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

"It's That Time Again!"

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

Onward to the meal planning!

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

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

2. Monday--Fish, Cabbage

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

4. Wednesday--Poultry Pot Pies, Salad

5. Thursday--Scallops, Leftover Green Beans

6. Friday--Leftovers

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

And here's what actually happened....

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

2. Monday--Mushroom Parmesan, Asparagus

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

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

5. Thursday--Chicken Marsala, Saute Cabbage

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

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

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

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

*  Salmon

*  Steak

*  Trout

*  Ground Beef

*  Chicken Breast

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

Rebates earned in March-

$84.08 on Ibotta

$19.75 on Checkout51

$3.99 on Aisle and Misc.

$107.82 total in $$

Total spent after rebates is $193.56

2,495 Pts. on Fetch

2,133  Pts. on SwagBucks

346 Pts. on My Points

3,554 Pts. on ShopKick

0 Pts. on TaDa

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

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

Leftovers going into next week...

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

1. Sunday--Beef and Broccoli

2. Monday--Leftover Mushroom Parmesan, Salad

3. Tuesday--Leftover Chicken Marsala, Leftover Cabbage

4. Wednesday--Poultry Pot Pies, Salad

5. Thursday--Scallops, Green Beans

6. Friday--Leftover Beef and Broccoli

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

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

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

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

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

Sluggy   

This Week on the Dining Table

 The "Woman Day" Edition....

Today is International Woman's Day so here's a little musical entertainment for you to enjoy.......

Onward to the meal planning!

Moving On-

This is what was planned....

1. Sunday--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tossed Salad

2. Monday--Chicken and Dumplings w/Carrots

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Beef Pie
5. Thursday--Leftovers

6.  Friday--Broiled Salmon, Sweet Potato Wedges, Veggie TBD

7. Saturday--Cheeseburger, Fries(maybe), assorted leftover side dishes or a Salad

And this is what really happened.......

1. Sunday--Spaghetti and Meatballs, Tossed Salad

2. Monday--Chicken and Dumplings w/Carrots

3. Tuesday--Leftovers

4. Wednesday--Beef Pie
5. Thursday--Leftovers

6.  Friday--Chinese Take-Out

7. Saturday--Fend For Yourself

Last week saw 3 nights of home cooked dinners, 3 nights of leftovers/planned overs or FFY, and 1 night of Take-Out/Eating Out.

Mostly everything planned was cooked/served except the  

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

* a whole chicken

* 1 bag of shredded cheese

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

*  ground turkey

*  ground beef

*  1/2 bag of meatballs

*  1 lb. breakfast sausage

*  1 pack of Hot Italian sausage

We spent $71.52 on food/toiletries/HBA/paper goods last week-1 trip to Weis(PMITA)Markets and 1 trip to Walmart where I used a free $25 gift card earned from Swag Bucks points. This brings our food/toiletries/paper goods Grand Total to $71.52 for March so far.

There are 23 shopping days left in March.

I've earned $50.31 on Ibotta in March.

I've earned $00 on Checkout51 in March.

I've earned $0.00 on Coupons dotcom/Paypal in March.

I've earned 25 points from shopping on Fetch in March.

I've earned 3075 point from food shopping on Shop Kick in March.

I've earned 0 points from food shopping on Swagbucks in March.

My savings percentage for last week was 49.74%(without "regular" Rite-Aid trips)for March and the monthly savings total for March comes in at 49.74%.(w/out R-A). 

Leftovers going into this week--Chicken n' Dumplings, Beef Pie.

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

1. Sunday--Broiled Salmon, Sweet Potato Wedges, Asparagus

2. Monday--Chili, Spanish Rice

3. Tuesday--Leftover Chicken n' Dumplings

4. Wednesday--Pork Tenderloin Sandwich, Sauteed Cabbage
5. Thursday--Leftover Beef Pie

6.  Friday--Pizza, Salad

7. Saturday--Cheeseburger, Fries(maybe), assorted leftover side dishes or a Salad

What do I need to buy to fix everything on this menu?  

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?  Not such great deals here unless I go to the discount food outlet.

Sluggy

This Week on the Dining Table

   The "Tofu for Days" Edition.....

This photo is for Jen G.  She has numerous times complained about not being able to find tofu/seitan(she's vegan)during this pandemic.  My Walmart is well stocked and she would love going to the specialty discounter I often frequent as well.  We went there on Saturday and they had at least 8 types of tofu/seitan(and at discount prices as that is what they do)and one type was even BOGO.(And I fogot to take a picture that day.)  

So come move here Jen G! ;-)

Onward to the meal planning!

Moving On....

This is what was planned.....

1. Sunday--Broiled Salmon, Veggie Medley(Hubs also had mac and cheese)
2. Monday--Homemade Soup
3. Tuesday--Chicken Marsala, Veg. TBD, Mashed Potatoes

4. Wednesday--Liver and Onions, leftover Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts
5. Thursday--Subway Sandwiches

6. Friday--Roasted Chicken w/Veggies
7. Saturday--Leftovers or Fend For Yourself

And this is what really happened.......

1. Sunday--Broiled Salmon, Veggie Medley(Hubs also had mac and cheese)
2. Monday--Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese Sandwich
3. Tuesday--Chicken Marsala, Mixed Veggies, Mashed Potatoes

4. Wednesday--Subway Sandwiches
5. Thursday--Applebee's Salad for Lunch, Fend for Yourself for Dinner

6. Friday--Roasted Chicken w/Roasted Veggies, boxed Stuffing(for Hubs and Ex-CB)
7. Saturday--Rigatoni w/Meat and Mushroom Sauce, Salad

Last week saw 4 nights of home cooked dinners, 2 nights of leftovers/FFY/TV Dinners, and 1 night of Take-Out/Eating Out.  

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

* 1 lb. Butter

That's it!

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

* Salmon

* Chicken Breast

* Whole Roaster Chicken

* 2 boxes of Veggies

We spent $100.26 last week(CVS, Malacari's produce, Ollies, then a bit more at P and R Discounters and a pantry stock-up at Ocean State Job Lot), bringing our food/toiletries/HBA/paper goods Grand Total to $348.81 for October.

I wasn't on track to spend that much last week(less than half of that)but Ocean State Job Lot had an anniversary deal that you got 40% of whatever you spent that week on a gift card for that store.  I spent $52.01 on various shelf stable goods(EVOO, Kalmata olives, canned veggies, assorted spices, coffee, tea, etc.)so I got a $20.80 gift card I can use on more "free" food there.  I figured what the heck since I was going to be under budget on grocery shopping for October so why not take advantage of that deal. ;-)

While October is finished, there are 28 shopping days left in November.  

I've earned $131.88 on Ibotta in October. 

I've earned $5.00 on SavingStar in October.

I've earned $0 on Checkout51 in October.

I've earned $0 on Coupons dotcom/Paypal

I've earned 816 points from food shopping on Fetch in October.(It's a bit more as I am behind on submitting some R-A receipts.)

I've earned 10 points from food shopping on ShopKick in October.

I've earned 0 points from food shopping on Swagbucks in October.

My savings percentage for last week was 52.83%(without "regular" Rite-Aid trips)for October and the monthly savings total for October comes in at 49.27%.(w/out R-A). 

Leftovers going into this week.....lots of chicken pieces picked off the roaster, a lot of roasted veggies still, and some Marsala sauce w/mushrooms(no chicken or taters left).

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

1. Sunday--Cheeseburger on Bun w/Lett./Tom
2. Monday--Chicken and Dumplings using leftover chicken
3. Tuesday--? no clue, working the polls

4. Wednesday--Taco salad or Tacos
5. Thursday--something easy or whatever Hubs makes

6. Friday--Leftovers
7. Saturday--Chili w/leftover taco filling? for Hubs(I'll FFY)

What needs buying for this menu? 

I went to Weis(PMITA)on Sunday and got a big pack of Ground Beef already which will make three appearances this week. The Roasted Chicken from last Friday will reappear in Chicken and Dumplings(plus the leftover roasted carrots will go into that).

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 "The Zucchini that Ate Cleveland" Edition--

It always seems to happen.  There's always one zucchini that you can't find in the garden until it's a mammoth size!  Who decided that zukes had to be a color to blend in so well with it's foliage anyway?   Serious design flaw that!

So this 14.5 inch behemoth weighed in at 69.7 ounces or 4 pounds and 5.7 ounces.
Yikes!!!

Moving On....

Onward to the meal planning!

This is what was planned--

1. Sunday--Pork Barbecue on Rolls, Cole Slaw

2. Monday--Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Beans

3. Tuesday--Cheeseburgers, Mac Salad

4. Wednesday--Pork Ragu over Pasta, Salad

5. Thursday--Fried Zucchini and Leftovers

6. Friday--Squash Casserole and Leftovers
7. Saturday--BLTs or Chicken Salad Sandwiches

And this is what actually happened--

1. Sunday--Pork Barbecue on Rolls, Cole Slaw

2. Monday--Chicken Enchiladas, Rice, Beans

3. Tuesday--Fried Zucchini

4. Wednesday--Grilled Asparagus(and Assorted Leftovers)

5. Thursday--Leftovers

6. Friday--Squash Casserole, Hamburgers
7. Saturday--Zucchini and Sausage Rissotto

Last week saw 6 nights of home cooked dinners, 1 night of leftovers/fend for yourself, 0 nights of Take-Out or Eating Out. 
The Pork Ragu didn't happen(and the BLTs/Chicken Salad Sammies happened for Lunch not Dinner last week). With so much zucchini coming in fast and furiously I had to punt and come up with more ways to use it up. 
I only made a veggie dish on 2 nights and if that wasn't enough for some they were free to also eat some leftovers.

Trips to Maines, Walmart, Shursave Markets and Weis brought the weekly food spending to $112.02 and the monthly total to $433.75.
I have 1 day left in my shopping month for July(though I am done grocery shopping for the month)and have closed out the budget for this month.  I wanted to do $400 but gave myself another $50 if needed due to company in July so I'll call $433.75 a win. '-)

My savings percentage last week was 48.15%(without Rite-Aid trips)and July's monthly savings total comes to 48.80% so far.

Leftovers going into this week......2 Enchiladas, a little bit of Barbecue Pork, and a LOT of Zucchini Risotto.

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

1. Sunday--Leftovers

2. Monday--Lemon Pepper Chicken and Zuke, Rice

3. Tuesday--Grilled Steak, Grilled Zuke and Squash

4. Wednesday--Beef Pie

5. Thursday--Pork Ragu over Pasta, Salad

6. Friday--Tacos
7. Saturday--Leftovers

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

What needs buying for this menu?  Steaks that Shursave market will have on sale this week.
I have everything else here to make these meals.

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