Deepening the Pantry

How many of you have had food storage on the mind?

I know that with all the talk about viruses and quarantines and that more people are taking this topic a little more seriously. But so many other just like to do it "just in case."

Many homemakers have found it helpful and a lifesaver if there is a layoff or some other kind of unforeseen emergency that arises.

A wise man stores up choice food and oil but fools gulp theirs down." Proverbs 21:20.

I wanted to share a few valuable tips to get started if you haven't already:

1. Buy twice as many when you shop - to make it easier on your budget try just buying double of what you are already buying or just focus on getting a few things in bulk.

2. Think about shelf life for long lasting items - You want to make sure you get food that will last and won't perish quickly.

3. Rotate what you have. If you store a ton of food be sure to eat up what will expire quicker so that there won't be any waste.


And here is quick list of some basic items to deepen your pantry with:

oatmeal
flour (baking ingredients)
sugar
oil
pastas
pasta sauces
seasonings
dehydrated milk (or one that has a long shelf life)
canned soup
canned veggies
canned meat (chicken, tuna, salmon)
rice
beans
coffee
tea
creamer
honey
granola bars
dried fruit
nuts, peanut butter
cereal
popcorn
crackers
seeds
jelly/jam

(This is a inspiring picture of pretty jars but your pantry doesn't have to be anything fancy,

  you can just keep it simple and store it straight from the store like we do.)

ramen noodles
snacks
extra water
vitamins
medicine
cleaning supplies
trash bags
pet food


TOILETRIES

toilet paper
shampoo
conditioner
toothpaste
toothbrushes
soap



EXTRAS

laundry detergent
dishwashing soap
batteries
cleaners
emergency kit (band-aids, rubbing alcohol, neosporin)

paper plates, napkins, cups, silverware



Don't forget fresh and frozen foods. Some find having an extra fridge or freezer helps. Some large families I know even have a few of each!


We hope this list was helpful in building up your pantry.

What else would you add to this list?






Note: This post contains affiliate links--thanks for your support.

How to Deal with Worrying

Are you dealing with worrying right now?

Are you looking at the future and it is looking bleak?

Steady yourself and calm your heart.

 The Lord is near and we only need to look to Him.

 We can trust Him and His faithful Word is a comfort to us in hard times.

 It is like a balm to our troubled souls.

 Maybe you are worried about health issues...

 finances...

 your family...

 the future...

 or even all the things you see in the news...

or all the above!

Coronavirus Preparedness

I want to first begin post by sharing that we should act in wisdom and not fear.

God is certainly in control of everything and our trust is in Him.

We all have heard the news that the virus is here in the U.S. and nearly every media channel is sharing updates about it.

I just came back from a doctors visit and the first thing my doctor told me was that she stockpiled 6 months worth of toilet paper. I think she only has a family of four but said she wanted to be safe and would use it up any way. Another person said there was a line outside of their Costco with people actually fighting over bottle watered.

A Peek Inside My Life {and Where I Have Been}

I have been on a bit of a blogging break for the month of February. I have been praying a lot and spending much needed time with my family. The older that I get the more I know not to take family for granted and to cherish every minute you get. You just never know when things will change.

Valentine's Day Gift Ideas for Couples

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and some of you are looking for some gifts!

I am probably going to spend a little time decorating today--the kids really enjoy it when I do. They like making all the hearts (and heart animals) to decorate the windows.

Every year my husband likes to get the traditional flowers and chocolate and take me out for dinner and a movie or sneak in some fun at a bed and breakfast. He also likes to get flowers and candy for all the girls and he will also get the boys some chocolate or candy too!

26 Inexpensive Date Night Ideas

Are you looking for something to do for some simple quick ideas for an inexpensive date night?

It is always important to invest in your spouse and your marriage--it takes time to nurture it and grow it. A wise woman is always looking for ways to love her husband and make sure he knows that he is loved.

How to Pray for Your Adult Children

As a mother of 9 children I do not take praying lightly.

I know how important it is to keep praying for your children--no matter how old they are. Prayer is so important when they are young and even when they are well into their adult years.

Homeschooling Through The Winter Months

Do the long days of winter seem longer than you like?  I personally look forward to the winters months because we are able to get more accomplished that we usually can't because the warm sunshine is beckoning us outdoors. Winter is a time for us to 'buckle down' from whirl of events from the holidays and to settle into a nice steady routine. I know that many moms can get cabin fever, whether you have big or little ones, so here are a few suggestions.

Slow Down and Encourage Your Children

"Parents do not realize how far a word of praise will go with children. Praise is sunshine to a child, and there is no child who does not need it. Praise spurs a child on to earnest effort. 

5 Steps for Being More Productive in Your Day

Are you struggling to get things done?

Yes, I know, it is January and it is all gloomy outside and you are feeling like you have cabin fever and you need to get to all those things you just haven't gotten to because of the holidays.

But you know you need to get to them, some way some how. And you just keep reminding yourself how amazing you feel once you actually get them done! January is actually a great time to get things done since we tend to be a bit more homebound because of the weather. It is a great time to purge, refresh, and start new getting to those things you said you would get done last year!

Recently I had a project hanging over my head I had been meaning to get to all week. I was really dreading it and kind of making excuses to myself of why I couldn't get to it. But one day I just woke up and did it. And I couldn't believe how quickly I got it done and just how great everything looked afterwards! Not only that but I got it done in just under 10 minutes. I couldn't believe how fast it all went and why I didn't get to it sooner.

A Peek Inside My Life

It is January and I am loving all the NEW that comes with the New Year!

(Here I am playing with a Christmas filter!)

We haven't done one of these posts in a while and am glad that we could share a bit with you today. We like it when we get a chance to share a personal post so that you get a chance to see a glimpse of me as a real person and feel connected.

My Top 3 Favorite Books from 2019

I am setting some reading goals this year and while I was reflecting on the goals that I reached last year I wanted to share some of my favorite picks that I think will inspire you and that will also teach a bit of history as well!

Since I am a mom of 9 it is not everyday that I can carve out a ton of time reading so I make sure whatever I am reading will be an encouragement and inspiration and not waste my time on things that aren't.