Working Smarter.....

 Hello to all on this Tuesday.  Hoping this finds everyone well and safe.

It is a lovely morning here.  We were at 66* upon rising this morning.  It is partially cloudy - but nice.  Yesterday was a perfectly beautiful day - although it was windy!  Coming in tonight is rain, and we will probably have a good chance of such for the next 4 days.  Cooler as well.

Sitting here with the windows open already, listening to the birds sing.  All the kitties have been fed, and the birds and squirrels as well.  Bits is loving the fresh air. 

 

    Tiny, single hyacinth stems (been here 40 years) - but they still smell like the big ones!

You have all heard the old saying 'work smarter, not harder'.  Boy oh boy, is that the truth.  You will each one find, that as you get older, finding an easy and good way is just SMART!  It is true in about everything in life.

When doing baking, utilize that oven to its full extent.  Don't just bake one thing, make several things - not only does it save time in the future, but is saves on energy costs as well.

Cook enough for more than one meal.  You can eat during the week, or you can freeze and have a nice easy meal at some later date - when you just don't feel like cooking.  You can use for lunches as well.

When doing that big clean - do it in small steps.  I like the 15 - 30 minutes at a time style.  You don't get super frustrated, you don't get really tired, you don't get bored.  Do your stuff, then move on to something fun (set outside or read) and then come back and go at it again.

When grocery shopping - stock up on things you use often.  Look around your pantry and freezer and figure what is running low and add that to your list.  Look for the best deals that you can find - you can still find deals (you see the deals I find).  The less shopping you have to do, the better.  You are saving time and money and your energy.  

When cooking, use what you HAVE!  Substitute, re-invent, get creative.  It may means changing up your plans, but that is cool - you are being wise.  That is smart!

I love the idea of 'growing' some of your food.  Even if green onions or lettuce in a pot on the patio.  It is fresh and you don't have to buy it.  Plant a tomato plant in a big pot on the patio - you will enjoy freshness daily!  That is smart to me!

I have told the story before, about the fact that my laundry is in the basement.  I have fairly steep steps going down.  I empty by laundry hamper upstairs into a large pillowcase, then I toss that down the steps into the basement.  It sure keeps me from losing my footing carrying laundry down those steps.  I then hang things and fold things before coming back up - and do it in smaller increments.  Sure, it is more trips - but I feel safer.  ALSO, in have learned (ask me how) - NEVER wear slippers when going down those steps!!!!!  Go in stocking feet!!  Much smarter for me!

Use things you have around the house and garage when cleaning or changing the look of things.  Just shifting items from room to room can make the decor look different.  Use unusual things in the garage or shed for yard decorations or for plantings.  Make your own cleaning products using things you have on hand.

Paint a room - it makes all the difference, instead of a total redecorating.  It refreshes and feels new.  Cheaper and less work than buying and getting rid of old furniture.  Use throws or covers to refresh older furniture.  Add toss pillows and things to change a look.  So many ways to refresh things just are just easy.

Yesterday I made a trip to Menards - to look for some 'helper' tools.  Over the past few years, I have added some new 'toys' to make life a bit easier and cheaper over time.  As long as I can continue to do things, I will.  I can afford to hire things out, but it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment to do it myself, and it is all FREE exercise!  Think the pressure washer, the lighter weight trimmer, the new mower, etc. over the past few years.

I finally got myself a small blower (battery operated & lightweight).  I have had to rake and rake everything from leaves to grass - that is hard work.  My arms and back get so tired.  I will be able to use this whenever I need to and not be over worked.  (I see using this on gutters too).

I also bought something I had not intended - but something I will surely use.

Over the past 2 or 3 years I have gardened doing the no till method.  I have a little Mantis (very old) - but it needs work and it is hard for me to start.  No till sounds easy - but it is a LOT of work working the soil some (you still need to work it).  I have used the Claw and Weasel.  Trust me those are hard work!!!!!  Yesterday I bought a small, lightweight, battery operated mini tiller!!!!  It has an 8" wide girth and digs a good 6" deep or so - better than the Weasel.  I can go over and over an area with ease now.  I can use this between plants easily, use in much smaller areas, and heck I can even easily turn over dirt in my large pots!  It has a 90-minute use time and then needs recharging.  Sounds perfect.  We will see - but I am excited.

It wasn't a bad price at all - and I get 11% back from rebates!

As I age, working smarter not harder is very important.  I love being able to keep going and taking care of things here, but I need a hand up sometimes.  This body does NOT operate even the same as it did 5-10 years ago.  I am sure many of you can understand what I am saying.

So, as you do things around the house and yard - stop for a couple minutes and THINK.  How can I do this in a way to help me now and in the future.

There is always a smarter way!

Stay independent as long as possible - it is so important.  Not only does it do your soul and mind and body good - but it is also just smart!

Work smarter - not harder!!!!!

What are some of your tricks - I am eager to learn some new ones!

Have a beautiful day!
 

Weekly Wrap Up 3/29

 Hello all - Happy Palm Sunday.  Here we are on the last Sunday of the month again.  Time sure is flying by.

It was 36*F this morning when I got up and now up to 42*.  Looks like 60's and 70's for the remainder of the week, with a bit of rain on many days.

Loved going out this morning and hearing the beautiful songs of all the birds, geese flying over and honking hello, and just seeing the world come back to life.  There are more and more birds each week.  Cowbirds, red-wing blackbirds, variety of woodpeckers, grackles, finches, cardinals, bluejays, etc..  The tulips are blooming now.  Chucky the groundhog even made an appearance one day - came out and surveyed the yard and then disappeared again.  Can't imagine it will stick around with all the cats here - they say they don't like the 'smell' from kitties and their urine.

Sis should get to go back home sometime later in the week.  She will be back home in time for her 95th birthday.  She will have extra help for a week or two just to get back into the normal ways of semi-independent living.  So happy for her.

My frugal week:

• Worked on the front 'flower' bed across the front of the house.  I moved a bunch of rock and then worked on reseating the metal trim/edging - then all the rock back in place.  It was a straight edge before - I made it curving this time.  
• Cleaned out the area between the garage and the fence - tons of leaves were there. It looks so much better
• Transplanted my chives from where they have been for years 
• Took apart and emptied a really old and dilapidated whiskey barrel (where chives had lived)
• Got one good load of laundry done with the 'empty' soap bottle.  Amazing how much soap was left in that seemingly empty bottle when turned upside down
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Changed out handbag
• Taxes are done - quick and painless
• Mowed the front yard (back is still good) - started something - the next day 6 close by neighbors did the same!
• I have trimmed sections of my hair over the last couple weeks - it still looked rough - so I took the time to do a good cut and now it looks nice and even
• Picked wild onions
• Cleaned all the floors really well
• A few walks
• After taxes were done, I stopped at grocery just to see if any deals.  Found several (only day I drove)

  Fresh goods on clearance.  Got the juice drink for flavoring my water.

                          Crackers - I eat crackers often and like these.  They are all 'best by' 12/26

80% ground beef 3.06 lb. (2), pork/beef Italian meatballs $3.16 lb. (1), 8 oz. bars of sharp cheddar 1.22 each (3)!  

These are all my way of adding to the pantry without a lot of cost

• Washed all the windows inside and the mirrors
• Just doing all the normal stuff around the house

My meals this past week:

Cream cheese/cheddar/summer sausage topped bagels - air fryer roasted, fresh veg & h/b egg on side

Tuna patty, sauteed brussel sprouts/corn and fresh veggies

Stew over mashed potatoes (both helpings from freezer) **it was yummy!

Philly steak (ground beef) & cheese open face sandwich and fries

Cream cheese/Swiss and veggie sandwich on toasted sourdough

Veggie fried rice, cukes and toms on side

l/o veg rice, jalapeno smoked sausage and cukes on side

SNACKS:  root beer float, fruit, h/b eggs, toasted Eng. muffin

A lot of little things done for the most part - the flower bed was the only biggy.  Boy was that tiring, this gal sure isn't as young as she would like to think!!!  But it is done, and the cost was zero.

How has your week been?  Any deals to add to the pantry?  Has spring sprung in your area yet?

I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.  Wishing each of you a great week ahead and a lovely holy week.

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

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

When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalms 34:17-18

Dear Lord we give thanks for all our many blessings this day.  Please be with and help those who are going through illness for themselves or with their families and those who are grieving.  It is often hard to keep faith when bad things happen.  Please help each one know that You are with them and will hold them up through all things.  We ask for healing of bodies, minds, and souls.  Thank You for the most precious gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  AMEN

Do Unto Others

 Hello to everyone.  It is a damp morning here, after early morning rains.  Rain has stopped, and the sun is peeking out.  The grass is just vivid green, and things are starting to look more like spring.  While walking yesterday, I noticed a neighbor's yard a few doors down, was just full of wild violets.  It looked so pretty to me.  I just stopped and look at it for a few minutes - love the bits of color.  The birds are singing away this morning, the squirrels are out getting breakfast, and the kitties have eaten.  Oh, and it was 60* when I got up!!!

Today will be warmer and sunny.  We have storms coming in again OVERNIGHT.  I am so tired of the big change in storms showing up overnight.  That is scary.  At least during the day, you can see what the sky looks like!  Remember when we just used to have rain showers and not storms?   Anyone in the path - stay safe.

We all need to take time to be kind to others.  If may not benefit you in the short run, but it sure will make someone else's day nice and in the long run you become a kinder person.

I love nature and do all I can for the creatures that show up in my yard.  They DO give joy, and that is all I need from them.  

I walk and try to pick up trash along the way.  No one generally realizes who does it - but I know they enjoy a cleaner and neater neighborhood.  A simple smile or a 'hello' can do wonders for a stranger.  Reach that item the elderly person can't and give them a hand at the store.

Keep your yard and home neat and clean - it is so appreciated by others.  Trust me, I have some neighbors that take care of nothing - and it is awful.  When they do pick up, we all smile a little more.

Just be kind.  Be thoughtful.  Be caring.  Be helpful.  Be mindful.  Be prayerful!!!!!  

Prayers are done in silence and when we are alone - but they do impact others.  God hears us, even when it is just in our mind - so keep good thoughts.

Be your best person at all times.  Some people live many years, but in reality, it is very short and we need to make it matter.  Leave a legacy or memory that would make you smile if you read it of someone else!

Yes, make it a better world for others and make it a wonder to enjoy for yourself.  We ALL deserve to be happy, and we all NEED to be good people.

Love you my friends.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

Serving Good Food on a Small Budget

Good day to all.  It is wonderful to be here another day.  God is good.  Hope all are well.

It is 40's this morning and it looks like 70's for today.  I will take it. A good day to air out a little and do some outdoor work.

                                                                                 AMEN

I know everyone probably gets tired of me talking about meals and food budgets, but I think it is so important right now.  I am lucky to live in a place where many stores are discounting groceries and prices everyday (normal here).  I know not everyone has that luxury.  Even our local Kroger stores have hundreds or more of groceries at cheaper prices right now (some are higher as well).  Still not like they were years ago - but that is life.  Inflation is a part of life.

Anyway, we all need to do what we can to keep budgets low and still have good and hearty meals.  Especially those with families to feed.

Imagine in this world, that families expect 2 or 3 meals a day, every day!  The gall of them!  LOL

So, today we talk about making it good and inexpensive as possible.

PLAN - make a plan as well as possible.  You may not totally stick to it, but having some sort of plan is important.  Even if it is making a whole chicken work for 3 or 4 meals.  The more quick runs you make to the store, the more you spend.  PLAN first with what you have on hand, then add to that with sales and markdowns as much as possible.  Learn to be creative!!!

SIMPLIFY - you don't have to have a bunch of courses to a meal.  Keep meals simple yet filling.  Add bread or crackers or a salad to your main dish - which helps stretch it out.  Ex: a simple casserole that used up all the leftovers and some garlic toast or a small salad.  Chili and crackers or cornbread, etc.  Tomato soup or whatever you like and a grilled sandwich - very filling and inexpensive.  Kiddos and adults alike like a PBJ every now and then - protein and filling!

NEVER WASTE - reuse things up in some way.  It may be used at a breakfast or lunch another day, it may be frozen for later on, or it can be reconstructed into something new.

Leftover chili from freezer over mac - for chili mac and stale buns for garlic toast

Another container of frozen chili over a baked potato with cheese and sour cream
Pretty darn cheap meals and tasty too!  Nothing wasted.

 

Leftover mashed potatoes can be used with additional ingredients to make potato soup - hearty and yummy.  They can make potato cakes.  Leftover veggies can be pureed and added to spaghetti sauce (extra vitamins) or to a cream of soup (even a can of soup).  Small pieces of meat can go into soup, stir fry and added to a sandwich.  Add to a scrambled egg for a heartier breakfast................

GROW something - even if you live in an apartment or a condo - you can grow something.  Lettuce, green onions, herbs - super easy and they add to your food supply.  Look for fresh produce and local if possible.  Even grocery store 'fresh' is better than no fresh goods - see if there is a clearance section as well.

Buy INGREDIENTS - instead of packaged foods.  I know we all buy some packaged and processed things, but ingredients give you so much more of a variety on things you can make.  The 'real' food is more satisfying and filling than the processed stuff.

I know not everyone can spend a lot of money.  Some have Ramen budgets.  That is ok.  Use the Ramen, the pasta, the rice - all inexpensive and can be supplemented with leftovers and odds and ends in the kitchen.  Ramen - just don't use that little flavor packet - use your own broth, add veggie and bits of meat leftover.  You have a heartier soup that isn't all bad.  Add pasta or rice to soups and casseroles.  It expends them a lot.  Even if there is just a spoonful or two left of something, save it!!!!!!  Stick it is a freezer bag or container and at some point, it makes soup!  Or stir fry or fried rice or added to spaghetti sauce or pizza............there is no end to the way to use things.

Throw those leftovers and odds and ends together and even add a can or two of purchased soup (for broth or base).  Make it SEMI-homemade!!!!  No limits!

Buy SEASONAL MEATS!  What does that mean?  Well, when turkey is super cheap at Thanksgiving - get as many as you can for the freezer.  Heck, you can't buy lunchmeat for the prices they charge.  Buy ham when on sale for Christmas or Easter (usually less than $1/lb.).  Stock the freezer.  Usually ground beef, hotdogs, smoked sausages, etc. go on sale around summer holidays for picnics and grilling.  Chickens go on sale pretty often - get when cheaper and freeze or can for easy future use.  Fish generally gets a bit cheaper around Lent.

You may need to adjust what you buy as well.  I am not a huge fan of dark meat of poultry - but I am learning.  Chicken legs and thighs can usually be found at a much cheaper price than my preferred breast meat.  I buy ground beef and other ground meats when I find marked down.  I can make burgers, fritters, meatloaf, meatballs, soup, etc.  Cheaper than a roast for sure!

I often find pork very inexpensive in my area.  I can usually find a nice packet of chops for $5 - many servings.  I also look for the sales on loins - .99-1.99/lb.  That is a good pound price for any meat. You can make so many things with it.

I get these little tenderloins when I find them on clearance and stick in the freezer.  They are 1 1/2 lbs. and make a good 3 meals or more (depending on how much I eat per meal).  They are easy to cook in a crockpot - add some veggies and seasoning and you have a meal.  This one was flavored with lemon, which I really didn't want - so I rinsed it really well before cooking and added my own broth and seasoning and it was fantastic.  These generally run $5 or $6.

Eat meat as a side like other food - not a main course!  Use lesser amounts in soups and casseroles than recipes call for.

Just remember if things are really tight - you need to fill bellies as well as possible and as cheaply as possible - it may not be a well-rounded meal - but that is ok at times.

GO to food pantries if you need to.  Please do not let anything stop you if you need food.  They are there for a reason.

Lastly - GIVE THANKS for what you do have!!!

A grateful heart and spirit make most things better.  

Even if it is a PBJ sandwich or tuna/crackers or pot of cheaply made potato soup or an egg sandwich or buttered pasta - give thanks.

My favorite phrase this year - GET CREATIVE.  It truly does save money!!!!

Have a blessed day my friends.

Food and Health and Good Eats

 Hello all, this Tuesday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe. 

It is a chilly morning here.  It is 31*F this morning, but the sun has come out.  What a roller coaster it has been here on the weather front.  Sunday, we hit a record breaking high of 88*F, then Sunday evening a storm blew through.  There were thunder and lightening, hard rain and hail.  Monday morning, we woke to 35*!!!  A 53 degree drop in just a few hours.  Crazy stuff.

Isn't this cute?  I think this would be a cute addition to the Easter table.  I have used peppers to hold dip before, but I like this idea.  I bet it would be the hit of the table setting.

I came across some charts that I thought I would share.  It is all good information for eating healthy items and tasty items.  We all look for ways to stay healthy in any natural way we can - it IS frugal!!!  Staying away from doctors, hospitals and medication is much cheaper than having to use them a lot.  I will promote healthy eating all I can.

Great ideas for snacks that are healthier than eating junk.  I do several of these regularly.

There are so many ways to get protein into our bodies.  It doesn't always have to be meat.

This is kind of fun.  I was not aware of some of these.  Those trying to control sugar levels might like this.

I like how some of the high fiber and the good protein items cross over.  Win-win.

I watch for sales and for clearance and manage to get a lot of these items for a decent price.  I am a huge fruit lover, and citrus is a mainstay in my diet.  Once summer gets here, there will be so many things to look forward to.  I do try to keep citrus and cherry tomatoes all year.  Can't wait to grow my own tomatoes again!

I love nuts of all kinds, and luckily, I was gifted a lot of the healthy ones for gifts.  I look for sales on those as well.

I do most of the items from the protein chart as well.  My only dislikes would be cottage cheese and possibly tofu (just not a fan-could eat it).

Sure, I like some junky foods - I think that is normal.  But I also notice, that they are totally false calories.  They make you full for a minute, then you end up even hungrier - and they aren't good for you and the calories aren't good ones!!!  I love comfort food as well - I try to keep it healthy, but often my comfort foods contain pasta and potatoes, so there is that!  We all have our vices.

Eating better foods, can really help a lot of medical conditions.  Everyone needs to do the research for themselves concerning whatever problems you have - and see how diet can affect things.

It sometimes pays to spend a bit more of food to save on doctors and medications!!!

Have a beautiful day and stay joyful.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/22

 Hello to all, and welcome to another new week.  I hope this finds you all well and safe and hanging in there.  This morning started out in the low 60's!  It looks like it will probably hit 80* today, then we play on the roller coaster again.  Next couple days will be cooler - but not any stupid cold or snow in the forecast.

Lilly leaves got tinged with the cold earlier in the week. But they will be fine.  Poppies and all the lilies are growing - saw red tips poking out on the peonies.  The daffies really got hit after the cold, but I will be darned, new buds came out and more flowers!!  I have a new vase of them in the house.  It is about time to think of mowing.

My frugal week:

• Made a pan of corn casserole with items I had on hand.  I have had a craving for that, and it was good
• Cut more daffodils before the cold - then got a chance to cut more that came out after the cold
• Lots of walks and picking up trash - saw the first dandelion and wild violets of the season!
• Pulled big chicken legs from big freezer and cooked up.  Ate a couple and then froze the others cooked for a quick bite later
• I trimmed the top of my hair, as it was getting so long.  Did a root touch-up as well
• Paid everything I had on hand
• Had breakfast/brunch with an old friend.  It starts breakfast and ends up brunch as we talk for so long!  We met at a little diner and meal was filling and inexpensive
• Scoured out the watering holes and the bird bath again - the robins sure love to take baths!
• Thorough cleaning of the stove top 
• Removed the secondary quilt from the bed - YAY
• Stopped at Kroger for some good deals.  Eggs - .99 doz., cheese 1.49/half lb.  Found 80% ground beef on clearance 3.73/lb.  Got 2 pounds (all they had left).  Got more fruit to last the next couple weeks
• Made hard-boiled eggs - 10
• Got the older apples out of crisper and plan on making fried apples tomorrow
• Refurbished some leaf lettuce that had wilted, by placing in ice water - really perked it up
• Getting to air the house, no heat and used a small fan in bedroom at night, instead of ceiling fan

Meals this past week:

l/o pork loin, corn casserole and fresh veggies

Chicken legs, asparagus, corn casserole

Corned beef hash and scrambled eggs

Chili mac (chili from freezer) and garlic toast

Out for breakfast - diner food - just pieced later at home

Meat, cheese, veggie sandwich on sourdough (like a sub)

Soft tacos

SNACKS fruit, corn casserole, cheese

Mainly just using up and doing things here to keep expenses lower.  There is always plenty to do this time of the year.  House in order, yards in orders, planning gardens - goodness always something.  

How was your week?  Any good deals this week?  Getting ready for a new season?

I hope those that were having such nasty weather are doing good.  I wish you all a safe and healthy week.  May you all get to enjoy the beauty of spring.

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, we sing Your praises today for all the gifts that You give.  As we feel our lives are sad or hard, help us to see all the beauty that is presented each day.  Let us give glory instead of grumbling.  Help us each one to be surprised each day with a bit of beauty or joy.  Have us truly pay attention and be joyful for tiniest of wonders.  AMEN

Spring is Coming and we are Moving Forward

 Hello all - hope this finds you well.  Tomorrow will be officially spring.  YAY!!!!!  I sure hope the weather changes for the good from here on out.  It is 40* this morning, so that is a plus.  It looks like decent temps and warmer days for a bit here.

A nice bouquet from the garden before the cold weather and snow hit.  I still have some in a vase - they last and last.  One of the first signs that spring is coming - they give us cheer and hope.

I hope as the weather changes for the best - we do too.  May we all do things and say things that brightens a day for someone else.  May we all do just a little more for the world.  May we all take care of nature.

Winter is going or gone - thank goodness.  Whatever it brought is done and now spring gives hope the life returning to everything around us.  

I hope you all have a wonderful spring season.  

I am going to a late breakfast/brunch with an old friend.  I may do a bit of grocery shopping tomorrow, only to pick up some specials.  They are having customer appreciation days - and my special coupons are good only through Friday.  They have some good deals on those.  Looking forward to airing the house again and turning off heat, as it will be warming up.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Enjoy the first days of spring.

May you have lovely weather.