There were also a few things that we knew we wouldn’t eat – like bacon or Hungry Man dinners. We gave these to others, in hopes they could still go to use. It wouldn’t have been prudent to purchase items we didn’t like or knew we wouldn’t eat.
With that said, many items were not things we would have purchased regularly, because of price or freezer space. However, having them will allow us a little luxury of having things like Klondike Bars and Snickers Ice Cream bars (yum). We’d better savor it. Plus, things like lunch meat, chicken breast and pizza will make good lunches and dinners. We also wouldn’t typically buy freezer meals, but they may be handy when Ryan travels.
The goal for the rest of the month is to go without buying anything outside of perishables – fruits, veggies, milk, eggs and OJ. This way, the purchase of the freezer will fit into our monthly groceries budget. Purchasing perishables on Sunday was around $15.
I also made a list of what is in the freezer and hung it on the fridge. I want to make sure that I don’t forget what we have. This system may morph, but this is it for now. When we eat anything, I’ll mark them off, similar to our grocery and meal-planning system.
Now, I need to figure out some freezer meals. Any suggestions?
Does anyone else have a freezer?
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Leigh says
What an incredible deal. We have a freezer also. It’s great but you have to keep it organized or you end up over buying certain items. I just an A-Z form to list all the items we have in the freezer, when it gets used it gets crossed off.
Oonafey says
I hate our upright, because things get buried. However, you are adorably organized and you have A List, so you will have no problem here…
Great deal!
EZ and RJ says
I know what you mean about being an adult and getting excited about getting new appliances! My fiance and I were super stoked when we got our chest freezer! We quickly filled it up!
The best advice I have is to make sure to keep it as full as possible to save on the electricity. It costs more to run it when it’s not full.
We also have a basket like yours does, but we store some other smaller like-items inside plastic bags inside the freezer. For instance we have one plastic grocery bag filled with frozen vegetables. It makes it easier to keep it organized when you’re looking for things, and when you need to add more items to the freezer after grocery shopping!
laurenmakes says
We have one. My mom got rid of hers since all the brothers moved out, she didn’t really need it. Our deep freezer and regular freezer are always piling over with food now. Ours is more square shaped. Mark is dying to get a bigger one with an organizer (like the one you scored).
I love making things ahead and freezing and I’ve recently found quite a few new freezer recipes I want to try out. I’ll email you a list 🙂
High five on that fantastic deal!
Shoe Gal at High Heel Hijinks says
Oh, I would love to have an extra freezer but in a small apartment it just won’t work right now. One day though. A gal can dream….
Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog says
Nice find!
We’re big freezer meal people. Usually, we buy bulk proteins from Costco or the grocery store and use them in meals a few times a week. If I had an extra freezer, I’d probably stock it with stir-fry veggies, smoothie fruits, and protein whenever it goes on sale.
Remember, fruits and veggies keep all of their nutrients even when they are frozen!
Joi says
Exciting. Adulthood is rather funny!
Nicole Peterson says
I am the the cook and then freeze it queen. We have been talking about a deep freezer for over a year and I want one badly. I think you got an awesome deal. Now I am going to be on the look out in my area.
Lil' Woman says
Congrats on the freezer that is an awesome deal.
Mom says
Way to go. Another good deal that didn’t get past you. Enjoy!
Shanade says
Oh I’m so jealous. I would love love love an extra freezer. One more thing on my wish list. Thanks for sharing your fantastic deal.
Heather @ McKinney Living says
Holy cow! Color me jealous because that deal is AMAZING!!!! I have been DYING for a freezer and that promotion is out of control! Congrats on your new addition!!
Leigh @ Kesler Expressler says
Super awesome score, Kim. We don’t have any room for a separate freezer but thankfully this is where having the freezer-on-the-bottom fridge so awesome. Nothing can fall out!
Kristi says
What an awesome deal!! We just got a deep freeze, too. Although we just bought ours, we didn’t get any coupons with it. Enjoy your food and freezer!
Ally says
Woah! Way to wheel and deal! Nicely done, Mrs. W. Nicely done.
Emily says
You are going to love your freezer! We don’t have the overflow freezer problem because I don’t buy a lot of frozen food, but freezer meals make this SO appealing.
BabiesandBargains says
We have 3 freezers…yes 3! We are a fam of 5 and freeze tons…cheese, bread, meat, meals, etc. A deep freezer can save you so much money…We are constantly stocking up on meats, veggies, ice cream etc when its a good price 🙂
Ashley says
Sooo jealous! I immediately went to the Hyvee Website only to be told that they are in the Midwest. Big bummer!
Great post though!
Mrs. Adventure says
Dang that’s awesome… you sure are lucky!
Heather says
That is a great deal. We don’t have the space right now but when we get a bigger house and have a garage I am thinking about getting one. Most all our meals consist of some kind of meat and so it would be nice to buy in bulk for meat.
Wendy says
Woo Hoo!! I am right there with you about getting excited about new appliances! A deep freezer is on our wish list! Love all the food you can fit in!! What fun! Congrats 🙂
Wendy
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
The in-laws gave us a similar freezer for Christmas a couple of years ago. I bet they stole my coupons. 😉
I can’t believe the amount of coupons you got…that’s amazing!! It definitely has helped me with meal planning to have a freezer. There are some great freezer meal cookbooks out there. I haven’t tried mine yet, but it’s on the list. 🙂
Shannon says
There’s not much better in this world than free food. However, I’ve realized that apparently I’m nothing like you. When I open my freezer, I hear echoes. We have a regular and a deep freezer and they’re both fairly empty. Nice wastes of space we got. Oh and you don’t like bacon? Where did we go wrong Kim? Where?