Have you ever taken a step back, and thought of your kitchen as a grocery store? A few weeks ago as I was doing my normal grocery shopping, a thought popped in my mind that has really changed the way I view my kitchen.  Not only the contents, but the way it functions–or atleast the way I want it to function.  I want my kitchen to be it’s own little grocery store {well, without the store part!}.  I want those conveniences that the grocery stores offer, without leaving my cushy, comfortable home, because it’s not all that easy with a baby on the loose!

Think of it this way:: Your kitchen cupboards are full of nothing more than what the grocery store sets forth to provide{talking in terms of mostly convenience food here}.  Food.  Quick and Easy Food. If the grocery store sells it, you can grow it, farm it, or make it {generally}. Just exactly how much you do is up to you.

{I know, I know..My mind is a bit crazy at times! }

Easy Homemade Convenience Foods

Frozen Meatballs

Pizza Pockets/Taco Pockets

Pudding Cups/Dry Pudding Mixes

Remember my grandmother’s cookbook? It is chock full of homemade puddings of all sorts of flavors. From scratch, not the box, using on hand ingredients. When I found them, I was eager to try them–but moreso now that Lynn makes it look easy!

Family Sized Meals/TV Dinners

Freezing cooking is all the rage around blog land.  Many of your favorite meals are freezer friendly.  If you need ideas–take a walk down the frozen section of your grocery store! After all that’s what you’re going for.  You can package them in single serving portions with various side dishes to achieve the modern day convenience of TV Dinners, or as one big Family Sized Entree.

Biscuit/Baking Mix

Frozen Biscuits/Bread Dough

While Pillsbury tries hard, nothing can compare to homemade biscuits, rolls, or bread.  Don’t sacrifice flavor, just for convenience, when you can create convenience without sacrificing! The next time you find some extra time, or you are already making {insert bread product} for dinner–make up some for the freezer.  Most recipes can either be frozen as a finished product, or after the first rise {After shaping, pop in the freezer on a cookie sheet.  Once frozen, toss in a freezer bag.  Thaw completely, let rise, bake as normal.}.

Oatmeal Packets

I buy my oats in 50 pound bags mostly because we go through it like water.  While I don’t make them up quite often enough, oatmeal packets are handy! I take sandwich bags and add about ¼-½ cup of oats, 2-3 teaspoons brown sugar, a handful of dried fruit {our favorite is cranberries} and another handful of walnuts {I don’t always add in the nuts}.  When needed, just add some hot boiling water and let sit until it’s absorbed.

Homemade Poptarts

Frozen Waffles/Pancakes

So easy!  Mix up your favorite recipe.  Let cool.  Throw on a cookie sheet, pop in the freezer and flash freeze.  Once frozen–toss ‘em in a freezer bag and remove all the air.  Put them back in the freezer, and you are good to go! Don’t forget your homemade syrup, too.

Cake/Brownie Mixes

All you’re buying is a box with pre-measured dry ingredients at an inflated price.  Use your own recipes and make them at home! Mix up the dry ingredients, store in ziploc bags and attach a list of the wet ingredients and the instructions.

Hashbrowns/French Fries

When I find a steal of a deal on potatoes, I like to stock up {as with everything else}.  We really don’t eat a lot of potatoes, so before they go bad I like to make and freeze up some hash browns and french fries.

Frozen Smoothie Cubes

We eat a lot of smoothies, especially during the summer months.  We’ve never followed an actual recipe, but instead just thrown some of this fruit, some of that fruit, some yogurt and some milk and blended away.  This method, while easy and wonderful, can create a lot of smoothie!  Instead of throwing it away, we started freezing it in ice cube trays for a quick snack bite, or in single-serve sized containers.

Refrigerated/Frozen Cookie Dough

I’ve been guilty myself of purchasing ready made cookie dough before. But truly?  Nothing compares to homemade!  If you’re looking for convenience, the next time you make cookies, make a double or triple batch and freeze the cookie dough.  I’ve frozen in it one big ball, or as already measured out cookies.  Either way is fine.  Makes a great snack, too!

Spice Mixes

Grocery stores have many different spice blends available for purchase.  Really, they are nothing more than various spices mixed together with a new name slapped on the front.  Cut your costs, and make up your own!  One of the easiest and most popular spice blends to make is Taco Seasoning or even Fajita Seasoning.  This sane concept rings true for meat and vegetable marinades, too.  They can easily be mixed up and stored in the refrigerator in a glass jar for a couple days.

Cream Soups/Gravy Mixes

Chicken Broth

The next time you cook up a chicken, reserve the bones for homemade chicken broth. Added Tip:: When you’re chopping up vegetables–save your celery and carrot pieces {and whatever else you think of}.  You can store these in the fridge, or even the freezer until the next time you make broth.

Granola

We eat a ton of granola!  Whether it be on top of some fruit and yogurt, by itself, or as a cereal.  However, store bought granola is out-right pricey!  Not only is homemade granola easy on the budget, it’s also fun to play around with the ingredients.  You can even make granola bars for a portable treat.

Croutons/SeasonedBread Crumbs

Various Side Dishes

Grocery store shelves are lined with all sorts of side dishes in cans, boxes and even in pouch.  Don’t fall for their inflated price…make them at home.  I rarely purchase canned beans anymore for this very reason!  

This is only a sample of what you can make at home. Your possibilities are endless {as you can tell by the ever changing grocery store shelves}.

While making your own convience foods may seem like a lot of effort, in the end you benefit greatly.  Not only does it decrease what you rely on the grocery store for {in turn reducing your grocery expenses!}, but it also gives you more control over what your family is putting in their mouth.  I spend less time preparing my grocery list, grocery shopping, and putting away groceries. To me, it’s worth it!

What are your favorite convenience foods? How about your favorite homemade convenience items?

This post is part of Frugal Friday.

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Do It Yourself Convenience Foods is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

My table is so full, it is hard to see everything. I spent a total of about $90 for everything you see, and some things that are buried. Here are the highlights:

(6) Philadelphia Cream Cheese @ .50/ea

(4) Frozen Containers Strawberry Slices @ .75/ea

(4) Mexican Vanilla @ .50/ea

(6) Organic Vegetable/Marinara Pasta Dinners @ .49/ea (These are perfect for my 4yo’s lunches)

(2) Nutella @ $1.29/ea (Yesterday was the first time I’ve ever tried Nutella–I can’t believe I waited so long. So good!)

(4) Trail Mix @ .99/ea

(2) Aluminum Free Baking Powder @ .75/ea

Cornstarch .49

(5) Diced Ham @ .75/ea

Whole Fryer Chicken @ $2.50

Red Pears 4 for .19 cents!! (Using these for another Pear Oven Pancake. Yum!)

I went to the local grocer after this trip and got a few things I wasn’t able to get from the discount store. As you can see from the picture, I didn’t pick up much and I still spent $42!! Yikes!

Don’t forget about those discount grocery stores, they can bring big savings!

This post is linked to Works For Me Wendesday.

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Shopping Discount Grocers is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

This post was originally posted on February 3rd, but it bears repeating as it is my Top Frugal Tip. The number one question I am asked is how I keep my grocery budget as low as I do. Implementing these following 8 tips helped me gain control of my grocery budget, which has given us more money for our debt snowball.

On the last installment of Finding Freedom, I went over Managing Expenses and different ways that you can cut your costs.

One of the hardest, yet easiest areas, is grocery shopping. I do consider it a negotiable, because although you have to eat, you can almost always cut your spending in the “grocery department” and still not starve!

8 Ways to Cut Your Grocery Budget In Half

Pay With Cash

I’ve already shouted all through out blog land how much I believe in cash for all grocery shopping endeavors, so I won’t get into that too much here. You can check out my story of using cash, here. It will save you tons of money, you will end up with things you actually need, and you will be in control! I beg you to try it if you haven’t already. (Those of you that have tried it, please feel free to weigh in in the comment section so everyone knows how it went!)

Use Coupons Wisely

Wait to use your coupon until the item goes on sale. It is unbelievable how much money you can save by pairing those 2 together! My rule of thumb as far as my coupons go, is if the item isn’t on sale..I will probably not use my coupon, unless I NEED that particular item.
**If you aren’t interested in coupons, just check out the ads and shop the loss leaders. Loss leaders are the items that the grocery stores mark way down to get you into the store to buy other overpriced items.**

Make a Meal Plan

Knowing what you are making for dinner and writing down all of the ingredients you need from the store will not only keep you on track at the store, but it will save you unnecessary trips back to the store inevitably ending up with more than you needed, and spending more in the process. Also, avoiding the whole “It’s 4pm and I have no idea what is for dinner!” is such a stress reliever. You will end up with more time, less stress, and saving money in the process! Doesn’t get any better!

Stick to Your List!

That is why you made it, so stick to it! My only exception to this, is if I know I need orange juice (or another actual needed item) and I forgot to put it on my list. But, I must need it (not want it) and there must be room in my budget. I try not to break budget for things I’ve forgotten to list, but didn’t. I’ve been known though, to knock something else off so that I can get that one item. It did take some getting used to, but it kind of goes hand in hand with the whole cash concept.

Watch Those Prices

Buying in bigger packages isn’t always cheaper, so make sure that you are getting the best deal. I’m that crazy lady standing in the aisle checking out every brand of product and figuring out the best deal. And a “sale” isn’t always a sale.

Shop Multiple Stores

This one obviously isn’t feasible for everybody, but it is something that you should check into and weigh. I live in a pretty small area, and in order for me to get decent grocery prices I have to drive to the “big town”. The “big town” has Super Wal-Mart and Walgreen’s on one end, and Aldi’s and a small grocery chain on the other. I go to one set, and then go to the other set since is on the way home. Shopping these multiple stores gives me a better idea of prices and in turn, I have a better idea of what a good sale price is. I don’t always shop at all of these stores, but I do usually hit 2-3. I can get all my shopping done, with my 3 year old, in no more than 2 hours.

Make a Price Book

This is something that I have just started, and I’m sure that I don’t do it like everyone else. When I come home, I input all of my grocery prices in Excel. I write the item, the price, and the price per unit. For instance, onions. Say they are $1.29, and I get 6 in the bag. That is .22 cents an onion. (Secret Revealed- This is how I know the cost breakdown of all my meals!) When I buy the item next time, if it is lower I write that in with stars letting me know that is a good deal. When I go to make my list, I write down beside the item how much it costs (based on the price book) and I tally it up at the end. This helps me stay within my budget.

Make It At Home

Making most of what we eat from scratch has really cut our costs. In return I have been able to make my family healthy foods for less than half of what I could buy them for, and I am at peace because I know exactly what is in it and where it has been. No need to worry about some 14 letter ingredient that I have never heard of and cannot pronounce!  If you think of your kitchen as a grocery store, you can shop it when your family gets hungry.

I encourage you to try all of these. You do not necessarily have to do them all at once, you can ease in if you desire. But, I do think it is important to do all of them at some point to maximize your savings.

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Cutting Grocery Costs is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

This topic is very near and dear to me for numerous different reasons. It all actually started when I started taking a closer look at our grocery budget and seeing where I could trim. From there I realized that basically everything that I relied on the grocery store for (which was everything), I could make at home. Yes, you can make almost anything at home. That does not necessarily mean that it is economical to do so, but with a little bit of time, research, and maybe some added umph–you can make anything.

This newfound discovery got my wheels really turning. Why was I buying all these things from the store and giving someone that I didn’t even know the authority to play in my food, or add whatever they wanted to into my cleaners. Granted, these companies are regulated by the government, but that just wasn’t and isn’t enough for me. Especially when you take into account how many food recalls we have had and also knowing that certain ingredients have a potential for causing cancer.

I would have to say that yes, making my own has definitely saved us money! For a lot of the recipes that I post and for all of my menu plans, I try to post the cost breakdown so you can see that making food from scratch is easy, frugal and delish. Doing the cost breakdown has really gotten me to see just how much money it has saved us.

Currently the only other thing that I make from scratch, other than food items, is my laundry soap and fabric softener. I cannot even begin to tell you how much this has saved us. There are no additives, and no perfumes in the laundry detergent. The fabric softener, because I use conditioner, does have perfumes and such–but I’ve been using diluted vinegar with added essential oil with success. This method does not have the perfumes/additives. I do not make any other cleaners right now, because I still have a big stock of the commercial things from couponing. But, isopropyl alcohol and vinegar (not together) should be your best friend.

Of course there are other things, like curtains, clothing, toys, gifts, etc that you can make at home. All of which, in my opinion, fall right along the same lines.

Doing these things has granted me great amounts of freedom. I hardly rely on the grocery store for anything. I have the base ingredients at any given time to make almost anything you can dream up. That in conjunction with couponing, I rarely need anything other than basics, which grants me the freedom and reliance from the grocery store. Not being there so much saves me money on impulse buys, which is helping me find financial freedom. We’re all human!

And on top of all of that, yes, I can notice a difference in our health. I feel better, and I have slimmed down a bit. Although, I’m on a mad mission to lose more!

Let me add here, that I was never one to be any form of domestic. No way, no how. Didn’t want any part of it whatsoever. Money was made to be spent, and the stores were created for you to spend it. Thankfully my views have changed! I still have very little patience and desire fast results. I say all this so that you know that “making your own” isn’t always time consuming (which is what I always thought). Sure, the first time you do it, it may take a while, but once you get it down, it will be second nature. Kind of like tying your shoes. When you first learn, it takes about 12 days to tie both shoes. Now, I’ll bet that you can tie them in your sleep with your hands tied behind your back.

I’m no domestic powerhouse, or professional homemaker, but I strongly encourage you to attempt to make your own “something”. If you are already making something, make more “somethings”, venture out and see how many things you really can make. It’s a great feeling knowing that my family depends on my hands, and not someone elses.

If you have any questions about where to start, how to begin, or anything at all–I’m more than happy to help!

Now is the time for you to share. Please remember to link to your post and not your homepage. And please keep it on topic–I don’t like deleting links!

What is your take on Making at Home vs. Store Bought?

1. Changing Reflection

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Making Your Own vs. Store Bought is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt

I’ve been rather absent from the grocery shopping world for a few weeks. We experienced a sleet/snow/ice storm a few weeks ago, that was the worst one to grace our area in quite sometime. It took quite awhile for everything to melt away, but even then we didn’t return to school. Our high school apparently sustained some damage, so we had to wait until they could repair it before we went back. We were out a total of 8 days!!

I would have went grocery shopping by the start of the second week, but my driveway was horrendous, and my oldest cannot handle all the “extras” in the grocery store. I was just not up for the fight.

By the time I made this trip, I hadn’t been in about 3 weeks! Thankfully I had a pretty good stockpile going on, and I still have a lot of meat, rice and veggies left. This trip had to replace some of the regulars as well as some kitchen staples. We made a quick trip to town to get one gallon of milk, so I’m going to add that in at the bottom in the final total.

ALDI:

(2) Dozen Eggs $2.78
Bag Apples .99
Quick Oats $1.79
Macaroni $1.69
(2) Cream Cheese $1.98
Shredded Cheddar $2.99
Velveeta Type Cheese $3.79
(2) Butter Quarters $3.98
Fruit Popsicles $1.99
Coffee $4.99
Creamer $1.95
American Cheese $1.99
Raisins $1.65
(2) Canned Mushrooms .98
Vegetable Oil $2.29
(4) Frozen OJ $5
Parmesan Cheese $2.39
Pepper $1.19
(2) Milk $4.98

TOTAL: $51.45

WalMart

Powdered Mil $14.28
Pull ups $10.24
TP $1.24
Dry Pinto beans .94
Dry Black Eyed Peas $1.26
WW Flour $2.86
Vital Wheat Gluten $1.84 (never tried this)
Oregano $2.58
5# Ham $6.98
Oscar Meyer Bacon $3

TOTAL: $47.44

I have temporarily misplaced my Walgreen’s receipt. I didn’t get anything all too impressive. I got 2 of the FAR items, some Sierra Mist, and a couple random deals. I didn’t use any coupons this time *gasp*…so my total was around $27.

I stopped by the bread store on my way home and got 3 loaves of Sara Lee Honey Wheat for $1/loaf and 3 Sara Lee Bagels for .60 cents each. Total Spent $4.99



FINAL TOTAL: $130.88, plus random milk purchase of $3.50=$134.38

Hmm…a little over my $125/2 week goal. I debated on getting the powdered milk since it was a big chunk of money, but I’ve noticed how handy it is to keep around, so I got it anyway. It is definitely a good food storage item. Also, since I just got all my goods, and my grocery budget gets replenished again this Friday, and I’m slated to go shopping again Monday, I think I’m good. This trip contained all of my ingredients for this weeks menu, as well as next, so I won’t have to pick those up. I’m actually secretly hoping that I can get away with $100 for my next trip, we’ll just have to see how that goes.

To see how others did on their grocery shopping, visit Grocery Cart Challenge.

Have you purchased your copy of the Home Management Binder yet? It's not too late!

Thank you for supporting our February Sponsors!

Don't Feel Guilty About Dessert! Eat a Smart Sweet! Check out the 80+page Ebook from Kitchen Stewardship.

{Mountain Rose Herbs}--Organic Spices, Herbs, Teas and Essential Oils {Plus MORE!!}

Visit the Clever Housewife for Saving and Stretching a Buck.
Grocery Shopping Trip is a post from: Getting Freedom From Debt