Overspending can be justified...

[persimmons]

A few days ago, a natural foods market called Wild Oats went 50% off everything since they were closing after being gobbled up by WholeFoods Markets. We went. While it was a bit of a madhouse, we still overspent. However, we did so on items we use all the time and that had shelflife. Short-term budget blown, but long-term we made out. In the process, e also met some really good folks and were able to do a little pay-it-forward a coiuple times as icing on the cake. All-in-all...I hate seeing the store go under, but we made lemonade.

[Jaded]

Yep, well justified. I do that all the time at work. I like to take advantage of the BOGOS of storable food. I'll go way over my budget one week, but then the next, I don't have to buy anything but milk and eggs.

[mikandmari]

Yup, totally agree. I like to look at the long-term budget as well as the short term. You SAVED money!

[lullaby80]

Sounds like you overspent well. Love that persimmons photo! (yummy!!)

[persimmons]

yeah...we did ok. I split an 18 pound wheel of parmigiano reggiano with my folks! I kept some in the fridge and tried freezing the rest. We'll see how that turns out in a few months.

But the stuff that stored well...we did great on that. Also socked away some other specialty items for cheap. Had to.

We've been eating on the spoils for weeks and it will continue for many more. Sad to see the store gom though.

lullaby - those persimmons WERE good!

[IntlMom]

yup - I pretty much go for an "average" of my grocery budget. some months will be more (like yours was this month), but then it could be less the next few months......I think it;s the most wise way to go, because if you limit yourself to your strict budget, and then you have to pass up a great deal like that, you will be money out in the long run when you have to pay full price later......
bummer on the Wild Oats going under-

[toile]

50% off, thats really really great!

I try to eat foods that come from Whole Foods but it's so pricey!
I'm having to go between Traders Joes and Aldis.

I think you did great because "whole foods" sadly costs more.
Seems backwards doesnt it? ;D

(PS if you have some healthy recipes can you posts those somewhere? )

[shoiji]

Wow that sounds great. I am very envious of the 18 pound wheel of parmargano reggiano. I love that stuff.

[HappyMama]

I agree it is so sad that Wild Oats is closing. I am so glad you were able to get some really great deals on healthy great food.

I love stocking up on great sales etc when they come my way and work it out of the budget somehow. You did a great job.