Menu Plan Monday 8/13

Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps with homemade fries
Pasta
Chicken with rice
Homemade Pizza
Salsa Sloppy Joes with mac and cheese
Chili on Fritos with cheese
Leftovers and Chopped Salad

This week we are picking out a few meals to eat and moving them around as needed as we have been doing this summer.  It is helpful because I never know what is going to go on during the day so I hope that we can get dinner on the table as quickly as we need that night.

So last week I didn't even get the menu flipped over to August so I didn't have a clue what we were having and we started the week out of town.  I was a little confused over what day it was but I went back over it with a little help from my husband and came up with what we ate last week.  I got a little better with a few things filled out for the rest of the month and took a quick inventory of the basement freezer.

Monday we went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and my cousin and Aunt paid for it with gift cards because we paid for mini golf and maze before which was way cheaper.  For dinner we made quesdillas from the leftover taco meat, white rice for my son, buffalo chicken mac and cheese and lots of leftovers.  Tuesday we had a picnic between the ropes course that the boys did and laser tag and science museum which took all day.  We also got to go to the event there where they fit my son with a new bike helmet.

Tuesday dinner was BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, and buffalo chicken pasta.  Wednesday we left to come home and had lunch in the car with a continuation of dinner in the car with a stop at Little Caesars for pizza for $5.30 and McDonald's for big soda for $2.12.

Thursday we did lots with cleaning around the house and unpacking and the boys did mini golf and the pool so dinner was late and we had some quick pasta.  Friday had my parents coming in to town and we had chicken tacos with rice and corn on the cob.  Saturday we had a birthday party so we had pizza for lunch and we made Olive Oil Pasta with zucchini and corn on the cob for dinner.

Sunday was Grilled Spedies Chicken and pineapple with white rice and salad (with the last of the corn on the cob that my parents bought).  My parents always stop at farm stands and bring lots of produce or things to use up out of their fridge when they come to visit.  It is always the challenge to find all the uses for what they bring we we enjoyed the amazing corn on the cob lots!

July End of the Month Shopping and Eating Out Totals

I have kept our family of three on a monthly budget of $160 for over 6 years.  There are some months that are a little up and some months that are little under but my yearly totals always work out to under budget.  I try to stretch the money by shopping sales and using coupons.  This month was no exception but we took vacation this month so I spent a lot less time in the grocery store.  Sometimes that works out well because I don't spend a lot money and other times it works out badly because I spend too much when I am there.  What I buy in a monthly changes based on the sales and deals that I find and I stock up on things to get everything at the lowest cost.

In more recent years, I have started tracking out eating out spending which I try to keep under $40 per month.  I track our purchases here and if our eating out spending goes too high then I try to cut back on grocery spending to make up for the difference.

Check out below what I got for the month and how much I spent on each transaction.  There is a breakdown for all of the transactions except those that I did at the beginning of the month because I broke them down here.

Harris Teeter $2.04 

Harris Teeter $0.06

Harris Teeter $0.06

Giant $0.00

Harris Teeter $18.42

Harris Teeter $0.06

Harris Teeter $4.51

Harris Teeter $0.31

Harris Teeter $1.36

Giant $6.96

Harris Teeter $0.03

I printed out coupons and had them in my folder so I was excited to find the yogurt on sale to make these free even though they weren't labeled on the shelf.

Harris Teeter $20.19

I went a little crazy on this shopping trip but I got three free yogurts which I ate already.  I grabbed bananas, lettuce and corn on the cob.  There was a deal on the bacon and I had a coupon but it rang up wrong so I ended up getting lots of money back at customer service so they ended up being $0.95 each.  I grabbed stick margarine because we were totally out.  I got all of the Quaker Big Chewy bars that they had on the shelf because they were on sale for $1.67 which is a great price.  In my biggest splurge, I bought the ice cream deal where you bought $15 of ice cream then you got $5 off.  The Ben and Jerry's was on sale in my evic for $2.97 (and my son has started a new love of them) and the Magnum bars were on sale for $3.34 and I had a $0.75 coupon to make them $1.84 (and my husband loves them).  They worked out to a super low price and a great treat for us.  I also used my catalina from my husband's Giant transaction to get an amazing total.

Giant $0.05

I got a free container of ketchup with the online coupon that I saved to my card.  The shelves were empty and there was a cardboard display that had this so I grabbed it.

Shoppers -$0.01 

I went to the store to get the freebie from last week and they were out but I got a rain check.  I went back with my rain check and my new freebie loaded to the card.  I got both and the total was $0.09 in tax so I gave the cashier a dollar bill.  He said something about how the computer wasn't working with the total and he gave me my change so I counted it in the car and he gave me 3 quarters, 2 dimes, 1 nickel and 1 penny.  I know that everyone is adding the money in their head but it was $1.01.  I think he accidentally gave me back an extra dime but I wasn't going back in the store to give him back his dime.

Aldi $7.60

I went to the store to get milk but I was a little hungry so I probably grabbed more then I needed to but all things that we need and will use.  I use the oyster crackers to make garlic Parmesan or ranch crackers for my husband's lunch or snack.  I also got more crackers for me.  We were down to our last bag of chips and I grabbed some more salsa because it is what goes with the chips.

Harris Teeter $7.74

I went to get my weekend freebie and the deal on the Always pads.  They aren't my favorite ones but you get what you get with the sales and inventory.  They were on sale for $3.99 and there was a coupon for $3/2.  There was a deal that you got $3 off if you bought 3 instantly.  I went with four items and two coupons for it was $7 out of pocket and then I turned it in for $2 rebate from Ibotta and $0.25 any item rebate and a second $2 rebate from Ibotta.

Aldi $5.31

I didn't get turkey the last time I was at Aldi because I was thinking about going to Harris Teeter to get it because my husband prefers theirs but I didn't so I stopped back by Aldi's and grabbed ice cream sandwiches because we were almost out.

Total Retail $361.65

Total Savings $286.96

Total OOP $74.69

I did kind of amazing this month with lots of things that I got but lots of savings.  I was so far under my budget that even I was amazed.  I tried to think of more things that I needed to get and the only thing that came up was more Cran Grape.  Then my husband told me where he moved the storage too without my knowledge so turned out we didn't need that either.  I turned in $22.25 in rebates so that is a huge chunk of money back on my very limited spending.  I used lots of catalinas to get away with lots less spending then normal.  

I dug through the freezer and there is lots of food in there and the pantry to get us through the rest of the summer until I can make it to the store more regularly when my son goes back to school.  As long as remember to take food out to defrost and find enough time at home for baking, I will make it through August with flying colors.

Eating Out

We were out on vacation which we try to maintain the same budget for eating out as we do every month which is $40 but we normally go over.  We spent $57.66 so just a little over.  We didn't plan on any more eating out for the month and didn't do any more.  The great thing is that  being under on my grocery budget usually makes up for the difference and that was the case this month.

Menu Plan Monday 7/30

Meal Choices

Chicken fries, Chicken Wraps and homemade fries
Spaghetti (maybe Chicken Parmesan again)
Tacos
Steak and Rice with Corn on the Cob
Leftovers
Dinner with Family
??

Last week we did homemade pizza on Monday and Chicken fries and homemade fries for my son and Chicken Wraps for us.  I don't know what was going on Wednesday but I know we probably had a gross rain storm.  We totally forgot the pot luck dinner again because I never know what day of the week it is so we had grilled chicken and white rice.

Thursday night was Easy Chicken Parmesan with spaghetti  from the chicken patties in the freezer.  It is a tasty meal and one that I normally don't make in the summer but my husband asked for chicken parm so I made the easy kind!

Friday was a day that I got to be at home so I decided to make chili (instead of tacos) because you are supposed to let that simmer all day.  I have never made chili before and I wasn't sure what to do but I cooked up over two pounds of meat and dumped a spice mix into and added a large jar of tomatoes and simmered.  I thought it needed a little more spice so I added a little bit of sriracha but probably not enough.  We had it over Fritos with melted cheese.  It was a tasty treat and I know that I will make it again soon.  I froze the second half of the batch to eat another time too!!

Saturday rolled around and I was exhausted so I was pushing for leftovers and it was the last meal on the list for the week since I messed up the pot luck.  We finished most of the food in the fridge so Sunday was missing from the plan.  I decided on chicken and rice with corn on the cob which I also forgot to make during the week.

Planning for next week and hoping that I will do better with making the food that I actually planned but I guess that is how summer goes!!

The Lucky One Book Review

I read The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks when it first came out in hard back.  I actually owned the book so when book club said that they were reading something that I owned and had, I knew that I better get my act together and read it before the meeting.  It is an easy read that goes quickly just like lots of the Nicholas Sparks books because you can't put them down.  I went back to link my reading to my previous review and saw that this book came out in 2008 and I started review books in 2011 so I knew that it wasn't going to be on my blog so I decided to review it.

In his 14th book, bestselling author Nicholas Sparks tells the unforgettable story of a man whose brushes with death lead him to the love of his life.

After U.S. Marine Logan Thibault finds a photograph of a smiling young woman buried in the dirt during his tour of duty in Iraq, he experiences a sudden streak of luck -- winning poker games and even surviving deadly combat. Only his best friend, Victor, seems to have an explanation for his good fortune: the photograph -- his lucky charm.

Back home in Colorado, Thibault can't seem to get the woman in the photograph out of his mind and he sets out on a journey across the country to find her. But Thibault is caught off guard by the strong attraction he feels for the woman he encounters in North Carolina - Elizabeth, a divorced mother -- and he keeps the story of the photo, and his luck, a secret. As he and Elizabeth embark upon a passionate love affair, his secret soon threatens to tear them apart -- destroying not only their love, but also their lives.  Filled with tender romance and terrific suspense, THE LUCKY ONE is an unforgettable story about the surprising paths our lives often take and the power of fate to guide us to true and everlasting love.

I enjoyed the book and the great characters.  It was a fast paced book that had me always wanting to read a little more and not put it down.  I read it in a few days and enjoyed getting back to a book that I hadn't read in a long time.  Thilbault is kept safe while serving in the military oversees and decides that he is going to the best when he comes back to the states.  He is being a good friend to his friend Victor by granting his dying wish.  He went on a long journey walking across the United States to find the women in the picture that Victor said was his good luck charm.  He finally found her and made a life for himself but forgot to tell her that he walked across the country to find her and she found out.  It was an interesting story and amazing to watch the way things worked out.  A great book which lead to another great movie but I don't think that I have seen the movie yet so adding it to my list.  Hoping to see it soon!!

Minding the Light Book Review

I read the first book in the series and was excited to see that there were already two more books underway.  Minding the Light (Nantucket Legacy) by Suzanne Woods Fisher was the second book in the series and doesn't let down continuing with a different family member and following the journal through how it saves the next generation and enjoying the history of Nantucket while reading it.

Six long years ago, Captain Reynolds Macy sailed away from his bride, looking forward to the day when he would return to Nantucket Island with a ship's hold full of whale oil. But when that momentous day finally arrives, Ren soon discovers that everything has changed in his absence. Everything. "Is nothing on this island as it appears to be?" he whispers in despair.

Unlike most islanders, bold and spirited Daphne Coffin doesn't defer to Ren as an authoritative whalemaster, but sees through his aloofness to the aching heart beneath. She encourages him to return to his Quaker roots and "mind the Light," finding solace in God and community. As Ren becomes the man she believes him to be--honorable, wise, faithful--she finds herself falling in love with him.

But how can she, when her heart is spoken for? Tristram Macy is Ren's business partner, cousin, and best friend--and Daphne's fiancé. Love always comes at a cost, but when is the price too high?
Suzanne Woods Fisher welcomes readers back to the Quaker community on Nantucket Island for this riveting love story, full of unexpected moments.

I wasn't sure when I read the first book in the series if I was going to be interested in this historical fiction book but I was hooked.  I am not really big on the historical books because they are often hard to get through and not quick reads.  This book is totally different because it is a great story with lots of amazing characters.  I was really looking forward to finding out what is going to happen with the boat coming back after 6 years.  Ren found out that he has two children and quickly lost his wife after arriving home.  It was a crazy journey to find out all that happens in this book but I promise you will like the trip and be totally captivated with the story.  I hope that you enjoyed this book and the rest of the series as much as I did!!  

The Quilting Circle Book Review

I reserved a bunch more books at the library because things were coming in every day on my reserve shelf.  This book was another surprise that I reserved a long time ago.  I read other things by the author so I grabbed the chance at reading this new release book.  The Quilting Circle (A Wells Landing Romance) by Amy Lillard was three books in one and I was excited to find out what it was about and start reading!  I got the chance to take it on vacation with me and start the book while at the beach.

United by faith, and bonded by their quilting circle, the Amish women of Wells Landing, Oklahoma, are there for one another through all life’s joys and challenges . . .

MORE THAN FRIENDSHIP
Youngest quilter Clara Rose Yutzy is planning her wedding to her longtime beau—which is why she resolutely ignores newly warm feelings for her best friend, Obidiah. But Obie is certain God intends them to be together. With the Lord’s help, he’ll prove to Clara Rose how much he loves her . . .

MORE THAN A PROMISE
Mariana Miller prayed for a child throughout fifteen years of marriage. But now, newly widowed, Mariana discovers she’s pregnant—with twins! She’s more grateful than ever for her caring community—especially Reuben Weisel, her late husband’s business partner and best friend. Reuben’s quiet strength comforts her—until he proposes marriage . . .

MORE THAN A MARRIAGE
Tess Smiley is new to Wells Landing and newly married. But her marriage isn’t the harmonious union she envisioned. Tess loves Jacob with all her heart, but her heart tells her she must take a stand—and ask for support. Only then does Jacob see how he has hurt her. But is he too late? . . .

I hope that you check out this book of short stories and enjoy it for yourself.  I have enjoyed lots of the books in the small town with the wonderful characters and this was a great book to read.  I started it on vacation and got very little reading done so I finished it quickly at home.  It is a fast read with the three stories in one book.  It makes you want to flip to the next story right after finishing the last one.  The first story is about Clara Rose who is going to marry her longtime boyfriend in just a few weeks when her male best friend declares that she shouldn't but doesn't tell her why.  It is interesting to watch the upheaval that this brings to her life and how she works out what is best for her.  The second story is about Mariana who is widowed and pregnant with her first child after waiting through her 15 years of marriage for just this gift, she is questioning how she is going to do it on her own.  It is amazing to see the town come together to help her and the friends that change quickly to step up to helping her especially after she was put on bed rest so planning for the future is made even harder.  The third story is about Tess who is new to Wells Landing because she moved shortly after marrying her husband Jacob to the town where his family lives.  She misses her family and feels even farther away from her husband with all his long hours working and no family around to support her.  It is amazing what happens and how all the stories tie together when Clara Rose steps in to help repair their broken marriage.  The stories are all centered around the small town of Wells Landing but each book focuses on another character.  I hope that you enjoy it as much as I did!!!

Menu Plan Monday 7/23

Meal Choices

Homemade Pizza
Chicken fries, Chicken Nuggets and homemade fries
Pot Luck Dinner
Chicken Parmesan with Spaghetti
Tacos
Chicken and Rice
Leftovers or Grilling


Last week we went with Chicken fries, Chicken Nuggets and Fries on Monday.  Tuesday was Homemade Pizza night.  Wednesday we had plans and then a friend told us about the event that I forgot about so we went there and my son ate before leaving and played the whole time with the bounce house and water slide.  Thursday was Grilled Chicken with white rice.  Friday was pasta with zucchini.  Saturday we had a birthday party for lunch which we had planned to leftovers for dinner but the party was postponed but we ended up having leftovers anyway.  Sunday was a slow day but we had a yummy dinner at the end of the day with Chicken fries, Chicken Nuggets and Mac and cheese to make sure that my son ate enough food.

I was hoping that I would have a better clue with this week but it is up in the air too!!  Hoping that we have enough planned this week to enjoy a tasty meal every night without scrambling!