Cutting Your Grocery Bill in Half: Part 2

Have you been paying attention to prices and the sale's ads? If you've been doing your homework, then you should have a good working tabulation of different prices in your mind. Or if you can't remember it all use old receipts. That always helps me!

Recap from the previous post:

• Pay attention to prices.
• Make a list of ONLY what you need and the items that are on sale that you would buy.
• Remember when buying sale items their expiration, if they can be frozen, or if you have storage for any multiples you buy. 
• Stick to your list!
• Decide if you will go to multiple stores or price match at your favorite store.

More tips:

8th: A few things to keep in mind when you're shopping is do you really need it, do you only buy a certain name brand, and are you just buying it for convenience.

This is what I mean:

• When I first started shopping, I was looking for things I needed to cut of the grocery list. Because I buy a lot of fresh fruits, veggies, and meats (fruits and veggies being the hardest to buy in bulk for longer storage), I knew that some things were going to have to get off my grocery list. I started looking at items that weren't really necessary like pretzels, granola bars, goldfish, cereal, and other snack foods. I mean do I really need those snack foods? They definitely don't help my figure, most of them aren't good for you, and they were keeping me from snacking on healthy foods. Now don't cut everything out! I did keep some things. I do buy yogurt, string cheese, and usually keep one box of cereal for my husband. YOU have to decide what things are a necessity and what things you just like to keep around.
• Do you buy things out of convenience? I was INSANELY guilty of this one when I revamped my shopping. Here were a few things I bought out of convenience: baby carrots, instant oatmeal packets, 100 calorie packs of snacks, granola bars, packages of the cut and washed fresh broccoli/ veggies (this came from being in college), and many other things. Carrots are a great snack and baby carrots are VERY convenient. I read somewhere though that baby carrots are the reject carrots that are disfigured and ugly that the produce companies peel and cut down to look more aesthetically appealing. Then they charge you extra! I no longer buy baby carrots. When I come home from grocery shopping I prep all of my fresh produce. I peel and cut my carrots up for snacks. I wash and cut my lettuce and store it in plastic bags. I wash and freeze any fruit that I need to and so on. I also started making my own instant oatmeal, my own granola bars, and if I need snacks buying the bigger bag and putting them in smaller bags. 
• Do you only buy name brand? I was guilty of this also....a lot! Actually this drove my husband nuts that I would never buy the store brand for some items. Now I'm not saying only buy the store brand because there are some things where I do NOT think you should compromise just to get a lower price. I still only buy a certain brand of toilet paper and tissue. I am willing to try some store brands for things like trash bags, ziplocs, cheeses, milk, etc. I'm always willing to try it once and if it doesn't live up to the name brand that I like, then I just buy more of that item when it goes on sale. 

Is this appearing a little more manageable?

9th: Consider making things at home: optional...not needed to lower your bill

• I make my own cleaners: these are so easy...most of them consist of vinegar, water, borax, or washing soda. These items are cheap and last forever as opposed to the store made cleaners that can have toxic chemicals and cost a ton!
• Here is my rule for making something at home: the amount of money I save must be comparable to the amount of time I spend making it. 

*Consider the last two tips and make any adjustments to your list! Come back in a few days for the last few things you need to know to cut your grocery bill in half or more!

Money Saving Tips: Cut that Grocery Bill in Half Part 1

I've been working on this blog in my head for a while, but just now found the words to write it. I used to let the grocery store control my grocery bill instead of me controlling it. I would make a weekly menu, get what I needed, but then also just browse the aisles tossing in what I wanted not paying attention to the price of anything. Then we decided to start budgeting....now I was in trouble for mindlessly shopping! I usually don't share anything about our budget because of its personal nature, but I finally decided our grocery budget was something worth blogging and being proud of. A couple of months ago we were working on our budget and figuring out how much of our money would go where and I told the husband that I would take on the challenge of keeping our grocery bill under $100 a week. Prior to this, it probably cost about $120-$150. After a couple of weeks of being diligent, I realized I could get it all with about $90 and then one week using certain strategies my bill for the week came to $78 and I was hooked! Now I strive to keep it between $60-$80 a week and so far I have been successful.

Are you letting this control your spending instead of you?

Do you DREAD shopping because of how much it costs?

By now, you might be skeptical and must have a few questions:

• So you're wondering how I do it right? 
• Am I a crazy couponer?
• Do I deny myself and my family of certain things?
• Do I buy only processed/ cheap food (you would only ask this if you did not know me)?
• How can I afford fresh fruit, veggies, and meat?
• I'm only feeding two people and a baby....so that must be why it's so cheap
•  

I'll answer the easy questions first:

• No, I am not a crazy couponer, but I do use coupons when I find them for the products I buy. I mean why not? It's basically free money that the manufacturers are putting back in my pocket.
• I don't deny my family of things we like (my husband probably wouldn't agree, but that's because I try not to buy unhealthy food and ALL he likes is the unhealthy stuff).
• Half my grocery cart or more is ALWAYS fresh fruit and veggies, along with fresh meat when we need it.
• I almost NEVER buy processed food*; I buy cereal occasionally for my husband and canned beans because I haven't taken the time to make my own.
• Feeding only two adults and a baby is the same as a family of 4 or 5 because most meats, veggies, etc are priced/ packaged to be sold in that quantity already.

*Processed food definition: anything pre-made for you that contains a TON of preservatives like microwaveable meals, pre-made oven meals, pretty much anything in the frozen section (I can't even name that many, because I NEVER shop that section).

Now for the hard question....how do I do it?
First you're going to have to change how you shop, but mostly how you THINK about shopping.
When you can change how you think about shopping, basically you'll revolutionize HOW you shop.

1st: The next time you go grocery shopping and from here on out start paying attention to the price of items along with how much you're paying per ounce, lb, bar, sheet, etc. If you don't know the prices of the items you buy, you WON'T know a really good deal when you see it!

2nd: Make a list of things you absolutely need--I mean absolutely...none of this, "we might run out soon stuff"--If you don't need it, don't put it on the list.

3rd: Once you have your list of essentials, begin looking at your local grocery store's sales ad. If you have been paying attention to prices, you will know when something is actually on a good sale and when the stores are just using a "gimmick" sale's price to lure you in. From the sales ad, build your list. When you see an item you use and it's listed for a good price, add it to your list and buy multiples.
   *Ok, stop for a second! I don't mean buy gross amounts and hoard food, toiletries, etc. But stock up enough of the items for your family to use until they go on sale again. Also note that items on sale run in 4 week to 6 week cycles. Most likely if you find it on a good deal now you won't see that price again for 4-6 weeks. Keep that in mind when you're buying things.

4th: Begin writing down what sale item you would buy, from what store, the price, and the quantity you would like to buy. I'm sure most of us have a favorite grocery store or one place that we buy the bulk of our groceries. Fortunately, I get to shop at the commissary because my husband is in the military. Their groceries are usually priced $1-$2 lower than any other store. This is why I write down the sale's price of things I would like to buy. I take that price and compare it to the commissary price and usually it is cheaper at the commissary. If you aren't in the military and cannot shop at a commissary, then you can do this with your regular grocery store. Compare the other store's sales to your grocery store and buy that item where it is cheaper.

5th: Once you have compared prices, you want to build your shopping trip. If there are multiple stores within your vicinity (I have 3 within 1/2 of my house), then you can choose to visit each store to get the best prices OR you can ask if your store price matches. MOST stores do. If you shop at a Walmart or a Super Target, they absolutely price match. You won't have to go to multiple places AND you will still get the great prices.

6th: What to look for in the sales ads to buy: Don't buy everything that has a sale; only what you need. Otherwise you'll defeat the purpose of trying to lower your grocery bill. Sales on fresh meat are one of the things you want to buy first. You can also look for good sales on non-perishables (toilet paper, toothpaste, razors, etc), things that have a longer shelf life (oatmeal, cereal, cans of beans, pasta, and so on), or things that can be frozen (fresh fruit for smoothies, peppers, meats). Unfortunately, you can't freeze fresh vegetables without usually blanching them first, but it would be nice if you could!

7th: Now that you have a list of things you need and sale items to buy, you can begin shopping. Remember to STICK TO YOUR LIST! This is probably the hardest thing for me...I'll find extra things on sale or pass by something and think I need it. I almost NEVER need it right then.

Here's some of the great deals I found the past couple of weeks:
 King Soopers:
Blackberries and Raspberries: $1.98 (bought 3 of each to freeze for smoothies)
Soy milk: $1.59  (my husband drinks it like its going out of style)
Avocados: $.89
Powerade: $.59/ per bottle (Yes, I'm kind of ashamed to admit I buy this for my husband, especially since I do not like all of those artificial colors and sweeteners, but it's one of the few unhealthy luxuries he gets to enjoy.) I bought about 25 of these the week I found them because he drinks them when he works out AND because I told him I'd only buy it (since it's so unhealthy) if it's on sale. So, basically if he's out then he's out until the next time they're at this price or cheaper.

Safeway:
Red bell peppers: $.99 (I bought 3 and I plan on cutting these up and freezing them)
Salmon: $4.99/lb for fresh salmon...great price!
Fresh Express Salad mix: $.44

Commissary (my fave):
Bananas: $.39/lb (Bought a bunch because we eat a lot of bananas and froze some for smoothies also)
Carrots: $.59/lb
Cucumber: $.39 for 1
Strawberries: $3.99/ 4lbs (This was a fabulous deal! bought 2 and froze most for smoothies)
Blueberries: $1.98 a pint (bought 6; froze some, used some for my yogurt, and I want to try some in my dehydrator)
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: $1.14/lb
Baby back ribs: $1.99/lb
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: $1.39/lb

This is a list from a couple of weeks back

 I know this looks kind of obsessive, but I'm super anal and this helps me keep everything straight. For things I always buy, I know the prices of what they cost off the top of my head and I usually save my receipts in case I need to look at the price of anything. On the right side is my list of things I buy regularly or need and on the left side are the items I found on sale that I would want to buy.

These are only part of the tips that you need to gird yourself with before you go shopping. Since this is already a long post I will post the rest in a day or two! So start by paying attention to the prices of items you buy.

Wham, Bam, Thank you Ma'am! Workout Update

I've been meaning to write this workout blog for a while, but was too busy tutoring, working out, and having family time. This, however, did not hinder me from working out. I managed to do 4 workouts in 6 days (obviously skipping Mother's Day), which is really good for my busy schedule. Here's the lowdown:

Workout 1: Ran 3.1 miles on the treadmill in 29 mins (took 2 mins off my time! Yes I know I'm slow) and did strength training for 30 mins.

Workout 2:  Swam for 20 mins, then played with my little munchkin in the pool for 40 mins

Workout 3: Hiked the Incline with my baby on my back and then 3.5 miles down the trail (jogged the last 10 mins of the trail). Burned 718 calories!

Workout 4: Ran 2.5 miles pushing the stroller, did a bodyrock workout, and 125 abs (various exercises)

Oh and I've lost 4 pounds in the last week and a half! Go me....summer abs and formal dress....here I come!

Don't know what my dad's doing but this is after climbing the Incline

Look for those little tiny people...and that's still not even the bottom

Looking kind of rough after the hike

Those were my workouts!

Mama's Day Tribute

I had to do it....I HAD to post about Mother's Day...mostly because I have one of the most wonderful, fabulous mothers on the planet. I can't thank her enough or give her enough credit for the things she has done for me, but I am going to try to give you a little taste of how wonderful she is through this blog post.

Mom and me!

A few things I remember growing up:

• My mom always putting us to bed and being there when we woke up in the morning
• Snacks when we came home from school
• Participating in our silly games and ALWAYS listening to our ridiculous stories
• Taking us on great adventures and letting us explore
• Giving me a sense of pride and self-confidence
• Telling me I could conquer anything I put my mind to
• Helping me strive to always be better
• Teaching us the importance of healthy eating and regular exercise (had to through that one in there :)...she's a M.I.L.F. for sure...by that I mean the fitness one)
• Never disciplining us out of anger
• Always putting her family first
• Teaching us selflessness through her selflessness
• Teaching us the importance of a personal relationship with God

My mother taught me everything I know about being a mom. She always put our needs before our own. I always knew I could count on her and she is the first person I go to for advice. I can trust her with anything! I know she'll always have my back. She taught me everything I know about etiquette, cooking, and cleaning.  I've never had to worry about my mom embarrassing me even though I KNOW I've embarrassed her many times. She's always been the woman I look up to and the woman I hope to become!

Lastly, I want to give the description of the Proverbs 31 woman. I think this fits my mom to a tee. I'm sure a lot of you have read this passage, but if you haven't here it is:

¹⁰ Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
¹¹ The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
¹² She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
¹³ She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
¹⁴ She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
¹⁵ She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
¹⁶ She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
¹⁷ She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
¹⁸ She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
¹⁹ She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
²⁰ She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
²¹ She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
²² She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
²³ Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
²⁴ She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
²⁵ Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
²⁶ She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
²⁷ She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
²⁸ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
²⁹ Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
³⁰ Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.
³¹ Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

I love you, Mom! Happy Mother's Day!!

Hands Free Mama Pledge!

A couple of days ago I read this wonderful blog post by handsfreemama.com: How to Miss a Childhood. I would post the entire post that she wrote, but it is kind of long. I loved some of the things that she brought to light though. She talks about how many parents are too involved with their phones, computers, jobs, favorite TV shows, etc. that they miss their children's childhood. Even though the parents are "there" for special events and for their children, they aren't actually "involved" in the moments. They're too busy answering text messages, emails, and phone calls to really be involved with their children.

Going out together!

A few things she says:

*Check your phone first thing in the morning … even before you kiss, hug, or greet the people in your family.

*Neglect daily rituals like tucking your child into bed or nightly dinner conversation because you are too busy with your online activity.

*Don’t look up from your phone when your child speaks to you or just reply with an “uh huh” so she thinks you were listening.

*Lose your temper with your child when he “bothers” you while you are interacting with your hand-held electronic device.

*Give an exasperated sigh when your child asks you to push her on the swing. Can’t she see you’re busy?

*Use drive time to call other people regardless of the fact you could be talking to your kids about their day—or about their worries, their fears, or their dreams.

*Read email and text messages at stoplights. Then tell yourself that when your kids are old enough to drive they won’t remember you did this all the time.

Here's to capturing more of these photos!

When I stop and look at my own life, I find myself guilty of some of the things she posts. Thankfully, I'm not guilty of all of them...then I'd feel really HORRIBLE! At times, I find myself on the internet or on my phone because my son can't talk, walk, or run around yet, but the main kicker for me is being so anal about everything. I like to have everything in my house and life neat, clean, and in order. Sometimes I find myself cleaning too much or worrying about all the things I need to do during the day instead of just enjoying my time with my son.

No More! I have decided to keep the computer and phone to a minimum while he's awake unless it's absolutely necessary to use.
I will also curb the cleaning and other "chores" I feel are necessary and make extra time to read to him, play with him, or snuggle.
I won't talk on the phone while driving and instead sing kiddie songs with him until he can talk.
When he remembers his childhood, I want him to remember a mom that dropped everything to be involved in his day and put her family first.
I want him to have the same great childhood I had. My parents were never too busy or too involved in their extracurriculars to make us feel like we were the most important parts of their lives!

Here's to more fishing days when he can hold his own pole!

Hopefully, more mom's will take a similar hands-free challenge.

Workout 2: Missed a couple of days....oops

So what do you do when real life gets in the way of your workouts? Well I don't know what you do, but I usually just counteract them by eating less. Tuesday I didn't workout because of a massive headache that would NOT go away. After Tuesday, I was determined to workout on Wednesday, but once again life stepped in the way. I woke up early to workout while my son was sleeping and then he decided to wake up early too! Then I was just going to feed him and workout while he was awake, but then the hubsters called and said he locked his keys in the truck....soooooo that meant driving to the other side of the post to bring the keys to him. Then I had to get ready and go to the new commissaries grand opening (which was FABULOUS to say the least), spent forever there in the lines, come home and unpack, feed the munchkin, put him down, do online tutoring, cook dinner, and get ready for my night of tutoring. By the time I got home at 9:15, I was too tired to even clean my kitchen I just headed straight upstairs for the bed. So workout on Wednesday? Absolutely not, I would have almost rather worked out on Tuesday and just powered through the headache!

Hiking...with all that extra weight; always glad when I can take it off!

I did not however let these past two days ruin my workout today.
Here goes nothing:
I hiked 4.62 miles in the mountains packing an extra 26 pounds (baby + carrier, water, etc).
I BURNED 618 calories while hiking...whoop!
And kept my eating under control...even when my husband made his delicious homemade pizza for dinner. I had two half slices (really 1 whole slice) and a salad.

So bring it on tomorrow! I think I will go swimming.

Workout: 1 month to get ready for this Army Ball

I haven't blogged in a while mostly because I've been busy enjoying my time with my parents while they are visiting. This past weekend I suddenly realized that I have barely over a month until the Army Ball. It is June 16th and I plan on looking bangin' along with fitting into this red dress I own. I wore this dress to my sister's wedding and love, love, love it! I have yet to try it on since having the baby and would love to not have to have it altered. Ok, well maybe I'll have it altered a little because I'm thinking the post-baby, currently breast feeding girls I have hanging out on my chest ARE going to fit into a dress I wore pre-baby.

This is not the red dress, but this is me pre-baby (well pre-big belly) so I wouldn't mind this body again!

So I have devised a plan:

Cardio and strength training 5 days a week: I want it to consist of these exercises:

•  Swimming
• Running
• Hiking
• Bodyrock
• Some other form of Cross-training

Next I will watch my calories and the types of food I'm eating:
This means more veggies and fruit, less carbs.
Next I want to burn 600 calories or more when working out.
Finally, I will stay accountable on here by posting every other day.

Today's workout:
1 mile on the treadmill
50 min TRX crosstraining workout class

I wanted to do longer on the treadmill, but I had to go to an orientation for the munchkin so I cut it short, but tomorrow I will do longer!

Today's food:
Breakfast: Oatmeal
Snack: dried apricots
Lunch: Sweet potato and cauliflower soup
Dinner: Roast potatoes, Chicken Leg, and Brussels sprouts

So here goes nothing! I will conquer this dress!

'Nuff Said!