Attempting the

My first time trying out the #threeriverschallenge - take a peek at my pantry before the challenge kicks off in my home!
Here’s Jessica’s video with more information if you’d like to join me! ‪@threerivershomestead‬
• No Groceries For 2 Mon...

[@dachedetre]

It says i am the 499th subscriber. Keep up with the channel. U have a KZbin gift of the gab. Ppl will jump on your channels bandwagon in no time. With the pumpkin puree, we have been making pumpkin loaf with cream cheese icing. If u can, i would suggest getting into the prepper mindset. Buy what u eat and rotate. Saves money, shop the sales and budget. Great video! Glad to have found u.

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks for the kind words and subscribing, I’m so glad you’re here! Those are both great tips - I’m trying to be better about meal planning and only buying what I need, so hopefully this pantry challenge helps me get into that mindset.

[@Karomatics]

Im subscriber 552 😊 So you are right!! People are jumping on this channel already! She seems so sweet! Can’t wait to see her grow!

[@kimberbeardsley156]

Yes, make a protien list, With pumpkin, you could make pumpkin pancakes, muffins, pumpkin curry and pumpkin soup. I would try to stay out of the store all January and save 90% of your groc budget to restock after you eat through your freezer. You could take your cupboard ingredients and make more freezer meals. Try using your jams as meat marinades. When we stretch our self we c a n get real creative In the kitchen!

[@gardenrowes]

@kimberbeardsley156 These are fantastic ideas, thank you! I never know how to use the jams and jellies, and a meat marinade sounds wonderful!

[@leswilliams4022]

I participate in the pantry challenge too! We put aside the money we save for a special activity we want to do. So far we've been able to take a ski trip for me and my husband was able to go to a car race. We set our goal for two at $10.00 a week.

[@sherry2836]

If you begin by making a list of meals and proteins you have in freezer and pantry; also list of veg, fresh, frozen, canned. Then calendar your menu plan just for the month of January (include dinners of leftovers). This way you can supplement with your rice, noodles etc and determine what extras you may need by the end of the month (eggs, milk, bread, etc) Looks like you have plenty of food to work with. I was just telling my sister that I have things in my pantry that I can't remember what recipe I bought them for! Also, would love to have the recipe for your "Best Tomato Soup Ever! EVER!", lol! Good luck!

[@gardenrowes]

This is great advice, thanks!! I’m glad you can relate to my ingredient-forgetfulness 😂 this is the link to the tomato soup recipe I used and fell in love with! howtofeedaloon.com/roasted-tomato-basil-soup/

[@sherry2836]

@@gardenrowes Thank you!

[@isabelgomes6118]

This is the third video I am watching about a pantry challenge. I came across them yesterday evening. I don't can tomatoes and fruits anymore, as all my children are married and on their own. But I still do meals for the freezer. Last week I did over 200 meatballs as an example. We have been empty nesters for almost 3 years. I have been only going to the groceries for fresh fruit & veg, cheese, milk. Funny thing I told my husband that after Christmas I was going to be diligent at using what was in the pantry and 3 freezers. Let's see if I can use up most of what I have and see how far I can go.

[@gardenrowes]

That’s awesome! You’re joining in on the pantry challenge without even knowing! I hope you can go pretty far with it 😊

[@cleopeifer9912]

Just not buying meat should save you a ton of money. Just using the basement freezer resources will carry you well through January. And the food won't go to waste! Great new adventures await you.

[@pattyadams2338]

Start where you’re at. Even if you put off going to the store or cut your budget in half by shopping your shelves first is a success in my book!

[@gardenrowes]

Love that mindset!

[@elizaC3024]

Keep going, you are doing great. And keep practicing your skills, including dehydrating. No one is perfect in the beginning and we all learn lessons through our practicing, or even failures. Look through your sauces, jams ,jellies ,pickles and keep those condiments in mind to flavor basics. You can make muffin pan omelets, or waffles for breakfast. We do pumpkin muffins, waffles and pumpkin chocolate chip cookies. All at once the freeze for quick meals. You are actually very well stocked for the pantry challenge. This is a great way to rotate through your stores and prepare for the upcoming season. Make banana muffins and they can go with your husband for an add on for lunch. Any crackers, dig out for soups, pull out tortilla chips if any for a topping for chili or salad. Being mindful with this pantry challenge, may get you in the habit of going through seasonal sales, stocking up then, and watch for sales, and get coupons . Also make a must have only grocery list. See how low you can go. It prepares you for what if situations. If you are in Michigan, Meijer has Flashfood app, where you can save a lot on clearance grocery shopping. I have gotten meats to freeze, and lots of fresh fruits and vegetables in Season, and frozen or canned them immediately. I am skipping it during the pantry challenge this year, but last year I did large amounts in February and March and canned a lot.

[@gardenrowes]

Wow, this is so much helpful information - thank you so much for taking the time to share it with me! Meijer is my main grocery store, so I’ll check out Flashfood. I appreciate you! 😊

[@emilywhite2884]

This is my 1st attempt at the pantry challenge as well!! Good luck to you!! Im super excited! I started on Dec. 31st and did a small shopping trip for prep. I hope to only go for milk. It will feel good to eat the things we always forget are in the freezer 😂

[@gardenrowes]

Yay, glad to have a buddy!! Good luck to you too - I’m definitely excited to clear out some of the things in the depth of the freezer 😂

[@teresarowe-gs8te]

This is so cool!😃 Never heard of the pantry challenge but excited to follow and participate in this. Most of my freezer and food pantry stock were purchased for recipes that were forgotten about or a change of meal plans. Looking forward to seeing how much is eaten and saved in our grocery bill....so is my hubby! 😅 You're always an inspiration in everything you've done with Garden Rowes and this one definitely is inspiring. I am totally up to this challenge and thank you!

[@gardenrowes]

Yay I’m so excited for you to do it with me! It’ll be a fun challenge to see how we both do! Thanks for all the support 🫶🏼

[@TheQueensCabinet]

My first time doing the challenge too! Looking forward to following your journey. Shelby

[@gardenrowes]

That’s awesome!! I hope all goes well for you doing it!

[@debbieblincoe9880]

Just found your channel and i'm doing this challenge for first time as well! Hi from New Zealand.

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks for the comment, I’m glad you found me all the way over in Michigan! Good luck with your challenge!

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

I tend to just have a smaller grocery budget. Really just getting things that we are actually in need of (like butter, milk, eggs, etc) & the rest of the time is just seeing just how much I can use up with what we have on hand. I don’t usually bother “stocking up” because it’s really just the 3 of us & the dog (& I do buy dog food as needed, challenge or not). But I’ve also noticed that if I’m low stocked on butter, I make sure that we have bacon ~ so that we can use the bacon grease instead of butter!😂 So it’s not that big a deal for the most part. Will need to buy milk, but can wait until I’m out & about on Tuesday instead of making a special trip.

[@momskelton5794]

I just watched someone use boxes and canvass bags to organize foods in their freezer. I need to empty and organize my freezer. I have been vacuum sealing fruits & veggies to freeze. Pantry challenge sounds good, good luck

[@gardenrowes]

Oh that’s a great idea to keep it all organized!

[@antoinettepeeps1]

We just started our pantry challenge too. I just took inventory and it was a bit overwhelming. Additionally, I still have so much cow meat from last year. My goal is to empty my inside freezers by April. I need some new recipes asap!

[@gardenrowes]

That’s so exciting, I hope it goes well for you! I’ve been getting some great ideas from other content creators when they share their videos! A lot from friendly comments, too ☺️

[@sarahlewis8893]

I’m going to follow along! I’ve always watched Jessica’s videos (❤️❤️) and wanted to be able to do what her and her family do, but I feel like such a beginner!! I hope you are able to find some creative meals to make! Maybe before your next video, your followers will have suggested some meals to make based on what you have, and we can try them out together!! 🥰

[@gardenrowes]

That’s fantastic!! I agree - her and her family are inspirational. Everyone starts as a beginner, and I’m right there with ya. Baby steps add up! Best of luck to you with your journey!

[@lifebeyondthesalary2458]

I keep a running list of items that need to be eaten or things that we can easily make with what we have on hand. I also have a list of LEFTOVERS to be eaten (& I keep that list on my kitchen fridge) & I’ve noticed that the amount of things that we have had spoil or have to throw away has been getting MUCH smaller since I started using this system. If I don’t use my system… then our grocery bill & eating out bill is astronomically insane. I also have an area on that list that has preps to do… as in needs to be thawed, needs to be frozen, need to be eaten quickly, etc.

[@terrychittam8483]

I am new and enjoyed you vlog . I’m starting to,,one thing I have done is download the notes app. Then as the days go by I put down what I have to have ,like eggs then when I have a few things on the list,go to the grocery and only get what is on your list ,it feels so good ,then as you see things that you have to have start putting it on your list ❤❤

[@gardenrowes]

Awesome! That’s a good idea for keeping yourself on track with your list. Good luck to you!

[@robertamead3687]

I love your enthusiasm! Good luck, I too am doing the challenge for the first time

[@gardenrowes]

I hope it goes well for you!

[@lyndsaymoehrman]

It’s like you are opening Christmas presents in your freezer. 😂I do the same thing.

[@gardenrowes]

Yes! There’s something so fun about it - exactly like Christmas presents! 😝

[@stacyfredette260]

I hear you on the freezer ours the same way we call it freezer diving. I think you're doing a great job if you haven't done video very often. We are doing the challenge also, trying for $50 a month, 2 adults, mainly for fresh items.

[@gardenrowes]

Thank you! I hope the challenge is going well for you!

[@allyrooh3628]

Subscriber I’m looking forward to following your pantry challenge. I’m not a KZbinr but I’m also doing the challenge so I’m excited to see how you run your challenge. I can always use inspiration good luck.

[@gardenrowes]

We’ve got this!! Thanks for following along 😊

[@horticultureandhomes]

Hi, I am so glad to see the resurgence of home food preservation with the younger generations. Good for you! I've just seen a few of your videos and was wondering if you live in a large high cost city. I thought you said your grocery budget for two people was $200 a week. Ouch! When I am heavily adding meat to my pantry, my budget is about $125 a week. That includes makeup, laundry needs, and anyrhing you find in a normal grocery. Typically, I spend $100 for 2 people and that's keeping a very, very large pantry. Now I do cook from scratch and we eat out about 1x per week. If you need help, feel free to ask or maybe check in with the living on a dime to grow rich channel. She does consult with people to help them reign in their grocery budgets, if that interests you. Pretty much everything goes on sale once a quarter for better pricing. Eat produce seasonally cuts down on expenses too. Good luck with the pantry challenge.

[@gardenrowes]

I actually live in a fairly rural area. My high grocery spending is really just due to my lack of planning. I want to be better about it, but I often fall into the trap of buying way more than I need - hence all of this food in my freezer! I’m hoping to chop that grocery budget down significantly after this challenge.

[@thedebbieadams]

You got this! You have plenty to eat on for 2 months. Stay out of the grocery stores lol

[@amandasnailtasticnails9657]

I made a little grocery list because I was planning of doing my version of the challenge, however, that was a total different story by the time I left the store. I totally broke my budget. I don’t think I went to the store hungry when I walked by something I was like this looks good and sounds good.

[@gardenrowes]

Going to the store hungry is so hard!! I’ve been there - and it definitely leads to way more in the cart 😂 I hope you feel inspired to try it out again and see how it goes for you!

[@donnabennett1256]

My thoughts regarding your comment about letting the meals (and things) stay in the freezer: 1. I would use up the soups and freezer meals soon…before freezer burn, etc. 2. Next, I would make meals based on the proteins and veggies in your freezer. 3. I don’t know how much you have of things like potatoes, pasta and rice, but I would use those items in many of my meals. 4. By limiting your weekly grocery budget as much as you can, you could set that money aside for a big stock up of fresh/new stock for your freezer. Rotating your freezer is the best way to avoid losing good food to freezer burn, spoilage and nutrient loss. My household “budget” is like yours-spend for what we need but often we really don’t “need” half of what we buy. I want to work on that aspect of grocery shopping this year.

[@gardenrowes]

These are fantastic tips and definitely helpful to think about. You’re right about the freezer burn - I didn’t consider that. I do have lots of potatoes, as well as some rice and pasta! So that tip will be helpful, too. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

[@katescaringcorner6765]

Hey, Mary! I just fell upon your video here and I just want to say, I have watched Jessica's challenge for a couple years now. You have inpressed upon me to give the challenge a go for the first time ever, I have had a bigger garden last summer and learned how to can this year as well. I haven't finished my canning as I still have peach peels that I want to make onto jelly and strawberries that I want to make onto preserves in my freezer. I believe I am rather well stocked between my little fridge freezer and what I have canned to take me through January at least. I live with two other people that I have to consider so there needs won't be part of my challenge, They need to sitill have their needs of milk, eggs and store bought bread. and such. I also partake in Misfits Market that I will opt for their donation option and I am a member of Thrive Market where I get my tea and some novel pantry items. I have just put in my very first Azur order so that is happening. But I am going to dive all in with you and Jessica and all her followers. I am, like you, a newbie to the challenge and you havre inspired me to do things thing while I plan my garden for the next season!

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I’m so happy that you found my video and are motivated to try out the pantry challenge for the first time with me! I’m doing better than I thought and haven’t had to go to the grocery store yet, but it only has been a week, so we’ll see. I’m happy to have loose rules so there’s not so much pressure, and it can be more of a fun challenge. It sounds like we are in similar positions and you have a lot of goodies from your garden! You’ve got this! I hope to hear updates from you on how it’s going 😊

[@katescaringcorner6765]

@@gardenrowes I’ll update you, Mary. I’m thinking that it’s kinda like when you’re on a diet and cheat with a random ice cream cone or something and then you get back on the wagon and behave again. Anyway, I live with my nephew and mom. I’m the one that buys the food and does the cooking so most of the food we eat will be from what I do. But if mom needs more prune juice or they need their cows milk or whatever, nephew can pick it up on the way home from work. But outside of that I’m just going to enjoy the fruits if my labor by planning my work snd working my plan! 💪🏼

[@gardenrowes]

@@katescaringcorner6765 that sounds like a great mindset to have about it! Good luck!

[@hollyu48]

Welcome to the challenge this will be my second year, and I didn’t prep for it either. We set a 10$ weekly limit for the month and allow us to eat out once. Good luck to you.

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks for sharing that - I’m glad to hear you found success without prepping! $10 sounds like a great weekly goal, I may have set mine a little too high, but I’m not sure that I’ll even need it. We’ll see how this goes! 🤞🏼

[@dh4398]

i am doing the challenge. I am keeping a list of all the food I use(empty) by category-freezer-fridge-pantry-canned. I am limiting myself to only buying things that are a really good deal on sale at the grocery store. It is your challenge, make it work for you.

[@gardenrowes]

That sounds like a great way to stay organized! Thanks for sharing - I’m already thinking about how this challenge will change how I grocery shop after it’s over, too. Good luck with your version of the challenge!!

[@stephencameron1709]

Enjoyed your pantry tour. I think you will do a great job. You are very well stocked! Val C

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks so much!

[@miephoex]

Take your frozen dinners out in the morning. Post a note by coffee maker to remind yourself. 😊

[@desireelovell8440]

Good luck on your journey. I am looking forward to seeing how it goes.

[@gardenrowes]

Thank you!

[@jenniferk1129]

As someone from Michigan I’d like to see how you make pasties. I never made them but I would like to

[@gardenrowes]

I just learned how last year. Being a fellow Michigander, it was super fun to learn! I followed the recipe from Becky at Acre Homestead - she has it posted on her website, and it was super easy to follow!

[@victorious3926]

I love your personality so bubbly it's nice😊 happy new year.

[@gardenrowes]

Thanks for the kind words! Happy new year to you, too!

[@SharonElsesser-mt8dg]

Looks like you have lots of great food options. Other than needing fresh fruit, eggs or milk, you may not even need to grocery shop!

[@gardenrowes]

That’s what I’m thinking, too! 🤞🏼

[@johnlavrusky9380]

You have quite a bit of food stuff that can become meals Start with a list of what you have and have your recipes with you. Then decide what you would like to eat. Maybe start with just one week worth of meals.. Trust me it will get easier. ❤

[@gardenrowes]

Thank you for the encouragement and tips!! 😊

[@andreaontour8961]

300 Dollar a month is a lot of money and for me i can't really see a challenge with this amount! But hey, your challenge, your rules! Subscribed, because i think you are a nice Person and i like to give your channel a chance!😊

[@gardenrowes]

This is my first time doing it and I decided to do it last minute without any prep, so I was trying to make sure I had some cushion to stay motivated instead of feeling discouraged from the start. But happy to report I haven’t had to go shopping yet, and don’t foresee a need to in the next couple of weeks. I don’t expect to spend $300 a month. Glad you’re here!

[@IvySueandYou]

I really enjoyed this video and subscribed! I too am doing the Three Rivers Challenge on my channel and can't wait to follow along with your journey as well!! ❤

[@gardenrowes]

Thank you!! Good luck to you!

[@IvySueandYou]

@@gardenrowes Thank you 🥰

[@kimbutton5850]

try making a project once a month like your cowboy candy

[@gardenrowes]

I definitely have enough little projects I’ve been meaning to get to - this is the perfect motivation to get them done. Great idea!

[@thedebbieadams]

Be creative

[@kimbutton5850]

once a week not month sorry try making more of your free meals