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January 13, 2012

January Menu (and tips for shopping on a budget)

I can't believe it's already halfway through January.  I try and get these menu posts up early in the month but January is flying by!  Last month we spent $263 on our groceries... a little over budget goal of $50 a week, but not too bad.  This month I've already gone grocery shopping twice so I've included more photos and more menu options.  From now on I'm not going to list everything.  I'll only list the things that aren't obvious, or include if I have a special note about it.

Groceries
A lot of the stuff I bought this month was for making Gwyneth some super healthy baby food.  The carrots, broccoli, green beans, kale, sweet potatoes, apples, and beets were all for her.

Groceries
This photo is of my shopping from this morning.  I got lots of veggies, some healthy lunch options, eggs for making pasta, and some snacks for Gigi.

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Buying stuff in the bulk section is saving us a lot of money.  It's a great way to get lots of Organic grains, pasta, and spices without spending a ton.

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Gigi's drinking Organic milk now which is definitely an expensive (but important) purchase. 

Groceries
One easy way to make your herbs last longer is to trim and rinse them right away.  Then, while they are still wet, wrap them gently in a paper towel and seal them in a small storage container.  They will stay fresh a lot longer.

On our menu this month: 
-Chicken Enchiladas
-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Chili Beans
-Turkey Burgers and oven baked fries
-Thai Soba Noodle Bowl (I didn't love the way this turned out so I bought more ingredients for it this week and will post an adapted recipe as soon as I can)
-Red Beans and Rice Kyle made a vegetarian version for me because I'm not eating red meat for the next few months (I go through a vegetarian phase every year)
-Tacos
-Roasted Chicken and Potatoes (already had the chicken in the freezer)
-Grilled Kale Caesar Salad and Roasted Sweet Potatoes
-Ravioli from scratch (I was going to make my Butternut Squash and Roasted Garlic Ravioli but the store was out of Butternut squash so I'm going to try a version with sweet potato)
-Spicy Vegetarian Chili (this chili is delicious but HOT. Do not add more chipotle then it says... you may even want to do less)
-White Bean Soup

Happy cooking!

Groceries
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Comments

  1. This reminds me that I really need to get back into the habit of menu planning… we spend way too much money to feed the two of us! Great tips by the by :)

    — Gaby · Sunday January 15, 2012 · #

  2. I am highly impressed that you all only spent $263 for a months worth of groceries! What is your secret!? I feel like my husband and I can’t leave the store for less than $100 a week and it’s just the two of us! Thanks for the meal planning ideas! I need to get myself back into this routine, it definitely makes life and dinner making so much easier!

    — Lexi M · Sunday January 15, 2012 · #

  3. This is amazing! I love your organization with your grocery shopping and hope I can do the same. You’ve inspired me. I’ll be visting back often to read your recipes!

    I wanted to let you know about a new blog <a href=“http://f-e-s-t.blogspot.com/”>FEST</a> about food, style & travel. Come follow along as I document my <a href=“http://f-e-s-t.blogspot.com/2012/01/challenge.html”>wardrobe challenge</a>: to not but any clothes in 2012. It’s gonna be great. Also, be sure to follow so you can enter the <a href=“http://f-e-s-t.blogspot.com/2012/01/100-follower-giveaway.html”>giveaway</a>.

    — Catherine Fishback · Sunday January 15, 2012 · #

  4. Oops! That showed up a little wonky. Here’s the link to get to the site.

    http://f-e-s-t.blogspot.com/

    Have a great week!

    — Catherine Fishback · Sunday January 15, 2012 · #

  5. I struggle with menu planning so this is a great post for me! Thank you, I’ve been inspired to sit down and think things through a bit better before heading of to buy randomness.
    -Diana

    — Diana @ Boy + Girl · Monday January 16, 2012 · #

  6. Lexi, You can read some of the past menu posts where I go a bit more into detail. I’ll add some more detail next time… (http://acollectionofpassions.com/blog/november-menu-and-tips-for-shopping-on-a-budget)

    — Kacie · Wednesday January 18, 2012 · #

  7. i need to do soooo much better at this! i think maybe next week will be the week that i actually plan our meals. thanks for the inspiration, kacie! :)

    — Whitney [eat sleep cuddle.] · Wednesday January 18, 2012 · #

 

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