i hate goodbyes, so let's not say one!

my experiment has officially come to and end. i broke the $15 budget at costco buying a pack of $37.99 diapers and some much needed staples we were completely out of.  in that one purchase i spent more than i have in the last 30+ days.  it made me feel a little dirty and a little bit exhilarated all rolled into one.  having the month come to an end is a relief, but i have to admit feeling a little sadness too.  the experience has been amazing and life altering. self-imposed scarcity has forced me to reflect on my spending habits and my relationship to money and consumption.  being home more proved to be a great source of inspiration too. i feel i was a better, more creative parent and it allowed me to re-jigger my whole sense of how much time i have in each day, i.e. the less i did out and about, suddenly the more time i felt i had at home to do projects, color with the kids, have long tubs or walks, etc.   i have re-examined what i'd like to fill my time with--and it is definitely NOT mindless errands and scurrying.  

i'm still processing the highs and the lows of the whole deal, but other than straight up saving money, a few things really stand out to me as true lessons learned. we saved so much dough by not eating out. and eating from our pantry was a revelation.  without a doubt it held out (see photos above--things are depleted but we STILL have food left) and it held some surprises for us.  we whipped up some great meals from what we had including homemade hummus (thank you 6 cans of garbanzo beans!) and chili verde. throughout the month we ate more left overs and i think i made less quality food because i had fewer "luxury" products to work with, but everything was definitely edible and definitely homemade!  previously, i think i probably made too big a production out of what to feed the family. in the end no one really cares as long as there is something to eat.  

the secret to being able to feed my family on $15 a week was already having a stockpile of food available.  so here is one major lesson learned: if you have food on your shelves and in your freezer, eat it!  don't let useable things you've already paid for gather dust. i will now first create meals and meal plans from the things i have, not the things that sound good or that i feel like eating.   i know everybody eats and cooks differently so my pantry staples won't necessarily be yours, but i'd say for me a few things saved us this month: 

1. having plenty of frozen meat in the freezer. i tend to make meal plans based around the meat so the fact that i had stew meat frozen meant i'd make a stew one night or when i realized i had kielbasa and hot dogs that spawned the grill night idea where we cooked out and had baked beans w/  our dogs, or the pork roast + green enchilada sauce i had led to chili verde in the crock pot etc. 

2. japanese sticky rice in the rice cooker and pasta are always good cheap eats and you can make stir frys and pasta dishes with just about any ingredients you have

3. making my own whole wheat pizza dough (something i already knew before this month started) was a huge boon because it is cheap, kids love it, and you can throw anything on there and it always feels like a meal

4. in the canned good department chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and a few different kind of beans are invaluable. pretty much all world cuisines except maybe asian (?) incorporate beans so i found ways to use up those cans of black, kidney, pinto, navy, and garbanzo throughout the month

5. eggs, milk, butter and flour really are the staples to keep on hand because when in doubt you can always bake something with them or do breakfast for dinner.  my sister reminded me of the simplicity and beauty of crepes...they always taste great with sweet things like nutella or jam but the savory crepe is also awesome for dinner. enjoying one with toasted nuts or fruit and cheese or simple sauteed vegetables is super delicious and so, so cheap.

6. parmesan cheese is a must.  i don't know what it is, but throwing a sprinkle on pasta, salad, or eggs makes the dish feel fancy to me. i won't live without some quality shredded parm in my pantry

7. frozen berries are a godsend when you don't have cash for fresh produce.  my kids pretty much subsisted on bananas, canned pears and smoothies made with frozen fruit this month.  smoothies seem to always be a big hit with kids because they seem like a treat and who can resist a twisty straw and something pink in color?  and i love them because my non-diary loving kids get a serving of yogurt and milk plus fruit and a little flax seed all rolled into one. 

so what is next for me?  i'm going to try to stick to the budget i outlined a few days ago and i'm hopeful that i'll be able to do it. i feel like this month of consumer 'detox' has changed me and hopefully modified my habits for the long haul. i'm going to try to remain more of a home body and try to make examined choices about what i do buy and when and where.  

as for the blog, it is pretty addictive. i have loved keeping a record of this journey and i've so appreciated all the support i've received from my family and my friends.  i have been so moved by those of you who have told me that reading this chronicle has made you ask your own questions about spending money and consumption. thank you all for making this month a wonderful experience and for sticking with me and listening to my hair brained ideas.  

i have more hair brained schemes a-brewing!  over the next year, i'm planning to delve deeper into some forgotten basics our culture seems to have lost.  many of them i've mentioned already in the course of this month like learning to bake bread, "putting up" more food via canning and preserving, starting a productive food garden to feed my family, getting a chicken coop going and maybe even doing some hunting and gathering.   these are tough times and i'd be super honored to continue to be a voice helping to remind us that we can do with less and explore other options, maybe even just things we forgot we knew how to do or could do. i probably won't update the blog as religiously, but i certainly hope you will check in now and again (or sign up to receive feeds/or follow the blog) because i'll be here blabbing away!