Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 19

I have been working to try to journal our meals. I forget often, and then try to remember on Sundays when I have time to blog. Its been tricky! 

Things to Remember

I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed, although lately we have been doing more weekly shopping. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not just because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Trouble with Meal Planning
as many of you have experienced, meal planning can get you in a rut. Our meals are generally the same and there has been a lot of random meals this week. We have been rotating through some boxed meals that were donated. We tossed what was inedible or unsuitable for us ( hamburger helper is a heart attack waiting to happen!) But there were some rice mixes we used up and added to other meals.

Next week Abigail will be in charge of meals. Quinten wanted to spend more time on outside projects and Abigail was more than willing to take his place. 

Shopping List

Kroger
1 pkg plastic spoons $1.35
22 yogurts .40
1 pkg cheese $1.09
1 lb butter $3.09
2.62lbs bananas .59lb
1 pkg wipes $1
2 bags chips $1.99
5.45lbs apples $1.28lb
13 loaves bread .79
2.29lbs broccoli $1.89lb
2 rolls paper towels $1
1 pkg toilet paper $2.59
3 pkg margarine .99
2 half gallon ice cream $2.50
1 pkg chips $1.99
4 bags tortilla chips $1
3 bags pretzels $1.67
2 bags gummy bears $1.50
2 boxes saltine crackers $1.50
2 1lb butter $3.09
1 pkg wipes $1
1 pkg diapers $5.49
1 bottle apple juice $1.88
1 pkg wipes $1.49
3 1lb bags cheese $3.29
3 containers hot coco $2.57
5 1lb boxes elbow noodles .88
2 1lb bags black beans $1.29
1 jar salsa $1.50
2 jar jelly $1.72
1 jar mayo whip $2.69
10 cans tuna .89
9 boxes Mac & Cheese .67
1 3lb bag pinto beans $3.79
2 cans ravioli $1
1 10lb bag potatoes $3.99
5.68lbs apples .$1.19lb
4.12 lbs roma's $1.19
2 3lb bags apples $2.69
1 jar relish $1.39
1 jar mustard .9
3 heads lettuce $1.29
2 loaves bread $1
1 loaf bread .59
5 pkgs Smokies Sausages $1.49

$186

Sav A Lot
2 12oz bags raisins $1.99
1 oreo snack .49
8 42oz containers oatmeal $2.49
$23.59

Dollar General
1 box Oatmeal Creme Pies $1.75
1 box Little Debbie Brownies $1.75
8 Christmas clearance candy .25
2 boxes Cheese Nips $1.95
2 boxes vanilla wafers $1.70
$12.92

Dollar Tree
4 kids toys
2 bags popcorn
2 bags chips
1 flashlight
1 nutcracker
1 pkg brown paper bags
1 storage box
2 pkgs batteries
1 deodorant
1 muscle rub
1 calcualtor
1 door hook
1 powder
1 writing tablet
1 pk pens
$22.19

Walmart
4 1lb boxes small shells $1
4 jars alfredo sauce $1.50
$10

Total week spending $254.70 Total month spending (Jan) $709.36  Total year spending  $709.36

*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan~ Week 18

I have been working to try to journal our meals. I forget often, and then try to remember on Sundays when I have time to blog. Its been tricky! 

Things to Remember

I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed, although lately we have been doing more weekly shopping. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not just because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Menu

Breakfast: oatmeal x4, pancakes, yogurt ( with granola)  &  banana x2

Lunch: PBJ x3, Hummus, leftovers, bologna & cheese sandwiches x2

Dinner: Potato Soup, BLT's, spaghetti, 

Shopping List

Kroger

2 bags chips $1.99

4 8 oz bags cheese $1.99

2 8oz blocks cheese $1.99

3 1lb pkg bacon $3.99

2 1lb pkg hot dogs $1.49

2 1lb bag black beans $1.49

1 50lb bag dog food $17.99

22 yogurts .33

2 lbs slice cheese $1.99

3 pkg bologna $1.49

4.2 lbs bananas .59lb

3 bags tortilla chips $1

6 5lb bags potatoes $2

2 32 oz jars honey $5.55

2 pkgs Oscar Meyer smokies $1.49

2 pkg gummy bears $1,50

3 pks sliced cheese $1.99

2 pkg butterscotch morsels .99

1 frozen pizza FREE

1 Greek Yogurt FREE

1 pkg wipes $1

1 pkg gladwear (clearance) 1.50

1 pkg wipes $1.49

1 2lb bag carrots $1.69

1 3lb bag onions $1.79

3 boxes vanilla wafers $1.49

2 chickens $5.63

12 loaves bread .79

5.25lbs bananas .38lb
2 bags chips $1.99
1 pkg sliced cheese $2.49
1 pkg bologna $1.49
3lb bag apples $2.69
1 3pk paper towles $2.19
2 1lb butter $3.09
1 half gallon ice cream $2.50
4 gallons water .97
2 16oz containers of strawberries $2.50
1 apple juice $1.88
2 cucumbers $.78
2.2 lbs roma tomatoes $1.19lb
3 canisters hot coco mix $2.67
1 lb ground beef $2.69
1 pkg diapers $5.49
$200.93

Walmart 

Laundry soap $2.97
1 1/2 gallon orange juice $2.28
11 kiwi's .33 each
1 apple .72
1 box pencils $1.24
1 bottle lamp oil $5.97
2 poster color rolls $2
1 box 5 dozen eggs $8.48
$30.14

IGA

3 bags chips $2.29

2 2 liters gingerale .79

5.17lbs tomatoes .99lb

1 cherry pie $2.50

3 1lb bags kidney beans $1.24

1 garlic .33

1 box Cellas $2.29

$22.64

Dollar Tree
Gingerale 
Dust pan
1 pkg quart zipper bags
1 pkg sandwich bags
1 spray bottle
1 tube hydrocortizone cream
1 hand mirror
1 pkg hair ties
1 flashlight
1 2pk playing cards
1 bottle peroxide
1 bok kithcen matches
1 box bandaids
1 bottle acemetophin
1 bottle ibuprophin
1 3pk socks
1 tube triple antibiotic
1 pkg bubbles
1 pkg batteries
1 door hook 
$21.20

Sav A Lot 
4 canisters oatmeal $2.49
1 box buddy bars $1.19
$10.75

Total week spending $285.66 Total month spending (Jan) $454.66  Total year spending  $454.66

*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 17

I have been working to try to journal our meals. I forget often, and then try to remember on Sundays when I have time to blog. Its been tricky! 

Things to Remember

I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed, although lately we have been doing more weekly shopping. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not just because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Why Changing How You Shop is Important

It can be hard to comprehend buying and storing 50lbs of rice, or 100 cans of green beans. May people just don't think its worth it. But there is another aspect of changing how you shop. 

I generally shop on Fridays, but the past two weeks I headed in on Saturday. Just before we got a winter weather advisory. While the shelves were not quite this bad, we also live a little more south that this. 

But no location is exempt from storms, or other emergencies that can leave one stranded at home a few extra days. I recommend at minimum 3 days food storage. I would make a goal of one week per month. 

I try to remind people what Black Friday is like. You have seen the mobs fighting over luxury items like TV's and toys. Can you imagine when its food.  Think of how bad the mobs will be when they are now looking for survival. 

Spending as little as $10 a week can build up a good food storage. A few extra bags of beans, rice, canned veggies and water. Buy what your family will eat. Add it to your food rotation. Think of your bank account and you leave $100 in there, but mark your balance as $0. Do this with your food as well.. 30 cans of veggies means, you are out of veggies and its time to stock back up. 

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.


Breakfasts.. oatmeal, pancakes, omlettes
Lunches.. PBJ, Hummus, leftovers, ramen noodle, 
Dinners.... Mac& Cheese with hot dogs, Fried Cabbage with bacon and rice, Potato Soup,                            Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Pizza ( take out)...........

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Kroger 

2 pks plastic cups $1.99

2 pkg wipes $1

2 pkg diapers $5.49

2 pkg wipes 1.49

3 jugs egg nog $2.99

4 flash lights $4

1 3pk paper towels $2.19

5 pkgs hot dogs $1.49 (sale)

1 pkg hot dogs $1.99 

1 gallon ice cream $3.99

6 jars jelly $1.72

9 boxes Mac & Cheese .66

2 hot coco containers $2.57

14 loaves bread .79

2 pkg gummy bears $1

2 pkg saltines $1.50

1 jar mayo $1.99

2 8lb bag oranges $5.99

2 heads lettuce $1.29

6.67lbs pears $1.59lb

4.61lbs pears .59lb

7.64lbs cabbage .33lb

12 yogurt .40

$137.97

Dollar Tree 

3 hot coco mugs

2 lemon juice

1 lg spray bottle

1 sm spray bottle

1 jar minced garlic

1 vanilla extract

1 pkg tootsie rolls

3 pr thermal socks

1 pk knives

8 pkg candy canes .25 sale

2 3pk D batteries 

1 pk AAA batteries

2 ducky scrubber brush

1 2pk 9 volt batteries

1 pkg steel wool

1 speaker ( didnt work)

1 pkg rope

1 pkg safety glasses

$28.38

IGA

1 12 pk soda $2.50

$2.65

Total week spending $169  Total month spending (Jan) $169  Total year spending  $169


*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 15 and 16~ End of Year Wrap Up

Now we have the wood stove installed cooking is a bit more consistent . If you have any meal ideas for us, leave them in the comments!

Things to Remember

I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed, although lately we have been doing more weekly shopping. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not just because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

So how does this all work?

We eat a very basic diet. Some may think its repetitive and boring ( me included at times!) but we are sticking to our budget and are very healthy. 

We have oat meal 4 -5 mornings a week. We buy the old fashioned oats at SAVE A LOT. Its That's about 2 breakfasts worth for us. We add fruit, honey or brown sugar. I personally can't palate oatmeal most days, so I usually have toast and fruit or yogurt. We have eggs once a week, this usually takes 3 dozen. We alternate omelettes and breakfast tacos. Sundays we have bananas and yogurt, usually with granola. We also try to have pancakes once a week, if our morning schedule allows. I love to buy crushed pineapple and make pineapple pancakes. We rarely buy syrup, we use honey. 

3 days a week we have PBJ sandwiches. If we have a week where we are out and about more and don't get home for lunch, we eat on the road, so we have cheese and bologna sandwiches. We just stop at Kroger and pick up bread, cheese and meat. We usually have fruit or carrot sticks on hand. Some of the other meals we plan for lunch is hummus, or black bean salsa. These are things we can make ahead and pack for me to bring to work. 

Dinners vary. This time of year we often have soups/stews etc. This past week we had a lovely family bring us Christmas dinner. They brought enough for our family of 11 and their family of 6, and we had leftovers the entire next day. I had to nice ham bones so we used one for split pea soup and the other for a big pot of white beans. I bought another 20qt stock pot this week, I found one at Family Dollar for $15. Its not as heavy as I would like, but it works great. We usually have 2-3 stock pots on the wood stove, one for water, and usually 2 meals prepping as the stove, most of the time, runs at crock pot temps, unless we need it higher. 

As I have posted, we buy basic foods and prep from there. Each week I stock up on what ever items we are low on, or are on sale. This past two weeks, Kroger had canned veggies for .50 each. I grabbed a dozen or so of each. Ideally, I would like to buy 4x that, but we lack space at the moment. I should have our pantry shelves built soon.. Buy buying this way, we avoid buying items we don't need, we save money buy buying ingredients, rather than pre boxed foods, and we eat less processed foods. 

Time wise, I don't think we spend all that much more time. If we take a few minutes to plan, we can prep, a few meals at once. If you have a freezer, you can also benefit by making the freezer meals. 

Tortilla Soup!

I am not good at following recipes, or making them, so I will just give you the jist of what I ( we) did... and this made a stock pot worth, two meals for us. I used up random foods that came from our food storage and some from the box of donation food we received, mostly to use it up.

I put two 28 oz's cans of enchilada sauce
1 gallon water
1 can of olives
1 can of diced tomatoes
2 cans of mexicorn
1 pkg precooked chicken
1 can black beans

We then added one lb of cooked black beans and some chili peppers. Then we added 1lb shredded cheese and stirred well Then we added a few cups of cooked rice. We also added 1lb f cooked pork sausage.

But you can improvise with what you do and don't like.. I will say it was REALLY good!

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

(this is two weeks worth of shopping)

Save A Lot

4 containers oatmeal $2.39

1pkg sugar wafers .99

1 pkg pop tarts $1  (pregnant lady shopping before dinner=bad choices) 

4 bags pretzels $1.19

2 bags raisins $1.99

$20.29

IGA 

3 qts Egg Nog $1.99

4lbs northern beans $3.39

$9.36

Dollar General 

4 boxes cheese crackers $1.65

4 boxes Vanilla Wafers $1.70

2 boxes choc covered cherries .75

1 caramel cob .01 

1 pkg fig bars $1.85

$20.16

Dollar Tree 

1 3pk socks

1 2pk irish spring soap

1 3pk rubber balls

1 2pk socks

kitchen timer

spatula

8pk dice

super glue

markers

toothpaste

freezer bags

peroxide

powder

playing cards

pens

batteries

ointment

2 dish soap

crayons

D Batteries

ibuprofen

ginger ale

wire rack

party cups

storage drawer

choc cherries

screen protector

thin mints

2 square totes

$38.16

Walmart 

2 containers hot coco $2.48

2.5 dozen eggs $4.28

8 food storage buckets $1

receipt book .94

pliers 1.96

mini lights $2.50

wash cloths $4

lg pkg peanuts $5.98

2 quarts egg nog $2.50

4 gallons water .88

3 4pk forks .94

3 4pk spoons .94

lighter fluid $4.57

copy paper $3.47

utility shelf $14.97

laundry basket $3.27

$79.99

Kroger 

1 lb salt .47

2 pkg diapers $5.49

1 pkg wipes $1

2 roll wipes $1.49

38 yogurts .40

14.5 lbs bananas .59lb

3 kiwi .59

24 loaves bread .79

1 king size twix FREE 

2 bags chips $1.99

12 dozen eggs .99

4 pkgs pickle loaf $1.49

4 pkgs cheese $1.88

2 bags apples $2.49

3 pkg gummy bears $1

8 half gallon egg nog $2.99 

4 half gallon ice cream $2.50

7 8 oz bags shredded cheese $1.88

9 cans pineapple $1.00

1 box powdered milk $6.09

2 6pk ramen $1.09

3# beef $7.78

3 small bags oranges $1

2 8# bag oranges $5.99

3 boxes candy canes .75(all)

12 cans corn .50

24 cans green beans .50

12 cans carrots .69

2 bags frozen veggies $1

1 jar jelly $1.72

1 can mandarin oranges $1

2 1lb butter $1.99

1.94lbs grapes $1.68lb

3 pkgs slice cheese $1.49

2 green peppers .79

1 bag choc  chips $1.59

1 bag choc chips $1.88 

1 pkg gloves $1

1 bottle honey $5.55

2 boxes baking soda .59

14.97 lbs apples .99lb

1 3pk paper towels $2.19

2 pkgs chocolate candy coating $1.59

1 pkg toilet paper $2.79

( I hit a bunch of marked down breads)

3 pkg buns .99

2 pkg dinner rolls $1

8 loaves bread $1

3 pkg donuts $1

2 loaves rye bread .99

6 raisin bread $1.29

2 heads cabbage .55lb

2 bags onions $1.59

2.31lbs romas $1.19lb

3 frozen OJ $1.59

2 pkg bacon $2.59

3 bags almonds $1

3 bags oranges $.99

1 gatorade FREE

4 4lb bags sugar $1.99

$318.47

Total week spending $486.43 Total month spending (Dec) $909.24 Total year spending (9/8/13) $3388.97

This is my last post of the year. 4 months/ 16 weeks. Our average was $850 a month, $211 a week 


*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan~ Week 14 *Bonus post*

Now we have the wood stove installed cooking is a bit more consistent . If you have any meal ideas for us, leave them in the comments!

Things to Remember 

 I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed, although lately we have been doing more weekly shopping.  We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not just because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

So how does this all work? 

I didn't get a menu written up  this week. Instead I will post a bit about how we put the shopping and menu into action. 

Long Story Short

In 2006 we moved from Texas to Maine. The cost of living increased by 30%. My income stayed the same. I was also pregnant with my 6th child. Our food bill at the time was running us about $700. And we were scraping by on food. I sought the council of a friend who is the Mega Coupon Queen. VIA online, she taught me the ropes. I was able to reduce the budget and increase what we bought. It was a HUGE blessing to our family. By year two, I was a certified Mega Coupon Queen. I think I saved $15k that year... yes SAVED! I not only was feeding my family, but we had about 6 months of food and enough hygiene products, I literally went two years without paying for toothpaste. You can see a sample post of my coupon deals here... and some savings logs here, to see what we were spending. 

I recall one day,  I came home and was proud of the deals I had made. My husband asked, "Great, but where is the food".  I was holding about 20 boxes of poptarts! It broke my spirits, but looking back, we had so much processed "junk" food, we were eating cheap, but not all that healthy. It took me a while to get it all worked out, but we have transitioned our diet, eliminated most coupons, and still maintain a budget. 

The first thing I did was find alternative meals. How can we eat healthy, for less. We incorporated more beans into our diet. Being a vegetarian for 16 years, I was accustomed to vegetarian meals, but I was a "lazy vegetarian" I usually made traditional meals with the "fake meat" substitutes.. and they aren't cheap ( and not all that god for you". I then began to try to cook from scratch ( HUGE CHALLENGE!!!) I do not like cooking and I was/am not all the good at it. Fortunately, my husband is! It was a learning process for all of us. But more and more we were buying ingredients instead of prepackaged meals. 

We also found alternative ways to shop. One of which was the salvage food stores. (sidenote, last summer I wrote a lengthy blog on shopping at salvage food stores and the internet ate it.... I have never had the ambition to rewrite it, maybe I will work on that) Most of the food is slightly damaged, just recently past the sell by dates, or in many cases, merely discontinued items. As I posted in the shopping list, you can find some amazing deals. This peanut butter line has a new label. We got these for .50 each. Over the past 6? months, we have probably bought about 200 of them for .50 each. HUGE savings. I would suggest you find one in your area. They are more common than most people think.

We make meals from the basic ingredients we buy. Having a food pantry like this makes cooking very versatile. And so much healthier. We received a box of prepacked foods ( hamburger helper, rice a roni) this week and reading the labels made me cringe. It was more like a chemistry book. We do still consume processed foods, but we are cautious of what we buy, and try to limit what we can. It is becoming easier and easier to move away from boxed meals, processed food and eat a simple back to basics diet. 

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Kroger 6.77 17.58 
22 yogurt .40
4.69 lbs bananas .59lb
1 pk diapers 5.49
3.81lbs bananas .38lb
3 boxes granola $1.39
2 boxes candy canes $1
5 bag flour 1.67
1 loaf sourdough bread $1.29
1pk wipes $1
14  loaves bread .79
50# bag dog food $17.29
4 bags pretzels $1.25
2 6pk ramen $1.09
2 boxes graham crackers $1.64
2 lbs butter 2.50
2 pkg slice cheese $2.49
2 pkg pickle loaf $1.29
3 pkg margarine .75
1 pkg cookies $1.99
1 pkg bakers chocolate coating $3.19
4.92lbs tomatoes .99lb
2 2lb bags brown sugar $2
1 pkg cat treats FREE
7 cans tuna .69
1 pkg mushrooms $1.69
2 3lb bags appples $2.49
2 cantaloupe $1.50
6 cucumbers .69 ea
1 celery $1.69
4 jars jelly $1.72
$132.15

Salvage Store
12 pkg tortilla wraps .25
100 granola bars .10
80 jars of peanut butter .50
21 cans spaghetti sauce .50
4 box pack graham crackers $4.50
4 packs hot dogs .50
5 jerky sticks .45
15 1#boxes pasta .75
2 juice jugs $1.50
2 packs gum .40
2 jars mayo .65
4 pkg corn nuts .45
6 candy bars .25
2 cans ravioli .50 
1 4pk scrubbers $1.50 
1 pk corn tortillas .50
2 pie crusts $1
3 cans condensed milk .75
4 lg cans enchilada sauce $1.25
$108.29

Walmart 
Sharpener .97
2 cans hot coco mix 2.48
Gorilla Glue $3.97
3 quarts oil $2.74
1 roll duct tape $5.77
2.15 lbs broccoli $3.40 
$28.43

Dollar Tree 
coloring book
ball
2 pks candy canes 
1 3pk socks 
box kitchen matches
1 2pk scrubbers
1 pk kids cups
1 box crayons
1 box sandwich bags
2 bottles lemon juice
1 cheese dip
1 bag chips
1 box thin mints
1 box cherries
1 scrub brush
2 3pks D batteries
1 box push pins
1 book light
1 drink cup
$23.08

Total week spending $291.95 Total month spending (Dec) $422.81  Total year spending (9/8/13) $2902.54

*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan~ Week 13

Now we have the wood stove installed cooking is a bit more consistent . if you have any meal ideas for us, leave them in the comments!

Things to Remember 

 I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

I missed the menu this week ,but it probably looked just like last weeks ;)

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Kroger
3 bags tortilla chips $1
2 bags chips $1.99
1 bottle syrup $1.69
2.44lbs Roma $2.90
1 12 pk ginger ale $2.50
11.31lbs apples $11.20
3 cans pineapple $1
1 can mandarin oranges $1
12 cans corn .53
18 loaves bread .79
10# bag potatoes $3.99
2 jars of jelly, $1.72
1 pkg diapers $5.49
1 pkg wipes $1
1 canister wipes $1.49
1 lb butter $1.99
1 bucket ice cream $4.49
1 box sugar cones $1.99
1 pg slice cheese $2.49
2 16oz pkgs shredded cheese $2.99
1 pkg slice meat $1.49
2lbs apples 1.99
1.62lbs roma $1.93
10.08 lbs apples $9.98
bakery donut .65
1 pkg razors $2.49
$101.50

Save A Lot
4 containers oatmeal $2.39
$9.56

Dollar General
4 pkg vanilla wafers $1.70
2 pkg cheese nips $1.65
5 pkg choc covered cherries $1  ( my craving this week)
1 pkg candy canes .90
1 pkg fig bars $1.85
1 bag chips $1
$19.80

Total week spending $130.86 Total month spending (Dec) $130.86  Total year spending (9/8/13) $2610.59

*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 12

Now we have the wood stove installed cooking is a bit more consistent . if you have any meal ideas for us, leave them in the comments! We can cook most anything.. even pie!

Things to Remember 

 I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

Sunday
B Bananas & Yogurt
L Cheese & bologna sandwiches
D Spaghetti

Monday
B oatmeal
L Pizza ( eat out)
D Black Bean Queasadillas

Tuesday
B Oatmeal
L PBJ
D Lentil Sloppy Joes

Wednesday
B Oatmeal
L PBJ
D Alphabet soup

Thursday
B Omlettes
L PBJ
D Sausage & rice with peas

Friday
B bananas and yogurt
D Turkey Dinner.

Saturday
B Oatmeal
L Leftovers
D quesaillas

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Kroger 

1 21lb turkey $14.96

2lb bag onions $1.59

22 yogurts .40

1.73 lbs Roma 2.06

1.55 lbs Roma $1.84

1 green pepper .79

3 8oz cheese $1.66

4.90 lbs bananas $2.79

9 loaves bread .79

2 bags chips $1.99

1 pkg slice cheese $1.88

1 pkg pickle loaf $1.49

1 bag apples $2

$53.89

Walmart 

1 pkg white paper $3.47

10 frosting buckets $1

$14.28

Save A Lot
4 canisters oatmeal $2.39
1 dill pickle .99
$10.55

Dollar Tree
gallon water
jr mints
starburst
sandwich bags
box matches
caramel creams
smarties
tootsie rolls
hat
gloves
phone cable
tacks
sponge 2pk
bandaids
tweezers
3pk socks
scotch tape
q tips
tothpaste
floss
2pk socks
hat
3 packs of  tothbrushes
$26.38

Total week spending $105.10 Total month spending (Nov) $641.95 Total year spending (9/8/13) $2610.59

*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 11

We are still cooking over a fire pit and with our errands we have been eating in the van a lot so that means a bit more PBJ and bologna than we would like.

Things to Remember 

 I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to posts when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead and friends. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

Sunday
B Bananas & Yogurt
D Spaghetti

Monday
B Omlettes
L PBJ
D BLT sandwiches

Tuesday
B Oatmeal
L PBJ
D cheesy potato soup

Wednesday
B Oatmeal
L Leftover soup
D Alfredo pasta

Thursday
B oatmeal
L PBJ
D stir fry

Friday
B bananas and yogurt
L PBJ
D bologna and cheese sandwiches

Saturday
B oatmeal
L PBJ
D Taco Salad

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Salvage Store
60 granola bars .10
2 containers grits .40
9 packages tortilla shells .25
4 spaghetti Sauce .50
5 lg cans crushed tomatoes .50
2 lg cans tomato sauce 3.50
4 lbs spaghetti .50
4 candy bars .25
2 pie crusts $1
4 pkg hot dogs .50
1 beef jerky .45
$30

Walmart
1 pk peanuts $5.98
2 containers hot coco mix $2.48
2.5 dozen eggs $4.28
1 box washing soda $3.24
lamp oil $3.97
$23.22

Save A Lot 
3 cans corn .49
1 bag corn tortillas $2.99
$4.46

Kroger
2 ginger-ale $1.50
4 bag tortilla chips $1
22 yogurt .40
50# bag dog food $17.29
1 Lemon aide $1.67
2 1lb butter $1.99
1 pkg bath tissue $2.79
1 pkg paper towels $2.19
2 6ct ramen $1.09
1 Stacy chips FREE
2 boxes Kroger saltines $1.50
2 pkgs kroger diapers $5.49
2 pkg bologna $1.29
1 pkg hot coco $1.69
6 8oz bags cheese $1.66
2 pkg slice cheese $1.88
1 veg oil $2.69
12 cans peas .50
12 cans corn .50
12 cans green beans .50
12 cans cream corn .50
4 jars jelly $1.72
1 pk wipes $1
1 canister wipes $1.49
2 bags raisin bread $1.29
2 cans sloppy Joe mix $1.29
4 bag apples $2
1 box graham crackers $1.64
3 packs hamburger buns .99
1# apples $1
2.28 lbs roma $2.71
4.05 lbs bananas $1.54

4.48 lbs bananas $2.55
32 oz honey $5.55
1 head lettuce $1.29
1 bag brown sugar $2
2 1lb bag lentils $1.05
2 1lb bags split peas .99
10lb bag potatoes $4.49
20 loaves bread .79

4 bags chips $1.99

2 cans tuna .69

1/2 gallon milk $1.49

1 box toasted o's $1.99

$190.85

Total week spending $248.53 Total month spending (Nov) $536.85 Total year spending (9/8/13) $2505.49



*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.

Monday Meal Plan ~ Week 10

We are moved and cooking over an open fire. We will have propane as well over the winter. But there isn't much you cant do outside. This will be fun to share our campfire meals! We are still settling in, so we don't have much variety.

Things to Remember 

 I try to post as much info as time allows, but if you have a specific question, please ask.. I will be happy to answer. Don't forget to choose the option to receive notifications to pots when you comment.. otherwise you may never know I answered! :)

I try to do bulk shopping once a month a fill in weekly as needed. We do a pantry build, so we tend to buy large quantities of basic food items. This is not because we have a large family, although it helps, but this method also works great for smaller families and even single people. I like to shop sale/clearance items. I rarely use coupons. I will also include here random non-food grocery items, as I do include that in our budget. We shop for ingredients, not meals. This saves money and we eat a bit better I think.

Our Meal Plan

Notes
* Snacks are usually cheese and crackers, pretzels, fruit/veggies, or fresh baked goods
*Sundays we fast one meal, the littles usually snack since they do not fast. ( its optional for everyone)
*We do have a small supplement of food from our homestead. Although, its not a lot.

Our weekly menu is brought to you by Quinten, who is officially in charge of planning and preparing the majority of the family meals.

 

Sunday
B Bananas & Yogurt
D Taco Salad

Monday
B Omlettes
L PBJ
D Chili & Cornbread

Tuesday
B Oatmeal
L PBJ
D Stir Fry

Wednesday
B Oatmeal
L Cheese & Bologna Sandwich
D Spaghetti

Thursday
B oatmeal
L Leftovers
D Stir Fry ( we had lots of cabbage and cauliflower from a friends garden this week)

Friday
B bananas and yogurt
L PBJ
D Alfredo Pasta

Saturday
B Omlettes
L Ramen Noodles
D Bologna & Cheese Sandwiches

Shopping List

(prices are for each, unless noted )

Kroger $13.16  $10.68  $8.67
2.14 lbs roma tomatoes $2.10
1 jar salsa $1.50
1 hot coco mix $2.57
2 bags tortilla chips $1
2 boxes saltines $1.50
1 pkg bologna $1.99
3 bags chips $1.99
1 pkg bologna $1.29
1 pkg cheese $1.09
2 loaves bread .79
4.8 lbs bananas $2.74
22 yogurts .40
bananas $2.68
1 2 liter ginger-ale $150
4 bags pretzels $1.25
6 dozen eggs .99
1 dole smoothie FREE
1 pkg sliced cheese $2.49
2 lbs shredded cheese $2.99
2 heads lettuce $2.36
2.8lbs roma tomatoes $2.74
2 3#bags apples $2.99
2 1lbs bacon $2.99
7 cans tuna $.69
5 loaves bread .79
5.93 lbs ripe bananas $2.25
1 pkg wipes $1.49



Walmart
3 loaves bread $1.28
4 gallons water .88
$7.36

Save A Lot
3 Oatmeal $2.39
$7.17

IGA
3# onions $1.99
$1.99

Dollar Tree
3 pk socks
cheese dip
chips
gummy bears
crayons
hair ties
$6.24

Total week spending $115.95 Total month spending (Nov) $288.32 Total year spending (9/8/13) $2256.96



*If for some reason you think we aren't eating right, then no worries, just move along. I assure you my family is extremely healthy and our diet sustains my very energetic free range children.