I thought I'd document my shopping list and pantry organization for all of you. I know at least Gigi cares, so that's good enough for a blog post from me!
Basically, I started a few days ago by getting out a notebook and writing down all of the food I normally buy at the store. Then, I added staples that I don't buy too often but need to have around (baking soda, baking powder, spices, aluminum foil, etc...). My list was getting pretty long. I then thought about some of my favorite "go-to" meals. These are meals I make often because we like them and I usually have the ingredients on hand. If I didn't have any of the ingredients for those dishes on my list, I added them.
I went to Menus4moms to get an idea of someone else's pantry list. It turned out to be a fabulous resource and it is even helping me keep my house clean (ala Flylady---but without having to wear shoes or pants--ha ha-- and clean my sink everyday). I filled in whatever gaps I had left on my list and then typed it up. I printed it out and then went around the house clearing out all the shelves in my pantry, cleaning out the fridge and organizing the freezer. I marked on the list what we had on hand. It was interesting to see the things that I had way too much of (bread crumbs and jello). If you'd like a copy of my shopping list, I'll email it to you. Just send me an email and I'll reply with the file (sra_nelson AT yahoo DOT com).
I divided my list into the sections at my local grocery store. I change the items on the list to bold when I need them. Then, I print out the whole list and I'm good to go.
I have very little pantry space in the kitchen. I have a corner lazy susan cabinet and then another corner cabinet. I keep cereal and chips and stuff in a cabinet above the stove but I can hardly reach it so I don't keep essentials up there. Some of the things that I want to have on hand but not necessarily at my fingertips, I keep downstairs on our shelves in the basement. I keep extra cereal, paper towels, extra flour, sugar, corn starch, corn syrup, popcorn, etc... down there and just bring it up when I need it.
This is not really different from how I had it before---but the difference now is that I know exactly what I have (documented) and a list of exactly what I use on a regular basis. Going to the store this weekend was so stress-free. I also know I won't need to go to the store for things other than basics (like milk) for a while.
Here is our menu for the week:
MONDAY: Shake n' Bake Pork Chops, herbed potatoes, corn on the cob
TUESDAY: Mexican Tacos (chicken w/ onion and cilantro on corn tortillas--squeeze of lime--YUM!)
WEDNESDAY: Meatloaf, salad
THURSDAY: Leftovers
FRIDAY: Turkey burgers, salad, fries
SATURDAY: Soup
SUNDAY: Breakfast for dinner
Monday, February 26, 2007
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Christy,
ReplyDeleteThat's Great! Send me your list.
Mom
Hey! I love Menus4moms! I just started using the menus and grocery list...this week in fact! I made the first meal yesterday. It was pretty good! Have you always know about this site? I haven't done the organizing yet though...just printed off the menus, recipes, and grocery lists. You may inspire me yet though1
ReplyDeleteI've used the site in the past but just recently signed up for the email newsletter. I don't usually follow their weekly menus but it has given me some good ideas for recipes of my own.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I love Breakfast for Dinner!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea. Such organization makes me jealous. Sign me up! I'm sending my email to you now.
ReplyDeleteI wish I could get so organized.
ReplyDeleteWe have 3 big freezers and 3 refrigerators--and a store room of food! I wouldn't know where to start! I try to rotate the food on the shelves but the freezers are out of control. We eat what's on top. Which means we pitch a lot when we defrost!
Wow, Marsha! We don't have an extra freezer or fridge---I wish we had a freezer now that I'm more organized. It's on my list of things to get eventually.
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