Update on Frugal Maternity Leave

I posted earlier this year on my plans to have a frugal maternity leave after the birth of my second daughter. Now that my maternity leave is over, let's see how I did on spending during those 12 weeks.

Our average grocery spending prior to my maternity leave was $82 per week. During my maternity leave, our average grocery spending was $92, an 8% increase.

Our average dining out spending prior to my maternity leave was $55 per week. During my maternity leave, our average dining out was $59, a 7% increase.

I'm a bit disappointed with these numbers as I thought the meals I'd banked in the freezer would help us keep our grocery spending down.

My first instinct is to beat myself up that I didn't do better on keeping our spending down because I've been at home for 3 months, using freezer meals, and cooking at home more than ever and should have been able to save us money on food.

On the other hand, I've had a wonderful and low-stress 3 months at home with my new daughter, I've tried lots of new recipes and become more comfortable in the kitchen than ever before.

I think I'll look on the bright side, focus on the positive, and keep giving it my best efforts going forward.

Also, I think its finally time to get back on the grocery envelope system!