Month: May 2020

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Grocery shopping is usually a chore that many of us don’t enjoy. Between trying to figure out what to put on the shopping list, deciding on the best time to do the shopping, and taking the time to walk the aisles of the store and standing in line to check out. Ugh who enjoys that?

Additionally, some people will do the shopping at many different stores so they can get deals on certain products. I used to clip coupons then spend even more time of the aisle trying to match the product to the coupon. I did save some money couponing and shopping around at different stores, but I used a lot of my valuable time shopping in this manner.

A few years ago we had our kitchen remodeled and our front yard landscaped at the same time. Will never do that again, but really loving the final products. Going out to the grocery store and lugging items around different construction crews made it next to impossible. On top of that I couldn’t leave the house when I had work crews. So I needed to find a different way to get my shopping done. My local grocery store had been advertising their new delivery system and I gave it a try. I talked about saving money by online shopping in my last article, but want to share my thoughts on online shopping. Below are a few of my pros and cons of grocery shopping online

PROS

1. I can shop when it is convenient for me. Often times I would shop over multiple days as I meal planned or waited for my kids or husband to get home so they could tell me what they needed
2. Comparing products was easier. It is much easier to sit on my couch read labels and compare price per unit, then block the aisles of the store.
3. Not tempted by impulse purchases. While online shopping does provide suggestions for other products you can click away and ignore. If the store offers samples you are not smelling and tasting on every aisle.
4. Stick to the shopping list. I mention in a previous article that I meal plan and shop my own kitchen first before adding an item to my list. Once I do have my list it is easy to type in the product and I’m right at the item that I want to purchase, instead of walking up and down the store.
5. Best of all the groceries are delivered right to my door. All I have to do is put the things away. Some people may want to do curbside pickup and that’s great too as the store puts the items in the car and away you go.
6. You can do shopping at more than one store without driving all over town. I have groceries delivered from the grocery store, Costco and Amazon all without leaving my home.
7. You don’t have to take the kids or your significant other to the store. Having other people in tow while shopping can add to your bill, leaving them at home can save you money.

Pro and con

This one needed it’s own category.

1. You can use Apps that give cash back such as Rakuten when shopping online. I get a rebate for purchases made online. You can join using my friend referral. The con is that using Apps that require scans in store or walk-in you will not earn points. I use Shopkick while I’m in stores to earn points towards gift cards.

Cons

1. You may find items in the store are less expensive then on-line. Stores even have in store only coupons. My store actually has a rewards card that gets me discounts on items online too, but not every store has this. Check your store to see if they have an App that provides coupons or discounts
2. You are not selecting your own fruits and vegetables. You are at the mercy of the pickers. I have had produce with the sell by day as the day the order was delivered. This isn’t a problem if you are using the items right away, but if you expect the fruit to last until the end of the week it may not work.
3. Items sell out. Something you ordered may be gone when the picker fills the order. When you are in the store you can make a choice on a comparable item. The store I shop at does have an option to let them know if it is okay to substitute an item. I have food allergies and this one has backfired on me as the substitution had an ingredient I cannot eat.
4. There maybe additional fees for online orders. Some stores charge fees for delivery and surcharges, these fees can cut into any savings.
5. If you don’t like meal planning and enjoy shopping for whatever looks good. Shopping online requires planning.

What do you think about grocery shopping online, share your pros and cons.

Most of us want to save money when we grocery shop and we have probably read many articles on how to save money. Don’t shop hungry, shop around, meal plan, buy in bulk, etc. Some of these tricks may work but most don’t or are just unrealistic. I have found the following 15 helpful tips work best for me to spend less money on grocery shopping.

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Meal Plan:

Before I even think about going shopping I decide if I am shopping for 1 or 2 weeks worth of meals. Then I plan every meal and snack for myself (I have special diet requirements then the rest of my family). After I meal plan I write down every ingredient I need for my meals.

Once I have my list, I shop my pantry and kitchen first so I don’t over buy anything.

Budget/use cash:

I shop online for my groceries (I’ll talk about this more later), so I budget my groceries for the month and when the money is gone it’s gone. You really have to focus on the best buys and using all resources available. I have never run out of food so it works.

Sign-Up for cash back or Shopping Apps:

There are many apps available for earning rebates. I use Rakuten, follow my refer a friend link to set up your own account. Other apps include Ibotta, Checkout51, Fetch rewards, and Shopkicks to name a few. Your local store may also have a reward system. Rebates aren’t like coupons you don’t save up front on items, but the savings can add up.

I signed up for Rakuten in 2016 and have earned over $600, I could earn more if I pay attention to their hot deals, but for now I just earn on things I already buy.

Buy in Bulk:

This one is a little tricky, as you have to be able to use the products. Not every bulk item will save you money.  You need to compare the unit prices to determine if there is a true savings. Buying perishables in bulk only works if you can use the product before the spoil.

Shop farmer’s markets or subscription services:

Farmer’s markets are my favorite place for fresh fruits and vegetables that I can’t necessarily find at the grocery stores. I am also lucky to have a family run farmer’s stand right down the street. The family grows their own, so I know it is good quality. Additionally, I subscribe to fruit and vegetable box service that delivers to my door every other week. This isn’t always the least expensive option, but again I know the food is coming directly from the farm to my home. Check out what you have available in your area.

Shop online:

This was a game changer for me. I have always shopped at stores directly, until I was having my front yard landscaped and my kitchen remodeled at the same time. It was impossible to leave the house to spend hours shopping then unloading while avoiding workers. Our local Safeway offered grocery delivery and many discount codes for delivery (I never paid delivery fees and often times saved money on purchases too). I now have a subscription so I don’t pay any fees and only a small up front cost. Shopping on line has saved me money, as I am not tempted by impulse purchases. There are drawbacks though. I am at the mercy of the picker for meats and vegetables and if an item becomes unavailable I can’t readjust. Overall though I have been pleased with the service.

Additionally I shop through Amazon and Costco. Costco is a big one as my husband shops there on his way home from work and he buys whatever catches his eye and doesn’t keep to any budget, which drives me crazy. Now that I have him shopping online I can watch what he is purchasing and have a say in what he buys. He is a junk food junkie and never really buys anything that is healthy. I indulge him a bit though.

Grow your own:

If you have the space and a green thumb you can start your own vegetable garden. Watch for my series coming soon on starting my garden. Gardening may have more upfront cost purchasing planters, soil and plants, but you will reap the rewards when the crops come in.

Don’t waste food:

You have planned your meals, purchased just what you needed, and then you let it spoil that doesn’t save any money. If you buy more than you need because it is on sale then it is not a deal. I have done this way too many times and I am working on no waste kitchen.

Monitor the over spender:

My husband is a binge shopper, but you may have kids that you shop with and a few of their I want this or that purchases can really add up. Leave the husband and kids at home when you go to the store. Make sure to get some input from them on what they want and need, but you can control the purchases.

Go Meatless:

Plan a few meatless meals. You don’t need to become a vegetarian unless you want to, but there are some very good recipes that don’t involve meat. My favorite is zucchini lasagna.

Don’t want to go vegetarian, but meat is expensive watch for sales. If you have a freezer stock up during sales (just make sure to use it before it expires) and store it away.

Avoid convenience and processed foods:

Pre-packaged fruit slices and cracker and meat packages cost more then whole fruit and deli meat and cheeses. Yes it may take a little bit of time to put it together, but you will save in the long run.

For me avoiding processed foods is a must, very rarely do I select a frozen meal, boxed or canned foods. Of course there are some exceptions, but for the most part I avoid the center aisles and opt for frozen fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and rice. I also have select canned food items that I purchase.

Store, can and preserve:

With an overabundance in your garden you will want to save the food for later. Learning how to can and preserve will save you money on jams, preserves and sauces. Yes you maybe spending time in the kitchen preparing sauces, but you will have homemade sauces all year long. I love making strawberry jam with strawberries from the farmer’s market or my garden. I will be trying pickles very soon.

Organize your kitchen:

I talked about stocking your pantry during a crisis, but being organized all the time makes it easier to tell what is in your kitchen and needs to be used.

Purchase non-food item at other stores:

Toilet paper, paper towels and toiletries are usually more expensive at the grocery stores. Check around to make sure you are getting the best deals. Discount stores usually have a wide variety of items at reduced prices. Consider buying toilet paper, paper towels and soaps in bulk.

Do you have any other tips for saving at the grocery store? Share them below.

I have this wonderful cookbook that was my grandmother’s. The Lily Wallace New American Cook Book dated 1949. This is a book my grandmother used all the time and I continue to use today. Not sure when the last time this book was printed I found very limited information about the author Lily Haxworth Wallace. I like the mystery behind this.

One of the reasons I enjoy the cookbook so much is the simplicity of the recipes. These are true homemade recipes. The best part though is at the back of the book where there are meal plans based on income for example a plan for a “Minimum-Cost Adequate Diet ($1000 to $2000 annual Income)”.

Can you image feeding a family of four for only $9.15 a week (based on 1941 average city prices)? I thought it would be fun to take a menu for a day and compare the prices.

For this comparison I did my shopping at my local Safeway store.

Shopping today

Breakfast

Sliced oranges (adults) $.68

Orange or tomato juice (young children) $.32 for 1 cup

Hot Whole-Wheat cereal (Rolled oats and water) I used Quaker Oats Whole grain oats for this comparison $4.99 per ounce

Toast (cookbook calls for day old bread from a bakery) Bakery loaf Whole grain $4.99

Marmalade $.28 per ounce

Milk (Children) $.24 per cup

Coffee (adults) $2.64 per cup

Lunch

Boiled beans (black, kidney, lima, pea, soy, and yellow eye can be used) I priced Kidney beans $.17 per ounce

Poached egg (young children) $2.39 per dozen ($.20 per egg)

Bread and butter (using remaining bread from breakfast) Butter $.24 per ounce

Stewed Prunes I couldn’t find plums so opted for prepared prunes $.22 per ounce

Milk (Children) $.24 per cup

Coffee (Adults) $2.64

Dinner

Meat Loaf

3lbs ground beef $11.97

Eggs $.40       

Salt $.06 per ounce

Pepper $1.33 per ounce

Onion $1.87

Bread crumbs $2.99

Milk $.24

Tomato catchup (love how this is spelled in the book) $1.99

Worcestershire sauce $.60 per ounce

Scalloped Potatoes (yellow potato and butter) $1.19 and $.24 per ounce

Buttered beets with beet tops $3.49 for 3, butter $.24 per ounce

Bread and butter – finish bread loaf from breakfast and $.24 per ounce

Hot gingerbread

            Cake flour $4.49

Baking powder $1.89

Baking soda $1.49

Ginger $3.12 per ounce

Cinnamon $1.68 per ounce

Salt $.06 per ounce

Shortening $.16 per ounce

Sugar $.06 per ounce

Egg $.20

Molasses $.37 per ounce

Buttermilk $.06 per ounce

Milk (children) $.24 per cup

Coffee $2.64

I’m not sure I could eat this amount of food in a day or even want to spend this much time in the kitchen cooking all this food, and I love to cook.

Breaking down the cost

Since this meal plan feeds 4 people I am assuming 2 adults and 2 children when calculating

Breakfast costs about $20.52

Lunch costs about $14.36

Dinner costs about $36.62 (most people will already have the spices in the kitchen, but I add this cost in)

Food for the day $ 71.50

This is only one day’s meal and it far exceeds the $9.16 per week.

I may try out a meal plan in the future, let me know if you would like to see a post with the meals. This has been a fun comparison. Do you have a favorite old cookbook that you still use today? Share below

Do you have the right foods in your pantry to support your healthy lifestyle? In a prior post I discussed stocking your pantry in times of crisis read it here. Now I’m going to tell you how I stock a healthy kitchen to support clean eating.

Eating healthy isn’t always the easiest thing to do. There are so many diet options available. Each one claiming that they are the end all to be all for diets. I am not into the trend of the week diets. I need a diet that supports my blood levels for cholesterol and glucose.

If you are like me you probably have researched diets, started and stopped plans and bought many books. I did find great recipes to try though. But the plans never seemed to work fully and certain food allergies made it difficult to follow a plan as intended.

In researching all these different diet approaches the one common thread is having the right food in the house is important for healthy eating.

By having healthy choices in your house helps with preparing meals and avoiding snacking on junk food.

Depending on your dietary needs your food list may vary some. Below you will find food items I keep in my pantry.

What’s in the refrigerator?

Fruits*                                                           Vegetables

Apples	Broccoli
Berries	Celery
Grapes	Dark Leafy greens
Oranges	Squash
Melons	Tomato
Strawberries	Cucumber
Peaches	Zucchini
Pears	Garlic

*Watch the sugar on some fruits

Your vegetable drawer may also include peppers, onions, cauliflower, eggplant, etc. I can’t eat these due to allergies

Dairy                                                             Meat

Low-fat Milk, buttermilk, creamers	Lean Beef
Reduced fat cheese	Chicken and turkey skinless breast and tenders
Cottage cheese, ricotta cheese	Ground turkey
Sour Cream	Fish (I’m not much into fish, but my doctor said to look for Omega-3 rich fish)
Yogurt	Pork tenderloin (fat removed)
Eggs
Soy or Almond milk

When choosing non-fat or Low-fat products make sure to look at the sugar content.

Some additional choices for meat substitute are tofu and tempeh. There are probably many more I’m missing.

Freezer

 I have many frozen fruits and vegetables in my freezer, as these are great alternatives for out of season produce

In the Pantry cabinet

I prepare most of my foods so I don’t have as many canned products in my cupboard. The cupboard full though:

*Beans: both bagged and canned. For canned beans I look for the low sodium options such as black bean, kidney, navy, cannellini, pinto, etc.

*Barley

*Reduced sodium bone broth (chicken, beef and vegetable) – I’m allergic to onions so I usually make my own if I can’t find an organic brand without onions.

*Whole grain cereals

*Cornmeal

*Flaxseed

* Flour (Whole-Wheat, Rice, almond)

*Couscous, Quinoa, oat bran,

*Rolled oats

*Low-fat or fat free tomato sauce

*Whole grain pasta – I avoid any enriched flour pasta

*Rice: Brown or wild

*Canned tomatoes and tomato paste – reduced sodium

*Non-fat or vegetarian refried beans

*Canned fruit – make sure to avoid any packed in syrup

Condiments

I avoid high sodium products and shop for low-sodium options

*Ketchup

*BBQ Sauce

*Mayonnaise

*Mustard

*Soy Sauce

*Vinegars

*Pickles

Fats and cooking oils

This is the hardest area to know what is healthy and which are not; there are so many opinions on what is healthy. Here are some that I use in my kitchen

*Trans fat-free margarine (I prefer a yogurt based spread that has no trans-fat)

*Nonfat cooking sprays

*Olive or canola oils, I also use non-GMO vegetable oils

*Applesauce or yogurt instead of using oils for baking

*Reduced fat salad dressings

Snacks

*Nuts (almond, walnuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds)

*Whole grain breads (tortilla, pita, English muffins)

*Whole grain, trans-fat free crackers

*Popcorn or brown rice crackers

*Whole grain pretzels, baked tortilla chips

*Dark chocolate

Spices/Herbs

I use just about every spice but I avoid salt and of course onion based spices.

When I can I use fresh herbs

If you have a green thumb you can grow your own herbs or buy fresh herbs at the farmer’s market. I will be doing a series on growing your own herbs soon so keep an eye out.

Sweeteners

Avoiding sugars is always preferred but if you have a sweet tooth like me there are some other options. I also avoid any sugar substitutes that are mostly chemical derived.

Brown rice syrup for baking

Honey (in moderation there is a lot of natural sugar in honey)

Pure maple syrup

I avoid processed food as much as possible and read labels closely. Look for items with five or fewer ingredients. The ingredients must all be real foods.

Share some of your pantry staples below. I always like to hear what other people find useful.