April 2024
I promised that I would show photos of the food cupboard as it was in April and as it is now for comparison. So for your delight and delectation here they are.
October 2024
At first glance there doesn't seem to be that much difference, but the coffee came up from the lower cupboard and I have eaten my way through a lot of the tinned salmon and tuna which isn't even visible in the April photo.
I honestly thought I had January photos of the bottom cupboard too, but I can't seem to find them anywhere, either in my photo files or on any blog post. It's obviously one of those occasions where I think I've done something ... but I haven't!!
So you'll just have to take my word that this bottom cupboard was packed, so much so that things were balanced on top of things, all in a rather slapdash way. There was no wood visible inside the cupboard and closing the door meant I had to put the catch on immediately to keep things from escaping. Now everything is in a single layer, which makes it much easier for seeing what I have got, or haven't got when I get down to look.
The pasta basket was full to the underneath of the shelf, now it's more organised and even contains my noodles too.
Basket Drawers January 2024
I'd forgotten just how full these were at the start of the year, I had just about managed to make enough space to use one of them for my potatoes in this photo, and was proud of that.
I don't know why, but somehow I'm even prouder of them now.
This is the same photo I showed you the other day, it's handy for comparisons sake though. The Deliciously Ella order that Alan bought for me for Christmas will stay there until I have used up all the other 'Plants' jars in the main cupboard and then these might move over, it will probably be at Christmas time or even after before the others get used up anyway ... and then I'll have four empty drawers. 😁
It's very satisfying to see how things have gone down, it's been a slow process as I tend to buy things and use them first, something that I have to make a real effort not to do on a regular basis. But trying to curb the spending for a while means that hopefully the contents of the top cupboard will soon be even lower, although I have decided that it makes a lot of sense to keep a little stockpile of the things I use most regularly in the bottom cupboard.
With the world and the prices the way they are at the moment, we all need a little safety net.
Do you have one?
Sue xx
I have been looking at the local auction site Staceys, and found more than half a dozen Beryle cook paintings. I probably should not tempt you but its nice to look . https://www.staceyauction.com/Catalogue__456_-1_0_64_new
ReplyDeleteI would be safe, although I quite like Beryl Cooks artwork I wouldn't have them on my wall. 😄 As you say though they are nice to look at, she has a lot of details to spot and some brilliant expressions on the faces.
DeleteI tend to have a freezer full of good things to eat and then suddenly it’s full of bread and nothing else! We did a top up shop on Tuesday and popped into the instore Costa’s as it was now lunchtime. Won’t be making that mistake again-Just over £15 for a bacon roll, half toasted cheese sandwich and a small and medium coffee. Didn’t enjoy it and DH was hungry an hour later. Catriona
ReplyDeleteI went right off Costa a while ago, which was strange as that used to be my favourite coffee shop. The food is expensive though isn't it for the quality and portion sizes you get. 🫤
DeleteI think as eating out has become so much more expensive I am now more inclined to think about how much food I could buy with the money, and then I don’t bother. (Unless I my granddaughter and I go out for a snack…..that’s not often so always worth it)!
DeleteThat's just it iisn’t it, I often sit and work out what I could get with that amount of money ... often a full weeks shopping!!
DeleteThere are certain goods I always like to have in store and one of them is tinned fish - I like tinned crab best and sardines; I've gone off tuna a bit as I've had so much and it can be a bit rich.
ReplyDeleteSardines on toast, a must-have once it's crossed my mind!
I've not had sardines for years ... a lot of years! I should give them a try.
DeleteLooks nicely full, we use that Bouilon. but not as many tins, but we probably shop more than you.
ReplyDeleteI find long-term storage is best in tins, as I only have a three drawer freezer.
DeleteI've got a big stock now - might do a post with a nosey into my cupboards!
ReplyDeleteOoh yes, please do, I wish more bloggers would. 😀
DeleteI have quite a well stocked pantry and I'm ordering a small freezer at the end of this month as I have what is known as an apt. sized fridge (about 5 feet tall and only 27 inches wide) which includes a freezer compartment. I have always stocked up in Nov. as I walk with the aid of a cane and don't drive and Winters can get quite nasty here. Since Covid I have done even more so now I tend to shop loss leaders and sale items and just fresh fruit & veg, milk & bread from week to week. My intent is to assess everything at the end of the year and then for Jan. Feb. & March just keep $100 per month for groceries and work through some of my stocks - it needs to be rotated and used so this is a good way to do it over the Winter months. There should still be plenty even after that but it's also a good chance to look at what I truly eat and what I don't.
ReplyDeleteThat's a pretty normal sized fridge here, mines a half and half fridge and freezer. It sounds as though you are being very sensible stocking up. Food security through harsh Winters is very important.
DeleteYou've done a good job eating down the pantry and still keeping it well stocked. I tend to keep a well stocked pantry, in preparedness for earthquakes and other emergencies.
ReplyDeleteI've been careful rotating my stocks to keep as much in date as possible. We are very lucky not to have to worry about earthquakes where we live.
DeleteYes, we do have what OH calls The Doomsday Cupboard! I don't even have to tidy it and check dates......he likes sorting all that himself 😀
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
It sounds like he's an excellent prepper. 😄
DeleteOff topic but I just have to say that I have picked up two tips from you that work brilliantly. First freezing the garlic cloves which means so much less waste and I find they are easier to use from the freezer. Second the toast. I used to tent the slices but now do it your "new" way and it makes it so much crisper. Both simple ideas but they really work and I use both all the time now so thank you.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant, I'm glad they both work for you too. It's good going through life picking up tips here, there and everywhere ... and then sharing them. 😀
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