cutting down the cost.

     I have been working really hard at cutting our grocery bill way down. Even cutting it in half as often as possible. It is amazing what you can do with the basics. Here are a few tips that have helped us out. I am hoping to get better and better with these things as I keep working on it.

• Bring a calculator to the store. - You might look crazy but it really does help seeing the price before it's too late.
• Stock up on the very basics. - Flour, Spices, Milk, Eggs, Butter, Pasta, Meat, Cheese, Frozen Veggies, and other foods that will last for a while like carrots and potatoes (Those are ours you may have different ones but you get the idea.)
• I have started making my own "cream of" soups - they are added to many recipes and I have the recipe for them if you need it.
• I have also started making my own "spice packets" (I have a great taco seasoning recipe if anyone wants it) I can make a whole jar and never have to remember to grab them while at the store.
• I buy store brand whenever I can. There are a few things that we just don't buy store brand because it does make a difference but with most things it doesn't.
• I look for coupons for the things that I usually buy that are not store brand items.
• I shop for sales on meat at the grocery stores, or Mckinnons (I love that store) and buy in as much bulk as our little freezer can handle so that I am not buying it every trip and I am getting the best price that I can for it.
• Plan your meals early if possible. If you plan ahead you are less likely to decide that there is nothing in the house to eat and you are too tired to cook anyway so you just order. Can you tell that that has happened to us a few times?
• I try to make Dan's work snacks from home. I have been working more on this and want to try granola bars soon but it is cheaper this way and he usually likes it a lot better too.
• Eat like your grandparents. You can do a lot with food that is raised on a farm (the basics). My grandparents are probably the perfect example of this. They have meat, veggies, potatoes, milk, eggs, and even cheese sometimes that comes right from their farm. I can't do that with the small garden area that we have here but I am going to do what I can with it next year. It is so much better for you than eating all of the processed foods too.
• On a weekend or when you have a few free hours, make 2 meals that you can stick in the freezer for those nights when you just can't even think about cooking or don't have the time. You will be so glad you did and it saves a lot of money.

      Mostly these ideas come from my grandparents, and especially my mom. I had a conversation with her a few months ago (that hopefully she won't mind me mentioning) I was saying how easy it is to go into the grocery store and spend over $100 a week on just two (and 1/2) people. She learned to do a lot with a little as far as meals go when we were younger. The best part was that we never even would have guessed she was doing it so cheap. We loved it! She went on to tell me how she had a budget of $40 every two weeks for groceries and diapers. I know that went further then than it does now but it was still such a small amount and she had three kids at the time. I made it my goal to start cutting down and making as much from scratch as I could at that point. I know it is time consuming but if you can squeeze in a few minutes here and there to make it work think of how much money you will be able to save, or spend on something much more exciting!