Project: Food Budget–Week 13

I lowered the food budget this month to $325, and it seems it wasn’t really that difficult to stay within the lowered amount! I don’t feel I am skimping on anything we need, and we have plenty of food on hand at all times, so I think this is probably a good amount for us.

I find this project interesting. A few folks have mentioned that the word “budget” connotes a negative feeling for them, making them feel very restricted with their shopping. I am on the other end of the pendulum, as I find it gives me “permission” to spend a certain amount. I have always been fairly irrationally frugal. In the past, I tended to skimp on things I shouldn’t skimp on – such as wholesome food – and spend on things I shouldn’t, such as a luxury car. It doesn’t really add up, I know! But, this project has given me permission to spend a healthy amount on food each month, so that is a great thing.

We’ll be in Seattle for at least one, perhaps two more weeks and it’s always good to be in one place for a while because you’re not worrying about using everything up!

This week: $55.88

Total for the month: $264.26

$60.74 under budget.

You’ll notice that there are two loaves of bread in this picture. I almost never buy bread, but, with triathlon training kicking back into full swing combined with work and my other interests/obligations, I was politely informed that I’d been falling down on the bread making duties. (Translation: I wasn’t making it.)

Safeway had its bread on sale for buy one, get one free this week. While it does have more ingredients than homemade, this bread is one of the better options we’ve found for pre-made, so we bought two loaves and froze one. Freezing is a great option for taking advantage of buy one/get one sales and works particularly well with bread products (including tortillas, bagels, English muffins – you name it).

You’ll also see a jar of Skippy natural peanut butter. While I was being informed about the lack of bread available, I was also reminded that a certain husband does not like the kind of peanut butter you have to stir (which I do). So, I went to Safeway for bread and peanut butter. Worth the trip, I suppose, as it makes Mr. 2Chili happy.

Menu for the Week

This week is a little messed up with holdover holiday gatherings and dinners out with family. I can honestly say I will be happy to get back to a more regular eating schedule!

Veggie burgers with spaghetti squash primavera
Chickpea tacos
Black bean and corn pizza
Vegetarian taco salad

Budget Buddies

Emily Levenson
Dairy-Free Cooking
Red Pen Mama
Acquired Tastes
Fit Flexitarian
Warm As Pie
Katy Rank Lev
My Inner Healthy
Little Blue Hen

xox, b
What da Health?
Project Food Budget 2.0
Ignition Nutrition
A Nice Heart and a White Suit
Fresh…A New Chapter
Chandeleah
Two Eggs Over Easy
That’s Just Me

Debbie T | 30.12.2011 12:14

yummy, I love your menu items this week.

I like the word “budget” – it makes me feel good, like I’m accomplishing something; and I like your explanation of giving yourself permission to spend that amount.

You are doing so well. Will you add the amount left over into next month? I won’t be posting my final December week until after Saturday night, as I want to wrap up the whole month which will include our New Years Eve takeout. I’m over this month, but there were some good stockup discounts, so I couldn’t resist. I’ll be reducing my January budget accordingly!

Anyway, Happy New Year, I’m so glad to have “met” you this year! Looking forward to 2012 and your posts!

Angela | 30.12.2011 12:15
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for the nice note! I totally agree with you – budget to me means I am accomplishing something. Also, I think when there are “stock up items,” especially like your iherb order with a big discount, it is worth it to stock up because ultimately you are saving money.
I won’t add the leftover amount to next month, but I think I might treat myself to something with it. I have been waiting to buy a home composting bin and I think I am finally going to bite the bullet using some of this leftover combined with the little bit of ad revenue I get from my site. We can put our food scraps in with the yard waste, so I have never had to think about it, but, I want to start making my own compost at home.
Happy New Year to you too, and I’m glad to have *met* you too!

Emily | 31.12.2011 12:15

Woo hoo for still being under budget AND lowering your monthly total.

We don’t really do anything with the leftover money, other than keep it in our bank account. Though, could imagine that if we start to stay under budget, it will be nice to put it aside for something special (like a vacation!).

Happy New Year!!

Angela | 31.12.2011 12:16
I like your idea of putting it aside for a vacation! My grandmother used to put all the money she saved with coupons each week into a “kitty.” I have no idea what she did with the contents of the kitty — probably Bunco prizes — but that is an interesting way of paying yourself for saving.
Happy New Year!