When there is a food themed holiday near a shop date I plan to shop a few days after that holiday. This one being St Patty’s day. Next big shop will be a couple days after Easter. Why? Because you can find some awesome sales on those items.
Case in point.
- I also bought:
- Yogurt – $3.00
- Cheese – $4.49
- Mini peppers – $ 2.50
- 2 garlic – $1.00
- Carrots – $ .89
- Cauliflower – $1.60
For a total second shop of $ 24.44 + first shop of $ 178.00 and change for a monthly total of $ 202.44 and my “month” will extend 5-6 days into April to plan for after Easter sales potentially on ham, lamb, eggs.
Holidays and seasons are as crucial to budgeting as anything else. Not only can you take advantage of what didn’t sell over the holiday you will be getting fresher/better produce if you know what is in season. There will always be manager’s specials on a variety of items, learning how to use everything from it’s original natural state is best way to take advantage of those.
I walk through everything as I find it, so eventually I will have a variety of menus for whatever you may find. I always check the manager specials on meats and produce first in case I want something particular to go with them. Certain meats like the corned beef – above keep a long time. There are reasons ham and corned beef are traditional spring foods as smoked and salted meats were preserved through the winter.
