Sunday, October 09, 2011

The Grocery Game

So, I went to the grocery store today.

As has been the case for  m  o  n  t  h  s  now, I walk away feeling like I'm getting little bang for my buck.  Each trip slices this off the list, or that.

We're far from going hungry, please don't misunderstand.  It's just that I've had to rev up my shopping smarts in new, diverse ways; plan accordingly, and execute the plan well.

Where it was once easy to toss a few pre-made snacks in the basket, or indulge in an extra block of cheese, or [fill in the blank desired gastronomic pleasure], it is becoming more and more difficult as inflation pushes the prices up at the local market.

At times like these, I've always been glad I like to cook.

As I scrubbed the fridge and filled it, and prepared the evening meal, I had no idea I was about to do what I'm about to do.  It happened at about bite number five, with the idea popping into my mind.  It occurred again at the second helping, this time with gusto, the idea becoming visual as I kicked myself for not taking a photograph of said platter.  Then, the thought simmered awhile on the back burner.

I almost discarded it.

After all, there are tons of food blogs and economic/frugal living blogs (including my friend Michelle's No Spend Month blog) . . . who am I to add yet another to the mix?

Yet, I couldn't help but consider that . . . even though I utilize the many that are out there, no one in the blog-o-verse has my specific spin on the kitchen.

And then I remembered the calendar.

One year and some months ago, I had been tracking my daily food preparation in a large planning calendar. As a matter of fact, I can't even remember why I was doing it . . . I just was.  And it was empowering.  Eye opening.  It made me pleased with what I had accomplished on what we had.

So, here's my thought.  My idea.  I am going to blog about my meal plan/food prep/shopping/utilization for the next thirty days.  You'll hear the good, the bad, and the ugly.  You'll say 'eeewwww' and "YUM!" and likely adopt a few ideas as your own . .. or not.

It might bore you to tears.  Or, you might be totally jazzed and excited, because, after all, my adventure is your adventure, right.  (And let's face it . . .Choice Central has been pretty adventure-less lately.  At least in the posted-publically adventures.  I assure you, there have been more than enough things happening to keep me hopping!)

Regardless of how you respond to the idea, I'm sure you'll like the ride, because, as is usual here at CC, my life is rarely boring, and this project is likely going to be peppered with lots of life flavor.

Well?  Whaddaya say?  :)

As Keller says these days:  "Ready, Steady, GO!"  

********

Here's the starting point:  October 9, 2011.  My grocery receipt:  (click on the image to make it larger, click on it once it opens to zoom)


Right here and now, I can tell we need to get a couple of things straight.  Yes, I shopped at Wal Mart.  No, I don't much like that it's my choice these days.  However, I did a notebook price comparison recently, and WM came out as top dog in the grocery store department, so, WM it is.  Plus, there isn't much other choice in these here parts, anyway.  :)

This list is going to feed my family for the next two weeks.  The static number of peeps currently is three, however, I never know who, when, why and how there will be extras around the table, up to 8, and certainly not limited to that number.  Even with the downsizing of the grocery basket, I still feel relatively prepared that I can feed a crew in a pinch.  I'm accustomed to feeding a crew in a pinch. Trust me on this.  :)

I came in, put groceries away, and began supper.  Tonight's meal was not taken out of The List, but it will serve as our opening volley, just to give you an idea of what I'm planning to do here.

The menu?

Pork Chops  
Mashed Cauliflower
Stir Fried Green Beans

Have I already mentioned how *incredible* this meal was?  I have?  Oh.  Well.  It was.

Even though I failed miserably in not taking photos (yes, I will fix that!) I will still share my recipe's here, for your own dining pleasure:


Super Supper for October 8, 2011!

As the project gets rolling, I hope to streamline into a pretty good system.  Give me some grace as I go?  :)  Thanks.  .

5 comments:

Gina C said...

Ang,
I would like the mashed cauliflower recipe, but I can't open your document. Can you post it on FB or shoot me a FB message? Purty pleeze?
Gina (Peachuvamom)

Stephanie C said...

I'm looking forward to hearing about your food adventures! :o)

Unknown said...

Thanks, Gina, for checking on it for me, after the fix! :) Here we go . . . I've already been taking photos like a madwoman today! LOL

The Attached Mama said...

I am so excited about this blog series. We recently decided that we needed to cut our grocery budget (yet again)---and like you said, with inflation it seems like you get less and less with every trip. So it means less money to buy food and less food that you can get with your money. It takes being pretty creative!

So anyway, just popping over from the sonlight forum to say THANK YOU for taking the time to photograph and blog all about your grocery adventures.

Unknown said...

Glad to have you along for the ride, Cathy! Of course, we are now in week three, and things get gnarly 'round these parts. Not for lack of food, but for scheduling. hence, the more I have semi-prepped and ready in the freezer, the better. :)

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