Howdy Ho everyone. Time to get back to normal - whatever that may be!
Let us start today with our pantries - lauders - whatever you may call it.
We keep what we have - to help us in whatever moment in life that we have a SHTF event in our lives, or for those times when funds are short - whatever the reason - they are ever so important.
BUT we need to know what we have, and we need to be able to access it easily - or it can be wasteful and not used.
The beginning of the year is a great time to organize your pantry and your freezer and inventory what you have. Organization is very important. If you have no clue what you have - it slips between the cracks, then you make many un-necessary purchases.
It is all about keeping what you use and using what you have.
You need to organize - then use up the older items first. ROTATE - ROTATE - ROTATE!
If you come across things you just don't use much - gift it or find a use for it. Do not waste it.
We all need to figure out where our weaknesses are and where our overages are.
Re-evaluate what you buy!
Work on resupplying the weaker areas and work on using up some of those overages. Get creative and use things in different ways so, you don't get bored.
Example - Spaghetti isn't just spaghetti - it can be broken and added to soups and casseroles, it can be made into lo-mein, it can be covered with any type of cream sauces or meats. It can be used in stir fry.........
I have what seems to be tons of pasta of every type and dry beans of all types. I need to get busy and use them more often. They both seem to last forever - but still, if I have them, I should be using them.
I do know I will not go hungry anytime soon!
Now, it is time to get some very good seasonal deals. If you find great deals - buy them. Stock up - BUT remember - it is there to use!!!!!!!!!!!
Groceries can be expensive. Sundays weekly post - several people shared what they had gotten cheaply! I love that. It is encouraging to all of us to see that DEALS can still be had. Sure, you may have to look a little harder - but deals are still out there. Take advantage when you can.
NOW is the time to re-evaluate your pantries and freezers. Organize, inventory, and make lists of new ideas to use the same old stuff. Get creative. Waste not - want not.
This is so important to your budget - the more you figure you have that can be used - the less you spend. That leaves funds for other things.
Let's get organized folks!
We don't need to be rich or famous, just happy!
Excellent post! Especially the reminder to rotate your stock. Spaghetti can be used lots of ways. The chickens love pasta so it is a treat for them. The Farmer was looking in the freezer and found some breaded chicken breasts. One package is an Italian seasoned chicken so I'll make parmesan chicken one day this week. Digging around in the pantry I found barley, which we talked about purchasing. It's a treasure hunt! Meijer has ground beef relatively cheap this week so I'll get some to brown up and put half of it aside for dog food.
ReplyDeleteWe got soaked overnight! The forecast doesn't look too bad for January.
Thanks. I think we all have things tucked back in those freezers that needs to be used. I know I sure do. It is so easy to place new stuff in and forget the older stuff.
DeleteI love barley! Mmmm beef and barley soup!
I am not going to complain about the weather - I can handle rain!
You read my plans, Cheryl! My pantry AND my spice cabinet are drastically in need of an inventory and tidying up. Hoping to tackle both this week.
ReplyDeleteI've noticed that the pasta shelves are very sparse. I've been holding out for a good sale, but it's been ages. I was happy to find egg noodles at Walmart and bought 5.
We put up all of our January decor yesterday. Snowmen everywhere! They're very cheerful in the winter. I have 5 of them across the mantle. They're nestled into a garland of greenery with little white lights. They're made from bottle gourds that I grew, dried, and then painted about 15 years ago.
Good for you - get those places inventoried! I have pounds of pasta on hand - I get it when I find a deal!!! Time to stop and use.
DeleteI bet that is cute. I have a big snowman out still that was made for me - very rustic. I love it.
Elise, I forgot to thank you for the Blue update! I'm sorry for the boots, but glad she's doing well. Look online for enrichment ideas for dogs. She might be one of those very smart ones that needs regular tasks. I found several on Pinterest that my dog loves doing. I just saw a new one done with 2, presumably old!, Bath towels. Sprinkle some kibble in between, roll them up and then twist them. Put a few kibbles on top to catch her attention. Anyway, it's fun to watch!
ReplyDeleteHow neat - what a fun thing. Those pups need stimulation.
DeleteThanks, Debby! I'll look into that. She's a very smart dog and we've wondered if she's simply bored. Hubs has taken her to a local dog park (in the small, nearby town), but she hasn't shown interest there. Queensland Blue Heelers are bred as work dogs, so I think you're onto something. --Elise
DeleteI must try this with our doggies! Thank you!
DeleteI've already done a freezer inventory along with a list of meal ideas for January using what I have to hand. I won't starve either and some of my meals might be a bit unusual, but there's only me to feed so it'll be all right.
ReplyDeleteGood for you! Hey, I am the same way - it is me - I can eat whatever I want. It doesn't have to be a well rounded meal - heck, a sandwich will do me, or a bowl of mac n cheese - it doesn't matter. I just care to be full!!!!
DeleteHi Cheryl! Happy New Year! I found you through Rhonda's blog and love reading how others are living frugally. I can't wait to catch up on more of your posts!
ReplyDeleteHowdy Debbie! Glad to have you here. We have fun. Lots of fun things to learn and sometimes just some laughs or sometimes some tears. We have a good group - welcome aboard!
DeleteGood morning, Cheryl. Very timely post as always. My freezers are full, but I've made note of pantry items to stock up on now. Canned veggies, chili, etc. when I can find good prices. Rice... we eat a lot of it. Pastas. Cereal, as Hubs eats some almost every day. I have tons of oatmeal, but he generally prefers cold cereal. Hmmm. Might have to work on that, as oatmeal is much cheaper. BIL will be bringing many pounds of flour he bought when war broke out in Ukraine, so I won't need that. One bag of sugar lasts a year or more in our house, so I don't need that, either. Split peas, lentils and beans are all good to have on hand.
ReplyDeleteNow is also the time of year to think about what "grow"ceries will be planted. I've been analyzing our acre to see where raised beds can go. With BIL here, I'll have help with that. He also raised chickens several years ago. You know I've thought of raising chickens, so he might be able to help us there, too. For Christmas, my sis sent me a set of silicone ice cube tray type freezer thinggies that are the perfect size for freezing eggs individually. We go through a LOT of eggs and BIL eats eggs every morning for breakfast. I had to tell him NOT to toss the yolks! I can use those! Anyway... I ramble on.
Thanks again. --Elise
Sounds like you have a great plan. I am with your hubs - would rather have cold cereal than oats. BUT, I could eat them if need be. Great on getting free items from your BIL. That will help. I use very little sugar until summer - then I make hummingbird nectar.
DeleteGreat ideas on getting ready for warmer weather. Planning ahead sure can help. Glad you will have help with things.
Good thinking!
I do keep a list of most items, but discovered last night I was out of spaghetti (there was a wee bit left) - though I did have angel hair pasta. So that's what we had with our marinara sauce. :)
ReplyDeleteI won't be shopping for a couple of weeks - that will help with the budget.
Use what you got - that is great. We can sure all stand to learn to sub things.
DeleteNot shopping is always nice.
I was able to restock my pantry with pre-Thanksgiving and Christmas sales. So, I'm doing a no-shop January (with the exception of perishables, like milk and fresh produce for salads. I need to force myself to use what I have to due to longevity in my pantry, and I need to get a little more creative with my cooking. Use it or it gets tossed, and I don't want that to happen! Great post with lots of timely reminders.
ReplyDeleteI think many replenished the pantries during all the great sales. It sure is nice - saving when we can.
DeleteI think I am much the same. Just fresh.
Being creative can be fun. Most times I do wins - now and then it is a meh! Thanks.
I put on hold 36 Righteous Men by Steven Pressfield. Looking forward to reading it, but truth be told, I've spent too much time reading. Need to get the lead out and get some things done around here. Sigh.
ReplyDeleteMe and mine are not especially fond of cooked on the stove oatmeal. Soft, unfortunately a bit gummy, gray looking. BUT we like baked oatmeal. Same basic ingredients but fixed a different way. Toasted brown, Crunchy. Dozen of online recipes with additions of fruits and nuts.
Made the long journey to Costco yesterday which I don't travel often.There were ZERO eggs. The cupboard was bare.
So, I may need to bring out that baked oatmeal recipe!
Ellie
Central Az
I think I'll pass on the book. I prefer historical novels.
DeleteI eat oatmeal every morning, fixed in the microwave. 1/2 cup quick-cooking oatmeal mixed with about 3/4 cup milk and some raisins. Cook on 1/2 power for 3 minutes. I like mine a little thick. Have never tried baked oatmeal. I've also seen recipes for refrigerator oatmeal, which I may try this summer.
--Frances in the (soggy) Trailer Park
My husband isn't fond of cooked oatmeal either so I make granola or museli and now it becomes a "cold" cereal. Cookie
DeleteI feel the same way on cooked oatmeal! Your description is spot on in my book. Blech!!! YES, baked oatmeal is very good. I forgot about that. I don't generally eat breakfast - but I need to remember that.
DeleteGranola is good too.
WOW - on the eggs. Still finding them here and they are not as expensive as I keep seeing people post. For some reason, our area stays cheaper on a lot of things. Weird.
Hang in there.
Cookie I like granola - easy to make a big batch too. Another good reminder.
DeleteRight now I am on a use it up in all areas of the house. I am only purchasing on sale items where possible and stocking up when I am down to 1 package of something. I have more than enough in my pantry and freezers to last for a while.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Good for you!!! I love to hear everyone talk about how prepared they are. Sales just make tons of sense! No other to do it in my opinion.
DeleteI reorganized my pantry yesterday. I have a lot more dehydrated produce than I remembered. I'll be using some of that in soups in the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteReorganizing my pantry is like finding free food! I find it fun.
~margaret
Organization is my weakness! I just knew I had some command strips for hanging pictures this week, but they were not where I usually put them. Ha! I eventually found them , but almost bought some more. My pantry is very stirred up right now, after all the holiday cooking. Thanks for the reminder to get it straightened again.
ReplyDeleteLOL - I have to chuckle - I do this stuff all the time. My 'junk' drawers - where I keep things like those command strips, is a flipping mess!!!! It (they) needs cleaned so badly.
DeleteYes, things get all stirred up during the holidays. New year is a good time to organize lots of things in our life.
Yes, good reminders Cheryl! I have a notebook where I put things like that, where to find them and even at the back where I put birthday or Christmas gifts! I'm a bit overwhelmed with clutter right now and don't know where to even start at this time...It's been crazy, hubs with pinched nerve and our little rescue dog needing attention...But wait there's even more! I could write a novella but I will refrain... *big smile* God answers prayers.
ReplyDeleteClutter gets overwhelming - I totally understand. Then you add other things - and yes, it is frustrating. You got this. The lists get long, just do a little at a time. Slow and steady!
DeleteI definitely am doing a pantry challenge this January & February. We are stocked to the gills but I need to rotate through things. I did do a grocery run yesterday for produce and dairy. We also took advantage of the 15% off bag sale at Menards where I stocked up on some canning supplies for this summer.
ReplyDeleteNote: 18-pack of pasture raised eggs were $6.50 at our Sam's.
Tonight I'm making home-made pizza. We looked at the frozen because Farmer really wanted it for supper. We couldn't justified the price when I can make it so much better and have all the ingredients here.
Homemade pizza is so much better!!!! Smart choice.
DeleteGood going on stocking up on canning supplies and with the discount. Not too bad on eggs.
I have been making an effort to rotate freezer stuff and use some it. Needs to happen.
Good job on making a plan to use it up and rotate. Just can't justify wasting anything these days.