Thoughts and Sharing

 Hello to all in this new year!  As a child this was so futuristic!  I remember being asked in grade school how old we would be in 2000 - and my answer was dead!  I was 45 that year - but as a child I could not imagine being that OLD!!  LOL.  Here we are 25 years later and still going.  Life is funny.

We have started the year colder and it does look like it will get messy by Monday of this coming week with some snow.  Guess it was bound to happen.

In this year I will TRY to continue to get rid of things I have stored away in the basement (stored for years).  I will continue to use what I have and try to get creative.

I HOPE to lose some belly and midsection overage of my body! (in good health)

I hope to do more porch setting with neighbors.  I hope to do a few projects around the house.

No resolutions - just goals and hopes.

I hope to be a better person - kinder and more giving.

I had a wonderful time with family this Christmas.  A great visit was had on Sunday with nieces and nephews.  I was missing some - 3 had the flu and 1 just got out of the hospital.  Their gifts were sent home with the others.  We had good food, lots of laughs and hugs, super nice gifts, and MUSIC!  One of my nephews plays guitar and sings (wonderfully).  I have never heard him live - just videos.  He brought his guitar and played and sang - oh, what a treat that was.  Best gift.

The mushroom kits were the hit of the gift baskets!!!  They all loved them, and immediately they were all looking up the company to see what other types were available.  They want more!  Glad I got them.  Of course they were excited for their jelly, salsa and special cookies and other items!  I think all were super happy.

I went on Monday to my closest Big Lots to see what they may have left.  Holiday was 50% off (nothing much left).  Other stuff really wasn't over 20% off yet (some 10%) - but I found a couple new throw rugs I had been eyeing and a couple soft sporty type bras - all 20% off.  That was it.  I sure hate that they are going out of business - always liked that store.

Here are the kitties modeling the newest kitchen throw rug!  I think they like it.  It should show less dirt or fur.

I got this drink container on Christmas.  I LOVE it.  I had not heard of the brand - but boy, does it work.  It is metal inside and it sure keeps things cold and it doesn't sweat.  I take ice water to bed each night, and there is always ice left in the morning.

One of my talented nephews made this trivet.  Click on pic to enlarge.  It is so intricate in detail.  It was wood burned.  It is just beautiful.

I got so many nice things.  New jammies, lots of tasty goodies, home crafted items, yard and garden things for summer, a window bird house and a window feeder.  I am so blessed with the best nieces and nephews.  Love them bunches.

This is the snack mix I made this year.  Cinnamon toast cereal, frosted mini wheat, pretzels, lots of nuts, and M & M's.  All drizzled with chocolate.  You could use any kinds of cereal you have and add whatever you like.  No real recipe.  I melted chocolate chips in microwave - 30 seconds at a time until it would drizzle.  Mix and yum!  Lots of neighbors got this, kids took a bunch home, ate tons and still have a bunch left!

I have lots of leftovers from Sunday which is good.  Tons of food got eaten, but I always make too much.

I look forward to starting new posts next week to share and enjoy from each other.  I have a few ideas for posts and want to offer encouragement when I can.  We all need a positive word in our lives - we all need to support each other.

Now that the holidays are done it is time to get our "frugal ways" back!  What better time to get busy with getting back on track than the beginning of a new year!

Anything you want to see or learn this year?

Hope you have a fantastic remainder to the week.

Stay safe, warm and healthy.