They say there is a first time for everything.
This shopping trip was the first time that I have truly seen people in a “stock up for bad weather” frenzy. We moved to the Midwest two years ago and I have been told repeatedly that the two winters we had experienced were “mild winters.” I thought I knew from snow, but I did not know what I did not know. This winter is out to educate me.
So in the midst of a 30 degree break from the Arendelle levels of snow we had been experiencing, I headed out to purchase some food. What I was met with was pandemonium. My Kroger is never not crowded, but this was like, cars parking on top of each other crowded. There were people everywhere. They all needed the exact same thing, and they all had never used a shopping cart before.
After a woman knocked over an associate for blueberries (not an exaggeration), I had to ask what was going on. The beleaguered associate explained that we were expected to get 16 inches in the next few days and everyone was stocking up. She then gave me some helpful tips about what foods hadn’t seen their prices change because of the snowmergency. Moral of the story: supply and demand is very real. Your 11th grade econ teacher was right.
But I didn’t need any of the staples. I had milk from my last trip. I make my own bread. I bought a ton of competitively priced eggs on my last toy clearance run at Target. I started to second guess myself, due mostly to the frenzy of activity around me. I don’t have a cat, but did I need to stock up on cat food? Just in case? How about those break and bake cookies? Should I grab 15 packages, because you never know what will happen? Thank goodness I had a shopping list to help clear my head. I don’t need those Organic Gummy Bears and they weren’t on the list. When in doubt, trust the list.
I had a very specific shopping list, due to my commitment to making more new meals in 2018. Shopping for the meals instead of shopping and cobbling meals together was new to me. And what better time than to break with routine than right before a major snowstorm?
As the good people of my town loaded up on the essentials, I took to the cheeses. The recipes I am cooking this week called for no less than five different cheeses. I threw in a sixth because it looked delicious. We’ve got ricotta cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, blue cheese, manchego cheese, and some Irish cheddar, just for fun.
I’m more thankful than ever for the Saving to Disney course for teaching me how to stock up during sales. The panic and concern about being fully prepared during challenging weather is very real. The peace of mind you get from knowing you are secure with supplies is invaluable. I’m doubly thankful to my husband for buying a house with an extra fridge so we can store things all those foods I got on the cheap. I am especially thankful for the employees who keep a clear head during a time when customers can be less than level headed. And last but not least, I am thankful for cheese. The storm may rage, but I’ll be by the fire, enjoying a nice, aged cheddar.
- Bananas, 1.04 lb-.57.
- Blueberries, pint (1)-$2.99.
- Caveman Blue Cheese-$6.
- Clementines, 3lb-$2.99. Down last week from $4.99!
- Heritage Farm Chicken Breasts, 9.31 lbs -$18.54.
- Heritage Farm Chicken Thighs, 5.23 lbs-$5.27. On sale for .99 a lb.
- Kroger Canned Tomatoes (2)-.98.
- Kroger Cream Cheese (2)-$2.38.
- Kroger Ricotta Cheese-$3.79.
- Kroger Seafood Seasoning-.75. I am loving all this spice clearance!
- Kroger Shredded Mozzarella (2)-$7.58.
- Manchego Cheese-$2.79. On clearance!
- Mangoes (2)-$1.98.
- Murray’s Aged Cheddar-$4.99. Also clearanced out!
- Multi Grain Cheerios (2)-$7.38. *Digital Coupon* for $1 off two Big G cereals. These were supposed to be 2 for $7 as well, but I didn’t realize they hadn’t rung up properly until I was home, and honestly, as that point, the snowing had started.
- Romaine Lettuce, .96 lb-$1.24.
- Vlasic Kosher Pure Pickles-$3.37. Fancy pickles, essential during a snowstorm.
- Apps I’ll Submit to-Fetch Rewards, Ibotta (.25 off Any Item)
Total Budget: $70.57
Total Spent: $73.59
Total Saved: $6.98
Deducted from Next Trip: $3.02
Stay safe out there, ya’ll. The weather this year is no joke. As a newbie to the scene, I’d love to hear how you prepare for inclement weather, food and shelter wise. Tell me all about it in the comments!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey three years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!