Why is it that when the end of the month comes, I always
have a little sweat and a jaw-drop at how much I shouldn’t have spent?
Is
it just me, or is it seriously hard to stick to a budget. In fact, I
think the word is impossible… and I’ve even given up wine. Fortunately
that will end as soon as I have
pried the next sprout off my breast – I dream of it daily.
I don’t splurge on expensive mags and loads of clothes and
things, but I am a bit of a lush when it comes to gorgeous food items and
sometimes I don’t even look at the price much to the husband’s continued alarm.
So I’ve put together some foodie tips to lower the ever-diminishing
bank account and some yummy budget meals to boot.
1. Do a monthly shop – stock up on all the
basics, it saves you from buying something new every day where you’ll
definitely spend more each time.
2.
Make freezer meals – it nips the take-out temptation
in the never-as-good-as-it-sounds bud.
3. Shop at Fruit ‘n Veg City – it is SO much
cheaper and there is less plastic wrapping and un-seasonal food so you’re being
green too.
4. Start a dinner club – it saves on eye-popping going-out bills. Everyone brings a bottle (or two) and
you don’t have to lay on a gourmet extravaganza, there are plenty of impressive
party dishes that won’t break the bank. Try this bacon, mushroom and spinach pasta, throw in this delish butternut soup to start and this super easy lemon tart for dessert and you’ve got a gorgeous 3 course meal that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.
5. Eat less meat – it’s better for you and there
are so many amazing veggie dishes to make it boggles the mind. Try this broccoli soup with a cheese crouton and this spicy ratatouille on
for starters.
6. Pack a lunch for work – it saves buckets and your
waistline.
7. Use your left-overs – you can make delicious
stir-fries, baked potato toppings and soups with all those extra little bits.
8. Check the papers for weekend specials – stock up
on these items, it will save in the long run.
And just for giggles…
1. A large pot of
homemade soup is an inexpensive way to feed a family. Make it last longer by
eating it with chopsticks.
2. Rather than carry
shopping bags around the supermarket or paying for expensive carrier bags, why
not just eat your groceries at the checkout? Not only will this save money on
carrier bags but it will also reduce your electricity bill too.
We’re on it big time here at Food24 as you might have
noticed with our budget dinner series blitz. Check these out…
Spicy ratatouille – Vegetarian: R35 for 2
Butternut and bacon pasta: R35 for 2
Mediterranean chicken with olives: R35 for 2
Bangers and mash with a sweet-chilli glaze: R50 for 2And share the love people, we’d love to know your budget
tips and meals and what works for you in these thrifty times, we’ll send a R250 kalahari voucher to the best one.
PS: Hang out with the rich and famous and save a dime with this cool Café Caprice winter special