March... Groceries

I went to Aldi, Costco, and Whole Foods this week.

I went to Aldi on Monday to get some little things, as well as some items for a meal I am taking to a friend (sour cream, beef, tortillas, choc. chips, corn, cream cheese)  Milk was also included, but not pictured.  There was shortage at the farm this week, so I had to pick some up at the store.  We love those vanilla Italian pizzelle cookies at the top right :) Spent $34.

And then ("And DEN?!"...name that movie), I went to Costco on Tuesday and spent $108.  Could have bought more, but I used restraint.  I had to get the stuff put away right away, so no picture, but here's the list:
bananas
strawberries
organic salad greens
refrigerated uncooked tortillas
fish sticks
frozen organic broccoli
string cheese
block of cheddar
sour cream
butter
organic lemon juice
Sugar in the Raw
organic salsa
raw almonds
ciabatta bread
white wheat sandwich bread

Then I went to Whole Foods today.  It has been awhile since I've been there since they haven't had any produce sales I've been interested in lately.  But now they have organic apples for $1/lb., so it was worth a stop after work.  I also got some mac & cheese for $1/box, some sucanat and organic dry black beans from the bulk bins, and some organic tomato paste (w/ Muir Glen coupon from the store flyer).  Spent $20.

I try to have one or two "convenience/compromise" foods in the pantry or freezer, ready to go for a quick and easy meal if needed (some ideas are nitrate-free hot dogs, frozen ravioli w/ jarred sauce, fish sticks made from wild-caught fish, a healthier boxed mac & cheese, etc.)

Total: $162 out of $400 for March

Last year, I remember going WAY overbudget (by a couple hundred dollars) for the month of March, so we'll see how it goes this year...hopefully better! :)