| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Jun 29 2007 : 5:32:20 PM
Alee and I have been talking about our grocery budgets and we thought it might be fun (and save a little $$) if we set goals with our grocery budgets, then posted our menus and what we actually spent for the week. No competition - just challenging yourself to do the best you can. Maybe keep track of how far over or under budget you are at the end of the month and hopefully reward yourself with your savings. There probably shouldn't be a certain day to post as we all shop on different days of the week, but I'll stick my neck out first and say I want to cut my usual $75 a week back to $65 for now. This weekend I'll make out my menus and grocery shop. I should be able to post those by Monday. I think it should be fun and inspirational! Might inspire us to use up some of that stuff we already have!! How about it ladies - post your goals! |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 8:57:07 PM
Moorpark is in Ventura County. Is Valley Spring near Temecula? |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 09:45:22 AM
A food co-op is a group of people who come together to order things in bulk and share it. Some bulk food companies have a minimum order so this keeps you from having to come up with all the minimum.. Also is good for dealing with local farmers and ranchers- you get a better deal if you are ordering a larger amount. This one has found a organic dairy farm we can get raw milk, cheese and butter from, raw honey, organic produce, local herb grower- for supplements, a place to order sprouted flours from, and the organic health food company.. yay!
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| prairielandherbs |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 09:43:32 AM
Last summer I joined our local CSA, and that was wonderful! I signed up again. It's a fantastic way to get lots of fresh organic veggies, and what I didn't eat each week I froze or canned. It's money up front, but in my opinion it's well spent.
Nobody has yet mentioned about making veggie stock... I keep a gallon ziplock bag in my freezer at all times, and when I'm cooking or processing vegetables, I put all the ends, trimmings, peels, etc. in that bag. Carrot ends, potato peels, beet and carrot tops, herb stems, even apple cores. Onion peels and garlic skins too. When the bag is full, I start another one. When I want veggie stock, I put a bag of "veggie bits" in a pot, and boil it for a half hour or so. Strain, and I've got delicious veggie stock. You'd realy be amazed how flavorful it is. I use it for soups or to cook beans.
I've been vegetarian (not vegan) for 17 years and you can have lots of healthy, cheap meals without meat! I cook for my non-veggie friends all the time and once you learn how to do it, you can really have lots of delicious meals without "missing" the meat. it's a good way to save money and be very healthy. |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 09:42:40 AM
oh please share how you make ricotta cheese. I love ricotta cheese but it is pricey..
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| campchic |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 09:33:30 AM
What is a food coop? I've read quite a few posts regarding this.
Erin |
| prairielandherbs |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 09:28:53 AM
[quote]Originally posted by Trace
I also make my own ricotta cheese(in a crockpot)
I'll start writing things down and let you girls know how it's going!!!
Trace
I know this is an old thread but I'm just now reading it and I'm loving this idea! I'm new to cheesemakign but loving it. How do you make ricotta in your crockpot??? |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 08:05:41 AM
It is called Sacred Hearts Food Coop in Valley Springs. Where is Moorpark?
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| 22shortie |
Posted - Mar 02 2008 : 07:08:31 AM
susan, I buy lots of meat. My husband thinks there is no such thing as a meal without meat so, I spend lots of money on meat. We are planning on buying a local cow for butcher and splitting it with my mom, but we have to wait until we have a deep freezer. Maybe that will take a big chunck out of my grocery spending. I ussually spend around 130$ for two weeks worth of groceries. Then i still go back to the store a few times for little things so I would estimate it all adds up to about 150$ every two weeks. I planned two weeks worth of meals yesterday and made my grocery list so I will see how much under budget I can go on Monday. I'll et you guys know!!!quote:
Originally posted by TheSoapMaven
I dont even want to tell yall what I spent last month on groceries! you would pass smooth out. Do yall buy meat? Just curious.
Susan
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| La Patite Ferme |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 9:19:56 PM
Debra, can you share the name & location of the coop? I'm curious to see if it's close to me. Thanks. |
| joyfulmama |
Posted - Mar 01 2008 : 08:02:36 AM
when we move back to CA I found a food coop within a 45 minute drive. they meet every 2 weeks- I can get grass fed beef, chicken and other meats, raw organic dairy, raw local honey, organic produce, and be able to order from a organic food distributer- for all of my bulk needs- grains, herbs etc... I am so excited about this- as when I was in CA last time I missed being able to order in bulk like this.. but to find local organic food is awesome!
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 9:58:11 PM
I find this a lot easier to do when we're at the cabin - I don't know if it's because when we go into Billings, I do a great big shopping, knowing it's going to be awhile before I'll be there again or what. Maybe I just have more time when I'm there and I think about what we're going to eat early in the day. Of course I have a big stockpile of food over there too. No refrigeration though and that becomes a challenge. It's curious that the same person could have such different habits in two different homes.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| Alee |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 9:40:20 PM
Sherri- Yes, it really gives me incentive to bake my own bread and made do with what we have in the house
It's really easy to always run to the store and buy new stuff to make what you want and leave that bag of beans in the back of the cupboard or whatever.
So instead I just buy what I know we like, and maybe an experiment occasionally. That way we usually use up what we buy just as we are ready to go shopping again. :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
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| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 9:36:32 PM
So you only grocery shop once a month Alee?
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| Alee |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 9:21:48 PM
Payday is around the 5th so I will make a menu let you all know how I do shopping then. :D I am trying to get as much organic fruit and veggies for Nora- oh- and Organic milk! So that might bump our $$ up a bit, but I think it's worth it to not mess up her little body! :D
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
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| joyfulmama |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 8:17:00 PM
I made up a menu tonight. I am doing a theme for each night of the week then will rotate 4 menus within that theme for the month. For instance: Tuesday is Mexican food night.. so week 1 is enchiladas and salad, week 2 is burrittos with a salad, week 3 is tostadas and a salad, week 4 is tacos and a salad. Breakfasts are always green smoothies and fruit, lunch will be leftovers and raw fruits and veggies. We have a breakfast for dinner night, italian (making homemade pizza once a month), soup/chili or stew night, classic (meat and potatoes), free day (sunday) and saturday is food network night- we will choose recipes from our favorite chefs- Paula Dean, Rachel Ray, Emeril etc...
Over all I think this will save us money- as I was buying things in bulk with no idea of what I was going to do with it. Why buy 5 #10 cans of refried beans if you only need 2 according to the menu? Will make sure to always have a couple of loaves of homemade bread on hand for lunches.
My hubby is giving up his office this weekend- things are that tight. We can use that money for groceries.
Blessings, Debra
Psalms 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want."
http://myvintagehome.blogspot.com
http://woolieacres.net |
| mikesgirl |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 8:15:46 PM
I'm glad you bumped this up Alee - I was meaning to go looking for it myself.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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| Alee |
Posted - Feb 29 2008 : 8:07:49 PM
reviving this topic!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
Please come visit Nora and me on our new blog:
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com |
| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 2:15:19 PM
I was reading last night that if you put just a little bit of vinegar in with the turkey carcass it helps to bring out calcium from the bones. You can also throw in your onion, carrot, celery etc peelings in with the carcass to add more flavor.
I also wash are reuse ziploc bags till they are no longer good. I like to save the bags that brown sugar/powdered sugar come in too, they are good heavy weight, just close with some kind of tie...or with me, my favorite thing to close up bags with is a clothes pin.
Impulse buys get me too, that is why i try to always take a list. When I do, I get what's on it and get out of the store. Have you noticed how the carts in stores keep getting bigger? If I only need just a couple of things I will grab a basket to carry instead, that keeps me from putting in too much. I think it is funny how I have to trick myself sometimes. lol But it works. Just this morning, when I left work I was tired and thought of stopping and grabbing a big cup of coffee from a fast food place. Then while I was sitting in the drive thru I talked myself out of it and left my money in my pocket. I can get free coffee at work!! Little things like that can eat away your money quickly. I find that when I am tired is when I am most likely to break all of my spending rules.
Speaking of coffee, I should make just a little to wake up and get back to work. I reuse coffee ground from the previous day one time, then you only need to use half as much the second day. It works and tastes the same to me. Can do the same with tea leaves.
I noticed in the store (Aldi's) yesterday that the price of powdered milk is now up to $12.99. Just a few months ago it was only $9.99. I will have to find some room in my freezer and stock up for winter. I can hardly wait until I can move to a small farm. We are defintely going to have a cow or some goats to milk. It will be good work for the boys as well.
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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| brightmeadow |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 1:52:24 PM
Oh, I can smell those beans cooking right now!
Don't forget about filling soups like lentil or split pea, very high in protein, can be a meatless meal with a slice of bread. Very tasty, and if you're not a vegetarian, use chicken stock to prepare it for extra flavor. Or a ham bone, an onion, celery and carrots, cook for a while, whir in the blender, and serve. Hmmm, it must be getting close to dinnertime, I'm getting hungry!
I buy flour and sugar in 50 or 25 pound bags. Also chocolate chips in the restaurant size. My daughter works at Gordon Foods, they have excellent deals on large quantity stuff, plus we take advantage of a family discount. A big restaurant sized bag of chopped lettuce for only $2 or $3, usually. I usually don't buy produce in large quantities because I have trouble using it up before it spoils, but that much lettuce really beats those small bags in the regular grocery store, which can cost almost that much for enough for one meal! Of course whenever I can I eat lettuce out of the garden instead of buying any at all.
I find I spend the most on impulse purchases. What, potato chips on sale, 2 bags for $5.00? I'll get some even though we don't need them, just because it's a good price. You can really eat up your budget that way. That is why I try to stay out of the grocery store as much as possible. I can't tell you how many times I have gone in for milk, bread and eggs and spent $50. So I try not to do that anymore. I get the eggs from the farmer's market and the milk from the convenience store and make my own bread a lot of the time.
I have to second the person who said not to forget to make stock from the chicken (or turkey) carcass after the meat is all gone. Just add a couple of quarts of water, an onion, and put it on simmer on the back of the stove. Let it cook for a few hours, then strain through a colander (and pick out any big pieces of meat, you'd be surprised how much you find.) Refrigerate in quart jars if you can use it within 3-5 days, or freeze in quart freezer containers.
Turkey is usually such a bargain around the holidays, I usually buy an extra or two if I have room in the freezer. One turkey can feed the two of us for a couple of weeks, of course I freeze some so I can spread it out so as not to have turkey every night.
Make your own biscuit mix or brownie mix or cookie mix or cake mix, if you are concerned about convenience. Packaged mixes are very expensive for what usually consists of flour, baking powder, and sugar, with some artificial ingredients thrown in. If you are making your own you can control the additives, too. There are good recipes available on the internet or in a lot of the Farm Journal cookbooks.
Although personally, I don't think it takes that much longer to bake from scratch.
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
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| Canadian farmgirl |
Posted - Sep 30 2007 : 10:55:54 AM
Lots of good ideas here--I thought I was the only one washing out Ziploc bags! I wash them until they tear. Also, milk in Canada is sold in bags, which are amazingly strong. After the milk is gone, I cut the top open, wash it out, and reuse it, with a twist tie. I switched to cloth napkins this summer, and only use about 1 roll of paper towel a month. Old tea towels are great to keep around.
Two of my kids take their lunches to school, so instead of buying drinks, I buy frozen juice concentrate and make juice by the jug, then fill small bottles from home. I spent Saturday night baking, to have some treats ahead for the week, and put some in the freezer, too.
Today, I'm cooking a big pot of baked beans. Can you believe I've never made them before, EVER, in almost 20 years of marriage? I think it's because when I had them as a child they were awful canned ones, so I thought that's what they always tasted like! Beans are very low cost, just take a bit of planning ahead.
I'm going to see if my library can get that Mary Hunt book for me.
Lori |
| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Sep 29 2007 : 05:17:16 AM
Alee that was nice of you to share.  You will enjoy them so much more next year. I am already looking forward to next springs garden as well. I planted 3 big rows of peas, a row of spinach,2 rows of beets and some carrots this fall and nothing did very well. i guess it was too dry. There is always next year!!
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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| Alee |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 8:38:11 PM
Ugh. I hate how food prices are getting worse and worse. But I guess that just means that I break more ground for my massive garden that I am planning and that I try and get as much as I can from the world around me. I am already excited for berry season next year. I gave away all my blackberries this year except a few pies worth so I am kicking myself a little bit about that!
Alee
The amazing one handed typist! One hand for typing, one hand to hold Nora!
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| kissmekate |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 8:12:32 PM
Oh, yes that is a good cookbook Sarah. I am not much of a cook, so I have to keep it simple.
I go over the ads, our largest store here is Cub, but I have found their prices to be a joke for the most part.
I usually end up at Trader Joes, SuperTarget or our Coop.
I spend about 70 dollars per week on groceries. This usually includes most household items as well. I spend more in the summer because we go to the cabin, or ren fest and I usually bring enough food/drink to share.
I don't make my own laundry soap, but will probably try it once I use up my Next to Godliness soap. I eat a lot of fresh produce, and my son thinks we keep a cow in the back yard.
(He has laid off a bit when he saw for himself how much a gallon of hormone free skim milk is and I can't drink a lot anymore either-too many carbs AND I told him I would buy three gallons per week for us, anything after that he buys, funny how that works when it's THEIR money.)
So I would guess to feed the dog, myself, and two kids, we are at about 280-300 dollars per month, give or take 50 bucks.
The news just reported that food will go up around 4.5% by the end of the year.
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 7:26:38 PM
A good cookbook is More With Less by Doris Jantzen Longacre, I believe she was a mennonite. She gives recipesand talks abouthow to cook using less.
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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| MustangSuzie |
Posted - Sep 28 2007 : 6:28:14 PM
Oh Alee, I have an awesome recipe for pizza dough using yeast. You just mix it up in the food processor, let it set for 15 min. to rise and you're ready to go. I'll have to find it and post it. It's super easy.
I use a salt cube for deodorant. You can get them at health stores and I've seen them at like Walgreens. It should last at least a year and it works just fine for me. My mom had breast cancer so I don't like putting aluminum based deodorant under my arms right there when it can soak thru the skin to the lymph glands.
I have allergies and have been using hankies instead of endless boxes of tissues. I about came unglued the other day when my son saw me using a hanky and said "eww, my teacher said using hankies is a nasty thing". We had to have a lil discussion about reusable products right then and there. I was tempted to go give the teacher a lesson as well.
My school charges 1.50 for a lunch, and times 3 kids that adds up quickly. I qualify for reduced lunches but just my own personal thing I don't want anything from the government. This year they have been taking their lunches everyday. Somedays it is sandwiches, some days left over spaghetti, mac and cheese, home made salsa, chips, homemade cupcakes/cookies, fruit, pbj, etc. all in reusuable containers that I pick up mostly at yard sales. I will even go so far to wash and reuse sandwich bags that my mom packs their lunch in sometimes. I haven't heard many complaints so far other than one of the thermoses they take the lid sticks when I put something hot in it. lol They had the whole cafeteria trying to open it one day and no one could. lol
Another thing that really helps me more than anything is planning ahead, having at least an idea of what i will be fixing if not a menu. I don't buy boxed cereal unless it is less than 1.50 a box. Our breakfasts usually consist of oatmeal, some other hot cereal (corn meal mush is a big hit with maple syrup), pancakes, egg tacos, eggs and toast etc. I made up two big crock pots of soup on Wednesday that were finally used up today when I had to take my own lunch somewhere.
I could ramble on forever, sorry. lol I will check back later.
Blessings....
Sarah
www.mustangsuzie.blogspot.com
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