I am pleased to report that in the past week (since Monday) I have grocery shopped twice. I lacked a lot of enthusiasm for big menu plans, plus I'm rather tired of couponing (unless it is something I use regularly in a brand I prefer).

On Monday I had to get milk and produce and a few odd staples for dinner. I spent $24.00.

Today I shopped again, getting two more gallons of milk, fresh fruit, ground sirloin/ground turkey for tonight's meatloaf muffins (planned for earlier in the week), tomorrow's chili, and dinner on Saturday. Aside from the fact that I paid $3 for furniture polish and would be cheaper at Walmart, I spent $36.

I am doing far better cooking from scratch as far as snacks for the kids and by having a juice alternative I am saving money on milk.

I also hit Michael's and Joanne's using coupons (40% and 50% off) I am still stock-piling travel items for the car trip down to Florida which is a week away.

If I keep this up, I might actually have a budget for groceries that I am proud of.

I do plan to try to geton a system where I go to Sam's Club once a month for stocking up on thigns like vitamins and Zyrtec.

And I'm able to zip in and out in about 1/2 the time. And I'm grouping my errands and outing to economize on the gas.

Just an interesting observation I had to share ...