Yesterday I shared my meal plan for the week, then set out to the grocery store. With a $100 budget in hand, let’s see how I did.
In between classes Hunter and I zoomed in and out of Costco. Here’s the loot.
- toilet paper
- chobani yogurt (such a steal going on right now, for a 15 pack it was originally $13.89, then $4.20 automatically came off making it only $9.69 – 65 cents for each yogurt! If you go to Costco, the sale runs through August 4th… you can bet I’ll be back for more on Friday)
- chicken
- avocados
- bananas
- tomato sauce
Total spent at Costco: $ 53.70
Okay, I didn’t actually go with cash in hand. I kind of forgot (whoops!), so when checking out I got $45 cash back which brings my cash amount to $98.70, just under $100.
After my last class I ran to Winco before picking Hunter back up from my mom’s house. Normally I don’t do too much shopping at Winco, but the prices are lower so I’m making myself go there more often.
Did you know that grocery shopping is a wee bit faster without a kiddo in the cart? Oh yes.
- carrots
- corn on the cob
- brussel sprouts
- garlic
- carne adasa beef (they only had large packages, so I’m separating it and putting two more servings of it into the freezer for another time)
- eggs
- butter
- canadian bacon
- mozzarella
- sour cream
- whole wheat flour
- dry roasted peanuts
- chow mein noodles
- dark chocolate chips
- pineapple chunks
- honey
- whole wheat tortillas
Total spent at Winco: $43.65
I actually had to have the cashier take 2 things off at the end since I was barely over my $45 cash limit, so OJ and lime juice didn’t make it home with us. After making that quick decision, I realized I probably should have just taken the chocolate chips off. I guess they weren’t really a necessity (oh who am I kidding, yes they are!).
Although I was hoping to spend a bit less than I did, I came in under budget ($97.35 spent), which makes me a happy girl! Considering I can easily spend $100+ a Costco it was a real win.
A note on meats – I do prefer to get my beef and chicken at the local butcher shop (better quality and local), but they aren’t open on Sunday or Monday. With my shopping day typically going to be on Friday’s I’ll be able to get it there going forward. I’m also going to make sure we eat at least one vegetarian meal a week. Jacob will be thrilled. 🙂
Thrilled like this little guy was with his make shift paci yesterday.
Our first dinner on the meal plan was delicious last night. I made a dry rub for the carne asada and generously coated the meat in that. Jacob grilled it along with corn on the cob + I made a side of black beans. Super easy side too. Sauté on med-high heat chopped green onion + a can of rinsed black beans in some olive oil. Add cumin + paprika + water (keep adding as it dries up) until they look nice and saucy.
The carne asada dry rub was so simple to throw together, and now I already have some ready and made for the next time we have carne asada. You could totally use this along with some taco meat or mixed with beans for burritos. It’s not too hot, so if you like lots of heat I suggest doubling or tripling the amount of chili powder used. Another bonus – it’s salt free!
Carne Asada Dry Rub
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp each: chili powder, cumin, garlic granules, dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
Directions
- Mix together, use as needed and store in an air tight container.
If you like to use dry rubs, check this one out for pork!
Do you have any spice mixes you like to make at home? When do you normally grocery shop?
Have a great Tuesday!
Heather
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ok i totally need to come food shopping with you… I always spend WAY to much at the store and we are always wasting food! It’s so frustrating!
Oh I hate wasting food too! It all starts with a meal plan and grocery list… and the hardest part – sticking to the list 🙂
I typically go shopping on Saturdays (which I hate) during the school year. This summer I’ve been going on Mondays, which I love! I spent SO much money yesterday between costco, trader joe’s, and whole foods. I picked up a lot of food to do freezer meals!
Freezer meals are going to be so nice for you, especially with both hands full!
We are a family of 4 and we spend wa-a-a-y too much money at the grocery store. You are an inspiration! (And that pic of the dry rub looks beautiful.)
Found you from a FB/Blog pal Pepper at PepperScraps.com :->
Welcome Ann! Before setting our budget again I felt like we were spending way to much too. Hoping this sticks!
We have a wholesale store (sadly Sams, not Costco) coming our way soon. I am always curious if I could save money by shopping at one of those and look forward to trying it. Sounds like you did pretty great with your budget!
It doesn’t always feel like I’m saving money at Costco since I end up spending a lot of $$, but I always to try look at the things I get there with the per item (or per lb) cost in mind. Usually it’s less that way and will save you money in the long run!
That’s our food budget too, I really have to watch it to not go over. I like to make my own taco seasoning at home to avoid all the additives in the store bought.
Ya it was definitely a pinch, but I think it’ll get easier over time.