I was watching a new show on VH1 about OCD, when I decided that I needed to clean out the pantry. (Surprise, surprise, because I am an “arranger.”) But as I straightened everything, I thought of a Prohomemaker Challenge: “Eat out of your pantry/freezer/fridge for one week.” And I am going to do it this week, and I want you to join me.

I think this is important because, first, it makes you take stock of what you have. And second, it saves money. The only allowable purchases for one week are produce and dairy. That’s it.

People spend so much on groceries, without using the 12-week cycle, which means everything hits its lowest price every three months. You’re wasting money if you wait and buy until you need it — use the cycle and save in the long run. I am in need for ground beef due to a stock of Hamburger Helper bought at its lowest price, but I know ground beef is about to hit my buy price of $1.47 a pound. This week was close at $1.77, but I know patience will pay off. Mark my words.

That’s the importance of having a well-stocked pantry and freezer. You’re not at the whim of what grocery stores decide to charge that week. You can hang out and wait for the stock-up price. But do take stock of what you have — you will be surprised what you can make. Yep, that’s the “M” word — menu planning. But here’s a helpful hint: Have a few things, go to Allrecipes.com and use its ingredients search, you’ll surely find something to make.

Won’t you join me in this challenge? Let’s see what we can do this week with what we have.

This became more imperative to me this week when I did our budget using this tool and realized that my income had dropped dramatically since my Dad became sick and passed away. The host of “Til Debt Do Us Part” was kind enough to email me back and advised ramping up my business and cutting the budget wherever I could. And that’s what I am doing. Believe it or not, by eating out of the pantry/fridge and freezer once a month for a year, we can save $1,000+ a year! Do the math, and figure out what you can save, too, just by being creative.

I will post a blog every day on how I am doing — and my challenges with meeting the challenge.

But for now, here is what I am going to make tomorrow night. Just need a bell pepper (allowed-produce) tomorrow, and the rest is in the pantry/fridge/freezer.

Oh, and the pantry is clean — and arranged.