ya don't need to sugar up sweet potatoes! ;-)  The green were ok.

I wish other restaurants here did the "Meat & 3" but we just have this one local chain.

Onward to the meal planning!

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

1. Sunday--Leftover burgers, sweet potato fries.

2. Monday--Dinner somewhere on the road

3. Tuesday--Salmon, Spinach Souffle

4. Wednesday--Chicken Parm, Salad

5. Thursday--Liver, Taters, Beets

6. Friday--Sautèd Scallops, Veggie TBD

7. Saturday--Spiral cut Ham, Veggies TBD

And here's what actually happened....

1. Sunday--Leftover burgers, Sweet Potato fries

2. Monday--Dinner somewhere on the road(Arby's Brisket Sandwich)

3. Tuesday--Salmon, Grilled Asparagus

4. Wednesday--Liver and Onions, Gravy, Broccoli

5. Thursday--Ham, Green Beans, Pineapple

6. Friday--Pork Teriyaki Stir-Fry Veggies

7. Saturday--Fajitas

The liver finally happened (Look away Anne!) We didn't have any mashed potatoes with the liver(as is tradition)and we didn't miss it.  The souffle, chicken parm and the scallops didn't happen but we have ham for days now!

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

*  Salmon

*  Liver

*  Ham

*  Pork Tenderloin

*  Stir-Fry Veggies

*  Chicken

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

*  3 containers of ice cream(there was a pie and ice cream deal)

*  2 lbs. meatballs

                    

Last week we spent $112.28 grocery shopping.

Total shopping comes to $247.82 for November.  There are 12 shopping days left in November.

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

I've earned $188.69 on Ibotta in November.

I've earned $25.66 on Checkout51 in November.

I've earned $57.16 on Aisle, etc. in November. 

I've earned $15.57 on TaDa in November.

I've earned 27,312 points on Fetch from food shopping in November.

I've earned 13,720 points from food shopping on Shop Kick in November.($54.88)

I've earned 20,120 points on My Points in November.(not sure what the conversion rate is here)

I've earned 103 from food shopping on Swag Bucks in November.($1.03)

That is $271.51 in rebates(not counting Shop Kick/Fetch/MyPoints/Swag Bucks/TaDa/The Insiders were I earn gift cards)on $247.82 of grocery spending so in reality it's negative $23.69 in food spending after the rebate apps I count. I now separate out the Food Bank donations and don't count those in the grocery spending(but I do count any rebates on those items) so it's a win/win--the food bank gets a large donation of goods and I get a lower grocery bill.

My savings percentage for the last week was 50.29% and the monthly savings total for November comes in at 45.05% spent.

Leftovers going into this week.....Ham, Pork Stir-Fry, Ham, Pineapple, Ham, Fajita filling and did I mention Ham? ;-)  That's what happens when you defrost and cook a spiral ham and there are only 2 people to eat it and I wasn't about to cook ham for Thanksgiving.

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

1. Sunday--Beef Pie

2. Monday--Cheddar Broccoli Soup, Biscuits

3. Tuesday--something Leftover

4. Wednesday--something Leftover

5. Thursday--probably Ham in some iteration, Green Beans

6. Friday--Leftovers? with Roasted Broccoli

7. Saturday--more Leftovers

With all that ham and other foods leftover I don't plan on cooking for most of this week(other than some veggies).  It's not even "soup weather" here(is it ever soup weather here??) but I am craving Cheddar Broccoli soup so I'll sweat and eat it.  If  I can find rye bread we'll have Rueben sandwiches(sort of, I have Pastrami not Corned Beef)one night but otherwise it's ham.(And I don't even like ham and I can't remember what possessed me to buy one...oh yeah, it was on clearance.) lololz

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? 

Sluggy