• Last updated 3/12/13 by JenM

  This can only get easier! My youngest decided she wanted to spend the day with me, as you can see she's in the picture eating one of the cookies that was not on my list! We made it to through one place before she decided she had had enough. AWESOME!!!! The one problem I ran into was that the produce wasn't as good as it usually is, so I am going to have to make a trip some where some time. I have enough to get us through for awhile. Also does anyone know if Instant Yeast does the same thing as Dry Active Yeast?   I'm actually going to break down my purchases... read more

• Last updated 1/14/13 by JenM

      It's Meal Plan Monday - you can find the printable I use here.     Weekly Menu Plan:   Monday: Shrimp Fettucine & Salad (We didn't have this last Friday)   Tuesday: Paula Deen's Old Fashioned Meat Loaf & Mashed Potatoes   Wednesday:  Pork tendorloin, Veggie, & Rice   Thursday: Spaghetti, Salad, & Garlic Bread   Friday: Pizza & Movie Night   Saturday:  Tater Tot Casserole & Salad   Sunday: Pioneer Woman's Perfect Pot Roast & Mashed Potatoes     Grocery Shopping:       Here's a picture of my lists for the... read more

• Last updated 1/10/13 by JenM

    It's Meal Plan Monday!  This will be the day I show you what I have planned out for the week. You can find the printable that I use for my binder here.  Lunches are also packed for the four of us (either sandwiches, leftovers, or salads) 5 days a week.     Weekly Menu Plan:   Monday - Pork Chops, Green Beans, & Rice   Tuesday - Venison Stroganoff & Salad   Wednesday - Bubble Pizza & Salad  This was the 1st time having this - make sure your hamburger & sauce mixture is saucey. Ours was kinda dry.   Thursday - Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup... read more

• Last updated 1/3/13 by JenM

    It's a new year, time for new goals and new resolutions! I'm taking you along for the ride on our family budgeting adventure this year.        First off let me introduce myself, my name is Jenny.  I am 33 years old, working mother of 2 little girls named Lexi & Aubs.  Lexi is my 8 year old dance princess who has major skills which in turn costs major $$$$, so during this year she will be learning the value of money, respect, and work ethic (chores around the house) . Aubs is my 6 year old redneck in training!  She is her father's child, has to be constantly... read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by Alex's mommy

The way I save on meats is to buy it when it goes on sale so generally I'll head to the market in the morning after dropping my son off at school. The meat is near its expiration date so plan on using this meat that same day or freeze. Just ask your butcher about their mark down schedule. Buy less expensive cuts of meat by tenderizing, marinating and consider slow roasting or throw it into a crock pot recipe. Don't buy the already formed and frozen ground beef for burgers, instead buy fresh ground beef and make them yourself. When shopping for chicken, fish or a... read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by no8fann

A few years ago, I took a new job, and we relocated to the High Plains.  I was accustomed to having five grocery chains (with multiple stores from each chain within driving distance), three farmer's markets, various road-side produce stands, and my own little garden plot in the back yard.  Needless to say, I got sticker shock when I went to the grocery here the first few times!  We had two - count 'em, TWO!  locally owned, mom-and-pop style grocery stores in our new town.  The next nearest town was a 25 minute drive, and the "big city" took an hour to get to.  I knew... read more

• Last updated 2/7/12 by bcmom

When I hear the amounts that people are spending on groceries every week, I am amazed.   I was watching one show in particular where a lady filled her cart with groceries, and the total came to over $400.  For one cart of groceries?  How is that even possible?  The coupon experts came along and rescued her, showing her how she could get the same groceries (or similar ones) for about 10% of what she had been prepared to spend.   I've been spending an average of $300/month for years - and that buys everything - groceries, cleaning supplies, toiletries, my clothing. ... read more

• Last updated 2/12/12 by Kim

  It can seem like balancing your desire to feed your family healthy, organic food conflicts with your grocery budget.  Here are 5 ways to make the most of your food budget by buying organic where it counts.   1. When buying fresh fruits and veggies, only buy organic if you're going to eat the skin.  For example, choose conventional oranges, and organic apples.   2. If you want to stay away from rBST in milk, you may not need to buy the expensive brand.  I buy rBST-free store brand milk at Walmart. Many other stores only buy from farmers who pledge not to... read more