Week two of grocery shopping ensued this morning after church. While I would love to say I particularly enjoyed battling the shopping aisles with a bunch of crazed Superbowl fans, I can tell you that didn’t happen. Whatever the case may be, it seems as if Chicago isn’t quite as hyped up about the Superbowl this year. It’s not that we’re bitter or anything, it’s just that we don’t like the Packers. I suppose I’m just speaking for myself.
If you remember from week one of grocery shopping, I went over my budget and spent $73.99. I have to prove to you right now that I do NOT overbuy.. at all. In fact, I have heard many times from the Husband this week about how this “grocery budget crunch” is cramping his style. I suppose that would be true, as I have not been spending my personal spending money on his weekly treats. C’est la vie.
Exhibit A:
Exhibit B:
We were pretty much down to the wire on food around here — which makes me think that $73.99 just got us through the week. ::sigh::
So, off I went to only three stores today — which was much better than the five I went to last week. This week I went to:
- Jewel
- Aldi
- Trader Joe’s
Below is proof to all that Charlie has self control when it comes to groceries — now we just have to work on those socks.
If you’re cringing because you see more Captain Crunch, you’ll need to just get over it. I can only fight so many battles.
From Jewel, I bought the following:
8 items: $17.32
Savings: $7.00
I made a mistake an grabbed the wrong brand of cereals I had a coupon for. Fortunately, Quaker cereals were on sale 2/$5.00 so it wasn’t that big of a deal. I also got two loaves of bread because they were buy one get one free.
Next up, Aldi:
8 items = $9.49
Savings: $0.00
I’ve recently begun to love Aldi a little bit. If you’re not completely tied to organic produce (I buy mostly organic, but I have some wiggle room), their produce is amazing. One wouldn’t think they would be able to find great produce there, but I am never disappointed.
Last, but certainly not least: Trader Joe’s:
25 items = $43.81
Savings = $0.00
Clearly I do the bulk of my shopping at Trader Joe’s. It stinks because they don’t offer coupons, but their prices are so reasonable for organic items, you really can’t go wrong. This week the bill was higher because I bought items such as sugar and ground beef (clearly not for me). For the amount of food I got, I’d say that was a pretty good deal.
Charlie “stayed” for the entire time. He always looks pretty pathetic towards the end. He refuses to lay down (read: stubborn) but his head goes waaay down in between his front legs because he’s tired of sitting. It’s always a sight to see.
If you already haven’t added everything up in your head, it’s time to pull out the receipts.
Total: $70.62
UGGGGH! If you go back and look through the groceries, I only bought what we need for the week. It’s frustrating to me that I cannot stay on budget. The Husband told me I should just take more money for the month, but I’m bound and determined (read: stubborn) to make this work! $250/month should be easy for two people, right? Apparently not. I’ve already spent $145 and it’s only February 6.
Insert panic here.
Question: What was your “must buy” of the week at the grocery store?
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