Realistic Budget Groceries • $60 for 3 Adults • What We Eat in a Normal Week

Hamburger Bun Recipe: • Homemade Hamburger Bun...
Hey y'all! I love doing videos like "How to eat for $10" and other fairly extreme grocery budget challenges/demonstrations, but today I wanted to share what our regular grocery budget looks like, because I think it's still pretty budget friendly while being much more realistic than $10 a person. I purchased my groceries from Aldi, Food Lion, and Harris Teeter, and prices are for Raleigh, NC. Hope you enjoy my little grocery haul and that it gives you some dinner ideas!
As always, I appreciate you all so so much!
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You can find me online at:
/ thatlisadawn
/ thatlisadawn
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That Lisa Dawn
PO BOX 99383
Raleigh, NC
27624
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Instant Pot Duo Plus 6qt
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Aroma Rice Cooker
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KitchenAid Stainless Steel Wire Masher
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Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet
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[@taimymonteagudo5474]

Thank you! I already liked the video, before actually seeing it, just because if it’s Lisa’s video it’s going to be good.

[@elainenicholls7648]

I hit the thumbs up right away also...

[@jenniferlisow2901]

Ditto, I already know it's going to be good. Lisa rocks! Budget chef queen!

[@sunowl5301]

Me too!

[@beachblond1968]

I do the same! 😂

[@flufftronable]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@theonlyendlesscircle]

I just wanted to tell you that you are a delightful young woman. It's so encouraging to see someone your age who does such a good job homemaking and working on your future. Good luck with everything and thanks for your videos that are entertaining and full of useful information. You are one of my favorite foodies to watch.

[@esthers9140]

Very well said😊

[@Alexandra-ns5te]

the way she cooks absolutely amazes me. i love it. total definition of making use of what you have, being budget friendly all while making good food

[@Joviaddict1]

I swear you are the only one on you tube who does realistic average person hauls and meals. Thank you! Its important to save money but I have a bigger budget than $10 lol Please keep making this type of content, I've really enjoyed it and learned so much about ways to save money while also enjoying the food I make plus loads of new food ideas and recipes!

[@obiwantzcanolisandmomgarde8490]

Mix and match Have your lower budget meals when you are doing a live from what you have on hand That is how I clean up the fridge Low waste

[@taimymonteagudo5474]

This realistic videos are my favorite too. I will see them all, more than once, but this content helps me so much. Love the way she plans the meals and makes it work without stressing. Gotta learn how to do that 😄

[@wardrobelion]

I know, right?

[@debhouckscraftycottage9288]

I just found Lisa's channel and I agree - realistic meals and realistic budgets. I'm enjoying and just subscribed.

[@dianeeyestone2040]

I would suggest SeeMindyMom if you like Lisa.

[@jessicascott4846]

You my friend have one of the most diverse menus and budget friendly meal prep channels, what a blessing you are to all of us!! Just want to thank You🥰

[@carolwoodward6141]

You are so right.

[@hellooutthere8956]

I was thinking the same thing

[@debbiecrum7585]

Totally agree 👍

[@rosacanisalba]

Also love that you're honest about the older stuff kicking around which you still use like the yeast.

[@drumrgrrrl4319]

I love your videos! You make it look easy - making doughs and tortillas. Plus, you sound and look a bit like my little sister who passed away a year ago. Your cooking style is like hers. So each time I watch your videos, I feel a bit like I'm watching her cook and it makes my heart happy. Thank you for your content. Please keep it coming!

[@diamondsndhenna4784]

Isn't there something very welcoming about her? I just adore her videos. 💗

[@diamondsndhenna4784]

And her too!

[@darlenebradley6756]

I do practically all my shopping at Aldi. But, I am a single, senior citizen, and I like the small size of the store, not being overwhelmed by too many choices, and it's right on my way to work. That way I can combine the stop with my commute and not use any extra gas. The rest of the shopping is done at your other featured store: The ubiquitous Dollar Tree!

[@auntrowdy7392]

I love that you include your “normal” foodie stuff too. It doesn’t always have to be super cheap. Just like it doesn’t always have to be super expensive. A nice middle of the road is where most of us are comfortable. 😀 Btw - my newest obsession is your homemade pirogies. They’re my lunch on most days now!

[@pinkelefant4ever]

The frozen are pretty yummy homemade must be awesome!

[@Leguminator]

I love the combination of basil, corn and red peppers in the summer, together they're so delicious! Cut corn off the cob, saute with a little fat of your choice and the peppers then toss in some fresh chopped basil at the last minute. I sometimes use this in tacos with roasted potatoes.

[@ricktalbott9611]

Sounds good !

[@carolwoodward6141]

I roast or grill corn in the hull. After shucking I run butter whole basil leaves on the warm corn ears. Sprinkle with black pepper and life is good,

[@Leguminator]

@@carolwoodward6141 As I was typing my original comment I was thinking there must be some way to basil-fy corn on the cob, I need to try your method now when corn is cheap. Thanks!

[@hellooutthere8956]

You need a channel. Tht sounds delicious and I'm going to write tht in my cooking journal..

[@Fanofkarma]

I didn’t know you could cook corn that way , ( In the oven with the husk on them) I’ll try it !!

[@janelawrence95]

Can also cook that way on the grill or campfire.

[@OoThereSheGo]

If I didn’t have the pickiest family to feed I’d jump right on these recipes. 👏🏼 you always have such great ideas. I’ll live vicariously through you lol

[@stacygodfrey4939]

I agree!! My Husband does not eat veggies or fruit. But the last 5yrs i have become the problem as well. I do not eat meat. So we have decided to fix our own food🤷🏻‍♀️

[@beverlyharward9631]

@@stacygodfrey4939 Sounds like a winning situation to me!! 😁

[@spacecase8791]

@@stacygodfrey4939 Yes! That is also the same dilemma my husband and I have lol. He doesn't like any vegetables and hardly any fruit, but can devour any and all meat and I eat hardly any meat at all anymore. Most nights I cook two separate meals that way we're both appeased. Annoying at times but so worth it lol

[@obiwantzcanolisandmomgarde8490]

Same here I fix the meat but feed my share to my puppy He loves it added to his kibble So he gets high quality food

[@servingme09]

Wow everything you've made looks Delicious and all on a very small budget. You're certainly a keeper in my book

[@tonid.4156]

“And... nothing for you kitty” ...“Meow!”. Lol! ❤️

[@elainenicholls7648]

Would love to see a video on making Vanilla. Watching from Ontario Canada 🇨🇦

[@labsareperfect]

I would love to see what you could do at a specialty ethnic store. I love that your meals are more diverse and not boring. My husband is Chinese and when he makes traditional food from his family’s home town I just love them!

[@patriciaandrews6803]

I actually prefer these type of hauls, grocery shopping and recipes. This is more of what our grocery list and recipes look like. Thank you!! Keep em coming!

[@TheNeurospicyMama]

Lisa thank you SO much for the shout out! You absolutely rock! You also are a great teacher. ❤️😊❤️ Amanda ❤️😊❤️

[@chemwaspschumann7465]

Yes, she is!

[@sharonmiller4329]

Lisa, you are one heck of a good cook. I love that you are so creative with what you have on hand. Your meals always look delicious. Happy birthday.

[@sweetla4750]

Or use a good French bread…my fav

[@laylalynn3525]

Lisa, make a homemade pizza. Super easy to do the dough and sauce, after that you can use your fresh basil and it'll be so delicious.

[@InTheKitchenWithGinaYoung]

Hello I must say I love your channel keep up the awesome job 😊

[@curiouskitty4990]

I love your channel! Lisa, I love how you explain things and talk to your viewers. I love your recipes. You are a beautiful, kind and talented young lady and I wish you continued success! Love and Light ❤

[@lacylynn6554]

Aldi is ALWAYS my fruit, veggie and bread go to. GREAT prices for those items there!

[@lankytor6396]

You are awesome! Lots of options and groceries are so expensive! Thank you 🙏🏽

[@laimaz6340]

Especially now..with prices rising , it’s so important to see someone create simple, creative and yummy looking meals. Basic, good cooking! Bless you !! 🙏♥️

[@loriwilson7053]

Im in my 50's and I learn something from you every time I watch. LOVE your channel

[@rosacanisalba]

Wow! Never been so quick before. Love the normal budget weeks. I like the fact that it's not just one shop. I enjoy those too but my shopping habits are a bit more like this dip in here and dip in there style.

[@wardrobelion]

I just saw your thanksgiving 22 video and thought I’d check out your site. I’m so glad I did. I bought masa flour to make tortillas but haven’t used it yet. Watching you create meals helps a lot. I love how you’re an everyday person making things seem so simple. I’m sure you’re helping more people learn to cook than you realize because you are not intimidating like most 😊.

[@christinatareski8882]

You make tricky foods to make completely accessible. Gnocchi, pierogi, tortillas...are all things I was brave enough to try because you made it look like something anyone could do. Love your videos and get so excited when I see a new one pop up!

[@tinanoble4971]

would love to see your home made vanilla extract recipe.... love your channel girl!

[@joellernst8141]

Love your videos Lisa!! I rarely have liquid milk in the house either, I buy powdered milk for cooking and baking, mix up the amount needed for a recipe leftovers go in the fridge for coffee. A 25.6 oz bag from Walmart will last a year or more.

[@VIsionsOfJenna]

Hi Lisa! These realistic weeks are the most helpful for me. Thanks for sharing your gifts with us and have a great day!

[@yeetasaurus9427]

Everytime you shop you find some really great deals on meats. I'm so happy to see meat is still affordable in some areas. I find deals sometimes. I found a HUGE pork loin for $15 at Costco a couple weeks ago. I cut it into 4 large chucks and put in my freezer. I am super excited to cook it up for BBQ pork sliders. Thank you for your tips. I'm still amazed at your homemade pasta videos. Lol. One day I'm diving in and trying it. Looks delicious everytime you make it. 😋

[@intuitlife]

Pork is the most affordable here lately. 99c A lb roast Tired of it now. Going meat free for a week , eat from garden free

[@Rock_on_gold_dust_woman]

I love finely chopped basil, fresh garlic, and olive oil mixed together as a dipping oil for bread. It’s delicious with Italian food.

[@xingcat]

Basil and tomatoes with a bit of mozzarella are a great salad, but I always just make a "whatever pesto" with my garden basil. I'll use basil, Parmesan cheese, oil, and whatever nuts I have in the freezer and blitz them in my mini food processor, then toss that over pasta with butter.

[@tynaedwards8452]

I love that you travel to different stores to find the bargains and plan your meals accordingly. Every week different things are on sale so that keeps your menus changing nicely and then you cook still cook your favorites in between.

[@yoursugabumps]

I agree with everyone else: great haul and use of everyday ingredients. Love how you kinda improvise - no set meals or menu plan, just loose recipe ideas. Funny thing is...I don't eat meat or dairy, so can't make any of it!

[@MrStartrek5]

You're the best Lisa! Huge fan!

[@brendaseader1669]

Another great filling for pirogie is dry curd cottage cheese, chopped green onion, egg, salt and pepper. I boil the pirogie, drain, and lightly fry in bacon drippings. Serve with a little sour cream. Love your practical approach to cooking!

[@drill4206]

Absolutely made my day! Happy August lisa and family!

[@KatyRoseG]

Girl, you are awesome. I love watching your channel even though I have to be gluten free. It's wonderful to watch you cook with your positive attitude and love for food. :)

[@richardschmidt2430]

$5/5lbs of russet potatoes here, yesterday, in Minnesota! :( So your potatoes were a good deal!) Everything going up...so glad to see other cooks out there that are carrying that home (I am a cook)...you cook a lot like I do...We should all be cooking more at home, don't you agree? :) Dawn @ Rich & Dawn in MN :)

[@susanjones8938]

Another amazing meal plan. You are incredible

[@elainenicholls7648]

One of the best perogies I made had roast beef and a Lil bit of gravy mixed with the potatoes. It was really good

[@tiffanyadorno]

That sounds delicious 😋 I would add a little horseradish yummm

[@lil_wildboar]

You are soo real I love you gurl. No pretention just 100 percent you in every video. I love the fact you take cake of your mom a lot. :)

[@MaryTheresa1986]

I was a little distracted when you were going over your groceries, so I thought you said you bought 8 *years* worth of corn! I was thinking "damn, they really love corn in that house. I wonder how they'll keep it fresh that long." 😆😆😆😆🤦‍♀️🤦‍♀️

[@sophiamaria8545]

Yes to the vanilla video!

[@sunnybluebird6397]

Thank you so much for sharing these menus and recipes with us! I love your videos.

[@sylviaseri4235]

Hi Lisa. I am not food insecure at all but I thoroughly enjoy what you can do with so little! Keep it up. I know it’s helping a lot of people.

[@diamondsndhenna4784]

Sylvia, there's no need to announce that you're not food insecure or that these videos aren't helping people like you. 🙄 These videos are meant for everyone, and many people enjoy them! 🎃

[@ZepFloydstonesfan]

I absolutely love your videos, Lisa. You are articulate yet down to earth w- a delightful sense of humor! Keep up the good work, assisting so many others with your diverse, economical menus! 😋

[@Nursemtv]

Thanks for sharing all the meals you cook with us! I started growing basil seeds some time back and use the leaves anywhere I can! I recommend making some lemonade or iced tea and adding some muddled basil leaves for a refreshing twist! A quick cherry tomato pasta with fresh basil and EVOO or an herb salad with parsley, mint and basil helps me use up my herbs! I have also chopped it (sometimes with other herbs) and made frozen oil herb cubes that I pop into the rice cooker at later times for herb rice 😋

[@intuitlife]

Yes! This! My entire front yard is edible Every time I have to cut basil I set it in water to wait to use , and, more plants And the oregano and rosemary My entire front yard except for few spots grass is herbs

[@momkatmax]

I love cooking up a pork roast with basic seasoning then freeze portions for the two of us. Each will be directed toward either BBQ sandwiches, stir fry or put into soup. Hubby is my chef now and creates some really great meals with a base to get started like that.

[@madelinechriston8970]

Hi Lisa, I recently discovered your channel. When I heard your calming voice and the things you were speaking about I became hooked. I'm much older than you (60 but a young 60), you seem like an old soul. We are very much alike in the kitchen. I'm always discovering ways to do things frugally and enjoy making my own bread. I love how you explain things. Youre so informative and youre so refreshing to listen to.I'm from Staten Island NY by the way and its so nice to neet you!❤️

[@morrow2001]

I've only seen your $10 extreme budget videos, so this one was a change! I wanted to mention that when I crisp up carnitas, I use the some of the pork fat in a non-stick skillet (too much of the good bits stick to cast iron) and once it's crisped up (resist the urge to stir for a bit) I'll add a few shakes of Cajun seasoning, put some of the broth over it (couple of spoonfuls to 1/4 cup), and once that's evaporated, you've got magic.

[@TalesFromtheCraftRoom]

I love watching you cook from scratch. Thank you

[@toniscaglione7451]

Happy birthday Mom! I really enjoy your channel! You are so genuine and I really like how you present your ideas and suggestions. Thanks!!💖

[@shetalbhagat8395]

Yay! So excited to see a new video from you!!! I have been rewatching the old ones... 😄

[@themonnajov]

Love your videos! I learn so many things, including new recipes. Thank you, Lisa! 🤗🤗

[@paulasebastian1370]

I just love watching you cook. You are definitely old-school and use every bit of the product never wasting anything I love it. Can’t wait to try some of your recipes.

[@BCGirl822]

Just found your channel. Love how realistic and relatable you are! I live about 2 hours from Raleigh. 👋

[@bambiginger]

This was terrific as usual! I'd love to see the vanilla extract video if you decide to make one. You have such great ideas, I will now always keep my active dry yeast in the freezer and also had no idea zucchini needed a quick cook. No more soggy summer squashes for me, thank you so much! Sending love from Ohio! xoxo

[@tiffanyadorno]

I love when you post, you really have become my favorite person to watch on KZbin!

[@FunEBear-nn2um]

That pierogi dish though LOL looks phenomenal

[@ununhexium]

your garden is looking amazing! can't wait to see more garden updates. i've not had to buy any veggies for weeks

[@shaunaleessnackidies]

Great video as always! Love this. The brunch looked amazing. Love your videos. ❤️

[@Leahthisandthat]

You are a great teacher of food. Love your channel!❤️

[@lolabear6788]

I can’t tell you how much I think exactly the same way as you do! I would cook like that. Make decisions like that. It’s very comforting to hear someone talk about all their decisions cooking and it’s exactly what I would do! Idk why. Had a rough couple days. This has been very comforting. Btw your mom must be very proud of you. You make great choices and great food!!!

[@sandrafoxi84]

What a dream. I miss having a Aldi! For 10 bux I would only get 2 of those items. A bag potatoes is already 7 dollars here! I live in Portland Texas by the way.

[@tracieschrock9519]

i use my mini to make my chaffels...LOL 1-2 eggs in a bowl add shredded cheese of choice i add bacon bits and green onions.. pour in the mini and cook about 5 minutes 😋 😍 low to almost no carbs... I'm Diabetic so I'm a ketotarian!!

[@lindagilbertson7488]

Thanks for keeping it real. You are delightful. I am learning so much from watching your channel!

[@shellylafleur7456]

Love watching you for ideas. I only have basically one grocery store chain and wal-mart, but I still get great ideas from you. Love the new angle of the camera too.

[@imaginarycanary9956]

The mini waffle maker would be awesome to make homemade ice cream sandwiches.

[@tomr3422]

I didnt know Aldi had cats, that one looked delicious good choice. The little waffle maker is the perfect size for breakfast snadwiches

[@carolynromero4462]

That breakfast was lovely with your personal touch Lisa. I just love how creative you are, I learn a lot from you. You're such a fantastic chef now, you'll be totally amazing in the years to come. Joy to watch!

[@carolynromero4462]

I commented before the end of video, OMG, you make your own pierogis too. Got to do that soon, my moms side is Polish and it's been years since I made them. The beef and broccoli reminded me of a dish i made with salmon and broccoli, similar sauce.

[@annaleelp9345]

I was hungry after watching all of this. Looks delicious! 😊

[@agabaga12]

Happy birthday Lisa. I like watching your videos. I would have added all that cream cheese to potatoes for pierogi. If you have a lot of basil, you could maybe make your own pesto with either pine nuts or cashews. By yhe way, that pulled pork could make a great pierogi stuffing.

[@carlaritchie331]

You make cooking look effortless and enjoyable!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

I only use milk sporadically and I found that if I bought it I often wasted it but when I did not buy it I never had it when I wanted it. So I now keep a package of powdered milk and it is always there when required. I will certainly try storing my yeast in the freezer. Maybe a Basil Pesto would be a way to use up the basil? Thank you for the video! Have an amazing week!

[@beverlyharward9631]

Lisa Dawn, cooking your corn that way is great. I do if it's raining and my hubby can't grill out. We live between PTI and RDU! Love ur videos.

[@jillistair9118]

Always so excited to see a new video from you! When you started making the buns I thought oh no, black shirt/flour combo. Then you changed shirts! LOL Your kitty is so cute! Thanks for the great ideas.

[@loriburgess1866]

Dawn, you do such a good job making real food. I appreciate your channel. Thank you.

[@cindykaye3152]

Love your videos because they are easy to follow & do not overwhelm a novice cook.The budgeting tips are wonderful, too! I've been using them to help me teach my daughters how to cook affordable, healthy meals! Bravo!!! And Happy belated birthday blessings to you!!!

[@marcwright4790]

I really like these normal cooking weeks. They are more useful to me as inspiration for real life.

[@richardwasserman]

My wife and I love your videos. Thanks.

[@Cjewell0422]

I like how you take the most simplest ingredients and turn it into something I would have never thought of. Most KZbinrs make all these recipes that don't use everyday ingredients & you need to spend a ton just getting everything u need just to make that one recipe. Where did you learn this love of cooking? I'll definitely be tryin out some of these recipes. I've always been terrified to try and make buns or bread or even pasta but def try it now. Groceries are getting so expensive. And those of us with pre- teens go through a ton of money keeping these kiddos fed. I don't mind the extra broccoli I love broccoli!

[@BrowneyedGirlmjd]

I am sorry but I think the best part of this great video was when kitty was wandering around the Aldi hall and you said “nothing for you kitty” and he chirped you back! You do so many great videos and have so many wonderful tips and my favourite part is the cattitude. Oh ya and…. Dear Food Network - I still don’t see ThatLisa Dawn show on the network. Insert sound of tapping fingers. We are all waiting for you to fix this error!!! One more edit! I seriously have to start waiting until the end of the video before I do comments but I’m probably never gonna do that so I love the edit feature. Happy Birthday TLD mom! 🎉🎂🥳

[@MsKibznBitz]

Happy Belated Birthday Lisa!!🥳🥳🥳 I hope you had a wonderful celebration.💯💥👸 I feel so inspired to make things I dont normally cook. Tyfs your many wonderful talents in the kitchen.

[@jregret123]

Your recipes always look amazing! To preserve the basil you can dehydrate some. What I like to do is chop the basil place it in ice cube trays with some olive oil and freeze it. Once frozen remove the cubes from the tray and place in a freezer bag or container. I pull out a cube when needed for cooking. 🙂

[@barbaranytes-baron7377]

Your garden looks good. Basil - pesto on pasta or eggs or veggie dip or sandwich spread. Chop finely and add to your ham muffins.

[@rosacanisalba]

I make a roast veggie and bulgur wheat dish which uses a lot of chopped herbs at the end. You can sub rice in instead. Chop onion, peppers, courgette, aubergine, tomatoes and I also like a bit of butternut squash - you don't need all of those, just at least two - you could add mushrooms but I'm not a fan. Chop them all into 1/2 inch chunks and put in a roasting dish with a drizzle of oil. Add crushed chunks of garlic and big chunks of chilli peppers too if you like. Roast in a deep roasting pan or Pyrex at 180°c till everything gets a bit browned (about 20 - 30 mins for me) then add your bulgur or rice with double the amount of hot water. Cover tightly with foil. Bulgur takes about 15 mins rice probably about 30. Chop a generous amount of mixed soft herbs like basil, coriander, mint, parsley, chives and you can include rocket/arugula, spinach, beet leaves and chard. When the grain is tender mix all the herbs in and serve.

[@anitafoss2133]

Great video! Thanks so much for all your efforts. BTW, in the summertime when there are plenty of tomatoes and basil, panzenella salad is so refreshing

[@vegemitegirl1971]

My family's favourite piroshki (as we call pierogi) is cabbage, bacon and onion with caraway seeds.

[@mimi0424]

I'm def gonna start making my own tortillas ty for showing this! I made tortilla chips out of a ton of them I had. It was really easy..ty..your muffins looked delicious!! Great ideas

[@rosacanisalba]

Paprika is my fave on sweet potato fries

[@gillianbuonanno3211]

Northeast PA food, especially meat prices, are sky high. Thankful for our garden, our chickens, and venison. I love watching Lisa. I can now make pierogies...and the 14 year old loves them!

[@britt9995]

Yes they are. We live by Philly and I shake my head at the meat prices!

[@freckledunicornn]

I'm so happy to see you blow up!! You inspire me a lot with these videos. I hope you are doing well!

[@kalynosborn6435]

I love the little mini slider haha. This is such a great video, thank yoU!

[@aj529]

You should make a pesto with your basil. Food processor full of basil, pine nuts, sometimes I use english walnuts instead, add parmesan cheese( all you want😉) with salt and pepper. Pulse to chop and slowly add drizzles of olive oil until it makes a nice pesto sauce. Serve on noodles I like baked chicken with mine and actually love love spaghetti squash with it. Keep your pesto in the frig in a fruit jar. Keeps for a couple of weeks kiddo.

[@tracyortiz7038]

You can freeze or dehydrate the basil to use for the future. Oven-drying is an easy way to dry fresh basil. For the best results, let the basil leaves air-dry for a few days before you try drying them in the oven. Then preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting, or around 170 degrees Fahrenheit.

[@karenquick8737]

You are such a good cook! Love your good ideas of making do with what you have! So smart!