use it before you lose it

**qsaver704** · 07-09-2009, 01:33 PM

I have stuffed cupboards, cabinets, counter tops, closets, as well as my 'fridge and outside stand up freezer. I am currently part of the operation freezer dump, but I need help in areas other than my freezer. I need to use up all the opened, half used, almost expired stuff in my house. We go on a week vacation July 19th. This is my challenge to myself and anyone else interesed. I want to see how much I can use up and not buy any new. The money I save can be used for gas money or food money on vacation.

**qsaver704** · 07-09-2009, 01:35 PM

Today I made scrambled eggs with sausage for breakfast. I used up leftover sausage from homemade pizza night. For lunch I finished a sack of almost old salad as well as veggies for the salad. I also cut up some older potatoes for home fries tonight.

**AmyBoz** · 07-09-2009, 02:25 PM

Great challenge! I did this last week before we left on vacation. I'm hopeful to kepe the buying to a minimum when we return!

**qsaver704** · 07-09-2009, 04:40 PM

decided to have the last of the grapes for snack, but didn't finish them. Between me and DS they will be gone before the day is over.

**onencgirl** · 07-09-2009, 08:34 PM

Excellent challenge!!

**qsaver704** · 07-10-2009, 02:37 AM

the family started snacking on cookies that have been here for a while. We didn't eat but about two a piece, so they are still here, but leaving slowly. They are VERY close to old.

**Siebrie** · 07-10-2009, 05:03 AM

Cookies can be revived in the oven, just put them in for about 5 minutes at a medium heat. Don't wait to long to eat them after that!

**tervsforme** · 07-10-2009, 09:05 AM

This is a great challenge! I try so very hard to not waste food, it can get expensive very quickly! Great job!

**qsaver704** · 07-10-2009, 08:54 PM

today we had a box of shrimp and noodles (27cents). We ate on the grapes and other fruit throughout the day as well.

**qsaver704** · 07-11-2009, 10:32 PM

Well, we will be at the beach this time. It is odd. The more you try to use up food, the more there seems to be to use. I have lots of fresh fruit to consume this week. Fruit doesn't travel well, from my experiences. DS finished the grapes tonight. I worked on more watermelon and cantaloupe. I also finished the bag of chicken patties so we could use up the last of the buns.

This is really helping. I usually spend at least $85 on groceries a week. I got some sales for $40 this week.

**nuisance26** · 07-12-2009, 10:05 AM

~I try to do this before I go on vacation too. Having that extra spending money is worth eating creatively for awhile!~

**qsaver704** · 07-12-2009, 10:39 PM

Today we finished up the noodles from noodles and shrimp. I had half a jar of spaghetti sauce. We had spaghetti and a salad. I also used two pieces of bread to make toast. We are continuing to use up watermelon and cantaloupe. This experience has shown me how fortunate we are. I am only trying to use items that will be old by the end of July and have so much. When many people are struggling to buy groceries, I am blesses with abundance.

**qsaver704** · 07-15-2009, 01:30 AM

ugh, busy day, not even thinking about eating! I know we finished taco meat and shells, half the loaf bread, some more fruit. I need to finish the following by Sat.
1/2 loaf bread
lettuce
cucumber
2 bananas
bowl of watermelon and cantaloupe
some chips and salsa
plums
tomatoes

Looks like lots of fruit for tomorrow!

**dean** · 07-15-2009, 07:36 AM

I don't know what kind of cookies you have to get rid of, but everything tastes better with icing on it. If you have a can of squirt decorating icing just add a dab to the cookie, if not you can mix up a bit of conf. sugar, milk, vanilla, and margarine. Voila, icing on your stale cookies. Peanut butter instead of margarine makes peanut butter icing. A dash of cocoa, chocolate icing.
Put all of your fruit in the blender with some ice cubes, fruit slushy.

**qsaver704** · 07-17-2009, 01:16 AM

Well, tonight was trash night. I had to throw away anything that wasn't going to get eaten. I only threw away a few VERY STALE chips. I used up the bread, bananas, watermelon and canteloupe. I am still working on the lettuce, tomatoes, and cukes. I had a salad today. Looks like another one tomorrow and more fruit.