50/50/50

Okay, we've had the weekend and now we have a name for this quarter's experiment. It is the 50/50/50 Plan - in which we each month's grocery budget of this final quarter diminishes by 50%. It's good timing because of the holidays and the wedding we are hosting. Who doesn't need to tighten their belt this time of year? Plus, everyone gets a little of what they want - I will stay out of the grocery store, kids will get to spend time shopping, planning and creating together, and Gordon will see the savings he's looking for, along with a well stocked pantry.

So this month we will spend 50% of October's grocery funds storing up our food storage (we haven't done that since we went through it during a one year stint of "self employment"). The other 50%will be split 50/50 between cash for kid planned and executed meals, and reserves for Bountiful Baskets/ Dairy&Herbs. Kids pocket any cash they don't spend on meals and I put any cash I don't use into a giving jar. Also, tomorrow is my last day to go to the store for the month. Kids are big enough to do the shopping, and after listening to conference this weekend, i decided I am going to let them.

Next month, our budget will decrease by 50%. Kids will get half of the cash to plan and prepare meals, and keep what they don't spend. The other portion will be used for Bountiful Baskets/Dairy&Herbs.

Finally, December's food budget will be cut to bare bones. We should have plenty of what we need, and if we've planned well, we will even have our favorite foods for Hanukkah and Christmas. The wedding lunch and dinner are not included in the regular grocery budget as I am not sure what we will be doing there, and that one day's needs will come from another category, like our life's savings or something. .

It looks like this:

October Grocery Budget for 7+ people $600

50 % Pantry Prep - $300

50 % Everything Else - $300

             (Kid meal planning - $150)

             (Bountiful baskets produce - $100)

             (Dairy, eggs, bread, herbs - $50)

November Plan - $300

              Kid meal planning $150

              Bountiful baskets - $100

              Dairy, eggs, bread, herbs, turkey - $50

December Plan Until Christmas

              Bountiful Baskets - $100

              Online grocery allowance - $50

Finally, Hannah planned her first meal.  I can't say she made it herself, but she did contribute.  It was Tomato Bisque and here is the recipe:

Tomato Bisque

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tbsp olive oil

2 cans diced tomatoes

1 bunch basil

2 cups soup stock

1 cup cream

1/2 cup grated hard cheese (Parmesan or Romano)

1 4 oz. can tomato paste

Salt to taste and pepper generously

In a medium stock pot, over medium heat, sauté garlic in olive oil until golden brown. Pulse tomatoes and basil in food processor or blender and add to stock pot cooking.  Add remaining ingredients, stir until cheese and tomato paste are incorporated.  Serve with croutons, basil and grated cheese as garnish.

The Rules - No More Grocery Shopping

Here is a simple list of rules for myself while conducting this experiment.

1. No more trips to the grocery store between now and election day, November 4, 2008. The grocery store is any type of supermarket - Smiths, Albertsons, Costco, Wal-Mart, etc.
2. I can go to the orchard for local produce and the fresh eggs,and to the gas station for milk if I must, but only with cash.
3. All food purchases must come from my $100 of cash - including family fun and dates.
4. Blog all meals, menus, errands and purchases for accountability’s sake.

In the spirit of full disclosure I will say that we are working on our general preparedness. I feel like the food part is pretty well done, that's why this is No More Grocery Shopping. However, we do still have some purchases to make as far as other items go, like we need radios and lanterns, etc. Those are separate from the food budget and I'll probably have to go to the outdoor goods place. The point is to avoid the grocery store.