The Details

Does thinking about how much money you spend on food each week make you a little crazy? Do you wish you could stick to a specific budget, but aren’t sure you can do it alone? Let’s do it together. For [...]

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{Project: Food Budget} Week 20

Posted on February 16, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $134.53

Ouch.

I’m not sure why this surprises me, considering I had no menu or shopping list to speak of. Just went to the store because I knew we needed stuff to eat. So I meandered. And wandered. And grabbed things on sale. To the tune of 34.53 over budget.

I definitely stocked up on the usual fruits and veggies. Also had to add in a few standards for The Hubster like pasta and tomato sauce, and Amy’s frozen burritos. All were on sale, so I grabbed a few more than usual.

Of course, we were also out of some pantry staples like dried cranberries, canned beans, vegetable broth, chocolate chips, and sea salt. I stuck with the bulk section as much as possible, but it adds up.

Another item on the shopping list that thrills me to no end: ketchup! First time I’ve purchased in 3 years. Don’t worry, it’s of the organic, agave sweetened, variety.

Menu for the week:

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

6 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 19

Posted on February 9, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $103.32

I was super pumped to be so close to the budget this week, even though I had mentally set a goal of coming in around $75.

I would have made it, too, had it not been for the Chinese Five Spice and pine nuts on the list. Those two items alone cost close to $15. Subtract the large butternut squash I bought just to have on hand, and I would have made $75.

Such is life.

I also discovered on this trip that Fleischman’s has several varieties that are dairy-free! Nice to know there are other options out there — particularly for those that don’t have Earth Balance in the store.

Menu for the week:

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

1 Comment   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 18

Posted on February 2, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $145.87

Aaaand this, kids, is what happens when I go in with a loose idea of what to get for the week. No menu plan to speak of. No sticking to the grocery list like a good Project: Food Budgeter. No flippin clue for how much I am pulling into the shopping cart.

The good news is, I got some fig infused white balsamic vinegar {$6.99 for a fancy bottle}, an avocado for The Hubster, stocked up on frozen waffles, vegetable broth, and canned beans, and peach salsa. All on sale except for the fancy vinegar {but so worth it}.

Loose menu for the week:

How did you do this week? What are your budgeting snafu’s {like not menu planning or shopping with a list}?

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

9 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 17

Posted on January 26, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $87.45

Clearly all that stocking up from last week paid off. This week, minimal spending. I actually felt like my list was so short that I was forgetting everything I would need.

So far, we’ve had everything we need!

This week is a bit wonky in terms of actual food. I’m spending the week doing a lot of Food Sensitivity Testing through Wellspring Whole Health. Making it necessary to pack lunches and have good snacky food on hand. Thankfully fruit {including grapes!!} were on sale, and I made sure to stock up.

My schedule next week lightens up, which also means that I’ll have more time to cook and blog. I’m freakishly excited about that.

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

5 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 16

Posted on January 19, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $157.31

Aaaand that’s what happens when you go on vacation for two weeks, use up everything in your pantry because you don’t want to buy anything before you leave, then encounter some pretty fabulous sales when you finally make it out to the store.

That total includes $30 off from gift cards. I didn’t spend it therefor I don’t count it.

Menu for the week:

A few things to note:

  1. We always  have a stockpile of 7 different kinds of veggies burgers {edamame, black bean, lentil, apple, chickpea, etc} tucked away in the freezer. Makes for a super quick and easy meal when we are hungry and don’t feel like cooking. Which happens at least once a week.
  2. The Hubster really really really wanted pasta with tomato sauce. And I really really really wanted Pasta Corn Casbah. There was really no sense in compromising.
  3. I made granola! I made granola! I made granola! And I’m not ashamed to say it will become a staple in our house.
  4. Want to know what’s also amazing? Blackberry bars. And it was a great way to use up those blackberries that I’ve been stockpiling {hugely on sale lately}. Recipe to come soon. If I can pry my face away from the pan. They’re that good.
  5. Apparently the week after I teach a class on the evils of sugar, I get the baking bug. And can only find amazing dessert recipes on Pinterest. Because, apparently, there is nothing else of value to cook on the internet.
  6. There are some fabulous new blogs that have joined the project. Believe me when I say their budgeting prowess puts me to shame.

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

6 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 15

Posted on January 12, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $0

Another odd week around these parts, since we’re on vacation. And we haven’t had to spend a penny on groceries. We have been able to enjoy some amazing food, amazing scenery, and amazing hikes. All of which I will be posting more about next week.

In the meantime, please feel free to check out the other bloggers who are taking part in the project. I always learn a thing or two from them!

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

3 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 14

Posted on January 5, 2012

Goal: $100
Actual: $0

The Menu:

  • Leftovers!

This week is a bit of an odd week since we don’t need any groceries and won’t be cooking at home. Which is good, considering our wallets could use a bit of a break after having to replace our hot water heater on New Years Day.

I promise the rest of the crew is way more interesting then I am this week, so feel free to check them out. We even have a few new people joining us for the new year. And I couldn’t be more excited.

Happy 2012!

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

4 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 13

Posted on December 29, 2011

Goal: $100
Actual: $93.00

The Menu:

  • Apple Burgers with sweet potato coins and sauteed snow peas
  • Spaghetti with tomato sauce {!!}
  • Veggie Cobbler with biscuit topping
  • Quinoa and black bean salad with butternut squash puree
  • Sweet potato wontons
  • Spaghetti squash and rice patties + veggies
  • Ginger lime noodles

Another week under budget!! I think it has everything to do with the fact that I won’t pay anything over $3.00/lb for a bag of grapes. Seriously. They are my downfall. And get super expensive in the winter months. I can go through 2-3 bags a week if you let me.

I’ve also discovered that for a lot of apples, it’s often cheaper to get the 3lb bag. As in 50 cents cheaper per pound. Which is a bit crazy.

Hope everyone had a great holiday and is doing something fabulous, relaxing, special and wonderful for NYE. Thanks for going on this journey with me!

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:

2 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 12

Posted on December 22, 2011

Goal: $100
Actual: $83.48

The Menu:

Yeah. I about passed out when I saw how much little I spent this week, too. I was ridiculously under budget!! And I wasn’t even trying. And I didn’t subtract the copious amounts of apples, sweet potatoes, and latkes that I bought for our Hanukkah party this week. So triple win!

I still can’t figure out what happened.

A few thoughts:

  1. I think I did a-okay with the tomatoes last week {!!}. No hives, no migraines, and no cold sores — my classic tells. I did, however, have a bit of a headache. But that could be the result of this blasted head cold I’ve had for the past week and a half. I’m not giving up yet. Hence why it’s back on the menu.
  2. I never got to use the pear nectar. Might have to create a reason to use it.
  3. I bought a two containers of blackberries last week, and a huge container of raspberries this week. They were majorly on sale. I always go for those kind of sales and then end of throwing them out because I didn’t get around to eating them. This time around? I froze them. And will now have delicious frozen fruit for my morning smoothies. Go me.
  4. I’m on a mission to make my own granola. It is $6.99 for a very small box of it at the store. And I know that I can do it at home for less. $6.99 feels like highway robbery for two days worth of granola.
  5. I also decided that I don’t need grapes once they hit the $3.99 per pound mark. Or, at the very least, I don’t need them every single week. This will end up saving me more and more as the year goes on and the grapes get more and more expensive.
  6. I was reeeeeally paying attention to the things I was buying, and what I could substitute for a less expensive alternative. I certainly don’t need a small packet of chives for $4.99 if it’s going to go to waste. I can sub something else that will be just as tasty. Seriously.
  7. I love when yams are on sale. It’s the most wonderful time of year.
  8. How has it already been 3 months since we restarted this project?! Time certainly flies when you’re having fun.

What are your favorite tips and tricks to keep an eye on your budget and avoid overspending?

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:


7 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

{Project: Food Budget} Week 11

Posted on December 15, 2011

Goal: $100
Actual: $111.65

The Menu:

See that last one? It’s not a typo. Or a mistake. I tested free and clear from my food sensitivities when I went in for my last visit with The Naturopath. And what better way than to test the theory of being able to eat tomatoes again, than by trying to have a tomato. {I know, brilliant. Right?}

To say that I am excited is a bit of an understatement. I am also a little nervous. It’s been over two years since I’ve had a tomato. Fingers crossed that all goes well. And that dinner is a success!

Also, The Hubster decided that he wanted the risotto, making it impossible to make the soup. Only bought one squash. Might have to try the soup with a pie pumpkin. Would hate for that large bottle of pear nectar go to waste.

Related: I am looking forward to a mocktail or two with the pair nectar and a bit of Perrier or Club Soda. We have both. And I’m intrigued.

Project: Food Budget

I’m excited to report that I have some great company on my Project: Food Budget challenge. Please check out these wonderful blogs, and give them support as they take on this challenge.

All have different budgets, number of mouths to feed, and food preferences {veggie + meat eating}. And yet, all have a common goal of saving money and making better choices when it comes to the food we put on our table.

Want to get on board? Fabulous. {Now go here.}

Participating blogs:


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11 Comments   Posted in Project: Food Budget

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