Does this challenge ring a bell? If you were following along in 2024 it probably does! Last year I made an effort to not shop for the entire month of February. I chose that month for a few reasons, not the least of which was because it was the shortest month. Many bloggers do pantry challenges so this is nothing new. But, it can be a biggie for me, only trying this once per year.

This February I plan to keep the same ‘3 staples’ to allow myself to purchase: milk, apples, and salad. We also purchase gas for our cars. However, this year snuck up on me and I am sort of scrambling to make sure I have what we need. Last year I did not eat out in February, myself and/or the kids. But, if Sweet Husband wanted to go out, we all went. For me, this also means no little fun stops: no antiques shops, no big box stores, no online orders….

For you, this challenge may look like skipping special purchased drinks or treats for the month; perhaps not eating out; maybe you want to focus this challenge on not buying groceries for 28 days; and it may just mean being more intentional. Whatever you’d like for this to be, I encourage you to join me and challenge yourself!

We joined Costco, as posted in a previous article. I was able to get some lovely bulk items there a few weeks ago. I am thankful to have this as an option, alongside our local Amish community. We get many pantry staples in bulk. One product we got in February last year that will happen again this year is our beef. We are purchasing 1/4 beef and it will be ready in February. No worries! Sometimes these things happen. I am not concerning myself with this sort of thing.

What I want to focus on is: can I use what I have on-hand? Am I able to make a variety of meals (and breads and desserts…) for my family without a trip to the store? (Variety is one word Sweet Husband loves!) We do not eat as seasonally as I would like. But, in our society, we get used to eating whatever we want, whenever we want. My staple list, for instance, includes two fresh items that, in the past, were not available at all times throughout the year. I do hope to grow our lettuce/spinach this spring, but I haven’t yet! And, our apple trees only produce every 2 years. And, the same as before, we do not own a dairy animal. So, milk is definitely on our staple list.

What does this sound challenge like to you? Doable? Enjoyable? Something you’d like to push yourself to try? Please let me know in the comments! I like to feel I am a part of a group who is striving toward this goal… not floundering out here all by myself. *wink wink* If you want tips or more thoughts on this challenge, see last years’ blog post and recap!