I love fancy. I love an expensive meal. A delicious glass of(or bottle) of red wine. I love a trip (an adventure).
I work hard for my money. Like most people.
Ive come a long way from the girl with holes in her shoes. The woman who could barely afford groceries.
I can go to Costco and spend a ridiculous amount of money.
Last year I decided that I would reduce my shopping at Target and Amazon.
It changed the way I thought about spending. I didn't have to have everything the next day and often, I found that I didn't need most things. At one point in my life I decided that being able to buy what I want seemed like such freedom! Turns out, I feel like NOT buying things is a bigger freedom!
My friend told me that in January she was limiting her spending to things that are essential. What a great idea! In addition I'll be doing clean outs and eating from the pantry and the freezer.
I've planned out the meals for the community fridge. Sometimes I make meals and divide them up and sometimes I make sandwiches and snack bags. I've been looking my pantry and freezer and I've got my list of meals for the month that I can make with little to no additional purchases.
Chicken Parmesan with Noodles and Sauce
I have a GIANT bag of Chicken Nuggets that was donated to me. I'm going to put a dab of sauce and mozzarella cheese on them. I've got noodles and sauce in the pantry. I've got bread (and some ravioli & meatballs I'll use up too). It feels good to use up what I've got so much of!
Chicken Alfredo & noodles
I have chicken I canned myself and lots of noodles
Beans and Ham
Frozen Ham leftover from Christmas and dried beans. I'll make it in the Instant Pot.
Mini Quiches & Sausage
I have Mini quiches and sausages in the freezer.
It feels good to provide delicious meals and to be able to clean out my freezer and pantry. Thats why I keep it stocked in the first place. 😏
I'm thankful that I have skills to make meals and I am thankful for a stocked pantry to pull from to do these things.
I am simplifying as many aspects of my life as possible. How I spend my money (saving more!! and giving those dollars a job - YNAB!), how I serve, live, and love.
Let's go 2026!
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