Bouncing like Tigger from the minivan toward the market door with little Jen in hand I am so excited. I am going shopping for groceries. I love shopping for groceries. It is relaxing and almost to the point of meditation. The Kiefer family gets its nourishment from the supermarket most of the time. We frequent Bellevue Kroger. It's brand new and awesome. They have everything just about.
Finding great deals on things is fun. I have the whole face recognition thing going on various workers there. The produce guy answers my questions about this kiwi verses that kiwi and why do these organic veggies look sick compared to those? The counter lady at the deli offers me samples and chats me up a little bit, telling me I might like this if I like that. I don't see her do this with anyone else. The butcher and I have a thing going on too. If it is the tall goofy guy he usually will talk to me and ask what I am cooking. We chat it for minute and I find out what's on sale and good. He has saved me some money too. The cheese guy is this old hippy. he cuts the cheese. (LOL, i couldn't resist.) He places the samples of really nice cheese out for folks. I usually ask for a taste of some pecorino, gruyere or something that he doesn't have out and he always cuts me off a nice bite. They are really helpful and engaging people who make the journey to the supermarket interesting and fun.
I've been going to the store these days with a budget in mind. So much so I go with cash only. I really like the fun of making my money work for me too. By cutting back on this item I can get that fancy item. Last week I went over budget 25 cents. This week I came home with money to spare. I crack myself up. In my younger years I would buy everything and just blow through cash like it was no big deal. But now like snoop says,"Iv'e got my mind on my money and my money on my mind."
Today, I picked up some chocolate pudding. Janine and I are doing the no carb thing and trying to cut out the sugars. We were chocolate ice cream addict/eaters,getting our boost on almost every night. We miss our bowl of loving goodness. When I got home Janine and Josh flew out to his swim meet and I stayed home with the girls. Little girls in bed, it's time to make the pudding. Once we get the big kids to bed my sweet and I will relax and have something close to our evening fix.
I had to Dr. it up a little of course. Here is what I did and I must say just a little tweek and wow this is really good and maybe we have a winner here. Janine will be the judge.
Box of Jello Chocolate Pudding
Follow the directions. 3 cups of milk and stir. I deviated by using one cup of half and half in place of one of the cups of milk and adding a tablespoon of cocoa. I whisked it up for 2 minutes and wow this tastes really good.
Give it a try and let me know what you think. I know it's not totally fat free with the added half and half but let me tell you this, a junkie will get their chocolate fix.
BTW I have lost about 10 lbs. and Janine has lost... I think it best to keep that confidential.
BTW I have lost about 10 lbs. and Janine has lost... I think it best to keep that confidential.
