Triathaln Challenge Update

April 1st was null and void. 3 hours of sleep combined with a lot of guilt-fueled "I can't say no to a face like that" playing with Molly lead to zero spending, zero cleaning and zero work-out. April 2nd will be different because now I have Coffee :)

Spending Loop Hole

As you all know, I'm n a self-imposed $20-a-month food budget; that is, I'm trying to spend $20 or less on groceries per month for my family. I do this by utilizing Food Banks, free samples (Costco is a freaking MEAL), given food (I don't think I've ever come away frm my parents house with less than a grocery bag full of leftovers) and my existing inventory of food (full pantry and freezer).

So now I am presented with a Loop Hole to get some free groceries, and I want your opinion.

First of all, let it be said that I *d* need a new, smaller non-stick frying pan. All I have right now is my 14-inch Calphalon "Every Day Pan" and my 15-inch Cast Iron Skillet. Both are EXCELLENT pans, but I need something smaller and non-stick t cook small things like eggs. I've been on the lookout for a cheap one that doesn't look too cheap.

So! This week, Top Food & Drug is offering a 10-inch non-stick skillet this week for $10. Not too shabby, looks nice... and it comes with a free pound of bacon, a dozen eggs and a frozen Orange Juice!

Personally, I think this is fully acceptable as a source of free groceries that will NOT count towards my monthly grocery budget, since it is an item I had already planned to purchase and the groceries are free with purchase. Had it been a "Buy some eggs, bacon and Orange Juice and get this pan for free", I would feel differently.

HOWEVER! It feels kind f cheap and loop-holeish like when I was on the Weight Watchers "Points" program and found some Ham that was technically zero points per serving. After my third pound of Ham I was feeling kinda bloated and ashamed :(