Beans, Peas and Pasta .....oh my!

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all well this morning.  It is low 40's here.  We did have some pretty color in the sky as the sun rose.  Today will get warm again, then come Sunday we go back to winter for a bit.  Hey, it is 10 weeks until Spring - we will manage.

I thought I would talk about some things today that I have an abundance of.  Dry beans, peas and pasta - I have it all.

I have all kinds of dried beans and such - split peas, lentils, black beans, red, navy, baby lima, pinto, and even fava - barley as well.  

Pasta - well there is about every type and size on hand here.  All shapes and sizes and even flavored and veggie pasta.

I think if worse came to worse - with the dried beans (protein) and the pasta (carbs) and fiber with both - I could live for ages and not be hungry.  Of course, one needs other things to add to those and trust me I have it, with the pantry and freezer.

These are items that are so inexpensive to buy.  I often find them on clearance or super sale and kept dry - they last for ages.  I try to keep most of my beans and pasta in glass jars (or at least large heavy plastic ones).  I add bay leaf to every jar - to help repel any insects (it works).

It is truly coming up with ways to use them all.  

I know lots of people add lentils to ground meat or just to recipes to replace or stretch ground meat.  I like to add red or black beans to my taco meat, to add more protein and to extend a smaller amount of meat.

You can add an egg to pasta and maybe a bit of dry binder (or cheese) if you wish - and place on a pizza pan and use as a crust.  I love baked spaghetti - lasagna, etc.  Now also remember that if you don't have lasagna noodles - no problem!  Add a layer of whatever pasta you have instead of the large noodles and make lasagna just the same.

I like beans of all sorts and I am lucky that they give me no problems to eat.  I add beans to lots of things.

Click on pic to enlarge

There are just so many uses for both of these things.  Salads (for both), soups, casseroles, skillet dinners, beans can be mashed and made into refried, pasta can be added to cooked eggs for a breakfast (as can beans), there is just no end to these cheap and simple ingredients.

Add meat (if you choose), tomato products, cheese, any kinds of other veggies, etc. and you can have a huge assortment of meals.

Just a couple basic things, can transform other ingredients and you will never be hungry!

Rice is the same for me as well - I have lots and lots of that and use it as a great extender in meals as well.

So that is my idea today for inexpensive and multi-versatile ingredients.

Do you have any special way of using either to transform other ingredients?

I will try to show how various simple ingredients can be transformed over the next few weeks.

Have a lovely day - stay warm and dry and safe.

Count every single blessing - you may be amazed.

Gifts That Over Time Could Save Much

 Hello all - it is 40* this morning - going to 50's.  Hopefully sunny later in the day.  Those gloomy and cloudy days seems to sure change a mood.

I have noticed a wee bit more daylight - I especially notice in the evening hours.  Wee amounts add up.

Today I want to share some lovely gifts I have received over the past few years that we should all think about getting, either for ourselves or for others.  They could save dollars, but most could actually save lives!!  Can't give a better gift than that.

I have a nephew that worries about his aunty a lot.  He worries about all the family, but he really keeps track of me.  He and G were close as could be (2 peas in a pod) and now he just wants to take care of me!!

This year was the LifeVac - it is used on choking victims to help move the hazard.  You can use it on yourself as well as others.  Looks very easy to use.

Most definitely could save a life.

I got a fire blanket and easy to use fire extinguishers last year.  The blanket stays on a shelf behind the stove.  I got these extinguishers that I have by the stove, and by the furnace and water heater. (both good for car as well).

A weather radio is always a handy thing to have on hand.  Uses batteries or hand crank and during inclement weather, can keep you alerted to what may be coming, so you can take additional shelter.

This is a definite $$ saver - freezer thermostat.  It alerts you if the freezer reaches a certain temp - meaning the freezer is heating up.  Gives you time to move your food stuffs to another location instead of having to throw them away.  My big freezer is in the basement, and I used to have to go down every day JUST to check it.  Now I will be alerted.

Now I know this guy is a HUGE bargain shopper, and he can find a deal like no other.  He makes me SO proud!!!!  He gets these kinds of things for all his close family.  I just have to careful not to mention things in front of him - because he will buy it!!! 

I have received window alarms, battery cables, and even a portable easy to use car battery charger.

He thinks of everything.

I just thought I would show some of these things - so you can do research yourself.  You could buy as a wonderful gift for any occasion or for yourself.  It is always good to be prepared in all ways.  

It isn't just about pantries and freezers or having money in an emergency account.  

Protecting yours and others lives and property is vital.

Have a safe and healthy day!!!!!

Pantry Ideas and Using It

 Hello all - hope this finds you well.  It is a gloomy yet warmer morning here.  It was about 50*F when I got up!  Not going up a lot, but hey, it is January, so that will work for me.  I doubt we see much sun either.  Yesterday was beautiful.  

Today I get back to business - I have had my rest and my quiet.  Now, I am not going to go gangbusters, but it is going to be busier for me.

I have craft projects to complete, more cleaning I want to do, and my big thing is PANTRY/FREEZER use.  I have a lot of many items, and I need to use them.  Not sure what I am waiting for.

We keep our pantries full and our freezers as well, to save money.  We also have extra on hand for emergencies.  You just never know.

Bur having it, and not continually using the oldest, doesn't do us a bit of good.

In my opinion if we have to throw items away for whatever reason, it is exactly the same as throwing cash in the trash can.  You wouldn't do that would you?

The pantry/freezer is like a savings account to me.  You deposit more than you use, and there is always an emergency fund on hand!

Keeping ourselves out of the store a little more, is not a bad thing.  Yes, you may miss a deal this week - but if you didn't know about it, well, I do not consider that a loss.  It will all work out, and you find the deals you are meant to find.

If you mess up and spend and spend - don't give up!  Just get back up and start again.  That advice applies to ALL money matters.

Just don't waste what you have on hand.  Many articles say that the average American throws out more than $25 - $50 worth of food a month.  I would bet it is much more!!!!!

Also remember 'BEST IF USED BY" does not mean expired!!!!!!  Most items are good for long after that date - loooong after!

You don't have to have fancy ingredients to have good tasting meals.  You can perk up food in an abundance of ways.  Herbs, spices, mixing up ingredients - just by getting a little creative.

I mentioned my 'waffle' cornbread - here ya go!  Yep, I love it buttery!!!!  

That is a simple meal of red beans and rice, all seasoned up and cut up a little smoked sausage - and my cornbread.  It was perfectly wonderful and very filling.  My cost - probably less than a couple dollars and there was food left for another meal.

A simple dessert or snack.  These are ginger snap cookies I got in a gift basket ($0 cost) and a few spoonfuls of ice cream (a few cents).  The cookies are the size of vanilla wafers - so basically just a bite or two.  You could use any small cookie you have (or large) and whatever type of ice cream you have.  Simple and quick and very tasty.  Great way to use up those last few cookies in a pack or in the cookie jar.  Fun bites for adults or kiddos.

Heck you can do the same thing with peanut butter and/or jelly.  Peanut butter and marshmallows and nuke for a few seconds!  Lots of ways to save a little and use what you have.

If you start using what you have and shopping less, it is a win-win.  You don't WASTE and you can get creative and have fun with food.  AND you save dollars - which can be used for something else or even SAVED!  There is a concept!!!  LOL

If you are like me - I can't walk out of a store for less than $50+.  I can go for just a couple things - then find stuff that "I just can't live without".  Well, I have decided I can live without all the extra crap and in the process, the savings account/checking account gets tad bigger (for another use).  If you stay out of store a good 2 or 3 weeks a month - well that is $100-$150++ extra you didn't know you could have!

Just some things to think about.  You do not go without, you use what you have, and you make good food.  How is that not a WIN???

Have fun with your food.

I will probably be doing several foodie posts in coming weeks - it is just fun to learn new ideas and figure out how NOT to waste!

Have a bountiful and tasty day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/4

 Happy first Sunday to all. Hope this finds you all safe and healthy in this new year.  

Beautiful sunrise this morning, and a full moon at night - spectacular.  It is right about 32*F this morning and NO wind!!  We will be warming some this week.  I'll be more than happy to take it.  Each milder day feels wonderful.

I was so mixed up on days again this week.  I tell you; holidays mess me up.  I used to think it was because I worked - but it still happens.  I guess because many neighbors are home - It takes me a few days to get back to normal!

                                                                         INDEED

My frugal week:

• I wanted cornbread one day and didn't want to turn on the oven - so I made cornbread 'waffles'.  Still tasted wonderful and easy to make and clean-up
• I did manage to walk some this week
• All bills paid that were in the house
• NO shopping or groceries at all
• Made mini - ice cream sandwiches with some ginger snaps (from holiday basket) and ice cream - very tasty!
• Got the Christmas decor down, but do have some 'winter' lights out still
• I put away all my Christmas clothes until next year
• I had onions that were sprouting - so I chopped and froze those
• Making a conscious effort to use up older items and use things that I have a bunch of (will do a post about this)
• Been binge watching Struggle Meals -you should check it out if you haven't.  It can be found on cable (Taste channel) or on You Tube.  It can be funny and entertaining (and goofy) but tons of great ideas for eating good on very little money
• Combined 2 Chap Stix into one
• Made a dump cake (will freeze a good part of it)
• General cleaning and straightening

Meals this past week:

Rice/beans and waffle cornbread 

Grilled burritos (used up leftover rice/beans)

Breaded/fried ground pork burger and fries (air fryer)

Soup beans (freezer) and waffle cornbread

Corned beef, cabbage, black eye peas

Rueban and chips (from gift basket)

Pizza pasta

I have had a quiet start to the year, doing a lot of resting, reading, TV watching and napping!  It has been a week of just resetting.  As I said above, I plan on using LOTS of things that really need to be used and do little or no shopping for a while.  I am blessed with a wonderful pantry and freezer - and I plan to use it.  I can't stand waste - so this gal is getting serious about using things.

How was your week?  Any big celebrations?  Any after holiday shopping?  None here - I have been home since Christmas day.

Give us a shout out and let us know how your new week, month and year will start!!!

I wish you all a wonderful week ahead, and that you all stay healthy and safe.

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

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

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Romans 15:13

Lord, we say thank You for getting us through this past year and helping each one cope and mange courage through every situation. Prayers that all have a great year ahead and find their way through any darkness that may present itself.  Prayers of health, energy and recovery with all situations that may be faced.  Thank You for our many, many blessings.  Amen

The New Story Starts

 Howdy to all and welcome to 2026!  I hope this finds you all well and safe and healthy.  

It is a very chilly morning - my thermometer says 23 - weather says teens.  The sunrise was glorious. I have been out to feed kitties and critters already.  A nice brisk morning is so invigorating.

We may get some sun today and get above freezing.  A win.

Last night we had a fantastic bright full moon - it was really something.

We gain 44 minutes of daylight this month!  It is 77 days until spring!!  It will be here in the blink of an eye.  The year is totally ahead of us, and there is much to look forward to.

So true!  Forward, onward and upward - is where we are headed.  I look forward to learning, loving, and helping others this year!

Day 2 - many have put away holiday things and put out new decor.  Maybe doing some cleaning.  Thinking about or doing decluttering.  Eating from the things we have at home.  No going out shopping.  Helping someone else.  Maybe going back to work.  OR maybe just chilling until next week - and taking a break from all the hectic life.  IT IS ALL COOL!

Here is a 'projected' weather map from the weather app.  I will not complain for January.  First part of the month will be above normal.  End of the month - colder - but not subzero!

There are many little suns or partial suns on there.  Generally, our January is one of the coldest and cloudiest months.  This looks good to me.  

We have had a roller coaster weather season so far.

I look forward to time with kids coming up for a visit - we are hoping for the 18th.  3 of them work at the same retail outlet, so all getting the same day off is tough.  I sure hope that works out.  I have everything I need to put on a good spread for them - I just miss seeing them so much.  So that is a positive to look forward to.

It is those kinds of things that help pass the winter months.  Friends and family luncheons, a special gathering, a birthday - they are all things to help pass the time and to look forward to a brighter day.

Maybe you will be staring seeds for the spring plantings, maybe working on a new and special craft - it is all great.

What helps you get through a winter month?  Do you have any goals for January?

Whatever you do - do it with joy, hope, love and laughter.

Stay POSITIVE - the spring will come and the flowers will bloom again!

Have a fantastic weekend.

Time to Ring in Another Year

 Hello to all and a happy New Years Eve to you all.  I hope this finds you well and safe.

Weird to think on the other side of the world - it is already tomorrow!!! LOL

It is a bit warmer this morning.  Woke to it being right at 32*.  It is cloudy looking right now, but I understand we may see a little sun.  Looks like maybe we start the year with a bit of snow.  Maybe an inch or so.  Then come Friday we start another warming trend - mid to upper 30's and then 40's again.

I will be staying home in my warm house with my kitty tonight.  I am sure I will be asleep by midnight - at least in the bed!  I hope that you are all safe - I think many of us just stay home anymore.  If you have kiddos - make fun for them, there are lots of free ways to have a little celebration.

Today at noon (I believe) at the Children's Museum they have a count down and ballon drop and celebration (tons of things to do), so the young ones don't have to be up late to have fun.  That is pretty neat.

Many have hung on by a thread this year - some with health issues, family problems, money problems, mental well-being, etc.  I pray that each one of those folks has a much better 2026.

Never give up!

Yep - appreciate it all, big or small.  Some day you will look back and realize that what you had was a wonderful gift and nothing was minor!

I really do PRAY for you all - and I wish you all the best new year.

Health, happiness, joy, appreciation, love and good days with family and friends.

I look forward to a new year of ideas and tips from all of you and hopefully we can all go forward and learn to be our best person ever in every way!!!!

Stay safe and have a wonderful evening and a bright and happy new day!

HAPPY NEW YEAR - WISHING A BLESSED 2026!!!!!!!!!!!!

Winding Down and Reflecting

 Hello all!  Hope you are all well and safe. Well, 2 days and this year is done.  Boy, is it leaving with a punch around here.  Sunday evening at about 7:30 it was 68* with rain and then thunderstorms.  Heck we were even under a tornado warning.  The southern part of the state got it worse - there was an EF1 tornado that was confirmed.  It did touch down in the town the 'kids' (my niece and nephew) live.  There was damage to some very old downtown structures, but the kids are ok.  It is a small old town, and just pretty neat - full of small family businesses.

Then from about 9PM on Sunday - by 5AM Monday morning it dropped to 20* - that was a drop of almost 50 degrees!  The wind was absolutely wicked all day on Monday.  Talk about crazy weather.

Cold this morning in the teens, but at least no wind to speak of.  We did get a dusting of snow overnight.  It flurried all day yesterday, but none of it stuck.  None of the outdoor kitties were too interested in eating this morning - just hunkering down I guess.

This year many of you have had great joys, sadness, loss, illness and adventures.  But here you are.  I think many of us are stronger than we give ourselves credit for.  Life can sure throw us some curve balls - but we have all survived our worst day ever (so far).  That is pretty remarkable.

I reconnected with a lot of older friends this year.  I have reached out from my comfort zone more.  I have got myself 'moving' for a healthier lifestyle.  I still love my home and my quiet little life.  Do I wish things were different?  There are people that I wish were still here, but NOT if they had to go through more illness.  I miss people - but I feel them with me every day.

I do not make resolutions any longer - they never really happened.  I do have some goals for the year that I would like to meet - things I would like to do - but it will be what it is.

IF you just got through this year and are still walking - well, that is OK.  If nothing major happened or you didn't do it ALL - that is OK too.  You need to stop and be thankful for what you have been through and that you are here.  Yes, that is what I meant to say.  What we go through makes us each stronger and more capable, it isn't always what we expect or want - but it makes us who we are.

You need to make sure you are doing what you SHOULD be doing.  Do what makes your life happy.  Do what makes your family happy.  It isn't always about money, things, or a career - it is about JOY in the heart.  It is about you and yours.

It isn't the biggest and fanciest house.  It isn't about the shiny baubles.  It isn't about the most pristine.  It IS about the love and the joy and the happiness in your home and your life.  It is about living the BEST life FOR YOU!

I hope you all take some time to look back and learn from mistakes, and give praise where it is due, and realize the most imperfect life is still good.

Do good, speak kindly, love deeper, have fun, forgive when needed, hug those you love tightly, appreciate everything, and give thanks for each day.

May the sun shine down on you today and may you all be blessed in all you do.

Life is truly a WONDERFUL thing!

THANK YOU for being here on this journey with me.