A Fun FREE Add On to Your Valentine's Gift Giving

Yesterday Madison and I went to the Dollar Tree and found these Valentine's Day "gift"cards. 

Now I could have easily spent a few dollars and bought these... but they didn't all apply to us. We are not dancers... so a night on the town dancing would not reply to our relationship.  So I came home, got on Picnik, and whipped up three sets of my own "gift" cards that I knew would appeal to my husband. 

{Here they are, printed, cut, and ready to go}

I uploaded them to Walgreens and this morning I picked them up.  I ordered two of each one.  I cut them in half and stuck them in his card.  Easy peasy...creative...and personalized.   I think he will love these FREE gifts. If you are just exchanging cards... a few of these would be great to throw in as well.

You can download these for FREE.

{1} Red Chevron

{2} Dark Pink

{3} Polka Dots 

I just ask you use them for personal use only and do not alter or resell them... although really feel free to use the idea of them to create your own more personalized versions in Picnik.

Day 9- Grocery Budgets, Meal Planning, & Coupons

I dread going to the grocery store each week.  I hate spending so much money.  Back in Virginia we ate out a lot.  Too much.  Since being in Rhode Island and on one income we have really scaled back the eating out.  When we do go out it is usually not something expensive.  However I have been spending a ton at the grocery store.  I have been meal planning and making detailed grocery lists, but I am still spending a ton.  Last week I had 3 coupon fliers and went through them all and cut out one coupon.  There was only one we could use for something we like, will eat, and that was on the meal plan.  I try to grocery shop once a week.  Last week I spent $150 at the grocery store, $16 at BJs, and $12 at the local market. We are a family of 3.   INSANE!!!

I wish we had an extra refrigerator so I could stock up with meat is on sale, but our current freezer is small and I cannot fit too much in it.  I also probably need to be better at shopping sales.

I make breakfast for Chris and Maddie every morning, so that is 7 breakfasts.

They both pack their lunches for work/school so that is 10 lunches.

I eat a lunch at home every day, so that is 5 for me.

Plus snacks to go with lunches and dinners each night.

This is what we did this past week-

Monday- Steak and cheese subs

Tuesday- Greek Style Grilled Chicken Wraps

Wednesday- We went to a new local Mexican place.

Thursday - Spaghetti

Friday- Crock pot Chicken Tacos

Saturday - Madison and I went out of town so we ate out and so did Chris

Sunday - We ordered pizza... thinking they were buy one get one half off, but they weren't.  The good news is Maddie loves taking leftover pizza for lunches during the week.

Here is my plan for next week -

Monday - Grilled Steak & Veggie skewers, baked potatoes, and corn (which I have)

Tuesday- Chicken Enchiladas (using leftover chicken from last week) and Mexican rice

Wednesday- Beef Tacos
Thursday- Chicken Italian sausages, baked beans, and macaroni and cheese before a school event

Friday- Subway $5 foot long subs

I would love to be at about $100 or less total each week on groceries!  I stopped at Trader Joes today when we were in Massachusetts and spent $30, so that gives me $70 for the rest of the week.

I am stunned when I saw this lady's grocery budget.  But I am impressed.

I would love to know the size of your family and the amount you spend each week at the grocery store if you don't mind sharing.