ALDI

Since it's friday and I'm not cooking for a day or 2, I wanted to say a few words about ALDI.  I am not ashamed to say that I think ALDI is great. Not for everything but for a LOT. There's no need to worry about coupons because everything is as cheap or cheaper than if you had a coupon. This saves time and money because you know that you are getting the VERY best price of any store. Don't get me wrong,  I love Publix for the free balloons and fun grocery carts for the kids and the awesome customer service but you are paying for it in the cost of the groceries.  I still go to Publix once a week for their Buy One Get One Free sales and for produce that ALDI doesn't offer but I also go to ALDI every week for my staples.  If you've never been, I think that you'd be surprised and impressed by their selection. It is definitely a different shopping experience but once you understand how it works, it's a really great way to shop! I will say that i've never bought any fresh meat there so I can't speak to it's quality but here are some of the items that I get at ALDI and the prices in case you are interested.

Romaine Hearts- $1.99 (a dollar cheaper than any other store)
Rotel- $.59 ($0.75 cheaper)
Cream of Chicken Soup $0.69 (at least $0.50 cheaper)
Tater Tots $1.89 per bag
String Cheese $3.69 ($2.00 cheaper than Walmart Brand!)
Fresh Baby Spinach $1.69 a bag ($1 cheaper)
Crystal Light $1.69 for 6- 2 quart pouches (publix brand is $2.50)
Crumbled Feta $1.99 ($1 to $2 cheaper depending on the store)

*some of my other favorite things to get there are fresh guacamole (same thing as Wholly Guacamole), milk, eggs, canned biscuits/cinnamon rolls, any kind of cheese from sliced provolone to Dill Havarti, mushrooms, avocado, baby carrots, cereal, whole wheat pasta, frozen peas, otter pops, Gogurt, fig newtons, yogurt raisins, sugar, flour, cooking spray, olive oil, vinegar, foil, plastic wrap, canned diced tomatoes, canned or dried beans, tortillas, kettle potato chips, fresh salsa, tortilla chips. you get the picture!

In case you are interested, Monday or Tuesday's recipe will be a slow cooker BBQ Beef Brisket and later in the week Sweet, Salty, Sour Chicken Thighs with Coconut Brown Rice.  The skinless bone-in chicken thighs are a good price at Piggly Wiggly right now. Have a good weekend!