I am so excited…I nailed my grocery budget this week and I got TONS of stuff –that we needed!
At Publix I had some items to return, so my purchases at Publix were purchased with a gift card, so nothing OOP!! This week was very tight, because there was so much that I needed, and there were so many good deals.
I want to remind you to pray over your budget, meal planning and grocery trips – – – BEFORE you go. Remember, nothing is too small to take to God in prayer. He wants to hear from you on everything, so go to Him for direction and wisdom. I was preparing for a class I have this weekend and was reminded of the verse below.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer. – I Peter 3:12
Some things I have found helpful to pray for are:
- wisdom in budgeting
- direction in meal planning so that the food blesses my family both physically (healthy) and emotionally (they like it!)
- restraint and self-control in purchasing my “wants” versus “needs”
- eyes to easily and quickly spot deals
- peace and enjoyment in this job of providing meals for my family (This reminds me of this verse from Colossians.)
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men… – Colossians 3:23
What are some specific prayer requests that have given you direction and help?
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Month-to-Date OOP: $ 131.48
Remaining Feburary Budget: $28.61
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Here is my Publix, Aldi and Kroger trip. I was able to do it all in one trip (thanks to my wonderful hubby!). My daughter loves getting in the picture and I just couldn’t help myself with this one!
Okay, so here is my breakdown…
ALDI
Large Canned Peaches $2.29
2 – Flour tortillas $.99/ea
bag onions $.99
2 – dozen eggs $.99/ea
Gallon 2% Milk $2.29
Quick Oats $2.79 large container
Peanut butter $1.39
Total OOP: $13.26
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KROGER
4 – Cheerios
Cottonelle
4 – Kroger Yogurts
Daisy Sour Cream
Smart Balance Peanut Butter (we didn’t like this)
Pepperoni
mushrooms
Purdue Chicken Fryer
Oscar Myer Ham – Manager’s Special($1.59 w/ Q)
Total Groceries: $36.89
Total Savings: $ 23.11 (63% savings)
Total OOP: $ 13.78
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PUBLIX
Pillsbury Brownie (they were out of more, got raincheck for later)
Apple & Eve organic Juice box
2 – Country Crock mashed potatoes
Publix Cola (penny item)
2 – International Delight Creamer (Free)
3 – Frostings (Free)
Suave Kids Wash (free q from last week)
4 – Betty Crocker Cookie Mix pouches
4 – Beech Nut Kids Toddler meals (free)
Coffee Mate Creamer
Total Groceries: $ 44.12
Total Savings: $35.95 (81% savings!!)
Total on Gift Card: $8.17
Total OOP: $0!!
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THIS WEEK GRAND TOTALS…
Grand Total Savings: $ 67.23 (71 % savings!)
Grand Total OOP: $ 27.04
I couldn’t attach my photo, so I just put it at this link for quick viewing;-) I am a visual person!;-)
http://www.benarrowood.com/grocery218.jpg
All this for $27.12 OOP using coupons and buying items on sale!!
4-Viva Paper Towel Big Rolls —$0.89/ea.
2-Dixie 160ct. Napkin Packs —$0.50/ea.
4-Honey Combs Boxes —$1.45/ea.
10-Juicy Juice 8 pks —$1.00/ea.
4-Betty Crocker Cookie Mixes —$0.54/ea.
2-Ken’s Buffalo Wing Sauce —$0.40/ea.
2- Rotel Cans — FREE
1-Boost Kids Probiotics 6pk —FREE
4-Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers —FREE
4-Betty Crocker Frostings —FREE
Total= $27.12
Breakdown of Savings:
Manufacturer Coupons- $27.54
Store Coupons- $11.34
Advertised Specials- $36.28
Publix Advantage Savings- $2.58
= $77.74 SAVINGS or 74% !!!

I really appreciate the verses you mentioned and what you pray for before planning meals and grocery shopping! I do the same thing and I know the Lord blesses those that come to Him with even the small things. Anyway, just wanted to thank you for sharing!
You got some awesome deals too!! 🙂
Kelly
I do the same thing with waffles, when I take them out of the freezer I pop them in the toaster and they are perfect. Also I like to add a little oatmeal, bananas and dash of cinnamon for a little healthier waffle.
Thank you, Kelly, for focusing us back on God. I have really watched God work with my budget and menu over the last week. Our budget has changed and we have had to use quite a bit of our stock pile, so last week, we were hoping to make the week. God was faithful, and we had some of the best meals we’ve had in a few weeks with lots of great recipes with leftovers and children who have been patient and content. God is good and he is faithful to those who BELIEVE and lean on Him alone.