Dropping Food Budget? There are Ways!

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a breezy 50*(F) this morning, going to 60*.  I think it may stay cloudy, but at least it is a decent temp.  We have sure had some beautiful sunrises and sunsets the past few days.  God is so good.

We have come to a time that many people are having their food budgets lowered and may be struggling.  With some thinking and careful use, you can survive and survive well.  I do hope that most of you have been adding the basics over time to your pantries, in with your weekly and monthly allotments.  Basics can work in so many ways.

You know my mantra - be creative and think outside the box.

Now I am not saying this should be a daily or normal way of eating (it can be), but today there will be ideas how to get through the rough times and eat and fill your families' bellies and not do without.

• We always talk about dry beans.  They are super cheap, they are healthy and good protein, and they can be cooked in a crockpot during the day while you are at work.  You can add rice, potatoes, bread etc. and have a very filling meal.
• Along those lines there are split peas - Mmmmm split pea soup.  Lentils are a great addition to soups and they can take the place of meat in many meals.  Lentil tacos can be made, add to chili, so many uses.  Both of these are cheap sources of protein as well.
• Soups - so easy to make.  Throw in whatever you have - can be canned, frozen or leftovers and make a hearty veggie soup.  Cream of soups are super easy to make and can add variety as well.  Think potato, broccoli, cauliflower - whatever you have.   Tomato soup and GRILLED CHEESE are a standard!
• PASTA - so versatile.  Spaghetti is everyone's first thought.  Yum - you know you can add veggies and not meat and still have a yummy spaghetti dinner.  Lasagna - again, you can go plant based instead of meat.  You don't even need lasagna noodles; use a layer of whatever pasta you have.  I one time added a random can of Ravioli as a layer to lasagna - tasty.  It still tastes the same.  Pasta can be added to any soup to extend it.  You can pour many things over pasta.
• RICE - again cheap and versatile. It too is a great extender of soups and casseroles, served under gravy or soups, fried rice (add in all leftovers), add to eggs for an extended scramble.
• Chili is always a winter favorite.  Add lots of beans and less meat.  You can serve over pasta or rice or add pasta to it.
• Breakfast for dinner - think pancakes, waffles, biscuits and gravy - all are super cheap to make and they all use basic pantry items.  Nothing fancy needed.  I love a dinner of biscuits and gravy - great comfort food!
• Pizza - a yummy and filling food.  It doesn't have to be just a pizza made on pizza crust.  You can use bread (I have used stale for this), buns, Naan, tortillas, bagels, English muffins, Italian bread (my favorite pizza), etc.  It is a great way to stretch bread products.  ADD any topping you have - leftovers included.  Chop leftover meat, make a veggie pizza, add mac & cheese, any sauce you have, you get the idea.  You can top with anything and have a hearty and filling pizza
• Leftovers - ALWAYS use in some way.  Soup, on pizza, Shepherd's pie, pot pies.  Recreate leftovers and fool those who say they don't like them!  Make stir fry - no limit to what you can use.
• Jello - add fruit (canned is fine).  Makes a nice treat.  Top with yogurt if you have some.
• Smoothies - add fruit to milk and ice or yogurt.  You can add greens or oats whatever you want to add bulk.  A smoothie can be a meal.
• Canned, fresh or frozen fruit can be a dessert.  Mix together some oats, a little flour, butter and brown sugar - to top the fruit and bake until golden.  You have cobbler.  Add fruit to muffins or sweet bread - they can make a nice breakfast.
• Oatmeal - can be topped with anything.  It can be served sweet or hearty.  Make baked oatmeal (only way I will eat it).  Baked is so good, add fruit, nuts, chips, anything you have.
• Peanut butter - NEVER forget this!!!!!  Peanut butter sandwiches are filling and a good protein.  You can add a slice of fruit and grill - oh nummy.  Add to stir fry and make an oriental flavored meal.  Add to oatmeal.
• Wraps or rollups.  These are great for leftover veggies, meat, cheese - even fruit.  They are fun and easy to eat.  Make a great quick breakfast or lunch.  You can also grill them and make a warm meal.  Don't forget EGG ROLL wrappers.  Make any kind of egg roll you can.  Again, add leftovers, fruit, shredded cabbage and soy sauce, etc.  I make them in my air fryer - 350* for about 15 minutes (turn once).
• Baked potatoes - super cheap and filling.  Top with anything you have around
• Cabbage is very versatile.  Fried, steamed, in soup, egg rolls, slaw, salads, cabbage rolls, etc.
• Never underestimate a pot of mac & cheese with a can of tuna added or a couple hotdogs cut up in it.  You can actually add any leftover meat you have.  Add a salad and/or some crusty bread and you have a meal.  Same with baked beans - add some cut up hotdogs and have beanie wienies. 
  

Just a few ideas to help stretch the food budget.  Nothing glamorous, but it will fill a belly.  THAT is what it is all about!!!  Not saying you have to eat like this always, although there is not a thing wrong with it, but it will stretch what you have, and it will help save money.

IF you are need, please remember there are food pantries in almost every community - GO!  There is no shame to feed your family.  I know many of the smaller ones around here, say they can't give away all the fresh items each week, and they give it to the volunteers.  So go and take what they give you.  Use it or trade it with someone.  Barter is still alive.

Remember you can have meatless nights - there are so many other proteins available.

Check out sites that give ideas on how to use what you have.  There are many out there.  My favorite has always been MyFridgeFood - there are others.

Many thrift stores offer bread products for free - check around.

While the stores have holiday foods on sale - take advantage of those.  Many items are much cheaper like potatoes, sweet potatoes, turkey, etc.  A super cheap turkey is a deal - you can't buy lunchmeat for the price you can buy a turkey.  It is healthier too.

Pasta, rice, beans, potatoes are all great extenders to just about any food.  They can make a 'couple servings' into 3 or 4.  Do what you need to do to feed your family.

I hope others add some of the ideas they have used to stretch their food.

YOU CAN DO THIS.  DO NOT PANIC!

I wish you all a lovely day.

PS - Gentle Reminder - NO POLITICS at all - just useful tips.

Weekly Wrap Up 10/26

 Hello to all.  Can you believe we are again on the last Sunday of another month?  It is less than 60 days now until Christmas!  You are welcome!!  LOL

It is finally fall in my area.  It feels it - although for the most part, it is nice fall weather.  The colors are finally starting to change some.  There is still a lot of green out there too.  Temps are cool, and not as many full sunny days.  Daylight hours sure have shortened.  I notice it the most in the mornings - it has changed my outdoor schedule.

Mr. Hog (groundhog) still has not gone into hibernation!  Amazing.  It is huge.  Probably because it is still eating and NOT hibernating!  Goodness, it is building up its winter fat.

It has been a fairly quiet week and just small projects again.

My frugal week:

• Made a small amount of green tomato relish (for me)
• Made a nice big bowl of tomato/cuke/onion salad - ate for meals and snacks
• Using the Soda Stream for carbonated fruit water
• Made a batch of brownies (had a sweet tooth)
• I went to lunch with grade school chums this week.  That is always a fun thing.  We had a really nice group this month.  Took several red and green tomatoes for who ever wanted them.
• Added extra bedding to the greenhouse and the little house for kitties
• NO grocery store this week
• Pulled out about half of the garden - remainder to follow in the next few days
• Cleaned out my closet, especially the floor
• Did stop at the feed store while out and got squirrel and bird feed
• Finally had to turn on the heat this week, as we had a couple nights of 30's.  It is set at 67* - and it has felt perfect
• Made a big pot of veggie/hamburger soup/stew (stoup).  Ate and froze some for later
• Put up the hoses for the winter
• Filling baskets, bins from supplies on hand.  Brought up some freezer goods from downstairs and took others from up to down
• A neighbor brought me a few slices of banana bread she just made

Meals this past week:

Cheese topped pozole over rice w/crackers

Grilled cheese/ham/tomato sandwich and l/o pozole

Hamburger hash and salad

Cheesy potato soup (freezer) salad

Homemade hamburger veggie stoup (threw in l/o hash)

Out to lunch w/friends - (House of Tokyo) - brought extra home for later that day

Veggie stoup and end of salad

Nothing exciting much, just daily living.  Oh, I did pay everything I had due, up through even November dates.  The house insurance and umbrella were in there - oh my!!!  At least that is done for another year.

How was your week?  Did you do anything fall-ish and fun?  Get any deals?  Fall cleaning?  

Give us a shout out and let us know what is going on in your world.

I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Please know I pray for you all and there are many that need those prayers - unspoken requests.  I hope you all have a lovely week ahead.

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

****************

"Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you."

Matthew 7:7

Lord we know that You are always with us, and You guide us.  Help us to realize that all things are answered, just not always as we expect.  Your will be done.  You know the reason and the outcome.  You are placing us everyone, where we need to be to do what we need to do in this world.  It is not always understood at the time.   Thank You for all out many blessings.  Amen

Progress

 Hello all.  Prayers all are safe and healthy.  It is a very chilly morning here.  It is definitely fall!  Sweatshirt and sweater weather is here.  I got up to a light frost in our area.  It was 38* and the coldest it has been since April!  UGH.  I know it is time, but I sure don't like cold weather.

Life changes for all of us, sometimes as often as daily.  Things happen that we just don't expect, things happen that we anticipate, and it is normal for things to change.  Change is our one constant!

As we are ready to enter a new season, we do things differently.  We prep for the holidays and for winter (spring in other places) and we can be guaranteed we get older each day and things change with us as individuals as well.

As we age, things move slower.  We move slower.  We look at things differently as well.  Some things are not as important as they used to be.  That is normal.

You gals with kiddos, notice change as well, as your children age.  Nothing stays the same.

Progress - any progress - is good.  You don't have to change overnight.  Baby steps and slow and steady are just fine!

Adding to your pantry, lowering a bill or two, paying off a small bill, rearranging a room, decluttering a little, it is all progress.

Be proud of what you get accomplish, it all matters.  Just keep plugging away.  Some days we all feel like what is the point.  That is normal too.  

A calm home (a decluttered home is calmer) a simple meal, peace of mind about finances, being in LOVE with your life - it is all progress.

Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and you will get there.  It isn't a race.

May you all have a blessed and peaceful day.

Whatever you put your mind to this weekend, ENJOY!

Magic - Material Misfits Can be Fun!

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It is a brisk morning here.  I actually put the hood up on my sweatshirt when outside this morning - not that it did much good!  It is still very breezy out there.  Yesterday it looked pretty to start the day, then got cloudy and we had spitting rain and WIND!  Like 40mph gusts.  Licorice was scared of the wind and hid a lot.  He did eat some - but boy was he hungry this morning!  He ate and ate, then went in the greenhouse and curled up on his blanky.  Sweet boy.

It is still windy but not as bad as yesterday.  Supposed to be sunny!

Ok, I have resisted talking about holiday stuff now, but it is getting closer and closer, and some things need to be started now.  I know we have a lot of crafty folks that stop by here, so today is about some 'plans' I have and some ideas on what to do with odds and ends of material pieces.  You can make magic!

I have 2 littles that absolute love Disney and Mini (ages 5&6).  This is kind of what I am thinking as making as a special gift from Aunty - only in more of a patchwork design - in pinks, reds and peachy colors.

They have their blankies I made them and use them all the time - so I thought they might like these cute little pillows.

I have a 5 yr. old girlie that loves kitties so much, and her little brother is a dinosaur fanatic.  So here are a couple of ideas I found that I will give a try as a special homemade gift.  They love to cuddle and carry things around, so I thought something like this would be cute.

There are so many fun things you can do with fabric.  Make aprons, lap quilts, a bed quilt, pillows, a patchwork vest, hot pads, coasters, etc.  The list is endless.

To make hot pads - I usually line with some jean material, as it is thicker and will help absorb the heat.  I have heard of people using material from an ironing board cover!  Brilliant - heat proof.

I like this idea, and you may not need to sew.  You could probably use fabric glue.  

These look sewn, but I am thinking you could use carboard scraps, and cut out letters, then glue on fabric and add a piece of magnet to the back.  This is a great learning tool and cute too.  I have often made magnetic items using those magnets we get that are just flat advertising slabs of magnet.  I then cut and use.  ** Do be careful that kiddos aren't so small that they may try to put magnets in their mouth.**

There are just so many fun ideas out there and you can make some really cute and one of a kind holiday gifts.  You may have old clothes that can be cut up and used for projects, old jeans that are beyond wearing, material scraps from older projects, t-shirt material, there is no end to what can be used.  Maybe even old pillowcases or sheets (think thrift shop).  Even an old quilt that needs a lot of work from a thrift shop - use the good areas and you have old material and a patchwork already!

It is time to start getting creative.  Adults get food items and/or GC's from me, but the littles need something cute too.  

Get your thinking cap on and start getting creative.  Have fun and make a memorable gift.

Have a super day.

Fun Fall Flavors

 Hello to all.  Hope everyone is well and safe.  A cool morn here, but not as cool as yesterday morning.  It will be in the 60's today for a high.  Pretty much that way all week.  It looks to get very windy again - so over the wind.  Yesterday was windy as well.

It is that time where I have gotten out my long-legged PJ's (vs. shorts) and I have thrown a heavy throw over the bed at night.  Still refraining from turning on the heat.  Even had to get out 'shoes' to do my walk yesterday!  I always do flip-flops, as I despise wearing regular shoes.   Yesterday warmed up in here (inside) by late afternoon due to the sun, and the house maintains heat well.

This brings back memories.  We had a Chambers stove, a yellow set of that table and chairs.  The black & white floor was in the dining room!

 

Now that the cooler temps are here in this part of the world, it is that time when we think comfort food.  It is time to get out those crockpots for hearty soups, beans, and stews.  It is also time for many treats that don't always happen during the summer.

Don't have to have a campfire to have S'mores.  You can enjoy them from the kitchen.

S'MORE BARS

8 - 10 whole graham crackers

1 pkg. brownie mix (13x9 pan size) - or your own homemade

2 C mini marshmallows

1 C chocolate chips

2/3 C chopped peanuts

Place graham crackers in the bottom of a 13 x 9 greased pan (single layer).  Mix up brownie mix and pour over crackers.  Bake at 350* for 25-30 min.  Sprinkle w/ marshmallows, chips and peanuts and place back in oven for another 5 minutes - until marshmallows puff and turn golden.  Cool and cut into 24 pieces.

*I leave off peanuts

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. - 8 oz. - cream cheese - softened

1/2 C butter (no subs) - softened

1/4 tsp vanilla extract

3/4 C confectioner sugar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

3/4 C mini chocolate chips

3/4 C finely chopped pecans

In a bowl cream the cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy.  Gradually add sugars, beat until combined.  Stir in chips.  Place all into a piece of plastic wrap and make a ball and refrigerate for about 1 hour.  Just before serving roll in nuts.  Serve with graham crackers or vanilla wafers.  NUMMY

HOT PIZZA DIP

1 pkg. - 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 C (4 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese

3/4 C grated Parmesan cheese

1 can (8 oz.) pizza sauce

2 Tbsp. chopped green pepper

2 Tbsp. thinly sliced green onion

In a bowl mix cream cheese and Ital. seasoning.  Spread in an ungreased 9" pie plate (microwave safe).  Combine mozzarella and Parm, sprinkle HALF over the cream cheese.  Top with pizza sauce, peppers, onion and remaining cheese.  Microwave uncovered, on high for 3-4 minutes until cheese is almost melted.  Let it stand for a couple minutes and serve with breadsticks or tortilla chips.

Makes about 3 cups.

Just some easy and fun fall snacks for sure.  Great for a get together, a dessert, an appetizer, or just 'because'!  Kiddos would love all of these (after school snack) - and I know this big kiddo enjoys them as well!

Seems cream cheese is a must have for fall and winter desserts and dishes - so it is always something to stock up on when you find a deal.  Of course, chips and nuts are a biggy too.   Make sure you watch the sales and get all the seasonal ingredients as you can.

Have a grand day and notice every blessing that comes your way!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/19

 Hello and happy Sunday.  Dreary and damp morning here.  It is still pretty dark out at this hour.  We finally got rain!!  They say we got more rain yesterday afternoon and evening than we have gotten on any one day since the last day of July.  I just went out to feed, and it started to drizzle again.  I think it will be off and on all day.  We sure do need it.  This coming week will be in the 60'sF all week.  That is normal.  Then they say warmer than normal again.

Yesterday was a day off for me.  I took the morning to go to the thrift store up the road, as I hadn't been out all week.  I then took 2 different walks.  I watched some TV and laid down on the loveseat and fell asleep.  Kitty at my side, breeze coming in the window, chimes singing, train whistle blowing - it seemed perfect.  Some days just seem like 'do nothing' days - nothing except enjoy the moment.

My frugal week:

• I worked on picking all the tomatoes I really want over a few days.  I picked close to 40lbs. some red but mostly green.  Plants come out this week, as it will be easy now since the rain.
• Cut all the live forever (sedum) along the west side of house.  I also cut back all the
  New England asters
• Made egg rolls from scratch
• Made a small batch of coleslaw
• Washed a couple more windows and the door glasses
• Did lots of walks
• Received 8 ears of farm fresh corn from a neighbor
• Washed a gallon bag and a couple quart ones
• Got one rain barrel emptied and put away
• Changed out the furnace filter to get ready for winter (had it)
• Laundry in cold and hung to dry
• No heat or AC at all this week
• Just doing all the normal stuff
• At the thrift store I bought 4 packs of 40 count honey/lemon no sugar added throat lozenges.  $1 each. It was FREE bread day at the thrift store - as much as you wanted.  I got 4 different packs - most will be frozen in smaller packs for future use.

                                                   All brand names - rye is strictly for Rueban's

Meals this past week:

Smoked sausage sandwich and salad

Fried green tomato sandwich, chicken strip and corn on cob

Chicken, mac & cheese sliced tomatoes

BLT and l/o mac & cheese

Egg rolls

Chicken, coleslaw, corn

Ham/cheese/veggie on everything bagel, slaw

SNACKS: fruit, tomatoes (some way everyday), hard boiled eggs, egg roll

That about sums up the week.  Nothing exciting, just little things that add up to getting things done.  

My neighbor/friend is now gone - they left Thursday afternoon.  That was a tough afternoon.  Hated to see them go.  The house looks lonely!  I guess the new homeowner is supposed to move in tomorrow.

The woodpeckers and blue jays have sure been abundant and noisy this week.  The birdies have all enjoyed taking baths!

I still have pretty flowers here and there.  Annuals in pots are still going - begonias and geraniums.

I had a rose open yesterday and the mallow is so pretty.

That is my week.  How was your week?  Have you gotten your home in order for the winter months to come?  Did you get any good deals this week?  Crafting?

I hope the coming week is great for you.  I pray you are all safe and healthy.  

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

*********************

We give thanks to thee O God; we give thanks; we call on thy name and recount thy wonderous deeds.

Psalms 75:1

Dear Lord we come to You again this week in thanks and to ask for Your blessings upon us all.  May each and every one stay safe, may they have health and healing, and may each one have joy and hope in their lives.  Help us each to get through every day and to help another to get through a day as well.  AMEN

Weekend Plans and Fun

 Happy Thursday to you all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Gosh, here we are mid-month again.  I feel like I really blink, and a month is half gone! 

Another lovely morning here.  The sunrise was just incredible this morning.  God sure did a beautiful job of painting the sky this morning.

It is still very dry here, the grass is brown and parched.  Looks like rain comes in late Saturday and into Sunday.  Then we get cooler.  Next week has highs in the 60's - but that is just fine to me.

What kind of plans do you have for the weekend?  It is festival season and many craft shows are starting.  Lovely time for walks and enjoying the countryside.

I plan on finishing up the garden in the next few days.  I have been working on it, all week - pulling produce.  It may be a bit longer to get plants out.

Yesterday I did a lot of yardwork and boy was I tired last night.  Fell right to sleep while watching TV!  I did wake a couple times but slept well.

I did my work smarter than harder yesterday as well.  I had a 55-gallon trash receptacle full of yard waste, and it was heavy.  I was out front and needed to get it around the house and all the way out back.  Stopped and looked around the garage and did some quick thinking and solved the problem some.  I saw the little rolling low stool G used to use to check tires and brakes and such.  I got the drum on top of it, added a rope (to pull) and got it out back without a lot of heavy lifting.  YAY me!  LOL

My neighbor/friend is moving in the morning.  They will leave super early (before dawn), so today is good-bye day.  I sure will miss them.  They are moving 3 hours away to KY.

We spent some time talking yesterday and I will walk over and say bye today.  They will be loading up the moving van today, so they will be busy.

I may do some canning in the next few days as well.  I have a plethora of green tomatoes - so may make some relish.  I guess it depends on my mood!

I am tired and a little sore, but there is always something to do.

A reminder to all in U.S. that Thanksgiving is 42 days away!!!  That will be here before you know it.  I have seen ads for Aldi (if you have them) that you can buy everything (including turkey) for T Day for $40 this year to feed 10 people.  That is $7 less than last year!!!!  Sure something to think about.

Take time this weekend to enjoy the great outdoors!  Have a wonderful day.

Many blessings to all.

Let's Work Smarter not Harder

 Good midweek to you all.  Hope you are safe and well.

It is a nice morning here.  It is 60F right now, feels nice.  Today may get to a low 70's and cloudy.  Yesterday I took my walk a little later for some reason (had a nudge).  As I was walking, I noticed the beautiful blue sky - not a cloud to be seen.  You could see a bit of the moon as well - it was around 11AM.  Just a gorgeous day.  Got to talk w/ neighbors I hadn't met before.

I think we all like the idea of worker smarter not harder.  We don't always do it - but it should be our goal.

Think about the basics.

Cook once and eat 2 or 3 times!  Just this week I made air fried chicken and did enough for 3 meals.  I ate twice and froze the 3rd one for another time.  Just heat up and eat!  I like making soups and freezing some in individual containers for those days I just don't feel like cooking.  A nice batch of hard-boiled eggs - great breakfast, snack, or add for a meal.

Pre chop vegies and bag for use all week.  You can make a salad or a stir fry in no time.

My laundry is downstairs in the basement.  I have steep basement stairs.  Let's just say it gets tougher each year going up and down with laundry.  Well, I make it easier!!   I take laundry down with a pitch!  LOL.  I toss it down the steps (in a pillowcase) and then go down and move to the laundry area.  When laundry is done, I fold or hang immediately and make smaller trips upstairs.  It is easier to carry up clothes on hangers or a batch of towels or undies.  I can still hold on to the handrail and feel safe.

I like breakfast sandwiches - but don't want to go out and buy them.  I can make them at home for pennies.  Make some biscuits or use buns (whatever you have).  I like the way everything fits on those store-bought ones.  So, I cook up sausage patties, and I make my own egg rounds.

 

I use a greased ring for a canning jar - wide mouth.  Fry on one side and then flip.  Works perfect and they are just the right size.  You could also take the top and bottom off a can like tuna and use that as a mold.  Grease the inside of the ring.  Use what you have. (maybe a biscuit cutter?)

Making homemade cleaner is so easy.  You can make citrus cleaner with peels - I have posted that many times.  OR you can just make a nice cleaner with things you have on hand. 

2 C water

1/2 C white vinegar

1 tsp. dish soap

1 tsp. baking soda

Mix together and put in a spray bottle.

Heck you can use soap water as well!!!!  That is pretty simple and easy.  Maybe add a splash on vinegar.

Here is a trick I used the other day - and boy did it save time when I was done.

I was going to be using a small roller and a paint brush to paint my big planter the neighbor made.

I slid the paint tray into a plastic grocery bag I had - the wrapped it around to the bottom and added a couple pieces of tape to hold it.

Poured the paint onto the bag - and went to town.  When done - clean-up was simply taking the bag off and throwing away.  The tray was clean as a whistle.  You could do this with a regular size tray as well.  Talk about easy peasy!!!!!

I have some old worn-out fuzzy socks that get used over my Swifter dust mop.  They slide over the end - if need be, use a rubber band to hold it on.  I spray with a bit of water to dampen, and dust mop the floors.  When done they can be washed and reused again and again.  No need to buy fancy products.  I have even used microfiber cloths on the Swifter.  Just use what you have.

Heck even small things can make a difference.  My silverware drawer is in an old washstand, and it is a long drawer and kind of heavy.  I keep a couple spoons, forks, and knives in a kitchen themed coffee mug on the counter.  That is all I need for me!!!!  Wash and replace - they are always handy.

My cooking utensils are in a clay pot next to the stove and ready to use.  They get used a lot, so don't have a chance to get dusty!

For me it is just the little things!

There are so many things we can do to make life easier (which is smarter).  

What is something you do that makes life easier and not harder?   We all need new ideas. 

Hope you all have a great day.  Look up, look around and listen - it is lovely out there!

Time, Days = Life

 Happy Tuesday to all.  I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is a chilly morning, yet it will be warming into the upper 70's today.  No rain until the weekend.  It is still very dry in these parts.  The lovely weather has been enjoyed though.  Windows open and fresh air is the best!

Today let's talk about how your time and your days ARE your life.  When we waste those things, we waste life.  I know we talk about money a lot and we talk about a simple life a lot.  Once you get your life into a simpler place, the better your life quality will be. 

And we need to remember that money is just a TOOL!  It is just that simple.

We need to concentrate more on quality of life than the money.  We can do so many simple things to change this life.  Yes, money is important to pay the bills and for emergencies, but your life is limited - so make it the best you can.

As my Glen used to say, "Plan your work and work your plan!"

Consume less - less stuff in the home, is less to maintain and clean.  It is less money spent, so it can be used for important things.  Cancel things that aren't important or rarely used.  Think about apps, subscriptions, magazines, streaming, online shopping, memberships, etc.

Try making things you normally buy - spice mixes, cooking from scratch, crafts & gifts, baking.

Rest when you feel you need it.  Take time each day just for you.  It is OK to not be busy every moment.  Rest helps your body and mind heal.  Watch nature, read a book, porch sit, take a nap - just rest each day.

Know your priorities.  Is it money or a happy and calm life?

Learn new skills.  Learn how to do things for yourself.  How to repair.  How to garden.  How to cook.  Ask people, go to the library and watch You Tube videos.

Pay NO interest - unless it is mortgage or car payments.  Always pay things on time and do not pay interest or late fees.  They eat a ton of your money.

Do things for yourself at home.  Make your own spa night/day.  Nice soaking bath, candles, soft music - just a relaxing time.  Do manis and pedis at home.  Give yourself a facial with things you have at home in your kitchen.

Walking is free exercise.   Garden, yard work is free exercise.  Turn up the music and dance - yes, it is exercise.

Hang with like-minded people!  If you hang out with spenders, you will more than likely spend more.  Be with folks who like to have a nice coffee at home, get together for a meal at home, play cards or board games.  Go to free events or the park.  Stay out of the expensive shops and just keep it simple, you will probably find it more relaxing - less distractions.

Make the most of your days - each and every day.  Life can be fun, exciting and wonderful - you just have to be a little creative.  It isn't all about money.  It is about LIVING!

Live simply.  Big things and small things can make a huge difference.

The less you do or need that costs money - the less you worry about it.

ENJOY this day you have been gifted and remember to be kind to others.

SMILE

Weekly Wrap Up 10/12

 Hello to all and happy Sunday.  Happy Thanksgiving weekend to all our Canadian friends.  Hope this finds you all safe and happy and healthy.

Cool mornings prevail, yet the days are nice.  According to the weather man, we are to be above normal for the next 14 days or so.  Highs this week are to be in the 70's.  I'll take it.

It seems the nasty stink bugs left pretty much - then yesterday there were a bunch of box elder bugs.  I am hoping that was kind of a fluke, as the mower came to mow the big yard next door and I do believe he stirred them up, under and around said tree!  They were gone within a couple hours, so here is hoping I don't see any more today.

I think Eric (chicken man) has a new chicken that is being vocal and weird.  When he first lets them out in the morning, there is one that now sounds like a demented, evil clown laughing!  Seriously - it is the weirdest noise, especially first thing in the morning!

This week wasn't anything big, just a lot of little things that add up to getting things done before the cold hits.

My frugal week:

• Washed some baggies this week
• Lots of walks and free exercise
• Laundry and used dehumidifier water and hung everything to dry
• Worked of 'critter' proofing the outside of the house - for buggers and/or mice.  Checking the perimeter and taking care of any cracks in block
• Ordered checks this week - last ones ordered was almost 2 years ago!  
• Took down and cleaned hummingbird feeders for the winter.  :(
• Hard boiled eggs for snacks
• Painted the planter/solar light structure my neighbor made me.  I got it placed out front
• I did go to Kroger because I had rec. a coupon for a FREE 24 pack of water (coupon exp. 10/11).  I do not buy water but like to have for the holidays for visitors.  I got it and extra canned cat food.  Of course, I looked around - and found ground pork on clearance - 1 lb.-$1.68 and crackers on clearance (dated 3/26) which will be gone by then!

• Repackaged all the meat and froze - there will be a lot of meals from that cheap meat.  So many ways to serve or season it.
• Cleaned out a bunch of paperwork
• Harvest only about 5 lbs.
• Cleaned out the area behind the garden and between it and the fence (deadheading)
• Cleaned the ceiling fans (ran 24/7 for months)
• Cleaned a couple more windows
• Cooking from home and using what I have
• No AC or heat.  Slippers and bathrobe and throw on super chilly mornings

Meals this past week:

Dirty rice w/grnd. beef and salad

Grilled cheese and tomato soup

L/O rice topped with chicken/bean Mex. soup (from freezer) and sliced tomatoes

Omelet, sausage patties, toast and tomatoes

Chili (freezer) w/crackers and a salad

Chili/cheese nachos

Breaded fried pork burger w/Swiss and salad

SNACKS:  popcorn, fruit, apple & p/b, cheese and tomatoes

There you go - nothing much exciting.  Seems we all have our projects we want to get done this month.  Time flies by so fast, so we all need to get moving.  I start this week on taking down the garden (sad face).

I hope you all have a grand week ahead and stay safe and healthy.

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

*********************

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

Courage to change the things I can; and

the wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;

Enjoying each moment of time;

Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;

Taking, as He did, this sinful world

as it is, not as I would have it;

Trusting that He will make all things

right if I surrender to His will;

That I may be reasonably happy in this 

life and supremely happy with Him

Forever in the next.

Reinhold  Niebuhr

Lord, first we have thankful hearts for all blessings received this week.  Help us each to be the kind of people to honor You every moment.    Help us each to know that things are to be done in Your time and with Your Will.  I ask for health and healing for all our lovely family and friends.  May we each give thanks and love this week.  AMEN

Ending With a Smile

 Hello to all.  It is another chilly morning here.  Looks to be a sunny day, but staying a bit cooler in the mid 60's.  I think the weekend is going to be lovely. Many in the northern part of the state may have gotten a little frost last night.  Nothing here - and doubtful we will get any at least for the next week or so.  Fine with me!

I came across this little diddy and it made me chuckle a little too much and say 'hmmmm'.  Thought you may enjoy it as well.  It says 'only' in America - well, that may not be true - it could be other places as well.

SMILE

And now for a little humor...

Only in America ...do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to get their prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front.

Only in America .....do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a diet coke.

Only in America .....do banks leave vault doors open and then chain the pens to the counters.

Only in America .....do we leave cars worth thousands of dollars in the driveway and put our useless junk in the garage.

Only in America ......do we buy hot dogs in packages of ten and buns in packages of eight.

Only in America ......do they have drive-up ATM machines with Braille lettering.

EVER WONDER....

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why can't women put on mascara with their mouth closed?

Why don't you ever see the headline 'Psychic Wins Lottery'?

Why is 'abbreviated' such a long word?

Why is it that doctors call what they do 'practice'?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing liquid made with real lemons?

Why is the man who invests all your money called a broker?

Why is the time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there mouse-flavored cat food?

Why didn't Noah swat those two mosquitoes?

Why do they sterilize the needle for lethal injections?

You know that indestructible black box that is used on airplanes? Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?!

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport, the terminal?

Hope this made you smile a little bit

Hard to believe we are approaching another weekend. I hope whatever plans you have this weekend are fun, productive and just enjoyable. I wish all of our Canadian friends a Happy Thanksgiving and a great weekend of food, friends, family and socializing.

Have a great day!!! Make sure to enjoy life a little!

The Flavors of Fall - Oh Yum!

 Happy midweek to all.  It is a brisk 50*F this morning - fall is in the air.  The moon was bright and full this morning - goodness it was pretty.  Yesterday we finally got a nice soft rain and misty rain for several hours.  After lunch it finally stopped.  We needed every drop for sure.  It looks to be a lovely day.  LOL - this morning I put on a long sleeve t-shirt and my bibbers.  Just the cooler type day for them!

It is time for comfort food and goodies!!!!  I think we all enjoy comfort food of fall and winter.  Then there are goodies!  It seems there tend to be more get togethers during the fall and winter months.  Holidays make for lots of goodies and treats.

Next week is Thanksgiving in Canada and we will be about a month later.

Back in the day I used to make cheeseballs for every gathering I had.  They were always eaten.  I see them at the stores and they sure are pricey today!  They can be made much cheaper and they are easy.  Do people still serve cheese balls?

I like this idea for cheeseball bites!

BITE-SIZE CHEESE BALLS

8 oz. pkg. of cream cheese (softened)

2 C shredded cheddar cheese (finely grated)

1 1/2 C finely shredded carrots

2 tsp. honey

1 C pecans, finely chopped (optional)

pretzel sticks

Combine the cheeses, carrots and honey.  Chill for about an hour.  Shape into one-inch balls and then roll in pecans if desired.  Chill again, then stick a pretzel stick in each one to serve!  Makes about 45 little cheese bites.

How fun!

CANDIED or CARAMEL APPLES

I love caramel apples - but the sure are hard to eat without making a mess.  I saw this pic on FB and thought it was a genius idea.

Slice your apples, then make a little slit for a stick, dip in melted chocolate, place on wax paper and allow to cool in frig for a bit.  Drizzle with caramel and/or goodies.  How fun is that?  Easy to eat as well.  It gives you all the thrill of eating a candy apple, just not all the calories and mess. (perfect for little ones too)

PINEAPPLE WELCOME DIP

A great appetizer (or dessert)

2 - 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese (softened)

1 C Mayo

15 1/4 oz. can crushed pineapple (drained)

Mix this all together.  Stir well and chill and serve w/crackers.  I think with graham crackers or vanilla wafers would be wonderful!

Use that juice for something else!!!!!!

SAUSAGE AND PEPPER QUICHE

3/4 lb. sausage - ground

2 peppers (red is pretty), finely chopped

9 inch pie crust

1/4 tsp. salt

1/4 C Cheddar cheese, shredded

2 Tbsp. grated Parm cheese

2 eggs

1/2 C half and half

3 Tbsp milk

Place sausage and pepper in a large skillet.  Cook and stir constantly for about 7 minutes.  Drain.  Place pie crust in pan, top with sausage mixture.  In a small bowl mix cheeses and salt - spread over meat.

Whisk eggs with milks and pour over everything.  Bake 425 for 15 minutes - reduce heat to 350 and bake additional 10 minutes or so.

Great for breakfast - but would also be good on appetizer table.  Cut into small slices or pieces and serve.

WALNUT CHIP PIE

1 C sugar

1/2 C all-purpose flour

2 eggs

1 stick butter - melted and cooled

1 C chopped walnuts

1 C chocolate chips

1 tsp. vanilla

9 inch pie crust

Mix first 7 ingredients together and pour into pie shell.  Bake at 325 for one hour.  Serves 8-10.

Easy-peasy!!!!! AND GOOD

I do love all the fall goodies that come around.  Not that I should be eating them, but heck - it is the holidays!

I am a huge lover of comfort food.  Soups of all kinds, stew, chili, all things gooey and cheesy, gravies and biscuits oh yum!  

Think about making something new and different this year for your contribution to the holiday meal.  It may become a new family favorite.

Soon we will need to think about jar mixes again - they are great to have on hand for easy dinners and they make great gifts too.  That is a whole other post!

Have a wonderful fall day.

Old Ways and Me - It Just Makes Sense

 Howdy all.  It is a damp morning here!  We did get some rain overnight - but not much at all here.  It is very cloudy and dark outside still, and we may get some more rain later today.  South of here, got a nice amount of rain - here maybe 1/4".  It is water from the sky - so we gladly take it but need so much more.

I know I talk a lot about this subject, but I think it is important.  Many younger folks have never known that having less is OK, and that in fact it can be good (some older folks as well).  We always get new readers, so I hope this helps in some way.

To understand me and my ways - know that I have lived in my home for 40 years now.  It was paid off in 15 years; it is a small bungalow and built in the 40's.  My vehicle was brand new when we bought it, 23 years ago!  Only new car either of us had ever owned.  It is still going, and not bad looking.  My furniture is 23+ years old.  I still have a flip phone (cell).  Quality is important!

I talk about replacing the vehicle and furniture often, yet here it is!  I have the funds to do it, I guess I just have to be in the mood. LOL

You know that old saying "if it aint broke don't fix it" - well even if it breaks - fix it!  That's my advice.

• I can work wonders with stale bread - so many options
• I use leftovers, some as is, some in new ways.  Love soups and casseroles - great ways to change up leftovers
• I water down just about everything.  Dish soap, laundry soap, shampoo, juices, etc.
• Garden and eat it and preserve it in some way
• Cook from scratch and eat at home.  I eat very well, yet very simply.  Some of my favorite meals are the simplest. 

Open face sloppy Joe and homemade slaw - not complicated but good and filling.  You can do anything from scratch.

• I make most of my cleaning products.  Vinegar and water for windows, I keep a bottle of ammonia/water/Dawn mix for cleaning.  I often make orange cleaner with citrus peels.
• Old t-shirts make hankies and rags for cleaning (no waste or trash)
• Scraps and old clothes - used to make projects.
• Get creative when crafting (espec. w/kiddos) - I will do a post on CREATIVE CRAFTS
• I wash zip lock baggies and reuse
• Keep glass jars and use for storage and pantry goods - helps get rid of plastic & glass is mouse proof!
• I make most gifts - jams, jellies, salsa, cookies, treats (in goody baskets), and even toys & such
• I very seldom turn on lights - I love the look of candles (or battery candles), even a small string of twinkle lights (they give a lot of light)
• Keep AC and furnace off until totally needed
• Use rain barrels - great for watering plants & water for animals
• I even use the dehumidifier water in laundry - no need to waste it
• Hang most of my laundry to dry (even indoors) and use dryer to only fluff
• I run errands at one time and in a circle pattern around the town - ending up back at home
• I do yardwork myself for exercise and I walk everyday!  No gym needed here
• Fix things - YouTube can teach you about anything
• I compost - in my own way (I do things a bit different than most because of critters)
• I keep the candle scraps (bottom of jar) to use in my melt pots (still smells good)
• When I had a printer - I saved the scrap paper to cut into note pads.   I use old envelopes to make lists, and keep the front of Christmas cards for tags for gifts next year and also for lists
• I always keep pretty bags and boxes and tissue paper to reuse - some have gone on for years!
• I shop thrift stores and yard sales FIRST
• I use black wash cloths in the kitchen to wash dishes and clean with - they show no stains and I know where they are for
• Dates on things mean very little to me
• I keep my favorite recipes written down in a little book together.  They never get deleted!!!
• Buy ingredients and not specialty stuff - you can get so creative
• I drink mainly water, flavored water or iced tea (homemade)

Oh the list can go on and on.  Yep, mom did most of these things as well - so I had a good teacher.  But for me it is just common sense and a way to live and respect life.  Not wasting things is so important.  Not only does it save money, but it so good for the environment.  Anything I can reuse, buy used, or fix - stays out of the landfill!!  Heck - I have even rescued every animal I have ever had!!!!💖

It may sound like a lot of work to some to do many of these things, but once you get used to it - you will find it fun, and I bet you will look around and try to figure out other things you can.

I hope this gives a few ideas to some of the newbies here and even all our regulars.  There is so much more - but it just seems normal to me.

Call me old fashioned - I find it a compliment!!!

I love living like this - I appreciate all things.

Have a super great day!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/5

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds all well and safe.  I am still trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it is October!  I mean seriously.  Time is flying by so fast, and the holidays will be here in no time.  I just can't get my head around it all.

It is still 2 seasons per day.  Fall feeling in the morn and summer feel in the late afternoon.  I now have cracks again in the back yard - it is very dry again.  Looks like we may get some rain Tuesday - but according to radar, not a lot here.  We will cool to fall like temps for a couple days later in the week, then back to warm again.  I sure do like this weather.

It seems that in my area, it is stink bug, small fly, and sweat bee season!!!!  The stinky ones are everywhere.  The little flies are like Velcro!  They attach to you when you go out without you knowing it, and then you bring them in!  Those little bees are everywhere as well.

My backyard looks like a mini war zone!  The squirrels collect the walnuts down the alley, and then come to my yard (I guess they feel safe) and plant them!  They dig little places all over.  LOL

My week was pretty calm.  

My frugal week:

• Received a $5 off at least a $5 purchase from the local hardware store (for birthday month).  Will go visit at some point this month
• Froze the 2nd container of chili my niece sent home with me
• Made a bowl of the Pay Day candy/nut mix with items I had here
• Cut up 2 old t-shirts into hankies
• Mowed and trimmed the entire back yard (and back 40) - boy was it dusty as I mowed.  There were a lot of stringy weeds & leaves
• Lots of walks
• Cut my hair (it sure needed it)
• Made a bowl of tom/cuke/onion salad to eat on over the week
• Washed a few windows
• Deadheaded more flowers from out front and cleaned out the front beds some more
• Shared lots of tomatoes - green and red.  I heard a neighbor had been craving fried green tomatoes, so gave her some green ones
• Picked around 15 lbs. of tomatoes and peppers
• NO grocery shopping
• Using what I have and cooking at home
• AC off most of the time
• Just working on the fall clean

My menu this past week:

Chili and crackers

Chili, sour cream baked potato

BLT and cut up fresh veggies

Green beans/potato/sm. sausage, and sliced tomatoes

Burger topped with sauteed peppers and cheese (no bun) and tom/cuke/onion salad

Half chicken breast, fried green tomatoes and salad

Homemade pizza hot pockets (freezer) and salad

SNACKS:  salad, fruit, apple & PB, candy/nut mix

Pretty quiet and easy.  This weekend it is quiet around here as many of the neighbors are gone for the weekend.  Heck, yesterday I even did 2 nice walks. It was so pretty out.

Seems life is just flying by so quickly.  I hope you are taking time to enjoy as well as prep for winter.

Prayers that everyone has a blessed week ahead.  May you all be safe, healthy and happy in the upcoming week.  

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

*******************

Prove me, O Lord, and try me; test my heart and my mind.  For thy steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in faithfulness to thee.

Proverbs 26:2-3

Lord again we come forward and give thanks for all the blessings we received each day.  Help us each to keep our faith no matter the test.  Faith is unending and felt, to me it is just being.  Let us all do good for others, and pray for all, friends and foes.  Help us to be Your soldiers here on earth.  AMEN

Pantry Prep - Getting Ready for a New Season

 Hello all - hope this finds you all well and safe.  It is a lovely day here so far.  The sunrise was just beautiful this morning.  Pinks, oranges against the blue - it was lovely.  It is a cool fall morning but will return to an 80's summer day later on!  Yep, we get to enjoy 2 seasons each day.

Many have been talking about and taking action, to get ready for the winter season.  Pantry preps always come to mind when the seasons change.

We all want to save as much money as possible from new purchases, we want to have plenty in our homes for various reasons, and then there are the holidays.

There are several things we can all do right at home to prepare and add to the pantry.  They cost very little, and they are healthy options.

I know I have listed some of these before - but we always get new people reading, and I like to remind our regulars of creating at home.

Click on recipe to enlarge for easier reading.

This is great to mix up and have on hand for soup or for adding to another type of soup, casseroles etc.

Cream of soups can be costly at the store, and they contain a lot of 'stuff' we don't necessarily want in our food.  Make up a batch of this and add in whatever you want to make your own versions of cream of!!!!

Here is a basic outline for creating casseroles for a quick night's dinner using what you have around the house (including leftovers).  This was originally listed by Amy of the Tightwad Gazette.  I have used this outline many times over the years.

It can sure make a tasty meal for next to nothing.

End of the season and end of the garden and have a bunch of green tomatoes to use?  Can them and you can use them all winter long.  I do this almost every year.  It is super easy to do, and I can enjoy one of my favorite things during the winter!!!!

Once you drain these and then batter - fry and they taste just like fresh!!!!!

Make your own ranch mix.  You can make dressing or dip.  I have most of these ingredients on hand all the time - and it is so easy to whip up.  No fillers or preservatives in this mix!

If you do not have dried chives - you can dehydrate the tops to green onions and use.

It is just nice to have many of the basics on your shelves for any type of use.  Life gets hectic and busy at times, and it is nice to just not fret and about what is in the pantry.

Hope everyone is taking inventory and looking to add some great homemade goodies to your shelves and your belly!!!!

Some of these would make Christmas gifts and goodie bag additions as well!!!!

Have a glorious day, be happy and be kind.