"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> On Saturday, July 12, 2014 5:08:12 PM UTC-6, Kalmia wrote:
>> I guess it's possible if one wants to live on beans, bananas and other
>> basic cheap-per-pound food.
>
> Cripes, I spend $400 a month on groceries and sundries and I live alone.
> Groceries have really gone up in the past two years especially meat.

Good for you I don't believe in being stingy with food, although I am not
wasteful. Good food is a pleasure and a necessity in life.

Btw I've been wanting to ask; how are you doing now? Healthwise?



http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

On Sunday, July 13, 2014 5:53:26 AM UTC-6, Ophelia wrote:
> "Roy" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> > On Saturday, July 12, 2014 5:08:12 PM UTC-6, Kalmia wrote:
>
> >> I guess it's possible if one wants to live on beans, bananas and other
>
> >> basic cheap-per-pound food.
>
> >
>
> > Cripes, I spend $400 a month on groceries and sundries and I live alone.
>
> > Groceries have really gone up in the past two years especially meat.
>
>
>
> Good for you I don't believe in being stingy with food, although I am not
>
> wasteful. Good food is a pleasure and a necessity in life.
>
>
>
> Btw I've been wanting to ask; how are you doing now? Healthwise?
>
Hi Ophelia...Got over the chemo (what a pain that was), but now have to check out kidneys. More friggin scans coming up. Geez...once you get on the health merry-go-round you never get off.

===

"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> On Sunday, July 13, 2014 5:53:26 AM UTC-6, Ophelia wrote:
>> "Roy" > wrote in message
>>
>> ...
>>
>> > On Saturday, July 12, 2014 5:08:12 PM UTC-6, Kalmia wrote:
>>
>> >> I guess it's possible if one wants to live on beans, bananas and other
>>
>> >> basic cheap-per-pound food.
>>
>> >
>>
>> > Cripes, I spend $400 a month on groceries and sundries and I live
>> > alone.
>>
>> > Groceries have really gone up in the past two years especially meat.
>>
>>
>>
>> Good for you I don't believe in being stingy with food, although I am
>> not
>>
>> wasteful. Good food is a pleasure and a necessity in life.
>>
>>
>>
>> Btw I've been wanting to ask; how are you doing now? Healthwise?
>>
> Hi Ophelia...Got over the chemo (what a pain that was), but now have to
> check out kidneys. More friggin scans coming up. Geez...once you get on
> the health merry-go-round you never get off.

If it makes you well it will be worth it, yes? Wishing you well and do keep
us up to date.

If you prefer to email, just change the invalid to me.uk

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

Roy wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> On Saturday, July 12, 2014 5:08:12 PM UTC-6, Kalmia wrote:
> > I guess it's possible if one wants to live on beans, bananas and
> > other basic cheap-per-pound food.
>
> Cripes, I spend $400 a month on groceries and sundries and I live
> alone. Groceries have really gone up in the past two years
> especially meat.

I spend about that and feed 3.

Today I got 250$ woth for 135$ based on wise use of sales and coupons.

--

On Saturday, July 12, 2014 9:52:47 PM UTC-4, Roy wrote:
> On Saturday, July 12, 2014 5:08:12 PM UTC-6, Kalmia wrote:
>
> > I guess it's possible if one wants to live on beans, bananas and other basic cheap-per-pound food.
>
>
>
> Cripes, I spend $400 a month on groceries and sundries and I live alone.
>
> Groceries have really gone up in the past two years especially meat.

This may not be bad, if you are including pet food and never eat out.

On Friday, July 11, 2014 9:12:30 AM UTC-5, wrote:
> Haven't looked at the comments yet, but the author already has
>
> and she listed which tips she's going to use.
>
>
>
> I have to admit, unless you live in the sticks and/or need to
>
> lose weight anyway, it WOULD be pretty difficult to feed 4
>
> people with $200 a month!
>
>
>
> Lenona.
>
>
>
>
>
> http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible
>
>
>
> "On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store
>
> (includes non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning
>
> products...but honestly, most of that IS food).
>
>
>
> "We do not go to restaurants more than 1-2 times a month (and
>
> that's usually only a $30-$50 bill at a place like Stevie B's),
>
> we always eat our leftovers the following day, and we make 98%
>
> of our food from scratch (the best we can...we don't have an
>
> oven or a stove--just the microwave, a grill, and an electric
>
> skillet).
>
>
>
> "If I'm going to be a responsible budgeter...I need to get that
>
> number down to $200 a month. I've seen other posts and perused
>
> blogs that boast they made this happen, but I'm struggling to
>
> believe it. Unless you get food stamps and don't count those,
>
> or you spent $1200 the month before...I just don't think it's
>
> really possible to spend so little on food every month. So just
>
> tell me...if you're not a big fat liar...do you really spend
>
> $2400 or less on food a year?? And if so...HOW?! Do you skip
>

>

Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want. We also buy cat food, dog food and deer pellets. Birds seed too ! Sometimes we will go into S A and got to TJs, love that store, always find some goodies there. Bottom line, I really don't know what we spend on food each month, but think it would almost impossible to live on spending less than 200 a month.

"rosie" > wrote in message
...
> On Friday, July 11, 2014 9:12:30 AM UTC-5, wrote:
>> Haven't looked at the comments yet, but the author already has
>>
>> and she listed which tips she's going to use.
>>
>>
>>
>> I have to admit, unless you live in the sticks and/or need to
>>
>> lose weight anyway, it WOULD be pretty difficult to feed 4
>>
>> people with $200 a month!
>>
>>
>>
>> Lenona.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible
>>
>>
>>
>> "On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store
>>
>> (includes non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning
>>
>> products...but honestly, most of that IS food).
>>
>>
>>
>> "We do not go to restaurants more than 1-2 times a month (and
>>
>> that's usually only a $30-$50 bill at a place like Stevie B's),
>>
>> we always eat our leftovers the following day, and we make 98%
>>
>> of our food from scratch (the best we can...we don't have an
>>
>> oven or a stove--just the microwave, a grill, and an electric
>>
>> skillet).
>>
>>
>>
>> "If I'm going to be a responsible budgeter...I need to get that
>>
>> number down to $200 a month. I've seen other posts and perused
>>
>> blogs that boast they made this happen, but I'm struggling to
>>
>> believe it. Unless you get food stamps and don't count those,
>>
>> or you spent $1200 the month before...I just don't think it's
>>
>> really possible to spend so little on food every month. So just
>>
>> tell me...if you're not a big fat liar...do you really spend
>>
>> $2400 or less on food a year?? And if so...HOW?! Do you skip
>>
>
>>
>
> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know what
> you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we put
> things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us will go to
> HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks good. I do not
> spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want. We also buy cat food,
> dog food and deer pellets. Birds seed too ! Sometimes we will go into S
> A and got to TJs, love that store, always find some goodies there. Bottom
> line, I really don't know what we spend on food each month, but think it
> would almost impossible to live on spending less than 200 a month.

No, I don't know either, so you are not alone

--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"rosie" > wrote in message
...

Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know what
you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we put things
we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us will go to HEB ,
buy the things on the list and what ever else looks good. I do not spend a
fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want. We also buy cat food, dog food
and deer pellets. Birds seed too ! Sometimes we will go into S A and got
to TJs, love that store, always find some goodies there. Bottom line, I
really don't know what we spend on food each month, but think it would
almost impossible to live on spending less than 200 a month.

---

I only know because before husband retired, he once again demanded that I
need receipts for everything. I won't do that again. Just too much work
and he can't be bothered to look at them. At the time I was doing most of
my shopping at Winco and it was just for two of us. Our grocery cost has
gone up a lot since he has been back. More than doubled. He is unwilling
to eat cheap food for any length of time. My food is mostly cheap because
that is the sort of food that I prefer.

It is more difficult for me now to come up with a total because it does vary
each month and I shop at a variety of places, sometimes buying only one or
two items at some stores.

On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:28:43 +0100, "Ophelia"
> wrote:

> No, I don't know either, so you are not alone

+1

I pretty much know what I spend at Safeway because of the way I accrue
gas points - but I don't confine my shopping to just that one store.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:06:07 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> It is more difficult for me now to come up with a total because it does vary
> each month and I shop at a variety of places, sometimes buying only one or
> two items at some stores.

You need to factor in the cost of gas and wear and tear on the car
too.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On 7/14/2014 7:54 PM, sf wrote:
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:06:07 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> It is more difficult for me now to come up with a total because it does vary
>> each month and I shop at a variety of places, sometimes buying only one or
>> two items at some stores.
>
> You need to factor in the cost of gas and wear and tear on the car
> too.
>
Absolutely. Sometimes I think I'm blessed to have somewhat limited
grocery store choices.

Jill

On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want. We also buy cat food, dog food and deer pellets. Birds seed too ! Sometimes we will go into S A and got to TJs, love that store, always find some goodies there. Bottom line, I really don't know what we spend on food each month, but think it would almost impossible to live on spending less than 200 a month.

I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the list
but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything else is
just gravy.

I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
$200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.

Jill

Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:

>
> "cshenk" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:
> >
> > >
> >>"sf" > wrote in message
> > > ...
> >>> On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:10:49 -0700 (PDT),
> >>> wrote:
> > > >
> >>> >
> >>> > If I was going to prune our grocery bill:
> >>> >
> >>> > Beans once a week.
> >>> >
> > > >
> >>> I'd be eating beans more than that because there's so much you can
> >>> do with them. Variety is the spice of life!
> > >
> > > Yes. Alas when I was on my poverty diet, I didn't think of
> > > beans. I ate a Carnation Breakfast Bar or boiled eggs for
> > > breakfast every morning. I bought the bars when I had coupons.
> > > I liked them because they contained vitamins.
> > >
> > > Lunch at work was spaghetti with red sauce. No cheese. I did not
> > > have a microwave at home so I made a huge pot and reheated at
> > > work.
> > >
> > > At home I had peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and dinner.
> > > Rounded out by canned peas, carrots (no baby carrots in those
> > > days) and apples. I did grow some of my own things including
> > > lettuce and onions so I always had salad.
> > >
> > > I also ate air popped popcorn for snacks.
> > >
> > > About once a week, I went out to eat. My parents paid. We
> > > usually ate at Sizzler and I took the all you can eat aspect of
> > > the salad bar seriously. I only ate the vegetables, trying to
> > > get my fill of things I couldn't afford to have at home.
> > >
> > > Thankfully I only had to do that diet for a month. But it was
> > > pretty well balanced and cheap.
> >
> > And costs more than a regular scratch cooked diet would. That was
> > all 'fast food' sorts.
>
> What? How is spaghetti made sauce made from scratch considered fast
> food? Or hard boiled eggs?


LIst your red sauce recipe. You have failed to list anything specific
other than Carnation bars, a high cost item then and even now for a
real cook.


> > I just tossed 57cents of pasta in a pot and boiled it. I added in a
> > separate pot 2 large (28 oz) cans of crushed tomatoes, chopped
> > garlic, basil, oregano and black pepper. The cans were 50 cents
> > each. I added 1 lb of Johnsonville sausage which was 4.99 for 1.5
> > lbs but I had a 1.50 coupon and they were doubling up to 2$ coupons
> > so I paid 1.99 for 1.5 lbs and used 1$ worth.
> >
> > Spagetti cost: .57+1.00+1.00= 2.57
>
> Well great. I was a vegetarian and didn't eat meat of any kind. How
> is yours any better?

Did you miss totally that even with meat it was less?


> > How much is the result? I have 8 1cup servings. Thats 32cents a
> > serving and much more filing than a 75 cent carnation bar.
>
> Those bars most assuredly were not 75 cents back in the 70's and they
> aren't being made now so I haven't a clue what you think they are.

Justify yourself all you want. I've not seen you even look at anything
but prepared foods that are fast and required maybe 2 minutes of your
time.

I haver serious spinal issues that relegate me to a 15 lb lift but even
I do do better than that.

Get off your BUTT and feed the family healthy food. If you have to fix
it in 10-15 minute standing zones like I do, then DO IT.

If you want to just WHINE, I will no longer correspond with you as you
are wasting my time. If you want *help* I am here but no more whines.

Carol

--

On 7/14/2014 8:29 PM, cshenk wrote in reply to Julie:
> Get off your BUTT and feed the family healthy food. If you have to fix
> it in 10-15 minute standing zones like I do, then DO IT.
>
She was talking about sometime in the 1970's. Even then, I ate better
than what she describes. Carnation Bars? Because they contained
"vitamins". Okaaaaay.

> If you want to just WHINE, I will no longer correspond with you as you
> are wasting my time. If you want*help* I am here but no more whines.
>
> Carol

Good luck with that, Carol.

Jill

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:06:07 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> It is more difficult for me now to come up with a total because it does
>> vary
>> each month and I shop at a variety of places, sometimes buying only one
>> or
>> two items at some stores.
>
> You need to factor in the cost of gas and wear and tear on the car
> too.
>
Not really. It is rare for me to drive just to the store. I usually go
there when I am near one for some other reason. Winco is sometimes the
exception because although it is near Costco, we don't like that particular
Costco and I can't get my bread there. But we may stop there for just gas.
We might stop at Ace Hardware or Bartell Drugs or any of the other grocery
stores along with way. There is an Albertsons in the strip mall where the
dance studio is. I never do the bulk of my shopping there as I don't like
their meat or produce but if I just need a few things, I will go there

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 7/14/2014 7:54 PM, sf wrote:
>> On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 15:06:07 -0700, "Julie Bove"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> It is more difficult for me now to come up with a total because it does
>>> vary
>>> each month and I shop at a variety of places, sometimes buying only one
>>> or
>>> two items at some stores.
>>
>> You need to factor in the cost of gas and wear and tear on the car
>> too.
>>
> Absolutely. Sometimes I think I'm blessed to have somewhat limited
> grocery store choices.

I have three all in the same direction, perhaps 2 miles from here and all
within a few blocks of each other. Between those three I can generally get
all that I need and yet, they are the ones I go to the least.

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
>> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know
>> what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we put
>> things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us will go to
>> HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks good. I do not
>> spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want. We also buy cat
>> food, dog food and deer pellets. Birds seed too ! Sometimes we will go
>> into S A and got to TJs, love that store, always find some goodies there.
>> Bottom line, I really don't know what we spend on food each month, but
>> think it would almost impossible to live on spending less than 200 a
>> month.
>
> I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the list
> but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything else is just
> gravy.
>
> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only $200/month
> for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was pre-packaged
> junk such as like hamburger helper.

They probably aren't factoring sundries in there. But if they are
vegetarians and have a garden year round it is very doable. Especially if
they buy things like rice at Costco.

"cshenk" > wrote in message
...
> Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>>
>> "cshenk" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> > Julie Bove wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>> >
>> > >
>> >>"sf" > wrote in message
>> > > ...
>> >>> On Fri, 11 Jul 2014 08:10:49 -0700 (PDT),
>> >>> wrote:
>> > > >
>> >>> >
>> >>> > If I was going to prune our grocery bill:
>> >>> >
>> >>> > Beans once a week.
>> >>> >
>> > > >
>> >>> I'd be eating beans more than that because there's so much you can
>> >>> do with them. Variety is the spice of life!
>> > >
>> > > Yes. Alas when I was on my poverty diet, I didn't think of
>> > > beans. I ate a Carnation Breakfast Bar or boiled eggs for
>> > > breakfast every morning. I bought the bars when I had coupons.
>> > > I liked them because they contained vitamins.
>> > >
>> > > Lunch at work was spaghetti with red sauce. No cheese. I did not
>> > > have a microwave at home so I made a huge pot and reheated at
>> > > work.
>> > >
>> > > At home I had peanut butter sandwiches for lunch and dinner.
>> > > Rounded out by canned peas, carrots (no baby carrots in those
>> > > days) and apples. I did grow some of my own things including
>> > > lettuce and onions so I always had salad.
>> > >
>> > > I also ate air popped popcorn for snacks.
>> > >
>> > > About once a week, I went out to eat. My parents paid. We
>> > > usually ate at Sizzler and I took the all you can eat aspect of
>> > > the salad bar seriously. I only ate the vegetables, trying to
>> > > get my fill of things I couldn't afford to have at home.
>> > >
>> > > Thankfully I only had to do that diet for a month. But it was
>> > > pretty well balanced and cheap.
>> >
>> > And costs more than a regular scratch cooked diet would. That was
>> > all 'fast food' sorts.
>>
>> What? How is spaghetti made sauce made from scratch considered fast
>> food? Or hard boiled eggs?
>
>
> LIst your red sauce recipe. You have failed to list anything specific
> other than Carnation bars, a high cost item then and even now for a
> real cook.
>
>
>> > I just tossed 57cents of pasta in a pot and boiled it. I added in a
>> > separate pot 2 large (28 oz) cans of crushed tomatoes, chopped
>> > garlic, basil, oregano and black pepper. The cans were 50 cents
>> > each. I added 1 lb of Johnsonville sausage which was 4.99 for 1.5
>> > lbs but I had a 1.50 coupon and they were doubling up to 2$ coupons
>> > so I paid 1.99 for 1.5 lbs and used 1$ worth.
>> >
>> > Spagetti cost: .57+1.00+1.00= 2.57
>>
>> Well great. I was a vegetarian and didn't eat meat of any kind. How
>> is yours any better?
>
> Did you miss totally that even with meat it was less?
>
>
>> > How much is the result? I have 8 1cup servings. Thats 32cents a
>> > serving and much more filing than a 75 cent carnation bar.
>>
>> Those bars most assuredly were not 75 cents back in the 70's and they
>> aren't being made now so I haven't a clue what you think they are.
>
> Justify yourself all you want. I've not seen you even look at anything
> but prepared foods that are fast and required maybe 2 minutes of your
> time.

You haven't seen me look at anything! You've never been in my kitchen! Are
you telling me that my baked beans from scratch are loaded with prepared
foods? Yes, I put some ketchup and Splenda in there. A little molasses
too. Yes, I could make ketchup. Techically I could make anything. Probably
even Splenda if I had the right equipment. I happen to like the prepared
ketchup that I bought.

Are you saying that when I make my own broth from vegetable scraps and then
make vegetable soup with raw vegetables, that is using prepared food? Oh I
happen to like the prepared broth that I can buy. So normally I use that or
tomato juice or V8 or something of that ilk. Sure, I could juice a tomato
if I really wanted to.
>
> I haver serious spinal issues that relegate me to a 15 lb lift but even
> I do do better than that.
>

You do do better than what? I make all sorts of stuff from scratch. I used
to make my own pasta and ravioli. I can't do that now unless I can come up
with some recipe that doesn't use eggs. I have never ground my own flour.
Have a friend who does that. But I used to make my bread from scratch. No
machine. I had a machine. Did not like it. I made donuts from scratch,
all sorts of muffins, countless batches of cookies. But we don't eat much
of that stuff now so I'm not going to bother. When Angela needed to eat
gluten free, I made crackers, bread, muffins, quick breads, pretzels,
bagles, pizza dough, you name it! I couldn't even *use* mixes most of the
time because I needed egg and dairy free.

I used to make all sorts of candy, including hand painted chocolates and
scratch cakes that were decorated. I had people give me orders for these
things because they liked my cooking so well.

When I was working at K Mart, I made huge batches of things for potlucks.
Heart shaped ravioli, Chinese Tomato Beef. Those two came to mind first as
they were the most time consuming. Oh! I made potstickers totally from
scratch and also puff pastry. Once. I also know when I am better off
buying ingredients already made. Like puff pastry.

> Get off your BUTT and feed the family healthy food. If you have to fix
> it in 10-15 minute standing zones like I do, then DO IT.

What in the hell are you talking about now? I feed my family healthy food.

> If you want to just WHINE, I will no longer correspond with you as you
> are wasting my time. If you want *help* I am here but no more whines.

The other person I see whining here is YOU! And you are telling lies about
me. I seriously think you have gotten me confused with someone else again.
You did it before and thought I was a young cook. I am 55 years old. I
started cooking at around 3-4 years old, was baking with no assistance and
making candies that required boiling by age 8 with no assistance. Was
making lemon sherbet with no ice cream maker by about age 10. Was also
making my own tortillas. My mom sent my friend and I to cooking classes
when we were 12. I declined after 2 lessons because she was not showing us
things that we wanted to make and was just showing us things that we already
knew how to make.

I am saying that a family of 4 can eat for that cheaply depending on where
they live and other circumstances. No, they can not necessarily eat what
they want but it is doable.

And who said anything about help? I did not ask for any sort of help in
this thread. I just said what I ate when I had no money. I was 19 years
old then and that was the 1970's.

I could still do it now and I have. When my husband was getting to retire
from the military and we didn't know when he would get his VA money (and he
is still owed some...not complaining just saying), or when or where he would
get a job, I laid in a large stock of beans, rice and canned vegetables.
Also some frozen ones even though those are not my first choice. I had the
freezer then. We were able to eat for very little money. I know how to
read shelf labels and package labels and where to buy food for cheap. That
may involve going to Costco, Winco or even Smart and Final/Cash and Carry.
What I serve may not be everyone's favorite meal except perhaps mine because
I do love my beans. But nobody would dare accuse me of serving meals that
are not nutritionally balanced. That's just not something I do!

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 7/14/2014 8:29 PM, cshenk wrote in reply to Julie:
>> Get off your BUTT and feed the family healthy food. If you have to fix
>> it in 10-15 minute standing zones like I do, then DO IT.
>>
> She was talking about sometime in the 1970's. Even then, I ate better
> than what she describes. Carnation Bars? Because they contained
> "vitamins". Okaaaaay.

So? If you have very limited funds, you may still want a treat. And that's
what those were and I could get them for cheap with coupons combined with a
sale. I didn't eat them every day. My breakfasts were usually boiled eggs.
>
>> If you want to just WHINE, I will no longer correspond with you as you
>> are wasting my time. If you want*help* I am here but no more whines.
>>
>> Carol
>
> Good luck with that, Carol.

Please point out where in that thread I was whining? Or where I asked for
help? Because those things didn't occur.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:28:43 +0100, "Ophelia"
> > wrote:
>
>> No, I don't know either, so you are not alone
>
> +1
>
> I pretty much know what I spend at Safeway because of the way I accrue
> gas points - but I don't confine my shopping to just that one store.

I guess if you are buying the same stuff each week it might be easier, but I
keep a good store. Sometimes I might not buy butter (for example) for a
long time and then buy a few pounds.

I guess that if one was on a tight budget then it is important to know and
be careful.


--
http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/shop/

"Ophelia" > wrote in message
...
>
>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Mon, 14 Jul 2014 19:28:43 +0100, "Ophelia"
>> > wrote:
>>
>>> No, I don't know either, so you are not alone
>>
>> +1
>>
>> I pretty much know what I spend at Safeway because of the way I accrue
>> gas points - but I don't confine my shopping to just that one store.
>
> I guess if you are buying the same stuff each week it might be easier, but
> I
> keep a good store. Sometimes I might not buy butter (for example) for a
> long time and then buy a few pounds.
>
> I guess that if one was on a tight budget then it is important to know and
> be careful.

My shopping is often sporadic. Things like butter I try to buy on sale and
I might buy two pounds. Two pounds lasts us a long time as we don't use a
lot of it.

Since we are currently eating our way through the stockpile, I have only
been buying things like meat, produce and other foods that might spoil.
Other than that I am only buying things that we run out of. And we are
currently eating less meat so really I haven't been buying a lot. I had
thought we would have leftover casserole tomorrow but husband found it so...
Not enough left. So, pasta it is!

On 7/14/2014 11:57 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
>>> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know
>>> what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we
>>> put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us
>>> will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks
>>> good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want.
>>
(snippety)

>> I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the
>> list but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything
>> else is just gravy.
>>
>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>
> They probably aren't factoring sundries in there. But if they are
> vegetarians and have a garden year round it is very doable. Especially
> if they buy things like rice at Costco.

You can't assume they are vegetarians or have a garden... or that they
even have a Costco. There's no Costco anywhere near me. Even when I
lived just outside of Memphis, Costco was a new thing there. (I kept
reading everyone here talking about Costco and had to ask what the heck
they were talking about.)

This is what is being discussed:

http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible

The first line of the post in that Mommy forum says:

"On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store (includes
non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning products...but
honestly, most of that IS food)."

So they *are* factoring in non-food items/sundries. They want to get it
down to $200 a month. I simply don't think it's feasible in this day
and age. Neither do many of the people who replied on that forum.
Those who said they *could* do it didn't really say how.

Jill

jmcquown wrote:
>
> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.

Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
"junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
too. What's the problem?

They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
themselves from scratch. Seriously.


G.

Gary wrote:
>
>Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
>you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
>"junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
>too. What's the problem?
>
>They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
>people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
>Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
>themselves from scratch. Seriously.

Hamburger helper and the like are very expensive when you factor in
how little you get aqt that inflated price... you pay for that small
can and all the profits made by all the middlemen... it's far less
expensive to prepare a big batch from scratch and freeze portions. And
what one prepares themself will probably be a far better product, at
least they'll know what/who is in it. Hamburger Helper and other
products of that ilk are much more a convenience, good to have a
couple cans for when one doesn't feel like cooking and/or hasn't the
time. Hamburger Helper is not a junk product, it's just not a good
product, it's passable, barely.... good for feeding youngsters because
most times they won't clean their plate and you'll be scraping half in
the trash, or out into the yard for critters like I do with the
grands, so why bother feeding them food you slaved over. My grands
don't even want Kraft Mac n' Cheese from the box, they won't eat it,
they want Kraft Mac n' Cheese in the microwaveable cup, just add water
and nuke... it's disgusting but they love it... I love how it saves my
efforts... and no pot to clean.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kraft-Orig...e-6ct/10295762

On Tuesday, July 15, 2014 4:24:42 PM UTC-4, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> Gary wrote:
>
> >
>
> >Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
>
> >you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
>
> >"junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
>
> >too. What's the problem?
>
> >
>
> >They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
>
> >people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
>
> >Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
>
> >themselves from scratch. Seriously.
>
>
>
> Hamburger helper and the like are very expensive when you factor in
>
> how little you get aqt that inflated price... you pay for that small
>
> can and all the profits made by all the middlemen... it's far less
>
> expensive to prepare a big batch from scratch and freeze portions. And
>
> what one prepares themself will probably be a far better product, at
>
> least they'll know what/who is in it. Hamburger Helper and other
>
> products of that ilk are much more a convenience, good to have a
>
> couple cans for when one doesn't feel like cooking and/or hasn't the
>
> time. Hamburger Helper is not a junk product, it's just not a good
>
> product, it's passable, barely.... good for feeding youngsters because
>
> most times they won't clean their plate and you'll be scraping half in
>
> the trash, or out into the yard for critters like I do with the
>
> grands, so why bother feeding them food you slaved over. My grands
>
> don't even want Kraft Mac n' Cheese from the box, they won't eat it,
>
> they want Kraft Mac n' Cheese in the microwaveable cup, just add water
>
> and nuke... it's disgusting but they love it... I love how it saves my
>
> efforts... and no pot to clean.
>
> http://www.walmart.com/ip/Kraft-Orig...e-6ct/10295762

Can?!?

"Gary" > wrote in message ...
> jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>
> Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
> you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
> "junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
> too. What's the problem?
>
> They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
> people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
> Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
> themselves from scratch. Seriously.

I have issues in that I think the pasta is par boiled or something. Just
not to my liking. I ate tons of the stuff s a kid. My mom loved it. I do
know of people who get it for free and either make it without the meat or
save up the noodles and use only those for something else. It is one thing
that you can get for free with coupons given the right circumstances.

I'm up to about $240 (family of four) and we could get by on $200. We live in W Central Wisconsin, though. If you buy quarters of beef, half hogs and full lambs, you get good meat for the coin.

Great produce at an Amish auction I go to. But, in mid-winter, with meat, dairy, decent produce and baking supplies, whatever food stuff, I bet I could just barely do $200. Lot more rice and beans, though. Potatoes, too. Funny you spend more to put, hopefully, less on.

Still, I like a few little treats: smoked Gouda or Gruyere, avocados are healthy and "treaty", Ice Cream, blah, blah. So I hit $240/mo.

You can live pretty well off of $200 if you buy wisely, IMHO.

On 7/15/2014 7:14 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 7/14/2014 11:57 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
>>>>> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know
>>>>> what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we
>>>>> put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us
>>>>> will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks
>>>>> good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want.
>>>>
>> (snippety)
>>
>>>> I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the
>>>> list but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything
>>>> else is just gravy.
>>>>
>>>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>>>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>>>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>>>
>>> They probably aren't factoring sundries in there. But if they are
>>> vegetarians and have a garden year round it is very doable. Especially
>>> if they buy things like rice at Costco.
>>
>> You can't assume they are vegetarians or have a garden... or that they
>> even have a Costco. There's no Costco anywhere near me. Even when I
>> lived just outside of Memphis, Costco was a new thing there. (I kept
>> reading everyone here talking about Costco and had to ask what the
>> heck they were talking about.)
>
> But there are other warehouse stores. Or other places like Winco where
> you can get a 20 pound bag of rice for cheap.

And again, you cannot assume they are everywhere. I could shop at Sams
Club IF I wanted to drive 60 miles to the outskirts of Savannah. That's
not happening. I have no idea where Winco is but you can bet there
wasn't one in the Memphis area nor anywhere around where I live now.

>> This is what is being discussed:
>>
>> http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible
>>
>>
>> The first line of the post in that Mommy forum says:
>>
>> "On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store
>> (includes non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning
>> products...but honestly, most of that IS food)."
>
> Okay...
>>
>> So they *are* factoring in non-food items/sundries. They want to get
>> it down to $200 a month. I simply don't think it's feasible in this
>> day and age. Neither do many of the people who replied on that forum.
>> Those who said they *could* do it didn't really say how.
>
> Well she is.

No, she isn't. She said they spend $850/month and *want* to cut it down
to $200. Did you even bother to read it?
(snipped a bunch of crap)

I use coupons, sure. I contact the pet food company and they send me
coupons for Persia's r/x food. (Occasionally her vet has coupons, too,
and they check to see if they have a better deal than the one I have.)
I frequently find cat litter coupons; I can't remember the last time I
paid full price for it.

The problem with the majority of *people* food coupons is they are for
processed/boxed junk. IOW stuff I don't waste my money on anyway so
buying it wouldn't save me anything.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> On 7/15/2014 7:14 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>> On 7/14/2014 11:57 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>
>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>> ...
>>>>> On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
>>>>>> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to know
>>>>>> what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us, retired, we
>>>>>> put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us
>>>>>> will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else looks
>>>>>> good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want.
>>>>>
>>> (snippety)
>>>
>>>>> I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the
>>>>> list but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything
>>>>> else is just gravy.
>>>>>
>>>>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>>>>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>>>>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>>>>
>>>> They probably aren't factoring sundries in there. But if they are
>>>> vegetarians and have a garden year round it is very doable. Especially
>>>> if they buy things like rice at Costco.
>>>
>>> You can't assume they are vegetarians or have a garden... or that they
>>> even have a Costco. There's no Costco anywhere near me. Even when I
>>> lived just outside of Memphis, Costco was a new thing there. (I kept
>>> reading everyone here talking about Costco and had to ask what the
>>> heck they were talking about.)
>>
>> But there are other warehouse stores. Or other places like Winco where
>> you can get a 20 pound bag of rice for cheap.
>
> And again, you cannot assume they are everywhere. I could shop at Sams
> Club IF I wanted to drive 60 miles to the outskirts of Savannah. That's
> not happening. I have no idea where Winco is but you can bet there wasn't
> one in the Memphis area nor anywhere around where I live now.
>
>>> This is what is being discussed:
>>>
>>> http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible
>>>
>>>
>>> The first line of the post in that Mommy forum says:
>>>
>>> "On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store
>>> (includes non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning
>>> products...but honestly, most of that IS food)."
>>
>> Okay...
>>>
>>> So they *are* factoring in non-food items/sundries. They want to get
>>> it down to $200 a month. I simply don't think it's feasible in this
>>> day and age. Neither do many of the people who replied on that forum.
>>> Those who said they *could* do it didn't really say how.
>>
>> Well she is.
>
> No, she isn't. She said they spend $850/month and *want* to cut it down
> to $200. Did you even bother to read it?
> (snipped a bunch of crap)

I read what she said but had assumed that she was basing this on the woman
who is selling her Ebook on how to feed a family of four including sundries
and pet food (excluding horse).

> I use coupons, sure. I contact the pet food company and they send me
> coupons for Persia's r/x food. (Occasionally her vet has coupons, too,
> and they check to see if they have a better deal than the one I have.) I
> frequently find cat litter coupons; I can't remember the last time I paid
> full price for it.
>
> The problem with the majority of *people* food coupons is they are for
> processed/boxed junk. IOW stuff I don't waste my money on anyway so
> buying it wouldn't save me anything.

And you didn't read what I wrote. In order to do this, you do need to get
tons of crap that you won't eat or use. The idea is to create overage to
get the stuff that you do want.

On 7/15/2014 12:20 PM, Gary wrote:
> jmcquown wrote:
>>
>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>
> Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
> you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
> "junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
> too. What's the problem?
>
My seasoning mix wouldn't contain a bunch of chemical crap. I see no
reason to pay for the "convenience" of something like Hamburger Helper
when you still have to cook the noodles, you still have to brown the
beef. The *only* shortcut about it is you're opening a packet of dried
who knows what rather than creating your own sauce.

Jill

On 7/15/2014 7:16 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "Gary" > wrote in message
> ...
>> jmcquown wrote:
>>>
>>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>>
>> Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
>> you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
>> "junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
>> too. What's the problem?
>>
>> They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
>> people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
>> Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
>> themselves from scratch. Seriously.
>
> I have issues in that I think the pasta is par boiled or something.
> Just not to my liking. I ate tons of the stuff s a kid. My mom loved
> it. I do know of people who get it for free and either make it without
> the meat or save up the noodles and use only those for something else.
> It is one thing that you can get for free with coupons given the right
> circumstances.

Yeah, when you buy about 3 boxes of the stuff. That's the problem with
coupons. Most of the time they are for boxed crap I wouldn't buy and
then they want me to buy three of them in order to save $1.

Pasta is dirt cheap. It doesn't make sense to buy Hamburger Helper and
save the noodles from those boxes to use for something else. Those
people are obviously brainless twits.

Jill

On 7/15/2014 9:04 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On 7/15/2014 7:14 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>> ...
>>>> On 7/14/2014 11:57 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>>> ...
>>>>>> On 7/14/2014 1:19 PM, rosie wrote:
>>>>>>> Have been looking at this and am amazed that most of you seem to
>>>>>>> know
>>>>>>> what you all spend on food! There are just the two of us,
>>>>>>> retired, we
>>>>>>> put things we need on a list, then everyonce in awhile , one of us
>>>>>>> will go to HEB , buy the things on the list and what ever else
>>>>>>> looks
>>>>>>> good. I do not spend a fortune, but I buy pretty much what I want.
>>>>>>
>>>> (snippety)
>>>>
>>>>>> I have a rough idea of what I spend. I don't stick strictly to the
>>>>>> list but then, the list is only for the must-have items. Anything
>>>>>> else is just gravy.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
>>>>>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
>>>>>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
>>>>>
>>>>> They probably aren't factoring sundries in there. But if they are
>>>>> vegetarians and have a garden year round it is very doable.
>>>>> Especially
>>>>> if they buy things like rice at Costco.
>>>>
>>>> You can't assume they are vegetarians or have a garden... or that they
>>>> even have a Costco. There's no Costco anywhere near me. Even when I
>>>> lived just outside of Memphis, Costco was a new thing there. (I kept
>>>> reading everyone here talking about Costco and had to ask what the
>>>> heck they were talking about.)
>>>
>>> But there are other warehouse stores. Or other places like Winco where
>>> you can get a 20 pound bag of rice for cheap.
>>
>> And again, you cannot assume they are everywhere. I could shop at
>> Sams Club IF I wanted to drive 60 miles to the outskirts of Savannah.
>> That's not happening. I have no idea where Winco is but you can bet
>> there wasn't one in the Memphis area nor anywhere around where I live
>> now.
>>
>>>> This is what is being discussed:
>>>>
>>>> http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The first line of the post in that Mommy forum says:
>>>>
>>>> "On average, we spend about $850 a month at the grocery store
>>>> (includes non-food items like diapers, toiletries, and cleaning
>>>> products...but honestly, most of that IS food)."
>>>
>>> Okay...
>>>>
>>>> So they *are* factoring in non-food items/sundries. They want to get
>>>> it down to $200 a month. I simply don't think it's feasible in this
>>>> day and age. Neither do many of the people who replied on that forum.
>>>> Those who said they *could* do it didn't really say how.
>>>
>>> Well she is.
>>
>> No, she isn't. She said they spend $850/month and *want* to cut it
>> down to $200. Did you even bother to read it?
>> (snipped a bunch of crap)
>
> I read what she said but had assumed that she was basing this on the
> woman who is selling her Ebook on how to feed a family of four including
> sundries and pet food (excluding horse).
>
>> I use coupons, sure. I contact the pet food company and they send me
>> coupons for Persia's r/x food. (Occasionally her vet has coupons,
>> too, and they check to see if they have a better deal than the one I
>> have.) I frequently find cat litter coupons; I can't remember the last
>> time I paid full price for it.
>>
>> The problem with the majority of *people* food coupons is they are for
>> processed/boxed junk. IOW stuff I don't waste my money on anyway so
>> buying it wouldn't save me anything.
>
> And you didn't read what I wrote.

I tried to read what you wrote. I got completely bored right about the
time you started talking about Tic Tacs.

> In order to do this, you do need to
> get tons of crap that you won't eat or use. The idea is to create
> overage to get the stuff that you do want.

That makes absolutely no sense. They're not getting paid; they're
buying and reselling. Probably illegal; definitely a huge waste of time
and effort.

Jill

On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:59:50 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

>
> The problem with the majority of *people* food coupons is they are for
> processed/boxed junk.

Also they are for larger sizes and most often, in my personal
experience, for items (food or non-food) that aren't even on the shelf
and no one in the store knows when it will be stocked. I gave up on
coupons a long time ago because they simply don't work for me.

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:04:09 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> wrote:

> And you didn't read what I wrote. In order to do this, you do need to get
> tons of crap that you won't eat or use. The idea is to create overage to
> get the stuff that you do want.

I have no idea what overage means, but where is the savings when you
have to buy stuff you don't want?

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On 7/15/2014 9:47 PM, sf wrote:
> On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 20:59:50 -0400, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>>
>> The problem with the majority of *people* food coupons is they are for
>> processed/boxed junk.
>
> Also they are for larger sizes and most often, in my personal
> experience, for items (food or non-food) that aren't even on the shelf
> and no one in the store knows when it will be stocked. I gave up on
> coupons a long time ago because they simply don't work for me.
>
Or you have to buy three of whatever it is to save $1. I do find
coupons that work for me occasionally but I'm not religious about using
them. I have better luck just watching the sales and finding BOGO's for
things I might like to stock up on. Like the feta cheese I bought for
the quiche... it was a BOGO. Crumbled feta freezes just fine. Publix
has another BOGO on it right now. I'll probably buy more.

The price of chicken, OTOH... yikes! Sorry, still no .99/lb. deals. A
whole chicken is *on sale* for $1.49/lb. Boneless skinless breasts are
*on sale* for $3.99/lb. It's a good thing I'm not a huge fan of
chicken. I'm afraid I'd have to start eating more beef.

Jill

On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:29:19 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

> On 7/15/2014 7:16 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
> >
> > "Gary" > wrote in message
> > ...
> >> jmcquown wrote:
> >>>
> >>> I seriously doubt a family of four could survive spending only
> >>> $200/month for groceries and sundries unless all they were eating was
> >>> pre-packaged junk such as like hamburger helper.
> >>
> >> Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
> >> you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
> >> "junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
> >> too. What's the problem?
> >>
> >> They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
> >> people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
> >> Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
> >> themselves from scratch. Seriously.
> >
> > I have issues in that I think the pasta is par boiled or something.
> > Just not to my liking. I ate tons of the stuff s a kid. My mom loved
> > it. I do know of people who get it for free and either make it without
> > the meat or save up the noodles and use only those for something else.
> > It is one thing that you can get for free with coupons given the right
> > circumstances.
>
> Yeah, when you buy about 3 boxes of the stuff. That's the problem with
> coupons. Most of the time they are for boxed crap I wouldn't buy and
> then they want me to buy three of them in order to save $1.
>
> Pasta is dirt cheap. It doesn't make sense to buy Hamburger Helper and
> save the noodles from those boxes to use for something else. Those
> people are obviously brainless twits.
>
Oh, but Jill.... they saved SO MUCH money when they buy two and get
one free when they didn't need any. LOL

--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On 7/15/2014 4:24 PM, Brooklyn1 wrote:
> Gary wrote:
>>
>> Hamburger Helper is not really junk. It's mostly ground beast that
>> you use anyway, and some noodles that you would use too. Your only
>> "junk" argument is with the spice mix and you would make a spice mix
>> too. What's the problem?
>>
>> They have some decent varieties and it's no cop out to use them. Many
>> people buy them too. It's a quick fix when you are pressed for time.
>> Taste-wise....probably better than what half the people here make
>> themselves from scratch. Seriously.
>
> Hamburger helper and the like are very expensive when you factor in
> how little you get aqt that inflated price... you pay for that small
> can and all the profits made by all the middlemen... it's far less
> expensive to prepare a big batch from scratch and freeze portions. And
> what one prepares themself will probably be a far better product, at
> least they'll know what/who is in it. Hamburger Helper and other
> products of that ilk are much more a convenience, good to have a
> couple cans

Hamburger helper doesn't come in cans.

> for when one doesn't feel like cooking and/or hasn't the
> time.

How is this a time saver? The same amount of time goes into it than
making something similar from scratch. You still have to cook the
noodles. You still have to brown the beef. You're still going to be
making a simple sauce to simmer and cook the mixture down in. The time
savings is insignificant. The benefit is the sauce won't consist of a
chemical-laden artificial ingredients powdered packet.

Jill

On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:26:28 -0400, jmcquown >
wrote:

> My seasoning mix wouldn't contain a bunch of chemical crap. I see no
> reason to pay for the "convenience" of something like Hamburger Helper
> when you still have to cook the noodles, you still have to brown the
> beef. The *only* shortcut about it is you're opening a packet of dried
> who knows what rather than creating your own sauce.
>

Sometimes I prefer the crap, like Sloppy Joe mix. I haven't made it
in 20 years, but I used to prefer the powdered mix (Manwich, which
doesn't exist in powdered form anymore) over the recipes I found and
the form of Manwich that came in a can.

Today, opening an envelope of taco mix is preferred - I just need a
little and I don't feel like making a home mix just to use a
teaspoon's worth when no one can tell the difference in the finished
dish.


--
All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt.

On 7/15/2014 9:58 PM, sf wrote:
> On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 18:04:09 -0700, "Julie Bove"
> > wrote:
>
>> And you didn't read what I wrote. In order to do this, you do need to get
>> tons of crap that you won't eat or use. The idea is to create overage to
>> get the stuff that you do want.
>
> I have no idea what overage means, but where is the savings when you
> have to buy stuff you don't want?
>
It sounds to me like these coupon fanatics buy all sorts of stuff they
don't want or need, then resell it. Sorry, I have better things to do.

Nothing of the kind was suggested in the original link posted by leona:

http://www.cafemom.com/group/115189/...s_imp ossible

It wasn't suggested in any of the comments from the people who replied
on that forum, either. Coupons and sales were mentioned, but nothing
like Julie's talking about. (Not really surprising.)

Jill

On 7/15/2014 10:06 PM, sf wrote:
> On Tue, 15 Jul 2014 21:29:19 -0400, jmcquown >
> wrote:
>
>> On 7/15/2014 7:16 PM, Julie Bove wrote:
>>>
>>> it. I do know of people who get it for free and either make it without
>>> the meat or save up the noodles and use only those for something else.
>>> It is one thing that you can get for free with coupons given the right
>>> circumstances.
>>
>> Pasta is dirt cheap. It doesn't make sense to buy Hamburger Helper and
>> save the noodles from those boxes to use for something else. Those
>> people are obviously brainless twits.
>>
> Oh, but Jill.... they saved SO MUCH money when they buy two and get
> one free when they didn't need any. LOL
>
Then they apparently resell the stuff they didn't need. I'm picturing
some guy with big oversize coat loitering in a parking lot. "Pssst!
Wanna buy some Pampers?" LOLOL

Jill