Make it, Eat it, Save Money!

 Good morning to all.  Here we are on Tuesday again.  I am already tired this week!  LOL

Just trying to get outside stuff done and let me tell you, it hasn't been fun as it is HOT!  Today will get close to 90F, so I will be going outside here in a few to get things done early.

Mind you I am not complaining about the heat - it sure beats ice and snow, just trying to stay cooler and hydrated.

Hope you are all having a good week so far.

It is now picnic time, BBQ time, grilling out time - and we all like to eat, yet keeping things simple and easy.  Saving a buck or two doesn't hurt either.  So today is about a few ideas to use and make from what you have at home, instead of buying at the grocery.

Here we go.

I keep seeing lots of posts about the size of everything is getting smaller - yep, shrinkflation is upon us.  Well, my advice is just make your own. Things have been shrinking in size (not cost) for a few years.  Manufacturers think they are being sneaky - so let's just beat them at their game!!  DON'T buy it!!!!

Make your own mixes instead of buying cake mix - yes, they have shrunk in size.  You can mix up these dry ingredients and store in quart jars or airtight baggies and keep them on your shelves.  You can adjust accordingly to make flavors.  Above is yellow cake mix - the difference in this and white cake mix is to use just eggs whites when making it white cake!

I have read that if you have a cake mix that is smaller than it used to be - add a 1/4 C flour and it will be back to the original!  Not sure if that is true - but worth a try if you have some to use.

Corn and bean salsa - a fun twist on a yummy.  This is great for cookouts and such, as it has no mayonnaise to spoil.  It really is tasty.

Don't think something is ruined and trash it - just because it is too........... whatever!

Fun condiments for chicken or burgers or fries!

HONEY MUSTARD - make at home

CHICKEN FINGER SAUCE (or fries!)

An easy alternative to burgers.  Great served on buns, over fries (loaded fries), or on hotdogs!

I always add a splash of Worcestershire sauce as well - gives a little zing.  Super easy to make and yummy to eat.

There ya go!  A few more alternatives to make with what you have at home.  They not only taste better but are easy and cheaper for the most part.

I imagine a lot of cookouts happening this coming weekend here in the U.S. with Memorial Day.  Maybe you can have fun with some new recipes.

Make what you can, stay out of stores for extras, save a little money.

Have a wonderful day!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/19

 Howdy!  Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  Missing some of y'all.  You need to check in and lets us know you are good!

It is sunny here this morning and very dewy!  The grass is so wet - but I bet it dries quickly today as it will be getting hot.  I have so much to do outside yet in the next few days, so hopefully it doesn't get TOO hot!  Time to get my sun hat out!

Everything is so green and growing.  I got flooded out back 2 times this week.  Early in the week and again over Thursday night - - lots of water.

I saw my first bunny of the season.  I have seen it twice a few doors down.

The ice cream truck has started coming around on the weekend - yep, it is almost summer!

                             We all need to do this more often.  Something we tend to forget!

My frugal week:

• I told you about the 10th birthday party - that was a nice family event
• I made a huge pasta/veggie salad that I took to the party.  It was a hit.  I had enough left for Monday meal - otherwise it was all gone!
• Mowed and trimmed the yard - took several hours to do it right.  Heck, it needs it again
• Did my feet and gave myself a pedi!  (tis the season for pretty feet)
• I had metal rings from the whiskey barrel I took apart - placed them out back and the scrap guy had them within the hour.  I couldn't think of a use, or I would have kept
• Washed and kept 3 freezer bags for future use
• Basic cleaning inside on rain days.  We had a couple crazy wet days.
• I got 90%+ of the garden cleaned out of weeds - oh what a job.  I had 2 huge black bags full of stuff.  Then it rained & rained and flooded out there again.  Hoping to finish it all today!  I hand pulled all those weeds - the rest will be with hoe
• I have brushed and brushed Blackie this week - dang that kitty has thick hair, and he sheds!  He is like a little bear - so thick and fluffy
• I received a 2 lb. pack of huge, beautiful strawberries from the neighbor across the street - they always share stuff.  Boy have they been tasty.

• NO grocery shopping this week
• Using what I have and keeping meals simple
• Laundry and used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Made a new batch dbl. of hummingbird nectar
• Many days of windows open and enjoying fresh air - using ceiling fans (kitties love the open windows)
• Went to a surprise 80th birthday celebration for my nephew-in-law's mom
• Got to talk with out-of-town relatives this week
• Just doing all the basic things

Meals this past week:

Dinner at the party - KFC chicken and homemade goodies

Chicken & corn (sent home from party) and leftover pasta salad

Beef hotdogs and side salad

Chef salad

Cold sandwich and fresh veggies

Eggroll bowl

Chicken thighs (pre-cooked from freezer) and fruit salad

As you can see - most were easy meals.  When doing yard work, simple meals are the order of hand for me.

So much work to do out in the yard and garden yet.  Yesterday, while talking to my brother he said he isn't planted yet either.  He always has a huge garden.  It has just been so wet - (he floods too).

I will work outside the next couple days, until it gets too hot.  We are expected to hit upper 80's the next 2 or 3 days then cool a bit before the Memorial Day weekend.  I still have close to 2 weeks before the month is over - daddy always said "plant close to end of May" - for best warmth in the ground.  So, I guess I am OK!

How has your week been?  Is your garden in?  Thinking about it?  Any holiday plans in motion?

Did you get any great deals this week?  Check in and let us know how you are doing!!  PLEASE

You are all worried about and cared for.

I wish you all a wonderful and safe and healthy week.  

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 17:22

Dear Lord, please continue to watch over and protect us.  Help to find joy in all things and to laugh and have a joyful heart.  Hoping that our smiles and laughter can add happiness to another who is sad.  May we lift one another in ways of caring and love.  Prayers for peace and love for this world.  AMEN

Inflation - Can You Beat It?

 Happy Thursday - hope this finds you well.  Missing some of you!  Check in so we know you are A-OK!

This morning is sunshine here, a little fog and nice temperatures.  Most of all NO rain!

Well, yes - we still have to do it.  We still have to live and shop!  But can we fudge a little?  Sure.

Can you beat inflation?  Well, I don't know about beating it - but we can play the game too!  I realize that everything is up in cost and that makes goods cost more.  BUT not all of it is cost of living - some is just greed.

Not much we can do about gasoline prices, except be mindful of our trips and makes them as useful as can be.  Do your errands all at once in one day, instead of going out driving more than necessary.  If you work, well you can maybe carpool or take public transportation (if available), but otherwise you are kind of stuck.  Do any errands on the way home and not extra trips if necessary. Take care of your vehicle so it is as efficient as possible.

Your home - just stay where you are if you can.  Housing is so expensive now - it is for sure a seller's market and rent can be so expensive.  If your home is sound, safe and stable - stay there and improve little things as you can afford.  Love what you have!!!!  Embrace it. 

We don't have to have the fanciest or the biggest or the newest or the best address - we just need to love what we have and take care of it.

Groceries - well, play the game!  Buy only those lost leaders in ads.  Look for the clearance goods.  Shop the cheaper stores.  USE WHAT YOU HAVE.  Stay home more often and be ever so mindful of what you buy and what you spend.  Grow some things if you can.  Cook from scratch.  We give ideas all the time on ways to save on food - so use them.  Go back and read posts and learn as much as you can.  Use alternatives if you are out of something.  Use your leftovers.  We can make a difference in our spending - so we can play the game too.

Utilities - well they cost what they cost.  We can use less.  Use less water - don't leave faucets run needlessly.  Wet and soap up - shower off - wash your body - the rinse off.  Catch that extra water from faucets to water plants or mop the floors or flush the toilet.  Catch rainwater if you are permitted to in your area.  It is great for plants and animals.

Turn off lights when not in need.  During this time of the year, I do not even turn on house lights.  I have a small night light for over night, and I have a dusk to dawn light outside for safely.  That is it.  You can use your TV for light or light a candle or use those battery candles. 

Turn heat down or AC up. Use fresh air if possible and maybe a ceiling fan or small fan.

Rethink cable, internet, phones etc.  Check prices for cheaper versions.  If you have $ troubles - just get rid of something.  It isn't a HAVE to have.

Insurances - shop around.  If you are paying super high prices, look around for a better price.  Insurance encompasses all areas of life - they get us coming and going.  House, health, car, other vehicles, etc.  Do your research.

Clothes - try to get by with what you have.  Repair and mend.  If you need new - shop thrift stores or yard sales.  You can get brand new items at times for pennies on the dollar.  Watch your freecycle groups for all things you may need.

FUN - have staycations. If you are having money troubles - just figure out ways to have fun at home.  Parks, local free events, walking festivals, having picnics, sprinklers, music in the parks, games at home.  Maybe make it a neighborhood thing - families all pitch-in.  You can still have fun and not spend.

There are ways to fight inflation and the cost of living.  You just have to think a little.  Do a little research and footwork and you can stay ahead of the game.

Most of all remember the HUGE difference between wants and needs.

You can do this - just put in a little effort.

Have a lovely day everyone!

I am off to enjoy this beautiful day.

** I understand not everyone can do all of these - but we can all try something.

Happy Midweek/Month

 Happy Wednesday to all.  Here we are again in the middle of another week and here we are at the midpoint of the month!  Good golly Miss Molly time is sure flying by.

There is a lot of water in my area. A LOT OF WATER!  In the past 12 hours or so my area has received about 3.3" of rain!  There will be no weed pulling in the garden today as there is a lake out there!!

It should make it easy - WHEN I can get out there!

There have been many cars that have been flooded on roads around the area.  It always amazes me what people actually think they can drive through!  If you are going to work, you are familiar with the area - so one would think they would know the flooding potential of some areas.  Silly people.

Stay safe out there folks!  

I hope this makes you smile like it did me when I saw it!!!  Life can't always be all serious - it can be fun too!

I spent much of yesterday cleaning inside as the weather was not conducive to working outside.  Looks like today will be much the same.

It sure was a good sleeping night.  I woke about 2:45 to hearing thunder - otherwise I slept pretty good.  The kitties must have too.  They didn't come in with me last night - they stayed side by side of the couch all evening.  They sure are friends - until Bitsy wants to play!  He is very exuberant!

I went out this morning to feed the critters and heard the most beautiful bird song.  I had not heard that particular song before and was trying hard to see what it was.  I wish I had had a recorder with me.

I want to relate a little story about the birthday gathering this past weekend.  The birthday boy has two younger siblings 1 and 3.  The 3 year old is very shy, and she usually stays away from most of us.  The one year old is just quiet.  Well, Layla decided this weekend that I was OK.  She came and set next to me on the picnic table chatting up a storm.  Then I walked in the house and she was playing alone - and I asked if I could play.  We made a fort and had a ball - her chatting the whole time.  Then 1 year old Miles, was sitting next to my brother (his gr. grandpa).  He was loving his mashed potatoes, and brother started doing "airplane" with the spoons of potatoes.  Miles was just belly laughing like crazy.  He thought that was hysterical.  He and I played 'bubbles' after dinner and he laughed and laughed.

It sure made the day & weekend fun.  Those littles can bring a smile and it sure warms the heart when they interact with us adults.

They have no idea how special those moments are for us big people.

I thought I would show you a fun pic of Bitsy.  I have an afghan rolled up and all neat at the back of a chair seat every morning.  I fix it every morning - by afternoon this is what happens.

Bits gets it all bunched up and curls up inside it!!!!  Every day!  He is such a hoot.  I guess it is a comfy thing - he loves crawling under covers of all sorts.  If he sees someone on the porch or inside or hears someone else talking - he runs and hides under my bed covers.  Yesterday I had the vacuum going and he was hiding under my covers.  Blackie just sits there and looks at it!  He could not care less.  Plus if someone comes to visit, Blackie wants his pets and head rubs!  They are so different in personality.

Bitsy loves being with Blackie and me.  He follows us all over the place and talks the whole time.

What are you up to today?  Any fun weekend stories to tell from your part of the world?  I know many graduations and parties have started already and last weekend was Mother's Day.

Make today about smiles!

Have a great midweek.  Smile - it is something that we can share and costs nothing!

A Helping Hand - Just Doing Something

 Happy Tuesday all.  Hope this finds you well.  It is a nice but cloudy morn here.  We are expecting rain today.  It is only going to be in the 60's today, but that will change come the weekend - it is supposed to get in mid 80's.

Today I want to talk about helping others.  I know we have had people on here talk about wanting to start support programs over time, and well, it is something we can all do.  We can volunteer or start something new in our communities.  

First you need to find a need.

Think about your abilities - your hours, talents, financial obligations.

Choose your project.

Develop a plan - what are you hoping to accomplish - is it practical - is it safe and legal.

Recruit volunteers if necessary.

I am sure there can be much more involved with more complicated projects.  Today let's just talk about SIMPLE things we can do and help someone.

Many things just take time and your talents.  

Maybe you can offer FREE music lessons to a child, like piano lessons.

Teach the basics in gardening or foraging.

Teach someone or many the basics behind canning.

Tutor kids or adults

If you have computer knowledge - maybe help someone get the basics - it could help with getting a job or with their education.

Perhaps get people to donate baby items and keep a supply on hand for new moms in need.

Maybe teach a class on living with basic food items, how to shop for simple foods and how to prepare them.  Recipes.

Teach a basic budgeting/financial class

Donate your extra garden produce - provide fresh goodies for neighbors (or donate to elderly neighbors)

Adopt a 'grand'friend from a nursing home - visit or write cards - brighten a day

Volunteer to help an elderly neighbor with yard, cleaning, transportation, or just being a friend

You can start a FREE mini pantry to help those in need.

These can be made from old cabinets, an old hutch, or just a covered table.  I love the idea of these - but I see some concerns as well.  In my neighborhood, I don't see it being a help to many - as I would think there would be someone that would take everything.  I worry about heat and cold.  I think they may work best in front of a small business (where there is lots of foot traffic) or in front of a community center.  People take and people give.  The premise is lovely - you just need to know your area.

Start a community garden.  If living in the city, there are many empty lots.  FIRST find & check with the property owner and the city to make sure this can be done without liability.  Neighbors help and eat.

Nice when all work together.  We have a youngster that started doing this is his needy neighborhood a few years back.  He got everyone involved and people had good fresh produce in a very dry food desert.  It was very inspirational.

Check with your local libraries or churches or community centers to see if you can teach a class or start a group.

Think about starting a blog and share it on neighborhood free groups online or post on your personal FB, so your friends can share.  It is one way to get your lessons and word out there.

Start a You Tube channel and give direction on whatever you want.  You Tube can be a valuable tool.  I know I have looked up all kinds of things, to learn how to do them.  Use key words that attract people in your titles!!!!  That is important.

Maybe make goody bags for the homeless in your area.  I used to make gallon bags up with all kinds of things to pass out.  Toothbrushes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, soap, wet wipes, washcloth, cheese crackers, etc.  I passed out hundreds of these over a couple years.  It always brought a smile from those in need, and it made me feel good to help.  I worked with the local soup kitchen, and they let me pass them out there - a safe environment!!!!

(I bought all items at $ stores or discount groceries back then - most in multi-packs)

Have work clothes you no longer need? - maybe gift to a woman's shelter.  Any nice clothes for that matter.  Many women leave with what they have on and nothing more.

Help at a local pet shelter.  It isn't just people in need, animals as well need help.  Help clean pens, donate newspapers, food, just pet and visit the animals.

Or you can feed feral animals in your neighborhood.  Provide shelter and water.

There truly is NO LIMIT to ways to volunteer at something!!!!!

Volunteer, donate, teach, just give in some way.  Never think that there is nothing that you can do.  Even the smallest thing or amount helps.

The world would be so much nicer if we all did just a little!!!!!

Look forward to hearing your ideas or what you have done.  Please don't be disparaging - be encouraging!

Have a wonderful day to all.

Weekly Wrap Up 5/12

 Happy Sunday to all. Happy Mother's Day to all moms - whether your babes are human or fur!!!

Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  I know some of you have been in the areas so affected by the storms this week.  Hope all of you, your families and your properties are safe.  There has been so much devastation.

It has been cooler here this past week.  Not the heat we had last week.  Next week looks to be nice as well.  We had some rain, nothing like the storms in other areas.

We lost power last Sunday for a while - not storm related.  It appears someone hit a pole - the sirens were almost deafening.  It is nice to know that my generator kicks on when needed!

The dandelions are now gone, and the clover has started up.  It really does smell good.  Mr. G Hog was sighted strolling down the alley this week!!  LOL.  I sure hope he stays out of my yard.  I think that is why I had a bumper crop of poppies this year - no g-hog in the yard (last year he ate the buds).

The poppies and the peonies are just about done.  They came on fast and fierce and then done!

The climbing roses are all blooming and my oldest bush rose (at least 40 years old) had 10 blooms at once open this week!  The clematis is blooming - things are sure alive.

NO the garden is not yet in - but hopefully by next weekend.  This old chick is slowing down!!!!!

My week:

• Mowed and trimmed - of course it is in need again
• Picked many, many bouquets of peonies and roses (gosh they smell good)
• Paid everything I had come in (including property taxes for the year)
• Tons of laundry
• Lot's more weeding and yard clean up.  I have 2 wooden whiskey barrels out back (yrs. old) and one was done!  I removed all the dirt and took it apart and cleared that area.  Whew!!!
• I washed down the front porch and the side covered area - they both collect dust
• Got the glass storm doors all cleaned - they look so nice!
• Went out one day to do errands.  Got gas in the can for summer mowing.  I took some coupons to my niece's house for her birthday event today (nephew wants KFC).  Stopped by Kroger for specials.
• I got Eggland Best lg. eggs for 1.99 doz.  1/2 gallons of milk were 1.29.  Vidalia onions 3 lbs. 2.99 - some of the sweetest I have had in years!  I got fresh veggies galore - using many in today's pasta/veg salad I am taking to nieces.  AND by walking the store (I know!!) - I found 3 types of cat food shreds I have a hard time finding anywhere.  One that I haven't found in 2-3 years!!!  Kitties happy!
• Hard boiled some eggs
• Aired the house - no A/C or heat at all this week (no need for lights either)
• Cleaned the hummingbird feeders and refilled with homemade nectar
• Helped the side neighbor with water this week (1 1/2 days).  They had their water turned off (SMH) and I ran the hose over the fence for them to fill buckets with.  He was talking about going out to buy gallons of water - I mean come on - you haven't paid the bills, and you want to buy water??  Some people amaze me.  Anyhow they seemed appreciative.
• Dug a huge lamb's ear plant and potted for a neighbor who loves them
• Got some neighbor visits in with people I haven't talked with much this spring
• Just all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Blk. bean/beef combo nachos/taco salad

Mexican style rice bowl

Potato cakes (freezer), pan seared fish, veggie salad

Beef/potato/cheese bowl and salad

Grilled ham/cheese sandwich, onion rings, fresh vegs

Burger and salad

Dirty rice w/sausage and side salad

Well, that sums up my week.  Nothing exciting.  I need to get my bum a bobbing of getting the garden in - it is just a lot of work!  LOL

How was your week?  Please let us know you are OK from storms.  Did you get stuff planted?  Any good deals this week?

I hope you all have a wonderful Mother's Day, however you desire to spend the day!!!!

I am going to another birthday celebration this afternoon for a 10-year-old gr. nephew, and I need to get busy making my side I am taking!!

Stay safe and healthy.  Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home!

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

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.  Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:30-31

Lord, we thank You for all the strong women in our lives, both past and present.  May we all work together and learn from one another.  Guide each and every woman in her daily life and journey in this world.  We give thanks for all blessings.  AMEN

Keep Urgency At Bay

 Happy Thursday to all.  It is hard to believe that we are coming to the end of another week.

I hope you are all safe.  There sure were some more terrible storms going through the south and south eastern parts of the country.  Sad to hear this morning that there were deaths with this system.

We are cloudy and damp this A.M. - nothing bad here.

The tulip poplar tree is now releasing its flowers and sap all over the place!  That makes for lots of little ants on things.  The tree is always pretty in bloom, but what a messy tree it is.  Sure glad I got that dead wood out of it.

Today let's just touch on keeping the 'urgency' out of shopping!  When there is an urgency for things needed - it is very easy and probable that you will overspend!!!  Yep!

If you keep a decently stocked pantry of basics - you can avoid the 'urgency' of making those extra trips to the store.

Extra trips mean extra money - which means more spending on groceries and less on other things.

Again, as we have talked before, you don't have to spend a fortune to stock your pantry.  A few dollars here and there makes a huge difference.

Things to remember:

Keep yourself acquainted with all the stores in your area - but try to shop one for your basic needs.  Yes, watch for the lost leaders at the other places and get what you need and use.  BUT the trick is - ONLY get those specials when you go!!  It is sooooooo easy to wonder and pick up this and that and then that special deal isn't so special anymore!  You have easily shot the budget on other stuff or wants - and that is not good.

Keep your eyes open for discount stores.  I have always been so envious of people that can shop those places.  We have just recently gotten a new discount store that has Friday and Saturday deals that can't be beat at all!!!!  They sell closeouts of fresh food (produce) for pennies on the dollar.  Every week is different.  It is a great way for those with little money to get somewhat fresh goods.

Remember that if you run out - you can substitute something else.  No spaghetti noodles?  No problem, use a different kind of pasta - it will be fine.  No eggs for baking - use applesauce or mayo or other subs.  There are many things you can use.  No - meat?  Well, beans are protein and eggs and cheese and peanut butter........

No meat for spaghetti sauce - use mushrooms or other veggies in your sauce.  It is OK!!!!!

Use what you have.

Don't buy sales if they are things you don't regularly use!!!  Buy what you eat and eat what you buy!!!!  This is essential.  If you buy things that you will not eat (probably) it is not a deal at all.  If money is tight - it isn't time to try (buy) things you have never had.  Wait to try those things when finances are better.

IF you need help - don't be ashamed.  City/county food pantries are there to help those in need.  Get what you can.  Maybe this will fill in your empty spots or maybe you only have to buy a little to fill in those empty spots.  Many organizations (including churches) have food giveaways.  Do what you need to provide for your family.

Cook at hope and stop eating out.  I have heard basically every excuse and reason - and I still believe it is cheaper to cook from home!  Fast food is super expensive!

Cook basic foods most of the time and make having homemade fries and burgers (made at home) a fun treat!!  Make pizza a treat  - so easy to make and use what you have.  Make eating Mexican a treat - super easy and inexpensive.  Anything can be made special at home - so stay out of the restaurants.

SHOP your pantry and freezer and use up what you have.  Get creative.  There are many sites that give you great food ideas using up what you have.  You type in your pantry supplies and the site will give you ideas and recipes using them.

My favorite is My FridgeFood site - https://www.myfridgefood.com.  There are others.

I really can't remember the last time I felt the urgent need to go to the store.  I try to keep all the basics on hand and have enough to last a bit.  I have no problem using different ingredients and I eat pretty darn simple.  It is amazing what you can get by on if necessary.  I eat well and varied.

Recently I bought 2-12 packs of dbl. roll TP for 3.99 each.  With what I have on hand and that - I am good for months!  It pays to keep track of how much you use per week/month, etc.  That way you can add enough to last you and no emergency runs!

I may get a food idea in my head (TV does that!), but I will try to make something similar.  IF I don't have the stuff on hand - well it gets put on my future 'wants' list.  I refuse to run out for special ingredients.

The last couple months I have really purchased very little food, except some fresh items.

I can't wait for all the garden and market freshness that will be coming soon.

I know I talk about this subject a lot - but it is so important for those starting out.  It is also a good reminder for those of us, that maybe get complacent!

We always get new ideas in the comments that can help other too.  You guys rock!!!

Just remember to use what you have and get creative.  There are ways to enjoy your food and to not spend a fortune!

Have a great day and weekend!!!!!