Jan. 5. Did well this month, didn't need to go to the grocery store until Jan.5. And even so, we could have done without, but tonight is our tree un-decorating party. We usually do this on Epiphany, but are going ahead one day early, due to scheduling conflicts tomorrow. So, for the tree un-decorating dinner, it will again be snack-y things, like mixed nuts, orange slices, carrot sticks, olives, pickles, pretzels, and crackers and crab salad. The crackers, pretzels and crab salad are what we picked up at the grocery store (Albertson's), along with 2 packages whole wheat tortillas, for vegetarian burritos for lunches this week. Total spent $10.24
Jan. 7. Stopped by Trader Joe's on way to daughters' school. Picked up mostly lunch supplies -- 2 jars peanut butter, 7 bananas, 2 containers tofu, 1/2 gal. soy milk and 2 doz. eggs. Spent $16.46 today. I'm hoping the eggs and peanut butter will last 2 weeks. Will need to stop at wholesaler for other items en route to school tomorrow. Total to date spent for month $26.70.
Jan. 8. Needed just a few things at the cash and carry wholesaler. Bought 10 lbs of onions (yes, I know, I only bought the small bag this time! No daughters with me to help lift the 50 pounder into the trunk), 10 lbs potatoes, 5 lbs carrots, gallon vegetable oil, 1 head of cabbage, box of plain tea. These are the foods needed to get through this week's dinner menus, as posted on A Return to Menu Planning for January. Total spent -- $17.85. For the month to-date spent, $44.55
Jan.14. Monday morning stop at the restaurant supply/wholesaler on the way home from daughters' school (this is so convenient for me. It'll be a shame when they graduate from high school, and I'm no longer in this area of town every day. I'll just have to go back to what I used to do, head down there once a month for a big stock-up). Bought 2.5 pounds of sliced mushrooms (I'll sautee and freeze for soups and sauces), 4-pack of celery, 3 pounds frozen spinach, quart of soy milk, 5 pounds mozzarella cheese. Most of these items are for dinners for the week (My weekly menu plan).Total spent $28.16 Month-to-date spending $72.71
Our freezers are still well-stocked with basics like meat, fruits, pasta sauce and shredded cheese. I imagine I'll need to spend more on groceries later in the month, to fill gaps as we use up our supplies. But hoping to come in significantly under budget this month.
Stores I shopped at this month:
Albertson's (Mukilteo)
Trader Joe's (196 and H.99, Lynnwood)
United Cash and Carry wholesaler (H.99, Lynnwood)
Best deal(s) -- the mushrooms, 2.5 pounds for $5.83, or $2.33/lb. Mushrooms at a regular grocery store would cost us about $3/lb , and the tofu, 14 oz. organic firm tofu for $1.49, about half of the price charged by local regular grocery store
