What a month of not shopping did for me (and what you might be able to take away from it, too!)

So, we made it. We managed to eat for a whole month without buying groceries. Remember- there were 2 exceptions... milk and eggs were delivered each week, and we had bought in to a Community Supported Agriculture program (CSA) where we get a small box of produce (mostly alien looking vegetables) each week.

I just decided to try this challenge on February 1st. We didn't do any special stocking up (besides what I usually do) or preparing. We just decided to live off what we had in the house.

So was it hard? Actually, not really. The first week, I had a bit of withdrawal over not being able to bargain shop, but it passed pretty quickly. Other than that, it was no biggie. I actually learned a lot. A whole lot.

1. Using coupons and stocking up when things are on sale REALLY makes a difference.
Rob went down to the basement today and yelled up, "Dang Katy! We still have a ton of stuff down here- even after not shopping this month!" I was all, "I know! I rock!"

We went through a lot- but still have plenty left. Buying things like oats, sugar, cereal, pasta, and sauce when it's super cheap or free leaves a huge cushion in our budget. The more basic and versatile the item, the more valuable it is. We went through a LOT of flour, oats, beans, and sauce. They can be used so many ways- they are GREAT to have on hand.

What I have learned to change, however, is to not stock up on dumb stuff we don't use OR things we won't need for a freaking long time. We DO NOT need anymore shampoo or toothpaste. We don't need it taking up space- even if it's free (or makes me money). So will I still buy it? Probably, but it will go in the food pantry box.

2. I am becoming a pretty good cook.
In my mid 20s, if someone had told me that I would be baking bread and making chocolate pudding from scratch, I would have laughed all the way to the Whole Foods prepared meals section. At that point in my life, "cooking" was opening a box and heating its contents in an oven.

However, when forced to use limited ingredients, I have been able to come up with some pretty good stuff. I think taking a bit of time, using my head, googling the names of odd veggies, and building my confidence has done worlds of good.

3. We don't always "need" necessities.
There are so many things I used to consider drop dead musts in our house that we just got by without. Cheese, juice, store bought bread, apple sauce, bananas- we just don't need them. There are other tings to eat in the world... OR, I can make them myself (well, some of them. I do not see myself farming bananas or making cheese in my basement).

So will I be restocking? Yes. I already started. The first thing on my list was orange juice- because while Rob doesn't NEED it, the dude sure does love it. We are out of a lot of basic basics- some will be restocked right away (flour, lemon juice, vanilla, soy sauce), some I will wait for killer sales and re stock them (beans, maple syrup, English muffins, disposable diapers).

So was it worth it? Sure. I think I learned that I don't NEED to buy stuff just because it's cheap. If we don't use it, it's just a waste of money. I think in the long run, this month will really help me shave more off the monthly budget.

Oh- and we did save a good amount by not shopping this month... Probably more than $300. So what's in store for that money? I already spent most of it- on another CSA for this summer. Truth be told, I kind of grew to like the crazy looking vegetables. They made me feel just a bit more more adventurous... and what goofy stay at home mom doesn't need a little adventure in her life?