FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #52

February 06, 2020

FAMILY HOMESTEADING & OFF THE GRID BLOG HOP #52

family homesteading and off the grid blog hop

A snow day was called for the girl's school this morning (Sammy only had a delayed start), and we decided it was time to play catch-up on some grocery shopping.

Now, we're still aware of our usage after our pantry challenge. We know what we have on hand and how many meals that will provide for us.

But with school lunches, that careful planning tends to go out the window. Do we still have granola bars? Are your juice boxes OK? How about peanut butter?

This morning, we took stock of the cupboards and made additions to our usual bananas, oranges and milk requirements.

Homesteading Grocery Skills

When we arrived at the market, it was fairly empty of other shoppers, and that worked well for us. The girls and I like to take our time, not be in anyone's way, and comparison shop.

We're been shopping together since they were infants. Before we were homesteading even. When they turned four, the could push a smaller cart next to mine to help out. At around eight, we would send them by themselves to other aisles to fill our list faster.

They've learned to look at the bulk price posted in the left corner that shows price by weight, comparing it to other similar items and package sizes.

They've learned that the cheapest price isn't always the best deal, as we still pay attention to nutritional value and flavor. They know how to buy veggies and fruits for immediate use and for longer-term storage.

They know to take advantage of a deal when they come across it, regardless if it's on the list or not. They know about end-cap and shelf placement marketing. We've taught them well.

Passing On Our Homesteading Knowledge

Without a shadow of a doubt, the girls are ready to do this on their own as young adults. I know that on any given shopping day I could drop them off alone, let them fill the list and meet me in the parking lot after I ran other errands.

Maybe I would let that happen if I didn't enjoy shopping with them so much. So, I was in the store with them again today enjoying our time together.

After about an hour we were pushing a half-full cart and reviewing our list. We had everything, including a few deals we couldn't pass up like some ramen noodle packs for comfort snacking.

At the checkout, everything was unloaded along with our reusable shopping bags. We waited.

The cashier was new, sporting a fresh name badge and a nervous, but friendly, look. One of the store shift supervisors was bagging, and though no words were spoken between them, this was obviously a training session.

After our items was rung in, I paid. Then Elizabeth, our oldest daughter, decided she wanted to buy some gum. She pulled out a ten dollar bill, handed it over, and smiled when the cashier handed her back a ten, a five, and four ones.

"I think you gave me too much change," she said. No rudeness, no pause, no internal debate over whether she could or should take the money. Not a sliver of hesitation.

The cashier looked at the receipt, the ten dollar bill Elizabeth had paid with on the lip of the register and then at the stack of bills in my daughter's hand.

"Thank you," the cashier said. "I thought something was a little weird. Thank you so much."

I'm proud of our kids for having the instinct to know what's right. To not even consider the choice as to whether it's right or not. Being kind and simply doing the right thing rather than weighing whether or not they'll get caught if they make a wrong decision.

It was a great morning.

Cheers,

Todd & Wendie

From Our Homestead to Yours

Cut Your Homesteading Grocery Bill in Half

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