I'm doing a modified grocery challenge (first time I've ever tried one). I'm doing a low-spend/buy, trying to buy mostly fresh fruits and dairy, or any other perishables. But because a couple of the grocery stores often insanely low-priced loss leaders (one week I was able to get chuck roast for $1.99/lb, and sirloin steak, beef stew meat, and taco meat for 2.99/lb. -- spent $60 and saved more than $135), so I'm not going to pass up deals like that even if I am on a grocery challenge.
I'm glad you're finding ways to make the challenge work for you! It's definitely about finding balance. Because I agree with you completely. You shouldn't skip out on loss leaders like that! 🙌
Greetings from central Florida. We are snowbirds until April . I brought food from my pantry/ freezer from home and planned on not shopping much in January. When I got here I learned the Winn Dixie here is closing in ten days. The discount is 40 to 50 percent of so I had to take advantage of some canned meat deals. I did spend $51.00 but I feel like it will be worth it.
I live in Savannah and drive to Brunswick every 2 to 3 months for canned drinks. I love the Chek freshy . It's crazy but I got hooked on it in college in late 80's. It's a grapefruit flavor
I think that sounds very smart of you to stock up on those closing discounts! Especially on canned goods that are going to last. Totally worth it in my book too! 🙌
I am not a coffee or tea person (well, I do love chai latte's, but let's be honest, that is really sugar, milk, and spices. Yum!) but there is one tea that I actually do enjoy - Stash Licorice Spice - so good!
Good to know! I have to say that I tried the winter tea and it is still pretty tea like. 😂 I am going to give it another try though! I am just not a coffee or tea person but I am going to give it my best!
I am doing a pantry freezer clean out. So I am modifying it. Just buying fresh fruit,vegetables, eggs and dairy only. I don't know for how long but I really want to see the bottom of my chest freezer. I will trying to use up the what we're you thinking food items first. Love your videos. I will watch whatever you post.
Great goal! Seeing the bottom of your chest freezer is a good and ambitious goal! And supplementing with fresh produce and dairy sounds smart - and doable!
Tea. I was a big coffee drinker (until about a month ago) but i also love tea, especially when I'm sick. Now I'm off coffee and tea (dr advice, even decaf and hot chocolate 😭). Even most herbals are out. So I'm exploring new varieties. So far I'm liking Pukka chamomile vanilla honey, Pukka turmeric active, Pukka three ginger, Bigelow whispering wildflower, Organic India Tulsi (though this one might taste too much like tea for you). I've also taken to mixing a dash of ground ginger and about half tsp of maple syrup or honey with a cup of hot water. Some days it's just the right thing ... and also way cheaper than some of those teas I've listed above 😂
Good luck finding new teas you like! I'm not a fan of the winter one but I will keep trying...or just stick to my seltzer water! 😂 I just like a hot option for cold winter mornings or when I have a sore throat. 😏
I'm doing the pantry challenge. Two of us here. I'm allowing for my husband's weekly gallon of milk and misc fresh produce and dairy. So far we've spent $11.
No pantry challenge here. Or maybe i should say our challenge will be different. Due to new diet changes, I'll need to figure out what I can eat and then stock up on some different foods to eat we already have. We do buy a lot of fresh fruits and veg and that won't change. I think the person who said they'll still shop the good sales is wise in that decision. We all need to do what works for us
Yes! It's all about making it work for you. And your approach if figuring out new foods and stocking up on those sounds like a great challenge for you! Good luck!
That is perfectly fine! It's all about doing what works for you! And when you are just starting to stock up, you definitely stay focused on finding the deals to build your stockpile! I'm excited that you are building your stockpile! 🥳
I done a pantry challenge last month and my total was 209$ for 2, milk, breads, produce, fruit. Stuff for lunches but i have a huge larder of home grown food and meats. I am trying this month but #1 grandson blows my budget he is my ❤. He is almost 16 and convinced me to make another homemade pizza today. Bugger😂. I did a shop, and a mr macs discount grocery shop but dont have time to share with friends. I am getting farm ready for our snowstorm sunday and i work 12s this weekend.😊
Wow! Good for you! That is a very low total after a pantry challenge. And I am sure your grandson loved your homemade pizza! Stay warm and safe with all the snow coming your way!
Happy new year,i am doing low spend/ use it up challenge. I started last week of December and its going great. I am trying to get a grasp on food waste.
I don’t do a pantry challenge because I feel like my normal grocery budget is my challenge already. I like to stock up on the cheapest stuff whenever I find them 😊
I’m going to do it for the first time. I will need to buy fresh fruit for my husband’s breakfasts and lunches and the grandkids, and milk. If I see a great sale on something I’m not overly stocked on, I’ll buy that. But I’ve got things I want to work through…hoping my kids and grandkids will help me throughout the year!! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on next year’s budget and plan!!
I'm doing a pantry challenge but I am buying milk and fruit. But you are so good at shopping sales, I don't feel like I should suggest what you should do. I have about 800 jars of home canned food I have to constantly cycle through. I do make meals for friends pretty often too (to give them if they're sick or have a new baby or whatever).
Wow! I am impressed that you have so much canned! That's amazing, and yes, definitely important to rotate through what you have! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
With uncertain times ahead I don’t think I would use my stockpile w/o replacing w sale items. Maybe you can haul sales only and not use until challenge is over. Also they are dairy free at 3 rivers so maybe buy fresh produce and milk only. Just store and mark your purchases separately. You’ve got butter😜so do I.
I like the Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea. I think it’s similar to when you make hot apple cider with the red hot candies. The cinnamon makes it extra tasty, and I don’t think it tastes much like black tea.
I am doing the challenge to get a few things gas cleaned out and make sure nothing expires etc. I would love to see it but please don’t feel pressured.
I decided to minimize spending as much as possible and to do an "every bit count's" challenge as Jessica does in August every year. I did this because I felt like I was able to build the pantry quickly and I have many recipes to can up with the ingredients already on the shelf. I am also following Sutton's Daze Canuary.
my husband is from schulenburg ☺️ we’re in NC now though. Thanks for sharing your haul! I’ve been having extreme anxiety lately and your videos calm me for some reason 😌
Yay Schulenburg! Once a Texan, always a Texan, right? I've lived up North longer than I ever lived in Texas but still have those roots and memories too. 🥰 I am sorry to hear about your anxiety but am glad my videos are calming to you! I hope the days and weeks ahead get easier - and less anxious for you. ❤️
I’ve decided to to do a semi-pantry challenge 😂. I will purchase a lot less than usual but I will buy fresh items and limited good sale items if I need them. This way my stock doesn’t diminish too much but I’m using up what I have.
I love peppermint tea with a splash of heavy cream. It’s just dh and I and I started a new job on the 16th, we both work for our county now and so we’re able to carpool. Less shopping for me because I used to be right down the road from Kroger. I’m focusing on using up what I have and pairing down some.
It was amazing December weather! 😍 We enjoyed fresh tortillas from HEB with our chicken fajitas but I forgot to grab some after the wedding to bring home to Indiana! 😩 HEB has such good tortillas!
I do a modified challenge where I use up the food in freezers, Pantry but not to the point of having to then replenish it all. I still buy fresh fruit, veggies, dairy and the loss leaders but we forgo buying snacks and more of the nice to have things and use up what we have.
The price for the tea was fantastic. I always add a bit of sugar to bring out the flavor or the tea. I find it rather bland and yucky without a bit of sweetener.
I don't know your email BUT all the monthly files are now bundled as one download with this signup. If you are already on my newsletter, you won't get added again. 😉 That's probably the quickest way to get the list! landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z2v2g2
I really like the fact that your channel tries to shop sales and shares with us. I usually watch to see where the best buy is for me. You give a lot of detail. IMO pantry challenges are not helpful. Your family has to like the food and you are stocked up in said food. So very personal and not helpful to watch. But that is just my opinion.
Thanks for that feedback! And good points. Pantry challenges are very unique to each family. I do love shopping the sales and sharing the deals with you too! 🥰
I'm doing a modified grocery challenge (first time I've ever tried one). I'm doing a low-spend/buy, trying to buy mostly fresh fruits and dairy, or any other perishables. But because a couple of the grocery stores often insanely low-priced loss leaders (one week I was able to get chuck roast for $1.99/lb, and sirloin steak, beef stew meat, and taco meat for 2.99/lb. -- spent $60 and saved more than $135), so I'm not going to pass up deals like that even if I am on a grocery challenge.
I'm glad you're finding ways to make the challenge work for you! It's definitely about finding balance. Because I agree with you completely. You shouldn't skip out on loss leaders like that! 🙌
Greetings from central Florida. We are snowbirds until April . I brought food from my pantry/ freezer from home and planned on not shopping much in January. When I got here I learned the Winn Dixie here is closing in ten days. The discount is 40 to 50 percent of so I had to take advantage of some canned meat deals. I did spend $51.00 but I feel like it will be worth it.
I live in Savannah and drive to Brunswick every 2 to 3 months for canned drinks. I love the Chek freshy . It's crazy but I got hooked on it in college in late 80's. It's a grapefruit flavor
I think that sounds very smart of you to stock up on those closing discounts! Especially on canned goods that are going to last. Totally worth it in my book too! 🙌
Happy new year!
Same to you!
Great deal on those lights! So glad you had such a good trip and Christmas break. 😊
Thanks! It was a much needed time away but it is always good to be home too.
I liked the gift idea! You got some great deals!
Thanks! I love shopping clearance...especially after the holidays!
I am not a coffee or tea person (well, I do love chai latte's, but let's be honest, that is really sugar, milk, and spices. Yum!) but there is one tea that I actually do enjoy - Stash Licorice Spice - so good!
I feel the same way about a good chai latte...it's way more other things than tea, but so yummy! 😊
I would like to learn how you make your homemade hand soap.😊
It's SO easy! For now, here are the written directions of how I do it! joyfullythriving.com/how-to-frugally-make-foaming-soap/
I love dandelion root, its earthy, lemon too. Preferebly organic😊
Good to know! I have to say that I tried the winter tea and it is still pretty tea like. 😂 I am going to give it another try though! I am just not a coffee or tea person but I am going to give it my best!
I am doing a pantry freezer clean out. So I am modifying it. Just buying fresh fruit,vegetables, eggs and dairy only. I don't know for how long but I really want to see the bottom of my chest freezer. I will trying to use up the what we're you thinking food items first. Love your videos. I will watch whatever you post.
Great goal! Seeing the bottom of your chest freezer is a good and ambitious goal! And supplementing with fresh produce and dairy sounds smart - and doable!
I paid 28.00 for a 5 dozen box of eggs at my local Kroger in Washington State. The 18 count was $10. So, stock up if you find good deals.
Costco has 2 doz free range eggs for 5.99 ( Lacy, and Tacoma Costco if you can get in there or get someone to pick them up for you ❤)
Whoa! 😩😫😭 I wish I could send you some Midwest eggs!
Yep, also in WA, the most basic Kroger eggs are $7/doz, a little over $10 for the 18 ct. Time for some backyard chickens :)
$2.49 eggs! Wow not here in southern CA. 😂 great price on tea! Love peppermint tea, green tea, white tea.
Ugh. I probably don't want to know what your California egg prices are! 🤪 Kudos to you for all you do to make it work! 👏
Eggs are near $4 a dozen and we left them sit on the shelves. Can live without them for awhile.
I totally get that. We’re all making adjustments!
Tea. I was a big coffee drinker (until about a month ago) but i also love tea, especially when I'm sick. Now I'm off coffee and tea (dr advice, even decaf and hot chocolate 😭). Even most herbals are out. So I'm exploring new varieties. So far I'm liking Pukka chamomile vanilla honey, Pukka turmeric active, Pukka three ginger, Bigelow whispering wildflower, Organic India Tulsi (though this one might taste too much like tea for you). I've also taken to mixing a dash of ground ginger and about half tsp of maple syrup or honey with a cup of hot water. Some days it's just the right thing ... and also way cheaper than some of those teas I've listed above 😂
Good luck finding new teas you like! I'm not a fan of the winter one but I will keep trying...or just stick to my seltzer water! 😂 I just like a hot option for cold winter mornings or when I have a sore throat. 😏
I'm doing the pantry challenge. Two of us here. I'm allowing for my husband's weekly gallon of milk and misc fresh produce and dairy. So far we've spent $11.
Wow! That is a great start to the pantry challenge! Good luck!
Winter tea is wonderful, you'll like it.
I am looking forward to trying it in the morning!
No pantry challenge here. Or maybe i should say our challenge will be different. Due to new diet changes, I'll need to figure out what I can eat and then stock up on some different foods to eat we already have. We do buy a lot of fresh fruits and veg and that won't change. I think the person who said they'll still shop the good sales is wise in that decision. We all need to do what works for us
Yes! It's all about making it work for you. And your approach if figuring out new foods and stocking up on those sounds like a great challenge for you! Good luck!
I can not do a no spend month. I am just starting to do the stock up process. I will watch either way.
That is perfectly fine! It's all about doing what works for you! And when you are just starting to stock up, you definitely stay focused on finding the deals to build your stockpile! I'm excited that you are building your stockpile! 🥳
Happy New Year! We’re going to try low spend, just filling in where we need to and see how that goes🙂
You got this! Low spend is a great frugal option! 🙌
I done a pantry challenge last month and my total was 209$ for 2, milk, breads, produce, fruit. Stuff for lunches but i have a huge larder of home grown food and meats. I am trying this month but #1 grandson blows my budget he is my ❤. He is almost 16 and convinced me to make another homemade pizza today. Bugger😂. I did a shop, and a mr macs discount grocery shop but dont have time to share with friends. I am getting farm ready for our snowstorm sunday and i work 12s this weekend.😊
Wow! Good for you! That is a very low total after a pantry challenge. And I am sure your grandson loved your homemade pizza! Stay warm and safe with all the snow coming your way!
Happy new year,i am doing low spend/ use it up challenge. I started last week of December and its going great. I am trying to get a grasp on food waste.
That’s awesome! I hope it goes well for you!
I don’t do a pantry challenge because I feel like my normal grocery budget is my challenge already. I like to stock up on the cheapest stuff whenever I find them 😊
Understood! You keep a very tight and frugal budget, Alison! 🙌
I’m going to do it for the first time. I will need to buy fresh fruit for my husband’s breakfasts and lunches and the grandkids, and milk. If I see a great sale on something I’m not overly stocked on, I’ll buy that. But I’ve got things I want to work through…hoping my kids and grandkids will help me throughout the year!! Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on next year’s budget and plan!!
Good luck, Elaine! I love the idea of working through things - and supplementing with fresh produce and dairy. 🙌
Kroger 18ct Large Grade A $5.99 🤯
I was a little sticker shocked this week. For the past year, they were $3.39 or less.
Eek! It is ridiculous how quickly the egg prices have jumped up again! 😩
Wow great finds. I am looking forward to the next video. Thank you for sharing with us.
Thanks! I love shopping Christmas clearance...I just wish there had been more! 😉 Results and new budget coming soon! Promise!
What is your recipe for your foaming soap, please?
It's so incredibly easy! Here's how I do it...joyfullythriving.com/how-to-frugally-make-foaming-soap/
We use foaming soap recipe too with soft soap (costco) , essential oils, and water. 😎
Happy New Year looking forward to seeing you and all the new sales coming up for us share 😉❤
Ty
I'm doing a pantry challenge but I am buying milk and fruit. But you are so good at shopping sales, I don't feel like I should suggest what you should do. I have about 800 jars of home canned food I have to constantly cycle through. I do make meals for friends pretty often too (to give them if they're sick or have a new baby or whatever).
Wow! I am impressed that you have so much canned! That's amazing, and yes, definitely important to rotate through what you have! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
With uncertain times ahead I don’t think I would use my stockpile w/o replacing w sale items. Maybe you can haul sales only and not use until challenge is over. Also they are dairy free at 3 rivers so maybe buy fresh produce and milk only. Just store and mark your purchases separately. You’ve got butter😜so do I.
Yes, agreed. I don't really want to eat down my stockpile that much but I do want to make sure I am using my perishables in the freezer!
I like the Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice tea. I think it’s similar to when you make hot apple cider with the red hot candies. The cinnamon makes it extra tasty, and I don’t think it tastes much like black tea.
Thanks for that recommendation!
I am doing the challenge to get a few things gas cleaned out and make sure nothing expires etc. I would love to see it but please don’t feel pressured.
Thanks for the support either way! 😁 And good for you in getting things cleaned out and organized! Good luck!
I decided to minimize spending as much as possible and to do an "every bit count's" challenge as Jessica does in August every year. I did this because I felt like I was able to build the pantry quickly and I have many recipes to can up with the ingredients already on the shelf. I am also following Sutton's Daze Canuary.
Love this! Every bit counts! So true. And both those channels have great things to share!
my husband is from schulenburg ☺️ we’re in NC now though.
Thanks for sharing your haul! I’ve been having extreme anxiety lately and your videos calm me for some reason 😌
Yay Schulenburg! Once a Texan, always a Texan, right? I've lived up North longer than I ever lived in Texas but still have those roots and memories too. 🥰 I am sorry to hear about your anxiety but am glad my videos are calming to you! I hope the days and weeks ahead get easier - and less anxious for you. ❤️
I’ve decided to to do a semi-pantry challenge 😂. I will purchase a lot less than usual but I will buy fresh items and limited good sale items if I need them. This way my stock doesn’t diminish too much but I’m using up what I have.
I like that plan! You will still get the benefits of shopping the sales without depleting your pantry! That is how I am leaning to!
I love peppermint tea with a splash of heavy cream. It’s just dh and I and I started a new job on the 16th, we both work for our county now and so we’re able to carpool. Less shopping for me because I used to be right down the road from Kroger. I’m focusing on using up what I have and pairing down some.
Yay for carpools! I hope the transition to the new job goes smoothly! And good job focusing on using what you have! 👏
Greetings from San Antonio! Hope we treated y’all right! I think the weather was very mild and comfortable! Were you able to visit H-E-B?
It was amazing December weather! 😍 We enjoyed fresh tortillas from HEB with our chicken fajitas but I forgot to grab some after the wedding to bring home to Indiana! 😩 HEB has such good tortillas!
Im not doing pantry challenge You got some awesome deals 😊 ❤God Bless You Big Hello to Caleb 😁💖
Thanks, Rita! I love finding good deals like this week! 🥰
❤❤❤❤❤
Good deal on your eggs! They’re $6.99 a dozen in southern MN!
Oh my goodness! That is crazy high! 😮😩😫
I do a modified challenge where I use up the food in freezers, Pantry but not to the point of having to then replenish it all. I still buy fresh fruit, veggies, dairy and the loss leaders but we forgo buying snacks and more of the nice to have things and use up what we have.
I think that sounds like a great way to approach it! Love your perspective and take on the challenge! 🙌
The price for the tea was fantastic. I always add a bit of sugar to bring out the flavor or the tea. I find it rather bland and yucky without a bit of sweetener.
Thanks for that tip! I will definitely try it!
Our kroger chicken is 1.49 per lb for split breasts
Wow! That is a great price! 🙌
Can you send me your December 'What to buy in December- December sales'? I have all but this one. Thanks!
I don't know your email BUT all the monthly files are now bundled as one download with this signup. If you are already on my newsletter, you won't get added again. 😉 That's probably the quickest way to get the list! landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/z2v2g2
I wish we had Kroger here in New England. They have such great sales!
I wish everyone had a Kroger too!
I really like the fact that your channel tries to shop sales and shares with us. I usually watch to see where the best buy is for me. You give a lot of detail. IMO pantry challenges are not helpful. Your family has to like the food and you are stocked up in said food. So very personal and not helpful to watch.
But that is just my opinion.
Thanks for that feedback! And good points. Pantry challenges are very unique to each family. I do love shopping the sales and sharing the deals with you too! 🥰
Happy new year!