Happy Sunday to all. I hope this finds you all well and safe!
It has turned into a beautiful weekend here. Yesterday was lovely - once it dried out. Today we may hit our first 80* day of the year, even though it is pretty windy. We had an especially wet and chilly week - so this is much appreciated. We have had 6" of rain so far this month - that is a normal month's worth! More coming this week!
Things are growing all over the place! It is getting green and very pretty. Just a week or two ago - you could look at the horizon and still see a lot of brown - now you see green. The grass has grown tremendously after all the rain.
This past week was a week of little things - that kept life frugal.
- I washed down the bathroom walls - not something I do often
- Gave myself a nice pedicure to start off spring!
- Root touch-up
- Aired house when possible - early week and later week (before & after rain)
- I did go out to lunch with friends from high school. We went to Jockamo Pizza - got a HUGE slice of 4 meat pizza, salad and a drink for less than $9.
- I put out a different cheery yard flag and a pretty in the front flower bed. Slowly getting ready for summer
- Refilled the kitchen dish soap bottle - emptied the big container - drained upside down and finally rinsed with water to get it all.
- I also saved the squirty top from the bottle to use for other things - those are handy
- Did some trimming and a little yardwork early in week
- Mowed entire yard yesterday & pulled weeds
- Found an outfit for a wedding I will be attending next weekend from things I have here. I truly thought I would need to buy something new - but went through clothes and found something perfect! Huge savings, plus I never see anything on the racks for mature women!
- Going through clothes - found a lot more to donate - slowly decluttering clothes
- Went about 90% of the week with no heat
- Using what I have and trying to get inventive with food
- No grocery shopping
- Just doing all the normal stuff
Meals last week:
Mexican skillet casserole
Grilled burritos (using some of the casserole)
Out to lunch - pizza/salad
Stoup (from freezer) and a grilled cheese
Poor man Swiss steak with potato cakes (from freezer)
Fried rice & milkshake (milk, ice, pc. of frozen banana and squirt of honey)
Big burger and a side of fresh, cut up veggies
How was your week? Are you able to get out and do any yardwork yet? Any deals? Crafting or sewing? Love hearing what is going on with everyone.
This coming week will be more yardwork - so much to do. Hoping to get a few cool weather things planted.
I hope this finds you all well, safe and healthy. I often think of those who seem to have left here. Know that you are still being held in prayer.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
***************
The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but every one who is hasty comes only to want.
Proverbs 21:5
Dear Lord, we thank you for another week. Helps us to plan and produce needed goods during the warm months. Guide us in the ways to provide for our homes and to help those in need of goods and information. Thank you for letting us all be so unique with so many different skills and ideas.
Amen
Sounds like a great week and an exciting wedding to go to. Decluttering is great -you find things you forgotten you have.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
Yes, my gr. nephew is getting married and it will be nice. I love finding those unforgottens!!!! Saves money.
DeleteHave a wonderful week.
Another excellent devotional! We need all the Divine Help we can get to accomplish what needs to be done. Going out to rake up sweet gum balls, which are such a nuisance.
ReplyDeleteYou are always busy! I feel like a slug after reading your post...ha! I wonder how many ladies who live alone enjoy the good meals you prepare for yourself? It would be tempting to throw a not-so-good-or-healthy TV type dinner in the oven and call it done. Your meal out sounds good and actually reasonable.
Yay for finding something to wear to the wedding! It's amazing what we can unearth from the depths of the closet. $$$ saved and who knows what you would find in the stores. I see pretty things but they are either too expensive or not suitable for us senior classy ladies. However, I am seeing lots of pretty dresses in ads that pop up. Are women tired of distressed and baggy clothes? One can only hope.
Enjoy this beautiful and dry day!
Oh those sweet gum balls are a pain. Two doors down has a tree and those things blow this way often - in the drive and on walks.
DeleteI like to cook and I am not a fan of TV dinners. I fix VERY reasonable meals - price wise. Plan on doing a little post this week about that. It is possible.
I see pretties too - but oh the prices, and yes, they are more designed for young people - not this lady! Glad I went 'shopping' here! Found a few items I can use this summer.
It is just gorgeous out.
Have a blessed week.
looking forward to your post on very reasonable dinners. i always learn something new from your posts
Deletexoxo - thanks - hope you and others will enjoy!
DeleteThanks to you I save all my squirt bottle tops too, they always come in handy. We went to the thrift store on Friday, but I didn't find anything I needed, so no money spent there. Sounds like things are greening up in your neck of the woods like they are here. It will be summer time before we know it. I hope you have a great week, Cheryl. :)
ReplyDeleteGood - glad that tip helped someone. Clean enough - they are great on water bottles too! I use them for all kinds of things.
DeleteNo money spent is a good thing.
Isn't that the truth - summer will be here soon.
Have a great week.
I guess you won't be surprised that I have saved bottle caps to fit nearly every bottle here and I also save the pumps from pump bottles. It is surprising how often a pump will quit on you with a lot of product left in the bottle. Also, save a couple of caps from soft drinks or bottled water. They look like they won't fit anything, but they do! Sometimes a deeper cap that you can't match any other way.
Delete--Maxine, aka mikemax
Shout out of thanks to Rita for the freezing lemons tip from Thursday's post. I'm going to tell my daughter. We both buy lemons regularly but sometimes we lose one. Freezing would eliminate that. I can often get a bag of limes cheap on clearance so I'll be freezing those too!
ReplyDeleteWent for a quick look at the store yesterday for bargains. Not much. I'm super low on meat. I'm cooking meat right now I bought almost 2 years ago. I did get a lot of frozen seafood at the beginning of Lent. And Thursday I did get the deli meat ends ($2.39/lb) I use for my husband's sandwiches. But meat on clearance has been sparse. Sales are ok and of course better than full price.I think my focus the next few weeks will be ferreting out the bargain meats. I haven't really been in the stores much since February so I need to get back to stocking up on bargains.
I love this community - such gracious ladies with all their ideas. That is pretty cool.
DeleteMeat is expensive - I agree it is hard to find decent clearance. I go more for good sales and then stock up. I think you have a good plan and I wish you well with that.
Do your stores ever have great sales on legs and thighs? Sometimes our have them super cheap.
Have a super week.
Thanks for the mention, Margaret; it really does work great.
DeleteGlad you had a warm sunny day yesterday. Are your kitties tempted to jump out of an open window or are your windows just 'cracked open'?
ReplyDeleteGood news on finding an outfit for the wedding that you already had. Hope you have a great day and the sun shines for the happy couple.
There have been three happy things this week for extended family. One of my husband's cousin and is wife have become grandparents for the first time, little Martha was born in Gramphy's birthday. Grandaughter number two had promotion at work, she is delighted. And granddaughter numbe one's partner had a nice bonus for a job he has been working on and a pay rise which is going into the savings to buy a house in the future. Also both sons and families had great holidays, all came back safely and the four grandchildren are back to school tomorrow.
My daughter and I went to a jumble sale yesterday, do you call them rummage sales? The money raised went to a local cancer advice charity. I now have several new to me items to wear for bargain prices including three items which still had tags on :-) My daughter picked up some things for herself and some things that she has sold on Vinted, so she has made a nice little profit....win win.
I am just about to make a meatloaf with some ground turkey my daughter gave me, so that will be food for later and 2 portions for the freezer. Your meals always sound so yummy.
Hope you have a great week.
I have screens secure in the windows so no jumping out!
DeleteWhat nice news on all events. My mom's name was Martha! I like that - it is an old fashioned name. Gosh everyone of the young folks had great news and good fortune.
Yes we call the rummage sales or yard sales. You can sure find some nice things at those - and how neat it was for charity. I like those, as it seems people give nicer things to sell! Good win for your daughter.
Meatloaf is a favorite which I rarely make. Enjoy!
Have a great week.
Glad it's. a sunny pretty day there. It's wonderful here. Weekends rock!
ReplyDeleteThanks - it is beautiful here. I have 7 day weekends now that I am retired! LOL. Something to look forward to.
DeleteHave a lovely week.
❤️
DeleteAlways enjoy your weekly reviews! Got a real tickle out of your dish soap refilling, draining, saving top, etc. because I go through the exact same procedure. Great minds, eh? lol
ReplyDeleteHi Bobi - heck yes, great minds! I am not a wasteful person - so use it all and find new uses for things. I find it a fun challenge.
DeleteHave a super week.
Sounds like a really nice week for you Cheryl! It's always fun to meet up with friends and enjoy time together. You're meals all sound delicious. It's been really nice her the last few days too. Next week end goes back to chilly so the roller coaster weather continues here. I hope you have a great week!!
ReplyDeleteI did have a nice week. I do enjoy getting with old friends and meeting new ones.
DeleteIt looks like temps are good, but with rain until later in week - then chilly.
Thank you! Hope you have a great week.
You are wise to do outings with friends, Cheryl. We all need positive feedback and the laughter that good friends can trigger is uplifting.
ReplyDeleteI make a similar milkshake to yours, based on stored food. I have a good supply of peeled, frozen bananas. I pop a banana, 2 cups of water and 1/2 cup of skim milk powder along with a teaspoon of vanilla into the blender; makes a frothy drink. There used to be a blog called ' Hillbilly Housewife'. It was taken over from the original poster and I lost track of it but she had some good recipes. Her milkshake recipe was ideal; she added a tablespoon of vegetable oil to the above recipe and some lecithin, if I remember correctly. She added cocoa powder for chocolate shake and ice cubes. The fat made for a creamy and delicious shake. No banana required with hers. I mentioned buying 1 # cocoa for $7. last shopping day; well, same supplier now sells for $10. It may go higher yet. Stock up on chocolate chips, etc if you can't live without them.
Enjoy the spring flowers and happy, naughty birds.
It took me a while to get to that point, to get with others. I waited until I was ready - now I really do enjoy.
DeleteI just love the milkshakes - so many ways to make them, and not use sugar. It is a nice sweet tasting treat without calories!
I use whatever fruit I have around when making them.
I have heard about chocolate going up in price. I have a lot of after season chocolate candies in my freezer (I can chop for baking) and lots of chips too - should be set for ages. I have 2 nice cans of cocoa as well.
i am loving all things spring right now. Thanks for the heads up.
Have a great week.
Sounds like a great week Cheryl, socialising, yummy food, productive work. I’d definitely call that a successful week.
ReplyDeleteI recently had a big cull of my wardrobe. Since I have stopped dyeing my hair I find that a lot of colours just don’t suit me anymore, make me looked very washed out and blah. So I had a good hard look at what wasn’t being worn and out it went. Also since I have stopped attending Church, I no longer need the dressier stuff. Like you, I found some things that were able to be to worn more frequently. Then I had a nice browse online, purchased some nice bright cottons and jersey knits to make myself some new blouses and tees. I agree there are some prettier dresses around this season, but the prices !!!!! Certainly not in my budget.
Anyway, Linda has been kept busy this week snipping off buttons, unpicking zips and cutting up for rags. What was donate-able, she washed and pressed and then we took it to the Freecycle corner of a favourite coffee shop and had a lovely coffee and muffin. Since then she has found a box of stuff to take back there next week. I can’t tell you how relieved I am to see her keen about something again. I was so worried.
Sorry for prattling, have a great week, take care, Louise
I guess it was a successful week - nice way to look at it.
DeleteIt is amazing the things we hold on to. I got rid of most office stuff years ago - but kept a few nicer things. My stuff is all pretty old - but basic.
I am so glad that Linda is wanting to do things. Nice to keep her busy and occupied! Helps you too.
How neat that you are taking things to the free area of the coffee shop - what a nice thing that is.
Have a great week.
I spend 4+ hrs daily with mom at the LTC facility but do take a break x 1-2 days each week for self-care. I find getting there ~8:15AM works for her schedule & that of the staff. There's little individualized care there. It's like working again, getting up & out the door by 8AM. I hope I can bring comfort to her in her final days/weeks/months. The little & her parents came for a BBQ last Sunday. Fun! There was a birthday celebration with the old klatch gathering for lunch & cards (sweep). I got 6 mi of walking in. The robins are back; someone has seen a bear; the ice is almost gone from the river. I hosted a Home Routes house concert on Friday, a delightful trio with beautiful harmonies & delightful houseguests. Only 5 people had replied to the invite but 15 showed up so the performers were compensated well enough. In the kitchen: BBQ steak w/ potato salad & baked beans; roasted farmer sausage & sweet potato pyrogies; tortellini soup; peanut butter/spinach soup; falafel w/ tahini sauce; quinoa salad. There's lots of leftovers for the coming week. Have a great week, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteWhat you are doing for your mom is priceless. Someday you will be so happy you did this.
DeleteSounds like fun things to do for your week. Yikes, I am glad we don't have bear. Spring is coming!
How neat on the home concert. That sounds so old fashioned - like people used to do. I like that.
Meals sound yum. I need to do falafel sometime soon.
Have a lovely week.
I’m still reading Cheryl. I can’t believe I have got so much gardening done. Much more than any other year ever. We have had a very wet winter but not so cold this year. I’m going to Tenerife for my birthday in May.
ReplyDeleteStill keeping busy. No menu in this house. I go to dinner with family and get one home with me. I’m well fed.
See you are keeping busy as well.
Sylvia
Hi Sylvia - glad to see you post. I have wondered often about you. Glad you are getting gardening done - it will pay off big time soon! Travel sounds fun.
DeleteHey, that is great on the food. Win-win!
All good here, glad you are still reading. Post when you can.
Have a super week.
What a lovely and frugal week you had. Finding the perfect outfit for that wedding is priceless.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thank you. I was pleased. I actually found a couple things that would be nice - I had forgotten all about these things! I wear jeans and t-shirts/sweatshirts 99% of the time!
DeleteHave a blessed week.
You are on the ball! Love how you are saving money and using what you have! Very smart! I'm going to be working on the same thing. Hope this week is great for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mandy. It is just second nature to me after all these years! Have a fantastic week.
DeleteI'm just catching up on posts. It sounds like it was a good week despite the less than stellar weather. Here's hoping the wedding day is perfect in every way.
ReplyDeleteThanks. It was pretty good - can't complain. It looks to be cooler but sunny for the wedding!
DeleteHave a fantastic week and get some rest!