August is here as of 21 minutes ago. And it's hot. Too hot for me. Katiedid sure enjoyed her yellow popsicle. I think most of it melted into the stroller. She doesn't like dirty hands, so we had to give a quick wash when we got home. Funny baby.
We have three birthdays this month, and several other family and friends celebrate. I'm racking my brain for creative and cHeAp ways to celebrate. I just got "the list" from the soon to be 11 year old. I told him to be happy to play his baseball with his new glove in his fancy pants. He wasn't pleased, but got the point.
Why does everything have to cost so much??? Seriously, it can be overwhelming. I try to buy local, natural foods, but am amazed at the prices. A chicken costs $12-$15. And it takes TWO to feed my family.
A few tips I like to use for keeping the grocery bill (somewhat) manageable:
1. Buy Bulk. I love Country Life Natural Foods but don't have the opportunity to shop there much anymore, being 1300 miles away and all.
2. Plan, plan, plan! When I make out a menu, we eat out less and eat more healthily.
3. Leftovers Lunches. The kids and I eat lots of leftovers for lunches, so I ususally don't alot grocery items for lunches.
4. Double Batches. I lOvE to do this! It's great for a quick meal, or for lunches as well. Sloppy Joes, Spaghetti Sauce, Soup, and Meatballs are some of my favorite items to freeze.
5. Pass up the Boxes. I really don't buy food in boxes. In fact, a few months ago I needed to buy cookies and COULDN"T find them in the grocery store. I felt kind of dumb, but was glad that no one seemed to remember where the oreo aisle was. With school starting soon comes the question of balancing prep time, money saved, and healthiness. I seem to never have the right answer here.
I'm planning to build my menus every month during the school year. I already have them printed out and begun. Breakfasts are going to be the same seven things every week, lunches will be easy things like sandwiches and leftovers, and dinners will follow a theme night. (Meatless Monday, Pasta Tuesday, Etc.) I'm hoping to cut my grocery bill a few hundred $$s and spend more money on fun stuff. I won't compromise and feed my babies Ramen noodles and poptarts, though.
1 comment:
So glad you are blogging again! I had to laugh a little when you said you like to double recipes. Don't you have to double them just to feed your beautiful family?? I'm guessing your recipes feed more than mine!
I like to menu plan for the month, as well. I like the theme night idea. I might try that this month and see how it goes.
Looking forward to following along with your life on your blog!
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