I think there are more ways than mine to do it. One of my friends buys convenience foods because she works full time. It is more cost efficient for her because she can spend less time cooking and more time with her family. Others buy some convenience foods and cook/bake part of the time. Another of my friends has to deal with her child's food allergies so she has to juggle with baking for that child and cooking separately for the rest of her family.
I plan my own menu every week and I don't think I'll ever go back to the my old way of going to the store without a clue. We eat healthier now too!
This is a big thing for the queen of disorganization(me). Don't get me wrong, it is very time consuming and frustrating at times, but I have learned to enjoy it and it has become a necessity for my sanity!
My strategies for saving money (learned by researching and in my quest to be frugal):
- shop the cheaper store
- buy in bulk when I can
- aim for 2 vegetarian dinners a week
- avoid most convenience foods like the plague (there are some exceptions to this rule)
- bake like crazy
- cook extra and freeze
- eat venison instead of beef
- do a little gardening (mostly tomatoes) in the spring
- and make homemade laundry soap and household cleaners
Here is where I get my menu template. I love it because it has every meal so you won't forget....
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/weeklymenuplan.pdf
What do you do to keep your grocery/household necessities low? I would love your feedback and tips!
I also found this great article I wanted to share.. it was very inspiring! The link is long, so copy and paste it into your browser for better results. Then delete the space I made between "publish" and "homemaking" so that it will take you to the right article called "No Need of Spoil".
http://www.ladiesagainstfeminism.com/artman/publish/
Homemaking_and_Other_Practical_Topics_15/No_Need_of_Spoil1002888.shtml
P.S. I welcome lurker comments too (as long as you identify yourself)... I know you are out there! :-) I have the map!
7 comments:
I will have to check out those web sites. I need alot of help in this area. We spend way too much money on groceries!!
I'll have to do things like that pretty soon =)
Dave Ramsey would be proud!
I certainly have a lot of improvement to make in budgeting! But, one way that we REALLY cut costs is by having our own garden! Sure it takes time and effort, but there are so many benefits! First, money (considering that was kind of the subject) Every year we order all of our seeds and plants from a reputable company. They arrive at our house at planting time! We are a family of 5 at this point. We spend about $100 for all of our seeds/plants. By plants I'm not talking about flowers. I mean that we order some things such as peppers, tomatoes (longer maturity) in plants. They are already grown big enough to be transplanted into our garden when we receive them. Anyhow, in 2007 we planted asparagus, yellow beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, sweet corn, cucumbers (pickles), lettuce, onions, peas, green peppers, zucchini, tomatoes, potatoes, and some herbs and ornamental corn and gourds. I can some things, and freeze other things. Some things like potatoes and onions you just store in cool dark basement. We have MORE than enough to last until next harvest season. And that's not skimping by, we have guests over, and even give some away, and there is still plenty! The point is, that for what we would spend in one grocery trip...we feed our family plus have extra ALL YEAR! Not only is it so much cheaper, it also gives us family time working together. It's actually not as back breaking as one might think. Especially when enjoying the time spent at it with the ones you love the most. What's not to enjoy about watching the sun set while sitting on your front porch, visiting while you snap beans or shell peas with your family. Your children will reminisce about those treasured memories when they are grown. It also teaches responsibility, and about God's creation. Did I mention how much healthier it is!?! Did you know that even those "fresh" baby carrots that you buy in the store have salt added to them, not to mention what kind of chemicals they use on canned things to preserve freshness and color! Now that is not my idea of fresh or healthy! Did you also know that fruits and veggies are picked and shipped BEFORE maturity and are subjected to an artificial gas during shipping ( I forget the name of it at the moment) So by the time you buy it in the store it is "ripe", but not naturally! In my opinion, it's no wonder there are so many dreaded diseases like cancer plaguing us these days. Between the garbage we eat and the cleaners we use, etc. Everything is a chemical anymore.
If you want to save money, I say grow your own veggies, and can your own fruit. We can applesauce, peaches, pears, home made pie filling, home made soups, etc. Save your money, and be healthier...by doing it yourself.
So there you have it…my opinion and our methods of saving money*grin*
By the way, thanks for the links! I have peaked at them a little and plan to look further into them. If you don’t mind I might stop by your blog more often. I find the topic very interesting and helpful. And it’s nice to bounce ideas around and get tips from others. I’m inspired…thank you!
Hey,
Just responding to the question you left on my blog. I was at Hobe Sound, but not when you were. I went for my senior year in high school and graduated from there with the class of 2000. I lived in the dorm while I was there. So it is likely that we know some of the same people. In fact, if I remember correctly...I think I found your blog from a comment you left on Taylors blog...I think. I am enjoying seeing what some old friends and aquaintances are up to, as I find them.
By the way, thank for responding to the prayer request on my blog! Please pass it on. There is no such thig as too much prayer. *grin*
Well, I surfed around trying to figure out whos blog I found you on. It wasn't Taylors! I have no idea anymore, but-it was nice to "meet" you just the same. LOL
Vonnie,
I imagine it is way more expensive for things up there and six kids would eat a lot! So I would think you deserve some "slack" in this area. :-)
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