Is it already time to think about our ‘no shop February’ challenge? Yes it is!! The countdown is on!

This year, as in the past, February has snuck up on me. Certain things I have in abundance. But, other things I wanted to revisit. I went back and read my blog posts from the past two Februarys and considered what I had learned from those.

First things first. I made a list. Not just a grocery list, but a list of events that happen in February that I would want to be prepared for. Some of those included birthdays, the Super Bowl picnic we have, as well as some travel snacks the fellas will need when they take a trip together later that month. Buying ahead for these things not only keeps me within my own ‘challenge bounds’, but it makes me more aware and prepared as I march along into the future.

Taking inventory of what I already have on-hand can be crucial for setting myself up for success. Knowing what I have, what I use most, and what I need can make me a better homemaker, cook, housekeeper, and the most important: wife and mother.

So, what will our Friday shopping trip look like? I want to use what we already have at home- yes! But, I also know we regularly use many items we don’t grow/can’t make here on our farm. As mentioned in previous posts, I allow myself a list of fresh goodies. Making this challenge work for me means that it works well for my family and the way we already live. Adding extra stress is not what this is about.

My stops will include Aldi, Costco, and Walmart. My list includes food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and even potting soil for my seed starting. I have already placed an order on Amazon for things I can’t find locally. Here is what I am looking at:

• fruit
• dairy (milk, lots of cheese, and sour cream)
• nuts
• hot dogs (my son’s birthday party lunch!)
• frozen veggies (we have lots we grew, but we ran out of broccoli)
• baking items (including cane sugar and chocolate chips)
• peanut butter
• herbs (mainly oregano, I didn’t grow it this year and have run out)
• ground beef (our 1/4 beef isn’t due til mid-February!)
• tuna
• Sweet Husband’s favorite crackers
• brats/kielbasa
• chips (birthday party!)
• junk food picnic items
• pants for 14 year old
• toilet paper
• dog food
• potting soil

Along with shopping Friday, I have had to consider a few other things on my list to get accomplished this week. One was placing my seed order with Berlin Seed Co. I hope to post my garden plan for this years’ planting season soon! It is always fun to think through and consider, but a bit daunting to actually sit down and call/order.

We also must order our meat chickens soon if we are to be guaranteed birds by the particular hatch date/processing date that we want. Making notes and talking with the friend whom I hope to split the order with is priority this week.

Our beef will be ready in February, so that always falls within our ‘no shop’ month. But, I need to call the locker and make sure our order is ready and complete.

And lastly, purchasing gifts for those loved ones who have birthdays, friends with babies due, and Valentine’s Day treats for Sweet Husband and the kids… all has to be remembered. Don’t forget the party supplies, too!

I hope this helps you if you are challenging yourself this year with the No Shop February challenge! Please let me know in the comments. Maybe you are just cutting one place off your shopping habits (i.e. no online ordering, no eating out, no special coffee shop drinks…) This challenge can really help you see where your priorities lie. It has shown me many ways in which to grow and bend and adapt!

Happy No-Shopping!