Use It Up Month: The Stockpile Challenge

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Does this picture scare you?
It should!
 
It kind of crosses that stock pile line and enters the territory of hoarding...
(no, it's not my collection)
 
This is what happens when you don't USE what you have but keep adding and adding to the collection.
 
January is the PERFECT time to start in on that stock pile and keep some of that cash in your pocket. It kind of helps counter that holiday craziness that a lot of people have had....all the sweets, treats and parties. It's back to the business of budgets and saving money to pay off the past and pay down the future.
 
Good stuff - right?
 
OK -- let's do a USE IT UP MONTH !!
The challenge is to cut your normal grocery budget in half. Use that money elsewhere in your budget (to pay extra on a credit card bill, build that emergency fund, pay extra on your house payment...)
Instead of buy a lot of food, you shop off your shelves, out of your cupboards and out of your freezer. You get creative with left overs and try not to waste a scrap.
 
My budget for the month?
$25
 
Yup, you read that correctly.
I figure that should be enough for milk and eggs....I have just about everything else in stock and have been rounding up a month full of yummy items like: 
  • Scalloped Potatoes with Ham, canned green beans
  • BBQ chicken sliders on homemade buns, carrot sticks and chips
  • Spaghetti Marinara
  • Stuffed baked potatoes
  • Sheepherder's Pie
  • Chicken Marsala
  • Tuna Noodle Casserole 
  • Freezer Greek Chicken with a tossed salad
  • Crock Pot Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole
  • 8 Layer Casserole
  • Stuffed Meatloaf, brussel sprouts
  • A few "Fridge Clean Out" days
  • Hot meatloaf sandwich, mashed potatoes and gravy
  • Roasted sweet potatoes, potatoes and sausage
  • Chicken and Dressing Crock pot Bake
  • Chili
  • Baked Scallops, honey mustard carrots, rice pilaf
  • Paul Harvey Soup
  • Baked French Onion Soup
  • Creamy Chicken Wild Rice over Popovers
  • Quesadillas
  • Calico Beans
  • Pizza
Who wants in on the fun?
 
I think we should /could share weekly meal plans, help each other with those goofy itmes we find on the shelf and more.
 
I have some weekly giveaways planned -- for all who are playing!
  1. Decide how much money you want to save and how long you think you'll do the challenge for. I'll be at it for 5 weeks and you can join in for a little or as long as you want.
  2. Do a detailed inventory of your freezers, pantry and fridge
  3. Write up a meal plan for at least the first week of the challenge
  4. Make a short list and purchase any fresh foods you need to complete your meals (I'll still be buying eggs, and milk during the challenge but keep in mind Miss Sarah is allergic to fresh produce - I will be using up what I canned and have in the freezer.)
 
Simply email me at op40k@aol.com that you want in and share your rough meal plan for the week....
 
We are going to have some fun!

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