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You are here: Home / Lifestyle / $unday $hopping

November 2, 2008

$unday $hopping

Thanksgiving Challenge: Week 1

TOTAL: $17.09!!!!

Planning this week’s meals was super easy – I had so many ideas and only 4 dinners to plan! I probably could have spent even less and used more pantry items, but I am trying to keep up the variety and freshness of our usual meals. I am sure planning cheap meals and keeping costs at a minimum will only get harder with time as the pantry shrinks, but the challenge is off to a great start.

Before I left I went to Harris Teeter and Food Lion’s websites to see what they had on sale. I puttered around and planned a few meals and then made a list along with a cost estimate. I went in expecting to spend $24, but things were actually cheaper than I expected and I had totally forgot about our EarthFare employee discount, which is now more valuable than ever. I decided Food Lion wasn’t worth the extra trip since there were no extreme deals.

From EarthFare:

  • Organic carrots
  • Organic red grapes ($1.69/lb – cheaper than HT’s conventional ones at 2.79/lb)
  • A lemon
  • Organic collards (I didn’t really try to buy organic for this stuff, but the prices were good so I did)
  • Portabella mushrooms (they were less than the cremini)
  • 28 oz can of pumpkin
  • A pomegranate on sale (2 / $4)
  • BISON!!! 8 oz = $3.43

From Harris Teeter:

  • Brussels sprouts (they were $2.50 ea. and were $3.99 at EF – worth the extra trip)
  • And a huge a$$ bag of white potatoes for $1.99. The husband requested them for his meals while I’m in Chicago.

DSC05521

The husband will be posting next week’s meals when he goes grocery shopping next Saturday when I’m gone. I usually do all the planning because I love it and am pickier than he is, but next week it’s all in his hands. I imagine he’ll need more staples like bananas, milk and yogurt, so his week will be harder! That will probably mean no bison and using up the whole allotment. And since I spent less this week, he gets the bonus next week if he needs it.

I biked to and from EarthFare – such a gorgeous day!!! While there I was also fed 3 delicious types of cheese and had 2 cracker samples.

But I was still really hungry when I got home so I had a little snack mix –

DSC05527

Tonight’s dinner was scrumptious –

A Blue Cheese + Portabello Frittata. The combo was 2 portabello caps, 3 eggs, about 2 oz blue cheese crumbles. Served 2.

DSC05531  DSC05533

And Brussels sprouts!! I just LOVE them and haven’t had them fresh in ages! I halved them and drizzled in about 2 tsp of canola oil, 2 tsp of maple syrup and salt and roasted them for 26 minutes at about 400*.

DSC05530

I ended up getting out the Bone Suckin’ Sauce to dip ’em in. Mmmm!

DSC05536

DSC05528

OK, I’ve got a big Organic quiz in the AM and haven’t started studying yet. This is going to be very painful 👿

G’night!

Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: Egg, thanksgivingchallenge

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Comments

  1. Kelly L. says

    November 2, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    Kath- This may be a silly question but can you compare the taste of brussel sprouts to anything? I am debating trying them…. 🙂 Thanks!

    Reply
  2. Betsy says

    November 2, 2008 at 8:47 pm

    I’ve been having so much fun with brussels sprouts since they came in season. they’re soooo cheap at my farmer’s market and soooo delicious!

    i’m seriously impressed with your grocery bill. and envious.

    Reply
  3. VeggieGirl says

    November 2, 2008 at 8:49 pm

    IMPRESSIVE HAUL!!!

    Brussels sprouts = true love. I even have a t-shirt that says, “Powered By Brussels Sprouts” 😀

    Good luck with your quiz tomorrow!!!!

    Reply
  4. Kath says

    November 2, 2008 at 8:51 pm

    Kelly L.,
    Hmmmm…geez. The husband said “cabbage meets asparagus” but I think that sounds kind of gross! You should just see if you can find them on a salad bar or in your Whole Foods deli and try one or two.

    K

    Reply
  5. Kristie says

    November 2, 2008 at 8:58 pm

    WOOHOO for cheap meals.. I’m super impressed by how you managed to spend so little. You guys have this challenge of yours in the bag.

    Reply
  6. Mara says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:01 pm

    I absolutely LOVE roasted brussels sprouts! I can’t stand them steamed or boiled, but roasted…mmm…

    and your grocery bill?? WOW! I did well this week too and kept everything we needed to $50!

    Reply
  7. Lee says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:03 pm

    I bought the frozen steam in the bag brussels sprouts. Do you think that I can steam them for a bit, then roast them? Your roasted ones look yummy.

    Reply
  8. HangryPants says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:07 pm

    I think matt’s description of brussels sprouts is pretty accurate. Have you ever had the ones still on the stem? They are delicious, too!

    Reply
  9. Maggie says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    Awesome buys! I agree with Matt’s description too about the Brussels sprouts. I adore them 🙂

    Reply
  10. Megan says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:18 pm

    Hope the quiz goes well! Great job with the Thanksgiving challenge. Dinner looks amazing!

    Reply
  11. melissa says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:19 pm

    Great job. This post made me nostalgic!
    Growing up, my family’s sunday ritual was lining up the coupons in the sunday paper to the grocery store ads. It’s almost always cheaper to buy name brand with coupons than storebrand, except at tjs. My dad does not buy anything that is not on sale unless it is milk or produce staples, in which case, he buys it from the store that has the lowest price–sadly walmart often wins over price chopper and hannaford. And he always aims to have saved at least 33% of the total bill before discount.

    Reply
  12. Cat says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    Wow! Congrats on not just meeting, but beating your goal! You’re inspiring me to start planning my meals for the week. I’m just feeding myself so I always just wait till I’m hungry to figure out what to eat. But your Thanksgiving challenge has inspired me to challenge myself and spend less too. Thanks Kath! :o)

    Good luck with your Organic quiz! I’m sure you’ll do an awesome job!!

    Reply
  13. Hil says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:21 pm

    Wow, you’re doing great! That employee discount sounds very useful.

    And I join my voice to the ranks of people who adore roasted brussel sprouts. They are delicious.

    Reply
  14. caitlin says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:23 pm

    good job so far!!!!

    Reply
  15. Caroline F. says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:24 pm

    Yum! I had some sprouts myself this evening! Way to go on the grocery adventure, off to a great start already!
    -Caroline f.

    Reply
  16. Oh She Glows says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:42 pm

    Good job on the shopping trips!

    Melissa- I know what you mean about feeling nostalgic. My family was the same way. My parents really taught me the value of a dollar and coupon clipping. When you get into the habit, it can actually be quite FUN!

    Reply
  17. Jenny says

    November 2, 2008 at 9:44 pm

    Congrat on a successful first week of the challenge! I think it is a great idea, I look forward to hearing more.

    I did the egg thing for dinner tonight as well, it felt so French 🙂

    Good luck studying!

    Reply
  18. Julia says

    November 2, 2008 at 10:19 pm

    Wow! Looks like you’re doing well on your Thanksgiving challenge so far! Those portabella mushrooms look HUGE! haha 🙂

    Reply
  19. Lisa says

    November 2, 2008 at 10:36 pm

    Wow – that’s a fantastic price on the bison. Are you sure you don’t want to switch over to a degree in finance?

    Reply
  20. Cassidy says

    November 2, 2008 at 11:07 pm

    WOW! Thats impressive. Its just me and I spend about $40 a week.

    Reply
  21. jenner says

    November 2, 2008 at 11:10 pm

    Yay for being on track for the thanksgiving challenge!

    That dinner looks soo good! I’m def having a frittata and brussels tomorrow…

    Do you usually plan out your week’s meals in advance?? I would love to do that, but I never know what I will be in the mood for, or what I will have time for on any given day.

    Reply
  22. Amber says

    November 2, 2008 at 11:23 pm

    Wow you did good! I am so excited about this challenge! I checked out the pantry and freezer and I meal planned for the next two weeks =)

    Reply
  23. jess says

    November 2, 2008 at 11:27 pm

    Wow, Amazing planning! Eggs are one of those inexpensive staples (like lentils/rice… except perishable! haha) and the brussell sprouts look delectable. Do you think that recently having to plan a ton of meals for your course has helped you out with This challenge?

    Reply
  24. emmy says

    November 2, 2008 at 11:43 pm

    I love how every blogger has had roasted brussels sprouts this week! If you’ve never tried them, start by eating them roasted – imo it makes them much less bitter.

    Reply
  25. Madison (FollowMyWeigh) says

    November 3, 2008 at 1:27 am

    whenever i see brussell sprouts they remind me of your blog because of your header!! yea i am very inexperienced with brussell sprouts too though~

    Reply
  26. eatavegan says

    November 3, 2008 at 3:05 am

    Thanks for the challenge, Kath! I’m going to try to keep it under 126 as well, only in euro instead of dollars — what a great idea!

    Reply
  27. coco says

    November 3, 2008 at 7:02 am

    good planner to save $$ and at the same time have fresh and delicious meals.
    I’m looking forward to see more great ideas!

    Reply
  28. Taiwan Teacher says

    November 3, 2008 at 7:08 am

    Wow, great job! You are inspiring a lot of people. I can’t wait to see how the week shapes up- impressive if you can make it just on that grocery trip.
    And biking to the grocery store too- so cool and earth-friendly!

    Reply
  29. Kath says

    November 3, 2008 at 7:23 am

    Lisa ,
    Hahah – no thanks!!

    jenner ,
    Yes, I do usually plan in advance, but very loosely so i can change things as my mood changes.

    jess ,
    Well I’m only in week 1, but I don’t think I could do this without planning.

    eatavegan ,
    Glad you’re joining us!!

    Kath

    Reply
  30. Grounded Fitness says

    November 3, 2008 at 7:49 am

    great job on the shopping! I lovde brussels sprouts, too, but I always bguy frozen cause they are so cheap. Good find!

    Kelly Turner
    www.groundedfitness.com

    Reply
  31. runjess says

    November 3, 2008 at 11:57 am

    I can’t believe you got all that for less than $18. Kudos.
    You know, the more free Earthfare samples you eat, the better you will do in your challenge. 😉

    Reply
  32. Sally says

    November 3, 2008 at 12:59 pm

    Wow – I am finding this challenge very inspiring and am feeling a little guilty about how much my husband and I spend on groceries. I’m also feeling gluttonous – we often have frittatas for dinner but we usually use five eggs for the two of us, not three.

    Also, thanks for recommending mint.com! I already use and love todoist and I just created a mint account and am excited (and a little afraid) to see where my money goes…

    Reply

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    hi! Im Kath.

    I'm a Registered Dietitian, healthy eater, and mom of two from Charlottesville, Virginia. Here you’ll find a healthy mix of real-life meals made from whole ingredients balanced with the pleasures of life, including buttercream frosting and good wine. Plus a sprinkle of nutrition, home life, beauty, parenting, and travel.
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