Prep Genrl Weekly Prep Thread: April 26 - May 2, 2026

That is a good list. I have most all of those stacked in the pantry. The ones on the list I don't have, I've substituted with other similar item. We don't eat sardines or salmon, so I have lots more tuna.

With wheat becoming short and more expensive, I need to stock up on more bread flour. I only have about 15 lbs.
 
Yes, I have to make a flour decision, too. I've used up most of mine because I rarely make bread in the summer. That's a fall/winter activity. I generally buy flour in September, but I'm re-thinking that.

I've scheduled a financial meeting with myself later in the weekend. I'll run the numbers, but given the shortage during the pandemic, it does make sense to stock some flour and more dried beans, whether I grow or purchase them. Rice is also a consideration, but I don't eat a lot of it. Rice + beans is a complementary protein and stores well, so that's under consideration, as well.
 
Meemur said:
Yes, I have to make a flour decision, too. I've used up most of mine because I rarely make bread in the summer. That's a fall/winter activity. I generally buy flour in September, but I'm re-thinking that.

I've scheduled a financial meeting with myself later in the weekend. I'll run the numbers, but given the shortage during the pandemic, it does make sense to stock some flour and more dried beans, whether I grow or purchase them. Rice is also a consideration, but I don't eat a lot of it. Rice + beans is a complementary protein and stores well, so that's under consideration, as well.
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I'm planning to order another 20 pounds of bread flour from Sam's. I'll continue to order, until I reach my freezer limit. I already have around 50 lbs. each of cornmeal and regular self-rising flour in there. I don't have room to store it any other way. I've thought about getting the old timey 5 gal. metal lard cans from TSC to store what I'm using out of. I have room for one of those in my kitchen floor corner. That would give me more room in the freezer for more. I'm sitting real good with dry beans and rice, already.
 
I don't have that much storage space. I'll nail down numbers this weekend. Five pounds of flour has been lasting me about one month + 1 - 2 weeks, depending on whether I'm also making biscuits, plus there's the holiday baking season.

I've got several other planning projects going now, too, so I'll work on that later. I also need to consider what bread recipes I'll make. I can cut down on the flour in some.
 
Meemur said:
I don't have that much storage space. I'll nail down numbers this weekend. Five pounds of flour has been lasting me about one month + 1 - 2 weeks, depending on whether I'm also making biscuits, plus there's the holiday baking season.

I've got several other planning projects going now, too, so I'll work on that later. I also need to consider what bread recipes I'll make. I can cut down on the flour in some.
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I ordered a case of #10 cans of honey wheat bread mix from Patriot Supply that I have in storage. 35 yr. shelf life. I opened one can to see how it would work. No where near as good as made from scratch, but it will do if that's all I have. I might order more of that, too. No freezer required for storage. I think I got 3 or 4 loaves out of one can. IIRC, it takes 3 1/2 cups of mix per loaf.

I use self-rising flour to bake cookies and biscuits.
 
I did my shopping today and HyVee really had some super specials. Advertised eggs $1.28 but shelf price was 99¢ and whole chickens advertised at $1.28 per pound shelf price 99¢ per pound. Box of 12 cans of Pepsi $5.99 with purchase of three, which is quite good considering regular price is now $9.99 most places. Packets of muffin mix 99¢. AE yogurt 80¢ each, typically at least 88¢. And finally, 80/20 ground beef for $3.99 per pound. I also found tapioca which was $4.55 for the regular small box which is way up in price but at least I found some. Only non-sale items I purchased was copper polish and milk.

I also lucked out at thrift shop and found three pairs of summer weight slacks for home/garden plus two very nice summer knit tops one an Alfred Dunner total $25. That means $5 for each piece which is an increase in price but still a whole lot better than buying new for $25 to $60 or more for each item. Of course, that is moot because I wouldn't have bought them for that price!! Everything is in the wash now and the two shirts will have to be washed several times due to perfume which is a bummer.

After I got everything carried in and put away, I went out and covered my impatience. We have a hard freeze warning for tonight. I bought a new oscillating fan at Walmart so need to put that together ... for sure won't need it for the next few days!!

I added my budget pages for April and came in under budget except for miscellaneous which was just $7 over. Even with ever increasing everything, I'm happy I've been able to keep to my budget on average if not each month. I spent zero on gas in January and in April which proves shopping monthly helps the budget. Today is first I've spent on clothing this year and I also purchased a package of handkerchiefs and knee support hose at Walmart. I budget $25 monthly for clothing so will be "over" for this month although well under on average. Also, I've been fortunate in not having numerous medical appointments out of town. Friend drove me to first eye appointment and will drive me for surgery next week so I will reimburse her for gas is she'll let me. If not, I'll take her out for a meal or cook something for her at home.
 
anna43 said:
I did my shopping today and HyVee really had some super specials. Advertised eggs $1.28 but shelf price was 99¢ and whole chickens advertised at $1.28 per pound shelf price 99¢ per pound. Box of 12 cans of Pepsi $5.99 with purchase of three, which is quite good considering regular price is now $9.99 most places. Packets of muffin mix 99¢. AE yogurt 80¢ each, typically at least 88¢. And finally, 80/20 ground beef for $3.99 per pound. I also found tapioca which was $4.55 for the regular small box which is way up in price but at least I found some. Only non-sale items I purchased was copper polish and milk.

I also lucked out at thrift shop and found three pairs of summer weight slacks for home/garden plus two very nice summer knit tops one an Alfred Dunner total $25. That means $5 for each piece which is an increase in price but still a whole lot better than buying new for $25 to $60 or more for each item. Of course, that is moot because I wouldn't have bought them for that price!! Everything is in the wash now and the two shirts will have to be washed several times due to perfume which is a bummer.

After I got everything carried in and put away, I went out and covered my impatience. We have a hard freeze warning for tonight. I bought a new oscillating fan at Walmart so need to put that together ... for sure won't need it for the next few days!!

I added my budget pages for April and came in under budget except for miscellaneous which was just $7 over. Even with ever increasing everything, I'm happy I've been able to keep to my budget on average if not each month. I spent zero on gas in January and in April which proves shopping monthly helps the budget. Today is first I've spent on clothing this year and I also purchased a package of handkerchiefs and knee support hose at Walmart. I budget $25 monthly for clothing so will be "over" for this month although well under on average. Also, I've been fortunate in not having numerous medical appointments out of town. Friend drove me to first eye appointment and will drive me for surgery next week so I will reimburse her for gas is she'll let me. If not, I'll take her out for a meal or cook something for her at home.
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We've always budgeted for everything. We do leave ourselves a little wiggle room, but it's not much to speak of. I have a budget for my groceries, and everything left from that is pocket money if I don't spend it all, or it goes into our home emergency fund. It's never frivolously spent. It's a savings unto itself. With all the doctor appointments we both have, we don't save much on gas each month, but only shopping twice a month, that saves us some. We hardly ever drive anywhere else, other than around in the community once a week, or to visit Mom.
 
Yes, I love AE dairy products! It's worth the extra pennies to buy them. Their half 'n' half makes my tea so smooth, and their cottage cheese is lovely for a light lunch.

Yes, I get sticker shock every time I go to the store. I've been trying to eat better, but I haven't gotten all of the fresh produce that I should. Soon, I'll be eating my own, so it won't be as much of a concern. Lettuce shouldn't be $4.39 per head. That's highway robbery! I'm growing it for pennies, plus it's free water right now, either from the sky or my rain barrel.
 
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Seems the last several months the bagged potatoes at Wmart have been awful. Haven't checked lately but the potatoes from Texas at Albertsons were pretty good. Many years ago we had a potato farm nearby and you could buy them fresh in late summer. And there were peach orchards. All gone. Only food crops are peanuts and watermelon.
 
My wife wanted to go to the local pawn shop, said she saw a watch on the internet they had for a good price. Long story short she bought a $2k watch for $350 and it looked new. While waiting I looked at the knives and found a 1995 Ontario Quartermaster Army-95 never been sharpened and original sheath, a Buck 110 Special brand new and a M10 bayonet never been sharpened and original sheath and bolster. Also found a box of Winchester 300 Win Mag 180 grain. All in cash price for everything $320, think I got a sweet deal. The Ontario alone is worth like $210 - 240 according to the book and cheap 300 WM is $40/box and this was good stuff but a little old maybe ten years. The M-10 is about $110 and the Buck 110 Special maybe $170 in that condition.
 
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Good morning everyone. High of 48 today but it isn't bad because there's no wind and it quit raining.
We opted to have daughters all changed at the station because it was pouring rain cold and her van sits way down to the ground. We would have had to jack it up on the ramps and I'd have to crawl under there. It worked out because they use the oil and filter we already bought and my other daughter insisted on paying for the service.
Next will be some used tires. The windshield replacement went great. Could have saved maybe 50 bucks if we went all the way to the big city but would have spent that in gas and they come out here and did it in an hour.
Just getting some coffee. I have the burner on the stove on and the wall heater in the bedroom in case it's needed. Son went in for a 36 hour shift.
Just some house cleaning today just some odds and ends.
Yes lettuce was nearly $4 I had for a very small head. I skipped it,I have some growing.
 
My shopping was done Thursday, no deals to report. Yesterday went and took my sister out for lunch and just to get her out. They've opened an Ollies there and she wanted to go in. They also opened a Bealles, and we went there first. I found a dress for an event I have to go to next weekend so got it. It was more than I wanted to pay but we were in the truck and going somewhere else meant getting her back in the truck again. I basically had to lift her her up, and while she maybe weighs a hundred pounds she's dead weight. She would not try sitting on my leg to get up either, he dh lifts her and that's the only way to do it. No problem except he's a LOT stronger than me lol. It was bad planning on my part completely. My car is loaned out to ds though so. Anyway got home last night and I was tired! Dh said lets just do leftovers so you don't have to cook and I was fine with that!

Taking my friend to et her hair done this morning before her surgery Wednesday then home to chill the rest of the day. Its supposed to be cold and rainy today and the next few weeks are incredibly busy so taking advantage of the rain today. Thinking about fried chicken for supper tonight.
 
A bit warmer, today. High of 71 and no rain. Cary will be mowing, today, along with stacking some firewood. I got up with an bad earache. Time to bring out my garlic oil and cotton. Hey, it works for me every time. I need to do some light house cleaning, though.

I'm done with bread baking for a while. After the loaf I made, yesterday, I have a month's worth of homemade bread in the freezer. Of course, that depends on how fast we eat it.

Our community volunteer fire dept. is having their Spring fish fry, tonight, so no cooking for me. No cooking tomorrow night, either, because we had plenty of spaghetti left from supper last night for another meal.

Monday, is our planned shopping day. I'm still working on my lists. It's always a work in progress. Adding items, or taking them off. I have to work with what's on my finished list to keep the cost within my budget. My shampoo and conditioner supply has gotten down lower than I like, so I added those this time. I'll also send off an order to Sam's for more bread flour. Thankfully, Cary pays for all of our Sam's orders. Those aren't counted in my grocery budget. Sam's orders were counted in my grocery budget at one time. Things got so expensive that I just couldn't do it anymore and stay within my budget, so Cary took over paying for those.
 
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Lovely day here: dry, sunny, and lower 60s. I went for a bike ride, walk (to the swamp -- no new birds), and hauled mulch to the community garden (just hauled, others loaded and unloaded it), and hung out two loads of blankets, towels, and sheets.

Some gardeners are planting starts today, but I think I'll wait until the next set of storms pass. I'm worried about hail damage. I did harvest and dry some chives. I was also gifted with another baggie of nearly expired seeds, mostly annual flowers. Next week, I'll soak those and plant them a bit off one of the trails for the bees, if any come up. The tomatoes all went into starter pots. If any of those come up, I'll either give them away or plant them along the border of the new plot and give those tomatoes away. I don't recognize any of the varieties, so I'm not expecting much.

Dollar General gets in a lot of seeds that folks around here buy but never plant (4 packs for $1). They think of me when they want to move those on. I'm grateful, but I wish they were the cheapies from Menard's, which tend to have much better germination rates, and yes I soak them.
 
It's been a beautiful day, even though, a little coolish for me. The lawn is all mowed, not much firewood stacked, and house is clean and tidy. I watered my flowers and houseplants on the front porch. They are all doing well. I even polished my nails, LOL. Cary loved the apple turnovers I made a couple of weeks ago, so I made more of those this afternoon, since I didn't have to cook supper.

Our fish fry started at 3pm, so we ate early. Cary left to pick up our plates and make our donation at 3:30. The fire station is only a couple of miles from our house. We just finished eating, and it was delicious, as usual. People from all over the county come to our fish fries, because the fish is always outstanding. $15 per plate, but it's worth it. The plates are piled so high with food, plus a dessert and drink. Cary couldn't eat all of his, so Foxy ( friendly little gray fox that has taken up residence with us) got the rest of it. We are both stuffed.
 
I've looked at the list and listened to it. Only thing I don't have is the whole chicken. My stash is getting some age on it, but at our age it will all be fine. I will be adding a can of coconut milk everytime I order, with from walmart and/or amazon.

My friend Morgan is getting wheat berries from Azure, longer shelf life than flour and has more nutrition. I've got wheat grains but have not used them, yet. We are not big bread eaters. I'd have to get a lot better if I even considered baking bread.
 
Today was the town garage sale but I only walked to two close by. I've been wanting a shapeless all cotton dress that I could wear after a midday shower when I come in from the garden. Something easy to pull on after a shower on a sweaty day with no elastic waist band around the middle. Found one for $1 today and will wash it before trying it on.

Next Saturday is town trash day for things that cannot go into the weekly pickup. I have the trunk of my car loaded and will see if dd's boyfriend will be in town to take it to the drop-off site. My cataract surgery is Thursday, so I won't be driving by Saturday.

nomifyle - you might consider a bread machine for now. You can often find them at thrift shops.
 
anna43 said:
Today was the town garage sale but I only walked to two close by. I've been wanting a shapeless all cotton dress that I could wear after a midday shower when I come in from the garden. Something easy to pull on after a shower on a sweaty day with no elastic waist band around the middle. Found one for $1 today and will wash it before trying it on.

Next Saturday is town trash day for things that cannot go into the weekly pickup. I have the trunk of my car loaded and will see if dd's boyfriend will be in town to take it to the drop-off site. My cataract surgery is Thursday, so I won't be driving by Saturday.

nomifyle - you might consider a bread machine for now. You can often find them at thrift shops.
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I have one, never used, will probably stay that way unless DH gets a wild hair.
 
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