Grocery Shopping with Kids & Small Grocery Haul (VIDEO)

Since my husband isn't with us during the week (he's away for work), I take the boys grocery shopping a lot more than I used to.  We head to the store (usually during off-peak hours) with a list and a prayer that I don't have to hear complaints, arguments, or no one asks for anything.

When I took them to the store yesterday, we left with 3 bags filled with produce and minimum sugary snacks. 

What was so different this time?

*Say no to the inner aisles-I typically use the inner aisles for oatmeal, pasta and a 4 pack of Izze drinks. Since I didn't need any of those items, we avoided the temptation of cookies, chips, and candy that the inner aisles offer.

*Distraction-I sent them to retrieve items off my list, so there was no time to ask for anything.

*I kept the list shorter than usual-getting the boys in and out saved time, energy, and money

boyswegsaug2012.jpg

*Candy-free checkout line-Our grocery store has a few registers where books are sold instead of candy, so we utilized one of those check-out lines. *In my Soup Nazi voice* No candy for you! lol

Success! I went home and recorded a little vlog about it....

Notes from the vlog:

I spent $118 today-Monthly budget is typically $600 

Ice Cream recipe

using young Thai coconut

The Sweetest Vegan's pesto recipe

Tempeh, Kale, Sweet Potato Skillet from

Veg Kitchen

I've been thinking about getting a vegetable spiralizer to make zucchini pasta but the julienne peeler is about $30 cheaper.  I got the idea from a

post on OhSheGlows

How do you stay within budget and maintain a healthy grocery cart while shopping with your kids?

Thankful :-)

We just came from a relaxing few days in Kentucky and I feel so thankful for such an open minded and accommodating family.  Hubby's family owns a second home there and we arrived to plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

strawberrycabinjuly2012.jpg
veggiekentucky1july2012.jpg
saladinkentuckattablejuly2012.jpg
mysaladjuly2012.jpg

My aunt: "I picked up some Earth Balance at the store. Do you use that? I was thinking you could use it on toast." Heck yeah!  I really appreciate that she thought of me and made sure I had options. She also picked up several bags of hash browns for breakfast, bread without eggs, and a few other vegan friendly snacks.

houseinkentuckcupcakesjuly2012.jpg

Of course we had to do some vegan baking! Aunt Colleen is all about desserts, so I suggested we make cupcakes!

colleencupcakesjuly2012.jpg
finishedcupcakesjuly2012.jpg

Everyone loved them!

Aunt Colleen even said she wants to start a meatless dinner once a week. Woohoo!


Sharing Vegan Food With My Family

I remember when I used to be the first volunteering to bring soda and cups to the cookout.  Now I jump at the chance to cook for everyone I know.

toniincargradpicjune2012.jpg

My baby sister graduated from high school, and since we had a lot of family from out of town visiting, I thought it would be a great time to cook up some vegan food.  

I made smoothies (using blueberries, strawberries, bananas, soymilk), portobello lasagna, and kale salad.

Some of my family even invited me over to do some cooking during the summer.  I can’t wait to document those experiences as well. Good times!

Subscribe to my YouTube channel for more vlogs and cooking videos