A Clean Slate

Well kiddos, it's that time of the year again.  Time to spring clean!!!
Time to freshen up, clean, toss,, donate, etc..

Years ago, spring cleaning was a big event - it involved pretty much the whole family and it was done in quick time.  Everyone, including children, had a job to do.  Rugs and carpets were taken outside and beaten within an inch of their lives!!!  LOL  Bedding was fluffed and aired out.  Everything was scrubbed squeaky clean and many times paint was added anew.  Clothes were mended and  what couldn't be salvaged was put in the quilt or rag pile.
A clean house in spring was a major accomplishment and when it was all done - there was often a small celebration.

I say keep it simple.  There isn't much that soap and water, vinegar and baking soda can't clean.  Basically we all have what we need right now, to clean, sparkle and refresh just about every service.

•  Plan to go room by room.  I have always found it much easier to get one room done, before going on to the next.  Start at the top and work your way down.
• Disinfect along the way.  Good old white vinegar is great for that.  Clean everything!!!  Door knobs, phones, cabinet handles, remotes, sinks, tub, counters, and toilet.  Put a cup of vinegar in the toilet and let it set for several minutes then scrub!  Don't forget to clean the flapper handle on the toilet as well.
• It may be time for new toothbrushes and changing the batteries in smoke detectors.
• Shine windows, mirrors, and glass on pictures.  1 part vinegar to 1 part water - spray and clean with a soft cloth or newspaper
• Open some windows and get some fresh air in the house (especially in the bathroom and bedrooms).  I like to open the windows in bedroom with the bedding off the bed and let the actual bed breathe for a few hours.  Fresh air in - stale air out!
• Clean kids toys with hot soapy water with a dash of vinegar added.    Those go in their mouths, so they need to be fresh and clean.
• Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and carpets.  Let it set a while - then vacuum.  The baking soda absorbs odors.
• Take down and launder curtains, valances or blinds.  They collect dust and need a freshening up too.
• Remember to clean the refrigerator thoroughly.  Put an open box of baking soda or a cup of coffee grounds in the frig (and freezer) to absorb any new odors.
• Scrub the stove down and the oven.  I use vinegar and baking soda on the top and I spray down oven with water and sprinkle with either baking soda or salt  and scrub.  I have a self cleaning oven - but I don't use that feature any more -(I almost affixiated myself and the cat once).
• Clean all the counter surfaces with vinegar and water.  Keeps insects away as well.  Ants don't like vinegar.
• Get you blankets and comforters, quilts and spreads outside and hang the on the line if possible to air our.  If you can't hang them outside in your neighborhood - hang them in the garage - or hang them over a fence for a while.  Do you have a quilt rack?  Use that and place them outside for a while.  They need fresh air too!!!!!

• Take the grates off the grill and place in hot soapy water over night.  Sprinkle with baking soda the next day and scour clean.
• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda to a quart of hot water and wash down the patio furniture with a soft cloth.  After clean - use a clean damp cloth to wipe down again - so there is no residue
• Mildew or moss on the siding of the house - often on the north.  I use a bucket of hot water and a scrub brush - cover brush with baking soda and scrub.  Rinse with a hose.  A power washer works as well, but I am trying to keep this post about simple and natural ways.
• Don't forget the pets.  If you have no time for a pet bath - sprinkle them with a bit of baking soda and brush it through and out of fur.  Use baking soda in their beds and in litter as well.
• The outside of the house also needs a good cleaning in the spring.  If nothing else, spray it (and porch or patio) down with the hose.    A pretty clean house always looks inviting and homey from the street.  It helps the whole neighborhood look good.
• Don't forget about going out and taking a walk about the neighborhood and pick up trash or debris that is laying around.  It may not be your trash - but it improves your living area.

As you clean think about de-cluttering as well.  If you haven't used something in ages, odds are you don't need it.  It really is true that the less clutter we have in our lives, the better we feel.  I am constantly working on that!!!!  It isn't easy I know.  I am trying to look at de-cluttering differently now.  It's not so much as I "don't need it" as "I can BLESS someone else" with it.  That makes it a bit easier.

Let's all get our clean on!  If we all work on at least one room a day - we will be done and ready to enjoy all the lovely adventures out of doors has to offer.

Keep it simple - use natural ingredients you have on hand and clean, clean, clean!

Frugal Happenings 2/25

Good morning everyone.
We are actually seeing some blue in the sky and a little sunshine this morning!!!  Both have been missing all week.  Rain, rain, and more rain was our week.  It rained every single day.
We have a lake in the back yard - which is starting to recede some this morning.

I am so thankful that the lake is in the yard and not in our home, as it is for so many.  I am also thankful that the precipitation was rain and NOT snow.  We would be waste high in that stuff.  So dreary days can be something to be thankful for - so many were not as fortunate as us.
Prayers for all of those in the path of extreme weather and flooding.

Our daylight hours have increased so much this month - I love that.  It won't be long and spring will be here.  Hang in there everyone!

This little guy was on the handrail right outside my kitchen window and door.  I was washing dishes and he kept trying to get my attention!  He appears to be trying to tell me something!  "Excuse me, I need a nut".  He waited till I opened the door and handed him a nut - then went on his way!  They beg at the door and climb my leg outside to get nuts.
Click on pictures to enlarge.


My frugal week:

• We had FREE HBO and Cinemax last weekend through Monday - so DVR'd some movies for G.  He is utilizing Netflix a lot as well.
• More spring cleaning
• I needed to send out a birthday and a sympathy card this week.  I had both in my card stash and I had stamps as well - so no spending.  Mailman picked them up for me.
• Baked a raspberry pie
• Placed the spring décor on the doors
• "Blew" out the computer to clean.  The fan had been running often - so I turned it off and used canned air and cleaned it well.  Fan stopped running so much.
• Had 2 days that heat was off completely and windows open for fresh air (in between rain showers)
• Meals from scratch
• All normal things
• I only went out one day - so saved on gas
• Kroger to get asparagus - .97/lb.!  Got 6 pounds - yum.
• Also got bread and buns on clearance, 6 boxes of spaghetti (.39) and .99 bags of tomatoes and bell peppers - Both were palm size and nice

• I also found Nice & Easy hair color on clearance for 1.59 a box!!!!!!!  Oh my goodness!  I got the 6 boxes that were 'close' in color to what I usually buy.  Those normally run 7.99 a box without coupons.  CRAZY PRICE (remember each box gives me 3 dye jobs).  I also got 2 boxes of knee high hose - 10 pair per box for 1.89.  That will last me the rest of my life - as I rarely wear any hose at all.

• Lastly at Kroger I got 5 - 14 oz. bags of Skittles for 1.19 a bag.  Dated 12/2018 - so they will be great for Easter or Christmas goodies for the kids.

• I then stopped at Safeway on the way home as they had a canned tuna sale.  I  got 30 cans of Chicken of The Sea tuna for .59/can for the stockpile.  I was running low as the last time I caught a good sale was about a year ago.  I cleaned the shelf off.  I may go back before the sale ends and see if they re-stocked.

My meals this past week:
Chipped beef gravy and toast and scrambled eggs
Cheesy tator tot casserole and side salad  - 2X
Jalapeno smoked sausage, steamed veggies (broccoli, cauliflower & carrots) with cheese sauce
Tuna patties, baked beans and salad
Cheesy steak burgers, sautéed onions and oven fries
Homemade stew

Snacks - pie, microwave S'mores, veggies and dip


It has been a pretty quiet week.  Basically I have just been piddling around inside - as weather did not permit outside activities.  I am so ready to do some yard work!
This month is just about gone and it's only a little over 3 weeks until calendar spring.  WOW


How was your week?  Any great deals to be had?  Have you added to your long term pantry?

May you all be safe and free from harsh weather.  God bless and keep you in His protective arms this coming week.  Health, happiness and frugal ways to all!
Blessing from our humble home to yours!

Table to Table

Good morning.  I am going to share a couple simple recipes from my kitchen.  I hope you enjoy them.
These are super easy and very frugal to make. 
ENJOY!


HOMEMADE ENCHILADA SAUCE
No sense having to run to the store if you don't have sauce on hand.  This is super easy and it is very tasty! (all I use now)
1- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 - 3/4 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning (or mix up some oregano and basil)
(can add a couple tablespoons of finely chopped green pepper if desired - I usually don't)
Mix together well, and let it set for 15 - 20 minutes before using (flavors meld together)

This is enough for 4 enchiladas - you can double if you make more enchiladas. 
We really enjoy this and I always have everything on hand - no buying special sauce any more.

BEER BREAD
3 cups self-rising flour
3 Tbsp. sugar
1 - 12 oz. beer
Preheat oven to 350.  Coat a 9 x 5 pan with baking spray.  Add a long piece of parchment to cover bottom and skinny ends - (makes for easy removal)
Mix all ingredients together until well blended.  Pour into pan.
Bake 30 minutes until risen. Reduce temperature to 325 and bake 15 minutes longer. (tent with foil if it appears to be browning to quickly)
Cool 10 minutes before removing fro pan.

YUMMY!  This is a courser  bread than white sandwich bread.  It does make good sandwiches - but it makes wonderful toast!
No reason to ever be out of bread.  **Keep a 6 pack of beer in pantry just for this!



S'MORES
No campfire needed - quick and easy treat.
Graham crackers
Mini marshmallows
Mini chocolate bars
I break a full cracker in half.  Place 2 mini candies on one piece.  Add 6 mini marshmallows and top with other half of cracker.  Microwave for 30 - 35 seconds.  Let it cool slightly before eating so as not to burn your mouth.
Sooooooo good!
I have been using Halloween clearance candy and clearance crackers. 

GLEN'S FAVORITE DRESSING
1 1/2 c olive oil
3/4 C balsamic vinegar
2 tsp. mixed up seasoning (something like Krazy mixed up salt - salt, pepper, seasoning mixture)
2 tsp. Italian seasoning
2 Tbsp. prepared yellow mustard
3 small packets of sweetener (we use Truvia)
Pour into a bottle and shake vigorously to mix.
Shake before using.  *NOTE - we have never refrigerated this


I hope this gives you a few easy-peasy recipes to use in your kitchen and serve at your table.
Maybe these will save you a trip to the store or at least save you a couple dollars!

ENJOY THE TASTE OF HOMEMADE AND FRUGAL!

Oh Spring - I am ready

Spring is in the air in our neighborhood today.  I think spring is my favorite time of the year.  Everything is coming back to life and blooming and singing, and playing and just begging for us to enjoy!

There is nothing like waking up in the morning to the songs of the various birds.  There is nothing so sweet as the birds songs of spring.
We have a day here and there that is just so warm.  We seem to get called back to reality quickly, when the cold hits again.  I figure each of those 'treats of warm' that we get, just gets us a little closer to the full beauty of spring.  I think it is about 29 days till calendar spring!  YAY!
Today we are supposed to get in the 70's!  Tomorrow's highs will be 30+ degrees cooler.

I put my spring door decorations out today.  The ones that were up for the holidays were simple red and pinecones - so nothing that specifically said Christmas.  I usually leave up until after Valentines Day.  Today my doors say "SPRING"!

                                             This was March of last year.  It won't be long!

I have noticed the red tips of the peonies are poking their little noses through the ground.  My daffodils are popping up, however it will be a while before I see blooms.  The tulips are poking through as well.  The trees are getting buds, as well as all the bushes.  Weeds are popping up all over!  Those never seem to die.
The animals all are all getting frisky.  It is fun watching the squirrels run and play - it's like they know spring is coming too.
Momma kitty is setting out in 'her' chair today enjoying the warmth.  A nice change from having to stay inside the greenhouse for her.  She does stay in when it's cold (her choice), because it is so much warmer - but she loves her some fresh air!!!!

I have all my windows opened a bit today, airing out the house.  The minute I opened the 2 side by side windows in the living room, I had all 3 indoor kitties setting up on the desk getting some fresh air! 
I guess all of God's creatures love the fresh warm air!!!!!

I know there are those of you who are having summer and extreme heat right now - soon your fall will be coming on.  I also feel for those here in the U.S. that still experiencing deep snow and cold.  Chins up - it won't be long!

I will continue to spring clean this week, and look forward to warmer and drier days in the near future.  I would love to do some yard prep - but it so incredibly muddy.  Rain and more rain has seen to that.

Is anyone else spring cleaning?  Are you getting the spring itch too?

Frugal Happenings 2/18

Good morning.  Here we are more than half way through the month.  February seems like it just flies by, even though it's just a couple days shorter than other months.

We have had that up and down weather again all week.  I got to turn off the heat on Thursday and open a window - then back to cold.  It dropped about 35 degrees in 24 hours.  This next week sounds like it is going to be real soggy - predicting 4" - 6" of rain!!!!  For the record, I will say I am glad that isn't going to be snow!  It is also going to be in the 50's and 60's most of the week.
Crazy stuff.

I would love to get outside and do some yard cleaning -  but it is just so muddy.  It will get worse during the week, so I guess it will have to wait.

The other day we had 11 PAIRS of cardinals in the back yard.  It was just a gorgeous sight! Love watching nature.

My frugal week:

• Changed out the shower curtain, just to change up the look for spring. (Had  it here)
• Made soup with leftover chicken and noodles
• Made dip
• Made my own enchilada sauce for a dinner this week - so easy
• We got one of those big tins of varied popcorn for Christmas.  Opened it and ate the popcorn, and now I have another pretty tin for storage!!!
• Cleaned out the frig thoroughly
• Took down the valances in living room and dining room and laundered.  Spring cleaning!  They look so fresh now!
• Had the heat off one day and aired out the house
• Went to Menards for squirrel/bird feed.  They had a great sale and it was so much cheaper than the feed store
• On to Sam's.  Spent a chunk of change - but I am stocked on items I normally get there for at least one year if not two. (Not sure I will renew membership).  I did get $29 in instant rebates!
• I found a dime and a quarter on the ground!  Now in my change jar.
• Scoured the hard wood floors
• Found a little light I had gotten for FREE at Harbor Freight ages ago.  It is perfect for my upstairs pantry.  The pantry is deep and has no light - so I always have to turn on DR chandelier to see.  This light hangs on the spice rack on the door and it is bright!   Works great.  Oh why didn't I figure this out sooner??????????

                       These little lights are super bright!  It hangs and I can move it as needed.

Meals this past week:
Chicken /noodles, mashed potatoes and corn
Soup made with leftover chicken/noodles
Pancakes and bacon
Roast chicken and side salad
Mac n cheese, jalapeno smoked sausage and salad
Homemade enchiladas (including sauce)
Spaghetti and meatballs and garlic toast

Leftovers eaten for lunch.  Snacks included popcorn, veggies and dip, apples/peanut butter, and pickles and olives.


How was your week?  What did you do frugal this week?  I love hearing from everyone!

May you and your family be blessed in the coming week. 
Stay healthy and safe and frugal my friends.
God bless.

Delish Depression Desserts

During the depression our ancestors had no choice but to live as frugally as possible,
Many made clothing out of feed sacks and they mended everything.  Hand me downs were common.  Folks often had to do without, and they became masters of stretching the food budgets!
There were a lot of larger families and Moms and Grandmas had to get creative in the kitchen.

They had to come up with recipes that didn't use milk, eggs or butter.  Unless you were a farm family, those items were expensive and rare.  A lot of farm families even got to a point that they did without, as feeding and raising chickens and cows got expensive.

People had soup EVERY week.  Nothing was wasted and bones were turned into broth/stock.
Meat was often replaced with beans - as they were cheaper and filling.
Hunting & fishing were common.  Meat was very expensive and folks took it upon themselves to get their protein.
Gardens and foraging were a must at the time.
Oats, grits and toast/biscuits were a big extender to the food budgets.  They were filling and cheap.


VANILLA DEPRESSION CAKE (SURPRISE CAKE)
3 1/2 C all purpose flour
2 C sugar
2 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
1 Tbsp. & 1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 C & 2 Tbsp. oil
2 C water
Preheat oven 375*.  Grease 2 - 9" round pans or one 9 x 13.
Blend flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.  Add in water, oil, vinegar and vanilla.  Whisk till well blended, but do not over beat.
Bake on middle rack for 35 minutes.


TOMATO SOUP CAKE (MYSTERY CAKE)
2 Tbsp. shortening or lard (could use coconut oil)
3/4 C honey or 1 C sugar
1 - 10 3/4 oz. can of condensed tomato soup
1 tsp. baking soda
2 C flour
2 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 C chopped nuts - optional
**If you don't have individual spices use pumpkin pie spice as substitutes

Mix honey or sugar with shortening.  Add spices and soup and stir until completely blended.  Slowly add flour, b.s, b.p. & nuts.
Preheated oven of 350*
Greased loaf pan.
Bake 1 hour and cool for 15 minutes before removing from pan.

                                                                Tomato soup loaf cake


CHOCOLATE CRAZY CAKE
1 1/2 C all purpose flour
3 Tbsp. cocoa
1 C sugar
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. white vinegar
5 Tbsp. oil
1 C water.
Preheat oven 350*
Grease an 8" square pan and add first 5 ingredients to the pan.  Make 3 little wells and pour vinegar in one, oil in one, and vinegar in one.  Pour water over entire surface and mix till smooth.
(Just one pan - no dishes!)
Bake 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean.

**NOTICE none of the recipes have eggs, butter or milk in them.  You could substitute gluten free flour today to aid in the new dietary restrictions many have.


I know my Mom got very creative when I was little, but my siblings (who are older) say it was amazing the things Mom came up with, when they had no money.
I have heard them talk about having corn bread in milk for breakfast (or lunch).  Oats were always on the menu.  Pancakes and waffles were a real treat.
I remember one of my favorite treats was peanut butter & syrup (usually cheaper than honey) mixed together and eaten on homemade bread or with saltine crackers.  Sugar/cinnamon toast was another favorite.  I still love those things!

We would always have some sort of sweet that was homemade.  Popcorn was a staple (made on the stove)!  Another favorite treat was homemade potato chips!

We had very little money, but never felt deprived.  I think the creative depression era women sure knew how to get creative and stretch a budget.
We all need to take lessons.

ENJOY the cake recipes!!

My Frugal Ways (or cheap)

You all know that last week (and this week) I have been working on repairing my old jeans.  I still plan on making the handbag from material samples, and making capris from slacks.

The past couple weeks I have been saving items that can be re-used in other ways.  I think I am re-cycling and being frugal, others may say I am just cheap!
What say you?

Saved all my peels and cores from apples that I cooked up.  They are now in the freezer - until I get some more - then I will make apple jelly!

I JUST realized that peanut butter and mayo jar lids fit regular mouth mason jars perfectly!  I always have saved my parmesan lids - but figured out these other ones work too!  I can't believe how long I have missed that!

I have been saving desiccant packs from our supplement and herb bottles.  I keep them in a dark supplement bottle to keep them dry.  I use them in my jars of dehydrated goods.  So far I haven't had to buy any!

The taller bottles are from flavorings that I have used for the Soda Stream.  I think they will work great for M&M or Skittle bottles for the kids Christmas baskets this year.  I can put a cute label on them to pretty up.
The orange juice container (concentrate) is plastic with a snap on lid.  What do you think?  I guess I could use in the garage for odds and ends and add a label.  I just figured it would be good for something!

I got these on clearance, and figured the empty containers could be used.  I think one will contain my strait pins for sewing.  I can then carry them upstairs if I need them without spilling.  I am thinking maybe one would be good for carrying aspirin, Tylenol, allergy tabs, etc.  in a smaller handbag (for dress).  They have a nice closure top.


I guess some people would think I am crazy - but I figure you would understand!  I hate seeing things go in the landfill and if I can re-cycle  into something new and useable - that just makes sense (cents) to me!

Have you salvaged anything for up-cycling in the past few weeks?
I love getting new ideas!