Something amazing happened this weekend.
I spent more money at Meijer than I did Aldi! But I pulled a bunch of strings to get there.
See, I really wanted some Starbucks coffee. It was on sale for $5.99, and I can get 125 bonus stars (a free drink!) if I scan the receipt and send it in.
The problem was, I was over-budget. I was stuck choosing between my Starbucks, and chicken breasts from Sam’s Club. So I chose both and worked hard to make it happen.
I had a coupon from Meijer to get $10 off when I spent $50, so I switched a bunch of stuff from Aldi to Meijer to make that happen. It was a bunch of careful price-checking to make sure I wasn’t actually spending more money.
And it worked! I went from being over by $9 to being under by $3. Feeling pretty awesome right now.
In case you missed it, yesterday I issued a 4 Weeks to Fill Your Freezer challenge!
This week’s recipes are breakfasts, which means I’m making all the lunches this week to prepare for next week. So you’ll see a few things below (Like extra ham, pepperoni, and cream cheese) that aren’t on the menu but will be in the recipes in next week’s posts.
Big Lots
Brown rice, 2-pound bag: $1.50
Mini marshmallows: $.95
EnviroKids granola bars: $2.50
Total: $4.95
Aldi
Bananas, 3.39 pounds: $1.49
Tortillas: $1.39
Grapes, 2.49 pounds: $2.22
Green bell peppers: $1.69
Zucchini: $1.39
Sugar: $1.29
Strawberries: $1.99
All purpose flour: $1.15
Half & half: $1.69
Milk: $1.39
Ranch dressing: $.89
Sweetener packets: $1.39
Sweet potatoes, 3-pound bag: $1.99
Total: $19.96
Meijer
Eggs: $.89
Deli ham: $4.78
Swiss Miss hot chocolate mix: $1.89
Ritz peanut butter sandwich crackers: $2.42
Turkey pepperoni: $2.49
Butter: $2.78
King Arthur White whole wheat flour: $3.89
2 containers Greek yogurt: $3.99 each, BOGO free
3 cans diced tomatoes: $.49 each
2 blocks cream cheese: $1.00 each
McIntosh apples, 3-pound bag: $1.99
2 bags Starbucks coffee: $5.99 each
4 bags baby carrots: $1.00 each, for Allison’s preschool snack
4 bags frozen vegetables: $1.00 each
Cole slaw mix: $1.00
4 boxes pasta: $1.00 each, got one free from the 10 for $10 sale
Total: $39.81 after a $2.00 reward and a $10.00 off coupon
Sam’s Club
Chicken breasts, about 7 pounds: $10.65
Total: $10.65
Weekly Total: $75.37
Menu
Lunch is always leftovers. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were purchased in previous weeks.
Dinner
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Taco Soup, homemade French loaf
Garlic spaghetti with chicken, frozen broccoli
Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice Skillet, grapes
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches, Sweet Potato Fries
Carrot Pancakes
Leftovers
Breakfast
Oven-Baked Biscuits with butter/honey, string cheese (For Allison)
Banana Bread Baked Oatmeal (Recipe coming tomorrow!)
Allison’s Lunch
Yogurt parfait with strawberries, granola bar, peanut butter crackers
Miscellaneous
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones for a women’s group
What’s on your menu this week? Share in the comments below!
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach through the ISSA and professional writer. She has 4 years experience coaching and 9 years experience in writing. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD learn to meal plan and cook healthier meals without getting overwhelmed.
Amanda
Friday 9th of November 2018
My local Rite Aid had Pumpkin Spice Starbucks bags on clearance for around $3 each today. If you want to spend that $3 somewhere. :-)
Jaime
Saturday 10th of November 2018
NO WAY! I may need to check that out... for research purposes. ;) Thanks!
Michelle
Monday 5th of November 2018
Way to go! I keep trying to reduce my budget. You’re such an inspiration! ?
Jaime
Monday 5th of November 2018
Thanks Michelle! You can totally do it!