Improving My Domesticity

Earlier this week, I read a post about grocery shopping by Danielle @ Blissful and Domestic. She goes to the store only once a month, and makes fresh produce last by freezing it in portions.

I sat down and made a list of meals we wanted to make in February, and then went to the Coupon Mom website to see what was on sale. I decided to go all out and make a trip to Food Lion, Ingles, and Harris Teeter. It was worth the trips!!! Also, HEAR YE HEAR YE!!! I DID NOT USE A SINGLE COUPON!!!!! All I did was take advantage of the items that were on sale.

My hubby hates when I go through and list everything that I got and what it cost. So I will assume you feel the same way. Let's just cover the highlights.

I spent a total of $200 and saved $100. I went shopping for the whole month of February, but because of some unexpected deals, I have enough food in my freezer for longer. We'll see how long it lasts!

My fridge, freezer, and pantry have never been so full for so little money! Because of our work schedules, it helps SO much to only shop once a month and have meals planned out ahead of time. I don't have an exact menu for every meal of every day, but I do know what I will be making for the next few days.

I know I said that I wouldn't go into detail, but I have to tell the story about my moment of elation at Harris Teeter. I began this adventure thinking that Harris Teeter was an "expensive grocery store". The deals I found online weren't the best but I did need a few of their sale items.

I walked in thinking I'd get in and get out. But when I went to the meat department, what did I see? BOGO!!! I was in shock. Many things that I normally would avoid because I couldn't afford them, suddenly became accessible. My hubby was gonna freak out!

I was proud to leave Harris Teeter having only spent $100. I walked away with the following:

2 racks of baby back ribs

2 large pot roasts

2 six-pack chicken breasts

2 two-pack cube steak

2 bags of starbucks coffee

About a weeks worth of produce

A hot wax kit and refill kit (I hate to shave!!!!!)

Plus a few other things.

I repeat: I DIDN'T USE A SINGLE COUPON!!!!!

I just used the store sales and "MVP cards" from each store to make the most of my budget. I plan on making this last for more than a month, because of the great deals I got on meat. I washed and cut fruit and produce and put it in the freezer. That way I will have produce for the whole month, without having to go back to the grocery store.

This method takes minimal preparation, only one day of shopping, and can save you lots of money! It keeps you from eating out as much, and keeps produce from going bad!

Don't forget to check out Danielle's post :)