Frugality 101

Today I grocery shopped.You know,the kind you do about every 3 months because you can no longer construct a make shift casserole out of what food is left in the house. I did some meal planning and wrote a list. My goal was to buy what we needed and what was on sale. I read too often about the frugal women out there who feed their families on a few dollars per meal and well..I want to be one of them.Nothing extreme,just adjusting our monthly menu according to what's on sale that month. I am also hoping this inspires some new meals around here,I feel like I have been cooking the same ol' stuff over and over.
My journey began at Safeway. Let me tell ya',I was shocked at how much they have lowered their prices! Plus the specials and sales were everywhere! I filled my cart so full that I thought the wheels were going to fall off! They were sqweeeling with agony as I finally rolled up the cashier an hour later after scanning every isle. I got a month or two's worth of everything from milk to meat to snacks for under $200! Ahh the satisfaction of  being thrifty...well not bad for my first attempt-I saved $60!I also did not fall into temptation and buy things I knew were cheaper at Grocery Outlet. It's on my way home and so there's no excuse not to make the extra stop. I always buy my butter and cheese there and I found a new stainless steel colander for $2.99!  Then home to put away groceries....
About once a month I love to make my Mom's recipe for Lasagna. The guys love it too-it's pure saucy,cheesy,comfort food :) The recipe is so simple,you don't even precook the noodles! Vern's Mom had surgery today, so I took the opportunity to offer to bring her dinner tomorrow. She let out a joyful "Yeah!" when I asked if she wanted home made lasagna,it made me giggle. I'm grateful that I can cook for my Boyfriend's Mom and it doesn't make me nervous. I guess I can thank my Mom for that one. I'm no gourmet chef but I can throw down some dam good comfort food when needed!Thanks Mom :) (Oh and even though you don't read this Mom..I'm attempting your "Chicken Broccoli Casserole" this week too. It looks frugal and yummy..just our style;o}) I will food blog and post recipes for the rest of you if you'd like!? Until then I am off to recharge for another busy day tomorrow....

If at first you don't succeed, do it the way your mother told you to.
-- Author Unknown

Just Once

I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again.  ~William Penn