Doing a "big shop" once a month is still working for us. It is a lot of work to make a long list, checking it twice, then driving to Sams and maybe Aldis and Crest. Putting away all the purchases is tricky too, good thing I like to work puzzles!
It is just really a big time saver all the rest of the month to not have to go shopping.
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| little fridge |
We bought lots of oranges, clementines and grapefruit - they keep well.
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| full size fridge - more meat is in the small chest freezer |
Can you see the bottom right drawer is full of romaine lettuce? Each head is wrapped air tight in a plastic bag and should keep all month. The grapes, strawberries and spring greens will be used first.
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| partial view of the pantry |
Onions and potatoes are stored in crocks on the pantry floor. I've been keeping the door shut on the pantry so it stays cooler in there and the root veggies have been keeping very well.
I still watch the local sales and have bought a few things. One store had Pace salsa on sale for 99 cents for the Super Bowl and I got 24 jars. That same store had butter for $1.99 a pound and I got 6 to put in the freezer.
I've also bought a few things at Walgreens but mostly I have stayed out of the stores. I can't say I am really spending a lot less shopping this way but I am spending less time.
I'll have to try that with the lettuce. I bought three heads just a week or so ago, and they're already limp and rubbery. I've been keeping them in the ventilated bag they came in at Sam's.
ReplyDeleteI don't leave much in the store bags, except for the spring greens and strawberries that come in the clear plastic containers.
DeleteI store refrigerated produce like greens, peppers, carrots, celery - in either tightly sealed plastic bags with the air squished out or in Tupperware fridge containers. Storing it this way prolongs their life for me anyway.
Hi Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteGreat job. I have started shopping at sams too. I just wished they had more organics. I got some organic fresh blueberries there this week. Miss candi loves her blueberries. LOL
Have a wonderful day.
Elizabeth
So glad it's working for you! :)
ReplyDeleteI am envious of anyone who has a pantry like yours :-)
ReplyDeleteWe shop major about every 3 weeks. Like you I hate seeing the bill when buying but... I hate grocery shopping and putting the stuff away! Sometimes I play lets empty it all out and then start fresh. Gets down to some odd meals but no waste.
ReplyDeleteTime is money so you did good!!! I love this. Would you consider sharing your menu planning?
ReplyDeleteHi Val, I will do this in a soon future post, OK? Thanks for the idea.
DeleteI really envy you girls who can stock up and SAVE...we just seem to have a schedule that leans towards shopping as I need it...I waste if I buy more than 2 meals (dinner types) at a time...as a result, I know our local grocery store employees real well, by name even !!
ReplyDeleteHi, I found your blog on someone else's sidebar and knew I had to visit. First want to say that I have two aunts named Betty and Bernice, and Bernice's middle name is Evelyn :) You were blessed to have these ladies in your life! Second, I must know where you got the shelf paper, I've seen it on another blog a long time ago, and I've been thinking of re-doing my pantry and that would look great! Stop by to visit me anytime you'd like. Hugs ~ Mary
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you Ms. Redo!
Deletethe red checked shelf paper is from Walmart, it is the cushioned kind and has held up really well. The lace border is strips cut from a lace-look vinyl table cloth bought off the roll at Hobby Lobby. It was all easy, low cost and I still like it as much as when I first added it several years ago
Rhonda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting on my blog. This is not the first time, but several times you have made me think about getting a Sams membership, exspecially with so much of the family being here.. I wish I had a pantry like yours.
Rhonda you are an insperation!
ReplyDeleteHi Rhonda, do you map out what goes into each fridge before you shop? Just wondering how you go about planning how much food you need for the month, etc. I know you feed lots of folks, so I imagine that is a bit more challenging to do. It looks like you worked very hard on it all.
ReplyDeleteHi Lyn, no I don't really map it out but I do try to organize and downsize things in the fridge before I do a big shop. And this last trip, I did get a little carried away buying very nice well priced citrus. It was trickier than usual getting it stored away.
DeleteI will write a post soon about how I plan for meals, I mostly keep basic type ingredient food on hand that can be prepared in different ways.
I think your freezers and fridge and pantry look so neat and organized. Do you do jigsaw puzzles half so well? I would think this Big Shop would suit you perfectly at the moment. Come summer heat you'll find it saves a lot of your energy too! For me, I'm deeply enjoying the lack of Big Shops and doing smaller weekly shopping trips.
ReplyDeleteTerri - I love to do jigsaw puzzles but have not worked one since being blessed with toddlers who like to "help" with everything.
DeleteDuring one of Jeff's deployments, I got together every Saturday with another wife of a deployed Marine.
Our children played, we ordered delivery pizza and Cheryl and I worked a jigsaw puzzle. It was a fun and relaxing way to end the week.
I admire your efforts, Rhonda. I am trying to cut back on my spending, too. You have inspired me, I know I can spend less and still continue to eat well. I don't enjoy shopping for groceries or anything else, really, so I am trying hard to only go twice a month.
ReplyDeleteYour fridge is so organized, I love well organized spaces.
Hugs, Cindy