Grocery Shopping

That's not a very catchy blog title... But it's what it's about!

I've only REALLY been grocery shopping for the last six months.  Yes, I had grocery shopped before that, but it was mostly getting my Lean Cuisines and yogurts for lunches or shopping off of my mom's list.

Now that I'm married, it's my job!  It was easy doing the shopping over summer - I could go during the day when it was virtually empty and shop to my heart's content.  It was also a lot more expensive that way!  I love shopping - even grocery shopping - and left to wander the aisles for an hour... Well, that leads to a lot of spending!

I have tried being a coupon cutter, but I am not very good at it.  It always seems there are never any coupons for the food/products we actually eat.  I can maybe use one coupon a shopping trip, if that.

Instead of coupons, we try to shop the circulars.  At least we get some things at better prices.

But the REAL way we save money on groceries is by shopping at "ethnic" markets.   Jons International Marketplace is WONDERFUL!!!!

• We get most of our produce here, and it is almost always a ridiculously good price.  My current favorite is kale, and it is only 69 cents a bunch (and a great source of Vit. A and Vit. C)!  
• Herbs are also fresh and readily available for a MUCH better price than a lot of "regular" stores (i.e. Vons...).  
• They also have an amazing deli.  We were recently encouraged by the nice deli lady to try a new slice of something each time we come in (even if we don't buy), just to see what we like. We tried a few types of mortadella, a Havarti dill cheese (so yummy and creamy!), and Mike tried an interesting meat that I won't gross you out with.
• Last week we bought boneless, skinless chicken breasts for $1.39 a pound.  Not bad at all!

We also shop at two Korean markets, H Mart and Arirang.

• They also have great produce prices.  If you like Asian pears and don't mind them being pretty looking, they are often a good price. 
• Ground beef is one reason we drive a little further for these markets.  It averages around $1.50 a pound!  Wowee!

Mike and I LOVE to eat, so we try and only get sale items, just to save a buck or two.

Thanks for listening to my grocery store rant :)  I hope to post some recipes soon!

<3, kimchisgirl