From My Home to Yours: 8/20/26

    From My Home to Yours

8/20/26

~  It's Been a Minute, Hasn't it? ~

... and I am so glad to be back with you!

When family unexpectedly needs you to step in and help out with something pretty big, you rearrange everything and do just that ... that's what happened with us.  G & G camp was not something we had been planning so when the need was made known we literally went into 'rescue' mode.

Some of the things we did with the grands were ...

had them make a list of things they wanted to do (we actually managed to do everything on their list except one item plus some other things they came up with along the way.)

I taught my granddaughter how to sew, I have precious pictures of her and I during the process and of her and her finished products.  We went shopping and she picked out the fabric for a pillow case and a drawstring pouch.  She really caught on and seemed to enjoy it so much so that her dad purchased her a good beginner sewing machine.  I can't wait to see what she makes in the future!

We introduced them to Little House on the Prairie TV shows and they in turn introduced us to some of the things they watch.  It was a very interesting exchange!  (We may have been referred to as 'old fashioned' on more than one occasion, but it was all in fun!)

My granddaughter asked me to do her hair up in space buns.  Ha, I had to find out what 'space buns' were.  Youtube to the rescue and for the folks in my era who don't know what 'space buns' are, 'space buns' are the style Leah wore her hair in in Star Wars!  There really is nothing new under the sun!  I managed to pull it off and she loved it.

It had been so long since I had read in book 7 in the Bregdan Chronicles, Glimmers of Change, by Ginny Dye that I started at the beginning again and am now past the place where I was before G & G camp.  

That's it for this week, I mainly wanted to let everyone know that I am back.   I hope you've found something in my ramblings this week that will help and or encourage you in the upcoming week.

I've got a full week planned out for next week that is more in the nature of what I usually share.  Thank you for being patient with me during this 'unexpected' family 'non-emergency ... emergency!'

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

 

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #7

 Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #7

I hope everyone is reading the comments; they are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is sharing your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry this week for the sum total of $5!

These chili ready tomatoes were on sale for 4 for $5.  They add just a bit more flavor to a pot of chili that needs to be put together and served quickly ... for those times when there is no time for that slow simmering that allows all the flavors to meld.

G & G camp is over and hubby and I are taking a few days to rest and recover.  I'll be back next week with lots of catching up and regular posting.  In the meantime, please post what you add to your pantry this week for this challenge, it's so inspiring to me and many others.

In next week's post, I'll be sharing a collective picture of what I've added to my winter pantry thus far from this challenge along with the week's challenge results.

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Are you finding this challenge challenging?

Are you beginning to see that every little bit helps!

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #6

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #6

I hope everyone is reading the comments; each week's comments are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is participating and commenting!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

G & G Camp will come to a close this week and with things winding down, my time is very limited.  So limited that I asked my hubby to do the pantry challenge shopping for me this week!!!

I chuckled when he brought home the following ... for the sum of $4.90.

It did meet all the criteria for the pantry challenge and hubby was so proud of himself!

How will we use these Vienna sausage ... hubby will use them for a quick snack or lunch when the occasion calls for it!

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week ... #5

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #5

I hope everyone is reading the comments; each week's are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is participating and commenting!  I don't have time to comment right now with G & G camp going on, but I do read every one!  You all are inspiring me to no end!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $5 before taxes ...

My granddaughter and I made a trip to a local Dollar General store and purchased these for the stationary part of my pantry.  (I am enjoying being with my grandchildren immensely.  They are keeping us hopping!)  

I'll use these sticky notepads in note taking, sending notes, making lists and things of that nature.

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!

 

2026 Summer Series: Building a Pantry with $5 a Week: #4

Summer Series 2026: Building a Pantry with $5 a week ... #4

I hope everyone is reading the comments each week.  They are so inspiring.  Thank you to everyone who is taking the time to share your selections!

            With each week's entry, we'll start out reviewing the rules ...

Total must be $5 or less each week not including taxes.

Must be a separate purchase ... in other words it cannot be hand-picked items from our weekly grocery haul that totals $5 or less.

All items must come from a grocery store, farmers market, etc.  In other words they must be purchased.  No running out to the garden and putting a grocery store price on items harvested or shared with us.  This challenge is meant to stretch us in utilizing a small amount of money to help build up and or restock our pantry.

Must be items we regularly use.  This will keep us from seeing a good deal on something 'we might like' and spending our 'challenge money' only to never get around to trying it or finding out we don't like it at all.  This challenge is for our tried and true pantry building basics.  Think mid - long term pantry stocking.

This challenge includes all things in our pantry:  food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.

One more guideline ... no rolling money over from week to week.  We have to spend it or lose it!

This challenge will end on September 21st, the last day of summer.  

Here's what I added to my pantry for the sum total of $4.95 before tax.

Mushrooms are a staple in our pantry and the last time I used a can, I made note that I needed to start watching for a sale on them, as we were getting low.  I found that sale this week!  The regular price for each can was $1.79.  The sale price was $.99 each!  That's a pretty good savings, so I used my 'challenge' money for this week to restock shelf stable mushrooms!

Can you see how maintaining a well-stocked pantry saves money?  Because we had the option of waiting for a sale instead of paying full price, we saved, in this instance, $4.

We use mushrooms in soups, casseroles, omelets, and as an ingredient in side dishes (sauteed green beans, onions and mushroom are delicious!).

Okay, now it's your turn ... what did you spend your $5 on this week and if it's a food, how do you plan on using it?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

She looketh well to the ways of her household … Proverbs 31:27 

Other Places You Can Find Me ...

Grandma's Got a Sewing Machine 

From This Heart of Mine  

Mrs. Patsi on Instagram

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links.  This means that if you click on the link and place an order, etc I earn a small fee at no increased cost to you. Thank you for your support through these means. 

Thank you for using my Amazon affiliate link when placing your Amazon orders. I earn a small percentage that doesn't increase what you pay.

If you are encouraged by what you read here, please consider supporting my work via one of the following ways. Your expressions of appreciation help me keep my pantry well-stocked and me motivated to keep on keeping on with my attempts to inspire and encourage you (Titus 2:3-5) through my writings!