Let Us Shop SMARTLY - and Eat & Live Well

 Happy Thursday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  Still needing so many to check in - I am worried about a lot of you gals.

Looks to be a lovely day here - hoping to get some yard work done.  Planning on staying home again today.

Might as well finish the week with a continued talk about pantries, freezers, shopping and supplies.  We are all seeing the stories about people hoarding things already.  It is just crazy.  The West coast ports are still open and local and regional items are available as well (in many places).  There are many people in need right now after the storms and devastation - so please be kind and thoughtful and do not go crazy with hoarding.  Slow and steady.

Just some things to think about when shopping:

USE IT - if you buy it, make sure it is something you will use. Never waste.

LEARN to USE & ENJOY Leftovers - in some way - new or conventional.  If nothing else save for soup

PLAN your meals - Plan around what you have FIRSTLY - and then around ads

Make a LIST and stick to it.  Now I realize many of us hunt clearance as well - if it is something you will use, get it at a cheaper price.

Make a BUDGET and stick to it.  It may mean that you rethink how you shop.  You may not be able to buy all the things you used to buy - change happens and we do what is necessary.

PLAN you trips - make them count.  No running out for one thing.  Make the rounds and do all shopping and trips at one time.  Gas is also an expenditure.

Buy store brands when you can.  Many name brands and store brands are the same - same manufacturer - just different labels.  Give things a try.

Avoid as many convenience foods as POSSIBLE.  Yes, it is nice to have some things on hand for those busy days - but try to stay away from them.  They often cost more and have nasty ingredients.

Get RAINCHECKS when possible if the store is out.  Many places still offer those and you can get the cheaper price later

Use store cards and coupons when you can.  I know they aggravate many of us (the tracking of things), but they do save money.  They may also offer points for money back or for discounts on gas.

DON'T shop hungry!!!!  You WILL buy more - trust me!

Buy in SEASON as much as possible.  Those things will often be cheaper and fresher

Think about using a DIFFERENT store - read the ads and look at other options.  It could save you dollars.

AVOID the stores tricks to get you to spend.  Endcaps often have impulse items they want you to buy.  Eye level items are often fancy packages to entice (but they cost more).  Look high and low.  Avoid temptation.

Make SNACKS at home - try to stay away from all the junk food.

Mainly - just think.  Be courteous and only buy what you need to add to your pantry - not to hoard.  Use what you buy and learn new recipes - easy recipes - to make your food budget stretch as far as possible.

I saw this today, and thought it was pretty interesting.  No need to panic with those TP purchases.  We don't need to see that problem again!!  TP isn't imported (granted maybe some of their supplies might be).

Just don't go crazy.

So there you have it - a good week of looking out for our homes and families, by taking care of our pantries.  We still CAN cut costs and EAT WELL.

Shop SMART!

Have a great weekend.  Have a beautiful day!