Food

"Rice and beans, a milk cow, a couple laying hens, and a few vegetables in the garden is all you need to feed a family", claimed my grandmother.  So when the stock market plummeted in 2008  I stocked up on rice and beans.  I wasn't worried about our investments because we have none.  But, most of our clients depended on their investments.  At the time I wasn't sure if we would have inflation or deflation.  My friends and neighbors were panicking about future inflation.   The news was declaring deflation.  Either way it was late in the year.  Clients usually delay starting projects until after the holidays.  Things were already slow.  We had to assume that as potential clients realized their financial situation had changed they would likely bail on their project, or at least delay the project.  Things were going to get rough.  I decided to take a portion of my saving and stock up on food.  We were going to struggle during the winter, how much we didn't know.  I didn't want to feel stress every time I went to the grocery store.  I thought about my grandmothers words.





I went to Food 4 Less for my rice, beans, and canned goods.  I purchased Hunts tomato sauce and diced tomatoes for pasta.  I bought pears canned in juice, canned pineapple, canned green beans, canned green chilies for beans and eggs, evaporated milk, brown sugar, baking powder, powdered sugar, flaked coconut, canned corn, canned pinto beans and kidney beans, dried lentils, and corn meal.  I bought Barilla pasta wherever it was for $1/box.  I bought any cereal wherever it was on sale, no more than $1.99/box or equivalent for larger sizes.  I stocked up on Trader Joe's butter.  I bought large box of oatmeal  and baking soda, mustard, mayo, ketchup, olive oil, cooking oil, Cetaphil soap for Luke, laundry detergent, dish soap, sponges, and maple syrup at Costco.  We always stock up on toilet paper and paper towels (determined to use less).  I buy my bulk sugar at Costco and I used to buy bulk flour there.  However, my last flour had too much gluten and did not bake well.  I am using it up and sticking with Gold Medal.  I bought shampoo and rinse in bulk whenever it was on sale.  I stopped buying cleaning supplies.  I use cheap liquid laundry detergent for cleaning sinks, tubs, showers, and any greasy surface.  I use vinegar and water for windows and mirrors.  I use bleach or cheap vodka for sterilizing surfaces and dishes.  Once in a while I have to use Lime Away.  So my weekly shopping was reduced to meats and eggs from Costco.  Bread, milk, fresh fruit and vegetables from Vons.  I stocked up on Guitaard chocolate chips and ice cream when it was on sale at Vons.  

I couldn't get a milking cow like my grandmother suggested.  Fortunately, we don't drink much milk.  I used to have laying hens.  But, I wasn't sure I was up to caring for them at the time.  I did plant a few vegetables and herbs, as always.  I don't suggest you do this as a means of saving money.  This year I have yellow squash, eggplant, green chilies, tomatoes, basil, thyme, parsley, sage, chives, lemon grass, rosemary, and arugula.  I don't save money in vegetables, but I do with the herbs.  But, since I stocked up on staples we are more successful at cooking at home.  Having the vegetable garden inspires me to cook.  And, you need to stayed inspired when cooking on a budget.