2016 Groceries Week 52 - $201.32

I was pleased to have my coupons back and sorted again this week.  It had been a couple of months since I had everything organized.  I was delighted to spend just $38.26 Monday at Fred Meyer using 10 newly organized coupons. Crackers were $1.17 each after coupons, creamer was $1.50 after coupons, cottage cheese was just $0.19!, chips were $1.51 each, frozen fries were $1.59, cheese was $2.85 for a pound, and little smokies were $1.75.  On clearance I found hot dog buns, donuts, and turkey lunchmeat. I also got a gallon of organic milk, some bananas, and brownie mixes.

 

I popped in to QFC for milk and fruit on Thursday.  I also found some deli strawberries for $0.99, and pork for $2.19.  I was excited for the pork since I'm making a pork chili for a party next weekend.  I spent $14.91 this trip (including the gallon of organic milk not pictured).

I had an interesting experience at Costco on Friday.  I bought way more than I intended which is a little unusual for me, but when I went through the very busy checkout line I left a few bigger items in the cart with their barcodes up, ready to scan.  The cashier scanned the movie tickets I was buying and moved on to the conveyor items.  I finished the transaction and waited for the cashier assistant to return with the movie tickets.  While waiting I looked over my receipt and realized those 3 items in the cart hadn't been scanned.  The cashier had moved on to the next customer so I told the assistant.  He said, "Oh, they would have caught that at the door.  We'll get this taken care of."  He got the cashier's attention to tell him and he seemed annoyed.  Yes, he'd made a mistake but I said, "Sorry.  Just want to do the right thing."  He said, "Well, they'd catch it at the door anyway" and rang up the 3 items.  By then I was kind of annoyed that no one was taking responsibility/admitting error and instead making ME feel uncomfortable.  So I put the receipt for the 3 items in my pocket and exited with the original receipt.  Of course no one 'caught it' and I felt a smug private satisfaction that I had indeed done the right thing.  I spent $125.74 on food including organic chips, kettle chips, organic juice boxes, chicken cordon bleu, organic coconut milk, tortillas, GF bread, curry sauce, organic feta, snack cheese, cinnamon, yellow curry, chicken nuggets, bananas, organic sugar and vanilla beans to try and make the Against All Grain vanilla creamer recipe.

We were out of milk - again - on Saturday so I zipped into QFC before they closed for the night and bought a gallon of organic milk, a gallon of clearance chocolate milk, clearance naan, clearance mayo, clearance black beans and clearance cooked chicken. I also grabbed sour supreme for my GF/DF kiddo because she was out.  I spent $22.41.

Week 52 Total: $201.32

YTD 2016 Total: $8,121.18

Weekly Average: $156.18

 

For the first time in the 4 years I've been keeping track of groceries I'm having a week 53.  My 2017 Week 1 will start on January 2. 

 

The annual January pantry challenge will also begin on January 2.  This year I aim to spend just $20/week on dairy & produce and have to use my pantry & freezer stockpile for everything else. 

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 51 - $82.56

 

My Aunt invited us to Portland in week 51 for a baking extravaganza.  Mostly it was her and me baking while the kids played on her wii, but we got lots done.

 



While in Portland I made a trip to Fred Meyer right when we arrived.  I bought some chips, popcorn, & peanut butter m&m's along with a bunch of non-food stuff I forgot.  I spent $3.00 on food.  Later in the week I went to Grocery Outlet for evaporated milk & sugar and ended up finding mostly organic mac'n'cheese for just $0.50/box and DD2's favorite GF/DF snack bars for $2.00/box.  I also picked up a bag of lettuce and a little pouch of lunchmeat.  I spent $23.67 on food.  And my sweet friend found wide, egg-free, GF noodles and picked me up  package.  Yay! 

 

We came home Saturday and I immediately went shopping for ingredients I needed for a party that night. I bought organic spinach, orange juice, garbanzo beans, organic mint, organic hummus, organic fennel & a veggie tray.  On clearance I found a bag of apples, isernio's sausage, and gf pizza crust mix.  I spent $28.90 after a weird 15% off that appeared at the end of my transaction.

 

 I knew Chex were on sale at Fred Meyer from my visit in Portland.  I had my coupons on Saturday so after the party we swung in and I grabbed a few things.  6 boxes of Chex for $1.99 less $0.50 each with coupons.  I grabbed chocolate chips because I was completely out and peanut butter m&m's because they were on sale and I had a coupon.  I also bought clementines and a bag of clearance pears, 2 organic zucchini and an organic cucumber.  I bought some eggs so I could make deviled eggs for a brunch Sunday morning.  I spent $26.99. 

I didn't shop Sunday.

Week 51 Total: $82.56
YTD 2016 Total: $7,919.86
Weekly Average: $155.29

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 50 - $126.85

This week was a little different.

No shopping Monday, but Tuesday I ran to the store and bought frozen pizza for the babysitter Tuesday.  I dropped it off to her at 5:30pm before I raced to meet DH for dinner.  I spent $29.95 on 4 conventional and 1 GF/DF pizzas.  No photo due to the rush.  2 conventional pizzas tossed in freezer.

Next I stopped at QFC Wednesday for creamer since we were completely out.  I bought 4 because of the buy 4/save $4 deal, also got a gallon of organic milk, found organic sour cream for $1.49 each, and found a couple clearance cans of pineapple ($0.69 each) and tomatoes ($0.49 each).  I spent $17.89.

I ordered an Amazon Prime Now delivery for Saturday morning and somehow missed a picture again.  DH had Bible study and then was helping someone move so I'd have had to leave the kids at home in order to run to the store.  This is an indulgence for me.  I like going to the store so I can find great deals on clearance items and shop the sales.  In this case I needed a few specific items that wasn't shopping for on sale so I went ahead and paid a little more.  Here's what I ordered:

• gallon of organic milk, $6.49 and about $0.50 more than what I normally pay
• Udi's gluten free, whole grain hamburger buns, $4.85 and far less than the $6.00+ the grocery store usually charges.  I typically look for these on clearance and pay $3.99, but I only have hot dog buns in the freezer.  In a pinch I'd have just asked DD2 to have her pulled pork sandwich in a hot dog bun, but I didn't mind buying the hamburger buns at this price.
• organic whole wheat hamburger buns for the rest of the family, $3.55 and more than I would have paid at the grocery store, but comparable to other good quality buns
• GF rolled oats, $6.99 Bob's Red Mill and about what I'd pay elsewhere.  We're trying certified GF rolled oats for DD2 to see if the certified GF makes a difference in this typically GF food and are almost out of our prior package.
• Organic russet potatoes for about $1.00/lb.  I got about 7 pounds and it's about what I pay at Fred Meyer, but other stores have much higher prices on organic potatoes
• Finally, I ordered a $2.00 organic pomegranate, but they delivered a red onion.  Not a big deal, but lame all the same.  

My whole Prime Now order cost $31.38.

Late in the day Saturday I stopped at Fred Meyer for hair gunk DH asked for and to peruse the sales.  I'm so busy I barely have time to look at the ads much and regularly end up at QFC because it's the closest store.  However, the best deals still tend to be at Fred Meyer.  Anyway - I was delighted to find daiya cheese for $3.50/package and some clearance mini-pizza kits for $2.69 each.  I also found dairy-free hot cocoa powder for $3.50 on clearance which was a real find!  I also got a mom treat of fresh mozzarella that was on clearance since I had roma tomatoes at home and basil leaves were on sale.  Caprese salad is SO my favorite.  I picked up bananas, oranges, & organic apples as well as a Fred Meyer staple, plain organic yogurt for $2.79 that my kids eat with granola and/or jam.  I spent $47.63 because I had a coupon for $10/$40 purchase and my rebate from the last quarter taken off.  I wish I'd brought all my coupons because  would have saved more, but overall still good shopping.  *PHOTO COMING*

Week 50 Total: $126.85
YTD 2016 Total: $7,837.30  (this looks like such a huge number to me!!!)
Weekly Average: $156.75

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 49 - $138.22

Monday I stopped into QFC for dairy-free cream cheese.  I was delighted to find about 25 pounds of Organic Honeycrisp apples on clearance.  They cost $10.00 in total and I was sure they would make delicious applesauce & teacher gifts for our homeschool co-op.  I also got a gallon of organic milk, 2 half gallons of juice for $0.99 on clearance, soy yogurt on clearance, organic cottage cheese on clearance, and a couple of bell peppers also on clearance.  Seriously, bargain central for $29.80.

I went to the Dollar Store Tuesday with the kiddos because DD4 really wanted to buy silly putty.  I spent $3.00 on a couple grocery items.

I had found Annie's organic fruit roll-ups at a Grocery Outlet out of town recently & all my kids liked it!  So I went to a local Grocery Outlet when I was out on errands Tuesday to see if I could find more.  No luck on the fruit-roll-ups, but I scored majorly with the rice krispie treats.  Boxes of 16 were just $2.49 making each snack just about $0.15, well below my price point of $0.25 each.  I also bought GF granola bars for $1.99/box for the kiddo that can't have rice krispie treats due to her gluten allergy.  I also found Glutino cereal bars for $1.49and GF Annie's bunny crackers for $0.99 each.  There was also a big box of Annie's organic fruit snacks that were Halloween, some tomatoes, and a bag of onions.  I spent $36.76.

Friday, I went to QFC for olives & zucchini.  I found clearance organic ground turkey for $3.50 each, 16 oz brick cheese for $2.49 each.  I also grabbed a hand of bananas & a pound of bacon on clearance for $3.29.  I also picked up Daiya dairy-free shredded cheese for DD2 for a whopping $5.49 since we were completely out.  Incidentally, I placed an Amazon now order later that evening to get quick birthday gifts for a party on Saturday.  I wasn't at the required $20.00 so I thought I'd look at grocery items to see what was reasonably priced.  To my surprise I found the same shredded Daiya cheese for just $3.92 for the same sized package!  So I bought 3.  I spent $11.76 on Amazon and $50.91 at QFC.

Saturday morning I got parsley at Haggen on my way to a friend's house & a gallon of organic milk on Sunday when I was out with a kiddo (none left at home).  I spent $1.00 on the parsely & $4.99 on the milk.

Week 49 Total: $138.22

YTD 2016: $7,710.45

Weekly Average: $157.36

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 48 - $162.52

A reasonable week for Thanksgiving!

First stop was Costco on Monday night.  I picked up two bags of organic tortilla chips & two bags of veggie straws, two dozen organic eggs, organic hummus, & bananas.  I spent $31.73.

I went to QFC Wednesday morning in hopes of a thawed turkey (since I hadn't pulled mind from the freezer).  No luck, but it thawed just fine in the sink of cold water.  I bought chips for $1.88 each for a Thanksgiving treat.  I bought an apple pie my mother-in-law likes, the special rolls my sister-in-law likes, fresh green beans, celery, and an organic butternut squash for our dinner.  I also bought a pumpkin pie and cool whip because well, Thanksgiving.  I found soy yogurt on clearance, guacamole on clearance, several organic cottage cheese on clearance for $1.49 each, and some wild rice for a healthier stuffing I ended up not making. I bought onions & zucchini, organic half and half, whipped cream, organic milk, and a 20 pound turkey, too.  I spent $81.41.

And I went to Fred Meyer Friday afternoon to buy bread and ended up buying a bunch of stuff on clearance including apples, applesauce squeezies, crackers, organic beans, tomato sauce, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and organic chicken broth.  I bought the bread, grapes, bananas, 7# clementine oranges, green onions, and a head of lettuce, too.  I spent $25.77.

DH also went to the store for a couple things on Thanksgiving.  He spent $23.61 on potatoes, 2 gallons of organic milk, 3 bottles of sparkling cider and two bottles of salad dressing.

Week 48 Total: $162.52
YTD 2016 Total: $7,572.23
Weekly Average: $157.75

GF/DF Menu Plan

I miss making a menu plan!  Life is just easier with it.

Dinners:
Monday - pizza
Tuesday - Saucy chicken
Wednesday - Sausage stew
Thursday - Turkey and all the fixings
Friday - Turkey Soup or dinner out
Saturday - leftovers
Sunday - popcorn & smoothies

Lunches:
Monday - Finger food lunch
Tuesday - Quesadilla
Wednesday - chicken curry
Thursday - hors d'oevres before dinner
Friday - leftovers
Saturday - Turkey soup or sausage soup
Sunday - pot roast

2016 Groceries Week 47 - $145.14

I went to Fred Meyer for milk and found udi's on clearance.  I bought 2 packages of hot dog buns and cinnamon rolls.  Grapes were on sale, as were organic pears and broccoli.  I also got some lunchmeat on clearance.  I spent $35.69.

Wednesday morning I ran into QFC for corndogs & fries since I was spending the day with a friend and providing lunch for the dozen kids between us!  I setn $8.97 on those things.

Friday DD2 and I shopped at QFC for birthday food.  We bought lemonade, chips, strawberries, licorice, jack cheese, and pretzels for the party.  I bought cucumbers, bananas, mlk, apples & potatoes for regular use.  I also found silk yogurt and pita bread on clearance and had a coupon for Brookside treats.  I also bought a turkey for thanksgiving.  I spent $51.49.

I was back at QFC Saturday to pick up birthday cupcakes and I found some clearance potatoes, almond milk yogurt, and bell peppers.  I also bought puffs for DS since we're on our last container.  I also bought apple juice, a veggie tray, and those cupcakes (not pictured).  I spent $20.43.

Finally, we stopped at Grocery Outlet for an emergency potty stop Sunday.  I found 6-packs of organic fruit roll-up for $0.99 so I bought a case of 12.  I also found organic chicken thighs for $2.49/lb!  I bought 3 packages.  I spent $28.56 altogether.

Week 47 Total: $145.14
Year to Date 2016: $7,409.71
Weekly Average: $157.65

A good week! I'm kicking myself though.  I should have bought every package of the organic chicken thighs for that price.  Oh well.   My freezer is so frosted over I just didn't want to deal with finding space for it.

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 46 - $100.74

This week I felt like I shopped much less than usual.

Monday I went to Costco for a few things.  I spent $45.95 on organic tortilla chips, organic coconut milk, pecans, dye-free cheddar, & spaghetti sauce.

We had a birthday this week so I went to the Dollar Store for balloons & picked up a couple things, too.  I spent a big $3.00 on lemon juice & olives.

Tuesday I went to QFC for creamer & found some organic potatoes on clearance for $0.99, some baguette rounds for $0.99, cream cheese that was $0.74 after a store coupon, & progresso soup for $0.74 each after a store coupon.  I spent $18.51 on food.

Finally I went to QFC again on Friday.  I needed milk & found some great clearance deals on lettuce, prepared veggies, organic mushrooms, organic sour cream, organic green tea & a bit of deli chicken salad.  I also bought hot dog buns, creamer, spaghetti, spaghetti sauce, 2 onions, & a few bananas.  I spent $33.28 on food items.

This week I spent $100.74 in total.
Year-to-date 2016: $7,264.57
Weekly Average: $157.93

2016 Groceries Week 45 - $228.61

This week was a little big.  I need to stay away from the stores. There was a lot of clearance including Halloween candy, pico de gallo, applegate peach jerk sausages, organic cottage cheese, Earth's Best crackers for baby, puree pouches for baby, silk yogurt cups, almond milk yogurt cups, baby puffs, baby yogurt, lunchmeat, apples, & jars of baby food.  I went to buy a pizza (not pictured), creamer, & fruit (I ended up with bananas & organic pears).  I also picked up daiya cheese & dye free Darigold cheddar since they were reduced price while I was walking by.  I spent $67.34.

I went to Costco Tuesday and picked up parmesan & eggs, but couldn't find the corndogs I wanted.  I also bought some cheese, granola bars, & organic fruit snacks.  I spent $52.75.

My friend is part of a gleaning ministry & she called me Tuesday & said to come pick stuff up.  Lots of  gluten free tortillas, gluten free cupcakes, organic lettuce, two asian chicken salads, 2 cans of formula, & very ripe organic bananas.  Free.

I was at the store again on Wednesday - this time Fred Meyer.  I was there for milk & potatoes but found way more, of course.  I picked up corndogs, almond coconut milk since DD2 was running low, nitrate free bacon, organic half & half, organic yogurt, alexa fries, & a little bit fruit with bananas, mangoes, & apples.  I also found brick daiya and on clearance baby food & lunchmeat.  I spent $55.70.

I actually skipped a day at the store Thursday, but was at QFC Friday for a date with a kiddo & just dashed around the clearance areas.  I found a bean-based cereal on clearance because it was Halloween themed.  3 of the 4 kids liked it.  I was cracking up at the name: Bats & Boos (Booze).  I also found some nitrate free bacon & Hebrew National hot dogs on clearance.  I spent $25.11.

And finally, I was at Fred Meyer on Saturday to catch the tail end of their sale. I bought organic potatoes, organic milk, organic salad dressing (on clearance), bananas, bread, pepperoni, and two pizzas.  I found some clearance apples & romaine heads in the produce clearance. I spent $27.71.

Oh my goodness!  I was at the store 5 days out of 7!  

Week 45 Total: $228.61

YTD 2016 Total: $7,163.83

Weekly Average: $159.20

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 44 - $134.16

I went to Fred Meyer late Wednesday night for milk & finally had coupons with me so I found some good deals.  Cereal was $1.50, limit 6, and I had a $1.00/2 MC. Nabisco crackers were on sale for $1.88 and I had a $1.00/2 MC, so $1.33 each. I had $1.50 off frozen chicken & bags were on sale for $5.99, Chicken nuggets on sale + coupon  = $4.49,  GF/DF pizza on sale for $5.99 and a $1.00 off coupon, Earth Balance 'butter' was $5.19 and I had a $1.00 off coupon, I also bought corn tortillas, a loaf of honey sweetened bread, bananas & organic pears.  I spent $43.43 on food.

I tried to bake on Thursday for my kids and realized I was out of eggs.  So off to the store Friday.  I bought 2 dozen eggs for $2.50 each, I found some clearance deals including a loaf of udi's cinnamon raisin bread, 5 organic baby food pouches for $0.49 to $0.79 each and a 2 pack of conventional baby food, a $1.00 bag of 3 onions, a $1.00 bag of 3 lemons, a baguette and some parsley for a recipe I made that night.  I also found 21 bags of clearance apples.  They were mostly between 28 and 32 oz but there were 2 bags well over 2 pounds so I'm estimating 40 pounds of apples.  I spent $36.31.

And I went to Fred Meyer again on Saturday because I wanted to get more of the good price on cereal as well as take advantage of the GF/DF pizza that was on sale for $5.99 instead of the usual $7.99.  I bought 6 boxes of cereal, 3 pizzas, milk, and found clearance deals on more baby food, canned corn, cooking spray, bananas, a broken baguette, and 3 packages of 6 Special Dark bars.  I spent $54.42.

Overall, not a huge week, but a good one for stocking the pantry & freezer.

Week 44 Total: $134.16

YTD 2016 Total: $6,935.22

2016 Weekly Average: $157.62

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 43 - $133.75

I didn't get photos of everything last week.

I went to Costco Monday and bought snack cheese, 2 bottles of olive oil, and veggie straws.  I spent $42.96.

Tuesday I was at QFC for some produce.  I ended up finding some good clearance deals including apples for $1.00, tomatoes for $1.00, tea pods for $2.99, instant oatmeal for $0.99 each, pasta for $0.49 each, gf cupcakes for $0.99 and gf fig bars for $2.99.  I also bought onions, grapes, & cucumbers.  I spent $28.25.

I went to Fred Meyer for milk & a gf/df pizza.  I also bought lunchmeat, 3 packages of organic beef, clearance bell peppers, & fresh mozzarella.   I spent $47.04.

 I was visiting my mom last weekend and picked up a couple things at Wal-Mart including rice crackers, veggie straws, & 2 boxes of biscotti cookies for a coffee date I was having with my sister.  I spent $12.50.

And finally I was at the dollar store with a kiddo and I picked up 3 pepperoni packages.  So $3.00 more there.

Week 43 Total: $133.75
YTD 2016 Total: $6,801.06
Weekly Average: $158.16

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 42 - $103.88

A quick trip to Fred Meyer for fruit & chicken turned into $80.05!  I found uncured beef hot dogs for $2.99/package and bought lots.  The GF/DF pizza we buy was on sale so I picked one up.  I also found toddler formula on clearance.  DS hasn't taken to plain milk so we're still mixing milk with formula.  I also found clearance puffs, dried fruit, and pouches for DS.  I bought that chicken I needed for a potluck, bananas,  organic apples.  I also found round steak for $2.22/lb on clearance and picked up hot dog buns to go with the hot dogs.

I stopped at Haggen on the way to a friend's house for allergy friendly cookies.  No photo.  They were $3.50.

I wen to QFC tonight for milk.  I found nitrate free sausage on clearance and bought 5 packages.  I also found clearance organic cottage cheese, a clearance guac/pico mix, and paid regular price for the bananas & organic milk.  I spent $20.33.

All told, a pretty small week.

Week 42 Total: $103.88
YTD 2016 Total: $6,667.31
WeeklyAverage: $158.75

GF Menu Plan

Lunches:

Monday - Sausages
Tuesday - Nachos
Wednesday - Wendy's (they have GF Chili)
Thursday - Sausages
Friday - Fajitas
Saturday - Hot Dogs
Sunday - leftovers


Dinners:
Monday - Pasta & Meatballs
Tuesday - Taco soup
Wednesday - Stew
Thursday - Pancakes
Friday - potluck, taking chicken breast
Saturday - Sausage Soup
Sunday - Popcorn & Smoothie

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 41 - $135.78

This week's shopping wasn't too bad.

I went to Costco for a few things, but I can't find my receipt.  I usually look for the small packages of organic chicken thighs so this one was likely $14, the curry is about $13, the hummus is under $6, & the sugar is about $9, I think.  So estimating $42 here.

I stopped to pick up milk at QFC on Tuesday.  I also found a few things in the clearance bin including a gf cornbread mix $1.79, sesame oil $5.29, Yerba Mate tea $1.59, organic guacamole $2.19, and 3 apples for $0.99. I also picked up organic grapes for $2,49/lb.  I splurged on soy yogurt for DD2. I spent $30.70.

I went to Fred Meyer for more milk on Friday. I also picked up chocolate milk for the kids to have a treat, GF cereal & GF/DF granola bars, organic lettuce mix, and bananas.  I spent $25.09.

I dropped in at QFC Saturday for ingredients so I could make DD1's requested birthday treats including ice cream, a baquette, and parsley.  While there I found clearance lettuce $3.99, nitrate free sausages $2.49 each, a package of baby food $0.89, a can of soup $0.49, pico de gallo $2.49, 3 bell peppers for $0.99, and 3 pomegranates for $0.99.  The best surprise were apples on clearance.  4 big, organic apples for $0.99 each.  I spent $7.91 on 22+ pounds and made over a gallon of applesauce. I spent $37.99 altogether.

Week 41 Total: $135.78
YTD 2016 Total: $6,563.43
Weekly Average: $160.08

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 40 - $427.90

A huge week . . .

I was in Issaquah for an appointment and stopped at my favorite: Champion Foods.  I was a little surprised at myself for spending $113.70, but was delighted to find 25# bags of organic oatmeal and organic multi-colored popcorn!  I also spent $5 on a case of 15 bags of kettle chips, $5 on 20 snack size bags of kettle chips, 2 organic baby cereals, 3 bottles of organic ketchup, gf stuffing mix (for Thanksgiving), organic pasta, dried fruit, 5 baby food squeezies, baby puffs, 2 organic cake mixes, rosemary, organic pizza sauce, 4 organic apples, & some fruit gummy candies.

Immediately after Champion Foods I went to Costco for garlic & rice crackers.  They were having a spectacular organic sale and I stocked up.  I bought two 12-packs of organic mac'n'cheese, 2 bags of organic tortilla chips, 2 dozen organic eggs, 2 3-packs of organic chicken sausages, 2 4-packs of organic spaghetti sauce, a 6-pack of organic pasta, 2 bags of organic GF flour, a 2-pack of organic peanut butter, a case of organic tomato sauce, a case of organic diced tomatoes, a 2-pack of organic salsa, 2 packages of organic meatballs, a 10 pound bag of carrots, and the organic garlic I went in for.  I also bought conventional bananas, tortillas, pita bread, cans of chicken breast, fruit leather & organic fruit snacks, and the rice crackers I had on my list.  I also picked up a pizza for dinner that night.  I spent a whopping $253.31!  I can't remember the last time I spent that much in one grocery transaction.

You'd think I'd have shocked myself into a little spending hiatus, but no.  I went to QFC the VERY NEXT MORNING and spent another $60.89.  Seriously.  I took a photo, but my kids deleted it before I could download it.  The best find was 10 clearance bags of apples for $0.99 each.  I spent $9.90 on about 20 pounds of apples, went straight home, and made a pile of applesauce.  I also bought 3 creamers, a gallon of organic milk, organic lettuce, organic chives, celery, 4 organic cucumbers, quart of organic yogurt, 2 tubs of organic sour cream, nitrate-free sausage, & 2 bricks of cheese.

Week 40 Total: $427.90
Year to Date: $6,427.65
Weekly Average: $160.69

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 39 - $76.84

We were on a cruise ship most of Week 39 with all food provided.  We had a few granola bars and some baby food pouches we'd packed for days off the ship, but otherwise the cruise line provided.

We got home in the week hours Sunday and I made it to the store Sunday night for some basics.  But of course found a mountain of other deals I couldn't resist.

I spent $76.84 on the food pictured: a head of romaine, a gallon of organic milk, 7 -6packs of Hershey bars on clearance for $1.79 each (so $0.30 per chocolate bar with expiration date next summer), 2 organic cucumbers, 2 containers of dried cranberries on clearance for $1.99 each, 5 clearance packages of linguica sausage, a 3# bag of clementines, a box of organic lettuce, 2 creamers, 2 boxes of cereal, 2 loaves of bread, 4 organic apples, 3 lemons, a 10 pound sack of potatoes, a 1 pound package of lunchmeat, and a clearance box of Skinny Cow candy. Not pictured: $3.99 box of a dozen clearance donuts.  Not too bad. 

Week 39 Total: $76.84

2016 YTD Total: $5,999.75

2016 Weekly Average: $153.84

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 38 - $29.10

We were at Disneyworld all week in Week 38.

I had purchased some groceries in Week 37 and made another shopping trip mid week to supplement what I'd purchased our first day.  I bought more applesauce, more organic oatmeal, 4 packs of pudding cups & a dark chocolate bar for GF/DF kid snacks, I bought organic ketchup, a 3# bag of mandarin oranges, & a few bananas.  I also bought a 5 pack of sausages for lunch in Disneyworld.  No photo of this trip.  I spent $25.11 on food.

I went to Walgreen's for a few items and picked up a second bottle of creamer.  It was a whopping $3.99.  Yeesh!

Week 38 Total: $29.10
2016 Year-to-Date: $5,922.91
Weekly Average: $155.87

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 37 - $138.14

We were getting ready for a long trip out of town in week 37 so I was trying to use the perishables.  But it's also always crazy leaving town so we ate some 'convenience' meals this week, too.

I picked up GF/DF pizza for DD#2 when we were having a quick pizza dinner, a watermelon, and a gallon of milk to get us through the week.  I spent $25.86 on these few items.  Ouch!

I spent $45.70 on this trip to Fred Meyer Wednesday.  I went to pick up avocados, tortilla chips, cheese & bananas that I needed for Friday night, but I couldn't resist the clearance cereal, applesauce pouches, Capri-Sun, baby cookies, pasta, granola bars, & canned goods.  I also picked up creamer & bananas and DF cheese that was on a great sale at $3.49.

Wednesday I also dropped into the Dollar Tree for mylar birthday ballons and I picked up a couple packages of pepperoni, a jar of relish, and 2 small bottles of shelf-stable coffeemate for emergencies or weekend visits.  I spent $5 on the food items.

Finally, when we'd traveled all day Sunday (flying a red eye to Miami then driving a rental car to Orlando) and taken the kids swimming at our timeshare I finally got out to the grocery store.  The kids were starving so I had to be fast.  I found a close grocery, Publix, and looked for deals.

To avoid buying milk I bought organic oatmeal ($1.99) & a small bag of brown sugar ($1.09).  I also bought unsweetened applesauce ($2.79), some organic nectarines ($1.99/lb), & bananas ($0.59/lb) for morning fruit.  I bought a dozen eggs ($1.35),  a small can of coffee ($4.19) & creamer ($2.50) to finish off the breakfast foods

I was at a loss for lunches at Disneyworld because I didn't want to buy bread & pb & jam we wouldn't finish, but bought a small package of chicken breast ($4.55)to get us through the first day and chicken nuggets ($3.00 each) that were on sale for fast lunches or dinners at the timeshare.  So I also bought unbreaded, pre-cooked chicken pieces that I could microwave fast to go with the nuggets ($4.55).  I bought microwave popcorn, both buttered and plain ($3.59/box) because it's great cheap snack food in the parks and I bought fruit cups for lunches, too ($2.29).

For dinners, I got olive oil ($2.79), spaghetti noodles (both GF ($2.99) and regular ($1.67)), and a jar of spaghetti sauce ($2.00).  I also bought progresso soup that was on sale B1G1 ($2.29) and found two varieties that were GF/DF.  I didn't buy lettuce, but I grabbed a cucumber ($0.75) that froze the first day in our fridge.  Boo.

Altogether I spent $61.58 on food then raced back to heat up some soup.  We ate about 10pm, but that's only 7pm on the west coast so it wasn't so terribly late.

Week 37 Total: $138.14

2016 Year to Date Total: $5,893.81

2016 Weekly Average: $159.29

Katie

2016 Groceries Week 36 -$232.55

Oh, I can't resist fruit!

A local gal brought fruit from her parents' organic orchard in Spokane and I jumped at the white peaches for $1.50/lb.  She had a few pears & apples so I got those, too.  I spent $99.00 on all this.

Back home we needed some basics in a hurry so I headed to the store for cereal, milk, & lettuce on Tuesday.  I also grabbed a few bananas and found clearance Annie's organic dressing for $0.75 each, clearance pectin for $1.12 each, and clearance glutino pretzels for $0.75 each.  Yay!   I spent $17.99 on food.

DD3 picked this carrot from the garden for baby boy.  She was pretty excited that he ate it for dinner.

Thursday I went to QFC and spent $85.09.  The photo disappeared from my camera, but it shouldn't be a surprise since the kids were busy with the camera for several days.  I found a clearance pizza for $4.99, 5 boxes of cheerios, 5 bags of chips, 2 boxes of organic formula, 2 tubs of organic sour cream, 3 boxes of organic cream cheese, creamer, 8 jars/pouches of baby food, 2 soy yogurt cups, daiya shredded cheese, and a clearance pack of k-cup soup.

I went back to QFC on Friday and spent $30.47.  This time I got the photo.  I bought 6 ears of corn, 3 boxes of crackers with coupons were just $1.36 average, 5 boxes of cereal were just $0.89 each after coupons, gluten free corndogs were $4.99/box and I found a box of clearance organic formula for half price!  

Week 36 Total: $232.55
YTD Total: $5,755.67
Weekly Average: $159.88