My Wednesday Pantry-$3.00 Meal Plan Shop

      Last night I had a few things I needed for the house so decided since I was venturing out to a store, I'd go ahead and try my 3 Meals for $3 each challenge. This is just the shop, mind you, and I wasn't doing any cooking at 8:00 when I got home. For this challenge, I am allowing myself, unlike my Dollar Tree challenge, to use basic spices and oils from my kitchen. Think of this as an interest post, entertainment, or perhaps something to do if you want to tighten your belt some week. It is in no way meant to say how anyone else should or could shop since prices and dietary needs vary. It also isn't, even though I had more options, the healthiest shop. As I had just bought a 2 pound bag of long grain rice, and a share of a 10# bag of basmati, I was trying to avoid rice. My intent was to make three meals that would serve at least three people, or two people and two children, or two people plus lunch leftovers, which is our families situation right now. Next week I'll share the results.

Here's what I bought, with prices (receipt picture at the bottom of the post):

• 8 pack hotdogs
• 2 can chili beans
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 pound white bread-sandwiches, toasties, and bread crumbs
• 1 box macaroni and cheese
• 2 pounds carrots
• 2 cans potato
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 8 ounces cheddar ( cubes were an in store special cheaper by  a dime over the block)
• 1 can pork and beans

Plan:

Meal 1

Toastie Dogs

Roasted carrots

roasted  potatoes

Meal 2

Chili

grilled cheese sandwich  

Meal 3

Cheesy pasta bake

Steamed carrots

Pork and beans

     I had a sort of idea when I went in, but took advantage of a few lower priced items and managed to be pretty close to $9. I think it is much easier to make 3 meals for $9, than it would have been making a single meal with a $3 shop. Many ingredients are intended for multiple meals. I had no interest in  soaking and cooking beans so went with canned versions, which had the advantage of already being flavored. Originally I intended to buy a roll of ground turkey, but the price was not indicated, I didn't feel like asking the skeleton crew in Aldi and chose to do a meatless chili instead and something with hotdogs. I'm worried the potatoes will be bland, and the cheese pasta bake will be salty and unsatisfying for DH, though I'm sure I will like it. The chili, since I am limiting the ingredients, might come off more like a chili soup, but with the grilled cheese,  DH won't mind. I might have a couple different options to try, but still thinking it through. Have you ever done a budget challenge like this? Am I a bit loony with my self imposed challenges?

Thrift Haul

      Friday afternoon I took myself on a little Thrift jaunt. I had a few things in mind-a couple pairs of long shorts or capris style pants and neutralish short sleeve shirts. I also wanted to find a small plate or dish for the bar soap in the bathroom. DH keeps leaving his Dove bar on the built in little groove for soap in the sink itself. It melts then is really hard to clean. I had a fair amount of success stopping at both a Salvation Army and A goodwill up the road. At Salvation Army, I only looked at the blue tags, which were half off. It was slim in the shorts and capris area, but got two bargains on the following shirts at $1.99 each.

The tie die like fading adds a little interest
and the cut of the sleeves hides some arm jiggle.

Just a very basic pinstripe weave gray t-shirt,
but  it's long and tapered so not sloppy. 

     At Goodwill I found both these slightly below the knee khaki style for $2.99. They will  likely be my go to pants the rest of summer. 

     This pair was more expensive at a whopping $5.99, but  are a little dressier so will also work for the warm September days when I go back to the office. They still  are casual enough that I can pair with sneakers or flat sandals for happy hour. They hit as is just above the ankles, but also can be rolled into a cuff for a more casual look. 

     I hope neither fit me next summer, but for an investment of  $9.00, I'll get a very low cost per wear out of these if each are only worn once a week until the end of the warm weather this summer. 

     I found this small stone wear plate for $ .99 at Goodwill as well. It actually would go much better in the downstairs bathroom with green, but it will do the job  intended. Regardless, better than the cheapest soap dish at Walmart, Target or Kohls at  $1.99, or the plastic options at the Dollar Tree. 

     All together, I spent $14.02 and ended up with five items, two complete sets of tops or bottoms, with a mix and match option for four outfits. My only downfall in this trip was I should have been prepared to drop off another bag of  clothing. I'd have received a coupon for I think 20% off which would have saved me another $2.00 at Goodwill. I'm planning a  thrift store challenge with my girls this summer. I may even get some help and make a video out of it. It would be something along the lines of we each get a certain amount of money and have to find  specify things. Any ideas on what you'd like to see? Thanks for reading and indulging me sharing my little haul.