For the tenth week in a row I got together with Mrs. HB to do some grocery shopping and prepare some meals for the upcoming week. Those are the pictures you’ll see when you scroll through this post as well a few Mrs. HB sent that she took during the week.
So here we go…Week 10 in Mrs. HB’s own words:
Another week another dollar.
You think you got this down and then ….. I fell a little back into my old ways. But not so much that there was major damage.
I did however venture into my old jaunt, TJ Maxx… and it was oh so sweet. I had some down time and it was cold and rainy. I had completed all my computer work that could have been done in the car and there I found myself in the parking lot of TJ. I sat there and debated for about 5 minutes and decided that it would be like a challenge.
So I ventured in. I looked at the shoes, clothes, purses (I kinda need one), housewares, decorations and candles. I picked up a pair of pants for HB girl then put them back. Tried on several shoes but decided I had several that look like them, (went to restroom), then revisited the housewares. I have been thinking about a way to store my onions and potatoes so they get more air flow and won’t rot should they sit there a while. And there is was, an under the shelf wire shelf thing for $3.99. Perfect and it is. But I think I need two now.
It was time to go and headed to checkout line. While waiting, I noticed a nice display of lovely candles. Started smelling them and found one that I loved. I should have put it back just for the fact that I know they have those things there to lure you into picking up additional items as you wait, but I folded. It was $4.99 and a decent size. I love my candles. But all in all got out of there for under $9, I didn’t even buy a diet coke, the fridge sits at check out as well. UGH marketing ploys!
I wasn’t so disciplined on another long day. Had gone into a coffee shop to do a little work and look what I did! Not even a coffee, I must be pushing for spring to get here. Hot days cold drinks versus cold days hot drink thing. But do you see that lemon bar ? It was at the checkout just waiting for an innocent venerable client. I love all things lemon and lime and it’s full of hope for Spring. It WAS delicious but not so good for my other challenge. UGH another marketing ploy!
Grocery shopping at Fred Meyer, which I did by myself this week, spent $106. WHAT? ouch! I don’t have the excuses that I had last week so had to ask myself what happened? And honestly I really don’t know except I did start using the FM ecoupons so I bought double popcorn for HB girl plus a few other items. Have mentioned she could live off popcorn?
I also have gotten a little more bold with my recipes and this weeks were a little, should I say, time consuming! I have realized that that equates to more ingredients to purchase. Ms Mavis and I didn’t even get through our cooking time. I had to complete them all by myself which is not nearly as much fun! I will keep it a bit more simple from now on!
Costco cost was $88. Not too bad since I am supposed to go every other week (except last week when we went for Monkey Boy’s flowers and I ended up buying that baked chicken and pork buns, by the way they were a little disappointing.) Next week I will be all on my own so I think I will do a semi no grocery week only going for things like milk. I am going to save and use what’s in the freezer. This shall be interesting because I think HB Hubby has become accustomed to all these new and exciting meals.
I have been thinking about my recipe choices the week, one in particular, Beef Bourguignon. It’s French I think and sounds delicious! Has wine and bacon in it how could it not be, right? Well this recipe was quite deceiving. Looked to be easy but way much more involved than at first glance. But you know I learned something about Beef Bourguignon… It’s Beef stew!!!! And my crock pot version not only looks better (BB
looks like mud), is much healthier (no bacon nor wine), cost less and the Hillbilly family finds my version much much tastier!
Huh, what do you know, maybe I don’t always need a cookbook with fancy ingredients with cost to go with it!!! I am not even going to bother with sending Ms Mavis this recipe… thumbs down! I did, UNFORTUNATELY, doubled it so HB family will have to suffer through it again. The crusty bread was good though! And yes, I did have some. OOPS.
I also learned another seemingly obvious lesson. Just because it’s on sale I don’t need to buy it if I am not going to use it that week. Look at this poor bread I bought for school lunches. I had the sourdough loaf from last week that I was still using so didn’t get to this one later in week. When I pulled it out , Gross! It was moldy and what a waste. HB Boy had a little gag reflex going on when I showed it to him. Lesson learned.
So as you can tell, not doing so well with healthy living challenge. Didn’t even weigh myself this week. Looking
toward next week and not going to dwell on this past one. And that’s all I am going to say on this matter.
~Mrs. Hillbilly
Mrs. C. says
You can freeze rolls like that. I do it all the time. When I get them home, I slice each one in half, put it back together, repeat with the other rolls, then put them in a ziplock freezer bag and into the freezer. Take out as needed, toast in the toaster, and ready to go.
Mrs HB says
You are right and I have frozen bread but just put in bread drawer thinking I’d use sooner than I did. I think being on the clearance rack reduced it home shelf life.
Maria says
You are still really trying and that counts for a lot.
Maybe you could park somewhere where there is nothing to interest you and nothing to eat? A hardware store? A feed and seed store. Whatever is the exact opposite of what you like? Then you won’t be tempted to go in. Also maybe you should have guilt free money. So much every week that isn’t counted against you. A budgeted amount that if you want to spend it who cares but once it’s gone you have to wait until the next time it reloads whenever that is.
Mrs HB says
I would love going in to hardware and feed stores…. I think a book might be nice. The guilt free idea sounds good others have mentioned that as well. Thanks
Lace Faerie says
Spending diets can backfire just like too-restrictive food diets that can cause binging. Feeling resentful or deprived of spending money can result in spending splurges. I speak from experience on both.
Thank you for your honest sharing. It is helping me be more aware of my spending/saving habits.
UpstateNYer says
You could make that free time at the library. And do a search for what you’d like to take out weekly.
Also, you could do your computer work at the library. There’s not coffee and scones there. 😉
Secondly, I suggest to bring the wire baskets back for a refund and head to the dollar store or someplace like that where they sell stackable plastic bins. They way you have it now, the dirt from the potatoes and skins from onions will all be on the floor below. Bins will catch it all.
UpstateNYer says
Or take time at a park or someplace with a track and go for a relaxing walk. No money spent there and a stress reliever!
Laura says
I actually got the exact same wire baskets at the dollar tree if you need more in the future. Will your kids use a popcorn popper? A bag of popcorn kernels last forever! Also, there’s the brown paper bag microwave method, too….
Taryn says
Are those tamales? Yum!
Mrs HB says
Yes and they were worth the effort and made a ton. I am sure Mavis will be posting recipe later.
Melissa says
I’d love to try making tamales, it seems so labor intensive. I only helped make them once when I lived in Guatemala and it seems a little intimidating. Maybe if Mavis posts the recipe I’ll give it a try.
Jeanne says
Hi Mavis, Your stories are cute on helping Mrs HB with her daughters addiction and be healthy and better for the budget. Vitacost sells organic popcorn in a bag and follow this recipe 🙂 Those microwave popcorn bags are on the list of top 10 worst foods to consume some seriously bad chemicals in those bags and if the little HB girl loves and lives on those I was like oh no she needs help. Here is the link. https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/recipe-the-popcorn-trick/ Make a cute jar (hopefully that doesn’t mean a trip to the land of temptation) with bulk kernels and paper bags.
Nicole says
I’ve gotten bread like that before on sale and two days later it was molded. Leaves me feeling like I wasted my money. Also really blew my budget this week and am not even done yet. 🙁 My husband talked me into cooking for the men’s group at church this month. And they really love to eat. So that is cutting into my money big time this week. Oh well it is one of those little things I can do to make him happy.
Heather says
You are sharing your talents. You are a true blessing.
Mrs HB says
I agree with Heather . You are giving back and that’s good . It will come back 10 fold. Just can’t say yes to everything right?
Claire says
If it comes back tenfold, why not say yes to everything? Saying yes to every possible thing sounds like a good strategy, assuming the “tenfold” thing is true.
Practical Parsimony says
It’s not true!
Mary says
Tell hubby to take up a collection from his men’s group! They can help you offset costs.
jackie says
That’s a nice idea, if it wouldn’t ruffle feathers. Otherwise, just realize that this is not normal and should not make you feel bad about feeding a large group that is not part of your family.
Conni says
When I cook for church (Elders’ dinner, group gatherings, shut-ins, etc.) the money/dollar equiv. of supplies comes out of our ‘Charitable Expenses’ line item. I fiercely guard the ‘Food’ money for our family as that line has been cut back to minimum If you have a ‘Giving Category’, this certainly fits!
Linda says
Mrs HB, thank you so much for allowing us to come along on this journey of yours! I look forward to seeing your progress and think you’re making some real changes. However, real change doesn’t happen overnight and it takes time. Even though you did go in TJ Maxx you didn’t spend like you used to. Enjoy that candle- it was your one indulgence!
I love your stove! That is for serious cooks & you certainly make use of it! I am going to make your Pecan Chicken recipe this week! Thank you!
Mrs HB says
Thank you . I think you could cut the butter in half on the pecan chicken . I loved it but ouch not the healthiest . I think I will start to modify more recipes to make them a little healthier where can . Served w sweet potatoes and auger snap peas w a littl red pepper flakes. Mavis thought I did biscuits butnI didn’t .
jackie says
Sometimes you have to look at how much pleasure something like a candle can give you. How many hours? Not all that bad an indulgence by the hour. Also, something that is for the home, and helps you cut down on wasted food is not a bad investment. I think, for under $10 bucks, your indulgence has some merit. We are all on this journey with you, and giving it a go in our own lives. You are an inspiration and I thank you for sharing with all of us.
Pauline says
Mrs. HB, this week was absolutely NOT a failure for you – it was educational. You saw again how cleverly the marketers can part us from our cash, and you realized that sometimes later it doesn’t feel worth it. You will remember those experiences, and other times you will think harder about spending. Frugality is not about never indulging — it’s about choosing which pleasures are really important to you and letting the rest go. I’ve always loved that quote about remembering the difference between what you want *now* and what you *really* want. We are all learning from your candor about your ups and downs with this. Thanks so much for sharing it all!
Rebecca in MD says
Thank you for sharing your ups and downs. We are all only human, not perfect.
Really enjoy reading your updates and recipes.
Carolina says
You made me smile with the comment about, “an innocent venerable client.” Venerable means “worthy of respect or praise” and you certainly are that for taking on this journey. I think, though, that the placement of things at the check out are for innocent, vulnerable clients.
Em says
Thanks for the update! You’re still doing pretty good! I am proud of you!
Em says
P.S., I am especially proud of you for making those tamales! I have never done that!
Mrs HB says
Me either nor would I have ever ! But I am all about getting out of my comfort zone here w cooking since I have Ms MAvis helping me . lol I don’t always read the whole instructions so I don’t know what I am getting into but if O had I may not have tried and I loved these. It did take a hit of time . I served w the FM re fried beans freebie a couple of weeks ago and a corn dish I love from weight watchers. I should share that too. So simple. Just grill corn on cob, sweet onion, reb bell pepper . Cut off cob, dice onion and pepper toss w a little olive oil salt and pepper. Add chopped cilantro or basal and toss . Serve hot or chilled great for summer!!
Laura says
We finally switched to using air-popped popcorn instead of micro-waved popcorn. You can buy 12 lbs of corn kernels for $8.99 at Costco. We bought an air popper for $2 at a garage sale. We add our own butter, seasonings, etc., which we like because a) we can make any flavor we want, b) real butter, not icky who-knows-what, but most importantly, the price difference is ridiculous. I can’t even try to describe how much more popcorn you actually make for the price…probably like hundreds of bags worth? Also, you really can’t burn it with an air popper. It’s fool (or kiddie) proof. It’s one small switch, but they add up! 🙂
Tammy says
Those tamales look so good! When I was a teenager, my dad and I made some! My sister and I have talked about making them, it would be a fun project.
I think you need some less expensive meals on your menu each week…that would truly help your budget. It doesn’t have to be beans (but it could be…), just something that uses basic pantry items.
Carrie says
I agree. I only try one new meal a week and usually on Sunday because it takes much longer to prepare something new.
Lisa says
I am loving these updates. So inspiring. I think Mrs. HB needs her own blog!
Beth says
Mrs. HB you are doing great! I feel for you on the bread- I just threw out most of a loaf of Dave’s Killer Bread because it was moldy- I was so annoyed with myself. There are only 2 of us in my house now and we just don’t eat a lot of bread anymore. As for the shopping, I think you need to allow yourself some spending money- that way you won’t feel like you are cheating if you spend a little.
As for how much you spent at Fred Meyer- you are feeding 4 people- I think you are doing a bang-up job on grocery shopping and meal planning! I am trying to get to the point that I only grocery shop every 2 weeks- so far I have not mastered it but I am spending less. I agree with others who said perhaps you should plan in some lower cost meals but of course you know your family’s tastes and maybe that won’t work. For example, casseroles are a great way to cut your cost per serving and sometimes you will end of with enough for a second meal or at least some leftovers for lunches. I have recently started planning meals for 2 weeks at a time and I am learning that I need to back off on how many different meals I plan for and plan some leftover dinners- my grandma used to call them “dab dinners” because when you have a dab of this and a dab of that in the fridge, you need to get everything out and have everyone pick what they are having.
I love your posts Mrs.HB- I’m glad you and Mavis decided to do this!
Mrs HB says
Me too! Thanks
Vivian says
I think you and Mavis are perfect friends for each other! Don’t let her move to the east coast! You have too much fun together!
Andrea says
I’ve really, really enjoyed this series!
Practical Parsimony says
I don’t think you are a failure at all. At least you recognize important things like how the bread molded. Freezing it works for me…well, unless I let it mold!
I try hard to avoid recipes that I have to shop to cook. I want most of the ingredients in the house, bought for half price or at least reduced. That way, I shop sales when I look into the freezer or cabinet to find an ingredient.
Stacey says
You have reason to be proud of yourself for going to TJMaxx and only spending $9! That’s some willpower. As for the healthy living, keep at it. I’m struggling with this, too, after gaining some weight. For the last year I’ve been “trying” but keep getting derailed. Just don’t give up, and I won’t either!
Amy says
What oh what kind of oven is that?!?!? I need that in my kitchen! Oh the cooking I could do…..
Robyn says
Mrs. HB – think of your week as a learning experience not a failure. Sounds as though you are aware of the “traps” that are put by the checkouts to try to get us to purchase more. I agree with other commenters that you might want to set aside a little bit of splurge money each week so you won’t feel deprived. I think you are doing really well with all the delicious recipes you are making!
Life is never a steady trajectory upward. There are always ups and downs. I love the old song about pick yourself up, brush yourself off and start all over again-a good motto to live by
Leslie says
Mrs. HB, I so relate to this. I’m working on a grocery and Amazon budget this month. It’s my first time really trying for either.
Mavis, I’m so curious what other people’s grocery budgets are. What do you think of doing a poll on your blog so readers can select with range their budget falls into (<$100, $100-$200, $200-$300, etc) or something like that?
Helen in Meridian says
Mrs. HB you did great this week. After bringing your own coffee for 8 weeks, you deserved that little LEMON indulgence. Oh, that hanging basket to save your onions and potatoes should be included in the food budget, not the trinket list. Hope you enjoy your candle. The sweet smell will remind you how many changes you have made these past 8 weeks. Please keep posting forever on this blog or your own. We love you and love your posts. You are so daring. BTW the 1st thing I ever made from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of Fine Cooking was their Boef Bourguigine. I’ll bet your beef stew is delicious. Do you have an electric pressure cooker? I love mine and use it all the time…especially this week with Corned Beef and Cabbage for St. Patrick’s day.
Marybeth says
You are doing a great job! Love the stove and the puppy!
My husband and I went to a new store and they had a whole aisle of Bob’s Red Mill products for cheaper then the grocery store. We went a little overboard. I have $68 now left in my grocery budget for the month so I need to stay out of BJ’s.