End of November Grocery Spending and Eating Out Summary

I maintain a monthly budget of $160 for groceries and $40 for eating out to keep my total spending under $200.  I work to shop sales, use coupons and any deal to get the most groceries under my budget.  I have a lot of thing in my pantry, fridge and freezer so I am trying to make a dent in those items and not spend as much time in the grocery store this month.  I normally use the majority of the November budget for two turkeys but I already had one in the freezer so I only got one and my spending was pretty low this month.

Below are the pictures and descriptions of everything that I got with my budget this month.  The purchases at the beginning of the month are broken down here but all the pictures are shown below.

Aldi $3.32

Aldi $18.16

Shoppers $0.10

Giant $32.40

Shoppers $0

My son was in charge of picking out his special treat and paying for it and it ended up free without any tax.  He was pretty excited and the lady at the register was excited for him too!!

Aldi $4.08

I needed potatoes and I knew that they were going to be going on sale with the holidays so I asked my husband to stop and get 30 pounds because it was so heavy and my shoulder was killing me.  He got three bags and one of them had a gross potato that was yucky so I had to go back and return it and get a new one so I got $2.04 back and a free bag.  Of course, I told my husband to check each bag which he said he did but I was happy with my 30 pounds of potatoes for $4!!!

Aldi $10.81

My husband and son went to Aldi in Manassas because there were out there watching a friend play in a soccer game.  There are much cheaper prices out there but I totally forgot what I needed so they grabbed a bunch of things that we will totally use.  We were out of tortilla chips and almost out of corn shells.  The tub margarine is $1.39 close to the house and $0.85 out there so $2.70 savings with that stockup.  The Nacho chips were $0.75 so my husband grabbed those and my son told him that he wasn't allowed unless he called me to ask.  I think that was the answer my son got when he asked but it made me laugh still!!

Aldi $5.20

I went back to the store again and returned the  potatoes and got the ice cream that was requested and celery because it was on sale for $0.99 which is way cheaper then it has been.  I used all of the remaining one to make stuffing so it will come in handy for fried rice and more.

Harris Teeter $30.40

I went to the store the day before Thanksgiving.  I missed the sales for the week and it was the last day so I was a little surprised that it was like Black Friday in the busiest mall because I don't normally head to the store then.  I had to wait for another car to pull out to get a spot.  They were out of one of the sodas that I wanted but grabbed lots more of everything including the baking soda that was $0.19 each.  I was trying to put all the sodas back into the cart and packing the bags with cranberry juice but I guess the coupon didn't scan.  The cashier lady said this doubles to $1 right and I said yes.  She said how many did you get 4 and I said yes and then she put the credit on and I didn't pay attention but she gave me $4 instead of $2.  My distraction was easily seen because I left my cell phone on the thing by the cashier and the guy behind me in line had to point and tell me.  I am obviously not cut out for holiday grocery shopping!!

Aldi $3.57

I went to the store to return the turkey that we had because my husband said that it was gross and the expiration was December 24th so I brought it back and got a free replacement.  The money was then put back towards my grocery total so I didn't have to pay as much.  They have been out of Extra Sharp Cheddar so I got another block of Sharp Cheddar cheese just in case we need it because we are out of cheese.

Giant $0.10

I went to get my freebie yogurt that was loaded on my card.  They were out of the flavor that I wanted so I was thinking that I was going to head to another store but I asked and they went into the back and found it for me.  I got the Cheerios free after printable coupon and there was an additional electronic coupon that gave me $1 overage so I got a box of cake mix to make my son's birthday cupcakes.  He really likes store bought cupcakes so I try to make them for his birthday since I make everything from scratch the rest of the year.  So sad that those are his favorite!!

Shoppers $0

I got to save my freebie on Friday and got to get it today before it expired.  I figure that we will save it for a party but great for free.

Total Retail $252.07

Total Savings $143.93

Total OOP $108.14

I wasn't feeling really well this month so I didn't get to the store to get a lot of deals.  I had plenty of food in the house to work through and still came in way below budget.  We currently have a very full fridge and freezer which I am trying to work my way through things before getting more but hoping to finish lots of things before getting more deals.  Frozen food month is in March so I try, usually without a lot of luck, to empty the fridge before there are more sales.

Eating Out

We took a family trip at the beginning of the month and we bought pizza at Pizza Hut for $22.40.  We were running errands and stopped at Panera to get some treats for all of ours.  I had a gift card which paid for all of it.  We went to Pizza Hut again (my son's favorite new place) and spent $10.60.  Total spent was $33.  We only had $7 left for the month for eating out. My parents came and took us out to my son's favorite restaurant and then bought Chinese the next day.  I feel like we ate out too much this month but that might have just been me!!

A Wells Landing Christmas Book Review

I made a trip to the library and this was in the pile of Christmas books.  A Wells Landing Christmas (A Wells Landing Romance) by Amy Lillard was the one that I was most excited by.  I have read all the books on the shelf and this was one of the last on the shelf.  I was excited to read this since I enjoyed the others in the series.

As the most joyous of seasons comes to the Amish community of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, one young woman gets a chance to start again—and rediscover the gift of true love . . .

Families rejoicing together, caroling parties full of cheer, and church get-togethers brimming with delicious cooking and warm fellowship. Ivy Weaver would give anything to be a part of Christmas in Wells Landing. But one reckless mistake made her an outsider, and it's all she can do now to tend to her ailing grandfather and make a living. She sure doesn't need Zeb Brenneman returning to help after he abandoned her for no reason. He's working hard to make amends, but Ivy isn't sure there's enough faith—or still-sparking love between them—to stir her forgiveness . . .

Zeb knows leaving Ivy was the biggest mistake he's ever made. Even though she won't hear him out, he's determined to prove he's become the trustworthy, steadfast man she truly deserves. But bright new chances and surprising revelations will give him and Ivy choices they never imagined. And finding their way back to each other will be the most
challenging—and precious—Christmas gift of all . . .

Ivy Weaver is living at her family home and caring for her grandfather.  She has alienated herself from the rest of the community so she has no friends or family to help her.  She is working two jobs to take care of her grandfather because he is starting to forget things.  He has been found by a neighbor in their fields and he was a little confused on when it was.  Ivy is trying to do the best that she can and Zeb showed up.  Zeb was her love from before who left when they went through tough times.  You have to find out what happened before and what happens next.  It is heartwarming to watch the community and more coming out to help the people through the holidays.  I hope that you check out this book and the rest of the Wells Landing series.  I know that you will enjoy it as much as I have.  This book was especially filled with holiday cheer.

The Perfect Present Book Review

It is the beginning of Christmas book and movies season for me.  I am not much into the Christmas music but I love the books and movies.  The Perfect Present by Rochelle Alers was on the shelf when I went to the library.  I grabbed a whole section of books so I would get to read lots of Christmas books until the holiday.  It is another anthology of books put together.

A CHRISTMAS LAYOVER Rochelle Alers
When Navy SEAL Captain Noah Crawford and elementary school teacher Sierra Nelson meet on a plane headed east from San Diego, they’re glad to pass the time in friendly conversation. But when a freak storm grounds them, Sierra offers Noah a place to spend the night—with her extended family, all of whom assume they’re a couple. And as the holiday spirit infuses every moment they spend together, they both begin to wonder if a relationship is a special gift they didn’t expect . . .

THE CHRISTMAS LESSON Cheris Hodges
Kayla Matthews isn’t looking forward to heading home this Christmas. Divorced and struggling, nothing has turned out the way she expected—including her childhood friend, DeShawn Carter. Now the high school principal, he’s also the kind of man she’s always dreamed about. But before the holidays are over, Kayla has a chance to reclaim everything she once thought she wanted—or prove to DeShawn that they have a second chance worth celebrating . . .

CHRISTMAS WITH YOU Pamela Yaye
Celebrity stylist Maya Malone can’t find anything joyous about the season, not since her ex-fiancé left her on Christmas Eve. But one look at suave, sexy sports agent Marc Cunningham is almost enough to change her mind. Their instant attraction feels like the best sort of present, except for one very large obstacle—Maya’s NFL star big brother, Marc’s new client. It will take more than holiday spirit to convince everyone involved that Marc and Maya’s connection will make the angels sing . . .

The first book was A Christmas Layover which was about Noah Crawford and Sierra Nelson get on to a plane together.  They hit it off right away and talk for the whole flight.  When they land, Noah's plane is delayed so Sierra offers to bring him home with her.  Her family makes the assumption that they are in a relationship.  It is great to see how the pretending turns out.  The second book was Christmas Lesson with Kayla Matthews going home after getting divorced to rebuild her life.  She sees her friend DeShawn Carter.  They work on become friends again but you have to pick up the book to find out what happens between them.  The last book is Christmas With You where Maya Malone works on bringing back the Christmas spirit that she lost when her ex-finance left her.  She meets Marc who they quickly bond and start dating until they realize that Marc is Maya's brothers sports agent.  Maya's brother is very over protective and doesn't want her anyway near his little sister.  It is hard to keep them apart so you need to read it to see what happens.  She I hope that you enjoy this book with all the different stories included.  It is a collection of great stories that make the holidays come alive.  On to the next Christmas book!!

Navy Grooms: Navy Brat and Navy Woman Book Review

I got this book and it was the second anthology in the series.  Navy Grooms: An Anthology by Debbie Macomber was made up of Navy Brat and Navy Woman.    I was excited to read the third and four book in this great series to find out what what happening next.  It was another fast read that was hard to put down.

Navy Brat

Erin MacNamera has one rule: never fall for a navy man. But from the pulse-stopping moment her eyes meet Lieutenant Brandon Davis’s across a crowded lounge, Erin knows life will never be the same. Sexy, tender and strong, Brandon is all she’d ever dreamed of in a man, but he’s also navy—and as a navy brat from way back, she knows better than to give her heart to a seafaring man.

Navy Woman

Busy attorney Catherine Fredrickson loves her job at a submarine base, but her new boss, Royce Nyland, has her spirits sinking fast. The icy single dad is distant, demanding…and incredibly attractive. And though he initially keeps her at arm’s length, together they brew a stormy passion that is impossible to deny. Though the laws of the sea deem naval fraternizing strictly taboo, how long can they resist romance?

The first book was Navy Brat which had Erin MacNamera who grew up in the Navy and didn't want to ever live that life again.  Erin bought a house and tried to set down roots.  She meets Brandon Davis in a bar and they quickly hit it off until she learns that he is Navy.  She doesn't want to get involved with him but they are drawn to each other.  It is interesting to watch the journey between these two and you have to read to find out.  The second book was Navy Woman which was Catherine Fredickson who works on the Navy base and has a new boss Royce Nyland who drives her crazy.  She thinks that he is picking on her by putting her on Friday night shifts and assigning her to an additional responsibility.  It turns out that he keeps picking her because she is always on his mind.  They quickly learn this and it is against Navy rules to have a relationship.  Make sure that you pick this one up to find out what happens because I promise you will enjoy the process.  I hope that you enjoy this as much as I did!!  It was the second book in the series but third and forth book.  It was nice to get to read them and I look forward to the library getting the next book in the series.  It isn't there yet so I have to be patient and remember to keep an eye out.

Menu Plan Monday 11/26

Leftovers
Chicken Fries, Chicken Wraps with homemade french fries and tater tots
Pasta with zuchini
Pork Chops with mac and cheese
Grilled Chicken with white rice
Leftovers
Paninis and Soup


Last week was a little different with the holiday in the middle.  We had family from out of town.  We had my son's favorite meal on Monday.  Tuesday was Ground Chicken Tacos.  Wednesday we had lasagna which I pulled out of the freezer.  Thursday was Thanksgiving dinner with tons of food.  We have turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, sausage stuffing, butternut squash and apples, and two pies.  Friday we had Olive Oil Pasta with zucchini.  Saturday we went out to lunch with my parents so we were stuffed after that and did leftover for dinner.  Sunday was another day with way too much in the fridge so we decided to eat the things that we had at home until my mom declared it was Chinese food time.  I have so much in the fridge that we might be eating leftovers for days.  I have to go through and see what needs to be frozen so that I can clear out my fridge.

Here is hoping that I can get enough time to plan out next month's calendar since it is almost December already!!

Navy Brides: Navy Wife and Navy Blues Books Review

I was excited to see new books on the shelf but I realized that it was because it was too old books put into one.  It was still good because I got a chance to read them both.  Navy Brides: An Anthology by Debbie Macomber was both the Navy Wife and the Navy Blues.  I was excited to read this series and follow another great series from this author.

Navy Wife

Lindy Kyle flees to Seattle to weather a broken heart, but is unprepared for a roommate like Rush Callaghan. Strong, sensitive and sexy, the temporarily dry-docked naval officer is everything she’s ever dreamed of in a man…and in a husband. Though they are swept away on a tide of passion, Rush holds duty to his country above all else. When he has to return to service, does Lindy have the courage to be his wife?

Navy Blues

Despite her ex-husband’s stubbornness, Carol knows Lieutenant Commander Steve Kyle would be the perfect man to father the child she so desperately wants. She also realizes that the strong, honorable man will never allow his child to be raised without him. So Carol needs to seduce Steve into her bed one last time… Passion together was never the problem—it was the absences that tore them apart. Have they grown enough to risk trying again, especially when Carol’s plan seems about to work?

The first book was Navy Wife where Lindy decides that she needs to leave her life after having a broken relationship and moves to her brothers empty apartment after he ships out with the Navy.  It was funny to watch Rush show back up to the apartment and assume that she was taking advantage of Steve instead of being his sister. There is a lot of interesting ups and downs in this story which make for an interesting story.  The second book was Navy Blues where Carol is dealing with being alone at the holidays and wanting a baby.  She decides to try to get that from her ex-husband, Steve.  It is another story of interesting twists and turns that makes you rooting for what needs to happen.  I hope that you check out this new anthology of old stories that are no longer available.  I enjoyed them and went quickly on to the next.

When We Found Home Book Review

I had another book appearing on my reserve shelf so things were a little crazy with the amount of library books that I had checked out.  When We Found Home by Susan Mallery was a book that I was interested in getting started with but I was in the middle of another book when I got it.  I knew that I had to get reading but this was a little close to return date when I started.  I went to the library to ask if she could give me one extra day since I couldn't renew because there were 31 other people waiting for the book.  Silly me!!  I was there a day early so I actually finished and returned when it was originally due even though I got extra time. 

Life is meant to be savored, but that’s not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you’d rather not talk about.

Callie Smith doesn’t know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister—Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.

But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love. But love isn’t Malcolm’s strong suit…until he learns that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.

This book was about three half siblings that were trying to find their way in life when they find out about their new family.  It is great to follow each of them and see how they become family through the book.  Malcolm was the first sibling to join the family with his grandfather when his mother brought him there as a child before she died.  He took over responsibility of the family business with mail order gourmet food.  Then his grandfather found Keira who was only 12 years old and living in foster care.  He brought her out of the life that she was living and gave her hope of a new life.  It was a rough transition to the new school and new home that was much larger then she was used to.  She went through a lot of hard times and then her grandfather found another sibling and Callie moved in.  Callie was in prison and got out and had a hard time getting employment with her criminal history for a childhood mistake.  Callie moves into the large house with the rest of the family and goes to work starting in the factory.  The family bond that develops and the support that they give each other is amazing.  I hope that you check out this book too!!  I really enjoyed it and once I got into it, it was super hard to put down.