Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
Groceries from CVS, Walgreens, & RiteAid It was my first week of doing my new cash budget system – Groceries $40 for 4. Although it has been a learning process the week has gone pretty well so far. Since this my first week am I still testing the water and we continue trying to utilize the food we already have in our pantry and freezer. Here is my grocery spending for the week:
- $1.61 at Walgreens for 2 cans of Mandarin Oranges and 1 can of Mushrooms
- $7.96 at RiteAid for a gallon of Milk, 2 packs of Cheese, 1 container of Sour Cream
- $3.72 at CVS for a 24 pack of Bottled Water and 2 boxes of Popcorn
Groceries from Ingles and CVS! - $1.98 at CVS for another 24 pack of Bottled Water (Jake should be set for a little bit!) & Free Mike-n-Ikes Candy!
- $10.00 at Ingles for Strawberries, Oranges, Tangerines, Onion, Seafood, and Apples.
Groceries from Aldi's - $14.06 at Aldi’s for Pineapple’s ($0.99 each), Salmon Fillets, 2 Cheese Packages, Cucumber, Bananas, Cheese sticks, and Celery.
It was our first week of the challenge – Groceries $40 for 4 and we spent $39.33 so we were very close to going over. I was disappointed to see RiteAid’s milk spike up this week, but thrilled to get the 24 packs of water for $1.98 as well as some fresh fruit and veggies on sale. I used some coupons, bought clearance items, and utilized weekly ad discounts to help save us a little extra on our grocery budget. Since it was my first week I was testing the water and hope to do better next week now that we have replenished our fruit and veggie drawers. We’ll see how I do!
I hope 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. I hope by taking the extra time to watch my grocery spending it will allow us to feed our family, enjoy life, 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.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of March 9 – 15, 2011
The Save A Lot deals are continued from last week so if you haven’t had an opportunity to stock up on these items you have another week to do it. Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Pork Picnic Roast – $0.99 lb
Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast – $1.49 per lb
Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb
Schooner Fish Fillets (2 lbs) – $4.99
Port Side Battered or Breaded Fish Fillets – $2.99
Port Side Cooked Shrimp – $3.99
Port Side Popcorn Shrimp – $2.17
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Fruit or Pot Pies – $0.50
Totino’s Party Pizzas – $1.19
Use $1/5 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 5/7/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 5/7/11)
Use $1.25/4 coupon from insert 1/30 Smart Source (Expires 4/23/11)
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 1/23 Red Plum (Expires 4/16/11)
As low as $0.69 each after coupon
Michelina Pizza Rolls – $1.99
Coburn Farms Shredded Cheese – $2.59
Haas Cheesecake – $3.49
Household
Trend Laundry Detergent – $1.88
Triumph Big Roll Papers Towels – $1.29
Solutions Glass Cleaner – $0.99
Glo Classic Dish Liquid – $0.99
Angel Soft Bath Tissue – $2.49
Produce
Idaho Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.49
Navel Oranges (3 lbs) – $1.49
Whole Watermelons (select locations) – $3.99 each
Grocery
Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail Juice – $.188
General Mills Cereal (24 to 25.2 oz) – $2.49
Use $1/3 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 3/26/11)
$2.16 each after coupon
Prego Spaghetti Sauce (24 oz) $1.50
Use $0.35/2 coupon from insert 1/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/31/11)
Use $0.60/3 coupon from insert 1/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/31/11)
As low as $1.20 each after coupon
So Cheezy Shells & Cheddar or Deluxe Mac & Cheese – $1.00
Del Pino’s Beef or Mini Beef Ravioli – $1.50
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce – $1.39
Portmann’s Seafood Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
J Higg’s Potato Chips – $0.99
Save-A-Lot Soda – $0.69
Crystal Drinking Water (24 package) – $2.49
Kaskey’s Onion Soup Mix – $0.79
Portmann’s Real Mayonnaise – $1.99
Panner Peanut Butter – $1.47
Bramler’s Grape Jelly – $1.49
J Higg’s Saltine Crackers – $0.89
Kaskey’s Chunky Soup – $1.49
Mantia’s Spaghetti – $0.79
Mantia’s Grated Parmesan Cheese – $2.49
Crisco Vegetable or Canola Oil – $2.49
Green Giant Vegetables – $0.59
T.G.I. Friday’s Cheddar Bacon Potato Skins – $0.99
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding – $0.99
Bakery
Country Treats Donut Holes – $2.29
JJ’s Chocolate Pie – $0.44
Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pie – $2.99
Theodoro Mini Bagels – $1.49
Lofthouse Pink Frosted Sugar Cookies – $2.49
Guiseppe’s Garlic Bread – $1.79
Baby
Tickles Diapers – $5.99
Pet
Trooper Dog Food – $5.99
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.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of March 2 – 8, 2011
Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Pork Picnic Roast – $0.99 lb
Frozen Boneless Chicken Breast – $1.49 per lb
Ground Beef (73% lean) – $1.99 per lb
Schooner Fish Fillets (2 lbs) – $4.99
Port Side Battered or Breaded Fish Fillets – $2.99
Port Side Cooked Shrimp – $3.99
Port Side Popcorn Shrimp – $2.17
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Fruit or Pot Pies – $0.50
Totino’s Party Pizzas – $1.19
Use $1/5 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 5/7/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 5/7/11)
Use $1.25/4 coupon from insert 1/30 Smart Source (Expires 4/23/11)
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 1/23 Red Plum (Expires 4/16/11)
As low as $0.69 each after coupon
Michelina Pizza Rolls – $1.99
Coburn Farms Shredded Cheese – $2.59
Haas Cheesecake – $3.49
Household
Trend Laundry Detergent – $1.88
Triumph Big Roll Papers Towels – $1.29
Solutions Glass Cleaner – $0.99
Glo Classic Dish Liquid – $0.99
Angel Soft Bath Tissue – $2.49
Produce
Idaho Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.49
Navel Oranges (3 lbs) – $1.49
Whole Watermelons (select locations) – $3.99 each
Grocery
Ocean Spray Cranberry Cocktail Juice – $.188
General Mills Cereal (24 to 25.2 oz) – $2.49
Use $1/3 coupon from insert 2/13 General Mills (Expires 3/26/11)
$2.16 each after coupon
Prego Spaghetti Sauce (24 oz) $1.50
Use $0.35/2 coupon from insert 1/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/31/11)
Use $0.60/3 coupon from insert 1/2 Smart Source (Expires 3/31/11)
As low as $1.20 each after coupon
So Cheezy Shells & Cheddar or Deluxe Mac & Cheese – $1.00
Del Pino’s Beef or Mini Beef Ravioli – $1.50
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce – $1.39
Portmann’s Seafood Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
J Higg’s Potato Chips – $0.99
Save-A-Lot Soda – $0.69
Crystal Drinking Water (24 package) – $2.49
Kaskey’s Onion Soup Mix – $0.79
Portmann’s Real Mayonnaise – $1.99
Panner Peanut Butter – $1.47
Bramler’s Grape Jelly – $1.49
J Higg’s Saltine Crackers – $0.89
Kaskey’s Chunky Soup – $1.49
Mantia’s Spaghetti – $0.79
Mantia’s Grated Parmesan Cheese – $2.49
Crisco Vegetable or Canola Oil – $2.49
Green Giant Vegetables – $0.59
T.G.I. Friday’s Cheddar Bacon Potato Skins – $0.99
Hunt’s Snack Pack Pudding – $0.99
Bakery
Country Treats Donut Holes – $2.29
JJ’s Chocolate Pie – $0.44
Bakery Fresh Cherry or Apple Pie – $2.99
Theodoro Mini Bagels – $1.49
Lofthouse Pink Frosted Sugar Cookies – $2.49
Guiseppe’s Garlic Bread – $1.79
Baby
Tickles Diapers – $5.99
Pet
Trooper Dog Food – $5.99
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.
New Upromise eCoupons for March 2011
Upromise has posted their new eCoupons for the month of March 2011. 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 41 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.
Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping (February Update)
Now that we are almost through February 2011 you may be wondering how I am doing with my No Grocery Shopping Month Challenge. I am wrapping up week 8 of my “No Grocery Shopping” goal. This month has been harder because the pantry and freezer are getting lower but for the most part I have been doing well as long as I do my menu planning ahead of schedule. When I go over what I am going to make for supper that morning, check for the ingredients, and have a plan everything goes so much smoother. Here are my criteria for purchasing any grocery items over the last 8 weeks:- FREE – I don’t want to waste free grocery coupons that my family will use while doing this goal
- Necessity – Milk, Eggs, Bread, etc…
- For Someone Else outside of my household. For example I make meals for new Moms in our church and if I need to pick up an item for them on the way to deliver a meal that will be an exception.
Although with all that being said I did have to purchase a few items not really within my guidelines for one meal recently. I was in charge of making our Community Group meal at church last Wednesday, we have an average of 16 to 20 people on Wednesday night. While we still have plenty to feed our family of four, I did pick up a couple items from the store to make the meal last week since there are people in the group that have food allergies and I wanted to make sure I had items that they could eat. The extra items that were not in my guidelines were:
- Bananas which I bought at Save A Lot | Rite Aid for $0.19 a pound to make homemade banana pudding, it was delicious!
- 2 lb bag of Green Giant Potatoes for $2.49 to make homemade potato soup, my friends recipe! You can find more of her great recipes at Reflecting on the Simple Things in Life!
- 1 cup Heavy Cream for homemade potato soup
- 1 onion for $0.68 for the homemade beef stew
So now you know that I didn’t entirely hit my goal of no grocery shopping except for necessities. When I first set the No Grocery Shopping challenge I was hoping to get through the month of January, the fact that I plan to make it to the first few days into March with only a few extra purchases during the challenge is a huge win (at least for me). In the month of February the only other groceries I have purchased are:
- 5 gallons of Milk
- 2 packages of Cheese
- 1 Loaf of Bread
For the most part the No Grocery Shopping challenge went fairly well. I spent a little over $19 (including tax) for the month of February on grocery necessities. We even did extra activities during this time of cutting back. Doing this challenge may seem silly to some but it has made a huge impact on my way of thinking. It has been a wonderful learning experience and made me appreciate how many blessings we have in our lives. I hope to do a similar challenge in the future to help remind me of the importance of saving as well as using the items we have on hand. Even with the challenge we were still able to participate in several extra events in February while only using items in our freezer or pantry:
- Hosted Guests in our Home
- Made food for a Super Bowl Party
- Brought Treats to the Girls Valentine’s Party
- Brought Cupcakes and Drinks to the Girls Birthday Party for School
- Had Snacks for Girls Night
I do have to say that I had a hard time buying the few extra items that I purchased this month……I felt guilty buying extra food during this challenge especially when I know we still have plenty. I am grateful for an amazing husband and two wonderful kids who put up with me throughout this adventure. It is my plan to try and make it through the first few days of March (only 1 more week) with this goal, which will be 9 weeks of only shopping for the necessities (with a few hiccups in the mix). I want to thank everyone for all the support and encouragement along the way. One of the BIGGEST ways that helped keep me accountable is that I knew people were watching, reading and commenting on the blog. Thanks for being a part of my life and helping me at least feel like I touched a finger tip on my goal.
So what’s next!!!! In the next few days I will be sharing with you my next Grocery Shopping Goal, don’t worry it won’t be as extreme, however I want to continue to utilize the stockpile we still have and not waste what God has given us. With this new challenge it will allow me the freedom to Grocery Shop for the family yet stay within a budget, PLUS perks! Stayed tuned as I unveil what is coming up next and if your up to it you can join me in the next adventure!
Life Simplified is a series on getting rid of the extras in our life while learning how to enjoy what God has given us so we can continue to be a blessing to others. Our homes can quickly start are bursting with “stuff” and if you are like us we just have too much. I am doing a series on ways we are learning to simplifying our food, homes, and lives. When our hearts, lives, and homes get too cluttered we may start missing out on opportunities to serve and bless the people around us.
Photo by Little Blue Hen
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 23 – March 1, 2011
The deals from last week are continuing again this week, if you didn’t stock up on these great deals already you have another opportunity. Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Hillshire Farms (Beef, Polska, Smoked Sausage) – $1.99
Use $1/2 coupon from 1/23 Red Plum (Expires 2/28/11)
$1.49 each after couponFast Fixin’ Chicken – $4.00
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Mr P’s Pizza (Supreme or Pepproni) – $0.59
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $0.99
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
$0.24 each after couponOcean Market Fish Fillets – $0.99
Morning Delight Buttermilk Biscuits – $0.39
Home Churned Spread – $0.99
Fairgrounds Sliced Meat – $0.50
Armour Lunchmakers – $0.99
McClary’s Singles – $0.99
Deli Pride Sandwich – $0.99
Household
Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99
Ajax Liquid Dish Soap – $0.99
Pert Bath Tissue – $0.89
Produce
Red and Green Grapes – $0.99 per lb
Cantaloupe – $1.49 each
Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Grocery
Frito Lay (Doritos, Cheetos, & Scoops) – $0.89
Maruchan Ramen Cups – $0.79
Red Gold Tomato Sauce – $0.50
Hungry Jack Specialty Potatoes – $1.00
Betty Crocker Hamburger or Tuna Helper – $1.00
Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.39
Portside Chunk Light Tuna – $0.53
Hargis House Vienna Sausage – $0.37
Hargis House Chili with Beans – $0.99
Hargis House Chili without Beans – $1.29
Sundia Fruit Cups – $0.89
Caskey’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – $0.59
J. Higg’s Classic Saltine Crackers – $0.89
J. Higg’s Cheese Bit Crackers – $1.49
Coburn Farms Hot Chocolate – $1.19
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce – $1.39
Kool-Aid Bursts – $0.99
Vista Sandwich Creme Cookies – $0.99
Chef Karlin Potato Pouches – $0.79
Ravella Swift Mac – $0.69
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.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 16 – 22, 2011
Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Hillshire Farms (Beef, Polska, Smoked Sausage) – $1.99
Use $1/2 coupon from 1/23 Red Plum (Expires 2/28/11)
$1.49 each after couponFast Fixin’ Chicken – $4.00
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Mr P’s Pizza (Supreme or Pepproni) – $0.59
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks – $0.99
Use $0.75/1 printable coupon from Fisher Boy
$0.24 each after couponOcean Market Fish Fillets – $0.99
Morning Delight Buttermilk Biscuits – $0.39
Home Churned Spread – $0.99
Fairgrounds Sliced Meat – $0.50
Armour Lunchmakers – $0.99
McClary’s Singles – $0.99
Deli Pride Sandwich – $0.99
Household
Luster Facial Tissues – $0.99
Ajax Liquid Dish Soap – $0.99
Pert Bath Tissue – $0.89
Produce
Red and Green Grapes – $0.99 per lb
Cantaloupe – $1.49 each
Vine Ripe Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Grocery
Frito Lay (Doritos, Cheetos, & Scoops) – $0.89
Maruchan Ramen Cups – $0.79
Red Gold Tomato Sauce – $0.50
Hungry Jack Specialty Potatoes – $1.00
Betty Crocker Hamburger or Tuna Helper – $1.00
Del Pino’s Canned Pasta – $0.69
Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix – $0.39
Portside Chunk Light Tuna – $0.53
Hargis House Vienna Sausage – $0.37
Hargis House Chili with Beans – $0.99
Hargis House Chili without Beans – $1.29
Sundia Fruit Cups – $0.89
Caskey’s Cream of Mushroom Soup – $0.59
J. Higg’s Classic Saltine Crackers – $0.89
J. Higg’s Cheese Bit Crackers – $1.49
Coburn Farms Hot Chocolate – $1.19
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce – $1.39
Kool-Aid Bursts – $0.99
Vista Sandwich Creme Cookies – $0.99
Chef Karlin Potato Pouches – $0.79
Ravella Swift Mac – $0.69
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.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 9 – 15, 2011
The deals from last week are continuing again this week, if you didn’t stock up on these great deals already you have another opportunity. They have a great deal on long stem roses for Valentine’s Day if anyone is looking to pick up some flowers. Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Valentine’s Day Item – Long Stem Roses (1 Dozen) – $12.99
Meats and Seafood
Ekrich Hot Dogs or Bologna – $0.99
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – $0.89 per lb
Pork Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb
Boneless Pork Roast – $1.99 per lb
Fast Fixin’ Chicken (up to 43.2 oz)- $4.00
Primo Italian Sausage or Brats – $3.29
Ground Chuck – $2.49 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Sunny D Citrus Punch (128 oz) – $1.79
Use $0.25/1 coupon from 1/16 Smart Source (Expires 4/30/11)
$1.54 each after couponMichelina’s Snack Rolls (45 oz) – $3.99
Coburn Farm Singles – $1.99
Blue Bonnet Spread – $1.99
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $0.99
Sparkle Paper Towels (6 rolls) $4.99
Produce
Peaches or Nectarines – $0.99 per lb
Grocery
Quaker Instant Oatmeal (10 pack) – $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/2 Red Plum (Expires 4/30/11)
$0.99 each after couponRed Gold Tomato Sauce – $0.50
Hungry Jack Specialty Potatoes – $1.00
Betty Crocker Hamburger or Tuna Helper – $1.00
McDaniel’s French Roast Coffee – $4.99
McDaniel’s Donut Shop Coffee – $3.99
Crystal Drinking Water (24 pack) – $2.49
Save A Lot Brand Soda – $0.69
J Higgs Buttery Rounds – $1.49
Ginger Evans Brownie Mix – $1.39
Albany Bakery Cookies (Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal) – $0.99
Salted or Roasted Peanuts – $1.99
Nature Trails Chewy Granola Bars – $1.99
Power Cycle 2x Ultra – $2.99
Sundia Fruit Cups – $0.89
Mike Sell’s Groovy Potato Chips – $2.49
Chex Mix – $0.99
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/30 Smart Source (Expires 3/26/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/2 General Mills (Expires 2/26/11)
$0.59 each after couponGeneral Mills (Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams or Trix) – $1.99
Use $1/3 coupon from 1/2 General Mills (Expires 2/12/11)
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/9 Smart Source (Expires 2/19/11)
$1.45 each after couponMarcum Chili Seasoning – $0.39
Diane’s Garden Tomato Paste – $0.39
Wylwood Kidney or Chili Beans – $0.65
Diane’s Garden Dice or Stewed Tomatoes – $0.59
J Higgs Classic Saltine Crackers – $0.89
Senora Verde Tortilla Chips – $0.99
Senora Verde Mild or Medium Salsa – $1.59
Senora Verde Tomatoes or Green Chilies – $0.59
Country Crossings Marvella Cheese Spread – $3.49
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.
Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping (Recipes)
I am now wrapping up week number 5 in my No Grocery Shopping challenge! It has been a fun adventure for our family as we continue to find ways to make the food in our fridge and pantry stretch! Some of the recipes over the last few weeks have been a huge hit in our family for years while others were different. We are always looking for ways to create healthy meals that everyone enjoys without wasting the food we have in our home.For those who have been emailing me about what we’ve been eating here are a few of our low budget main dish recipes:
Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
I came up with this recipe a couple years ago when I was trying to use up some leftovers in the fridge. It has since become a favorite at our house. The neat part about this recipe is that it can be easily altered based on the ingredients you have in your refrigerator. We usually have a stock pile of Wacky Mac because we use double coupons at Ingles, Bi-Lo, or Publix plus we get extra money back from Upromise eCoupons which makes most of our purchases of Wacky Mac free plus some overage. Dairy products are regular staples in our house so it makes this recipe fairly easy to make anytime.
Macaroni & Cheese Casserole
The neat part about this recipe is that it can be easily altered based on the ingredients you have in your refrigerator. It is a simple recipe that is almost impossible to mess up.Servings: 8Equipment
- 9x7 Pyrex Casserole dish
Ingredients
- 12 oz Wacky Mac Veggie Noodles (Any shape pasta can be used, but the girls love the mixed shapes and colors of Wacky Mac)
- 1-2 cups Milk (depending on how rich you want it, powder milk works too or add a touch of sour cream to increase the richness)
- 1 cup Velveeta Cheese (cubed)
- 1 tbsp Butter or Margarine
- 1 cup Shredded Cheese (I use up the partial bags in our fridge so it is usually Cheddar, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Colby, etc..)
- 2-3 cups Water (You want 4 cups liquid, if you add more milk, reduce the water)
- dash Salt, Pepper, and Garlic to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add all the ingredients above except the water to a casserole dish.
- The water will be different based on what you add to your casserole. Add enough water to cover the noodles and stir everything together.
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees. After 15 minutes of baking stir the casserole than continue baking for an additional 45 minutes. The top of the casserole will be crunchy (everyone’s favorite part) but should not burn.
Notes
I have also been known to cut of cheese slices or put in a couple spoons of cottage cheese. It really is a “use up the leftovers” type of Marconi & Cheese Casserole! If you want you can add a cup of fresh or canned tomatoes that tastes great too.Chicken Pot Pie
After several days of cooking we will often use the meat and vegetable leftovers in the fridge to make a Pot Pie. Our favorite is the Chicken Pot Pie, but we have made several variations of Beef and Ham Pot Pies as well. You can often get Store Brand Pie Crusts on sale or clearance for a great price if you them on hand use those otherwise the recipe below includes how to make your own pie crust with a few basic ingredients.
Chicken Pot Pie
A family favorite, chicken pot pie is a simple way to use up the remaining chicken that doesn't taste like a "leftovers" meal.Servings: 8Equipment
- 9 inch pie pan
Ingredients
Pie Crust
- 2 1/4 cups All Purpose Flour
- 3/4 cups Crisco Shortening
- 1 tssp Salt
- 5 tbsp Water (cold)
Filling
- 1 to 2 cups Cooked Chicken (use leftover or canned Chicken)
- 1 to 2 cups Cooked Vegetables (use leftover or canned Veggies)
- 1 can Cream of Chicken Soup
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix together the ingredients for the crust until the dough is formed, split the dough in half.
- Roll out half of the pie crust (add more flour if necessary). Place half of the pie crust in the bottom of a 8 or 9 inch pie pan.
- Stir together the Chicken Pot Pie filling ingredients. Add the filling to the pie pan.
- Top with remaining pie crust. Roll the edges of the bottom and top crust together. Cut a few slices in the top of the pot pie, (I usually will do a smile face or Christmas Tree or heart just for fun. The girls are always looking to see the design on the the top prior to eating it.)
- Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour. Check halfway through and if the crust is getting too dark put a piece of foil over the top to keep it from burning.
Pasta Night
We will often have a “Pasta” night which is a quick and easy meal that our family enjoys. It is one of our “meatless” meals. Many times Pasta nights consists of cooking:
Poor Man's Pasta
Don't let the name fool you. This is a simple staple that is quick and easy to make, yet still a comforting favorite.Servings: 4Cost: $3Ingredients
- 4 cups Elbow Noodles
- 1/2 tbsp Butter or Margarine
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (aka. "Shaky Cheese")
Instructions
- Cook the noodles, drain and add the butter. Sprinkle Shaky Cheese over your noodles and enjoy.
Notes
I add veggies and fruit to round out the meal. It is quick, simple, and inexpensive.Spinach Chicken Casserole
This is another one of those quick recipes I threw together to use up some extra chicken we had in the fridge that was a hit with the family.
Spinach Chicken Casserole
This is a quick "throw together" meal that tastes great and feels like it should have taken more time.Servings: 6Ingredients
- 2 to 3 cups Cubed Chicken (or you can use 2 to 3 frozen whole Chicken Breasts)
- 1 can Spinach
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 4 oz Sliced Mushrooms (Optional: Canned works best)
- 2 slices Provolone or Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 cups Rice (uncooked)
- 2 to 4 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Pour the 2 cups of uncooked rice and water if necessary into a casserole dish. Add the Chicken on top of the rice.
- Mix together the Spinach and Cream of Mushroom then add it on top of the Chicken.
- Spread the sliced mushrooms over the spinach mixture.
- Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
- Add the cheese on top 10 to 15 minutes before the casserole is done.
Veggie Beef Soup is another one we put together with items we have on hand.
Along with the main meals we have a fruit and vegetable. We still have chicken and beef weekly as well as fish every couple of weeks to make sure everyone is getting the nutritional meals they need.
I will continue to share with you the challenges and successes so you can keep me accountable or even go through the journey with me by participating and sharing your story. As I extend this goal into at least the first part of February I hope to have the opportunity to share more about what we are doing to make it stretch! Let’s see if we can finish yet another week of the No Grocery Shopping challenge!
Life Simplified is a series on getting rid of the extras in our life while learning how to enjoy what God has given us so we can continue to be a blessing to others. Our homes can quickly start are bursting with “stuff” and if you are like us we just have too much. I am doing a series on ways we are learning to simplifying our food, homes, and lives. When our hearts, lives, and homes get too cluttered we may start missing out on opportunities to serve and bless the people around us.
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of February 2 – 8, 2011
Here are this weeks deals at Save A Lot. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Ekrich Hot Dogs or Bologna – $0.99
Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks – $0.89 per lb
Pork Spare Ribs – $1.99 per lb
Boneless Pork Roast – $1.99 per lb
Fast Fixin’ Chicken (up to 43.2 oz)- $4.00
Primo Italian Sausage or Brats – $3.29
Ground Chuck – $2.49 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Sunny D Citrus Punch (128 oz) – $1.79
Use $0.25/1 coupon from 1/16 Smart Source (Expires 4/30/11)
$1.54 each after couponMichelina’s Snack Rolls (45 oz) – $3.99
Coburn Farm Singles – $1.99
Blue Bonnet Spread – $1.99
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates (40 count) – $0.99
Sparkle Paper Towels (6 rolls) $4.99
Produce
Peaches or Nectarines – $0.99 per lb
Grocery
Quaker Instant Oatmeal (10 pack) – $1.99
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/2 Red Plum (Expires 4/30/11)
$0.99 each after couponRed Gold Tomato Sauce – $0.50
Hungry Jack Specialty Potatoes – $1.00
Betty Crocker Hamburger or Tuna Helper – $1.00
Long Stem Roses (1 Dozen) – $12.99
McDaniel’s French Roast Coffee – $4.99
McDaniel’s Donut Shop Coffee – $3.99
Crystal Drinking Water (24 pack) – $2.49
Save A Lot Brand Soda – $0.69
J Higgs Buttery Rounds – $1.49
Ginger Evans Brownie Mix – $1.39
Albany Bakery Cookies (Chocolate Chip or Oatmeal) – $0.99
Salted or Roasted Peanuts – $1.99
Nature Trails Chewy Granola Bars – $1.99
Power Cycle 2x Ultra – $2.99
Sundia Fruit Cups – $0.89
Mike Sell’s Groovy Potato Chips – $2.49
Chex Mix – $0.99
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/30 Smart Source (Expires 3/26/11)
Use $0.50/2 coupon from 1/2 General Mills (Expires 2/26/11)
$0.59 each after couponGeneral Mills (Cocoa Puffs, Golden Grahams or Trix) – $1.99
Use $1/3 coupon from 1/2 General Mills (Expires 2/12/11)
Use $1/1 coupon from 1/9 Smart Source (Expires 2/19/11)
$1.45 each after couponMarcum Chili Seasoning – $0.39
Diane’s Garden Tomato Paste – $0.39
Wylwood Kidney or Chili Beans – $0.65
Diane’s Garden Dice or Stewed Tomatoes – $0.59
J Higgs Classic Saltine Crackers – $0.89
Senora Verde Tortilla Chips – $0.99
Senora Verde Mild or Medium Salsa – $1.59
Senora Verde Tomatoes or Green Chilies – $0.59
Country Crossings Marvella Cheese Spread – $3.49
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.
