My Shopping Trip 7/20/08 $44.00

The first thing I do, before I ever step foot in the grocery store, is decide my menu for the week. It's surprisingly simple, and easier (for me) then running in the store and saying, hmm, that looks good.. maybe I'll do that. The reason that isn't as effective is because you'll inevitably end up returning to the grocery store several times a week because you need to get another item, or you haven't thought far enough ahead. A lot of people don't like to be drawn into a corner, so to speak, but I like the organization, and if I don't like what I have scheduled for that day, I'll just swap it with a meal originally planned for a different day.

So, without further ado, my dinner menu for the week of 7/20/08 was:

Whole Chicken | Mashed Potatoes
Chili Dog Casserole | Broccoli
Six Can Chicken Tortilla Soup | Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Bean Quesadillas | Rice
Shepherd's Pie | Salad
Cornbread Sausage Casserole | Broccoli
Spaghetti | Green Beans

I write out my menu, and then I jot down the ingredients that I need. I always shop my pantry first, before going to the store.

Also, my $50 for family of 4 assumes that you have certain items on hand. These are ingredients that should last a month or so. Things like flour, eggs, milk (milk doesn't last a month! I know that, but I'm slightly lactose-intolerant, so I buy this only sparingly, and if called for in a recipe), spices, and garlic aren't normally included in my list, unless I've run out.

So my grocery list goes as follows (also, I pencil in who much I will pay for the item, and force myself to not go over it):

(2) 15 oz Chili with Beans 2.00
Beef Hotdogs 1.50
Tortillas 2.00
(2) Cheddar Cheese 4.00
2 lbs Beef 4.00
Green Bell Pepper 1.00
Pasta Sauce 2.50
(3) 15 oz Cans of Corn 1.75
(2) 15 oz Chicken Broth 1.50
(1) 10 oz Chicken Chucks 2.25
(3) 15 oz Black Beans 2.50
(2) Rotel 2.00
(2) 15 oz Cream of Chicken
Refried Beans 1.00
(2) Loaves of Bread 4.00
(2) Cans of Carrots 1.50
Brown Gravy Mix 1.00
Broccoli Cuts 1.50
Pork Breakfast Sausage 2.50
Romaine Lettuce 1.50
Tomatoes 1.50
Cucumbers 1.00
Oatmeal 3.00
Bananas 2.00

Approximated Total : 50.00
Actual Out of Pocket Total : 43.12

Now, I know some of you may be wondering, what about Breakfast & Lunch? I personally don't like breakfast, but since becoming a mom, I've eaten a bowl of oatmeal every day. And, even though I usually buy store brands (because it's rarely a difference in quality), I must buy Quaker Oats, because the store brand doesn't taste right. I occasionally eat toast, also.

For lunch, I do leftovers from the night before. Or I eat toast. :) I'm really horrible about eating lunch, because before I know it, it's dinner time, and I haven't eaten yet. But I look forward to dinner, and I don't really skim on my meals.. and I most always have enough left over for lunch the next day.