KITCHEN CABINET CLEAN OUT CHALLENGE!

Today I am issuing a challenge. A challenge to myself as well as to all of you. It's no secret that we are in a recession and times for many are tough. We are used to living in a spoiled 'gotta have it all' world, and let's face it; in our country we have everything we could possibly want right at our fingertips. Now that many of us are feeling knocked down by the economy, people are becoming more creative in their lifestyles. I think in any hard time, there is always something positive in the outcome. I am enjoying the challenge of finding ways to save money, find a good deal, and be creative in how we spend our money. I think my creativity and savviness have disipated over the years because I haven't HAD to penny pinch. Sure, I cut coupons in the past, but now we rely on them. So where am I going with this? Well, Barry and I have been making some changes lately. Last month we tracked all of our expenses. I mean ALL of them. We saved every blasted receipt. And you know what we discovered??? We spent over $800.00 on food last month. No, I didn't add an extra zero by mistake. Seriously. $800.00. On food. For two and a half people. In one month. O.M.G. Now, granted, there were some diapers and toiletries here and there, but it was predominately food. I was sick to my stomach. SOOO... my goal this month is to cut that bill in half. We will eat out only once this month. We will use up gift cards. ANNND..... my challenge: Ready to hear it? I am challenging myself, and all of you, to a KITCHEN CABINET CLUTTER CLEAN OUT! This month, we are buying only the staples: milk, butter, eggs, etc... I will be using ONLY what we already have in stock. My goal is to not step foot in a grocery store for at least 2 weeks. After the first 2 weeks, I'm hoping to extend the goal, but baby steps man, baby steps... It makes me ill to see how much food we have on hand, so I am looking forward to seeing how creative I can get with my meals. Check out my stash!

My fridge isn't too bad right now. I have a lot of dressings and condiments that I'm looking forward to using in new ways.

Freezer number 1. Don't flame me for having Eggos and TGIFriday's potato skins. They are yummy, and I love them.

Tastefully Simple cabinet #1. I have 2 TS cabinets. I LOVE their products. So much so, that I now have my own Tastefully Simple business! For 7 years I have been their number 1 customer. I wish I had joined sooner! I LOVE partying with awesome people and spreading my love of cooking and creating recipes!

Cabinet number 1: Think I have enough pasta and rice? I have about 5 other boxes of pasta in another unpictured cabinet.

This is my 'baking' cabinet. I have already been inspired to make a cookie or brownie bar for tomorrow night's digiscrapping night!

Snack cabinet. Yeah, this majorly needs cleaned out. FYI: The Twinkie and Nutter Butters are the hubs'. Ok, maybe not the Twinkie.... ok, so I bought the Nutter Butters for him but I'm the one who has been eating them... whaddya want from me???

Meat freezer. I'm anxious to use that little turkey...

Overflow freezer. I am almost out of freezer meals. I may have to spend a weekend whipping up another batch. I love the convenience of heat and eat!

Here is the first 'economy' meal I made: Pioneer Woman's creamy tomato pasta! I used Tastefully Simple's Onion Onion and Garlic Garlic since I didn't have an onion or garlic, and I added some shortcut chicken I had in the freezer. (I got them last month as a buy one get one free!) I had leftover rolls from our tailgate last weekend and buttered them up, added some Garlic Garlic, Parmesean cheese, and mozzarella cheese. The peas were frozen and were screaming to be used! Voila'! A delicious home made meal that cost us nothing! (At least that night it didn't!)

Today I used the rest of the rolls and made bread crumbs. I toasted them for 10 minutes on 400 degrees then popped them in the blender. I can't wait to make some chicken with them!

I'm really gung ho and ready to go! Giant, you will not see me for awhile. Not even for snacks. I know your fully stocked shelves will miss me, but I promise to return... some day. Are YOU up for the challenge??? If so, post your 'use em up' recipes! It's time to get our kitchen creativity back! (And our money too!)

~ Bex