Being Mindful of ALL we Have

 Howdy to all.  Can you believe it is Thursday already?  It is a lovely morning.  Low 70's at the moment and just a bit of humidity.  I did get a lot done outside yesterday - gosh, it never ends.  I went out 3 or 4 times and did my work, so as not to overheat again!

It is going to be a hot, hot weekend.  We are going back into the 90's. 

I hope you all find some holiday deals at the stores.  It seems we can usually find various items cheaply at different holidays.  Time to stock up.

I love this chart!

THIS is how we save our money and are mindful of all things.  

WE are the ones that decide how we spend our money.  Sure, you have certain bills that have to be paid - but you can turn off, turn down, or shop around and lower those items too.

The only one on the list that isn't happening for me is "ditch the car".    At this point in life, it isn't feasible to get rid of the car.  I use it so seldom, that I make up for that.  I go out only now and then.

ALL the rest I do and have done for years.  Could I do better?  Sure, but I try and that is all we can do.

Stop and think about all you do and all you spend.  Be mindful.  Be good stewards.  It not only helps the environment, but it helps YOU and your POCKETBOOK as well!

It is the Independence Day for America tomorrow - the birthday of our nation.  That always calls for many celebrations and family get togethers and fireworks!!  UGH

I have to admit that it has been quieter this year leading up to the holiday than in the past.  That has been something (and much appreciated).  Not looking forward to all the village igits tomorrow night and probably all weekend - but I am sure it will happen.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  I have no plans here.  I tend to piddle around the house and maybe TRY to get my nephews blanket done!  Maybe some porch sitting early or late when a bit cooler.

Eat the goodies, enjoy the family and friends, celebrate safely.

BE MINDFUL!

Have a great day.  Stay safe and cool.

Just a Saving Thing or Two

 Hello all - on this lovely day.  Today is gorgeous here and will probably be the best day of the week!  Humidity has dropped and it is dry, and the sun is out.  It won't last - but today should be wonderful.

Hope this finds you all good!

Today I am listing just a couple of items that might help some save a little bit.  It depends on you and where you might shop.

Postage is going up again.  If you use stamps, now is the time to get some.  You will save 5 cents a stamp by buying now.  Think ahead to the holidays!  Get stamps now for all your cards.

Dollar General is cutting prices on a lot of items to help with budgets.  The notice said food, health, wellness and personal care items will be reduced.  It isn't everything but all discounts help.

A couple weeks ago we talked about Aldi and Kroger have reduced many, many prices as well for this summer.  Kroger says over 1,000 prices lowered and Aldi says over 400 products lowered.  Kids are home from school - so grocery bills go up.  Many celebrations as well.  Add to you stock and get any deals you can.  

Looking at sales this week, the best deal I saw at Kroger is watermelon for 2.99 and Kroger cheeses - 8 oz. for 1.49.  If you buy soda pop, they do have a B2G3 12 packs.  I know many don't (it is so expensive), but for those that do - decent deal, I guess.

I am not a Target shopper but sharing - they have also announced keeping prices lower on back-to-school items, with many under $5.  If you have children or just need supplies for yourself or your office, now is the time to stock up.

Yard sales are now in full force all over.  Watch for many back to school clothes for the young-ins at those.  Don't forget your thrift stores as well.

Just trying to help anyone that may shop these places.  We need to look out for each other.  Saving now and where we can, can sure help the budgets.  

If you know of any chain stores that are offering discounts this summer, let us know!

Have a great day and enjoy to the fullest.  I plan on going out in a few to get some yard work done, and take advantage of the cooler temps.  It won't last!

Have a beautiful day!!!!!

Getting Down to the Ground!

 Happy July to all.  How did that happen already?  Those here in U.S. are going to have a 4-day workweek, with the 4th of July happening Friday.  All days are the same to me now that I am retired - but I remember getting excited about shorter workweeks!  Hope you are all well today.

It is a wet morn here.  We had some rain, everything is so green and the plants are really growing.  It feels much better this morning, and should get better later on, as far as humidity.  We get a reprieve for a couple days!  Tonight is supposed to get in the 60's!!  That hasn't happened for a long while.

Today let's talk about ground beef (mince) or ground other meats.  Tis the BBQ season, and some might be finding some good deals.  It seems ground is cheaper than other cuts - and generally still not cheap.  There are so many things one can do with it - it isn't just for burgers.  I do use a lot of ground meat for all sorts of meals.

That is the one meat I buy only sale and can usually find on clearance.  I stock up when I see it, as it is used so much and it is so versatile.

The last time I bought - 2lb. pack for 4.18!  Sure can't beat that price.  Many places may have ground beef on sale this week with the holiday.  Keep your eyes open - watch the day after or so for mark downs.

Now you can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, etc. interchangeable.  You really can.  Don't like the flavor of a certain type - add beef bouillon to the meat to add the beef flavor.  

So many ways to fix ground meat!  Let's get started.

Meatloaf - don't forget you can make mini loaves (muffin pans) as well. I do meatloaf burgers too.

Meatballs, Swedish meatballs, BBQ meatballs

Burgers, sliders - fry, grill, bake - however you want

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, Mexican casserole

Vegetable soup (love hamburger soup), beef barley, beef & potato, taco soup, chili, etc.

All kinds of casseroles - meat & potato, meat & mac/cheese, meat & veggie, cheeseburger pasta

Spaghetti - baked spaghetti (I love baked spaghetti)

Stuffed shells, stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls

Zucchini boats (it's getting to be that time!)

Philly beef and cheese sandwiches 

Calzones, hand pies, stuffed pitas

Pizza - regular, tortilla, French bread, reg. bread - you can make pizza from anything you have

Chili cheese dogs, topped baked potatoes

Skillet dinners of all kinds - unstuffed cabbage roll, unstuffed pepper, Mexican mix-ups, zucchini & meat/cheese, Spanish rice and beef, dirty rice, red beans & rice, oriental flavored meat & rice

Sloppy Joe

Shepherd pie (not authentic) but good just the same

Cowboy beans, Hoppin John, dips

Chili/cornbread casserole

Fix those burgers with any toppings you want - you can have them without the bun as well.  

Hope you all can find some deals on ground beef - this week.  You might look for hotdogs as well.  I do like an all-beef one every now and then.  I haven't had a good dog in a long while.

Keep your eyes open - watch for those sales and markdowns!!!

Do you have any special recipe that you use ground meat for?  Any tricks for using other ground meats to make it more flavorful?  I know sometimes people don't like chicken or turkey - I just jooz it up.  I love ground pork as well (or combo beef/pork).  You can make your own sausage patties as well with it.

Give us a shout out!!!  Look forward to hearing your ideas!!!!

Have a super day.  Stay cool and hydrated!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/29

 Happy Sunday all.  Hope this finds you well and safe.  Well, here we are on the last Sunday of the month yet AGAIN!  We are halfway through the year - just absolutely amazing!  Momma was sure right, time seems to go much faster the older you get!

We have had 8 straight days of 90* or over - we'll see what today brings.  It does feel a little nicer this morning - only in the low 70's and not quite as humid.

Friday late afternoon, there was a big, windy weather system that flew threw.  Crazy winds, pouring rain and it lasted about 15 minutes.  Blew stuff over, more limbs down, raining sideways and then temps dropped about 20 degrees for a short while - then boom the humidity was back.

Yesterday a couple sprinkles, then about dinner time we got a nice downpour to water everything!  Just quick rains, but they do water stuff.

I saw the duck again yesterday morning in the drive, then it walked on down the sidewalk.  Later in the day, it was in the neighbors out back (alley).  It must be a pet to someone.

My frugal week:

• Used rain barrels a lot at the first of the week - they have pretty much refilled
• I moved a bigger birdbath from out back.  It is metal and set in the sun - never used (just too hot).  I moved it to the shade area and the birds are using it now.  They sure love the birdbaths - drinking and bathing and swimming!!!
• Changed the filter on the air/furnace exchanger - had one here
• Had to report for jury duty (got to see the new court and jail!)
• Did go out early and late to weed some
• Laundry and used up dehumidifier water
• Paid bills on phone and mailed 2
• Pickerd 3 banana peppers and one tomato - there are bunches of zucchinis growing out there 

Yep, that is my tomato!!!!!!!!!!  LOL!  A cherry tomato, about the size of a quarter - but it tasted good!

• I did go out for my month end gas fill-up.  Needed to use my discount before it expired.  Saved .40/gal.
• Stopped at Kroger (same lot as gas station).  Wanted more peaches.  I found a couple deals, 1 1/2 lb. pork roasts and OJ on clearance.  Spent very little.

                              Each little pork roast will give me a few meals - cheap eating!

• Went out on day and cleaned the bottom of mower.  I usually do each time - but last couple times it was hot, so neglected it.  Ton of grass stuck underneath.  Did it in the garage so as to stay out of sun.
• Stupidly, I did mow and trim on Friday!!  I say stupidly because first round of mowing (around 11AM) and trimming caused BAD heat exhaustion!  Yep, I had all the symptoms - so do as I say not as I do!!!  I even scared myself.   Finished it later in the day, under cloudy skies, just before the rain hit.
• Defrosted and cooked up 4 big chicken legs.  Used 2 for dinner, and the others for snacks.
• Did another limb pick-up after brief storm
• Made hummy nectar
• Just doing the normal stuff - cooking from home and using what I have on hand, cleaning, etc.

Meals this past week:

Leftover rice and some fresh veggies & apple & peanut butter

Tuna/egg salad with crackers

Open face sloppy Joe and slaw (home canned)

Big salad and grilled cheese

Teriyaki stir fry veggies over rice

Ham & cheese sandwich and side salad

Chicken legs (air fryer) and slaw & milk shake (used end of 'light' ice cream)

There you have it - nothing exciting.  Well, showing up for jury duty was a little exciting, so glad I was recused.  Heat exhaustion was not exciting, but a nasty experience, to say the least.  I am old enough to know better!  Geesh

How was your week?  Did you do anything exciting?  Get any bargains?  I have done very little shopping this month - but managed to get a couple good deals.  How are the gardens coming along?

I hope you are doing well.  Love to see you all check in.  Let us know what is going on in your neck of the woods!

Be safe and stay cool and healthy this week.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 118:1

Good Morning God!

You are ushering in another day

Untouched and freshly new

So here I come to ask You, God,

If You'll renew me, too,

Forgive the many errors

That I made yesterday

And let me try again, dear God,

To walk closer in Thy way.....

But, Father, I am well aware

I can't make it on my own

So take my hand and hold it tight

For I can't walk alone.

Helen Steiner Rice

                                AMEN

My Frugal Home

 Hello all my lovely friends.  Hope you are all well and safe today.  A bit cooler this morning at 75*, but going back to 90's.  We had rain showers a couple times yesterday - some really nice rain.  Looks like chances of rain each day for the next few!  NICE.  It cooled about ten degrees right after the rain yesterday - which was a nice perk.  It was nice to not have to water things.  I even opened the back door for a bit!

If you have been here very long, you know I am a very frugal person.  Many years ago, it started as a needed thing, now it is just a way of life - a lifestyle.  If you do things long enough, it becomes a habit and a way of everyday living.

I do lots of things to stretch items - I water down most everything.  Soaps - especially.  Many, many years ago I heard a stylist 'to the stars' talk about how damaging soap can be on hair.  They said never use it full strength, no matter the brand.  Well, I have watered it down since - and I find it gives suds even better.  I do the same with dish soap, foaming hand soap (make my own) and body wash.  I have bars of soap as well - they don't go bad, so I always have many on hand.  I use way less on laundry soap as well - remember it isn't the suds that clean, just the water, motions and a little detergent!

Shoot, I even add water to fruit juices, and they taste just as good.

I make my own iced tea, drink lots of water, and have a Soda Stream (bought @ yard sale for $15) to make sparkling water.

I do not pay full price for much - if anything.  I buy clothes (very seldom) at thrift stores, yard sales and on clearance.  Undies cost a ton today - I buy around back to school time, much cheaper on sale.

I try to figure out ways to use what I have on hand, if I need a new 'thing'.  I know when sales happen and try to stock up at those times.  I buy clearance A LOT at the grocery.  It is still good stuff.

I have been talking about buying a new couch and maybe a new chair for several years!  Yep - it will happen when I see just what I want at the right price.  For now, mine works fine.  Patience!!!

I keep things off or turned down/up as needed.  No excess lights, use rainwater and dehumidifier water for things, AC or heat higher/lower than many, shop my pantry and just try to be a good steward.

Lately, I have been going to the store very little.  I have a very good deep pantry, and I need to use it.  Having a pantry isn't a good thing if you don't use it.  Yes, we want to be prepared for emergencies always!!!  But use those items, then replace as needed.  You don't want your food to go bad and be unusable!

Lately the kitchen here, has been creative!  I have been eating a little lighter, using up odd things I have on hand and now that the garden is growing - I will have fresh produce for the summer and fall.  I don't have tons - but I will have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and onions - basics for me.  I also have basil, mint and lemon balm growing.  I trade with others as well.  Yummy summer goods!

I look forward to making this again soon and fried green tomatoes!  They call this a breakfast pie - for me it will be dinner.  It is so yummy.  Super easy, cheap and tasty. (I use less sugar)

Dinners can be as simple as this!  I do this often in the summer - it is cool and somewhat light, and it fills me up.  Dinner is what you want to eat!!!!!  NO RULES

Stir fry veggies purchased on clearance a while back with rice, will be a dinner in the next couple days.  I mean you can't get too much cheaper!  I will add soy sauce or some oriental seasoning and have a meatless dinner.  I often have meatless dinners.  I know many can't do that, as their hubbies want their meat - but just use less.  Make it a side, not a main thing!

I have used a ton of items from the fridge freezer, and now I am bringing things up from the upright.  I will always be on the outlook for deals - and will add them back in when I find them, but for now I am using what I have.

I have a lot of fruit in the crisper, and I am trying to use that up and be a little creative.  Fruit salads are always yummy, make a crisp or pie, grilling or sautéing fruit is yummy, adding to sweet breads or muffins or pancakes, add to ice cream or puddings, make freezer pops - there is always a fun way to use things up.

Living a thrifty life and having a frugal home is just normal for me.  I am not rich, but I can live how I want for the most part - and that is what I do.  I take care of my pennies and dollars, and they take care of me.  I live a very good and satisfying life - I don't feel I am missing out.

It just takes a little creative thinking and working with what you have.  You too, can have a frugal home and enjoy the good life.

**(Being frugal everyday allows you to splurge once in a while when you choose and not feel guilty!!!)

Have a great and thrifty weekend.  Stay cool and hydrated.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!!

Simple, Beauty, Cozy = Home

 Howdy all.  Another hot one here - nothing new to report on that front.  Another day, another hot and humid day!!!  Actually doesn't feel too bad this morning.

I hope this finds you all safe and well and staying cool.

HOME - what is it for you?  It can be something different for everyone.  A SIMPLE life - the same.  It means something different to us all.

I want life to be as simple as possible, as pretty as possible (in my eyes), and I want it to be cozy.

The little things in life make me happy and make my house a HOME!  

The "American" dream or the DREAM for your area - used to be the little house and the white picket fence!  Today, I believe it is whatever you make it.  As long as you like it - it is the dream.

Some need a big home, some a little one.  Some like antiques, retro, modern, cluttered, minimalistic, barn life, bohemian OR a combo of it all!  That is just fine.  You may have an expensive home or a very inexpensive one - it truly doesn't matter, as long as you are happy.  You are the one that MAKES it a home!

I have no desire to live like others or covet what they have.  I do me!!!  You don't have to like it or approve - that doesn't matter.  YOU do YOU!

NOPE - not too much to ask at all.  I am aware of daily events, but don't let it take from my joy.  I am a believer of what will be, will be.  I take care of me and mine and let others do the same.  You don't have to agree with that - I don't care.

I think we all need to slow down and savor the season we are in.  Love the spot in life that you are.  You may have children at home, or your partner, you may be alone, you may have boarders - just make the best of that situation.  Each day is a gift.

Savor the summer and the gift of fresh produce.

Savor the rain when it comes.

Savor the family get togethers - no matter how often or sparse they are.

Savor your home - you have one.

Savor life!

Everyone seems to be in a hurry today.  Slow down!  What is the worst that can happen?  Something has to wait a little longer.?  You relax a little more.

Try taking the backroads in life instead of the highway!!!!!!  This can be both a figurative statement and a true statement.  Maybe a trip (or things) takes a bit longer taking the backroads - generally the scenery is so much better!  Enjoy it.

Before moving on the next big thing - LEARN to repurpose the old thing first!

Just a reminder, that whatever you have, wherever you are in life, no matter the season - LIVE and ENJOY.  Enjoy those little ones.  Enjoy your spouse or partner.  Enjoy and embrace single life the best you can.  Make new friends, renew friendships, do things - just move forward.

No matter what type of home you have - make it yours!  It doesn't have to cost a lot - just do little things.  Add a little paint, move the furniture around, create things, re-evaluate things, keep it clean, plant a flower, grow a garden (big or little), enjoy the nature - just enjoy and make it you.

Going into a simplified life can be a little work.  Letting go of things not needed takes work and time.  Getting back to basics - needs a new mindset.  But that work, can be so rewarding in getting you a nice simple, cozy life.  You don't have to do it all at once.  Take your time.  Sit back and just chill some days - that is OK too!!!

Enjoy each day to the fullest and live a GOOD life.

Have a super day.

Old Dog - New Tricks!

 Howdy all!  Hope this finds you cool on this Tuesday morning.  It is going to be day 4 of 90*F+ here at my home.  It is more the humidity to me than the heat.  It is muggy!  It is 80* at 7:50AM as I write this.  Hoping for a few more clouds today!

Yesterday seemed like the longest day.  I feel like we are well past Tuesday already!  I had to go for jury duty!  I was hoping against it, but yep they called my number.  I went, actually sat for the preliminary part of a criminal case - rape of an unconscious woman!!!!  They told us names of all witnesses, including a medical doctor and officers, and then they questioned each one if us.  

Let us just say that the defense lawyers did NOT like my answers as we were all questioned.  (I have very strong opinions about rape - if proven).  The defendant tried staring down each woman juror as they spoke, dang if looks could kill!!!!!!  

I was excused!  As several others and I left - it seemed we all had the same opinions (men included).  It took over a half of a day to get to that point.  

It was an interesting experience, and I felt like I was in a TV show!!  

Glad that is done.  I am good for at least 2 years now!

                                                                                SMILE

Today, I want to share an idea, that this old dog JUST figured out.  I can't believe it took me so long to figure out something so very simple.  So just sharing!

It is now that time, when the sun is shining bright, to keep blinds (or curtains) closed on the sides of the home where the sun is shining brightly.  I open blinds when I first get up (I need the daylight inside).  Then as the sun is at various sides of home, I close the blinds.

I have always closed the mini blinds the same way - for some reason I did something different one day and BOOM what a difference.

My bedroom window - the normal way I have always closed the blinds.  Slats facing downward.

Same window within 45 seconds of taking the first pic.  Slats facing UPWARD!  The room is darker, the theme of the look changed, and no light coming through the slats.  My room is staying much cooler.  This is facing east!

So I have started closing the ones in the living room the same way in the afternoon (west side).

It really does keep the room darker (no hints of sun coming through).  It has helped keep the house cooler as well.  I think we all need every tip possible to stay cool and maybe save a little on those cooling bills.

This was a big DUH for me!!!!!   LOL

For sure this old dog learned a new trick.

A Tip or 2

Maybe you are making some summer salad - be it potato, tuna, egg, ham, etc.  Suddenly you realize you are out of relish.  No worries - no need to make a store run.  Do you have pickles?  Any type will do (especially sweet).  Chop them finely, maybe add just a tad of juice (if desired) and you have relish!  Use what you have.

Going to the store for just a couple things - do NOT get a cart (buggy).  For many, getting a grocery cart - is a challenge to fill it up!  LOL.  If the store has those little baskets, maybe get one of those or just carry what you went in for.  It really does save money.  You can't be tempted to buy lots of other stuff, as you can only carry so much.  I often get the smaller carts (most stores here have 2 sizes) or just the basket.  I only have room for so much.  So less spending.

ALSO - I know many use cards for buying everything - but if you go grocery shopping try taking cash.  You have X amount of cash to spend - PERIOD!  You can't just buy and buy, and you are limited to amount of cash in your pocket.

So, if you have a spending problem at the grocery (or any store) and you are trying to cut back and save some - try these tricks.  It will help you save a little in funds!

Just a reminder - do what is necessary to stay cool and hydrated.  Take care of all the animals as well.  Check on neighbors.

From The American Red Cross site:

Click on writing to enlarge for easier reading

STAY SAFE FRIENDS

Have a lovely day - and keep that sweet spark that makes you - you!