Cow Fund Finale

I can't believe it has been a year since I started the "Cow Fund".

I guess I will start with a little recap of the "Cow Fund" for all of you Cutting Back newbies.

In September 2009 we purchased a quarter of a cow. It was something we did on a whim, and we just wrote a check for it.

Last year I started to feel like we needed to save for more things and become better stewards of what the Lord had entrusted us with. It was a personal thing, I am in no way trying to say it is wrong to buy a cow or a pair of shoes that you haven't saved for...when you can afford it. I have just made a conscious effort to stop impulse/unnecessary spending in general.


I was convinced that "saving up" for things would help with:

1. Impulse Buys- If you have to save for it you have plenty of time to see if you really want/need it.

2. Discipline- Discipline is something I think that most of us need more of...in one area or another. I desire to be better disciplined in every area of life, but I really focused on discipline in the area of spending in 2010.




Ways we saved for the Cow Fund:

1. Our grocery budget is $40 a week for the two of us. I did a few "Eating from the Pantry" months. I made as many meals as possible from the stockpile and freezer in those months and just bought necessities and produce. The others months I would save what I could and at the end of the month drop the leftover money into the jar.

2. Empty our pockets. Whenever our pockets were full of change we would dump it into the jar. Little by little it accumulated. It was so rewarding to watch the big jar fill up. It just goes to show that even the pennies add up over time!


The jar has been totaled:

$747.29

Can you believe it? I couldn't! I took the jar to a Coin Star machine and let them do the work. I wasn't about the roll all of that change...it was worth the fee for me!

The crazy thing is that our cow man didn't come through for us this year...he had no cows to purchase. I think we found a supplier that can provide the meat in the spring. I am holding on to that money for now and by then I am sure there will be more money to cash in. After thinking about it I decided I should put that money in the bank...that is a lot of money to keep sitting by your kitchen window?!?

The lesson learned is that you can save quite a bit and not even miss it!

The End:

After documenting every grocery trip with pictures and totals this year in my Packing the Pantry posts...it is time to call it quits. I really don't enjoy doing the Packing the Pantry post and I hope you all understand! Instead I am going to spend my time on the things I do enjoy in efforts to make the blog better.

I will still be taking out $40 cash each week and sticking to that...don't you worry!

Packing the Pantry and The BEST Tea EVER!

It seems like forever since I have done a Packing the Pantry post. Quit your worrying, we have been surviving all right, I've just been neglectful in photographing the process. Is anyone with me when I say I don't particularly enjoy the duty of grocery shopping?

Lately this process has been more annoying to me than normal. I have been going shopping after working out and after all that sweaty fun...the last thing I want to do is get all of the food out again, haul it to the table, arrange it, take a picture, and finally put it away!

Anyways, I got a picture this week. I spent $20 at Meijer for everything below. I mainly stocked up on fresh fruit, veggies, and baking supplies for my fudge!



I found this gem of a tea in Arizona last week. We went to The Coffee Shop and I ordered an Earl Grey tea...which is the most favorite-ist flavor of tea ever. I went about my usual routine of letting it steep the proper amount of time, adding a touch of sugar and a touch of honey, and finishing it off with ample cream. It just so happened to be the BEST cup of tea I have ever had.



I insisted on going back a few days later to find out what kind of tea it was.
(No...I couldn't just call...I needed one more cup of this insane goodness)

We twittered The Coffee Shop? Or we tweeted them? Or we sent them a tweet?
(I am sorry, but I'm not up on the correct twitter terminology)

They answered to whatever it was that I sent them and the world of Revolution tea was opened up to me. I declared it the best tea evvaahhhh, and I will never be the same. I mean it.

I searched several stores until I found it here at Cincinnati's finest, Jungle Jims. I also bought their Sweet Ginger Peach. Both are amazing. I am a big fan of loose leaf tea and I love that this is the best of both worlds. You have your good tea leaves, but they are put into flow through infuser bags so no tea infuser is necessary.

It really is the little things that make for a good day...one being a proper cup of tea!

Anyways, I spent $10 on two boxes of tea and about $4 on a few others things...like milk and more oranges. I guess that means I spent a total of $34 this week, so a little goes into the cow fund. It is almost time to figure out the total in the cow fund...are you excited? I sure am.

Packing the Pantry

I didn't plan on getting much this week. I knew that I had to pop into Kroger to grab a package of lasagna noodles and powdered sugar for a cake order. Well, I hit a huge sale on ground beef!!! I only have two pounds in the the freezer and they had it marked down to $1.19.

Since we are having some cow issues (don't get me started) and our cow man fell through this year I need to stock up. We still plan to get a cow, but when and where...I don't know. SO FRUSTRATING...

The problem with all of this is that I bought all of this beef on Wednesday and I really didn't have time to have a freezer cooking day. It was such a good deal that I couldn't pass it up!

I spent a total of $25 for everything pictured!

What did you stock up on this week?

Packing the Pantry

Did you enter the giveaways yet?

The Gooseberry Cookbook Prize Pack ends on 11/8
Taste of Home Magazine Subscription ends on 11/9

Did anyone take advantage of the FREE Coffee-mate at Meijer this week?

I did. I am trying to like coffee...so I am thinking this creamer may help me along.

I love Dunkin Donuts iced coffee. I am totally addicted to Pumpkin Spice Lattes at Starbucks. Dark Mocha's at Caribou are a complete money pit for me.

But when it comes to a straight up cup of coffee...I can't stomach it!

Anyways, back to the groceries...

I made a quick stop early in the week at Sam's for the economy size Romaine lettuce. Then I made a quick stop at Meijer for a few things for lunches. I spent a total of $10 on my little trips. Then I bought everything pictured at Meijer (again) for $14.75! I meant to get to Kroger, but there just wasn't time this week. I am hoping the mega sale goes on for another week...if not maybe I can hit it sometime this weekend!

So, I spent a total of 24.75, so I have $15.25 left!

Packing the Pantry

I made one quick grocery stop at Meijer this week. Forgive the terrible picture...I stopped at home to just make a quick drop off and I was going out shopping and grabbing a Caribou. I didn't feel like taking the time to really get it all out...but I am sure you won't mind!

I bought some garlic and two packages of bone in chicken breasts. You can see the rest of it ok I think!

This stuff ran me $18.40. Oh, and last week I didn't go shopping til Saturday night so I didn't get the post out...but I spent $25 on lots of veggies and a few others things!

$36.60 was saved over the past two weeks!!!

Packing the Pantry

I made two stops this week. Monday I went to Kroger (sorry, no pic) in a hurry to buy some random things for a dessert and stuff. I spent $12.

I also made it out to Meijer later in the week. I wanted to get some of the chicken on sale and the apples. I got a lot of apples...so I see some applesauce in our future. They also had a great deal on potatoes.

Potatoes are a special thing around here. Daniel doesn't like them...and I love them. So, we had company over this weekend and I made roasted garlic mashed potatoes and they were soooo wonderful. It has probably been over a year since I have made them. I have to make stuff like that when others will be indulging as well!

Anyways, I spent $22.58 at Meijer and $34.58 total for the week.

Packing the Pantry

I made one quick stop at Aldi this week! I spent $48 for everything below. (I didn't go to the store last week, so I had $80 in my envelope.) Going to the grocery when you are tired is a recipe for failure. I had biked 20 miles that day and I was exhausted...to say the least. Barely keeping myself going I stumbled through the store that night and didn't pay ANY attention to how much I was spending...I didn't really care at that point.

I didn't really go over since I skipped last week.

I did a quick look over the cart and guessed that I had spent right at $40. Ouch...I was off!

Just proves my grocery motto to be true...

You always spend more than you think you are going to...

So...add it up as you put it in cart and ALWAYS take cash!!!

Here we are in October already. I guess I should share my September totals!

I spent at total of $145 for the month. So, I put $15 into the cow fund!

The cow fund is up to $382.93, saved from grocery budget (1/10-9/10).

Packing the Pantry

After looking at the deals (or lack thereof), I decided there wasn't anything I wanted to rush out and get this week. I had plenty in the pantry/freezer/stockpile so I decided to take a week off of grocery shopping!

How about you?

Did you get any good deals this week?

Packing the Pantry

I was taking the title here seriously this week! I was down in my stockpile recently and I felt this overwhelming feeling that it is slowly dwindling. The problem...there haven't been many good deals lately so restocking hasn't been going too well!

I did a good job filling up the shelves this week. Last month I only used a handful of coupons. I thought I was okay with that, but this trip refueled me. I had a lot of fun scoring these deals!

I know it is hard to see everything I got, but trust me...the $37 spent went far.

The highlights...
10 bricks of Kraft cheese ($.17 each)
8 Ziploc baggies ($.25 each)
8 Nestle morsels ($1.17 ?? each)
Barilla pasta ($.50 each)
Juicy Juice ($1 each)
Cereal ($1 each)
Nesquick ($.25 each)

So, how did you packing the pantry go this week?

Packing the Pantry

I guess you could say I really stocked up this week...on toilet paper, cheese, and chicken.

What else does one need? LOL!

I stopped at Aldi early in the week. Oh yeah, I also stopped at Meijer...remember....they were out of chicken. I spent $24.96!!!

Then I ventured back over to Meijer for the chicken...my friend gave me a heads up...it was back in stock (thanks Misty)! I tell you, that right there...that is what friends are for...to keep us posted on the deals, right? Please tell me you have a fellow deal hunting friend! They are a lifesaver!

I sure did buy a lot of chicken, I spent close to a weeks worth of grocery money just on chicken, but it was worth it.

The cheese was an awesome deal, I just found out about it or I would have told you in the STS post...sorry :(

I bought 10 bricks of cheese. After coupons I spent $6.66 (I think) and I got a $5 catalina. That equals out to be $.16 each...very cheap!

I spent $48.62 this trip to Meijer...yikes! That chicken better last a lifetime...I'm just sayin'.

My total for the week was...$73.58.

Now, before you go thinking I totally blew my budget, hear me out. I planned to do this. I had $37.47 left over for the month and since the cow fund is getting pretty large I figured it would be best spent on chicken.

For the month of August...nothing goes in the cow fund. It will remain at $367.93 plus all of our accumulating change!

Packing the Pantry

This week all I had to pick up a few last minute freezer cooking supplies along with a few regular items. I got almost everything from Aldi, but made a quick Meijer stop for enchilada sauce, english muffins, sweet potatoes, and the sausage that was on sale.

My total spent for the week was...$20.72!!

I tell you, I haven't been using buy one or two coupons a week for several weeks. I am ready for a good sale where I can really stock up.

How did you do this week?

Packing the Pantry

This week I went to Aldi for most of my groceries and made a quick trip to Meijer for the sausage and Crest that was on sale! I have been planning for a freezer cooking day this next week, so I had to pick up a few items for that!!

I have no pictures this week. I forgot my camera at my mom's house...and was too busy to go pick it up before grocery shopping! I also realized I totally forgot to do last weeks, so I am just combining them today.

Ok, so here are my totals for the past two weeks...

Last week: $26.23


This week: $42.58


Total left over: $11.19

Packing the Pantry

This week I made a big stop at Aldi. I also had to make a quick two minute stop at Meijer to get two things Aldi didn't carry...kale and garlic...for my Zuppa Toscana copycat!

I spent a total of $33 this week!

Did you score any good deals this week?

Packing the Pantry

I didn't buy very much this week! We really didn't need too much, and I really didn't feel like grocery shopping. I also picked up the bread that I used in the croutons the other day...it didn't make it into the picture.

I couldn't resist buying the big thing of basil...to make some homemade pesto. I am determined to have my own basil next year...that stuff is expensive!

I would say the biggest bargain this week was the mini Yukon's for $.89 on clearance!!!!


I spent a total of $18.95 this week!

My total saved for the month of July is $68.05!!!

The ever growing cow fund is up to $367.93 in just 6 months!

Packing the Pantry

I only made one quick stop this week, and that was to Kroger. I really just need to pick up some ingredients for my potato salad, and while I was there I remembered to stock up on the Gatorade since it is still on sale.

I forgot to take a picture (honesty, I am lazy and I didn't want to haul in all the Gatorade)!!!

I bought bacon, potatoes, green onions, and 20 bottles of Gatorade.

My total for the week was...$18.49!

That means $21.51 for the cow fund!

Packing the Pantry

I guess you could say that I was packing the pantry this week! I didn't grocery shop last week, and we were out of a lot of things. I was never so happy to grocery shop...

First stop was Aldi to get some necessities. We only had one bag of popcorn (gasp) left in the house so I had to get some. If you are in the market for popcorn let me tell you, you need to try Aldi's fit and active popcorn. It has that wonderful butter flavor without the calories. Even better is its price of $1.49 for like 6 packages, I think. I also picked up some balsamic glaze for only $2.49. What a steal!

My bill totaled $22.89 for everything!

I loaded up at Meijer as well. Nature Valley Granola Bars...necessities, again! I think Daniel eats one a day! I was ecstatic to see Dove on sale this week, the chocolate that is. I love Dove dark, it really doesn't get much better?!?!

My total was $22.11

Last stop was Kroger to stock up on some G2. With Daniel always on the run to soccer or golf league he is always in need of a Gatorade. With the sale they were only $.49, I may go back for some more.

While I was walking around I found an awesome cheese deal. I got 10 packages for $.88 each!!!

So my total for Kroger was $16.66, BUT I had a gift card that covered it, so I won't count it in my total for the week. Gotta love the gift cards!

Total for the week was...$45 even (that doesn't happen everyday, does it?)

I had $33 left over from last week, so I fully expected to go over this week :)

Kroger Cheese Deal!!!

I went to Kroger to stock up on some items from the Meaga Sale Promotion today! While I was circling my Kroger in desperate search of Jell-O Pudding cups, I stumbled upon an awesome deal!

The Mega Sale Promotion is $5 off your order when you purchase 10 qualifying items.

Kraft Shredded cheese happens to be included. It is priced at $2.38, and after the mega sale it would be $1.88 ($.50 off each item). Now, that really isn't' to great on it's own, but

some of the packages had $1/1 peelie coupons on them, bringing the cheese down to $.88 each!!! I had to look, or dig rather, to find them. I managed to find 10 packages!

This is a great deal, so if you are going to be going Krogering, be on the lookout!



And, seriously, wouldn't it be logical to put the refrigerated pudding/jello cups with the refrigerated section?

Packing the Pantry/Freezer Cooking

I began this week with high goals and a way to long to do list, and I only got as far as making a few freezer meals. I needed some healthy lunch options...instead of just not eating. I made bagel pizza's on bagel thins...after being inspired here. I also made some ground turkey stuffed peppers. Both are really tasty, and I will be sharing recipes soon!

I quit my day job a couple of months ago, and I have absolutely loved being home.. That said, I can't stay home very long without getting out...even just to Dunkin for an iced coffee. When I was working outside the home I couldn't stay home for even an entire day without leaving. I would get all stir crazy and go out for a drive.

I have really gotten a lot better, but this week I stayed home for three whole days without leaving. I have been sick, and it totally stinks. I hate watching TV...so I have been insanely bored. How in the world can people lay around and watch TV all day? What do they watch...I mean, I have cable and still can't find anything worthy of watching?

For the Packing the Pantry segment: I had Daniel pick up a few things at the grocery store for me...which totaled $7! Not very exciting!

I am hoping for a more productive week and a major trip to the grocery store!

Packing the Pantry

I went to three grocery stores this week, which is very unusual for me. Each store had a few good deals that I really wanted to take advantage of. My first stop was Meijer.

I had a raincheck for Lysol wipes...they were 50% off a few weeks back. This a great example for using a coupon clipping service. The wipes were originally $2.77, so 50% made them $1.39 each. I ordered 20 $1/1 coupons which brought them down to $.39 each, but it gets better. I then printed off Meijer mealbox coupons for $1/4, so that took them down to $.14 each. You can't beat that...and I use a lot of these!!

I got the pasta for $.25 each. I think the bread was $.50 and the watermelon was on sale, too!

Then...I hit the jackpot on the reduced rack.

I got the salad kits, tomatoes, peppers, and avocados for $.50 of less. The picture of the reduced stuff cost a total of $3.50!

My total for Meijer was $10.80

I spent $8.29 at Kroger for some produce and lemonade!

Last stop was good old Aldi, I spent $12.32!

My total for the week was...$31.41

It is time for June totals!

I dropped $50.35 into the cow fund! I am excited!

That means we were able to save $299.88 out of our $40 weekly budget in 6 months!

Packing the Pantry

This week's shopping trip was a little out of the norm, I really didn't need anything. My birthday was this week, so I knew we would be eating out some to use up all those freebies you get.

I took a trip to Jungle Jim's, and loaded up on a hodge podge of stuff. Basically I threw whatever I wanted in the cart. Jungle Jim's is really hard to explain, but they have all kinds of international foods and it is absolutely huge...it is something to come to Cincinnati for, really!

I bought spicy German mustard for Daniel. Ever since we went to Germany last fall he has been wanting some German mustard. I also bought some pecans, they seemed to be a good price. 10 lbs. of reduced peaches...why? Mom and I bought 50 lbs. last week on vacation...like we need any more?!? I bought some brownie cookies, and I have got to learn to make those! Last but not least, loose leaf tea. There are some things in life that I just have to have. Good tea is at the top of the list. I prefer loose leaf, so when I see it, I have to buy it!!!

My cart of total randomness totaled $21.76!!