Meal planning and budgeting . . . getting started P.4!!!

[Truevalentine]

I do a lot of my meal planning based on sale ads. My downfall in my budgeting comes in when I go in without a firm list and "stock up" on things that I will use eventually. When I'm really on my game I too take stock of what is already in my cupboard/freezer in comparison to my meal plan while making my list and only get the things I need. It is just me and my toddler, but I also feed an extra 3-5 toddlers (day care kids) M-F. There are some weeks I manage to spend only about $40 at the grocery if I really stick to my list and plan ahead.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Quote:
ok yes, it is a lot of work the first time. But save that list & call it month one. then the next time you are ready to apply those dishes to your month it's done. So say you said to yourself "these were great meals, I wouldn't mind eating them twice a year" then your month one list is also your month 6 list. If you like your favorites three times a year then Month1 is also month 5 & 8 and then you are 1/4 of the way done with your years planning.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

I was just realizing how much easier the second two weeks were now that I have all the templates and grocery list done for the first two weeks. I was thinking about starting a second "template" grocery list to accommodate "AOH" always on hand items, like butter and milk, which ARE a part of some of the recipes but still want to have them... I would also include toiletries and cleaners on this one. And maybe animal food?

 

[annaraven]

I've got my spreadsheet online on Google docs and now I can access it from my phone! And my DH can update it too as he thinks of things.

I've been adding things as I think of them. Eventually I'll get around to inventorying the freezer too. Maybe with DS's help or something. Then I'll know what I want/need to add to that. I suppose I ought to start the freezer list first though. Yep - better do that.

 

[annaraven]

Question for you:

How often do you buy frozen meats? Do you buy it for a quarter, or for 6 months, or for a whole year?

I'm just not sure my freezer could hold enough meat for a full year, nor would I expect it to be good for that long. What's your experience?

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

the only food in my freezer is meat and left overs. I have one upright and two above the fridge types. I really want and need another upright. I hate chest freezers.
It will hold 52 chickens, 52 lbs bacon, 52 lbs sausage, 52 lbs chorizo and a few roasts/turkey/ham.
I need to defrost it

I raise the chickens in two batches & we usually have a pig butchered, but last year we lost our pig farmer so the bacon and sausage are from costco (a years worth 52 lbs each) Right now Costco has Falls Brand bacon at exactly half the price of the stores, and that's really good bacon. Since it's January I'm currently restocking the pork. I try not to let it go below 6 months worth.

so cool that you have it on your phone, I wish I could figure that stuff out, is it an Iphone?

 

[annaraven]

It's available on the web, so any smartphone can access it, along with any computer with a browser. Wanna see? (PM me your email address and I can invite you.) I've currently got three sheets (3 sheets to the wind...?): nonperishables, frozen, perishable.

I tend to make up pasta sauces in batches and freeze those, but I'm not counting those. It's the stuff I have to buy at the store that I want on the list. I also prefer upright freezers. I only have one upright now - we consolidated an old smaller upright and tiny chest freezer into one energy star upright, to save electricity. I also, of course, also have the freezer on my fridge. That's where leftovers (other than sauces) tend to go. We're not big on leftovers - DH never got the habit in Italy, and I am not good at remaking things. I think that's my biggest downfall as a cook is just not really being good at reworking leftovers. Some things, like cooked meats or veggies, I can shred/chop and repurpose as a pasta sauce.

Luckily for us, the chickens like our leftovers. So that's where most of them go now.

 

[WhiteMountainsRanch]

Me too, dear bf REFUSES to eat leftovers!

 

[vegaschick]

Quote:
Hi Katy!

You DO owe me eggs

, but I am not yet ready for them so no worries! From your eggs, I ended up with just one beautiful all white pullet, named BellaLuna, and she finally gave me her first egg on 12/23/10 at 39wks! She is stunning and sweet as pie, and her eggs are a beautiful green color. I could't be happier. I very much want to try again but have more chickens than I need right now and will have to thin out my flock a bit before considering hatching out more. But don't forget me.

I loved the chicks I got from your eggs and the projects you are working on.

Someday...I will have a Roy of my own!!!

Meanwhile, I am enjoying the great ideas that are being shared here. I really want to get this plan working for me and my family. Thanks for all the great ideas. I especially like the idea of including both a bean and fish dinner a week. Great! Like the recipes too! Can't wait to try them.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

Oh good It thought it was you

I have several Roy daughters that look just like her, so when you're ready I will send eggs from them!

I made the best new fish dinner the other night . . . want a recipe??? have you found my bean thread?