Weekly Shopping Trip + Lupus

Just to catch you up: I've not been posting really at all lately, save for some shopping trip reports and a giveaway. I have been cooking. Yesterday I made a delicious meal that I couldn't get a picture of but am going to repeat next week just so I can share it with you.

But mostly, I've been in bed.

I'm in the process of being diagnosed with lupus. I guess it's early to say that, as it can take years to diagnose. But all my symptoms seem to point to lupus. I'm exhausted all the time, and that's the worst part. I see the rhumatologist at the end of March. Hopefully, he will have some treatment for me.

Until then, please be patient with me. I'll do everything I can.

Now then...

My weekly shopping trip. $20 just doesn't go very far these days when you want to buy only natural foods, does it? Sure, I could coupon myself to death and get huge deals on dry cereals, cake mixes, cookies, and stuff like that. But try to stay on the outside of the aisles and stay in budget. Tricky stuff! It takes planning and sale hunting! Here's what I got for just under $20 this morning:

I could have used some lunch meat but I couldn't afford the natural stuff so I went without instead. Here's my list with prices:

• cheddar sliced cheese, 8 oz $1.69 plus 50 cent coupon on the shelf
• whole wheat tortillas (8 pack) $1.29
• Rudi's organic whole wheat bread $1.99 plus a 50 cent coupon on the shelf
• pure maple syrup $4.09
• pummelo (giant sweet grapefruit from what I gather, first time trying) $2.00
• cantaloupe $1.68
• Empire apples on sale for 50 cents a pound - 2.95 lbs $1.48
• cucumber 69 cents
• gallon 1% milk $2.79
• family size orange juice concentrate $1.89

total with surcharge $19.57



I am really trying to stay away from processed foods as much as possible. I can't stop buying them completely (I mean, I could, but my quality of life would decrease) but I am careful about which ones I spend my money on. I don't do diet foods at all. Doing Weight Watchers without diet foods is not only more satisfying, but it's also showing me superb results on the scale!

Monthly Shopping Trip

I did my big monthly shopping trip over the last couple of days. Here's what I bought and what I spent:

Commissary:

• Babybel Cheeses (2) $4.78
• Instant Fat-free Milk $6.96
• Sharp Cheddar Sticks $2.50
• Low-fat Mexican blend cheese $1.89
• Low-fat Italian blend cheese $1.89
• Salted Butter $2.89
• Low-fat Cream Cheese $1.79
• Ice Cream (4) $10.37
• Boxed Frozen Vegetables (4) $3.96
• Bagels (2) $1.50
• Lunchmeat (ham and chicken) $3.50
• Personal Care Items (several) $19.50

Total with Surcharge = $67.01

Publix Trip #1

• 10-grain bread $2.00
• 15-grain bread that I thought was on sale but wasn't $3.89
• diet cola $.79
• bananas (2.5 lb) $1.70
• blueberries $2.99
• strawberries $2.99
• Greek yogurt $3.99
• natural peanut butter $2.69
• ricotta cheese $2.19
• frozen squash $1.39

Total with tax $25.36

Publix Trip #2 (to take advantage of some sales this week)

• frozen garlic bread (2) $2.79
• Simply Orange with Pineapple (2) $6.00
• bananas (2.86 lb) $1.97
• sliced cheese (cheddar and muenster) $4.00
• strawberries (they're so good right now!) $2.99
• pizza crust that I thought was on sale but wasn't $4.79
• frozen boxed vegetables (3) $3.00
• fresh steam-in-bag veggies (stir fry mix and cauliflower) $2.00
• popping corn (2) $4.69
• Publix brand toilet paper $.01
• diet coke (2) $3.00
• vitamin water zero $1.49
• pizza crusts that WERE on sale (2) $3.69

Total with tax = $47.29

Three trip total = $139.66

I'll need another couple of trips for more fruit, some milk, and some eggs, throughout the month. But I'm really pleased with how my budget is shrinking. I owe this to stocking up on sales, mostly, but also proper planning. I don't use coupons, for the most part.

Grocery Trip: mid-January through mid-February

I went to three stores (Publix, WalMart, and the post commissary) for my shopping for the month. I did very well, because I bought NO nonsense. Here's what I bought:

Publix

Lenders Bagels B1G1F 2 bags @ $2.09
Cabbot Greek Vanilla Yogurt 2 tubs @ $3.99 each
Cabbot Plain Greek Yogurt 1 tub @ $3.99
Ronzoni Healthy Harvest Whole Wheat Rotini 2 @ $1.79 each
Ronzoni bow ties & ziti (B1G1F) 1 each @ $1.39
Hunts Spaghetti Sauce 3 Jars @ $1 each
Whole Grain Cheddar Goldfish $1
Jollytime microwave popcorn @ 1.00 each plus a $.50 coupon, 2 boxes for $1.00
Half ham, $12.71 on sale
Granola, 2 bags (Back to Nature brand) @ $3.59 each
Publix reduced calorie wheat bread, 2 loaves @ $1.69 each
Thomas Whole Wheat English muffins B1G1F, 2 bags @ $3.69
Baguettes from the bakery, 3 @ $1.00 each

TOTAL @ Publix: $55.76 with tax

WALMART

5 lb whole wheat flour $2.72
instant milk $6.23
2 lb lentils @ .98 each
2 lb pinto beans @ $1.08 each
kidney beans $1.16
great Northern beans $1.08 (all beans dried)
canned diced tomatoes, 2 cans @ .63 each

TOTAL @ Walmart: $17.07 with tax

POST COMMISSARY

Keebler Entertaining cracker collection, 2 boxes bought on clearance for $1 each
Dawn dish soap $1.99
automatic dishwasher detergent $2.49
light butter $1.95
Weight Watchers light Mexican blend cheese $1.89
Weight Watchers light 4 cheese blend, 2 bags @ $1.89 each
3 gallons 1% milk @ $2.63 per gallon
2 dozen large eggs @ $1.39 per dozen
large bag frozen broccoli cuts $1.69
frozen chopped collard greens .89
frozen orange juice concentrate .99
whole roaster chicken $5.48 (.89 per pound)
shampoo and conditioner, 1 each @ .79
95% lean ground beef, 1.25 lb $3.42
1 lb flank steak $5.08
3 lb yellow onions $1.59
4 lb sweet potatoes $2.51
golden potatoes, 3 lb @ $1.98
bosc pears, 3 lb, $2.50
1 lb carrots .59
3 lb red delicious apples $1.98
bananas, 5 lb $2.64

COMMISSARY TOTAL: $59.82 with surcharge

TOTAL FOR GROCERIES: $132.65

My budget for the month was $200. So I'm very happy to be so far under budget. It leaves some much-needed breathing room this month.

August Grocery Shopping

I've been gone for a couple of days -- who's made something yummy while I've been away? At my house, we've been preparing for school, which starts this coming week. One of my kids is in uniforms this year, and the other isn't, meaning I had double shopping to do. Folks claim that uniforms help cut clothing cost, but I strongly disagree. I don't know about you, but I never see uniforms on clearance racks! I was able to get shirts for $2.99 and shorts for $4.99 at Justice for my little one, but my oldest, who's in uniforms, cost me $13 each piece. No savings there. And don't get me started on finding the right items! Try finding forest green polo shirts. It's harder than it seems. And plain belts with no decoration! Almost impossible! But we did it -- we're all done. Everyone has everything they need for back to school.

I also did some grocery shopping for August. As usual, here's my list and what I spent.

Store 1:

• Soft drinks for sleepovers
• Hello Kitty snacks for lunches
• Rice Candy just because it looked interesting
• chocolate chips
• 3 # black beans
• French dressing
• potato chips for sleepover
• salsa
• mini chocolate chips
• tiny ring-shaped pasta
• penne pasta
• 3 boxes of organic cereal on clearance
• grape juice
• 4 jars of tomato sauce
• egg noodles
• orzo
• tomato paste
• pink beans
• pinto beans
• cashews
• 2 cans of tuna
• granola bars
• energy drinks
• brown rice
• pistachios
• crackers
• spaghetti
• orange juice
• eggs
• soy milk
• tortillas
• cheddar (3#)
• mozzarella (1#)
• Parmesan
• Gouda laughing cow
• original laughing cow
• 3# butter
• sour cream
• slider buns
• wheat bread
• ground beef
• sirloin (3#)
• 4 sweet potatoes
• butter lettuce
• iceburg lettuce

Total spent = $147.74 (including tax)

Store 2:

• whipping cream
• 1/2 & 1/2
• chocolate soy milk
• dish soap
• safflower oil
• pure maple syrup
• agave nectar
• honey
• dishwasher detergent
• yeast
• eggs
• Swiffer liquid
• 2 cucumbers
• cauliflower
• almond milk
• parchment paper
• almond bark
• American cheese
• bacon
• Canadian bacon
• stewed tomatoes
• confectioner's sugar
• brown sugar
• broccoli
• trash bags
• cornmeal
• toothpicks
• sugar
• rolled oats
• 4# Vidalia onions
• 10# all purpose flour
• instant pudding (chocolate and vanilla, for recipes)
• evaporated milk
• cooking wine
• balsamic vinegar
• beef stock
• vegetable broth
• Nutella
• 3# apples
• 5# waxy potatoes
• portobello mushrooms
• white mushrooms
• carrots
• celery
• bananas
• hamburger buns
• English muffins
• car air freshener
• pint of blueberries
• mini sweet peppers
• cabbage
• lemons
• toilet paper

Total spent = $166.22 including tax

total for August so far = $313.96

I won't need much mid-month. I'll need a few fruits and veggies, and some eggs, and some non-dairy milk. That's it. Not too bad. It makes me feel better about all those school supplies I spent too much money on. I'm a sucker for high-quality school supplies. It has to be Crayola for crayons, and Mead Five Star for folders and notebooks, and Pink Pearl erasers, and Dixon or Ticonderoga for pencils. I lean toward the more expensive supplies, because it makes my kids' lives easier and the supplies last longer. But it sure isn't cheap.

Look for some school lunch menus this week, along with some tasty treats. :) See you tomorrow for breakfast!

Real Food. Great Prices.

Imagine if you could buy all of your groceries at one store, and that store promised you that:
a.) there would be NO artificial colors or flavors in anything they sell.
b.) everything would be organic, local if possible, fresh, and natural, and
c.) it would all be affordable. They'd accept coupons and have their own store label.

Wait. There's more. They promise that NO ITEMS in their store will contain partially hydrogenated or hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, bleached flour, and more!Would you shop there?

Yeah. Me too.

My neighbor told me about a store called Earth Fare that's about 45 minutes from my house. And what I wrote above is exactly what this store's all about.

Here's what I bought, and what I paid for it.

• Rudi's Organic English Muffins $3.99 minus $1 coupon
• Rudi's Organic Whole Wheat bread $2.49 minus $.50 coupon
• a dozen organic whole wheat hamburger buns $2.99
• a dozen organic whole wheat hot dog buns $2.49
• organic almond butter (made from just almonds while you wait)$1.85 for about 1/3 lb
• organic whole wheat flour for $1.29 a pound (bulk)
• organic rolled oats for $1.49 a pound (bulk)
• organic peanut butter, fresh ground, just peanuts, made while you wait, $2.37 for about a pound
• 2 pounds of organic roasted peanuts for $3.36
• 1 lb of natural cheddar cheese (No Bad Anythings) for $3.14
• Silk Chocolate Soy Milk $2.96
• organic plain yogurt quart $4.19
• frozen organic almond grain burgers $2.98
• frozen organic cherries $3.28
• organic french fries (yes, I bought them) $1.98
• spicy bean burgers (frozen organic) $2.98
• unsweetened vanilla Almond Breeze milk, 2 for $2.28 plus a $1 off coupon on each
• organic, all natural, oreo-type cookies $2.50
• organic maple cream cookies $2.50
• Lara bar $1.00
• organic black soybeans (canned, not available dry) 4 for $5.00
• ORGANIC EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, 3 LITERS for $19.97 (NOT a typo)
• 24 pack spring water for my husband $2.97
• organic canned diced tomatoes, no salt added $2.49 minus $.50 coupon
• organic whole wheat penne, 2 lb, $1.99
• dry rubbed thick cut uncured all natural pork bacon, 1 lb $4.99 minus $1 coupon
• all natural sausage chorizo, 1 lb $3.99 minus $1 coupon
• Hass avocado, 2 for $4
• 1 pt locally organically grown black berries $3.99
• 1/2 pt local organic blueberries $3.33
• 1/2 pt organic raspberries $3.33
• 1 lb organic strawberries $3.33
• 1 lb organic fresh Brussels sprouts $2.99
• 1 bunch organic cilantro $1.50
• organic kiwi, 3 for $1.00
• local watermelon $4.97 -SAME PRICE AS MY LOCAL WALMART!
• 2 lb organic red potatoes $4.69
• organic sweet potatoes $1.97 per lb
• SnaPea Crisp snacks $1.99

Total spent today = $133.80 with tax for almost a week's worth of groceries. That's what I would spend per week on average for NON-organic foods!

Look at that olive oil price. WOW! I'm so impressed with this store that I will be making twice monthly trips to it instead of my local stores. I can totally ditch everything unhealthy shopping here. They even have a web site that offers new customers The Boot program, in which you bring in your bad foods in exchange for good foods, for free! They offer printable coupons, sales flyers online, recipes, and more. Earth Fare is all over the southeastern United States. See if there's one near you. It's worth the drive.

Now, I have a giveaway to announce, but I am going to keep you hanging for another few days. I'm trying to decide what to put in it. I know it's going to be locally produced foods. I just want to put a couple more things in the hat before I announce. Hang in there. It'll be great. :)

I'll finish up my week of bare bones recipes starting Sunday. Tomorrow's our local Independence Day celebration, and it's an important day for my family. We've got a hero to celebrate and a lot to be thankful for, including a new promotion, a new car, and a new healthy store. :)

Stay safe this weekend. Eat well. If you drink, give someone your keys. Buzzed driving is drunk driving. You're all too precious to take that risk.

It's Shopping Day

Day 148.

 

It's my mega shopping day today. Remember that I don't usually use coupons. I probably could do better if I did, but I am awfully particular about my shopping so couponing isn't the best match for me. I shop twice per month: one mega trip early in the month, and one small trip mid-month.

 

Here's what I bought:

 

from the local health foods store:

• organic green lentils
• organic quinoa
• organic cocoa powder
• aluminum-free baking powder
• aluminum-free baking soda
• 2 packs of dehydrated sugar snap peas
• organic chia seeds
• energy drink for husband
• organic Jammie Sammies (2 boxes) for kids
• Ener G egg replacer
• natural root beer for kids

total spent: $44.34

 

local farmer's market:

• 25 pounds of peaches for $13.95!!!
• 4 cucumbers
• 2 sweet potatoes
• bananas
• 4 big tomatoes
• huge watermelon
• 6 Roma tomatoes
• honeydew melon
• 2 green bell peppers
• 2 bunches broccoli
• 2 bunches green onion
• salad dressing
• quart of honey
• pickled jalapeno peppers
• yellow onions
• celery
• russet potatoes
• 2 heads romaine lettuce
• 2 quarts strawberries
• 12 plums
• 3 kiwis
• 6 oranges
• 2 lb carrots
• 3 lemons
• pecans
• walnuts
•  fresh ginger
• 2 lb cherries

total spent: $96.41

 

grocery store:

• Tropicana light fruit punch on sale for $1 (3)
• almond milk
• vanilla almond milk
• apple juice
• gallon milk
• plain Greek yogurt (organic)
• 24 ct Charmin toilet paper
• olive oil mayo
• 5 dozen eggs
• sour cream
• tub butter
• mozzarella
• white American cheese
• ketchup
• hot sauce
• butter (3 lb)
• cheddar cheese (3 lb)
• turkey smoked sausage
• freezer bags (for my peaches!)
• Splenda (hate the stuff, but Hubs uses it)
• 5 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• manicotti
• organic whole wheat flour
• mustard
• Parmesan cheese
• mac & cheese (cheap brand, moment of weakness for kids)
• dry red beans
• semi-sweet chocolate chips
• organic graham flour
• all-purpose flour
• sugar
• Oreo pudding (moment of weakness! long day!)
• bandages
• pocky x2
• salsa
• penne
• spaghetti
• tomato sauce x4
• tuna x8
• apple cider vinegar
• olive oil
• dish soap
• diced tomatoes x3

total spent: $141.82

 

Plus nearly $100 at a German grocer -- we seem to have lost the receipt and I can't recall everything we bought, but it included wieners, brats, breads, coffee, treats, cheeses, and sausages.

 

 total today: Roughly 382.57

 

A trip tomorrow to Publix for some ground meat and a few other things will set us most of the month. :)

Ahem. A quick edit here. That quick trip to Publix took us an hour and we spent nearly $200. Ouch. We've over budget this month. I decided to go ahead and include all of my husband's Atkins needs in our budget, because it's obviously a part of our food budget. Asterisks denote things bought purely because he needs them on his diet plan.

Publix:

• natural peanut butter x2
• tic tacs lol
• Hersey chocolate bar 6 pack x2
• parchment paper
• 8 ears of fresh corn
• candy bar at checkstand (that and tic tacs were a treat for kids)
• old fashioned oats
• window cleaner
• Greek yogurt (on sale $1 each) x5
• grade b maple syrup
• Spanish peanuts
• Brussels sprouts
• sour cream
• butter
• hot dogs
• Atkins bars x2*
• powdered sugar
• diet sodas x6*
• vegetable oil 
• pork roast*
• mozarella
• baby back ribs*
• ground chuck x3#*
• corn tortillas
• flour tortillas
• low carb tortillas x2*
• pickle & pepper loaf*
• mesquite smoked turkey*
• pepper jack cheese*
• cheddar cheese x3
• peas x3
• flat bread x2
• freezer packs x2
• ranch salad dressing*
• creamy Italian dressing*
• pepperoni*
• mayonnaise (B1G1F)x2
• low carb pita*
• jalapeno jack cheese @ deli*
• 3 pack dishcloths
• lime
• avocado
• 1/2 & 1/2

total at Publix was supposed to be around $50 but came to $180.69

for a total spent so far for June of $563.26 :(

Well.... at least some of the things will last longer than June. Still...we're going to end up way over budget for the month.

Grocery Shopping: May Edition

We did our monthly grocery shopping over the past couple of days and ended up with some great bargains. We bought some processed foods, which we are very much trying to get away from. However, in the end, the budget wins out and we make compromises. I came in under budget this month, which I needed to do in order to spend more on our garden (future grocery investment!), dentists, orthodontists, and car upkeep expenses. Here's what I have to work with in May, keeping in mind a mid-month trip which will add $40 to $60 more to my total for the month.

First trip: We found a meat market in town with really low prices when you buy their bulk packages. Here's what I got and what it cost me:

• Large loaf of bread = $1.39
• Cheapy white hot dog buns, 16 count = $1.39
• 18 count eggs = $1.99
• cookie dough, shrimp, corn, bread dough, and corn = $19.99 (big bags)
• 5 lb roasted peanuts = $3.99
• 10 lb potatoes = $3.99
• Veggie special (5 lb each lima beans, blackeyed peas, snap beans, cut green beans, corn on the cob, creamed corn, broccoli) = $39.99
• Super Special (6 large T Bones, 6 large Ribeyes, 5 lb center cut pork chops, 5 lb ground beef, 5 lb hamburger patties (all beef), 4 lb curly fries (junk, I know), 5 lb rind-on bacon, 5 lb chicken breast, 5 lb chicken wings, 5 lb smoked sausage, 4 lb chicken drumsticks) = $124.99
• 3 lb collard greens = 3.99

Total spent at the meat market = $201.71

They have more meat packages that I'm thrilled about finding. Next month I'm going to expand my purchases there. If I buy several meat oackages, I'll have a greater variety and a few months' worth of meat in one trip.

Next trip was my post's commissary. I found a lot of clearance rack bargains today. Here's what I bought:

• butter $1.29
• sour cream $.95
• cheddar and mozzarella, $2.50 each
• hot dogs (junky ones) $.89
• baking soda $.59
• yeast = $1.29
• toaster pastries by Fiber One (2 boxes) $3.00
• unflavored gelatin, 2 boxes $2.10
• shortening = $1.84
• frozen coconut = $.89
• confectioner's sugar = $1.59
• granulated sugar = $2.38
• all-purpose flour, 10 lb = $3.98
• frozen blueberries = $1.79
• strawberries, 2 baskets = $4.00
• spinach = $1.65
• 6 lemons = $2.34
• cucumbuer = $.39
• gren onions = $.44
• flour tortillas = $1.09
• 2 gallons of 1% milk = $5.00
• 3 lb yellow onions = $2.99
• vegetable oil = $2.79
• coconut oil = $5.79
• bottled water (ick) = $3.50

from the clearance rack (damaged packaging or discontinued items):

• Honey Bunches of Oats cereal
• diced tomatoes
• chicken broth
• cookies
• cheese puffs (organic)
• Spaghetti-Os
• Excedrin
• 2 cans of black beans
• coconut milk

Total spent = $75.72 (includes surcharge)

Total spent on groceries for the month of May = $277.43 Not bad at all! I forgot cocoa powder and bananas, so I will need to return to the store for those some time during the week. In all, I'm pleased with my spending.

On our garden, we spent about $200 total for the season. I'm confident that we'll make that back. I already have 12 cherry tomatoes on my plant (they're all green still), my strawberries are blooming, my peppers are blooming, and my potatoes are going very well. Here's a list of what we've planted this year:

• 1 cucumber plant
• 1 broccoli plant
• 4 bell pepper plants
• 8 sweet banana pepper plants
• 5 crookneck squash plants
• a bunch of potatoes
• 9 sweet potato plants
• about 30 onion plants
• 4 watermelon plants
• 2 strawberry plants
• 1 husky cherry red tomato plant
• 1 Mr. Stripey tomato plant
• 1 Taladega tomato plant
• dill
• basil
• chives
• thyme
• parsley
• rosemary
• mint

Two questions for you readers: First, how do my local grocery prices compare to yours? And second, how are your gardens going?

Mid-Month Grocery List, Dehydration of Fruits and Humans, Gardening, and Messy Lasagna!

Day 104.

There are several things on my mind today, so I'll get right to them.

But first, Diego says hi. Or hola, as it were.

In all the chaos surrounding my in-laws' visit, I never did do a real grocery shop for the month of April. Rather, it was a couple weeks of shopping as need be. Thankfully, we didn't spend too much money on those trips. Here is what my mid-month trip list looks like. I'll update with prices tomorrow night:

Produce:

• apples (several pounds)
• bananas
• green onions
• sweet potatoes
• 5 bell peppers
• onions
• spinach
• zucchini
• cucumbers
• tomatoes
• potatoes
• strawberries
• lettuce

Dairy:

• mozzarella
• butter (2 pounds)
• eggs (2- 18 packs)
• milk
• cheddar
• greek yogurt
• heavy cream

Baking:

• yeast
• flour
• confectioner's sugar
• granulated sugar

Frozen:

• peas
• broccoli
• cauliflower

Grocery:

• canned tomatoes (4 cans)
• quinoa
• almond milk
• black beans (4 cans)

That ought to do it until May.

Next I'd like to talk to you about dehydration. I decided to make some granola this week. I was going to pick up some dried fruits for the granola, but I thought it would be nice to dry them myself, instead. Since I have no food dehydrator at my disposal, I'll be using my oven set at the lowest temperature I can get it. All the instructions online that I can find recommend a temperature of about 140 degrees. My oven doesn't go that low, but I'm still going to give it a go at 170 degrees. I'm hoping it works out. If it doesn't, I've only invested 8 strawberries which I purchased on sale.

 

But wait! Didn't I mentions something about dehydration of humans in that subject line? Why, yes! Yes, I did! There's a bit of a clash of the wills going on within my mind right now. You see, I am determined to get my family living a healthier, more natural exisitence. And yet, at the same time, I fill my own tank daily with Diet Coke. Now, could I get any more processed than that? Plus, Diet Coke helps dehydrate me! I know I should give it up. I know I should. There are better alternatives. Coffee is a better choice. Tea is even better. Water, well, let's not push it yet.

I really am addicted to my Diet Coke. It's going to be really hard. But I think I'm ready to give it up. Not only will I feel better without that junk in my body, I'll also save my family even more money. Keep me in your thoughts as I kick this habit. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

Now that that's off my chest, can I share with you my total excitement over my little patio garden? I'm so thrilled about it. We're already getting sweet, bright red strawberries from our hanging container, and I'm already using my herbs. But here's what I have to look forward to in about two months:

• sweet bell peppers (red, green, yellow)
• sweet banana peppers
• chili peppers
• jalapeno peppers
• cayenne peppers
• cherry tomatoes
• crookneck squash
• broccoli
• cucumbers

• okra

I can't wait to start cooking with them and eating them! I took my Picky Eater-turned-Possible Vegetarian out back and asked her what she thought we should make with our veggies, and she wants to make lots of soup. Squash soup. Pepper soup. Cucumber soup. All possible, sure, but I am going to try to work on some alternate recipes with her in the near future.

Any ideas on all-natural pest control to get the buggies to stop eating my leaves?

And now, what you're here for...a recipe! Messy lasagna. I love lasagna. It's the ultimate in comfort food. But don't you hate it when you burn your fingertips on the hot, cooked noodles? And don't you have better things to do than to neatly and evenly spread the ricotta filling over the slippery noddles? And don't those pesky torn noodles just bug you? They bug me! Not to worry! This dish has all the flavors of lasagna with none of the hassle!

Messy Lasagna

What You Need:

• 1/2 lb pasta (any variety will do, but I used mini wagon wheels today)
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 15 oz can diced tomatoes (do not drain)
• 15 oz can tomato sauce

• **SPICES AS DESIRED** If you skip this, your dish will be very, very bland. Spice it as you normally spice lasagna. I used fresh basil, fresh thyme, fresh parsley, fresh rosemary (not normally in lasagna, but it's fresh and I couldn't resist!), salt, and pepper
• a sprinkling of sugar
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, divided
• 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, divided

How it's Done:

1. Cook pasta al dente according to pacakge directions. Drain and reserve. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Meanwhile, brown ground beef with onion until no longer pink. Add tomatoes, sauce, garlic, sugar, and spices. Simmer 15 minutes.

3. Combine sauce with pasta. In a separate bowl, mix ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese. 

4. Pour half of the pasta and sauce into a 9x11" baking dish.  Dot with mounds of the ricotta mixture. Don't try to be neat or even. It's messy lasagna. Cover with remaining pasta and sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheeses over top.
5. Bake for 30 minutes.

Groceries for March

I feel really good about my household spending for the month of March. I made two trips to the grocery store. One more trip mid-month for roughly $60 will see us through the month. Here's what I bought, with my totals at the bottom:

• marshmallow fluff
• sodas for Husband and I at checkstand
• graham cracker pie crust
• 2 large cans of yams
• Tang drink mix. I couldn't resist.
• gallon of pickles (I need to be making my own!)
• can of creamed corn
• ground cinnamon
• rolled oats
• 3 cans of diced tomatoes
• 2 cans of navy beans
• spaghetti
• rice
• apple juice
• peanut butter
• penne pasta
• 2 cans of corn
• 2 cans of black beans
• 5# unbleached flour
• corn syrup
• peanut oil
• fresh tomatoes
• 2 packages of tortillas
• yellow rice
• peppermint extract
• huge bag of chocolate chips
• dried pinto beans
• Fuze drinks
• cake mix!
• 2 cans of evaporated milk
• 2 bags of dried figs
• pecans
• a can of refried beans
• fettuccine
• unsweetened cocoa powder
• granulated sugar
• diet Coke (weakness!)
• taco sauce
• bouillon granules
• RockStar energy drinks for Husband
• pumpkin
• white corn meal
• a roll of paper towels
• skim milk
• large carton of vanilla yogurt
• sour cream
• 6 pounds of sharp cheddar cheese
• 4 pounds salted sweet cream butter
• 2 - 18 packs of large eggs
• whipping cream
• American cheese
• cream cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• frozen peaches (2 bags)
• buttermilk
• frozen raspberries
• frozen stir-fry vegetables
• ice cream
• popsicles
• pork sausage
• Italian sausage
• bacon
• pita pockets
• pumpernickel bread
• hamburger buns
• buttermilk bread
• stuffing mix
• hushpuppy mix
• 5 pounds lean ground beef
• ground pork
• steaks
• babyback ribs
• yellow potatoes
• red potatoes
• green onions
• lettuce
• cabbage
• onions

Total this trip: $222.83

Second trip for more items:

• more Diet Coke
• Gatorade for Husband
• Bottled water for Husband
• deli sliced meats: baloney and ham
• more pita pockets
• Girl Stuff
• Bar Soap
• grapes
• apples
• mushrooms
• tomatoes

Total for this trip: $48.65

Total for both trips: $271.48

With my $60 allowance for a mid-month freshen-up, my March total will be roughly $331.48! Not too shabby!

Groceries for February

This month, I'm going over my $400 usual grocery budget. We have extra funds right now and we bought some indulgent ingredients. Still, at under $600 for the month (including milk money and fresh veggies money set aside for mid-month), we're meeting the USDA Cost of Food (for a family of 4) Thrifty Plan. Stick with me all month and I'll show you just how fabulous thrifty can taste!

I went to two stores this weekend. Usually, I only go to one, but I needed some specialty ingredients that Publix carries, but my commissary does not.

Here's what I bought:
At the Commissary (military grocery store):

• cornflakes
• cheese balls (impulse buy!)
• shortening
• dill pickles (gallon)
• vegetable oil
• 5 lb granulated sugar
• 5 lb bread flour
• 3 lb linguine
• taco seasoning
• 2 lb milk chocolate chips
• 2 bags whole wheat egg noodles
• 5 lb whole wheat flour
• diet coke (weakness)
• 2 x Panko bread crumbs
• 2 packs of individual serving applesauce (for me, oral surgery tomorrow)
• 1 lb split peas
• yeast (in the glass jar)
• 1 lb lentils
• cream of chicken soup
• fruit snacks (kids' weakness)
• sushi rice (10 lb)
• basmati rice
• 2 large jars of peanut butter
• Ritz crackers
• salsa
• large honey bear
• diced tomatoes
• spicy pickles (husband's weakness)
• soy sauce
• 4 boxes of kashi granola bars on deep discount
• a bag of sugar-free candies on clearance (my mother-in-law is coming for a visit and eats these)
• sunflower seeds
• popping corn
• ground ginger
• molasses
• almonds
• canned corn
• Pringles Sticks on deep discount
• rolled oats (the big canister)
• case of sweet peas
• green beans
• whole berry cranberry sauce
• ketchup
• Wheaties x 2 on deep discount
• Reese's Puffs on deep discount
• case of apple juice
• Snausages (Diego's weakness)
• paper towels (8)
• bread bags
• sandwich bags
• fabric softener
• dishwasher soap
• 3 CFL bulbs
• 2 regular light bulbs
• Swiffer liquid
• Press & Seal wrap
• big box of trash bags
• dish soap
• 3 - 18 packs of large eggs
• 2 gallons milk
• 1/2 gallon chocolate milk
• buttermilk
• 3- 3 lb blocks cheddar cheese
• 2 - 1 lb blocks mozzarella
• whipping cream (2 small, 1 large)
• 3 lb butter
• 2 boxes cream cheese
• yogurt cups
• American cheese
• a case of carrot-orange juice
• 4 - 3 lb bags of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Yoplait smoothie mix (50 cents each) x 6
• frozen cheese ravioli x 2
• frozen potatoes and green beans x 2
• frozen broccoli x 2
• big bag of pizza rolls (impulse buy)
• pork sausage
• turkey smoked sausage
• bacon
• ham slice
• 2 lb ground turkey
• tortillas
• corn tortillas
• whole wheat tortillas
• bread crumbs
• stuffing mix x 2
• razor blade refills
• deodorant
• body wash
• vitamins
• Aspercream
• antacid
• 2 lb ground sirloin
• 2 packs mushrooms
• fresh thyme
• Campari tomatoes
• fresh mint
• lettuce
• carrots
• 2 sweet potatoes
• collard greens
• fresh cilantro
• avocados
• sweet onions
• green onions
• red potatoes
• bell peppers (5)
• lime
• garlic

Total = $420.00 exactly

And at Publix:

• 3 packages lamb rib chops
• ground chicken breast
• slider rolls
• sea scallops
• buffalo sauce
• chicken nuggets
• cheese straws (impulse buy)
• Havarti singles
• sirloin steak
• deli roast beef
• 2 bags of bread (usually I make but I am going to be out of commission for a couple days)
• stuffed mushrooms (impulse buy)
• flank steak
• arugula
• milk
• strawberries
• coffee creamer
• Gruyere cheese
• heavy whipping cream
• confectioner's sugar x 3
• vanilla beans x 2
• Blue cheese
• tomato paste
• custard powder
• brown sugar
• 2 lb ground sirloin
• check stand snacks and drinks for hungry family

Total = $139.34

Total for February = $559.34

$400 a Month. How I Do It.

People are often amazed that, without coupons or multiple store visits, I can feed my family as extravagantly as I do for about $400 a month. That works out to roughly $100 a week. We do our shopping twice a month. The first half of the month, I spend around $300. The second half of the month, I spend about $100. I set aside a little cash for extra purchases, but never more than $20 a month extra.

Here's what I bought today, on my mid-month shopping trip to one store. My total was $90.64.

• 3 bottles Diet Pepsi (my weakness is really Diet Coke but Pepsi is on sale for 99 cents)


• 2 cans fire roasted diced tomatoes


• confectioner's sugar


• gallon of dill pickles


• split peas


• vegetable oil


• white cake mix (yes, mix. gasp!)


• all-purpose flour (5 lb. bag)


• powdered pectin


• cake pans


• 2 lb. salted butter


• refrigerated pie crust (another short cut!)


• whipping cream


• 2 large cartons sour cream


• 5 lb extra sharp cheddar cheese


• 2 blocks cream cheese


• pint of half & half


• gallon of milk


• 2 - 18 packs large eggs


• 1 lb frozen peas


• 1 lb frozen blueberries


• 1 lb frozen corn


• 1 lb frozen broccoli


• 2 whole chickens


• 1 lb bacon


• boneless ham steak


• 2 snack cakes for the darling children


• 1 loaf of bread for immediate use


• 2 lb lean ground beef


• 3 lb lean ground pork


• 5 lb baking potatoes


• shitake mushrooms


• 6 lemons


• 2 beefsteak tomatoes


• 2 heads of green cabbage


• 2 bunches of green onions


• 3 Braeburn apples


• 2 lb carrots


• cucumber


• 1 head lettuce


• 1 lb pinto beans


• 2 cans black beans


• 1 can crushed pineapple


• yellow rice


• couscous


• frozen strawberries


• bag of frozen chicken thighs


• cornstarch


• jar of jalapeno pickles all eaten up already