So I had started this post over a week ago. I had typed out this whole long post about my 3 week challenge and how it was going and then all this stuff kept coming up and haven't gotten to finish it. Then yesterday Maddie was sitting on my lap as I was working on it and she said very matter of factly. That's a lot of words:) She was right. I was even feeling a little turned around inside my own post. So as I was thinking about it tonight I decided to start fresh, maybe take parts of my other post. I sat down to take a look at my draft, pushed open and... THE WHOLE THING HAD BEEN DELETED!!! So I guess it's good I decided to start from scratch :)
I HAVE A CONFESSION! I did go to the store twice. But I walked in for a Chobani and coconut water after my long run and I walked out with a Chobani and coconut water BOTH TIMES! That in itself is a MIRACLE! I have never stuck to a list before, especially for 2 things. I always end up walking out with at least a bagful. OK AND I did send Joe (when we smoked our turkey) to get a box of stuffing and a can of cranberry sauce. Because YOU CAN'T EAT TURKEY WITHOUT THAT STUFF! Phew. That feels better to get off my chest :) But I did NOT grocery shop for real, for over 3 weeks. That's big for me.
So sending a newly reformed grocery shop-a-holic into a grocery store with a list and a within reason budget was pretty much like sending a alcoholic into the liquor store. I felt a euphoric feeling rush over me. I had been agonizing over getting my list organized for a week and I was afraid of going over board, but I went from each section of my kitchen and made my list. I then gave myself the go ahead to give myself one "impulse meal" I think that Saturday or Sunday are going to be my day to look through my mags and find what we want on impulse, but more on that later.) So when I entered the store I went in with my cart ( I hadn't pushed one in almost a MONTH!) Oh how I'd missed it. I really did. I LOVE GROCERY SHOPPING!
So this is what it looks like when you go to the store after not grocery shopping for OVER 3 weeks.
This is one cart from 2 sides. I don't know how I got it to the checkout.
This is how little you have to throw out, when you clean out your fridge, after using everything up, after not going grocery shopping for over 3 weeks.
This shop also included a large amount of necessities like detergent, chlorine free bleach, fabric softener, diapers, dish soap, shampoo/conditioner...Wine :)
And a lot of pantry essentials. Flour, baking powder, mayo, vinegar, oil.
It took me 3 hours to organize everything and get it put away!
The only veggies I got were ones I knew I wasn't getting in my order and those that are staples for us. Cucumber, carrots and celery.
Only 1 weeks worth of Pomegranate Chobani. I'll need it after my long run Tuesday. I will be having to buy that next week.
Unfortunately sometimes as healthy as I want to be...it is necessary to have some packaged/processed items on hand. Turkey dogs and string cheese aren't the worst thing I could have brought home, so I'm not beating myself up too bad :)
I needed bread products, tortillas and crackers. As well as a couple sugary breakfast cereals to keep on hand in case of running late breakfast emergency :)
The pantry is pretty much re-stocked. I have a list of inventory as well as a list of a couple things I still need to grab.
A full deli drawer...YAY!
My easy grab pantry cabinet I have right next to my oven/stove. That way I have the stuff I need in a pinch near by. I made sure to pick up the stuff I use daily so I was all ready to go.
Nice and Neat!
SO the bottom line is I saved A LOT! I learned A LOT! Yes I still got my deliveries, milk products, eggs and produce. But I was still able to eliminate realistically...AT LEAST 3 shopping trips of $150-$200 each in 3 weeks. So I cut almost $600 out of my grocery bill this month! Just by going through my pantry, fridge, freezer and using what I had. Obviously every month (if I keep this mentality going) is not going to be this drastic. Because as I move forward I'll keep using what I have and hopefully not end up with this type of surplus again. I have made the change in my mind that "although spinach would make these lasagna rolls amazing for dinner, I don't need to run out and get it RIGHT NOW!" They will taste pretty great without it and it will save me the trip, plus whatever money I would spend on whatever else I'd throw in my cart :)
I think I have mentioned our family's High/Low Dinner time routine. We each say the High/Low of our day... My High/Low for this challenge is this. (I like to go Low/High;)
LOW: The Saturday that I really wanted a good steak for dinner and I was feeling really grouchy and down about this "STUPID FREAKING CHALLENGE! WHY DID I THINK I COULD DO THIS!"
HIGH: When in 40 minutes I whipped up a birthday layer cake for my mom. One with home made Creamy chocolate Buttercream frosting in the middle and a Mexican Chocolate with Grand Marnier Ganache! Because I just didn't have it in me to run to the store and I wanted to prove I could do it. I did it all from stuff in my house!
Are you up for the challenge? :)
enJOY!
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