I have been on a pumpkin buying (and eating) kick this past week. If you couldn’t tell already, I’m kind of a pumpkin fan! Look forward to a list later this week of my top pumpkin picks; but for now, I’m going to keep stuffing my face.
This week I’m also trying something new: Instant rice! Strangely enough, I don’t think I’ve ever bought and used instant rice. I just happened to be out of rice; and the only non-instant kind Aldi had was organic, which was too expensive for me. So I decided to try instant! It’s not saving me any money, but maybe it’ll save some time in the kitchen.
I think (hope) this is the last week of summer weather. This 90-degree weather can stop now, it’s Fall! From here on out, expect a soup recipe almost every week; soup weather is almost here, I’m counting down the days. Here’s everything I bought this week:
Meijer
Shampoo: $1.79
Cornmeal: $1.99
Pillsbury pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls: $3.99
Onion: $.82
Vinegar: $2.29
- Used $.55/1 coupon I received in the mail
- Final Cost: $1.74
2 packages pads (Not pictured): $3.99 each, were BOGO 50% off
Total: $18.66
Kroger
4 bags Snickers: $1.99 each after the Buy 4, Save $4.00 event. Donating these to church.
- Used $2.00/3 coupon from the newspaper
- Used $2.00 off catalina I received from my last visit
Milk (Not pictured): $1.89
Total: $4.85
Aldi
Flour: $1.49
Sugar: $1.79
Milk: $1.07
Potatoes: $1.99
Tortillas: $1.39
2 packages zucchini: $.79 each
2 packages broccoli: $1.59 each
2 packages green bell peppers: $1.69 each
Hummus: $1.99
2 cups yogurt: $.35 each
Greek yogurt: $3.49
Cottage cheese: $1.79
Pumpkin cream cheese: $1.49
Baby wipes: $1.29
2 cans diced tomatoes: $.45 each
Kidney beans: $.55
Instant brown rice: $1.49
Fruit pouches: $1.49
Grapes: $1.58
Parmesan cheese: $2.29
Ground turkey: $1.89
Pita chips: $1.99
Total: $38.89
Weekly Total: $62.36
Menu
Lunch is always leftovers. Items marked with an asterisk (*) were purchased in previous weeks.
Dinner
Chili (Recipe from the Ultimate Volumetrics Diet, page 284), cornbread
Broccoli cheese baked potatoes, grapes
Chicken breast*, roasted potatoes and zucchini
Refried bean* tacos* (Shells in pantry), roasted zucchini
Swedish meatballs* (Using meatballs in freezer), frozen peas*
Potluck party: Chicken salad on Hawaiian rolls, pumpkin chocolate chip scones (Will buy the items for this on Friday before the party)
Leftovers
Breakfast
Biscuits and gravy* (Sausage in freezer, and received a can of biscuits from MOPS)
Cereal*
Yogurt and frozen fruit*
Allison’s Lunch
Bell pepper slices, hummus, pita chips, string cheese, fruit pouches
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.
Stacie M.
Tuesday 26th of September 2017
Too funny about the pumpkin thing...I am the same way! I was on vacation and hit up a Trader Joe's and grabbed their pumpkin cinnamon rolls. Haven't tried them yet (a neighbor brought me 4 flats of peaches from their trees so I've been baking with those instead haha) but I can't wait to try them!!!
Jaime
Thursday 28th of September 2017
I've heard that Trader Joe's has SO many pumpkin items. The nearest one is about 20 minutes away, so I may have to pack up Allison and go on a little adventure. =)