effective grocery planning // how we have saved hundreds

[@AcresOfAdventure]

My wife has watched your channel for a long time and actually are from Michigan also. We currently are using the same midwife for our Homebirth here at the end of September. I just wanted to say from the husband point of view that a respect the courage that you have had to change your channel these past few months and not being afraid to speak up on how you feel and staying strong with your point of views. I believe if parents could have 10 percent of the faith you guys have and show this world would be a better place. Keep doing what you are doing just thought I would share this with you because you guys deserve to hear it. Have a blessed day.

[@saintamerican6105]

Whats the Midwifes name, i wrote it down but lost it and i want her to be my Midwife once i get pregnant again soon

[@alyssaAG3]

I love this series Milena. One video I’d like to see is about money and budgeting. Not only best practices you guys use, but how you respect and honor one another when it comes to that. I’d love to hear Jordan’s thoughts on it as well.

[@magsd8300]

Amen, me too!!

[@laemaollennu3076]

Yes, same! I love hearing Milena and Jordan speak on topics and Christian values 🩷

[@EArt-vw5is]

Can we get a list of the Ciciotti menu!! Having those 40-50 meals listed would be amazinggggg

[@bryceanable8307]

Yes!!!!

[@kacieschafer5226]

Yes!!

[@sarahkent8542]

Yes!

[@ashlynhorsley]

Yes please!!

[@annamoore7654]

Yes!

[@kellyjackson8266]

Great video. I will say to not forget that children learn so much from going to the grocery store as they get older, things that will train them for the future. How to follow a list, identification of foods, numbers, language, how to compare and think about choices, being out in the community.. Just a thought from a grandmother and educator. 🙂

[@kassidy4976]

I will say I 100% agree with what you say but we also live in a time where it’s not safe for a mom of more than 1 to be in public places because we are specifically targeted. I enjoy grocery shopping but it’s a struggle with 3 littles.

[@kellyjackson8266]

I remember those days. 🙂

[@bakedvegan6379]

The fridge clean up/ pantry inventory is key to saving $ on groceries!! 🙌

[@emilybarros9025]

As a Jewish woman, I love your channel and the proverbs that you just read is part of what the husband refutes to his wife at the dinner table every Shabbat (Friday night). ❤very special words.

[@corrinathompson5039]

I’ve been doing all of these things since I’ve been a mom for 3.5 years! Once a week: Clean out the fridge, see what you have left, make a menu for the week, only order things from that menu and either do pickup or delivery. And I agree the grocery store is not a place I want to spend hours with my kids, rather be at the park or something enjoyable with them. The best routine ever 🎉

[@sarahnprod]

When you want to comment on the latest video but also understand why the comments are turned off. 🤭 CAN I JUST SAY I LOVE WHAT GOD IS DOING HERE. Thank you Milena. I’ve been watching you since I was 18. I am 23 now and I am getting married in October. I can’t begin to say how much the Lord has used you to form my character and prepare me for womanhood. Im forever thankful and pray many blessings over your household 🤍 Thank you so much.

[@spicygingercat]

This is soooooooo helpful. I’m not even a wife and mom yet but I’m about to get married so I’m starting to educate myself on how to make all of this happen in a practical / logistical sense. I love how much detail you give, it’s so helpful. Thank you!!

[@ebbys]

I agree, I got married 4 months ago and changed everything that overwhelmed me thanks to her. She realy is like a big sister telling us everything we need to know. Realy important and helpful 🤍

[@rebekahdonnenwerth7165]

This is my first ever video of yours, and it came at the perfect time. I often feel lots of guilt around not making money but spending all of it. The fact that I do all of these things already was encouraging to me. Sometimes, things are just expensive, and I can only do the best that I can ❤️

[@alexismaewaterman]

Snacks is what really ups our bill, over the last few weeks I’ve really cut down on buying snacks and it’s halved our grocery bill! Also your tip from your first video 2.5 years ago I remember it and not thinking much of it but I just implemented it last winter where I did Walmart grocery pickup and let me tell you what I have saved hundreds!! I am a sucker for trying new things and seeing things we don’t need and buying them. Pickup/Instacart is essential to saving money and halving your grocery bill in my opinion, it truly helps you stick to your list and budget bc you see a running total and can be honest with yourself and it also forces you to only get what you need! Would love a budgeting video/templates as well! We just got a new (used)car so it’s even more important than ever to me to stay in budget and I’ve been finding it challenging some weeks and not wanting to compromise with melas bc I’ve had to do that the last month, our meals haven’t been the greatest bc I feel all the great meals require lots of ingredients and that ups our bill so I would love a Ciciotti menu as well!😂❤️

[@sunshinegirl02]

i always plan my meals for the week based on what is on sale in flyers at the supermarket i feel like i get the most of my buck doing it that way it also forces me to more creative with my meals and not fall in a rut of always making the same meals

[@Noturbasikbeautyxo]

This is such an insightful video, but it’d also be so helpful to see what your meals look like for the week! I’m a married, first time WORKING mom and I struggle with meal planning. Somehow I feel I need a gourmet menu and it’s so exhausting specially after getting home from work. This system would definitely save us money!

[@MegaTelenovela]

I love that Milena; you're selecting the most budget friendly seasonal produce from all available stores so you get the best bank for your buck! And you choose the healthier pantry produce from thrive market...

[@ClaudiaFrancois-pn3my]

God bless you and your family Milenia! No snacks not only saves money but it also slows down how high an insulin level raises so it's a great idea all around! ☺️☺️

[@AH-cw9dq]

This is almost exactly what my husband and I do! Growing up my mother always bought a TON of stuff at the groceries and so much would go to waste. Even when she was a single mother she would do this and I knew that was something I would NOT carry over into my marriage. This system has helped so much

[@kaitlinross4348]

You are such a fresh breath of air. And you do things in ways I would have never thought of. I’m so thankful for you, Milena! You have changed my and my family’s life so much for the better. We changed our lifestyle not too long ago. It all started with your templates. Our relationship was bitter because we couldn’t grocery shop/meal plan. 🤦🏼‍♀️ I started keeping most of the templates on the fridge, would add items to the grocery list throughout the week, kinda planned what meals for the week. The grocery list template lives on our fridge! Its so helpful. I use a red expo marker for what I need for costco, and a blue expo for walmart, lol. It makes life so much easier. But since then, we’ve gone from tons of debt (as a family of 2) to saving money ( as a family of 4:)) It’s incredible. I reallllly want to get a cow or half! We don’t have the budget or space really for a deep freeze currently. That would be so awesome though. My dad got half and it was a lot of meat! LORD SNACKS ARE SOOOOO EXPENSIVE. And sugary. why!? I want to make my own, but time is so limited in this stage of life

[@laurenmejia5309]

I have a small, dry erase board on our fridge that I write our weekly menu on (just dinners), and it's been so helpful! I also look at my pamtry and fridge to figure out what I have and can use. I grew up doing that, and I think it helps save us so much money

[@Blessed_SAHM_Of3]

You wont see me at the store with all my kids either! I always go on a friday morning at 6 am to our local walmart before my husband leaves for work so the kids will be asleep and hes home with them. Its my little "mom break" I get to do twice a month and I love it! I make myself a coffee and take it with me and enjoy the empty quiet grocery store for a bit. We have 3 kids and want a few more and I agree with all your budget tips too, Its hard wanting to buy mostly organic for our health and trying to stay within our budget so its a balance for sure. I love being able to make this contribution to my family by budgeting and cooking for the people I love :)

[@sarahpastura6950]

A few questions bc I'm really trying to cut back: 1. How the heck did you cut out snacks?! Do you bulk up their meals so they don't ask? 2. My mom always told me to have back stock in case of a storm/emergency that I have staples

[@NettieJL]

I second #1. Would love some insight and tips.

[@savannahhiebert9033]

Snacks are very unnecessary and actually not good for your health long term because it keeps your blood sugar spiked especially since most snacks are carb based! So if you eat full fat and high protein meals you stay fuller much longer! It’s so nice not worrying about food 24/7!

[@sarahpastura6950]

@@savannahhiebert9033 we can agree to disagree. I have had IBS my whole life so smaller more frequent meals suite me best. My pediatrician also recommended 3 meals and 3 snacks for my son (2yr). Plus if you eat more macronutrient balanced snacks such as yogurt (protein), PB(fat) some granola (carb and fat) and some fruit (carb) it's well rounded and won't spike your blood sugar

[@youtubeacc]

@@savannahhiebert9033snacks are actually great at helping stabilize your blood sugar. My MIL and husband are diabetic and their doctors both tell them to snack through the day. So not sure where you’re getting your info. Also not letting children have access to snacks is a great way to create an eating disorder. It’s their home and their food too

[@katie8325]

@@savannahhiebert9033this is completely untrue 🙄 healthy snacks a couple of times a day can be good for children and help stabilise their blood sugar

[@margarita3194]

Milena, you are such a beautiful human being. Thank you for pouring wisdom into us❤

[@mangoluverblake]

Instantcart hikes prices compared to in store, so be aware of that! Walmart pickup is a good option because its the exact same price as in store, sometimes even cheaper.

[@Morsey_2]

I was going to say! Instacart around where I live is an extra dollar to 2 dollars every item!

[@iamalexismarissa1209]

Literally loved your submission video! I can’t wait for number two! I’ve had similar issues and I’m so thankful you were transparent about your stumbling blocks 🤍 God bless you Milena 💙

[@brianaperez8326]

Oh yes snacks can be an issue in our home too! I usually offer cheese and fruit before the pantry stuff and normally an hour after meals. I love costco for fresher/better-for-you foods and sams club for paper products and cleaning products

[@janelleblount128]

Same- protein, fruit, yogurt and granola , or cereal bc they like it and we don’t do it for breakfast

[@rebeccaroussel3405]

I would love to see your list of your master 30-40 recipes that you rotate from. You could always make a blog post with it. I would like to remove the easy meals that are low in nutrients. I used to be very elegant in my meals, but now that I am a stay at home mom of two, I do not have the time to make the recipes I was into before

[@Alessandra-ec2hr]

This video was such a blessing. I had actually just come back from the grocery store realizing I bought stuff I wouldn’t actually eat this week. I made the decision to return the items and it lowered my grocery bill by $30! It felt really good to not waste food and buy as I go along. Reminds me of the scripture do not worry about tomorrow, what you will eat…Matthew 6:25-26.

[@caitlin9823]

Similar to what you said about lunch, prepping a breakfast casserole is so nice sometimes!

[@The_QueenVee]

We have saved so much money getting our pasture eggs from a local egg farm. They are so delicious and fresh.

[@cventura2573]

Oooo I love going grocery shopping! I spend just a bit more maybe $10 more on things I want to try or forgot to put on the list. But they’re not bad things, some plums or peaches perhaps. I always take my kids. They enjoy going grocery shopping too because they always get one treat from the grocery store and they look forward to it!!

[@lovestrikeartistry9616]

MILENA !!! I absolutely love you and all of your content. You’re one of the few people I follow and been following for many years. I thrive to be like you in a good and not a idolizing way but in a motivational way. I love how realistic you are with your journeys and seasons. As a mom of 3 boys and two business I feel like I learn so much from you. You give me the motivation I need to seek Christ, love on my husband, pour grace to my children and truly enjoy life. Thank you for being you and also for listening to God is the direction He takes you. God bless you mama. ❤

[@natalievargas4232]

Thanks for the video, Milena! I'm always trying to find better ways to meal plan for the week. Just a side note, starches/carbs are not bad and are very good to have in most peoples diet. You can follow the balanced plate method that advises for 25% of your plate as carbs. It also doesn't have to be in the form of rice or pasta; potatoes, winter squash, corn, etc. are also good sources of starch/carbs that provide other vitamins and minerals. Looking forward to your next video ◡̈

[@AlyssaDawnWhaley]

I felt it when you said you don’t want to make a cooking vlog bc you have a crying baby & hangry toddler, my exact situation lol

[@robinbaxter8329]

We eat out on Sunday after church and date night which is about once a month and of course bdays sometimes I’ll Take the kids to McDonald’s for lunch and to play

[@isabellalacy9901]

Ahh Milena!! I love this so much and I’m so obsessed with your content!! Your videos are always so entertaining and I’ve loved videos like this from you recently! Thank you for being such a constant inspiration and a follower of God! It’s so inspiring to see you want to read the Bible in front of your kids. I’ve also been wanting to get baptized and I’m so excited! I can’t wait. Ilysm and I hope you’re having an amazing day 💕

[@sarabarill5875]

YES I NEED THIS VIDEO IN MY LIFE OH MY GOODNESS

[@colleencarroll4908]

Yes same!!

[@katarina.studio]

This is such a helpful video. Thank you Milena!

[@The_faithful_princess]

How do you handle the no snack rule when you’re on the go with the kiddos?

[@aaronmacgregor4910]

I also do my food order online and I'm able to look at the food they have on special, especially half price. I just buy snacks that are the best specials and stock up when it's the kids' favourites. Just have to hide them so they aren't all eaten at once.

[@seybrawormgoor7018]

She tells her kids it’s foolish to eat snacks and proceeds to use a verse out of context to convince them

[@jazlynmcneal]

@@seybrawormgoor7018why is this such an underrated comment

[@claudiaortega9036]

She mentioned she still has bars for on the go.

[@chinadolz57]

Your videos are calming and bring me peace and comfort. Thank you!

[@Rootsofgrace]

We don’t do snacks either. Our kids have constant access to fresh fruits and veggies. I offer something nutrient dense before a sports event. They eat very well and aren’t picky. I do serve dessert throughout the week but it’s not a guarantee and it’s always homemade.

[@Diana9572]

Would love to know the 40-50 recipes you have on rotation

[@ryleevavra8619]

I literally only shop at Costco and I think I save SO much more. Also all those subscription and shipping prices are pricey. We really enjoy Costco, and supplementing everything else at Publix or Trader Joe’s. We shop once a month and spend $500ish total.

[@laurabusch7067]

I am a pick my own produce kind of person… AND an overstimulated mom of 3 who hates the grocery store 😂 for me the ultimate hack was when I realized I can pick up my curbside order for 90% of my groceries… then go inside, do a circle around the produce section, go through the 20 items or less check out and boom it takes like 15 minutes and I leave with my sanity lol.

[@vedakin]

That's SUCH a good idea!

[@briannacomeaux1885]

I love this video! I hope one day you can make a video about money and budgeting. Thank you so much for what you do.

[@arielmarley9605]

Could you give us a list of meals from the Ciciotti menu? My husband is so picky and I’m trying to find new meals because I love all the fresh veggies and combinations you can make! I usually just modify things for him but I’m so tired of eating the same meals!

[@fireflyabc38]

Love this series. Very helpful & inspiring. Thank you!

[@daphnefowler6450]

why have you not been wearing your wedding rings? thanks for the tips

[@NettieJL]

Such a helpful video. It’s clear I need to reevaluate the way I handle meal planning at home. Love your content!

[@marennelson5740]

I think we would all LOVE to see the recipe bank you have! all this info is amazing and so helpful.

[@nicokatie3515]

I came on KZbin today to find meal planning. And I went to my subscriptions to see if anyone uploaded new videos. This was meant to be ❤️

[@themilleracres]

I love this! I’ve been wanting to try Thrive Market! We order a lot from Azure Standard and bought beef in bulk for the first time this year. It makes meal planning so much easier and helps us eat at home a lot more.

[@AA-xy9lr]

I prefer Azure over Thrive, personally 🥰

[@themilleracres]

Oh good to know! I've been loving Azure so far! @@AA-xy9lr

[@therealsubaekhyang]

thanks so much for making this content and preparing me for so many things

[@jesusiskingofmyheart]

Loving the consistent uploads! 🥹❤

[@chloewashington82]

I've always loved your meal planning/homemaking videos! You mentioned that you have a bunch of recipes that are your go-to's - is there some way you might be willing to share those? A newsletter, pinterest, etc? Xo

[@carlajoyswan]

Thank you so much for your last video (submission) it came at the perfect time. God bless you sweet lady xo

[@UnfocusedLife]

Would love to see a video, if possible, what y’all eating in a day/week. I have fallen back in the trap of snacks more over anything else and I’m trying to get away from that again.

[@alexandriaburton]

Will you please do a video on how you biblically discipline your kids? I really would love more direction in that!

[@jkayla_lashae]

Do easy go-to dinners 😌

[@claudiaortega9036]

Milena, when you are listing your weekly grocery necessities, what is the first thing you get 3 of? I hear “3 bags of vegas” i thought it was veggies but then you list veggies after fruit. 😅

[@emilykochco]

I enjoyed this video. I will have to say for all the parents out there wanting to cut out snacks. I was advised by a dietitian not to do that. Especially not cutting whole carbs for small children as they need this for their body development. She said that snacks should be considered small meals. Of course everyone can do what works best for their families. But from my own experience with my children only wanting to eat bread at meals this helped a lot (By snacks I meal, veggies, cheese, meat, nuts etc. not chips, granola bars, gold fish)

[@malindashumpert7956]

This video is going to be so helpful for me. Thank you for uploading ☺️

[@raina_marie]

Have you ever heard of Azure Standard? It’s awesome! I’ve been doing it for about a year and a half .. plus I love the little community!

[@Shayyyy77]

Thank youuu yup! 🤗❤️Love learning from you!

[@GabriellePanetti]

Loved these tips! I'll probably also stop going to the grocery store once we have baby #3 because it just seems like a lot. I do love grocery shopping in person though and it gets my kids out of the house lol so I guess I'll have to find alternatives

[@irinao832]

Please do a video on weekly cleaning and deep cleaning routine. I know you did a video like that previously but I’m sure it has changed since moving to this house

[@cyretaoduniyi2894]

Love this series ! Keep it coming sis!

[@lizkrings3264]

We need a cookbook from you! 😊

[@torianna2202]

Milena you are so inspirational and encouraging❤❤❤😊

[@jess9496]

Love this! Would absolutely love to see a meals idea video! Or many....

[@rimamourad5921]

Thank you so much for this! Could you share some recipes that you love?

[@S_1490]

Updated what we eat in a day please ❤

[@luiscabrerra5728]

This is crazy because you’re right you grew up like that I wish you knew what all of us really deal with really life scenarios people that were not raised like you and Jordan who don’t have the same mindsets mindsets that have been tainted from years of trauma

[@user-tj4ii4tt9j]

Please share your 40 memorized recipes!! Would love to have some inspo 😍

[@beckalovesfashion]

But all the prices are more expensive on instacart so how are you actually saving that much money 🤔

[@narrowpathfarm]

Spending less at the end of the day with not spending money on food that goes bad!

[@cmconcon]

Also, no impulse buys at the store

[@bridget6672]

I don't save money with instacart. I always end up spending more. But I also always stick to my list in the store too and we typically do eat up everything we get. Especially when we have a good meal plan for the week 🤷

[@shaunafarrington]

Do you have tips on getting away from snacks? My son literally cries for snacks lol

[@lexysmith6566]

Do your kids only eat 3 meals a day or are your snacks just not "snack" food? I would love to move away from snacks but my kids eat constantly.

[@youtubeacc]

Kids are growing. Snacks are normal. Please stop you’re going to give them an eating disorder making these weird rules around food

[@sabinacerovska540]

Thank you, thank you!! Very helpful video. 😊

[@mmm-b6748]

Many good ideas here! Thank you🤍 Your makeup looks good 👍

[@Dana-mb1hd]

Girl I needed this video thank you ❤

[@cyriellesaba]

Hey Milena! I loved this video☺️Could you share with us some recipes?🥰

[@oliviacoe7297]

Thank you!

[@brookemckenzie1862]

I’d also love to see a budget

[@user-bp7hf4qj1g]

My kids have always been fed a variety of whole home cooked foods but they are not willing to eat the dinners i make. same ones as you mentioned. Help!

[@wowisthatyourmum2902]

Hi can you share what you do instead of snacks pls. If you're out at the park or day outing or friends house etc do you do snacks then?

[@whereourheartsbeat1587]

I needed this vlog!

[@tiaratran]

Love this! Thanks for all the info!

[@lemoncellooohello433]

I love this! Thank you 💗💗

[@flowersandlace]

this is awesome!! thank you 🤍🌸🕊️🙏 God bless you

[@j.e.m_music1341]

Just curious why you haven’t been wearing your wedding ring?

[@willarose796]

It may be because of the body changes that come with pregnancy and nursing. My mom can't wear hers while nursing, I know it's the same with others.

[@allisonchandler585]

She shared on her Instagram story that the prongs broke and the diamond got lost in her car ☹️

[@TessaJBlanco]

Summer easy meals and winter crockpot meals?!

[@ApcChanel]

Just decide to have every week a tart, changing the flavor but so much easier knowing what kind of dish you want to make. Trying to make our life easier. Loved your video so much I love getting ideas and knowledge thank you

[@melissa2807]

Hey! I just wanted to mention I think something funny might've happened in the editing of this video, your transition from snacks to Costco seemed to cut off a thought. But I really appreciate this sort of content, it is so needed especially right now.

[@sarahpastura6950]

Also could you add your actual meals in a video sometime? Because when you say vegetables and ground beef I think of just like plain steamed vegetables and plain ground beef where that would never work at my house. We're very flavorful and sauce / condiment kind of people. So I would love some inspiration on how you jazz it up

[@beautynbrainzxo]

I feel like instacart is so expensive! Do you have a membership? Most grocery stores have free pickup and delivery that tends to be cheaper.

[@shannonsuggs1152]

Please share your “Ciciotti Menu!!!” PLEASE

[@jigs4u2251]

Love it!!!!! 👏🏼 need these tips ahhh

[@yuricastillo3221]

Please record a what we eat in a day❤

[@narrowpathfarm]

Have you tried azure standard? They have everything and much cheaper than the store, and healthier!

[@xokelseyxo9238]

Dear Milena, You are truly so very beautiful from the heart. You radiate unconditional kindness. Your pure joy and love for Jesus is so contagious. You shine a very precious, lovely light. I would like to call that light, Jesus Light. Jesus shines through your eyes and heart. Jesus really has a beautiful purpose for you and your family's journey here on Earth. I am 30 years old and I am in a season of wanting to grow deeper in my faith and have a closer relationship with the Lord. I deeply believe that He pointed me to your beautiful, inspiring channel. I have much, much love in my heart for you, lovely soul. Please never stop sharing your love for our Lord and spreading His word. I pray that you and your family are having a happy and peaceful summer season! Thank you so very much for being a very sweet blessing and gift to this world. Love and Light from Long Island, New York. 🤎

[@Tori-to9jm]

Girl, or any other moms, when are you getting ready? My husband works a lot and so I’m basically parenting alone all day , some days we don’t see him at all. And I feel like I’m always a mess. My hair is never done, and I struggle to literally even get dressed because I don’t have time to think of an outfit so it’s always tshirt and shorts.😅 I always see these moms that look so cute and put together & I’m wondering when the heck they do it ..

[@dreamchord4544]

I don’t wear make up, so it does make it easier, but I just get ready in the morning every day! I get up and nurse my baby, then get my toddler out of bed, change everyone’s diapers and set them down to play while I put on clothes, brush, my teeth, wash my face, etc. Then we all go downstairs and have breakfast together! They learn the routine fast and they do fine having some playtime alone while I’m getting ready, I just make sure the babies in his playpen, so the toddler doesn’t bother him.

[@Tori-to9jm]

@@dreamchord4544 that’s a good idea to do it before we even go for breakfast. I think it would be more motivating that way! Because then I’m in my pj’s so late and feel crummy 😅

[@youtubeacc]

They ignore their children to get ready. I wear my pjs all day and don’t wear makeup or do my hair. If we’re going into town then I’ll throw my outfit on when my son is napping, which I keep an outfit on the main floor in my bathroom so I can do it in 1 min

[@dreamchord4544]

@@youtubeacc it's totally okay for kids to play by themselves sometimes! Especially for the 5-10 minutes it takes to get ready.

[@kirstenholsinger4623]

I would love a recipe bank list!!!!