Hellobee Boards

We're up to 230 for the month; we were $6 under our budget last week, and have $63 left for this week. So we're on track! We might drop our $$ amount once we've done this for a little while. I think we can spend less than we are now, with some work.

I spent $85 this week, which is more than my hoped-for goal of $80. But, we're going away for a week soon...so things will even out I hope.

last week i went to the store by myself while my parents watched the baby and spent $108 yesterday I went to my mom's supermarket with her and spent $88. We got some good deals on eggs, berries, oj and detergent that we split. hopefully this month will continue on this trend.

@scg00387: neat! Is there a referral link you benefit from? Wall me!

What is everyone's favorite cheap meals they are making this month?

Here is my two. I adapted them from some recipes, so I'll just post mine below.

Chicken Philly cheesesteak in the crockpot:
http://foodfamilyfinds.com/slow-cooker-chicken-philly-sandwiches-recipe/

My version:
Slice one onion and two green peppers. Place in bottom of crockpot with two tablespoons of butter. Add in a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, teaspoon of soy sauce, and a quarter cup of white wine if you have it laying around. (Not necessary). Also good is a few drops of liquid smoke, if you have it. Sprinkle with paprika and garlic salt. Layer in 5-6 chicken thighs (breasts work too, but thighs are much more flavorful. You would only need three breasts). Cook on low for 8 hrs. Serve on a hoagie roll with mozarella or provolone. Serves 4 at about $2.

Also zucchini grilled cheese.
http://foodfamilyfinds.com/slow-cooker-chicken-philly-sandwiches-recipe/

My version:

Grate a zucchini. Heat oil, add 2-4 cloves a garlic, depending on your Italianness and if you have a date night, and salt. Add in zucchini. Cook until it is a jam like consistency, about 20 minutes. Layer in the middle of a grilled cheese. I highly recommend adding in goat cheese (which is cheap at Costco, otherwise, not a frugal meal!) Serve with tomato soup. Serves 2 at about $2.

We're not doing too badly, I am making an effort to check the freezer and pantry when I make my list and see what I can use.

My biggest victory was buying just two pork chops for a planned dinner. Usually, I buy a big pack, cook too much, have leftovers and end up having to toss them (my husband doesn't really like leftovers). I realize I paid more per unit than a family pack, but I didn't have leftovers to throw away and I am not storing stuff in the depths of my freezer!

Grand total - $642. Somewhat better than my last month of $700 but still nowhere near my goal of $600 (or ultimate goal of $550). That does include diapers, household goods, toiletries, and some OTC medicines.

Good things -

- Menu planned
- Got really good at couponing. I used the Safeway just for u app and saved a lot with it. Definitely bought a few splurges - odwalla, Nutella so that was fun. They have deals on produce which is great, but not really organic produce so that's a bummer.
- stocked up on some laundry detergent, only to find out DH had just bought some. So we are good for a while!!

Not so good things

- DH!!!! He is very good at buying stuff on sale and all, but just always seems to turn little trips into big trips. He went to the store for basil and wine and spent $90!!! I think part of it was because I had told him we were doing really well this month. But then LO has been super sick and we've had a blizzard and my car is snowed in, so DH has done the last few trips. It's not like he is making crazy purchases, but I just don't factor them in to my plan and then we go over.
- I'm not gonna go extreme couponing but I do want to learn how to match coupons to sales. I need to organize my coupons somehow.

I can't wait to sign up for a csa this year. I don't know if it will save a ton, but I think it will cut down on grocery store trips so that will save money! It doesn't start till June though!