This Week on the Dining Table

The "This is Getting Tiresome" Edition.                                            

51 days in and I'm really getting tired of this eating plan.

I'll be eating some sugar-free Jell-O Wednesday as it's Prep day.  I guess a tiny bit of aspartame won't kill me.(I'll also be having chicken bone broth that day as well as "clear" liquids.)

I'm still making weight loss progress(albeit slowly since I can't move around very much), am in PT for my lower back issues, got a Neurology consult and meds(though it will take awhile to get them balanced)and am moving forward with both avenues available to get my knee replaced(at some point will need to decide on which one to go with but we aren't at that point yet). 

My PCP 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 and I am losing weight.  I haven't had any sugar(other than a bit of honey in some hot tea)nor any white food.....bread, potatoes, rice, pasta since returning from the cruise on June 4th.  But I am holding fast to my plan anyway.....so far.

Onward to the meal planning!

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

1. Sunday-Zalad from Zaxby's, Watermelon

2. Monday--leftover ear of corn, a green bean appetizer for dinner

3. Tuesday--Protein drink, Watermelon

4  Wednesday--Teriyaki Stir-Fry Veggies w/Shaved Beef, yogurt cup

5. Thursday--1/2 a bag of Veggies(Broccoli?), yogurt cup, Watermelon

6.  Friday--Salmon, half of a Spinach Soufflé, Watermelon

7. Saturday--leftover Stir-Fry?

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

1. Sunday-Zalad from Zaxby's, Watermelon

2. Monday--leftover ear of corn, a green bean appetizer for dinner

3. Tuesday--Protein drink, Watermelon

4  Wednesday--Teriyaki Stir-Fry Veggies w/Shaved Beef, yogurt cup

5. Thursday--1/2 a bag of Stir-Fry Veggies, yogurt cup, Watermelon

6.  Friday--Salmon, half of a Spinach Soufflé, Watermelon

7. Saturday--Leftover Stir-Fry, Watermelon, 1 Apple

So what was planned actually happened for once.  Hooray!

I also drink, water, iced tea(unsweetened), 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...

*  3 bags of Stir-Fry Veggies

*  1 hunk of Beef

*  1 piece of Salmon

*  1 Spinach Soufflé

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

*  Nothing

Last week we spent $47.28 on grocery shopping.

 Total comes to $308.26 for July(so far). More dog food, Jell-O, Protein drinks, Gatorade(for prep day), corn meal and assorted things we were out of.

There are 7 shopping days left in July.

I've earned $117.63 on Ibotta in July.

I've earned $13.75 on Shopmium in July.

I've earned $21.00 on Coupons dotcom.

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

I've earned $0 on Checkout 51 in July.

I've earned 314 points from food shopping on Fetch in July.

I've earned 3,425 points from food shopping on Shop Kick in July.

I've earned 46 SB from food shopping on Swag Bucks in July.

That is $152.38 in rebates(not counting the Shop Kick/Swag Bucks/Fetch)on $308.26 of grocery spending so in reality it's $155.88 in food spending after the 5 rebate apps I count.

My savings percentage for the last week was 69.66% and the monthly savings total for July comes in at 39.57% so far spent.

Leftovers going into this week...nothing but a bowl of baked beans(Hubs).

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

1. Sunday-Protein drink, 1 apple

2. Monday--Watermelon, Roasted Broccoli and Carrots, Yogurt cup(maybe)

3. Tuesday--Chicken Parm, either more Yogurt or an apple

4  Wednesday--Prep Day, Clear Liquids

5. Thursday--?

6.  Friday--A dish with Shrimp, more Broccoli

7. Saturday--Yogurt drink, Collards or whatever is fresh at the store in the way of Veggies

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 is not hard to do once you get past the first 3 or 4 days.  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?  Everything but the fresh veggies. Tomorrow I'll be making sugar-free Jell-O for a change and in preparation for Cleanse day, Oh Joy, Can't wait!! Hubs will eat the chicken and shrimp meals I fix(and may supplement with some carby dish too)but otherwise he's on his own. :-)

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

It's the "Good to Have the Kid Home" Edition--

 

This was taken on Labor Day and I don't know WHAT THAT FACE was all about?! lolz
We were sad to see her leave for the airport at Dark O' Thirty Sunday morning to go back to Louisiana.

Onward to the meal planning!

 

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

1. Sunday--Chinese take-out
2. Monday--cook-out foods(burgers, dogs, corn, etc.)
3. Tuesday--?
4. Wednesday--?
5. Thursday--?
6. Friday--?
7. Saturday--?

 

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Chinese take-out
2. Monday--cook-out foods(burgers, dogs, grilled squash, beans)
3. Tuesday--leftover Chinese take-out
4. Wednesday--Lasagna, Salad
5. Thursday--a Burrito, Chili and Cheese
6. Friday--Turkey Panini out
7. Saturday--Greek Salad out(along with Dolmades)

Only 2 meals were cooked at home last week as I was indisposed.  Hubs and Daughter cooked the cook-out foods on Monday and Daughter made me a burrito with chili and cheese on Thursday at home.  Every other meal was take-out or we went out.
So much for me cooking many of Daughter's favorite foods while she was home.....
 

As for my grocery spending last week......let's just say it's difficult to grocery shop when you are bedridden.
After the Dr. appt. on Friday we stopped at the store and bought a watermelon, some scrapple and a birch beer soda, because Daughter wanted those 2 things.
They also went to the store on Labor Day for a couple of things so last week's total  spending was $12.43.
Added to the first week's spending I am at $20.16 spent for all of September.

I have spent very little of my $350 food budget money and we are already almost halfway through the month!
That said, I don't want to talk about how much we've spent on take-out or restaurant meals instead.  ;-)  Totaling it up in my head without the receipts it had to be at least $200 on Take-out/Eating-out. bleh.
 

Here is this week's food plan--

1. Sunday--Kielbasa on Rolls, Collards(leftover)
2. Monday--Chicken Tacos(using a crockpot recipe Daughter gave me)
3. Tuesday--Fish, Squash and Onions
4. Wednesday--Spaghetti(leftover)for Hubs, Broccoli Soup for me
5. Thursday--Beef Pie(depending on how well I feel)
6. Friday--Chili(leftover)for Hubs, Broccoli Soup(leftover)for me
7. Saturday--Leftovers(either Chicken Tacos or Beef Pie)


What I need to buy for this menu?......Velveeta and milk for the Broccoli soup.  I'll probably have Hubs pick these up for me on his way home from work one night so I don't have to worry about going to the grocery store this week.

Of course the whole meal plan is up for revision depending on how I am feeling.....if I am up for this much hobbling around and up and down the stairs.  I need to attempt to take myself out alone twice this week to appointments so IF it happens I may not have the umph to also cook from scratch those days.  It may be another solid week of take-out and leftovers after Monday instead.
Time will tell....
 

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  "Graduation is Over and It's Time To Get Back to Normal" Edition.......
 

 

 

 

Here is what was planned the last couple of weeks--


1.  Sloppy Joes, Rolls, Veggie
2.  Taco Salad
3.  Barbecue Chicken, Potato Salad
4.  Beef Stroganoff, Rice, Veggie
5.  Chicken Parmesan, Salad, Pasta or Bread
6.  Chicken and Mushroom Risotto, Veggie
7.  Broiled Salmon, Veggie, Coleslaw
8.  French Bread Pizza, Salad
9.  Ginger Garlic Shrimp Stir-fry(leftover)
10.  Breakfast for Dinner
11.  Scallops and Shrimp en Croute, Veggie
12.  Pulled Pork Sandwiches, Coleslaw or Veggie
13.  Hot Sausage and Spaghetti, Veggie
14.  London Broil, Fettuccine w/Sauce, Sugar Snap Peas
15.  Pizza, Salad

And here is what happened the last 15 days--


1.  Sloppy Joes, Rolls, Veggie
2.  Taco Salad
3.  Barbecue Chicken, Potato Salad
4.  Leftovers
5.  Chicken Parmesan, Salad, Pasta or Bread
6.  Leftovers
7.  Ginger Garlic Shrimp Stir-fry(leftover)
8.  French Bread Pizza, Salad
9.  Breakfast for Dinner
10.  Italian Sausage Sandwiches, Green Beans
11.  Beef Stroganoff, Mushroom Risotto, Broccoli
12.  Chinese out
13.  Pizza, Salad
14.  Party foods, fruit, raw veggies and dip, BBQ sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, spare ribs, beans, deviled eggs, macaroni salad, cake, brownies, ice cream
15.  Leftover Chinese food or Beef Stroganoff

The hot Sausage & Spaghetti, Scallops & Shrimp en croute, the London Broil & Fettuccine, and Broiled Salmon didn't happen yet, so those go onto the next 15 days of menus.

As for the food spending update......I have spent $220.73 on $336.55 worth of groceries in June so far.  This counts all the party food(including the cake)and except whatever Hubs spent on 2 bags of ice for the coolers, since he didn't give me the receipt yet. 8-P

Considering all the party spending I did(we fed 12 people that day) and the extra eaters for dinners last week, I am still on track for a $400 grocery budget month here.
This thrills me!
Yes, I am easily amused.......
 

 

Here is my list of meals for the second half of June.----

16.  Broiled Salmon, Veggie, Cole Slaw(leftover)
17.  Leftover Beef Stroganoff & Mushroom Risotto, Roasted Cauliflower
18.  Hot Italian Sausage and Spaghetti, Salad
19.  Leftover Burgers and other leftover party foods
20.  French Bread Pizza, Salad
21.  Scallops and Shrimp en Croute, Veggie
22.  Pork Chops, Sautéed Cabbage, Macaroni Salad(leftover)
23.  BLT Sandwiches or Cheesesteaks-Diner's Choice
24.  Battered Fish Portions, leftover party food side dishes
25.  Pulled Pork Sandwiches(leftover), Coleslaw or Veggie
26.  Dinner out with #1Son
27.  Lasagna, Salad
28.  Burritos, Salad
29.  London Broil, Fettuccine w/Sauce, Sugar Snap Peas
30.  Wild Card meal-not planned

We also have enough fresh fruit and dessert items to last the rest of this week and I'll pick up some more fresh fruit next week to finish off June.
 

What I need to purchase for these meals?....... salad greens and fresh fruits for the 3rd week of June meals, pastry shells, and milk.  I have everything else here already either in the pantry, fridge or freezer.
The leftover barbecue I smoked will be put into the freezer and taken out when #1 Son comes to visit, as he requested that to eat and I don't want to have to spend an entire day smoking meat again this month.
I could also do chili if #1 Son wants that during his stay without having to buy anything.

If I can stick to this set of meals it should go a long way in clearing out our freezer, except for the chicken breasts I stocked up on earlier this month.

I want to stay at $80 or less in groceries for the rest of June.
That would give me a $300 food spending month.
With a $500+ month in May, keeping it $300 or less would be grand.

What is getting fixed and served at your house this week?
Do you make a menu and how flexible is your plan?

 

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

The "Egads!  Can Christmas be only 16 Days Away?!" Edition.......

 

 

It's already the 9th of December and I have yet to catch any Christmas movies or specials on the television.
How did that happen?! 8-))

 On to the Meal Planning.
Here is what was planned last week--
 

Sunday--Stuffed Shells, Salad
Monday--Leftovers-Whatever you can find night and Roasted Asparagus
Tuesday--Leftover Stuffed Shells
Wednesday--Fried Chicken, Coleslaw, Green Beans, leftover stuffing
Thursday--Eating Out
Friday--Leftover Chili and Burritos
Saturday--no clue yet, maybe use a free Pizza coupon I have

Well we ate everything listed, but not on the days planned.   Except there was no pizza bought on Saturday, as I had gotten a big package of ground beef at Wegman's so we had hamburgers and used up some veggie side dishes that evening.

As for the food spending last week....
There were 4 trips to the stores and I spent $94.92(including my Rite-Aid trips-$10.87)on $285.76 worth of groceries/toiletries at 4 different stores.  Add that to the $34.68 I carried over from Nov.(when I closed out the books on that month and did some more grocery shopping on Nov. 30th)and we are at $129.60 spent on $356.25 worth of groceries/toiletries for December so far.
23 days left in the month and $179.40 left in the food budget.
Eh.

I am still hopeful I can pull off a $300 food month.  I don't plan on spending but $20 this week on a few loss leaders to use in the next 2 weeks.  That would leave us with about $150 left for the second half of the month's food shopping.

Leftovers going into this week--Shells, Coleslaw and some Fried Chicken.  I also have that whole roasting chicken I bought on Thursday and cooked up, plus a large package of ground beef also bought at Wegman's last Thursday to do something with this week.  Maine Source had a weekend special of yellow and green squash for .89¢ lb. so I bought 3+/- lbs. of each. and 2 doz. eggs.  I also picked up more asparagus as it was still on sale Saturday at Weis.

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

Sunday--used leftover Fried Chicken to make Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zuke, Rice
Monday--finish the Leftovers Stuffed Shells, Salad
Tuesday--Dinner out w/a gift certificate(free)
Wednesday--Meatloaf, Squash Casserole, Asparagus
Thursday--Roasted Chicken(maybe w/BBQ sauce), steamed Broccoli, roasted Sweet Potatoes
Friday--Leftovers Medley
Saturday--No Clue yet-options of leftovers, lasagna from freezer or pizza take-out(w/gift cert.)


What I need to purchase for this menu?......a couple of sweet potatoes.  Add that to the loss leaders I'll pick up later this week if the weather makes it able for me to get to the store.


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

Sluggy

Food Spending June Week 3 & Meal Planning?.....Maybe Not

One way to save money is to plan a menu and buy what you need, shopping from a list.  Planning your meals and food purchases also aids in eliminating food waste.
We had no food waste last week.

This is what we actually ate last week......

SUNDAY--Spaghetti with Sausage and Vegetable Pasta
MONDAY--Taco Bell

TUESDAY--Burgers on Roll, COC

WEDNESDAY--Barbecue Chicken, Grilled Asparagus
THURSDAY--Domino's Pizza, Tossed Salad
FRIDAY--Leftover COC, Chinese Food, Spaghetti, Pizza
SATURDAY--More Leftovers COC, Salad, Hot Dogs with Sauerkraut

Thursday's dinner was changed to Pizza, due to the 50% off code for Domino's.

I must say I REALLY don't like Domino's pizza now.  This is the first time we'd had it since they changed it.

It is TOO GARLICKY!

And somebody told me it's "spray on garlic??"  yuck.

I scrapped Friday and Saturday's menus as we had so many leftovers from earlier in the week.

I think it's because the teens weren't here for some meals, so we just ate the leftovers.  Hubs could have heavier food and I could eat lighter since it was hot and I didn't feel like pasta and hot dogs.

And I got a break from cooking.....go me! ;-)

Food Budget matters....
I've been a shopping fool this past week, doing the deals at the Weis Grand Opening Sale in my town.
I spent on food/toiletries this week....$179.02
(That includes a couple receipts from last week I just found, $14.39 worth.)
I did buy 3 Lysol toilet cleaners on Saturday's trip to Weis, which I will submit for a $3 rebate(making those $1 each after rebate).  That purchase/rebate brings my weekly spending total down to $176.02.

Reg. shelf price for what I bought....$520.46
That's a 65.60% savings rate.


Now granted I DID buy 12 12-packs of soda, 4 6-packs of vitamin water, 6 bags of cookies, 6 bags of chips, muffins and pizza rolls at the Grand Opening Sale at Weis over the course of the week.
But last week, I also got....6 lbs.of local honey, flax seeds, quinoa, 6 loaves of bread, 12 lbs. of coffee, asparagus, toilet cleaner, laundry detergent, corn, potatoes, other produce, 6 lbs. of ground beef, 2 lbs. of shrimp, a 3lb. bag of potstickers, seltzer and a box of cereal.

I just have to take all that junk food and hide it before #2 Son comes home and figure out how I am going to dole it out to him.  If you've been reading here for some time, you KNOW #2 Son has little self-control when it comes to soda and cookies.  I have to limit it or he'd have it all consumed in days.  I'm going to see if I can make the soda last until October.  The cookies?....I'll be lucky to get through August before the only thing left are crumbs.

I've given myself $400 for food this month. I have spent to date $306.91, so I have $93.09 left for June.

The Human Eating Machine(#2 Son has left the building for the rest of June so I should be able to keep the spending on target.

************************

This week's menu.....

No Menu this Week

Me and Scarlett will think about that another day.

Fiddle-dee-dee.

So what is everyone else eating this week?
C'mon.....make me jealous with your awesome cooking and food choices!


Sluggy

December Food Spending Week 2, Meal Plan Week 3

I liked this graphic so much I'm using it again.  We never had a wall oven growing up but my Mother-in-Law had one in her 1970's kitchen up until she moved in 2003.  Unfortunately it wasn't turquoise, just boring old brown...but she actually had 2 ovens in the wall.

Last week's meal plan is in the books.  Here is what actually happened....

SUNDAY--Subway
MONDAY--Chili, Biscuits

TUESDAY--Leftovers (I had a big salad.)

WEDNESDAY--Ham Steak, Sweet Potato Fries, Brussel Sprouts

THURSDAY--I have no clue, but it wasn't what I planned!

FRIDAY--Leftovers or Burritos
SATURDAY--BOGO Whoppers 

 

Yah, I'm a sucker for a BOGO Whopper.....no cheese.lol

Still knee deep in eBay and being a bad bad mother/wife by not feeding my peoples well....shame on me!  But #1 son wasn't home for dinner most nights(band/play rehearsals) and Hubs is just as happy with Leftovers or "pasta and sauce from a jar" he 'cooks' himself.  Yes, he considers that cooking....

I used up some beef and ham as well as some frozen sweet pot. fries and veg. in the freezer with last week's menu.  

Then I made 1 trip to the grocery store, to the tune of $33.87.

I bought 3 bags of salad(most was used last week), milk, OJ and a pack of hot dog rolls to use(but these weren't used).  I also bought a roasting chicken(cooking it tonight), 5 bags of frozen veg($1 each), 2 packs of margarine(on sale), a big container of ricotta(on sale for lasagna next week) and 2 tubs of ice cream(just because and it was on sale).  Not a coupon in sight!  Reg. retail of $58.92 so I saved 42.50% last week.

My Dec. food spending total so far through 12/10 is $57.09.  That leaves $242.91 for the month.

As for keeping it under $3K for the year....I'm just going to let what happens happen.  If I keep it under, great!  But I am not really trying to.

We'll see what happens. ;-)

This week's menu.....

SUNDAY--Kielbasa on rolls, Grilled Onions

MONDAY--Roasted Chicken, Carrots, Onions, Red Potatoes

TUESDAY--Hamburgers on rolls,Mixed Veggies

WEDNESDAY--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Salad
THURSDAY--Leftovers

FRIDAY--Squash Casserole, Baked Potatoes w/toppings
SATURDAY--Daughter's Birthday Meal Out

Items needed for this menu.....Squash, Ground Beef.

I'm running out tonight for these things to the store, where they are on sale.  A gallon of milk is in my future too. ;-)

 

Both of my older 2 kids are coming home this week so I expect the food spending will be EXPLODING later this week.

Stay tuned for a sonic boom emanating from my wallet.....

Sluggy

November Food Spending Week 4, Meal Plan Week 4+/December Week 1

Last week's meal plan is in the books.  Here is what actually happened....

SUNDAY--Pot Roast, Carrots, Potatoes, Onions w/Gravy
MONDAY--Tilapia, Mixed Veg, Sweet Potato Fries
TUESDAY--Tacos, Corn
WEDNESDAY--Leftovers
THURSDAY--Turkey Thanksgiving Dinner
FRIDAY--Leftovers
SATURDAY--Chinese Take-Out

 No Squash casserole night again, because though I actually got to the Product market last week I forgot the yellow squash.  I am claiming I was so overcome by the beauty of the Rutabagas....yah, that's my story. ;-)  Lots of leftovers.  We are almost at the end of Thanksgiving leftovers(except for the stuffing)and we still have taco beef.

 
Total for all the food shopping last week came to $56.02.  I had to use half of my ShurSave Reward money and I still spent $17.46 OOP.  I spent $13.02 at the Produce market(and I got some extra sweet potatoes for later). 2 trips for milk last week and I was at $249.47 for the month.

 

Then Daughter came home and decided she needed yogurt(which she didn't eat all of before she left to go back to school), and frozen pizzas(1 of which she didn't eat).  I asked her to pick me up a few more apples for a pie.....so she bought beautiful eating apples NOT on sale instead of  "I don't care what it looks like as long as it's cheap" apples to put in a pie.  5 apples that cost over $6...EEK!  We had some words about buying apples afterwards.....lol

So I will blame Daughter for tipping me over my $250 food budget for November.

My savings percentage was 50.03% last week, as the reg. retail was $112.10 on the groceries I brought home. 

My running total spent for the month is now at $269.54.  I have to food shop tomorrow as I have a $10 ShurSave markets reward left that expires on that day.  I will try to keep it as close to $10 as possible.

This week's menu.....

SUNDAY--Leftovers(Pot Roast)
MONDAY--Taco Bell
TUESDAY--Leftovers(Turkey)
WEDNESDAY--Leftover Tacos or Taco Salad
THURSDAY--Chicken Parmesan, Spaghetti, Salad
FRIDAY--Subway or Chinese Take-Out or Pizza
SATURDAY--Chicken Casserole(uses up leftover stuffing), Veggie TBD

Items needed for this menu.....nothing really, I have everything I need to make it all....except for the Subway and the Taco Bell of course.

I don't plan on any food shopping this week except to use that $10 in Rewards on Wednesday.  Basically this week's ads suck, as they always do the week after the Thanksgiving Holiday.

I'll be posting my Monthly Food Spending Post in the next day or two as time permits between dealing with Real Life and eBay stuff.

And of course my posting about food shopping this month isn't complete without a mention of.....

 

Sluggy

Here's the Plan....Meal Plan, that is....and Food Spending so Far in March

Here is what is on the menu this week at Chez Sluggy....

SUNDAY--Corned Beef, Cabbage, Carrots, Biscuits *Using a corned beef from the freezer so I can fit the 2 new CBs I got for $1.29lb. on Sat. into the freezer.
MONDAY--Chicken Parmesan/Chicken Tenders, Salad *Using old chicken cutlets from the freezer.  Salad fixings I bought on Sat.
TUESDAY--? *The only ones home for dinner this night are #2 son and I so we'll be creative with something here. 
WEDNESDAY--Lasagna, Spinach  *Using the ricotta I got awhile back and the lasagna noodles from the Dollar Store last week...spinach from freezer.
THURSDAY--Beef and Bean Enchiladas, Corn, Rice  *Using tortillas I got in Jan. and ground beef for $1.33lb. I got on Sat.
FRIDAY--Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli  *I cleaned out the fridge last weekend and found lots of odds and ends of cheese blocks I need to use up.  Mac and cheese is perfect for this!  Broccoli from the freezer.
SATURDAY--Leftovers  *Since Hubs was out of town the beginning of the week and Daughter wasn't home much for dinner, we'll have lots of leftovers.  Sunday may also become a leftover dinner night as well.


I spent $26.39 at Weis last Saturday on 2 rolls of biscuits, 2 marked down tubs of lunchmeat(.99¢), a gallon of milk, 2 marked down 50% bakery items(muffins and scones), a head of lettuce, a tub of marked down organic mixed greens, 3lb. of ground beef for $1.33lb. and 2 corned beef briskets for $1.29lb.  I wouldn't have gotten the bakery items and the biscuits except that you had to spend $25 to get the sale price on the corned beef briskets.  I saved 44% over reg. retail on the order.

Add this trip to the Dollar Store and Bakery Outlet trips earlier in the week and I spent a total of $51.80 on groceries last week.

We are at the halfway mark for March today and my total grocery spending is right at $89.63 for the month.
Not sure if I'll break out and spend a big hunk of grocery money in the next 2 weeks or not.  If I want to stock up on something I have $160 left this month to play with.

What is everyone else's grocery spending looking like so far this month?

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday, Weird Weather & What I'm Working on This Week

I am trying not to grocery shop this week unless it's something I really need.  I was good with staying out of the grocery stores last week, until I hit Friday.  Had to take BIL to the store so I was forced, forced I tell ya!, to go into the store so I bought a few things.  I picked up some Kielbasa for $2.50 lb. after holding out for months to find my rock bottom price of $2 lb.....sigh.....salad greens for $1.99 a bag x 2, a carton of OJ for $1.99, some bananas, and a Quaker Deal--buy 5 items, get $3 instantly off your order.  I got 3 boxes of the new Quaker cereal for $2.50 ea. and 2 bottles of pancake syrup since I had none left in the stockpile, so $12.50 for all 5, $3 off and $3 more off because I had $1/1 Qs for the cereal.  The 5 Quaker items ended up costing me $6.50 which is very good for around here.

Then Saturday I went back to that same store...ugh....did another of the Quaker deal(cost me $6 OOP for 5 items this time), more Kielbasa(I have come to gripes with the fact that my new rock bottom price for this is $2.50lb.), got a 2lb. tub of Ricotta for $3.24 w/Q and sale price, and a 1lb. bag of mozzarella cheese for $3.50 since Hubs said I was out of that in the freezer.  Hubs picked up coffee filters since he was out and I bought the kids a container of Nestle Quik since they have been whining for it(and it was on sale, but I think they figured that out themselves lol).

Between these 2 trips and the one to pick up milk last week, I went for spending $0 at the grocery store to $44.96 spent by Saturday.
Ugh.

That is why I am trying to stay out this week and eat from the freezer/stockpile.

I'm having trouble this week coming up with a Meal Plan/Menu.
Just mental menu fatigue I guess.....

Here's what I've got so far--
Monday-Pork Chops, Rice, Veggie
Tuesday-Eat Out...my last birthday gift card
Wednesday-Fish, Crabcakes, Veggie, Coleslaw(leftover)
Thursday-Ravioli, Salad
Friday-Tacos, Corn, Chili(leftover)
Saturday-?? Maybe a big pot of Boston Baked Beans and cornbread
Sunday-Leftovers

I've got to dig around in the fridge and if I find any other leftovers I'll work them into one of my meals.
I've got some potatoes I need to use although I don't feel like having spuds.  I'm sure if I fry them up the kids will suck them down, right?lol

In other news....
The Snowpocalypse never materialized here.  We got about 6 inches of snow, then 2 inches of sleet and ice the following day, which encapsulated all the snow.
The ice was so thick over the snow that #2 Son was out in the yard snowboarding in Chuck Taylors.  He could 'skate' around on the ice and don't break through to the snow layer....

 The sloped part of the yard here was akin to a luge track.  He has pretty good balance to stay on his feet all the way down to the bottom....

Between the snow and ice and the squirrels raiding the suet feeder at the end of the deck, the Beagle was having a great week outside.....

We finally got the last piece of the tax info we needed to do all the tax forms today.
Rah!

Guess what is on my agenda for the rest of the week now? ;-)

First I have to do our State taxes, so I can get that info I need to do the Schedule A for the Federal taxes.
Then I get to calculate all the charitable donation amounts(Sallie's, Food Bank, Car Donation).
Then I get to see if we can file the Schedule A or just take the Standard Deduction.
After the taxes are finished, I get to start on the FAFSA x 2.
And on and on and on......
Are we having fun yet???!!! 8-)

I didn't get to the Food Bank to drop off the donation on Friday as I had wanted to because I had to take BIL out to do errands.  There is a very small window of time on Fridays where I can drop it off so this week, unless the weather intervenes, I'll make a point of getting there.

I'm updating my "To-Do" List on the blog this week as well.  I won't be putting more books on my list since I have tons of taxes paperwork to do this month.  Besides the paperwork, I'll be trying to finish the items carried over from January's list.

Dentist appointments are also on the schedule for this week.
Oh....and runs to Rite-Aid of course!lol

What is everyone else up to this week?

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday....January 31st Edition

I'm trying to get back into writing down a Meal Plan for the week.
I run my Meal Plan here at Chez Sluggy from Sunday to Saturday....just so you know.

Here is this week's plan....

Sunday--Chicken Fried Steak, Mashed Garlic Potatoes, Gravy, Summer Mix of Veggies in Pepper Sauce
Monday--Potluck Chili, Biscuits or Cornbread(can't decide which)
Tuesday--Macaroni and Cheese , Broccoli
Wednesday--Chicken Parmesan, Salad, Garlic Bread
Thursday--Leftovers-Hubs is not home for dinner
Friday--Kielbasa on Rolls with caramelized Onions, leftover Coleslaw
Saturday--Early Dinner out

Here's why I am serving some of this stuff....

Sunday-- I got a great deal on Saturday on cubed steak, $1.74lb!, so I decided to make this rib-sticker meal.  We even have a big piece leftover for some lucky family member for Leftover Friday!

 Monday--I spent an hour digging through the freezer, reorganizing and finding older things like some skillet steaks and tomatoes from the garden I froze whole and never canned.  I have a container of already cooked ground beef in the fridge to add so it's Potluck Chili time!

Tuesday--Haven't had this dish in awhile.  I've got all the ingredients, so why not?lol

Wednesday--I have some chicken cutlets to use up.  I will have to buy salad greens, but we didn't use the hamburger buns last week for garlic bread so we need to use them for this meal.

Thursday--Hopefully we'll have lots of first rate leftovers for this night.  chicken fried steak, chili, mac and cheez, and maybe some chicken parm.

Friday--I found a ring of Kielbasa in the depths of the freezer.  I have been craving this dish but won't spend $4+lb. for it and it hasn't been on sale around here.  Must remember to stock up when it goes on sale next time....  The coleslaw is leftover from Saturday.

Saturday--Eating out...probably just Hubs and I since Daughter will be off with her friends and #2 son will opt for a night home with WOW and Chicken Tenders.lol   In honor of the Chinese New Year we'll probably hit one of our fav. Asian restaurants during Happy Hour(aka discount hour).


As for what I need to buy to implement this plan?  Just some salad greens and maybe a cucumber...whatever I can find inexpensive in the produce dept. at the store this week.

Other than the perennial item on my list, milk, I don't need to buy anything else this week.
There are some Catalina Promos this week at Weis(I might do the Dog Food one)and Coupon Doublers at Price Chopper NE that might lure me out for cheap or free food items.  But other than that, immediate spending for food being eaten this week is about $8.

So what is going to be on your plate this week?

Check out Organizing Junkie's website HERE to see what other Home Cooks are whipping up this week for their families.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday....November 22nd Edition...Gobble, Gobble

I won't be employing my BPLS system(=Browse/Plan/List/Shop)this week.
*Most weeks, I see what leftovers I need to incorporate into this week's meals, then I Browse the sale ads for the store, Plan a menu, Make a List of what you need for that menu and THEN go food Shopping.
Since I have an overflowing freezer/fridge this week, I'll be incorporating leftovers and shopping from what I have already on hand to come up with my meal plan.  The Thanksgiving foods were all purchased last week in advance of the holiday.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 4 this Week.....our household presently consists of 2 adults and 2 teens at home. (Except we will serve 6 on Thursday.)  No children under 14.

SUNDAY--Marinated Ginger Catfish, Garlic Mashed Taters, Stir Fried Mixed Veggies
MONDAY--Beef Enchiladas, Refried Beans, Guacamole and Salad
TUESDAY--BBQ Chicken Breasts, homemade Macaroni and Cheese, Veggie(to be determined)
WEDNESDAY--Homemade Boston Baked Beans, Hot Dogs, leftover Veggies from Sat.-Tues.
THURSDAY--Turkey Day
FRIDAY--NOT COOKING!  Plenty of Leftovers to graze upon
SATURDAY--Meatloaf, to be determined leftover side dishes we need to finish up from this week

How am I being frugal with this menu?

Sun.--The Catfish was bought on special, stockpiled taters, veggies on sale $1 a bag.
Mon.--I have leftover taco meat to use up so I'll add some fresh ground beef, onions and respice it all.  Plus I'll make my own Enchilada Sauce for pennies.  Beans from the stockpile, avocados were on special for $1 last week so I picked one up to make the guac.
Tues.--Chicken breast from Sat. on special, leftover alfredo sauce to use up I'll use as the base of the mac and cheese sauce along with shredded cheese in the freezer, pasta in the stockpile and frozen veg. also in the freezer.
Wed.--Bag of yellow eyed beans I got in Maine and stockpiled bacon for the BBBs, Hot Dogs in the freezer, Bread Outlet rolls to use up and leftover veggies.
Thurs.--Discount prices this last week on traditional Thanksgiving foods I bought along with stockpile foods make this as frugal as you can get for a big honking meal.lol
I'll be serving Turkey, stuffing, rolls(free after MIR), gravy(homemade), sweet potatoes, rutabaga, roasted fall root veggies, deviled eggs(used BOGO eggs coupon last week), pumpkin pie with whipped cream and key lime w/meringue pie.
Fri.--The ultimate in frugal cooking.....serving a leftover buffet. ;-)
Sat.--Meatloaf fixings in the freezer/stockpile and using up leftovers.

LAST WEEK'S FOOD SPENDING
I spent $85.29 last week on groceries.  I have $37.08 left in my $250 monthly food budget until the end of November.

The only purchase for this menu is possibly some bread for the stuffing on Thanksgiving.  I'll head over to the Bread Outlet tomorrow for that.

FOOD WASTE REPORT
Nothing went bad, nothing wasted last week. 

Check out ORGANIZING JUNKIE to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday, er.....Tuesday

I'm getting back into writing down a Meal Plan for the week.
I run my Meal Plan here at Chez Sluggy from Sunday to Saturday anyway so I am not wedded to posting it on Monday.
And seeing as I am a habitual procrastinator, usually my Meal Plan mondays turned into Meal Plan tuesdays anyway.lol
So here is this week's plan....

Sunday--Beef Stroganoff, Salad
Monday--TV Dinners or leftovers
Tuesday--Homemade Mac and Cheese, Collards
Wednesday--Homemade Chicken Pot Pie
Thursday--Tacos, Corn
Friday--Fish and/or Crabcakes, Sauteed Green Beans w/Mushrooms, Potatoes of some kind
Saturday--Pasta with Meatballs, leftover Collards

Here's why I am serving some of this stuff....
Sunday--I had leftover steak to use up, so cut it up, slow cook it with onions, garlic, mushrooms, then throw in paprika, parsley, ketchup and sour cream and serve over rice.  Pretty fancy shmancy for leftovers, huh?

Tuesday--Hubs pulled up all the collard plants on Sunday, thus collards on the menu.  We haven't had a good homemade mac & cheese in awhile.  No meat needed with these 2 sides.

Wednesday--I have 1/2 of a restaurant sized can of creamed soup leftover to use up as well as some refrigerated pie crusts.  The soup will form the base of my sauce in the pot pie.  Frozen veggies and chicken so nothing to buy.

Saturday--Big pot of collards from Tuesday, so there will be leftovers to eat again.

I won't need to go to the grocery store for anything served this week.  The only thing I don't have here is tartar sauce for the crab cakes, but I'll make my own instead of buying a jar.
Planning your menu helps you eat large on little cost and eat healtheir.

So what is going to be on your plate this week?

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday.....June 14th TUESDAY Edition Incorporating Leftovers

**This post is part of the June Food Stamp Challenge located over HERE.**

Planning your meals ahead but using the sale ads and incorporating any leftovers from the previous week's meals is a great way to save money and avoid food waste.  These are the main ideas I keep in mind when planning our menu.  While I won't be shopping much this week I do have alot of leftovers to use up.

Last Week's Menu Postmortem...

Most of the meals were served but not on the days I had planned.  That's ok in my book!
The chicken thighs didn't happen as we had a celebratory dinner out for #1 son since he will be away from home on his actual birthday.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 3 this Week.....our household presently consists of 2 adults and 1 teen at home this week. No children under 14.

MONDAY--Turkey(leftover)*, Mashed Potatoes, homemade Gravy, Peas
TUESDAY--Beef Enchiladas(using leftover chili)*, Salad
WEDNESDAY--Pulled Pork(leftover)*, Coleslaw, Broccoli
THURSDAY--Dinner Out using Gift Certificate
FRIDAY--Something Turkey(leftover)*, Veggies to be announced later
SATURDAY--Homemade Clam Chowder(using leftover corn)*, Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Brussel Sprouts
SUNDAY--Leftovers

Here are the cost breakdowns...

Turkey Dinner--Turkey* free, Mashed Potatoes* free, homemade Gravy .10, Peas .30=$.40


Enchiladas--Beef $1.69, Sauce .79, Cheese $2.00, Tortillas $1.00, Rice .60, Sour Cream .50, Salad* free, Dressing .75=$7.33  This will make a double batch and I'll freeze half for another meal.


Pork--Pulled Pork* free, Sauce .50, Rolls .50, Coleslaw $1.25, Broccoli .83=$3.08


Dinner Out--Free with Gift Certificate


Turkey Meal--Turkey* free, Veggies to be announced later=$? but since the meat is free(leftovers) the cost will be low for the other ingredients

Chowder and Sandwiches w/Veggie--Clams $2.00, Corn* free, Bacon .50, Milk $1.59, Onions .25, Celery .25, Potatoes .50/ Bread .50, Cheese $1.63, Brussel Sprouts .83=$8.05


SUNDAY--Leftovers

Adding up what has already been spent and what I need to spend for this week's menu, I can serve this menu of 6 meals to a family of 3 adults/teens for a total of $20.86(figuring $2 max for the carbs/veggies to round out the unspecified turkey meal on Friday).  This cost also gives me a second Enchilada meal for another week.

Leftover nights have no cost as they were already figured in when the meal was served the first time. If you divide the meals' cost by 6 nights, you get an average cost per night of $3.48. That's $1.16 per person per night. And this is mostly a cooking from scratch menu. The only 'processed foods' are the salad dressing and the rolls/bread.
The items marked with the asteriks are free as they are leftovers and the cost was already paid.
Looking over this menu I've got leftovers going every night of the week that I am cooking!lolol

How am I being frugal with this menu?
*The Turkey meals are using the leftover roasted turkey from last week.  Between snacking on turkey last weekend(sandwiches)and the 2 meals this week, we should polish off all the turkey.*The Beef Enchiladas...No leftover Sloppy Joes this week but I have leftover Chili I can add to the filling to spice it up.
*The Pulled Pork is leftover boneless ribs I cooked when we grilled out the Friday before last.  I made them in case we ran out of food that night with the extra mouths here to feed.  Since we didn't need them, I'll make them into bbq this week.  By using sauce I can revive them even though they are a bit dry, being this old.  No one will know the difference....lol
*I also had leftover ears of roasted corn from that cookout.  I cut the kernels off the cobs and froze it.  That corn will be a nice addition to my clam chowder.

LAST WEEK'S FOOD SPENDING

I spent $37.76 at the store last week on groceries.
I 'spent' $8.60 in food items already in my pantry/freezer for a Food Stamp Challenge weekly total of $46.36. 
My total FSC spending for June is at $140.66.
I have an allotment of $410.72 to spend in June on food due to my participation in the June Food Stamp Challenge.
I have $270.06 remaining.

The only NEEDS for this week's menu are rolls, bread, cabbage, carrots, fruit and milk. Since I can't get the baked goods at the bakery outlet(they don't take EBT) I'll have to find a sale on bread/rolls at the reg. grocery store which will make those items cost me more.  I'm hoping to keep this list under $20 in price.
I don't see much in the stores this week that I want to stock-up on so I should be able to keep the food spending low this week.

FOOD WASTE REPORT

We had a waste casualty this week.  A bowl of something brown(most likely in the meat family)got pushed to the back and forgotten.  It was more mold than meat when found so we lost a tad more than 1 cup of food last week.
Food Waste sucks.....

Check out Organizing Junkie to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday.....June 7th Edition w/Spending Breakdown

**This post is part of the June Food Stamp Challenge located over HERE.**

I know I haven't done a Meal Plan Monday in awhile but thought I'd get back into this week.

For all you June Food Stamp Challenge readers.....
One way to keep control on your food costs is to plan your meals ahead.  Figure out what to serve before you go to the store and buy food.  It can be a rigid per day menu or just a loose list of meals that will appear on your table at some point in the week...whichever works for you.

When you have a list of meals to serve it's easier to just buy what you need, because you now KNOW what you need!  How many times have you gone to the store and come home with bags of groceries, spending $100 or more and after emptying your bags find that you don't have the ingredients for what you want to cook?
It's happened to me in the past....but not since I plan ahead!
It's what I call my BPLS system.....Browse/Plan/List/Shop.
Browse the sale ads for the store, Plan a menu, Make a List of what you need for that menu and THEN go food Shopping.

Last Week's Menu Postmortem...
There was a very loose menu plan last week.  We had relatives visiting for the week and I hosted 2 large dinners.  We did NOT go out to eat while they were here(except for 1 2-person lunch)for a change, so it was cooking at home for the week.  2 nights we had 'fend for yourself' or leftover nights to use up bits and pieces I didn't incorporate into the dishes I cooked fresh.  We also did brinner....aka breakfast for dinner one evening which was a nice cost-efficient meal.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 5 this Week.....our household presently consists of 2 adults and 3 teens at home.  No children under 14.

MONDAY--Beef Stew ala Crockpot, Whack Biscuits
TUESDAY--Spaghetti with Meatless Balls, Tossed Salad
WEDNESDAY--Roast Turkey, Stuffing, Sweet Potatoes, Wax Beans
THURSDAY--Sloppy Joes on rolls, Tossed Salad
FRIDAY--BBQ Chicken Thighs, Green Rice Casserole
SATURDAY--Beef Enchiladas,  Mixed Greens Salad
SUNDAY--leftovers


Here are the cost breakdowns...
Beef Stew....Meat $2.32, Onion .25, Carrots .50, Potatoes $1.00, Celery .25, Green Beans .30, Stock free, Spices .10, Biscuits .50=$5.22
Spaghetti w/Meatless Balls....Pasta .50, Sauce $1.50, 'Ball' ingredients $2.10, Salad .99, Dressing $1.00=$6.09
Turkey Dinner...Turkey free, Stuffing $2.00, Sweet Potatoes $2.70, Beans  free=$4.70
Sloppy Joes....Ground Beef $2.54, Rolls .50, Sauce $1.00, Salad .99, Dressing $1.00=$6.03
BBQ Chicken Dinner...Chicken .13, Sauce .25, Rice $1.00, Spinach $1.00, Other casserole ingredients $2.00=$4.38
Enchiladas...Ground Beef .85, Tortillas $1.00, Refried Beans .50, Enchilada Sauce .79, Cheese $2.00, Onion .25, assorted Spices .30. Sour Cream .50, Salad .99, Dressing $1.00=$8.18
Leftovers.....free

Adding up what has already been spent and what I need to spend for this week's menu, I can serve this menu of 5 meals to a family of 4 adults/teens for a total of $34.60.

Leftover nights have no cost as they were already figured in when the meal was served the first time.  If you divide the meals' cost by 6 nights, you get an average cost per night of $5.77.  That's $1.15 per person per night.  And this is mostly a cooking from scratch menu.  The only 'processed foods' are the Whack biscuits & jarred Spaghetti Sauce.  To be honest, some of my ingredients are free.....the whole turkey from last fall for a "buying XX$ in groceries" promotion and the homemade vegetable stock.  Having to pay for these items would raise your costs but even with that, this is a very frugal menu.

How am I being frugal with this menu?

The Beef Stew....I am using leftover London Broil slices and a small package of purchased Stew Cubes bought on Saturday to supplement(you can check out that post for details on how I got the meat for cheap).  The stock is in the freezer, made the last time I pan roasted veggies.  I added water and pureed them for a thick vegetable stock for free.

The Beef Enchiladas...I'll take the leftover Sloppy Joe beef to put into this dish.  I've budgeted a small amount of 'fresh' ground beef to add as well in case the Sloppy Joes are popular.lol  The sauce in the Sloppy Joes means I don't need to add tomatoes to season the enchilada filling.  It will require a bit of dried mexican type spices(cumin, chili powder)only.
If the Meatless Balls are NOT popular, they can be crumbled up and added to the Enchilada filling as well to extend it.

The Turkey Dinner turkey was free.  It needs to be used while everyone is home, so it has to be this week.  There will still be leftover meat so it is a prime candidate for Saturday's Leftovers meal.  We might get a few sandwiches out of it and then a small pot of turkey chili on next week's menu as well.
The beans with this meal are also free....it's the last bag of beans from our garden last summer.

You'll notice I have us eating salad 3 times this week.  There is an excellent deal on salad this week(I can get 3 bags free!) and salad doesn't keep long so we must eat it.  Changing other add-in veggies or dressings will keep it from tasting like the same thing each time.

LAST WEEK'S FOOD SPENDING
I spent $87.91 last week on groceries(not including pet food).  I have an allotment of $410.72 to spend in June on food due to my participation in the June Food Stamp Challenge located HERE.  I have $322.81 remaining.

The only NEEDS for this week's menu are potatoes, sweet potatoes, salad greens, spinach, milk.  This should run me about $15.  I do plan on taking advantage of a few sales this week to stock-up on cheese(always needed here), canned chili(for #2 son summer lunches), frozen veggies(to get us through until the local farm stand opens) and ricotta cheese(to use next week).

FOOD WASTE REPORT
Nothing went bad, nothing wasted this week. 

Check out ORGANIZING JUNKIE to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday.....March 15th Edition w/Spending Breakdown

Last Week's Menu Postmortem...
Everything was served as planned except the Corned Beef.  Couldn't find an inexpensive deal on Corned Beef anywhere last week.  I found one on Sunday so we are on for Corned Beef this week.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 4 this Week.....our household presently consists of 2 adults and 2 teens at home.  No children under 14.

This week we'll be using 2 leftover proteins to make two new meals. Since alot of what I am serving is stockpiled, I'm adding a Cost Breakdown Section where I'll list what I paid for the ingredients that are on hand so you can see what I spend w/stockpiling & sales versus buying it weekly when it might not be on sale. If I use a leftover ingredient I won't add that cost as it was already figured into the previous meal's cost.

MONDAY--Homemade Pizza(stockpile)
TUESDAY--Corned Beef(bought Sunday), Cabbage(need to buy), Carrots(need to buy), Potatoes(need to buy), Biscuits(fridge)
WEDNESDAY--Gourmet Chili(using leftover Pot Roast--freezer/stockpile)
THURSDAY--Creamy Potatoes and Ham(using leftover ham--freezer/root cellar) , Wax & Green Beans(freezer)
FRIDAY--Sloppy Joes(freezer/stockpile), Cole Slaw(need to buy cabbage), Buns, Corn(stockpile)
SATURDAY--Leftovers
SUNDAY--Lemon Pepper Chicken(freezer), Rice(stockpile), Zucchini(bought Sunday)


Here are the cost breakdowns...
Pizza--Flour(.10¢), Yeast(.60¢), Olive Oil(.25¢), Tomato Paste(.20¢), Herbs(.10¢), Cheese($1.00), Onion(.25¢), Pepperoni (.50¢)=$3.00
Corned Beef Dinner--Corned Beef($3), Cabbage(.87¢), Carrots(.50¢), Potatoes($1))Biscuits(.50¢)=$5.40
Chili--Pot Roast leftovers(free), Ground Beef($1.69), Green Chilles(.32¢),Spices(.80¢), Beans($1.29), Tomatoes(.99¢), Onion(.25¢), Cheese(.50¢), Sour Cream(.25¢), Biscuits(free/leftover)=$6.09
Potato & Ham Dinner--Ham leftovers(free), Potatoes($1), Butter (.60¢), Cream Cheese($1), Cheese($1), Milk(.50¢), Spices(.30¢), Green Beans($1)=$5.40
Sloppy Joes--Ground Beef($1.69), Sauce($1), Buns($1), Cabbage(.29¢), Carrot(.25¢), Mayo/Sugar/Vinegar(.60¢),Corn(.30¢)=$5.13
Lemon Pepper Chicken w/Zucchini--chicken($1.03),lemon pepper/flour(.85¢), oil(.75¢),zucchini($2.46), tomatoes(.99¢), rice($1)=$7.08


Adding up what has already been spent and what I need to spend for this week's menu, I can serve this menu of 6 meals(plus enough leftovers for a 7th meal) to a family of 4 adults/teens for a total of $32.07.

Leftover nights have no cost as they were already figured in when the meal was served the first time.  If you divide the meals' cost by 7 nights, you get an average cost per night of $4.58.  That's $1.15 per person per night.  And this is mostly a cooking from scratch menu.  The only 'processed foods' are the can of Sloppy Joe sauce and the roll of biscuits.  Who says you can't cook healthy on the cheap?

LAST WEEK'S FOOD SPENDING
$135.15 was spent on food/toiletries last week.
This is quite high for me!  But I did a lot of stockpiling necessities....ok, ok, I did buy some junk too(cereal/cookies/ice cream).lol
$98.16 at Weis(doing the Catalina Deals to stockpile items--chicken, fish, frozen veggies, pasta sauce, ketchup, bleaches, etc.), $.49 at CVS, $8.02 at WAGS, $28.14(stockpiling noodles, bacon, sour cream, ice cream, hot cocoa & rice),  and $.34 OOP at Rite-Aid on bunches of stuff.
Approx. $116 of the $135.15 spent was strictly for food.

The only NEEDS for this menu are cabbage, potatoes and carrots. Since cabbage is at a rock bottom low here this week thanks to St. Patty's Day, I'll pick up some extra cabbage this week for a Polish dish I am making for next week's menu.  I also have 2 $5 Cats for Price Chopper NE that I'll use to buy inexpensive Corned Beef this week.  The $7 Cat for Weis I might hang onto until next week as there isn't much for cheap there I want to use it on this week.
There is a good deal on shredded Sargento cheese(sale + doubled coupons)this week at the local independent grocer and we are getting mighty low.  Luckily, I still have a gift card I won in a contest that's good at this store so I shouldn't be out any cash if I get the cheese.
With the gift card and Cats for the stock-up goods I am hoping to get through the week on $10 OOP for the necessities.


FOOD WASTE REPORT
Nothing wasted this week.  All the leftovers have been eaten except last night's pot roast and Friday's ham and these are earmarked for meals this week.  There are some side dish leftovers(and a bit of chicken) from last week that the dogs will enjoy with their meals this week.

Check out ORGANIZING JUNKIE to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday.....February 15th Edition....Snow=Comfort Foods

Last Week's Menu Postmortem...
Since I never posted/made a meal plan last week, I've got nothing to comment on.  Snowstorms, everyone home a lot(read TOO MUCH!lol)so we pretty much just grabbed quick stuff or I whipped something up last minute.  I made 2 quiches, using up a big block of swiss in the freezer, and that was 2 dinners last week.  We also finally did my Birthday meal out(only 3 weeks late!lol). It was a disorganized mess of a week mostly so I am ready to menu plan and get myself back on the horse.

The last 2 weeks I did a good bit of stocking up since there were nice Catalina Deals running at Price Chopper(NorthEast)and then Weis Markets. I am so tired of looking at the inside of grocery stores!lol  I should be able to keep out of the grocery stores the next 2 weeks except for milk and fresh produce.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 4 this Week.....our household presently consists of 2 adults and 2 teens at home.  No children under 13.

More snow.....all week.  This week is all about the comfort food.
MONDAY--Hamburger Helper Lasagna(stockpile/leftover ground beef), Corn(stockpile)
TUESDAY--Beef Stroganoff(freezer) with Rice(stockpile), Brussel Sprouts(freezer)
WEDNESDAY--Baked Chicken(freezer) with Roasted Veggies(fresh produce) and Potatoes(root cellar)
THURSDAY--Homemade New England Clam Chowder(look for my recipe tutorial), Biscuits(stockpile)
FRIDAY--Beef Pie(freezer/stockpile)
SATURDAY--Pork Chops with Plum Glaze(freezer), Noodles(stockpile), Mixed Veggies(freezer)
SUNDAY--Fish(freezer), French Fries(root cellar), Mixed Veggies(freezer)
SNACKS/DESSERTS--Pineapple and Applesauce(stockpile), Cookies(stockpile)

LAST WEEK'S FOOD SPENDING
With all the grocery stocking up and drug store expenditures, I am at $82.58 for the week(before rebates).  I am so well stocked now, I should be able to not spend anymore for the next 2 weeks which would finish off February.  I have Catalinas to spend from Price Chopper and Weis that will expire over the next 2 weeks, so I plan on using those to buy any additional foodstuffs we need like milk and fresh produce so we can ride out the rest of February.

FOOD WASTE REPORT
The leftover Chicken and Dumplings got pushed to the back of the fridge and forgotten so it went bad before I had a chance to feed it to the dogs.
Had to dump it out.....a big bowl.....sigh.....

Check out ORGANIZING JUNKIE to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy

Meal Plan Monday.....January 4th Edition....More Eating Down the Freezer

Last Week's Menu Postmortem...

All I can say is I had a great meal plan but except for the 1st 2 days, we didn't follow it.lol
Hubby was off from work for the week, kids off from school.....  Seems like most nights the teens all had other plans with friends so I did very little cooking.  Not saying that that's a bad thing now and again to get some time off from cooking!  I made a dent in the soup supply and hubby had plenty of leftovers to work on.
  I did get rid of some meal-in-the-bag type things in the freezer that hubby and I ate. And one night he wanted fish and I didn't have it on the menu so we substituted fish from the freezer for the meatloaf.  So I have most of my Meal Plan already done for this week, as I'll just cook what I had planned last week and didn't get to and add in 2 fresh meals.

Here's what I will be serving our family of 5 this Week.....

MONDAY--Chicken Cashew Stir-Fry-this is from a kit(stockpile/freezer/using leftovers)
TUESDAY--Taco Salads or Tacos(diners choice)(freezer/stockpile)
WEDNESDAY--Date Night w/Hubby-the teens will fend for themselves
THURSDAY--Homemade Pizza(freezer/stockpile), Salad
FRIDAY--Bacon Wrapped Meatloaf for #1 son(freezer), Mashed Potatoes(stockpile), Cauliflower/Carrots/Broccoli(freezer)
SATURDAY--BBQ Chicken(freezer), homemade Mac & Cheese(stockpile/freezer), Peas(freezer)
SUNDAY--Chicken Alfredo(stockpile/freezer), Green Beans(freezer)
SNACKS/DESSERTS--Pineapple, Brownies, Cookies, Pecan Pie

Last week I spent $72.52 on food/toiletries. $38.33 was at the grocery Outlet, $24.63 was at Price Chopper(Seltzer sale/Nabisco Crackers which will end up costing $1 after rebate/$1lb. boneless pork loin), and $12.88 at Rite-Aid(which will net me $13.12 MORE than I spent after rebates). Beyond the milk/juice at the Outlet none of what I bought was necessities last week. We were almost out of seltzer and it was finally on special, the crackers were for the rebate, replenishing some spices, garlic and other grocery items, plus great deals on fish and breaded chicken strips at the Outlet and 8lbs. of pork loin for $8 at PC.  Stock up Opportunities that just popped up and I just went for it.  After the rebate money comes in my $72.52 will end up costing $36.52 OOP.  The Regular Retail Value of all these items purchases amounted to $282.72, a savings of 74.35% on the $72.52 spent or 87.08% after rebates so I feel I spent the money wisely.

Food Waste Report....no waste this week, beyond the usual veggie parings into the compost.  Hubby was working hard to eat all the leftovers before going bad....and he succeeded!lol
By next Monday I should be able to do my full Freezer DeFrost and Inventory if I cook all this week's meals.  

This week's menu doesn't require many grocery purchases, since it's last weeks menu and I have most of it already.& I'll need to pickup milk and fresh salad greens as I am almost out. Daughter had her wisdom teeth out this morning so I'll need to get a few things for her as she's on a liquid/soft food diet and needs jello/pudding/yogurt/applesauce for a couple of days.  The grocery ads this week here are pretty lame so I'm not tempted there.  I'll have to make a Rite-Aid run later today for the "SCR deals" and I might venture back to Wags and/or CVS this week.  I'll try to keep the expenditures low.

Check out ORGANIZING JUNKIE to see what other Home Cooks are serving this week.

Sluggy