This Week on the Dining Table

The "I Don't Want to Go Home" Edition................

I saw this luggage in Ollie's in Va. Beach.  Too bad I already have new luggage. ;-)

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned--

1. Sunday--No Clue
2. Monday--No Clue

3. Tuesday--No Clue

4. Wednesday--No Clue

5. Thursday--No Clue

6. Friday--No Clue
7. Saturday--No Clue

And this is what actually happened at home per Hubs info & after I got home--

1. Sunday--Pork Chops, Broccoli, Garlic Mashed Taters
2. Monday--Pesto w/Whole Grain Spaghetti, Peas

3. Tuesday--Leftover Lasagna
4. Wednesday--Chinese Take-Out(I got home but Hubs didn't plan a meal and expected ME to cook.....oh, hell no!!)
5. Thursday--McDonald's stuff, Brussels Sprouts

6. Friday--Meatloaf, leftover Brussels Sprouts, Mac and cheese
7. Saturday--Shrimp, French Fries, Carrots

Meanwhile in VA here is what dinners looked like--
Sunday--Roast Chicken w/Caesar Salad at brother's house(I cooked)
Monday--Beef Stir-Fry at brother's house(I cooked)
Tuesday--Turkey dinner at Bob Evan's(with son and GF)

Last week(for me)saw 4 nights of home cooked dinners, 0 nights of leftovers/ffy, and 3 nights of Eating Out/Take-Out for me.

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

* 2 lbs raw shrimp

What got taken out of the freezer and used last week at home.....
* 4 pork chops(Hubs)
* a bag of broccoli(Hubs)
* a container of pesto(Hubs)
* a bag of carrots
* 2 boxes of breaded shrimp

All my food spending on stuff to bring home on vacation came to $82.17(post about that later this week).  A trip to Weis brought the current weekly spending to $46.15 and my October spending on food to $237.29 so far this month.

My savings percentage last week was 43.27%(without Rite-Aid trips)and October's monthly savings total comes in at 45.09%(w/out R-A).

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

Leftovers going into this week......meatloaf, carrots, peas(Hubs).

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

1. Sunday--Roast Chicken, Onion, Carrots, Potatoes
2. Monday--Leftover Meatloaf, Squash Casserole

3. Tuesday--Sloppy Joes, Salad

4. Wednesday--Chicken and Dumplings

5. Thursday--Tacos

6. Friday--Chicken Enchiladas, Rice
7. Saturday--Leftovers

What needs buying for this menu?  I bought a large tray of ground beef and 2 whole chickens at Weis on Friday so my weekly menu is using up those proteins.  We do need produce like taters, carrots, sweet potatoes, etc. so I'll be going to the produce market this week.  We are also out of bread so it's up to the Bread Outlet today too.  Aldi's is on the radar as well for this week. I'll probably be spending $100 or so this week.  That will bring us to under $400 for the month on the food/toiletries budget and I am ok with that. 8-)

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  

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Who WOULDN'T Want This!?!?" Edition.............

Hubs and I were out and about on Saturday.  I found this yummy rainbow furry purse and threatened to send it to Kim for her birthday next month.  Who wouldn't want this, right? lolz

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned--

1. Sunday--Homemade Pizza, Hot Wings

2. Monday--Cheese Steak Subs, Spinach souffle 

3. Tuesday--Leftover Beef Pie or FFY

4. Wednesday--Pork Roast, Italian side dish w/Beans and Veggies, Baked Kale Chips

5. Thursday--Roast Chicken, Stuffing(maybe), Sweet Potato Casserole, Sugar Snap Peas

6. Friday--Ham, Mac and Cheese, Brussels Sprouts
7. Saturday--Leftovers

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Homemade Pizza, Hot Wings

2. Monday--Cheese Steak Subs, Spinach souffle 

3. Tuesday--Pork Roast, Italian side dish w/Beans and Broccoli, boxed Mac and Cheese

4. Wednesday--Leftovers or FFY(I had leftover Beef Pie)

5. Thursday--Chinese Take-Out

6. Friday--Roast Chicken, Stuffing, Sweet Potato Casserole, Corn, Peas
7. Saturday--Ham, Mac and Cheese, Broccoli

Last week saw 5 nights of home cooked dinners, 1 night of leftovers/fend for yourself, 1 nights of Eating Out/Take-Out. 
Everything happened as planned but perhaps on different days then planned. Instead of leftovers the second night we got take-out.  I wasn't "feeling" leftovers and we hadn't had take-out in quite a while.

What got put into the freezer last week.....
*  1 pack of ground veal
*  3 packs of panko-ed pork tenderloins
*  2 lbs. of ground beef
*  5 packages of veggies
*  a box of ice cream snadwiches

What got taken out of the freezer and used last week.......
*  2 packs of deli sliced roast beef
*  1 whole chicken
*  1 pork roast
*  2 spinach souffles 
*  1 dinner ham
*  3 bags of frozen veggies

You would THINK the freezers were emptying out, wouldn't you?  

 A couple of grocery trips.....2 smallish trips to Weis($6.98/$45.88)and a trip to Ollie's($10.71)brought the weekly(really more than a week because Jan./Feb. week last week and I only reported the Jan. of that week)food spending to $73.48 and brought the February monthly total to $73.48 so far.

My savings percentage last week was 69.30%(without Rite-Aid trips)and February's monthly savings total comes to 69.30%(w/out R-A).  I got some great deals on meat and some clearance items and used Qs on those too so a big savings % last week.

Leftovers going into this week.... a helping of pot roast w/veggies, taco filling(might still have some//I didn't check yet), roast chicken, ham, mac and cheese, sweet potato casserole, corn, peas, kale(daughter made it one night).
Besides the ham and mac/cheese there isn't enough of the rest of it to serve another night/as leftover.

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

1. Sunday--Pad Thai fake-out

2. Monday--Hamburgers, Tomato and Cuke Salad

3. Tuesday--Beef Lasagna, Tossed Salad

4. Wednesday--leftover Ham, Mac and Cheese, Veggies TBD(maybe leftover corn and peas)

5. Thursday--Chicken Thighs and something else lolz

6. Friday--Ham and cheese scrambled eggs, French Toast, Fruit
7. Saturday--Leftovers

This week will see 5 new meals cooked, 2 nights of leftovers/FFY, 0 nights of Take-Out/Eating Out.

What needs buying for this menu? Ground beef and veal was bought on Sunday along with some reduced B/S chicken thighs(half went into the Pad Thai/half saute for later this week).  The rest of the week should be low spend(I think).  ;-)

Whatever ham is left after 1 night of leftover slices and what goes into the eggs on Friday will be chopped and put into the freezer for ham/bean soup in the future.

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  

This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Spring is Springing" Edition......

Over the last 4 days the Forsythia bush has budded and is blooming as of Sunday.  It's rainy and cold today and we are still getting nights in the 30's so I don't have high hopes that these blossoms will remain much longer.
I suppose this seems that yardwork for 2016 isn't far off. lolz

Onward to the meal planning!

Here's what was planned last week.......

1. Sunday--Leftovers
2. Monday--Subway Sandwiches
3. Tuesday--Leftover Corned Beef meal
4. Wednesday--Salmon, Asparagus, Noodles
5. Thursday---Spaghetti and Meatballs, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread
6. Friday--Steak, Salad, leftover Asparagus
7. Saturday--Take-out?  Will be cooking for Sunday.

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Leftovers(Don't remember what)
2. Monday--Leftovers(I have Beef Bourguignon)
3. Tuesday--Leftover Corned Beef meal
4. Wednesday--Salmon, Asparagus, Noodles
5. Thursday---Spaghetti and Meatballs, Garlic Bread
6. Friday--Marinated London Broil, Salad, Baked Potato
7. Saturday--Leftovers or Whatever you can make(Don't remember what)

6 meals cooked at home.
3 new meals and 4 nights of leftovers in some form or another.  We just had whatever on Saturday but we did go out to Eat for Lunch both Friday and Saturday.  Hubs was home both days from work and we ran errands both days so we splurged on eating out.

As for my grocery spending......Two trips last week and I spent $31.90 total.
Trip to Target added another $18.96.
I have spent $241.52 in all for March so far.
Between $9.48 and $59.48 of the potential $250-$300 March food budget left to spend with 4 days left in the month.

Leftovers going into this week...... 2-3 helpings of Spaghetti and Meatballs, a small piece of Steak.

We did have a bit of food waste this past week unfortunately.  Some hamburger rolls got moldy and had to be tossed.  If it's just a spot I'll remove it and still use them but a few were "eat up" with mold. bleh.

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

1. Sunday--Baked Ham, Corn Casserole, Monte Carlo Veggie Blend, Deviled Eggs, Dinner Rolls
2. Monday--Subway Sandwiches(Iz tired of cooking!lol)
3. Tuesday--Leftover Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad
4. Wednesday--Cod, Baked Potatoes, Corn on cob(freezer), Leftover Asparagus
5. Thursday---Chicken Thighs(some way), Veggies-maybe leftover Sunday veggies?
6. Friday--Pork Chops w/Apricot Glaze, Sugar Snap Peas
7. Saturday--Leftover Chicken Thighs(if we have any) or Fish, Potato Salad, Veggies of some kind

This week will see 4 new meals cooked and 2 meals of leftovers(re-purposed into new dishes or not) and 1 meal Out/Take-out.

What I need to buy for this menu?  Salad Greens is all.  I bought the chicken thighs and potatoes last week.  Hubs will use the leftover ham from Easter dinner this week for lunch sandwiches and I'll use the little steak to make a steak sammich for lunch 1 day.  I sent more ham and all the leftover corn casserole with BIL so I didn't eat it. lolz
No Eating out this week just Subway tonight using my points on my Loyalty card to get them for free. 8-)

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

I'm Baaack!--This Week on the Dining Table

It's the "Back Home & Don't Want to Cook" Edition--

 

I can still taste this pork bbq that had TONS of Bark mixed in. Mmmmmmm

 

 

 

When we walked into the house yesterday after being gone for 2 WEEKS it was like something out of a horror movie.......stuff everywhere and no rhyme or reason to where things were.  It was a total pig sty, especially the kitchen.
But then again.....what do you expect leaving a 19 year old home alone and he turns your house into a band studio?

Besides the unpacking I'll be spending the next couple of days just digging out the mess here.
Plus it's the first of the month and I need to do all my bookwork(spending totals for May AND June net worth calculations).
Oh, the fun never ends, doesn't it? ;-)

Here's a Meal Plan Monday post and I'll be back in a couple days with  regular postings.
-Sluggy

 Onward to the meal planning!

 

Here's what was planned last week.......

1.  Nothing
2.  Nothing

3.  Nothing
4.  Nothing

5.  Nothing

6.  Nothing
7.  Nothing

 

And this is what actually happened--

 

Again last week, breakfasts were at the hotel and most of the week was at one hotel since we were staying put in Shreveport for awhile.  My "go to" breakfast was either eggs(scrambled), sausage patty and water or hot tea OR oatmeal and yogurt or a banana. and water or hot tea.

Boring, boring.

 

Sunday--Lunch............

Ok, I had a couple of vegetarian fajitas with that Margarita! (And some chips and queso)at Supreme Grill in Shreveport, LA.

 

Dinner..................

Peach Lemonade Daiquiri topped with Peach gummi rings.

Hey!....my Daughter insisted! lolz

I also split an order of Sesame Chicken with my Daughter at the local take-out place near the hotel.

 

Monday--We hat a cookout at my Daughter's house.

 

Lunch--Salad, Veggies with Hummus, slab of smoked Beef Brisket and a beer

Dinner--Hubs and I split an order of Fried Shrimp w/2 veggies at a local seafood joint near the hotel

 

Tuesday--

Lunch......Tuna Sandwich and Unsweet Tea after house shopping in Bossier City, LA

Dinner .........

Fried Gator, Coleslaw, steamed Broccoli, Cornbread, Unsweetened Tea(and a couple of fried green tomato chunks for an appetizer)at Shane's Seafood and Bar BQ in Shreveport, LA.

 

Dessert  back at the hotel was......

 Blackberry hard Cider and a cream cheese filled Southern Maid donut....mmmmmm

 

Wednesday--

Lunch.....

A quick Chicken Salad Sammich at Arby's between house hunting in Haughton, LA

Dinner......

Chinese and Sushi dinner out at Sumo Supreme in Shreveport, LA.
I had 2 plates of food! mostly consisting of sushi/rolls, green beans, goyza(dumplings), 1 crab Rangoon, 1 "mudbug"(crawfish), broccoli w/chicken and 1 bacon wrapped sea leg piece with unsweetened iced tea

Thursday--
Lunch.........

A grilled Cheese sammich with peach tea at Tom & Chee in Bossier City, LA

Dinner........

Smoked Pulled Pork, Cole Slaw, Chili Beans and a slice of good ol' white bread with unsweetened iced tea at Smiley B's BBQ in Greenwood, LA

Friday--
Lunch.........a McChicken sammich and a small cheeseburger at Mickey D's from Meridian, MS while on the road.
Dinner........

A Cobb Salad at Zaxby's with PowerAde Zero in Trussville, AL

Saturday--
Lunch.........6" tuna sub at truck stop with a Subway near Dandridge, TN with sweet tea to drink(no unsweetened there).
Dinner........Steak, salad, asparagus and rolls w/unsweetened iced tea at Texas Steakhouse and Saloon in Staunton, VA.

 

We bought zero groceries last week(except I bought all the food for Daughter's cook-out for Memorial Day but this isn't in our food budget) and College Boy spent none of the $ I let him on groceries the last 2 weeks, so we will finish out our May food spending at $515.77.  Nowhere near $400 but not as bad as I thought it might turn out.

 

This coming week there is still no plan yet.  We just got home yesterday afternoon and after I clear out the fridge of stuff College Boy didn't eat while we were away and see what food is left in the freezer/pantry I'll make a plan and implement it, so check back in the next few days to see what we will be eating at Chez Sluggy.
 

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 that week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Eating While Traveling" Edition......

  

 

 

 

Onward to the meal planning!

What was planned last week--

1.  Pork Chops, Braised Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes(for Hubs and son)
2.  Tacos

3.  Meatball Subs, Veggie TBD

4.  Leftovers or Hamburgers
5.  Chinese Chicken(using my .84¢ chicken) w/Ginger Stir-Fry

6.  Leftovers
7.  Leftovers or Fend for Yourself Night

 

And this is what actually happened--


1.  Pork Chops, Braised Cabbage, Mashed Potatoes(for Hubs and son)
2.  Tacos

3.  Leftovers

4.  Leftovers or Hamburgers
5.  Meatball Subs, leftover cabbage and collards

6.  Leftovers
7.  Leftovers or Fend for Yourself Night

The chicken didn't happen(too many leftovers to use up)so it got shoved into the freezer for later.
 

Last week I made 4 trips to 2 different markets and spent $55.39 on $135.24 worth of groceries.  I cherry picked the good deals at Weis last week--cereal, peanut butter, boxed stock and canned tomatoes mostly.

 

Here is the plan for this week.........

1.  Dinner Out
2.  Dinner Out

3.  Dinner Out

4.  Chinese Out(Xmas Eve tradition)
5.  Rib Roast with Roasted Veggies, Homemade Rolls, Pumpkin Ravioli w/Sage Butter Sauce

6.  No Clue
7.  Mushroom Risotto, Tossed Salad Greens
 

 

What I need to buy for this menu.........the roast and some veggies for Christmas dinner and mushrooms for the risotto.


I am up to $287.61 in food spending for December with 9 more days left in the month.
 

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 that week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Holiday Candy/Treats found in the Stores" Edition..........

 Apple M&M's?

Holiday flavors of Jelly Beans?

Mike & Ike Minion flavors?

Hmmmm......anybody out there ever try any of these weird things?

 

 

 

Onward to the meal planning!

What was planned last week--

1.  Zuke Casserole
2.  Chicken & Dumplings(leftover)

3.  Lasagna or Ravioli(leftover)

4.  Zuke in Tomato Sauce, Kielbasa on rolls
5.  Trout, leftover Zuke Casserole

6.  Beef Stroganoff over Rice, Brussel Sprouts
7.  Leftovers

 

And this is what actually happened--

1.  Zuke Casserole
2.  Chicken & Dumplings(leftover)

3.  Ravioli(leftover)

4.  Chicken & Dumplings(again)
5.  Kielbasa on Rolls, Zuke Casserole(leftover)

6.  Lasagna(leftover)
7.  Fend for Yourself Night

 

We stretched out the leftovers over more meals than I had thought it would stretch, so the Stroganoff and Trout didn't happen.
    

Last week I made 9(!!!) trips to 5 different markets and spent $236.19 on $469.17 worth of groceries.
This includes what was spent at Target & Ollie's the week before since I forgot to include that.


I also did 2 transactions at Rite-Aid where I spent $1.87 on $56.71 of items there for the week.

Sit down for this one........
$537.46  total spent for the month so far in November including Rite-Aid spending.  My budget was $350 for November so yeah, it was a bust this month.
I've only spent $4,600.00 for the year so far on groceries.  Considering how well we eat I'm not going to beat myself up over a splurge month!

I have a $10 gift certificate/voucher to spend by Saturday at the local market so I'll try to spend as close to $10 as possible this week.  Goodness knows we don't NEED anything in the way of food right now! lolz

Going into this week, in leftovers we have........just some zuke casserole.  The plan was to use up most everything and clean out the fridge so I could fit a turkey in there.

Here is the plan for this week.........

1.  Spaghetti and Meatballs(in freezer)
2.  Trout, Zuke Casserole(leftover)

3.  Chinese take-out

4.  Mac & Cheese with Ham, Broccoli
5.  Turkey Day Meal

6.  Beef Stroganoff over Rice, Brussel Sprouts
7.  Leftovers

#2 Son is coming home for Thanksgiving Break so even though I'd like to not have to cook all week(isn't a Thanksgiving Fest ENOUGH!?!), I'll make a couple of his favorite meals for him before we send him packing back to school.

 

What I need to buy for this menu.........nothing.  I'll see what is on sale this week and spend that $10 voucher on things I can add to the stockpile.
 

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 that week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?
How much did you spend on food so far in November?

 

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "I hate the Post Office" Edition---


When I sell stuff or have a giveaway, I almost always print my own postage labels from home and have my carrier pick-up the packages when they deliver my mail.
I had 2 packages set out for a requested and confirmed pick-up on Saturday and no one ever picked them up.
This often happens on Saturdays since my regular carrier doesn't work that day and the sub is an idiot and never checks for their pick-ups(or just doesn't bother checking because they want to do the bare minimum).

Then on Sunday I get an email that my confirmed pick-up was completed!
WTF?!?
Um, NO....it wasn't!
Scathing email returned to the USPS but I doubt they will even respond and I KNOW nothing will come of it.
Sort of a "no one is held accountable" type thing....just like our government and politicians.  8-(

Enough of that grousing.....
Onward to the meal planning!

What was planned last week--
1.  Grilled Salmon, Butternut Squash & Apples

2.  Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, leftover Corn Casserole

3.  Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice

4.  Hot Dogs on Rolls with Chili or Chili over a Baked Potato, Collard Greens
5.  Grilled Meatloaf leftover, leftover sides

6.  Broccoli Soup, Homemade Bread
7.  Spaghetti, Meatballs and Sauce, leftover sides or Tossed Salad

 

And this is what actually happened--

1.  Grilled Salmon, Butternut Squash & Apples

2.  Chicken Marsala with Mushrooms, leftover Corn Casserole

3.  Stuffed Cabbage Rolls with Rice

4.  Hot Dogs on Rolls with Chili or Chili over a Baked Potato, Collard Greens
5.  Grilled Meatloaf leftover, leftover sides

6.  Leftovers
7.  Leftovers of Fend for Yourself Night
 

The plan was kept to except the spaghetti and soup never happened because we had too many leftovers to use up.
    

Last week I made 3 trips to 3 different market and spent $45.81 on $83.10 worth of groceries and did 2 transactions at Rite-Aid where I spent .98¢ total there for the week.
$315.25 spent(including Rite-Aid)for the month so I am over my $300 budget for October.  I  will stay out of the grocery stores until Saturday(Nov.1st)when my November food budget kicks in in order to not rack up any more charges in October.  I WILL be spending a bit at Rite-Aid this week(under $2 cash total OOP probably)to roll my +Up Rewards.  Hey, I am over by $15 already, another $2 isn't going to hurt me much, right? ;-)

Funny thing is when my food budget was $400 a month(when we were feeding 3 or 4 people)I most always went over a bit.
Now that it's $300 a month I still go over a little bit.
Maybe I'm just a rebel and can't quite go with having a limit. lol

Going into this week, in leftovers we have.........stuffed cabbage rolls, cabbage roll filling, collard greens, squash and apples with pecans side dish, the broccoli for making soup and 2lbs. of ground beef I cooked off.
I have flour tortillas and hard corn tortillas here and stuff to make enchilada sauce and cheese plus frozen veggies.
Let's see if I can go without running to the store for anything this week.

Here is the plan for this week.........

1.  Leftovers

2.  Enchiladas with green chilles, Corn

3.  Stuffed Cabbage Rolls

4.  Tacos
5.  Pork Chops, something veggie in the freezer, squash apple pecan side dish

6.  Broccoli Soup, Homemade Bread
7.  Leftovers or a Pizza


What I need to buy this week........not going to go to the store, until Saturday.  I made a list of items I'd like to get at the grocery stores but I'll hold off and redo the list on Friday, and try to cut it down and do the actual shopping on Saturday so the charges go on November's food bill.
I can make this menu without going to the store.
 

   

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 that week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?
How much did you spend on food so far in October?

 

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "I Kept to the Menu, Mostly, Last Week" Edition........
 

A cute little waterfront cottage on Clear Lake in Iowa.  I bet the price tag isn't so little or cute. lolz

 

 What was planned last week--

1.  Chicken Cutlets in black pepper sauce, COC, Caesar salad
2.  Zucchini and Carrot casserole, Green bean casserole
3.  Tacos or Taco salad(had iceberg)
4.  Barbecue brisket, leftover casseroles
5.  Fish(had), Coleslaw, mixed veggies(had)(I'll have salad instead)
6.  Burgers on rolls(had), leftover COC, baked beans(had)
7.  Leftovers of some sort

 

And this is what actually happened--

 

1.  Chicken Cutlets in black pepper sauce, COC, Caesar salad
2.  Zucchini and Carrot casserole, Green bean casserole
3.  Tacos or Taco salad(had iceberg)
4.  Barbecue brisket, potato salad, roasted carrots
5.  Leftover pasta, mushroom parmesan, leftover casseroles(2)
6.  Burgers on rolls(had), green bean casserole(leftover), baked beans
7.  Crab Ravioli in Parmesan Sauce, Tossed Salad

 

Pretty much everything was served as planned, except for the fish, which moves to this week and I had picked up some crab ravioli at Wegman's on a whim which we had on Friday.  It was quite yummy with my homemade Béchamel Parmesan Sauce.  2 packages was $9.98 and served 3 people.  When #2 Son leaves home Hubs and I get to fight over who gets the 3rd serving/leftovers when I make this again....and I WILL make this again! ;-)
 

Since August 1st I've made 2 trips to the grocery store(and 2 trips to Rite-Aid) and spent $46.07 on $126.94 worth of groceries/toiletries.

Going into this week, in leftovers we have.........1 piece of chicken breast,  zuke/carrot casserole, green bean casserole, taco filling, potato salad, 2 romaine heads, head of cabbage, a container of salad greens, a container of mushrooms, 1 red pepper and smoked brisket.



Here is the plan for this week......not necessarily eaten in this order.....

1.  Fish, Sautéed Cabbage

2.  Reuben Sandwiches

3.  Brats or Brisket, leftover Potato Salad, Baked Beans

4.  Chicken "something", probably with leftover Casseroles

5.  Chili, Tossed Salad
6.  Tuna Noodle Casserole, Green Beans with Red Peppers and Mushrooms
7.  Leftovers
 

#2 Son brought home a loaf of rye bread from his work and requested Reubens.  I have corned beef slices in the freezer, leftover from the last time I made Reubens so I'll pick up sauerkraut this week.  The fish, brats, chicken, beef for chili and green beans are in the freezer already and we have rolls I picked up on my way home from Pittsburgh.  In the pantry already are noodles, tuna, beans for chili and 1000 Island dressing for Reubens.

What needs buying for this menu to happen?
Sauerkraut, maybe Swiss cheese(haven't looked yet to see if I have any left), Milk.

Later this week I'll pick up on sale items for next week......Asparagus, shredded Cheese, Ravioli, French Fries(for #2Son), Onions(almost out), Tea and Powerades.  Maybe get some Salmon at Price Chopper if I want to go out that way and stop in.

W/out the salmon it should be under $35....$45 with.

No food waste this week.
Eagle Eye Sluggy is back home and watching that the leftovers get used. 8-)
  

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 that week?

Any great deals on food at your stores this week?

 

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Tired of Coming Up with Meals this Week" Edition.......

 

 

I had to get out of the house this weekend as I was going stir crazy.  Hubs and I went to Ollies(Good Stuff Cheap!)and looked at all their Holiday stuff as I haven't been in Ollie's since the Summer.  I bought this Holiday CD for $4.99....I don't usually spend that much on them but what can I say?.... I love me some Harry Connick, Jr.
It's not even December but I did play it already.
Good stuff! 8-))

Here are the meals that were planned last week--
 

Sunday--Clam Chowder
Monday--Tacos(I'll probably have a chicken sandwich and a part of a bag of frozen veggies.)
Tuesday--leftovers
Wednesday--Lasagna, Salad
Thursday--leftovers
Friday--London Broil, Asparagus
Saturday--leftovers

Everything was eaten as planned except the London Broil was served with a Tossed Salad(didn't get to the store with the sale on asparagus)and Brussel Sprouts were served with the Lasagna.  

As for food spending last week.....there were 4 trips to the store and I spent $98.78 on $162.58 worth of groceries at 3 stores.
I have $301.22 left in my November food budget.

Leftovers going into this week--1 bratwurst(I put it into the freezer for later), leftover chicken pieces, carrots and potatoes, taco fixings, lasagna and London broil.  So many leftovers that I shouldn't have to cook but 3 days this week.
Go me! lol
I am not planning a meal around the leftover taco stuff since #2 Son will probably end up devouring that over the next few days. ;-)

Here's this week's meal plan---

Sunday--Chinese Take-Out  Treating ourselves tonight
Monday--Mushroom Alfredo shells with leftover London Broil, Spinach Salad(Hubs is craving pasta)
Tuesday--Baked Fish(in freezer) and crab cakes(freezer), coleslaw, some veggie(freezer)
Wednesday--Lasagna(leftover-then the rest gets put into the freezer for later)
Thursday--Chicken Pot Pie(using leftover chicken, carrots, potatoes + fresh broccoli)
Friday--maybe Domino's pizza using one of my free coupons + a big salad for me
Saturday--leftovers or something scrounged around the house

What I need to purchase for this menu?......cabbage for slaw, some milk and fruit.  I'm going to buy a rotisserie chicken at Weis(on special $3.99 this week)and slice that up for my lunch sandwiches.  I bought mushrooms and spinach salad last week.
I still need to spend about $125 in the next 2 weeks to get a Thanksgiving gift certificate at the Shursave market.   So I might buy some things ahead this coming week(baking goods mostly and some to use the next week plus fresh produce that will not go bad in the few 2 weeks).
I'm going to try to keep the spending to $80 this week.

What got fixed and served at your house this week?

Sluggy

Meal Planning March Week 4 & Food Spending Week 3

Here is what actually got served last week....

Sunday-Leftovers or Pizza

Monday--Sloppy Joes on Rolls, Corn

Tuesday--Stuffed Shells, Caesar Salad, Garlic Bread

Wednesday--Leftovers

Thursday--Roast Chicken, Carrots, Onions, Potatoes

Friday--Breakfast for Dinner-pancakes, eggs, sausage

Saturday--Leftovers or Find Something Yourself LOL

 

 

The Tacos and Fish Fry never happened.  They were replaced by a Roast Chicken dinner and a Leftovers meal.  I basically didn't eat these dinner meals until Thursday because of my dental issues.

My appointment on Wednesday took care of the problems and I am now a chomping champ again. lol

 

The food spending the last week?

Between not feeling well and having car issues, I never actually went to the grocery store last week.  The daughter and Hubs picked up items along the way last week, but no actual proper grocery shopping was accomplished.  Nevertheless, we did NOT starve since we have plenty here in the pantry/freezer.

A couple of trips to the local Shursave affiliate where a total of $29.62 was spent.  Food spending for the month is now at $127.69, leaving $272.31 of my $400 March food budget to cover the next 13 days.

As for leftovers rolling into this week--there is some roast chicken and veggies and some breakfast sausages.  Hubs is working out of town the beginning of this week so the kids and I are on our own for dinner until Thursday.

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Here is what is getting served this week.....

Sunday-Chinese take-out

Monday--Soup, Broccoli or Fend for Yourself

Tuesday--Green Bean Casserole, Mac and Cheese

Wednesday--Veggie Fajitas

Thursday--Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots

Friday--Fish "Fry",Coleslaw, Veggie TBD

Saturday--?

Needed at the store to serve the meals I am making this week?  

Peppers for the Fajitas, Cabbage to go with the CBeef and to make the Coleslaw.  And when I figure out Saturdays dinner I may need to buy something for that. lol 

We also need fresh fruit and milk this week.  If I can get Daughter to do the shopping I may not go to the store again this week too! Yeah, I live on the wild side.....

 

The freezer is getting a bit empty now, as I've been using up some things here and haven't been restocking.  Unless some incredible meat deal comes my way, I am holding off on stocking up on foods to throw in the freezer.   And I still have to figure out what to serve for Easter dinner.  It looks like we may have 7 at the table this year so I've got to find out what everyone can/will eat this year. sigh.  The only definite are the Deviled Eggs....lol

We did have some food waste this past week.  A Tupperware of chicken stock with bones that got pushed to the back lower corner of the fridge went bad before it could be used or added to the dog's dinners.  I hang my head in shame. 8-(

What's on your menu for the week?  

Any good deals at the grocers this week?
Did you have any food waste this week?

Sluggy

Meal Planning March Week 1 & Food Spending Feb. Week 4

And here is what actually got served last week......

Sunday-Chicken Parmesan al fresco, Spinach Salad, Lemon Cake

Monday--Pizza, Clementines

Tuesday--Pulled Pork on rolls, Coleslaw

Wednesday--Leftovers

Thursday--Kielbasa, Beans, Coleslaw

Friday--Clam Chowder, Fish fillets, Coleslaw

Saturday--Leftovers

I served everything planned,except the Stuffed Shells, which move to this week.

The food spending last week?

I spent $58.85 in 2 trips to the local Shursave affiliated grocer.

Of that amount, $25.84 was spent on food consumed last week and the other $33.01 was spent on stocking up on deals like butter, local honey, microwaveable lunches and pre-made meatballs for the freezer as I may be laid up a couple days after my dentist appt. on Wednesday.   The meatballs give Hubs another option if I am not cooking.

I've spent $338.46 and I am left at this point with $61.54 in my food budget for 3 more days.

As for leftovers rolling into this week--Pulled Pork sammies, Coleslaw and Clam Chowder.

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Here is what is getting served this week.....

Sunday-Subway Sammies

Monday--Hamburgers, Clementines, Fries

Tuesday--Stuffed Shells, Roasted Cauliflower, Garlic Bread

Wednesday--Leftover Pulled Pork sammies, Coleslaw

Thursday--Tuna Noodle Casserole, Asparagus

Friday--Beef Pie w/Cornbread Topping

Saturday--Sweet Potatoes and Leftovers

Wednesday I am serving leftovers and Thursday I have a prepped casserole on deck.  I won't feel like cooking and these are things Hubs can "cook".  If I am still not up to snuff on Friday Hubs can choose to make the Beef Pie or just go get some take-out or have leftovers, as I might still be eating just soup.

Needed at the store to serve the meals I am making this week?  

Asparagus, Sweet Potatoes and Cauliflower.  We also need eggs, milk, fresh fruit and OJ. 

Other than that I don't know what I'll be buying yet.  With $60+ left for 3 days I'll be staying under budget going into March 1st and a new $400 for groceries.

A few words about where my Menu is headed......

I am trying to change up my menus and what we eat in general here.  With the kids' schedules I never know how many are going to be eating dinner at home each night.  This makes it near impossible to get my meal sizes right and we either end up with not enough on the table or having way too many leftovers.

I have also cut way back on the dishes I serve that call for cheese, rice and noodles.  Believe me, if I could, I'd cut out pasta totally!  But having a Hubs who was raised in an ethnic Italian household, he would divorce me if I tried. lol

I've also been trying to find better ways to prepare foods we like by changing or taking out simple carb components. We are "de-whiting" our diet, meaning changing or eliminating the white carbohydrate foods like refined sugar, white rice, white flour, white noodles, white breads.There is nothing scientific to the way we are proceeding, it's more of a learn as we go process.

In order to get more veggies into our meal times I have begun changing how/what I serve.  I am moving away from the traditional 1 meat, 1 starch, 1 vegetable dinner plate scenario toward a 1 meat, 1 vegetable plate, with other vegetable based side dishes also served.  And sometimes the meat is also missing from the dinner plate.

We are working on finding more exciting ways to prepare veggies too, that don't include frying, battering, breading, or covering with cheese.

It isn't easy doing this, since all 4 of us at home enjoy/thrive on different foods and different percentages of each type of food.  I am not a pasta lover but Hubs is.  Hubs is not a raw food or salad eater and I could eat this way every day.   Hubs insists on meat...not protein, MEAT, so we are working on better ways to prepare it.  If you feel the need to share your Tofu recipes, just keep moving.  Tofu and being Vegan isn't happening here. ;-)

#2 Son eats veggies but his repertoire is limited and most veggies he wants cooked in meat products, plus he likes all that processed stuff.  Daughter eats everything but she loves comfort foods which include all those white foods I am trying to limit.

We are making baby steps toward a new way of eating for us.  Some weeks we do better than others but overall we are making progress.  This week won't see any progress due to my tooth emergency. 

What's on your menu for the week?  

Any good deals at the grocers this week?
Did you have any food waste this week?

Sluggy

Meal Planning Feb. Week 3 & Food Spending Week 2

Here is the only photo I took of the "Nemo" we got around here.  Snowfall totaled about 6-7 inches.

Oh the inhumanity of it all!  Will I ever be able to sit on my swing again? lol
To a Southerner(except for those raised in the mountains), THIS amount of snow is enough to make you panic.  Nobody can drive in it, most places don't have the equipment to deal with it and everybody goes nuts thinking they'll never be able to buy food at the grocery store again!
I must say that "real" snowfall amounts were a novelty to me the first few years I lived above the Mason-Dixon Line, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing snow.
But it wears off right quick when you have to shovel it.

Good luck up in New England though as they got total snowfalls like we use to get in the Poconos every year.   Here's our previous house.....

I can't believe we lived there and SHOVELED out multiple times a Winter without a snowblower for 14 YEARS!  We were young and healthier......oh, and broke, so couldn't justify the expense of a snowthrowing machine.

So you folks in CT, RI, MA and ME have my sympathies.

And here is what actually got served last week......

Sunday--Chicken Fajitas

Monday--Taco Bell or Fend for Yourself

Tuesday--Salmon, Broccoli

Wednesday--Pan Saute Chicken, leftover rice from Take-Out, leftover Corn

Thursday--leftover Chicken Fajitas

Friday--Buffalo Blue Cheese Chicken Dip with Celery or leftover Tortilla Chips

Saturday--Hamburgers, French Fries, leftover Salad

I served about half of what I had planned.  The hot dogs, ,the soup and the ravioli got moved to this week.  Friday the Daughter was all jazzed to make some amazing chicken dip she had had before.  It called for 2 bottles of Frank's hot sauce(2 bottles!!!)so I knew I'd probably be dieting on Friday whether I wanted to or not. lol  She cut down on the hot sauce but it was still too spicy for me, though I did eat some of it.  It was also a CHEESE OVERLOAD.  So between the mega cheese and the hot sauce, let's just say I was not a happy camper on Saturday who stuck close to the bathroom and leave it at that.   Next time, I'll eat less of that hot mess and carry a box of baby wipes with me for the next 24 hours.  LOLZ

Now that I've scarred you for life.....let's move on.

The food spending last week?

Ugh.

I spent $120.90 at my 2 stores.  Most of the damage was done at Weis PMITA Markets.  I bought dairy products for Daughter's dip(everything was on sale thankfully), fruit, ravioli, asparagus, beans, OJ, clearance bologna, 3lb. of ground beef and splurged on a box of Crab Rangoons.  Then I stocked up on 6 100% juices, honey, 3lbs. of catfish and 4 pizzas, the ones we love best(on sale AND used Qs!). A sale pack of Salmon, Cabbage, Onions and frozen Green Beans(all on sale)rounded out my shopping for the week.

I've spent $206.92 and I am left at this point with $193.08 in my food budget for February.

As for leftovers rolling into this week--the only thing is a big bowl of that Chicken Dip stuff.  I'm not eating it but the family has orders to do so since it sure did cost a fortune!

If I have to buy some chips or something to get them to use it up, by gosh I will.....even if I have to pay retail for the chips!! ;-)

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Here is what is getting served this week.....

Sunday--Hot Dogs, Grilled Asparagus

Monday--Ham and Bean Soup, Green Bean Casserole, homemade Bread

Tuesday--Halushki + Ham Soup/GB Casserole, Bread

Wednesday--Meatloaf, Potatoes(not sure which way), Cauliflower

Thursday--Leftovers or Fend for Yourself

Friday--Ravioli, Sausage Sauce, Caesar Salad

Saturday--Maybe Chinese date nite with Hubs

Needed at the store to serve the meals I am making this week?

I already picked up the Asparagus, Cabbage, Celery, frozen Green Beans, frozen Ravioli and a can of beans(for the soup-can you believe I had no dried Northern beans left?)last week.   

Still need....Romaine lettuce, milk. I'm looking to stay out of the store(except to do my Price Book Week 6 numbers) so I'll give myself $40 this week just in case a good deal comes up.

What's on your menu for the week?  Any good deals at the grocers this week?
Did you have any food waste this week?  I need to clean out the nether regions of my fridge this week and I have a bad bad feeling I'm going to find a science experiment back there. lol

Sluggy