Progress

 Hello all.  Prayers all are safe and healthy.  It is a very chilly morning here.  It is definitely fall!  Sweatshirt and sweater weather is here.  I got up to a light frost in our area.  It was 38* and the coldest it has been since April!  UGH.  I know it is time, but I sure don't like cold weather.

Life changes for all of us, sometimes as often as daily.  Things happen that we just don't expect, things happen that we anticipate, and it is normal for things to change.  Change is our one constant!

As we are ready to enter a new season, we do things differently.  We prep for the holidays and for winter (spring in other places) and we can be guaranteed we get older each day and things change with us as individuals as well.

As we age, things move slower.  We move slower.  We look at things differently as well.  Some things are not as important as they used to be.  That is normal.

You gals with kiddos, notice change as well, as your children age.  Nothing stays the same.

Progress - any progress - is good.  You don't have to change overnight.  Baby steps and slow and steady are just fine!

Adding to your pantry, lowering a bill or two, paying off a small bill, rearranging a room, decluttering a little, it is all progress.

Be proud of what you get accomplish, it all matters.  Just keep plugging away.  Some days we all feel like what is the point.  That is normal too.  

A calm home (a decluttered home is calmer) a simple meal, peace of mind about finances, being in LOVE with your life - it is all progress.

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will get there.  It isn't a race.

May you all have a blessed and peaceful day.

Whatever you put your mind to this weekend, ENJOY!

Magic - Material Misfits Can be Fun!

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It is a brisk morning here.  I actually put the hood up on my sweatshirt when outside this morning - not that it did much good!  It is still very breezy out there.  Yesterday it looked pretty to start the day, then got cloudy and we had spitting rain and WIND!  Like 40mph gusts.  Licorice was scared of the wind and hid a lot.  He did eat some - but boy was he hungry this morning!  He ate and ate, then went in the greenhouse and curled up on his blanky.  Sweet boy.

It is still windy but not as bad as yesterday.  Supposed to be sunny!

Ok, I have resisted talking about holiday stuff now, but it is getting closer and closer, and some things need to be started now.  I know we have a lot of crafty folks that stop by here, so today is about some 'plans' I have and some ideas on what to do with odds and ends of material pieces.  You can make magic!

I have 2 littles that absolute love Disney and Mini (ages 5&6).  This is kind of what I am thinking as making as a special gift from Aunty - only in more of a patchwork design - in pinks, reds and peachy colors.

They have their blankies I made them and use them all the time - so I thought they might like these cute little pillows.

I have a 5 yr. old girlie that loves kitties so much, and her little brother is a dinosaur fanatic.  So here are a couple of ideas I found that I will give a try as a special homemade gift.  They love to cuddle and carry things around, so I thought something like this would be cute.

There are so many fun things you can do with fabric.  Make aprons, lap quilts, a bed quilt, pillows, a patchwork vest, hot pads, coasters, etc.  The list is endless.

To make hot pads - I usually line with some jean material, as it is thicker and will help absorb the heat.  I have heard of people using material from an ironing board cover!  Brilliant - heat proof.

I like this idea, and you may not need to sew.  You could probably use fabric glue.  

These look sewn, but I am thinking you could use carboard scraps, and cut out letters, then glue on fabric and add a piece of magnet to the back.  This is a great learning tool and cute too.  I have often made magnetic items using those magnets we get that are just flat advertising slabs of magnet.  I then cut and use.  ** Do be careful that kiddos aren't so small that they may try to put magnets in their mouth.**

There are just so many fun ideas out there and you can make some really cute and one of a kind holiday gifts.  You may have old clothes that can be cut up and used for projects, old jeans that are beyond wearing, material scraps from older projects, t-shirt material, there is no end to what can be used.  Maybe even old pillowcases or sheets (think thrift shop).  Even an old quilt that needs a lot of work from a thrift shop - use the good areas and you have old material and a patchwork already!

It is time to start getting creative.  Adults get food items and/or GC's from me, but the littles need something cute too.  

Get your thinking cap on and start getting creative.  Have fun and make a memorable gift.

Have a super day.

Fun Fall Flavors

 Hello to all.  Hope everyone is well and safe.  A cool morn here, but not as cool as yesterday morning.  It will be in the 60's today for a high.  Pretty much that way all week.  It looks to get very windy again - so over the wind.  Yesterday was windy as well.

It is that time where I have gotten out my long-legged PJ's (vs. shorts) and I have thrown a heavy throw over the bed at night.  Still refraining from turning on the heat.  Even had to get out 'shoes' to do my walk yesterday!  I always do flip-flops, as I despise wearing regular shoes.   Yesterday warmed up in here (inside) by late afternoon due to the sun, and the house maintains heat well.

This brings back memories.  We had a Chambers stove, a yellow set of that table and chairs.  The black & white floor was in the dining room!

 

Now that the cooler temps are here in this part of the world, it is that time when we think comfort food.  It is time to get out those crockpots for hearty soups, beans, and stews.  It is also time for many treats that don't always happen during the summer.

Don't have to have a campfire to have S'mores.  You can enjoy them from the kitchen.

S'MORE BARS

8 - 10 whole graham crackers

1 pkg. brownie mix (13x9 pan size) - or your own homemade

2 C mini marshmallows

1 C chocolate chips

2/3 C chopped peanuts

Place graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 greased pan (single layer).  Mix up brownie mix and pour over crackers.  Bake at 350* for 25-30 min.  Sprinkle w/ marshmallows, chips and peanuts and place back in oven for another 5 minutes - until marshmallows puff and turn golden.  Cool and cut into 24 pieces.

*I leave off peanuts

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. - 8 oz. - cream cheese - softened

1/2 C butter (no subs) - softened

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C confectioner sugar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 C mini chocolate chips

3/4 C finely chopped pecans

In a bowl cream the cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy.  Gradually add sugars, beat until combined.  Stir in chips.  Place all into a piece of plastic wrap and make a ball and refrigerate for about 1 hour.  Just before serving roll in nuts.  Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.  NUMMY

HOT PIZZA DIP

1 pkg. - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 C (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

1 can (8 oz.) pizza sauce

2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper

2 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion

In a bowl mix cream cheese and Ital. seasoning.  Spread in an ungreased 9" pie plate (microwave safe).  Combine mozzarella and Parm, sprinkle HALF over the cream cheese.  Top with pizza sauce, peppers, onion and remaining cheese.  Microwave uncovered, on high for 3-4 minutes until cheese is almost melted.  Let it stand for a couple minutes and serve with breadsticks or tortilla chips.

Makes about 3 cups.

Just some easy and fun fall snacks for sure.  Great for a get together, a dessert, an appetizer, or just 'because'!  Kiddos would love all of these (after school snack) - and I know this big kiddo enjoys them as well!

Seems cream cheese is a must have for fall and winter desserts and dishes - so it is always something to stock up on when you find a deal.  Of course, chips and nuts are a biggy too.   Make sure you watch the sales and get all the seasonal ingredients as you can.

Have a grand day and notice every blessing that comes your way!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/19

 Hello and happy Sunday.  Dreary and damp morning here.  It is still pretty dark out at this hour.  We finally got rain!!  They say we got more rain yesterday afternoon and evening than we have gotten on any one day since the last day of July.  I just went out to feed, and it started to drizzle again.  I think it will be off and on all day.  We sure do need it.  This coming week will be in the 60'sF all week.  That is normal.  Then they say warmer than normal again.

Yesterday was a day off for me.  I took the morning to go to the thrift store up the road, as I hadn't been out all week.  I then took 2 different walks.  I watched some TV and laid down on the loveseat and fell asleep.  Kitty at my side, breeze coming in the window, chimes singing, train whistle blowing - it seemed perfect.  Some days just seem like 'do nothing' days - nothing except enjoy the moment.

My frugal week:

• I worked on picking all the tomatoes I really want over a few days.  I picked close to 40lbs. some red but mostly green.  Plants come out this week, as it will be easy now since the rain.
• Cut all the live forever (sedum) along the west side of house.  I also cut back all the
  New England asters
• Made egg rolls from scratch
• Made a small batch of coleslaw
• Washed a couple more windows and the door glasses
• Did lots of walks
• Received 8 ears of farm fresh corn from a neighbor
• Washed a gallon bag and a couple quart ones
• Got one rain barrel emptied and put away
• Changed out the furnace filter to get ready for winter (had it)
• Laundry in cold and hung to dry
• No heat or AC at all this week
• Just doing all the normal stuff
• At the thrift store I bought 4 packs of 40 count honey/lemon no sugar added throat lozenges.  $1 each. It was FREE bread day at the thrift store - as much as you wanted.  I got 4 different packs - most will be frozen in smaller packs for future use.

                                                   All brand names - rye is strictly for Rueban's

Meals this past week:

Smoked sausage sandwich and salad

Fried green tomato sandwich, chicken strip and corn on cob

Chicken, mac & cheese sliced tomatoes

BLT and l/o mac & cheese

Egg rolls

Chicken, coleslaw, corn

Ham/cheese/veggie on everything bagel, slaw

SNACKS: fruit, tomatoes (some way everyday), hard boiled eggs, egg roll

That about sums up the week.  Nothing exciting, just little things that add up to getting things done.  

My neighbor/friend is now gone - they left Thursday afternoon.  That was a tough afternoon.  Hated to see them go.  The house looks lonely!  I guess the new homeowner is supposed to move in tomorrow.

The woodpeckers and blue jays have sure been abundant and noisy this week.  The birdies have all enjoyed taking baths!

I still have pretty flowers here and there.  Annuals in pots are still going - begonias and geraniums.

I had a rose open yesterday and the mallow is so pretty.

That is my week.  How was your week?  Have you gotten your home in order for the winter months to come?  Did you get any good deals this week?  Crafting?

I hope the coming week is great for you.  I pray you are all safe and healthy.  

Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

*********************

We give thanks to thee O God; we give thanks; we call on thy name and recount thy wonderous deeds.

Psalms 75:1

Dear Lord we come to You again this week in thanks and to ask for Your blessings upon us all.  May each and every one stay safe, may they have health and healing, and may each one have joy and hope in their lives.  Help us each to get through every day and to help another to get through a day as well.  AMEN

Weekend Plans and Fun

 Happy Thursday to you all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Gosh, here we are mid-month again.  I feel like I really blink, and a month is half gone! 

Another lovely morning here.  The sunrise was just incredible this morning.  God sure did a beautiful job of painting the sky this morning.

It is still very dry here, the grass is brown and parched.  Looks like rain comes in late Saturday and into Sunday.  Then we get cooler.  Next week has highs in the 60's - but that is just fine to me.

What kind of plans do you have for the weekend?  It is festival season and many craft shows are starting.  Lovely time for walks and enjoying the countryside.

I plan on finishing up the garden in the next few days.  I have been working on it, all week - pulling produce.  It may be a bit longer to get plants out.

Yesterday I did a lot of yardwork and boy was I tired last night.  Fell right to sleep while watching TV!  I did wake a couple times but slept well.

I did my work smarter than harder yesterday as well.  I had a 55-gallon trash receptacle full of yard waste, and it was heavy.  I was out front and needed to get it around the house and all the way out back.  Stopped and looked around the garage and did some quick thinking and solved the problem some.  I saw the little rolling low stool G used to use to check tires and brakes and such.  I got the drum on top of it, added a rope (to pull) and got it out back without a lot of heavy lifting.  YAY me!  LOL

My neighbor/friend is moving in the morning.  They will leave super early (before dawn), so today is good-bye day.  I sure will miss them.  They are moving 3 hours away to KY.

We spent some time talking yesterday and I will walk over and say bye today.  They will be loading up the moving van today, so they will be busy.

I may do some canning in the next few days as well.  I have a plethora of green tomatoes - so may make some relish.  I guess it depends on my mood!

I am tired and a little sore, but there is always something to do.

A reminder to all in U.S. that Thanksgiving is 42 days away!!!  That will be here before you know it.  I have seen ads for Aldi (if you have them) that you can buy everything (including turkey) for T Day for $40 this year to feed 10 people.  That is $7 less than last year!!!!  Sure something to think about.

Take time this weekend to enjoy the great outdoors!  Have a wonderful day.

Many blessings to all.

Let's Work Smarter not Harder

 Good midweek to you all.  Hope you are safe and well.

It is a nice morning here.  It is 60F right now, feels nice.  Today may get to a low 70's and cloudy.  Yesterday I took my walk a little later for some reason (had a nudge).  As I was walking, I noticed the beautiful blue sky - not a cloud to be seen.  You could see a bit of the moon as well - it was around 11AM.  Just a gorgeous day.  Got to talk w/ neighbors I hadn't met before.

I think we all like the idea of worker smarter not harder.  We don't always do it - but it should be our goal.

Think about the basics.

Cook once and eat 2 or 3 times!  Just this week I made air fried chicken and did enough for 3 meals.  I ate twice and froze the 3rd one for another time.  Just heat up and eat!  I like making soups and freezing some in individual containers for those days I just don't feel like cooking.  A nice batch of hard-boiled eggs - great breakfast, snack, or add for a meal.

Pre chop vegies and bag for use all week.  You can make a salad or a stir fry in no time.

My laundry is downstairs in the basement.  I have steep basement stairs.  Let's just say it gets tougher each year going up and down with laundry.  Well, I make it easier!!   I take laundry down with a pitch!  LOL.  I toss it down the steps (in a pillowcase) and then go down and move to the laundry area.  When laundry is done, I fold or hang immediately and make smaller trips upstairs.  It is easier to carry up clothes on hangers or a batch of towels or undies.  I can still hold on to the handrail and feel safe.

I like breakfast sandwiches - but don't want to go out and buy them.  I can make them at home for pennies.  Make some biscuits or use buns (whatever you have).  I like the way everything fits on those store-bought ones.  So, I cook up sausage patties, and I make my own egg rounds.

 

I use a greased ring for a canning jar - wide mouth.  Fry on one side and then flip.  Works perfect and they are just the right size.  You could also take the top and bottom off a can like tuna and use that as a mold.  Grease the inside of the ring.  Use what you have. (maybe a biscuit cutter?)

Making homemade cleaner is so easy.  You can make citrus cleaner with peels - I have posted that many times.  OR you can just make a nice cleaner with things you have on hand. 

2 C water

1/2 C white vinegar

1 tsp. dish soap

1 tsp. baking soda

Mix together and put in a spray bottle.

Heck you can use soap water as well!!!!  That is pretty simple and easy.  Maybe add a splash on vinegar.

Here is a trick I used the other day - and boy did it save time when I was done.

I was going to be using a small roller and a paint brush to paint my big planter the neighbor made.

I slid the paint tray into a plastic grocery bag I had - the wrapped it around to the bottom and added a couple pieces of tape to hold it.

Poured the paint onto the bag - and went to town.  When done - clean-up was simply taking the bag off and throwing away.  The tray was clean as a whistle.  You could do this with a regular size tray as well.  Talk about easy peasy!!!!!

I have some old worn-out fuzzy socks that get used over my Swifter dust mop.  They slide over the end - if need be, use a rubber band to hold it on.  I spray with a bit of water to dampen, and dust mop the floors.  When done they can be washed and reused again and again.  No need to buy fancy products.  I have even used microfiber cloths on the Swifter.  Just use what you have.

Heck even small things can make a difference.  My silverware drawer is in an old washstand, and it is a long drawer and kind of heavy.  I keep a couple spoons, forks, and knives in a kitchen themed coffee mug on the counter.  That is all I need for me!!!!  Wash and replace - they are always handy.

My cooking utensils are in a clay pot next to the stove and ready to use.  They get used a lot, so don't have a chance to get dusty!

For me it is just the little things!

There are so many things we can do to make life easier (which is smarter).  

What is something you do that makes life easier and not harder?   We all need new ideas. 

Hope you all have a great day.  Look up, look around and listen - it is lovely out there!

Time, Days = Life

 Happy Tuesday to all.  I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is a chilly morning, yet it will be warming into the upper 70's today.  No rain until the weekend.  It is still very dry in these parts.  The lovely weather has been enjoyed though.  Windows open and fresh air is the best!

Today let's talk about how your time and your days ARE your life.  When we waste those things, we waste life.  I know we talk about money a lot and we talk about a simple life a lot.  Once you get your life into a simpler place, the better your life quality will be. 

And we need to remember that money is just a TOOL!  It is just that simple.

We need to concentrate more on quality of life than the money.  We can do so many simple things to change this life.  Yes, money is important to pay the bills and for emergencies, but your life is limited - so make it the best you can.

As my Glen used to say, "Plan your work and work your plan!"

Consume less - less stuff in the home, is less to maintain and clean.  It is less money spent, so it can be used for important things.  Cancel things that aren't important or rarely used.  Think about apps, subscriptions, magazines, streaming, online shopping, memberships, etc.

Try making things you normally buy - spice mixes, cooking from scratch, crafts & gifts, baking.

Rest when you feel you need it.  Take time each day just for you.  It is OK to not be busy every moment.  Rest helps your body and mind heal.  Watch nature, read a book, porch sit, take a nap - just rest each day.

Know your priorities.  Is it money or a happy and calm life?

Learn new skills.  Learn how to do things for yourself.  How to repair.  How to garden.  How to cook.  Ask people, go to the library and watch You Tube videos.

Pay NO interest - unless it is mortgage or car payments.  Always pay things on time and do not pay interest or late fees.  They eat a ton of your money.

Do things for yourself at home.  Make your own spa night/day.  Nice soaking bath, candles, soft music - just a relaxing time.  Do manis and pedis at home.  Give yourself a facial with things you have at home in your kitchen.

Walking is free exercise.   Garden, yard work is free exercise.  Turn up the music and dance - yes, it is exercise.

Hang with like-minded people!  If you hang out with spenders, you will more than likely spend more.  Be with folks who like to have a nice coffee at home, get together for a meal at home, play cards or board games.  Go to free events or the park.  Stay out of the expensive shops and just keep it simple, you will probably find it more relaxing - less distractions.

Make the most of your days - each and every day.  Life can be fun, exciting and wonderful - you just have to be a little creative.  It isn't all about money.  It is about LIVING!

Live simply.  Big things and small things can make a huge difference.

The less you do or need that costs money - the less you worry about it.

ENJOY this day you have been gifted and remember to be kind to others.

SMILE