So ultimately we have budgeted $450 for groceries. But technically this is for groceries, toiletries and paper products, dog food, and eating out. With our new plan there will be no eating out, so that definitely frees up some cash. Anything left over from our "grocery money" at the end of the month will go straight into our savings account.
Today started off with very big plans. My goal was to go grocery shopping for the entire month: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. I completely accomplished this task minus a few things that I knew I wasn't going to be able to find at the commissary and I feel like I did a really good job. Grand total after surcharge (which is basically a tax, but not, since it goes to the MWR): $270.46. Pretty great considering the only thing I have to pick up later is more dog food and some fig jam for one of the meals. Also, even though I did find myself buying some more canned or boxed products than usual, I didn't have any coupons to use. If I did, I'm sure I could have gotten the price down more and I will keep that in mind for next time.
While I was at the store shopping away, Will and Katie stayed home to play together. Katie says she had to keep her dad company. Turns out, they made mini cakes while I was gone. It was super cute, and I am really glad that they were able to spend that time together.
Once I got home (and after the two cake chefs brought in all those groceries!) I also prepped all the meals for the month. This means labeling freezer bags, dividing up meat, washing and chopping vegetables, and adding spices and most liquids. I'm not going to lie, this took several hours and much internal whining. But I got it done. This is what the freezer looked like with all but 3 meals in it. I am still working on the cabbage rolls, beer burgers, and fig balsamic chicken.
We decided to have tacos tonight because they were quick and easy, and honestly they smelled too good while I was making up the meat mixture. I'm including my taco recipe at the end.
I would say that today was pretty much a success. The food is now made for the entire month, and the kitchen is clean. Now it's time to snuggle with my kiddo for a while and be thankful that I am off work tomorrow so that I can rest!
Stephanie's Taco Meat:
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
1/2 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp. cumin
1 packet taco seasoning
Cook ground beef until done. Add bell pepper, onion, and garlic and cook until tender. Add cumin, taco seasoning, and 1 c. water, stir, and let simmer until sauce thickens.
Serve with lettuce, tomato, cheese, and sour cream on hard or soft tacos.
This was plenty enough for the 3 of us to have for dinner tonight plus a taco salad for Will to take for lunch tomorrow.
Total Cost of Meal: About $4.75 or $1.18 per plate (Dinner for 3 plus Lunch for 1)
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