Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
It has been a wild week with everything going on and I have been a little more distracted. I know this past weekend I picked up a few items at the grocery store but I cannot remember what they were or how much I paid…….can you tell what type of week it was!? Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.
Groceries from Publix and Walgreens
Publix Groceries:
- $7.43 at Publix for 1 box Maztos (on clearance), 1 bag Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins, 1 box Melba Toast, and 1 bag Rice & Lentils (on clearance).
Walgreens Groceries:
- $2.84 for 2 gallons Milk (on sale for $2.79 each and used a Register Reward)
We were able to get a few items this week. I almost didn’t post this week with everything going on but figured it keeps me more accountable when I share my weekly grocery budget especially during the busier times. Thanks for helping keep me on track!
This week I spent $10.27 on groceries. I was under on my budgeted amount for the week, yay! I was happy to find milk on sale. I hope that next week we can come under budget!
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Recipe: Apple Peel Confetti Crisps
Making Apple Peel Confetti Crisps with a variety of different apples
This past fall we went apple picking with the family, even though we have eaten all the apples from that day (we picked a bushel of apples which is approximately 40 pounds) whenever I pick up apples at the store the girls have several favorite recipes that we have tried and enjoy. One of their absolute favorites to eat and take to school is their Apple Peel Confetti Crisps.
It was one of those recipes that pop into my head at the last minute and turn out really well (not all of them turn out so well). As I was peeling some of the apples to make applesauce I noticed we had quite the accumulation of apple skins. I didn’t want all the skins to go to waste so I threw all of them into a big bowl, sprinkled a little bit of cinnamon and sugar on them, stirred and put them into the dehydrator for a few hours. What came out were what the girls named Apple Peel Confetti Crisps, a delightful sweet and crunchy apple peel snack.
- Apple Peels
- Dash of lemon juice
- Dash of Cinnamon & Sugar
Put the apple peels into a bowl. Stir in a little cinnamon and sugar for flavor. Put the apple peels into the dehydrator and cook until crispy. Remove from dehydrator and put into a ziplock bag. If you do not have a dehydrator you can set your oven at 250 and stir occasionally (works great if it is a convection oven).
We stored ours in the refrigerator but they should be fine at room temperature too since they are dried. Several kids in the girls class at school wanted to know if I could pack extra Apple Peel Confetti Crisps in the girls lunches so they could have some too. I was happy to hear the girls did share with their friends. One little boy said it was the best apple skin he had ever tasted and the only thing he would do different is add a little more sugar, ha! Loved that the rest of the first graders enjoyed the goodies as much as my girls.
Start with fresh apples
Peel the apple – Karlie taking a turn at peeling the granny smith apple
Stir a little cinnamon & sugar in with the apple peels
Put the apple peels in the dehydrator and let it run for 4 to 6 hours (or until the peels are crispy like the ones pictured above)
Apple Peel Confetti Crisps ready to eat!
Free Audio Book: “A Tale of Three Kings” by Gene Edwards
For the month of March Christian Audio is offering a free download of an audio book . This month the audio book is A Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards.
This modern classic will bring light, clarity, and comfort to the brokenhearted. Many Christians have experienced pain, loss, and heartache at the hands of other believers. To those believers, this compelling story offers comfort, healing and hope. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to a book to listen to throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to get a book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in February. Make sure to submit your order by February 29, 2012 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!
New Upromise eCoupons for March 2012
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of March 2012. Remember to activate your eCoupons to get additional savings. If you have not yet signed up for Upromise you can get more information regarding on our experience or directly at the Upromise website.
This month they have 26 coupons you can activate for bonus savings. Once you activate your eCoupons all you have to do is scan your rewards card or purchase the items at the store and the cash will be added to your account. You don’t even have to carry any coupons to get the rewards!
You can go to their website for more information on the Upromise program, it’s free to join.
Some Things……Just Make You Smile!
My smiley face greeting
One busy morning as I was getting items ready for work and making breakfast I noticed that the girls were a little more pre-occupied than normal. I heard whispers and giggles but from what I could see they weren’t being bad just mischievous. Soon I finished up what I was working on, moved onto the next task and they started eating breakfast. As we hurried off to do the activities for the day I noticed the item they were working on together out of the corner of my eye.
A smiley face….. They had taken their dry erase board and made a smiley face out of their nerf darts as a special surprise! As soon as they saw me pause at the edge of the room and glance at their artwork they burst into more giggles. “What do you think Mom!? Do you like it?” I love that the girls took the time to put together a silly “nerf smiley” face just to cheer me up. Even though life has a way of staying busy (to the point of crazy at times) it is moments like these that make me smile and count the amazing blessings I have been given. Take a few extra minutes to treasure your little ones today – give them an extra tight bear hug, talk with them, or read a book to them….these days are precious!
Giveaway: “Wits & Wagers Family” Game by North Star Games
I am thrilled to announce a new giveaway on Blessings Multiplied! The winner of this giveaway will receive a copy of Wits & Wagers Family by North Star Games! As a Mom, wife and friend I am always looking for ways to entertain my family and guests. After playing Wits & Wagers Family several times with my family (see my review) I know many of you will enjoy this game too! This game has quickly become a favorite with our family. Here’s how to enter the giveaway:
- Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied. Sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
- You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing what types of game you enjoy playing.
All comments must be made by March 31st at 10:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.
You can learn more information about this great book and my review on Wits & Wagers Family by North Star Games.
*A special thanks to North Star Games, specifically Dominic Crapuchettes and Luke Warren, for the providing this game for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to Our “Dining On A Dime Cookbook” Winner!
The name has been drawn for the giveaway!
CONGRATULATIONS to
Kristina Nunez
for winning a copy of
Dining On A Dime Cookbook by Tawra Kellam and Jill Cooper!
Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!
An email has been sent to you with more information*
Enjoy Reading Your New Cookbook & Saving Money!
Don’t forget to enter our next Giveaway (the next giveaway will be announced later this morning)!
*Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced. Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.
Introducing……the Newest Members of Our Family – “Shipwreck” & “Overboard”
Our newest family members “Shipwreck” and “Overboard”
When we first moved into our house (almost 10 years ago) we set up a fish tank and put in two red ear slider turtles. One was called “Slider” and the other was named “Rigel”. They lived for about 8 years each. It has been almost 2 years since we have had little friends in that fish tank. My neighbor had mentioned several times that I need to go by the Wednesday Pickens County Jockey Lot sometime. I had a Wednesday off one cold and rainy day so I decided that it would be the day to check it out. That’s when I found these two little guys, the only thing I bought that day.
Karlie & Brina get to pick out 1 box to open…..they have to use their “reading” skills to chose the best option!
When the girls came home from school we had two boxes on the kitchen floor one had the word “turtle” written on the top and the other one had the word “nothing”. After their homework they had the opportunity to pick which box they wanted to open for their surprise. They were able to sound out the words and decided to pick the one marked “turtle”.
The girls decided to pick the box marked “turtle”, good choice kiddos!
Peeking into the box to see what is in the box……followed by squeals of delight!
“Shipwreck” and “Overboard” in their little tank
When I brought the turtles home they were the size of a quarter.
Trying to escape already
The girls were excited to see the new family members. It took us a couple weeks before we came up with their names but everyone agreed on “Shipwreck” and “Overboard”. It has been quite entertaining to have these two little guys around. They have a lot of personality and are constantly re-arranging their tank.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 29 – March 6, 2012
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. It is a great time to stock up on some Save A Lot deals. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Bone In Pork Sirloin Roast – $1.39 lb
Beef Sirloin Tip Roast – $2.99 lb
Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 lb
Schooner Fish Fillets (12 oz) – $2.99
Cooked Cocktail Shrimp (40 to 60 count) – $4.99
Portside Popcorn Shrimp (8 oz) – $1.99
Family Pack Cube Steak – $3.49 lb
Family Pack Stew Meat – $2.99 lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going! Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts or types of meats, vegetables and more. Here are a few of the specials they have going on with the Pick 5 for $19.99 this week (each item approximately $3.99):
Redi-Serve Chicken Patties (35 oz)
Redi-Serve Chicken Nibblers, Original or Chicken & Cheddar (30 to 36 oz)
Redi-Serve Chicken Strips, Original or Hot ‘n Spicy (36 oz)
Redi-Serve Charbroiled Rib Patties (26 oz)
Signature Pick 5 Pizza, Pepperoni or Supreme (26 to 28 oz)
Signature Pick 5 Seasoned Potato Wedges (2.5 pounds)
Signature Pick 5 Sausage & Biscuits (12 count)
Signature Pick 5 Onion Rings (2 pounds)
Signature Pick 5 Corn on the Cob (3 pounds)
Signature Pick 5 Corn Dogs (25.6 oz)
Signature Pick 5 Shrimp Poppers (24 oz)
Extra Value Boneless Pork Patties (22.4 oz)
Extra Value Country Fried Steak (20 oz)
Extra Value Breakfast Fritters (24 oz)
Extra Value Pork Chop Fritters (24 oz)
Extra Value Chuckwagon Patties (24 oz)
Extra Value Boneless Pork Patty Rib (24 oz)
Extra Value Beef Meatloaf Patties (22 oz)
Extra Value Beef Salisbury Patties (22 oz)
Extra Value Beef Pepper Patties (22 oz)
Farmland Pork Roll Sausage (2 pounds)
Sugardale Smoked or Polish Sausage (3 pounds)
Smithfield Thick Sliced Bacon (20 oz)
Sugardale Jumbo Hotdogs (3 pounds)
Fridge and Freezer
Tortino Pizza Rolls, Combo or Pepperoni (40 count) – $2.50
Freshchetta Pizza – $4.99
Tropicana Pure Premium Orange Juice (58 oz) – $2.99
Produce
Russet Potatoes (10 pounds) – $2.99
Navel Oranges (8 pounds) – $4.99
Mixed Apples & Oranges (4 pounds) – $2.99
Red or Gold Delicious Apples (3 pounds) – $1.99
Green Cabbage – $0.25 lb
Fresh Tomatoes (6 pack) – $1.99
Broccoli – $1.50
Cauliflower – $1.50
Household
Pert Paper Towels (8 count) – $4.99
Pert Toilet Paper (24 rolls) – $4.99
Save A Lot Today Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.50
Save A Lot Today Glass Cleaner – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Cleaner with Beach – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Pine Cleaner Spray – $1.00
Save A Lot Today Soap Scum Remover – $1.00
Lysol Toilet Bowl Cleaner – $2.39
Use $0.50/1 printable coupon from Lysol
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 2/5 Smart Source (Expires 3/6/12)
$1.89 each after couponClorox Kitchen Cleaner – $3.89
Go Ultra Liquid Dish Detergent (24 oz) – $1.99
Grocery
Folgers Country Roast Coffee (34.5 oz) – $6.99
Use $0.25/1 coupon from 2/5 Red Plum (Expires 3/5/12)
$6.74 each after couponWesson Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
Kelloggs Cereal, Assorted Varieties (17 to 23 oz) – $2.99
Use $1.00/3 coupon from Kelloggs
$2.66 each after couponStarkist Chunk Light Tuna (5 oz) – $0.79
Betty Crocker Tuna Helper, Assorted Varieties (5 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Ocean Spray Cranberry Juice, Assorted Varieties (64 oz) – $1.98
Hunt’s Pasta Sauce (24 oz) – $0.88
Cheez-Its (7 to 9 oz) – $1.79
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 1/29 Red Plum (Expires 3/25/12)
$1.29 each after couponSo Cheezy Family Size Shells & Cheddar (24 oz) – $1.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Fresh & Healthy: Lunch Box Meals
Lunch box goodies
About once a week I pack a special treat for the girls. This week in their little container I put two Hershey Bliss Milk Chocolate Meltaways and one of each color of M&M’s. The girls love getting these goodies and enjoy sharing with their friends as well. Here’s what they had today:
- Peanut Butter & Homemade Strawberry Jam
- Fresh Red & Green Peppers
- Fresh Strawberries
- Pita Chips or Quaker Granola Bar
- Yogurt
- Banana Muffin
- Juice Bag or Container
- 2 Hershey Bliss Chocolate Meltaways
- 5 M&M’s
Special treats in their lunch today
Fresh fruit & veggies
