Once a month shopping

I'm sure most families face weeks when there is just not enough money to cover what needs to be covered. With four kids, a battle with cancer and moving expenses, we've had a few of those. Some weeks, I didn't have anything for groceries. Some weeks, I had to feed six (or more when I was watching my niece and nephews) on $25 to $40. I've learned a lot about stretching what I have in the pantry.

The weird thing is that I find myself happier when I'm making much out of a little. I had chalked it up to enjoying being creative with what resources I had. But I've heard others talk about how happy they found themselves in the lean times. So I think it's more about being content with what we have. As well as being good stewards by using what we have to its fullest potential. Repurposing leftovers and stretching with quick breads and desserts.

So how can we recreate that when the bank account isn't rapidly approaching the red? I decided to do once a month shopping this month. I was really just tired of going to the grocery store so often but after planning it out, I decided that I would chose to do without whatever I forgot other than milk, flour, bananas and the turkey needed for Thanksgiving. By chosing to do without even though we have money in the bank, I am creating an atmosphere of contentment and necessary stewardship.

I don't have a day to go shopping all day except for Sunday and I just don't want to spend Sunday shopping. So this month, I went to Sam's one night, Save-a-lot the next night and Walmart the following night. I made sure we had diapers, paper products, cleaning products, plenty of pantry items that were versatile in creating meals, lots of beans, flour, peanut butter, etc. I spent $420 for a family of six.

I made sure that I had planned for Thanksgiving. Advent will be during this time. Last year, we had a Jesse Tea that we will repeat this year. We will also celebrate a Tea for Our Lady of Guadalupe. So I planned for each of these events with special ingredients in my shopping list. I don't plan on shopping again other than my exception items of flour, milk and bananas until the week before Christmas.

I think I did really well for the first month. I've decided to do without a dryer so that my freezer will fit in the utility room. So next month will have more options of being able to stock up on discounted perishables.

It's very calming that I have all the grocery shopping and Christmas shopping done. The next four weeks will be about creating memories at home without the consumerism focus that the holiday season has become. I will have to remember to get pictures of some of the special treats I have planned so I can blog about them.

Happy Thanksgiving!