Anti-Shopping

 Howdy all.  Good to be here this morning.  Hope all are well.  It is another cloudy morning, in the 70's right now.  We had a brief 'storm' blow through last evening about 8PM.  Lots of wind and some rain - didn't last long - but we sure had a wind event whip up.  Luckily nothing damaged.  More rain today (?) maybe!

I am a list maker!  I still hand write a grocery list when needed.  I don't do it electronically.  I make lists of gifts bought at the holidays, I make lists of things I want to accomplish, I make lists for all kinds of things.  That being said - I am trying not to shop.

I have been in a anti-shopping mode lately.  I have had no need to shop - so I have stayed home!  There is a novel idea. (I did make a quick stop at the feed store).

I personally, need nothing for groceries right now and I need nothing for my house - so why go out?

I may have posted this before - I can't remember - but it sure is a great way to save some money, save some resources, and save stuff from the landfills.

I like being able to figure out a 'new' way to do things or a 'new' use for things.  I do this most with groceries, as you know.

I do like the idea of supporting small business.  You are helping on a more personal level - it is their livelihood and how they support their family - not supporting a corporate giant.

There are so many ways we can NOT shop if we choose.  Many, many options for getting creative and using what we have.  Super way to save funds if you are trying to.

If you are on track of trying to save for a certain thing, or saving an emergency fund, or paying off a debt, just short on funds - whatever the reason - think about anti-shopping!  Look around and see what you have.  I bet you have a lot more than you think - use it and get 'creative' (my word of the year).

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I am going to leave you today with a little laugh!

This person was strolling the neighborhood on a bright sunny day in the mid 90's just recently.  The head, face and neck were covered by the mask, a pair of cover-all's on, and gloves on hands!  Yep, he slowly strolled down our street on a Sunday afternoon, and all the surrounding streets.  A neighbor took this picture of him at the gas station down the road.  I have seen him (?) do this around Halloween before in the cooler temps - but this day was HOT!  Yep, starting early.  

I guess he must be a big Michael fan!!!

I have to admit, the first time I ever saw him, it was kind of creepy.  Now it is normal, believe it not.

You just never know what you might see out there!

Have a wonderful day and stay cool!

Make the most of this day!

Some Summer Goodies & Fun

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well.   It is a cloudy morning here - the air feels like you are wearing it!  We had a nice downpour yesterday afternoon, and it appears it rained overnight as well.  I didn't hear it - but everything is still wet this morning.  May gets some more today.

Things are growing like crazy, including weeds!

It is getting close to school being back in session here.  A couple weeks and the kiddos start back at it.  Just doesn't seem right to me.  But that being said, there is still a lot of summer to be had.  Kiddos still need treats and goodies (adults too).  There will still be pool times, picnics and parks and just plain playing around.  After school treats will be nice to have around and today let's talk about some things we can make at home with things we have around.  It is also time for all those good and healthy meals from garden goodies.  There are some things that just scream summer to me.

Cookie bowls are fun and can be filled with ice cream, pudding, yogurt - easy to make a just plain old fun!

Healthy and yummy brownies.  I have made these and they are tasty.  It says 12-15 minutes - may take a bit longer, depending on consistency.

Think about making popsicles with Kool-aid, pudding or yogurt.  Always refreshing.  You can use popsicle molds or use ice cube trays.  A nice cool and refreshing treat. Don't forget about rice krispy bars or no bake cookies too - the youngsters love them.

How yummy?  Makes more than one - so one person isn't getting all that sugar.  Do you remember getting an Orange Julius at the mall?  I do - they were so good.  Gosh, that was a long time ago - I don't think we even have those places around today.

A nice healthy and refreshing snack.  I have used regular milk before - as I don't buy almond milk.  

Did you have one of these?  I did!!!  There are still types of snow cone machines around.  Many people have ice makers than make grated ice - add flavors (Kool-aid) or fruit juice and you have a wonderful fun snow cone!

Make some homemade ice cream.  Not only is it good, but it can be a fun activity for the kiddos.  There are many ways to make ice cream or ice milk.  Do a search and find different easy recipes and ways to make it.  I have a small ice cream maker (you freeze the interior) and churn - then empty and freeze.  I have made with the mixer as well.  Have fun with flavors.

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Some of my favorite summer meals are plain simple and just say 'good old fashioned summer food' to me.

Nothing better - well, except maybe fried zucchini or fried green tomatoes!!!!

My favorite salad of summer.  It is so stinking refreshing and light.  Mom used to make it, I make it and still love it today!!

Do you have a favorite summer treat or summer meal that just makes your day?  Some things just take me back to a day in time that all in life was easy and fun for me.  

We often had a 'picnic' on the front porch of pbj sandwiches or bologna sandwiches and Kooli-aid.  My friends and I would sit out there and enjoy and then run off to play.  Momma always had some kind of homemade treats made.

We had a huge garden, so many (most) of our meals came straight from the garden, especially in the summer.  I loved them.  I think that is why I love them so much today.

Just some fun ideas to make for yourself or the kiddos.  Enjoy these days of summer - even though they are hot.  Before you know it, it will be frigid outside again.

Have a lovely and fun day.

Make a treat!!!!!

Take Advantage of Abundance

 Hello and good day to all on this Tuesday!  Hoping you are all well and safe.

It is 75 this morning and not too bad feeling.  I plan to do a little yard work after writing and before the heat of the day.  We have shower chances at some point too.  I think there are shower chances just about every day.

It seems that after the garden - we spend a lot of time in our kitchens this time of the year - with preserving and canning and cooking the great abundance we get from those gardens.

We are in the time of the year when there is abundance everywhere!  Isn't that grand?  Gardens and patio gardens are thriving or starting to, and farm markets are plentiful.  Folks are cleaning out freezers of last year's surplus, to have room for fresh.  We are truly blessed.

Now while we have it - we sure need to use it and enjoy it.  Last week I told you I was picking zucchini like crazy - this week is a slower week.  I gifted some and have been using them.  So many ways to prepare and save for later.

Abundance of zucchini or summer squash - here are some ideas.

Fried zucchini - one of my favorites.  You can fry them in rounds or 'fries'.

Zucchini skillet is a family favorite that mom used to fix.  Zucchini, rice, sausage (or ground beef) and sauce all cooked together - top with cheese and sliced tomatoes and simmer.  YUM!  It is a very good flavor combination.

Dehydrate zucchini slices for use in soups later in the year.  They are also good as simply 'chips'.

Grill zucchini steaks - these are so flavorful.  Slice a little thicker than for frying and grill with seasoning.

Stuffed zucchini is also a favorite for me.  Scoop out seeds in center after halving - then add chili, meat and rice, beans, cheese mixes w/jalapenos - whatever you have or like - top with cheese and bake.  Such a nutritious meal.

Fritters are always good and a great side or a fun meal for breakfast or lunch

Zucchini meatballs a great dish for vegetarians.  Could also make into burgers.

Think about slicing thinly (lengthwise), attempt to remove moisture and use as noodles in lasagna.  Make into soup - I really enjoy cream of zucchini soup - I always freeze some chunks of zucchini to make this in the winter.  It is very comforting.

You of course can shred and use in zucchini bread, muffins or pancakes/waffles.  There is absolutely no end to the ways to use this summer abundance!  You don't have to get bored with it - just too many uses.

Another fun favorite for me - is fresh and sliced or chunked in a salad.  I cut up with tomatoes and onion (instead of cukes) and add dressings and have a very refreshing salad.

The nice thing about summer squash is it really doesn't have a lot of flavor on its own - it takes on the flavor of what you are cooking it with!!!

I have even finely shredded and added to hot pepper jellies to make them more jam like!

You can turn them into pickles and relish as well!  Super good.

Lori mentioned she has an abundance of basil, and she is making and freezing pesto.  Jackie and others have talked about clearing out freezers of tomatoes and fruit from last summer and making into sauces and jellies and jams.  Herbs are growing nicely this time of the year - you can dehydrate for winter use.

Cherries and strawberries have been plentiful, and many are making wonderful pie fillings and jams.

Tomatoes will be plentiful here in a while.  I look at the small ones out there and the hundreds of blooms and it all comes together - oh my!  There will be a plethora of goodies to be made and to share.

Tomatoes are kind of like squash - just a ton of uses.  I will do another post in a week or so about toms!

So, whatever your abundance is - get creative and use it!!!  You may even have an abundance of some canned or dry goods - use it.  It saves us money, and all the freshness is so very good for us.  We have a limited time to get all the fresh goodies - I sure hope you all take advantage.

Whether, carrots, beets, squash, beans, tomatoes, lettuce, onions, peas, fruit - whatever - use it, preserve it if possible and just ENJOY it!!!!!  Find and create new recipes and ideas.

ABUNDANCE - what a blessing and what a pleasure and gift!!!

Have a fantastic day.

Weekly Wrap-Up 7/13

 Hello all.  Happy Sunday!  Hope you are all well and safe this lovely day.

It is fairly overcast and a little foggy here to start this AM - basically because of rain yesterday.  We had downpours 2 times yesterday.  I sat on the porch for part of the first one - then the wind came in and started blowing the rain under the overhang.  Second one - was hard and windy for sure.  I know many sure appreciated the rain.  Some areas got rain, and others didn't - nature sure is odd.

Garden is growing - tomatoes get taller every day!  I saw my first Monarch butterfly this week. What a beauty.  

It looks like we might get out of the 90's this week - but still high 80's and humid.  Chance of rain about every day.

My frugal week:

• Finally got all of the day lilies deadheaded.  That looks so much better
• Took down the sunflower plants out front.  Bird planted, squirrel and finch eaten and done.  So the plants had no more blooms on them - down they came
• I defrosted and unplugged the mini fridge I have downstairs.  I use it for overflow of holiday goodies and summer sausage storage- cleaned until fall.
• Picked 7 zucchini this week and a couple peppers
• I received a rebate check from my secondary insurance
• Cleaning and consolidating and moving food stuffs.  Trying to declutter
• Mowed & trimmed the front grass - back was still good
• Used air fryer this week - instead of oven
• Fixed a squirrel feed that 'Rocky' the racoon decided to take apart!
• NO groceries bought
• I did run up the street one day to P.O. and got stamps before the increase (only outing of the week)
• Cut more weeds and wild stuff growing in Pampas grass and in back fence row - it never ends
• More hummy nectar made
• Rain barrels are now both filled to the tippy top!
• Cooking from home and using what I have - doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Tacos

Zucchini skillet dinner

Leftover zucchini skillet and smoked sausage

Fresh zucchini salad and roasted stuffed mini peppers (cream cheese, bacon, jalapeno)

Roasted chunks of potato/zucchini w/cheese and sausage

Lean burger (no bun) w/sauteed onion and peppers & corn on the cob

Cheesy red bean & mac and fried zucchini

Just doing what I can in the early parts of the day outside.  Once it gets past 10AM - it is really hot.  The other morning at about 9AM - I was sweating big time - oh that humidity! Using the food I have here.

Doing what I can to make my home a little 'lighter' on stuff and using the food I have here.  Trying to simplify a little more.

How was your week?  Are you anywhere close to where the flooding has happened (so many places)?  Did you get any good deals this week?  How are those gardens doing?  Love hearing from you all.  Check in a say hello!

Wishing all a great week ahead.  May you all be safe and healthy.  Hoping you look into your homes and find things that can be useful and not waste.  Continued prayers for all the flooded areas.  

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

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but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, and they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Isaiah 40:31

A Prayer of Patience

God, teach us to be patient

Teach me to go slow

Teach me how to wait on You

When my way I do not know

Teach me sweet forbearance

When things do not go right

So I remain unruffled

When others grow uptight

Teach me how to quiet

My racing, rising heart

So I may hear the answer

You are trying to impart

Teach me to let go, dear God,

And pray undisturbed until

My heart is filled with inner peace

And I learn to know Your will!

                                                              AMEN

Helen Steiner Rice

Buy It, Grow It, Store It - Use It

 Howdy Ho all!!!  It is a glorious morning here in my area.  Cool, sun is shining, little humidity, and the birds are singing!  It kind of looks a little hazy, but that will burn off as it heats up.  We got a nice steady rain yesterday morning - I swear it looks like the tomato plants grew a foot!!!

All are fed, and right now Bitsy is getting a treat - a window open and sitting in the fresh air!

I hope you are all well this morning.

Now that we are approaching growing and harvest time - here is a reminder to use what we have.  Both grown and bought.  Summer is a good time of the year to get so much freshness and all the nutrients in our diets.

As cleaning and sorting in the last week - I have been reminded (by myself) that we need to use what we have!!!  Use it or lose it!  The items we have in our freezers, refrigerators and pantries is MONEY.  Yep, you spent good money to have those items - make sure you use it.  The things you have grown and preserved took time and labor - you don't want to waste those either.

Try to come up with as many ways you can to use what you have.  Make it a game.  Get the family involved.  This prevents throwing away good food and money.  Once you start using what you have, just watch sales and clearance and restock as needed.

Make sure to learn to use those leftovers.  It doesn't have to be the same thing day after day.  It can be re-invented into a new dish or a casserole or soup.  Eat them for lunch or breakfast.  Just eat them!  Don't stick them in the fridge to become the next great science project!  LOL

Plan your menus around what you have.  ALWAYS shop your home first before going to the store!  It truly helps to reduce that grocery budget.  Groceries are the one discretionary item in our budget.  We can choose how to spend and what to spend on.  That isn't always true with the remainder of our bills.

When you do shop - make a list!  Along that note - always check clearance as well - you never know what you may find.  That is when you add things not on that list.  Check ads before going out and buy sale items only if at all possible.

Never shop hungry!

Right now, gardens are starting to thrive and within the month we should all be harvesting lots of goodies.  Whether it is tomatoes, zucchini, beans, lettuce, herbs, onions, carrots, etc. USE it!  Find new ways to use that item in your menu.  Enjoy this time of the year - it ends all too soon.

If you don't grow - think about farm markets or roadside stands.  Many folks set up 'honesty' stands - where you can get produce and leave the money for it in a slotted box.  Lots of times homeowners or farmers do this around here.

Be smart, be thrifty and use what you have and get CREATIVE.  Enjoy the wonders of the season to the fullest.

Have a lovely day - smile - and enjoy the little 'glimmers'.

Finding Some Peace & Joy

 Hello to everyone!  Hope you are all well and safe.  It is a cloudy morning here - a tad bit more humid.  Looks like we MAY get some rain at some point today.  YAY.  It is back to getting hot again - so there is that.  Better than ice and snow in my opinion.

I noticed what might be the first signs of squash buggers this AM, so out with the Neem oil I went.  If it rains, I will reapply.

                                              SMILE!  Not my picture, but so pretty!

There are many ways to find joy again in life and get some peace back.  Life brings us all through things that we can't imagine, and here we are - still standing!  Life can have the way of sucking the life out of everyday joy - but there are many small, and free ways to get it back.  You just have to be open to new ideas.  We have to make our own joy!

• FOCUS on things YOU CONTROL.  You can't control other people and you can't control the world - but you can control how you react.  You all know what they say about the best laid plans!!  Well, we all have times in life when we have to shift gears and directions and change our focus.  You control how you think about things - so don't worry about what else is going on when you need to find peace in life.
• FOCUS on Today - Yesterday has happened - can't be changed.  Tomorrow is the future and may not even happen.  Today is it!  Make it the best day you can and appreciate all the very small things in your world.  Sing, dance, enjoy - make your own happy!
• Think about what makes you genuinely happy!  Is it your family, friends, pets, flowers, nature, sunrises, etc.?  I bet the odds are, it isn't stuff - it is a balance in your life.  Strive to find balance and do the things and be with those that make you happy.
• LOVE yourself - Many times, we are our own worst enemy!  We are our worst critic.  We all have flaws - every single person, that is normal.  Just learn to embrace yourself and know you are trying and doing your best.  You have made it this far - so give yourself a break!
• Set small goals -nothing has to be grand.  Make small little goals and work to achieve them.  That will bring joy as you complete each one.  Then once you accomplish little things, work your way to the bigger projects in life.  Don't bit off more than you can chew - you don't want to choke.
• You are vulnerable - we all are.  That is OK.  Don't run away from things that scare you -it doesn't help.  Stand tall and face things.  Don't pretend to be something you aren't.  You ARE YOU - and that is enough!
• Take care of you!  Maybe you need a nap, or a spa night- you can do those at home, or a day off to do nothing for your physical and mental health.    Don't overwork yourself.  We all seem to be able to justify ANYTHING - that doesn't mean we have to do it.  Take time for you and just relax a little.
• Look for small pleasures - those little moments in life.  Nature, sunrises or sunsets, the laugh of a child, the sound of rain or even standing out in the rain, a song, giving a helping hand to another - whatever it is do it and enjoy it and SMILE!
• Be kind!!!!!!  This is so very important today.  We live in a world of anonymity - that doesn't give you the right to be a jerk.  No need to be nasty or make snarky comments to people.  Anonymity makes it easy for many to be hurtful or mean or say things they would never say to your face.  If you have something to say to someone - own it!  Don't hide. Being kind or quiet makes everyone's day better - including yours.  Enjoy the day don't ruin it.
• Have HOPE - believe in a better future.  Believe you can arise above challenges.  Take small steps forward - not back.  When life happens - know you CAN change the future for at least yourself.  Never ever give up hope!

                                                                         TRUTH

Maybe you can keep a gratitude journal - that might help.  Write down little things each day.  It may just be one thing for a day or two - then you start to find more.

You are all resilient and you have courage - that is what it takes.  You have the ability to endure and overcome.  Focus on the present and do little things to brighten a day - it will become a habit and increase.

IF you need help - reach out.  No shame in admitting you need help, and no shame is receiving it.

I hope you can all find and do some little things in this life to brighten your day and even the days of others.  We receive what we give - I truly believe that.

Make today one of peace and joy!  Spread love!

Have a beautiful day and spread the joy and embrace it.

PEACE

Moves - Motivation - Maximizing, Minimalizing

 Happy Tuesday all.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  It is a lovely morning here.  Cool, sunny and low humidity for a bit!  I will gladly take it.  I even porch set a bit last evening - it felt so nice outside.  I know the glorious weather won't last, but it will be enjoyed while it is here.

People I know are moving or thinking of it.  My sis has made the final decision to go to assisted living.  It is a very small apartment (very tiny house) - so she is having to get rid of lots and lots of stuff.  All happening this week.

My neighbor and friend have put their home on the market.  I am NOT happy!  They are wanting to move to TN - at least he wants that.  

I looked up the listing on their house to see how it showed in pics.  Now, mind you, I have been in it many, many times and it is just such a sweet cozy house.  Not in the pictures!  It looks very sterile and cold to me.  I know this is what realtors want - so people can 'imagine' their stuff in there.  That wouldn't work on me at all.  I want to see how a house can look homey and cozy, not sterile and vanilla.  They removed any semblance of life IMO.  I would never buy something that looked like that.

But all that being said - I look at mine and I see all the stuff!!!!  So, I am working on decluttering even more, and minimizing my stuff, and maximizing the space and items that I have.

It has motivated me.  Good grief, I would hate for someone to have to come in and go through all my things and think I was cray-cray!

I need to simplify even more (yes, that can be work) and lessen my footprint.  I need to truly love and use all that I have.

Recently I have been working on my pantry stores.  I have lots and lots.  Boy, do I have lots and lots.  My pantry and cabinets have very high shelves in them, and things have been placed up there and almost forgotten.  I have been rediscovering.  From back in my coupon days - I have enough foil and plastic wrap to probably last the rest of my life (I hardly use).

I knew (or thought I knew) I had a lot of pink Himalayan salt.  I couldn't find it.  Well, yesterday I did. Yep, again I have enough salt to last for years.  I have all grinds of it.  Other goods that I thought I was out of or near out of, I found more!  Things that I can only get certain places, mainly out of town.  All is still good.  Some things will basically last forever.

I have pasta (all kinds) out the wazoo!  All safe and in glass jars.  Dry beans - oh my!  Again, all jarred up.  I am trying to get a grip on what is really here.  

I know this probably sounds like I hoard food - that is not what I call it.  I call it being prepared for maybe not having.  I have always been a sort of prepper - for years.

I thought I was about out of relish - I found a few jars I canned a year or two back, that was stuck in with the salsa.  I am good to go on that.  I have a lot of salsa to use in many ways.  Lots of home canned tomato products.

I emptied many glass gallon jars and filled many.  Got to love those jars.

So needless to say, I have no plans for basic grocery shopping anytime soon.  Milk, or cat food or fresh fruit - will be it.  Thankfully the garden is also producing - so more than enough to use.  No reason to have it - if I am not using it.  

Now this is just food - so far!

I have so much stuff that has been boxed up and stored away for years - WHY?????  It isn't going to gain any value or be appreciated any at all in those boxes.  It is taking up real estate.  I have to let go.  Most of it has no sentimental value - it is just things that we both got here and there that we thought were neat at one point.  The sentimental things I keep or pass to certain family.

Those sentimental items are best gifted now, when I can relate stories and where it came from - otherwise someday it will just be 'stuff' no one knows anything about.

It is amazing what motivates us.  My sis and my neighbor have given me a push I needed without even knowing it.  I can't even fathom moving and having to do all this at the same time.

We can't be enslaved to stuff!  It happens and it is easy to do.  I do love things - but the special things.

What an ongoing journey this will be.  A new season in my life!!!!

Funny, how we put things away to be safe!  In my case they are - because even I have forgotten where some things are.  LOL

Life is full of journeys and seasons - here I am in yet another.

Anyone else in this stage?  How are you handling it?  I think we all get there - it just takes time.  Some have already downsized a ton - some have much work to do.

Aint this the truth? Gosh, we have all done it.  I have never wanted that big fancy house, but I have always liked 'things'.  Unusual things, special things, neat things.  Now much of that is just what I said - THINGS!!!  The thrill is gone.

So now I started the 'getting rid of' stage.  It can be overwhelming.  I am going slowly and taking small bites - a little at a time.  I am really thinking about the choices I make and what is important.

Have a fantastic day.  SMILE