If you have been following along this month, I have eaten from my stockpile, tamed my freezer, and organized my stockpile. It has been a very refreshing month. I haven’t felt the need to chase every deal, and I am not afraid to be crushed alive looking for a snack! Like I said, “Refreshing!”
Filling in the Gaps
So, now that I have allowed my stockpile to dwindle a little bit (it isn’t gone by far…), I am able to tell what I am lacking…
- I have tons of salsa and no tortilla chips. :)
- I am out, I repeat, out of macaroni and cheese, which is hubby’s favorite side dish.
- I don’t have any fresh veggies right now, but I have tons of frozen and canned ones.
- I never have enough diced tomatoes or tomato sauce.
- I need chili mixes (or to make my own).
- I actually need chicken. If I had known how badly before I defrosted my freezer, I would have bought more when it was on sale cheap at Harris Teeter.
I have a list of “do not buy for a while” items too like salsa, toothpaste, soup, and cereal. I wouldn’t have either list if I had not spent this month Taming my Stockpile.
What now?
- I take the list of items I need and actively hunt for rock bottom prices on the items. What do I consider to be rock bottom? Free or more than 75% off after coupon is a rock bottom deal for me, depending on the item. Then again, I probably won’t save 75% on my tortilla chips. But I will probably buy them anyway!
- I need to try my best to actually put the items away where the belong, so I avoid the situation in my video any time soon.
- I get to give out my donation bags, yay! I also get to take the money we’ve saved on groceries this month and apply it to our debt!
Come back next Friday for a wrap-up, fun giveaway, and linky!
So how do you fill in the gaps in your stockpile?
I disclose : There may be affiliate links in this post.
{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
I have the same issue with tomatoes! I am lucky though I have a farmer grandpa and a canning grandma so – get a lot of my canned tomatoes free! But we go through so much!
I need to grown more and can more. I have honestly only watched my parents can something. I am scared to try it alone!
I started canning last year- tomatoes are easy because you can water can them! it’s get more difficult with things like green beans, etc (but those freeze awesome) that you have to use a pressure canner for!
Give it a try- if you lived closer I’d let you try my extra canning set out before you decided. If you do live close to the Triad send me an email and I am seriously happy to let you try it out this summer!
It made me smile just for you to offer! Thanks!
I also recommend giving canning a shot. even green beans are actually easy, they just take more time and a pressure cooker! I started canning 2 years ago, and I have about 18 jars of peaches, spag sauce and green beans that are all from my garden last summer. If you have anyone close by who cans, I recommend giving it a shot. Its a hobby of mine and a definate favorite!! Easiest yet was strawberry jam and I made 18 jars am already down to 2! Hopefully strawberries from the south start coming to the stores soon at a decent price until my garden takes off!
I took a lesson from you a few weeks ago and started a list of things I do not need to buy. I’m glad to have the idea early, while I’m still building up my stash. Now everytime I see a toothpaste coupon, I remind myself, “Do NOT buy that!” I put the list in my coupon book.
Great Lucy, I am glad that you are benefiting from my craziness! :)
I am going back to week 1 and reading up – I really need to do this!! I do know however, we have a TON of tomato sauce and dced tomatoes. I bought and canned EIGHT bushels this year… and we don’t even really like diced tomatoes :P
I love them in soups, chili, and salsa. I haven’t ever canned my own. I need to learn!
I started canning vegetables and most importantly strawberry jam, since both my school age girls take cold lunch with pb&J’S almost every day to lunch… it really is SO simple and just takes a little time. I highly recommend sitting in on a canning session with gramps and gram!
Danni,
Perhaps when garden season comes around, you could send me a short tutorial to post. I know I would love to learn, and others would too! :)
Since I am pretty new to the stockpiling and couponing way of life, I dont have much of a stockpile YET, however with your help, I have been able to find some great bargains like shampoo, razors, lipcare, and canned goods for just over 50% off of what I would have normally been paying full price for. I dont have much of a stockpile to tame, but I have had to organize it a few times since I am still trying to figure out where exactly I want those items to go. I appreciate all your work in helping others! Luckily in this challenge my husband has been understanding. Somedays my amazing deals suprise him and other days he thinks I must be a complete lunatic for buying 8 bottles of shampoo and conditioner, but with a family of 6 we go through it quick! And I have already saved what I consider a good amount of money that we are also able to put toward debt!
Thanks again for all you do!
Danni,
I am so glad to help!!
Canning is a great way to save big. My wonderful mother-in-law bought us a canner and it has a book with directions in it. We watch yard sales and thrift stores for jars, just check around the rim for chips. Big Lots had cases for $7.00 last spring and summer also. We also got strawberries very cheap late in the season from produce stands because they were quite ripe. I live in the Hickory/Morganton area and would love to help anyone that was interested. (We even canned deer meat!)
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