Let me share a little grocery 'shopping' with you.
This week there is not much in the way of deals at most of my area stores...............so.............
I got:
Ranch and Italian dressing
4 lbs. sugar
Orange juice
100 count tea bags
Chicken tenders
Ground beef
Bagged cat food
Strawberries
Peanut butter
Sliced cheese
Fresh veggies
OH WAIT - I forgot to say I got all that by shopping my freezer and pantry and garden!!!!!!
YEPPERS! Had it all here, and never had to leave the house, nor spend a penny.
I have been eating tomato, zucchini, okra and peppers from the garden.
Cucumbers the neighbor gave me and onions I had in basement
I love being able to fix anything I want with what is here. Replenishing my cabinets and daily pantry from my deep pantry. Meat from the freezer. Snacks from the pantry.
Of course I have used other ingredients this week as well like rice, macaroni, cheese, milk, bread, etc.
Today I may make brownies or rice krispy bars - just want something sweet! Hmmm - maybe both and then I will share with the neighbor!
You all know the pleasure that this brings me! You do it too!!! There is something so FUN about having everything you need.
How was your home shopping this week?
Hope you are having a great week!
That's my goal, Cheryl. It will take time to build a larder again, but a little extra at a time does it. --Elise
ReplyDeleteI think that was one of the hardest parts about moving, Elise! Rebuilding the stock, both kitchen and bathroom!
DeleteI always shared a lot with my mom, but it took 2 carloads to deliver the last of it to her. We didn't have an extra freezer so we had pretty much emptied that. But since we essentially just up and moved in 2 months, we had a lot of stuff. Her pantry was stuffed and she moved her kitchen table into the corner and filled the top and underneath. She said it fed her and my brother for several months and the toiletries lasted more than a year.
On my end, it was much slower going. There is little market competition where I live now so it took a long time to wait out sales. Plus the learning curve of difference between Cali and Kansas. It probably took me a good two years to get a decent stock up, but several years to equal what I had before moving! Be patient! You'll get there!!
Thank you, Debby, for the encouragement. We've been in the area since the 1st of April (bought all the food while staying with our son for 3 months) and it's been... well... astonishing to see how much food prices have gone up in this rural area since we arrived. We, too, are learning new stores and sales cycles. Now that we're in our own house--Hubby and I don't go through groceries quickly--I can build slowly. --Elise
DeleteDEBBY that was cool that you could help you mom and brother so much. It would be tough to move all one's pantry and freezer, especially when moving so far.
DeleteELIISE - you will be back up to par before you know it. It takes time. Try to get to know the meat managers and bakery and produce managers at your stores. In your area there may be great roadside stands or homefolk selling. Cycles usually are 6 weeks or 9 weeks. Watch those clearance deals. You got this!!!!!! Slow and steady!
I'm not shopping this week because I received an unexpected blessing. I was volunteering at the food distribution for the needy in my village on Tuesday. At the end of the day there was still food left and I was told to take whatever I wanted home with me. I got a loaf of bread from a very pricey local bakery, 3 boxes of assorted produce, two large bags of assorted dry beans and 2 large frozen pork loins. I was able to share with neighbors and still keep some for myself. Lynn Ewing
ReplyDeleteLynn, we once had a neighbor (in his 90s!) who'd volunteered at the local food bank for decades. Each volunteer was given any "leftovers" after distribution. When his wife had a stroke and was unable to cook, he began bringing me food each week to cook for them and my own family. That went on for 6 years and was a true blessing. I'm so glad you were able to glean such a gift and share it.
Delete--Elise
What a fantastic blessing for you and others. You just never know where or when the blessings will flow.
DeleteI am so happy they let the volunteers take it home, instead of throwing it in the trash. Many places do just that, and I for one, think it is totally sinful! Why would places throw things away when people are struggling and hungry?
So happy this blessed so many.
Elise that just warms my heart. Bless his heart - so nice that you got to feed both families. I am sure that helped them out more than you could have ever known!
DeleteI love shopping my pantries!
ReplyDeleteI shop only sale items, buy enough when the items are on sale to last a long time . I shop at salvage marts and outlets
There's nothing like going into the garden and picking a bowl of strawberries, or blueberries.
If I can beat the dog to them first!
I have not bought herbs in many years. I grow them in boxes and dry or freeze them. Anyone can grow some potted herbs, tomatoes. For little effort you get
Fresh ,pesticide free food.
I love your blog, no politics, nice people sharing ideas.
It's such a positive experience visiting here .
Thank you Savannah. We have such a good and caring group!
DeleteLove it - you sound like you shop like I do. Watch for deals and mark-downs and buy as much as you can use.
Herbs are just easy and lovely in a garden. I have picked this week - basil and thyme.
You are right easy-peasy to do and saves so much money and NO chemicals!!!!
I try to keep it light and just a fun place to visit. Glad to have you here.
It's such a good feeling, isn't it? I had to pick up 3 prescriptions last night and my pharmacy is in my local Meijer store (groceries and other goods, including clothing and some electronics -- a one-stop-shop store, for those unfamiliar with it). I went thru the drive-thru to get my prescription and came home. My last grocery shop was before the 4th of July.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for resisting temptation by staying in the car! Meijer sure does have literally soup - to nuts! I haven't been to Meijer in about a year now, maybe longer.
DeleteYou are doing great - keep up the good work! It sure is fun!
I actually did have to buy something this week: hubster said he was out of ice cream sandwiches. $6/24. He's worth it :-) I stopped on my way from my cousin's-I'm helping her clear her Dad's home. No extra gas burned.
ReplyDeleteWell we can't let that happen!!! Got to take care the hubster! That is a pretty good price too! No extra gas used is just a bonus!
DeleteYour store is open 24/7! And no waiting in line! I will have to try the strawberries in a jar.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend. My oldest daughter and my granddaughter will be here for a few days from Texas.
Indeed it is. No waiting and no crowds!!!! LOL
DeleteHave a fantastic time with family. Maybe they will get to have a few cooler and decent days in IN!!!! I hear TX is HOT!!!
Pretty much the same here this week and I am thankful. Replacing what we have would cost 50 to 75% more than what we paid for most of it. Prices in the ads have jumped again this week even though gas has gone down a bit. But, there is a crazy deal on cranberry juice cocktail which I need to keep on hand for my kidneys. 4/$5! Just about every week I see some crazy deal like this and I think they just have tons in the warehouse that is not moving due to the high prices.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great deal. I saw this week in the Kroger ad that 1/2 gal. milk and OJ is just 1.29 again. Can't beat that price. Once in a while they have those terrific prices that lure you in - hoping to get you to spend more!
DeleteGlad you get to be pretty no spend as well. Gas has gone down here a little as well! Small blessings!
Your strawberries look awesome! Good job shopping from home!
ReplyDeleteThanks. They tasted just like the day I bought them. Nice and fresh. You know how I love saving my money! Not sure for what - but I like saving it! LOL
DeleteHusband decided today we were going to make pickles. But, he said...we don't have sugar, tumeric or mustard seed. Oh yes we do! Then he began the process. I try to stay stocked up and am usually pretty successful. Besides it is ten miles to the nearest and small grocery.
ReplyDeleteGoing to our Kroger affiliate this week as there half gallons of milk is 99 cents and large container of cottage cheese and sour cream are both 1.99. I also will get a bit of other things...bananas, etc. Plus, as a comment by another in a previous post...Ice Cream...as it is a summer necessity.
Wow, your Koger is cheaper on milk than mine. Mine is 1.29 a half. Different regions sure have different prices. 10 miles is a pretty far piece to run for a couple items. Smart that you have it all there and can start the canning process. Good job.
DeleteI know...I'm pretty sure we are only about 90 miles apart but this is an affiliate. Amazing how prices can vary. Time to stock up. We freeze milk. Works pretty well and we are needing it now.
DeleteI don't have any room to freeze - wish I did. Yes mam, get it while the getting is good!
DeleteI have fun doing just the same thing. I love coming up with a good meal with what I have. It saves so much money.
ReplyDeleteIt does save and it gets us to be creative and make new things. I think it is pretty cool.
DeleteWay to go Cheryl. Love shopping at home. I hope that our garden starts producing very soon.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks. I hope your garden gives you lots of fresh goodies. Seems things are slower this year.
DeleteI tried the strawberry in a jar and didn't work for me! I'm jealous of yours. The strawberries I used were so lovely and sweet. I didn't wash them and put in fridge. After a week there was condensation inside the jar and mushy, bad tasting strawberries!
ReplyDeleteI didn't grocery shop this week but did spend a little on food--it was my birthday this week so I bought myself a couple sweet treats and a personal pan pizza from a local Italian place. I've never did that before! LOL. (Husband out of town for work on my birthday) I always make my own pizza. It was delicious! The family will gather this weekend for cake and ice cream. I'm making the cake for myself! LOL! I can't stand the thought of $40 for a cake when I can easily make my favorite! I make good cakes!
I love playing store at home! And I like to share so when my mom or my (grown) kids ask for something it's my pleasure to say here take this I have extra.
oops that's me above--the birthday girl
Delete~margaret
First - Happy birthday!!! Have a great celebration over the weekend. Sounds like you enjoyed your goodies.
DeleteSorry the strawberries didn't work for you. I have had no problems at all. I wonder what went wrong.
Playing store - I like that!!!! Yes it sure is fun.
Happy Birthday!!
Delete--Frances in the Trailer Park
Wow that sure made me smile to see you say you love to say “here I have extra”. The sentiment is delightful and I bet it brings you as much joy as the receiver! Just made me smile.
DeleteIt is those little things and kind gestures!!!!!!
DeleteTonight, we had dried Great Northern Beans, from the shelf and cooked in the crockpot. Frozen Collards, two-pound bag, cooked and ready to freeze some. Pulled pork was in freezer. So, dinner was here all along--pulled pork, collards, and beans. I had an apple and a banana and another fruit will be for later, not sure what. Once again, I used a leaf of basil to sniff for my nose and ear health...lol. And, topped my basil and froze some for winter.
ReplyDeleteI have been shopping the kitchen all week. And, I love it.
Yor meal sounds delish! Haven't had beans for quite a while.
DeleteI used to make often - now I have to think about it - since it's just me.
Shopping the kitchen is nice and it sure saves $$.
I have been able to shop in my store this week, but did have to go to the grocery for potatoes,onions and cabbage.
ReplyDeleteYou are the reason I have such a good store in my own home. It is a joy to know that I can simply go look and find everthing I might want for a meal. If I don't feel well or want to go out everything I need is right here, even for the dogs.
I usually cook pots of beans in the winter. To me that is comfort food, best when served with cornbread. YUM I think Linda is making us both crave beans. I think I will cook some pintos, which I call red beans. You know there will be fresh bread to go with, maybe some fried potatoes and onions. The best part, I have everything I need to get the job done!!
Good for you on only needing so little. I am out of fresh potatoes, but have some frozen fries and tots. I will need to get some soon.
DeleteIt is wonderful to fix anything you want, whenever you want.
Thank you for your kind comments. You did it - I just give ideas!
Beans, fried potatoes and cornbread sound yummy! I usually do that meal in cooler weather but it sure sounds good.
Cheryl, how do you get the strawberries to keep that long? I have my method, but was wondering about keeping them in the jar.
ReplyDelete