Contrary to popular belief, some Chicagoans actually do make a game plan. Said people usually don’t wear face paint, helmets, or protective padding. Yes ladies and gentlemen, I am referring to the Bears. If only they wrote in their plans to give it their all for the first 3.5 quarters of the Playoff Championship, we might be going to the Super bowl in two weeks. Instead, I will be cheering for whoever wins the other game tonight — because let’s face it, cheering for the Packers is not part of my game plan, and it might be against my religion (just ask my pastor).
I do make game plans though — I am planner beyond belief. If I could plan out my life for the next 5-10 years, I certainly would, much to the Husband’s dismay. He constantly reminds me I cannot run my life like I run my classroom, which of course always puts me back with a smile on my face (::insert sarcasm here::). Therefore, whatever I can plan, I will plan — which is why I came up with a grocery game plan after last night’s post. By the way, thank you ALL for so much great advice — I didn’t think it would be that hot of a topic!
Grocery Game Plan:
1. Only bring $65 out shopping each week — I think this will help me to more closely monitor what I really need for the week and what we could do without.
2. Coupons, coupons, coupons! — I already use coupons on some products, but I think I could get better. I love doubling manufacturer’s coupons with store coupons on top of sales. That is such a great feeling. Of course, many of the products I buy don’t require coupons as they are unprocessed products, but for some of the Husband’s items, I think I could get away from it.
3. Keep track of our spending with all food purchases for the month of February — that means food with our personal money as well. I want to get an accurate picture of the amount we spend each week.
4. Grocery Store Posts — for the month of February, I want to feature my trips for the grocery store(s) including what I bought for the week and how much I spent. I can go to 3-4 stores in a weekend to get the best deal, and I want to see how I do.
5. Don’t be afraid to take offered food from the Madre — today I came home with two red peppers, two pears, baby carrots, and broccoli from our Bears Game funeral party.
I am bound and determined to stay frugal (read: cheap) and get the best possible quality of food out there. We will see how it goes!
Game Day Food Game Plan
I was in charge of bringing something for my mom and me to eat when we went over for the game earlier today. I racked my brain trying to think of what to bring, but then I decided my game plan should be to keep it simple. I always try to outdo myself and rarely repeat recipes (it’s sad…), but I knew with the amount of appetizers we would eat, we would barely be hungry. I was right. I think I ate my weight in guacamole and Crunchmaster crackers (because they’re back at Costco!), and veggies and hummus. No regrets there!
In lieu of a difficult recipe, I whipped up some English muffins earlier this afternoon and used them as the buns for our sandwiches. Then I combined the following:
- chopped baby bella mushrooms
- diced 1/4 yellow onion
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
- marinade of: balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and spices (pepper, garlic, basil, oregano, chili powder, and red pepper flakes)
I sautéed all of those ingredients after marinating for 2 hours. Then I topped my sandwich with roasted red pepper strips and hummus.
It’s a shame such a pretty sandwich had to be captured on my point and shoot — I can definitely tell the difference in the quality of pictures.
Reader Interest Game Plan
You didn’t think I’d leave you out, did you? You are all very lucky individuals because while at the parental headquarters, I was able to snap a picture of a very desired Clean Eating Chelsey photo.
I wasn’t lying about that church fashion show — that wasn’t in the game plan.
Question: Are you a planner or a spontaneous person?
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