Grocery Shopping

It's been two weeks since my last post.  As a mom, life is unpredictable and can become a whirlwind in a matter of moments. 
I'll confess I was bit distracted for a good 8 hours of these past weeks glued to the PBS Masterpiece Series, Poldark.

 

 

I would say the pictures should explain enough, but if not, it's probably the best series EVER!!!!  I may waste another eight hours, to watch again, while I wait for the books to come in at the library.  LOVE it.

 

Oh, and then my other distraction--soccer.  I told myself I needed to finish these post before the season begun, but alas that obviously didn't happen.  Finding coaches, placing teams, doing evaluations...its sucks every minute of my time for about three weeks. 

 

Now here we are already well into a new month.  I hope you tried out your menu making and how to make your grocery list.  After all your hard work it's time to shop.  Give yourself a treat first, you deserve it!

 

SHOPPING

As I've mentioned before I have a love-hate relationship with shopping...with kids.  I kind of don't love always shopping for food either, but it's the role I play in the family. 

I am going to share some of my favorite tips that I've learned over my 16 years of marriage.  I hope you find some helpful.

1. Shop your pantry.  Have you ever got home only to find you bought something you already had?  I make this mistake often with spices.  Sometimes it's not so bad because they can be cheap.  But others can be pretty pricey.  I did this once before also with meat.  Talk about a budget killer.  Always shop your food cabinets first.  You will be surprised the money this will save you.
2. Have a detailed grocery list.  I have been amazed at the people that don't make a grocery shopping list.  Knowing myself, I would buy so much stuff off a whim, because it was on sale, or because it looked good.  Tisk, tisk, tisk.  Details are important.  Pretend you are making a list for someone else to do your shopping.  Over time you will have your basics/staples you always buy, but still make a not of them.
3. Add some "rainy day" items.  We are busy.  I get it.  Rainy days are like wild cards--use them wisely and sparingly!  We need to be realistic.  No matter how well we plan there will be a day or two where YOU ARE DONE or things come up and you need something fast.  That's a rainy day.  This is when you pull out the frozen pizza, hot dogs, microwave meals, or just eat cereal.  Save eating out ALWAYS for the last resort (remember the budget).  From personal experience, don't use your rainy days up the first week.  :)
4. Limit your visits to the store.  People look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them I shop for the month.  The less you go to the store the less you buy that you don't need.  I even gave up the weekly sales.  They were just pulling me in and killing my budget.  Yes, it's still possible for you to buy fresh produce.  I can't do ALL my shopping for the month but I can do 90%.  That way, I know real quick where I stand budget wise for the  rest of the month if I want to do anything extra.  If you do steps 1 and 2, this step is simple.
5. If you can freeze it--buy it.  I'll have more details on that in another segment about frozen foods and freezing food.  But if you have the ability to store another freezer, this will save you time and money.  One of the number one runs to the store in frequency is for milk.  I freeze my milk.  I buy 10-12 gallons all at once.  I save gas, my grocery budget, and time.
6. Don't go when you are hungry.  This isn't just a wives tale.  The research can prove it!  They say not only do you buy more but usually less-healthy food.  And actually, one study showed that hunger doesn't just effect food shopping but all shopping.  Wal-Mart obviously had this research when they decided to go Super.
7. Normally, the things you need should be on half or less than half the aisles that are in the store.  Now this does depend on where you shop.  But for a standard grocery store, this rule applies.  These are the middle aisles and drink aisles.  They are non-beneficial foods and money stealers.  The snack/cracker aisle, drink aisle, seasonal aisle, and a lot of the middle of most aisles.  I do buy snack puddings occasionally.  They are in the snack aisle but on the end.  For baking most things I need are at the ends (flour, spices, sugar).  Cereal, the more expensive ones are further in the aisle.  I buy the cheapest, which is right on the end.  Get where I'm going here?  If you are standing the middle of an aisle, you might need to question what you are buying.
8. Try not to shop "Driving Under the Influence"  Meaning with kids, of course.  The link above can best express my experience with having to shop with my kids.  It's often not an option for me, but sometimes not always buying the cheaper things, staying up until midnight, to shop in peace and quiet is worth those extra pennies.



 

There it is, my profound list of grocery shopping tips!  

Budget Tips

 

I'm going to tell a personal and also somewhat humorous story (at least I find it humorous).
When I was growing up we lived on a fairly tight budget.  They did a great job of never making us kids feel that pressure or realize that we had some hard times.  There were two things my dad was pretty adamant about...family counsel and budgets.  My dad is a financial advisor.  I hated coming up with a budget and discussing finances when I got a job.  I hated that I had to work to pay for all my sports and clothes.  (I am now very appreciative!)  However, I learned to be pretty tight with my money.  When I grew up I knew that I was going to marry a guy that let me spend whatever and never gave me a budget!  *Hello?  Reality?  Are you in there?*
Then I met my future husband.  I knew one major thing about him that I liked, he was going to be a lawyer.  I always understood they made big money.  Cha-ching!  I see that maybe I was a bit of a gold-digger.  It was love!  About a year and half into our marriage he was far enough along in college that he needed to declare a major.  Guess what it was?  Finance!  I felt like doomsday had just hit me.  Inside I was clawing my eyes out and screaming, "nooooooo!"  On the outside I tried to remain cool.  Karma gets ya!  I've been on a budget my entire marriage.  Sixteen years to be exact.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not as shallow as I sound.  I love my husband for so many other things than his body money.  He has worked his tail off to support us, get a good job that allows me to stay home.  I can't complain.  I made an excellent decision.  I am so grateful that he has always been the money guru that he is because it has allowed us to enjoy many extra things.  It has not always been easy and sometimes I would be frustrated with his "tight" budget, but I always feel secure and that is important.

I've learned I prefer the simpler things in life over the finer things.

TIPS
With all that being said, here are some of my tips in helping me stay in budget.  They are nothing profound and probably apply more towards families with kids.

1. February is one of the best months to plan
• It's short and normally a lighter month activity wise
• if you live in the South it is important to account for snow days because they always happen in this month :)
• this is a good time to stock without going over budget
• if you plan well you should have money left over. 
• I spent my last bit of cash for this month's budget February 24th
• I was able to treat my boys to some Frosties this month, take five meals to my sister-in-law for her birthday, a meal for a friend who just had a baby, have company one night, buy a birthday gift (so I didn't have to take from other funds), buy a pair of pants, and eat out
• Last year I had enough money to apply to a makeover to my laundry room
2. July and December are two of the longest months and commonly the hardest on the budget.
• It's a good idea to make sure you buy some of your higher priced items the month before or after
• These months your children (if in school) are normally home the most, rarely vacations, and big holidays which means for me--lots of company!
• Sometimes you can add May because of all the school parties, end of year activities
3. Know your spending method: cash, credit, debit, check?
• Be honest with yourself on how well you keep track of your spending
• I am a cash girl--I can physically see it making it easier to keep track--I highly recommend this method for anyone
• If it's gone, it's gone--there is no going over budget
• it provides consistency because I always know what will be spent on food that month and year in general, no major fluctuation
• for a while I used a credit card when I lived near a Kroger to accumulate gas points and other points and Sam's accepted a master card so I could do all my grocery shopping on one card.  I had to keep track of my budget constantly.  Not my forte. I saved every receipt (a pain).  It was very easy to go ever budget or easy to justify buying more things on sale that I didn't really need.  Depleting my budget for the next month.  Scratched that.
• In our early marriage days I would write checks.  I was AWFUL at writing it down in the check book.  No one needs anything extra to fight over in marriage.  Scratched that.

I would love to hear your spending method and how it works for you!

The Budget

March is just around the corner and I hope you are starting to think about the upcoming month! 

 

So far, we have gone over the basics of eating well and we've talked about the menu with a little bit of recipes (which I'll share more of those in the Cooking section). 

Now I am going to discuss the Shopping/Budget section.  I have a love-hate relationship with grocery shopping.  When it's just me at the store I'm pretty bad about taking my time, strolling, browsing and enjoying the time by myself.  However, most of the time I am with a newly 5 year old and two year old.  Grocery shopping is often more exhausting and frustrating.  I try to get in and out as quickly as possible and I don't always get it done in one round.  All the more reason to be sure to have a planned menu and grocery list, because with kids I manage to always buy something that I shouldn't have!

 

Myth:  It cost more to eat well.  Actually, I believe it can be cheaper.  Now if you choose to only buy your foods at health stores, you will blow your budget or likely spend more money.  Something to think about is that health stores are still businesses.  Maybe I'm a skeptic, but I'm not convinced that most of these food chains are much more concerned about my well-being than the next regular Joe store.  They are businesses intended to make money.  It's what they do.  That's my own opinion. 

HOW DOES A BUDGET HELP ME EAT WELL?

Staying within a budget actually helps us eat better.  This is mind blowing to some people, but there is a direct correlation.  Think about it:

• it helps control portions
• you are forced to be more selective about your food choices
• eating out becomes a treat instead of a daily occurrence or guilt from eating poorly

One might ask how the budget effects these things?  Simple.  If you don't have the money then you can't buy it!

• portion control--you buy what you need for that meal not enough for 10 helpings
• more selective--you can't just buy those extra snacks, chips, drinks, desserts...those are all extras
• eating out--it truly becomes a necessity because there are going to be days that just don't go as planned.  Enjoy every bite!

CREATING YOUR BUDGET
A good place to start your budget is  $100 per family member for the MONTH.
7 people x $100 each = $700 base
This is a base or foundation per say to work with, it's flexible.
Things that this budget includes:

• food
• toiletries and medicine (the basics--pain relievers, fever reducers, cold medicine...)
• laundry
• baby items
• paper goods (paper towels, plates, cups, napkins, etc.)
• some short term food storage

This DOES NOT include couponing.   I quite couponing around two years ago.  I might use a diaper one here and there, but coupons were actually killing my budget and getting me food that wasn't what I would normally eat.  Most coupons also are for name brands.  I'm not too picky with using generic brands.
I also had a friend who is like the pro of bargain shopping and couponing.  However, what she spent on groceries with coupons was the same as I was spending without...and her family was smaller.

If you have a pet include that as a person.

I had a friend that I was helping with her menu planning.  She has a family of four, soon to be five, and spent approximately $1500 a month.  They were needing to buy a new home and were on the hunt.  They needed to save money!  Her base needed to be at $400, but to avoid shock, we aimed for around $550.  That's a savings of almost $1000 to put towards their future!

I know people are wondering...what's my budget?  It's currently $750.

Now everyone does things a little differently and has different needs.  I don't have girls, I don't have to buy near as much shampoo and other toiletries as some families.  I still have younger children and just starting to hit the teen stages.  All the reason for my $50 budget increase recently in January.  My boys can eat!  I don't include lunches for the kids because only my husband takes his lunch.  Our kids eat school lunches and we budget for those separately. I'll post on that soon.

The rule in our home is I'm free to spend this money on whatever I like.  That's tempting, but the mother in me does the right thing and buys the things my family needs. :)  However, when I plan well I normally have enough in my budget to buy a little extra something for myself.

Like I said before the budget is flexible, but be reasonable.  I've been living by this principle for years.  I know it's possible and not unrealistic.

Happy Mother's Day?

I'm really wanting this. Have my blog made to a book. Very Nice. Easier than scrapbooking and still nice family album.

I'm also losing patience and counting down the days to get this book. The trilogy is sooooo good.


Jeans are a love/hate relationship but I've always had a soft spot for GAP jeans. Now they've been reinvented and even carry petite. Thank you. I've already tried on a pair and it was love at first fit.

Project shop update--Courtney's closet

The first two closets have been cleaned out. I learned really quickly the you cannot do this on your own. Find a loyal, honest buddy to help you out and yet respectful to your style. If you don't your closet will probably look just the same.
Courtney was my first victim that I talked into this project. Holy smokes I was probably a little ruthless! Love her style and envy her tiny figure but we probably still eliminated 3/4 of her closet. Shock was the result. Then we mixed and matched the remains to create some cute outfits. Then made a list of items she needed to complete the perfect wardrobe. The girl has got some sweet accessories to make for some fun outfits. To top it all off a couple weeks later her hubby, who loves her dearly, gave her some money to renew her wardrobe. Husbands are you getting this!?
Courtney then made her way to my house and shattered my closet. Several things I was attached to went away. This is why you need a buddy. Our kids destroyed the house so we didn't get to completely finish but got most things done. I've been forced to be creative with outfits because my hubby has yet to show up with a gift to shop at my heart's content. My list of items "needed" managed to consist of cardigans in every color. Had to adjust my list. Once again, this is why you need a buddy.
Overall, it was a fun experience, my closet is filled with only things that I actually wear, and will be heading to Lindsey's for the next round.
Oh, and I made $10 at Plato's closet. Not much but better than ZERO!
I will try to remember pictures next time.
A few other items on my list--jeans that fit right. Click here to find the perfect fit for you. Also here.

UPDATE:  Jarom did surprise me and game me a certain amount of cash, took me to the outlets in Pigeon Forge and let me shop to my hearts content, while he just sat and waited.  Good, good man.

More Project Shop...

In my search for finding my style and inspiration for outfits to attempt in my closet I came across some of these sights you might find helpful too...
www.polyvore.com (awesome sight)
www.thatwifeblog.com/tag/fashionably-modest/
In our Modest Opinion www.funkyfrum.typepad.com (great tips and ideas)
www.blogs.discovery.com/tlc-what-not-to-wear (more tips and suggestions)
www.mermag.blogspot.com/2010/01/hell-fit-inot-it.html (not for women's clothing but a great idea for ways to reuse the clothes you won't keep)
cally-cruze.blogspot.com/search/label/tutorials (this too isn't just clothes ideas but what to do with the clothes you don't keep)

Project Shop!

This year one of my resolutions goes along with Jarom's. One of his goals was to have a certain amount of money in our savings account for the the year. I want to be able to support him in this area by trying to be a better shopper. 'Cause there ain't no way I'm not gonna shop! Let's be reasonable.
Some of my focuses have been to plan better with my groceries and watch my budget better in that area. The biggy is that I really wanted to start to update my wardrobe (it's been awhile) and to help Jarom I've gotta pinch. The plan, Shop Your Closet! I'm so excited! I've got some buddies and we are going to do it together. Our first closet will be redesigned next week. I'll try to update.
I am in no way a fashion expert but I think every person knows what they like and what they are looking for. It's just creating some new outfits from what we've got and cleaning out what we just don't EVER wear. We plan to swap or even "craigslist" a few items if worthy, anything else goes to the Goodwill. This is going to be fun and I challenge some of you to do the same. Pass the word and update how your project went.
Here's some advice/help from Glamour Mag and click on "make over your closet in 3 easy steps." Did I mention I love this site for CUTE dresses http://www.shabbyapple.com/? I love dresses.

Shop your closet

Hats are back!

I want this one!

A couple of weeks ago I went down to stay with my mom while Jarom, my Dad and the boys went to a football game. Just hangin' out was fun but what's a little "Mom time" without shopping? My mom loves to shop.

We headed to a little town much like Mayberry called Chickamauga and I'm not kiddin' around, this is a small little town where every body knows everybody. It's cute. It has cute shops. First stop, Galleries on Gordon. It's a big room with lots of booths of beautiful things you MUST have essentially. Then we headed to this cute, CUTE place called Peaches Fine Millinery (her sites not fully up and running just yet). The owner was as fun as the name of her store. She practically let me try on every hat in the store and even let me take pictures. I am convinced that hat wearing should be back in style. There were a few I was convinced could be worn anywhere with anything. There were all styles for all people/children. It was a great time.

Enjoy my many awkward poses.

My lovely mother in her lime green.

Not my favorite hat. Make head look enormous. No doubt it would look very cute on a winter's day on the right shaped head. However, if I was in my cat suite, with fishnet leggings, and black heels I might could have pulled if off. I just hope no one would have to witness that!

Though I look like I'm a person completely lost in space I really liked this hat.

I felt just like Queen Elizabeth in this hat. It was not the least bit flattering on me but it was a must to try on. I thought it was beautiful.

Beautiful glass

I was talking to my friend Lynn who told me about this man Dale Chihuly. He is a glass art designer and I would say pretty brilliant. There is something about glass art that I just love. The colors for one, but to just be able to do such a thing with something so fragile. Wow! He currently has an exhibition at the Chattanooga's Hunter Museum of American Art and other places around the world. It would definitely be worth seeing. If you're in Chattanooga another great place to buy some beautiful blown glass ornaments is at the River Gallery in the Bluff View Art District...fun little area.

If you really want to go to the next level look at the jewelry. You will have to have some. I love my bracelet!

My new, favorite chair

A long time ago, Jarom and I agreed that if he bought a leather couch I get two upholstered chairs. In February the search began and after a couple of weeks of searching and deciding what color I wanted I finally found a chair that I like and Jarom (comfort wise). I wanted to choose a different fabric so I had to place a special order.

3 1/2 months later....my chair finally arrived (after I threatened to get my money back). Despite my anger and bitterness towards the store I love my chair.

I picked a gold color to match my walls (the pic makes it look like they don't match but they do). It's a big chair and I don't have a big living room so I didn't want it to stand out. I needed it to blend. I'm pleased with the result. Now I just have to rearrange my living room...again!

On a second note, I love shopping for furniture and have learned NEVER pay the price they are asking. They will ALWAYS negotiate. If they don't, find another sales rep or be sure you've compared prices before purchasing. My first sales rep wouldn't budge on price. The next guy came down over $100 of the asking price. Love a great deal!

The three B's

Not to take lightly the "Six B's" that are so commonly used in our relgion but I've discovered I've got three B's of my own. B. Moss, Banana Republic, and Bass Outlet. There isn't a time that I don't go to one of the stores and find that I like just about everything there. There are other stores that I like but I literally can always find something at these three places to love. Jarom are you getting this?
What stores suit your style?