Friday, May 16, 2008

Frugal Friday--Pantry Challenge Update



Heading into my last week of my challenge to empty my pantry/stockpile and I must say what a success so far! This last week will probably be the toughest because I am getting down to the last bit of meat that I have in my freezer. So I am trying to work things where we are not having the same kind of meat every night.

Here is an update as to where I am with the goals that I set for myself.

Only shop for the "needs" for the next 3 weeks! That means I am not going to do any sale shopping for deals to increase my stockpile.

I have done this quite well. I have only spent $170.86 in 3 weeks($27.37-week 1, $53.57-week 2, $89.92-week 3) which has been a few things to complete meals, fruits, veggies, milk, eggs, a few paper products(like TP and Kleenex), and my hubby's morning pop supply replenished. You have to take into consideration that usually in one month’s time I am spending around $600 total for a month’s worth of food and household products.

Make meals from pantry stockpile.

I did this with success! We didn’t go hungry. Now if I can just get into a schedule of having a “baking day” or make sure that I bake just one thing each week, I think we will be set and my budget will thank me. If you are curious as to what we ate you can read about week 3, week 2, and week 1.



Make up a full grocery bag for Stamp Out Hunger Campaign.

I made a bag up and set it out on Saturday, May 10th. Above is a picture what I put in the bag!

Communicate better with my hubby as to what I feel we need to do regarding the stockpile.

This is going to be a work in progress as there is going to have to be some working together to compromising for a common goal.

I have found in challenging myself that I have actually been thinking more about what I am spending rather than just aimlessly spending because it is on sale or because there is an empty hole on the shelf. I have been also been working at getting back into my groove of baking more things from scratch in order for us to fill that “need” for sweets! There have been lots of changes going on in my house over the last few weeks....changes that I want staying to help my family to not be hoarding food but having enough to keep us fed.

I want to thank the ladies in bloggyland that have inspired me with their frugal habits because it has helped me to stretch myself and want to make changes rather than staying status quo.

For more frugal tips, head over to Biblical Womanhood!

3 comments:

Jennifer said...

If you are getting to the bottom of the freezer in just 3 weeks, then you probably didn't have as much of a stockpile as you and your dh thought you did, I know it was a concern of his. Or if you are anything like me, you have 6 months of 1 thing, but 2 weeks of something else. meaning you have a stockpile, but not a good supply of everything. Which I think is where most people are. I have always said, I could feed my family for probably 2-3 months, but those last months would be some weird meals LOL. You did a great job on your challenges. It takes some time to figure out what works for you and exactly how much is enough. Great job!

Anonymous said...

You do realize that you are going to have to restock again. I know I do this when we are expecting meat from the butcher and need to make room.
I just planted the garden and can't wait to start picking.

Candace said...

Great job on your challenge! What a huge savings!
Thanks for the tip on the carrots in the sauce, I will be trying that!