Its a very tight week this week. I have had lots of bills (rates, insurances, cell phone top up, mortgage and gym membership) and I haven't been paid from one of my tiny part time jobs. I usually don't rely on that tiny income and save it but not this month with the costs of moving home after the house repairs.

The good news is the bills all have been paid, the bad news is there isn't much for petrol or food. I have $40 for both this week. I will have to spend $20 on gas which leaves $20 for all food. Thankfully I have well stocked cupboards. I have traded eggs for some amazing raw milk so that's the milk sorted. Plenty of cat food, tinned food, baking ingredients, cheese and butter. I do need bread, fruit and veges, coffee, loo paper and dog roll for the chickens. I think that is affordable as long as I buy cheap coffee and in season fruit and veges. If I have to I can bake bread (or pikelets, corn fritters, mini pizzas etc) for school lunches so I don't have to buy it and I can leave the dog roll too if necessary. The cheapest coffee at my local supermarket is $2, loo paper is $1.49 so I am hoping I can get everything I need this week.

My meal plan for this week consists of

• Chicken satay stir fry
• Creamy courgette and pasta bake
• Homemade pizza
• Quiche
• Roasted vege salad
• Lentil and vege curry 
• Tomato soup

Snacks/lunches will be

• Corn fritters
• Chocolate chippie biscuits
• Fruit muffins
• Toasted cheese sandwiches
• Smoothies
• Fruit and jelly.
• Leftovers from previous nights dinner

Not quite as healthy as I would like (far too many carbs for my liking) but it is very hard to eat low carb on such a strict budget. Beggars can't be choosers this week!