Category: Thrifty

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Who Has The Best Prices: Kroger Vs. Walmart 2025

Back in February of 2020 I posted a price comparison between Walmart and Kroger to see who had the cheapest prices on groceries. As much as I’d rather not compare today’s prices to those from five years ago (ouch!) I thought it would be a good time to see if Kroger is still the winner.

Kroger vs. Walmart: The Plan

As I did last time, I created a grocery pickup list for each store. While our dietary needs have changed a bit over the past five years, for simplicity’s sake I kept the same list. It’s still pretty accurate representation of staples I regularly purchase. As much as possible, I matched brands at each store or chose the store brand at both. I used the normal price rather than the sale price where applicable. Due to previously being strictly gluten and dairy free, things like bread and milk that most people regularly purchase won’t be on my list.

The Food and Price Comparison

  • Coffee: Kroger Select Blend Medium Roast, 30.5 oz, $9.99. Walmart Great Value Classic Roast Medium Ground Coffee, 30.5 oz. $10.93. Winner: Walmart Kroger (Also, this one HURT. If you’re a big coffee drinker, too, you may not want to revisit the 2020 prices.)
  • Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Kroger Store Brand, 32 oz, $2.99. Walmart Great Value Brand, 32 oz, $2.48. Winner: Walmart
  • Bath Tissue: Kroger 1000 Sheets per Roll Bath Tissue, 12 rolls, $9.29, $0.77 per roll. Walmart Great Value 1000 Bath Tissue Rolls, 16 rolls, $11.62, $0.72 per roll. Winner: Tie Walmart
  • Cascade Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent, 75 oz: Kroger $6.99. Walmart $6.44. Winner: Walmart.
  • Sugar, Store brands, 4 lbs: Kroger $2.99. Walmart $3.14. Winner: Walmart Kroger
  • Bananas: Kroger $0.49 per lb. Walmart $0.50 per lb. Winner: Walmart Kroger
  • Calidad Corn Chips, 11 oz*: Kroger $1.78. Walmart: $2.36. Winner: Kroger *This is downsized from 12 oz five years ago.
  • Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs: Kroger Heritage Farm, $3.49/lb. Walmart store brand, $2.96/lb. Winner: Walmart
  • Ground Beef, 3 lb 80% lean/20% fat, store brands: Kroger $15.49. Walmart $13.23. Winner: Kroger. Walmart
  • Honey Nut Cheerios, 10.8 oz: Kroger $4.29. Walmart $3.68. Winner: Walmart
  • Pinto Beans, 4 lb bag, Store Brands: Kroger $3.99. Walmart $3.76. Winner: Kroger. Walmart
  • Potatoes, Russet, 10 lb bag, Store Brands: Kroger $4.99. Walmart $4.97. Winner: Kroger. Walmart
  • Canned green beans, 14.5 oz, Store Brands: Kroger $0.89/can. Walmart $0.64/can. Winner: Walmart
  • Blue Diamond Almond Milk, 96 oz: Kroger $5.49. Walmart $4.56. Winner: Walmart.
  • Eggs, large, 12 count, store brand: Kroger $3.99. Walmart $4.17. Winner: Kroger

Overall Totals

Kroger: $69.33

Walmart: $64.54

Kroger vs. Walmart Price Comparison: Overall winner

Walmart is the winner this time around by $4.79. Depending on your budget, that’s significant. If I had gone by the sale price and used digital coupons at Kroger, I would have saved $3. Still not enough to overtake Walmart, but it would bring it close enough in my opinion to choose which store to go to based off convenience or preference.

My Take

Even before this side-by-side comparison, I’ve tended towards shopping at the Walmart Neighborhood Market closest to my house. It’s about a mile closer than Kroger, and it has a fuel center. There are some things I still find to be better quality at Kroger, though, and I prefer Kroger overall, so I will probably continue to pick based off of what I’m needing and if I know something is on sale at one of the locations.

I’ve also been going to Aldi more. They’re great for staples, the produce at mine is usually good quality, and they’re closer to me than the other two stores. If you’d like me to do a price rundown of a similar list from Aldi, let me know in the comments.

Like I said earlier, my shopping list may look nothing like your shopping list. With more and more stores offering online shopping for pickup or delivery, it’s worth it to periodically do a price comparison between your local stores. It’s so easy to do online, and you may learn ways to adjust your shopping habits and save money.

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It’s Pumpkin Spice Latte Season! Here’s How To DIY It At Home.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

I know it’s August. I know it’s about a million degrees outside. I don’t care. I’m ready for cool breezes, for crunchy leaves, flannel shirts and all things pumpkin. As someone who runs off copious amounts of caffeine, my favorite way to enjoy pumpkin is a hot Pumpkin Spice Latte. Here’s my favorite recipe to make a pumpkin spice latte myself when a store-bought latte is too much of a splurge, or I just don’t want to leave the house. You can make it with tea, coffee or turn it into a smoothie for a healthy, frugal way to enjoy pumpkin spice at home.

Jump to Printable Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe:

  • 1 and ¼ cup brewed coffee (or tea)
  • 1 tablespoon of pumpkin puree
  • 2-3 tablespoons of milk (original recipe called for coconut. I usually use almond milk. You can use whole milk, too.)
  • 1/3-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon allspice
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • Optional: a dash to 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric
  • Maple syrup, sugar or honey to taste. I like maple syrup.

To make:

Blend all ingredients together. Top with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg. Enjoy. Repeat. 🙂

I’ve also used this basic recipe to make a pumpkin spice smoothie. All you do is swap out the coffee for the milk of your choice and add a frozen banana or a fresh banana and some ice. While it’s healthy as is, I also like to add an extra spoonful of pumpkin to up the vitamin content, as well as some chia or flax seeds. You could easily leave those out, though.

Printable Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Latte
Print Recipe

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

With just a few simple ingredients, you can make a yummy pumpkin spice latte inexpensively at home. I've included variations for a chai latte and smoothie, too! The recipe serves one or two, depending on how much coffee you drink. 😉
Prep Time2 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Course: Drinks
Keyword: Chai, Coffee, dairy free, gluten free, healthy, Latte, Pumpkin Spice, smoothie, Tea
Servings: 2 people

Ingredients

  • 1 and 1/4 Cups brewed tea or coffee
  • 1 Tablespoon pumpkin puree/canned pumpkin
  • 2-3 Tablespoons Milk of choice. I usually use almond milk.
  • 1/3-1/5 Teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 Teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 Teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/8 Teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/8 Teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 Teaspoon ground tumeric (optional)
  • Maple syrup, sugar or honey to taste.
  • Whipped Cream (optional)

Instructions

  • Blend all ingredients together.
  • Top with whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg. I like the non-dairy Reddi-Wip
  • Enjoy.

Notes

I’ve also used this basic recipe to make a pumpkin spice smoothie. Just swap the coffee or tea for the milk of your choice and add a frozen banana or fresh banana and ice. Blend thoroughly. 
While it’s healthy as-is, I like to add an extra spoonful of pumpkin to up the vitamin content, as well as some chia or flax seeds. You can easily leave those out, though.
 
 

What’s your favorite way to enjoy pumpkin spice? If pumpkin spice isn’t your thing, what’s your preferred fall drink or scent? Please share it in the comments.

Pumpkin Spice Latte

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Shop Pumpkin Products at SubEarthan Cottage

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Free Medicinal Herb eBook

Hi! There’s a free ebook today in my Freebooksy email that I thought might interest my readers. I haven’t read it yet, but I wanted to share before it’s no longer free. The title is Medicinal Herbs: The Essential Guide to Growing and Using Plants to Promote Healing and Physical Well-Being by Halle Malin. You can get it here: https://amzn.to/3RX2qBj (Note: If you use that link and then make a purchase, I will get a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you and helps me to maintain this blog. Thanks!)

Be sure to grab it ASAP. I’m not sure how long it will be free. If you read it, let me know what you think in the comments.

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Free eBooks and Resources

kobo e reader

Growing up, I was Belle from the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. I always had at least one book with me at all times. Most of the time, I was actively reading one of them, regardless of what else I was doing. Surprisingly, I am no more clumsy with my nose in a book than I am fully paying attention to what I’m doing, which is to say, I’m always very clumsy.

Anyway, one of the things I love about technology is that I can bring a library’s worth of books with me everywhere in my pocket. Or purse, really, since women’s clothing doesn’t have real pockets. Don’t get me wrong. I still love my hold-in-your-hand print books with their special book smell and feel. Knowing that I will always have a book or hundred at hand to read anywhere, though, is the best for a nerd like me.

The other cool thing about ebooks is that it is easy to get a whole library for free or cheap. Here are a few of my favorite resources.

Libraries

Did you know that most libraries now have a collection of ebooks and magazines to check out. My local library uses OverDrive to check out ebooks. All you need is a library card. I usually choose Kindle format, since I have an ancient Paperwhite and I use the Kindle app on my phone.

If you’re looking for a specific book or new releases, this is your best bet. You may have to wait a bit because there’s a limited number of digital copies to check out, just like books in a library.

assorted books on book shelves
Photo by Element5 Digital on Pexels.com

Amazon

Yes, you can get free ebooks on Amazon. You’ll need a basic (free) Amazon account and the Kindle app, or you can read on a pc. The link above will take you to the Kindle ebook store where I’ve searched for free ebooks. That gives you about a bajillion results to weed through. You can narrow down your search to, something like, “free kindle classic books literature” or “free kindle Sherlock Holmes books” or “free kindle sewing books” and have fewer results to sort through.

If you happen to have a Prime account, there’s some ebook perks with Prime Reading and First Reads, so make sure you check those out, too.

Quick note: I am an Amazon Associate, so if you click on an Amazon link on my blog and then make a purchase on Amazon, I will receive a tiny commission. The price for you is the same either way, so if you are going to be shopping on Amazon anyway, I would appreciate it.

grayscale photo of e reader ebook
My Paperwhite ebook reader is this old. Photo by Caio on Pexels.com

Free Booksy

Free Booksy basically lets you know about free books in your chosen genres in a daily email. They’re books that are free for a limited time, so not the same things you would find in a free Amazon search. Most days there’s at least one book I want in the email. Right now, I tend to read more nonfiction, however if you like reading fiction series, Free Booksy often has the first in a new series for free, so it’s a great way to discover new authors. Sign up here. I’m not an affiliate, I just love the free books.

eBook Bundles

Occasionally you’ll find free or cheap ebook bundles online based on a theme, such as crafting or health and wellness. Ultimate Bundles is one site that offers them regularly. I’ve purchased bundles from them in the past that were very useful. Usually it’s something like $27 for hundreds of dollars worth of ebooks, courses, printables, etc. When I purchase one, I always make sure that there are at least three ebooks/resources included that I would purchase on their own, no question, AND they would cost me more than the total price of the bundle if purchased separately.

It doesn’t currently look like they’re promoting a bundle right now, but you can check out the website and see if what types of bundles they offer are of interest to you.

These are all resources I’ve personally used for free ebooks. I’m sure there’s plenty more out there. If you know of any, please share them in the comments. 🙂

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Help! What is this Vintage Fabric?

Beige fabric

I’ve listed two “new” vintage fabrics in the shop, but wondering if anyone can help with giving more information about them. I love second hand materials, but not having all the details is a bit frustrating. They are: 

Vintage Beige Fabric Yardage 

Beige fabric

Vintage Violet Purple Fabric Yardage

purple fabric

I’ve burn tested them, and they tend to burn quickly. The burned edge seems more melted than ashy, which leads me to believe they are a synthetic or a synthetic blend. Here’s a video of the beige burn test:

@subearthancottage

Burn testing some vintage fabric. I think this one is a synthetic or synthetic blend. I’m listing some of my fabric stash at https://subearthancottage.com #sewing #vintagefabric #fabricdestash

♬ Dream Away – Ramol

The violet fabric burns in the same way.

I’m also not sure if there is a name for that type of tiny stripe pattern. Up close you can see the lines, but from a distance it almost looks solid.

Any help would be appreciated!

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Never Ending Upcycled Chaos Candle Making

I love candles and wax melts, but I hate it when there’s a little left in the bottom of a jar or the wax has lost it’s scent. I don’t want to just throw the wax away. If it’s a jar candle, I won’t throw it a way, so it ends up taking up space waiting for me to find a new use for it. 

I’ve always been interested in candle making, but I honestly don’t know much about the correct way to do it. This is just my, for me, kind of chaotic, fun way of using up the leftover wax scraps and jars. If you try to join in my chaos, always take care with the melting, pouring and burning, make sure everything you use is safe for this usage and never leave anything burning or melting unattended.

My solution is to melt down the wax and make my own candles in the old jars. I bought this wick set for the wicks. I start by picking the jar I want to use and then putting in the same number of wicks that were originally in the jar.

Chaos layered perpetual never-ending upcycled candles candle making
My candles still need a haircut. 😀

For the candles in the above photo, the one on the left was originally a three wick candle, so it got three wicks. The one on the right was a yogurt jar, so I just guessed and went with one wick.

After the wicks are in place, I melt down any scrap wax I have and pour it in. Usually, I do this a little at a time as I finish other candles, rather than all at once. That gives it the cool sand art layered look.

With jar candles, to get the last bit of wax out, if I don’t pour it while it’s still melted from the last time I burned the candle, I set the jar on my coffee warmer (do not leave it unattended!). Wax melts just get melted as usual and poured into the jar.

Coffee warmer
Coffee warmer- Not just for coffee.

I do try to keep the candles mostly the same type of wax. In the photo, the big candle on the left is made from candle wax ends. The yogurt jar candle is made of soy wax melts with a little of the tea light wax remnants added.

Tea light candle wax warmer
My one tea light warmer.

For scent, most of the candles I burn are in the same spicy or vanilla scent family. Since the leftover candle wax usually has a good bit of scent left, I don’t worry about adding my own. With the wax melts, I either just leave them as they are and have a mild to unscented candle, or I add a drop or two of an essential or fragrance oil to each layer as I pour it.

I don’t know if my chaos candle making method will help anyone else, but I have fun with it, and the resulting candles are pretty. It’s also a way to reduce waste and save money.

This post does contain an Amazon affiliate link. If you click on the link and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.

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Today is a Day for Mending Worn Out Denim Jeans

I realized a few days ago that my favorite pair of denim jeans were wearing through at the inner thigh, so I set them aside to reinforce before they were beyond the point of easy repair.

This morning, I planned to mend them and then tackle adding patches to an older denim skirt refashion. I got all those repairs done and was planning my next project when I ripped the knee out of the jeans I’m wearing.

Worn out knee in my denim jeans

These are honestly worn pretty thin and they’re not my preferred cut, so I’m not sure if I will mend these or add them to the repurpose pile. 

If you’d like to learn my method for reinforcing worn spots in denim, check out this blog post. It’s actually really simple and works well, if you don’t procrastinate. If you procrastinate, then all your jeans wear out at once and you think, “Maybe I should just go get a pair of the ones I like from Old Navy,” but then you discover that they have discontinued that particular style and now you think you’ll never find comfortable jeans again, which is sad because you really like wearing jeans. Or something.

Have a great weekend!