Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up. Up.

Just in case you’ve been off the grid and living under a rock: prices are up. Not just up a little bit, but A LOT!

I am now at the point where I am very mindful of where I go and I question if certain excursions are necessary. I often ask myself: Can I get all my errands done in one area? Gone are the days that I town hop for different needs. I have even started to look more closely on how I spend my free time with my toddler. It’s always shocking to me when I go grocery shopping for a few items and my necessities costs are up before barley even filling my shopping cart. Not only are prices up, the availability of essential items are down. There have been times where I can’t find a specific brand of yogurt, or a specific brand of soup.

I remember years ago a family member was visiting from abroad and was shocked at how many different kinds of toothpastes existed on American grocery shelves. She was in awe of the different kinds of breakfast cereal one had at their fingertips. Although we still have options, I am in awe at how years later, America (land of milk and honey) has shortages of the most basic essentials. My heart hurts for those parents whom struggle to get formula for their babies, the idea that tampons are next on the list of scarcities has left me holding my breath. Who would have ever thought that America, swollen with materialistic greed and an overabundance of everything would experience shortages in essential items along with inflation?

At times like this I yearn for a garden. I have romanticized the idea of growing my own herbs and vegetables. How amazing would it be to step outside with a wicker basket and fill it to my heart’s content of wholesome food I grow myself while chickens and other animals run free? My romantic version skips over the challenges one may face in growing a large abundance of food and tending to animals.

I can’t even imagine what to expect next. What I do know is I will continue to try my best to see the beauty in the chaos and continue to be creative as it relates to making my dollar stretch for as far as it can go. What about you dear reader? How has the rise in prices as well as the scarcity of some essentials affected your everyday life? I can’t wait to read your responses!

Blessings.