While David and I were out yesterday we stopped by Kroger’s so David could get Hamburger Meat and the ingredients he needed for the Mexican Lasagna he was making for dinner last night. While David gathered those ingredients I browsed the meat aisle.
I must tell you this weeks trip to Kroger turned into one of those rare grocery runs where timing actually worked in our favor. Prices were marked down in just the right places, and it felt like we caught a wave of solid savings without having to overthink it.
I picked up chicken thighs and also legs that were more than 50% off, which instantly made meal planning for the week easier. Pork chops were on clearance for around $10, which felt like one of those “grab it while it lasts” deals. I also stocked up on simple meal helpers like Zatarain’s red beans and rice, plus mac and cheese and other easy fillers that stretch meals without stretching the budget.
Charlie needed lunch for the week and Tony’s pizzas were also on sale, which is always a win for quick lunches when everything is moving too fast to cook from scratch. I also found Dolly Madison Powered Donuts on sale for Charlie and my breakfast.
What made this trip feel even more valuable was that it wasn’t just about groceries. Walking through the store gave me a chance to slow down and actually get my steps in, something that usually gets pushed aside on busy days. This turned into a small reset in the middle of everything. It also allowed me to cool down and regroup and rest a bit as I was getting tired from being sick last week.
I also used that time to do something I don’t always prioritize—I took the time to date myself and, in a different way, date my husband too. It was in the quiet moments of browsing the aisles, looking at books, and flipping through clearance finds that I got a little breathing room. Those small pauses in the middle of a grocery run somehow turned into a reminder that everyday errands can still hold space for connection, reflection, and just enjoying where we are.
By the time David and I checked out, after one disagreement in the meat aisle this didn’t feel like just another grocery trip. It felt like a win for the budget, a win for movement, and a win for slowing down long enough to actually notice the day. While giving us enough food for 2 weeks so David doesn’t have to worry about what we will be eating which is a huge win for my family.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
