My main rule when shopping discount is to be prepared for sales... and be prepared to change menu plans.
I have an aunt who I think is remarkable. Since we were kids, we knew that she planned meals long in advance so as not to need to shop very often. While a good idea, in theory, I could never do it. Why? Because I shop and cook with the tides of sales. I cook what I get for cheap and change my menu regularly.
I went to a little party last night where I was given a free container of ground turkey. I had intended to make a meatloaf. However, on my way home, I stopped by my favorite discount store where they had big boxes (i.e. 15-20 lbs) of tomatoes for $2. I filled a box and now have a slow-cooker full of tomatoes, herbs, onions, garlic and the ground turkey cooking into a spaghetti sauce.
Tomorrow morning, I will make some whole wheat pasta, grab a spinach salad, and I've got my lunch ready!
So be prepared to change menus because when you get a deal which is too good to be true, don't pass it up!
I have an aunt who I think is remarkable. Since we were kids, we knew that she planned meals long in advance so as not to need to shop very often. While a good idea, in theory, I could never do it. Why? Because I shop and cook with the tides of sales. I cook what I get for cheap and change my menu regularly.
I went to a little party last night where I was given a free container of ground turkey. I had intended to make a meatloaf. However, on my way home, I stopped by my favorite discount store where they had big boxes (i.e. 15-20 lbs) of tomatoes for $2. I filled a box and now have a slow-cooker full of tomatoes, herbs, onions, garlic and the ground turkey cooking into a spaghetti sauce.
Tomorrow morning, I will make some whole wheat pasta, grab a spinach salad, and I've got my lunch ready!
So be prepared to change menus because when you get a deal which is too good to be true, don't pass it up!