A New Find and a Scare

 Hello all.  It is a cloudy morning here and about 28*.  Calm before the weather really hits.  Looks like a few days of real ICK here.  Predicting some snow tonight into morning and then again Saturday evening into Sunday.  It is also going to get really cold (for these parts).  Highs in teens (actually 12 on Sunday) and lows below zero for a couple days.  Then we get a rebound next week.  Oh, such is winter weather.

I just love all the pics I keep seeing for the holiday - so I will post a fun memory of Christmas each day until Christmas!

I forgot to mention that when I went to Aldi, I walked the 'aisle of shame'!!!  That was where I spent most of my visit - so many fun things.  I did get something for me, well, for my kitchen.

I got these liners for the air fryer.  They are unbleached and they fit the tray perfectly.  Packet of 50 for 3.78.  I have always used regular parchment, then I have to cut it to fit.  These really help keep the air fryer clean.  I have used a couple already and love them.  They also have some small holes for air flow.

I am not sure if it will be a normal item or if it is just a special right now.

I like parchment in fryer, as it helps keep the greasy mess less.

Yesterday I got a phone call, while I was busy in the middle of something, so I let it go to the machine.  It was the bank my CC is through - said they were calling to potential card fraud.  Oh my!  I have used the card a few times lately, so thinking it might be because of extra use.  I hardly ever use it.

Well, I called back (and it WAS the bank) - I also got a text on different phone - and it ended up being a once-a-year charge, that was applied to my card.  Nothing is just added to my card, without a purchase - except this one charge.  So, it raised alerts.  It was all fine, and I am glad they checked.  It makes me feel better about things.

This is the time of the year that things happen a lot more.  Keep track of things and be alert.

I keep all receipts, until I at least get the next statement - so I can check things.

I am sure glad I got ahold of the luncheon committee about tomorrow's lunch for high school.  It is a decent drive, south of here, and I just decided I didn't want to go, so I let them know I wasn't coming earlier in the week.  I do believe it may be a very messy drive for many.

I hope all affected by nasty weather, stay safe and warm.  

Have a lovely day and remember - 2 weeks!!!!! from today!!!!

Blessings to all.

                                                                       More cozy!

Ways to Cut Costs Today and Any Day!

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well.  It is raining and raining some more here this morning.  It is still dark out as I write this, so I will go out a little later to feed the kitties outside.  Weather looks to be all over the place here, in the next few days - and that isn't on my 'favorites' list!!!  If it is snowing or icing where you are - be safe.

                                                                      TRUE STORY!!!

Today just a few ideas and recipes to cut costs and still eat well.  I know many are trying not to go into the grocery for the remainder of the year - or have plans to start the new year that way.  Well, there are things that are just very tasty, that can be made with items you already have.

I was looking back to some posts from several years ago and came across these recipes again.  Just as relevant now as they were then - maybe more so.

AGAIN remember:  click on the recipes to enlarge for easier reading!!

                           SPOON BREAD

Can't get much easier.  Bread comes in all types and flavors and who says it has to be a slice?  This is like fry bread, and it really is good.  I plan to make this again soon.

                        POTATO/BEEF CASSEROLE

You can use any ground meat you have - you can use any kind of cream of soup.  Heck you could even change out potatoes for carrots, squash, turnips, etc.  Recipes are just "ideas" to me - they aren't etched in stone.  Use what you have and make a hearty winter dish!

*Use up spices and herbs to change up the flavors of things.  You can take the blandest ingredients and make them taste good - just add different seasonings. Also think bacon grease - you can sure add flavor to a lot of fried goods with a little bacon grease - that stuff is gold!

*Use up older fruits - even if you have a variety of pieces and kinds - to make a cobbler.  Kind of like a cobbler fruit salad!  You can also fry up a variety in butter (like making fried apples).  Peaches, pears, apples - even a little citrus would be so good.  This would be good over pancakes, waffles, pudding or even cooled and used on ice cream.  No need to let things go to waste!

                                           MINER'S STEW

Actually, a casserole, but it doesn't matter what you call it.  It is super easy.  Again, use whatever ground meat you have.  You can use carrots or other root veggies in the mix, instead of so many potatoes.  

Just because things are easy, doesn't mean they aren't filling and hearty.

I think throwing a handful of cheese on top would be super yummy too!

Yesterday I was out, and I noticed that ALL Christmas items were already 50% off at Hobby Lobby!  Now and immediately after the holiday is the time to buy many items for the upcoming year.  Paper products - like plates and napkins - (if you use) would be a deal.  Wrapping paper - get plainer rolls of paper that could be used for all occasions throughout the year.  Candy - that would be the time to get some candies to chop up and use in baking or to use for melting.  Candy can be frozen for use throughout the year. (cheaper than buying choc. chips)

Stock up now on all baking supplies - groceries tend to be having a lot of loss leader sales.  Ham is on sale many places as well.  I would think around New Years, cabbage and maybe even corned beef will be on sale.  You have to pay attention to the sales and watched the in-store mark-downs.  I stopped on the way home for cat litter at WM - walked around and noticed they still have frozen turkeys for .69/lb. Not as cheap as Thanksgiving, but still pretty darn cheap.

Stay warm, dry and safe today.

No matter where you are, I wish you abundant blessings.

Goodies and Toasties!

 Hello all.  I hope you are all well this fine Tuesday.  It is warming up already this morning - today will be our warmest day for a while.  It is overcast - hoping to see a little sun.  Saw sun yesterday and that is always a joy and just so needed.  A real mood lifter.  Hoping to go out in a while and try to finish up my shopping.  Taking advantage of the weather.  Just some small things needed and a few more gift cards.  Then it will be on to packing goody bags and making all the homemade goodies.

This sure takes me back to the images seen in the 50's and 60's!

Most people probably have their gifts bought. - but for those who need a few ideas - here are a couple of homemade goodies you can make.  These are always a hit and taste so good.

                                              BANANA BREAD

Banana bread is always a hit.  I make smaller mini loaves.  This recipe is easy as it uses baking mix - but you can do completely from scratch.  Wrap up in foil or cellophane tie a pretty ribbon and have a nice office or neighbor gift.

                                            STIR STCKS OR SPOONS

Coffee stir sticks (or hot chocolate) are always super easy and fun.  

(click on the recipes to see larger)

                                               SUGARED PECANS

These sugared nuts are the ones I have made many, many times.  They are just sooooo yummy and tasty.  Really easy to make.  Place in some little baggies and tie a ribbon - sweet treat.

I came across this recipe and I am going to make it this year.  Now I will kind of do it MY way.  I will use whatever nuts I find available and inexpensive.  I have dried cranberries and all the other stuff.  Nothing etched in stone that says you have to do it as stated.   Use what you like.

I am not sure what they call a bag - assuming 12-16 oz.

I know nuts are not the cheapest ingredient - but it is Christmas time!  For some reason nuts seem to go with the holidays!  I even remember nuts in shell in my stockings as a child!

Are you all staying warm and cozy?  I have been wearing my snuggy socks the past few days.  They sure do keep the tootsies warm.  I have 3 or 4 pair of these - and they are a blessing.  So many ways to stay warm.  I always wear layers in my shirts.  I have throws and afgans in several spots - for a quick snuggle up! 

If it is super cold and I have to be outside, I have one pair of 'sort of' leggins that go on under the jeans.  They help a lot!!  Or wear sweats over jeans or flannel pants.

Keep bundled up outside.  Keep your head covered and your hands and ears as well!

So, some easy and quick ideas for treats to gift or just to have at home and ways to stay warm and cozy.

Have a super great day and gift a smile or kind word to someone - it costs nothing!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 12/7

 Hello to all this Sunday.  Here we are a week into December - 2 1/2 weeks it will be Christmas, and then NY!  Crazy to think about.  I hope you are all doing well and are safe on this Sunday.

It was above freezing this morning - that was a treat.  We have had sun a couple times this week and it sure changes how one feels.  Couple days in upper 30's and the sun has helped with melting some.

We will have a couple warmer days this week and then back to cold.  I did see a projection for weather on Christmas for around here, and it showed 40's - we will see.

This week I kept busy - but it kind of looks like a quiet week.  Some things I did, managed to take up most of the day - so it looks like less.

My frugal week:

• Over last weekend I did watch a few Christmas shows - not a normal for me anymore.  They were nice.  I still haven't watched Hallmark in several years - just too many shows all the same theme.  I do like the funny shows and the old classics and do watch those each year.
• I got several FREE channels on cable last weekend and managed to DVR some movies from those
• Froze the leftover turkey for another time
• Moved LOTS of snow!  That was almost a whole day - worked in shifts and got it all done.  So glad I am still able
• I did go shopping one day - got several stuffers for Christmas baskets and a couple things for the young-ins.  That took up most of that day.
• Lots of laundry in cold and hung most to dry in basement
• I had a lunch day with grade school gals - that was fun.  We had a gift exchange, a cakewalk, and just a lot of laughs and fun (and a yummy meal).  It was a little drive for me - so that took up most of the day.
• I have gone through all the things I had on hand and my list of people and trying to match everything up.  Making my list and checking it twice!
• Had a downspout horizontal portion (at drive) that was frozen up solid.  Not good, so a little hot water poured over it and walla - I pulled out a long ice log!  All cleared now
• Bathroom faucet was running slow again - so took apart the faucet and cleaned the filters.  I have pretty hard water.  Running good now.
• Cleaning and doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Turkey & dumplings, biscuit and small salad

Nachos

Egg & bacon biscuits and fresh veggies

Lobster (faux) mac & cheese and small salad

Lobster mac soup (mixed l/o mac and broc. cheese soup from freezer) YUM

Out to lunch - wonderful tenderloin and steak fries

Poor man's Swiss steak w/mashed potatoes

Just trying to get ready for the holiday time.  I still have cookie baking to do and I will be making jelly this week.  I am scheduled for another (high school) luncheon this coming Friday - but I think I will pass & stay home.  A lot to do and a short time to do it.

I have been enjoying my little tree, looking at the lights each evening.  I do love holiday lights.

Are you all ready for the holiday?  Did you get any good grocery deals this week?  I didn't buy any groceries - trying to use up a lot of the older things hanging out here!

I hope you are all doing good and staying healthy.  Be safe - roads can be iffy this time of the year (as can walks and such).

Check in and let us know what is going on in your world.   Wishing all a lovely week.  Celebrate all the little things in life - they aren't really so little!

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

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

I love thee, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalms 18:1-2

Lord, I cannot sing enough praises for thee.  I am so very grateful for Your love and Your blessings.  Help us each one through rough times, health issues, feeling of being lost, and sadness.  Lift all, to know the simple joys that exist in this world and let everyone see them and appreciate them.

Again, we say thanks for all things and each day.  Please lay Your healing hands upon all those in need.

AMEN

The 'Magic' of the Season!

 Hello all.  I hope you are all healthy and snug this Thursday.  Another cold, cold day here in my neighborhood.  It is in the 20's and probably staying in the 20's today.

Yesterday for an hour or two we got a little sunshine, that was so wonderful.  It isn't often that happens this time of the year.  Today they are saying sun!!!  YAY

Well, yesterday I figured it was time to get busy and shop some.  So off I went!  My road looked ok - but it was atrocious!  ICE!  I came really close to 'owning' the stop sign at the corner!!  I started sliding sideways (even going just a couple mph) - got stopped within inches!  Luckily there was no traffic in any direction - usually there is some idiot running the stop sign on any given day.  Well, I managed to get to the main road, and all was fine.  We have a school and post office within a couple blocks of my house.  When I returned the post office area was still horrible, the school area good.  Too much excitement for me!

I did go to Aldi and NOT for groceries.  I got a lot of neat basket stuffers and some things for kiddos.  That MIDDLE aisle is fun!!!!  I met so many happy people.

I know there is no such thing as magic - but so many things seem magical, don't they?  Many miraculous things almost seem magical.

Yesterday while shopping, I saw so many people having fun looking at all the goodies.  The oohs and aahhs!  Adults and children.  The sounds in the voices of the littles - pure joy.

I see snowflakes glistening in the snow - it looks like fairy dust - magic!  

I see the twinkling lights on the tree - looks like magic to me.

The way the snow clings to the trees and they look like flocked trees (remember those?).

Memories of being a kid and 'hearing' Santas bells on Christmas Eve.

Seeing children get so excited to see Santa and watching them look at all the lights and decorations with those big wide eyes.

The smells of the holidays - almost seem magical.  They can transport you to another time.

Being able to continue a tradition from the family to another generation - and watching them get excited.

Watching the OLD Christmas shows from childhood.  Those are the best!!!!  I like the old cartoon specials and some of the old, old movies - much better than the new stuff.

Being able to get with friends from back in the day and just laugh and have fun.  It seems as if no time has passed!

Watching the young ones seeing the radar on Christmas Eve - to see where Santa is - then leaving cookies and milk.

Being out in the snow (playing or working) and coming into a warm house and hot chocolate - almost seems magical.

                                    TONIGHT!!!!!!!  Take a step back in time!  Also, next Tuesday!

It might just be what you need to laugh a little, to remember the times as a kid, to smile and make believe a little.  I hope you watch it!

So take a few minutes or even hours or days to see MAGIC in the season.  The smiles, the joys, the beauty - yes, I know it isn't magic - but FAITH and HOPE can seem so at times.

Have a beautiful day.

Take in the moments!

Simple Meals for Simple Lives

 Howdy to all.  I hope you are all well and safe, and that you are able to find some joy today.

Oh good golly, it is feeling cold out.  The news says 20* - mine says 27*.  I like mine better!

It always amazes how 'light' it looks outside in the dead of night, after we have had snow.  It almost looks like daylight.

This is the one thing I love about snow.  It makes all the evergreens look so beautiful.  Color pictures look black & white.  This is catty-corner across the street.

Simple meals - simple living.  You know me, and most of my meals are pretty simple.  Now I know not everyone likes the same things I do, but it gives ideas on ways to simplify.  I eat good - very good.  I eat more than enough.  I eat what I really like.

I do eat ONE meal a day - it isn't because I have to or I can't afford more.  It is because it is all I want.  I do eat snacks - fruit, veggies, cheese, crackers, etc.  So sometimes the platefuls I show look like a lot of food - but being the only meal, it is probably less than others eat all day.

Now with the holidays here - remember that leftover ham and turkey make great ham salad or turkey salad.  Super for sandwiches or eat with salad and crackers.  Throw in a chopped up hardboiled egg, and you have even more protein.

Add these to soups or beans or fried rice - all easy meals and uses up all the leftovers making a hearty meal.

Yesterday - bacon, egg, cheese biscuits and fresh veggies on the side.  Super good and filling and used what I had.

Oh, a hot bowl or cup of egg drop soup - just hits the spot!  This can be had for a lunch or added as a side for dinner.  It is soooooo easy to make and so scrumptious.

Enchiladas that I made.  I used leftover rice and beans for the inside/stuffing. Lots of cheese inside as well.  Enchilada sauce, cheese and black olives.  Let me tell you, as crazy as it sounds the black olives made it taste super special (almost like Taco Bell).  Tortillas are super cheap and they are also easy to make.  You can stuff them with whatever you like and roll up.  Sauce can be canned or homemade (easy to do) and cheese!  Bake until cheese is golden (I used the air fryer).  The leftover rice/beans made 4 enchiladas.

A basic guide to making tortillas and hand breads!  Super easy with a nice hot griddle.  Ingredients most have on hand.

Another tasty and easy bite!  Naan bread - make or watch for sales and clearance.  I spread with cream cheese & added garlic and onion seasoning, topped with sliced tomatoes (you can top with absolutely anything you like- (like pizza), then added shredded cheddar.  Bake in air fryer for about 15 minutes at 360*.  You can use the oven as well.  Naan makes great and easy pizza - filling too.  Eat alone or add a salad.

Baked potatoes topped with whatever meat, leftovers or thick soups you have around.  Maybe add some cheese or sour cream - so filling and basically a meal.

You can do the same with sweet potatoes.  Top with hearty toppings or make them sweet.  Both can be made into fries or twice baked!

Goulash is a super easy meal - some call it Eastern Chow Mein.  I call it goulash.  Fry up some ground beef or chicken/sausage/turkey/pork, add in some onion or green pepper if you choose (optional) - add cooked pasta (macaroni) - then add tomatoes (chopped) or tomato sauce and throw on some cheese if you like it.  Season the way you like - Super easy and filling.  Serve with bread and/or salad.

Spaghetti - the basic super easy meal.  Chili is another.  Soup - another - there is absolutely no limit to soup.   Rice can be made into all kinds of meals - fried rice, stir fry (great way to use leftovers), under things, in things........... Breakfast is a good dinner.  Mac n cheese - add some meat (chopped ham, tuna, whatever you have) and maybe add a side - it is a meal!

I make of version of goulash & use rice instead and then I add large chunks of peppers - deconstructed stuffed peppers!  I do the same with cabbage - deconstructed cabbage rolls. Make on the stove top!

Easy-peasy and of so tasty.

Never forget the basic!!!!  This is a favorite wintertime meal to me.  You can add meat to sandwich as well if you choose.  Any kind of soup and sandwich makes a yummy meal.

I love any kind of Nachos or burritos. Can you tell I like Mexican food?  LOL.  The thing is, it doesn't have to be Mexican flavored - you can stuff a tortilla with anything -I like to top with a little salad and eat with a fork.  You don't have to top them.  Roll-ups are fun and easy.  Nachos can be any toppings served over some chips (or over pasta or rice) then maybe add some sour cream or dressing. Another great use for leftovers.

Think OUTSIDE the box!!!  

You can have simple meals that are very delicious and easy and economical.  Keeping things simple helps keep life simple.  I am all about that and I am trying harder each day to simplify more.

I hope this helps someone to get a few ideas using just what you have in the house.  No need to shop many times - just USE IT UP!

Have a beautiful day. No matter what you do - do it with a smile and joy in your heart.

December - The Month is Different for Everyone

 Good morning all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a cold and snowy day here.  We got close to 4" of snow to start the day!  Ugh.  It is pretty, but it means a lot of work for folks.  The news and the computer says it is in the upper 20'sF, my thermometer says 34*.  Cold, whichever!

I truly hope you all stay safe and off the roads, unless it is absolutely necessary.

As we think back to the old days and the Christmas's past - it often brings up bad or sad memories.  Not everyone gets into the celebrations of Christmas.  Truthfully that is OK.  You have to do what is right for you. I know many who read here, have lost loved ones during this time of the year, and it brings up sad feelings.  My only advice is to REMEMBER them in the good times, and that and speaking of them keeps them alive in your heart and in your mind.

YES, it is hard to do things so very differently, but at some point in life it happens to everyone.  Just a sad fact.

What you feel is what you feel, and it IS real!!!!!  Give yourself some grace during this time.  Your feelings are valid and they are yours.  Let no one tell you how you should feel, your feelings are real and valid.  They can just get over it!!!!!!  Don't apologize for how you feel.

I try so hard to do this.  All the little things are so important, more so now than ever before.  Watching the littles play and laugh.  To see their excitement for the holidays.  Watching the snow come down.  Seeing how anxious the outdoor animals for their food each morning.  They are happy to see me.

Curling up with your pet.  The warmth of the house.  The beauty of Christmas lights.  Food on your table.  Just seeing someone smile, even if a stranger.

Choose the joy the in those things and chose to see the beauty in everything and everyone.  Be grateful for this morning that you were given (yet again).  

I just wanted to start the month with a little encouragement.  Don't do anything you don't want to - it is your life.  You feel what you feel and you WILL be OK.  You have survived every worst day you have had so far.  That is HUGE!  

Take it slow, take it easy, and give yourself a break and some grace to get through the season.  The new year will be here in 30 days and it is a new start.  Well, actually every day and every month is a new start, but we tend to be analytical in thought sometimes!

Have a beautiful and safe day.

I am off to feed kitties outside and clean some snow.

Stay safe out there today!