November 2026 Pantry Challenge: week #2

 For the month of November, we are focusing on 2 areas of our pantry again:

The first is meats or sources of protein if you're not a meat eater.   The meat can be home-canned, purchased in a can from the store, fresh meat or dried.

The second is anything related to baking.  Think holiday baking, what do you need to do your holiday baking.  If you already have everything on hand that you need, then plan to restock now when baking products are on sale.

You get to choose, one or the other or both.  It goes without saying that we want to stock up in these areas at the best possible price so let’s look for those bargains and share, share, share!

Here's what I added to my pantry this week in the area of protein ...

I found 5 packages of chicken ... 3 of gizzards and 2 of chicken legs.

My plan for today is to can the gizzards and the chicken legs, separately of course, but both at the same time in the same canner.  Since they both process at the same poundage and length of time, it will be fine.  Between the 5 packages, I should be able to get 7 quarts of meat for about $14 and some effort.  I'll take it!

Within our two categories, what did you add to your pantry this week?

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

Sharing 46 years' experience of frugal living and pantry building (if you include my frugal childhood, well that would add several more years to my experience!)

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!

From My Home to Yours: 11/6/26

From My Home to Yours

11/6/26

~ One Down, Two to Go! ~

Holidays, that is!  Halloween is behind us, Thanksgiving is yet to be, followed by Christmas.  I love this time of year!

My big thing this week, other than doctor appointments for my husband, was that I got the space where our Christmas tree will sit ready.  I have a very strong feeling that our tree will go up before Thanksgiving this year instead of after.  I think it will be uplifting as we both really enjoy having our Christmas tree as the only light in a darkened room.  There's just something about that ambience that we enjoy.  This year would be a good year to add that joy to our home a little bit earlier than usual!

Our weather remains in the mid 70's most days and we are enjoying it greatly!  Rumor has it that we're about to take a plunge temperature wise towards the end of the week, I suppose it's time, but we sure are enjoying these mild, less humid days!

In the kitchen this week I did foundational type stuff ... 

made more kefir milk

kept my sourdough starter fed

froze over ripe bananas for use in smoothies ... and such

In the garden the plants enjoyed a good rain.  We are so dry and the plants just soaked up the moisture from the soil as the rain fell.  You could almost hear them thanking God for the rain ... I know I was!

For the pantry I'm still on 'turkey' sale watch.  Nothing near the $.29/lb I'm hoping to find yet, I'll keep watching!  I did find some marked down meats and I'll share more about that in our pantry challenge post tomorrow.

We attended our church's fall festival this week.  It was the first outing hubby has made since his fall that wasn't work or doctor related.  We only stayed a couple of hours and hubby wasn't able to participate in any of the activities, but he was able to go.  We're counting that as a blessing!  We had a really good time!

The joy is in the journey!

__________________________

My Christmas preps were in full swing this week!  I worked on getting the idea for our Christmas cards, that we hand-deliver, from my brain to actually.  I finished one from start to finish and am well pleased with the way it turned out.  Now, I'm all set to work on the rest of this group of cards.  

If you'd like a detailed tutorial of how I put these cards together let me know in the comments.

My sister and I finished our drawstring bag holiday sewing project this week.  We both commented that we had mixed feelings about the project coming to an end.  We were happy to be ahead in our Christmas preps, but sad that the project was over.  We really do enjoy doing our annual sewing project together!

~ my sister's drawstring bags ~

  Aren't they so cute ... look at that Santa one, she said that was made from a towel!

~ my drawstring bags ~

Bonus for me ... I had everything on hand needed to make these bags, I didn't have to purchase anything!  My food pantry is not the only thing I keep well-stocked!

The joy is in the journey!

___________________________

I continued reading in book #9, of the Bregdan Chronicles, Always Forward by Ginny Dye.

Ladies, lesson 7 of our Bible study on Anna has been posted HERE!  

Week #2 of our pantry challenge for November will be posted tomorrow, so be sure and check back.

Before closing out this week, I have a question.  In years past I have done what I call 'blogmas' where I share daily our journey to Christmas, the things we do and how we enjoy the season as two empty-nesters.  It typically starts the day after Thanksgiving and runs through Christmas eve.  I haven't done it for the past two years, but have heard from a few of you that you would like me to bring it back.  That's my question, is there enough interest for me to take on this venture this year.  Let me know in the comments if you'd like me to do 'blogmas' this year.  No comment says no interest, so if you're interested, let it me known!  I won't be offended if you're not!

That's it for this week, I hope you've found something in my ramblings that will help and or encourage you in the upcoming week.

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

Sharing 46 years' experience of frugal living and pantry building (if you include my frugal childhood, well that would add several more years to my experience!)

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!

 

November 2026 Pantry Challenge: Week #1

 For the month of November, we are focusing on 2 areas of our pantry again:

The first is meats or sources of protein if you're not a meat eater.   The meat can be home-canned, purchased in a can from the store, fresh meat or dried.

The second is anything related to baking.  Think holiday baking, what do you need to do your holiday baking.  If you already have everything on hand that you need, then plan to restock now when baking products are on sale.

You get to choose, one or the other or both.  It goes without saying that we want to stock up in these areas at the best possible price so let’s look for those bargains and share, share, share!

Here's one I found the last day of October and a great example of what we're going for this month ...

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

Sharing 46 years' experience of frugal living and pantry building (if you include my frugal childhood, well that would add several more years to my experience!)

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!

From My Home to Yours: 10/30/31

 From My Home to Yours

10/30/26

~ So Long October! ~

October, in our area, started off with sweltering temperatures ranging from the low 90's to 100 degrees and ended with highs in the 70's!  Let me tell you we welcomed those more normal temps for our area with open arms!

(a rose from one of my rose bushes ... yes, in October)

We have been the recipients of much giving this week ...

Someone gave these walnuts and hazelnuts to my hubby while at work.   Both will be used in baked goods and or snack mixes!

A friend at church shared her bounty of sweet potatoes with us ... they had a bumper crop this year!  Isn't that what God wants us to do, share our abundance!  Hmmm ... roasted sweet potatoes; sweet potato fries; baked sweet potatoes; sweet potato pie; sweet potato casserole and more are in our future!  No preserving needed as they are well cured and will last until we finish eating them throughout the fall and winter!

Last week I received an early Christmas gift from one of my readers!!!  This lady is so very talented and blesses me with the work of her hands during the holiday season.   Her surprise came at just the right time to give me the pick-me-up that I needed.  (I have a whole new admiration for caregivers.)

 Stephanie, I put the Tim Tam in the freezer to bring out during the holidays for that little taste of Australia you mentioned.  Thank you, may you be abundantly blessed!    

I finished this unfinished sewing project this week ... it's special to me.  This bag is made from a quilt that hubby and I were given when we got married over 45 years ago.  I don't remember who gave it to us, but I do know that it was hand made and hand quilted.  The quilt had become worn, had several holes and was beyond repair, however, I was able to salvage enough  to make this bag.  Yes, the fabrics are a bit faded but that holds it's own special memories.  I plan to add a note and attach it to the bag regarding it's special place in my heart so that when my time on earth is over, those left behind will understand it's place in my life.  In the meantime, it is home to the drawstring bags I am stitching up for gift giving purposes.  The drawstring bags are lightweight and aren't too heavy for the bag.  I looped the handles over a doorknob to an inside door that seldom gets closed, I think it looks great hanging there!

(meatloaf we enjoyed last week)

In the kitchen I made 2 meatloaves and cooked them, both were added to the freezer part of our pantry.  I froze both as I had made a meatloaf the week before and we weren't ready for meatloaf again just yet.

I roasted some of the butternut squash I harvested a few weeks ago, oh my was it ever good!  The taste just burst in my mouth, the flavor of homegrown produce, it has been my experience, far outweighs mass produced produce.  Whenever possible, I always opt for home grown!

In the garden our cool weather crops continue to grow and grow.  I'm watching the forecast closely as our average frost date is upon us.  I have several herbs to harvest before that first killing frost happens ... maybe I should just go ahead and get started!!!!

For the pantry I'm watching for sales on whole turkeys.  In the past during the month of November, I've been able to find them for $.29/lb with a $35 purchase.  I hope the store that runs that deal does so again this year.  If I can find the deal, I'll be canning turkey for use throughout the year!  You can't beat the price!

___________________________

I did a little more 'fall' decorating this week, not much, mainly adding touches of fall color here and there around our home.  I call it 'fluffing' my home, nothing major, just several little things that add up to the ambience I am striving to make and maintain.  What's the ambience I'm going for  ... for this fall and winter, it's cozy, warm and welcoming.

The joy is in the journey!

__________________________

My Christmas preps are coming right along.  This week I finished updating our Christmas card list that we mail as well as the list for the ones we hand-deliver.  I also checked my Christmas gift wrapping supplies and we are in good shape there.  The last thing I did Christmas related was to purchase our Christmas cards.  Once I have the cards in hand, I can start working on a theme.  I like to include something a little extra with the cards and that's where having a 'theme' comes in handy!

I did more baking for the holidays and gift-giving ... 4 loaves of banana bread were added to our freezer.  I'm seriously considering doing a sampler type gift in a tin/box/bag of 3 different breads (one slice of each individually wrapped ... applesauce, banana and sourdough breads). What are your thoughts, is that a gift you would like to receive? 

My sister and I are nearing the end of our holiday sewing project ... drawstring bags for gift giving purposes.  I hope to be able to share pictures next week!

The joy is in the journey!

___________________________

I finished reading book 8 in the Bregdan Chronicles, Shifted By The Winds by Ginny Dye and started reading book #9, Always Forward by the same author in the same series.

Ladies, lesson 6 of our Bible study on Anna has been posted HERE!  

The final week of our October pantry challenge, week #4,  has been posted HERE!  Week #1 pantry challenge for November will be posted tomorrow, so be sure and check back.

That's it for this week, I hope you've found something in my ramblings that will help and or encourage you in the upcoming week.

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

Sharing 46 years' experience of frugal living and pantry building (if you include my frugal childhood, well that would add several more years to my experience!)

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!

October 2026 Pantry Challenge: Week #4

For the month of October, we are focusing on 2 areas of our pantry:

Adding as many non-prescription/over the counter meds as we think we’ll need to get through the winter months or as long as you prefer.  This includes over-the-counter meds, essential oils, herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, vitamins, etc.  Basically, any meds you use that doesn’t need a prescription.  (Hint: inventory what you have, then restock accordingly!)

The second area is cleaning products.  This includes laundry detergent, dishwasher detergent, dishwashing liquid, dryer sheets, cleaning supplies, etc.  (Again, inventory what you have, then restock accordingly!)

You get to choose, one or the other or both.  It goes without saying that we want to stock up in these areas at the best possible price so let’s look for those bargains and share, share, share!

Here's what I added after taking inventory of our non-prescription/over the counter meds ...

I restocked our vitamin D3 supplement that we both take.

I also placed an order with Hopewell Oils for a couple of essential oils that we were getting low on.  (No, I am not being paid nor have I been provided a product or will be provided a product for this endorsement.  This company merits my high standard of approval, that's all.)

Within our two categories, what did you add to your pantry this week?

I feel good about the state of our over-the-counter medications, essential oils, and herbal remedies going into the winter months.  I also feel good about our supply of cleaning products.  During those cold, wet or otherwise weather miserable days, if we don't won't to venture out, we won't have to ... that's a good thing!  And, we won't even talk about should one of us get 'under the weather' ... there is a very high chance that we won't have to venture out to get needed over-the-counter meds, etc either.  That is very comforting!

I keep saying it, keeping a well-stocked pantry doesn't have to be about 'dooms day' or 'end of the world as we know it' scenarios.  It can simply be about looking ahead and doing our best to make sure our families have what they need when they need it at the very best price possible.  That's my foundation ... looking well to the ways of my household!

Next week, we'll have a whole new pantry challenge ... hmmm, what areas will we be focusing on for the month of November??  Meet me back here next Monday and we'll find out!

Until the next time ...  

mrs. patsi @ A Working Pantry  

~ quietly holding the home front ~

Sharing 46 years' experience of frugal living and pantry building (if you include my frugal childhood, well that would add several more years to my experience!)

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!