Monday, May 17, 2010

Menu Plan Monday

To participate in Menu Plan Monday, visit www.orgjunkie.com

Monday again!  This week I am trying to use up some pantry items, so I am making things that will allow me to not purchase anything but a little produce until Friday.  Then I have a plan...more on that at the end of this post!

Tuesday:  Bean Tostadas and Salad (I may make a little taco meat for the carnivores)
Wednesday:  Veggie Quiche and Homemade Bread
Thursday:  Spinach Enchiladas and Mexican Rice
Friday:  Meatloaf, mashed potatoes and corn.  I may try a lentil loaf also.
Saturday:  Leftovers or out?
Sunday:  Homemade Pizza and veggies

I will post other recipes as I try them!

So, a friend of mine sent me an interesting link last week.  The site claims that you can buy 90% of your groceries from Aldi and save a lot of money. 

The benefits of shopping at Aldi:
  • no coupons are necessary
  • limited stock means fewer impulse purchases
  • the prices are pretty hard to beat, even with sale ads
  • the selection does get better all the time
Drawbacks of shopping at Aldi:
  • not many name brand items
  • not all products are available all the time
  • not all Aldi brand products are as "good" as the name brand
  • you have to bag your own groceries
  • they don't carry specialty food items (tofu, veggie burgers, protein powder, etc.)
Still, you know how I love to save money!  I enjoy the couponing, but I find that on food items, Aldi is hard to beat.  I like most Aldi products, so I think I am up for the challenge!  So, for a month, I am going to menu plan and shop for food using Aldi items. 

Exceptions to the rule:
  • I buy eggs from a local source.
  • If I can get milk cheaper than Aldi, I will.
  • I will buy things that I have coupons for only if I can get them free or almost free!
I can't wait to see how much I can save this month!  When I am frugal with the grocery budget, I feel like I am still contributing monetarily to our family while I stay at home.  Plus, I like to be trustworthy with the home budget, and the Husband likes it too :)
I will post a grocery shopping recap on Friday, and I will plan an Aldi menu that will be up next Monday! 
Are you ready for Aldi adventures? 




2 comments:

  1. We don't have an Aldi in this part of Florida, but I know that my sister really likes shopping there. I'm making tostadas this week, too! Except I wasn't quite decided so it shows up as "Mexican Night" on my meal plan. :)

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  2. Glad you liked the link.. I also did my Aldi shopping this week but forgot a few things and had to go the Walmart.. So far I made Baked Chicken with Baked Potatoes and corn, Pork ribs with mac n cheese, steak grilled veggies and salad, taco's ,then last night we had Reno's..I think I got all the meat at walmart or Carls..

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