• Mar. 19, 2008
Mystery Cans
Have you ever checked out the reduced or scratch and dent bin at your local grocery store? Have you ever seen those label-less food cans? Have you ever been brave enough to try them?
I must admit, I never was brave enough, until a few months ago when I was at Jay C and saw a large 32 oz can, sans label. After shaking it and looking at the size, I guessed it was probably either tomato or fruit juice. For fifty cents, it certainly didn't hurt to try.
My gamble paid off. One night, I bravely opened the can. It was even better than I hoped. It was chicken broth! I usually pay 50 cents for a 14 ounce can of chicken broth, which is a splurge around here. I usually make my own stock or cheat and use boullion if money is really tight. I was ecstatic! :)
So that sold me to take a chance on these label-less cans.
Last Saturday I found two cans. Silly me, I didn't bother to see what was in them, I just stuck them in the cart. They were 15 ounce cans and for 20 cents each, why not? I thought they might be veggies. We eat lots of veggies. I usually pay 40 cents full price for veggies at Save A Lot.
I get home that night and shake the cans. They both feel like beans, like kidney beans or some other variety. Upon further examining of the cans, I find bar codes imprinted on both. They both start with a similar number and then go off on their own. Okay, I thought, two varieties of beans, or whatever they are.
Today I was going to make something with hamburger meat. I decided to be brave and open these cans, hoping my hunch was right.
The first can was-- drumroll, please -- chili beans!
(I'm getting pretty good at this guessing thing! :)
The other can was -- baked beans!
Woo hoo! I saved sixty cents and made chili out of a spontaneous purchase! :)
I know, the baked beans in chili was a bit of a gamble, but it worked. DH said he like the sweet with the spicy. I added a tbls. of chili powder and a heaping tsp of cumin just in case it was too sweet. Browned the beef with a bell pepper and an onion, salt and pepper, and some garlic. Opened two cans of tomatoes and put it all in the crock pot. It was very good. I will probably make this again.
It was one of those happy accidents, or God's provision at work. I love how we can see him in the little things in our lives, like cans of beans. :)
Comments
• Mar. 20, 2008
Too funny...
Posted by homeforgood
...about your "gambling" with the non-labeled cans. I was laughing just thinking about you standing there in the kitchen shaking and listening to cans like a child guesses with his Christmas packages! I have never seen bins with the non-labeled cans out for sale. Do you have to ask for them?
Janet
• Mar. 20, 2008
Hi
Posted by momofsix
That is great. I love it when God provides in such amazing ways. It reminded me of when God recently surprised me with provision. I happened to pass by an auction in the neighborhood. I was told that the old couple were moved into a nursing home by their son (that made me sad). However, the auctioneer gave my husband and I three beautiful perfect condition chairs (the ones I always wanted that were in my heart) and a very expensive table for just five dollars. They perfectly matched my living room colors. I couldn't have done better if I had hunted for these in a store. They didn't have a stain on them, looking never used. I knew that it was God's hug since I asked for God to encourage me since I was fighting a bout of depression and discouragement that month. I love it when God does small things like that to remind us that he is the provider. We don't have to go into debt because God's provisions are like little treasures every day. I look forward to watching him provide (it's fun and full of surprises). I think your blog was fun to read because it reminded me of those surprises of provisions that he has done for me and my family-so neat.
• Mar. 21, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Anonymous
I just seen your blog and love the things you do for your family. When you stretch your hubby's check like you do, it shows such respect for the work he does to get it. IIYou may already know of it, but in case you don't, there is a site called spoofee that has free things from time to time. Leena
• Mar. 22, 2008
Reply to homeforgood
Posted by wendiesioux
Janet,
I guess it would be kind of funny, but I didn't think of it til you mentioned it. :) And the cans with no labels are in the bin with everything else. I don't see them a lot, but when I do, I usually buy them.
• Mar. 22, 2008
Reply to MomofSix
Posted by wendiesioux
I love your auction furniture story. I think the Lord is the best provider anyone can have. I just thank him for his blessings and generosity. If we took time everyday to thank him for all of his blessings, I don't think I'd have time to do anything else. :)
Lately I've had some disappointments, but when I hear others' testimonies it really encourages me. God is so good even when things are bad! :)
• Mar. 22, 2008
Reply to Lena
Posted by wendiesioux
Thanks for your kind comments. I feel like it is my job to help stretch what he makes. I probably do more for our income by being a good steward of his pay check, instead of going out and trying to make additional income outside the home. Which usually isn't very profitable. And thanks for the freebie link. i've never seen that one before.
• Mar. 25, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by RecycledTemplates
Hey, thanks for adding me as a friend! Feel free to use a template every time!
:::Jo:::
• Mar. 30, 2008
Untitled Comment
Posted by Sandpiper
I'm having a chuckle! I grew up eating food from dented cans(not that we ate a lot of canned food though), my mom was very frugal and always bought dented items. We teased her about it. Now, I always check the 'marked down' shelves, but I have to admit that I'm not brave enough to buy something with no label.
• Mar. 30, 2008
Hi!
Posted by 40winkzzz
Sorry it's taken me so long to return your comment from a few weeks ago! I've stopped by here a few times, but haven't ended up leaving a comment. I also was on "blogging hiatus" for about 11 days. Anyway, thanks for reading! I like knowing that people are reading my blog.