It's Really Quite Simple

 LIFE - oh how we complicate it.  Yes, WE complicate it.  It really is quite simple to live a more simplified life and have a beautiful life and enjoy life.  We just add to many rules.  We make too much out of things.  We all get our panties in a bunch!  We all try to fit a mold.

STOP IT!!!!  

I have spent a big part of life trying to fit in.  I tried to be what people expected me to be.  Gosh, you know we have all done it.  We wanted to be liked as youngsters.  We wanted to please our bosses.  We wanted to fit the mold that certain family members thought we SHOULD be.  How about what we want to be?  That should be important too!

I have finally learned that as long as I hurt no one - as long as I am a good person - even if you don't approve - I can live my simple life and be happy.

Life isn't SIMPLE just because you don't have a bunch of stuff or clutter.  It isn't simple just because you can live on a little amount of money.  It isn't simple just because you are self sufficient.  It IS simple because you are living right.  Yep, simple isn't just about money and things - it is a way of life.

I love this list.  It pretty much sums it up.  I especially love number 1 and 3.  Too bad more people don't understand these things today.  Too bad more people don't understand the whole list!!!

I like them all - also LOVE "be humble" and "realize and accept life isn't fair", and "live in the present".

People seem to just get something out of complicating things. 

The other night I was watching an episode of  Barn Wood Builders and as they were tearing down an old log home they found a sign.  I think I want to replicate for my front porch.

It said:

Live simply

Dream big

Give love

Laugh often

Isn't that what we all want?  I think it really is.  

If we live life that way - we pretty much are assured a good life.  

We woke this morning, the birds are singing, the sun came up, we have been blessed with another day.  Pretty much sums it up.

Stop over complicating things.

JUST LIVE!!!  Life is quite SIMPLY the best personal gift ever.

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/7

 Happy Sunday my friends!!!!!   I hope this finds you well and safe and happy.

It is a beautiful morning here - the sun is shining brightly and the birds are singing.  We have had sun absolutely every single day this week!!!!  I can't remember the last time that happened.  It has been lovely and we have a few more to go before rain comes to town.  It has been dry for over a week as well.

Next week prediction says we will have days in the 60's!!!!  OH YES!  We will take it.

It has been another week of just doing lots of little things.  Nothing big or major - but little things add up over time!

My week:

• Changed out my 90 day furnace filter.  I started sneezing, and thought maybe my filter was dirty.  Not really - I had my doors and windows open a couple days!  Oh my, allergy symptoms have already started!
• I went to the library
• Changed out my door decorations to spring items
• Changed out the chair and couch covers and table toppers to lighter and brighter colors.  Laundered the winter 'looking' afghans.  Changing up to spring look
• Put up my boots, heavy coat, ear muffs and gloves - got out lighter jacket
• I did tons of laundry (cleaning household linens) and line dried a bit of it
• I picked up tons of limbs and sticks from the yard - from past winds we have had
• I needed a new plant stake for a houseplant and I went out and chose the perfect one from those limbs and sticks - all natural
• Washed windows inside and mirrors
• Used up lots of leftovers and froze many.  I made potato cakes from leftover mashed potatoes and even froze some for later.  Froze containers of broccoli/cheese soup I made and froze half a homemade pizza for later easy meals
• Cleaned out the refrigerator and reorganized the frig freezer
• Got to air out the house on 2 days
• Talked myself out of shopping each day this week!!!!  Didn't really need to go out, so money saved.  No shopping on the weekend - too busy for me.
• Starting to work on the spring deep clean again.  Didn't I just do fall????  LOL  Always something needs cleaned

Meals this past week:

Cheesy, onion potato cakes and a salad

Mex. shredded beef/beans/rice over corn chips

Broccoli cheese soup (from a mix I got at holidays with lots of extras added)

Baked potato topped with broc./cheese soup

Tacos made with shredded beef/beans from earlier

Homemade pizza

Goulash and salad

SNACKS:  oranges, cinnamon/sugar toast, cereal, corn chips

Soup made with a mix I got in holiday basket -  added extra cheese and extra broccoli and a little cauliflower I had.  Topped with sour cream and served with crackers

How was your week?  What did you do to stay frugal this week?  Are you getting better weather?  Has anyone started their spring clean? 

Frances just a quick hello.  Thinking about you and hoping your wrist is healing.

I hope this coming week finds you safe and healthy and frugal.  May your days be filled with sunshine and laughter.  Prayers for healing for all in need.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.  Be not wise in your own eyes;  fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.  It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.

Proverbs 3: 5-8

Getting Ready for Economic Bad Times

 We all know it is going to happen again.  It always does.  We are not exempt from economical bad times.  They happen for many reasons.  There can be a recession (probably will be), job loss for any reason, illness, loss of wages, catastrophic weather events - you name it.

We CAN'T avoid them - but  we CAN prepare as well as possible.

We all face challenges - but instead of fearing what might happen - look at it as an opportunity to be ready and make it through with grace.  It is possible! 

We can make it through with what we know and what we have.

Some things to think about in advance:

• When the economy gets bad - you need your community.  Whether your community is family, friends, neighbors or your city/town - you may need them.  You will need to have a community you can share and barter with.  People you can help and who can help you.  We definitely need other people - greed needs to go by the wayside and helping one another is in.
• Reduce your debts NOW.  Get rid of as many debts as possible - so if income changes, you can still be OK.
• Prepare your pantries NOW.  Have a stockpile of food and other goods that you use and need.  If you have your pantries in order - not only will you be able to eat and survive, but you can help someone else.  Try to have a minimum of 2-3 months of goods - preferably 6 months or more.  You can hide it and find ways to store it if you try.  Add a little each week - $5 worth of goods each week can make a huge difference!!!!!   Trust me - this could save your life!!!
• Be ready to live on less.  If you have to take a job making less money - do it!  Some money is better than no money!!!!!  If you have to take 2 jobs - do it.  You do whatever you need to to provide for your family.  No job should be beneath you - honest work is honest work.
• Be open to every opportunity that may come your way - sometimes help comes in mysterious ways
• Be prepared to face the fact that you may have to stop cable, internet, extra phones, etc.  You won't be buying new stuff, clothes, cars, or taking vacations or taking holidays, eating out.........
• You will have to get creative in ALL ways.  Learning to mend and sew will be handy.  Cooking from home.  Maybe garden.  Learn about nature and what you have available in your area - that could help you survive.  ie. - where are nut or fruit trees you can glean from, what weeds are edible or medicinal, who has animals that can provide protein that you can barter with, etc.
• Look at your skills and qualities NOW.  What might you need to learn?  What books might be useful to have on hand?
• Look at who, what and where you are - know yourself and your limits
• Get your spending habits in check NOW.  It will be easier to spend less if dire times if you are used to budgeting now
• Plan for the worst and hope for the best
• Have cash funds on hand at home if at all possible!!!!  You just never know what might be needed
• Be willing to make lots of changes - maybe some big ones!!!!!!
• Be willing to live much simpler - no frills - no extras - just the basics
• MOST IMPORTANTLY - Be positive and open minded

Don't panic if stuff hits the fan.  Know that you can survive and be fine.  Life changes many, many times during a lifetime.  We need to just realize that, and be as prepared as possible at ALL times!

There are always opportunities around us - we just have to pay attention.  They may be things we never thought of - but we evolve as do our lives.  

Learn that change if OK - it is the only constant in the world!!!!!

Stay focused, plan ahead, get your home and finances in order.

You can survive whatever comes your way.

We got this!!!!!!

Some Days I Reminisce

 Do you ever just sit some days and think back?  Think of simpler times?  Think of all those days that are long gone as well as the people?  Think about times have CHANGED?

Changed they have.  I think back to the 60's and 70's and life was just slower.  Sure I was young - but in the 70's I was married, working and buying a home.  Still life was different.  We had fun.  We enjoyed days off.  We didn't worry about what others thought.  People weren't offended by anything and everything.

It was a time where the one thing everyone hated was War - but that was about it.  People enjoyed people and we had fun.  Life was simple. 

Sunday dinners and get family togethers was a thing.  Music was enjoyed thoroughly.  Dress was whatever you felt like wearing.  We loved the earth and nature.  We hated war - but not each other.

I think back to the Woodstock time - how amazing that was.  Tens of thousands of people (strangers) all in one spot (in the rain) - with little food and sanitary options - and they all got along!!!!  No riots, no destruction, no fighting - just a whole lot of people enjoying the moment.

I remember as a child we read books, we played on the front porch with jacks or pick-up stix, we made forts from old boxes, we waded in creeks, we drank Kool-Aid and ate peanut butter sandwiches for lunch, we rode bicycles, we helped in the garden, we took walks, we picked grapes and ate them right off the vine, we ate green apples, we drank from the hose, we were safe and made the best of simple things.  We ENJOYED it.

Even when I first married and worked and had a home - we had no AC - so some days it was just lay across the bed in front of window with a breeze and nap or read.  We camped, we still rode bikes out on country roads and we still took walks - we didn't complicate things.  Groups of friends would vacation together.  We enjoyed life.

Today everyone complicates everything.  Everyone is offended by things.  People can't seem to mind their own business.  People worry about too much.

REMEMBER - today is the day you worried about yesterday!!

People don't seem to have common sense today - I guess that is a thing of the past.

Morals and good judgement seem to be waning.  

The  world and many people in it just sadden me today.

I would love to live in a less complicated world - like the old days.

I guess I have to go there in my memory and dreams - as I don't think it will ever happen again.

I try to keep life simple and uncomplicated.  I still enjoy the simple things.  I still love nature and the earth.  I still enjoy family.  I still enjoy reading a book and the breeze of a lovely day.  

I wish that was enough for everyone!

PEACE and LOVE to you all!

💓✌💓

Spring Fling - Let's Perk Things Up

 We are now in meteorological spring!  Solstice comes latter in the month.  The down under is now into fall.  They are looking forward to cooler temps and relief from the heat and we are looking forward to warmer temps and less snow and frigid weather!

Either way - it is now time to perk things up.  Change is always a way to brighten a day.  Adding color and texture - flowers and plants - just changing up the decor a bit with the seasons can truly brighten the mood.

It is time to work on that spring cleaning again and time to work on decluttering again.

Let's make our homes all pretty and spiffy!

Here are some ideas!!

Do you have any old wooden chairs that need spiffed up?  Whether for indoors or outdoors - go a little crazy.  Paint in fun patterns and wild colors!  Think 'Mary  Englebreit'.  I have had some old outdoor chairs I have painted over the years and used for plant stands.  I have an old chair I am planning to paint for use inside just to brighten a room.  Get creative - there are no rules.  You can also make cushions with all kinds of fabric used together for the same effect.  You can also do tables the same way.  Oh my, have fun with it!!!!!!

             Not my picture!  I just love this.  You can use any colors and just have fun!

Use old baskets - I often throw baskets in the shower or hose them down outside in the summer to clean.  Let them dry and use as is - or PAINT them.  You can really jazz them up.  Use ribbons or material as accents.  Place pretty country napkins inside before using.  You can make all old baskets new and exciting again.

Outdoor pillows or cushions - these can be perked up with new coverings.  If you want them water proof  - think about getting vinyl table cloths and use that as your material.  Those can be purchased cheapy at thrift stores or a discount stores.  

Paint flower pots to brighten them up.  Bright colors and fun designs.

Inside - update or change up a dull old lampshade.  Add silk flowers, buttons, material - you name it.  You can paint bases and add fun things to shades.  I used to have a floor lamp (low watt bulb) that was just dull.  I draped a pretty scarf over the top and the light was diffused and so pretty.

                                    Again - not my picture.  Get creative!!!!!!

Make your storage look pretty and you don't have to hide it away.  Totes or even shoe boxes or any type of box can be used as stores.  You can cover any box with gift wrap, pretty copy paper, comics, material, contact paper, etc.  Another fun effect is using jute rope or twine and wrap boxes partially with it.  Looks so cute (and helps keep it sturdy).  You can use old cereal boxes - cut to use for magazine holders or office storage.  12 pack pop boxes - make great storage for cans in pantry.  Any larger carboard box (diapers, delivery boxes, shoe boxes) make great storage for all kinds of things.

Recover throw pillows - use a bright color to add a pop of color.  Change out table linens.  You can always go back to your duller colors come winter ( or not).  Play with texture and color.

Paint an accent wall in a room.  It sure can change the look of a room - with just a little effort and a little money.  You may already have paint on hand.

An old step ladder can make a great plant stand.  You can paint in a fun color or leave it looking distressed.  I had one for years in my flower garden that worked to add height and fun to the garden.

Think about painting a 'barn quilt' for your outdoor space.  These are just so neat.  They can be placed on the garage, storage shed, wooden fence, the house or patio - they are just so pretty and add whimsy.

Any old wood you have can be turned into a barn quilt piece.  They can be simple as you like or a complicated pattern.  

                                                               Not my pictures.

They can be big or small.  I am definitely going to do this this year.  That will be a spring/summer project.  I am a huge lover of whimsy and color outdoors and this fits right in.

Paint the front door and new and exciting color.  Maybe paint shutters a different color.  Spray paint accent tables or patio furniture.

A little paint and a little imagination can change your outdoor scenery OR you indoor look.  It doesn't have to cost much - but it can sure brighten a day (or season).

So take time - look around - and make a change or two.  It may just be the mood booster you need!

                   Using different items in new ways - in past years before I got my big geni

                                                  Pops of color in years past.

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 2/28

 Well, here we are at the end of another month.  Goodness.

It is 50* this morning and raining.  What a difference a couple weeks makes!!!!  The piles of snow are now gone from my yard - it really is hard to believe.

It looks as if March will come in like a lamb - sunny and 40's.  Weather should be more normal this week for this time of the year.  YAY.

Now we just get through muddy season!

Birds and squirrels are not eating as much this week.  Guess they like the warm weather as well.  It seems to be mating season!!  Kitties are loving the warmer days and sunshine.

My week:

• I refilled all the feed bins with supplies on hand
• Swept out the greenhouse, swept the front porch (a couple times), shook out door throw rugs. mopped kitchen
• Got to air out the house on 3 days this week (above 50*)
• Made new weather strip flaps on the greenhouse door.  The others were brittle and broke after so many years of weather.  I used Gorilla tape and made very sturdy strips myself - worked great
• I ate my LAST garden tomato!!!  Yep - had one left from picking green in fall.
• I had cabin fever and got out one day.  I ran to Fresh Thyme and got my supplements I wanted and got a few fresh veggies
• Made a stop at Kroger as well just to look and got a couple good deals.  That was all I got

                     2 bags of mini cookies - lasagna noodles and Worcestershire sauce

      Manager's special markdown - .79 a jar.  Got the last 3 on the shelf.  I love Polish pickles

The container of dip veggies on markdown for 1.29.  Pretty darn cheap for an assortment

• I then stopped at Big Lots to look for some flat cushions for a couple lawn chairs - they had nothing I could use.  Found chips on clearance!!!

                                       .48 a bag!!  I got 4 bags.  WOOHOO

• Just doing all the normal stuff - vacuuming, laundry, dusting, cooking from scratch, watching You Tube videos, etc.
• Found a partial jar of home canned kraut in the frig.  Don't know how that happened!!  Usually if some is left I eat it straight from the jar within a day or two!!  LOL  I used it up
• Washed out a few baggies and a juice bottle to reuse
• Found a bag of faux crab in freezer that I used this week for 2 different meals

Meals this past week:

Veggie soup (from freezer) and garlic toast

Faux crab salad sandwich and pickles

Crab/mac/pea/cheese casserole  - think upscale tuna mac!  It was tasty

Mushroom/Swiss burger and salad

Soft fish tacos and corn chips

Tuna patty and salad

Smoked sausage with kraut and mashed potatoes

Just using what I have and trying to get a little creative with it.  I have enjoyed the warmer temps and some sunshine this week.  Got to actually 'fence' chat with a neighbor a couple times.

How was your week?  What has everyone been up to?

Blessings from my humble home to yours.

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Dear Lord, may we continue to bless each other with ideas and love to help each and every one we come in contact with.  Help us to lift one another up with joy!  Amen

A Thursday Tip or Two From Me to You

 This week I have been doing little things that just saves me some time or money or just makes life a little easier.  I do them all the time, but got to thinking - maybe some might be  new to others!

Odds and ends - can just make life a little easier.

My dining room chairs are covered with a fabric that has the texture somewhat like corduroy.  Coogie loves to lay on them.  See where I am going?  Fur sticks like a magnet.  They are hard to clean - it takes forever to vacuum it off.  I came up with a solution that works for  me.  I had a set of cotton dinner napkins that I don't really use - so they became chair seat covers.  Easily removeable and washable.  It is most often just me here - so no one sees and besides the chairs are under the table - so not seen.

I like Extra chewing gum.  I have purchased several of the big packs that come in a plastic box for quite some time.  I have kept the boxes (they look somewhat like a cassette tape box).  Well when I chipped out the bottom of my favorite candle to keep for melts - I stuck the pieces in one of the cases.  I keep this one in the bathroom in the cabinet.  The cases would be great for carrying wipes in your handbag or extra face masks.  Could make a little sewing kit to carry.  You could just keep all kinds of things in them.  

I don't drink coffee - but I keep coffee machine filters on hand.  You can get a huge package at the Dollar stores for almost nothing.  They are good for many things.  I use for a splatter guard in the microwave.  I flatten one out and cover the food.  Keeps the microwave clean.  Use to hold  small snacks for kids.  I have placed in my mesh sieve and used to filter out particles in liquid. 

I have placed in the bottom of clay pots to keep the dirt from coming out the bottom hole - yet still provide drainage.  So many uses!

Emptied out the last detergent from a large bottle of dish soap this week.  Kept the squirt lid and soaked and cleaned.  I love using them on my bottles of water/drink (when working outside).  Keeps bugs out of your drink and you can just get a squirt/drink.  They are fun for kids to make bottles into squirt 'guns',    You can turn any small top bottle into a squirt bottle.  Again there are many uses.

If you have ever gotten a tub of ice that takes a while to use - you may have noticed that ice crystals for on top of the ice cream.  ICK.  I always cover the top of the ice cream with a piece of plastic wrap - it fits snuggly and is a barrier.  Put you lid back on - and your ice cream stays nice and ice crystal free.

Here is an idea that I use now - in the past I may have thought it dorky!!!  LOL.  I did not purchase prescription sunglasses the last time I got new glasses as they are just so darned expensive.  I do have those little clip on things and they are OK.  One day back a while ago - I was looking at the clearance area at Kroger and they had sunglasses for $1.  YEP.  Well I went through them and found 3 pair that weren't scratched or anything.  I now just slip them on OVER my glasses.  Unless you're right up in my face - you can't tell I have on 2 pair of glasses.  Best part is they work!!!!!  Surprisingly they fit well.

This pair needs a good cleaning!  LOL  Kind of fashionable looking!  I keep a pair in the car and one in the house and have another put back in storage.

When freezing ground meat - whether using zip type baggies or vacuum seal bags - make sure your chunk of ground meat is flattened.  If you flatten it before freezing - it makes it easily stackable and saves freezer space.  It will also thaw in no time at all.

Well there you have Thursday's tips from me to you.  Maybe you will find one or two that will work for you.

Thanks for following along!