Use It Up DECLUTTERING CHALLENGE | Minimalism & Decluttering

[@AshlynneEaton]

Have you ever tried a Use It Up Challenge before? Or would you want to try one? 🤍 P.S. Want to try out one of the recipes I share in today’s video? Then check out the description box where I have them all linked up for you!

[@jacquelyn.kay1109]

This is an excellent idea! I have never done one before. I usually go through my pantry every so often and throw out what's already expired, or donate unopened food we no longer like or use... I do want to try meal prepping this year. We are expecting our second child in July and it would make it so much easier for us to cook and eat, all while reducing food waste!

[@aberdeen0107]

Would love to try it! I’m always so sad when I have to throw out food 😞

[@rebeccaa.3121]

I recommend using recipe apps like "Tasty". There you can type in your ingredients and get a recipe recommendation.

[@emilyblake1865]

Great video! I often get concerned with this whole minimalism movement because so many people get so used to being wasteful and just throwing everything out in the name of being a minimalist. Being intentional to use up what we have (in all areas) before getting new is really important to me. I think it's a tricky balance of being mindful of our waste and consumption and also being able to part with things we know we won't get to. But I find trying your darnedest to use up something (especially a half opened item that you may not be able to give to someone else) is usually the best and least wasteful option! Thank you for this!

[@randsguerra1942]

A friend said growing up her dad called it a “musgo” meal, or soup, using up food in the fridge …. must go. She thought it was a real food! We use that term from time to time, now, make a must-go meal as needed. Great topic!

[@priscillajimenez27]

Mustgo meals: soups, salads, curries/stir fries, smoothies, oatmeal, omelets

[@jhillon5184]

We have ifits...if its there eat it... the poor people version of this concept ha

[@Dipanjanakusary]

You picked a Great challenge Ashlynne ! It's so important to use up that we already have

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh thanks so much!! I completely agree with you!! 🤍

[@amandalashley3819]

I do this all the time, about once a week I will look for all the things that need used up and make a meal out of them. I also get really creative at the end of each month because I only go to the grocery store once a month so sometimes by the end of the month I will have some pretty interesting combos.

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh that’s so fun!! I love that!!

[@lapsedtime4236]

Smart!!

[@KateWiium]

any favorite combos that you have made from weird things? =)

[@amandalashley3819]

@@KateWiium I have found that spaghetti with a side of fried eggs is pretty good, or a bean and cheese tostada with a fried egg on top. Come to think of it, I use fried eggs a lot to fill out leftovers when there isn't enough left to make a full meal. Another end of the month egg recipe some might think is weird but my kids really like is pumpkin "pancakes" made from one can of pumpkin puree and about 9-10 eggs, I just add some spices, vanilla, and a little maple syrup and cook it like pancakes. My kids basically inhale them. I get my eggs weekly from a local farm so I always have plenty on hand.

[@NoodlesMusings]

We do a similar thing as you and and end of the month is unusual meals sometimes 😂 imagine if at the end of the month we found those bark chocolates yum.

[@heididueck3147]

Great video and great timing for me too! This January, I'm doing a challenge where I don't buy any groceries other than fruits and vegetables, and instead use food that I already have. I've found I have an amazing mount of food that's been piling up, so it's good to use it up!

[@shelbybell787]

I chop and freeze extra celery for going in recipes like soup! Works great because it doesn’t last long and I usually only need a stalk or two. Great idea! I just set out some pesto to use tomorrow and picked out a recipe.

[@sasismile6374]

This is the video I didn't know I needed. I just spent the last 3 hours decluttering the food in my kitchen and pantry and it feels so good! I've got lots of ideas now what I can cook with all the stuff that was just sitting around in my fridge and cabinets. I already made some chocolate cookies and confectionery, and I'm gonna use up some leftover spices and vegetables for a soup tomorrow. And I want to bake some bread, since I have all the ingredients but haven't found the time so far! Thank you, Ashlynne, for the inspiration! 😊

[@allisonedminster8046]

This is a great idea! I'm also trying to do this with my bath items. I like the recipe ideas you gave and your recipe card organizer is so cute and a smart idea.

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh love the idea of trying it with bath items!!

[@dfjulesful]

A tray bake is a great way to use things up!

[@sw9868]

You could also add the bark and chocolate to the game night items (hummus) for sweet and savory options. Really fun video! Hope to see more like this again!🥰

[@AshlynneEaton]

Ooh that’s such a fun idea!! Going to need to do this!!

[@MsBubu26]

That’s a challenge I started doing this Fall. Before knowing he was coeliac my boyfriend bought lots of things like pasta sachets and cans of sauce etc. When he’s working I’m trying to use those up. And also finish the bits and bobs lying around. It’s great for creativity! Thank you for your ideas!

[@kittenmixer812]

That sweater is so flattering with your hair color and skin tone. As always, thanks for being you and sharing your ideas!

[@audreyarsenault]

Great idea for a challenge! I've been doing this with bath sets I got for Christmas as well as some travel/sample sized toiletries like perfume that my family decluttered from thier stash and gave to me. It's nice to have less small things cluttering up my bathroom

[@KatieMullenbach3000]

Literally ran into the kitchen after watching this and made 3 different dishes for this weekend. This was a great motivational video!!

[@Alyssa-ui7bf]

You inspire me! I make lists of pantry/freezer items that need to be used soon but then I tend to forget about them (ADHD). It’s been a goal of mine to actually use them up! “Use it up” applies to food and for me, Id like to use it for beauty and body care items as well- I have way too many stashed in my closet!

[@juliabernuy9283]

Great video! I when to my pantry and did just what you said. I am planning already to do some meals with that👏🏼 Thanks for all your suggestions. Love it 😊

[@adrianaricalde2905]

I just recently got married, so I haven't reached a good rythm of meal prep, but instead I constantly try to cook with the things I bought first. I enjoyed this video, thank you!

[@traceyjanestone3558]

At the end of each week I throw remaining fresh fruit and veg through the juicer. This way I start new week with a nutritious cleansing juice. Admittedly some of them taste diabolical but I know it's good for me.

[@priscillajimenez27]

Maybe a smoothie

[@traceyjanestone3558]

@@priscillajimenez27 sometimes it is... same principle at the end of the week we become human compost buckets.

[@embraceintentions]

A great reminder to use what we have! Will need to check the fridge and pantry straightaway :)

[@shannonc7308]

I loved this video. It really made me think about the food in my own home and is making me think outside the box. Thanks

[@iriswelch3553]

Onions freeze well. Dice and store in a ziplock. Celery works too. That way they are always handy for your next recipe.

[@mr2001]

I guess repurposing things is a great way to save money, recycle, and use our imagination to create something new. 🌟 Such a great idea, Ashlynne. Wonder why I never give it a go. Thanks for the inspiration I needed to help myself keep going.😊🌷

[@angiboz]

Love this video! On Sunday’s before or after grocery shopping I would make soup or juice all the produce that was on the edge of spoil. I love a clean minimal fridge.

[@LizzieOktambe]

I was literally doing this for the last few days. I had a bunch of things in my pantry and my fridge that I haven’t used up and I’ve been very efficient with the left overs stuff last week. Kinda proud of myself :) thanks for the video! The stew made me hungry! I’m definitely going to try it one day.

[@nicholajayne]

Love this, what great ideas, I will definitely be sorting through my cupboards and pantry (I grab sauces and spice mixes like that too and I know there’s a bunch in my cupboards) thank you for the motivation!!!

[@amyli092]

This is such a fun idea, especially since I have a tendency to open up certain food items within my shared kitchen space but never finish them. You've really inspired me with this video, Ashlynne! :D

[@alyssapfluger4236]

Love this concept! I have mostly beat the habit of buying food without a plan, but it definitely still happens sometimes 😅 I am thinking in particular of some ghost pepper sauce I want to make hot wings with and fancy seaweed I got as a gift and want to use in clam chowder. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Love that so much!!

[@CarySprite]

One thing that has helped us was putting our favorite recipes in OneNote. Then when we're at the grocery store we can look at the ingredients so we're not buying stuff willy nilly

[@emmadavies160]

I love this! I do this so frequently as a minimalist. When creating my grocery list for the week I always think of ‘What do I have? How can I use it this week?’ And try to clean everything out! Freezer, pantry, fresh produce, etc. It makes grocery shopping simple! Most people come over to my apartment and think we have no food and I’m like noooo we have plenty of food! 🤣

[@boomshine87]

Love this! I've had Hello Fresh every week for a few months, having now lost my job I've stopped my subscription and been eating what's in my freezer before meal planning and going shopping!

[@CorinRae]

I just did this last week, and it felt great to empty the pantry. p.s. That sweater matches your natural coloring so well!

[@sapphire1520]

This video was so much fun! I already had started this process of my own and after seeing this video, I've got a few extra ideas 😁 moving into our new home is going to go just that more smoothly!

[@micmico5713]

Peel your carrots slice it up to big chunks put it in water change water every other day. store in the refridgerator. It'll stay fresh for weeks. You can also chop them up to cuts that you like store in freezer.

[@karenarchibee7674]

I love Rice cakes and hummus- just an idea to try :) Thanks for sharing!

[@alexa574]

Great video, thanks for sharing! Yum spinach with eggs is my favorite breakfast.

[@kristen2646]

Way to nail that challenge! You concocted some really yummy sounding dishes with what you had on hand. Our problem is we love Costco food but it's hard to use everything in a timely way. As a family of two as well, we love getting frozen meals from Trader Joe's to use as a base, then doctor it up differently with a variety of sauces and veggies each time. Try the chimichurri rice to start 😀

[@madisonturner3076]

This is one of my favorite videos you’ve made!

[@moldypotatochip]

Basically for leftovers I like to make them into soups, curries, fried rice, or ramen style dishes (for example cooked meats and veg or frozen cut veg are very easy to incorporate into ramen or fried rice, uncooked ingredients are very easy to add to a soup or curry). Fruits get made into smoothies. Leftover seasoning, condiments, or other random things are good for meatballs or meatloaf. It's very rare I can't figure out how to use something 😅

[@JanmarieHaggar]

Super challenge !! I do this too. I live in Beirut Lebanon. So happy that hummus is so popular in the states. Thought I’d tell you how to say hummus correctly. Phonetically it is “HOOM MOOSE”. Happy cooking!

[@rociogarcia9852]

In Mexico we eat popcorn with that delicious Cholula souce. I hope you try!

[@justadudeintheworldman.120]

I put Cholula chili garlic on almost everything

[@Peckham-zf5qm]

I'm doing something similar this year but with all my skin care and bath products as have so much So told myself that not buying anything else until I've use what I've got

[@Sunflow3rLov3]

Love your sweater!!💜

[@oliviaswan6751]

Love this! Your sweater is so cute by the way🥺

[@AshlynneEaton]

Thank you so much!! I’m kind of obsessed with the sweater too! 🥰

[@tanyaatmomssmallvictories9687]

This is great! For the rest of January, I’m trying to do a pantry challenge and only go to the store for perishables to complete meals. It will be a fun challenge. We have a well stocked pantry and freezer so I’m interested to see how long I can go and how little my grocery spending will be (since I’ve already spent it! 😇)

[@amygalloway2699]

Great video and great concept. I've challenged myself to a use-it-up challenge for this year with my books and scrapbooking supplies. I've identified 15 books in my collection that I've been wanting to read but will be ok with passing along when I'm done. And I've got scrapbooks I'm working on for my kids that will use up a lot of supplies I've gathered that are taking up a lot of space. My third use-it-up category involves personal care products. I'm working on using up some lotions and cleansers so I can finally toss those containers and buy more sustainable options with reusable containers. Thanks for the added inspiration!!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Ooh I love this!! So many great ideas here. 🤍

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

Cool cleaning the pantry! Happy weekend, Ashlynne!🌻🌻❤️❤️😊😊

[@AshlynneEaton]

Thank you Ervin! Wishing you a wonderful weekend!

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

You too, Ashlynne!

[@Rhylee_98]

Your voice is so soothing! Lmao the weirdest thing but I love decluttering and doing things along with your videos :)

[@chillibird2511]

What a great idea - those dishes look yummy. Another bonus; don't have to cook for a few days 💛

[@kaylangford3031]

I do this every now and then too, I call it Cobblepot meals, because I'm cobbling meals together in a pot x

[@itsjustmel1217]

Aww I wanted to see your recipes plated. And I wanted to see your stew and bread.

[@AshlynneEaton]

Unfortunately, it was completely dark and the lighting was terrible by the time I finished cooking everything. So it wouldn’t have made for good video. 😅

[@AmyNatalie1]

Another idea would be Hummus Pasta with spinach. Its really yummy and creamy. I make this as an easy and fast lunch :)

[@joannabettencourt1776]

We need a "love" button!!! This was AWESOME!!!

[@KateWiium]

those toast are great with the hummus and dip btw =)

[@robertawiggins3695]

I love this idea!! Thank you introducing this.

[@patriciagalanakis4540]

I’ve seen people create “eat first” bins in the refrigerator and pantry as a way to use up items.

[@trixielei719]

Always felt satisfying when I watch your videos and learn from them. Just wanna ask if you can also make a tutorial video how you make your homecooked bread?

[@ktglick]

Looks like she is using a bread machine. They usually come with their own recipes, since it’s a matter of adding ingredients in a certain order and then the machine will do the rest.

[@shelbizzle131]

Ashlynne!! ✨ This style video was so fun!! And awesome timing for me, too. I just went through and did a deep clean of our fridge about two weeks ago and have been REALLY trying to eat leftovers, freezer items, etc. The freezer is now almost empty (which is shocking) and I’ve been struggling to figure out how to manage the “low turnover” items in the fridge. This video was such a great guide and inspiration! ✨ Also, what kinds of seasonings do you use in the stew? 😊

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oh that’s so awesome!! I’m 100% on board with you when it comes to the freezer. Not letting things pile up in there is definitely a goal of mine for this year!! And I use soy sauce, steak spice, Worcestershire sauce, red wine… a real combination 🤍

[@rebeccaleal7200]

Love the video! Thanks! And I really love that sweater, it’s beautiful, I wanted to buy but it seems I can only rent it.

[@carlacfon1997]

I always use this method with my body creams and perfumes!

[@tessab566]

Thanks for this! I’m going to leave my home for two months this summer and want to leave an empty pantry and freezer when I go.

[@s.sflower]

Love this so much!!!! Very motivating to do the same. And thanks for the consistency on frequently uploading new videos 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍

[@Isabel_fit]

Maybe it’s because I’m Hispanic, but I LOVE eating popcorn with hot sauce! Idk if you’re a popcorn eater but that’s another way to use up hot sauce ☺️

[@jelly3821]

Such a nice video! I've heard this week that we approximately waste $1000 of food and that 1/3 of all aliments go to trash. Your video inspired me to do the same

[@meganverne]

just so you know for next time. the best way to make friend rice is if you have day old rice. less mushy that way. its one of my favorite recipes to make :)

[@MmM2025-v9d]

Love the sweater color with your hair!

[@as0205_]

Love this idea ! Will definitely try to use up my food in my pantry before complaining I have nothing to eat and then ordering food lolll

[@IvanaObr06]

Tbh sometimes I buy waaaay more than I actually need and sometimes food goes bad so I try to do this as much as possible cause I hate wasting food. About once a month I look through cabinets and fridge and write down every meal I have ingredients for and use it all up. Expecially by the end of the month when I'm usually out of money :)

[@wandafreeman1600]

How funny! I am doing this now with my food. Great video.

[@user-fq4ni3bv6z]

This is super random but you have worn a different sweater the past few videos and they have been stunning! I love this video concept too

[@uriahandanny]

Absolutely loved this video! So inspiring ❤️

[@AshlynneEaton]

Aww thank you!! I’m so glad to hear that!!

[@larissatom6910]

You could sprinkle the granola over the almond butter on rice cakes.

[@Moniinthemorning]

I just did this very same thing before I saw this video. Great minds think alike! ☺️

[@MrKitagurl]

Fab video. Loved the more vlog style.

[@noelcarter2100]

Are you going to do a series on this? Use it up challenge ? 😊

[@Nikita-wh8wl]

Hi. I freezer all vegetables a have...It makes me save a lot of money.

[@lais.v.m]

just a little tip: take the vegetables out of the plastic package, they make them go bad quicker ;)

[@tessab566]

Actually, for carrots, the plastic packaging keeps the moisture in. Without it, the carrots will dry out and shrivel.

[@kirstenalbright3327]

I love this video! So inspiring!

[@cassie.minimalist]

I am doing it for a month already!!! I use up weird flours that I bought and cosmetics

[@rachaelcapper1297]

One thing I'm actually proud of is how little food waste we have I my house, if I check my fridge and it looks like I can get creative with what's left I'll make us go till our cupboards and fridge are actually empty, if there is waste it's the leftover bits from the kids saying they're full 😁

[@dorothyelizabeth1559]

If a product gives me more work - ie smears the windows, foams up too much etc, it’s in the bin. My mother on other hand keeps it and buys different brand. As a result I only have few things under my kitchen sink and don’t buy more until I actually run out of said products. My mother under the sink cupboard is full to the brim of bottles, cloths and god knows what else. Every time you want the dish bowl to wash dishes, you have to remove 1/4 of the junk to get at it!

[@hellosambrockway]

I loooove this idea can’t wait to try!

[@AshlynneEaton]

Oooh yes!! That’s so awesome!!

[@dianamosqueira6203]

Love this video and it came to me at a time when I more then need 😃🙌🏼

[@emmy8526]

Great video! This could be a regular feature.

[@laniep205]

cute sweater!

[@inesk1060]

I`m only 6 minutes into the video but I love the idea of that "challenge" you are doing!! Can I ask why you have multiple packages of for example hummus or peas open? Maybe it would help keeping the food fresh longer if you keep only one item open or even buy the "backup" just before the open package is about to empty?! Thank you for all of your videos, I love them! Greetings from Switzerland!

[@katfisher3717]

Another way to use up houmous is to add a spoon to ratouille or Bolognese type of sauces! Handy trick learnt from a family I lived with once! Also with big yoghurt pots or things that may not be obvious whether it's open or not, I now put a hairband round the open one so it doesn't get pushed to the back and forgotten! Labels are of course helpful too but takes a smidge more work

[@ktrudy1]

I’m doing the use it up challenge too. It’s a win win. Fun challenge and save money. ♥️ Doing my food too

[@StepswithSarah]

Since I started storing my celery and carrots in water in the fridge they’ve lasted so much longer

[@BudgetingMomma]

Where did you get you spice box and jars from. Do you like it?

[@JeanSeptember25]

Love this vid! I've been quite scared of buying too many things during a grocery run because it might end up not being used in time even though I had all the intention of consuming it when I bought it. 😅 Anyway, side note - not sure if you've watched Manifest on Netflix but the the character played by Luna Blaise on the show reminded me of you cos of your similar features! 😅

[@Back_To_Basics]

2022.. is the year that I’m gonna use up all of the stuff that I own.

[@kangkientertainment6838]

My All time favorite youtuber.... love from India 🇮🇳❤

[@boubakar5168]

Super le challenge ashlynne 😊😊

[@mtoffel1]

Can you share what bread maker you have? I've been debating investing in one.

[@clairebishop2188]

What about the toast and hummus!?

[@dollarbilllife3905]

I am making sure I don't let any of the food that I buy get wasted. I make sure before I grocery shop I am eating the things I already bought in my house. I use to be so bad at waste I am more conscious now about it, and how it affects my budget

[@mysticfox1563]

I like this much better than the constant decluttering videos. They start to feel either too performative or stuff obsessed after a while.

[@sierrawilborn2487]

i unintentionally do this challenge every week, just procrastinating grocery shopping 😆

[@kathryndalton9867]

This what I've been trying to do with shampoos lotions etc

[@sheylaalers4168]

You can add the spinach in the stew 😋

[@Jenroloff]

Rice cakes with Almond butter and granola.