orgasmic organic

With such a big family and a single income, I run a pretty tight budget ship. My goal is to feed my family of 6 for $400 per month (not including diapers and wipes). Considering that 15% of that is milk (we go through a gallon per day), that only leaves me a little over $300 for food, house, toiletries, etc. I sit down every Sunday evening and plan our meals for the coming week and write a grocery list. Then on Monday after dropping Lily off to school, the twins and I head out to shop.

The biggest challenge I have is making sure that we are eating as healthy as possible. I am a huge proponent of whole grains, lean meats, healthy fats like olive oil and avacados, fresh fruits and veggies and healthy dairy stuff like yogurt and lowfat milk. I have decided that I will no longer purchase things if I can't pronounce all the ingredients. I refuse to put any more partially hydrogenated polysorbate80 on our table!!!

This vow, however, has caused a problem in my budget. The problem is that if you want to eat healthy you almost always pay more. Damn! So I have been as frugle as can be and then.... I was shopping at Meijers and discovered that they have their own generic organic brand!!! Yippee skippee!!

I'ts really good!! They have organic graham crackers, ice cream, cheese crackers, chicken stock, cage free eggs, flour, milk--you name it!!!! And it's 98% affordable for people like me!!! The milk is about $3.50 for 1/2 gallon, so that doesn't fit our budget yet, but still!! How exciting to be able to buy fun wholesome snacks, create tasty wholesome meals, and have happy kids!! I know, I know, I am starting to sound like Carol Brady or Mrs. Beaver, but I don't care because it feels so good to be able to take such good care of my family!!! (even on a budget!)