I've been doing pretty well on my pantry challenge, but there have been a few exceptions...
I really wanted to just buy nothing at all for the whole challenge, but found that we really truly needed a few items. Watch how I rationalize:
Deodorant- It comes from the grocery store, so it's questionable. But since it doesn't go in thepantry, I figured it'd be okay. Plus, I was completely out. And stinky.
Coffee drink- I splurged on a beverage purchase because I had to work until 2am. I think that alone qualifies it as an allowable exception purchase.
Pizza from Pizza Luce- This would normally go into our food budget and is totally cheating...Except that I had a GIFT CARD so I didn't actually spend any money! So it's justified.
Water- Not just any water, but triple filtered reverse osmosis water. I just can't drink the stuff from the tap unless I cover the taste with lemon (which we're out of). Is this snobby? Yes. An allowable exception because I need it to sustain life and I refill a jug and it's only $0.40 a gallon? Also yes.
I decided that my goal is to make it until Thanksgiving without buying groceries. And surprisingly, this is one food challenge that Mike is going along with! I've had no luck with him on the Eat Local Challenge or general food bugeting, but he suggested we do a pantry challenge for one week out of every month. Now I think awhile before committing to that one, but it doesn't seem so scary anymore. Especially when my pantry is still terribly full. And so is the fridge. And so is the freezer.
Thanks for everyone's encouragement! Who knew folks would get excited about not grocery shopping!?
7 comments:
Coffee shouldn't be counted as cheating- it's a necessity!;) Have a great rest of the weekend!
I love watching your pantry challenge. It's inspiring. I've been trying to cut my trips to the grocery store to once a week, and it's not so easy!
totally allowable exceptions. and what is this triple filtered reverse osmosis water? sounds interesting.
I think your exceptions were totally allowable!
Ok, I'm totally convinced that I need to do one of these challenges. I think it would be good for me to use up all the stuff I have sitting around. You're doing great!
Exceptions...definitely!
I love the idea of a pantry challenge. I wanted to do one for MoFo, but that lasted all of about 2 days.
I really like the one week a month idea. I could definitely do that!
You and Happyherbivore inspired me, and i actually pulled out my cans ans jars and paired canned and frozen food with dried things (beans, grains), i had 5 instant meals, complete protein and everything! I need to also do this once a month to clean out the freezer and the fridge, so i will. thanks for the inspiration!
(although, the hubs can't go without rice moo and cereal- but i'm cool)
Liz, I am in complete awe. Admittedly this is for my own edification, but sometime, can you post about your nifty food management system? I want to know more about that list of pantry staples...!
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