Alrighty....I'll have to see how we did this week. I sent the hubby to the store this week since I am without a truck at them moment. I have to say...he impressed me. This was the first time I have ever sent him to the grocery store and he didn't stray from the list. Ok, well...he bought ice cream, but we had talked about it before he left...and we just never "officially" put it on the grocery list!
So here we go:
Household Items:
I've decided to start including TP in this category, since I have added the category to the budget. It just seems like the right place for it to be!
$2.29 ~ TP (should be okay now for 2 weeks)
$5.99 ~ kitchen bags (I wouldn't have bought the giant one...but we won't need them any time soon)
$5.49 ~ Dog food
$1.03 ~ Tax
$14.80 ~ Total
Making the monthly total $24.75
Breakfast:
Didn't need to pick anything up this week. We still have plenty around
Oatmeal
Eggs & Sausage (since I stocked up when sausage was .99/pound)
waffles &/or pancakes
Lunch:
Same as last week
Dinners:
$3.71 Corn Chowder & Garlic Bread
6 cans of corn (2.34), 1 tube sausage (.99 on sale), onion (.20), 1 cup of milk (.18), chicken broth (free from boiled chicken), garlic bread (free from BOGO last week).
$3.49 BBQ Chicken Sandwiches & Green Beans
Chicken (1/2 of legs & thighs bag 1.75), Homemade BBQ sauce (est. .50), Buns (.75), Green Beans (.49)
$3.90 Fiesta Chicken & Refried Beans
Chicken (other 1/2 of bag 1.75), Diced tomatoes (.45), can of corn (.39), spices (neg.), rice (.33), refried beans (.98)
$2.86 Meatless Chili
4 cans of chili beans (1.56), diced tomatoes (.45), 2 cans tomato sauce (.40)
$1.89 French Onion Soup (for the adults) & Mac-n-Cheese (for the kids)
onions (1.56), broth (free), mac-n-cheese (.33)
$4.08 Homemade Pizza
cheese (2.69), sauce (.40), spices (neg.), sausage (.99 on sale), homemade crust (neg.)
FREE Leftover Night
We also have a birthday this week! My youngest is turning 4...and I can hardly believe it! So we will be having a cake and ice cream, and the total on that is $3.43, but worth it!
So that is basicall it! Total for groceries this week was $42.57. Even with the extra peas & tomato sauce that the Hubster found when he got home. He thinks someone threw them in his cart by accident, so hopefully they won't be missing them when they get home!
Monthly totals are:
Groceries ~ $166.89/$200.00
Household ~ $24.75/no budget til next month
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Saving money this weekend....
I woke up to a tempurature of -5 at 7:30 this morning...and it hasn't gotten much warmer! So, we are staying in this weekend. I sent Pat to the grocery store, so that will be taken care of, and other than that...we will be staying in until at least Tuesday, when my oldest goes back to school. And hopefully, it will be warmed up by then!
Sooooooo cold....I can't wait for Spring!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Day #8 ~ Smoke Free
Well, I am doing it! I am eight days smoke free and for the most part, not missing it anymore! Every once in awhile, I get hit out of the blue with a craving, but they are totally manageable! I have gained a few pounds, but I am working to keep them down...just need to work out every day!
So far, I have saved myself $38.40! (figure smokes are about $4.80/pack)
So far, I have saved myself $38.40! (figure smokes are about $4.80/pack)
Grocery Challange - Week #3
I stayed under budget again this week! Woo hoo! We did eat out over the weekend, Pat and I were pretty horrible, because the kids went to Grandma & Grandpa's, so we splurged a bit! But we will certainly get back on track this week!
I did have to buy a few things this week, that I was going to take out of my grocery budget...but I think I will make a seperate category for them in the budget. I think I will do a household category to include; dog food, cat food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, dish soap, etc. So this week on Household misc. I spent $10.98. I'm not sure how much I am going to include per month for this category. I think I will watch my spending this month and see what I spend, but I am thinking about $30/month
As for groceries, here is my meal plan for the week:
Breakfast:
Oatmeal (purchased 2 weeks ago - still very full...might get a whole month out of it)
toast
Lunch:
School lunch:
Tuna sandwich, PB crackers or Pretzels & applesauce (from freezer)
Hubby:
Sandwich & corn chips
Us at home:
Leftovers!
Dinners:
Chicken Casserole with salad & corn
Spagetti
Brats w/ Green Beans
Biscuits & Gravy
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Meatball Subs
Chili
Snack:
Hot Sausage Dip
I spent a total of: $27.88 this week, and I stocked up on sausage that was on sale at Sullivan's for $0.99 per tube. Because I am so far under budget, I think I might go back and get some more since it is on sale. Plus, I do have a list of some things I forgot (butter, syrup & a request for more salad). So, since I am only halfway through my budget...I will probably do some stocking up this week!
Total for January Grocery Challange: $124.32/$200.00
I think I might just succeed on this one, this month!
I did have to buy a few things this week, that I was going to take out of my grocery budget...but I think I will make a seperate category for them in the budget. I think I will do a household category to include; dog food, cat food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, laundry supplies, dish soap, etc. So this week on Household misc. I spent $10.98. I'm not sure how much I am going to include per month for this category. I think I will watch my spending this month and see what I spend, but I am thinking about $30/month
As for groceries, here is my meal plan for the week:
Breakfast:
Oatmeal (purchased 2 weeks ago - still very full...might get a whole month out of it)
toast
Lunch:
School lunch:
Tuna sandwich, PB crackers or Pretzels & applesauce (from freezer)
Hubby:
Sandwich & corn chips
Us at home:
Leftovers!
Dinners:
Chicken Casserole with salad & corn
Spagetti
Brats w/ Green Beans
Biscuits & Gravy
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Meatball Subs
Chili
Snack:
Hot Sausage Dip
I spent a total of: $27.88 this week, and I stocked up on sausage that was on sale at Sullivan's for $0.99 per tube. Because I am so far under budget, I think I might go back and get some more since it is on sale. Plus, I do have a list of some things I forgot (butter, syrup & a request for more salad). So, since I am only halfway through my budget...I will probably do some stocking up this week!
Total for January Grocery Challange: $124.32/$200.00
I think I might just succeed on this one, this month!
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Day #3 - Smoke Free
Well, I think I've made it over the worst of it...I think! Last night, hubby had had a bad day, so he wanted to have a few drinks. So he went out and got some bloody mary stuff. I've never tried them, so I told him I would try it. It was actually pretty good, but the mix he got was way to spicy. But I do think I could drink them, if they were made with regular V8. Anyhoo, I'm getting way off topic here already! I think he didn't want to drink alone, so he was talking me into having screwdriver (which I had about 3 sips of becuase the OJ was sour). Anyhoo, still off topic. I didn't want to drink this soon after quitting smoking, becuase I know I will have a really hard time drinking and not smoking, becuase to me they go hand in hand!
But I did it! I opened the garage door to go out to the man cave, to smoke....but turned around, shut the door and left hubby outside smoking alone! I am so proud of myself! If i was able to turn down a cigarette when it was right there in front of me, tempting me...I think I will really be able to kick this habit. While I was considering smoking, I just kept thinking to myself, that I have already conquered 2 days of not smoking, and dealing with the withdrawls. If I smoke now, those 2 days were for nothing, and I have to start all over with the withdrawal symptoms, and I didnt' want to do that.
I have to say that I am already feeling much better! I have waaaaay more energy during the day and my face is actually looking healthier. I no longer have the dark circles under my eyes, the changes are amazing after only 48 hours. When you are smoking, you know it is bad for you...but I don't think you realize just how actually poisonous it is until you quit and see what it was doing to your body!
I, of course, still have some nasty stuff going on. I keep coughing up junk out of my lungs. As annoying as it is, it is good for me. It is getting all the junk out of my lungs, and that can only be good. I am having trouble sleeping still. I can sleep for about an hour, then I wake up...so it is off and on all night long. I actually did get a couple of solid hours last night which was so nice! So maybe tonight, I'll be able to sleep better...I need to kick the afternoon java, that might help too!
I have gained a few pounds so far (all in the first day), but I think that it was becuase I was being careless and wasn't watching what I ate. I wasn't really prepared to quit smoking, I had no gum and no game plan...I just decided to do it...which so far is working out for me. But now, I am armed with gum and my weight isn't going back up! I plan on jumping on the elliptical today, so hopefully that will help! I've also noticed in the 2 days since quitting...I've been more...well, um, regular....so to speak. I've never been regular in my life, but the last 2 days has been like clockwork, so it will be interesting to see what this does for my digestive system. It actually seems to be working better now that I've kicked the butts. But we'll see! I definately think I might try to take up jogging, once I can breath a bit better! It'll help me keep the weight off and get down to my goal weight and stay smoke free!
But I did it! I opened the garage door to go out to the man cave, to smoke....but turned around, shut the door and left hubby outside smoking alone! I am so proud of myself! If i was able to turn down a cigarette when it was right there in front of me, tempting me...I think I will really be able to kick this habit. While I was considering smoking, I just kept thinking to myself, that I have already conquered 2 days of not smoking, and dealing with the withdrawls. If I smoke now, those 2 days were for nothing, and I have to start all over with the withdrawal symptoms, and I didnt' want to do that.
I have to say that I am already feeling much better! I have waaaaay more energy during the day and my face is actually looking healthier. I no longer have the dark circles under my eyes, the changes are amazing after only 48 hours. When you are smoking, you know it is bad for you...but I don't think you realize just how actually poisonous it is until you quit and see what it was doing to your body!
I, of course, still have some nasty stuff going on. I keep coughing up junk out of my lungs. As annoying as it is, it is good for me. It is getting all the junk out of my lungs, and that can only be good. I am having trouble sleeping still. I can sleep for about an hour, then I wake up...so it is off and on all night long. I actually did get a couple of solid hours last night which was so nice! So maybe tonight, I'll be able to sleep better...I need to kick the afternoon java, that might help too!
I have gained a few pounds so far (all in the first day), but I think that it was becuase I was being careless and wasn't watching what I ate. I wasn't really prepared to quit smoking, I had no gum and no game plan...I just decided to do it...which so far is working out for me. But now, I am armed with gum and my weight isn't going back up! I plan on jumping on the elliptical today, so hopefully that will help! I've also noticed in the 2 days since quitting...I've been more...well, um, regular....so to speak. I've never been regular in my life, but the last 2 days has been like clockwork, so it will be interesting to see what this does for my digestive system. It actually seems to be working better now that I've kicked the butts. But we'll see! I definately think I might try to take up jogging, once I can breath a bit better! It'll help me keep the weight off and get down to my goal weight and stay smoke free!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Misc. & Grocery Challange - Week #2
So far so good! We are still on budget. We did slip up and we went out to dinner twice this last weekend. We spend $90 on eating out!!!! It was a real eye opener for me, at least. Now, after watching how much we spend on groceries vs. how much it costs to eat out, I will definately be thinking twice about it!
Luckily, my winter blahs seem to have dissapeared! It has been in the 60's for the past 3 days, so that certainly cleared away the blahs for me! We were able to get out and do some outside activities on Sunday, I finally got my truck cleaned out, and we were able to take a walk yesterday! So, I think I will be able to make it through the rest of the winter, after this little reminder that spring will be here before I know it!
Aha! I almost forgot! I also quit smoking! Yes, you read that right. I am on Day #2 of quitting cold turkey, and actually...it hasn't been too bad. I've been able to keep my mood swings from driving everyone crazy. My mood gets a little short, once in a while...but last night with hubby and the kids, I just gave them a nice warning that I was about to blow, and they kind of knew to back off. Hubby is trying to quit too, but he always has a harder time. I know how hard it is firsthand, but whenever we try to quit together, I always get the impression that he is lying through his teeth to make me happy and never really has the intention to try to quit. Does that make sense? Like he really doesn't have the motivation at all.
Anyhoo, on to my January Grocery Challange! I still have not set foot in Wal-Mart, which is a huge part of my goal! This week I spent $52.30 on groceries. I went over a bit, but since I was under last week, I will overlook it! I have a total off $200 for the month...so right now, I am where I should be, actually a bit under! $96.44/$200
Jake's lunch each day: $.054
Tuna Sandwich
Granola Bar
Cheese Puffs
Water/Milk (add .09)
Pat Lunch each day: $.044
Ham Sandwich
Corn chips
I think I am just going to break down the dinners, so here they are:
$2.37 ~ Chicken Casserole (with cheese)
$5.92 ~ Meatless Chili Frito Pie (with cheese, sour cream & corn chips)
$2.18 ~ Goulash with Green Beans
$2.30 ~ Spaghetti with Homemade Garlic Bread
$1.43 ~ Hamburger Casserole w/ Veggie
$1.36 ~ Tator Tot Casserole w/ veggie
$3.18 ~ Eggs & Hash
So there it is. Breaking it down seems to be helping me stick to everything a bit better. I knew the frito pie would be expensive, but I didn't realize how much more expensive it would be than regular chili (check out last weeks menu for regular chili cost). I am so amazed at how little our meals are costing! I just need to stop taking hubby to the store...he is the one that talks me into the extras (like frito pie instead of chili)!
Luckily, my winter blahs seem to have dissapeared! It has been in the 60's for the past 3 days, so that certainly cleared away the blahs for me! We were able to get out and do some outside activities on Sunday, I finally got my truck cleaned out, and we were able to take a walk yesterday! So, I think I will be able to make it through the rest of the winter, after this little reminder that spring will be here before I know it!
Aha! I almost forgot! I also quit smoking! Yes, you read that right. I am on Day #2 of quitting cold turkey, and actually...it hasn't been too bad. I've been able to keep my mood swings from driving everyone crazy. My mood gets a little short, once in a while...but last night with hubby and the kids, I just gave them a nice warning that I was about to blow, and they kind of knew to back off. Hubby is trying to quit too, but he always has a harder time. I know how hard it is firsthand, but whenever we try to quit together, I always get the impression that he is lying through his teeth to make me happy and never really has the intention to try to quit. Does that make sense? Like he really doesn't have the motivation at all.
Anyhoo, on to my January Grocery Challange! I still have not set foot in Wal-Mart, which is a huge part of my goal! This week I spent $52.30 on groceries. I went over a bit, but since I was under last week, I will overlook it! I have a total off $200 for the month...so right now, I am where I should be, actually a bit under! $96.44/$200
Jake's lunch each day: $.054
Tuna Sandwich
Granola Bar
Cheese Puffs
Water/Milk (add .09)
Pat Lunch each day: $.044
Ham Sandwich
Corn chips
I think I am just going to break down the dinners, so here they are:
$2.37 ~ Chicken Casserole (with cheese)
$5.92 ~ Meatless Chili Frito Pie (with cheese, sour cream & corn chips)
$2.18 ~ Goulash with Green Beans
$2.30 ~ Spaghetti with Homemade Garlic Bread
$1.43 ~ Hamburger Casserole w/ Veggie
$1.36 ~ Tator Tot Casserole w/ veggie
$3.18 ~ Eggs & Hash
So there it is. Breaking it down seems to be helping me stick to everything a bit better. I knew the frito pie would be expensive, but I didn't realize how much more expensive it would be than regular chili (check out last weeks menu for regular chili cost). I am so amazed at how little our meals are costing! I just need to stop taking hubby to the store...he is the one that talks me into the extras (like frito pie instead of chili)!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Need motivation to beat the winter blahs...
I swear, I must definately come down with the winter blahs. Not at all depression-like, becuase I am happy and content. But I haven't left the house in at least a week. Today, I really need to run some errands, post office, groceries, bank, etc. And I just can't get motivated to get out of the house. It is just so cold and yucky outside, I just don't want to go anywhere! It might also be that I have had 2 kids home instead of 1 being in school, and where ever I go, I know I will have to take both of them, which just doubles the headaches!
I need to find some motivation to just get out of the house! It isn't really even laziness. I got up and showered, and basically, I could get my coat on and walk out of the house right now...I just don't want to! It is driving me crazy...I guess I am just going to have to buckle down and get everyone bundled up and go. Putting it off just isn't going to help anyone! We need groceries for dinner tonight!
On the plus side, my New Year's Plan is shaping up nicely. I have not spent ANY money other than groceries since the first of the year and my cleaning plan is working out. I set up different cleaning tasks for each day, to break it up, so it doesn't seem so daunting and it seems to be working. Today, I cleaned the bathroom & laundry rooms, and menu planned for the week! Things that totally would not have gotten done if I hadn't had a list made up to do them! So kudos to me for that!
I need to find some motivation to just get out of the house! It isn't really even laziness. I got up and showered, and basically, I could get my coat on and walk out of the house right now...I just don't want to! It is driving me crazy...I guess I am just going to have to buckle down and get everyone bundled up and go. Putting it off just isn't going to help anyone! We need groceries for dinner tonight!
On the plus side, my New Year's Plan is shaping up nicely. I have not spent ANY money other than groceries since the first of the year and my cleaning plan is working out. I set up different cleaning tasks for each day, to break it up, so it doesn't seem so daunting and it seems to be working. Today, I cleaned the bathroom & laundry rooms, and menu planned for the week! Things that totally would not have gotten done if I hadn't had a list made up to do them! So kudos to me for that!
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