Morning to everyone. I want to share something I have gotten the past couple of months from Kroger. You might want to check with Kroger or its affiliates to see if you can get as well. I will list the email info they have on the brochure. It is great - full of inventive ideas, recipes, coupons, and tips. A fun read!!
How fun? I get some fresh new ideas from the magazine.
The email on the magazine - ReaderThoughts@mymagazine.us or there is a phone of 1-800-576-4377.
There is another address for online exclusives - videos, recipes and more. I haven't checked it out yet - actually just saw it!!!
MyMagazine.us
Hopefully you can get this yourself if you are not already receiving.
Now MY QUESTION.
What are you wanting to see and read here? I am trying to keep up and have fresh ideas - but I feel I am running out of ideas sometimes. I do not want to disappoint or have people leave because they are bored. Let me know if there is anything special that you would like to discuss or see happen.
This is OUR blog - we all share - so feel free to give some ideas.
THANKS
Have a great day all!!!!!
This is so cool! I get the personally selected coupons from Meijer (or I did, it seems now that they're sending them via QR code and you have to log in and select them as digital coupons, ugh!), but I get nothing, not even coupons, from Mariano's (Kroger affiliate). So thanks for the info! This kind of info is so helpful during these times.
ReplyDeleteGlad to help. Hope you can get some coupons to help. They are really good values too!
DeleteThat really IS fun mail to get. Alas, there's no Kroger here. Years ago, in the writing years, I was aware of printing/mailing costs. I wonder if they get a break on the cost to do this? Or if it's passed down to customers? But it brings up a suggestion for topics...
ReplyDeleteThere's a senior community here, White Mountain Villas, that regularly asks for donations of food for the residents on low, fixed incomes. I'll be contacting the coordinator about whether or not they'll take sorted, vacuum sealed, frozen meats, produce, etc. But I also thought it would be nice to type up and print out some easy recipes for the foods donated.
Many here cook for one (or two); it would be nice to cover that topic... budget cooking for just one person. For example, most products you buy in the store are intended for more than one. Say, canned or jarred pasta sauce. Cake mixes (you know I'm a fan). Even a loaf of sliced bread is too much for one person to finish in a week. Most recipes are also for bigger quantities then one person can finish, unless you freeze a lot of portions. How do you, Cheryl, and your readers handle that? What do you think?
Feeling very Thankful this Thursday for abundance. --Elise
Oh, I hope there is some way you can help with the low income residents. That is such a wonderful thing to do. I often donate to the small food pantry up the road - hoping it helps someone.
DeleteElise, funny you should mention the cooking for one or two.
I belong to a group on FB - that recently asked me to do a weekly post about cooking and shopping for one! That is just weird. There must be a need!
I will try to work on ideas for that and do some posts on the subject. I don't do a lot different - but maybe a few things from most people.
Thanks for the suggestion!
It's something I really want to do, Cheryl. And I have the skills (to put together recipes), just not yet the know-how re. cooking for one. During the years I was cooking for our elderly neighbors, it was because she'd had a stroke and couldn't cook anymore, and he'd never cooked. My thought is there'd be some of that in the senior community in need of food donations. So some residents get the food w/o being able to get the most mileage from it, or simply have difficulty preparing it. It's why I've always felt families on WIC or SNAP should have classes or information available to make the most of what they get. --Elise
DeleteCheryl, you could always throw in an empty day for anyone having questions about anything or just for open discussion. I sometimes want to talk about something, but don't because I don't want to interfere with the ongoing chat. It could be for a good book, program, community idea, gift idea, etc. So, if there's open chat, the conversation can meander all over.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I caught a partial discussion on one of the morning shows about GenX being the worst generation for lack of great ideas. I'm on the cusp of BB and X, so depending on the site, 1960-1964 could be either. I can say that I have almost nothing in common with BB. My hubs is about the same age, but he's solidly BB, no question. I say the reason is that his older sibs influenced that and that my younger brothers did the same to me. I'm gonna ask a bunch of friends and see if my hypothesis is correct. Call me Prof. D.
That kind of thing is just interesting to me!!
That is a good suggestion. Thanks. I will surely ponder that idea of open chat.
DeleteI am just me - I am one of those people who can't stand the titles of different generations! LOL! We are just who we are.
Truly the only difference I see is that many of youngers just have no common sense. NONE!
Color me old!
Lol! You're welcome to be you!! I think it's interesting to see how surroundings affect our perceptions and such. Like how I was so influenced by the GG, being my grands. It's mostly so I can make sense of the whole, "Oh, I could NEVER give up my....I would die!" Population!! Sadly, I know a couple of people so ensconced in this thought that they're heading for bankruptcy. They'll never admit that they aimed their lives that way though!
DeleteCheryl, I think the youngers lack common sense because it was *our* parents or grandparents who had and taught it. Then it became "old fashioned", in part (I think), because lives got too busy. Both parents working. Kids in daycare, after school care or latch key. Parent guilt for lack of time with kids led to buying anything their children desired, BIG birthday parties, BIG holidays, BIG vacations, BIG homes so each kid had his/her own room, etc. Lots of extra curricular activities so no one got bored--heaven forbid! More meals out than in home. In the 1990s and early 2000s, society really shifted. This is one of the consequences. Just my opinion. --Elise
DeleteYou are probably right - but the way I look at it - there are not any excuses good enough to be rude, ill-mannered and just clueless. Common decency is so basic.
DeleteI still have lots of younger family - who do not do any of those things and their children are being raised well.
I think we can find excuses for anything today. I know I am old fashioned - but I just don't buy it.
Oh, you're 100% correct, Cheryl; there's NO excuse for it. Many today blame it on social media and its influence, but we can CHOOSE to be/do better every day. --Elise
DeleteCheryl, Hahaha, yes I agree. Bad manners are bad manners in any age and I've seen it all. A lot of the stuff I don't buy either because for one thing - I taught our four daughters manners and respect for their elderly. Our daughters growing up got along and could converse with all ages, littles and the elderly at visits to the nursing home. Our eldest helped the Pearl Harbor vets not long ago in Hawaii for the Greatest Generation anniversary. We aren't perfect at all, but I'm shocked that basics are not being taught any more. It's decency and loving others as ourselves and respecting Life of all ages. Treating all living things properly as well. Sacrificing even a car (gasp!) to stay home with their children, the most important ministry and career a woman can have. It's amazing to me what people will do to drive a fancy car and have the latest greatest. (I'll step down off of soapbox now) : )
DeleteElise, yes, people are so darned spoiled it's unbelievable. We were and are at almost empty nesters very careful on the programs that come in our home. We do 40s quite a bit and maybe a little Columbo and Andy Griffith etc. Ed Sullivan is usually an uplifting thing if you catch the old b/w ones. Nat King Cole 'Love is the Thing and More' plays in my kitchen...our girls are used to that and thank the good Lord it carried through into their married lives and even our youngest at 29 here at home, attended art school and is a photographer still loves her wholesome programs. I wonder if so much of this mess started with WWII and Rosie Riveter leaving the kids at home! And then there was Dr. Spock who really screwed up everything and those screwed up kids raised more screwed up kids. No absolutes. It's frightening. No healthy fear of God, not even in the churches! I'm flabbergasted at those who even call themselves pastors, of course that's always been... Good thoughts Elise.
DeleteGreat suggestion Debby! : ) This is such a great group!
DeleteI get these every month too. Sometimes you can find some good ideas in them. The coupons do not hurt either, especially the ones on items they know I routinely buy.
ReplyDeleteYAY - love to see that someone else gets them. Most of the coupons seem to lean towards past purchases in my opinion. Not sure how that works - especially if they send a lot of them out.
DeleteWhen you use your Kroger card, they track all of your purchases that's why some people don't like using 'loyalty cards'. I don't really care if people know what I'm buying at the grocery store so I'm good with it.
DeleteYep, it just amazes me though, how many combos of coupons they must have to do!!
DeleteI see both sides - not wanting the 'powers that be' to know what I buy - but I also like the discounts I get. Catch 22.
Another comment, lol. An experiment my hub is doing for me. Our house is open concept...great room. I hate it. I think there should be a wall between LR and DR. Since we have cathedral ceiling, I don't want the wall going all the way up, just to the hallway height and then open at the top. Because of all the open, my grandma's old hutch is in the living room. There are all windows in the dining room and no place to put it....but if there was a wall.....😁. So, hub is going to pretend there's a wall, put furniture how I want it, and then we'll live like that for a couple of seasons. He wants to see how the lighting is, the walking, ets. I thought it was a good idea!! I'll let you know. In the meantime, it's going to look very odd lol!!
ReplyDeleteThat is a great idea. I know people that have large furniture pieces as room dividers and it really works well. Look forward to hearing what you think about it.
DeleteDebby, when we were choosing a floorplan for our house I was insistent I didn't want anyone to be able to walk into the house and see my whole kitchen; NO open floorplan. I love your idea!
DeleteTry it on for size and see what you think. Cool! --Elise
We only had 2 houses to choose from in desired town and BOTH were Great Room designs. Ugh!!! I wanted an old bungalow but hubs was afraid of a firetrap money pit!!
DeleteA handyman we use quoted us about $1000 on the wall since we don't need electricity so hubs thought an experiment would be more prudent. So, here we are. I'll update.
Hi Cheryl, your blog is a joy to read and you have so many helpful ideas. I don't know if this is of interest to anyone else, but I could really use some suggestions regarding what to cook when you don't have hardly any time. I find myself in a situation where I'm cooking three hot meals a day from scratch for the whole family. It is a challenge to do this and get everything else done, too! Does anyone have any creative suggestions - I feel like I'm cooking the same things over and over again.
ReplyDeleteIn the late 1990s I had a cookbook published, "Busy Mom's Lowfat Cookbook" that dealt with that exact subject. Basically, my meals were semi-homemade. Later on I found ways to have fully homemade fast and easier. Big batch cooking helps. If you're making French Toast or pancakes, double the batch and freeze half. Roasted meats are great, because the leftovers can make sandwiches, soups or stews. You can also prep the night before pretty quickly for some things, like oats and water in a bowl with berries that soaks overnight and is a quick microwave in the morning. That said, involve your family in meal prep! Learning the skills is essential and there are few opportunities now--outside of the home--to do so.
DeleteYes, multi meals at once. Last night I made tacos, but I made enough taco meat for 2 other nights. It took me no extra time and also saved electricity from the stove. When we next have tacos, I need only about 5 minutes to gather the rest of the ingredients and warm the meat. If I forget to defrost it, just a little extra.
DeleteElise and Debby gave some good ideas. I also like the idea of making breakfast sandwiches (biscuit or croissant) and freezing individually. Easy to grab and microwave. Breakfast burritos and overnight oats. Maybe yogurt with granola. All breakfast ideas.
DeleteSoup and sandwiches or salads for lunch. Tuna salad, egg salad, ham/bologna salad for quick sandwiches and maybe hard boiled eggs.
Dinner would be a lot of crockpot meals for me in that situation. Put your meat (can use cheaper cuts) and veggies on early and just let it cook. You have time for other things.
I will think more on this and will do a whole blog soon.
Hope these ideas help a little for now.
Great ideas, Cheryl. A crock pot is a lifesaver!!! Especially with a family. I'm on my 6th crock pot in 38 years. That's how much use they've been used. In fact, I have crock pot blueberry jam cooking on my kitchen counter today. --Elise
DeleteThanks so much for these ideas, they are so helpful. I've already started to implement some of them - today I made a double batch of granola and yesterday some bacon, egg & cheese biscuit sandwiches. Cheryl, a whole blog post on this would be great, if you have the time. Thank you all again and again!
DeleteCheryl, I just love your blog just the way it is. I think it's great the way you write what you cooked and ate etc. Good deals. Prayers, Bible verses and lately the poetry.
ReplyDeleteI think a free day would be fun or maybe not so fun for you! lol I guess it depends on the subject if any...
I've been thinking though...I recently heard one youngish lady in frugal over fifty talk about weird things she likes. It was stuff like old towels, that are different colored, using a towel for a bath mat, old blankets even kid themed ones.
Maybe what old stuff we have transformed, or cool stuff we've made or even what our pets are up to. Does anyone do Instant pots? If so, what and how? Why have them? Advice on grief from everyone? Advice on going against the grain even, lol..I bet people have some funny stories on that! Haha! People who view homes as their private monument to materialism as I believe it was Dr. Dobson once put it, that he was not impressed with someone's big home othe people were oogling over.
Living a quiet life is a nice subject too.
Oh well Cheryl, what's there not to like about Cheryl? *big smile*
Just keep on being that first class version of yourself as you do, because we sure can chime in and keep a ball rolling for sure! lol
Oh. Favorite music from once upon a time?
Pets, how we save money take take care of them well.
I will probably think of more...I hope you don't mind if I chime in for a part II.
Hugs! ~Amelia
You have some real good ideas there. I do like a lot of those. I will be writing down all the ideas I get and adding them throughout the months! I think this sounds like fun.
DeleteYou are too kind my lady. You make me blush!
Thank you so much.
Oh! I almost forgot...Weren't you making blouses out of your hubs old dress shirts? I wanna see! : ) (No pressure, but when you get to it that would be delightful!)
ReplyDeleteNot finished - some not started. Yep, sometimes that fire under me goes out! LOL - I will share when done.
DeleteWhat a lovely magazine. We get one that we can pick up from our Co-op grocery store. No coupons but the recipes are nice to look at and try.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Better than nothing - huh? It surprises there are so many nice coupons.
DeleteYour common sense posts are most welcome! Whether it is cooking, gardening or caring for the home, you are one smart cookie.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Donna
DeleteI second all of Amelia's accolades for you...you are awesome and I do look forward to your posts! I also enjoyed her suggestions and those of others..I will.try to think of a few and probably repest re boots ones.
ReplyDelete*Repurposing things to wear or use around the house
*smaller recipes or big batch ideas that freeze well
*saving money at the grocery
*thrift and garage sale shopping
*homemade Christmas or special occasion gifts
*ways to do little surprises or mini gifts for family,friends and neighbors
*for sure continue what you ate weekly and how you cooked
*flowers' gardening,yard
*cute or inspirational sayings or cartoons
*insight on dealing aging or helping logged ones cope with aging
*free entertainment ideas...or frugal at least
Thanks much! Linda
Thank you for the list and the kind words. Great ideas.
DeleteI just want to keep things fresh and interesting for everyone. You guys are all the best - thanks for helping.
I really enjoy posts about your Christian faith, and your uplifting and encouraging words. Would enjoy even more about living a positive life / dealing with the ups and downs we all encounter
ReplyDeleteI meant to say "our" Christian faith But. I hoped no one here in the community feels I'm stepping on them if they are of a different faith.
DeleteThank you. Faith is ever so important to me. Those posts aren't going anywhere. If that was stepping on toes - then I do it too. I do realize we have many different beliefs and thoughts here - I will never denounce any. I just know what I believe, and thus that is what I 'preach'.
DeleteThanks
Cheryl, I just really enjoy your blog as it is. I also enjoy reading all the comments to get everyone’s differing views on whatever may be rattling around in their heads.
ReplyDeleteIn regard to the comment above about transforming some of your husbands shirts I do this to thrifted men’s shirts to wear for gardening/ yard work. I simply cut off the collar, hem a round neckline down to the second button, cut off the cuffs and hem to elbow length. I find this lets me layer underneath or is just fine alone in summer. Over the years I have found two shirts generally lasts two years. I patch as required, but then really all they are good for are rags, or patching other shirts. Louise
Thank you so much.
DeleteThat is a good idea. Kind of a gardening apron of sorts!!
My hubs was a big man - so his shirts are really big and will be used more for material. I do have some older t-shirts of his that I wear as a night shirt. They make dresses on me - but I love sleeping in them.
That’s a lovely thing to do.
DeleteI recently helped an elderly lady clear her late husbands belongings and I was concerned that she had parted with EVERY single item. I was worried that maybe she was acting in haste and would regret it later, I gently tried dropping a few hints but I ended up just being really blunt about it. She then told me that she had kept all his handkerchieves and always carried one with her everyday. I thought that so lovely ( and felt so dumb, that I thought I had known better)
It took a long while for me to let go of anything. I still have much. Just me. I have known people who got rid of everything within days - that is fine - just not me. I like cuddling up in those t-shirts - it is kind of like a hug.
DeleteI love her idea of the handkerchiefs, that is sweet. Each person does what is right for them - but like you, I hope no one has any regrets.
I can't remember all the great tips Cheryl and the community give, so I'm just fine with recaps and reminders even if the subject was covered previously. Several here have mentioned that they don't buy ANY cleaning supplies. I must have missed the post with the cleaning supply recipes.
ReplyDeleteI DO get the Kroger magazine and coupons. This Easter/Spring edition was especially nice. And the coupons are a bonus!
I do own an Instant Pot. There are dozens of website that cover what they can do. So I won't elaborate, but when your old crockpot dies, I recommend buying one. You can use it as a slow cooker, fast cooker, and probably at least 8 more things. I purchased a carrying case and take it in the camper or to potlucks.
Ellie
Central Az
Ellie, how do keep the seal from wearing out? Or do you just replace it? Thanks! --Elise
DeleteEllie, you sound like me - so much of what I read and hear, just doesn't stick today! I have listed my cleaning ideas many times - but I will be glad to do that again so. I just use simple items, nothing exciting. It keeps it natural and all gets clean.
DeleteI don't have an Instant Pot yet. I always find it interesting to hear all that they do. I am terrified of a pressure cooker - but may be able to handle one of those.
Neat that you make, take and go with it.
This morning I rearranged my pantry cabinet in order to make room for some of the food BIL brought. In process, I filled 3 small boxes for donation to the senior community. Hot, sore and tired, but emotionally it feels GOOD. Also have a box of clothes/shoes to take to the charity thrift store. How do others decide what to donate and what to keep? It's occasionally a dilemma in my house. --Elise
ReplyDeleteGood job! It always feels good to get rid of things. I wish I remembered that feeling more - cause I might do more of it!!!
DeleteHow to decide - therein lies the problem! If I will not eat or if I haven't used in X amount of time - seems to be good advice. Now maybe I will start listening myself!
Proud of you!
When in doubt, give it away. God has always provided, so I figure even if I later wish I hadn't parted with the item, I think about how it blessed someone else. And it's amazing how much stuff we DON'T need. There's usually a work around.
DeleteEllie
Cheryl, if you could reference your previous blog date with the cleaning recipes, that would help. Thanks
I will see what I can find
DeleteSeptember 14, 2021 was a big post on the subject!
DeleteLove your blog, it’s a modern, digital “ Tightwad Gazette”! Also love the polite, positive comments from readers!
ReplyDeleteWOW - thank you. What a compliment!!!!!! The readers/participants/friends are the best!!!!
DeleteI love your blog just like it is. You could probably just repeat it every year and it would all seem new to me. You don't have to think of new gimmicks to keep people interested.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I appreciate your kind words.
Delete