Pantry Check-In: Expiring in August!

An important part of stockpiling is to make sure your stockpile doesn't go to waste.  I try to keep my stockpile organized with the items that will expire soonest in front and with things like cereals I can manage to always keep on top of that chore.  Sometimes there are small odds and ends that get lost in the pantry and for that reason I like to do a monthly check-in where I poke around the pantry for a few minutes (maybe 15) and see what's lurking. 

These items will expire at some point in August.  I don't mind using some items that are slightly past date, but I prefer to not let it go too far out.  Since, I snapped this picture we have already used up the Chow Mein mixes and some of the popcorn. In order to ensure that we use up the rest before too, I've packed these soon to expire items together in the pantry.

They are now front and center to help me remember to use them first.

One more tip:  When doing my monthly pantry check I like to keep an eye out for items that are expiring in a few months and any items that seem to be untouched.  If our tastes, needs, or desires have changed and these foods will not likely get used up, now is the perfect time to pull them out to donate!

Through April 28: Canstruction art benefits local food pantries--Albany, NY

4th Floor
April 14–27: 9:30 am–5:00 pm
April 28: 9:30 am–3:00 pm
FREE

Canstruction®, a not-for-profit organization committed to ending hunger, uses the “one can” concept to make a difference in the lives of many. This special exhibition will feature 10 unique structures designed by teams of the Capital Region’s best and brightest members of the design community, using only canned goods.

For directions to the museum visit their site.

Note: The New York State Museum is worth a trip even if you don't make it to the CANSTRUCTION exhibit.  The exhibits are great and super kid-friendly.  Don't forget to ride on the restored carousel while you are there!

Friday, May 28th---Local Food Pantry Benefit and more

Poets John Kenselaar and Guy Reed. Benefits local food pantries. Donations accepted.

Friday, May. 28, 2010

7:00 PM

Boughton Place

150 Kisor Rd.

Highland, NY

845-481-0898 

http://www.readforfood.org/

Make Your Own 1920s Dress Pattern. Attendee's will leave with a paper pattern for a flapper dress.

Free, but Registration is required.

Friday, May. 28, 2010

6:00 PM

Red Hook Fabric Shoppe

33 West Market Street

Red Hook, NY

845-757-3031

The Generosity of Others

I was out running around trying to get a few last minute things done and hads the girls in tow.  One of our things "to do" was to drop some clothes to Goodwill.

I had a bad experience at Target, which I won't waste my breath on, but put me in a rather "bah humbug" mood.  We pulled to the back of Goodwill to donate and a man pulled up with a truck full of kids toys.  The woman working there took my clothes but said she couldn't take toys (not sure of the details).  I was suggesting the man take them to Happy Apple, another thrift store that I thought would take them.

He offered me anything I wanted.

I, being grateful and unashamed, took a Home Depot Tool Bench kit and a Camping Set.

His generosity made my day.  It was nice to receive the toys, but more than that he reminded me to not let the little things overwhelm me.  His offer lifted my spirits and for that I am most thankful.

There are so many obstacles and interactions in each and every day that can turn our mood sour, but there are also as many gifts that can lift our spirits.  I was reminded today to let the positive linger and the negative move on.

DD3 was so very excited with her new toys!  We stopped by hubby's office after this stop and she was so excited that she will be able to help next time he fixes something.

How cute is that Fire and see the marshmallows on the stick!

Our Daily Bread-Giving and Receiving

My husband has just moved into a new office and he now occupies a space next to a bread warehouse. The gentleman who owns and operates this business has been giving us the most delicious "day old" bakery bread.

What might the significance in this be? Of course, I am thrilled to receive free bread!

We truly believe that what we give will be returned to us. This general idea might take a million different forms. One of the great things about buying items on sale and finding great bargains is that we are able to give back more. This might be in the form of sharing the bounty of our shopping trips or in having extra money left over to donate directly to causes we believe in. Over the last few months I have found that we have been able to give more and more. Our extended family loves the goodies we share and our babysitter always gets a generous "tip" in the form of the week's deals. I have also had the great fortune of meeting people who are suffering at this time and putting together "care" boxes of food and toiletries. Of course, any items with out a direct person to donate to go to the food pantry where I know it will be put to good use. The appreciation for these goods is felt so deeply and is the best "thanks" we can receive. So, back to the bread.......

One of the areas in which I always struggled to find a GREAT deal was for bread. We avoid High Fructose Corn Syrup and prefer whole grain. So, the best deal I was finding was around $1.75 at the Freihoffers outlet. I have contemplated grinding my own wheat and making my own bread, but that will not happen in the near future. As soon as T began to give us this bread, I knew this was a way were being blessed in return for our good deeds to others.

T's generosity has been our blessing and as always we are being provided for in our blind faith.