I have been asked over and over again, "What do you prepare for?"
They all expect one answer or to hear one thing. The truth is that very few people I know prepare for one thing. They prepare for many things or everything. Very rare that someone ever prepares for one thing. That is foolish and narrow-minded.
I prepare for everything year round. I might prepare more for things depending on the season or current conditions in our country. During the Spring I prepare for storms, tornadoes, the upcoming hot weather, constantly changing temperatures, and the summer schedule. I also get my garden ready and start planting to have food for the winter.
During the Summer I prepare for storms, tornadoes, hot weather, next school year, and the fall season. I get any projects done that need to be done, any necessary house repair, garden, can and preserve food, and plan for the fall.
During the Fall I prepare for the upcoming winter weather, constantly changing temperatures, busy work schedule, and busy school schedule and activities. I finish up in the garden, finish up with the bulk of the canning, gets vehicles ready for winter weather, finish up any outdoor projects, and start preparing for the upcoming holiday season.
During the Winter I prepare for winter weather, make plans for the next year, do any canning that I did not do during the summer or fall (for example, broth), and study/learn new skills and techniques. For me, the Winter is all about planning and learning for the next year. I also like to practice and anticipate what we would do without power.
For every season, we have plenty to prepare for. Then we have the things we prepare for all year round.
I like to think of any contingencies whether they are plausible or not. I like to be prepared for any cycle in our economy, for the possibility of losing power and being off the grid for several days, for the possibility of job loss or reduced income, for the possibility of being stranded at home or away from home, and for the possibility of just about anything you can think of.
I don't like to think about the bad things that could happen in life, but the reality is that they can exist and they shouldn't ignored. Being ignorant is as good as being dead in those situations. Being prepared gives us a chance at survival and that is what I want if those things happen.
Many people will call this being paranoid, but when the stuff hits the fan those people are never considered paranoid then. They are considered smart. Smart people look forward and do what they can now. They don't stop doing what they can and they do it year round.
Do what you can now and do it 365 days a year. Be smart.
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday Frugal Update
Wow! Glad to be talking to y'all again! The craziness in my life has come to a temporary halt. Graduation is over with and softball/baseball games have not begun except for practices. I have some posts written for here already and plenty more ideas!
After remodeling two rooms and graduation, I feel poor so the frugalness has been pouring out of me! Beyond that, I have been feeling a bit lazy so I have been finding solutions at home so I don't have to go to the store. Sometimes I think being frugal is from being lazy and sometimes I think it is because I am being smart about my resources. Let me know what you think!
So for this week in frugalness, I have been doing these things!
1. I ran out of dishwasher detergent. I realize I could (or the kids could) wash dishes by hand, the dishwasher saves a lot of time, hassle, and arguments. So I found a great recipe from One Good Thing by Jillee that has been working great. I still wish I could use powder detergent, but this dishwasher doesn't seem to care for it. I omitted the vinegar and only use that in the rinse compartment. The vinegar with the Dr. Bronner's castile soap seems to create a clumping effect that I do not like.
2. Some of you may saw where I posted a recipe for Homemade Gatorade on Facebook. Paige and I tackled that on Saturday and loved it! I was definitely looking for a way to reduce the costs of buying Gatorade and this is it. Paige loved the taste of it and thought the reaction of the lemon juice and baking soda was too cool!
3. After squeezing 8 lemons for the Homemade Gatorade, we used the peels to make Lemon Vinegar. Very, very simple and the cleaning power of this is fantastic. I love that this is a no-waste cleaner, but waiting two weeks for it to come together is torture!
4. I also took a stab at drying blueberries. This will become a blog post! I also made banana chips for the kids to snack on this summer. I plan on drying apples this week to also have for snacks.
5. I bought some new summer tops and a skirt at the thrift store this week. I needed some cooler feeling tops and I think these will fit the bill. I only spent $18 for five shirts and one skirt. Not bad!
6. We ate at a lot of graduation parties the last two weekends. We enjoyed some wonderful food and felt like we were eating out!
7. I have been staying away from buying breakfast or lunch for the last two weeks. I would sometimes stop once or twice a week as a treat for myself, but those costs are starting to chip into my budget especially with $3.94 a gallon gas. I have cut those out and will be continuing to do so in the future.
8. I downloaded a few books for free on my Kindle. There are so many great books out there for free that are worth your time and effort to find them.
9. I also have been looking at repurposing items a little more. I have been washing out and reusing resealable bags that had not contained raw meat. Considering what "good" resealable bags costs, this is a small way that could add up to bigger savings!
10. I made a batch of granola last weekend. This time I opted for the cranberry and almond soaked granola which we love.
11. We have also cut out meat a little more in our diets. Ground beef is very expensive right now so I have been looking at alternatives like ground turkey or finding meals with no meat. We have also been eating more eggs since I have found some decent sales on eggs.
12. I purchased a half of hog from a local farmer. The cost of the half of hog was $65 and processing was $69. I got 102 pounds of meat for $1.311 a pound. Much cheaper than grocery stores and I get ground pork, pork sausage, bacon, ham steaks, pork chops, pork roasts, and spare ribs. Yummy!
13. I have signed up for several free items this last week. Besides getting great things in the mail, this is a great way to stretch what you have and try new things.
We have been trying to be frugal and I hope this list helps you in some way to be more frugal. If you think a solution does not exist, do some research!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
After remodeling two rooms and graduation, I feel poor so the frugalness has been pouring out of me! Beyond that, I have been feeling a bit lazy so I have been finding solutions at home so I don't have to go to the store. Sometimes I think being frugal is from being lazy and sometimes I think it is because I am being smart about my resources. Let me know what you think!
So for this week in frugalness, I have been doing these things!
1. I ran out of dishwasher detergent. I realize I could (or the kids could) wash dishes by hand, the dishwasher saves a lot of time, hassle, and arguments. So I found a great recipe from One Good Thing by Jillee that has been working great. I still wish I could use powder detergent, but this dishwasher doesn't seem to care for it. I omitted the vinegar and only use that in the rinse compartment. The vinegar with the Dr. Bronner's castile soap seems to create a clumping effect that I do not like.
2. Some of you may saw where I posted a recipe for Homemade Gatorade on Facebook. Paige and I tackled that on Saturday and loved it! I was definitely looking for a way to reduce the costs of buying Gatorade and this is it. Paige loved the taste of it and thought the reaction of the lemon juice and baking soda was too cool!
3. After squeezing 8 lemons for the Homemade Gatorade, we used the peels to make Lemon Vinegar. Very, very simple and the cleaning power of this is fantastic. I love that this is a no-waste cleaner, but waiting two weeks for it to come together is torture!
4. I also took a stab at drying blueberries. This will become a blog post! I also made banana chips for the kids to snack on this summer. I plan on drying apples this week to also have for snacks.
5. I bought some new summer tops and a skirt at the thrift store this week. I needed some cooler feeling tops and I think these will fit the bill. I only spent $18 for five shirts and one skirt. Not bad!
6. We ate at a lot of graduation parties the last two weekends. We enjoyed some wonderful food and felt like we were eating out!
7. I have been staying away from buying breakfast or lunch for the last two weeks. I would sometimes stop once or twice a week as a treat for myself, but those costs are starting to chip into my budget especially with $3.94 a gallon gas. I have cut those out and will be continuing to do so in the future.
8. I downloaded a few books for free on my Kindle. There are so many great books out there for free that are worth your time and effort to find them.
9. I also have been looking at repurposing items a little more. I have been washing out and reusing resealable bags that had not contained raw meat. Considering what "good" resealable bags costs, this is a small way that could add up to bigger savings!
10. I made a batch of granola last weekend. This time I opted for the cranberry and almond soaked granola which we love.
11. We have also cut out meat a little more in our diets. Ground beef is very expensive right now so I have been looking at alternatives like ground turkey or finding meals with no meat. We have also been eating more eggs since I have found some decent sales on eggs.
12. I purchased a half of hog from a local farmer. The cost of the half of hog was $65 and processing was $69. I got 102 pounds of meat for $1.311 a pound. Much cheaper than grocery stores and I get ground pork, pork sausage, bacon, ham steaks, pork chops, pork roasts, and spare ribs. Yummy!
13. I have signed up for several free items this last week. Besides getting great things in the mail, this is a great way to stretch what you have and try new things.
We have been trying to be frugal and I hope this list helps you in some way to be more frugal. If you think a solution does not exist, do some research!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
MYO Bagged Salad
One of the most frustrating things for me in grocery stores is bagged salads. I like to eat healthier because I feel better, but supermarkets certainly do not make it easier for me to do so. They sell bagged salads with some wacky ingredients, lettuce/greens with no beneficial nutrients, and they are so overpriced!
Yesterday, I had an idea hit me so suddenly that I was surprised! Why not make my own bagged salads?
Genius I tell ya!
Some of you, I know, are saying "duh". Some of you are wondering what kind of time and bother is involved. I don't blame you. With the schedule I have been keeping lately, I couldn't be making anything complicated or mind-boggling. I just can't do it.
2. You waste less.
You control the potions. I made my salads up thinking individuals servings. They will wilt more slowly than if they were in one big bag. I also bought ingredients that I would use in other meals making even less waste.
3. The salads are healthier for you.
Most bagged salads contain pesticides and preservatives to protect the quality of the salad as well as to slow down the wilting and browning of the ingredients. Nasty! Also, they include ingredients that are not so good for you to appeal to you a little more like candied nuts, heavy dressings, and croutons/crackers.
4. The costs involved are less.
Less waste, less cost. You can buy the ingredients per potion for less than pre-bagged salads.You are getting ingredients you like and can be used for other dishes. The costs get even less if you have fresh garden produce that you can use instead of store bought.
5. This salad is portable.
This salad has travel options! You can take it to work with you. You can take it on picnics with you. You can take it to the ball game with you. You can pack it in the cooler for car trips. The options are endless!
Sounds great, right?
This is so easy you will wonder why you didn't think of it! Any ingredients you want, you put together. You know what you like!
Here is my first version of MYO Bagged Salad:
1 bag of organic raw spinach
1 - 1 lb. bag of snow peas
1 pint of grape tomatoes
1 pint of sliced mushrooms
I used a quart-sized plastic bag for my salad, but you can use a pint size bag depending on a potion size that works for you. You can also use jars if you do not like to use plastic bag.
I filled the bag halfway with the spinach (a good handful). I added about 10-12 snow peas, 6 grape tomatoes, and about 1/3 cup mushrooms. This is a rough guess because I just tossed the ingredients in. I wish I could be a bit more fancy and give exact measurements, but it is what it is.
Close the bag and you are done. If you like cheese on your salad, you can add that in the bagged salad or when you dump the salad out. If you are into salad dressing, you can put that into a little container to take with your salad.
Easy peasy! Even better, you can eat it in the bag if you want or dump it into a bowl/plate. You can eat it with your fingers if you don't care what others think! Although I wouldn't if you put salad dressing on it. That might get messy.
Give this a try and let me know how it works for you! Let me know what combinations you used!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
Yesterday, I had an idea hit me so suddenly that I was surprised! Why not make my own bagged salads?
Genius I tell ya!
Some of you, I know, are saying "duh". Some of you are wondering what kind of time and bother is involved. I don't blame you. With the schedule I have been keeping lately, I couldn't be making anything complicated or mind-boggling. I just can't do it.
The benefits of making your own bagged salad:
1. You control the ingredients.
You can make them anyway you like them! You can have as many ingredients or as little ingredients as you like. I dislike red onions and nuts in my salads so to have a salad without those? Awesomeness!2. You waste less.
You control the potions. I made my salads up thinking individuals servings. They will wilt more slowly than if they were in one big bag. I also bought ingredients that I would use in other meals making even less waste.
3. The salads are healthier for you.
Most bagged salads contain pesticides and preservatives to protect the quality of the salad as well as to slow down the wilting and browning of the ingredients. Nasty! Also, they include ingredients that are not so good for you to appeal to you a little more like candied nuts, heavy dressings, and croutons/crackers.
4. The costs involved are less.
Less waste, less cost. You can buy the ingredients per potion for less than pre-bagged salads.You are getting ingredients you like and can be used for other dishes. The costs get even less if you have fresh garden produce that you can use instead of store bought.
5. This salad is portable.
This salad has travel options! You can take it to work with you. You can take it on picnics with you. You can take it to the ball game with you. You can pack it in the cooler for car trips. The options are endless!
Sounds great, right?
This is so easy you will wonder why you didn't think of it! Any ingredients you want, you put together. You know what you like!
Here is my first version of MYO Bagged Salad:
1 bag of organic raw spinach
1 - 1 lb. bag of snow peas
1 pint of grape tomatoes
1 pint of sliced mushrooms
I used a quart-sized plastic bag for my salad, but you can use a pint size bag depending on a potion size that works for you. You can also use jars if you do not like to use plastic bag.
I filled the bag halfway with the spinach (a good handful). I added about 10-12 snow peas, 6 grape tomatoes, and about 1/3 cup mushrooms. This is a rough guess because I just tossed the ingredients in. I wish I could be a bit more fancy and give exact measurements, but it is what it is.
Close the bag and you are done. If you like cheese on your salad, you can add that in the bagged salad or when you dump the salad out. If you are into salad dressing, you can put that into a little container to take with your salad.
Easy peasy! Even better, you can eat it in the bag if you want or dump it into a bowl/plate. You can eat it with your fingers if you don't care what others think! Although I wouldn't if you put salad dressing on it. That might get messy.
Give this a try and let me know how it works for you! Let me know what combinations you used!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
Monday, May 6, 2013
Monday Update
Until next week, I will make no promises that I will be posting regularly. Now that I think about it, next week isn't looking good either...
maybe the week after that...
anyhoo...
What has been happening in the crazy busy life of this household?
Only this:
See the pretty girls ready for prom? That took a bit of work plus some creative complaining to have this come about. More about that another time. They both had a great time and were sad to see it over with.
See the walls and the floor? They are sort of new! The walls that needed to be replaced, got replaced. The walls all got textured and painted. The worn out linoleum got replaced with laminate hardwood.
I love it all! I was so happy with the results that I had to pinch myself! Now to get everything back together and get ready for the bathroom that needs new walls. I am glad that I found someone willing to get these projects done!
As some of you may know, we got some snow on Wednesday-Thursday last week! 8 inches of the wet, heavy stuff! It did some pretty significant damage on the trees around the farm:
Fortunately we did not lose power, but this is a sampling of the trees and branches that have to be cleaned up. We have a lot of work ahead of us! Thankfully we decided to not have graduation at the house! That would be a whole new level of stress I don't need!
We also have some new critters around the house:
Whew! And I still have graduation to get ready for and the start of the baseball/softball season this week.
Have a great day! Thanks!
Erica
maybe the week after that...
anyhoo...
What has been happening in the crazy busy life of this household?
Only this:
See the walls and the floor? They are sort of new! The walls that needed to be replaced, got replaced. The walls all got textured and painted. The worn out linoleum got replaced with laminate hardwood.
I love it all! I was so happy with the results that I had to pinch myself! Now to get everything back together and get ready for the bathroom that needs new walls. I am glad that I found someone willing to get these projects done!
As some of you may know, we got some snow on Wednesday-Thursday last week! 8 inches of the wet, heavy stuff! It did some pretty significant damage on the trees around the farm:
My clothesline
My driveway or what you can see of it
The kids' playset and fort. Thankfully it missed the powerline!
Fortunately we did not lose power, but this is a sampling of the trees and branches that have to be cleaned up. We have a lot of work ahead of us! Thankfully we decided to not have graduation at the house! That would be a whole new level of stress I don't need!
We also have some new critters around the house:
Katrina the 10 month old puppy/dog
Rebel the 7 week old kitten
Whew! And I still have graduation to get ready for and the start of the baseball/softball season this week.
Have a great day! Thanks!
Erica
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Teach Your Kids To Work and Survive in Life
Would you like to hear what is wrong with our country right now?
Most people expect to have their lives handed to them. They expect to have to work as little as possible and get the most money they can. They expect to have grand benefits without having to pay for them. They expect to graduate high school/college and automatically have a better standard of living than their parents. They want really nice things without having to save up for them or work up to them.
Trust me, I know. I once had that mindset. Not to the degree that I see now from young people, but it was there. I thought I could do a little work and get by with it. That all changed when I found myself married with little ones, going to college, and working three part-time jobs just to get by with what my then husband was doing: working a full-time job, going to school, and coaching. We found ourselves knee-deep in debt and struggling to pay even minimum payments.
The good life is what you make of it, but teaching our kids that work is not part of that equation is a huge mistake. Teaching kids to works starts at home with both parents understanding and realizing that this is for the benefit of their children. One of the parents' goals in life is to make sure your kids can make their way in the world on their own. It will be a tough process with some pain, some tears, some pride, and some happiness. There will be arguments and fights.
The main priority for a parent is to teach. Teach your kids to be responsible. Teach your kids how to do the job. Teach your kids to see a job through to the end. Teach your kids pride in a job well done. Praise them for taking initiative in doing a job. Praise them when they have done well so they continue to want to do that job. Give your appreciation when a job is done. Correct them with the job has been done poorly or not at all.
And parents, learn to say no.
Saying no is critical to teaching your kids responsibility. Tell them no when they want things in the store. Explain to them that you cannot afford it or that it is not in the budget to purchase. Telling them no now will teach them self-control for later in life.
Tell them if they want things or privileges they must work for them. Show them how you must work to afford things everyone needs in the family. Show them your priorities: keeping a roof over your head, paying for utilities, and paying for other things like telephone and internet service.
Give them jobs at home. Teach them to work at home. Whether you want to pay out an allowance is your decision. I chose not to, but I kept tally of what my kids did so it they wanted to purchase something or go to a movie, I would pay them then.
When your kids get old enough, encourage them to work outside the home. My girls have all started babysitting for others when they were twelve. I had them babysitting at home when they were eleven so they knew how to look after others responsibly. Shali and Jordan are 18 and 16 respectively and both have been working in a restaurant since 16. They cook food and help wait tables. I showed them how to cook when they were younger, had them making meals, and helping me in the kitchen since they were little. Those skills helped them to get jobs later on. The side benefit to this is that they both know they do not want to spend the rest of their lives as cooks in a restaurant. They enjoy the work, but it is not their lifelong ambition.
Now if the girls want something outside of their basic needs or what I think is over and above what I am willing to purchase for them, they have the option of buying it themselves. They may or may not purchase that item because they must decide if that is good way for them to spend their money or if they have to have that item. What I have taught them in this is that it is not okay to spend my money or other's money if they are not willing to buy that item with their own money. This also stands for going to the movies and out with friends.
This helps them prioritize their money. A tip I got from another parent is to have your kids pay you a payment every month. This will help them understand and be responsible for a monthly payment. He then gives the kids back their money when they go to college. I thought that was a brilliant idea!
Teaching your kids to work, understand prioritizing their needs and wants, and how to live within their means are life lessons. This is not something they figure out themselves when they get on their own without some very painful lessons. The parents' responsibility is to teach your kids to live successfully on their own when they leave home. They will need that taught self-control and discipline to live and survive on their own. Depriving them of that can be a true tragedy.
Do you want that to happen?
Thanks for reading!
Erica
Most people expect to have their lives handed to them. They expect to have to work as little as possible and get the most money they can. They expect to have grand benefits without having to pay for them. They expect to graduate high school/college and automatically have a better standard of living than their parents. They want really nice things without having to save up for them or work up to them.
Trust me, I know. I once had that mindset. Not to the degree that I see now from young people, but it was there. I thought I could do a little work and get by with it. That all changed when I found myself married with little ones, going to college, and working three part-time jobs just to get by with what my then husband was doing: working a full-time job, going to school, and coaching. We found ourselves knee-deep in debt and struggling to pay even minimum payments.
The good life is what you make of it, but teaching our kids that work is not part of that equation is a huge mistake. Teaching kids to works starts at home with both parents understanding and realizing that this is for the benefit of their children. One of the parents' goals in life is to make sure your kids can make their way in the world on their own. It will be a tough process with some pain, some tears, some pride, and some happiness. There will be arguments and fights.
The main priority for a parent is to teach. Teach your kids to be responsible. Teach your kids how to do the job. Teach your kids to see a job through to the end. Teach your kids pride in a job well done. Praise them for taking initiative in doing a job. Praise them when they have done well so they continue to want to do that job. Give your appreciation when a job is done. Correct them with the job has been done poorly or not at all.
And parents, learn to say no.
Saying no is critical to teaching your kids responsibility. Tell them no when they want things in the store. Explain to them that you cannot afford it or that it is not in the budget to purchase. Telling them no now will teach them self-control for later in life.
Tell them if they want things or privileges they must work for them. Show them how you must work to afford things everyone needs in the family. Show them your priorities: keeping a roof over your head, paying for utilities, and paying for other things like telephone and internet service.
Give them jobs at home. Teach them to work at home. Whether you want to pay out an allowance is your decision. I chose not to, but I kept tally of what my kids did so it they wanted to purchase something or go to a movie, I would pay them then.
When your kids get old enough, encourage them to work outside the home. My girls have all started babysitting for others when they were twelve. I had them babysitting at home when they were eleven so they knew how to look after others responsibly. Shali and Jordan are 18 and 16 respectively and both have been working in a restaurant since 16. They cook food and help wait tables. I showed them how to cook when they were younger, had them making meals, and helping me in the kitchen since they were little. Those skills helped them to get jobs later on. The side benefit to this is that they both know they do not want to spend the rest of their lives as cooks in a restaurant. They enjoy the work, but it is not their lifelong ambition.
Now if the girls want something outside of their basic needs or what I think is over and above what I am willing to purchase for them, they have the option of buying it themselves. They may or may not purchase that item because they must decide if that is good way for them to spend their money or if they have to have that item. What I have taught them in this is that it is not okay to spend my money or other's money if they are not willing to buy that item with their own money. This also stands for going to the movies and out with friends.
This helps them prioritize their money. A tip I got from another parent is to have your kids pay you a payment every month. This will help them understand and be responsible for a monthly payment. He then gives the kids back their money when they go to college. I thought that was a brilliant idea!
Teaching your kids to work, understand prioritizing their needs and wants, and how to live within their means are life lessons. This is not something they figure out themselves when they get on their own without some very painful lessons. The parents' responsibility is to teach your kids to live successfully on their own when they leave home. They will need that taught self-control and discipline to live and survive on their own. Depriving them of that can be a true tragedy.
Do you want that to happen?
Thanks for reading!
Erica
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Weekend Links
I love getting up early on Saturday mornings. I love the quiet and the fact I do not have to go to work! I usually take some time to do a little reading, relaxing, starting any baking/cooking for the day and the next week. This weekend I am away from home, but I still have my early morning quiet to read and have a cup of tea.
Here are some of the links to things I have been reading that you may enjoy also!
25 DIY Weekend Preparedness Projects by Food Storage and Survival
- Sometimes some of the projects we would like to do for bring prepared seem huge, but these projects are very manageable!
99 Capacities Series - Capacity #54: Hide Critical Supplies From Looters by reThinkSurvival.com
- Before some of you think I am getting extreme, read the article. I think it is just good advice for hiding valuables in any place.
Easy Chicken and Vegetables in Foil by Organic Gardening
- I love grilling so I can not wait to try these out! They also look great for camping too!
Natural Stove Cleaners by Common Sense Homesteading
- I have been putting off deep cleaning my stove because I did not want to use chemicals. She gives great tips to do it easy and cheap!
April 3013 Food Storage Goals by Prepared LDS Family
Natural Homemade Carpet Freshener by Keeper of the Home
Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading!
Erica
Here are some of the links to things I have been reading that you may enjoy also!
25 DIY Weekend Preparedness Projects by Food Storage and Survival
- Sometimes some of the projects we would like to do for bring prepared seem huge, but these projects are very manageable!
99 Capacities Series - Capacity #54: Hide Critical Supplies From Looters by reThinkSurvival.com
- Before some of you think I am getting extreme, read the article. I think it is just good advice for hiding valuables in any place.
Easy Chicken and Vegetables in Foil by Organic Gardening
- I love grilling so I can not wait to try these out! They also look great for camping too!
Natural Stove Cleaners by Common Sense Homesteading
- I have been putting off deep cleaning my stove because I did not want to use chemicals. She gives great tips to do it easy and cheap!
April 3013 Food Storage Goals by Prepared LDS Family
Natural Homemade Carpet Freshener by Keeper of the Home
Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading!
Erica
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Want to Save Money on Groceries?
I know I have written before on saving money on groceries. As my life has revolved and my beliefs changed a bit, a few things have become clearer. I spend about $250-$300 a month on groceries. I am actually trying to drop that amount to $200 a month because I believe I can. I have a few ways that I have dropped my grocery bill to what it is now and I would love to share those with you.
1. Stop buying the crap. Yes, I said it. Stop buying the processed, pre-made, unhealthy crap for yourself and your family. Stop buying the soda, candy, fruit snacks, potato chips, cookies, crackers, juice, and whatnot. If it is packaged to appeal to kids, don't buy it. If it claims to be low-fat, low-sugar, and healthy for you, don't buy it. I can usually find ways to counter those claims for so-called "healthy" foods and you pay a lot for very little.
2. Eat foods that are created by nature. Most of the time they are cheaper. If they are not cheaper, they are healthier for you and that is worth the cost alone.
3. Eat less meat. Meat is expensive and getting more expensive all the time. Eat some meals without meat. Make meat as an accompaniment to meals and not the main course. Stretch the meat out. If you use a pound of ground beef for something like casseroles, try using three-quarter pound instead. You can also use lentils, beans, or oats to stretch the ground beef out while still eating healthy and getting protein/fiber.
4. Buy in bulk. I am not talking about the 10# cans of vegetables or baked beans. I am talking about flour, oats, chocolate chips, sweeteners, oil, honey, and other baking/cooking staples. Store them in buckets and glass jars. They will last awhile and you will save money.
5. Cook from scratch. I can make a loaf of bread for a quarter of the price of a store-bought loaf. I make my own cakes, cookies, granola, and other baked goods for our household. I buy the ingredients to make my own stir-fries instead of the prepackaged stir-fry kits. I make my own yogurt with very little difficulty and cost. Yes, it may take a little more time, but the savings are totally worth it.
6. Look at the store/off brands. I will usually buy whatever price is the lowest without compromising my eating beliefs. I shop at a lot at Aldi's because their prices are usually cheaper than the local grocery stores and they have started carrying organic goods. I buy a lot of store/generic brand items. Sometimes they may only be a few cents cheaper, but those cents add up!
7. Cut down your grocery trips. Go once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month. The less you shop, the less you spend.
8. Always carry a list and write down the sales. Read the sale flyers and shop from those. Plan your meals around what is on sale and stock up when items are on sale.
9. Shop online. I shop a lot online to save money and get great deals. I use Amazon and Vitacost a lot to get the items we use at a great price! I always, always go for free shipping!
10. If you have multiple grocery stores to shop from, spread the love. If different stores are having great deals, shop at those stores. Some stores, like Fareway, will price match other stores within a reasonable distance. Just don't waste gas driving out of your way to get the deals.
I hope these tips help you on your next shopping trip!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
1. Stop buying the crap. Yes, I said it. Stop buying the processed, pre-made, unhealthy crap for yourself and your family. Stop buying the soda, candy, fruit snacks, potato chips, cookies, crackers, juice, and whatnot. If it is packaged to appeal to kids, don't buy it. If it claims to be low-fat, low-sugar, and healthy for you, don't buy it. I can usually find ways to counter those claims for so-called "healthy" foods and you pay a lot for very little.
2. Eat foods that are created by nature. Most of the time they are cheaper. If they are not cheaper, they are healthier for you and that is worth the cost alone.
3. Eat less meat. Meat is expensive and getting more expensive all the time. Eat some meals without meat. Make meat as an accompaniment to meals and not the main course. Stretch the meat out. If you use a pound of ground beef for something like casseroles, try using three-quarter pound instead. You can also use lentils, beans, or oats to stretch the ground beef out while still eating healthy and getting protein/fiber.
4. Buy in bulk. I am not talking about the 10# cans of vegetables or baked beans. I am talking about flour, oats, chocolate chips, sweeteners, oil, honey, and other baking/cooking staples. Store them in buckets and glass jars. They will last awhile and you will save money.
5. Cook from scratch. I can make a loaf of bread for a quarter of the price of a store-bought loaf. I make my own cakes, cookies, granola, and other baked goods for our household. I buy the ingredients to make my own stir-fries instead of the prepackaged stir-fry kits. I make my own yogurt with very little difficulty and cost. Yes, it may take a little more time, but the savings are totally worth it.
6. Look at the store/off brands. I will usually buy whatever price is the lowest without compromising my eating beliefs. I shop at a lot at Aldi's because their prices are usually cheaper than the local grocery stores and they have started carrying organic goods. I buy a lot of store/generic brand items. Sometimes they may only be a few cents cheaper, but those cents add up!
7. Cut down your grocery trips. Go once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month. The less you shop, the less you spend.
8. Always carry a list and write down the sales. Read the sale flyers and shop from those. Plan your meals around what is on sale and stock up when items are on sale.
9. Shop online. I shop a lot online to save money and get great deals. I use Amazon and Vitacost a lot to get the items we use at a great price! I always, always go for free shipping!
10. If you have multiple grocery stores to shop from, spread the love. If different stores are having great deals, shop at those stores. Some stores, like Fareway, will price match other stores within a reasonable distance. Just don't waste gas driving out of your way to get the deals.
I hope these tips help you on your next shopping trip!
Thanks for reading! Have a great day!
Erica
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