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Do I spend less when I shop less?

What I Spent

A reader last week asked if I tend to spend more when I make multiple stops vs. just a few stops.

I did less shopping this week, so let’s see!

My Hungry Harvest box ($25) stops right at my house.

I spent $40 at the grocery store where Lisey works.

And I spent $71 at Aldi.

That brings my total to $127.05.

Last week, I made multiple stops and spent $26 more. But I think that has more to do with the fact that I bought three big bags of shrimp than with me making multiple stops.

Because I’m not a big impulse shopper, I think my spending seems to stay relatively consistent whether I make 2 stops or 10.

But, if impulse shopping is tempting for you, then by all means, stick to as few stops as possible!

What We Ate

Monday

I made a chicken BLT salad, which we ate with sliced apples and toasted bread (which I pulled out of the freezer).

Tuesday

It was Halloween night, so we were here, there, and everywhere. The girls all ate at friends’ houses, Joshua was at work, and I just grabbed some sloppy joe filling out of the freezer for Mr. FG and me and we put it on some buns.

Wednesday

I tried a new recipe from my ATK quick cookbook for a Cajun corn chowder. This was quick and easy, and it was also just kind of ok.

It fed us, and I’m eating the leftovers as I type this post, but I don’t know that I’d make it again.

But that’s ok.   Not every recipe is going to be our favorite!

Thursday

I was feeling pretty unmotivated, so I made breakfast for dinner: local sausage, plus buttermilk waffles topped with whipped cream and berries.

Breakfast for dinner isn’t zero work, but for some reason, it feels way more manageable than a regular dinner. I think it’s a mental thing for me.

Friday

The small pizza thing I did last week worked out pretty well, so I think I might do that again.

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Leslie

Monday 6th of November 2017

I also made the Cajun corn chowder for the first time on Halloween night. We also found it just ok. The flavors for sure were better then next day, but still only meh. I got lucky and my parents came for a visit this weekend so my dad was happy to eat up the leftovers I had stashed in the freezer. Otherwise I'm afraid it would have been a food waste at our house.

I love reading everyone's comments! Y'all have made my meal planning for this upcoming week so much easier now. Thanks for all of the great ideas!

Cindy

Sunday 5th of November 2017

I decide what the menu will be for the week and try to stick to one shopping day per week. This week I had a $25 gift card to spend at Aldi's.

Monday- Spaghetti and meatballs, lettuce salad, garlic bread and brownies.

Tuesday- Cod, sweet potato fries, corn

Wednesday- Grilled cheese sandwiches, fruit

Thursday- Veggie pizza: broccoli, cheese, onions, green peppers, and corn

Friday- Salmon, garlic toast, mixed veggies, lettuce salad

BooksNCooks

Saturday 4th of November 2017

I'm at a point now where I try to only go shopping once per week if I can. I've been going over budget on groceries, and I figure if I stay out of the store, I won't buy extra stuff we don't need. My husband picks things up as needed between my weekly trips--he's better than I am at staying on list!

Saturday--grilled ginger turkey tenderloins, garlic roasted potatoes, peas and carrots Sunday--slowcooker sesame chicken (from budgetbytes), rice, steamed broccoli Monday--turkey brats, baby carrots, apple slices/banana Tuesday--tacos Wednesday--hot dogs, fries/sweet potato fries, apple slices Thursday--cheesy taco soup, corn chips Friday--salmon, creamy garlic shells, carrots

Petey

Friday 3rd of November 2017

A usual week here...long days away from home ...but applauding myself for my efficiency ...enough left over for lunches for both of us almost everyday! And no eating out!

Monday: Grilled Hot Dogs ..a little chilly for grilling for some..as a Midwesterner..meh..its just fine!

Tuesday: Chili with ground turkey and fire grilled veggies

Wednesday: Chicken Thighs & Buttered Steamed Broccoli

Thursday: Mushrooms Steak &Green Beans

Friday: Snack Night...kinda ...pretty much leftover whatever...cheeses,crackers, veggies... along with a few tortilla chips at the bottom of the bag....tasty, sustaining ..and .... beats tossing all the 'last ofs"..

And...we received a giftcard from a local restaurant for our anniversay ..sooo.... no dinner out cost tomorrow ..

Happy Weekend!

Deidre

Friday 3rd of November 2017

If I do more shops it usually means I haven't planned well or I forgot things. I don't always buy more that way but it uses up more petrol and time. Some things don't last that long anymore but i try to coordinate those supermarket trips so their on my way home from somewhere else though I 'm not always successful.

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