Okay folks, I’ll just say this up front in case anyone thought I was a perfect shopper, perfect budgeter and always had my act together.
I don’t. And I’m WAY over budget.
There are a lot of reasons why… New month. New year. New state. New stores. New schools. New rules. New routine (sort of). Minimal kitchen (still).
None of those are excuses, oh no. The blame lies on me, but I share our circumstances so that if you’re ever in similar shoes, you can a) know that you’re normal and b) be as prepared as you can (both mentally and financially).
Before we jump into numbers, let me share a little background info make sure we’re all on the same page:
- My family and I moved from California to Georgia last December. We packed 2 weeks worth of clothes and kitchen necessities in the car so that the kids and I could sorta kinda cook after the moving truck left. The moving truck hasn’t been delivered, so we’re still cooking with minimal kitchen tools: the cast iron skillet we packed, a cookie sheet my aunt gave me as we drove through Texas and a 2 1/2 quart dutch oven I bought shortly after we arrived. My assistant (and friend) Rachel has also loaned us her extra crock pot.
- The kids’ new school has a no-nut policy.
- The grocery stores are very close to the kids’ school, but there’s a 30+ minute gap from when I drop the kids off to when Aldi opens. Which means I tend to default to Publix.
- Costco is ALWAYS packed. Always.
- We’re trying not to buy too much in bulk since we don’t anticipate being in our 1 bedroom apartment (and minimal kitchen) much longer (although this might change). We also packed a good bit of pantry staples in the moving truck and hate to buy something we might have plenty of in just a few weeks.
- We’ve been house shopping since we arrived, which means not being home for a good portion of most days. Combine this with not having our typical kitchen tools at our disposal has made meal planning tougher than usual.
Okay, with my brain spillage out of the way, here’s my grocery shopping for the month of January.
Food Prices and What We Spent on Food January 2016
Publix – $49.55
bread, 2.99
pork roast, 11.51
milk, 5.99
whole chicken, 9.76
toilet paper, 6.59
oatmeal BOGO, 2.85
pickles, 2.99
kale BOGO, 2.99
mustard, 1.19
cocoa, 2.69
I tried making bread shortly after we moved here, but it was practically impossible. I wan’t home long enough, I don’t have the pans for baking and without a mixer, I was using every other utensil I had on hand. Which meant I couldn’t cook anything else at the same time. So I moved on to plan B and we’re buying bread for the interim.
Pork and chicken for meals, milk for coffee and kefir, oatmeal for breakfasts. My husband has been on a pickle kick ever since devouring a jar in Missouri on his way to Georgia, so the pickles are for him. Mustard is a staple condiment for us, kale for salads and meals, cocoa for my homemade powdered foundation.
Aldi – $30.17
mandarin oranges, 2.69
whole turkey, 14.36
grape tomatoes, 1.79
butter, 2.69
cantaloupe, 1.79
baby carrots, 1.49
apples, 3.87
Butter is a staple and all this produce was for the kids lunches. They ate it all too!
Since their school is nut-free, I’m experimenting with buying turkey and making turkey sandwiches for lunch when there isn’t leftovers from dinner. So far so good – that one turkey has lasted a month!
Aldi – $86.34
crushed tomatoes x3, .95
chicken stock x2, 1.39
cheddar cheese, 2.49
salmon, 2.29
pasta, 1.29
brie cheese, 2.99
string cheese, 2.79
cantaloupe, 1.79
shredded cheese, 2.79
pears, 1.38
potatoes, 3.49
canned peas, .99
onions, 1.79
zucchini, 2.29
green bell peppers, 1.79
baby carrots x3, 1.49
bananas, .63
apples, 3.87
sweet potatoes, 2.19
green smoothie, 3.39
butter x2, 2.69
ketchup, 1.69
blue cheese, 1.99
strawberries, 1.29
grape tomatoes, 1.79
crackers, 1.25
mayo, 3.39
colored peppers, 2.29
eggs, 1.59
tortillas, 1.19
olive oil, 3.49
maple syrup, 6.49
raisins, 2.89
salsa, 1.89
flour, 1.39
This is the first trip of the month where I had a few ideas for meals in mind, namely stuffed bell peppers, buffalo chicken & potato skillet, this awesome tomato sauce for spaghetti night, vegetable stir fry and tacos. You’ll notice a few different cheeses in the cart. Cheese and crackers are a treat for Mr. Crumbs and I on the weekends, and since we don’t have a cheese grater, I’m buying some whole (for grilled sandwiches and snacking) and some shredded (for tacos and toppings).
A few of the items are staples – olive oil, flour, ketchup, butter, eggs, onions, potatoes, maple syrup. I don’t have my immersion blender so it’s store-bought mayo for now (here’s my homemade recipe, if you’re interested). Homemade tortillas are a bit cumbersome for the same reason as bread, so we’re buying those too.
String cheese for lunches, salmon for my lunches and chicken stock because like tortillas (and bread), it’s just not happening right now.
Publix – $35.56
lotion, 9.99
contact solution, 17.59
buffalo sauce, 4.49
salsa verde, 2.49
We packed enough toiletry items to last about a month, but we were running low on a few essentials. Buffalo sauce for the chicken & potato skillet I mentioned and salsa verde for tacos.
This trip was immediately after the Aldi trip above, so this was “supplemental” rather than “main,” and I think this is the route I need to take going forward (see my lessons learned below for a better explanation).
Publix – $4.07
sourdough bread BOGO, 3.99
The one thing Publix has going for themselves are the buy one get one free sales, and since we’re not making bread, I stocked up for lunches and grilled cheese nights.
Publix – $7.63
milk, 4.99
hamburger buns, 2.29
Milk again for coffee and kefir, hamburger buns for BBQ pork sandwiches (that big roast from the first trip up top made 7+ meals!).
Whole Foods – $10.68
family green salad, 9.99
whole roasted chicken, 6.99
lasagna pasta, 2.99
pasta sauce, 2.99
mushrooms, 2.49
kale, 4.99
apples, 3.20
I don’t shop at Whole Foods often, but they sent us coupons in the mail for free food so I couldn’t help myself! The first 4 items listed were free. The apples were 99¢/lb and I thought we’d use the veggies in a one-pot pasta dish with the pasta and sauce we got for free.
Publix – $33.24
green smoothie BOGO, 4.49
greek yogurt BOGO, 5.69
coconut oil, 3.99
pickles BOGO, 2.99
string cheese, 3
butter, 3.45
bagels BOGO, 1.87
paper towels, 1.34
bananas, 1.43
mandarin oranges, 4.99
This is me shopping with an “almost” decent plan. I went to take advantage of their BOGO’s again, and picked up a few other items we were running low on.
You’ll notice more cheese than usual partially because of the no-nut rule at school. I’m trying to make sure the kids get enough protein in their lunches and this makes it easy to supplement if they’re having leftovers like spaghetti that don’t have much of that nutrient.
Laundry is a MASSIVE chore, so we’re using paper towels instead of our cloth napkins (which are in the moving truck anyway) for now. We’re making them last by tearing each one in half and re-using if they weren’t used during a meal. So far this is only the second roll we’ve purchased in the 8 weeks we’ve been here.
Publix – $56.39
sourdough bread BOGO, 4.29
prosciutto x2, 6.99
sharp cheddar x2, 5
tomato puree x2, 1.99
whole chicken, 8.09
goat cheese, 3.29
brie, 6.15
bacon x2, 4
crackers, 2.50
Bread was still BOGO so I stocked up again and both of these loaves are in the freezer as of the writing of this post! Mr. Crumbs was in cahoots with The Girl and they requested grilled cheese sandwiches with prosciutto and tomato soup. I added a whole chicken to the cart, some more specialty cheeses, bacon and crackers.
I should note that on this day, Atlanta metro shut down at noon in preparation for a winter storm. I thought it was fitting to have nice cheese and bacon on hand, in case we were stuck indoors for a few days!
Costco – $102.61
russet potatoes, 7.99
sweet potatoes, 7.99
peanut butter, 10.99
butter, 9.99
broccoli, 4.99
chicken wings, 14.05
eggs, 3.39
apples, 7.99
grape tomatoes, 5.99
carrots, 5.79
coffee, 12.49
milk, 1.98
garlic, 4.99
oranges, 3.99
Our first bulk trip since moving to Georgia. You’ll see lots of produce and staple items like butter, coffee and peanut butter. While the kids can’t have peanut butter at school, they can at home, so we’re incorporating it more into snacks and breakfast as a protein.
We thought the Super Bowl was three weeks ago (oops!) and in celebration, we’d celebrate with a wing night and fries (i.e. roasted potato wedges). Turns out we got the dates wrong, but we had wings anyway.
Publix – $49.04
rice noodles, 3.49
BBQ sauce, 1.77
salsa verde, 2.50
chicken stock BOGO, 2.75
coconut milk x2, 2.50
olive oil, 8.99
great northern beans x2, .91
diced geen chilies, 1.19
cream cheese, 1.50
sharp cheddar cheese, 2.50
panty liners, .99
sour cream, 2
tortilla chips, 2
limes, .40
sourdough BOGO, 4.29
zucchini, 4.60
cilantro, .99
Mr. Crumbs requested stir fry over rice noddles, so that explains the odd-for-us (and costly) item. A few pantry items for that particular recipe (coconut milk mainly) and items for this ah-mazing white chicken chili.
I got a spiralizer for Christmas (thank you Aunt Tammie!) so we’ve been experimenting with various veggies like zucchini and sweet potato. Curly fries are coming soon, I can feel it!
Olive oil and chicken stock are staples.
Aldi – $25.39
in-shell peanuts, 1.69
coconut oil, 4.99
bananas, .69
zucchini, 3.49
shredded cheese, 2.79
celery, 1.29
pork chops, 6.46
mandarin oranges, 3.99
Our current situation is a bit more stressful than we’re used to, so I’m finding myself wanting to snack often. I’m being proactive and picked up a bag of peanuts instead of tortilla chips. Coconut oil for cooking, produce for eating. No recipe in mind for the pork chops, just a decent deal and it wasn’t chicken.
Dollar General – $2
corn starch, 1
paprika, 1
Taking my own advice, I checked out a new-to-me store. I got a few supplies the kids needed for school, but also bought corn starch and paprika – the former for make-up and the latter for cooking.
Total Monthly Grocery Spending for January 2016: $492.67
Okay. Now for the self-evaluation (and I’m open to your evaluation too – leave it in the comments below!)
Lesson Learned #1. I need to shop at Aldi first, every time.
I’ve been sharing some of my trips on Instagram and you wise folks have told me that Publix is expensive. Going back through my receipts confirms that I need to listen to you.
Publix is SUPER convenient. It’s open after I’ve dropped the kids off at school and the shelves are stocked consistently. It’s become too easy to shop for the whole list while I’m there, and the 50¢ to $1 price difference per item is adding up.
If I can employ lesson #2 below and have something productive to do with the 30 minutes I have to wait for Aldi to open, then I’ll be golden.
Lesson Learned #2: I need a shopping routine.
Halfway through the month I realized that I was shopping way too often. I need to shop less, and buy more when I’m out.
I also need to strike the balance between cooking enough for more than one meal, but not for several weeks – I don’t have enough storage to support batch cooking and packing lunches!
My goal is to shop on Fridays, which will require me to meal plan at least a little bit in advance (it’s a good thing really).
Lesson Learned #3. I need to brave Costco.
Having a well stocked pantry was so crucial to our budget in California and I need to implement the same concept as much as I can in our current living situation. This will likely be slow-going, since buying in bulk naturally costs more up front.
Costco also opens at 10, which means I’d have to find something else to do in that 90 minute time frame while I’m out in the morning.
Shopping Aldi first, then Publix and then Costco will satisfy this, but it’s just going to take me some time to figure out which place has the best deals.
Lesson Learned #4. I need to price compare to available sources online.
I knew where to get the best price for what in California like it was my job, because in a way, it is! I need to work towards having the same skill set here in Georgia.
This means comparing bulk prices to Amazon, getting familiar with sales and looking into online options like Thrive Market and Azure Standard. This will take time, but just a few minutes of comparing my shopping list each Thursday will help tremendously.
Final Thoughts…
As I’m going back through my expenses, the fact that Aldi isn’t open when I’m ready to shop is a bit of a hindrance. I need to come up with something to do in that 30-40 minute time frame so that I’m not tempted to just go across the street to Publix. Since I’m not super-familiar with what Aldi stocks (and I’m pretty sure it varies, right?), I can’t shop Publix first and then Aldi.
Maybe that’s a good time to work on my book proposal, eh? 😉
Thanks for being so transparent. You’re dealing with a lot of adverse circumstances right now that would cause most other people to buy frozen meals at the least, or eat out all the time. I think that your honesty in this post will help encourage other people to try a little harder. I am not familiar with any of the stores in the post, and my only advise is to keep a Bible in your car, and anytime you’re waiting for a store to open, you’ll have something to do 🙂 Blessings, and here’s to hoping you can find a house and get your moving truck delivered!!
Aw, thank you so much Heidi for such an encouraging note! I SO needed to hear this. 🙂 Blessings to you too!
My kids are now grown and gone, but I remember well settling into new communities. We moved 4 kids 3 times in 5 years, I and was never very good at it!
Sounds to me like you’re doing great if you only went $200 over your food budget in a new environment… it takes time to find the rhythm and stores for the best prices – not to mention no stockpiled pantry!
My only suggestion is bread – doesn’t $2.99/loaf just make you crazy?! Have you tried the refrigerator varieties on Pintrest? Mix a big batch, divide and bake as you need them. Cuts prep time in half, but you do have to dedicate a morning to prep!
Yes, the price does drive me crazy! The catch is though is that I don’t have the tools for storage or mixing. I’m saving every jar I can, but I have to be very choosy about what I make multiples of simple for the sake of not having anywhere to keep them! And I currently have just one mixing bowl, which often doubles as a “holding” spot for sauces as I wash and re-use the single saucepan we have. It’s a tricky spot, and for the sake of my sanity, it’s store-bought bread. I’m not worried though – the temporariness ends soon!
This was a huge spending month for us too due to illness and the exhaustion that followed. As I looked over receipts, I too, came to the same conclusion: I need to shop at Aldi more!! Lol, that place is amazing and beats Costco in the produce department almost every time.
Keep up the good work Tiffany, you’ll be back to the budget in no time 🙂
Also I had an idea for your 30 min gap, why not use the time to make a new habit? You could bring a tumbler of coffee in the car to sip on while you do it. A few ideas could be, start writing letters of encouragement to those you love or to those who need it, learn a new language, have a 30 min devotional time, start a prayer journal and pray through it… The possibilities are endless! Just a thought!
Thanks for all your hard work and budget honesty! It’s good to know we all blow it sometimes ?
I haven’t had a chance to compare Aldi produce to Costco produce, or organic vs. non-organic, but at least Aldi has moved up a step in priority, lol. Thank you for being so positive Diana, and for the awesome suggestions on how to spend that 30 minutes!
Waiting in the car is something I do a lot of when picking up the kids at two different schools. I agree with Heidi, to keep your Bible in the car, to take a special beverage from home, to go over your shopping list and coupons to make sure you are getting everything you need. I’ve come to love my time of waiting to just relax, read and have some “me” time. It also helps me plan and be more organized. Remember, this is only temporary and soon enough you will be enjoying your new home and state.
Thank you Deni for sharing your insight! A hot beverage from home always sounds good while waiting in the cold car!
I need to be better at shopping at Aldi’s too, but it is on the other side of town near the mall which equals crazy traffic, so I generally avoid that area. Looking at todays ad the prices are too good to pass up this week an I need to make the trek over there.
We have a nut free school as well and some things that I send in lunches include sunflower butter, hummus and veggies, trail mix made of pumpkin and sunflower seeds and deviled eggs. The deviled eggs were a moment of desperation one day when I hadn’t been to the store and needed something with protein to pack in his lunch…( I know he wont eat a plain hardboiled eggs) I was then told “thanks for my awesome lunch” Seeds are sometimes hard to source that have not been processed around nuts but we find them since I have a nut allergy.
I will be curious to see, as time goes on, if you find prices in the south (where I am at too) are different than California. Frequently some of your prices in the past seemed too good to be true and I just assumed it was because you lived close to where everything is grown Buying bread is a grocery budget killer. We have started making our own and are easily saving $20-30 a month. Good luck with the house hunt!
I hear you on avoiding traffic! Thank you for the tips on nut-free lunch ideas. My kids haven’t had deviled eggs yet, although they’re willing to try! These circumstances will likely have me coming up with some great kid-friendly lunch ideas! Where do you get your sunflower butter?
Just wondering what kind of meat you buy? Conventional, organic or hormone and antibiotic free. I only ask because I’m used to buying hormone free meat but lately our budgets been tight. I’m wondering if I should just buy conventional or suck it up and pay the higher price for higher quality. Thanks 🙂
Hi Sabrina! Right now we’re buying organic chicken (since we eat it most often and I make stock out of it) and the best deal I can find on pork and beef (since we eat little of both). Costco has good quality beef and pork so I tend to shop there, and because I don’t know of anywhere else that has good quality at affordable prices. 🙂
Thank you for this post. It was helpful to actually see that buying things like bread, chicken broth, and such pre made does add up.
Moving is always a challenge. Having quiet time before shopping with a nice mug of coffee from home, and some bible reading or prayer might be nice.
I’m still struggling with what to buy organic and what not to buy that way. Also trying to get my family to eat meatless meals.
Good luck getting settled.
Oh yes, having to buy items I normally make from scratch is KILLING me. I’ve easily spent $40 on that alone, and that’s with me being kinda stingy on those items too (like not using stock in all my recipes, limiting bread, etc.) Thank you for your well wishes Katrina! In regards to getting your family to go meatless, have you asked what they’re top 2-3 favorite meals are? Maybe they’ll happen to name something that isn’t meat (like grilled cheese and tomato soup)? Or maybe it’s something you could turn into a meal w/little meat, like macaroni & cheese w/shredded turkey/chicken/ground beef and lots of veggies w/a side salad?
Publix tends to be expensive, especially for meats! I almost never get meat there. Publix BOGOs are great and the best thing to buy there. Aldi is great for most staples. Their chicken is sometimes cheap, but most other meats aren’t. I try to buy whatever produce specials Aldi is featuring that week. I like Aldi, but there is a lot of junk, processed food there, which we mostly don’t eat. I have a warehouse club membership but don’t use it for most staples, as they are cheaper at Aldi! I find I have to go to a lot of different stores to get the best prices for what I need to buy. It is quite time consuming. I originally lived in NY and we moved to FL 9 years ago. Sticker Shock!! Prices in Fl for food are much higher than in NY! I think it’s because there are not so many supermarket chains, and there is not enough competition!
Organic chicken at Publix is the same as at Costco here – do you notice the same? I agree that there is a lot of processed foods at Aldi, but I’m sure there are gems too. I’m looking forward to browsing the aisles and learning more!
I have been following you for a while and I live in the Atlanta area (Northwest Subs). Aldi’s is my go to. Costco is a must! Also, look at Kroger (yeah, you need a club card, but the savings on gas and digital coupons make it worth it). If you are lucky enough to live near a Sprouts you definitely need to give them a try. and check out Food Depot if there is a good one close. I have 6 kids (4 teenagers and 10 and 8 years)
Hi Dave! We’re probably neighbors! I found Sprouts the other day, drove by Kroger and I get circulars for Food Depot (although I haven’t actually seen one yet). I think it’s going to be a matter of time before I get in the groove, so to speak. You’ll have to help me with Sprouts – I thought it was expensive?
Where I live were dont have an Audi, Kroger had the best prices, and Sprouts is a great place for bulk items when they are on sale like oats, nuts, seeds, and also produce.
Publix is expensive, but watch for the sales. And I think your thought of shopping Aldi first would be helpful. Not sure where you are, but if you are close to Decatur, there is a huge market “Your Dekalb Farmer’s Market” that has really decent prices on produce. It’s huge and plan on making a field trip of it!
Oooh, I love big farmers markets!! Decatur isn’t close enough to be a regular occurrence, but it might be fun to make a trip and visit other stores in the area too. Of course, all this might change in the spring when more markets open. It would be great to find a good and affordable CSA!
We’re in the Northern suburbs of the Atl too! I’m not sure where you are but if Decatur is far away, then once March hits, you could go to the Alpharetta farmers’ market. It’s in downtown Alpharetta where they just constructed the new town hall. (intersection of Hwy 9 and Academy St/Milton Avenue)
It’s a great farmers’ market – we’ve found amazing deals there, like cucumbers for a quarter each! They also have pastured fresh eggs and a goat milk buying club.
Good luck!
Thanks so much for the tip Anna! Alpharetta isn’t convenient, but it might be worth it!
Thank you for such an honest post! I live in SC and always hit Aldi first, too. I didn’t renew my club store membership because I could spend less shopping at Aldi and supplementing at another grocery store. If you have an Earth Fare nearby, they have great and frequent sales on meat, chicken and bulk bin items.
Thanks for the tip on Earth Fare Erin, I’ll have to check that out!
Aldi, here in Indiana, does have a pretty consistent list of products that they stock all the time. Some canned goods are seasonal, like tomato products. And, the Aldi finds are entirely seasonal. If it helps, you can look at their ads online to get an idea what might be on sale that will help with your budget.
If Publix puts their ads online, you might be able to cash in on the buy one get one, without purchasing anything else, unless it is a really good deal. (My perception is that you could do this way better than I could. I do not have that kind of self-discipline.) We do not have Publix in this area.
I, too, am trying to establish a shopping routine. It is very difficult, still, since food continues to be less than appetizing. I just keep plugging, hoping that it will get better soon.
I love how you share your experiences and tips and tricks, so that we (I) can take advantage of your experience. Keep up the good work!
I didn’t even know Aldi had their ads online – thank you Martha! I’ll add that to my weekly routine. Thank you for your constant encouragement as well – God heals all wounds in time. 🙂 Blessings to you!
Sprouts has their ad online, too. If you shop their amazing sales, you’ll love it. Regular prices can be a bit high. But their produce is the freshest in our area and there’s always great sales on produce and hormone free meats.
Thanks Shawna!
We’re moving to California in a few weeks and I’d love to hear what you rhink someone moving there should know – the stores you shopped, the order in which you shopped them, and what you bought at each store. Basically all the lessons you’re learning there but for CA! It would be so helpful!
I’d also love to hear about how you make your small space work for bulk shopping and batch cooking (or how you don’t!)
Reading along about your moving journey has been great!
I hope I can help Jen! Where in CA are you moving to?
Sacramento!
That’s a bit further north and in from where I was, but here’s what my routine was (after meal planning and making a list);
#1 – Grocery Outlet
#2 – Costco
#3 – Savemart/Lucky
GO has TONS of really great deals, and lots of organics/natural products that you wouldn’t think to shop for. Not everything is regular stock, but you’ll soon see what is and what isn’t and you’ll know to buy 2x or 3x when it’s not regular and an awesome deal (like Kerrygold butter for $2/lb!).
Costco was my place for everything staples: flour, rice, onions, potatoes, etc. You’ll really enjoy CA Costco – there’s lots of selection and tons of organic items.
Savemart/Lucky is where I got the “everything else” that I didn’t find, like a 4oz can of diced olives or salsa verde. It’s not super cheap, but they mark down items often so you can find good deals.
I’m actually going to write up our experience living in a small space right now, so watch out for that soon!
Instead of waiting for Aldi’s to open after dropping off the kiddos in the morning, why not shop there t day previous in the afternoon before picking them up? Then you can do whatever other shopping you need the following morning.
Honestly Wanda, because my brain doesn’t work that way, lol. I work on home/blog right up until I leave to take the kids to school. Leaving early kinda throws me for a loop… and there’s lots of traffic here. I’ve learned that it’s more efficient to stay near their school and wait for the traffic to clear than head straight home and get stuck in it.
Is there a park nearby? 90 minutes is a perfect window to get some walking in! Make it “me” time. Pop in earbuds and listen to an audiobook (there are a ton of great bestsellers you can get on audiobook via the Overdrive app at your library) or listen to podcasts, or even just music. Get fit AND save money! =)
Definitely have ‘me’ time while waiting for Aldi’s to open. Do some handwork (knitting, maybe some mending or hand sewing), reading, etc.
I’ve been using an app called Price Checker (Android) and it’s really helped me as an electronic price book. I’ve already found deals that I hadn’t noticed, and I’ve lived in this area for 11 years (with a 2 year move out of state).
I loved Aldi’s for produce and some cheeses. Their other products were hit or miss for us, but they do have a satisfaction guarantee. If you buy one and don’t like it, they’ll refund you. We did that for coffee (tasted burnt) and soups (too salty for us). We bought chocolate and salsa there, too. We don’t have one in our current location, but I definitely miss it…. but now we have a Winco!
A few ideas if you feel a bit more settled now — make some chicken stock in your crockpot overnight if you feel comfortable leaving it on, and make bread. I’ve very rarely used a mixer, and as long as you have a surface to knead it on, a big bowl to mix it in, and a cookie sheet to bake the boule on, you’re fine. I put on some nice, rhythmic music while I’m kneading and the time goes quickly.
Super Walmart if you feel comfortable shopping there has good deals on dry goods. Their produce is way too high, and they don’t have meat sales, but flour, beans, rice, etc, are all very similar to Costco, plus they ad-match.
Also, take a small cooler or insulated lunch bag for snacks when you’re house hunting. It pays for itself very quickly, especially the cheaper and easier insulated lunch bag. I bought mine at Target and we use it most trips to town. Make sandwiches and pack some fruit, or buy pita bread and bring sandwich fixings.
Thanks for the app tip Marjorie – I’ll look at that this weekend. Your other tips are amazing and super helpful too – thank you so much for taking the time to share!
There is! I might have to do this, especially with spring approaching. I’d LOVE to get a good run in before the day gets away.
I don’t shop at Aldi very often, because it’s out-of-the-way. Also, I’ve only been there a few times, but I haven’t found the variety – especially in produce – to be that great. And I can get some things more cheaply on sale and/or with coupons at my regular grocery store. That being said, there are definitely some things that are cheaper there, too. I would include it in my shopping rotation if it didn’t require a special trip outside the area…
Do you carry a book or magazine with you? I usually fill those extra blocks of time with reading.
I’ve started carrying my Kindle with me to listen to an audiobook while driving, and I’m currently in between hard books (thanks for the reminder to pick up another!). I’m starting to like the idea of “me” time during that block of time, especially if it’s only once a week. It would be something to look forward to!
Metro Atlanta? Then yes, you have several Trader Joe’s your way. They have unbelievable prices on nuts, snacks and one pound packages of bulk foods. I wish we were closer to Atlanta!
Hi Michelle! We stumbled onto a TJ yesterday and I think it’s about 20 min away – not too bad, but I don’t know if it would be part of my regular rotation. They do have GREAT prices on sunflower seeds as well as a few other fun stuff. I like reading their monthly magazine with what’s on sale and seasonal. Their editors must have a hoot at work – they always make me laugh!
I am praying that your moving truck arrives soon!!! In the meantime, you have lots of options: Trader Joe’s (competitively priced organic foods), Aldi (which you have already discovered), Costco, Sam’s, and BJ’s (which are offering more organic choices these days), and farmer’s markets (Atlanta has a big one). I don’t know if you have BJ’s that far south or not, but they have some nice organic foods.
You probably did very well in January considering the fact that you have to completely stock your pantry after your move. Once you get fully stocked, you will, no doubt, get back to your budgeted amount for food. I buy a lot from Vitacost because they have such amazing sales and thousands of products, including non-GMO and organic foods of every description.
I miss having access to the SC farmer’s market in Greenville, because SC allows (or used to allow) raw milk to be sold at farmer’s markets. If you are ever up that way, check it out. I used to buy the most AMAZING raw milk there.
PS: Also the Favado app is great for comparing prices. It’s free! You can select your favorite stores and compare prices on items. You can also select a store and see all their current specials.
Congrats on the move! It takes time to get settled. I’ve been using the app “Out of Milk” with success lately. I go to the website and use my laptop to enter the contents of my pantry, then generate the grocery list on my phone. It tracks prices and will give you a running total, which I find helpful. You check off the items as they enter you cart, and then either delete them or uncheck them (thus restoring the list for next week). Still making friends with it, but it has given me more confidence with stocking up or walking away from items. PS and you can change how items are grouped! That helped me a lot.
Try the “Out of Milk” app, I’m finding it very helpful. You can enter your pantry items via the website, then shop via grocery list on your phone.
I live in Indiana and LOVE Aldi. They have come a long way in the last few years in offering more natural and organic stuff. They do have consistent stock of most things, and then have “special buys” that they only have for a few weeks at a time. It is always my first stop for groceries and I get most things there. They have great prices on nuts and seeds, natural peanut butter, and produce, including the best price on organic apples I can find anywhere. Also you can get a bag of tortilla chips made with organic corn for $1.69! A similar bag at my second-stop-store is close to $4.
If I had half an hour to myself in the morning I would read a book! I never get to do that anymore with a 2-year-old around!
LOL! I hear you on reading! I like that idea – now what book to pick! 😉
I cannot imagine trying to cook with a limited kitchen!
I hate buying bread too, but sometimes when I’m in a pinch, there’s 1 loaf at Aldi that’s fairly “clean” it’s one of the wheat breads. I love the overnight “sourdough” crusty bread – bit.ly/1joXD8h or look into the bread in 5 minutes a day, both recipes are easy/quick and don’t require much in the way of cooking utensils or time!
Good luck working out you new routine. Every so often our schedules change and I feel lost in the wind until we figure out our new way.
I love the idea for taking the 30 minutes between drop off & Aldi’s open as a me time, sometimes us parents are so busy that we forget to take a moment to be still and relax.
I have a recipe for that bread too Meghan, and I’ve always wondered about the bread in 5 min/day. I’ll see if my library has it!
Google “Artisan in five master boule” and you will find the recipe for the bread. The authors of that book have been most generous in their free sharing!
I live in Florida. (Headquarters of Publix). On Publix website, you can enter your information and get digital coupons and printables to save even more. I shop at Publix and Aldi’s weekly and once a month at Sam’s club.
Be patient with yourself. You are learning so much. I pray that your delivery truck makes it there soon. Also, that you find a great house for your family. Praying for your family that-adjustments are met with a challenging attitude.
Enjoy Georgia.
I just saw that this week Cathy! I added coupons to my card, bought just one of a BOGO and got buffalo sauce for $1.25. Best deal ever! Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!
Congratulations AND kudoes for your great attitude after a HUGE move (in all ways!). My question (I didn’t have time to read all the comments so this may be a duplication): have you considered doing the shopping at the ‘other end’ of being out….allowing time BEFORE you pick up the kids from school? Since you are out anyway, you could maybe spread it out a bit, do one-two stores over a couple of days. Thank you for your blog….we miss you in CA but as long as you continue to post your journey, BLESSINGS on your family WAY OVER THERE!
Aw, thank you Conni! Someone did mention shopping before picking up the kids, but I think it’s a mental block. I think to myself that I’m already out when I take them to school, so why not shop then? I also think it’s the invisible time barrier – where I don’t have one if I do it in the morning, but I’m on a limit if I do it before picking them up. I do like the idea of spreading it out, and doing Aldi before pick up one day, then Publix for odds/ends after drop off the next wouldn’t be so bad. Thank you for the blessings! With family and friends in PST, the whole west coast is on my mind at 3am your local time! 🙂
Hi Tiffany! Just a quick question. How do you feel physically after having to buy more processed foods? Kind regards, Ruthie
Hi Ruthie! It’s hard to gauge to be honest, but I can say we’re not 100%. Some of it could be mental exhaustion or stress-related, but it could be food. I’m not sure. There are definitely items listed we wouldn’t ordinarily buy, but we’re trying to balance those with things we would cook from scratch… Like having a sandwich once/twice a week rather than every day (which is what I’d have no problem doing when we make our bread). That helps for sure. The whole family feels off when we eat several days in a row of processed foods, and it takes us several more to get back to normal!
I have had that ‘off’ feeling from not eating well. I was not 100% organic, whole grains or anything like that, but I was making small, gradual changes for our family, food wise. Then money became tight, and I went back to all my old buying habits. The white breads, white sugar, white flour all combined had me feeling so, well, yucky (can’t forget to mention the Christmas goodies). It manifested itself in my stomach with constant indigestion, and in my feet in the form of athlete’s foot. Then I learned that all fungal infections are due to an overabundance of yeast in your system which feeds off of the sugar that gets broken down from the foods we eat. (sorry for all this ‘tmi’) So, at the beginning of the year, I decided to trim back our finances in other areas rather than cut out all the good food I had tried to establish in our eating routine.
Long story short:
I’m glad that you’ve found ways to balance your processed foods like only having sandwiches twice a week. Smart! Sounds like you’re adjusting to your ‘new normal’. Never doubted it for a second 🙂 You strike me as a get it done type of person, and that has served you well in everything you do. Keep up the great work!
Hey Tiffany,
So I see you have made the peach state your home! I am so happy and excited for your family. Just wanted to give you some places you could grocery shop in ga. Depending where you are, there are some great places to shop. If you are closer to Atlanta, there is a farmers market with great produce for a great price–Your Dekalb Farmers market. And if you are north of the city around Duluth or Suwannee, the Asian markets have really great produce for awesome prices–Super H Mart. Good luck and welcome to Georgia!
I’ve heard the Dekalb market recommendation before Michelle, which means I definitely need to go! I’m not near Duluth, but you’ve reminded me to check local ethnic stores. Thanks for the tips, and the welcome!
Hi Tiffany,
I’m actually very impressed with your food budget for the month. First of all, you are now living in the Eastern part of the US. Unfortunately, the cost of food is high here. Aldi is a life saver, but I would also see if there are any international food markets in your area. They open earlier, and you may find they have better prices on produce than even Aldi (and are fresher and not pre-packaged in plastic). I’ve gotten lemons and limes at 10 for a $1 there. Mangoes for .25 cents each etc. Also, things like rice and coconut milk are WAY cheaper at an international food store. I live in the DC metro area and can get coconut milk (without any added guar gum etc) for only .99 cents a can! Fish and odd cuts of meat are also at a discounted rate there. And as a treat, you can usually get some great kimchi and ready made bulgogi in their refrigerated section too! Oh, and pick up some sunflower butter for your kids lunches! That isn’t a nut and they can still have the protein in a quick sunbutter and jelly sandwich. My daughter has the no-nut rule too. It kills me!
Good luck and be kind to yourself. You are only a couple months into this and are still living out of a suitcase! You’re doing great. Once your routines are set, you will be back on track in no time!
Tiffany, where in Atlanta are you? I’m in Acworth…welcome to Georgia! One of these days I’m going to brave the traffic and drive to Decatur to hit the markets there! I’ve read to never go on the weekend, it’s too crowded! Blessings on your new adventure!
I’m not too far from you Kathy! 😉 Thanks for the tip on the markets on the weekend!!