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NO SPEND JANUARY - MONDAY UPDATE - WEEK 4


Hi friends - WELCOME!  If you are on this No Spend January journey with us, how's it going? If you are not, maybe you want to jump right in!  You can find out the "guidelines" at this post

We are in our last few days of our challenge. We are doing awesome and no one is complaining much that we have not had a take out pizza or been to Carvel all month. My bank account is loving it also! 

As promised, I am back today with an update on our week four of No Spend January with our fails and our wins!

First let's talk about what categories we spent money on:
  • Gas - my truck and hubby's car
  • Price Chopper - $ 58.29
  • Shoprite - $ 33.46 (batteries for smoke detectors and special food for dog)
  • Bread Store - $ 19.00 (stock up!)
  • Life Insurance & Oil delivery 

This week I went to our local Price Chopper. The deals were awesome and I did not need a lot to begin with. 


I forgot to take a picture when I got home, so here is the receipt. 

Dinner Meal Plan:
  • Happy Hour on Sunday for lunch with Chicken dinner with all fixings later
  • Pasta with meat sauce 
  • Tacos 
  • Pulled bbq chicken sliders with side of veggies
  • LEFTOVERS
  • Make your own pizza (make my own crust)

Breakfasts:  Homemade pancakes, cereal, banana bread, apples, sweet breads from bread store, berries, blueberry muffins (homemade)

Lunches:  cheese sticks, veggies & dip, tuna sandwiches, pasta and butter

Snacks:  Ice cream, chips, cookies, fruit, homemade bread, graham crackers, crackers and peanut butter.


Here is a new recipe that I tried this week and LOVED IT!




4 medium russet potatoes (boil until softish not mushy)
1 cup sour cream or mayo
1 cup shredded cheddar
bacon (any leftover bacon or sausage will do)
salt & pepper
Green Onions

Basically you can add anything you want. This is what I had on hand and worked great. 

After potatoes are done, immediately cut up into cubes, mix in the ingredients above and dump into a pre-greased square pan. Sprinkle more cheddar on top and bake for 20 minutes at 350. OH MY LORDY friends, is was awesome! 



I will update you next Monday as a follow up to our no spend January, highs and lows.

This week we have school, sports and I have to get to the dentist as I chipped a tooth 8(   

We have out of town house guests from Saturday until Wednesday coming up so we are preparing for that. 

We will be watching the Superbowl with some family friends and cheering on Philadelphia for our BFF's who love them! 

I hope your week is filled with awesomeness! 

Until next time, be blessed and spend less! 

Linking to: Mommy Monday Blog Hop  and Inspire me Monday

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Comments

Candace M. said…
What types of breads do you "stock up" on? Do certain types of breads hold up better in the freezer?
Melissa N. said…
HI Candace - so I stock up on THomas bagels (3 for $ 4.00), they freeze great...I buy 2 loaves of bread and freeze, by the time we use them they are still fine...Thomas english muffins - double packs are 3 for $ 4.00 and they freeze great and also hoagie or hamburger buns - I plan on using them in the week as they dont last too long in the freezer. Plus our bread store has a ton of "sweet" breads - coffee cakes, donuts etc..I shop the $ 1 manager special table and they all freeze beautiful for months...
emegren said…
I need to find a breadstore! I'm hoping to try a no-spend month. Any tips to prepare?
Melissa N. said…
Emily - sure - first look at your pantry. Take inventory of what you have and plan meals with that. Look at your freezer also. That will help keep your grocery bill down.


Also, UNSUBSCRIBE to sites that you get emails from that might temp you to buy.

Find FREE things in your area/community to keep you going. Plan outings, library visits, have friends over to play cards..ask for them to bring a dish to share.

Cut back on coffees, alcohol etc.. (if this might be your vice)

Only drive when necessary..I do all my errands in 1 day so it helps with gas full ups.

Shop your closet - find new ways and new outfits. Organize your drawers and closet. When I did this, I found things with tags on them!

IF YOU MUST SHOP and cant help yourself - go to thrift stores.

Hope that helps!
vicki said…
I love this idea. It will be a challenge!

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