Menu Plan Monday 6/29

Pasta (Penne for my son) with zucchini and garlic bread
Grilled Chicken with rice and corn on the cob
Salsa Sloppy Joes with mac and cheese and corn on the cob
Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni and Garlic Chicken)
Mini Tacos and Taquitos with corn bread and corn
Fried Rice with edamame and chicken potstickers (Hash Browns, Eggs and Bacon for my son)
Chicken Fries or Chicken Wraps with homemade fries

I don't know where the month went but I kept putting off going to the store longer and longer because I just didn't realize how late in the month it already was.  The great news is that we had tons of food in the house and we didn't really need to rush out because there was plenty to get us through the next week.  I went last week and got what I think that we need for the month.  Here is hoping that we have lots to last us but I think that I will be going to the store when I run out of milk and ice cream (if my homemade plan doesn't work out well).  I think that I might be getting the hang of this once (or twice a month) shopping.

Last week went with everything according to plan except Friday because I switched to leftovers with corn on the cob because I was feeling horrible with a migraine that I couldn't get rid of so my husband cooked dinner.  Saturday was Meatball Subs with leftover pasta instead of tater tots because we finished the bag that was in the freezer.

I need to finish up the meal plan for July with only a few more spaces to fill in to finish but finishing it is always the hardest!!  Hope that you guys are doing well and adjusting to your new normal.

On Lavender Lane Book Review

I was excited to start this book right after the other books in the series.  I am really enjoying having the library open to get reserve books. On Lavender Lane: A Shelter Bay Novel by JoAnn Ross was the third book in the series.  I started this book as soon as putting down the last one in the series but it was the last book in the pile so I had to go right on and reserve the next bunch in the series right away!!  I can't believe how quickly these books are going but boy am I happy to have pick up at the library available again.  Now I am sharing an account with my son so I don't have to wait for two pick ups and we are one book away from my 50 limit so I know that I have to return some books soon so that I can get some new ones.

Former Navy SEAL Lucas Chaffee is settling back into civilian life, refurbishing a farmhouse for an old friend who plans to turn it into a culinary school. Celebrity TV chef Madeline Durand has been publicly humiliated by a philandering husband. So Madeline jumps at the chance to return to Shelter Bay to recover and help her grandmother turn the family farm into a new business.  Little does she know that the man who broke her heart years ago is already on the job-or that he's going to cook up a recipe of passion, patience, and perseverance to win her over.

I thought that this was a fun book and I was excited to continue with the series.  Lucas is back to Shelter Bay to bury his father and try to start the business that they were supposed to start together.  Lucas is living in their vacation home and staying connected to friends that are in town.  At the same time, Maddy's life is falling apart.  She is trying to do too many things with her career and is miserable trying to keep all the balls in the air.  Maddy goes away on a trip and finds out that her husband is cheating on her.  Her life falls apart and she decides that the only place that she can put it back together is Shelter Bay.  She is there in time to help her grandmother turn their family farm into a restaurant and she has to work with Lucas, the boy who broke her heart.  You have to find out what happens between these two and how they work through everything going on in their lives.  Although this was a horrible summary that I found on Amazon, you should still pick up the book because it is much better then the brief description online.  I reserved the rest of the series and I can't wait for the rest of the books to come in from the library but the great news is that my pile is huge right now of all the books that I need to read and return.  I have plenty to keep me busy!

One Summer Book Review

I moved straight from the first book on to the second book in the series and I had trouble putting it down.  One Summer: A Shelter Bay Novel by JoAnn Ross was the second book in the Shelter Bay series.  I was excited to see which town residents I got to meet in this book.

When former U.S. Marine photojournalist Gabriel St. James arrives in Shelter Bay to help out a fellow Marine, the last thing he expects is to meet a woman like Charity. A veterinarian with a past that would have defeated a less resilient woman, Charity still possesses a heart as generous as her name. She's known men like Gabe before-but with a shared attraction impossible to deny, Charity and Gabe agree to a simple affair with no expectations. But as summer unfolds, and Gabe finds reasons to extend his stay in Shelter Bay, he and Charity realize that there's nothing simple about falling in love, and nothing easy about the choices of the heart.

I was excited to meet the new military hero with Gabriel St. James who was a photographer who came to town to photograph the wedding of a close friend.  He was leading a solitary life and taking pictures across the country after earning many awards from his military pictures.  Charity is the local veterinarian and she is immediately attracted to this quiet photographer.  Charity takes the time to talk to him at the wedding and she learns very little before leaving for an animal emergency.  Although Gabe shows up the next day with an injured dog that he saved when he was leaving town because his owner threw it out of the car and then it got dragged along under the car.  There is a lot that goes on this book including running a camp for foster kids, adopting animals and more.  I know that you have to pick it up for yourself to find out what happens. I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the Shelter Bay series.  I think that you will enjoy it as much as I have.

The Homecoming Book Review

I was excited to start my next library find from a series that I started from one of my quarantine books.  The Homecoming: A Shelter Bay Novel by JoAnn Ross is the first book in the Shelter Bay series.  I was excited to get to see more of this small town that I met in another book later in the series....luckily I think that this series goes in most any order without too many problems.

Former Navy SEAL Sax Douchett returns to his home town and is hailed as a local hero. But starting over is difficult when he unearths a long- buried secret that reunites him with a past he's never forgotten. She's Sheriff Kara Conway, a girl who's always held a special place in his heart. But as he cautiously reconnects with Kara and bonds with her young son, another long-held secret in Shelter Bar threatens their second chance at a life together...

I was excited to get to the beginning of the series and see where this book series started. Sax was a local hero because he was a former Navy Seal who saved a lot of people but he was coming home feeling bad about all the people he lost.  He is starting over in the small town where he grew up.  He reunites with someone that he never forgot but she was his friend's girlfriend, Kara.  Now Kara has come back to raise her son in the small town where she grew up after loosing her husband.  She wants to lead a quiet life and likes the routine that she has gotten into but then things change.  There is a foot found on the beach, someone else is shot and there is a break in attempt.  Kara realizes that there is more to life then safety and decides to live for today and make her best life.  You have to pick up the book and find out what happens.  I promise you will be as surprised as I was at the turns that this book takes!!  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the great Shelter Bay series.

Bluestone & Vine Book Review

I read the other book in this series and I was looking for the next one at the library.  I reserved Bluestone & Vine (Blue Hollow Falls) by Donna Kauffman at the library.  I was super happy when the library opened because I got a bunch of books on reserve.

Pippa MacMillan is a legend on the Irish folk music scene. But when her voice requires a time-out, she’s left wondering how—and where—to find happiness in the silence . . .

Seeking answers, Pippa leaves Ireland in favor of a small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Turns out lovely Blue Hollow Falls is the perfect place to heal—and solitary Seth Brogan is the surprisingly perfect host. After all, Seth is beginning again too: turning his renovated stone barn and beautiful hillside into a vineyard is the start of a whole new life for the former Special Forces soldier. Only Mother Nature keeps thwarting both their plans, leaving Pippa snowbound with unsettling thoughts about how life can take unexpected turns . . .

To Pippa’s surprise, she might actually fall for small-town living. She might even fall for Seth, whose quiet strength is a balm for her world-weary soul. But when the music starts once more, will she follow her fortune back to Ireland, or surrender to the call of her heart?

I got to read this book right after getting the whole pile of books from the library.   I was excited to get to start back on this series and it wasn't a disappointment.  Pippa is in the small town because she changed houses with Seth's sister but instead of going to her house, she went to the small town in the Blue Ridge Mountains where Seth lives.  Pippa is trying to get rest from fame and recovery from a life changing surgery while she enjoys some time in the small town.  She realizes that it is a lot like her hometown and she enjoys getting to know all of the people in the town.  Most of all she likes getting to know Seth.  Seth runs the local winery and is starting out his business to try to expand to do wedding and other events.  He has been very busy in business and not interested in starting any relationship.  Both Pippa and Seth feel a pull towards each other that they fight for a long time because they know that there is no future.  You have to pick up the book to find out what happens with these two who are trying so hard to stay apart.  I hope that you check this out for yourself.  I hope you start at the beginning of the series and enjoy it like I have!!  I can't wait for the library to get the next one in!

Menu Plan Monday 6/22

Spaghetti and Penne with garlic bread
Grilled Chicken with rice and Corn on the Cob
Chicken with Potatoes
Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni and Buffalo Chicken)
Chicken tacos or Enchiladas with corn bread
Meatball Subs with tater tots
Chicken Fries or Chicken Wraps with homemade fries

Last week was a quick change to Cheese Ravioli on request with sausage sauce for my husband and fried zucchini while my son had Penne with garlic butter.  Tuesday was Grilled Chicken with rice. Wednesday was Tacos and corn bread.  We changed from the Trader Joe's Tacos that I was planning on because I went a little crazy and bought a family pack of ground beef at Wegman's for $30 so we have ground beef back at least through July.  Thursday was our first trip to the pool where our family had to reserve a lane to social distance from others and we were really glad to come home to pizza dough ready for pizza so we had Pepperoni Pizza, Taco Pizza, Cheese Pizza, White Chicken Pizza, White Pizza, and Pepperoni Knuckles.  We had so much that we had friends over to enjoy it with us and we still had leftovers!  Friday was House Autry Fried Chicken with mac and cheese.  Saturday was Fried Rice, Pot Stickers and Edamame. Sunday was my son's favorite dinner with Chicken fries and homemade fries for him and Chicken Wraps for us. 

Another week that we got most of the meals on the table as planned with the last minute change in the tacos.  Looking forward to doing it again this week and planning towards July.  I have to make my plan for grocery shopping and go out this week to get the things that we need for the upcoming month.  I think that we have lots but we are running out of cheese and milk so I know that store needs to happen soon.  I should have my list together in the next few days so here is hoping that I stay somewhere close to our monthly budget.

Only You Book Review

I picked this off my shelf of unread books only to find out that it was a historic book but I went ahead with reading it.   Only You (Only Series) by Elizabeth Lowell was the next book that was in my pile of paper back book.  I realized that it was also in the middle of the series but might as well try it since I would know after this one if I should look for the rest of the series or not.

Made desperate by poverty and loss, Evelyn Starr Johnson sees a golden opportunity to win back her lost status by recovering the treasure map stolen from her murdered foster parents. And with nothing left to wager but her innocence, the beautiful card shark stares coolly at their killers across the poker table - then stacks the deck and deals the winning hand to a handsome, unsuspecting stranger.
When the exquisite temptress he won at a card game runs off with rest of his winnings, sharpshooter Matt ′Reno′ Moran vows to hunt her down-never dreaming it is his destiny to join forces with the thieving female on a dangerous search for hidden gold. But, come hell or high water, Reno is determined to reclaim everything that is rightfully his - including the tempestuous woman who calls herself ′Evening Star′, who Reno dares not love, but desires with all his soul.

I thought this was a really interesting book even though it started off a little harder for me to follow because of the different time that it was set in.  Evelyn Starr, calling herself Evening Star, is in the gambling area to win back things that were stolen from her "family."  She was taking care of two older people who were fostering her.  They were murdered by men and they stole a map and ring from them while she was hiding.  She plays them in cards with the skills learned from her foster parents and then a stranger comes in to play during the last hand.  She ends up getting him to shoot the theives and runs away with the map and ring.  Reno is the man who hunts her down to reclaim his prizes from the card game.  It is crazy to watch all of the things that happen next which seems like they couldn't live up to the action at the beginning of the story but there was so much more action in their trip across the wilderness.  After I got into the story, it was hard to put it down because I wanted to know what was going to happen next.  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the series.  I think that you will enjoy this different look at the past and exploring the wildness of the United States.

Summer Affair Book Review

I picked up another book from my shelf with the libraries not open and this one was the fifth book in the series.  I can't believe that I did it but I started with the fifth book in the series.  Can you believe what the lack of library books was doing to me?  This was also a historical fiction book which isn't usually my genre but I really like the author so I decided to jump right into A Summer Affair (Calhoun Chronicles) by Susan Wiggs (2010-02-01)

A gifted but troubled physician, Blue Calhoun runs a thriving medical practice from his Nob Hill mansion in San Francisco while raising his son alone after an unthinkable tragedy. Then one day a female fugitive with a gunshot wound appears in Blue's surgery. Even though she holds a pistol aimed at his heart, the desperation in her eyes awakens Blue's compassion. Reluctantly he is drawn to her fragile beauty, her nerves of steel and the mystery surrounding her circumstances.

Isabel Fish-Wooten has spent most of her life on the run, but everything changes when she forces a stranger to save her life. Yet her rescue comes with an unexpected price. As Isabel recovers from her wounds, she finds herself touched by this remarkable man and yearns to reach out to him and his rebellious son.

From danger-filled back alleys to the glittering ballrooms of high society, Isabel and Blue confront the violence and corruption that threatens their newfound passion. Theirs is an unforgettable quest to discover a rare and special love, and the precious gift of a second chance at happiness.

Some historical books, you can still imagine yourself being there or being set in the place.  This book was not that because it was a very different period of history with a lot of violence and it was very different.  This is the book that you pick up to escape what you are currently doing because it transports you to a different place and time.  Blue Calhoun was a doctor who was spending all this time working to save people, whether in his daily practice or in his nightly volunteer work.  Blue's main goal was to help everyone which was not a popular belief back then because only the rich were supposed to get good medical care.  One night, Blue stumbles upon someone being taken somewhere to be killed and he pays for their release.  That person wakes up in the carriage and escapes to only later end up at his house looking for medical help.  Isabel Fish-Wooten has come to the area to try to make a better life for herself and ends up shot and holding a doctor at gun point for help.  You have to pick up the book to see what happens but I know that this book is one that is hard to put down.  I hope that you check out this book if you like historical fiction.  It was way more interesting then I was expecting!!

Seeds of Trust Book Review

I picked up another book of my book shelf that I didn't read before.  I don't even know where I got all these books but I picked out Seeds of Trust (Harlequin Heartwarming Romance) (Larger Print) by Cynthia Reese.  It was an author that I hadn't read before but I was ready to find out what it was about.

When Becca Reynolds heads for rural Georgia to investigate a suspected crop insurance scam, she's concerned about her career, not her heart.  Chief among the suspects is handsome Ryan MacIntosh, who isn't telling everything he knows. Could his involvement possibly be deeper than his devotion to his grandmother and the small farm that's been in the family for generations?  Becca can't be sure, even though she and Ryan have shared the most intimate of conversations—at least online. She's certain he's the charming stranger with whom she's exchanged countless emails…and fallen in love. But she can't admit the truth any more than Ryan can—nor predict what it will cost them in the end.

Becca Reynolds was working for her father's company and she has to investigate for a crop insurance company.  She worked previously in another job and she had a lot of problems so she came home to work in a safer job.  She had a case which went badly so she was looking to redeem herself with her newest suspected crop insurance fraud case.  She goes to the small farming community and meets lots of farmers with an invasive plant that is killing their crops.  The main suspect is Ryan MacIntosh who seems to be holding back and not telling her the truth.  Once she realizes that she keeps coming back because she trusts Ryan, she realizes that she is in trouble when it comes to this case and her new career choice.  Ryan seems a lot like a new friend that she has made online but she isn't really sure.  You have to pick up the book so pick up the book and find out what happens with the crops, the relationships and the court case.  I think that you will be surprised how things work out because there are a lot of twists and turns and just a little mystery.  I was impressed with this book and I hope that you check out this book for yourself.

Menu Plan Monday 6/15

Spaghetti and Penne with zucchini and garlic bread
Grilled Chicken with rice and chopped salad
Tacos and corn bread
Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni and White Garlic Chicken)
House Autry Fried Chicken with Mac and Cheese
Fried Rice with egg rolls and pot stickers, and edamame
Chicken Fries or Chicken Wraps with homemade fries

We are really getting into a groove with the food schedule this month.  I had Pasta with zucchini chips and garlic bread on Monday.  Tuesday was Grilled Chicken with white rice and grilled pineapple.  Wednesday was Chicken Bacon Ranch and Potatoes.  It was the first time that I made it and I think that it was good but my husband wasn't a big fan because I think that I under seasoned the meat.  Thursday was a Pepperoni and White Pizza with half grilled chicken. We had friends come over after a graduation car parade so I didn't realize how late it was and we ended up having leftovers because there was an entire pan of pizza knuckles that I made the previous night.  Saturday was Chicken Enchiladas from the freezer.  Sunday was Chicken Wraps with homemade fries.  I only crossed off one dinner and replaced it with leftovers so I think that it was a big win.  This week looks very similar and I am going to get ready for my big shopping trip to get most of the groceries we need for the next month to get us through.

Christmas at Harrington's Book Review

I grabbed another book off the shelf to read and found another Christmas book so I decided to check it out.  Who doesn't love a good Christmas book?  Also, I had recently read another book by this author so I was interested in seeing what was going to happen in this book.  Christmas at Harrington's by Melody Carlson was a book that I didn't know what to expect but I was ready to check it out.

Christmas is approaching, and Lena Markham finds herself penniless, friendless, and nearly hopeless. She is trying to restart her life after false accusations landed her in prison, but job opportunities are practically nonexistent. When a secondhand red coat unexpectedly lands her a job as Mrs. Santa at a department store, Lena finally thinks her luck is changing. But can she keep her past a secret?

This tender story about fresh starts will charm readers as all of Melody Carlson's Christmas offerings do. Full of redemption and true holiday spirit, Christmas at Harrington's will be readers' newest Christmas tradition.

Lena starts the story getting on the bus to start her life over after serving jail time for a crime she didn't commit.  It seemed like it might be a really heavy book which isn't what I thought it was going to be after looking at the Christmas cover.  Although it quickly turned into a feel good story about the goodness that people show.  Lena is going to a new town and starting over and a person at the prison helped her get a job and a place to stay.  Lena is riding on a bus to get to her new home and ends up sitting next to a very nice lady who shares the food that she has because Lena didn't have any dinner with her.  Her new friend also volunteers to drive her to where she is staying but Lena says that she is going to get breakfast first at the dinner so she passes.  She finds out that the dinner is hiring but since she has a job and no waitressing experience, she passes.  She goes to the place to stay and really starts to feel lonely because it is very different then being in prison.  Although she meets her neighbor who is out of work and tells her to go to the dinner so Lena ends up watching her young daughter while she is at work.  The next morning, she goes to where she is supposed to report for work and they aren't hiring and she doesn't have a position.  Lena is starting to think that things are going to work out but you need to pick up the book and find out what happens next.  I thought this was a cute Christmas story which is exactly what I needed during this time because it shows the goodness in people.   I hope that you check out this book and others by this author and enjoy them as much as I have.

Menu Plan Monday 6/8

Spaghetti and Penne with zucchini and garlic bread
Grilled Chicken with rice and chopped salad
Chicken, Bacon, Ranch with Potatoes
Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni and Buffalo Chicken or White Pizza)
Chicken tacos or Enchiladas with corn bread
Meatball Subs with tater tots
Chicken Fries or Chicken Wraps with homemade fries

Last week was actually ate most everything according to plan with Pasta with zucchini and garlic bread on Monday.  Grilled Chicken with rice and chopped salad and corn on the cob was Tuesday.  Wednesday was Trader Joes Mini Tacos with homemade rice a roni which my husband didn't like and cornbread. Thursday was Homemade Pizza and we did pepperoni and garlic chicken pizza and pizza knuckles (like my son's favorite restaurant) and chopped salad.  Friday we did Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken with mac and cheese and corn on the cob.  Saturday I did Fried Rice, Pot Stickers and Edamame but I skipped the egg rolls because I was late starting dinner.  Sunday was my son's favorite dinner so we had Chicken Wraps and homemade fries. 

Ready to start on another week with most of the things in the house already.  I am hoping to make it the whole week without going to the store.  I have already had one trip to the store this month where I had to hit three stores to get everything that was on my list.  Shopping is way more exhausting and expensive then it used to be so I am hoping to go until the milk runs out again.  Summer shopping in a mask might be the end of me!!  How is shopping going for you?

Gilding the Lily Book Review

This book was an older book which I could tell from the cover and the price on the front saying it originally cost $1.95.  I was interested to see how old that was going to be.  I went on Amazon and it said 1801....ummm, no it is not that old.  I guess they are selling it for like $1000 on Amazon so I might have to look into a great sale with this one.  I went on Good Reads and found that it was released in 1985.  I also found the picture of the cover there so that I could share it with you.  Gilding The Lily (Silhouette Romance) by Emilie Richards (1985-11-01) was the next book in the pile for me to read so I decided to check it out.

Lesley Belmont has always held back- from success, from men, from love.  But now she has a chance for her first solo interview, and she was determined to give it her all.  She planned to have Travis Hagen, America's premier cartoonist, tell her everything there was to know about being a comic-strip artist.  From day one Travis thwarted her plans and scrambled her carefully ordered emotions.  How could an interview go so wrong?  One look, one kiss and Lesley knew she was a goner.  Travis wanted her, and he let her know it.  And that was no laughing matter.

Lesley was living a life that was only focused on work.  She was working all day and trying to make the most out of her life without love.  She was becoming very successful and was working on a project about comic strips and the history of the comic strips.  Her boss told her that he set up an interview with an artist so that she could interview him and get more information on the way that they were created and the history behind the art.  Little did she know that she was walking into a set up and the artist, Travis, didn't know that she was coming.  She drove all the way through the countryside to find his small out of the way house and was excited for the interview.  You need to pick up the book to find out what happens.  Things quickly turn around for her and she realizes things that change her whole life.  I thought it was a good book and it totally could have happened now with a few updates.  I was entertained and wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next.  I hope that you check out this book but from the looks of it, not through Amazon.

Always A Cowboy Book Review

I am doing my best to grab books off the shelf at home but it is so hard without the library to get me the other books in the series.  I decided to read Always a Cowboy (The Carsons of Mustang Creek) by Linda Lael to see if I would like the other books in the series even though this was the second in the series.  It turns out it was a a good book and I reserved the other two at the library.  I am hopeful for getting the books before I reach my limit for reserving books which I am super close to already.  The library announced that they will open in June to get reserved books so as long as I can return my books, I can get all my new ones too.  I will be set for a little bit.

He's the middle of the three Carson brothers and is as stubborn as they come—and he won't thank a beautiful stranger for getting in his way! 

Drake Carson is the quintessential cowboy. In charge of the family ranch, he knows the realities of this life, its pleasures and heartbreaks. Lately, managing the wild stallions on his property is wearing him down. When an interfering so-called expert arrives and starts offering her opinion, Drake is wary, but he can't deny the longing—and the challenge—she stirs in him. 

Luce Hale is researching how wild horses interact with ranch animals—and with ranchers. The Carson matriarch invites her to stay with the family, which guarantees frequent encounters with Drake, her ruggedly handsome and decidedly unwelcoming son. Luce and Drake are at odds from the very beginning, especially when it comes to the rogue stallion who's stealing the ranch mares. But when Drake believes Luce is in danger, that changes everything—for both of them.

Drake takes care of the family farm and loves everything about farming.  He spends his whole life from morning to night taking care of the ranch.  Family is everything to him and he lives at the family house where his brothers and mother live.  He takes a break in working to eat dinner with the family before going back out to work at night to check on all the animals.  Luce was invited to the property to research the wild horses by Drake's mom but no one ever told him. He found her on his land and was trying to run her off until she explains that she was invited.  She is staying at the family house and working on her wild horse project but working with Drake sometimes as well.  It had a lot of twists that I didn't see coming but it was well worth picking up the book.  I thought it was a great book and I was super excited to reserve the other books in the series at the library.  Now I just have to hope that they get all the books transferred so that I can pick them up next week.  Currently 17 of my 50 books on reserve are in at the library already so I know that I will have something to read to keep me busy.  I am ready to do some more reading!!  I miss my library!!

May Month End Budget and Eating Out

I can't believe how quickly the month goes by but here is another month where I was trying to limit our trips to the store during this stay at home order.  I am trying to adjust to the new normal by not exposing my family to germs as much because we are still on the rise here.  We have decided to not doing any eating out so we are adding that to our normal $160 grocery budget and that moves it up to $200 budget for the month.  Sadly, other then cooking at home and using what we have, there aren't a lot of ways to save money now.

The first time out was Target, Harris Teeter and then Wegman's so it was one store to the next and got a few things at each with the things we were missing and things that were on sale.  The next time out was getting chicken on sale on the next day so I actually did two transaction because I went to the car and said this is silly, I should get more and I went back in and did.  My third splurge trip out of the house was to Trader Joe's which was a little silly but I had a gift card and we love the potstickers and edamame when we are having fried rice so I grabbed those things and a few others with our gift card and only spent a few dollars.  The fourth trip out of the house was two Harris Teeters in a row.  The fifth trip was my big stock up at Lidl and Aldi across the street from each other.  The sixth outing was Giant and Harris Teeter.  I was disappointed that I went to so many stores but it is still less then I normally do so at least I am partially there on planning.  Hope that I get a little better in the coming months.  Fingers crossed!!

Target $1.65

I used the rest of my gift card from my husband's work and then I also got another one with points so that I didn't have to spend a lot of money.  I got a bunch of things that I could with the gift cards.  The coconut was for me to make my granola and it was on sale for the same as Harris Teeter but I could use my gift card.  I got Cheez-Its because my son really wanted some even though they were crazy priced.  I also got him the granola bars that he loves and there was a coupon for them so they were the same price as they would be at Harris Teeter but I got to use the gift card.  We were out of the Gerber Bananas so I grabbed 6.

Harris Teeter $12.58

I was at the store to get chicken and they were out.  Luckily they had some of the other things that we "needed".  I got four gallons of ice cream and three yogurts.  The ice cream was super picked over but they had ones that we liked and I was super excited.  I got some Kool Aid which has been a favorite drink while everyone has been stuck at home.  I got the Fudge Stripe Cookies that were free with the coupon.  I got another shortening because I used up one so this is my backup.  There are two pictures because the refrigerated things went in first and the other stuff did not.

Wegman's $23.69

I went to the store to get meat and there was none there.  I got two bags of bread flour because we are close to out and I didn't want to run out.  I also got a bag of vital wheat gluten which I haven't had in awhile but it was $6.49 which is crazy high priced but everything else was sold out.  There was on box of Big Chewy bars on clearance so I grabbed that for $1.97.  We needed mac and cheese but there was a limit of 2 so I decided to get the case because the pricing works out about the same and I only bought one box and got 12.  I grabbed white rice because they haven't had it at Aldi in a long time so I got it before we ran out.  This was a beautiful picture in the garage where I unloaded all the groceries so you get to see the bikes in the background.

Harris Teeter $31.21 and $24.13

I went to the store to get the chicken that was on sale for $1.79.  I bought three packs.  I found a bag of potatoes which they were out at the other Harris Teeter.  There were out of peas and we are running low so I got corn even though we have corn already in the freezer.  I got a few Kool Aid packets.  I used my last coupon to get another yogurt.  My husband likes gum when mowing the yard so he wanted it because he was out.  The best deal was the Hormel snack packages because they were a penny money maker each.  I used the cheese on sandwiches and more.  The crackers went into the cupboard because we didn't eat them all.  I used the turkey on my husband sandwiches and the salami I cut and fried to have on salads.   On my way to the car, I called my husband and he talked me into getting three more packages of chicken so I decided to go back in and get three more packs (and there were no limits and they were a great price).

Trader Joes $3.11

I had a gift card that I wanted to use up for Trader Joe's and I had a few things in mind to use so I decided to go first thing in the morning and grab them as quickly as I could to stock up on more fun things that we haven't had in awhile including the edamame, potstickers and chicken and beef mini tacos.  We also needed blue cheese which we normally get at Trader Joes because it the most flavorful blue cheese!! Bonus of Dunkers which my husband asked for which were $4.99 each so I won't be agreeing to that anytime soon!!

Harris Teeter $25.61

I went to get a few things but mainly the ice cream special which they had no ice cream.  I got lettuce and potatoes because they are cheaper price here then Aldi or Lidl.  I got two ears of corn because I was excited that it was in season but they were $0.33 each so I didn't get a bunch.  I got another bag of chicken because it was on sale for $1.79 per pound but I had bought 25 pounds last time.  I decided to cut up what I needed for the meals for the week and then boil the rest and shred to make enchiladas.  I got some frozen peas because there was finally stock of frozen veggies which was good because we were almost all out.  I also got to use a coupon to get some Rice Krispies to make some treats later and it made the box cheaper then Aldi and Lidl.

Harris Teeter $4.04

This was my second Harris Teeter in the day to get ice cream.  They didn't have the flavor that I wanted to get but I decided to get the flavor my son would still enjoy.  They only had two cookies and cream so I got those and took a picture in the checkout lane.

Lidl $57.53

I went a little crazy and got a ton of things on my list.  I was most excited about the large blocks of cheese because we have been enjoying them.  They only had one block of mozzarella so I grabbed it just in case they didn't have any at Aldi.  I got lunch meat because it has lasted longer then the lunch meat we used to get from Aldi and it was cheaper.  I got provolone cheese because it was on sale for $1 even though I don't have a plan for it.  I got celery because it looked good and I didn't know if Aldi would have any.  I got two packages of bacon that were on sale because we wanted to have some this month.  I got one whole chicken and cooked it up shortly after for a yummy dinner and used the leftover meat for fried rice and pizza and still had more to put in the freezer.  I tested a smaller bottle of their ketchup last month and we liked it so I got the bigger bottle.  I got one package of Kool Aid because my husband wanted Grape even though it was twice as expensive at Harris Teeter but I didn't know when I went there.  There was a sale on ice pops which I almost bought at Harris Teeter but thought I could find cheaper and got them for $1.79 instead of $2.50.  I got three bags of marshmallows to make some Rice Krispy treats with the cereal from HT.  I got one more tortilla chip and two pretzels because they were on sale for $1.  I also got my son a package of double stuff sandwich cookies and boxed brownies for two of our treats this month.  I got my husband hot dog rolls and Lidl Cran-Grape.  My most expensive purchase was the 4 cases of soda but they were $2.75 which was actually cheaper then HT so I was excited and they have tons in stock.

My disappointing purchase was the corn because we had some right away which was fine but I got 10 and the rest was going bad so I cut it off and used the parts that were still good in other meals.

Aldi $45.50

I checked off everything off my list that I got at Lidl and went across the street to Aldi to get the rest of the things that we needed.  It is always hard to know what store is going to have things and what stores might not.  I had to get chips at Aldi because Lidl was totally out of Ranch and Nacho cheese which were top of our list.  I got two jars of salsa because the boys said that they liked Aldi better.  I got a container of mustard because there was none in the pantry and my husband has been using it on soft pretzels so even though I can't tell what is in the one we have, I know it is going to run out soon.  We have never tried Aldi ketchup but we liked the Lidl ketchup that we tried so we are going to try this one and have a taste test.  I also got another garlic salt as backup because we just opened the last one in the cupboard.  I also got a lot of cold food there since it was my second stop before heading home.  I got ice cream, two tubs of margarine, four packages of stick margarine, two eggs, two blocks of mozzarella cheese and milk.  I also got three packages of pepperoni because my husband and son ate all the pepperoni that we had last month.  They also had a few sales I was looking for like zucchini for $1.49 and  strawberries for $1.19. I grabbed one more bag of my son's favorite Chicken fries even though we have a few bags because I just don't want to ever run out and not be able to get them.

Giant $6.25

I saw the weekend deals at Giant which included corn on the cob which were 10 for $2 and I got 10 but totally didn't take a picture right away so we already ate a bunch.  This corn was way better then anything else that we had enjoyed so far!!  The other weekend deal was Cheez Its for $1.99 per box.  I printed out four coupons for the Cheez Its so they were $0.99 per box.  There was also a freebie on my account for yogurt so I got that too.

Harris Teeter $13.43

I went to the store to get the rest of the soda for the family since there were limited flavors at Lidl when I got the other four cases.  They were totally out of Diet Coke so I was excited that I bought that at Lidl and kind of wish that I bought more but I bought 2 Cherry Coke and 2 Grape Fanta.  I also wanted to get the free oat milk because it saved me a few times last month when baking bread so that I didn't use the milk that my son drinks.  I also got two salsas because they were on sale and I had a coupon so they were $1 each.  I can use them in cooking if the boys don't prefer them because they were the restaurant style which we haven't had before.

Total Retail $512.02

Total Savings $263.29

Total Rebates $0.50

Total OOP $248.23

I was over my new adjusted budget by $48.23 and I knew it although I was really under budget ($90) for last month.  I knew that getting so little was going to catch up with me and it did.  I got what we needed and still shopped the best that I could.  I know that we actually have food this month that will get us all the way through next month.  I have a meal plan in place and I hope that I will be able to keep out of the store. 

However, I did got out to the store 6 times this month which was a little more then needed since we made it with three times last month.  The hard part is stopping me from shopping sales because I have done it for so long and trying to stock up on things at a low price.  I would like to say that I will try harder next month but I guess we will have to wait and see.  I am not sure what the right balance is to get the things that our family wants and needs and balancing the budget.

I know that we have a lot more creative times ahead with summer coming since it is so hard to cook and bake in the hot summer months.  We are also running low on all our baking supplies with only three bags of sugar and three bags of flour in the stockpile.  I also only have the two bags of bread flour and very few chocolate chips and I just opened my last honey. 

My husband likes to point out that with no hair cuts for the boys, no filling up on gas since March, all camps and classes cancelled, and everything else shut down that we are really totally saving money.  But those are different budget items that don't normally affect the budget but it kind of does now when I go and by soda and double stuff sandwich cookies because I want my son to have something fun to eat since I have to tell him vacation and camp is cancelled.  I have a feeling that is going to come in handy soon when I have to get more things next month #QuarantineBudget!! 

How have you guys been dealing with everything?

Eating Out 

We haven't spent anything on eating out this month because we decided as a family that it was safest and easiest if we stayed at home as much as possible so eating out budget was $0.

Menu Plan Monday 6/1

Spaghetti with floured zucchini and Penne with garlic bread
Grilled Chicken with pineapples and Corn on the Cob
Mini Tacos with rice and corn bread
Homemade Pizza (Pepperoni and Buffalo Chicken) and Pizza Knuckles
Spicy Honey Mustard Chicken with Mac and Cheese and corn on the cob
Fried Rice with egg rolls and pot stickers, and edamame

Chicken Fries or Chicken Wraps with homemade fries

Last week went mostly according to plan. On Monday, we did Pasta with sliced sausage, fried zucchini and garlic bread. I was going to do a different sauce and planned on a different floured zucchini to go with the pasta but the breaded zucchini and it was amazing!  On Tuesday, had Simple Fried Rice with pea and pan fried dumplings and edamame.  On Wednesday, we had Grilled Worchestershire Chicken with white rice and corn on the cob.  Having the corn on the cob has been amazing and my favorite part of summer!  Thursday was pizza night and I set an alarm on my phone to make the pizza dough which was my son's advice so that I didn't mess up pizza night again.  We really needed to eat leftovers one night because my husband has been going to work and not eating any leftovers for lunches which has really made a back up on the leftover situation. I was thinking about changing Friday's meal which I did. I had a lot of the things in the fridge for chicken enchiladas so I decided to make them for Saturday.  Sunday we had my son's favorite meal of Chicken Fries for him and Chicken Wraps for us with homemade fries and corn on the cob. 

I can't believe how quickly the weeks go by but we have a bunch of meals and I have done okay for getting the things that we needed.  I did forget to write pineapple on my list to get at the store.  I have been enjoying them on the grill with chicken meals but I am the only one that likes them.  I realized that I have some frozen pineapple so I will be putting them on the grill Tuesday.  Hoping that I will be ready for less shopping trips in the coming months but only time will tell.  How have you been doing with your shopping and all this time at home?