I've seen the ALDI difference!

It's that time again...end of the month! I'm back to broadcast my finances to the public sector.  This time I do so with great pride! I made my goal of $150 for food this month and I'm super excited that I FINALLY have achieved this goal! I also might add that I had money to spare!!! Some of this probably had to do with my limiting myself on going out. Undeniably, this was a HUGE challenge! It also made me realize how engrained consumerism has become in me. I can only believe it has happened to my fellow citizens as well! I would constantly have urges to purchase things or go and get a treat. Clearly, I knew I couldn't as contributing to Sarah Palin is not an option to me. This required me to physically stop myself, think and question, do I need this treat? Can I buy it cheaper at the store and it will be more and actually last longer? Yes, it was a challenge. I know now, I can do it...but it is difficult. A new budget of $50, I've decided, is more realistic and I'm going to stick with that from here forward.

Once again, I've detailed my expenses for you all:

03/01/11		Half & Half	$1.50
03/01/11		Yoplait Yogurt	$0.60
03/01/11		Corn Muffin Mix	$0.49
03/01/11		Lemon Cookies	$0.99
03/01/11		3 Kiwi	$0.99
03/01/11		Butternut Squash	$2.45
03/01/11		Carrots	$0.69
03/01/11		Vitamin Water	$1.19
03/02/11		Navel Oranges	$1.69
03/02/11		Onions	$1.49
03/02/11		Celery	$1.19
03/02/11		Strawberries	$1.69
03/02/11		100 Calorie Almond Packets	$1.99
03/02/11		Jive Candybar	$.29
03/02/11		Cabernet Marinara Sauce	$1.79
03/02/11		Toothbrushes	$1.69
03/02/11		Idaho Potatoes	$1.89
03/02/11		Hot Cocoa	$.89
03/02/11		Sugar Free Gum (3 pack)	$1.49
03/02/11		Gallon Milk	$2.39
03/02/11		Ind. Trail Mix	$.49
03/02/11		Pita Chips	$1.69
03/02/11		String Cheese	$2.49
03/02/11		Mac and Cheese	$.29
03/02/11		Veggie Chips	$1.69
03/02/11		Parsley Flakes	$.99
03/02/11		Garlic Powder	$.99
03/02/11		2 Cans Tomato Paste	$.78
03/05/11		Choc. Frosting	$1.19
03/05/11		Butter	$2.39
03/05/11		M&Ms	$2.49
03/05/11		Muffin Cups	$.85
03/05/11		Baking Powder	$.1.74
03/05/11		Drink Out	$5.75
03/05/11		Eat Out	$6.74
03/08/11		Plum	$.59
03/08/11		Bagel	$.69
03/08/11		Cheese Curds	$2.69
03/10/11		Soup	$5.99
03/10/11		Crostini	$3.14
03/10/11		String Cheese	$3.96
03/10/11		Gallon Ice Cream	$4.99
03/10/11		Reeses 8pk	$2.98
03/11/11		Ricola Drops	$1.99
03/11/11		Airborne	$6.99
03/14/11		Hershey's Choc. Syrup	$.1.67
03/14/11		Nut Topping	$2.35
03/17/11		Cocoa Almonds	$3.69
03/17/11		Strawberries	$3.19
03/17/11		String Cheese	$5.79
03/17/11		½ Gallon Milk	$1.89
03/17/11		½ Gallon Skim Milk	$1.89
03/18/11		Navel Oranges	$1.69
03/18/11		3-Peppers	$2.99
03/18/11		Granola Bars	$1.49
03/18/11		Half and Half	$1.59
03/18/11		18 Roll TP	$6.99
03/18/11		Racer Bars	$1.99
03/18/11		3- Mac and cheese	$.87
03/18/11		Kleenex	$1.29
03/18/11		Quick Oats	$1.99
03/20/11		Eat Out	$7.94
03/24/11		Bread	$1.99
03/25/11		Red Vines	$1.88
03/25/11		String Cheese	$5.00
03/25/11		Eggs	$1.69
03/25/11		1 Cup Plain Yogurt	$.87
03/26/11		Drink Out	$3.75
		TOTAL	$144.43

There you have it! I can't believe I purchased ALL of that food for only $144.43! On the other hand,  I'm seeing a lot of items I need to cut out of my diet. Looks like I've got another goal to work towards now! :) I went to all of my big shopping trips at ALDI. I did end up going to other stores when it was just one item to purchase as I live farther away from the ALDI and it wouldn't be worth the gas for one item. I would try and utilize coupons when I went to the other stores or look for good deals. I have to say, I'm quite proud of what I've accomplished! Thanks ALDI!