Hello all. Hope you are all doing well this Tuesday. It is sunny at the moment, they say the day will be pretty cloudy. We will see. It is 74*F already, so it will be a warm and humid one again! The tomatoes are FINALLY starting to come on and ripen. They are so good.
Today just an idea or two for stocking up for whatever may come your way.
It could be a loss of a job. It could be an illness. It could be a family loss - trust me you don't want to shop for a while afterwards. It could be rising prices. It could be a weather event or just plain old winter!
There are a world of reasons to have your pantry in order. Protect yourself and your family.
My main tip is to make a list or two. A list of items you use a lot of - every day, every week. Things that you can go through fairly quickly. Then make a list of things that you will need from time to time.
Keep that list with you at all times when out and shopping.
Everyday and frequently used items.
Canned or frozen foods. Pasta, rice, dried beans, dish soap, laundry supplies, canned meats, H&B, TP, coffee, tea, there are just all sorts of things. Pay attention when out in a store (any store). If you find a great price on those items or a special, get some extra. So many things last and last (well past 'best by' dates).
Think about things like furnace filters, allergy meds, sleep aids, baking goods, cleaning products (or make your own), vinegar, batteries, even yarn or craft supplies, etc.
You don't want to need something and not have it. Of course, most of us know how to substitute other items, but not everyone does. There are many times that you just don't want or need to go out to shop, especially if it is for one thing or for a more expensive item.
Don't limit yourself to grocery stores. You may find a good deal anywhere. There are dollar stores and places like Aldi and Ollies. Now remember when buying goods at the dollar stores to look at the size of the item being purchased. They often carry smaller sizes, and you really aren't getting a good deal, compared to the grocery. So always check your sizes and unit prices.
I am personally good on so many items. But things like filters and batteries are always on my list. Over the counter vitamins, minerals, restless leg meds, allergy pills, OTC pain meds (Tylenol, Ibuprofen), cold meds or tummy aids (generally I use natural), etc..
Always be on the lookout for deals. Having a prepped pantry can literally be a life saver. You want to be able to provide for your family.
You don't have to spend a lot of money at any one time. Always keep $10 or $20 back for such reasons. If you run into something that is a deal, and have no money - well, you have just lost an opportunity. ALSO remember if you charge the items - PAY IF OFF at the end of the month. Do NOT accrue interest - that is no deal!!!!!!!
Also remember that baby formula is basically the one thing that has an "expiration date". The normal dates you find of items are NOT expiration dates!!!! They are 'best if used by' dates. The item doesn't magically go bad the day after that date! Most items last and last, so PLEASE don't be wasteful.
So stock slowly and with purpose and intention. Get the things you use and will need. If it isn't used, it isn't a deal and it has no value.
Be wise and prepare!
Have a beautiful day and SMILE!
Here's a funny. We don't use much ketchup so I buy the smallest container in the name brand hubster prefers. I checked the date last week? Ummmmm 2022 expiration. Yeah, I threw it out still half full.
ReplyDeleteHappy Tuesday everyone! Gonna be a scorcher here out West!
Dang. I sure do like ketchup and all tomato products. Too bad they don't make one even smaller!
DeleteStay cool and hydrated.
My pantry has saved me many times over the years when weathering hard times.
ReplyDeleteSame here. It sure can be a wonderful thing to have when things go sideways!
DeleteIt is so nice to go to your pantry "store" and pick out what you need. The closet in the office (formerly bedroom) holds lots of dry goods; shampoo, body wash, peroxide, rubbing alcohol, bandages of all sizes, hand wash, the list goes on. Grateful for so many blessings.
ReplyDeleteIt is perfect. I love my little 'store'. Never leave the house and get what you need.
DeleteYou mentioned a lot of other good items to make sure to have. You never know when you might need first aid supplies.
Hi..that is a good idea about extra medications, i will clear a small space for those. Our Pantry has saved us over time, my hubby ahd to have time off for Cancer treatment and the i didn't have to worry about food, i felt so blessed. Have a lovely day
ReplyDeleteFtm
Hi there. Glad to have you here. Colds, headaches, and aches and pains can get us all at some point.
DeleteSorry you both had to go through that, but the pantry was one of your blessings. One less thing to worry and stress about. Glad you had it.
Have a beautiful one!
Good advice to buy a limited number of items you always use when they are on a big sale. Just don’t stockpile too much IMO. (Spoken as someone who just moved.) But to me the number one thing to stockpile, even if you have to scrimp, is money. When the pandemic hit, it amazed me how many people couldn’t even cover one or two months bills without government money. I kept asking, where is their savings? I’m single, never made a lot of $$. It can be done. And you might not feel like cooking during an illness or after a death. (I never feel like cooking!)
ReplyDeleteYES!!!!! Money is a big thing, and I didn't mention that. Thanks.
DeleteI always have cash on hand, as you never know when systems might crash - and then we are screwed so to speak.
I think the same thing, but so many people live paycheck to paycheck today. I was there once - but I learned.
We never made the kind of money many made, but we did 401K's, and saved a good 10%+ every check. We amassed a nice nest egg - I am a firm believer of keeping cash around the house (hidden) just in case.
Thanks for mentioning that!
Some cash at home is good but savings is the most important. That is really what I meant.
DeleteOf course. Big emergencies can happen at anytime - and a nice emergency fund in the bank sure can come in handy, and keep one out of debt.
DeleteWhen the hurricane hit last fall, there was no electricity and no way to use credit cards. Things were Cash Only. I was glad to have some on hand. Yes, I also knew people who had none, and boy were they annoyed. The bank would not let anyone get more than $300 cash in a day...
DeleteI'm working on my new pantry storage, oh how nice to have shelves instead of one big cabinet to just pile things into! Far as I can tell, toothpaste lasts about forever. Soap does too. And floss.
MaryB
A word about expired items. A few weeks ago we were using a rogue Hamburger Help that had expired. It was the taco variety and had the chips with them. Since we were out of it and wanted to make this for dinner we took a chance. I opened each package and the seasoning mix had a later date on it. When we opened the chips they had an off smell so we through them away. The what if is what if we threw the whole thing away. Before doing so check the packages inside because yes the whole thing was expired but parts were not.
ReplyDeleteGood tip. Anything that has been fried in/or contains oils can go rancid more quickly than other items. You can generally tell by the smell.
DeleteThat is pretty neat to know that not all items had the same date. Thanks!
Amy, this is good advice! Even those salad kits...the lettuce will start to turn, but the "fixings" inside, such as the dressing and salad toppings are all still good. That would be a waste to throw those out.
DeleteA prepared pantry has saved us more than once! This is such a good post. I try to keep extras and backups of everything we use.
ReplyDeleteThanks for another testimonial. I think it always helps others, when you guys let them know this stuff works! Smart gal!
DeleteYour tip about checking the unit size is a good one. I have been caught out by that in discount shops before.
ReplyDeleteSomething else I have noticed here in supermarkets is that they are supposed to display the price per unit, so that you can compare like with like, but one size bottle of product A is shown as per 100ml, another size of product A is shown per fl oz and a competing product, which has several small bottles of the item in one wrapper (like drinking yoghurts) is shown per serving!
You do have to pay attention - it sure can be confusing. I agree.
DeleteIt can be confusing when, like you say, they use different sizes and weights and measures.
I have noticed things at dollar stores for decent prices, but then notice they are much smaller cans than the store.
You do have to watch!! Thanks
Yes, I've seen that too and it is quite annoying.
DeleteMaryB
Cheryl, I've noticed that things at Dollar Tree are often more expensive than Walmart or Kroger. Also, some shop at Sam's or Costco for deals, but if the item is so big that you can't finish it (such as a 5 gallon bucket of Mayo), then it's a waste. Or you buy a pack of 20 honey buns and are sick of them after a week :) Speaking from experience here :)hahaha
DeleteI got my new garage freezer a few days ago. I'm carefully filling it. I baked over the last few days and put some of it in the freezer. I've also put in some cooked entrees. I have a list of what I'm putting in there. My goal is to have maybe half of it be prepped/cooked/baked goods and the other half be my bargains I find like meat and produce.
ReplyDeleteThe other freezer was a disaster with everything just jammed in there. It was actually no fun to use. I'm determined to keep this one neat & organized (I never tried last time) and NOT buy something on sale/clearance if there's not reasonable room for it.
While waiting for the new one I gave a lot of thought to what I want in it to make life easier. Prepped foods is at the top of the list. So that will be my focus. Which means I can use up some of my pantry goods.
So happy you got a new freezer. How neat that you are cooking ahead and filling it. You have a great goal - those meals and goodies will sure be tasty later.
DeleteFreezers are easy to fill and hard to keep neat in my opinion. I try hard, but always end up with a hodge podge.
Your plan is wonderful - and an easier life is always a good idea. YAY you!
I don't have the space I once had, but one of the items I always keep on hand is toilet paper. When Covid hit and people were emptying the shelves, I had several months supply. Part of the reason was the offer for extra reward points for purchasing X dollars of groceries. If I was short of the number, I'd grab whatever toilet paper or paper towel that was on sale. My kids joked I could making a killing selling my excess.
ReplyDeleteOur Costco puts furnace filters (3 pack) about once every 3 months on a decent price. Another store also has a decent price for a 2 pack occasionally. With cats in the house, we change the filter every two months.
Yesterday my daughter was looking for an office supply item - I told her to check my desk. Sure enough, I had what she needed.
The one thing we need to do a better job with is the actual food pantry. We picked up a bottle of salad dressing this week, and discovered we had one already. It was on sale and is shelf stable so I wasn't too concerned.
TP became a very missed item back then, and may went crazy buying it. Stores around here had to put limits on it! Like you, I had plenty on hand and never had a worry. I try to keep filters around too.
DeleteI want more than one of everything I use. I am most concerned about food and pet food.
I am ok with food but I always forget to stock up on otc meds, soap, floss, new toothbrushes, face cream etc.the face moisturizer (Olay) is expensive and ai am looking around trying to find something cheaper that works as well. Cindy in the South
ReplyDeleteThere are many things I think many people forget about stocking. Soap I am good with, probably have enough body soap for the rest of my life!! Other soaps not so much.
DeleteSome things are expensive, so they can be hard to stock-up on.
What great advice, Cheryl! Over the past few years I've come to middle ground on stocking up, as I've read other's blogs and watched some channels on YT. There is wisdom in having extras, as you say, for hard times or storms, etc. Then there is wisdom in knowing that 400 lb bags of flour sitting in your pantry is just money that you could have used elsewhere. I recently read that someone still had toilet paper from 2020 and I was a little appalled that they took that much off the shelf and others were without. All that to say...it's definitely wise to stock up and be prepared, but use wisdom about what things you need to have sitting around, when you might need the money elsewhere. Oh, and those dates of "best by" get me every time. I need to get better about your advice on that. I think we were trained to believe we needed to throw things out and that's a great marketing ploy to buy more :)
ReplyDeleteWise words. Yes, we need to know limits. I guess if you have a huge family and bake a lot, 400lbs. of flour might be a consideration - but for the average household - no. I had plenty of TP back when it was scarce. They had to put limits on it here, because people were going crazy buying it - I just figured if I ran out, I could wash myself!
DeleteYes, most of those dates are a manufacturing ploy! It obviously works. Dates are not something I look at often, and I fine.
I am pretty well stocked on everything we need/use but I am doing an inventory in the next few weeks to make sure we are stocked up before winter. I don't really like to shop and when it's cold or snowy and people are coughing and sneezing I REALLY don't like going. I don't mind running in really quick for dairy or produce but I want everything else stocked up.
ReplyDelete