This week I had my menu all planned and I had already seen the inside of Costco and Winco. Then it happened. I did not have a key ingredient to make my scheduled lasagna. I was a little ticked at myself for not checking to make sure I had the Ricotta, but life happens. So did I march my little hiney over to Target to get it? I mean it's literally just down the street. I am proud to say I did not! I used what I had instead and modified my menu to keep me OUT. OF. THE. STORE. I decided to make Baked Ziti instead. I am so glad I did! I got the two thumbs up in between mouthfuls, which always makes me smile.
The moral of this story is that we have an abundance of food in this house for which I am eternally grateful. During this "Pantry Challenge" I have learned a lot about how I shop. I have always been a list maker, but I do mess up sometimes and forget something I need. During this challenge I learned to make do or do without. This new thinking has spilled over from the pantry into all areas of my household. I am not running to the store every time I run out of something. Instead I am using up other versions of my favorites. I am using up all the other lotions I have rather than running to go get more of my favorite scent. My whole mindset is changing for the better!
Right now we are working to stretch every dollar we have during our family's time of uncertainty. I am hopeful that these new "habits" don't go away when our finances change, but instead become part of how we function as a family. I am grateful for the abundance in our lives, but I do not for one minute ever want to take it for granted. Reminding myself to make do or do without is the new mantra continually running through my mind.
Until next time,
This post is linked to Gratituesday over at Heavenly Homemakers.
This post is also linked to Money Saving Mom for the Pantry Challenge.
What a great thing to do. I'll have to come back and read more about the pantry challenge. I always running out to the store to grab this and that. I ultimately end up with more that than this. LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thoughts! I've learned to be more creative with the things I have and have tried some new things too! I have been just amazed at how much food we truly had in our home (and my pantry was not overflowing by any means)!
ReplyDeleteI love that you've been telling yourself "make do or do without"! I found that quote "Use it up, Wear it out, Make it do, or Do without" last week and I've been quoting it to myself also! :)
What a great experience for you all, sometimes it takes a tough season to really see the blessings.
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