How to cut some edges off that grocery bill

Many don't like running around town to save money, so with one stop to the grocery store and one stop after that you can cut close to 20% off your grocery using two very small steps.

First when shopping at the grocery store, remember the easiest it is to make the worse it is for along with the expense you pay.  Think outside the box, literally!  These types of foods are not only expensive but also full of ingredients and items that are bad for you.  Stay on the outside aisles, the produce, the meats, the dairy and find everything to make healthful dinners for a fraction of the cost!  There are many websites out there with recipes for dinner that are full of fresh ingredients and run 30 minutes and under in preparation.  Prepare an extra large batch, freeze or save and you've got healthful meals for the week!

The second place to consider is Big Lots, many think of Big Lots for thrift in home items, decorations and toys but the food section of Big Lots has LOTS (get it) of deals on food that can shave off more precious money from your grocery bill.  They buy oversales of gourmet items from stores then sell them for sometimes 70% off!  I've found Kona coffee at Big Lots for $5 a pound ($10 at grocery store), Paula Deen muffin mix for $1 and cans of soup $1 to $1.50 off grocery store price!  The best part of Big Lots is when it comes to filling up the lunch boxes or snacking, they carry a great variety of lunch snacks at 70% off and cereal back to the swallowable price of $2.50 a box rather than $4.95 now.

With grocery store prices rising, there are alternatives to lower your bill, create healthful meals AND find some discounts.  Here's one of my favorite healthful recipes!

Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
1 lb Ground Turkey
1 tsp Oregano
1 tsp Basil
1 tsp Garlic Salt
1/4 cup of fresh grated parmesan cheese
1 egg

Combine all and roll into mini meatballs.  Gently fry these in a plan with 3 tsp of olive oil until the outsides are brown.  You don't need to cook all the way.  Remove meatballs add 6 cups of vegetable stock or chicken stock (make your own and save more money) scraping the bottom of the pan.  When the stock comes to boil, add 1 cup chopped carrots, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 cup chopped onion - 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp basil, 1 tsp garlic, salt, pepper and bay leaf.  Finally add 2 tbsp of tomato paste and bring the moisture to boil, then simmer for 15 minutes to blend flavors.  Add pasta of choice, or navy beans with almost cooked meat balls and cook another 15 until pasta is done.  Spoon out and add grated parmesan and serve.

Enjoy!  What are your tips for saving on YOUR grocery bills?