Freezer Challenge! Days 1 3 Pantry Challenge

It's time for a freezer challenge / pantry challenge!
If you would like to support the channel I have a Buy Me A Coffee page here: www.buymeacoff...
Fancy £15 off the Modern Milk Man? Here's is my referral code! (I get a wee kick back if you use this): mention-me.com...
Hello and welcome!
I'm Claire, mum to two little girls and member of the two under two club. If you enjoy videos on;
Grocery hauls
Meals of the week
Clean with me
Mum life
and other Mum Things then please subscribe so we can hang out again in future videos. Thank you so much for watching! xx
#mumthings #mealplanning #threeriverschallenge #freezerchallenge #mealsoftheweek #pantrychallenge

[@allyrooh3628]

I think you should make a rule that you can purchase Too Good to Go bags when available. It’s crazy to NOT get them! ( & I selfishly love the videos 😜)

[@mumthings]

Haha! Glad you enjoy them. I’ve included them in the budget. I actually have a couple to collect today! Xx

[@karenm7433]

I think the point of the challenge is not to “use up everything you have” but rather use the things that have been languishing around and get constantly shoved aside and/or use up the oldest stuff. That’s what I’ve been doing

[@jonap5740]

Hmmm...I think you can do the challenge the way it suits your needs. In any case, this will be fun to watch!

[@mumthings]

Very true. I don’t want to clear out necessarily, but I do want to get the big freezer emptied and save some money xx

[@veronica1863]

I agree

[@annmoore8727]

😊Good video as usual - love your "down to earth" style. I think the use up idea is great for sorting things out. I do an "inventory of fridge/freezer every Friday and then do a rough plan of meals for a week. With luck i done have to buy in much - save money and rotate food - less waste. Look forward to your progress x

[@mumthings]

Thank you 😊 meal planning is definitely they best way of staying on track. I always regret it when I don’t meal plan, I just run out of mental energy to make food decisions during the week! Xx

[@hazysummer72]

I moved country back in December and it took 4 months to eat the freezers empty, and I still had some homegrown herbs I’d pruned and frozen left. I found that getting 3-4 meals worth of meat or ingredients out at the beginning of a week to defrost helped. Not buying reduced meat or good deals was hard, and also trying to keep it varied - I had lots of frozen mince from a farm shop but no chicken!

[@mumthings]

Wow 4 months! That must have been a challenge. I really hope I get my herb garden up and running properly this year. I begrudge paying for them! Xx

[@dorothysue1]

That's exactly how I feel. If I use up everything I have, it will cost even more to replace it.

[@Ploefje91]

I actually need to defrost our freezer in the garage. I've been procrastinating for 6/7 months now. I am determined to defrost it this year, luckily I have a ten week fulltime course, so I'm trying to take individual products from the freezer now, make it into a meal and put it back into the freezer. That way I have easy meals after work for me and the family. Absolutely love your videos.

[@mumthings]

That’s a good plan, you’re very organised! Thank you 😊 xx

[@Ploefje91]

@@mumthings Haha I try to be, but I am working fulltime right now and with a toddler and two cats, it makes my house resemble a circus sometimes. So I have to prepare before the working week begins. Otherwise I would resort to take aways probably.

[@cindicoon1273]

😂 Honestly officer it’s just gravy😂😂

[@jonap5740]

That was so funny!

[@mumthings]

If my house ever got raided I’d have to cook them a roast dinner to prove my innocence 🤣 xx

[@candietate3038]

Miss you so much Claire 😢

[@sallymarshall6188]

Great vlog ❤

[@mumthings]

Thank you! Xx

[@hayleyrichardson3343]

I find gluten free stuff is expensive xxx

[@mumthings]

Definitely. Even a loaf of bread is 3x the cost of normal bread. I’m hoping Rogers have more of that Schar bread in when we go in February xx

[@angelamalpass9763]

Hi Claire...hope your well...this is a great idea...can't wait to see what it brings ....love your playful attitude I think it's brilliant...your a proper breath of fresh air...rrr Freya...bless her trying to help bless her So yeh looking forward to seeing your future vlogs...Ange xx🎉

[@mumthings]

Thanks Ange 😊 hope you’re keeping well xx

[@uglenddalejones2]

Your challenge really interests me 👌🙌☺️🫶🏼💖 We are ingrained by our upbringing on some things.we are not too dissimilar with the keeping stocks,in the event of…. But I think our home environment is different. Me ,I live /lived in a village deep in valley of a sw wales area(not the valleys)- my almost all of my life spent in one house,three quarters up a very long,steep hill about a mile and a half from the local village shop and eight to fourteen miles from the bigger shops like Aldi Lidl and further to Tesco morrissons etc. my parents had a thing for stocks.especially in the event of no car or the winter months and those snowy days. The big snow of 82 saw the local shop wiped out. Remember the farm near us,we were having to go and ask to buy milk,often still warm straight out the cow.and spent most of my life with them,it naturally was my way of normality. Still is. But we don’t arf build up some stuff though lol.once twice a year,il give it a go to go through things. Now,I got no choice.i haven’t got all the freezers anymore just a particularly small freezer of a fridge freezer. But,mistake not- there’s ways of utilising that space let me tell you hahaha. Bit of a history aswel- an interest in prepping,nearly twenty years too. This I will watch with interest. Xx

[@jonap5740]

This is very interesting to me, as I had no idea about a big snow of 82 ---I am in Canada. And of course, it's easier to get around here in the snow because the cars have snow tires. I like the image of you going to the farm for milk!

[@uglenddalejones2]

@@jonap5740 yes.i have a few more too. My mother worked evenings at the hospital about fourteen miles away and when the snow started,my dad contacted her to come home. She only just managed it. By morning,we couldn’t see the car- in fact I could walk onto it. I was only ten but we lived on a hill,three quarters up,which was about a mile and a half down to the bottom. We used to use coal sacks for sleds- we used to pile onto them,four of us and slide down huge parts.great fun. It was ten days later my parents were able to get to the car and then a day digging out

[@mumthings]

Wow that must have been a scary time! All that snow sounds fun… for the first day or two. It’s funny how things things never really change. My parents no longer live somewhere where snow is the issue. But now they have to keep well stocked in case the ferries don’t make it to the island so the shops can’t get stock. And even now my mum struggles to stop herself buying as if there are still 6 of us living at home 🤷‍♀️ old habits die hard xx

[@allyrooh3628]

Oh my-- 3,000 subscribers!!!! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@mumthings]

I know 🤪 so exciting!! Xx

[@lizConway-z8t]

What in God's name is a donkey hide glue cake? And why would you want to vacuum pack it?

[@sarajane4708]

I have the same problem, big chest freezer and small freezer and I keep getting shopping but then eating from just the top. I definitely need to give this a try. It's not like none of us know ways to fill our freezers again lol

[@cha97michelle]

I think I have issues around food relating to being a young child during the miners strike and my dad being on strike for a year. The thought of running it all down does not appeal - however, proper rotation is something I could be better at. Its a fine balance for sure.

[@mumthings]

Oh my days that must have been so tough for your family. I can see how that would have had a lasting impact xx

[@katierebecca8060]

The Gravy definitely looks suspicious 😂 please will you vlog your next Rogers trip? Love your content xx

[@mumthings]

Thanks 😊 yes I will definitely vlog it! I’m so excited about it already 🤣 xx

[@theshaulfamily]

Love this challenge, cant wait to see more 😁

[@mumthings]

Glad you enjoyed! It’s going well so far xx

[@hayleyrichardson3343]

I’ve got 3 freezers xxxfull

[@jonap5740]

Holy smokes! I hope you have 6 children! ha ha!

[@mumthings]

Wow! You’re all set for a while then xx

[@avawestwood3366]

Hi Clare, sorry this is not pantry challenge related. It is bread machine trouble😞😂. My OH bought a machine for Christmas,because for 12months I have been gluten free and dairy free. It was my envy of your bread machine I hinted to Santa🙄😁 I've now made seven loaves, not one successful!! 😕😕 Could you / would you please help an aged fan of your video! ( I'm aged, 70! Not your videos!🤔)

[@mumthings]

Don’t give up! What recipe are you using? And I know you can’t have dairy, are you ok with eggs? I typically make mine with almond milk with no issues xx

[@GardeningWarrior]

Doting the Three Rivers Homestead challenge, you make your own rules. I have 3 special needs children who enjoy fresh fruit and produce as well as a lot of cheese and lactose-free dairy. My rules for my family include a small budget for dairy, fresh fruit and veggies and bread. My priority is to empty all the old items including freezer meals. New to your channel and am looking forward to watching your journey through your freezer

[@mumthings]

Absolutely, you have to make rules that fit your family. There's no sense being miserable through it and with kids you can't make them go without! xx

[@selenemason9383]

Where were you when I was looking for uou yesterday? Under the Eccles cake mountain. Loving this challenge. Love all your videos and excited to see how you do on this challenge 😊

[@mumthings]

Thanks Selene! I think Ed needs to get on it with the Eccles cakes… I already sent a load home with my mum! Xx

[@lesisking1]

A great vlog Claire .....am going to enjoy this series....the way i see this challenge you customise wot suits ure family needs .....must av took ages to sort out film and edit....thank you for all the hard work x x x x

[@mumthings]

Thanks Les, it needed doing! Xx

[@lisaolson1345]

I've been doing a pantry challenge this month,I can't believe how much random bits I've used up and it doesn't even feel like I've made a dent,it's not a bad problem to have. I've been pulling out all the stuff I want to use up for the week at the beginning of the week,if I can see it then I'm reminded to use it.

[@mumthings]

That’s a good way of doing it. I tend to ‘shop’ the big freezer every few days to fill up the little one and go from there. You’re right, having so much is a good problem to have. I just don’t want it to go to waste xx

[@dizzycowuk]

Hehehe. Me still giggling over the label on the box that said "Claire's toys"

[@mumthings]

🤣🤣 simmer down now 🤪 it was a box of childhood toys my mum had in her loft for some reason that she brought for the kids 😆 xx

[@helenawood]

😊

[@karinamiller7626]

😊👍

[@elizabethcanavan4519]

Great video, It's a great idea. I have trouble keeping my freezer full I don't seem to end up with many leftovers with a family of 6 adult eaters... two cats and 1 dog and a couple of cockatoos that visit wanting bread every night.

[@mumthings]

Yes I can imagine you’d have to cook huge quantities to have leftovers! That must be so lovely having cockatoos visit 😊 I’d love a pet bird but not a good idea with the cats xx

[@elizabethcanavan4519]

​@@mumthings I was looking online to see if we had Muscle food in Australia sadly, we don't but gosh they have some good specials on there at the moment buy 1 hamper and get 2 for 1p ?

[@lorraineJoseph-f1z]

i stocked up this week with bread mushrooms in glass meat. But i need to buy some other things like baking and we get a new dog so i need to buy dog suplies aswell. But atleast we can cook a month without any problem. I just needed to call my inlaws i dont have room in my freezer🤪 That is a con when i buy food

[@mumthings]

you've been busy! Congratulations on the new dog xx

[@lorraineJoseph-f1z]

@@mumthings Thank you i was busy yes and what i do before summer starts stock up on meat for summer. I want to be careful with meat and have a stock pile because i want to have enough to get me through the hot weather. And i hate buying meat with hot weather

[@dorothysue1]

Can you freeze all that gravy granules?

[@mumthings]

Yup! I froze one pack first to check it didn’t damage it and now the rest are all in there too xx

[@Mum-Fix]

Chest freezers are like black holes, I tried buying containers to keep food separate but I think I will go back to carrier bags. You have a lot of food but it's very satisfying to go through everything every few weeks to clean and clear the freezers.

[@mumthings]

Yes I’ve struggled with finding containers that fit, I think bags are the way to go. At least then things are semi contained! Xx

[@saywhaaaaat6464]

When I was little, my mam would make all the leftovers from our freezer and call it "freezer tapas" good times

[@mumthings]

Freezer tapas! I love that! Definitely stealing that phrase 😆 your mums a genius xx

[@saywhaaaaat6464]

@mumthings she definitely was. Sadly lost her in 2018 but I still remember all her sayings :)

[@Paul-gp6ol]

Whats the longest you would use food after it's been in the freezer? And very good vids.

[@mumthings]

Thanks Paul! I’m pretty relaxed about it but it depends on how well it’s packaged and whether it’s in my kitchen freezer or the deep freezer in my garage. I wouldn’t really want anything to be in there longer than a year xx

[@Paul-gp6ol]

@@mumthings Thanks, yeah that's what I thought as well, I'm thinking more 6 months tops now though just to be safe.

[@sabrinaquinn6122]

Looking forward to seeing more.

[@fionabarrett2752]

Love this challenge! Look forward to watching more!

[@mumthings]

Thank you! Xx

[@ILikeChickenOkay]

8:53 i don’t suppose you have a link to this book?

[@mumthings]

Sorry it’s just the instruction manual that came with the sealer 😊 I can take a picture of the page and pop in up as a community post if that helps xx

[@ILikeChickenOkay]

@@mumthings oh that would be fab!xx

[@kidzngrandkidz840]

Honestly officer 🤣🤣🤣 love it, what a great tip I’d never of thought of freezing gravy granules! Each day you’re using up, gets you nearer to the excitement of refilling it all again, I think these sort of challenges help us to be more selective on what we buy and what we should give a wide berth to.

[@mumthings]

That is very true. I have a good idea of what I want to fill the freezer with now. I think I need to be better about cooking things into freezer meals as soon as I get them to make life easier down the road xx

[@kidzngrandkidz840]

@@mumthingsSounds a brilliant idea but with 2 little ones chucking it straight in the freezer is the only option sometimes, and once they are tucked up in bed it’s “wine time” 🤣

[@cindicoon1273]

I enjoy seeing what other people fix for meals . I have the appetite of a toddler lately so quick easy meals are my fav Thanks for sharing 😊

[@mumthings]

Ah you say the appetite of a toddler, that could mean you’re eating everything in sight or it could mean you going ‘ew yucky’ to everything! Xx

[@cindicoon1273]

@@mumthings 😁 a little bit of both . Chicken nuggets, fries & applesauce are my food of choice lately … nothing fancy 😜

[@traceysallotment2506]

Iv been doing this very thing throughout Jan- meal plans and trying to use what we have. iv been paid today so I've made a plan for the month as my shopping bill is usually 150 each week so my plan is to use what I have in the freezer and throughout Feb make use of magic bags and try to reduce shopping bill to 75 per week which I think should be achievable. I went into aldi and diced beef was 6.70 ish now its 8.99 yes weight has gone up slightly but it's just adding to my weekly shop price. I think you are deffo going to be alright 😂 u have loooooads. Love how you have adapted thus challenge to suit your family too makes it more achievable and 15 a week budget I just know you will.do it.

[@mumthings]

Oh yeah we definitely have enough stuff 🤣🤣 I think that sounds very doable. You’ll smash it! Meat really is the biggest cost isn’t it xx

[@crystalr5090]

I'm using up the oldest frozen things first. It's not necessary to actually use up everything. If i were you, I'd use up enough so that the frozen things will all fit in the fridge freezer while you defrost the chest freezer. Then move it all to the chest while you clean up or defrost the fridge freezer. As for the restock, I'm only going to restock with things I can buy on sale. Maybe that will work for you as well. The rules are yours to make. Each household is unique. You're such a good cook that you won't have any issues coming up with ways to use the surplus. I was raised in a situation where there was very little food so I have a "robust" pantry. I understand your concerns on that front. Yes, I'm still working on my own freezer. Been at it since before Christmas. I did finally pick up some fresh fruit and veg last week and am trying to not go back for a couple more weeks. Good luck! Love your vids! 🥰🐢💤

[@mumthings]

Thank you! Yes restocking with bargains is definitely the way to go. Hopefully I can get it down to one freezer so I can defrost them in turn as you say. We’ve only been at it a week but I think we’re starting to see some progress! Xx

[@jonap5740]

And a BIG congratulations on over 3,000 followers!

[@mumthings]

Thank you! Slowly growing 😊 it’s very exciting xx

[@kjeleharrison3249]

I have been doing a pantry challenge for about four months now. I have motivated my parents and sister to join as well in their homes. My family has been enjoying the challenge and creativity of the process. It will be really nice to have everything in cupboards and freezers within a reasonable Best By date range. It feels good to know that you are not wasting money unnecessarily. You also clear out some oddball items and see if they are something you want to buy going forward. I have learned that lima beans and kale can actually taste good if cooked properly; blew my little mind. 🙂

[@mumthings]

Four months, that's amazing! Yes I think getting creative with ingredients is one of the best things about doing a challenge like this. It's good fun! xx

[@kyliejackson1057]

I love this, I so need to do the same, my freezer is full of meat, fish, leftovers and yellow sticker finds, this is the motivation I needed to start the big sort out

[@mumthings]

Join in! Hope it goes well for you 😊 xx

[@ryanhorow4590]

IF YOU DONT MIND MY I ASK WHAT YOU STUDYED IN UNIE YOUR MOVE KEV KEV BE SAFE YOU FAMILY MAY YOUR GOD GO WITH YOU ĶEV 😂🎉

[@mumthings]

Thanks 😊 I have a degree in psychology and post grad in HR management. Fun times! Xx

[@jonap5740]

Congrats on setting up Buy Me A Coffee page, Claire! You deserve it. Your content is fueled by your creativity and your humour! This video is the perfect example of both. Let me finish my supper and figure out how to join! (Thanks for removing snake food). This challenge is going to be fun to watch. I have no pantry or freezer, so I will be an observer.

[@mumthings]

Aw thank you so much 😊 I still have no idea what I’m doing but that’s never stopped me before! You’ve reminded me, it’s snake feeding night… xx

[@jonap5740]

@@mumthings You do have a wicked sense of humour...

[@paulamartin6049]

Oh dear claire ur freezers r empty compared to mine i can barely get the chest frwezer closed and as dood my american fridge freezer i not longer know whats at the back ... i think i need to get it sorted asap maybe u could practise on mine i am now officially a freezer hoarder gal px

[@mumthings]

I love the idea of an American style freezer. It seems to me like shelves would be easier to organise that the chest freezer. I swear the bottom of the chest freezer is a portal to another dimension… xx

[@paulamartin6049]

@@mumthings yes and the mood i am in today i wish i could escape down that portal into a dimension were teenagers did not exisit and if 5hey dod they were pleasant human beings lol px