OK sing it with me. O pantry shelves, O pantry shelves - O how I love my pantry shelves! Were you singing to the tune of O Tannenbaum? I was!!!! LOL! (yep, now it is in your head all day).
Yes, I love my deep pantry. It sure does comes in handy and it truly does save money. So much of what I have was purchased cheaply! That is a huge savings in itself. Money in the bank. It also saves that I can do whatever meals or treats or snacks or whatever - without going shopping.
Most of us tend to spend MORE than we plan when we go to the store. It is pretty much a given.
Now that can be good - if you find super-duper deals - but it can also be a catalyst to just buy.
I had everything - for dinner and dessert. Nice feeling.
Had I not had turkey - well it could have been ham, brisket, pork roast, meatloaf, anything.
Over the weekend I decided to use some of my turkey to make turkey salad. Well, I look in frig and the jar of Mayo was about empty and it was pretty old and just smelled funky. It got tossed. I walked in and got a new jar from the pantry. No relish in the frig. Went downstairs and got a jar of home canned sweet relish. I cannot begin to tell you the last time I bought relish. I have been using homemade for years.
I grab a couple little onions (from garden) on my way back up the stairs.
I used the last two biscuits in sandwiches and I still had bread and snack crackers as well.
Grabbed the last roll of TP from the basket in the bathroom. Well, I replenished the basket with what I have in stock.
Chewable Vit. C bottle was very low - so I went in the medical cabinet and got another bottle. Good to go.
Filled dry cat food containers with supplies on hand and filled the bin with squirrel corn and bird seed with what I have on hand. Cleaned the cat litter pan - yep, you guessed it, with new litter I have on hand.
I have everything I need to make Christmas cookies, candy and breads. Trail Mix supplies on hand - I use whatever I have and make up my own as I go.
I have all kinds of foods I can make when the kids come up for Christmas. I can make BBQ baby wienies (cut up reg. ones) or BBQ meatballs. I can make pulled pork or Mexican chicken. I have cheeses of all sorts and crackers - pickles, olives, snacks. I have paper plates and napkins I can use to make the day a no 'dishes' day. I make tea and ice ahead of time. I will have cookie, candy and breads to munch on.
It is nice to be prepared. I love having "my own grocery" right here under my roof!!!!
It is more than groceries - many people don't think about other stuff.
Pet supplies of all types - food, litter, flea meds, heartworm meds
Wild critter supplies - birdseed, corn, suet (I make that), etc. **Use those empty feed bags for trash
Medical supplies of different sorts
Body and bath items
Cleaning supplies - I keep that simple. Vinegar, baking soda, magic erasers, cleanser, etc.
Outdoors & vehicles - ice melt, windshield washer fluids, antifreeze, Heat for gas tank, shovels, etc.
Laundry supplies - again I simplify. Laundry soap (use way less than it says), vinegar for softening, baking soda and peroxide for whitening.
Holidays - have tons of paper, bags, boxes and ribbons from past sales and I re-use over and over. Bought no cards this year - I have tons left from many years back.
Postage - I always have many, many stamps on hand
EXTRA socks, undies, clothes, etc. Make sure you are supplied - buy on sale and keep them till needed. **Also learn to mend
CASH - yes, always have cash on hand! You may not be able to get to the bank or use the bank. Having cash on hand would not solve all problems - but it sure can be helpful.
You all know the list goes on and on. Everything you use on a regular basis is what you need to have on hand. Things you need occasionally, yes have those as well.
We never know what can happen and we may need to rely solely on our pantries.
I am NOT worried about world events or supply chains - I am prepared.
I am NOT worried about bad weather and staying home - I am prepared.
I am NOT worried about illness that may keep me home - I am prepared.
If working I would NOT be worried about loss of income - I am prepared.
Someone needs help - I am NOT going to run short when I help.
The world can throw all kinds of curve balls our way - we need to be prepared.
So go and sing...........
O pantry shelves, O pantry shelves. O how I love my pantry shelves!!!!
Have a great day!
I have some old kitchen units in the garage and those are my 'pantry'. My girls joke that I have my own little shop out there but it is great to know that I can always rustle up several meals.
ReplyDeleteYou go girl! Let them joke all they want - it is a comfort to have that supply chain so close at hand. You are a smart cookie for sure. Keep on stocking!!
DeleteI love this post, Cheryl. It’s such a great feeling to be prepared and know that “another one” is just a walk away in our homes. Yesterday I noticed the toilet tank tablet needed to be replaced. No worries, I just got one out of my supply closet.
ReplyDeleteI know - it is really kind of fun! I love that being prepared saves time and money and OH what a blessing it is.
DeleteKepp on prepping and being prepared.
You also bought at a great price for your mayo and didn't have to go buy when it's not on sale. Great deals! I love being prepared and ready to go when the power goes out or there is a road blocked because of a flood. One lady I heard went and made a meal menu of her stocked pantry. I love that idea too.
ReplyDeleteIt always pays to be prepared. I will not go out to get one thing if by some chance I run out. I just refuse to do that. I will substitute something else.
DeleteI eat from the pantry all the time and making menus is just sensible.
A fellow widow/retiree asked me the other day about ways to stretch their SSI (she's really struggling). I commented that, when the pandemic hit in March 2020 and everyone was in a panic over TP, I looked in my closet and had 72 rolls on hand. I actually prefer an off-brand (Fiora) that is the "house" brand my local grocer carries (and Menards carries it, too). My grocer had been regularly advertising that brand of TP and paper towels as a loss leader @ $2.99 to $3.99 / 12 pack TP or 6 pk paper towels. When they had them on sale, I'd add a couple to have on hand, just in case. So while everyone was in a panic, I sat by and smiled. And, even if you prefer a name brand, if you watch the sales, use coupons, or purchase off-brand for an emergency, it all flushes the same. My friend laughed and said "I get it!"
ReplyDeleteI love that brand as well - have used it for years. Rural King always has a good deal on price for it here.
DeleteI didn't buy TP once last year! I typically use a roll a week - it's just me. I generally have 1 - 1 1/2 year's worth on hand too.
I didn't panic about running out and buying anything last year. That is so nice and such a comfort when everyone else is going bonkers crazy!!!!
I learned from my mother to keep a supply on hand. I imagine we could go quite some time without feeling a pinch except for fresh dairy and veggies.
ReplyDeleteSame here. It is sure a wise lesson learned!
DeleteGlad we listened to our Momma's!!!!!
Exactly! I say this all the time, and if you're a hard to fit size:
ReplyDelete"EXTRA socks, undies, clothes, etc. Make sure you are supplied - buy on sale and keep them till needed. **Also learn to mend"
I don't know about anyone else, but when I find something that fits well, I watch for sales, clearance, stack coupon codes, etc. to stock up. For me, bras are a difficult fit. One I loved (years ago) was discontinued. Little by little I bought enough of them to stash away that I haven't had to buy bras in 5 yrs., and won't for another decade at least if I don't change size. Storage? No problem. I keep the accumulated stash in a carry-on sized suitcase in my closet shelf. We recently stocked up on jeans for my husband, since the brand/style that fits him best has also been discontinued. They'll be kept in an underbed bin. Or keep a large bin in your garage and storage shed to "shop" in as things wear out. We should be set for years. Handy, as my hubby is retiring soon! --Elise
So very true. When you find something that just works -well you might be wise to stock up. I always have new undies and socks tucked away. I wish I had done like you on bras that I liked. I can't find them now and mine are getting pretty darned tired looking!! LOL! I keep my eyes open all the time.
DeleteVery smart planning and thinking.
Our pantries are so much more than food!
No worries here either!
ReplyDeleteThe song stuck in my head for weeks is one line-'all my exes live in Texas'! It is driving me nuts!
Good for you.
DeleteWell, maybe this song will replace it!!!! LOL At least it tis the season!!
You are a girl after my own heart! My Mom always had a pantry "store" and we girls used to marvel at it. Well, guess what? I followed suit! Except when I "felt the nudge" pre-pandemic, I converted a guest room closet into a deeper pantry. (no basement here in SW Florida!) Because of the heat/humidity there is no long-term storage of potatoes and onions, so I keep canned potatoes on the shelf and cut up onions in the freezer.
ReplyDeleteI even broke down and got some canned carrots in case I can't find fresh. Warmed them up and tried them---they are sweet and delicious! (Aldi brand).
No need to buy paper towels or TP either! That can be stored in the garage, and is!
I love the fact that most all of my pantry was purchased at very good prices...usually BOGO or Aldi. Most freezer pantry items as well like meats.
I love it that we all learned our lessons well!
DeleteWhenever someone feels the nudge - they should do it! It really is important.
I keep some canned tomatoes, potatoes, carrots and green beans just in case - as well. I have a ton of home canned tomato products - but I still keep a few store bought.
You just never know!
Good job!
This is such a great post and I am so with you on being able to run to the pantry or the storage for almost everything i will need to Christmas baking and just life.
ReplyDeleteThank you. It sure is a comforting feeling to know you can survive with what you have.
DeleteIt is wonderful to go to the "store" and pull what is needed. On a par with collecting your produce from your backyard.
ReplyDeleteIndeed it is. Walking out to the yard or picking off our shelves - delightful!!
DeleteI do the same as you on all those categories though I suspect mine is piddling compared to yours. It just makes sense. Did you see my post on the Hormel Roast Beef and Gravy, a bargain?
ReplyDeleteYou do great. Be proud. It sure does make sense.
DeleteNo, I will check that out - that you.
WHAT A DEAL!!!!!! You did fantastic!!!!!
DeleteWhen I am down to one of something I am always looking for a sale to replenish that item.
ReplyDeleteLike you I really enjoy being able to shop at home and if we get locked down I think we will do just fine.
God bless.
I hope that doesn't happen ever again - but you never know. I like being prepared and it great so many stay that way.
DeleteBlessings
You have just remind me that mayo and miracle whip are on the list for my next shopping trip! Otherwise my "shop" - just my hall closet - is pretty well stocked. It snowed on Sunday & Monday and today was grey and wet - so nice to NOT have to venture out - have everything I need on hand!
ReplyDeleteGlad to have sent you a reminder!
DeleteYes - those are the days that makes us all happy to stay in and be thankful we have much.
Glad you have your own little stocked pantry to get what you need when you need it. But back up just a bit. Why did you throw out the mayo? I thought you said nothing ever expired?
ReplyDeleteIt really wasn't expired - it had just been open way too long and it didn't smell right. Once something is opened (even refrigerated) it can go off after a long period of time. It is just me and I hardly ever use mayo. I get small jars. It was almost empty and smelled bad and had changed color.
DeleteIf it had been past 'use by' date and still sealed and never opened - I would have used it.
The one thing I have found is that the "use by" date on Miracle Whip is mostly true. I've had it go bad 30 days past that date, in my pantry and unopened.
DeleteI watched Whippoorwill Holler’s pantry video last night on YouTube. Definitely a treat!
ReplyDeleteI will check it out - thanks.
DeleteDinner yesterday was full-on from the freezer: pesto pasta, kale/onion/garlic and shrimp. YUM!
ReplyDeleteToday is the end of the turkey soup.
Tomorrow will be spinach salad w/grilled sockeye salmon. I did buy fresh tomatoes today-they smell like tomatoes. It costs more than crap tasteless mush but oh so worth it when frost is on the ground. I also splurged on an avocado which will go on soft shell tacos tomorrow-made with ground turkey....you guessed....from the freezer 🙃 and a box of rice-a-roni picked up for $0.98
Then there will need to be another spinach salad so that none goes to waste!
You are on it girl!!!! Way to go. It all sounds so yummy and most from the pantries. Love this.
Delete