Shopping Excursion and Prepping

 Last week I made a trip to Aldi.  It is on the outskirts of the park (where library is), I hadn't been in ages, so I decided to stop.  I am so happy I did - as it surely eased my mind.

I also ran into our local WM Market (just a grocery) and picked up some birdseed until I got back to the feed store.  I checked out everything and ended up helping my deep pantry.

I KNOW - my results are not the same every where.  I do believe that living where I do - makes my results different.  My city seems to be a real crossroad  for the country.  I guess that is we used to be known as the mid-west.  My city is centrally located in the state and all major interstates come through here.  Major trucking route from the east to the west.

So, that being said, I understand many places are still seeing stores low on product.  Just realize that things are turning around (at the moment).

At Aldi I was pleasantly surprised at how well stocked everything was.  There were no limits on anything except paper products (2 of any size packs of each TP and PT) and a limit of 2 of scented candles. LOL

I saw new items, holiday items, gift ideas, and lots of all the normal stuff.  Prices were great.  Most were the same or lower than the last time I was in there.

I love to buy snack foods there - so inexpensive and the flavor is great.  I am not brand loyal, so I try a lot of things.

I got individual flavored yogurt for .32 each.  Bought some extra chili beans for stock at .50 a can.  I got extra large eggs (marked L - but were huge!) for .89 a doz.  Milk was 2.29 gal.

They had lots of 3 packs of dry yeast on the shelves for .89 pack.  Canned pumpkin was .85 a can.  Lots of sugar, flour and baking products.  I found my favorite smoked Gouda cheese I get for the holidays.  I got enough to last a while for 2.99 a half pound (best price around here).  Bar cheese of all types - mozz., parm, cheddar, colby, pepper jack, etc. were 1.69 a half pound.  Taco shells were .89 for a box of 10.

Aldi - ranch chips 1.19 bag,   Corn chips - .75 bag,   Kettle chips - 1.29 bag.  SO much cheaper than brand name and they are tasty.  I use for Mexican meals and for sandwich days.

I ran into WM grocery for birdseed.  Made my way through the store - so many shelves were full and many items that have been lacking at ALL stores around here for months were available.

My big splurge was canned meat!  

Tuna and larger cans of chicken have been about the only thing available for ages.  I found it ALL at WM.

Smaller cans of white chunk chicken - .98 can.  Cans of chunk ham - 1.00 each.  Larger cans of roast beef - 2.75 each.  Pulled pork - 3.28.  I have tried all of these in the past and they are great to keep on hand.  All were dated (best by) well at the end of 2023.  The luncheon loaf (like Spam) is from Aldi and was 1.95 each.  Actually I like Aldi brand better than brand name Spam and it is much cheaper.  

I know many HATE it - but I like it fried with eggs, or chunked up and put into beans - really tasty that way.

I have some of those little canned hams in my pantry as well.  I generally get them at either Big Lots or Aldi.

It just really nice to know that there is meat on the shelf (just in case).  I can use it, I can help others, I have a feeling of preparedness an peace of mind.  I also have lots of canned tuna and salmon and many larger cans of chunk chicken.

I like having shelf stable meats and I have not ventured into pressure canning yet (to do my own), so I feel happy to have this.

Also found this at WM.  Marked down to .25 bag!!!!  I got 8 bags.  This is not individual bags, but full size.  I can't really make popcorn with butter that cheap.  Nice snack!!

Here is another fun idea.  This is a great way to make S'mores!  2 cookies and a large roasted marshmallow - YUM!

                                                    .95 a pack at Aldi.  Super fun treat!!!

Like I said earlier - I was just really happy to see so many great items on the shelves.  New items, older items that have been missing, and great prices.

I do believe that my pantry is good for a LONG time - except pet food which is an ongoing thing.

I noticed my neighbor carrying many large Aldi bags in yesterday (a single man).  He said he finally decided he should make a deep pantry and stock up with things he uses regularly.  I was smiling and he said "yeah - you finally convinced me it is important."

YAY!!!!!!!  

Keep on preaching gals - it may take time - but if your preaching about prepping makes one more person get busy - it is worth it!  

I sure do hope things start looking better in all areas of the country and world.  I am blessed to live in this location at this time.

Happy hunting and shopping.  Happy stocking!!!!!

Be encouraged by my adventure!!