If you’ve been married for practically forever, and you’re married to a guy who buys all their gifts at the last minute, then you’ll be able to appreciate the fact that my husband bought my birthday presents at the grocery store this year.
Not that his shopping style is new to me. He’s done this before. Many, many times before.
But seriously, I think a lot of thought went into this year’s gift. 😉 Well, for the few minutes he was roaming around {in a panic?} looking for stuff anyway.
It was spontaneous, and totally purchased on a whim and I wish you could have seen the pure joy on his face as he walked into the house with his bag of gifts. There was such a moment of excitement about it.
Well, as much excitement as one could muster knowing full well all the gifts came from the aisles of Hannaford.
My Birthday Presents From Hannaford
- A frozen Rao’s pepperoni pizza. {Rao’s makes the best pasta sauce!}
- Loaded baked potatoes {one of my favorite appetizers to try when we go to a new restaurant}
- Beecher’s Mac and Cheese {I’ve had the real deal from their Pike Place shop in Seattle}
- Oui yogurts with fruit on the bottom {It’s the best yogurt ever!}
Nothing says Honey, I love you quite like a frozen pizza now does it. Especially when it cost him $11.99!!!! $11.99 for a frozen pizza!? Are you kidding me? Who does that?
Umm… That would be a man shopping {presumably} under pressure at the last minute.
So what does an $11.99 frozen pizza taste like you ask? Well, I’ll tell you. Basically like any other frozen pizza. Granted, the sauce was excellent. But how could it not be. It was Rao’s.
I told my husband I totally wasn’t counting his “gifts” in my weekly grocery purchases because unless I was feeding a house full of teenage boys, I wouldn’t have bought any of it. Well, maybe I would have bought myself the yogurts as a treat… But still. I think his bag of magical preservatives should stay in the “gift category”, don’t you?
Husbands. What can I say.
Other than his sack of frozen goods, I pretty much served up the same old stuff last week. Soups, chicken, beans and rice, dried fruit and cheese. Nothing too exciting. Nothing worth mentioning.
Groceries bought last week $8.53
Milk was $4.44 and eggs were $4.09 {what in the world!?}.
And $16.45 was spent on 5 bags of my all time favorite Have’a Chips. I simply can’t pass by those in a store and NOT stock up.
So how did YOU do last week? Did you buy or make anything exciting? Does YOUR husband shop for gifts at the grocery store too? Please tell me my husband isn’t the only one who does this?
~Mavis
Total Spent This Past Week on Groceries $24.98
- Total Spent in March $24.98
- Total Spent in February $282.90
- Total Spent in January $167.55
Jennifer says
Eggs. Holy Cow!! When dh got out of the hospital, he came home addicted to eggs. No problem because they are versatile and cheap. WRONG!! At WM in NC, an 18 CT is $3.90 and when he is really on a bender, he has them all 3 meals. Well, he mostly likes egg whites, but that just means we go through them faster! On the other hand, he’s eating and I can think of worse things than eggs, but who else is praying an Easter egg pricing miracle?!?
Rosemary says
My hubby shops at the grocery store also. I love white chocolate, so that is what he buys me – for every gift. I am not complaining – I love white chocolate and it is a real treat. My hubby is not a “gift-giving” type man, so the fact that he goes to the grocery store to get me this gift is precious to me.
Barbara in MN says
Apparently our husbands are related, because mine always gives me white chocolate from Aldi, which I love!!! Can’t think of a better birthday/ anniversary/Christmas gift.
Erin says
I am cracking up! This totally doesn’t count as groceries. The description of how excited he was to see you open your gifts made my day. Husbands… ha! We’ve resorted to making each other lists of things or experiences we would enjoy & wouldn’t buy ourselves. This way we get something that we’ll actually use or enjoy & it’s still a surprise because we don’t know what item on the list the other is choosing to gift. Happy birthday!
Brianna says
I tried the Rao’s frozen pizza last month and for the price, I was not impressed. I will not be buying it again. My hubby always gets me a little something every time he gets a haircut. So, every two weeks I get something I wouldn’t buy myself. If he got me a sack of favorite groceries for a birthday, I wouldn’t mind at all. I buy him and the kids all the edible junk for the holidays that I say ‘no’ to throughout the year. Every year it gets to be more and more expensive. Everything from microwave popcorn, crafted soda, gum, boba, favorite candy, etc. They are thrilled and I think most people are thrilled receiving a bounty of stuff they normally wouldn’t buy for themselves, but would love to eat.
Teri says
Happy birthday Mavis!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks Teri! 🙂
Ramona says
Eggs here in Washington state went up a great deal at the beginning of 2024. The powers that be that run the State decided stores can only sell cage free chicken eggs. 18 eggs are $6.00. I didn’t find out about this new law until about mid February. I had been going to several stores looking for cheaper eggs but never found them so I gave in and bought the expensive ones. Now I have NO choice unless I just don’t buy eggs.
I have a recipe I found in a magazine several years back for Beecher’s Mac and Cheese, it’s the real deal not a copy cat recipe. I make it all the time. Beecher’s stores are also at Sea-Tac airport and Paine Field airport so I’ve picked up some mac & cheese when I fly on occasion.
I think food gifts are the best. Giving someone their favorites or something new to try out.
carrie says
Before our chickens were laying we got eggs at Costco un WA state. Organic 24ct? was under $5….I double checked the price last week because my boys are selling our organic eggs to a neighbor.
Try egging eggs at costco. I would guess the price per dozen on the big crate of regular eggs would be even less than that. I haven’t heard about that new law either.
Laura says
Could I trouble you to share the recipe with us? My daughter loves Beecher’s Mac and cheese but I don’t love the price!
Ramona says
I posted the Beecher’s Mac & Cheese recipe
LL Honeywell says
Would you share, please.
Dana Robinson says
Can you share the recipe. I have never heard of that mac and cheese. I live in southern Illinois and have never heard of that brand before.
Mel says
I think he actually put some gift-giving thought into this. He probably noticed you’ve been testing out Trader Joe’s meals and using freezer meals to have time to work on other things. So, he’s gifting you free time and the chance to try out more things without affecting the grocery budget. I’d vote thoughtful and practical gift.
And yes, frozen pizza is obscenely expensive for some reason.
Janet W. says
In Washington the cage-free law has doubled the price of eggs. The cheapest I have seen is $6 for 18 or $4 for 12. Too much!!
My husband goes to the Dollar Tree and buys three or four candy items for my birthday. He has the kids pick them out while he sits in the truck. No anniversary present is exchanged. This May will be 39 years.
Kristina says
I don’t know how it is elsewhere, but in CA we are having a disease outbreak with laying hens. Whole flocks are being destroyed, which is leading to an egg shortage and higher prices as a result. Maybe it’s a nation wide problem?
Happy birthday, Mavis!
Lana says
Happy Birthday! I love it! Totally not grocery money! We completely stopped giving each other gifts about ten years ago and it is just perfect for us that way. About once a year we want something pricy for the house and we buy it as all the gifts combined.
Lisa in Maine says
I’m a little surprised you aren’t buying your eggs at Costco. But anyway, Happy 29th, Mavis. I believe you are aging backwards since coming to Maine. Must be the wicked good air.
Meg C says
Happy Birthday, Mavis!
J in OH-IO says
Happy, Happy Birthday to you and many more! Look forward to reading your blog every morning- thank you for sharing your life and adventures with us!
Pat says
Last week here in Kentucky I happened upon eggs for $1.29 a dozen at Krogers – not organic, but eggs nonetheless. I picked up several dozen because, since my husband retired in January, he’s been going through hard-boiled eggs like they’re going out of style. Saturday the same eggs were $2.49 a dozen.
Annette says
Our Dillon’s (Kroger) has a deal this week on eggs.
$1.99 for the 18 count.
Bonnie in GA says
Ears you some corn for your birthday Mavis, Happy Birthday!! Lol!! Have a blessed day!!
Bonnie in GA says
I put pics of corn, but I guess it wouldn’t accept it. Oh well. Have a nice day!
Ashley Bananas says
Happy birthday!! It actually seems like a very thoughtful gift considering it is all things that you actually like and may not have splurged on. 😉
Eggs were $2.97 at Aldi when I went in last week. Why, why are they going up again? I hate being an egg miser!! lol
Mavis Butterfield says
$2.97. Even at Aldi!! That is surprising.
Nancy D says
Washington state passed a bill 5 years ago that made it a requirement for eggs sold here to be only cage free. They gave the egg industry 5 years to get ready and it’s effective now. Prices are high. Has anybody else’s state passed the same law?
Julie says
Happy Birthday, Mavis!
Ramona says
Sure I can share the recipe if that’s ok with Mavis.
Mavis Butterfield says
Yes! I’d love to try it too. Thanks Ramona.
Ramona says
If you can’t find Beecher’s cheese, use sharp cheddar and Monterey jack cheese. This recipe can be made ahead and frozen- use a freezer-to-oven safe pan and increase the baking time to 50 minutes.
Beecher’s “World’s Best” Mac & Cheese
sauce
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
7 ounces cheddar cheese, grated (about 1 3/4 cups)
1 ounce Monterey Jack cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta
6 ounces penne pasta (about 3 1/4 cups)
1 ounce (1/4 cup) cheddar cheese, grated
1 ounce ( 1/4 cup) Monterey Jack cheese, grated
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1. To prepare sauce, melt butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat.
Add flour. Cook whisking constantly, 2 minutes.
2. Slowly add milk, whisking constantly. Cook until sauce thickens, about
10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat.
3. Add cheese, salt, chili powder ,and garlic powder. Stir until cheese melts,
about 3 minutes.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
5. To prepare pasta, cook pasta 2 minutes less than package directions.
(It will will finish cooking in the oven) Rinse pasta in cold water and
drain well.
6. Combine pasta and sauce in medium bowl; mix thoroughly. ( The
mixture will seem soupy, but some of the liquid will be absorbed during
baking.) Transfer to an 8-inch square baking dish. Sprinkle top with
cheese and chili powder.
7. Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 4
per serving: 560 calories, 32g fat, 100 mg chol., 27g protein, 42g carbs, 1g
fiber, 720mg sodium
I tore out this recipe in a magazine I used to get back in 2010, not sure what magazine. I wrote it out above how it was in magazine. If you don’t have chipotle chili powder you can use plain chili powder. I also start my water to boil and make pasta while making the sauce.
Enjoy
Laura says
Thank you so much!
Dana Robinson says
Thank you
Linda M says
Happy Birthday
Bec in the PNW says
Happy, happy birthday! This is something that my husband would totally do.
Lana says
Over on Simply Recipes this morning there is a post about Aldi’s Specially Selected Marinara Sauce. It is supposed to be an exact duplicate for Rao’s and it is only $3.99. Many are saying it is better than Rao’s. I will be giving that a try. We rarely use bottled sauce since I make it from scratch but when I do I don’t want a junky sauce to ruin my recipe.
J in OH-IO says
I’ve heard good things about Aldi’s sauce, too – might have to give it a try. I usually make my own from paste.
Tiffany F says
I love the Aldi’s marinara sauce! I, personally, do actually like it better than Rao’s. My kids still prefer Rao’s.
Peggy says
I totally understand how he shops for your birthday gifts lol!! My birthday is December 22 so my husband does my birthday and Christmas all at the same time. I have gotten some very unusual gifts but his heart is always in the right place. He is getting much much better at shopping now though and actually puts a lot of thought into it. ❤️
sandy says
Happy Birthday!!
I love your husbands effort.
I got:
A rake and a “Catchy Can”…coolest yard tool ever. I loved it!
We aren’t fancy, we appreciate things that make our lives better…
Joely says
Happy Birthday Mavis! I hope it was a great day.
Laura says
Have’A chips are the best. I used to buy them occasionally after work. They used to be $1.59. No more though. Enjoy your gifts!
Cheryl says
Happy Birthday Mavis.
I think it’s charming your husband bought your gifts from a grocery store. A little pricey but birthdays only come once a year.
My hubby would take me to Trader Joe’s on my birthday and tell me “get whatever you want!”. Of course I got flowers (and a cart full of goodies) from there and when the cashier heard it was my birthday, they would ring the bell and get me another bouquet, free of charge. So nice.
I just lost him in January, after almost 47 years, and I would give anything for one last trip with him to Trader Joe’s. I am dreading my birthday next week without him.
I don’t tell you this to make anyone sad, but I have a hunch this is a birthday you will always remember. And you are right, Raos pasta sauce is the best. It’s because of you that it’s in my cupboard right now. 🙂
Nancy D says
A big hug to you Cheryl
Lana says
Go do the Trader Joes trip on your birthday! Your late husband will be smiling down on you. Get a friend to go with you.
Em says
Thank you for sharing that story, Cheryl. Very sweet. Wishing you a happy birthday next week with fond memories.
Kim says
I am so very sorry for your loss.
Nancy D says
Happy Birthday Mavis!
Judy B says
Happy Birthday, Mavis! May you have a joyous year!
Joan M Richard says
Happy Birthday Mavis! I think your husband did a great job.
Em says
Happy birthday, Mavis! I loved this post.
Kimberly Vassar says
Happy Birthday, Mavis!
Jamie B. says
Happy Birthday,Mavis!
Rhonda R. Relyea says
Best gifts ever! Love it! My favorite gifts are cleaning products, like my Dyson Pet vacuum cleaner or anything for the household! Food gifts from the grocery will do, too!
Your hubby knows you well!
Terry McA says
Happy Birthday Mavis! I wish you many more, healthy and happy years!
A lot of eating out last week, and I am exhausted. I think I cooked once last week, and it was chicken tacos. There were trips to my Rheumatologist (1 1/2 hrs away) and two trips to Madison (2 hours away) for my brother’s surgery. A lot of driving, so eating was just an afterthought.
Last night, my son made cheddarwurst and steak fries. Tonight it’s cheese and broccoli soup. Thursday will be something quick and easy so I can help at the basketball semifinals thursday evening. Friday will be blackened salmon bites.
There’s a store about 45 minutes away that is having a meat sale this thurs, fri, and sat. 10 lbs of ground beef @ $2.99/lb, chicken thighs for 99 cents a lb, pork steaks for 2.29/lb, and sirloin steaks for 4.99/lb. Gotta stock up, as my brother bought me another chest freezer!
Donna says
Happy Birthday Mavis! Hope you had a great day! I enjoy reading your stories and goals. You have to try a Home Run Inn frozen pizza. It is the best I have found!
Dana Robinson says
Happy belated birthday.. hope you had a great day! With that being said the youget glass cup, the small glass lids and rings from your wecks jars should fit and the clamps will work on the jars. So you can go to the web page and order some extra lids rings and clamz to use on your youget jars.. just thought I’d share this bit of information with you and your page family❣️