We're having to make some changes around our house. That means that my recipes to come will be a little more budget-friendly. Not to say that they haven't been in the past, but I'm going to be making it a goal to make them revolve around things that you should/could/would have just lying around the house on a regular basis. I mean, let's face it, not everyone always has heavy cream or buttermilk in their fridge, or any extract other than vanilla in their cupboard, or frozen lemonade concentrate (recipe to come) in their freezer.
While the ingredients may be more "ordinary", do not think I'm going to attempt to come up with anything but extraordinary recipes.
Why suddenly "blogging on a budget"? I've learned that if you don't have all the money in the world (or, at least, a lot of money), then odds are you shouldn't try and act like it. People focus on money WAY too much these days, even in the blogging community. If you don't have a lot of money, then you have to be a super-do-it-yourself type person to win the readers over. Sadly, I'm stuck in-between. However, I feel like there are plenty of people out there who are very much the same as me-- stuck in the middle, that is.
One thing we seem to struggle with when we start having to make budget cuts is healthy food/recipes. Let's face it, when you're eating on a budget it's so much easier to get the instant foods, like mac & cheese or SpaghettiO's, than it is to try to plan out your grocery list for as many recipes with as many fresh ingredients as possible for as little cash as you can spare. For some reason, it's cheaper to eat processed foods than it is to eat fresh foods. Shouldn't it be the opposite?
So... here I am... stuck between do-it-yourself-land and land-of-the-rich trying desperately to figure out what to do in order to survive.
Luckily, I have this blog to keep me "grounded". Where would I be if I didn't have The Newfangled Housewife? Giving in to that mac & cheese or SpaghettiO's, that's where.
If you have any recipes to share, tips for grocery shopping, or anything that you think may come in handy with my "blogging on a budget", please do share!
I'm excited to see what you come up with!
ReplyDeleteI am also excited to see what you come up with! Law School budget is probably similar (maybe not for the same reasons) as baby budget. And boy do we need to eat better than we do right now! That frozen pizza aisle is beginning to recognize me.
ReplyDeleteI know it's a little bit over done these days but seriously couponing will save your life. Our local grocery stores will have coupons where you can save X amount of money if you buy something from the produce section, or a dairy item etc. It takes time to watch sales and clip them but it truly is worth it; especially when you're still able to get some of the higher ticket more "exotic" ingredients at the same price of those kitchen staples.
ReplyDeleteAnother thing we started doing recently was growing our own herbs (sadly no room for a full garden at this house); it takes up a little room in our kitchen window but one $3 plant can produce FAR more than $3 worth of packaged herbs and they're fresh :)
I understand completely - we are in the same boat. Cheap, instant prepared foods are so much more affordable, but I just don't believe they have any nutritional value. So most of what I do is with things I don't need to make an extra trip to buy.
ReplyDeleteI am in the same boat you are, girl! Addi was trying to shave down our food budget significantly, but I told him we need to at least make some allowances for fresh produce. It's a tough thing to balance.
ReplyDeleteBtw, I'm looking forward to our chat this week to catch up/talk about budget recipes like you had texted. I guess my subconscious is so excited, I totally had a dream about you last night coming over to go grocery shopping. Now wouldn't that be something? <3