A couple weeks ago, I talked about my February Shopping Summary, and mentioned that I was keeping track of all my grocery purchases from February 17th to March 17th.
It was painfully eye opening, to be completely honest. We had no idea we spent that much on food. We had an idea for sure, but to see it all spread out in front of us was shocking. But we have to eat right?
A couple things I noticed were that I buy too much junk food for myself (I'm in the process of remedying that now though), I buy too many extras that I don't plan for (things I need, but forgot to put on my list, but I am also working on fixing that too), and we need to cut back on our meat consumption. I need some good vegetarian meals, and also need to give the kids smaller portions of meat.
The grand total for the whole month was:
$758.51
Now keep in mind, that that does include all household products like pet food, cat litter, cleaning supplies, toiletries et cetera. We spend an average of $45/month on our dog (he goes through a 50lb bag once a month, plus a big box of biscuits, which he gets 1-2 of a day), and the cats we probably spend about $50. They need cat litter, which is about $15-20 month, dry cat food about $10-15 (we buy a $22 20lb bag and it lasts about 1.5-2 months), and wet cat food about $10.
I go through a lot of cleaning supplies and general household items like trash bags, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent etc. And with 5 people, sometimes 6, living here full time, we go through a ton of soap, shampoo, toilet paper, toothpaste etc.
I always make sure the kids have plenty of fruit, and we always have staples in like Goldfish crackers, graham crackers, string cheese, and oatmeal. I don't buy off brands of certain products like peanut butter, toilet paper, ketchup and mustard, and toothpaste, and I use all dove products like body wash/soap/deodorant (the kids get cheaper stuff because they go through it faster and are wasteful).
Honestly though, I wish I could cut down the household/food bill. But I don't see how unless I just cut out my junk food consumption. I make food last by using left overs, and I buy a lot of off brands (except where I mentioned above). If I didn't count the pet supplies and the cleaning products/toiletries, our total would be about $550-600, and even less if I didn't eat so much junk food, so I really think that is ok. I really don't feed the kids unhealthy food though, it's just me. I have a problem of snacking too much at night after they go to bed. Food has become my best friend and I'm going to break up with him.
We spent a lot extra this past month though because my husband was home for a week, we had a birthday party to buy for, and my mom came to visit. I didn't include the two times we ate out as a family, plus the burger king trip we made the day my husband came home. eek. lol. Normally we don't eat out for dinner unless it is a special occasion, and I think my husband's last birthday ever (29! LOL) is a special occasion.
Before I ramble on too much, I'll end this for now. I *think* the next month should be a lot better. I don't have any birthday parties and no company coming. Plus I am eating healthier now.
Check back on April 19th for an update!
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Goals. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Happy New Year!!
Out with the old and in with the new! I can't believe it is 2009 already, 2008 went by so fast.
2008 was a bit of a challenging year for us. We decided that to save ourselves, we had to sell our house. We actually listed it almost one year ago and were lucky to find a buyer almost right away. We moved in March into a rental, the kids started at a new school and we began a new life in a new city. Selling the house was difficult for sure, but at least we aren't drowning with our mortgage, right? 2008 was also a happy year for us, as we were able to become more financially stable. The kids also made new friends, adjusted well into a new school and love it there. I was able to get a YMCA membership and get some time to my self a few times a week while I work out. My husband is still the #1 Driver at his work and we made more money than 2007!
This year we started out with some old family traditions. My husband's family is German, so they always did Pork and Sour kraut for new years day, and that will be our dinner. My family being Dutch, we always made Oliebollen, which is a dutch apple fritter served with icing/powdered sugar. I made that today and we just had a mid afternoon snack. The Oliebollen was a hit, the kids and my husband love them.
2009 is going to be the start of a new adventure for our family. I can't go into too many details per the request of my husband, but it will bring a lot of change and excitement. Just wish us luck! I'm going to be doing a lot more canning/jam making this summer. I did that last summer, and our jam stores are dwindling, so it will be nice to have some fresh stuff this summer. My husband is looking into doing a different route with his job, and if all goes well, he will be home quite possibly every weekend for a day or two. That would be a very welcome blessing for our family; we get to spend more time together, and it would also help hold me more accountable in the housework department. lol
This year we also have some financial, as well as personal goals. Financially we're going to pay off our two credit cards (the balance is only $1300) once we get our tax return. With our tax return, we will also pay off our youngest daughter's bedroom set. Paying off those 3 bills will save us about $160 a month, so that is a huge boost to our savings account each month.
And last, but not least, my personal goal is to lose weight. I know, it's hack to say that, but I do plan on it. Hubby and I are going to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, so I would like to be considerably thinner for our anniversary. We actually plan to go away for a night or two while my mom watches the kids. He proposed here , so we thought it would be fun to go back there for our 10th anniversary. I know we just had our 9th, but I'm really looking forward to this one!
Pardon my long-windedness.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!
2008 was a bit of a challenging year for us. We decided that to save ourselves, we had to sell our house. We actually listed it almost one year ago and were lucky to find a buyer almost right away. We moved in March into a rental, the kids started at a new school and we began a new life in a new city. Selling the house was difficult for sure, but at least we aren't drowning with our mortgage, right? 2008 was also a happy year for us, as we were able to become more financially stable. The kids also made new friends, adjusted well into a new school and love it there. I was able to get a YMCA membership and get some time to my self a few times a week while I work out. My husband is still the #1 Driver at his work and we made more money than 2007!
This year we started out with some old family traditions. My husband's family is German, so they always did Pork and Sour kraut for new years day, and that will be our dinner. My family being Dutch, we always made Oliebollen, which is a dutch apple fritter served with icing/powdered sugar. I made that today and we just had a mid afternoon snack. The Oliebollen was a hit, the kids and my husband love them.
2009 is going to be the start of a new adventure for our family. I can't go into too many details per the request of my husband, but it will bring a lot of change and excitement. Just wish us luck! I'm going to be doing a lot more canning/jam making this summer. I did that last summer, and our jam stores are dwindling, so it will be nice to have some fresh stuff this summer. My husband is looking into doing a different route with his job, and if all goes well, he will be home quite possibly every weekend for a day or two. That would be a very welcome blessing for our family; we get to spend more time together, and it would also help hold me more accountable in the housework department. lol
This year we also have some financial, as well as personal goals. Financially we're going to pay off our two credit cards (the balance is only $1300) once we get our tax return. With our tax return, we will also pay off our youngest daughter's bedroom set. Paying off those 3 bills will save us about $160 a month, so that is a huge boost to our savings account each month.
And last, but not least, my personal goal is to lose weight. I know, it's hack to say that, but I do plan on it. Hubby and I are going to celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, so I would like to be considerably thinner for our anniversary. We actually plan to go away for a night or two while my mom watches the kids. He proposed here , so we thought it would be fun to go back there for our 10th anniversary. I know we just had our 9th, but I'm really looking forward to this one!
Pardon my long-windedness.
I hope everyone has a Happy New Year!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Personal Goals
I am taking my cue from another blogger, yet again! LOL She had such a great idea and wrote down her 50 goals for 2008. I don't know if I have 50 yet...I'll try. lol I might have to update later.
So here are my Goals for 2008
1. Lose weight. Not going to set an amount, I just want to lose
2. Consistently keep going to the YMCA and working out 3-4 days per week
3. Spend less time on the internet
4. Do well, or make some profit, on my new Avon business
5. Not to be so negative about so many things. I tend to be a big complainer
6. Get my mountain of laundry under control and learn how to keep up with it
7. Focus more on the older children's clothing needs rather than the baby's.
8. Work out some sort of cleaning schedule and keep my house CLEAN
9. Get caught up on my scrap-booking. I've only done up till last summer! ACK!!
10. Get to bed at a regular time
11. Remember to shower at NIGHT
12. Not to be so worried about what other people think about me
13. Get my passport renewed
14. Start a savings account
15. Get the rest of the MISC boxes unpacked
16. Read to the baby more
17. Don't yell so much
18. Regularly keep my nails looking good, I've really slacked here.
19. Get our emergency/winter money funds account started and set up
20. Pay off credit cards
21. Buy some nice clothes for myself more often, but I guess I'd do that if I lost more weight.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now. I'm not feeling good today, this cold is still in full force. We did some paperwork with the house today, but I dont want to say anything else until I am for sure all done. Maybe tomorrow, perhaps monday.
Thanks Larina for this idea!!
So here are my Goals for 2008
1. Lose weight. Not going to set an amount, I just want to lose
2. Consistently keep going to the YMCA and working out 3-4 days per week
3. Spend less time on the internet
4. Do well, or make some profit, on my new Avon business
5. Not to be so negative about so many things. I tend to be a big complainer
6. Get my mountain of laundry under control and learn how to keep up with it
7. Focus more on the older children's clothing needs rather than the baby's.
8. Work out some sort of cleaning schedule and keep my house CLEAN
9. Get caught up on my scrap-booking. I've only done up till last summer! ACK!!
10. Get to bed at a regular time
11. Remember to shower at NIGHT
12. Not to be so worried about what other people think about me
13. Get my passport renewed
14. Start a savings account
15. Get the rest of the MISC boxes unpacked
16. Read to the baby more
17. Don't yell so much
18. Regularly keep my nails looking good, I've really slacked here.
19. Get our emergency/winter money funds account started and set up
20. Pay off credit cards
21. Buy some nice clothes for myself more often, but I guess I'd do that if I lost more weight.
Well, that's about all I can think of for now. I'm not feeling good today, this cold is still in full force. We did some paperwork with the house today, but I dont want to say anything else until I am for sure all done. Maybe tomorrow, perhaps monday.
Thanks Larina for this idea!!
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