On Saturdays, I share my menu plan for the upcoming week along with a photo of my groceries and a tally of my spending. My goal is to spend $100/week for our food, toiletries, and cleaning products. I’m currently in the midst of trying to buy more local, sustainably-produced food while sticking to my budget. Can it be done? I don’t know, but I’m going to try, and I’ll share what I learn as I go along.
If you keep track of me on Facebook, you already know this, but I’m pleased to say that I am home and that I have power. Yay! It’s amazing how much more appealing my house is when it’s not freezing cold inside.
I was supposed to go shopping a week ago Thursday. But as you know, I came down with the plague, and grocery shopping was really not on my agenda.
It actually took me until Tuesday of this week to go shopping. Joshua and Mr. FG were still down with the sickness that day, so I didn’t teach piano and Mr. FG didn’t go to work, which meant that I got to go grocery shopping all by myself! Whenever this happens, all the employees at Weis look at me with raised eyebrows and ask where my crew is, because it’s pretty rare to see me at the grocery store all alone.
I spent $77.75 at Weis and $76.41 at Aldi. So, my total so far is $154.16. I had $200 to spend for this two-week period, so I’ve got a nice cushion left for a produce/milk run. And I need to buy some more chicken from the local organic store too.
Saturday
Sunday
- Buttermilk Pancakes
- sausage from the local farm
Monday
- Parmesan Chicken Risotto (from Cook’s Illustrated)
- garlic breadsticks
- green salad
Tuesday
- Seafood Subs
- fruit
- chips
Wednesday
- Parmesan Chicken Cutlets (from Cook’s Illustrated)
- french bread
- green salad
Thursday
- Sesame Shrimp Stir-Fry
- brown rice
- fruit
Friday
- at-home date night for Mr. FG and me, something easy for the kids
Today’s 365 post: “Don’t try dis at home!”
And another one to make up for some missed days because of my power being out: This is a brand-new box of cereal
KellyH
Sunday 30th of January 2011
I see it's winter where you live, we are in the Midwest and lots of cold and snow here too. Regarding local sustainable produced food- I went to a local (30 miles away as we live in rural area) farmers market yesterday. Not much for veggies, most of what I did see was shipped from somewhere else. I don't know what the meat was bringing, but saw more than 1 sign for eggs at 3.50 a dozen. While I would like to support local agriculture, I cannot justify that much for eggs for MY family, I am only speaking for myself! We are a family of 6 sometimes 7 when oldest dd is home from college, and a dozen eggs doesn't go far for meals. I'll be interested in seeing how you find the local food in your area. Here there just isn't much this time of year, but the gardening season is quickly approaching!!
KellyH
Suzette
Saturday 29th of January 2011
Dear Kristen, I had a Pottery Barn gift certificate from Curistmas that I was able to use last week. Our Pottery Barn was right next to William-Sonama so I decided to look there also. I found the gold touch bread pans that you've talked about and decided to get them. I was wondering about washing them. When I make regular bread I often just wipe them out with a paper towel to keep the finish longer. Can you do this with these pans or should I have wash them every time?
Kristen
Saturday 29th of January 2011
Yes! Unless mine are sticky and goopy, I just put them back into the cupboard unwashed. The nonstick finish is so good, I don't need to grease them, the bread pops right out, and the pan is hardly even dirty.
K. Smith
Saturday 29th of January 2011
Dear FG - I would like to know if you have ever fasted - for spiritual reasons of course.
Thank you!
Kristen
Saturday 29th of January 2011
I did some when I was a teenager. I haven't for a long time...I was pregnant and/or nursing for a lot of years in a row.
I could do it again, I suppose, but I guess I'm kind of lazy about fasting!
Fudgie
Saturday 29th of January 2011
You did very well. How encouraging. I am trying very hard but, it is not always easy. You got some good name brand stuff too.
Molly F. C.
Saturday 29th of January 2011
Came down with the plague...funny...:)
Kristen
Saturday 29th of January 2011
This one definitely qualified as a plague. =P