Why Not HEB?

A couple weeks ago I did a post about dropping into an Aldi store for a few things I needed, instead of going to Walmart, where I usually shop. I got a lot of comments and questions about it and one pretty common question was, "Why don't you shop at HEB? It's so much better than Walmart!" I agree that it is much better! But I have a very good and pretty simple explanation for why I stick to Walmart. I overspend at HEB!! today was a perfect example. Here are the items I had written on my list:

 

According to my grocery list app, I would have paid $28.63 for them at Walmart. At HEB, I ended up paying $25.26 (I had a large box of Kcups on my list for $10.98 but HEB doesn't sell that size so I had to get the smaller box for $6.99). Almost every item was the same price or just pennies away at each store. I also bought a few things that were not on my list:

The cinnamon rolls will be a nice breakfast treat for Raley on his birthday this weekend. I keep forgetting to buy a sink stopper and there was a "buy 2, get 1 free" coupon on the Kcups. The other item is flea prevention for Ginny, which alone was $25.00. Added items total: $47.05. Then the big additions:

This particular HEB has a particularly good beer selection. This is the big reason why I can't shop there more than once every couple weeks or so. Because I only had $28 worth of stuff on my list, and my total spent was $106.36. I am sure that if I shopped there enough, the novelty would wear off and I would control myself. I just think I would bankrupt myself before that point hits! Believe me, it takes an incredible amount of willpower for me not to go there every time I need a few things. I am actually pretty proud of myself that I can resist the urge!
Now if you will excuse me, I have to try and figure out how to feed my family from the freezer and pantry staples next week so I can stay within budget ;)

#200!! And A Challenge....

Well, here we are at post #200! This is pretty cool! I have been thinking about how I would celebrate my 200th post here and I have come up with this idea that will also help me get back to blogging and trying new things. I have challenged myself to make a new recipe every week! I have so many cookbooks and recipes I have cut out of here or printed from there and I need to MAKE some of them! First up for this week is one I just cut out of the newest Taste of Home magazine. It's for Swedish Meatballs which I have been craving as of late. It may have to do with the fact that ever since we moved here, 5 months ago, I have been wanting to go to Ikea but haven't yet found the time :( After we have them, if they are a hit I will post the recipe. Until then, here is my belated menu post for the week:

Monday: Hot dogs (don't judge me!)
Tuesday: Chicken Enchiladas *we had the plague run through the house last week and didn't get to several meals
Wednesday: Swedish Meatballs
Thursday: Roast
Friday: Salmon Patties
Saturday: Soup and Grilled Cheese
Sunday: Leftovers or out (if I am lucky)

I sure hope my challenge goes well, and I hope I keep up with it. Mostly, I hope you all keep coming back to motivate me :)

Peppermint Bath Salts

I hesitate to put this here on the food blog because it isn't food...I guess if I call my blog a recipe blog it fits because there is a recipe. In any case, I came across this recipe in a weekly ad flyer for a local supermarket. It sounded easy and I thought it would fit nicely for a few people on my Christmas gift list.
The Ingredients

2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp mint extract
3 drops food coloring
2 Tbsp cornstarch
1/4 cup baking soda
1 Tbsp salt

In a large bowl, combine lemon juice, extract and food coloring.

In another bowl combine cornstarch, salt and baking soda.

Mix contents of both bowls until well blended.

Pour mixture into ice cube trays and let harden overnight.

To use, place one cube in warm bath water and relax your worries away!!

**UPDATE**
These did not quite set up for me overnight. They were mostly set but had a layer of liquidy stuff on top. I poured off the liquid and set the tray in a sunny window for a few hours. Then they were solid enough to pop out of the tray for the most part. The ones that crumbled or broke I put into a container to keep for myself. I figure I can put an old tablespoon measure in there and just dole out a scoop or two when I want to soak. In h9indsight, this would be a good way to give this out as well. Just let it dry out in the mixing bowl and put a scoop or tow into a pretty little jar of some sort. Lesson learned for next time!