Visitor Budgeting

So, Craig's little brother is staying with us. He's on vacation (I know, I'm jealous) and relaxin' like... well, like he's on vacation! Anyway, this impacts our household a bit because it's an extra mouth to feed. Granted, he's around Craig's height and build, so you wouldn't think it's a lot but one extra person adds up my grocery bill.

Here's house things normally work - food wise: Wednesday - Sunday, Craig and I are both home at night but Monday and Tuesday it's just me. Craig is at work. By the time I get home from work, I don't really want to eat much so I make myself a potato or a sandwich. Craig also has food provided for him at work every Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoon plus Monday and Tuesday night. I don't. I have to brown bag it every day.

All of this means I'm the "main eater" everyday which, in turn, means our groceries are dictated by what I want. One of my goals this week was to make 200 NIS stretch enough to feed 3 mouths. You're probably laughing at me and I totally understand why. How can $57 feed 3 people for 7 days?? I know, I sound insane.

BUT today I had the most glorious idea! I want to shop at a smaller grocery store where there isn't too much room for me to roam around and fill my cart. I can get most of the same things but I can get it cheaper and without the hassle of roaming around the store for an hour.

Here's what's on my menu for Thursday-Wednesday:

Lebanese Lentil Soup

Bubba's Potato Soup

Quinoa salad

Chicken Stir Fry (for Shabbat!)

Rissotto style Israeli Couscous

Roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts

Salmon Caesar Salad

Thankfully, we have a ton of rice, quinoa, and Israeli couscous. We have some leftover frozen salmon and chicken breast as well as some frozen veggies. All that's left to get is stuff to make a salad, ingredients for the lentil soup and potatoes.

Think I can make 200 shekels last with this menu? Tune in Friday.