Howdy to all this AM. Here we are mid-week again! Almost a week into November. It is a dreary, damp morning here. We got rain last evening and then a lot of rain over night! Not raining this morning, but things are sure wet.
I was getting ready to go out and feed Licorice and the birds and saw a big old opossum run across the street, up the drive and by the time I got out there - it was in the back yard. It sure was gnarly looking! LOL. It was then daylight, and it saw me and took off. Licorice had breakfast in peace!
Now that we have had the 'time change' - have you readied your home in other ways than just pantry? It is a good time to change furnace filters, change directions on ceiling fans, check and change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Bring in those batteries for battery operated yard tools. The extreme cold can truly affect them - trust me I found out the hard way in the past!
Patch any cracks in foundation - so 'critters' can't get in your home. Do you know where your snow equipment is? Is it easy to get to? Do you have hats, gloves, blankies in your car - in case?
Check your window and doors for air tightness. Extra blankets for you and pets IN CASE! Do you have a generator and fuel?
Just things to think about!!
If you have room and can do it - buy as much as you can while on super sales. Cheap turkey and ham - cooked and carved - is much cheaper and healthier than cold cuts. You get many meals as well.
I have read that turkey prices will be down this year by a good 15% from last year. Lindl had turkey already for .39/lb.! Eyes open.
Cranberries, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, canned goods like beans, soups, and holiday specialties will be on sale.
Think about buying bread on clearance or cheaply and drying your own for dressing/stuffing. It is so easy to do - I make my own still to this day. If I don't use for dressing - it becomes breadcrumbs.
Many dairy items, like creme cheese, sour cream and heavy cream will be on sale.
Look for eggs - this week Kroger has their 18 count eggs on digital coupon again for 2.49.
Did you buy any after Halloween candy? Use it in your holiday baking.
Make sure you also look at obscure places to shop - not just grocery stores. I got the opportunity to run into Menard's yesterday (hadn't been in 2 years!!) - so many fun and inexpensive food options and stocking stuffers and a rebate to boot! Check out places like Big Lots, Ollies, TJ Maxx, etc. Not just food items, but things you will need for the winter as well.
Furnace filters, ice melt, scrapers for vehicles, hats and gloves, throws, draft dodgers for doors, books, batteries, door mats, and gifts galore! So much to be had at inexpensive prices if you pay attention.
Do what you can, while you can, with what you have. Stock up a little here and there. Always have eyes wide open for a bargain or deal.
We never know what the weather will be, who may lose a job, what kinds of shortages may happen, if you get an illness, unexpected emergencies, etc. - so it just makes sense to be prepared.
If you are worried about full freezers in an emergency situation, think about canning those items. Basically, everything can be canned.
Don't panic - just slowly stock things as you find deals and have the funds. Slow and steady wins the race!!!
Check around all places - you never know what kind of deal you may find.
Have a beautiful day to all!
Yes, stocking up is important. I'm restocking canned goods after all those weeks without power and water... (still no potable water, no phone). Thank heaven for canned goods, they last even when the power is gone. :) This time I'm creating an emergency box because MREs are not something I keep on hand usually, but they sure make a difference when power or water is out.
ReplyDeleteWe've had drizzle but not real rain, and this morning the sun is shining! I will take out the trash and plan to work in the yard with storm debris until I'm exhausted.
Have a lovely day, all! Thank you God for this day, this beautiful world. :)
MaryB
You are a great example why it pays to be prepared. Now I know some people lost everything and no amount of prep helped in that situation. Most emergencies and things that happen are not so destructive - so having things on hand sure can be a benefit.
DeleteBe strong and keep moving forward!
We had two solid days and nights of rain. We really needed it but I'm happy to see the sun today. I want to get the garage cleaned up a bit but other than that I'm ready for winter. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteIt is starting to clear a little here too. Yes, we sure needed the rain.
DeleteGood going on cleaning the garage. It sure helps!
I'm always amazed at the prices in your area, even with the ~30% exchange rate on the CAD. It seems there are no great sales of late.
ReplyDeleteI also am amazed at the prices Cheryl reports, they have nothing in common with the prices in my area. And the sales seem like *real* sale prices, not 10cents off a 5 dollar item.
DeleteMaryB
I agree with Mona, no deals to be had here in southern Ontario Canada. There is very little on the small “marked down” rack. And our “sale” prices are higher for less product I. The package than a year ago.
DeleteI guess it is location, location, location! Living here in the mid-section of US (Ohio Valley) has a lower cost of living than many places. Even with housing and such, it is cheaper to live here.
DeleteI wish everyone could get the great deals. We do have really good sales.
So much truth here, Cheryl. We had that same weather, with our heaviest rains late afternoon and early evening last night. With the falling leaves, our storm drains were clogged and the intersection was nearly impassible for smaller automobile traffic.
ReplyDeleteGood points on pre-Thanksgiving sales and stocking up. I love Menards for their grocery section, and especially their nuts and candies at the holidays. Most of my cleaning supplies come from there, too.
Also, a reminder about using what you have to the fullest. I got a package of drumsticks on sale Sunday for the cheapest price per pound that I've seen in over a year, plus they were on "nearly expired" clearance, but were still partially frozen. I roasted them in the oven on Monday while I was cooking dinner and refrigerated them overnight. Pulled the meat off the bones yesterday and then put all the skin, bones, and cartilage in a pot with about 2 quarts of water and let it simmer for much of the day to make chicken stock. Last evening, after it had cooled, I strained it and set it in the refrigerator. This afternoon, I'll make homemade chicken noodle soup -- and for the cost of 1 small onion, a couple of ribs of celery, a carrot, and $2.37 for a 6-pack of very meaty chicken drumsticks. The bones and carcass are part of pantry-building, too, especially since the stock can be canned or frozen for later use.
The rain did come down hard over night! I really missed Menard's - I think I was having withdrawal!!!! LOL
DeleteYES. I have another post planned about using up all the 'trash' that many people throw away. Very smart. Very smart to use up everything. It all sounds yummy.
All those little bits and bobs can sure make a yummy meal!
It is a gorgeous day right now! The sun came out and will dry up some of the rain we had. Still have the backdoor and some windows open. Not sure if you can call city air "fresh" but it is nice to have circulation.
ReplyDeleteMiss MaryB is a prime example of the importance of having supplies at hand. Even if we don't experience a calamity, it is nice to be able to put food on the table without going to the store. Of course that is the beauty of getting "grow-ceries" from the gardens. I went out in my pyjamas this morning and pulled green onions and cut cilantro for breakfast. We had mashed sweet (the Japanese variety) potatoes yesterday for lunch, and I made tater cakes for breakfast using some chopped green onion and cilantro, with Cholula for added spice. They were actually quite good.
We have been putting up gardening supplies and sorting out the netting, row covers, plastic sheeting, etc., and put it in bins or galvanized cans. It was such a mess you couldn't find anything. The Farmer found something he had been looking for. Organization is key in anything!
The time change has not be as traumatic as years past. Could be my attitude toward it...ya think? ha!
Enjoy your day. Setting up the ironing board to do some pressing and then measure the new-to-me pants so I can wear them. At 5 foot nothing, everything has to be hemmed.
Yes, Mary is a good example for us all. We have no idea what could happen each day - being prepared just makes good sense. Sometimes we just feel like staying home!
DeleteI got a few things yesterday for garden supplies for next year. Things I have had trouble finding for a couple years. I am set.
I hate ironing! I do it now and then - but not often. That is probably the one thing I really dislike.
I have air circulating today as well - cool air - but it is refreshing.
Pantry is doing well - I'll be stocking up on more baking supplies over the next few weeks but I'm pretty much set for the next few months except for the usual fresh items (but I'm trying to go two weeks between trips to the shops rather than going every week),
ReplyDeleteI am set for emergency lighting and a hand cranked radio. My portable stove should be here by the end of the week and I already have some fuel on hand.
My winter clothing and boots are all clean and ready to go and my new wool gloves arrived last week. I have extra blankets and throws and my parka is good to minus 48F and makes a great extra cover.
My only area of concern is my fridge and small freezer compartment. I live in an apt. so no generator and I don't have a balcony so can't store things out there - but - I would manage.
I do plan on making more HM meals over the next couple of weeks so they would just need to be reheated - also need to do some baking and get a few more snacks.
Planning is everything.
Look at you go!!! You are ready, ready, ready. Love it.
DeleteIf you have a cooler you could always put food outside under snow (in a secluded spot).
You mentioned other good things to have. Hope folks are paying attention. Gals remember you can always use solar lights that you have outside - they will light your home.
I have a few more baking supplies to get as well.
Good post as always. Thanks for all the tips. Don't have too many winter staples just yet, but you lit a fire under me so I'll get started soon. You're right, you never know what will happen. Silly possum. I've never seen one in person even after 2 vacations to Texas. Are cats afraid of them or vice versa? It has been raining all day and just now turned to snow and will snow all day Thursday.
ReplyDeleteIt is time to get ready for winter. Glad to have helped get you started!
DeletePossums are sun to watch - they are very diligent in hunting for food. I have never had a cat be afraid of them. They just kind of keep an eye on them and vice versa!!
OH no - snow!! That is a nasty word in my opinion. None in sight for the near future here.
Stay warm and safe
Great post, I particularly love the suggestion to look in the obscure places. Its so true.
ReplyDeleteI have made the somewhat radical decision to run down my pantry over the winter. I just cannot stay under my weekly budget with prices the way they are. So I did some sums and I'm going to really only shop for the essentials and use up my pantry and freezers. Then I will reassess in the Spring. Scary but required.
I can't wait to read the "trash" post, thats my kinda language.
Take care, Louise
There are many places people just don't think about getting supplies.
DeleteWell, we have our pantries to use!!! They are there for whatever reason. You have a reason. Nothing wrong with that.
We all do what we have to do - I understand.
While I am looking forward to sales, I am getting out all holiday things, like cans of pumpkin and cranberry sauce. They are still in date, bought on sale. Plus, I am watching for sales this holiday season and will probably use them holiday 2025 season. Of course, there will be spice and butter stock up. I rarely use flour, so have to check that and maybe replace it.
ReplyDeleteOh so many things go on sale for the holidays - now is the time to get some deals. I am a firm believer on get it when it is cheap.
DeleteYou sound like me - flour is the one thing I use the least - except at holiday time.
Hope you find some good deals!
What a great post, Cheryl. I think I will start slowly stocking up. Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie. Now is the time, when there are beginning to be a lot of deals out there.
DeleteI would add to grab an extra if you can for the food pantries. HAve heard they are running low this year. :(
ReplyDeleteThank you - wonderful advice. Hopefully all can help a little.
DeleteI just spotted our catalogue has good offers on ham! I am going to town Friday and hope to pick one up. I will look at turkeys too. Our idea of a good price on ham is $8 a kilo....around $4 a pound. Also I have been accumulating dried fruits, condensed milk, butter etc. We had a time change also (recently) and for me it is summer preps. But the Christmas planning and shopping is the same! xxx
ReplyDelete