It was another long and crazy week at our house and for the time being I’m going to stop worrying about writing every meal I eat down and just try and remember to snap a photo of what I’m having for dinner.
My mom stayed with us for 6 days last week {to be closer to my brother} so the HH and I picked up a few convience foods instead of worrying about pinching pennies and spending extra time in the kitchen making meals from scratch. Sometimes in life you’ve just got to throw caution to the wind and take the easy way out. This is one of those times.
Even though I am officially over for the year, I’m still pretty proud of how I’ve been able to whittle down our grocery budget over the past 9 years. Even though things are a little crazy right now, I’m confident I’ll still be able to spend less on groceries this year than I did last year. And hey, that’s not too shabby if you ask me.
In 2008 I spent $9,768 on groceries. An average of $814 a month.
In 2009 I spent $7,584 on groceries. An average of $632 a month.
In 2010 I spent $5,004 on groceries. An average of $417 a month.
In 2011 I spent $1,198.64 on groceries. An average of $100 a month.
In 2012 I spent $1,195.67 on groceries. An average of $100 a month.
In 2013 I spent $2192.32 on groceries. An average of $182.69 a month.
In 2014 I spent $1907.34 on groceries. An average of $158.95 a month.
In 2015 I spent $1798.07 on groceries. An average of $149.83 a month.
Costco $66.94
Is it just me, or does Costco seem like the convenience gourmet food store of choice? If you’re having people over and you don’t feel like cooking… you can easily find what you need at Costco and be out of the store and on your merry way in 10 minutes or less. Unless of course you’re hungry husband is tagging along and wants to stop at every single sample cart. And wants to look at the sporting goods section. And then the clothing. And then books and let’s not forget the tool section… It’s kind of like shopping with a toddler. Except it’s not because this particular tagalong has a wallet.
The HH didn’t buy anything though, so maybe I’m starting to wear off on him. 😉
Albertsons $10.57
Eggs were on sale {and still are until tuesday closing} for $0.99 a dozen and butter is on sale for $1.99 a pound. I think I’ll try to pop back in tomorrow for more butter since it’s such a great price. — How much are you paying for butter these days?
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I started off the week eating a salad everyday for lunch and dinner and then it all went downhill from there.
My mom wanted to order Chinese take out {her treat} but the reviews for the Chinese restaurant in town weren’t great so we opted for Thai food instead. And yes, much to Monkey Boy and the HH’s delight, there were plenty of leftovers. 😉
The first two nights my mother was here we had pizza {those Costco pizza’s are HUGE} and then the third night we had pasta, salad, roasted vegetables and made some parmesan crisps with some leftover crusty no knead bread. The fourth night we had appetizers and last night we had take out. I think I’ve gained 5 pounds in the last 6 days. Oh well. There’s just more of me to love I guess. Ha!
Total Spent This Week $77.51 🙁
Total Spent Year to Date $1245.71 {Ouch!}
- Total Spent in September $195.98
- Total Spent in August $111.42
- Total Spent in July $121.97
- Total Spent in June $167.81
- Total Spent in May $299.74
- Total Spent in April $0
- Total Spent in March $136.58
- Total Spent in February $106.85
- Total Spent in Janaury $105.36
Freebies we’ve been gifted or were earned in 2016: $200
- $100 gift card to Whole Foods {Christmas gift from my parents}
- $100 gift card to Trader Joe’s {Christmas gift from my parents}
- 22 packets of vegetable seeds
Go HERE to read more Shopping Trip Stories.
Pauline says
There’s a reason they’re called “convenience foods,” and if ever there were a time to use them, this is it. So glad you’ve eased up on trying to stick to this goal you made months ago before life threw you a major curve. I am *so* sorry that your brother and all of you who love him have been hit by the major life-changer of cancer. May your brother continue to be comfortable, and may all of you feel peace in your hearts. With a virtual hug to you, Mavis…
Kristina says
Well said. Including the hug.
Carrie says
Hey Mavis! I am just wondering how much you spend on Lucy per month or per year?
I adopted a puppy over 2 months ago and have been spoiling her with high quality food, treats, bones and new toys. Not to mention her vet bills with all those shots! I’ve spent over $800 on her so far. Her adoption fee was $250, 3 vet visits so far at $150/each (her final round of shots is in 3 weeks then it is just spaying), 24 pounds of grain free puppy food at $55 (bought twice now) and at least $50 on treats, bones and toys. I’m freaking out! I can’t believe I’ve spent that much on a dog! And now I am contemplating puppy obedience classes to nip her bad habits in the bud.
Any advice on saving pennies on pooches would be appreciated!
Dierdre says
Go to Drs. Foster and Smith’s website – under their articles and videos it show how to give vaccination shots – it’s very simple – I do my cat. You save a TON of money – Shots do vary in price, depending on what strain you are treating.
Carri says
We give the dogs their shots ourselves. I get them at the local farm supply store and if you watch the vet it is so easy to do the shots yourself.
Heather says
Pets are an incredible addition to a home, but they are expensive. If you have an Amazon Prime account, it is usually cheaper to buy high quality food. I save approximately $360 per year having it delivered to my doorstep with Amazon. On food and flea meds, we spend approximately $1000 per year on five pets. Additional Vet visits, shots, etc. are added on top of everyday basics. I do not provide treats or toys (I have cats), but understand puppies need distraction.
judy says
Chewy.com for quality name brand pet food delivered at half the price of feed store/vet! And the subscription makes it easy (once you dial in how often the bag should arrive)!
Elise says
Pauline said it so well, I just want you to know I’m thinking of you and your family too.
Hugs,
E.
Laura says
Wholeheartedly agree with the convenience food usage. When my husband was battling cancer it was such a blessing to have home-cooked food (or purchased by someone and delivered to me) for my family. It was hard to take care of three kids and a sick husband, so having a few meals a week taken care of by friends was a true blessing.
If you have a friend network, I highly recommend using a free service like Mealtrain. Maybe Ms. Hilbilly could organize for you. You put your likes and dislikes, delivery info, etc. and people sign up to bring dinner. It was nice for them to feel like they could support our family in some small way and I was extraordinarily grateful for that support. I had always done meal delivery at my church for other families because it made me feel good to help out in a small way. Everyone has to eat, and I am cooking anyway, so sign me up!
At any rate, I have been on both sides of meal support and can attest it is a fantastic support. I encourage you to consider it, even though you are generally a very private person. Let you friends love you. They want to!
Kristina says
Well said. Including the hug.
UpstateNYer says
Butter in the east coast – Hudson Valley of NY is 3.50 on sale or 4.99 regular price. Stock up for your holiday baking now, Mavis. 🙂
Laura T. says
Your pictures are making me hungry! I think you’ve been doing a great job bringing the grocery bills down! You’ve come a long way! I’m getting better at that too. It seemed like every time I walked into Jewel I spent $100 & hardly bought anything! Now I go to Aldi first & get what I can since it’s usually cheaper.
Those salads look so yummy & I love Thai food! Maybe I should go eat lunch now! :0)
Ellen in Clackamas says
chiming in to agree with Pauline’s sentiments. We are all feeling for you Mavis and wish the best for you and your family.
Marcia says
I have bowls that match your blue and yellow plates. Wedding gift!
Ah, Costco. I love it because they have the best prices on many items (better than store sales). But it seems impossible to get out of there for under sixty bucks.
Whenever we go…it may be olive oil, or peanut butter, or cheese – but SOMETHING puts us over every time.
Now is the time to eat convenience foods!
Lisa Millar says
Had to read my husband out the bit of the trials of taking husbands shopping. We were laughing a fair bit – exactly the situation in our shopping world. Much cheaper to leave him in the car! 😀
Kathy says
How I wish I could bring you a home cooked meal! Thinking of you and your family in this difficult time. I’m so sorry your brother is so sick. Praying for comfort and peace for you all.
Lissa says
I was going to write about taking care of yourself and your family, about relaxing your goals at a critical time, etc. etc. But many of your readers already have. I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: Mavis, we appreciate what you do and we value your contribution to our lives. Reading your blog every night is one of the highlights of my day. Another virtual hug to you and your family and thank you. Budgets be damned! (temporarily) xoxo
PS- you continue to get more done in a time of crisis than I get done in a regular week. You are a superstar.
Catherine says
I am amazed that you are able to keep writing your blog during this time, Mavis. Thank you for continuing to stay in touch with all of us. One of the costs that is rarely calculated in terms of health care is the extra expense for food.