It’s been such an odd, rainy summer here in North Carolina. Saturday night we met our friends at Dandelion Market in Charlotte and I actually wore BOOTS because I was so chilly.
With our food budgeting, going out to eat has felt more like a treat (as it should) and we are still saving a lot of money. But when we are out, we don’t hold back. Martinis, a trio of dips, avocado and crab salad…
It was a delicious and fun night out sans kids!
Why yes, that IS a penis hat on the far right.
Oh, and real quick before I get to this week’s meal plan and budget, locals- Lake Norman Tavern (MILFS), is now serving breakfast on the weekends. We were impressed with the oversized omelets, friendly service and fair prices.
OK, grocery budget. I first need to mention that last week I went off the deep end at the grocery store. I needed ingredients to experiment with, trail mix components for my WCCB segment and a few odds and ends like oranges, Applegate Farms chicken nuggets, wine and David’s fancy beers (Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA that cost $10 for a six pack!). Total, we deducted $60.19 from the grocery budget, leaving us with just $191.00 left for the month.
However, I didn’t want to stress about it. In fact, after a health presentation I attended Saturday with my friends Kelly and Brooke, I felt recommitted to buying high-quality food, even if it cost a bit more. So I made my list…
and headed to Healthy Home Market.
Sunday– Pork BBQ (from freezer), sautéed kale, sliced tomatoes and roasted potatoes
Monday– Mexican layered bowls with chicken and vegetables
Tuesday– Chicken with a lemon caper sauce, garlic green beans and sliced tomatoes
Wednesday– Burgers, grilled corn, roasted broccoli
Thursday– Lentil Chili and Salad
Friday– Steak, baked sweet potatoes and salad
Saturday– Out/Take-Out
Local Grass-Fed Sirloin $6.48, Local Grass-Fed NY Strip $10.79, Natural Chicken Breasts $6.14, Natural Chicken Tenders $5.21, Free Range Eggs $3.49, Organic Vanilla Half and Half $2.39, Organic Whole Milk Vanilla Yogurt $3.49, Organic Sour Cream $3.39
Quickly, let me point out the important of knowing your stores and comparing prices. I found grass-fed (local) beef at Healthy Home Market for $1 cheaper than Target, yet the same Cabot cheese was almost $3 cheaper at Target than Healthy Home Market.
Back to the Healthy Home Market haul…
Organic Pickles $5.39, Bag of Organic Oranges $5.99, Organic Vegetable Broth $1.69, Blue Diamond Almond Milk $2.69, Cashew pieces $2.10, Organic Lentils $2.47, Organic Black Beans $1.18
Local Organic Blueberries $2.99 each, Organic Green Leaf Lettuce $2.99, 4 cups pitted dates $5.54, Organic Onion $1.73, Organic Green Pepper $1.57, Organic Red Pepper $2.28, Organic Portobello Mushroom $2.10, Organic Sweet Potatoes $3.56
After I got what I could at Healthy Home Market, I stopped by Josh’s, our local farmers market.
And finally, I swung by Target.
Organic Broccoli $2.89, JIF Natural $2.79, Jalapenos $1.67, Cilantro $0.99, Cabot Cheese $2.74
Healthy Home Market $98.32
Josh’s $7.95
Target $11.30
Weekly Total $117.57
Back at home, I wondered how I ever survived without my salad spinner.
And prepped greens, black beans, brown rice, broccoli and leftover carrots and celery for the week.
Nothing makes me feel more prepared than a clean, stocked fridge. We chowed down outside, and relaxed before another busy week.
Ok, meal planners, what’s on your menu this week?
Did you prep any foods yesterday?
Andrea says
Thank you for inspiring me to meal plan. I wrote my first weekly meal plan yesterday. Made a list of all the necessary ingredients then crossed off what I already had and went shopping. All my meals were planned around meats I knew I had in the freezer so my grocery total was pretty low. I need to spend more time thinking about what I can prep ahead if time still but I already feel like I have more time in my week because I know what I’m cooking each day and that I have everything I need to make it. It’s a great feeling!!
Brittany Dixon says
That’s awesome Andrea!! How great does it feel to be so organized before the week begins? It can’t just be me that gets excited about that 😉 Way to go!
I’ve also noticed since focusing on my budget, that I make better use out of freezer and pantry items than usual. Added bonus!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
I think this fall I should really start meal planning. We eat the same things over and over and it’s super fun when I mix it up. Maybe I should that more often and dinner time would always be super fun. haha 🙂
Lindsey says
I need to start doing more food prep on Sundays. I am great at meal planning but during the week we sometimes end up eating at 7:30pm or later. By the time we get home from work, go the gym and get home to make supper it is just that late.
Brittany Dixon says
You aren’t alone! Many nights we don’t eat until around 8. I try to aim for 7:30, but it is what it is. Life gets busy, ya know? 🙂
Marie says
us too!! Although with a 15-mo old, I feel a little guilty for not eating “family suppers” (she’s in bed at 630pm, so she eats “alone”- of course, we use watching/helping) What are your thoughts on this, Brittany?
Brittany Dixon says
David and I don’t eat until 8ish usually! H eats around 6 and I’ll sit down with her and sometimes have a snack with her, but for the most part she eats ‘alone.’ I wish we could all sit down for family dinners, but it’s just not possible right now. We will transition to them in the future when later bedtimes happen, but for now, it works!
Ali says
Question – where, when and how do you budget and buy cleaning products, paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, napkins), personal items (hair, make up, etc) and toddler stuff (lotion, wipes, diapers, baby wash, etc). Wine? Beer?
Brittany Dixon says
For cleaning, I mostly use vinegar.
For paper/home products I buy in bulk (usually walmart or Target, but hoping to scope out the new Sams when it opens).
Home products (like toothpaste and soap) are in a separate category. Wine and beer are in the food budget and take up a bigger chunk than I realized 🙂
Personal items like hair and make up… I barely buy any! I probably buy that stuff 1-2 a year? Mascara a few times more often?
And toddler stuff is diapers.com, under Hailey’s budget category, though I am going to check out Amazon.com after all the suggestions.
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
When your Sam’s Club opens you can stock up on Wholly Guacamole 100 calorie packs! Those are on my Sam’s shopping list this week!
Halsy says
I recently went to a Sams Open house and found their paper products to be priced rather high. I price compared and found it better to just stock up on a sale price at grocery store-especially if you have any coupons. I was rather disappointed all around with my price comparison list and found there was no selection. I have heard a lot of good things about Cosco so maybe I will have to look there but it’s twice as far. I agree that you should use amazon mom for diapers etc! Also your meal plan sounds yumo!
Davida @ The Healthy Maven says
Budgeting is tough! Especially when you are a foodie. I agree that sometimes you need to spend more to get better quality foods.
I ate out so much this weekend and definitely don’t regret it but my body is starting to crave some vegetables and real food. Lots of salads and healthy eats planned for this week…with a few treats in between 😉
Avery @ YoungAspirations says
I totally agree about budgeting for healthy foods. I feel like sometimes our grocery budget is ridiculous for just two people, but I have to remember that because we try to eat healthy and often organic foods, our budget will naturally be higher than others! Also, question.. you said the chicken is “natural” chicken. I’ve always wondered, what’s the difference between “natural” and “organic” when it comes to meats??
Brittany Dixon says
Organic chicken can only be organic if the feed they eat is also organic. The word ‘natural’ actually means nothing, haha, but in the case of the chicken I bought, I asked the meat counter attendant where it came from and was able to look up the farm. I felt comfortable with Springer Mountains’ practices and explanations of how they raise their chickens. You can read more (and get a better explanation) here -> http://springermountainfarms.com/Merchant5/merchant.mvc?Screen=cp_questions_and_answers
Maria says
Funny that you all bring this up. I was at Whole Foods yesterday and needed some chicken breasts for dinner. There was a significant price difference between the “natural” and organic and the butcher told me the natural was still hormone-free, free range, and totally better than conventional chicken, so I had no qualms about purchasing it. It never hurts to ask and I guess I kind of figure that if Whole Foods sells it, it probably is okay. (Is that being too naive?)
Avery @ YoungAspirations says
Thanks Brittany! That’s super helpful. It never occurs to me to just ask an attendant, haha. I may have to start!
Jamie @ fitfortherun says
Thank you for the meal prep inspiration! I need to start doing this asap
char eats greens says
I have one meal ready for the week. Seeing your herbs in water reminds me that I need to do this to mine. I have a bunch of dill, but I just don’t think I have room to stand it up!! I think I would benefit from a fridge with the freezer on the bottom. We have the fridge on the right, freezer on the left, and space just seems too limited!
Heather @ What Does She Do All Day? says
Meal planning is the most stressful time of the week for me. I can never decide on what to make, especially since I have a picky eater (3 year old) and a complainer (hubby). I’m working on my plan right now. So far I’ve got nothing!
Brittany Dixon says
I do feel so fortunate that David will eat anything. I imagine it’s a struggle to have to plan with strict preferences! Maybe pasta dishes with veggies or pizzas with veggies? Sounds like food everyone likes? 🙂 Good luck!
Hanna says
On our menu for this week: Mexican layered chicken bowls (I forgot to grab salsa yesterday – dang it!), homemade pizza (I prepped by mixing up the dough last night), grilled chicken with corn and sweet potatoes, and pulled pork sandwiches with salad. Do these meals sound familiar? 😉 I visited your recipe page multiple times over the weekend while I planned our meals for the week.
I decided to STOP counting calories and focus on whole foods. I’ve tried this approach multiple times this year but after about a week of it I get scared and go back to counting calories. I have to admit that after the first few attempts of listening to my body, going back to counting feels like a chore. It sounds really stupid after I typed this out! Any “normal” person would think that it’s easy to just eat and not think about it. Learning to listen to my body is hard. Wish me luck 😉
Brittany Dixon says
Hanna, that is SO awesome! I don’t think it sounds stupid at all and, in fact, I think a lot of people (myself included) have struggled with feeling tied to calorie counting or a similar practice. It seriously took me years to really let go of it, but I can promise if you stay focused on eating whole, real foods and learn to listen to your body, you won’t miss calorie counting.
Let me know how it goes!! 🙂
Katie says
The penis hat made me laugh out loud. I’m just hoping it was a bachelorette party and not someone’s idea of a fun “accessory” 😉
My hubs ALSO drinks Dogfish 90 minute IPA and everything he asks me to pick it up at the store my cheap little heart sinks. But I completely agree with you about spending a bit more $$ for higher quality grocery items!
Brittany Dixon says
Haha! My cheap little heart sinks, too! He actually came in with the guiltiest look on his face and I cracked up laughing. He will eat anything I make, though, so I guess he can have his onnnnne vice 😉
Jodi says
good to know about milf’s! jayson is a creature of habit and LOVES the daily grind in mooresville. he was devastated ( and I mean devastated 😉 when the one on brawley closed. he loves going there bc he knows everyone by name. i can’t say i love the food, but I enjoy going out to breakfast as a family on saturdays, so maybe I can convince him to give milf’s a try!
I enjoy reading your blogs about budgeting and preparation. I totally suck in this category… 😉 I definitely try with some things, but I fall short most weeks. I am trying to keep up with making baby food (both BLW and smashed) and regular meals, Avery snacks, etc… just can’t do it all. I just have to be ‘okay’ with that… still working on that part!! but a great day for me is shopping like you did, several places, no babies!! It feels like a mini vacation!! 😉
Brenda says
Kudos to you on buying dry beans! They take more time to prepare but are so cost effective. I noticed you bought vegetable stock… have you tried using bouillon to make your broth? It’s uses much less packaging and costs at least half. At our house, we use organic chicken Better than Bouillon. Just a thought from a fellow mom on a budget. : )
Brittany Dixon says
Would you believe I actually have chicken and vegetable better than bouillon in pantry as I type and I’ve NEVER used it. It intimidated me, but I’ll go check it out. Thanks 🙂
Harrison says
I love how organized you are when planning what you need! I sort of do the same thing, but keep all the info in my head; I should probably start writing stuff down! On Sundays I always try and make something that will give me a quick and easy lunch for a few days; like yesterday I made some vegetable chili that I can heat up really quick in the microwave and voila, I have lunch!
Jenny says
As a fellow North Carolinian, I can agree that the summer has been weird here. Last weekend, I was ready to break out the fall sweaters, ha!
I try to purchase as much healthy, organic food as I can on a budget, but I don’t have the energy to go to multiple stores like that. So good for you! I usually just go to the local grocery store that has a decent selection and do the best I can.
Gcroft says
I find that my meal plans feature dishes on high rotation. Whilst I love trying new recipes – time, energy and inclination are major factors in determining what actually ends up in the pot.
For instance, tonight was meant to be veggie pasta, but I ended up making Ina Garten’s Soupe au Pistou, a family favourite.
Once baby girl starts nursery and I go back to work, I’ll need to seriously consider meal-prepping at during weekends.
Rachel says
Ugh, NC weather has been the WORST this summer. Everyone is all, “I’m ready for fall!” and I’m like, “wait, did we have summer?”
I’m loving reading your weekly budget posts 🙂 I’ll probably put this into good use when it’s more than just me in the house.
Lauren says
You’re inspiring me to get back into meal planning again! I noticed one thing, not sure if this is accessible to you, but when I budget here in California, the shelf stable almond milk is sooo much more expensive than the refrigerated. I can normally find a half gallon of Almond Breeze for $3 on sale here, vs the $2.69 you paid for only 32 oz.
christina says
Oh my gosh look at Hailey’s little face in that pic at the restaurant!! So stinking cute. That bbq pork looks SO good!
Devin says
I really wish we had more stores out here that sell a good variety of organic and natural products! I live in Las Vegas and the only real place is Whole Foods. (which I think from looking at your prices might be a bit more expensive out here) Target has some organics but not many. I have been meal planning for about a year now but just the last couple weeks have I been doing my main grocery haul at Whole Foods. I used to coupon at my local grocery store but noticed the quality of food I was buying was getting pretty low. I have found though if I stick to my list at Whole Foods (as well as the local farmers markets) I am spending less money because I’m not buying junk just because I had a coupon!
Megan says
I’m making your homemade chick fil a chicken week and I. Am. Pumped!! We are having stir fry tomorrow, so your chicken will be later in the week !
Heather @ Fit Mama Real Food says
Wish I would have prepped yesterday! It always feels good to start the week out ahead. How did you make your BBQ pork? Crockpot? Everything looks so tasty that you have planned! I think you’ll finish out the week well with what you have left. You’re determined!
This week a few things we’re eating are sushi bowls, grilled corn chowder, homemade crusty bread and chicken meatball noodle bowls.
Sherry says
We will buy the groceries if you will do the planning and cooking! Everything looks and sounds absolutely delicious!
Danica @ It's Progression says
If I stick to the budget we’re trying out this month, I only have $41 left to spend – eek! I’m really going to try hard to do it though!
Neil Butterfield says
We generally plan our meals around food prices for that week.
Camille says
I’m a newish reader to your blog (found it through a link to Munchkin Meals) and am really inspired by your posts to focus more on real, whole foods and more organic/natural items. I was wondering, when you say you prep foods, what does that mean? How do you prepare the dried beans? I’ve been wanting to switch from canned but have no idea what to do with them. If you’ve written about this before, could you give me a link? Thanks!!
Brittany Dixon says
Hi Camille! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
Each week I try to take an hour or so to prepare foods for the week to make throwing together meals easier. I wash and chop fruits/veggies, cook grains (rice, quinoa) and hydrate beans. I have a pressure cooker, so beans go from dry to ready -to-eat in about 20-30 minutes without soaking.
If you don’t have a pressure cooker, here’s a neat method using a slow cooker-> http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-basics-how-to-cook-bean-74529
🙂