Kroger Sales 3.10.16

This weeks shopping trip was super successful.  I was able to get the bill to $50.31.  My budgeted goal for weekly shopping is $50, and I almost never get it right at $50!  So I'm really pleased.  I had a few packs of meat from the past few weeks in my freezer so besides menu items, I just stocked up on a few breakfast and pantry staples.  See below for my menu plan for the week.

Mix and Match Buy 5 Save $5 was the highlighted sale for this weeks circular.  I always find really great savings when they have this type of sale.  Here are a few of the items that I purchased from this sale: 

Post Cereal $1.77
Red Baron Pizza $2.79 (there is a digital coupon for $1 off when you buy two)
Gold Fish $0.99
Kraft Mayo $2.50
Land O Lakes Margarine $0.66
Hungry Jack Pancake Mix $1.50
Kens Salad Dressing $1.50
Kraft Salad Dressing $1.50

Some other noteworthy items:  Kroger brand canned beans and canned tomatoes are on sale for $0.50 per can!  I tend to stock up a bit on these.  They are perfect to add to a meal last minute because they are already cooked.  Red, yellow, or orange peppers were $0.99.  These peppers are both yummy and pretty, and typically cost at least $2 wherever you shop.

My proposed menu plan was possible due to the stock of meat I already have in my freezer.  For next weeks shopping trip, I'll have to purchase some more.  Menu planning has always been a struggle for me, so this loose plan is what I'll be cooking for dinner on whatever day I feel like cooking.  Also, whenever I cook, I make enough to have left overs.  I don't have the time to cook every single day. 

I have the following items already on hand:  ground turkey (Italian flavored, and taco flavored), family sized pack of chicken legs, lettuce, large can of tomatoes for spaghetti sauce, and brown rice (I buy my brown rice at Dollar Tree.  For some reason you can't mess this rice up even if you tried.  I love it!)

• Spaghetti with ground turkey and tomato sauce, garlic bread and tossed salad
• Tacos with black beans, brown rice , tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream
• Jerk chicken (making this for the first time!), rice and beans, roasted carrots
• Lunch:  PB&J, frozen pizza, salad, grilled cheese, leftovers
• Breakfast:  pancakes, grits, cereal, eggs, sausage, turkey bacon, and toast (hubby makes breakfast every morning, so he will choose from this selection of items)

Always check you sales flyer for you area by going to www.kroger.com

Stay tuned for next weeks shopping list and menu plan. 

Off The Wagon

It's been quite a while since my last post.  I got pregnant and super crazy lazy all at the same time.  No really, I have been sleeping my life away for the most part while I'm not at work.  Scheduled cleaning, projects, and spending time with my family has all been put off for some much needed sleep during my first trimester (which I am nearing the end of).  Anywho, just wanted to regroup and update on a few things that have fallen by the wayside.

Couponing is damn near non existent at this point.  This pregnant lady has no clue what she wants to eat, so food shopping has been interesting and expensive.  With that said, I have completely busted my budget and savings on food and two vacas in April.  Doing real good huh!  I am still using a written budget, but have depleted my savings for nonsense purchases.  Word of advice:  if you are ever blessed with a bit of extra money, be sure to put/keep it in savings, pay a bill, or do whatever you intend it for fast.  Holding onto extra money has done nothing for me, but be spent on BS.  Sad I know.

I figured if I would post on my shitty job as the executive creator of drtcheap, and how I've been spending so frivolously, that perhaps, I would have a tad more incentive to hold myself accountable at this point.  After all, my savings are depleted (there wasn't much in there to begin with) and there is another mouth to feed on the way!  Stay tuned as I get back on track, while preparing for our new family member :)

Kroger Mega Sales Event

My bi-weekly Kroger shopping trip cost me $63!  I am normally able to get my bill around $50.  But hey, I saved a total of $48.   That's saying something.  Like the last Kroger post, they had a "Buy 5 Save $5 Mega Event Savings on several items (sale ends Tuesday night).  Ok, on to the fun stuff:

A couple of freebies:  

Kroger brand frozen pack of vegetables - coupon in the mail from Kroger based on regular purchases

Yoplait Greek Yogurt Whips (which was extremely tasty may I add) digital coupon

Great deal on Pull Ups and Comforts Training pants:  $11 total

Pull Ups $8.99, Mega Sales Event made them $7.99, plus a digital coupon for $2 off

Comforts Training pants $6.99, plus digital coupon for $2 off (I would have just brought two packs of the Comforts, but they only let you use the digital coupon on one item).  And side bar, I welcome any advice on how to get the toddler to do #2 on the potty vs. the prefered pull up!

Quaker Steel Cut Instant Oatmeal:  $0.69 per box

Originally $2.69, Mega Sales Event made them $1.69, 2 manufacturer coupons for $1 off

Kraft Mayo:  Buy one get one free!

Originally $3.49, Mega Sales Event made them $2.49, Kroger mailed coupon for $1.40 off two.  I basically got one mayo free!  (Hubby is a mayo-holic) 

Kroger 16oz Shredded Cheese:  $2.29

Originally $4.99, on sale for $2.79, Kroger mailed coupon for $0.50 off any dairy purchase over $2.  I normally spend a crap ton of money on cheese, so I was pleased to have a little break here.

Overall I can't complain.  I did not purchase any dinner meat during this shopping trip.  I have been on the lookout for deals on red meat, but have yet to see any that are worth me taking advantage of.  I have a good deal of chicken in my deep freezer that I can make some meals with.  Hey, maybe I'll have enough gumption to post a meal plan . . . not likely but had fun at Kroger anyway.