Weekly Wrap-Up 6/30

My goodness, here we are with another month behind us.  It is just crazy how time flies.
It sure was a rainy month - then WE GOT SUMMER!  The heat is on for sure.  It has been around 90* every day and no rain this week!  I have actually had to start watering my plants - first time since they were planted.

                                                 Literally 100's of lilies are in bloom!!!!!!!
It appears that the 90's will be here all week.  I can handle the heat OK - but it is extremely humid.  That is what affects most of us.  The AC has gotten use this week.  Drinking lots of water and keeping lots of fresh water out for all the birds, squirrels, bees and kitties.
The birds have been taking lots of baths in the bird bath.  That must feel so good to them - they are fun to watch.  The hummies have been drinking a lot early and late in the day - they pretty much aren't seen in the heat of the day.

My weekly activities:

• I ran to the feed store on Tuesday.  While out I stopped at the BMV to get my new registration for the Blazer.  I was in and out in 8 minutes.  I have never had such a short visit.  They told me that I would receive sticker in the mail in about 10 days, and I got it Saturday!  Pretty good service.
• Made new hummingbird nectar
• Picked my first cucumber!!!!  It was hiding at the bottom of the plant

• Line dried laundry
• Got one closet all cleaned and organized
• Mowed and weeded - that never ends!
• Watering plants with rain water
• Washed windows, doors and mirrors.  Also took apart and thoroughly cleaned all the door knobs in the house - they are all crystal knobs
• Scoured the bottoms of all stainless steel pans and a couple copper bottom pans to remove any discoloration - nice and shiny now.
• Went to the library and the farm market on Saturday - both are in the park.  I bought one large green tomato to fry up this week!
• Stopped at a yard sale one block from the park (they all got rained out when they had neighborhood sale).  I bought a Gooseberry Patch cookbook for .50 and a cup of lemonade from a sweet little girl for .50!  Pretty cheap entertainment for a morning!!!!!!

Meals this week:

Mini burgers

Homemade beef-a-roni

Grilled cheese and a fruit smoothie

Stuffed pepper skillet

Small pasta/veggie salad

Chicken tender/slaw roll-up and a fruit smoothie

Sloppy Joes

It has just been so humid this week and that seems to suck away all my energy.  My TMJ (jaw alignment) has acted up this week as well.  This happens a couple times a year and just has to right itself.  It is aggravating and uncomfortable.  Today it is actually starting to ease a bit!!!  YAY!

What was your week like?  Did you get any good deals?  Garden produce?

Watch the sales this week - as here in the U.S. there should be a lot of good deals with Independence Day coming up.  I am sure there will be lots of cook-outs and celebrations.

I pray that everyone has a safe and healthy week.  Prayers for healing for all in need.  Stay cool and hydrated my friends.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

When There's A Will.......

We have all heard that statement - when there is a will there is a way.  It sure is true.
I like getting creative with ways to do things and sometimes I just have to figure a way.  Being by myself, there isn't always someone to help, and I sure am not running next door to ask the neighbor every time I have a predicament.

You have to think outside the box a little.
Remember last weekend when I told you about the mess in the oven?  Melted plastic!
I scraped as much as I could off - using the end of a wide screw driver and a small chisel.  Still some of the burned on plastic was not budging.  I thought about using the sander - but didn't figure it would be powerful enough.  Then I happened to remember Glen had a Dremel tool that he often used with his gun repairs.
I found that puppy and put a metal disk on it and grinded the crud right off the oven pans!!!!!  It sure was noisy - but it worked.
When there's a will...………………….
*********************************

My kitchen cabinets are oak.  The cabinet boxes and the doors are solid oak - but the shelves are particle board or something like it.  The underside of the cabinets have some faux paper stuff that is supposed to look like wood!!!
Well that has lasted for over 30 years, but one cabinet is starting to peel.  Of course it is the ONLY one that you can see the bottom of (over the sink)!!!!!!

I got some cheap peel and stick parquet looking floor tiles (small pack) and decided to put them up under the cabinet.  I cut everything to fit - they just didn't want to stick as well as I wanted them to.
Piece by piece I super glued the back in many areas and put them in place.

OK, we all know super glue bonds and dries to your FINGERS in 2 seconds flat!!!!!!!!!!!!!  LOL
Not that fast on the tiles. - I had to get creative and use something to hold them in place till it dried.
Out came the yardsticks.  I used 2 at various points and propped them up either on the sink divide or on top of a can of juice sitting in the sink!  WOOHOO it worked!
They held in place until dry and then I went on the next one.
PROBLEM SOLVED!
When there's a will...………………..
**********************************

I am going to be painting the bathroom (maybe this week or next).  The upper walls and the chair rail will be painted the same color.
Over the years Glen often used the chair rail to hang on to when he was unsteady - therefore much of the paint wore off in places.
Me being me - did not want to buy a gallon of primer (I already have paint w/o primer).  So I bought a pint of paint w/primer in white (paint sample) which I will use to cover all those areas that need it - then I will paint over it with my colored paint.

This cost me $3.88 vs. paying $15 - $20 for primer (or more).  I will be using the paint I have here - so it will freshen up the bathroom and cost me hardly nothing.

I have a couple other projects to do in there as well - but have all I need to get creative.

When there's a will...…………………..

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

My backyard shed is looking kind of rough on the west side.  All other sides are bright and white and looking great.  The west side gets all the weather.

I bought a quart of good white paint with primer and it will do my just fine to freshen up the west side - may even have a bit left for a small project.

Didn't have to buy a gallon (which I didn't need) and perhaps not use it and it be a waste.  No wasted $$.

When there's a will...…………………….

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

Need storage?  Look around the house - find baskets, crates, etc. to use in a new way.  Great for storing toilet paper, small towels, snacks, package mixes, t-shirts, books, etc.

Need a new table cover/runner?  Look around the house.  Utilize an old vintage table cloth (fold and use) or a dresser scarf,  parts from an old quilt sew into something new, pretty hankies, etc.

Need a new valance/window covering?  Think pretty hankies, extra bed linens, vintage table cloths, cute hand towels (cute in bath), pretty napkins, etc.

GET CREATIVE.  Come up with a new way and uses for things.  No need to spend a lot of money!

What have been some of your most creative fixes?

Summer Foodie Tips

Here in the U.S. it is finally starting to feel like summer.  I knew it would happen - it just took a while this year!!
I have a few ideas on some summer fun foods - and to be honest they will work for anytime of the year.    I have done all of these many times all throughout the year.

Fresh tomatoes are going to be coming on soon.  I love sliced tomatoes, tomato sandwiches, tomatoes in all sorts of salads, you name it.  A huge taste sensation to me is mixing tomatoes and cheese - I LOVE IT!

These are so good!!!  Slice your fresh tomatoes and top with parmesan cheese - then place under the broiler or in the oven for just a few minutes.  You want the cheese melted and just starting to brown.  HEAVEN!

**Need a fun dessert.  

FRUIT PIZZA

Bake a sugar (or whatever you want) cookie on a pizza pan.  Yes, spread the cookie dough until the pan is covered.  Baked until done.  

Mix 8 oz. cream cheese and 1/3 - 1/2 cups sugar together once cream cheese has softened. (You determine sugar content to your sweetness/taste)

Spread this over the cooled cookie

Top with triangles of fresh fruit = sliced strawberries, grapes, pineapples pieces, apple slices, banana slices, any type berries - Kiwi slices - whatever you so desire!!!!  

These are pretty, fun and oh so yummy!

**Next time you make strawberry shortcake - us Twinkies instead of cake.  You have your cake and cream all in one.  This is a fun treat for kids especially.

**Freeze fruits to use in drinks.  You can lay them on a cookie sheet and flash fresh before placing in baggies.  Fruit is fun to find in a glass of lemonade, spritzer, or wine!
You may also want to freeze the fruit in ice cubes.

**Tortillas

This is about as easy as it gets for a bread substitute.  Tortillas are easy and fun to make.  I love them with soups, stews, soup beans, breakfast, Mexican food - you name it.  They don't have to be used just for tacos anymore.  These are just so soft and wonderful with any food you serve them with.  No need to bake bread on a hot day - make tortillas.

** Don't forget to freeze tea, fruit juices, and even leftover coffee in ice cube trays.  You can use them to keep your drinks cold - yet they don't water anything down.

Milk can be done the same way to use in smoothies.

**Individual fry pies

No need to heat the oven to have a fun and tasty fruit dessert.  I roll out pie dough and use my biscuit cutter to cut circles.  Then I add 2 - 3 spoons of applesauce to the center of one and top with a second circle and tightly crimp the edges with a fork.

Place these fruit rounds in hot grease and fry on one side till lightly browned - flip and fry other side.  These are quick and easy.  You can even sprinkle the tops with sugar or powdered sugar as they cool.

You could also use any canned pie filling - it is just nice to know that applesauce can be used!

Tasty.

ENJOY some tasty fun treats for pennies this summer.

Do you have any fun ideas for summer treats or yummies?  Let us know!!!!!!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/23

Good morning all.  Hope you all had a great week.
Geesh we had rain and more rain this week.  I had the back yard flood 2X this week.  Finally it went down enough and we had a sunny day on Friday - and well I just couldn't put off yard work any longer!  I had not mowed the back for 2 weeks because of rain.  At least it looks better now.

My garden plants are hanging in there.  It seems the volunteer tomatoes have more blooms and little tomatoes than the other plants!  So far so good.  It is going to be a late harvest year for sure.
Humidity and heat are coming back this week.  I guess beggars can't be choosers!  Heat and humidity or constant rain - such is life.

Momma kitty isn't feeling well the past day or so.  It appears she has another bad tooth and it makes her sluggish, skittish, slobber, and just not wanting to eat much.  I am putting her meds in wet food, now to get her to eat it a little more.  Poor girl.

My frugal week:

• I finally got the basement dry.  Shop vac , fan, and dehumidifier = dry basement.  Boy, that was a horrible rain that caused that.  It was hard work, but all is good now.
• I did a lot more sorting, de-cluttering, rearranging, and cleaning
• I cut my hair at home
• Cleaned the hard wood floors really well (hands & knees).  I need to go over them again, then put on conditioner
• I received a dozen roses from my sister this week.  She came by and brought them.  She is like me - she found a tremendous mark-down at Kroger.  Dozen roses on clearance for $2.  Those pink ones smelled heavenly!

• Received a rebate check from Menards for $28.80
• Used rain water on my hair a couple times this week - sure makes it soft
• Used all leftovers in an egg dish - beans, rice and fried corn all went into a stove top quiche of sorts.

The bottom picture show part of mixture in a single serving pan.  I couldn't turn over in the pan - still too moist in center - so I flipped it onto a griddle to finish cooking (top).  It sure was tasty.  I have a second one cooked and in the freezer.

• Took the entire oven apart and cleaned.  I mean ENTIRE oven - you could see the floor I remove so much!!!  I did an oops earlier and melted a rubber spatula in the oven.  It was the same color as oven and had fell up against the wall - didn't see it until too late.  What a smelly, icky mess.  I really worked hard to get all the solidified rubber off!  All clean - and lesson learned!  NO MORE rubber spatulas!
• Mowed and trimmed while we had dry weather
• Ran to Kroger and got 5 packs of cheese (8 oz.) on the weekend .99/ea. special.  I also got a cantaloupe in the .99 bin.

I did several things this week that just wore this old gal out.  My back was so tired and sore a couple nights.  It felt good to keep busy - however, it sure didn't help me sleep any better.  Sigh!

Meals this week:

Fish and fries and home canned slaw

Skillet quiche and sausage patty

Can of cheesy chicken, broccoli, potato soup and a fruit smooth

Corn on the cob and turkey burger (from freezer)

Refried bean and cheese tostadas

Cold cut sandwich

Black bean and beef taco salad

How was your week?  Did you get any good deals?  Any goodies from the gardens yet?

Give us a shout out and let us all know what is happening in your little spot of the world.

I hope you all have good health and safety this week.  May frugal deals and ideas abound!

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

God bless.

Recession - Blessing or Curse

I am sure most people would say curse!
Recession can be the beginning of the end for some folks.
It can be drama filled - jobs can be lost, small businesses can close, homes can be lost,  bankruptcies happen, careers can be derailed and more.

All these things can be devastating for sure.  I dare say that the biggest losses will happen to the folks that are not in any way shape or form prepared for hard times.  Hard times happen to each of us at some time and odds are we will all go through a recession (again for many).
If we take a little time to prepare each and every day - we CAN SURVIVE and learn to thrive.

This is a sad fact and I am sure it is this way in many countries.  If people are that close to destruction by missing a pay or two - just think what it will be like if it all goes south for everyone for an extended amount of time.


How can it be a blessing?
Well,, there are many things that happen when families have less money and opportunities and it isn't all bad!

*Parents will HAVE to learn to say no to their children and in some ways reinstate the proper order of authority in the family structure.  They will cut the cord on 'entitlement'.

*Families will spend more time together as a unit - instead of running to restaurants, cinemas, malls, etc.  I mean isn't family time what FAMILY is supposed to be about?

*People will have to learn to live within their means (or even below).  I don't see this as bad - it will be a great learning curve!  They will have to get used to not having that ever expanding line of credit!

*People will have to learn to do without - that could be painful for many after years of having anything and everything. Hopefully it will be a great lesson on basic living and being grateful for WHAT they do have.  They will have to get back to basics (the sad part is many don't have a clue what the basics are!)

*People will have to stop competing with their extravagance - and learn to work together and share.

* I think it can make people healthier.  Cooking from home vs. going out for junk, doing things that require physical labor (exercise) vs. paying someone else, getting creative and reusing vs. depleting the world of more resources, gardening vs. store bought junk, etc.

                                             Do this daily and life will be so much better!!!!

I know not everyone will agree with me on this way of thinking and that is OK.  In my eyes  the heroes will be those who can make it through the worst of times with grace and goodness instead of anger and spite.  Gaining wisdom is such a gift - and some of the best gifts we get come from heartache and loss.  We all need to make something good happen from something bad - then it makes a little more sense.  If we strive for the good we will have less anxiety and stress and more happiness.  Even in recession folks can be happy - you have to realize things and money are NOT happiness!

Now is the time to take action.
Save what you can
Pay off every bill you can possibly pay off
Don't make new debt
Start reading and learning simpler ways of doing things
Learn to cook from scratch
Start reconnecting with the family - one on one (not electronically)
Keep some extra funds at home for emergencies
Work on storing food and supplies for the time you may have no money to buy them
Have a no spend month once in a while to prepare (spending on nothing but bills)
Be prepared for anything (it can happen at anytime)
Breathe and don't panic - you will survive - things will eventually get better


I believe many of us here practice living a lean and sufficient lifestyle daily - that will surely help us in the worst of times.  We have dedicated ourselves to having a better more simple life.
How about you?
Will you survive and survive well?

Jazz Up Ramen - Cheap Eats

There are times in our lives that we have little or no money.
There are times when just a bit of convenience helps us out.
There are times when we just want to be different!
We always want to stretch our dollars.

OK, no flack.  I know Ramen soup is full of salt (the seasoning packets) - BUT it is incredibly cheap!  Packages are regularly .10 each around here.  I can make that package into a bowl of soup for one or I can add other ingredients and make a meal for two.  It is very easy.
I know Ramen is a staple with college students - maybe this will help someone jazz it up a bit.

NO there is no real nutritional value in Ramen noodles NOR is there any real nutritional value in pasta!  Pasta is pretty cheap - especially if you get it on sale or markdown - and maybe you could get a couple meals from pasta for .10, but not always!

You don't need to use those seasoning packets - save those and maybe add to a big pot of soup or stew later on.  It won't be nearly as bad salt-wise in a big pot of soup.  The flavors are tasty - there are many.  Beef, chicken, pot roast, chili, shrimp, oriental, and on and on!

• Cook your noodles in water or stock and then add cheese.  Noodles and cheese instead of mac and cheese
• Make up any stir fry you might make and either stir in noodles or put stir fry over the noodles
• Consider making a small batch of lo mein (add veggies and/or meat) and a little soy
• Add cooked noodles to some fried cabbage and a little soy sauce.  Sausage or ham pieces added if you have it.
• Go Mexican - add hot sauce, salsa, taco meat, taco seasoning, cheese, sour cream...…..
• Add to any leftovers - meat, veggies, etc. for a soup or stew or 'bowl' dinner.  This would be a great way to extend just a bit of leftovers after a normal meal or holiday and make a totally new type dish.  Add broth, gravy, stock, tomato sauce, whatever you have.

OK - now that looks just yummy!  What a cheap and great way to extend whatever you have on hand.

• Make a neat salad.  Cook those noodles with herbs and whatever broth you might want.  Drain.  Top with chopped tomatoes, cukes, onions, Italian dressing, herbs, etc.

This would be super with fresh garden veggies (whatever you have), a little dressing when BROKE and you don't know what to eat!  Oh heck, it would be good any time!

• Turn it Asian.  Add soy, fish sauce, sweet and sour sauce, sriracha  -  maybe a spoonful of peanut butter or peanuts or cashews - shredded carrot or peas or broccoli, green onions, etc..  Get creative!
• Use half water and half coconut milk for a creamier version of noodles
• Use tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, curry powder, pizza fixings, etc.
• Use the noodles for spaghetti & cover with sauce
• Top noodles with leftover taco meat
• Cook noodles - drain, add tuna and some peas - maybe make like a tuna salad.

OK, I think you see there are just no limits to what can be done with a .10 package of noodles.  Get creative.  Being broke is no excuse not to have a tasty and filling meal.

I always have Ramen in my pantry.  Even if you have had it in your pantry for ages - the noodles will still be fine (might ditch the seasoning if too old).  Liquid will always soften the noodles.

I have heard people comment that they were "Ramen poor" - meaning they had no money for other stuff.  It shouldn't be a shameful thing - use it in new ways.  Leftovers and noodles most definitely can EQUAL YUM!

Here's a family favorite:

RAMEN NOODLE SALAD

1 - 16 oz. package slaw mix

2 packages beef Ramen noodles

1 Small pack of sunflower seeds

1 Small pack of slivered almonds

1 bunch green onions - chopped

1/3 C vinegar

1/2 C sugar

3/4 C oil

both seasoning packets

Heat the last 4 ingredients until sugar is melted - cool slightly.  Mix the first 5 ingredients together in a nice bowl -(noodles are slightly broken up and raw).  Pour dressing over salad mixture 15 -20 minutes before serving.  This is really yummy!  Tasty and a great crunch.

So there you have it.  You are never so broke that you can't have a decent meal.  Use what you have and get creative.

Always try to think outside the box - no matter what you have on hand.

Happy eating!

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/16

Good morning.  I hope this finds everyone safe and well.  Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

It has been quite a week here.  Sometimes a bit overwhelming for sure.  We had some decent weather for a few days.  We had spring, summer and fall all in one week.  Crazy.  Yesterday was horrible as far as weather.  Terrible storms came through the state and there is much damage.
We got almost 4" of rain yesterday, and most of that came in about 2 hours.  Torrential rains!
I have a very flooded back yard and a very wet basement - but consider myself lucky compared to others.  The kids next door had water up to their knees in their basement!!!  A tornado hit 10 minutes up the road.
Thankfully it is clear at the moment.

I just keep thinking about the farmers.  They had a slight reprieve this week to get some things done and I imagine it was all for naught now.  Flooding is covering a lot of the state.  More rain tonight and tomorrow!
My opinion is God is letting us know He is still in control!  We need to quit destroying this planet.

I saw my first lightening bugs of the season this week.  They make me smile.  The first ice cream truck of the season came down the road this week as well.  They always take me back to being a little girl!
My lilies are absolutely covered with buds.  In a few days there will be a sea of yellow and orange in the backyard!  I sure hope my garden plants survive all this flooding!  Little bun-bun (the bunny) is thriving and growing - so cute.

I had to go turn a funeral visitation this week and took my sister with me.  On the way there my Blazer started making noise and smelling hot.  Geesh, I repeat I have my sister with me - she is 88 and we are 30 minutes from home.  We get to the funeral home and my brother went and looked.  Thought he knew what it was and said I should be able to get home.  Thankfully we did.
Got it in shop this week and it was what he said and more.  Brakes, rotors and calipers on the whole back end = big bucks!!!  UGH!  I guess peace of mind is priceless though.

My week in revue:

• Made hummingbird nectar - they are showing up regularly now!
• I got FREE flowers from the florist when I went to make a purchase.  They always send you home with flowers when you go in.  I had enough for 2 bouquets - down to one now.

• I ran to the library and got a couple books
• Pulled more weeds
• Finished planting the garden plants.  Zucchini in now (hope they aren't drowned)
• Froze the last little bit of milk in a jug in ice cube trays - will be good for smoothies
• Had dinner Sunday at my sisters.  Got to visit with one niece and her husband.  We don't see each other often
• Sis sent home leftovers with me - they provided me with 2 meals
• Stopped at Kroger (across the road from repair shop) and got black seedless grapes for .88/lb.  Fresh ear corn 8/$1.  Bushes baked beans (nice size cans) .99/each.  Angel food cake for 1.99.
• Have 2 full water barrels!  I still have not had to water anything I have planted - the rain keeps coming!!!

Meals this week:

Dinner at sisters

Potato cakes with a small piece of chicken cut up in them (from leftovers)

Last potato cake and a nice chicken breast - made a fruit smoothie as well

Piece of pizza from the freezer and a banana (it was late)

Homemade tostadas

Red beans/rice (with cooked burger from freezer) and biscuits

Fried corn and seasoned turkey burger   (2nd burger went in freezer)

It has been quite a stressful week.  I have been kind of emotional.  This too shall pass.

The sun is shining today, I have my home and my kitties and I can get through anything else.  I am much better than many in my state this morning.  Praise the Lord.

This is my front walk-up.  I love it.  Some may think it is over grown but it makes me smile.  I love the variety.

How was your week?  Did you get any good deals?  How is the garden doing?  I hope you have no weather situations causing problems.

May you all stay safe and healthy this week.  Prayers of healing for those in need.

Prayers for all the farmers in this difficult season.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.