Ahhh...Broke, but Bougie

The Manager's Special....I LIVE for the manager's special....I know Kroger has them just for me. Is it the loaf of expensive oat and nut bread that is now only $1.75, but must be eaten in 2 days before it expires? Or, perhaps it's the almost gamey piece of salmon that is now more in tune to my budget? No, no no...it's the exquisite cheeses and spreads in the miniature gourmet section that no one where I live buys, so I wait like a crouching tiger, ready to pounce when that attractive, huge yellow sticker gets smacked on my beloved treats. Yes, I too had money...once. I never had a store brand of ANYTHING on my shelf. On sale? I guess it's okay if it happened by chance, but I certainly didn't feel I had to go actually looking for cheaper prices...just grab and go. As unfortunate as out economy has become, what's even more unfortunate is that my taste buds were NOT prepared. Everyone jokes about ramen noodles and wish sandwiches (don’t act like you never had one of those), but I prefer to attempt to keep the food lifestyle I once knew, but on the budget I have been cursed with. I will share with you my findings and ideas along the way, and also a trick or two (here’s the first trick…love sushi? Me too!! Grab a prepackaged sushi platter from Publix, which is about 75% cheaper than a restaurant, turn on the Travel channel, and eat it along with Anthony Bourdain eating HIS sushi while in China….it’s all in the mentals). I’m off for my lunch of toast and smushed up chic peas (a-ha! Very good! In an expensive restaurant, that would be Hummus with toasted pita..About $7 for one..I made it for $2.50, and there’s plenty!!) Buon appetite!!