I Grocery Shop Differently

 Morning to all.  It is early - haven't been outside yet, it is still dark.  Just getting a headstart!  It is warmer this A.M. than past mornings.  Today will hit 40's and I am looking forward to that.  I think it is supposed to be windy as well, but dry.  It is going to get very cold and nasty this weekend for a lot of the country.  I hate that for everyone.  We are to get super cold - we are on the fringe of the weather system - we will see.

I probably (most likely) shop a LOT different than the average person.  I have always been this way.

This past year (2025) I saved just under $1,000 using my digital coupons!  I well imagine I saved close to that amount buying clearance as well.  That is a lot off the grocery bills.  That works out to a $166 savings a month.

I basically buy almost NOTHING that isn't a digital coupon item or clearance.  It is rare for me to pay a regular price - very rare.

I do not shop every week - sometimes I don't go to the store for several weeks.  I always make sure that I have enough milk on hand for a few weeks, and I seem to be able to keep fruits and veggies a good amount time.

I am not brand conscious, nor do I pay a lot of attention to 'best by' dates.

I use what I have.  I have a great and PLENTIFUL pantry, between what I grow and can to the items I get cheaply.

I do NOT waste - I use leftovers in some way.

I have meatless days every now and then.  When I do eat meat, I use less than called for in recipes.  I can add beans or mushrooms to extend meat.  I also use rice and pasta as extenders.

If I have leftovers that I don't want to eat soon - I freeze for another day.  That makes for easy meals.

I buy whole fruits and veggies and not cut up ones.  Buying the cut-up products costs more and often has been treated with something, or it goes off quicker.  I try to stay as pure as possible.

I substitute a lot.  If I am out of something - I figure out a sub.  I don't run out to buy what I am out of.

I tend to MAKE UP a lot of my cooking as I go.  I 'play' with food!!!!!!  I love trying new things and ways of putting food together.

I make most of my sauces and mixes and treats.

I do NOT buy water. (once a year only for company).  I resist pop.  I drink water or tea at home.  I am not a coffee drinker.

I always go with a list of what I really need, then I do look at clearance goods.

I don't have to shop this way - but it just makes good sense to me.  I can use my funds on other things.  I like getting the best deal I can and making things last as long as I can.

Hope this gives someone some ideas on ways to cut the grocery budget back a little.  There are ways to not spend a ton at the store.  People keep saying it can't be done - YES it can.

Be open to new ways, new ideas, new recipes and new ways of shopping.  Eyes WIDE OPEN can make a HUGE difference.

Have a beautiful day and stay safe and warm out there.

Life - Joy - Ordinary = Wonderful

 Hello to all on this Tuesday morning.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Holy Moly sweet Eskimo pies, it is cold outside!!!!  I know some of you northern gals are so used to cold, but we aren't used to this nasty cold much here in these parts!  It was 8*F this morning.  I was bundled up nicely, when I went out and it didn't feel too bad.  I think the big part was NO wind!  The wind just makes things feel brutal.  Yesterday we were in the teens and windy - oh my.   There are no clouds this morning, the sun is shining, and we have no precipitation of any sort - on the ground or in the air.  YAY 

We are to get into the twenties today (woohoo) and maybe hit 40* tomorrow!!!  We get a couple days reprieve then it is back to cold and more cold.  I know some up north are getting tons of snow and blizzard conditions - STAY SAFE!

Just to make some smile that are cold here, or colder elsewhere - 62 days until spring and 50 days until time change (more daylight hours)!!!!  It has been almost a month since Christmas and think how fast that has gone.  It won't be long.

I am not a sports fan - but I want to say a HUGE congrats to the Indiana University (IU) football team for winning the national title last night.  They made history for the school and the state.

This is just so true.  Whether it is a sunrise, a fur baby, family, a sports win, nature, etc.   JUST JOY!

You all know I had my last Christmas gathering with family Sunday.  It was so wonderful to see everyone.  We laughed, we cried, we enjoyed and just had the best time together.  I wish it happened more often.  I made a big buffet of all sorts of things, and it was enjoyed.

On top of just loving family, I got so many neat things.  From homemade bread, to candles, smell pretties, socks, goodies, gardening things, etc.

I want to share some pictures of 3 things I got, just in case some of you might be interested in finding them as well.  I know I will be sharing ideas from my book and cards I got.

These were neat gifts and you may want to try and find for yourself or for gifts.

This book is all natural homemade remedies for just about everything you can think of.  I am all about natural living (I take no meds) - so this is just so neat.

It has colored pictures of each item you can make, easy to read instructions, what all you might need to make, etc.  I am sure there will be some things I will share with others, for those who are interested.

Also got this pack of 50 cards - 50 Plants That Heal - tells about herbs and natural items.  How to grow, where they grow best, which part to use and how to use it.

My niece and I had a conversation Sunday about the journals (about 15) I have from Mom.  She had no idea.  I told her that after over 24 years I still haven't been able to get through much, because I just start crying (ugly crying) - they are so personal.  She and I cried and hugged.

I open her gifts and here is this book!!!!  It is a journal that asks about all stages of life from where born - growing up, teen years, loves, religion, thoughts on things, etc.  She told me she wants this back someday to keep.

I show it because, they were all talking and several have gotten one of these - they make them for grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, and who knows who else.  Just such a little booklet, that just talks about life.  Full of personal thoughts and memories.  I think anyone interested in family history would love to give and get these.

A neat legacy to leave.

Yesterday I was just beat.  I did get most things put away.  You can't tell anyone was here on Sunday, let alone a crowd, all is straight.  But I did nothing else than put things away.  I ate good food and took a nap.  Sunday night I went in to lay on the bed and turned on the TV - and I was asleep at 8:30!!

Today, I will get back to normal (I think).

I have lots of yummy leftovers to eat up in some form, and nothing super rushing to do, nowhere to go.  Life is good!

Simple ordinary things make for JOY in life.

Fed my outdoor animals - Licorice, Mommy, and babies all came out of the insulated doghouse!  They were all snuggled together - so sweet.  Bitsy is laying here sleeping and I am just happy for this day.

LIFE IS GOOD.

Stay warm, stay safe and have a blessed day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/18

 Hello to all and happy Sunday!  I hope you are all safe and healthy and warm. 

We are now half past the midway mark of the month - it is flying by.

It is a cold morning here.  In the teens and only going into the 20's today - but dry.

I was looking at a weather calendar for this month, and it doesn't look too bad, until the very end of the month - and then it looks terribly frigid!  I hope that all changes before then.

This week has been a 'just doing' kind of week.  Taking care of the home has been my job.

My frugal week:

• I met with my financial guy here at the house.  Things are good
• I cut my hair here at home
• Did several little repairs
• I did get to work outside in the yard a little over 2 days
• I waxed the cabinets and all the wooden furniture
• Did a bit of baking - cookies that go in the holiday bags for kids, and baked goods for today's gathering
• Paid all bills I had over the phone
• Pretty much finished the 'deep' cleaning of the main floor (basement is another world!)
• I did run to the store for slider buns and street taco tortillas this week.  I also got a few fresh veggies - that is it

Meals this past week: (kept it simple)

L/O mac & cheese in a quesadilla and a salad

Big omelet in a tortilla wrap and sausage patties

Smoked sausage sandwich and veggies

Big salad, l/o rice

Baked spaghetti (made in air fryer), veggies

Baked spaghetti, fruit

Steamed broc./cauliflower, smoked sausage

There you go.  Just getting my home in order as I can.  I need to get busy on that basement after a few days of rest.  Also need to work on the extended pantry and reorganize and clean it all.

Lots of indoor work can be done during the winter, so that we stay productive and active.

Today is my family gathering here with my niece and nephews.  I so look forward to it.  Everything is ready - spent a lot of time yesterday getting food started or made.

I may not be back on to answer comments until tomorrow - depends on how tired I am tonight!

I wish you each a safe week and please stay healthy and warm.  If you are getting bad winter weather stay safe.

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

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This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Lord, I pray that we are thankful for all that we receive each and every day.  That we realize what gifts You present us daily.  Thank You.  Please continue to lay healing upon each person that is need. So many need Your healing touch in so many ways.  Prayers for our country and our world.  AMEN

A Bit of This and That - Sharing Ideas

 Hello to all this Thursday.  Here we are at the halfway mark of the month already.  It just doesn't seem possible.  It is cold this morning and breezy.  It is 18*F.  It is amazing what a difference a day or two can make around here - a couple days ago, I was outside doing some yardwork!  NOT today!

I will stay in and put the finishing cleaning touches on the house and then start my baking and cooking tomorrow for my weekend gathering.

Yesterday talking about old fashioned ways and recipes - this was mom's cookbook.  So many lovely notes handwritten inside and great suggestions to tweak a recipe.  As you can tell, it is more than well used and is taped together on the outside.

Her rolling pin, and both the roller and board press for Springerle cookies.  I use all of these, and I swear they just make things taste better!

Lots of tips and ideas today - just ways to make our kitchens work better for us and our pantries always feel full.

You can make your own condensed milk - no need to make a special run to the store to get more.  Just using what you have on hand!!!

I am a gravy fiend!!!  I just love it; it makes everything taste better!  So many I know, say 'I can't make gravy'.  Not sure why - it is so easy to make.  There are many versions out there, and you can flavor with about anything.  Just takes a little patience!

Lots of us cook for one or two and often times recipes make a lot.  Here is a good chart on measurements cut in half!
 No need to make a ton - and waste ingredients or food.  Just make the recipe smaller.

I know I posted this before - but a couple asked for it and wondered what I was talking about.  It is SOOOOOO good!!!!  You want to zip it up some?  Add a few dashes of hot sauce.  I used white vinegar when I made mine and regular paprika.  This is served in many restaurants now and can be purchased at grocery stores.

Blend all of this until smooth and bottle and refrigerate.

Great with fries, onion rings, over roasted or fried veggies, on eggs, sandwiches, etc.

I always have this on hand - have used it for years.  Sure, you can make a faux buttermilk using vinegar and milk - but this is so easy too.  It lasts for ages and ages, and I don't have to remember to have vinegar on hand (I usually do - but...)

I always mix up some when making biscuits or pancakes or waffles - just adds a bit more flavor and tastes special.

There you go - my pantry saving tips for today!

There isn't much that you can't make a homemade version of.  Just try and experiment a little - if at first you don't succeed - try again!

Have a wonderful day and say thanks for all blessings.

Old Fashioned and Simple

 Hello to all this midweek.  Hope you are all safe and healthy, and the same for your loved ones.

It is a gloomy looking morning here.  It is in the 40's, but those temps will be slipping as the day goes on.  The wind is supposed to come back as well.  Yesterday was terribly windy, but it was sunny and warmer, if you ignored the wind!  Heck I even worked outside a bit.

Yep, that is me.  I do have tons of grandma's cast iron (a true blessing), and lots of mom's handwritten recipe cards.  

It gives me such joy when some of the younger ones in the family, want grandma's and my recipes.  When they ask HOW to do things and want to kind of go back a little in time with their ways.

Today is going to be simple - just a few pics of some of the easy meals of late.  I know we all get stuck with meal plans at times - so it always nice to get new ideas, and seeing pics helps me a lot.

You know I like simple and easy meals - I like reusing leftovers and using what I have on hand.

Seriously, I am just a simple girl - but I love to eat!  Some things may sound strange to others, but they sure taste good to me.

Here is the grilled cheese sandwich on multi-grain bread - with a nice spoonful of leftover taco meat added.  Grilled on both sides and just plain yummy!  I had this with a salad.  Easy, tasty, using up things and cost just pennies. (bread was free)

Pizza Pasta - use whatever pasta you have - add some sauce and whatever pizza toppings you like or have.  Top with mozzarella cheese (or whatever you have/like) - and you have a super easy dish that requires NO oven and tastes just like pizza (a great skillet meal).  I will bet 100% that kiddos would just love this.

Tortillas cost just pennies - filled with leftover rice and beans, added lots of shredded cheese and some salsa - rolled and grilled. Served with sour cream.  Very tasty and filling.  You could also have one with maybe refried beans or salad or even a taco.  Just use what you have and use your imagination.

Made an omelet with egg, cheese and some leftover seasoned rice.  Laid it in a tortilla (instead of using toast).  I didn't pick it up to eat, but the tortilla did add something.  I used a little Yum-Yum sauce on the omelet as well.  Cooked sausage from freezer - reheated.  This was a very tasty meals and it was pretty healthy as well.

The cheesy potato soup - used older potatoes and made a basic soup - added a can of Nacho cheese soup for the zippy cheese taste - and I cut up some jalapeno summer sausage.  You could use ham, smoked sausage or no meat - whatever you have.  Pennies and it provided me two big meals that week, and put back 2 bowls in freezer for future meals.  Just using up things that needed to be used soon.

Lastly, beef and broccoli over rice.  I had some beef pieces in the freezer (you could use canned) and a little fresh broccoli - made a simple brown gravy (using some powdered mix I have) and served over rice.  This was delish and actually felt like fine dining to me.  Kind of reminded me of a meal that mom would have served!

All meals I make for the most part, really take very little time to make.  I am all about less than 30 minutes in the kitchen.  

Now this weekend I will be utilizing the crockpots to make soup and pulled pork for company that is coming.  Those take time to do - but the crockpot really helps make life easier.

I do things very simply, and I stick with very basic and sometimes old-fashioned meals.

Hope this gives you some ideas - I am a visual person, and figure others may be as well.

You can make some wonderful meals with simple ingredients and little money - it just takes a little creative licensing!!!!!

Have a super day and SMILE - it looks pretty!

Be You - It Is ENOUGH!

Howdy to all.  Hope this is starting out to be a good day for everyone.  It is chilly here, but there were pretty colors in the sky this morning, and a tiny sliver of moon to be seen.  The kitties were all hungry and are now playing and 'learning' to hunt.  It is so cute to watch. The sun is shining!

We will have another 50*+ day today - then by tomorrow afternoon things will change.  So, this girl is going to enjoy the nice day all that I can.

Last evening the western sky looked to be on fire!  This was looking out my living room window.  Isn't that something?  The picture really doesn't do the colors justice.  I am such a sucker for sunrises and sunsets - the painting of the heavens by God.

I have been reading many blogs and FB posts and seeing Vlogs, where people feel like they are supposed to keep up with everyone else.  They think they are supposed to do ALL the stuff others do and have what others have.  It is wearing them down.  NO, NO, NO!!!!!!!!!

You do NOT have to keep up with anyone.  You are an individual, and you make your own choices.

I like to think this way.  Here we are in our neighborhoods, in our towns in our states - in this big old country (or where you live).  We are a part of this earth; thus we are part of the universe.  That is pretty amazing to me - I would say that makes each of us pretty unique.  You are important, and your thoughts and ways are important.  God made you, just like He made everything else this world, that is pretty special in my book.  The world needed one of you!  Pretty cool.

You may have more than others; you may have a lot less.  Be proud of whatever you do have and of what you do.  Your achievements are that you are here today. Be proud of every lesson learned, every scar you have and every step you take.  All of that makes you unique!!!!

Live YOUR best life!  That doesn't have to mean having lots of money, or having children, or having a fancy career, or having it all.  It means living the life that makes you HAPPY!  It's YOU!

You have managed to make it through every year up to now!  That is big.  You maybe just hung on by a string and maybe you just barely made it through these past years - but you did.  You have more strength than you think you do.  We can do and be and live a nice quiet life and be tremendously happy!  

I don't need/have fancy things, I don't need to be on the go all the time, I don't need to live up to others' expectations, I don't need all the noise!  I just need my sweet little life, doing my thing and I can be very content and happy.

YOU CAN TOO!

It doesn't mean that you just stop - progress is always a good thing.  We all make progress in our own way and time with all kinds of things.  Just remember progress does NOT mean perfection!

It means being your best you, it means being happy, it means being kind, it means just living your best life.

You got this!  Have a great 2026.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Weekly Wrap Up 1/11

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.

It is a very chilly (cold) morning.  I do believe we are about to get whiplash from the huge roller coaster of weather we have been having!!  It has been a crazy winter so far.  Ups and downs - and not just little ones.  By the way - Canada you can have your cold back!!  They say the air we are getting now is coming in from the north, not a fan.  Yesterday they predicted rain - we just had drizzles here.  Snow was predicted overnight - I wouldn't even call it a dusting.  I see a lot of big old flakes coming down right now.  A LOT!  It didn't last either!  Considering the changes we keep seeing, it truly hasn't been bad so far.

This week has been kind of quiet for me.  I am mainly just doing things around the house and trying to use what I have and cooking some.

I think winter has just set in for my mind, and I have been doing some resting and chilling out. Catching up on some reading and TV watching.

My frugal week:

• Made half dozen hard boiled eggs for snacks
• I did run out one day to get some extra cat food to have on hand. I also got some carrots, lettuce and cukes.
• While out I ran into the thrift store and looked around.  I got a brand new in package queen set of sheets for $5 (Target brand)!!!  I also got a free loaf of fancy bread
• I made potato soup one day - using up some older potatoes, added a can Nacho cheese soup and cut up some jalapeno summer sausage in it.  Dang it was good.
• Froze 2 containers of soup and some of the dump cake I made the week before
• Changed out the door decor and the yard flag from Christmas
• I actually got to air the house a little a couple of afternoons and turn the heat off for a good while
• Been doing some deep cleaning - going a room at a time
• Pulled out some cooked turkey to use in a couple meals
• Got to talk with a couple far away friends this week - loved it
• Using what I have on hand, staying home, making a few plans for things I will accomplish after all the family visits are done next week - just being mindful of what I have

Meals this past week:

l/o pizza pasta, l/o black eyed peas and a shredded cabbage salad

Tangy cheesy potato soup and crackers

Soup and crackers again

Hard shell tacos

Grilled cheese and added the l/o taco meat to it! (messy but so good) and salad

Turkey/ham/veggie wrap

Cheesy mac w/chopped turkey and peas added

SNACKS - hard boiled eggs, apples, summer sausage, cheese

There you have - pretty quiet.  Bitsy loved getting a little fresh air from the windows this week.  I still have momma and kitties hanging out - and Licorice and 2 other neighbor cats - oh my!  I swear there has to be a sign somewhere!!  But you know me, I can't say no to kitties.

I will be getting things ready for when the kids come up next Sunday.  I do believe I have everything I need to make my menu I have planned - may need to get some slider buns - but that is it.

How was your week?  Are you chilling out and taking a breather from the hectic holidays or are you doing a lot?  Did you get any deals this week?  How is your weather?

I hope you all have a blessed week ahead.  Stay healthy, safe and warm.  Prayers of healing for all those in need.

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

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Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Thank You Lord for this new day and for the guidance in all we do.  Thank You for giving us peace in our hearts and help us to spread that peace and calm in all we do, with love, actions and kind words.  Give us strength this week to face any challenges we meet and help us to know that You are always with us.

AMEN