Living Like Grandma - Fun & Thrifty

 Hello all - hoping this finds you all well.  It is a lovely morning here - around 44* and sunny.  Yesterday was lovely as well.  Took a walk around the yard and noticed baby grape hyacinths and daffodils poking through the ground.  Under leaves and then after all the snow - there are little signs of life.  Enjoying it all while I can - this weekend gets colder again.  Sigh!

Today let's talk a bit about how grandma lived and how they survived and made do with what they had. I know some of you are young, and your grandparents are probably not even my age - but others of us remember stories from our grands and our parents about living through the depression and those hard times surrounding it.

This picture is true for a lot back then.  Not everyone lived in the city and those who were more rural, pretty much provided most everything they had.  They grew, hunted, fished, gleaned, gathered, recycled and bartered.  They used all they had and they used it up!  They had no other choice.  They worked soooo hard.

Now we can do many of those things, by choice and don't have to work hard to do it.  It just takes a little dedication on your part.  It can be fun and it sure is thrifty.

MEAT was a side dish.  Maybe granny cooked a big chicken on Sunday - then later they had soup, sandwiches, flavoring, broth, meat pies, etc.  After cooking those bones down for broth, many times they were crushed and used in the gardens or fed to chickens.

BONES - were always used for broth and stock.  It is easy to do today and makes the most flavorful stock you can have (also use up the scraps of veggies making it).

BACON grease was gold.  Lard was pretty much the only other grease available back then - and bacon grease had so much flavor to add to all cooked items.  Many of us still do this!

INVENTORY meals - were normal.  Shopping didn't happen often (espec. rural) and many were limited by funds and stamps and places to go.  They figured out how to make meals with what they had on hand.  They knew how to stretch that food.  Meals were kept basic and simple.

I know growing up we had a lot of oatmeal and grits (wasn't a fan) and eggs at breakfast.  Those were basics and filled the belly.  I more enjoyed the biscuits and jelly and toast and jelly.

BAKED at home - cookies cakes, bread, biscuits, etc.

HUNG their laundry - way back there were no driers to be seen.  Line drying was the norm.  I know many places today won't let that happen, but there are ways around it.  Hanging racks in the garage, uses your back patio, the basement, hanging some things over the tub, etc.  

This is one of my favorite fun photos I have ever taken!  Just driving down a country road and saw this line of undies.  I took, not because of size, but the colors and confidence this person must have had with themselves.  Not sure I would have been so confident.  Actually, mine used to get hidden in the middle rows, so not to be seen!  LOL

Nothing smells as great as sheets off the line and a freshly made bed.

They used cold water for most laundry or heated water over a fire for really bad things (a lot of work).  I use cold water for 99% of my laundry today.  They get clean and last longer.  Hot water breaks down fiber.

VINEGAR was the item used for cleaning most everything.  Windows, floors, walls, hair, baths, even laundry.  It is cheap and can be used in so many ways.  Also helped to pickle garden goods.

USED things UP.  Clothes were given as hand me downs, often remade into new items, rags (no paper towels back then), quilts, etc.  Leftovers made in new ways.  Bread - bread pudding, French toast, breadcrumbs.  PCIKLE BRINE used to make other veggies last longer, used for brine in seasoning and tenderizing meat.  SCRAPS - BONES - made broth/stock.  Kept every screw, nail, button, zipper that they could and reused.   You get the idea.

Now you can shop thrift stores and garage sales.  Beware many thrift stores are charging more and more today - if possible try yard sales and family and friend trades.

Nothing was WASTED.  One item had MANY uses.

GROW your own.  Everyone had a garden of some sort back in the day.  Look at growing a small garden, growing in pots on the patio or the porch.  Regrow various items, green onions, lettuce, celery etc.  Herbs are easy to grow and make great flavorings and products for health.

Good QUALITY was important.  Things that were well built were always a plus (usually handmade).  They didn't have funds to replace at a whim - so quality was very important.  It should be today as well - a good value is nice, but quality is better.

My paternal great grandparents and 2 of their children.  Grandpa wasn't born yet at this point. They were a rural family and had very little material goods, but they had love.  See that chair?  I have it!!!!!  It is a bit shorter, as the bottom of the legs had to be trimmed do to wear and tear.

Life looked so different back then.

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Today - track your spending!  Take at least a month and keep track of EVERY single penny you spend and what it was for.  It can eye opening - how much is spent of frivolous items.  Wants NOT needs!  We did this for ages back in the day - and it really made us look at things differently.  It altered how we shopped and the silly things that ate our money.

NO impulse shopping.  Take a good 72 hours to think on major purchases.  Impulse shopping is a great grabber of funds.  Now, I do often buy things at the grocery that weren't on the list, but only because it is clearance, and likely won't be available again for that price.

SMALLER homes - creates less stress.  Less to clean, less to heat and cool, less stuff fits in it!  Usually costs less.  I find my home is easy to take care (even maintenance) with it being smaller.  That gives you more time for LIVING a peaceful life and enjoying those quiet moments.

DON'T try to keep up with others.  The grass may look greener - but odds are they spend more dollars to maintain that look!

Do you - and be ever so proud of what you have.  Maintain it and love it.

Ok, enough chatting for today.  Just remember you can do much of what grandma did and save some funds in the meantime.  It can be fun and a great challenge.  No one thing makes a huge difference in funds, but if you add them all up over a year - you can save a generous amount.

Make it a game and give things a try for a while - t may become a habit.

Have a beautiful day my friends.

Weekly Wrap Up 2/15

 Hello all and happy Sunday.  Hoping this finds you well and safe and in good spirits.

It was in the 40's this morning when I got up and light rain.  It rained most of the night, and it is very cloudy out right now.  This week we get a sneak peek of April with temps that will be warming nicely for part of the week.

Crazy as it sounds, there is still white stuff on the ground in places, three weeks out.  The yards across the street have the most, they all face north.

The singing birds sure do sound like spring!  Morning, noon and early evening they are singing.  I have seen more robins.  Loving it!  The younger kitties are so stinking playful!  Running, jumping, chasing and exploring - fun to watch (getting big).

Sis has been moved to rehab.  She is still very weak and having trouble getting around.  I thank you in advance for continued prayers, they mean so much.

My frugal week:

• Visiting with sis
• Earlier in the week, I cleared and cleaned the downspouts out of ice and snow to keep them flowing when melting started
• Lots of laundry
• Mopped the floors and washed all the throw rugs
• Trimmed the sides of my hair (my wings)!
• After melting really started and temps warmed up a bit, I got out and picked up lots of sticks and raked up peanut shells and sunflower seed hulls - it looks so much better
• Did a little sewing
• Got to open the kitchen door a couple afternoons for airing out!!!
• Ran out Friday to Kroger and got 5 lb. mandarins, seedless grapes, mini tomatoes, cat litter and cat treats - all FREE w/GC and got 4X points for gas discount next month
• Stopped at thrift store while out - loaf of bread and pack of buns FREE.  1 gallon of 100% OJ $1
• Using what I have and cooking from home

Meals in the past week:

Baked beans, chicken fingers and side salad

Baked beans & cheese over toast (open face) and salad

Chicken and veggie roll-up and potato soup (freezer)

Baked potato topped w/hamburger stew (freezer), cheese and sour cream

Bacon and veggie sandwich and bean soup (canned)

Smoked sausage sandwich (bun) and side salad and fruit

Shrimp w/sauce, baked mac & cheese (air fryer) and side salad

SNACKS - popcorn, fruit

Not a whole lot to report.  Just doing all the normal stuff.  Waiting for the warmer temps to get here and stick around.

The yard and surrounding area are pretty brown looking, but it still looks neat and clean to me!  I love seeing something other than white.

I have a busier week coming up with a couple luncheons and visits.  It looks to be decent weather.

I hope each of you is doing good and that your families are doing well.  Many still are in need of prayer for themselves and their families - please keep all our friends in your thoughts.  Wishing you all a lovely week.

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

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Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.

Proverbs 27:1

Lord, thank You for the many blessings and joys that we each received this week.  Help us each realize that the very tiny things we experience are also blessings and joyful. May we all plan for tomorrow but realize that what comes forth is Your will.  Life is short and we all need to make the most of each precious moment.  Thank You for Your gifts.  Good and bad, life is full of moments that we may not understand, but they are a part of each life.  Help us to embrace them and know that You are always with us.  AMEN

Just do Good!

 Hello all.  A cool morn here - sure had an incredible sunrise!  The colors were beautiful.  The kitties were all so happy to see me!!  They all get excited about breakfast.

Yesterday was a pretty and sunny day.  Lots of melting happened again.  Odd thing, the northern most part of the yard, full sun, so no shade at all - is still covered in snow.  The front yard, with the exception of the small mountain of snow from shoveling, is melted.  Even though the ground is brown - it is nice to see.

This is very true.  You can't buy a simple life, you make it.  You make different decisions and you choose different things, and you make different choices than others.  You learn to embrace the simpler things in life and you learn to realize the beauty in them.  You don't need to be rushed and hurried all the time.  You can say NO - that is an acceptable answer.  You do not need to feel left behind or feel like you are doing without.  You WILL find your life can be much happier - just by doing a simple life.

I still live by the lessons learned as a youngster.  They have proved to be great lessons over and over again.

If you can't say something nice..............

Do unto others.........................

When in doubt - don't

Love one another

Embrace all of God's creations

Life is short - make the most of each day

A smile or kind word - can make someone else's day

If you want something - work hard for it

Nothing in life is free

SIMPLE THINGS!!!!!

There were tons of lessons learned over this gal's 70+ years - and most all have proved to be invaluable.

Just be the best you can be and DO GOOD!!!!  That will make life better for you and to everyone else.

No need to complicate things.

I hope you all have a nice Valentine's Day if you celebrate.  Love one another,  

Blessings to each of you - SMILE!

Using it up - Making it do........

 Hello all, hope this finds you well.  Yesterday was a lovely day here, and I even spent time outdoors doing little things for a while.  Today won't be as warm, but still a good day in my opinion.

Thank you all for prayers and good thoughts for sis.  It is much appreciated.

It is a new year, new month and sometimes we just need little reminders of small things to do, that uses up our items and wastes nothing.  Prices have gone up in recent years, and we all need to be a little more mindful of our pennies and our goods.  Being a good steward is so important.

We have become such a disposable society and I find that sad.

We truly need to take care of what we have.  There are many ways (some just little things) that help us not waste and to be mindful.

I haven't bought oil in a long time.  I manage to receive good olive oil in gift baskets each year (I taught them well) and I keep bacon grease.

I do have some basic oil if I need for baking, but in general I purchase very little.  These bottles are flavored oils - and are great for frying and flavoring foods.

**I keep candle scraps from the bottom of jars and use as melts. It works great.

**I have enough liquid soaps and lotions (gifts) to last for years.  I make foaming soap with the liquid soaps.  I have a couple old foaming containers and just re-use them.  1/3 bottle soap, 2/3 water and you have foaming soap.

**I keep popcorn tins and reuse those to hold bags of sugar, flour and anything I want to be airtight.

**I do keep plastic cups and flatware on hand for get togethers, but I wash them and reuse them over and over.  Shoot for myself, I have even washed a coated paper plate and reused. (wouldn't give to anyone else).

**I water everything down.  Shampoo, dish soap, laundry detergent, juice.  If the laundry detergent seems empty, I add water and swish around and have at least 2 more loads.

Most juices can have water added and still be quite flavorful.

I had leftover cukes from the get together and placed them in the pickle jar.  You can do this with carrots, radish, cauliflower peppers, etc.  It makes for a tasty bite and wastes nothing.

, **Leftovers can be used in so many new ways.  Leftover meats or veggies - think soup, or casseroles.  Stir fry, fried rice.  Add to homemade pizzas.  Pot pies, hand pies, or over baked potatoes.

Leftover sauces - freeze for another time.  This is enchilada sauce, froze and removed a 'disk' of sauce and froze for another time.  You can do this with so many things - sauce, juice, gravy, drippings, etc.  You can freeze in ice cube trays too.

**Dressings for salads - when I get to the bottom of a bottle, it isn't done.  I add either milk, oil, or vinegar, depending on the dressing and then shake it up and have another salad or two!

**Toothpaste - it takes a long time to finally throw a tube out at my house.

This one looks used up - but probably has another week or two to go.

**Rinds, skins and cores of fruit - can be used to make vinegars, or cleaners.  You can also cook down and make certain jellies.

**Holiday candies can be used in baking.  Chop and use in candy or muffins.  Can melt and use with nuts or fruit.

**Banana peels make a great fertilizer for plants.  Place in a jar with water and let it 'marinate' to make fertilizer.

**Food scraps use for compost (fruits and veggies and coffee grinds and eggshells) - no meat.

**Old t-shirts make cleaning rags, hankies, or even use to make blankets.

**Older fruit - that needs used.  Cook it and use over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, ice cream or as a dessert by itself.

**Regrow foods.  Green onions, leaf (bunch) lettuce, celery.  When gardening and if you grow cauliflower, broccoli, or cabbage - just cut off the part you are using - leave the plant, and it will regrow new veggie for you (smaller versions).

**Grow your own herbs - so easy to grow.  Can be grown in pots and snipped to use fresh or dehydrate for later.

**Have a comfy chair or couch - but it looks warn - add a slipcover.  You can use a throw or sheet, whatever you have to give it extra life.

Neat ideas using what you have on hand.  I have done each of these over the years - they work.

**Shoot I even get a lot of use from a box of hair dye.  I have short hair - and by no means need to waste an entire box.  I mix equal amounts of the 2 solutions together and use.  Only mix as much as you need. I can easily get 3+ dye jobs from one box.

**The other day I wanted Yummy Sauce for my chicken strips and didn't just want to pour out on the chicken.  Stopped and looked and thought about it - I poured a small amount in a shot glass - it was just perfect.  Kept the plate clean, and I could just dip my chicken!!!

**PENNIES - now that they have stopped making them, many places say they are running short.  I always keep a baggie with them in my purse to 'sell' to stores for correct change.  Wrap and take them to the bank and cash them in - it is spendable money.  I have tons of pennies around here, and I will never be broke (if I cash them in).  I also have lots of change - so in a pinch there is always funds around.

There are an unending ways to stretch our things and our dollars.  

Take time each day to stop and just think "what can I use this for?"  "How can I remake this?"  "How can I stretch this item?"  

Find a new solution to daily chores.

We all need to be the best stewards we can be.  You take care of your money, and your money can help take care of you!

Have a beautiful day.

Chat Day

 Hello to all - wishing you all a great day.  Hope this finds everyone healthy and safe.

It was above freezing this morning when I got up!!  That was a first in ages.  We are to get in the 50's today.  Yesterday was in the 40's and there was melting going on.  The rest of the week will be decent temps (not like today), but so happy to see warmer temps and no precipitation for the week.  We broke all kinds of records in IN this January for cold days and snow.

Everything is still white - so much snow.  It will take a bit of time to be all gone. The paths that I had shoveled out back are now melted and you can see the ground finally.  The outdoor kitties yesterday were sure enjoying the sunshine.  They were all out on the deck and handrails soaking up sun most of the day.  It is so fun to watch the youngsters play and 'try' to learn to hunt!

38 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!!!!!!!

Yesterday I saw another robin sitting out on the fence.  Finally, some ground in places is clearing, so maybe it can find some food.  They like having the water as well.

The chickens 2 doors down were out for the first time in what seems like weeks, yesterday.  It was fun to see them again.

I never told you about another cat that showed up right before the extreme cold and snow happened.  I called the poor baby Persy - for perseverance.  I saw the poor thing around my shed at the first of the year - it had a severe large open wound on its back left hind quarter.  It had skin and fur hanging from it.  That leg was not working.  I tried to catch it to take to vet, no go.  I tried to trap - no go.  I really didn't think it could survive but maybe a couple days. The wound was BAD!

Well, it moved over to the under the shed across the alley for a while, but came here to eat and drink.  How you ask?  It literally climbed the fence to get here.  During all the snow days - it stayed here.  The other cats treated it kindly and never tried to pick on it.  It even seemed to watch over the little ones, so momma could get a break.  It ate and drank and stayed and stayed - healing.  It would sit in the sun on even the cold days.  The spot finally healed up pretty well, that tag of skin dropped off, and it started using its leg again!  It has now moved on in the past couple days - I am hoping it maybe 'went home'.  I am just thankful that it came here and got nourishment and shelter and kindness. 

I couldn't tell if an animal got it or if it had been hit by a car (my thought is car) - but that sweet baby survived with perseverance!

A good lesson for us all!

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I would like to ask a favor please.  Please send kind thoughts or prayers up for my sis, Marcella.  She is in the hospital.  They thought at first maybe she had a heart attack - but that was not the case (thank God).  She has a terrible UTI.  It has affected everything about her.  She fell twice in one day (and is so sore), it messed up blood pressure, train of thought, sugar levels, you name it.  This is what happened the last time she went in the hospital.

The doc has kept her on meds, but never increased them, and her body just adjusted and it came back with a vengeance.  She had been doing soooo good lately - she is very dejected.  We are hoping she can get back to her little apartment real soon!  Please, just a little prayer of healing for her body and her spirit. 

She may be 94 - but we aren't ready to let go yet!

Thanks!

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

I often times wonder about some of my neighbors!  LOL.  It is amazing how much trash these people put out.  We have big containers that get picked up weekly, and many have them so full, they can't close.  I put mine out last week for the first time in a month - I could have waited longer.  I know many have more than one living there, but it just amazes me.  Some eat take out every single day, some shop every day, others - I just have to wonder.  I just can't comprehend never thinking a bit about what this is doing to the earth, let alone the pocketbook!

One family on the other side of the alley, puts out major appliances and/or furniture about every 3 or 4 months!  How does that even happen?  Luckily, we have a 'metal' guy come up the alley everyday checking - and he gets anything metal, recycles it by selling to a recycling center.

I won't tell you how old my stuff is!

Ok, just random thoughts today - my mind is all over the place.   LOL

I hope you all have a beautiful day and that maybe your weather is improving too!

BE KIND!

Weekly Wrap Up 2/8

 Hello all.  Happy Sunday!  I hope you are all well and safe and sound this Sunday.

Today is another same old kind of day!  Cold this AM and cloudy.  The sun is supposed to come out again later and the temps are supposed to increase this coming week.  YAY!

I am so tired of seeing white - as everything is still covered with lots of snow after 2 weeks.  I have a really hard time when the sun is shining (I do love my sun) as the snow glare is just crazy.  On sunny days I have to wear sunglasses inside when looking out the windows for very long.  I am very sensitive to light, and sunglasses are part of my wardrobe in the spring and summer.

I saw 2 robins at the heated water bowl on Friday!  I sure hope that is a good sign that spring comes soon!

Again this week, it has been relatively quiet on the homefront.  I have kept busy, just nothing too exciting.

My frugal week:

• Made a homemade pizza and used many things from the frig that just needed using up (never the same twice!)
• Made a plain butter cake for sweet treats
• Used the oven heat on both days - after off - cracked the door to release heat
• I made a skillet meal that could be used in a few ways over time
• Didn't go anywhere - NO grocery shopping.  I thought about it, but then figured the stores would be packed with Super Bowl shoppers
• I worked on the pantry a little more
• Trying to use up older items and things from freezer & pantry that need using
• I worked on sewing a little this week
• General housekeeping
• Using what I have and using up leftovers in new ways - froze some as well

Meals this past week:

Homemade pizza 2X w/small salad

Stir fry veggies and chicken over pasta

Mexican skillet - gd.beef, corn, beans, rice, crushed tomatoes, taco seasoning, cheese

l/o stir fry and scrambled eggs

Enchiladas - used l/o Mex. skillet mix for filling

Fried hominy/onion/peppers, sliced ham

SNACKS - lots of popcorn, cake and banana milkshake

Pretty simple and calm week around here.  Much appreciated after working out in the snow so much for so long.  Some days I feel like I have accomplished stuff, other days, well, not so much.  That is ok, heck, I am retired!!!!!

What is going on in your neck of the woods?  Are you southern gals out of the deep freeze yet?  I had a niece that was without power for almost a week in S.E. TN.  That would be rough - they (her & hubs and 4 kids had to go to a shelter for a few days.)  I know things have been bad this winter.  Spring will be here soon, and then summer, and we will all be complaining about the heat!  LOL

I hope you are all doing good.  Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead - may your weather warm up a little like mine is supposed to!  Stay safe and healthy.

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

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The grace of the Lord, Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Philippians 4:23

Lord, thank You for all our mercies this week.  May we each go forward this week with kindness and good words and thoughts and deeds.  Help us to stay the path and not fall prey to negativity.  Please continue to lay Your healing hands upon each one in need and comfort the hearts of those who are sad or lonely.  AMEN

Kitchen Things to Remember

 Hello there to all this Thursday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe. It is another very brisk morning here, a few little flurries coming down.  I am sure anticipating next week, if the weather predictions are right.  There will be a lot of melting, if it true!

Seems we are now getting the cloudy days we should have had in January.  We are moving closer and closer to Spring, so that is a good thing.

Color is our friend!  Fruits and veggies have so many beneficial vitamins and minerals.  They help us stay healthy and strong, and they are just so tasty.  I am a fan of all the colors, and I sure try to get some of at least one color every day.  EAT your colors!!!!!

Don't throw these items away - they last and last.  If you keep things dry and sealed, you can expect to keep them for ages.  I know, as dried beans get pretty old - they can take forever to cook - but they are still good.  I always presoak during a day, then rinse and soak in a pre-cook water, then let them set over night.  Cook as usual.  I have never had a problem doing it that way.  Just takes a little planning.  I have also presoaked for several hours, drained and then frozen - they cook easier that way. (breakdown is quicker)

I buy soy sauce (well, liquid Aminos) by the gallon and just refill the small container.  It lasts and lasts with no refrigeration.  I get vinegar whenever I find a great price.  Same with sugar - I keep it in old popcorn tins until ready to fill the canister.  I have had the same box of cornstarch for years.  I probably have enough pink Himalayan salt to last the remainder of my years.  If honey crystalizes- just set the bottle in warm water to liquify again.

Just because something has a date listed doesn't always mean a thing.  Do your own investigation - so many things last for years.

Salt has been under the earth for forever, and suddenly it is supposed to be used by a certain date!!!!  LOL

Keep things dry and sealed and you are good to go.

Measurements you might need to know.  Maybe you are without a measuring cup for some reason - here is a chart for equivalent on tablespoons and teaspoons.  This is a good thing to have inside the cabinet door!  I keep several little charts taped inside my cabinets.  They are super handy and never lost!
 

There you go - todays kitchen lesson!  LOL

I love learning new things and sharing ideas.

With things costing more in some areas, and us all needing to be good stewards and truly use up what we have (and not waste), little tips like these are good to know.

Have a fantastic day and a lovely weekend.