Here are the totals from my three trips to Publix this week. I made multiple trips to stock up on Smart Balance milk and rain checks for said milk. For $1 a gallon I am willing to sacrifice room in my fridge for some serious stockpiling. Thankfully the half-gallon cartons it comes in are nice and square!
I'll be combining the trips to one list for simplicity's sake.Surprisingly between the second and third trip I hit the jackpot for $X/$XX coupons! When I got home Tuesday I found a Family Dollar flier in the mail that had a $5/20 purchase coupon on the back! I also happened to be in the good fortune to receive a Dollar General mailer yesterday for $5/$25 and was able to also print two coupons for weekend-only $5/$25 purchases from an email they sent out to savings subscribers.
WHOA.
TEAM McLEOD
9.23.2010
Gator Bait
Saturday the 4th Collin's Granny Carol came up for the first football game of the year.
It was over 90 degrees out with some serious humidity.
But we still won! I'm not going to comment on how they've been playing this year because people have had lots of opinions and know much more about football than I do. Check them out elsewhere. All I can say though is that when you win, by a lot, for almost every game of the last 3+ years... it's kind of hard to live up to the hype right from the start.
I'm happy I skipped the game the next weekend because oh man it was even hotter. No clouds and far too many people being treated for heat exhaustion if you ask me. I'm happy to host some of Collin's college buddies for a night or a family member or two and for now stay in the comfort of my air conditioning. This weekend's game against Kentucky should be nice because it starts at 7pm, but I really am looking forward to the first 'Fall' game. That one where I need a sweater and won't get a farmer's tan from my t-shirt.
I don't know how my favorite football team will do this season. But I can tell you that I'll have lots of fun while they're at it.
It was over 90 degrees out with some serious humidity.
But we still won! I'm not going to comment on how they've been playing this year because people have had lots of opinions and know much more about football than I do. Check them out elsewhere. All I can say though is that when you win, by a lot, for almost every game of the last 3+ years... it's kind of hard to live up to the hype right from the start.
I'm happy I skipped the game the next weekend because oh man it was even hotter. No clouds and far too many people being treated for heat exhaustion if you ask me. I'm happy to host some of Collin's college buddies for a night or a family member or two and for now stay in the comfort of my air conditioning. This weekend's game against Kentucky should be nice because it starts at 7pm, but I really am looking forward to the first 'Fall' game. That one where I need a sweater and won't get a farmer's tan from my t-shirt.
I don't know how my favorite football team will do this season. But I can tell you that I'll have lots of fun while they're at it.
9.20.2010
Weekly Shopping: 9/16 - 9/22
What a month for pasta! Again, it's the biggest sale item (and one well-loved by food pantries) so 6 boxes of Ronzoni pasta went into the bin for the Bread of the Mighty.
I'm pretty certain that we went over the normal (well, new normal after coupons) budget for the month but I wasn't really sure where our new target would be once Collin was working and needing lunches every day. That means a lot more bread, meat, snacks and cheese to buy!
I have to say, this week's shopping trip was seriously a pleasure. I always have a good experience at Publix, especially my favorite store on Main Street. Maybe once I've had a little negativity or confusion about coupons but either I was in the wrong and just left a little embarrassed or the manager was quick to come sort out the issue. I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I don't really have to avoid cashiers at my store. Sure, I have my favorites - Jeff and Andy I'm looking at you - but I generally try not to stereotype. I went to my store on Saturday afternoon, before the big football game was going to start but after the other games being broadcast at noon.
I'm pretty certain that we went over the normal (well, new normal after coupons) budget for the month but I wasn't really sure where our new target would be once Collin was working and needing lunches every day. That means a lot more bread, meat, snacks and cheese to buy!
I have to say, this week's shopping trip was seriously a pleasure. I always have a good experience at Publix, especially my favorite store on Main Street. Maybe once I've had a little negativity or confusion about coupons but either I was in the wrong and just left a little embarrassed or the manager was quick to come sort out the issue. I hope I'm not in the minority when I say that I don't really have to avoid cashiers at my store. Sure, I have my favorites - Jeff and Andy I'm looking at you - but I generally try not to stereotype. I went to my store on Saturday afternoon, before the big football game was going to start but after the other games being broadcast at noon.
9.14.2010
Monthly Meals : September and a Sick Day
I'm spending day 3 being sick thanks to catching the summer cold my husband brought home from work or the football game at some point.
Throat then chest now sinuses. It better quit here before it gets to my ears. I have the worst luck with ear infections and they have been a battle throughout my adult life. For today though, I'm downing water like it's going out of style and watching the awesomeness that is daytime TV.
Right now? "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant'. Score.
Here's the September monthly meal plan. I know the month is pretty much half over, so the one's I've already made I'll put in italics. I put this list together at the beginning of the month based on what we had in our freezer and pantry and what was about to be on sale that week for the upcoming Labor Day holiday. Meats, condiments, all kinds of foods go on sale at once around big holidays like this so I knew I would be stocking up on a few more things. Like getting 4 packages of Ball Park Hot Dogs for $0. Zero.
We invited everyone over for chili dogs.
Noms!
Black Bean and Corn Chili with tortilla chips
Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki and Potatoes
Burgers and Oven Fries
Cajun Catfish with Yellow Rice and Green Beans
Chicken Tacos
Meatloaf and Cheesy Potatoes
Hot Dogs and Southern Mac and Cheese
Penne with Pesto and Feta
Gumbo with Garlic Bread
Chicken Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Peas
BBQ Pork Sammies and Succotash
Chicken and Broccoli Lo Mein
Pork Tenderloin and Herbed Quinoi
Beef Tacos
Teryaki Ribs with Snap Peas and Rice
Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti
Catfish with Lemon Quinoi
Pork Tenderloin and Baked Potatoes
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Calzones with Italian Salads
Pork Chops with Crash Hot Potatoes
Homemade Pizza
Blackbean Burgers and Salads
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
Recipes are linked where I can but mostly I just cook. If I use a recipe it's usually only once or twice for reference before I wing it and change things up when I need to suit what we have available in the kitchen. Like that Southern Mac and Cheese (I made a double batch of it for Labor Day when we invited all our friends for Chili Dogs) but subbed the half and half for milk and sour cream. I feel so 'Paula Deen' when I put sour cream in anything.
I feel like I've cooked a lot this month, but really I don't think I have. We decided to cook every night except when out with friends. No dining out just the two of us and no fast food, at least for this month to see how it goes. We're looking to really enjoy Collin having nights off now and that means being able to accept impromptu invitations to, say, Boca Fiesta! We also ate out at Dragonfly when Collin's grandma was in town for the first Gator football game, went to Archer for a great lasagna dinner with Gabe and Jenn (I brought balsamic green beans and mushrooms), and had pizza after this past weekend's football game while Collin's college buddy was here. Successful I think, with plenty of meals to go. I'm going to imagine a couple of these dishes will be transformed into potluck dinner party contributions or rolled over into next months menu.
Last night was supposed to be burgers but I ended up just having soup and Collin ate leftovers. Packing his lunch has also been working out great. We keep a variety of lunch meats in the fridge to rotate and I mix in a day of leftovers or so with his routine of sandwiches and wraps. Once a month or so I think he'll like to eat out on campus. Today in fact he's meeting his dad who is up here working in Ocala for the day.
So, even though I feel worse today than yesterday, burgers are back on the menu. Soup just doesn't fill me up. It's like, a lunch... or an appetizer. Plus, I want to keep up with this fabulous meal plan we created - I hope I can keep the steam rolling for October!
Throat then chest now sinuses. It better quit here before it gets to my ears. I have the worst luck with ear infections and they have been a battle throughout my adult life. For today though, I'm downing water like it's going out of style and watching the awesomeness that is daytime TV.
Right now? "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant'. Score.
Here's the September monthly meal plan. I know the month is pretty much half over, so the one's I've already made I'll put in italics. I put this list together at the beginning of the month based on what we had in our freezer and pantry and what was about to be on sale that week for the upcoming Labor Day holiday. Meats, condiments, all kinds of foods go on sale at once around big holidays like this so I knew I would be stocking up on a few more things. Like getting 4 packages of Ball Park Hot Dogs for $0. Zero.
We invited everyone over for chili dogs.
Noms!
Black Bean and Corn Chili with tortilla chips
Lamb Gyros with Tzatziki and Potatoes
Burgers and Oven Fries
Cajun Catfish with Yellow Rice and Green Beans
Chicken Tacos
Meatloaf and Cheesy Potatoes
Hot Dogs and Southern Mac and Cheese
Penne with Pesto and Feta
Gumbo with Garlic Bread
Chicken Fried Chicken with Mashed Potatoes and Peas
BBQ Pork Sammies and Succotash
Chicken and Broccoli Lo Mein
Pork Tenderloin and Herbed Quinoi
Beef Tacos
Teryaki Ribs with Snap Peas and Rice
Chicken Parmesan and Spaghetti
Catfish with Lemon Quinoi
Pork Tenderloin and Baked Potatoes
Tuna Noodle Casserole
Calzones with Italian Salads
Pork Chops with Crash Hot Potatoes
Homemade Pizza
Blackbean Burgers and Salads
Spicy Chicken Sandwiches
Recipes are linked where I can but mostly I just cook. If I use a recipe it's usually only once or twice for reference before I wing it and change things up when I need to suit what we have available in the kitchen. Like that Southern Mac and Cheese (I made a double batch of it for Labor Day when we invited all our friends for Chili Dogs) but subbed the half and half for milk and sour cream. I feel so 'Paula Deen' when I put sour cream in anything.
I feel like I've cooked a lot this month, but really I don't think I have. We decided to cook every night except when out with friends. No dining out just the two of us and no fast food, at least for this month to see how it goes. We're looking to really enjoy Collin having nights off now and that means being able to accept impromptu invitations to, say, Boca Fiesta! We also ate out at Dragonfly when Collin's grandma was in town for the first Gator football game, went to Archer for a great lasagna dinner with Gabe and Jenn (I brought balsamic green beans and mushrooms), and had pizza after this past weekend's football game while Collin's college buddy was here. Successful I think, with plenty of meals to go. I'm going to imagine a couple of these dishes will be transformed into potluck dinner party contributions or rolled over into next months menu.
Last night was supposed to be burgers but I ended up just having soup and Collin ate leftovers. Packing his lunch has also been working out great. We keep a variety of lunch meats in the fridge to rotate and I mix in a day of leftovers or so with his routine of sandwiches and wraps. Once a month or so I think he'll like to eat out on campus. Today in fact he's meeting his dad who is up here working in Ocala for the day.
So, even though I feel worse today than yesterday, burgers are back on the menu. Soup just doesn't fill me up. It's like, a lunch... or an appetizer. Plus, I want to keep up with this fabulous meal plan we created - I hope I can keep the steam rolling for October!
Weekly Shopping: 9/2 - 9/15
I'm not doing a very good job of keeping up with posting my weekly shopping trips to Publix. Woops.
Let's have a nice summary of September so far then, yes?
Things might get long, and they're not all that helpful since all these sales are over and done with. Maybe today I'll also post my planned shopping list for this Saturday in advance. Maybe?
Anyway, this will be a long one, so here goes!
Let's have a nice summary of September so far then, yes?
Things might get long, and they're not all that helpful since all these sales are over and done with. Maybe today I'll also post my planned shopping list for this Saturday in advance. Maybe?
Anyway, this will be a long one, so here goes!
8.31.2010
Weekly Shopping: 8/26 - 9/1
Here are the totals for my shopping trips this week at Publix (my most favorite store). Is it too wrong to LOVE grocery shopping? I mean, I liked it before I started super-couponing, but now it's fabulous. I have come to know many of the cashiers by name and the whole experience has become even more fun. I feel like such a 'mom' when I say this but it really is a pleasure to shop there. Really.
This week I made two trips and Collin stopped in one evening to grab lettuce that I forgot earlier and that we needed for the dinner that was already cooking away. Love him. I've upped our budget by $40 for a couple months while I stock up on things that will work well in Collin's lunch. Only after a few months of him working full time will we be able to really see what we need and how much his taking lunch and snacks to work costs overall.
This week I'll also be posting about my weekly giving as well as our own grocery totals and (eventually) monthly meal plans. I hope that by seeing how easy it is to give to those in need in your community, you'll pick up something extra at the store and drop it in the collection box at the front of the store.
I'm just starting out in the grand scheme of things and I don't have lofty goals. Without very much to give in the first place I am hoping to make the most of my resources so they can then reach the most families possible. One day I'd like to stop at the donation box and reach in to place my food without seeing the bottom of the bin.
This week I made two trips and Collin stopped in one evening to grab lettuce that I forgot earlier and that we needed for the dinner that was already cooking away. Love him. I've upped our budget by $40 for a couple months while I stock up on things that will work well in Collin's lunch. Only after a few months of him working full time will we be able to really see what we need and how much his taking lunch and snacks to work costs overall.
This week I'll also be posting about my weekly giving as well as our own grocery totals and (eventually) monthly meal plans. I hope that by seeing how easy it is to give to those in need in your community, you'll pick up something extra at the store and drop it in the collection box at the front of the store.
I'm just starting out in the grand scheme of things and I don't have lofty goals. Without very much to give in the first place I am hoping to make the most of my resources so they can then reach the most families possible. One day I'd like to stop at the donation box and reach in to place my food without seeing the bottom of the bin.
8.12.2010
Double Birthday
Gmail Chat August 11, 2010
Collin: i love you
what a lovely life we have.
2:40 PM me: so wonderful!
i really do wake up happy every day
Collin: it's true
i do too
especially knowing that my life outside of home is improving as well
with a new career and whatnot
but i wouldn't change anything about you and me or where we are in life or in Gainesville or anything
2:42 PM me: me neither
everything is just right
i'm pretty sure i have everything i wantCollin: well that makes it hard for getting your birthday gifts2:43 PM me: that's why it's so hard to figure out something for my bday
hahaha
jinx!
Collin got the job.
He starts the 20th.
This is the best birthday present I could have ever hoped for but nothing I could have put on a wish list. The great intangible gift I've wanted for the both of us. I knew it would come, but the universe saved it for our 25th. Thanks.
We spent Saturday of Collin's birthday weekend accomplishing goals marathon-style in Orlando. Our day started at 8:30 when we dropped Early off at the vet for some checkup things, drove to Ikea to purchase our sleeper sofa, put that in the car, went back in Ikea to get the rest of what we came for, ate an amazing home-cooked lunch with chef Edgar and Christy at their new place, hopped over to the Mall at Millenia to buy Collin new clothes for his new job, then stopped by to visit my brother Asa and Kat (and friends) at their house before heading back up the turnpike northbound to scoop up Early Girl from her play date with Foster at Gabe and Jenn's and somehow fit a sleeper sofa, two people and a dog in my Ford Focus.
It was an exhausting day, but fun. And we were then able to do almost completely nothing on Collin's birthday except hang out, bbq burgers and go buy a (black) Wii.
Today I'm working on my own birthday, Collin is at the house finishing up a few things I've asked him to do for unpacking and probably working on these 'surprises' he says he has. I think this is the first birthday he has something up his sleeve that I didn't ask for. He knows I'm not that that hard to please and will usually just take me shopping so I can get whatever I want. He also knows I always have more fun planning surprises for other people (him) more.
Today I slept in 30 minutes later than usual, will eat Mexico Lindo enchiladas for lunch, hopefully be able to leave before 4 and then head home to relax with my love before he takes me out to The Warehouse for a birthday dinner date. I cook him whatever he wants for his birthday because he'd rather eat my food and he takes me out on mine because I'm always in the kitchen. Then it's back home to do more of nothing and watch the finale of So You Think You Can Dance.
Turning 25 is going to rule. Life is moving right along and the view is getting better by the minute.
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