All You Grocery Challenge, Do As I Say, Not As I Do...

Remember how I told you this week would be tricky to stay on budget, because we had a birthday and a holiday...well, the budget went out the window after Chuck E. Cheese. I have failed with a capital F by the rules of the All You Challenge. However, one of the benefits of couponing for me and my family is to be able to splurge on special occasions, eat out more, and entertain guests...all of which we succeeded on this week. Here is the breakdown, brace yourself:

Sunday:

• Breakfast: oatmeal/cold cereal, juice
• Lunch: hamburgers, lemonade
• Dinner: cold cereal, yogurt, juice

Monday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal, juice
• Lunch: tuna fish sandwiches, oranges, water
• Dinner: BBQ chicken, orange jello, lemonade

Tuesday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal, milk
• Lunch: grilled cheese, chicken noodle soup, milk
• Dinner: cranberry chicken, green salad, lemonade
• Total Spent: $43.95 at Albertsons (basic groceries)

Wednesday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal/oatmeal, juice
• Lunch: PBJ sanwiches, jello, green salad, water
• Dinner: Arby's (had to meet at the house during dinner)
• Total Spent: Arby's for family $22.95

Thursday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal/oatmeal, juice
• Lunch: mac-n-cheese, salad
• Dinner: Chuck E. Cheese Pizza and birthday cake
• Total Spent: around $80! (gasp), however I did use a coupon and this was for like 25 people, we ended up with more than we thought, so what are you going to do?

Friday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal/oatmeal, juice
• Lunch: leftover pizza ;)
• Dinner: salmon/tilapia, rice, corn, and coleslaw, lemonade

Saturday:

• Breakfast: cold cereal/oatmeal, juice
• Lunch: hamburgers, hot dogs, snow cones (at the Rodeo)
• Dinner: Subways
• *Rodeo: $17, Subway, around $20 Once again we were out to see a 4th of July parade and decided to stay for the rodeo and then we went to the lake. Kids (and grown-ups) are hungry. We roll with the punches. We did have a fabulous holiday and made some great memories with family and friends.

Total: $183.90, yep big fat F!! However, we don't usually have holidays and birthdays. Our family does eat out typically 1-2 times a week. The actual grocery amount is about right for a normal week. I typically spend between $35-75 for our family, so that area I consider a success. Wish me luck this week.