Day 5

Went grocery shopping yesterday for the first time since starting this project. I failed a tiny bit and my bill wasn't any lower, which is discouraging. :-(

While I spent the majority of my time on the perimeter of the store in the fresh foods sections, I did venture into the middle for pretzels, tortilla chips and 2 cans of black beans. The snacks are two of Craig's favorites and Sydney questioned them immediately. But I decided, you know, Craig works really hard and if he wants a couple snacks now and then, he is certainly more than entitled. I did not feel the need to deprive him for the sake of my quirky project.

As for the beans, that's just weakness on my part. I have used the last of my black beans and just couldn't bear the thought of no more corn/black bean/avocado salad, or several other dishes that I'm currently hooked on.

As for my grocery bill being the same as usual, I attribute that to the increase in fresh produce as well as an impulse buy of sale priced sea scallops and swordfish steaks.

Dinner last night was some frozen Chinese I picked up while shopping. Again, that goes against the spirit of the project. I hang my head in shame.

However, I am proud of my imperfect effort. I passed by several BOGO sales on salad dressing, snack foods and other stuff we clearly have in full supply. So, although my first shopping trip wasn't perfect, it was definitely a step in the right direction.

Dinner tonight: pizza with friends. Tomorrow, my nephew's 16th bday party. So, the next real pantry cooking will be on Monday. Tune in. It's bound to be exciting!