Frugal Happenings 4/29

Here we are at the end of another month.  May is starting in a couple days and from the sound of things - summer is starting as well.  Forget spring - go straight to summer! 
We did have some nice sunny days this week, and I got a lot done outside.  Last night we had a freeze!  At least no snow.  We are suppose  to hit the 70's and 80's this coming week.
We have had the coldest April in 35 years and one of the wettest.  Glad it is about over!

I spent a good part of yesterday attending a dedication at the place of my long gone grade school.  I know I have mentioned going to events for that school before - but it was such a special place for many, many generations.  It was the center of the community and even after school activities took place there.  We all donated to have a wonderful plaque and memorial placed.  After, we all went to a small local pub and visited.  So many friends and memories from long, long ago - priceless!

My frugal week:

• Walked the alley and picked up trash 2 X this week
• Worked on a lot of those 'I don't want to do them' jobs.  Working in small increments allowed me to accomplish so many things!
• Inventoried and organized all my canning supplies.  Jars, lids, rings, mixes, pectin, etc.  I am ready!
• Been continuing my efforts to de-clutter and organize
• Cut G's and my hair
• Colored my hair at home
• Did some vehicle general maintenance myself.  Checked all the fluids and aired the tires
• Renewed library books on-line
• Did LOTS and LOTS of yard work!!  Feeling a little accomplished!!!!!!
• Mowed and trimmed from front to back
• Got to air out the house some and have no heat for much of week
• Worked on all the monthly receipts.  I was looking a spreadsheet and realized I  ONLY spent a GRAND TOTAL of $179 for a combined total of March and April on groceries!!!!!!  WOOHOO!

Meals this past week:
Turkey, Stove Top stuffing, Brussel sprouts
Chicken strips, stuffing fritters, green beans
Tuna salad over a bed of lettuce w/crackers
Beefy, cheesy, bean nachos
BBQ wings, mac n cheese, salad
Cold cut & cheese sandwiches and chips (G's request)
Ravioli and meatballs

I had about half of the Stove Top stuffing left - so I added an egg, shredded cheese, and a little flour and made it into patties and fried as fritters.  OMG were they good.  Truly much better than the stuffing was.  G said that was a good reason to make stove top - just to make fritters!  I think he is right.  I will do that again.


How was your week?  How did you stay frugal?
I have been reading that some of you have been getting great deals at yard sales - I can't wait till they start happening around here!

May you all be blessed this coming week.  Praying for health and happiness for you all.
Remember all the bumps along the road, are part of the pathways we are supposed to take.

Blessings from our humble home to you and yours!

Back in the Day - the Simple Things

I believe there are a few of us here that remember the 50's and 60's well.  You youngin's just have to take our word for things!!  LOL

Life was different.  Things were slower.  Things were simple.
My goal is to live a lot like we did then.  I want simple, slow and calm.  I don't need to be hurry scurrying  around, dealing with fancy smancy stuff.  I want simple.

I came across this picture the other day and boy was it right on the mark.  See what you think.

This is about eating and our foods.  It is soooooo true!

*Momma used lard or Crisco for frying and baking - we didn't have oil in a bottle!
*Healthy food at our house was anything that grew in the garden and anything that Mom made (from scratch).
*Water was the drink of choice along with brewed ice tea and MAYBE Kool-aid.  I still don't buy water - just can't male myself spend money on it!!!
*Grilled food was over an old grate which was over a fire in the yard - then it was chicken or something simple like hotdogs.
*We had oatmeal - no fancy mixed up grains for us.  It wasn't instant either!!!
*  I didn't "eat out" until I was a teenager and could afford to 'waste' my own money of fast food - which was just becoming a thing!  I remember Burger Chef was my first!! 
*Once in a great while in the heat of summer Daddy would take us to get a frosted mug of root beer.  What a treat!
*Mom made our potato chips - again I think I was a young teen before I had store bought.  I remember someone gave us a Charles Chips tin of chips as a gift - that was fun!
*My first pizza was on a date. 
I have surely dated myself!!  LOL


Oh the things we remember.
A Sunday afternoon, was coming home from church to a lovely noon tine dinner (our big Sunday meal was at 1:00), which often had many extended  family members joining in.  Then we either went out back and played croquet or horses shoes (the guys) or we just sat on the front porch in the swing watching the world go by.

My friends and I often had 'picnics' on the front porch during the summer.  We would have PBJ's and milk or Kool-aid.  Then we would play Jacks.

My childhood home (without the swing).  I wish I could still drive by and see it.  It burned down several years ago.  I played so often on that porch.  Lots of good times were had there.


I loved 'helping' Dad in the garden because he always carried a salt shaker in his bibbers and we would eat fresh picked tomatoes right from the vines.  To this day I love a warm fresh tomato. 
I would also sit behind the chicken house with my friends and we would gorge ourselves on sour green apples.  Many a tummy ache was had from that - but we kept doing it!
Loved going out back and filling up on grapes.  Mom would always come a stop me, because she had to use them for juice and jelly.

Bed sheets always smelled so good after laundry day.  Loved helping to take the laundry off the line - it always smelled so good.  It brings back memories every time today.

Boy did I wonder a drift on this post.  It started out being about foods of the past! 
I just wish I could go back for a while and visit!  I miss those days so much.

This is why I want my life to be simple and calm - it was heavenly.  I try hard to give myself some of those special things today and I try to remind all the younger family what it was like.  They just can't imagine.

As John Denver used to sing "take me home country road, take me home".
Spring does this to me every time!!!!!!
Thanks for taking a journey back in time with me.

Baby Steps.....Bit by Bit

I have been talking about Spring cleaning for what seems to be ages.  I guess it isn't all Spring cleaning, but just normal every day stuff.
We all have those projects that we hate to tackle.  I know I am not the only one!  It is those things that just look overwhelming.  Projects that take a few hours or an afternoon to complete.  I tend to put those off again and again...................then oh what a pile of dust I have.

My house is really never messy, it just is dusty, full of dust bunnies and cob webs.  Where do those bunnies and cobs come from???????  LOL
It is a never ending process.

So I am now working at it a little at a time.  Baby steps.  I find that if I give myself 20 - 30 minutes to work on something, I tend to get a LOT more done.  I have been doing this for the past few days and it is amazing how many projects (that I kept putting off) that have gotten done.
I may go back to an area 2 or 3 times in a day but it isn't overwhelming, because I know I will only do a little at a time.

I have always been one that goes gangbusters!  If I am going to clean all the shelves in the living room - then I am going to clean all the shelves in the living room!  I hate that job.  Now it isn't so bad.

 

See?  There is a lot of STUFF to dust.  Now I do a shelf and then go off to do something else.  I go back and do another.  It is so much easier for me.
I can clean a shelf when dinner is cooking or while watching TV.

My kitchen is the same way.  I have pretties and small appliances on top of my cabinets (do to such a small kitchen), and it gets dusty and greasy.  It is easier to do a segment at a time.  It gets done in MY time and looks lovely, but I am not stressed.

Yesterday I was downstairs doing laundry, and starting getting canning jars all together.  They were in a few spots - now they are sorted and neat.  I went to place clothes in the drier and went through the bags of clearance pectin and Mrs. Wages mixes I had.  They are all sorted and together.  I am now organized and ready to can!!!


It is amazing what you can accomplish in a few minutes.
You can clean all the pictures/mirrors on a wall.  Later clean off a table or a shelf.  Straighten a hutch.  Clear out that stack of magazines.  Clean and dust that 'hidden' corner.  Work on a shelf or two in the pantry.  Straighten up your home canned goods.  Get your canning supplies organized and together.  Clean a shelf in the closet. 
NONE of it will take very long and you have ACCOMPLISHED a needed task.

Don't get yourself in a huff trying to get your cleaning done.  Take your time and take baby steps and do it bit by bit!
I advise you to attack your house this way for a week...........you will be amazed at what you get done!

HAPPY CLEANING

Frugal Happenings 4/22

Good morning my lovelies!  I hope this finds you all well and happy.

It seems we are finally getting a little sampling of Spring!  We have had a few warmer days, sunshine, and things are greening up.  All of that in between snow showers!!!  I can now see a green 'mist' in the horizon, as trees are finally setting buds and leaves. 
It appears our temps will average about 60* this coming week, BUT there is a chance of flurries next weekend.  SIGH!  It is what it is!!!!!!

My frugal week:

• Cleaned out G's sock drawer and kept a couple pair of really old stretched out pair of tube socks to use on my swifter cleaner.  They work perfectly.
• Used up older celery and older carrots in a stew this week.
• Made a couple dozen BIG sugar cookies from dough from the freezer.  Stopped a sweet tooth craving - they lasted all week.

• I worked out back in the berry patch and in the flower beds.  Cut so many things back and cleaned up a lot of yard waste.  So much more to do!!!!!
• I found a couple BIG pieces of green plasticized chicken wire that neighbors threw out - I grabbed that stuff quickly.  It cuts easily and makes great little protective cages around new plants.  That saves a bit of change for me! 
• Washed many windows
• Got to have heat off and windows open a few times this week.
• Mowed the front yard and cleaned out the front flower bed
• I ran up to Kroger on Thursday to look around.  I did find 4 bottles of gummy vitamin C on managers closeout.  Normally 7.99 per bottle and I got them for $2 each!!  Bought all 4 they had on the shelf.  I also got a 3 pack of  'stop light' bell peppers in the .99 bin.  That's ALL I bought!

• We are getting 2 premium channels FREE for 4 days this weekend.  I have been DVR'ing movies to have for later.
• Cooked up a pound of ground sausage this week and put part of it in the freezer for a quick add in for another meal

Meals this week:
Breakfast - bacon, eggs, toast and hash browns
Stew and bread & butter 2X
Sandwiches and some chips
Dirty rice/sausage & salad
Chinese - 2X

Yes I was bad again this Friday and had take out again.  2 weeks in a row!!!!  Both times I was so tired from yard work - that needs to stop.  I am getting back into my groove - so hopefully I won't over work as much!
G wanted Chinese.  That always lasts us 2 meals a piece and still some leftovers for lunch.  I also got 2 really nice lidded containers to use for leftovers or sending home food with others.


Are you getting any SPRING yet?  I sure hope so.  We all need a dose of warmth and sunshine.

What did you do this week to stay on the frugal bandwagon?  Any great deals?
I hope you all have a lovely frugal week.

May the Lord keep you in His protective arms and bless you beyond measure.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

A Little Help for Your Heirs

Someday - our day will come.  Each of us need to make sure that we have our lives in order and our possessions as well.

I have to admit that we have NOT done our will yet.  Every time we talk about it - it seems we have a disagreement!  LOL.  If we had birth children there would be no question.  I do believe that we have finally come to a consensus of what to do and a will is happening this year.

We do have everything we own in both of our names - so that makes life a lot simpler (in our state) as spouses, if something happens to one of us.
We have many things with beneficiaries added in the event that something would happen to both of us. 

G decided to make some forms of his own that enables us to list all important information about banking, insurance, property, etc. 
I advise EVERYONE to have some place that ALL your info is together for the sake of your survivors.

I know  we all think if there is a will, that is all that needs to be done.  Not really - especially if you  are incapacitated for some reason or medical attention is needed, etc.  I know with just us, that I am not sure exactly where everything is (without going to safety deposit box), like what policy is here or there, and so on.

If you make up a set of forms PLEASE REMEMBER to leave the info off of them while they are on your computer!!!!!  You sure wouldn't want someone strange having access to all that info if your were hacked.  PRINT BLANK forms and write in your personal information.
We are keeping a copy here (so I have easy access) and we are giving one in a sealed envelope to a trusted family member (our soon to be executor) to keep.  He will be instructed to only open in the event of the last death (of G & I).

 

Click on pictures to enlarge.  This gives you some idea of what I am speaking of.

There are kits that you can get at many funeral homes, that have forms you can fill out similar information on, to help your heirs.  If you have an estate lawyer - they probably have forms as well.
I just feel like it is a good idea for WHOEVER is left to have everything (as far as info) all together. 

The first big purchase we made together after marrying was our cemetery plots and headstone. Romantic aren't we???  We still keep talking about pre-planning and paying for our funerals - but the only time I feel certain that will happen is when there is only one of us left.  I don't want to put that burden on anyone else.

I know a lot of people don't like talking about these things or even thinking about planning for an event of death.  They just think it is gruesome or creepy.  Just remember - you are at your MOST vulnerable when someone close passes and people CAN and DO take advantage.
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Sit down with your partner and get things in order.  Make sure that you both know where all your policies are, where all deeds and pertinent information is.  Have copies of each other medical insurance cards.
G has medical issues that would limit types of treatment he could receive safely, and that is all written down for me, and in a place that I could grab it, if emergency help was needed.  It is a good idea that you have this info with your children as well.  We can't all remember everything, especially in a stressful situation.

If you have a special wish that something you own, go to a certain person (jewelry, heirlooms, etc.) - PLEASE make sure your spouse knows.  Hopefully they will follow your wishes.  If you don't vocalize  what you want done - it may not happen.
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Please just take time and get your life in order.  It will help those left behind without a doubt.
BE PREPARED!

BE Part of the Answer

SIMPLIFY - BEAUTIFY - BE PART OF THE ANSWER FOR THE WORLD!

I do believe there are certain things that we all have in common - no matter where we live, what we have, or where we came from.
I think we all want the best value for our money - we want to provide ENOUGH for our families - and we want the world to be alive and well for our future generations.
I call all three of those things being a GOOD STEWARD of what we have.

Earth day is coming up on April 22 and will be celebrated all over the world.  I think we should be aware and celebrate this earth EVERY day!
We need to take care of it and replenish when we can, so that future generations will have a safe and healthy place to live.  We only get this one Earth.

There are many small things we can all do to contribute.  Think about your daily and weekly routines and see if there are some little changes that can be made to improve the environment.

• Don't use Styrofoam - turn it down if you can.  That stuff will never break down in the land fills.  It is also harmful to nature
• Make or purchase re-usable grocery bags and USE THEM!  More and more places are making plastic bags illegal and paper bags come from our forests (which are dwindling).
• Compost your waste into rich soil (except meat and milk products).  Meat (minus sharp little bones) can be fed to nature or animals.
• Keep  a plant or two indoors - they help add oxygen to your air.  Plants are healthy!
• Plant a garden, flowers, trees, etc.  Not only are you providing food for your family but flowers and trees are beneficial to nature and the environment.  Birds, bees, and other critters can thrive with a little help.  Every critter has a purpose!!

This is so true.  You have faith tomorrow will come, when you plant a garden.  Have faith that there will be tomorrow's for younger generations as well.

• Use netting from produce or from your stash to make your own produce bags - don't use those plastic ones.  I won't worry about my bag weighing an ounce or two, when keeping plastic from the trash
• Collect rain water IF it is aloud in your area.  I find it so ridiculous that places have outlawed collection.  Use it to water your garden, flowers, flushing, hair washing, pets/critter water, etc.  God's water works the best for our plants.

• DON'T use pesticides.  It will kill the bees - which we desperately need to keep, and it endangers wildlife.  Use as many natural things as possible.  THINK ABOUT every bird, squirrel, cat, dog, even children that walk across chemical laden yards are absorbing those chemicals!!!!!!
• Re-use, re-cycle, and reduce whenever POSSIBLE.  Find new uses for things instead of buying new.
• Use glass instead of plastic for storage if possible.  No chemicals and it provides more safety for food stuffs.  Use fabric instead of  throw away plastic.
• Buy from bulk containers if possible.  Many newer 'health or natural' stores provide this service.  Take your own container and have them do a tare weight - then fill.  You will only be paying for product.  Many dried foods can be purchased this way, as well as teas, spices, pet foods, nuts, etc.

• Limit your cleaning agents to as many natural things as possible.  Vinegar and baking soda should be your FRIENDS!  I love making citrus cleaner from peels.  Chemicals in the air and on surfaces are bad for your health and bad for the health of little ones and pets as well.
• Eat local as much as possible - saves in so many ways!
• Use God's natural air to air out your homes if at all possible.  A closed up house contains stale air (and germs) - air it out and stay healthier.  Get outside every day!
• Plan your driving trips.  Make a plan and use less gasoline and less wear and tear on vehicle.  Less emissions going into the air.
• Use insulated mugs for your 'to go' drinks.  Take a drink with you and save money and keep trash out of the landfill.

We use insulated glasses for hot or cold drinks.  Insulated mugs (which we have had for years) are used for longer driving trips and for working in the yard.

• Use leaves and grass cuttings as mulch - instead of buying mulch.  Use fallen sticks and limbs for fire pits or use larger ones for plants stakes and tee-pees for garden.  Try getting FREE mulch from your municipality.  They often cut and grind trees that are dead and provide that mulch for FREE.  I have done this many times
• Learn to RE-GROW some veggies from scraps - heads of lettuce, celery, onions, etc. 
• Learn new uses for fruit peelings (jellies, cleaners), egg shells or coffee grounds (feed plants & compost), leftovers (new meals), etc.
• Up-cycle old clothes, bedding, towels, etc. into new things.  Material can be used for all sorts of things.  Quilts, new clothes, pillows, grocery bags, pet beds, etc.  The material is already preshrunk and comfortable - not stiff and stinky new stuff.  Saves money as well.
• Check your area for re-cycling centers and what they take.  We can not only recycle aluminum, but if separated out - tin can also be recycled, as well as plastic and glass, and paper and cardboard.

Just stop and think.  Little changes CAN make a difference - especially if we all do them!    This is our one and only planet - this our life and that of children and future grandchildren.   We truly need to wise up and make changes.  These changes cost nothing and provide a beautiful future.

Take some time each week to walk about your area and pick up trash.  We wouldn't have to do that if people quit littering - it is so aggravating.  Litter is not only unsightly, but it can be so dangerous to wildlife and pets.  If our neighbors can't be good stewards - WE can be!

BE A GOOD STEWARD OF WHAT YOU HAVE AND THE EARTH
BE PART OF THE SOLUTION!!!!!!!!
Thank you for being good caring people.

Frugal Happenings 4/15

Good morning everyone.  WOW here we are at the half way mark of this month!  Generally by this time I have my garden planned and tons of yard work done.  Not so much this year.  I did get an opportunity to work in the yard some this week, but we are a ways off from gardening.

We started with snow and cold rainy weather this week.  We managed to warm up and got to almost 80* for a couple days, which was heavenly!  We awoke to rain this morning, cooler temps and we have snow coming in tomorrow!!!!!  Not much - but snow none the less.  UGH!
Oh well - soon we will probably be complaining about the heat - LOL.

My fugal week:

• I got a chance to pull out the last quarter of the garden I didn't get done last fall.
• Picked up tons of sticks that I am saving for the neighbor, as they do backyard fire pit nights once in a while
• I did manage to get several areas of the yard cleaned up - berry patch and a couple big flower gardens
• Mowed the front grass
• Aired out the house and no heat for about 3 days
• Printed out a lot of forms for G.  Getting  many of our affairs organized
• Changed out the bedding from winter covers to summer
• Line dried fleece throws and bedding - YAY!
• Got my hands on 2 gallon glass jars with lids for future storage
• Pickled a quart of brussel sprouts.  I used leftover pickle juice - a few jalapenos and a pound of trimmed sprouts.  Simmered it all together for about 15 minutes and put in quart jar.  Refrigerator type pickles - using what I had!

• Picked a bouquet of tulips and daffodils
• Made up a list for whenever I run to Rural King,  Have it divided into different stores in that area - only go when I need something from several different stores in the area.
• I did run to Kroger and got a gallon of milk and 2 - .99 bags of seedless Halo type minis.  That was it this week for groceries.

Meals this past week:
From scratch lasagna (small one)
Small serving of leftover lasagna and a nice salad
Sloppy Joes and roasted mix veggies (potato, carrots, onion, sprouts)
Fried pork fritters, mashed potatoes and corn
Deconstructed egg roll skillet
Burgers and fries - Burger King 2/$6 burgers (I was tired)
Philly beefsteak 'like' French bread pizza and salad

Pineapple pretzel fluff for desserts


It sure felt good getting outside this week and actually getting my hands dirty.  I got scratched up working in the berry patch - but that's ok.  I was outside working, which was great.  I was sore, but it didn't last long - I sure did sleep good!
For now, back to doing inside things!


What have you been up to?  Any good deals?
Look forward to hearing from everyone.

Prayers for health and happiness for each of you.  May you be blessed with a great week.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.