Looking back at my grocery receipts for February, it was quite the roller coaster month!
We spent the first half of the month in the apartment, which if you remember, means we only had the bare necessities in the kitchen. No appliances, just one bowl and one pan. Everything we cooked had to be planned out ahead of time to ensure we truly had everything we needed.
Nothing like making pureed soup for dinner and not being able to puree the soup!
Within this time frame, Mr. Crumbs and I both fasted. He did a water fast and I did a smoothie fast.
Looking back, embarking on a smoothie fast when I didn’t have a blender probably wasn’t the brightest idea I’ve ever had, but hindsight is always 20/20. My attempt in supporting my husband cost a pretty penny of my budget, that’s for sure.
Things get a little more normal the second half of the month, because that’s when we moved into our rental house. Unpacking a few boxes of non-perishable items (like oats, whole grains, etc.) helped stretch the budget a little bit and it meant not having to buy bread anymore, which definitely helps the bottom line.
I’ve also started to get a better grip on what to buy, and from what store. Aldi has become my go-to store and I’m learning what they stock and what they don’t so that I’m not making unnecessary trips.
Finally, as much as I love shopping at Publix (it’s so bright and pretty!), it’s detrimental to my budget. I’m now buying the oddball items from Walmart, and being VERY selective about the BOGO’s at Publix. I find that sales tend to entice me to spend more, so while there are good deals, I end up spending more than I would otherwise. Which kinda defeats the purpose of shopping sales in the first place.
Food Prices and What We Spent on Food: February 2016
Aldi – $13.30
hot sauce, 2.49
rolled oats, 2.39
organic ketchup, 1.69
goat cheese log, 1.99
string cheese, 2.79
pickles, 1.69
My son is on this weird kick about hot sauce – he puts it on everything! We’ve made our own hot sauce, but he gobbled that up within days. I’ll definitely make a massive batch when hot peppers are back in season, but for now, we’re stuck with the bottled stuff.
Rolled oats for oatmeal, organic ketchup because the regular kind has high fructose corn syrup, string cheese for lunches (even though I said I wouldn’t buy them) and pickles for Mr. Crumbs. His pickle addiction is like my son’s hot sauce addiction. Weird.
The goat cheese log is a “fancy cheese” for Mr. Crumbs and myself. We don’t eat much junk food or convenience food for that matter, but we LOVE a nice plate of fancy cheese and crackers. Maybe it’s the remnants of California in our blood…
Aldi – $4.77
crushed tomatoes x2, .95
chicken stock x2, 1.39
Mr. Crumbs and The Girl requested Tomato Basil Soup for dinner, so I bought enough of both tomatoes and stock to make it twice.
Aldi – $30.58
grapes, 1.98
granola bars, 2.49
crackers, 2.99
cashews, 10.99
granny smith apples, 3.19
fuji apples, 3.19
bananas, 1.16
mandarin oranges, 3.99
Lots of fresh produce for snacking and lunches. The granola bars are a “back-up,” essentially for that last day when I need to pack lunch and don’t have enough left in the kitchen to do it. They’re also for Mr. Crumbs, who recently started going to a local gym and needs more to eat during the day. Cashews are also his favorite after work snack.
Now that we’re in the house, I’m going to make homemade granola bars to have on hand, or a few batches of Strawberry Chocolate Granola.
Walmart – $56.20
lemon juice, .88
peppermint tea, .98
frozen peas, .94
mango smoothie, 6.94
kale smoothie, 6.94
green smoothie, 6.94
berry smoothie, 6.94
carrot smoothie, 6.94
honey, 14.48
whole milk, 3.01
This was the week we started to fast… and the week that I overpaid for pre-packaged smoothies. They’re great if you don’t have a blender and still want the health benefits of smoothie (here’s how I made smoothies without a blender), but they’re also expensive. Looking back, I wouldn’t recommend a smoothie fast unless you can make them yourself.
Whole milk for coffee (pre and post fast), tea for something to drink before bed, honey and lemon for that tea and frozen peas for the kids dinners.
Publix – $28.94
pickles, 1.48
picante salsa x2, .99
better than bouillon x2, 3.99
hummus x2, 2
diced tomatoes, .75
mustard, .88
bay leaves, 2.19
canned chickpeas, .89
diced green chilis, 1.19
olives, 1.95
wing sauce, 1.25
canned black beans, .85
onions, 2.99
My Publix will let you buy just one of a BOGO sale and take advantage of the sale price, so that’s what I did for the pickles, mustard and wing sauce. I even had a digital coupon for the wing sauce!
I switched to using Better than Bouillon instead of buying chicken stock because it’s a lot cheaper, especially since making my own wasn’t possible. Hummus is for the kids lunches (this was while I was testing homemade lunch meat) and the beans, tomatoes, salsa and onions were for Tortilla Soup (which I was able to make a double batch of for the freezer). Mustard is a pantry staple.
Publix – $22.56
frozen corn, 2.26
sour cream, 2.09
flour tortillas, 2.99
cilantro, .99
canned great northern beans x2, .91
cream cheese, 1.50
bread crumbs, 1.39
whole peppercorns, 5.69
dried oregano, 2.50
diced jalapenos, .89
The majority of this trip was for ingredients when creating Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili, except I accidentally bought the jalapenos instead of diced green chilis. Breadcrumbs because Mr. Crumbs was craving baked chicken, which we rarely do, and whole peppercorns because we prefer freshly ground pepper when we season at the table.
Publix – $9.17
This was a super quick trip for couscous, because I had forgotten to pick it up earlier.
Costco – $174.55
sourdough bread, 3.79
walnuts, 12.99
feta, 7.69
tzatziki, 7.99
apples, 5.99
apples, 7.99
chicken thighs, 10.00
chicken breasts, 24.64
kalamata olives, 6.99
crushed tomatoes, 2.99
sun-dried tomatoes, 9.59
kale salad, 5.49
bacon, 11.99
cheddar, 11.17
broccoli, 5.29
naan, 4.39
clementines, 4.99
romaine, 3.9
colored bell peppers, 6.79
grape tomatoes, 6.99
onions, 6.99
coffee, 10.09
Once we could eat again, Mr. Crumbs requested Greek, hence the feta, tzatziki, olives, sun-dried tomatoes and naan. We actually made Greek kabobs, which is the main photo in this post.
We also opted to buy pre-cut chicken thighs and chicken breasts because it better suited our needs at the moment. Ordinarily I buy a whole chicken, cut it up according to this post and make stock. But without a big cutting board, a big knife and a big pot for stock, it just seemed kinda pointless.
Apples, oranges and grape tomatoes for snacking. Walnuts for morning oatmeal, bread and cheese for grilled cheese sandwiches, bacon and kale salad for side dishes.
Walmart – $10.65
This was a VERY momentous day – it was the first night in the house! It was a Friday, which means only one thing in the Crumbs house: PIZZA! This trip was for pepperoni and cheese.
Kroger – $8.62
eggs, 2.97
orange juice, 2.89
milk, 2.59
We were low on milk and out of eggs and Mr. Crumbs had a craving for cookies (I made the peanut butter cookies you see at the top, and experimented with using less sugar and some honey).
We’re just around the block from Kroger, so I went in, signed up for a loyalty card and bought eggs and milk. And orange juice, because The Boy was with me and he asked so nicely. I couldn’t say no to an innocent request (and he even made sure the ingredients were legit!).
Aldi – $35.51
pepperoni x2, 2.19
soy sauce, 1.29
toilet paper, 4.49
crushed tomatoes x2, .95
grape tomatoes, 1.79
green bell peppers, 2.19
fresh mozzarella x3, 2.69
carrots x2, .79
blueberries x2, 1.79
blue cheese, 1.99
hummus, 1.99
AP flour, 1.39
We hosted a pizza night with some friends we made while visiting a church, and that meant a traditional pepperoni pizza AND a buffalo chicken pizza, hence the blue cheese and all the canned tomatoes.
We also hosted my uncle for dinner one night and we made Greek again. We had most of everything needed already, but picked up another container of hummus. I also bought soy sauce for Kung Fu Panda Soup.
Walmart – $6.12
red wine vinegar, 1.46
sesame oils, 3.48
dill, 1.18
This was a onsie/twosie trip for a few items to round out the meal plan. Red wine vinegar for Greek, sesame oil for Asian and dill for homemade ranch dressings (for buffalo chicken pizza).
Total Monthly Grocery Spending for February 2016: $400.97
We saw that bumper sticker while we were shopping. I thought it was fitting!
Our grocery budget is $330/month, so once again, I’ve gone over. Although I must say that compared to January, we’re definitely headed in the right direction!
Evaluation time. I’ll leave mine here – you leave your thoughts/comments/ideas in the comment section below and I’ll reply.
#1. Having our regular kitchen stuff makes a world of difference.
I know that the apartment living situation was temporary, but it really took a toll on us in many ways, including the budget. If we ever did that again, I’d make sure to pack a few more items so we could cook more staples from scratch (like chicken stock and bread) and rely less on store-bought items.
Specifically, I’d pack our slow cooker, a mixer and immersion blender (who wins over the blender purely because of space constraints).
#2. Avoiding expensive stores is working.
I shopped at Publix in February, but not nearly as much as I did in January thanks to the overwhelming consensus that Publix is on the pricier side (with the BOGO sales being the exception to the rule). I tried to stay away and in general, it worked. I still plan on checking out the sales each week, but I have a feeling I won’t be shopping there as often going forward.
#3. I lean towards convenience.
If a store is closer, I’m more apt to shop there than to driver further away. It makes sense, but it can also work against me if the better deals are further away. I need to be diligent about price comparing to the closer stores, and purposely making the further trip when it’s worth it.
How did you do on your grocery budget for February?
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Way to go!! While you were still “technically” over budget, you came in a LOT closer than last month. Especially considering you were moving in and so had another transition, plus did something new (the fast) I think you did an amazing job. A little experience with your new area has taught you the best places/ways to shop, which you will continue to refine over the next few months. And, by the way, I think the emotional gain of supporting your husband’s fast probably outweighed the hit your budget took by having to buy the pre-made smoothies. Really, a great job this month, all things considered, Tiffany.
You are so sweet Lori! Your comment made me smile – thank you for taking the time to encourage me!
We were in Africa for two months and had few grocery costs. We paid for a cook and spent most of the time with fried foods and starchy sides. I missed the homemade bread the most. White French-like baguettes got old VERY fast. We ate every granola bar I packed as well as the dried meats and jars of peanut butter. Weight limits on luggage came fast as we had construction clothes and equipment for 8 weeks of work. 🙂
Me, I would have caved early on and bought a cheap immersion blender stick.
It would always come in handy camping or taking to functions..
You did well to get through and stay relatively sane and still be talking to each other.
I have had similar experiences, they are definitely fo the young.
Onwards and upwards from here, a garden, chickens and lot of room.
Hello! New follower here!
When I started reading last month as you began to post about your huge move, I was super excited to read about your Aldi experience. I moved from the northeast to south Florida last summer, and my first Publix experience was amazing until I got to checkout! I was almost in tears. Parting with that much money while trying to save pennies was so hard. I found an Aldi 45 min away and would make a huge shopping trip once a week. In December, a new Aldi opened 25 min from me and that is less painful. Now, one is being built 10 min from me! As you’ve found, Aldi doesn’t have everything and I hit up Target or the Asian grocer to round out the specialty items, but I’ve been very satisfied!
Good luck as you continue to settle in your new home. Can’t wait to see what you discover in GA!
Aw, thanks so much Danielle!
Would love to read your blog on my iPad , but I keep getting pop up ads and sidebar ads. Don’t know what’s going on!!?
I read on an iPhone and the “do you want to get emails” pop-up opens every time I open a new post – usually midway through reading it – which makes the screen jump to the top. Plus the occasional pop-up ads. Gets annoying after a while. Worth it, but still.
Correction “; “download free e-book” is the one popping up in every post.
I don’t have this experience when I use a computer.
I’m sorry E! I’m working on that, and can’t seem to get the tool to obey what I’m telling it. I’ll keep working on it!!
I have a sense that prices for groceries where you are considerably lower than where I live. For instance ‘diced tomatoes’ are usually $1.25 on sale and very occasionally a loss-leader at $.99 or $.88 which is when I buy a years’ worth over a few days. Now I’m talking about 28 oz cans – although I see them referred to frequently in recipes we simply don’t have 14 oz cans of tomatoes here in Canada.
I love your approach to frugality and ejoy your blog. You inspire me to reach a lower number but given the price differences, I don’t think i’ll ever match your numbers. I can only wish our incomes were as much higher as the prices. Do you have any idea what percentage of your income is devoted to food?
Hi Miriam! To compare your budget to mine would be a disservice to you, since prices are different across the world. The way we view our budget and how we steward our finances is what matters most, and it sounds like you’ve got a good grip on that!
When we first established our grocery budget it was about 9% of our monthly income.
I hear ya on the Publix trap! I grew up in FL and live in the PWN now. Safeway and Fred Meyer are my “Publix” now….it’s bright and pretty, BUT oh-so-overpriced.
I will say, though, if every ANYTHING you buy at Publix is a disappointment (produce that you realize has a squishy spot or you realize you were overcharged for something), their policy used to be that they will refund you the total cost of the disappointing item AND give you one more for free. Their customer service can’t be beat!
I am surprised you do not do more shopping at Krogers. I live near Publix,Sprotts,Kroger and Aldi’s. I do not like to grocery shop at Walmart. I also have Costco and SAMs near. I keep a stocked freezer and a pantry so it’s hard to pinpoint what my budget actually is. I buy produce,frozen boneless chicken thighs and frozen skinny green beans at Aldi’s. Public is for sale items. These include BOGO offers for Pam,Hunts fire roasted tomatoes.graham crackers,cat food,Hellman mayonnaise,pasta,cereal, and vanilla wafers. These are offered about three times a year. Kroger has mark down areas called Managers special,one in the meat department,in the dairy,health food ares,one in the area where lunch meat are sold,frozen food area and one down the animal food aisle where boxed items are marked down. They always have boneless skinless chicken breast in the meat case for $1.99 a pound. I also find unadvertised sales. Last week bone in chicken thighs were $.99 a pound and marked BOGO free. I have bought ten pounds of chicken legs for $.29 a pound and half pork loin for $.99. Today I bought two beef Angus top round roasts for $2.98 a pound. I will cut one into strips for stir fry. My freezer is full of bargains. I use Costco mainly for bulk items nuts,shampoo,butter, cheese is cheaper at Kroger’s,over the counter meds.
I check the grocery ads each week when they come out. I make a list of what each store has on sale that I need or can use to stock up. If there are only a couple of items at one store Inusually add those to another store,because if you are temped to add items to the cart that would ring your cost higher. If I need toilet paper,paper towels or laundry detergent I check all the Sunday ads at Walgreens,Dollar General and Target. Then I buy three or four of each. I am almost 83 and I love to grocery shop and love a bargain. I wish you could make money grocery shopping.
Hi Arvemia! Do you know if the manager specials are all the time, or certain days of the week? I’ve heard about them before, but to be honest, I don’t have time (or desire) to stop by the store on a whim just to see. I tend to fair better with my budget if I stick to a stricter list too… but if I knew there were markdowns on Tuesday, for example, then I’d make a point to go by on that day.
I just found your blog while surfing through pinterest and love this post. We recently were selling our house and remodeling a new house so there were many times without any kitchen when the one house was being shown and my son said many times that he just wanted to eat at home. It is a sad state when we can’t do our normal process and it does take a toll financially and otherwise. Super glad to be in our house now and able to cook bread, rolls, chicken stock and anything that might mess up the kitchen while saving lots of money. My husband said that I might have gone overboard with all the chicken broth because the freezer is full with it and I still have more veggies and bones frozen to make more!! Glad that I found you and I am going to start going through older post 🙂
Welcome to Crumbs Alison! Funny you mention chicken stock, I *may* have done the exact same thing this week!! 😉