Busy Hands, Thankful Heart

 Hello to all.  Hoping this finds you well.  A glorious morning it is here.  Wishing you a good one as well.

It was 57* this morning when I got up!  What a difference a couple days makes.  It is just beautiful out.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the kitties fed and playing.  Windows are open - actually I never had the AC on at all yesterday!  Hope today is the same.  The heat is coming back in a couple days (just not as bad), so I will enjoy and appreciate these fine cooler days all I can.

I actually saw the groundhog for the first time in a week or so - it must like cooler weather too.  I saw a bunny across the street.  Such sweet sights of nature first thing.

I was amazed how much dew there was this morning.  I figured as cool as it was, and the humidity levels way down that wouldn't be the case.  Oh well, gives me a chance to do some other things until it dries, as I want it dry to mow.

This says it all to me.  The picture even reminded me a little of daddy.  He always had his bibbers on and loved the porch swing.  He would sit out there when not working and play his harmonica.  I used to love to sit and listen to that.

I feel so blessed to have these lovely days to get out and catch up.  It sure needs 'catching up'.  I see a mess - others don't.  Yesterday I was out back working and trying to make things 'pretty' again in my eyes, and I met the folks that are caretakers of an elderly neighbor behind me.  We talked about him and she told me what a lovely yard I had.  I said it is such a mess right now, from all the heat and stuff.  Her words were "from my view it is beautiful".  There you go - everyone has a different view on things and sees things differently - I think that is pretty neat.  I was so appreciative of her words, it makes the work seem more doable.  Something so simple as her words, made me smile and lifted my day.

I am so blessed to have a full refrigerator and a full pantry and can make about anything I can think of to fill my belly.  I use up leftovers in new ways and get a little creative and never get bored with meals.

A group I am involved with from school, had been planning a major event, that seemed way out of hand.  We were all kind of pressured into being involved, which just really stressed me out (others as well).  Well, I finally said I was done and wouldn't be involved.  What a relief I felt - sometimes NO is the best answer us.  One by one others backed out as well - and I really prayed that those that started this thing would see it wasn't feasible.  That happened yesterday.  Such a relief to many.  

Sometimes we tend to complicate life, when we don't need to.  Memories of days past are good enough - we don't need to try and relive them.  

Go forward and make new memories.

Opening the windows for fresh air, hanging laundry to dry, picking veggies from the garden, the kitties getting excited to see me, watching them play, cuddles with Bitsy, eating something fresh for a snack, a cold drink of milk, watching the butterflies and birds at the flowers........I could go on and on.

Simple little things that just make a day and make me smile.

I love being in my little home - as simple as it is.  It gives me a hug every time I come home from someplace.

I am so thankful that I can still get out and do all the things I love, just maybe a little slower.  I see many people my age, that have actually stopped and have no will or health to do things.

We go through things in life that make us sad and make us depressed - we all do.  Bad things DO happen.  But you know what?  There is still so much out there that is good!  Sometimes we just need to open our eyes and pay attention.  Maybe just being in the moment and not running away from things or not running towards something else is the answer.   It seems some people are always running.

BE IN THE MOMENT!  APPRECIATE what you have.

Keep your hands and your body busy with what you have and what you love.  If that is gardening, yardwork, knitting, piece work, reading, walking and visiting, cooking, just do it.  

Make each day the best day.  

I know I have been a bit nostalgic lately - but I needed that to get up and move again in my normal fashion.  I have needed some reminders that life is indeed GREAT no matter what happens.  

I think there are others here that need to be reminded of that as well.  You will get through things, and you WILL go on.  It takes time and work - but you got this.  God loves you; I love you all, and you all have others in your life that love you - so just keep plugging away and take baby steps to getting back into life.  Small steps still make a journey happen.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

SMILE and look up and appreciate.

Something for Nothing

 Hello to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  HUGS to all that need them. (I know some do).

It is a cool morning here - boy, does it feel different.  It almost felt chilly out when I went out to feed all.  It is breezy and in the mid 60's!!  We get a couple days of nicer weather - good time to get things done outside finally.

Just a short post to show how to make something from almost nothing.  I used a leftover and dribs and drabs of other things - and made a new product that was yummy.

I saw a post on FB about 'broc'amoli - using broccoli instead of avocado.

So I did my own version.  I had about a cup of leftover cooked broccoli, so I threw it in the blender with some sour cream that needed used, a couple tablespoons of nacho cheese in a jar, and a dash or two of taco sauce.  Blended it all up together and the above picture is the result.

I had it over beans and rice - it took away some of the spicey bite.  I had it over salad as a dressing, and I finished it off with nacho chips.

This would be a great way to use up any leftover cooked veggie and hide it, for those who may not like veggies.

You could use as I did, or on sandwiches, on burritos, a dip for fresh veggies, etc.

Mine ended up the consistency of a thick ranch dressing.  You can add or delete whatever you have, so change up texture and consistency.  It was completely smooth and showed no sign of broccoli!  I got a very faint taste of broccoli - probably could have added more cheese or spice and changed that.

Just another idea of using up this and that to not waste and have a new item on your table.

This was very tasty and I will use leftover veggies this way again!

So there you go - use up those leftovers and get creative.  It can be fun, not just regular food item!

Makes a somewhat healthy dip/dressing.

Have a great day.

Letting Our Light Shine

 Hello all - hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.  Hope all you gals in the smokey areas are doing well.

The smoke is pretty much gone around here.  We had a couple days of it - but nothing like up north.  It is nice out this morning, just a little humid.  We were supposed to have rain and storms, and again it all passed by my area.

I have been out and fed everyone - kitties get so excited to see me at morning feeding!  I had my quiet time, and I have a load of laundry on.

Yesterday was a really off day for me.  I am not sure what was going on, but all I wanted to do was sleep.  I just felt so drained and tired.  I did what I had to do, and then I just rested.  Today I feel totally different - so I guess I needed the extreme rest.

We need to listen to our bodies.

I spent a lot of time thinking too.  You know we may be getting older and things may be slower - but that is OK.  We just need to keep moving.  Moving is sooooo important not just for physical health but mental.  Keeping active and appreciating all the things we have and get to see - makes for a pretty well-rounded person.

We need to remember to be positive in life.  Anger and nastiness get us nothing, and it is so unbecoming!!!!  Some people cannot have a single conversation without interspersing something nasty or negative.  It is really ugly.   

Be patient.  I heard something the other day I thought was good.  BE patient or be THE patient!!!!!  Pretty good advice.

We can't stop stuff - but how we react is a choice we can make.  Make it a positive choice.  It does take practice.  Stay calm and carry on.

Live fully and appreciate all things.  Life is such a joy and a privilege.

Stay balanced.  Look up.  Look around.  Take it all in.

We do a lot of planning for the future - some people spend all their time planning.  Make sure you spend time for today!!!!!  You can't change yesterday, you aren't guaranteed tomorrow, but TODAY is yours and make it the best.

Have a life of joy, peace, contentment, humor - yes humor is very important too.

Live gracefully and be a good steward of all things.

Make sure you let YOUR LIGHT SHINE today.  It will make you feel better and it most likely make someone else feel better too.

Enjoy this gift of life.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/19

 Hello to all this Sunday.  It is hard to believe we are over halfway through the month of July.  I hope you are all safe and healthy.

It feels lovely out this morning.  The temp is around 70* and the humidity has dropped dramatically overnight.  Now it stinks like crazy!!  Outside smells like a ginormous campfire and it is so smokey/hazy out (from the northern fires).  We are in the unhealthy range here in the city.  It is supposed to last another day.  I know you gals all over are having it much worse.  By Wednesday we are going to have highs right at 80* - that will feel so good, compared to the temps we have been having.

It was an emotional week for sure.  I thank you all for your kind words and your prayers - they were all felt.  Now it is time to get back to life.  Between the extreme temps and the sadness, I just have left a lot go.  It seems like life was put on hold - so it is time to get back to normal.

My frugal week:

• Cut my hair
• Not frugal - but went to florist.  Then on to grocery to check things out.  Got the great deal on tenderloins and mushrooms I mentioned Thursday
• I picked a lot of banana peppers, cherry toms and my first cucumber (so good)
• I 'pickled' several peppers in a jar of jalapeno brine - no processing used.  They stay fresh and crisp and last forever that way (I cut into rings)
• I got out and cleaned up the front flower bed of weeds
• Discovered a dress I forgot about when deciding what to wear to funeral.  It has only been worn once, and I forgot all about it.  I wore it - and got a lot of compliments on it
• Repaired the hummingbird feeder with new feeding flowers I got last time I was at the feed store.  They were tough to get in, but now it will last many more years
• Mowed and trimmed my little front yard - and boom!  I was done.  Oh, it was so stinking hot, and I was drenched just doing that
• Cleaned out the crispers and washed them down - then scrubbed the kitchen floor

Meals this past week:

Tuna/egg salad sandwich and fruit

Tenderloin and salad

Pork/cheese stuffed mushrooms

l/o mushrooms and air fried potatoes

Church dinner after funeral

Chicken, corn casserole and cheesy potatoes (sent home from church)

Chopped steak w/sauteed onions & peppers, steamed broccoli, tom/cuke/onion salad

I did manage to accomplish some things, just didn't have the mindset to do a lot.  I already have a list for outside work, for when the temps drop!

I got to see a ton of family I haven't seen in many years (live out of state) and some that I have never met.  Sis's family has been scattered all over the country for years.  I was a nice time of laughter, stories and love with tears thrown in.  I am sure she was smiling down!

How has your week been?  How are the gardens doing?  Any good deals on anything?

I love hearing from you all.  We heard from some this week, that we haven't heard from in a while.  Still some MIA - wish our missing would check in.  We care.

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

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

***************************** 

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the days own trouble be sufficient for the day.  Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matthew 6:34, 7:1

Dear Lord, we thank You for all the blessings we received this week.  Help us to understand that our time is not always Your time, and that You have us each in your loving hands.  Protect and assure those having health and/or family issues that You are there every step.  May they see that and give themselves grace in all that they do.  Help us all be kind to others and bite our tongues of nastiness and harsh words.  May our words be loving and heal.  AMEN

Bargains and Bites

 Hello all, I hope everyone is safe and doing well.  I have enjoyed hearing from some of our MIA gals the past couple days.  It is good to know how all are health wise.

I will be so happy when this heatwave pops, and we get back to some normal temps in the 80's.  It is ok as long as it is somewhat cloudy - but the sun really makes it miserable.  I feel so bad for people that work outside and for all the animals.

It feels a bit muggy outside this morning, more than it did earlier in the week.

When out for flowers the other day, I ran to Kroger.  Just thought I would see if there were any bargains since I was so darn close.  I found a couple things to add to the larder for future meals.

I found these breaded and pounded pork chops (basically tenderloins).  There were 6 huge ones in the package for $4.50.  I love a good tenderloin sandwich and haven't had one in a long, long while.

That is .75 per loin or chop.  Pretty good bargain in my book.  A couple of them could actually be cut into 2 pieces for 2 meals.

I also got these really nice mushrooms.  They fit in my palm - so pretty good size.  I decided they would be good stuffed for various meals.

Well, I made 6 of them into cheesy pork stuffed mushrooms and cooked them in the air fryer.  I ate 2 meals from them.  

I thawed 6 pork meatballs from the freezer and smooshed them a bit (technical term) so they weren't balls any more.  I cooked most of the way done.  I place a small chunk of cheddar in the cap, then the meat, then topped with some nacho cheese I had in frig and then some crushed chips on top. 

**I always keep the crumbs from any chips for topping when baking.  They were so stinking yummy.  I had 4 for one meal and that was my meal!  I had a piece of fruit after.

I plan on doing the remainder of them in some style of 'pizza' version.  Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, etc.   I will make them up and probably cook and then freeze for future meals.  So basically about .85 meal for the mushrooms with whatever I have in the frig to top them.

Cheap eating doesn't get a lot cheaper, and it has all been tasty too.

I love it when bargains make great eats!!!!

Have you come up with any fun and creative dishes this week?

I won't be back on until later this evening or in the morning to respond, depending on what time I get back and how drained I am.  

I hope all you northern ladies are safe from fires and smoke.

Wishing you all have a blessed and wonderful day.

Adventures in being Frugal

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  All is good here.

AC is off this morning, but that will probably not last long.  It is a bit humid out and is about 71*.  Lovely morning actually.

It is going to be really hot the next few days - I guess it is to be expected in July, and I know it could be worse.

The garden is growing, it just seems a little slower than normal to me - I do believe the sun and heat is the problem.  Keeping things watered well.

Just thought I would relate a couple stories that have been on my mind recently.  You know I watched my mom and dad and learned much from them.  I think all of us kids did.  We learned how to make do and how to stretch a dollar.

Both of my sisters were frugal queens as well.  Linda had 3 kids and very little money (a single mom for a while) and she could cook and feed those children.  She was a fantastic cook, and when married had a husband that fished and hunted - which was a huge gift to the family.  They foraged and gleaned.  Her adult children still do that a lot.  She found fruit trees and canned as much as possible.  They raised a huge garden.  She worked odd jobs at times, and as the kids got to be teens, she worked at the school cafeteria.  They had a small house - but it was always sparkling and cozy.

Marcella married very young (16) and started having children within a year.  She raised 6 kiddos and they really had little money.  She lived out in the country when the kids were younger.  They gardened and raised a huge garden.  She could cook!  Talk about creative cooking - she was an original.

They lived in a huge old kind of drafty house (considered haunted by locals) - it was cheap and had rooms for all the kids.  It had a lot of land with it - and there were fruit and nut trees everywhere, and lots of hills and hollers for the kids to play on.  Their land was surrounded by corn fields, and yes, she would get corn in the summer by just walking over and picking it!!!  That always horrified mom, but sis swore they farmers said it was ok. 

The house had indoor plumbing - but it still had an outhouse (2 holer) - and due to the cost of water (according to her), the family used it most of the time!!! 

Now I say she was frugal - her kids say 'cheap'.  I laugh now - because I think they were right at some point.  She bought second hand before it was a real thing - the kids hated it.  Some of the girls got hand me downs from me and they loved it - mom made all my clothes when I was younger.

They eventually moved up here to town and lived really close by our home.  Then the kids were getting older and started working a little so they could buy nicer things to wear to school.  We went to the same junior high and high school.  

She could revamp a house on a dime - it just came natural to her.  Her hubby was not the least bit handy - so she learned how to do a lot.

Today her children have all done well.  Many had extremely good and high-paying jobs without college.  Most (except one) live in what I would call excess now!  Their formative years had something to do with that, I am sure!!!  They knew what they wanted and went for it.  

Sis, ended up in real estate after the kids were grown and she was 'retired'.  She did quite well with that but never lost her 'frugal' mindset.

Those are just back stories - I went Monday to order flowers for sis's funeral.  I know I didn't need to, I just felt like it was the last thing I could do.  The florist I have used for decades, I found has closed for good!  I was sad - they were great - reasonable - and always did a fantastic job.  Shoot if you went in to order or pay your bill, they would send you home with a couple of flowers.

I went to a new place - and holy cow were they expensive!  I was a bit dumb founded - but plodded ahead and ordered.  I got in the car and could hear sis, saying 'what is wrong with you?'  'Why did you spend so much on a bouquet of flowers?'  LOL.  I set there and laughed and had a couple tears as well.

I will never forget the effects that the women in my life have had on me.  They were all strong women, and they knew how to live frugal, yet make life good.  They have all given so many memories.

Linda's kids all live well today, but they seem a little more down to earth than many of older sis's kids.  Whenever we all get together, the stories are shared and we all add to the stories and the loving memories of them all.

I hope someday that those kinds of stories are shared about me as well.  I hope I bring thoughts, laughter, tears and maybe a few lessons to the nieces and nephews.  We learned from the past.  Hopefully we can pass those frugal mindsets on to some extent.  Maybe we can teach how to get by in a pinch.  How to stretch a dollar.  JUST MAYBE!

So, you see, it is only natural that I live frugal!!!  I was surrounded by it, by the BEST women I have ever known.

Did anyone in your life help transform your thoughts on frugal living?

Have a wonderful and blessed day!!!!

Useful Ideas on Using What You Have

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very pretty morning here.  It is around 70* to start the day and sunny.  Yesterday got warm, but it was a really nice day.  We had a lot of hefty breezes which felt awesome.  The humidity was fairly low too.  I guess the humidity is to start creeping up again this week - UGH.  Back to hot, hot temps as well.  I hope you are all managing to stay cool (or warm depending) and do you work where you are comfortable.

                   Sure seems so!!!!  As long as we can do the work - we should.  FREE exercise!

I imagine I have listed some of these ideas before - but I think they are worth mentioning.  We all look for ways to save dollars and ways to save on extra work - so here are a few ideas.  Some just help keep our homes a bit neater.

• I wash out all cans, jars, bottles and meat trays before placing in the trash.  I know that may sound like over kill, but it sure keeps down the risk of getting gnats and in the summer it keeps things from smelling
• I never leave small appliances plugged in.  The only thing that stays plugged here is the microwave, because the plug isn't easy to get to.  Years ago, we heard a lot about small appliances catching fire when people were away from home.  My mindset hasn't changed.  Just an extra precaution
• Keep your sinks and drains clean all the time!  Gnat problems often derive from sink drains - keep them flushed with water and soap and/or vinegar.
• I have a Swifter dry dust mop - I don't buy those refill pads.  I use an old sock or footie, or a rag or microfiber cloth - they can all be washed if desired.

• Fresh and canned fruit can be used together to stretch it into a fresh tasting summer salad.  It is ok to mix them up - not wasting anything and adds variety
• Learn to fry or saute' veggies for something different.  So many things can be fried.  I love fried corn or hominy - add some peppers and onions and fry in a little butter - YUM.  Battered green beans are wonderful fried.  Bean fries!  Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, summer squash, etc.  can all be battered and fried - I usually use a little butter or bacon grease for frying and flavor
• I always add frozen peas to my tuna salad when I make it.  My mom always did this.  It gives a little brightness and a bit of veggie.  Frozen peas hold form and aren't squishy
• 
  
  
  Make your own crab Rangoon's!  Super easy to make and taste so yummy for a treat with fried rice or homemade lo mien.  I have made these in the air fryer as well - so no heating the kitchen.
• Keep bread bags - great for storing homemade bread, muffins, biscuits.  Wash well and use to store homemade ice for gatherings - I never buy ice.  You can use to store fresh garden produce as well.  Wrap premade burritos, egg rolls, breakfast biscuits/burritos, waffles, pancakes, etc. in them
• When making chili - I use half chili powder and half taco seasoning.  I get rave reviews!
• Make refreshing ice.  Add lemon, limes, cukes, orange slices - whatever you want.  Make a cold beverage a little tastier.  You can also make 'tea' cubes to use in ice tea, so it doesn't get watered down.  Same with fruit juices

                                 The larger cubes keep things cold longer and they are fun!

• If you have extra fruit getting to the end of its life or need to use from freezer - make some syrup.  You may not want to warm the oven baking, or may not want to make jelly/jam - so make a wonderfully flavored syrup for pancakes, waffles, ice cream etc.  Super easy to do on the stove.  Fruit and a little sugar (maybe a touch of water) and let it cook down.
• You can also use the fruit in smoothies, shakes, or homemade ice cream
• Have bits and pieces of this and that in the frig or freezer?  Turn them into fried rice, stir fry or quiche.  Super easy and it makes an entirely different type of meal.  Check those crispers for things getting down to the wire, check the frig and freezer - use up those odds and ends. 
• If you can turn off AC for a while and still want to keep air moving - just turn on the FAN only on the thermostat control.  I do this often.  I am only using the fan, not the big compressor on the AC- so it saves money on electricity.  I also keep ceiling fans going all the time
• Make your own little snack trays - great for snacking for yourself or for kiddos - portion control

Gives variety and you can add dip or syrup as well.  I know you can just place things on a plate - but this makes it kind of fun for the young ones.

• Don't forget about freezing seedless grapes in the summer - oh what a treat.  They are so refreshing and so good - I swear it makes them taste sweeter 

Just a few ideas for making summer a little more fun!  Having a clean and sweet-smelling home is on everyone's list - so simple tricks can help.  Food can be fun and refreshing.  So many options in the summer with fresh produce.  If you purchase produce - ALWAYS make sure you clean it well (I use vinegar and water) - you just don't know what it has come in contact with.

Have fun around your house and with your food.  You know my saying "get creative".

Have fun with things - it spices life up a little and it saves money.

Give us your fun and useful ideas!

Have a great day - SMILE