Wednesday, October 21, 2020

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!!

30 comments:

  1. I'm here in the Midwest, as well, and made a pantry shop yesterday. Following my early fall pantry and freezer inventory, I made a list of what I'd need to "top off" my pantry and have been stocking up as items went on sale. And Aldi has become my go-to for cheeses, eggs, dairy, and baking supplies, as well as napkins (Bounder dinner napkins are equal to Vanity Fair brand, IMHO), and I absolutely LOVE Aldi's dishwasher tablets.

    With our numbers on the increase, I decided that I didn't want to wait until the Thanksgiving sales and risk having low inventory. So I bit the bullet and made a trip to Meijer to complete most of what I'll need for Thanksgiving dinner and beyond -- except for the perishables and one item that they were out of. Breakfast sausage (which has been in short supply) was fully stocked and even on sale 2/$5. Paper goods were the only thing that had a limit, and everything else on my list was, for the most part, available -- including canned pumpkin. But, who doesn't maintain an ample stock of Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix!!!! Meijer was completely out! First time I've EVER seen that! Hoping they get a supply in soon. If not, I'll need to check other stores, since I regularly make it to have with chili.

    Until next time ...

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    1. Glad to see you had basically the same experience. I go to Meijer once in a while - when they have a can't miss sale!
      I think you are wise to get preps for the holidays. I have a turkey breast and a ham in the freezer, as well as chicken and all other sorts of meat (even have corned beef).
      I think I have all I need to bake goodies. If not - well I will improvise.

      Aldi is just the best for so many items.

      It sure is nice to see full shelves. Kroger has had lots of Jiffy corn muffin mix and Aldi has some too! Love it for corn casserole! Actually Jiffy mixes are just fun to have on hand - so many choices and they are so cheap!

      Glad you are finding all your goodies too!

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  2. I love those little cans of ham from Walmart. I have about 10 of them in my cupboard right now!!! I also have canned beef, turkey, pork, chicken and tuna. It does feel good having those in the house to rely on for winter.

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    1. It sure does. No matter what may happen - there is meat to use.
      So many options out there today!

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  3. I usually keep a good supply of tuna and spam in my pantry. Right now I have 2 large cans of chicken but could use some more. I have never looked at canned beef before. I might start. I have been getting some good things at the Dollar Tree, I like the Texas cornbread mix, it's makes a 9x13 pan good for a crowd. They also have been selling the Bear Creek soups there too. I think I need to go shopping again! You have opened my eyes, new things to look for.

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    1. Laurie the beef is tasty and the pulled pork is great! It makes good egg rolls! Or cooked with cabbage.
      Bear Creek soups at Dollar Tree??? I think I need to go again. Those mixes are the best and also make great stocking stuffers.

      Thanks for that tip - geesh just when I say I am done!!! LOL. Guess that goes to prove we are never done!

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  4. We have found Aldi the easiest shop right through lockdown. They have well stocked shelves at good prices and I like their products. They have a traffic light above the entrance so if it is red you have to stay outside until people leave then it goes green. It never seems crowded. My 45year old son loves spam. Some of his friends have never tasted it and don't know what it is. I keep the cupboards stocked. I have plenty of different beans and fish in cans but no tinned meat as I'm not keen on most of it. Some in the freezer and I can live without meat.

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    1. Wow, we didn't have the traffic lights here. What a clever idea.
      I like Spam. It comes in flavors now as well.
      I could do without meat as well - but I prefer not to. It would make a great barter tool as well.!

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  5. Great deals! So glad you found the shelves well stocked. That is good to hear.
    I need to stock up on cat food and kitty litter.

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    1. Yes mam - all looked 'normal'!! Not even any more arrows on the floor to direct traffic.
      I have a good supply of both - but I worry about cat food most. I feed a few!

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  6. I'd say you did well with your stocking up. I like tinned tuna and salmon but our prices are never that good.

    Take care and stay well.

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    1. I guess location, location, location has everything to do with $$. We have always had pretty good prices in my area and the inflated prices I see others talk about have stayed away from here. For that I am happy.
      Have a great day.

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  7. I am so grateful I have you to preach to me.

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    1. I hope that is good!!!! I just try to get get everybody on board with being frugal and preparing

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  8. Great shopping trip. I think we are well stocked except for cat food, produce and dairy (on-going items). Tomorrow and Friday our local grocery is having a fill a bag for $20 sale on produce. Only on select items. I figured I'll get what I can freeze or can. Things like broccoli, apples, raspberries, pineapple, pears, mangos, carrots & celery(will go in stock this week.)

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    1. Wow that would be a great sale. I nee bag sales on meat sometimes, but have never seen one on produce. Hope you gets lots of goodies to put away for later!!!!

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  9. You had a great shopping trip. I go tomorrow or perhaps Friday if the snow arrives as foretold. We still have a few shortages and are still having limits on a few things, but I stock up on what I can.

    God bless.

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    1. Hope you have a great shopping trip. I am sorry there are still shortages and limits there. May you find all you need!

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  10. I love the Aldi baked bbq potato chips, so good for a healthy snack. :) I also like their goat cheese and free range eggs. Aldi has been a very hospitable store through this mess, a blessing. Here in the south the employees are very chill and mind their own business, a pleasant no pressure place to shop.

    Keep preaching, I like it. * big smile*

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    1. I like the atmosphere at Aldi as well. They are always quite nice.
      So many good products and great prices.
      THANKS!

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  11. Great shopping stock up!

    I found canned roast beef at Costco and bought some to try. It was delicious!! I made beef stroganoff with it, but it would be good alone too. First time I ever bought beef in a can! :)

    The Aldi Fritos are better than the name brand I think. I have never been disappointed with their brands. The "Rotel" (tomatoes with green chiles) is great. I could go on and on!!

    I ran to Publix today for bananas and barely saw anything worth buying---the BOGO's didn't even grab me, except for Gevalia coffee pods. I need to date the pods in my pantry...I am feeling like the older ones are losing their taste...

    thanks for all you do!

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    1. I love Aldi brands. I am with you and think so many of their products are as good as or better than brand name.
      Some weeks there just aren't any good deals or sales to be had.
      Thank you and you are welcome!

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  12. I have never seen canned roast beef or pulled pork. Next time I go shopping I will have to look for them.

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    1. Surprisingly they are both very tasty. Hope you can find them - it may come in handy.

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  13. It's interesting to see what ladies find at different stores. Great find on the popcorn. You can't pop it yourself that cheap. We had a Costco membership when my husband had his business and we kept it after he retired. The Costco in Greenwood was loaded with everything. Paper goods were plentiful and I bought another 30 pack of tp. We did get some canned chicken meat and found vacuum packed roast beef. It will be shelved until we need to open it. I buy the giant cans of peanuts and put them into snack size bags. After sorting through the canned goods I found that the only thing we are lean on is greens, spinach, kale, turnips greens.

    Can you believe how much rain we got? Our rain gauge read 4 inches. It was a gorgeous day today and I hung clothes on the line. Saves electricity and everything smells so fresh.

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    1. I really enjoy hearing about everyone's adventures at the stores. It is interesting.
      Good idea on the peanuts.

      We sure have had the rain. Yes, it was very pretty out and lovely temps.

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  14. I am glad you found the meat you wanted. Here it is strange...the one thing I have really had a hard time finding is Hominy...and they have started having it part of the time. I just think it is so strange, because I know very few people that like it.

    I also think there is more on the shelves if I go in the morning hours.

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    1. If you still have a hard time finding hominy let me know - Kroger has had a lot of it lately. I love it fried with pepper and onions.
      Mornings seem to be well stocked - I agree.

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  15. Great post, Cheryl! Hugs, Mary in San Diego

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