Living on Less - Things You Can do!

 Good day to all.  Here we are mid-week again!  It is a lovely morning here.  We expect rain tonight, so need to do things outdoors today.  Hope you are all well.

There are many ways to live on less, if one has the right mindset.  You have to be willing to change a few things, and you have to be willing to TRY!  Sure, some things only save a few pennies or dollars - but we all know it adds up.  It can really add up quickly.  Pennies make dollars.

Many want to quit working and are so afraid that there will not be enough money.  Really, staying home can save $$$.

If not working, you spend less on gas.  Less wear and tear on your vehicle.  You don't need as many clothes.  You can often get your car insurance rate lowered (I did and so did G).  No lunches out.  If you have children, no day care!  Less laundry.  The benefits go on and on.

You need to use what you have.  If you keep things - use them.  Wear the clothes you keep.  Use the pantry you have.  Use the lawn equipment and do your own lawn work IF you are able.  

Eat it, wear it, use it - things serve NO purpose in a closet!!!

You have time to fix things or maintain them.  That leaky faucet - easy fix.  Air around the door - work on draft dodgers.  A room needs painted - do it.  There are many, many things that are simple and we can do them ourselves.

Cook at home.  Use the pantry, try new things, look up recipes.  Make your drinks at home - no daily coffees out.  Make tea at home.  Don't waste things!

Think of ways to conserve energy - extra blankets on the bed, electric blankets/flannel sheets, maybe a space heater instead of furnace, open/close blinds for sun to heat house, windows for fresh air, work outside/or walk for exercise and fresh air, be conscious of water/light/heat usage (you have time now).

You will have less stress - which generally means better health and well-being!  A good mindset is a huge benefit.  

You will have time to grow things IF you so desire or IF you are allowed where you live.  Otherwise, you will have more time to watch for deals or go to farm stands.

THINK about purchases.  You have time to plan and not make binge purchases.  No quick decisions.  You can look around and buy quality instead of quantity.  You can even eliminate fast food - by thinking about your purchases.  Make sure your purchases are really going to make a difference in your life and are needed.

Along that vein of thought - know the difference between wants and needs!!!  Not only is this important of your dollars but your time.  Before maybe you had to go to events, that you may not have wanted to go to.  Now you can decide what you want to attend.  Make it something you really will enjoy - not just a 'have to go' thing.

You no longer have to be on someone else's schedule - you can make your own.  Do things when you want and how you want.  It is so freeing!

So, if you are wanting to retire or even be a stay-at-home mom - sit down and think about the things you can do that will save you dollars.  Make a list.  Think about everything and really work on that budget.  There may be many, many more things you can stop or not spend on - each person is different.  These are just the general things most of us can do.

YOU CAN DO IT - IF you really want to!

Plan your work and work your plan!!!!!

I read this quote yesterday and think it is fitting.  This was from a fellow in China who came from nothing - made a fortune - and lost it all.  

I think it says it all!!

"The happy man is someone who has purpose, something to do each day.  The value of money is about how you spend it, not how much you make or how much you have."

Im Chae-moo

Have a beautiful day!

Finding Frugal Fresh Foods in the Fall

 Good day to all my friends.  It is a chilly morn here.  Going to be a cooler day.  We are getting deep into the fall season, and today we talk about finding some very frugal finds for our frig and pantries.

Now is the time to start watching those holiday and fall sales for fresh goodies at the store.  I know that it all comes to location, location, location.  Here in the US we are close to celebrating Thanksgiving, which is always a great time to find inexpensive deals on food.  This may not hold up in other locales - but still it is the season for much produce to be harvested in other areas and hopefully prices will be better.  

IF you find the deals - get them and if you can, preserve some for later.

WINTER SQUASH - there are tons of types of winter squash to be had and just as many ways to fix them.  They are hearty and filling and very healthy for you.  I am seeing many being sold for much cheaper prices than normal.  Easy to store for later.

CARROTS - are getting much cheaper here right now.  You can generally fond a 2# bag for under $2 now.  Carrots are such a healthy food item.  They can be used in so many ways.  Medallions, stir fry, mashed, roasted and even in sweets - like carrot cake or muffins!

Buy whole carrots not 'baby' carrots if at all possible.  'Baby' carrots are generated and have been treated.

POTATOES - regular and sweet.  Holiday season brings good prices on this fall harvest.  I cannot begin to count the ways potatoes can be used.  You name it you can do it!  They also make a super inexpensive meal all alone.  A nice baked potato or sweet potato can be so filling!  

CABBAGE - I am starting to see some great prices on cabbage around here.  This generally continues into the new year.  Such a versatile and healthy item.  Fried, steamed, boiled, baked, rolls, in soups and stews..........and on and on.

TURNIPS - RADISH - both are inexpensive right now.  I know a lot of people turn their noses up at turnips.  I am not a fan of cooked ones, but I like them raw and sliced in salads or just alone with a little salt.  YUM.  I am also a radish nut!!  I use them in a lot of salads and alone.  They are also good pickled and I have fried as well.  Both are easy to keep on hand for a while.

ONION, CELERY - it is becoming dressing/stuffing time, and these items are needed.  They are both good in soups.  Also pair with your carrots and make 'trinity' for cooking.  I freeze both celery and onions in baggies all the time.  Both are easy to dehydrate as well.

GREENS - there are many greens being harvested now as well.  From collards, kale, chard, and lettuces.  These can be used in and on many meals.  Many can be cooked alone and used as a side dish. If you are finding a deal on leaf lettuce - think about wilted lettuce as well as fresh for salads.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS, CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI - are getting cheaper right now.  All are great in so many types of dishes or just alone.  Great for roasting and in soups.  Easily frozen.  

TURKEY - not a garden item - but they are cheap this time of the year, especially in the US.  If you live in our neighboring country to the north - if you get a chance to cross into US, maybe you can take advantage of the wonderful sales.  I am seeing ads for .39 lb. - .69 lb. at just about every store.  Next week will be even cheaper I suppose.  Tis the season!!!

Truly the best meat deal ever available.

CRANBERRIES - it isn't a regionally grown item for me, but they are a staple in many holiday celebrations.  They are starting to show up fresh in stores at a cheaper price.  Not only can they be used in meals, they can also be made easily into juice and canned.  Also watch after the holidays - as they get really marked down on clearance.  Not as healthy at all - but even the canned cranberry sauces are much cheaper now.

Don't forget about PUMPKINS and APPLES and PEARS - oh my!  There are some great deals to be found on these items as well.  Now that Halloween is over, many places are almost giving pumpkins away (some are).  Apples are plentiful and pears as well.  All can be saved for later if properly stored and can be frozen, canned or dehydrated.

So if you live in a location that is celebrating fall and Thanksgiving - be on the lookout!  You can get a lot of healthy food for a frugal price.  Buying in season is just always smart.

There are so many ways to preserve and so many ways to cook these items.

Get the good stuff while you can for a price you can afford!

Have a wonderful day to all.

Weekly Wrap Up - Nov. 10

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a gloomy start to the week here, and it is still drizzling rain.  We had about 1/2" of rain over night - much needed.  It is around 56*F this morning.  According to predictions it will be above average through Thanksgiving at the end of the month for my area!  No snow here for a while!!  I am good with that.

Speaking of the S word - Christmas is just a mere 45 days away!!!  OH MY!

Sis, is in rehab as of this week.  She is slowly working to improve and be able to function again on her own.  She still hurts a LOT - but she is determined!  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts.

This sure looks like fall and holidays.  I do love the fall decorations.  I have been seeing tons of Christmas commercials this week.  Seems here in US we don't even pause for Thanksgiving anymore.  Halloween to Christmas.

One year ago today this little booger butt showed up in my drive!  He was so tiny (fit in hand small) and so afraid of everything.  Blackie watched over him and took care of him, until I got to where I could pet and pick him up.  It took us a while - then they came indoors!  My how my life changed, and my love grew!!  He is spoiled to the hilt and just loves hanging out with his buddy and momma.  Looks like he kind of likes his life now, doesn't it?  LOL.  My sweet Bitsy such a stinker!

My frugal week:

• Still eating garden tomatoes, a lot
• Cut a beautiful rose this week - oh it smelled so sweet.  Lasted almost all week.  I still have many pretty flowers blooming
• Rehab visits with sis
• Stopped at Menards while visiting sis.  Got some fun add-ins for holiday baskets (mushroom growing kits), things for kiddos and some things I had trouble finding for gardening this year - all set for next year
• Froze leftovers I had or used in a new way
• Cleaned out refrigerator and consolidated many jars and bottles
• Made 14 pints of salsa & canned - most will be gifts.  I have plenty from past for my needs & cooking
• Washed lots of freezer bags (from tomatoes) to use again
• I raked a ton of leaves and have a big pile ready to put on garden once it is totally empty
• I mowed the entire yard - the rigged-up wheel worked just fine!
• Cut the last little cabbages from garden
• Used the scalding canning water on the still thriving weeds out front in the rock!
• Did some mending
• Made OJ from concentrate
• Hard boiled several eggs for snacks
• Meals from home and using what I have on hand
• Got to punch a new hole in my belt!  WOOHOO

Meals this past week:

Chili and crackers

Baked potato w/cheese/sour cream and side salad

Sausage/egg biscuit and sliced toms

Nachos - using chili as well as cheese

Pepperoni/cheese calzone (hand pie) and pan seared brussel sprouts

Grilled fish (used G. Foreman grill) and salad 

Beef chunks/peppers/onions over pasta with a little homemade salsa (left from canning)

SNACKS - fruit, pickles, cheese & crackers, cup of chili

There you have it.  Lots of little things - but I guess it adds up.  How was your week?  What have you been up to?  Crafting, canning, freezing, cleaning, etc.?

Tis the season that many will be busy getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

Let us know what you are up to?  Check in if has been a while!  PLEASE

Continued prayers for those who suffered much loss with storms.  Hoping everyone is well, safe and healthy in this coming week. 

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

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Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Lord, we thank You for allowing us to be here another week.  Help us each to know that Your will be done, and that may not be what we have asked for.  Your will is the way always.  We ask and seek, but we cannot know what the answers should be.  We ask for peace and understanding amongst all people of earth.  Thank You for all our many blessings and help us to see and realize that there ARE blessings each day, in spite of what we think.  AMEN

Trash to Treasure - Food Edition

 Good day to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  It looks to be a lovely day here in my neighborhood!  Saw that opossum again this morning.  It is BIG to say the least and I'll be darn if it didn't squish under my gate - then run out to the deck area.  Suspicion it is living under the deck!  It is amazing the small areas they can maneuver.  

There were several huge crows sitting in a tree a couple doors down from me.  Boy they were big and they were hollering.  Geese flew over and were very loud.  Exciting out in my yard everyday!

Today let us talk a bit about turning leftover bits and pieces of food into new and fun eating treasures.  No one likes waste - and we can actually stretch things further if we just think about it a little.

First as mentioned yesterday - BROTH or STOCK

All bones can be used to make bone broth - chicken, turkey, ham, beef, pork, venison, etc.  Many people roast their bones first - I usually just use as is.  Place in a big stock pot of water and cook down for hours.  You get a lovely broth to use for soups or seasoning.  You can freeze or can it.

Also, you can add veggie scraps to add extra flavor.

VEGGIE stock can be made as well.  All scraps, peels, etc. - do it the same way as bone.  Get all the goodness you can from the food.

Afterwards - either compost, chicken feed

Just a reminder if you make a turkey or ham or roast of any sort - you get many meals.  Not just one.  You can eat as is, reinvent to soups or casseroles, sandwiches, hash, you name it.  Many, may meals!

APPLE PEELS (peach too) and cores can be cooked in water to get a juice and use to make jelly!  You can make you own cider vinegar as well!

ORANGE or citrus - candy them - oh, yum.  Or they can be turned into a cleaner.

Also think about DEHYDRATING  all the veggie or fruit scraps!!!

I love my tomato powder!  I use the skins and bits left from canning and dehydrate.  Then once extremely dry - I grind it smooth in a small coffee grinder.  I use it to flavor things.  I have also used to tough ends of asparagus - makes a good flavor enhancer for soup.  Those super tough okra pods?  Dehydrate and grind - makes a great natural thickener for soups and stews.

I have 2 coffee grinders I got at yard sales years ago for $1 each.  They aren't big but work well.  One for spicey things and one for all others!

Egg shells or banana peels - great for plants.  Dry and crush the shells and throw into compost or around your garden plants or even roses.  Lots of calcium.  Banana peels - soak in water in a jar for a week or two and use to water garden or plants.  Great plant foods.

BREAD - if you have stale bread (not moldy) - you can turn into croutons, stuffing/dressing cubes, breadcrumbs, bread pudding, French toast, toast and make mini pizzas, toast and use with gravy instead of biscuits.  Gosh, the list goes on and on. 

Leftovers in the frig - make soup!!!!!  I have absolutely NO recipe for soup - it is different every single time.  Whatever is in the frig gets thrown in, or I also use any tinned or frozen things that may need to be used up soon.  Any meats can be used if desired or make a vegetarian soup - maybe add rice or pasta.

Leftover RICE - great for rice pudding.  Add to soups or casseroles or make fried rice.

Leftover SPAGHETTI - I often make too much spaghetti and sauce to use the leftover as baked spaghetti - it is actually a favorite of mine.  Mix it with an egg or two (depending on amount) and some cheese and bake until solid at a medium temp.

I often add leftover broccoli, peas, cauliflower, carrots, etc. to mac n cheese.  Makes things go a little further and you add a bit nourishment to it.  You can actually do the same with a small amount of meat.  I like to add tuna to mac n cheese, but have added small pieces of ham, beef, pork chop, etc.

Those small pieces of meat are also good in a stir fry with many veggies.  OR fried rice.

Heck I even save pickle juice.  Dill juice is great for drinking in my opinion, I love it.  I love to mix it with tomato juice!  It also works great to add a bit to salads instead of dressing or to use as a meat tenderizer.  Sweet juice is super to use over certain meats when baking.  It can also be used as a dressing in salads or pasta salad.

Cookie or cake crumbs (even sweet cereal) can be used over pudding or ice cream.

Crumbs from the bottom of a bag of chips makes a good crispy topping for casseroles.

All the above can also be added into sweet or savory muffins or breads.

Later on I will post about stretching other items in our household to extend and save dollars.  You all know I love stretching the budget!!!!  It used to be a necessity, now it is a habit and I see it as fun - love getting new ideas.

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I hate to do this - but again another reminder NO politics please.  I deleted a comment last night, as they weren't listening.  We all have opinions, and they differ - that is fine.  You can use your own platform to vent - not mine.  I hope this will be the last reminder needed.  This is a SAFE zone.  Thank you.

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If you have any fun and different ideas on how you turn your trash into treasure and good eats - let us know.

Have a wonderful and beautiful day!

Ready, Set, Let's Get Pantry Ready for Winter!

 Howdy to all this AM.  Here we are mid-week again!  Almost a week into November.  It is a dreary, damp morning here.  We got rain last evening and then a lot of rain over night!  Not raining this morning, but things are sure wet.  

I was getting ready to go out and feed Licorice and the birds and saw a big old opossum run across the street, up the drive and by the time I got out there - it was in the back yard.  It sure was gnarly looking! LOL.  It was then daylight, and it saw me and took off.  Licorice had breakfast in peace!

Now that we have had the 'time change' - have you readied your home in other ways than just pantry?  It is a good time to change furnace filters, change directions on ceiling fans, check and change batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.  Bring in those batteries for battery operated yard tools.  The extreme cold can truly affect them - trust me I found out the hard way in the past!

Patch any cracks in foundation - so 'critters' can't get in your home.  Do you know where your snow equipment is?  Is it easy to get to?  Do you have hats, gloves, blankies in your car - in case?

Check your window and doors for air tightness.  Extra blankets for you and pets IN CASE!  Do you have a generator and fuel?

Just things to think about!!

Now is the time to start to closely watch the grocery sales.  Baking supplies will be on good sales in many places for the next 8 weeks or so.  Watch the meat prices - especially turkey and ham.  

If you have room and can do it - buy as much as you can while on super sales.  Cheap turkey and ham - cooked and carved - is much cheaper and healthier than cold cuts.  You get many meals as well.

I have read that turkey prices will be down this year by a good 15% from last year.  Lindl had turkey already for .39/lb.!  Eyes open.

Cranberries, sweet potatoes, potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, canned goods like beans, soups, and holiday specialties will be on sale.

Think about buying bread on clearance or cheaply and drying your own for dressing/stuffing.  It is so easy to do - I make my own still to this day.  If I don't use for dressing - it becomes breadcrumbs.

Many dairy items, like creme cheese, sour cream and heavy cream will be on sale.

Look for eggs - this week Kroger has their 18 count eggs on digital coupon again for 2.49.

Did you buy any after Halloween candy?  Use it in your holiday baking.

Make sure you also look at obscure places to shop - not just grocery stores.  I got the opportunity to run into Menard's yesterday (hadn't been in 2 years!!) - so many fun and inexpensive food options and stocking stuffers and a rebate to boot!  Check out places like Big Lots, Ollies, TJ Maxx, etc.  Not just food items, but things you will need for the winter as well.

Furnace filters, ice melt, scrapers for vehicles, hats and gloves, throws, draft dodgers for doors, books, batteries, door mats, and gifts galore!  So much to be had at inexpensive prices if you pay attention.

I love the old timey look of this picture.  It reminds me of the root cellars and pantries of old.  Ready and stocked.

Do what you can, while you can, with what you have.  Stock up a little here and there.  Always have eyes wide open for a bargain or deal.

We never know what the weather will be, who may lose a job, what kinds of shortages may happen, if you get an illness, unexpected emergencies, etc. - so it just makes sense to be prepared.

If you are worried about full freezers in an emergency situation, think about canning those items.  Basically, everything can be canned.

Don't panic - just slowly stock things as you find deals and have the funds.  Slow and steady wins the race!!!

Check around all places - you never know what kind of deal you may find.

Have a beautiful day to all!

We Got This

 Happy Tuesday to all.  I am writing this on Monday evening and posting very early on Tuesday - as I plan on being out the door early to vote.  Please be sure you do too.  It is very important.

Monday was a cool rainy and breezy day.  I did get out and walk a little and did a little outdoor work in between raindrops!  It was so dreary.  I tell you, I now arise an hour earlier by the clock (thank you kitties and time change).  The day seems sooooooo long.  Sounds crazy, but it is dark by 6PM and there is still plenty of day to do stuff.  I rather liked it getting dark at 8PM or 9PM - closer to bedtime!!

I love this - don't let anyone take your JOY!

Just a word of advice for today and the coming days.  I think we all know things will be stressful for a while and the people are going to be divided no matter the result of the election.  Now I will not speak of parties or political decisions or ideals (and appreciate you NOT as well) - but it may get weird out there.

My advice - do not panic, do not stress - it will not help.

Try your best to not reach that panic stage about anything - health, money, politics, jobs, etc.  DON'T LET STRESS/PANIC WIN!

You are empowered in your thoughts and in your actions - you and you alone.  Stuff is always going to happen in life that we don't like - but we have the power to react in a positive light.

Always be respectful to everyone.  Do not start debate with family or friends.  Love everyone.  Be kind.  YOU be the bigger person and do the right thing always.

Life happens.  Many in our group have been through much lately - storms, destruction, health issues, family issues, financial issues, lots of loss, etc.  

May we all just embrace each other with kindness and appreciate one another.  Boost each other in every way we can.

Negativity will never win over a positive and healthy attitude and way of life.  You have the power to make your life happy.  DO IT!

As the song says Que Sera, Sera - what will be will be!  We just make the best of it.  We got this!

Have a wonderful and blessed day to all.

PLEASE NO POLITICS!

Weekly Wrap-Up 11/3

 Happy November to all.  This year is almost gone!  Hard to believe.  So much yet to do and so much already done.  We had a mixed bag of weather this past week.  Warm, chilly, one day of decent rain, and wind and more wind.

There suddenly became pretty colors with the leaves.  The sugar maples and the burning bushes are my favorites.  Some trees are void of leaves now after all the wind we had.  Some still looking beautiful.  Amazingly I still see green too!

It looks like this next week will be mainly in the 60's(F) - that sounds fine to me.

Time change (ugh) - didn't see any extra sleep here!  Kitties woke me as usual for breakfast - which according to the clock was an hour earlier!!  Licorice was waiting at daylight for his food outdoors, again an hour earlier to the clock.  Such is life!

This last week seemed busy and, on the go, - but I don't feel I accomplished a lot at home.  Maybe I did, it just seemed not to me.

My fugal week:

• I rearranged my living room, as much as I could on Sunday.  It has been the same for 22 years!!  Not a lot I can do - but I moved some things, so I have more spots to read or watch TV with my feet up!  Nice change.
• Went out to lunch with my sister - her treat!  Had a fun time
• Went to lunch with my grade school friends.  That was fun and we had about 28 show up!
• Got to air the house a lot
• While out - I got monthly gas fill-up with my discount from Kroger.  Saved .40 gallon.  I also got about 2 gallons for home - just to have over the winter in case myself or someone needs it. Paid 2.79/gal.
• Stopped at thrift store as well.  I found a long gray sweater wrap.  I also got a Christmas sweater and sweatshirt - both are brand new
• I went through the freezers again, and realized I am totally set for all the upcoming holidays - through Easter - for meat.  I also have all I need for any get togethers and enough meat and frozen veggies for myself for a long, long while.  I eat with family on the holidays, but like having my own goodies here to munch on. 
• I reorganized and cleaned the deep pantry as well.  Dusted the cans and jars - and emptied some crates and reorganized.  Got all my basket 'stuffers' together for the holidays - more to get.
• Other than 2 days out - cooked from home and used up all leftovers, made a batch of biscuits as well.

Monday was the day sis and I went out.  Mind you she is 93 and still going.  Well, Thursday she fell and fractured her pelvis and a bone near her spine.  She is now in hospital.  Thursday and Friday were days of tests, x-rays and shear torture for her.  I went yesterday to see her.  It was her first therapy (can't do surgery due to age).  Boy she hurts!  Poor thing.  We had a really long visit, and I stayed while she had therapy and then lunch.  She seemed in better spirits when I left - she just needs lots of encouragement.  Her kids and us will make sure she gets that!  Please say a little prayer for her, if you will.  She has a long painful recovery ahead.

Meals this past week:

Tuna/noodle/pea casserole (leftover) and tomatoes

Diner w/sis - had Rueban and fries

Mexican w/friends - enchiladas and beans and rice

Meatloaf burger (freezer) and salad

Pork chop, asparagus and toms

Red beans & rice, leftover asparagus and biscuit

Bean/rice/cheese burrito and salad

SNACKS: warm biscuit, fruit, tomatoes, small salad, pickles

So there you have it - I seemed to have kept busy.  Not sure how much accomplished, but I kept busy!

How was your week?  What did you get done and accomplished?  Did you do any canning or freezing of goods?  Any good deals at the stores?  Crafting?

Love hearing from you all.

I want to thank Laurie, Cookie and Cindy again for the thoughtful cards this week.

May your week ahead be safe and healthy.  I hope all that have been involved in weather events are getting a little normalcy back in their lives.

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

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Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.  The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble. 

Proverbs 16:3-4

Lord, as we go each day forward, please help us to ready our homes for whatever may come this way.  Help us to ready our souls for a future in eternity with You.  Please help us each understand others and do the best we can to spread love and joy and peace on this earth.  Please protect us in Your loving arms in the coming weeks of uncertainty.  We pray for peace.  AMEN