Another great submission for the $20/$20 Challenge. I’m loving all these canning stockpiles. Makes me super motivated to get on the ball and can more! You guys are inspiring. Here’s Cari’s story:
Hi Mavis,
I thought I would send you some pictures of my pantry as part of your $20/$20 pantry challenge. As far as background: I’m mostly stay-at-home-mom to twin 6 1/2-year-old boys, and I work part time as a dental hygienist. My husband and I have lived in western Washington for the past 13 1/2 years. I spent a lot of time growing up with my grandmothers who both lived through the depression. I was taught to use every ounce, crumb and drop of things. It does drive some of my family bonkers! {What can I say, raspberry freezer jam in re-purposed margarine tubs always makes me think of my grandma!}
I learned to can with my mom and grandma. So, every year I can jams, pickled green beans, relish, apple sauce and whatever I can get my hands on! I also ended up at the dehydrator this year and I’ve been playing with dehydrating different fruits and vegetables.
I do have to admit that I’m not the best meal planner. I have a tendency to have 5 to 6 general ideas of what I’m going to cook for dinner on any given week. I have a list that I keep on my phone and check them off as I complete them. Then, when it comes around time to meal plan I pushed the “show completed” button and up pops everything I’ve cooked over the past several months.
I generally select from that list what I have on hand in my freezer or pantry. I do try to account for specific cravings that my family members may have. Like my kids infatuation with boxed mac & cheese! I also like to play a game with myself to see how long I can go without making a trip to the store.
As far shopping goes, I have a tendency to shop at Fred Meyer’s and Costco as my mainstays. I do also like to go to Winco on occasion to stock up on bulk spices and other sundries. And I also like to hit Trader Joe’s several times a year for a few items. I shop once every two weeks and sometimes I have to go every week depending on how much my children, the neighbor kid, their cousins and friends are eating at any given point in time.
I’m always curious to see how other people live and how they run their lives. I think that’s why I love the blogging world so much. I get to see a good picture of what other people do in their day-to-day. I hope this email is giving you a good little glimpse into our life and our habits.
Have a great day!
Cari
Are you getting your pantries camera ready? You can participate in the $20/$20 Challenge by simply sending in pictures of your pantry. Find out more about the $20/$20 Challenge: Show Your Pantry – Fill a Pantry!
Barb Jones says
Wow! Cari! Way to go big! I appreciate you sharing your endeavors.
Linda says
Cari, thanks so much for posting! I love your pictures! I would love to have home canned tuna! Neighbors of ours used to fish off the coast of Mexico every year & would share their tuna with us. It was amazing!
Janet says
You are very busy and very inspirational to others. You are very blessed with all you have and the knowledge to make things stretch.
I, too, use those lovely little margarine containers for my raspberry freezer jam. They are just the right size, and since I already have them, they are free.
Take care and love those boys of yours.
Susannah says
All that tuna is making my mouth water! I LOVE tuna salad sandwiches, but I’d never used anything but the typical canned stuff. Then a friend recently gave me a glass jar of some her husband caught. What a difference…SO delicious. I’m definitely hooked (pun intended). 😉
Madam Chow says
Oh. My. Word!
sindy says
I too, play the game of trying to see how long I can go without having to go to the store. Love it. Makes me feel very frugal and to know you can sacrifice a little and still survive. That is what I tell my husband when he complains about only having the small taco shells instead of the huge ones he likes. I tell him instead of one big one have two small ones. I refuse to go to the store just for that. Haha He does pout a little…though