Dinner Bell

I ventured into the world of freelance writing a year after Beanie Dad and I were married . We got our first taste of strict budgeting very early on in our marriage since I was not contributing a steady income and it has proven to be invaluable. Shortly after I changed my career path, a Good Morning America segment aired that showed that the best way to cut a family budget was through your grocery bill. It was suggested that you make a weekly menu, make a grocery list that was comprised of only the ingredients necessary for those meals as well as other necessities, and stick to that list. Basically, if it's not on the list then you don't buy it. The exception to that rule, though, is that if there are great prices on certain items - like buy one pack of chicken breast and get one free - go ahead and stock up. It only means a smaller bill down the road.

That system has worked well for us over the past 5+ years and has become even more valuable as JillyBean has started eating "real" food and as I am no longer supplying a regular paycheck. Still, the rising cost of food the past year makes it challenging without compromising quality. I buy as much fresh fruits and vegetables as I can. We don't eat processed foods. We have fish at least one night a week. I buy organic when possible and when I know that it makes a difference. Heck, if Kate and Jon Gosselin can feed their family of 10 on $150 a week, also using healthy, mostly organic foods, surely I can feed my family of 3 on less than $100.

I'm always on the lookout for ways to create interesting menus while maintaining a tight budget. I was excited to learn about e-mealz. For $5 a month you receive a weekly planned menu, the recipes and a grocery list for either a specific grocery store (Kroger, Wal-Mart, etc.) or you can get a general list. We signed up for it a couple of weeks ago thinking that it was a minimal investment. It hasn't been as great as I had hoped. I receive the menu based on the specials at Kroger and the price for making that menu is pretty much in line with what we are already spending, once you add in milk, cereal, fruit for snacks, etc. Still, I thought it would be worth having someone else come up with the menu because, frankly, I get tired of doing it each week. Still, I'm not too crazy about the offerings. I tend to use one or two but that's about it. I am going to change the plan that we are on to the "low fat" and that may make a difference. By the way, if you're interested in trying it out, click on this link because I'll get credit for it:
E-MEALZ Easy Meals for Busy and Frugal Families

Needless to say, I pay attention each time I see an article, tip or overhear a discussion on ways to trim the grocery bill while creating healthy meals. This segment from a recent Good Morning America is a great one. It gives recipes for lower-priced cuts and types of meat but the meals still look appealing.

Depending on how our e-mealz menu looks this week I have in mind to do a week's worth of crock pot meals. As much as I love to spend time in the kitchen, it is a tad bit difficult to do when you have a toddler tugging for your attention. The crock pot is fabulous - put everything in it in the morning and serve it when Dad gets home. I'll share what I do and give reviews along with my regular posts next week.