Saving Money

We are on a budget, just like so many out there. It is a time to watch what comes in and goes right back out.

So, when Bi-Lo had their Crazy 8 sale, I was all over it. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, $1.88 a pound. Yes, you read that right. Boneless half pork loins, $1.88 a pound. Why not stock up on the stuff and make the most out of what we have.

Chuck and I head to the store and pick up 4 packs of chicken breast, I should have bought more. And then I turn around to see him putting the pork loin in the buggy, not one, but two. Ok, I am sure I can figure something out with them.

I got to thinking about when my dad bought some at Publix. He got the butcher to cut them into chops. Not a bad idea. Here Chuck was thinking 2 meals out of the pork loins, I knew I could get more out of it. So, today, after cleaning windows all day, I came home to cut up the pork loins into chops.

Seven pounds of pork for a little over $13 came out to 5 meals. I cut them into 1" chops, 4 per package. I ended up with 2 smaller ones, that is fine for the boys one day for lunch. $2.60 a meal, .65 per person. I can live with that!

Finding things to make is a challenge. But it isn't like we don't cook. We cook nearly every meal at home. We rarely ever go out to dinner, it just isn't worth it, especially since Chuck and I know we can cook better than some of the things that we eat out.

We have come up with a quesadilla that is really wonderful. Two types of cheese, loaded down with green salsa (2.29 at Mexican store) and my homemade salsa. Topped with sour cream. Served with a side of Spanish rice. It is good, easy to make, filling and cheap.

There is so much more to easy dinners then boxed foods, hotdogs or something of the sort.

Generally on nights that I am not that tired, unlike tonight, I will go ahead and make up dinner for the next night. That way all I have to do is make a phone call and dinner is ready when we get home.

We are very busy, but that doesn't mean the kids have to eat junk and crap for dinners. It just means that we have to be more creative with dinners, figure out exactly how long things take to make too.