Quiet Life Homestead

Saving Money on Groceries

I'm currently trying to find ways to reduce our grocery bill.  Rellamom really inspired me when she said that she feeds her 10 for $100 a week (or was it two weeks?  Forgive me for forgetting, Carrie).  Right now, either one would be great for us.  I've got it down to about $150 every week for 5, so I have a ways to go. 

One of the best things we've done is switch from regular milk to powdered milk.  With 2% milk being almost $4 at the local grocery store, I can buy a thing of powdered milk that makes 4 gallons (I think) and costs around $7. 

I know that another thing we can do is have more meatless meals and have been reading my Nourishing Traditions book (among others) trying to get ideas.  We've been having pinto beans for the past three nights and its starting to wreck havoc on my system. 

Yesterday I made a double batch of wheat bread, but made it go into 5 loaves (4 regular, 1 round).  Its the same recipe we've always used, but it seems sweeter this time.  I still haven't gotten up the nerve to try a 100% whole wheat bread yet.  Our bread has both white and wheat, sometimes oatmeal.

Also, we totally cut out soft drinks and have eaten out only once in the past two weeks.  Yes, I'm dying for a coke and whatever fast food is on the latest commercial.  Does that ever go away?  I've been drinking water and have gotten used to unsweetened tea, so the only thing I'm using white sugar in is my coffee.  Charlie drinks it black and has suggested that I do the same but I don't think I can.  I'm a coffee-wuss, a white-chocolate-moca-extra-whip-cream-two-sugars-in-the-raw at Starbucks kinda girl.  Or at home I think the phrase is, "Would you like some coffee with your milk and sugar?"  I have a long way to go, but am seeing some benefit.  I've lost 5 lbs and have more energy.

If anyone has any helpful hints that work for them, please let me know. 

Great Job!

{ 06:10, Monday, September 17, 2007 } { Posted by Anonymous }

It seems like everytime we walk into the grocery store we spend over 200.00 dollars. I only wish I woild only spend 100.00 a week. You are doing great!

Blessings

Ma At Little House

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{ 09:35, Monday, September 17, 2007 } { Posted by Sara }

I am on the same venture as you are. Trying desperately to save on groceries and our monthly bills period. We also switched to powdered milk, I haven't had a dr.pepper in a week and half, and we haven't eaten out in at least 2 weeks. You are doing better than me as I have not been able to get off of the sweet tea, but I am drinking more water. I drink my milk with coffee too. My hubby says I'm a weenie. lol. Making the switch to meatless meals has been super helpful. We love lentils, and pinto beans, and all the others that there are. I use a lot of the recipes on www.hillbillyhousewife.com . A favorite of ours is the taco style lentils and rice for bean burritos. Yum. Maybe we should start a support group. lol.

Blessings,
Sara

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{ 06:28, Tuesday, September 18, 2007 } { Posted by gokings13 }

I have a blog where I share my grocery bill item for item. It's title is "Is it me, or are groceries outragoulsy high?"

We are feeding a PICKY family of 5, and my bill last time I went to the store was 200.00!!! I am trying to keep it down to 150.00 this week........I need to pay some bills!!

I have been looking through different sites; www.quakeranne.com is a good one...........let me know if you discover something amazing, I sure would love the help!!
Laura