Modifying expectations

Apparently my low expectations weren't low enough. The very first day of the month, we ate lunch out. Granted, it was In-n-Out, so it was under $10. But. it. was. the. first. day! How easily I succumb to laziness.

Since then we have operated within our food budget constraints (the only constraint being no eating out). I realized that maybe limiting eating out to once a week would be a better start for us than complete elimination. PJO's 29th birthday is Sunday and I get bar results two weeks from Friday. If I pass that test, you better believe I am celebrating with a delicious meal on the town. (If I don't pass, I sure as hell won't be cooking that night anyway).

The meals we made this week will all last more than one day. First I made chicken tamales, slightly changing this recipe. I think they're delicious and they freeze well, plus they're super easy to make. There were enough for 4 meals, so I froze half.

Today we made really simple pulled pork sandwiches and roasted red chard. Prep time for both was about 30 minutes, but we let the pork cook all day. Oh how I love my Le Creuset Dutch Oven!

We also bought sausage on sale and will make pasta with sausage and broccoli in a few days. We like to make our own sauce because it tastes so much better, but I don't think it saves us money at all.

Lunches are either left overs or PB&J sandwiches and fruit. Breakfast has incorporated a lot of eggs lately because we got a good deal on an 18 pack and need to use them up. (I should say breakfast and lunch for Timmy and I; PJO gets his meals for free at work, lucky duck)

We tried to cut out beer but failed miserably. A 12-pack of Pacifico is chilling in our fridge as I type.

So there it is...our little status report only 4 days into November. I hope we can become accustomed to cooking at home more. Once you get in the habit, it's really not so bad.

For whatever reason, people tend to modify spending habits only when it's absolutely necessary. I'm not at the point yet where I have to spend less, but I want to do what is best for my family instead of what is easiest for me. Because our top priorities are paying off student loans and saving for a house, the plan is to spend as little as possible while still enjoying our life while we have the time to. I would much rather eat at home and spend the money we save on fun family activities. So, the first reward for the food sacrifice? This weekend PJO and I are going skiing for his birthday. The first time we are together without Timmy...ever, I think!!!