Thrifty Mama

My bloggy friend Christy, aka "Mommy Brain," has been discussing the effects of rising gas prices on family finances. She was inspired by Jennie @ Far Beyond Pearls, who is an army wife and mother of seven who makes it work on a budget. I have been very inspired myself by the growing discussion of ideas. With that in mind, I thought I'd share my Monday, monthly shopping for my family.

My whole plan of action is about seeking out the very best deal I can get on the staples we use day to day in our home. I shop at Aldi, Dollar General, Super K-mart (who is currently slashing prices and doing a lot of two for ones to compete with our new Super Wal-mart,) Sam's club, and Giant Eagle (like Kroger up here)-for diapers and things I can't get any where else. Giant Eagle also "fuel perks" depending how much you spend a month. I currently have 20 cents off each gallon of gas so far for the month. I make my list and do it all in one day. Although they're all within close proximity of each other.

First, I went to Dollar General, and bought....

Nickles Stone Ground Bread- $1.65
Cheese-its (White Cheddar)- $2.25
2 Martha White Blueberry Muffin Mixes- $1.00 each
2 cans of Pringles potato chips- $1.00 each
3 boxes of Clover Valley cereal bars- $1.15 each
4 cans of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilies- $1.00 each
Stainless steel scrubies- $1.25
A pack of 12 boxes of matches- $1.00
A pack of 3 Scotch Brite Scouring pads- $2.25
A pack of 6 "kitchen "wash cloths"- $1.50
For a total of ...........................................$22.74

Then I went to Aldi and bought....

A 2 lb. package of 80% Lean Ground beef- $4.20
A 3 lb. bag of Boneless Chicken breast (8 in the pack)- $5.99
A bag of Mama Cozzi's Meatballs- $1.99
A pack of hotdogs- $.65
4 cans of tuna in water- $.57 each
2 packs of sliced deli cheese- $2.09 each
2 taco mixes- $.33 each
A bag of frozen corn- $.85
A can of sliced carrots- $.45
1 large yellow onion- $.49
A package of celery-$1.49
2 yellow and 1 red pepper- $.59 each
Bananas- $.83
A bag of apples- $2.49
Red Grapes- $2.79
Strawberries- $1.79
A gallon of whole milk- $2.89
A large 32oz. container of plain yogurt- $1.59
2 packs of Moo Tubes- $1.99 each
2 packs of cookie dough (Snicker doodle and White Choc.Macadamia)- $1.89 each
1 package of pepperoni slices- $1.99
2 boxes of whole wheat pasta- $.99 each
1 jar of Mama Cozzi's traditional spaghetti sauce- $.99
1 bag of Kettle style chips- $1.99
8 cans of OJ- $1.19 each
Kleenex- $.95
For a total of...............................................$60.25

Next, I stopped by Sam's Club for...

Northern bathroom tissue- $16.88
2 boxes of Baby wipes- $12.34 each
1 large All Clear detergent- $12.87
1 case of diet Pepsi (hubby's fav.)-$8.87
1 box of Idahoan instant potatoes- $4.88
1 large jar of salsa- $6.78
2 Family dinners (stuffed chicken w/noodles and cream sauce)-$14.52 each
For a total of................................................$108.17

And last but not least, I went to Giant Eagle for...

18 large eggs- $2.36
10 GE yogurts for- $5.00
GE deli ham- $3.99 (my lovies won't eat the kind from Aldi, even though it cost less. They also like Wal-Mart's deli meat, but sometimes it's higher priced.)
1 box of Lipton chicken soup mix-$1.39
Knorr veggie dip mix- $1.69
1 box of chicken broth- $1.89
2 boxes of GE Farafalle pasta- $1.09
2 boxes of grape tomatoes- $2.99 each (the ones at Aldi were too ripe this week.)
green onions- $.99
fresh Basil- $2.49
fresh Sage- $2.49
fresh Dill- $2.49
1 large tub of Kraft Real Mao- $4.45
1 can of bread sticks- $2.25
1 caramel chocolate coffee creamer- $1.89
1 half gallon of skim milk- $2.39
2 boxes of Pampers- $19.99
Zebra cakes (Trey's all time favorite and treat for the big boy potty.)-$1.59
For a total of........................................$87.72

So, let's see that is a grand total of $278.88
Aside from bread, eggs and milk and maybe Pampers that should last us for a month. My goal is to see if I can get that down to $200.00 next month. I'm also going to do a second post on other ways we cut corners- (kids' clothing, entertainment, etc.) But, more than anything, I'd love to hear your ideas. How do you stay a frugal, thrifty mama? ~Until next time...Be Blessed!