grocery shopping blues: week 1

The Husband and I recently hit a milestone in our marriage. It was big – it was huge. I wasn’t planning on advancing our marriage quite in this manner until we had kids, and I really needed him.

Up until yesterday, we had never gone grocery shopping before. Mainly it was my doing – he likes to use the cart like a two wheel bike, throw sugar-laden products into the cart, and drive me crazy by getting lost within five minutes. Let me just tell you up front that telling your Husband to “be quiet and hold onto the cart” doesn’t work out so well. Not that I would know or anything…

But, believe it or not, we actually had time between church and our family party to go to 4 out of the 5 stores I needed to shop at for our weekly groceries. He had no idea how much actually went into grocery shopping – the coupon cutting, the meal planning, the deal scouting. He actually told me it was “not as easy as he thought it was”. I’m telling you ladies – you want your husband to appreciate you? Take him grocery shopping.

I’m apologizing in advance for the horribly yellow toned pictures I am about to show you. It was late, I was hungry, and well, my walls are green so it happens.

Week One Loot:

Half of the groceries:

Please don’t judge me on letting the Husband buy Captain Crunch. He originally threw Cocoa Crispies into the cart, and I yelled at him. I think my exact words were: “I don’t work this hard to save us money on groceries so you can throw it away on crap like this!” We compromised on Captain Crunch.. if that even is a compromise.

Some more food to last us through the week:

This afternoon after school I went to the last store on my list, and it was crazy. I am so glad I didn’t wait until today to do the rest of my shopping as everyone seemed to be out today getting last minute items before the blizzard (!!!!!) hits Chicago tomorrow.

Are you ready for the verdict? Did I meet my goal?

I’ll tell you right off the bat that I did not make my goal. I’ll explain more in just a minute.

Store #1: 14 items at Trader Joe’s for $28.04

Store #2: 9 items at Jewel Osco for $18.67

Look at those savings – $15.75!!

Store #3: 4 items at Dominick’s for $8.94

With a savings of $3.34

Store #4: 7 items at ALDI for $14.99

Store #5: 2 items at Wal-Mart for $3.35

With a savings of $0.50.

Week 1 Stats:

Spent: $73.99

Saved:  $19.63

You’re probably wondering how I was able to spend more than $65 when I clearly said in the plan I was only taking $65 with me to the store. I start off the month with hundred dollar bills, so that was not feasible. I also knew I would more than likely spend more the first week. This is a step in the right direction for me though, as I usually tend to spend more towards $100 on the first week because we need so many items.

I also bought some items we only buy once a month or bi-weekly: saltine crackers, a 5 pound bag of potatoes, a 5 pound bag of onions, pasta, ketchup (who are we kidding? – I buy one a week), gluten free flour, eggs, creamer, raisins, and salad dressing. All of these items will last us a few weeks, so I know our grocery bill next week will even out.

I am almost positive next week I will only spend in between $40-50, which would even out the score for my grocery challenge for the month of February.

My plea? Don’t lose hope on me yet. I know I can make it out of the month without spending more than $250.

Are you wondering what the next milestone in our marriage will be? We’re going to get manicures together – you know manly men do that these days. Clear coat only please.

Question: How did I do?

Tagged as: coupon clipping, grocery budget, grocery shopping, grocery shopping blues, saving money