We are a family of 5 living on one income, with the expenses of starting a new business and trying to save money to buy a farm. We watch our money very closely. One thing we learned early on is that food is an easy place to loose control of your budget and also a little less easier place to cut spending. For months and months we have had a very tight food budget. We try to gorw as much of our food as possible, and preserve it for when fresh isn’t available. We buy grains, dried food, and pasta in bulk once a month from Country Life Natural Foods. We try to grocery shop no more then once a week and occasionally stretch it as far as every 2 weeks.

Then I got pregnant and everything changed. Not only am I more aware of nutrition and the needs of a growing baby (I admit I had gotten lazy in my own nutrition) but I just feel like I am eating much more. I have been trying to stay in budget, but have the complication of a budding foodie in my household. Whenever we get any extra money Avril wants to go grocery shopping, even when her grandparents gave her a monetary gift her first thought was going grocery shopping.

This week I went grocery shopping, a series of events meant that I was actually able to go by myself. I went to Trader Joe’s one of my favorite spots (just wish they had a few more interesting veggies like collards and Japanese eggplant). Honestly I went a little crazy. In addition to thinking how good everything would taste I thought about what my children would like and what could be prepared simply while I am still battling morning sickness. I am very happy with the food, but not its effects on the budget.

I told Proeun, “If we want to stay on budget don’t send a hungry, pregnant woman to the grocery store.” I asked Proeun if he would do the grocery shopping knowing that this had been his duty when living with his family before our marriage and trusting that he would make wise decisions. Still I honestly felt like I would be adding another burden to his already cramped schedule. Then yesterday he said to me, “So when do I get to go grocery shopping?” Obviously it is not the burden I thought and will hopefully be a good change for everyone.