A Whisper That Changed My Cooking.
Plus Our $100 Grocery Challenge.

Hello Reader, It's Yukari!
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Today, I want to rediscover what happened when Aric and I did $100 Grocery Challenge back in January 2025. (Remember? 🤣)

Aric and I had fun doing it, and we learned some lessons along the way. I saved many things Aric talked about cooking during the time, and I can't wait to share his wisdom, too.
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But first... let me take you back to the kitchen that woke me up, kicked me out of bed, and taught me to be an adult.

Yukari's Story-The Struggle is Real...

The first time I cooked for ten people, I almost quit.

At eighteen, I lived in a dorm attached to a tiny clinic where I worked as a nursing assistant in Osaka, Japan.
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Once a week, the apprentices cooked dinner on a strict budget for the doctor, his wife, and eight staff.

I had zero knife skills, no spice sense, and no repertoire. But that budget terrified me most.

One night, the clinic closed, chairs scraped, stomachs rumbled, and I was still scrambling.
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I don't remember the whole menu, but I remember one dish: Chawanmushi, a silky, savory steamed egg.
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Steam fogged my glasses as I rushed the teacups to the table.

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Silence.

Later, the new apprentice whispered, "Your food takes a long time, but it's not filling. Next time, add filler. People will be full, and you'll save money."

The words cut my heart in two.
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I felt complete defeat, not by her words, but by myself, not knowing how to cook or how to do grocery shopping on a budget.
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And I was no longer "a kid." I was a grown-up, 18 years old.

Unfortunately, the new apprentice and I had to leave the clinic within a few years, but we became great friends, and I now call her my big sister.
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She changed my world about cooking, but the story is for next time...

🛒 What we did with $100 (and what we learned)

In January, Aric and I ran a $100 Grocery Challenge. (Do you remember? 😅) ➡️ Here Is The Original Blog!
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We literally rang up $100.00 on the dot for one week of 21 meals, featuring a variety of dishes for two adults.
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No wiggle room, no "close enough." We did it with a simple plan: start with affordable proteins, layer in starches and veggies, and use spices to keep things interesting across cuisines.
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We even had a hiccup (bought too much tofu, not enough bread) and had to pivot to wraps; it was real-life cooking, not Pinterest cooking! 🤣

To see the finished plates and reels, follow us on our NEW! Instagram @aricandyukari for the photo recap we will be posting soon!

📹 Get the Deeper "How-To" Videos:

Email Subscribers only videos are here! 🥳
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You'll learn what Aric's logic, ideas, and menu plans were when we decided to do this challenge.
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This video is the first behind-the-scenes of our $100 Grocery Challenge video! 🤩
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You'll see his thoughts on the grocery haul and how he made the menu from it.

Watch it, reply to this email, and let me know if you enjoyed it! 🙏

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👨🏻‍🍳 Chef's Tip from Aric (1-minute win)

Slip a damp kitchen towel, or even a paper towel, under your cutting board to stop it from sliding.
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Safer, cleaner cuts instantly. 😎

⏲️ PS: Our Weekly Custom Meal Prep Service is FULL!

We can't thank you enough for being such loyal clients, for your support, and your friendship!
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Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts! If someone you love would be a great fit when a spot opens, please share this post. 🙏
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🎄 P.P.S. We are now closed for private dinner parties for the rest of the year as well!

Thank you so much for trusting our work and welcoming us to your special day! 🙏
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Want to host a fun Private Dinner Party or In-Home Coo​king Classes in Colorado next year? 🤩
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Thanks again for building this with us.
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We’re not perfect chefs. We’re just real people who love feeding others and figuring it out with you.

With flavor, love, and stainless steel tongs in one hand,
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Yukari & Aric
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(and Senna + Ka-En, snack ninja & firecracker in charge 🐱🐶)

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