I started this blog because I was really inspired by all of the cool frugal women that are out there helping each other save money, get free stuff and give back to communities. I have been following some of the women who have challenged themselves to live on and/or spend less on groceries than they thought they could.
So I decided to try my own challenge - the 2-week Menu Challenge. I want to see if I can plan and make two weeks worth of dinners using only what I already have in my pantry/freezer.I keep a well stocked pantry to begin with, something I probably inherited from my grandmother, who was definitely a depression-era frugal momma in her own right! So I want to use what I already have, without buying anything at the grocery store. That's where the challenge will be for me because I have discovered that the reason I often spend too much is that I shop on the way home, decide what's for dinner and then buy it - whether it's on sale, whether I have coupons or not. Not exactly the frugal way - but often the way of the full-time working mom. I want to plan ahead, use what I have and restock when things are on sale or I have coupons.
What are you going to do about produce, you ask? We subscribe to a local CSA program that provides us with a small box of organic fruits and vegetables every other week and this just happens to be that week. So I should be good. I didn't stockpile in advance of this attempt although I did assess that I had enough milk to keep my 4-year old satisfied.
Here's the menu plan for week 1 (not necessarily in order):
Meatloaf
Chicken parmesan
Sausage Lentil Soup
Fish Tacos
Pizza
I made the meatloaf and chopped up the soup ingredients so I should be able to just throw it into the crockpot. I took out the chicken for the parm and the dough for the pizza.
I have to admit that when I started reading the sale ads this morning, I had to just put the Fred Meyer one down and step away - telling myself that I can't care about what's on sale this week because I'm not going shopping!
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About Me
- Elizabeth
- Seattle Area, Washington - the state
- I am an attorney, working mom of 3, who loves a bargain, a great deal and freebies. Who doesn't want the best, for less? Come here to see my triumphs and budget tribulations, good deals and my take on what the good life can mean...
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2 comments:
Good for you! It is so hard to break those habits. I feel for ya - I just barely stopped working full time. It is such a challenge to stay on budget when the last thing you want to do when you get home from work is make dinner (not to mention doing dishes, etc., etc.) I am down to working two full days each week and it is all I can do (or not do some weeks) on the days that I work to not pick up some fast food for dinner. Alas, the crockpot and cooking extra has become my saving grace for those days. Some days I just make a lame dinner. For example, tomorrow I work and we are having grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner! Anyway, Good luck, girl! You can do it! Keep us all updated!
-Michelle
I can be so wordy sometimes! Sorry that was such a long comment :)!
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