Things We May Forget - Prepping

 We are constantly talking about our prepping and preparing for whatever may come our way.  We build our pantries with lots of goodies and food - BUT what about other things we may forget!!!

Most stores now have customer pick-up when ordering online and some have delivery - even Chewy has pet delivery items.  This helps greatly - but if they run low of supplies or close completely - do you have enough of the odd things to survive?

There are many, many things that we could just do without or substitute something else for.  To make life easier to handle and manage through - there are some things that we all may not think of.

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Your shampoo, soaps, lotions, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorants, etc.  REMEMBER - if necessary you can use baking soda as deodorant or toothpaste.  Hard or soft soaps can be used for hair as well.

Over the counter meds - cold medicines, Pepto, throat lozenges, Rolaids, bandages, wraps, tape, gauze, vitamins and herbs.  Allery meds, Tylenol or pain meds, aspirin, sleep aids if needed, nasal strips, mouth wash, etc..

Think about alcohol, peroxide, Epsom salts, protective gloves, masks, antiseptic wipes, hand sanitizer OR the ingredients to make your own.

Honey - great for coating a sore throat.  Super food!

Misc. shelf - bar soap, soft soaps, deodorants, cough drops and cold meds.  Bar at the right is a griper.  The U shaped thing in the middle is a sink/toilet snake

Don't forget coffee if you are a fan and all the supplies you need to go with it.  Tea or Kool-Aid mixes (you can make Gator-aide  with Kool-Aid).

Computer & printer supplies.  Ink, paper, etc.

Stamps, envelopes, misc. cards (or make your own)

Laundry items

Have things on hand to fix things that break - super glue, duct tape, screws and nails, drain snake, drain cleaner (or use vinegar & baking soda), tarps, heavy plastic.  Heck, I even have an extra wax ring that fits under the toilet (just in case).

Don't forget your pets.  Cat/dog food, treats, litter, flea meds, heart worm meds, even bird seed, etc.

FUN THINGS

Something to do - books, puzzles, crafts, etc.

Fun foods for a bad day - whether it be chocolate, chips, nuts, ingredients to make baked goods or candy, whatever snack you like.

Maybe even alcohol - even if you are not a drinker.  It is a great barter tool.  I always have the ingredients on hand for a hot toddy (so helpful if congested or get a cold).

What are supplies you have on hand that others may not think of?

We all need new ideas!

Weights and Measures - U.S. vs. Everyone

 The U.S. has a different set of weights and measures than most of the world.  I never was good on converting.  We 'learned' in school - not to say it stuck in my brain!  I still have trouble with it to this day.

I am always listing items and recipes - the way we do things - forgetting that much of the world does it all different.  I also read a lot of blogs from other countries - so need to know how to convert their measures as well.

We use ounces, pounds, gallons, pints, quarts, etc.  Metric is liters, milliliters, grams., kilograms, etc.

I know there are many conversion charts available online - but sometimes I don't want to stop and look at the computer.  Is there an easier way?  Yes!

A WAY TO CONVERT WITH A CALCULATOR

Hope this helps.

TO CHANGE                        TO                   MULTIPLY BY

Ounces (oz.)                       Grams (g)                     28

Pounds (lb.)                        Kilograms (kg)            0.45

Teaspoons (tsp,)                 Milliliters (ml)             5

Tablespoon (Tbsp.)                "            "                  15

Cups (C)                              Liters (L)                    0.24

Pints (pt.)                                "                               0.47

Quart (qt.)                                "                              0.95

Gallon (gal.)                            "                                3.8

EXAMPLE - to convert 3 Tbsp. of water to metric - multiply 3 by 15 to get 45 ml.

Many chefs do not measure cups when baking like most of us here in the U.S. do.  They weigh their ingredients.  I always like to watch Alton Brown - Good Eats - he weighs everything!  I guess you get a more precise measurement.  I have never tried it.  Do you measure in cups or weigh?

UGH - it is all so confusing for me!!!  I will stick with my cups and teaspoons and tablespoons - so bear with me.  I do see recipes I like of foreign blogs and I have converted - but it takes me a while!!

I know I can't be the only who has trouble with this!  

I think this is probably confusing no matter where you live.

Hope this helps someone!!!!

Tips to Help With Holiday Baking

 Good morning.

I came across some very good info that could help us all plan for holiday baking and prepping.  It is always hard to know just how much we need of items.  I think I am good for baking treats and goodies - but good information to have.

2 C sugar = 1 pound

2 2/3 C brown sugar = 1 pound

1 C butter = 1/2 pound

1 oz. of chocolate = 1 square

1/2 pound of nuts = 1 cup

1 square of chocolate = 4 tablespoons of cocoa

1 pound of bananas = approx. 3 bananas

1 large marshmallow = 10 mini ones

1 pound of apples = about 3 cups = about 3 large apples

To make self rising flour at home combine 1 cup all purpose with 1 Tbsp. of baking powder OR 1 cup flour with 1 tsp. baking soda, 2 tsp. cream of tartar and 1/2 tsp. salt

Pie rings are so helpful.  These keep the edges/crust of pie from getting too dark.  I have this above one for years (thus why discolored).  I got it at the orchard.  Simply place over the pie when placing in the oven and keep the edges nice!

This is a cheaper version I have as well.  These pieces are pliable and bend and I have a couple dozen pieces.  Place together to form a ring over the edges of pie.

If you have neither type - you can use foil to make a ring around the outer edges.

***

When a recipe calls for 1 cup of pecans, chopped  it means to measure out 1 cup of nuts and then chop.

When a recipe calls for 1 cup chopped pecans  it means to chop first and then measure!

***

No colored sugar to top cookies?  Make your own.  Add drops of food coloring to regular sugar and mix well until you get the right color.  You can mix ahead and store in a lightly covered container.  I have been making my own colored sugar for years.

***

Have a extra brownie, piece of cake or a couple cookies left over?  (LOL - this makes me chuckle, as I eat them).

Well, if you do - crumble and use on top of pudding, ice cream or as a cheesecake topping.  Cookies can also be crushed and used in cheesecake crust.

Nothing wasted and a great way to use it up and make a new treat!

***

Out of powdered sugar?  In a pinch make your own.  Place regular granulated sugar in a  food processor or blender and blend until you get the consistency you want/need.  Do small amounts at a time for best results.

I hope some of these ideas help you plan ahead for the supplies you will need for holiday baking.  It is always nice to have alternatives as well.

HAPPY BAKING!

Weekly Wrap-Up 10/25

 Good morning my friends.  Hope you are all well and happy.

My goodness, here we are at the end of yet another month!  Just a few days left and then on to November.  It just doesn't seem possible.

Well this week, mother nature has decided to try to give us all the rain we "didn't" get in the past 2 months!  Many downpours here - even thunderstorms.  Wind, fog and cooler temps now.  More rain coming this week.

It was warm enough to have windows open a few days.  Actually got to almost 80*F on 2 different days.  This week is supposed to be in the 50's and 60's during the day. Normal October weather.

The leaves of the tulip poplar are about all down - not many left on the tree.  Maple still has a lot - so it will be a while before all the clean-up gets done.  Looking around, there are still a lot trees that are green - which is amazing.

The skies were so blue and clear- haven't seen that much in the past week!  Trees are getting naked!

I finally delegated one feeder just for the blue jays!  I looked out back a couple days ago and there were 8 male blue jays scarfing whatever was on the ground!  EIGHT!  I have never seen that many at once.  (It was beautiful)  Now they have their own feeder with peanuts and sunflower seeds - they seem to be leaving the other birds alone.

Yesterday I was watching the squirrels play - oh my what fun.  There were 4 of them chasing each other up and down and around the tree - having a ball.  Then there was my tiny "pole dancer".  One young-un was having a ball playing with the clothesline pole.  He/she was "pole dancing".  Round and round, up and down and flips and flops - I wish I had a video camera!!!!!!  It was hilarious to watch.

I sure get enjoyment watching all the backyard babies!

It has been another quiet week here on the home front.

• Ran out and did a feed store stock up for the birds and squirrels (2 months since last big stock-up)
• Filled all the feeders and tins with stock.  Balance in old freezer or back of Blazer
• Raked the yard - 2 X (can't tell at all today!)
• Pulled out more garden and did more yard work
• Windows open a lot and fresh air enjoyed.  Minimal use of heat (took chill off 2 mornings)
• Chopped up the peppers my brother gave me last weekend and froze.
• Glen's aunt came for a short visit (it was about to storm so she didn't stay long).  I gave her the china and silver I had that was her mother's.  G's dad gave to us years ago and I felt it should stay in his family.  She was delighted to have it
• Worked on re-arranging the over stock pantry area upstairs
• Used the Soda Stream this week to make carbonated fruit juice water
• Just doing all the basics - vacuum, dust, mop, did wood floors again, bath & kitchen clean, laundry in cold, using what I have, just the normal everyday stuff

Meals this week:

Smoke sausage/crescent roll pigs in a blanket, mac n cheese and sliced tomatoes

Leftover piggies and scrambled eggs and sliced tomatoes

Cheesy potatoes with ham pcs. and salad

Pizza skillet

Leftovers - pizza skillet, cheese pots and salad

Ham wrapped chicken roll-up

Tomato soup and grilled cheese

                    This was in the Kroger ad this week.  8 oz. +- chicken wrap.  $4.99?????  WOW

I made my own.  Ham wrapped chicken tenders with lots of fresh veggies and ranch dressing.  Mmmmm Cost - hardly nothing!  I bet mine was close to a pound as well!!!!!!  Yummy and filling and healthy and fresh.

How was your week?  I keep hearing about all the places getting snow - brrrrr.  I don't miss it at all!!!  We usually have snow sometime in October - I heard this will be the first year in ages that we won't!  Fine with me!

How are your pantries coming?  Is everyone getting all stocked for the holidays  and winter?  Now is the time.

I look forward to hearing from each of you.

May you all have a safe and healthy and frugal week.  

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.  

Blessings to all!

Cooking Up Some Fun & Yum

 Fall is in the air here in the northern hemisphere!  We look to comfort foods and tasty treats.  I have a few ideas for simplifying and saving a few dollars and still be tasty.

PIZZA IN A SKILLET

Mix all your pizza toppings together in a skillet and cook up.  I add meat (ground beef and/or sausage) first then pop in onion, peppers and mushrooms - or anything that needs to tender up a bit.  Add whatever ingredients that you put on top of pizza and a jar of pizza sauce.

You can use this on top of toasted buns or bread, pita, fry bread or tortillas.  Use with tortilla chips or corn chips, crackers, over pasta or rice or just put it in a bowl and eat!!

Top with cheese of choice.

Skillet pizza on toasted buns.  So easy and tasty.  No heating up the big oven is necessary.  ENJOY

BROWN SUGAR AND HONEY HAM GLAZE

No need to spend extra for a ham with those glaze packs.  Get a cheaper ham and make your own glaze.

1/2 C brown sugar

1/2 C honey

2 Tbsp. Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix together and drizzle or spread over ham.  Mmmmmmm

It is apple time!

Nothing like a wonderful apple pie or apple crisp.  Love fried apples.

If you don't have luck making pie - try a crisp.  It is one of my favorites - regardless of fruit!

When it comes to frying or baking I am not particular to type.  I will use what I have and it always tastes good.

CRUMB TOPPING FOR CRISP

1 C flour

1 C brown sugar

1/2 C soft or melted butter

** 3/4 C oats & chopped nuts (combo)

** optional

Mix together and top your filling and bake at 375* for 30 minutes to crisp it up.

Here is a fun tip I sometimes use when making an apple crisp.  I mix in an 8oz. can of cranberry sauce with the apples.  Adds a great bright taste to the fruit.  Would be good with pears as well!

Don't throw away those 'past their prime' apples.  Peel and cut out spots and use for baking or frying.  Waste not want not!

We have all seen those small containers of caramel apple dip at the grocery.  Usually those containers are in the produce department real close to the apple display.  Not sure about your area - but they are are pretty pricey here.   They tend to run $3.50 - $4.50 for a little container.

Crazy.

Make your own - it is fresh, tasty and so much cheaper!!

CARAMEL APPLE DIP

8 oz. pack of cream cheese - softened

1C brown sugar - packed

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Cream ingredients together, cover and refrigerate over night for flavors to meld.  Makes about 2 cups of YUM!

Slice up your apples and dip away.

**I like sliced apples with peanut better as well - another fun treat!!

CHILI CHEESE DIP

Warm, comforting  and oh so good. 

8 oz. pack of cream cheese - softened

10 1/2 oz. can of chili without beans

2 C shredded cheddar cheese (or what you have)

Spread cream cheese in the bottom of an ungreased 9 x 13 pan - top with chili.  Sprinkle with cheese.

Bake at 350* for 20 minutes.

Serve with tortilla chips or corn chips.

Don't know about you - but this could be a meal or two for me - not just an appetizer!

Hope this gives you a few time saving and money saving ideas for food fun and yum.

ENJOY

Shopping Excursion and Prepping

 Last week I made a trip to Aldi.  It is on the outskirts of the park (where library is), I hadn't been in ages, so I decided to stop.  I am so happy I did - as it surely eased my mind.

I also ran into our local WM Market (just a grocery) and picked up some birdseed until I got back to the feed store.  I checked out everything and ended up helping my deep pantry.

I KNOW - my results are not the same every where.  I do believe that living where I do - makes my results different.  My city seems to be a real crossroad  for the country.  I guess that is we used to be known as the mid-west.  My city is centrally located in the state and all major interstates come through here.  Major trucking route from the east to the west.

So, that being said, I understand many places are still seeing stores low on product.  Just realize that things are turning around (at the moment).

At Aldi I was pleasantly surprised at how well stocked everything was.  There were no limits on anything except paper products (2 of any size packs of each TP and PT) and a limit of 2 of scented candles. LOL

I saw new items, holiday items, gift ideas, and lots of all the normal stuff.  Prices were great.  Most were the same or lower than the last time I was in there.

I love to buy snack foods there - so inexpensive and the flavor is great.  I am not brand loyal, so I try a lot of things.

I got individual flavored yogurt for .32 each.  Bought some extra chili beans for stock at .50 a can.  I got extra large eggs (marked L - but were huge!) for .89 a doz.  Milk was 2.29 gal.

They had lots of 3 packs of dry yeast on the shelves for .89 pack.  Canned pumpkin was .85 a can.  Lots of sugar, flour and baking products.  I found my favorite smoked Gouda cheese I get for the holidays.  I got enough to last a while for 2.99 a half pound (best price around here).  Bar cheese of all types - mozz., parm, cheddar, colby, pepper jack, etc. were 1.69 a half pound.  Taco shells were .89 for a box of 10.

Aldi - ranch chips 1.19 bag,   Corn chips - .75 bag,   Kettle chips - 1.29 bag.  SO much cheaper than brand name and they are tasty.  I use for Mexican meals and for sandwich days.

I ran into WM grocery for birdseed.  Made my way through the store - so many shelves were full and many items that have been lacking at ALL stores around here for months were available.

My big splurge was canned meat!  

Tuna and larger cans of chicken have been about the only thing available for ages.  I found it ALL at WM.

Smaller cans of white chunk chicken - .98 can.  Cans of chunk ham - 1.00 each.  Larger cans of roast beef - 2.75 each.  Pulled pork - 3.28.  I have tried all of these in the past and they are great to keep on hand.  All were dated (best by) well at the end of 2023.  The luncheon loaf (like Spam) is from Aldi and was 1.95 each.  Actually I like Aldi brand better than brand name Spam and it is much cheaper.  

I know many HATE it - but I like it fried with eggs, or chunked up and put into beans - really tasty that way.

I have some of those little canned hams in my pantry as well.  I generally get them at either Big Lots or Aldi.

It just really nice to know that there is meat on the shelf (just in case).  I can use it, I can help others, I have a feeling of preparedness an peace of mind.  I also have lots of canned tuna and salmon and many larger cans of chunk chicken.

I like having shelf stable meats and I have not ventured into pressure canning yet (to do my own), so I feel happy to have this.

Also found this at WM.  Marked down to .25 bag!!!!  I got 8 bags.  This is not individual bags, but full size.  I can't really make popcorn with butter that cheap.  Nice snack!!

Here is another fun idea.  This is a great way to make S'mores!  2 cookies and a large roasted marshmallow - YUM!

                                                    .95 a pack at Aldi.  Super fun treat!!!

Like I said earlier - I was just really happy to see so many great items on the shelves.  New items, older items that have been missing, and great prices.

I do believe that my pantry is good for a LONG time - except pet food which is an ongoing thing.

I noticed my neighbor carrying many large Aldi bags in yesterday (a single man).  He said he finally decided he should make a deep pantry and stock up with things he uses regularly.  I was smiling and he said "yeah - you finally convinced me it is important."

YAY!!!!!!!  

Keep on preaching gals - it may take time - but if your preaching about prepping makes one more person get busy - it is worth it!  

I sure do hope things start looking better in all areas of the country and world.  I am blessed to live in this location at this time.

Happy hunting and shopping.  Happy stocking!!!!!

Be encouraged by my adventure!!

Some Days You Just Have to Laugh

 Good morning all.

I have a couple stories to tell you.  I am sure at least one will ring true to some of you.  A story of "well that didn't go as planned" and a story of an angel on Earth.

The Light Bulb Saga

It is dark here until at least 7:30AM here every day and it gets dark about 7:30PM.  Last week I was getting kitties fed and working on my morning drink when the kitchen overhead light burnt out.  I finished what I was doing with a kitchen night light.  Thinking I will get that changed after I watch the morning news.

Well, as all things go on - I get busy and forget.  

Come evening and I ran into the kitchen to get some ice cubes and flip the light switch.  Well, crud...I forgot to change the bulb.  Let's do it now and get it done.  Mind you it is 8PM.

Coody is in the bedroom on the bed (other side of house).  I turn on the dining room light so as to have some light and I position the adjustable flashlight to aim on the kitchen light.

I bring in my stepstool and get busy.  The globe is held in with 3 'tiny' screws.  Number one and two come out (I am being so careful not to drop them or the globe) - and oops - screw number 3 falls to the floor.  INSTANTLY Coogy is in the kitchen and sees it and smacks it!!!!!!

Under the washstand (microwave stand) it goes.  Well, crap.

I set the globe down and get off the stool.  Move the flashlight and can't see the screw.  So I get my yardstick and rubber band a micro fiber cloth in the end.  Reaching under stand I try to fish out screw - no screw - just what looks like baby kittens!!!!  Dust bunnies galore!!

I move the stand out from wall - and finally see the screw and LOTS and LOTS of dust bunnies.  Oh my word.  So now I need to clean under and behind while I am down there and know what is there.  

As I am working (on hands and knees) I kick Coogy's water bowl and water goes all over.

I put a towel down to soak up that - and then decide that I may as well 'mop' the floor after I get all the dust cleaned up.  My kitchen is small - so I clean the floor on hands and knees.

I pick up throw rug and figure I might as well step outside and shake it - dust bunnies all picked up - floor swept and them mopped.

FINALLY I get back on the stool and change the bulb and work to get the globe back on.  One screw doesn't fit as well as the other two and it is all I can do not to drop it again (mind you Coogy is watching intently).

Light bulb changed and globe in installed!  I have light!  Floor is clean!   It is now 9PM!!!!!!!  UGH

All that and I forgot to get my ice cubes!

Some days you just have to laugh and just shake your head.

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

Angels Among Us

I was at Aldi and I happened to notice an elderly women trying to open one of those plastic produce bags the stores have.  Of course she has on a mask - so no licking fingers!

I see her struggling.  I walk over and hand her an antiseptic wipe (I carry a baggie of them always).  I told they help me wet my fingers, so as to open up those little bags.  She said "what a clever idea, thank you".  We got to talking about masks, precautions and ventured to life, death and God.

I told her I was cautious but I believe my God has control of everything and only He knows when my day will come.  Her eyes got wide and she smiled and said "I love to hear you young people testify to your love of the Lord".  YES - she said "young people"!!!!

I had to laugh out loud - and I told her I was a senior citizen.  She seemed surprised and she said - "it doesn't matter to me, you are still a young person in my opinion."

Perspective!

We finished our conversation and gave each other blessings and went on our way.

I smiled all the way through the store and to be honest she made my day.  I have told this story to several since that day.  A small gesture on my part - a lovely conversation - and a common love of the Lord.  We were meant to cross paths.  Things happen for a reason.

I hope she smiled all day as well!!!!!

So there you have my stories.  I hope this 'young-in' gave you a smile or two today as well.

Blessings to all.