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Farm Kitchen:  Balance in the kitchen  |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 08 2009 : 10:16:26 AM
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Ok, so I am trying NOT to buy so many packaged foods and have the grande idea of making my own granola bars or bread, thus less packaging and costs (and I use my reusable bags for the granola, flour, etc) but then I realize the time exchange for convenience that goes on. UGH!!! It is frustrating. I also have the problem that my local store doesn't often bulk bin items. And then I need to purchase non plastic containers to store everything in.
Also, what does a well stock non prepackaged pantry look like? Is there a list somewhere? One of my goals is to get rid of the excess packaging.
Do just bite the bullet on set up costs and gas money and go for it? I am trying to do better, do the right thing and eat healthier, but boy, it is real work!!! 
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Buffalomary
True Blue Farmgirl
199 Posts
Mary
Caldwell
ID
USA
199 Posts |
Posted - Feb 08 2009 : 6:49:04 PM
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Good luck on your new adventure. What you have in it is pretty much personal preference. I use old popcorn tins and gallon jars to store in. I buy the popcorn during the holidays as well as find the tins at yard sales and thrift shops. I even found one with a buffalo on it to add to my collection! I would suggest to not try doing it all at once, but decide what is the most important and start there. I know I have seen lists through the years but I usually just go with what works for me. Let your family and friends know what type of storage container you are interested in and they might have one or two lying around they aren't using! You might even find some here that would be willing to barter with you, if they have what you are looking for.
Have fun! 
Buffalomary
Farmgirl Sister #293
You can take the farmer's daughter off the farm but you can't take the farm out of the farmer's daughter!!
Please visit me at my blog: http://buffalomaryscorner.blogspot.com |
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Quintessential Kate
True Blue Farmgirl
175 Posts
Kate
Tyler
TX
USA
175 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2009 : 06:52:58 AM
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I use jars....all shapes and sizes.I can open my cupboard and see what I have, how much, and what I need. I buy most of my jars at yard and estate sales.
Because there are only two of us, it's not always space and $$ efficient for us to buy in bulk...although there are a few things I do. I buy meat at Sam's club and then re-wrap it in meal size porions in freezer paper. I also buy the largest boxes of Luzianne tea bags. In my opinion, the BEST black pekoe tea and the least packaged. You open the box and it's just the teabags...and not individual envelopes that contain a teabag.
When I go shopping, most of what I buy goes straight into it's glass jar....and the packaging immediately goes in to the recycle container. (My city provides a recycle barrel and 2 X month pick-up for a nominal fee.
Unfortunately there is not a store like "Sprouts"....or "Whole Foods" here...where you can buy bulk out of a "barrel". I would love that. My healthfood store does not offer that type of bulk. Oh well, this little city is growing by leaps and bounds....so hopefully, soon, there will be such a store. I moved here from the Phoenix Metro-mess....and there were bulk barrel stores everywhere.
Ciao, Kate
Heart of Texas
Chapter
AKA: Hot Farmgirl #234
http://quintessentialkate.blogspot.com
Today is my best day! |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2009 : 2:04:45 PM
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Kate, Luzianne tea is awesome I agree.. the only one Better.. is Yorkshire tea from England. I lived there and got hooked years ago, fortunately my daughter married a "Brit" and I have a refillable supply when they go to England every year. But when I do not have that, I love the Luizanne expecially for Summer Ice tea.
Heather, I use glass jars too & have found some really interesting sizes & shapes at Goodwill or other thrift stores, & garage sales. We buy bulk when we can. It's also only Dh & me so some things are stillpurchased insmaller quantity and whenon sale I stock up, transfer everything I can to jars. That way I can see what I have & when I need to buy more.
I have a meal saver so I use that when we get meat in bulk, or whenever we go to the butcher I have him wrap meat in servings for 2.
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
Almost daily posts at:
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise',
I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
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FarmgalApril
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
April
3 Posts |
Posted - Feb 09 2009 : 5:12:09 PM
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Here's my 2-cents about bulk storage. Bakery departments in supermarkets throw away icing tubs which are excellent for storing bulk cereal grains and beans. (separately) The main thing to remember is food grade plastic.
Farmgal April in February |
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Farm Kitchen: Balance in the kitchen |
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Balance in the kitchen
