Shopping Day

Yesterday I started writing and never got to the reason I started. I've been asked where I shop. I like to go to the nearest super wal-mart 15 miles away, but this is becoming less practical with the rise in gas.

I realized the economy of small towns will get better with the rise of gas prices. People often run off the the nearest large town/city to buy in bulk, but those savings are becoming a thing of the past. Local merchants are still able to bring things to our homes and tables for cheaper than we can go get it (@$4/gal).

Thankfully we have two of each kind of store. The competition with sale prices helps the budget a lot. It just takes a different kind of mind set and work that we are not accustomed to.

On to the point. I have made my grocery list from my menu. I try to buy one of each every week to stock up: flour, corn meal, oil, sugar, salt and any other storeable basics. You can freeze you flours for two weeks then store in a cool dry place. No, it doesn't get 'wet' or rancid after thawing. I've yet to have a problem. It kills any bug larvae that naturally comes in the flours. At this point it will last on the shelf for years.

By the way, my menu is only of supper. My husband gets leftovers for his lunches and we eat oatmeal/grits with eggs and home made bread for breakfast. Tired of oatmeal? Try this recipe.

Grocery Shopping

Why do we dislike it? I think it is due to the multitude of decisions that have to be made. Which brand? Is it healthiest? Can we afford it? I'm getting the cookies any way, because the kids are driving me nuts! Which cut of meat? Good ol' bacon or Canadian bacon? What is that any way? Canned is easier, but fresh (though better) will be no good to us after it has rotted in my fridge. How do I keep my kids and husband happy with food and still save money?!!!! Ahhhhh...!

We all know the drill. Run in, grab the favorites, some thing for a special dinner and order pizza out for supper that night.

For the past year I have been "playing" with our menu. I don't like things complicated, but I do like structure. How about calling it structured chaos or flexible structure. Whatever!

Here is what is working for us for the time being. View my menu.
Here is another one.

1. I've planned to have every ones favorites once a week. Some husbands don't like this, ask hubby what he thinks about every other week. I just wanted to make my grocery shopping experience easier on myself and the budget. And if he says he doesn't care...he really doesn't. Lucky you!

2. I have a soup and bread night and a bean and rice night every week regardless of complaints. If the children in India or Africa are starving and would be happy with rice or bread, I think my kids and husband can deal with it. (Go through the photo essay in the link above).

3. One meal a week is based on sale prices. Maybe I should do this more often, I just don't think I can get cheaper than rice and beans.

I don't know it all. These are just things that have helped me stay in a budget and keep every one happy for the most part. What is working for you all?

I have liked every thing from Kraft foods. They have great time saving recipes that the whole family likes.

Aproval of Angel Food Ministries

Recently I previewed Angel Food Ministries. We purchased a basic package for $30. After carefully calculating the cost it was time to sample the food. YUM!!! We were pleasantly surprised at the quality, quantity and name brands.
If you are interested e-mail me wardtravel4@msn.com and I will pass your message along. My friend Katie goes to Orange Heights Baptist Church cooperating with Angel Food Ministries. She is my contact. If you are interested the money is due this Sunday, June 15, 2008.

Cost of Angel Food Ministries

I did the pricing on angel food ministries. Here is my break down of the $30/month:

First I took off the average cost of the non meat items. This left $12.67. I totaled up the weight of meat by pounds which is 11.6 lb. This makes the meat $1.09/lb for this month. I am sure each month would be different. I consider this a great deal for meat. Even though I can make the other items cheaper, the savings on meat alone is worth it. I will still use the other things. The actual cost in groceries is $6.92/week.

Another Variation of a Menu

If you have any recipes you especially like (and are easy), I would love to feature them on my blog.

Monday - Soup and bread night. I like to make Chicken soup of some kind. My mother taught me how to use the left over bones of a chicken. They usually have a bit of meat left on them, you can add what ever extra you need. This makes a nice broth...add salt and spices, some vegetables. Take out the bones of course. And BINGO, PRESTO Chicken soup. You can add dumplings or pasta or rice. Make a salad and bread to complement the meal.

Tuesday - New recipe night. I like to make a good meal at least once a week. I used to do that on Sundays. I discovered this was too stressful, so I moved it to a week night.

Wednesday - Bean Burrito night. Our family loves bean burritos. It is cheep and very healthy. You get the protein from the beans, add cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomato and onion. YUM!

Thursday - Baked chicken casserole (easy). They used turkey, I only had chicken.

Friday - Pizza and a movie night.

Saturday - I like to pick a family favorite.

Sunday - Left overs.

Hope you have fun planning your menu this week. Let me know what new recipes you come across.

Making Meals Easier

Hello Friends!

I was chatting with my sister about meals. We all know how hard it is to plan what we are going to eat, especially if it is going to be nice. Sure a can of soup and a tuna sandwich might be good for us and the kids don't mind. But, what about our husbands? Yes, they should be happy with whatever we place in front of them. Yet, some times what we place in front of them is...well, a great exuse for take out.

So, not all of us can afford take out every night and "science projects" well, don't always look appetising. Good though they may be. Presentation is 50% of the taste.

It was important for my husband for us to have a nice dinner at a specific time every day. This is not always accomplished, but it is my goal.

This is what I have done. During the day the kids and I eat what ever is easy for me. My menu for the week only encompasses supper. I begin preparing about 3pm for supper to be on the table at 6pm. If I am going to be out or have any appointments, I prep things in the morning or use my crock pot.

Here is my menu for this next week. I also try to shop between Wednesday and Saturday. This is when stores usually have the best sales on meat.

Monday - Chicken Noodle soup with bread and salad

Tuesday - Beef Stir fry

Wednesday - Bean Burritos

Thursday - Chicken wraps

Friday - always pizza and a movie night

Saturday and Sunday - I cook up enough beef to have tacos on Saturday and taco salad for lunch on Sunday.

What are your family favorites?

I found trying to have a traditional 'nice' lunch on Sunday was too stressful. It's leftovers for us.

You can e-mail me for any recipes. wardtravel4@msn.com