HAPPY APRIL - A Time of Rebirth

 Good morning!  April has arrived!  Here we go starting our second quarter of the year!!   WOW

April - Latin word aperio which means "to open (bud)".  Some say the month is named after the Greek goddess of love - Aphrodite.

In our hemisphere it most definitely the time of rebirth.  Trees, flowers and weeds all start sprouting out and up.  Color comes back to our world.  It seems to be a time of hope and looking forward.  Natures is renewing in all ways - even the birds and critters are birthing new life.

The dandelions are beginning to flower as well as the wild violets.  I saw a bunch of violets the other day while out walking the yard.

Please don't kill these plants - they are so important for our bees.  We need the bees to pollinate our plants.  They are gardens friends.  God put these plants on earth for a reason and I doubt it was for us to kill!!!

April is a month of so many birth dates for my family.    It for sure was a time for new life in many ways.  It is also 2 years this month since my sweetie went to his new heavenly home.  Loss for us here on earth - but a great re-birth for him.

We may not always think of all the ways re-birth happens - but there are many.  Births, deaths, nature, weather,  attitudes, etc.

I think April just puts people in a better mood!  Everyone is ready to see things come back to life, to see color, to smell flowers and  feel fresh air, to hear birds, to see the squirrels antics, soothing spring showers, soft breezes....... so many things to love.

Life is short - enjoy each and every day to your best ability.  Everything can change in a fleeting moment.  Put aside your complaints and grievances and celebrate LIFE.  LIVE people - live wonderfully.  Live fully.  Enjoy the moments - as the moments are what makes it all worthwhile and beautiful.

May the month bring you joy, happiness and the spirit of love in all ways.

Hope is faith.  We have hope for a new day, new beginnings, health and happiness - that my friends is FAITH.   

Celebrate this  day you have been gifted.

Celebrate the Savior who gave all for our lives.  Celebrate His gift of promise.

May you all have a blessed month.

Simple & Fun Easter Yums

 Easter is upon us and many are getting together for some family time.  I have heard many say they plan on keeping it simple this year.  Many are doing buffets and hoping for nice weather so that people can sit indoors and outdoors.  No set seating, and serve yourself.  Nothing wrong with that.

Brunches are a big thing.  I have heard taco bars, quiches, fancy sandwiches and different salads, pitch-ins, and so on.  I hope you have a great time regardless of what you do.  I have a couple get togethers coming up this month for very special occasions so I will be staying home on Easter and observing the day in peace and quiet and reference.

Desserts and snacks can be fun and easy.  Homemade and semi homemade.  Have fun and make some tasty treats.  You will be a hit if you do.

*Dip strawberries in chocolate - add sprinkles

*Melt and spread almond bark or chocolate and add spring colored M&M's

*Cupcakes - make them to look like grass and eggs.  Color coconut with green food color and then top     with jelly beans

*Jelly bean fudge - white fudge with a bag of jelly beans added

*Dip Oreo cookies (or others) partially in colored almond bark or chocolate

*Color your own sugar for decorating.  Add a drop or two of food color to regular sugar and stir till   blended - can make any color!

*Make up a batch of SPRING trail mix - add pastel colored M & M's to standard trail mix recipe

*Fruit kabobs

*Make fruit pizza

*Make cookie or cookie bars - add pastel colored M & M's

*Make cute cutout cookies and ice

*Dip pretzels in colored chocolate

These are Harry & David treats and cost about $50 a box!  Hmmm - not that difficult to make!

*Fruit plates and dip

*Of course there is always the colored hard boiled eggs.  Use food color, Kool-Aid, or natural items (beet juice, etc.) to make your colors.  I like coloring eggs whether having company or not - it always makes me smile to open the frig and see colored eggs!!!!!

*Maybe make a 'gingerbread' type house for Easter out of graham crackers

*Cookie - ice cream sandwiches are always a hit.

Have fun and make some fun treats - regardless whether you are entertaining a few or just yourself.  Make something that makes you smile!  

The world needs more smiles!!!!!!!!

Never forget the reason for the day.  We are truly so blessed.

                                                                     Amen

Stay on the Path and Keep Calm

 Just a bit of encouragement today.  I know many think the world has gone crazy and people tend to panic very easily.  Now is the time to stop and take a breath, calm your nerves, and stay on track.  We all need to keep on the path of stocking and providing for our families BUT with CALM!

                                                               Not my photo

Stuff has gone on since the beginning of time.  Today we hear about pandemic, government mistrust, financial woes, severe weather, you name it.  There is a lot and yes it is disturbing - but sadly it is all part of life.  None of those things are new!  Have you read the Bible?  My goodness, it is full of disasters and hardships and blessings.  Same thing today - we have a boat load of crap happening - but we have blessings every day as well.  MAYBE, just MAYBE we should concentrate on those!!!!

That is what I chose to do.

Panic only causes more problems.  Surely everyone remembers how things were  in the early days of Covid.  Empty shelves.  WHY?  People panicked.  Sure things weren't being replaced as quickly as before, but panic was the start of the shortages.  This happens every where.  I never once felt panic over supplies during that time.  I have always tried to stay stocked for whatever.  Tons of people do.  That is what people do to prepare for anything!  You never know what can happen.  

You would think people would have learned a thing or two in the past year about being prepared. 

I am not saying you have to plant, grow, harvest and be off grid to be self sufficient.  I know that isn't possible for most.  Be PREPARED!  Stock those pantries and freezers however you can.  Keep supplies on hand for medical, health and beauty, growing (if you garden), repairing, cleaning, etc..  

Do not slack in preparing your lauder for whatever may happen.

If you find a deal or see something you use regularly - get it.  Get it while you can!  Don't hoard and don't panic - just slowly and continually add to your supplies.  If and when supplies at the store are low or gone - you will be fine!

You and only you can prepare your home.  That is your job!  That is your responsibility.

Quit reading/watching the panic spreaders of the world.  Blogs, Vlogs and most You Tube channels are just people like you and me.  They are not experts.  They are not world leaders.  They are not News. 

They are opinions - and we all know about those!!!  LOL

I don't watch a ton of news or listen to much of government - WHY?  They tell you what THEY WANT you to hear.  It most likely isn't true and it is generally pretty slanted. (doesn't matter liberal or conservative).

I trust my gut.  My gut says always be prepared.  My gut has never led me astray.

I learned this early in life.  It isn't a new thing.  S**t happens - and well, this girl prefers to be prepared.  

I refuse to succumb to panic.  Stuff happens and has happened since the beginning of time.  **it WILL undoubtedly hit the fan again and again.  Are you going to spend every day forever in panic mode?  NO don't do that.  That sucks the joy from life.

I try to stay away from current events on here - but preparing is just good old common sense.  No matter what garbage is going on in the world - preparing should always be a constant.

Keep on your path - it may be long.  It may get bumpy.  It may contain lots of ups and downs.  It may have lots of bends in it.  It may get muddied.  But never stray off  of it - keep going and preparing.

Slow and steady in all ways.  NO PANIC - no stressing - no hoarding - no keeping the blinders on - just do it.

This should be as regular as breathing.  It is that important. 

Each day you awake - celebrate.  See the wonders of the world that the Lord has given us.  The little things are just as important as the big things.  Look at the world eyes wide open.  

Prepare but LIVE!

You get one chance at this.  PLEASE don't spend it giving voice to evil and adversity.  Give your voice and energy to beauty, nature, family, Lord and life.

STAY POSITIVE AND STAY PREPARED

STAY ON THE PATH

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/28

 Good morning to all.  It is the last Sunday of the month and Palm Sunday - the beginning of Holy week.  I hope it finds you well and safe.

We had storms again over night (2nd time this week) which made for an uneasy night of sleep.  I am kind of tired this morning.  The moon was glorious if you got a chance to see it this AM.  It was huge and oh so bright and it looked close - like you could reach  out and grab it.  So beautiful.

We had a pretty mild week, with nice temps.  We did get a bad wind storm on Thursday night.  That was pretty scary.

Everything has greened up so much.  Stuff is coming to life.  The butterfly bush, peonies, roses, rhubarb, onions (from last year) and chives are all popping up or budding out.  The magnolia trees are just beautiful - but that will end quickly this week - as we are supposed to have 3 night below freezing.  It happens almost every year.

Mr. Woodchuck is awake!!!!  UGH.  He woke pretty early this year - last year I believe it was at least May.

My week:

• I fixed 2 downspouts that kept coming apart
• Have picked up limbs and sticks EVERY single day!  Between the wind and the squirrels it has kept me in exercise mode!  The squirrels are making new nests and they keep chewing off small branches - most end up on the ground!
• I did make a grocery store run - for fresh fruit and juice only
• My neighbor mowed my front yard with his riding mower.  The whole yard will need mowed for the first time this coming week!
• Cut 2 bouquets of daffodils and forsythia this week
• Fixed the screen on my kitchen door
• Used up all leftovers
• Did make a run for squirrel corn and also got some onion sets
• Cleaned up a flower bed down the west side of house
• Just doing all the normal stuff.
• Got to air out the house on 5 days this week - no heat on!

My meals this past week:

Broccoli & cheese rice with ground beef added

Dirty rice w/tomatoes added and 2 hotdogs (precooked from freezer)

Chef salad

Chicken strips, fries and salad

Deconstructed cabbage roll skillet (used leftover dirty rice/w toms)

Cabbage skillet and garlic toast

Smoked sausage sandwich, mac n cheese (freezer) and shredded broccoli salad

What have you done this week?  Have you been able to get any outside work done?  There is always so much to do.  I am making my list of things I need to accomplish.

I pray for comfort and guidance for all here.  We have had a couple of readers (that I know of) that have had great losses this week.  Donna lost her nephew and Crystal lost her son suddenly this week.  Please keep them in your prayers.  

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you.  

I Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thursday Tidbits

 A few tidbits to think about and use.  It doesn't take a lot to jazz up a regular dish or make a new 'favorite' for the family.

Maybe you will find a hint or tip that you can use!

• Add a couple tablespoons of strong coffee to any chocolate cake or muffin recipe.  Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Think about using chocolate milk instead of regular in puddings or mixes.  Add a tablespoon of vanilla to about any baked recipe to elevate flavor!!
• Add fresh diced tomatoes to coleslaw.  My sister in-law does this and it is so good.  It is a requested dish at all gatherings.  Finely chop the tomatoes - it really adds a new dimension to slaw!
• Deviled eggs all spruced up!  Instead of using mayo think about sour cream or onion or ranch dip.  I use sour cream a lot and it really adds to the flavor of the eggs.  I have used ranch dip as well and YUM!

                    Great way to use up those cake mixes you got cheaply over the holidays

• Use brownie, cake, muffin or cookie crumbs on top of ice cream or pudding
• Reuse those squeezable condiment bottles - wash and use for decorating icing on cakes and cookies
• Do your nuts or dried fruit always drop the bottom of muffins and quick breads?  Dust them well in the flour mixture before adding to the batter.  It helps them stay 'afloat' in your batter when baking
• Keep a pair of kitchen shears ALWAYS handy.  They are great for 'chopping' green onions, lettuce or anything that isn't too hard.  I have used to cut bite size pizza pieces and have even used to cut up meat before using for stir fry.  Many uses - wash thoroughly after every use in hot soapy water.
• Peel your broccoli stems before cooking.  That makes them so tender and you use more of the veggie - no waste.  The stems are actually my favorite part!!!!  You can keep those peelings (cleaned) in that baggie of goodies for making veg stock.

                                                           An oldie but a goody

• Cut a sandwich into quarters to make the 'fancy'.  Any sandwich looks fancier this way!
• Keep a small container of instant potatoes on hand - they are great to use as a thickener in soups and stews and it's added an added veggie!
• Add a spoonful of mayo per every 2 eggs you whip up to scramble.  It keeps them fluffy and it is really tasty!  No more dried out scrambled eggs
• Always place your flour or sugar canister in the sink (dry) before filling.  No more mess all over the countertop!
• Have baked beans left over (think Easter).  Smash them and add to meatloaf mix before baking.  Moist meatloaf!  Smash and season with a little taco seasoning and use in tacos or tortillas like refried beans.  Make yourself a bean sandwich - really good - I know some are saying yuk.  Use in open face sandwich (great on buns) with a slice of cheese on top - broil till cheese is melted and bubbly.  Great side.
• Ground turkey or chicken - if you want to use in a more traditional ground beef way - add stuff!  Add beef bouillon (I always do), shredded cheese, or chopped mushroom and/or onion/peppers.  Stick in some bread crumbs and an egg and some of the above ingredients and make 'meatloaf; burgers.  You can really jazz it up and stay healthy.

Just a few tidbits to stretch a dollar or spruce up your cooking/baking.  I love finding new ideas that enhance flavors and make cooking fun.

Anyone have a great tip they use?  Please share!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!

Don't Get Tricked at the Grocery!

 It is so easy to fall into the traps.  We all have.  Do you think the grocery really cares about your needs?  NOOOOOO - they just want to sell things and make money!!!!  Yep, that is the truth.  There are so many things they do to get us to buy and even buy things we don't need or use.  They are tricky!!!!!

END CAPS

They have all those pretty and neat end caps set up to grab your attention.  MOST people think those are specials - odds are they aren't.  It is just a promotional display trying to sell things - usually not a great deal.  Be aware.  Know your prices.

BIGGER

Bigger is not always better.  I see it so often.  If you take the time to check prices it is easy to catch.  I remember back several years ago - TP was 'on special' - 12 pack was 5.99.  Right next to that display was the exact same product in 4 packs that were $1 each.  I tried to tell several people to buy 3 - 4 packs and save half the money!  Nope - they just looked at me like I was crazy and had horns and got the big one.

I have seen milk 2.39/gallon and next to it same thing .99/half gallon.  People insist on buying the gallon.  Heck the half gallons are even easier to handle - do people care?  Nope

Check prices and unit prices - it really is eye opening.

HIGH AND LOW

The most expensive items are at eye level!  They ain't stupid.  They know where we generally look.  If you look at items on the top and the bottom shelves - generally you find items with better prices.  Check different departments as well -  ie: - I know I can buy olives much cheaper in the ethnic aisle than in the pickle/olive section.

Strategy is everything! 

AMAZING DEALS

Let's say you see an item that the price is just too good to pass up.  Is it something you normally use?  Is it something you will use often?  If you say no to those questions - then it isn't a an amazing deal.  If you don't use it - don't buy it!!!  (unless donating).  We all have items of 'good intention' sitting in the pantry.  If it isn't used, you saved NOTHING!  You wasted $$$$.

THE CHECKOUT

Enticing items are always put near the check-out.  You spend more time in that spot in the store than any other - soooooo they try to entice you (or the kids).  Most of that stuff is so unhealthy and it really isn't a deal at all.   Just say NO!!!!  LOL

THE REGISTER

Keep an eye on your purchase prices.  If you can't catch a bad price while ringing up is being done - check your receipt before walking out the door.  Many stores have a policy of FREE if it rings wrong.  At least you can get your overage in price refunded.  Always remember pennies make dollars!!!!!!

OUTER PERIMETER

It is best to shop the outer perimeter of the store and stay away from the center aisles as much as possible.  Milk, cheese, fruit, veggies, meat and eggs are all on the outer aisles.  Fresh is best.  The center aisles have all the processed stuff.  Stuff we should all be learning to make from scratch!

Sure there are some things that you will want/need - but shop the outer aisles as much as possible,

SUGGESTIVE BUYING

You go to buy pasta - and what is that (?) - pasta sauce right next to it.  Jars of parmesan cheese, etc.  Yep they try to get you to buy other goods as well.  In the snack aisle - there are chips, jarred salsa, jarred cheese and guacamole.  Coincidence - I think not!

They even do it around the meat aisle - fish on display and next to it is cocktail sauce and tartar sauce.  Chicken on sale - I bet you see breading on a nearby shelf or dressing mix.

It goes on and on - nothing is safe.  IF there is a way to trick you into buying - they will do it.

BUYING LESS

Something to think about - when you buy buy less there is less to waste!  We all tend to over buy on deals and things.  If we let it go to waste it surely was not a deal!

EAT FIRST

NEVER go to the store hungry.  You know that and I know that - but we have all done it.  I can almost guarantee you that your receipt was high that week!  When we are hungry, everything looks and sounds yummy.

Same thing with shopping ALONE!  I know many, many years back when Glen would go with me to the store - oh my, did we spend more.  He was like taking a kid to the store.

Make a LIST and stick to it.  Go in and get your items on the list - MAYBE check the clearance aisle - then get out.  Do NOT wonder the store aimlessly.

Stick to a budget!!  Set an amount that you can comfortably spend - and stick to it.

These are all just basic rules we should all follow.

PLAY THE GAME

There are items each week that the store considers loss leaders - they are crazy good prices to get you in the store.  There hope is to get you in - THEN you will wonder around and buy lots of over priced stuff.  That is how they make their money.  Well - play the game.  Go in a get those crazy good deals and LEAVE!!!!!  Turn the tables on them.

Hey, it is your money, so you have the right to play as well.  

Playing the game is a favorite of mine!!!!

CLEANING - H & B

Think about getting your cleaning items or health and beauty items somewhere other than the grocery.  Most of the dollar stores sell those items much cheaper.  Grocery stores really get you on those items.  Pay attention to the prices and go elsewhere.  Making your own cleaning products is cheaper and healthier - but if you don't do that, just get the best price possible.  

Remember these are things that go down the drain each and every day - so why pay premium price for them???

ETHNIC STORES

Another thing to think about is to shop at some of the smaller ethnic stores.  Odds are you will find a great amount of variety in fresh and pantry items.  Spices and certain food items are generally cheaper than a traditional store.  You are also helping a small business.

SHOP THE CUPBOARD

Well there you - shop the cupboard/pantry FIRST.  I bet you can find some items stuck in the back recesses that you forgot about or need to use.  Shop the pantry and the deep caverns of the freezer FIRST.  Make a list of what you have or find and make up meals that use those items.  I just bet each and everyone of us could do this and not have to shop for a few weeks!!!!  Remaking those leftovers into new items and shopping at home - can save a small fortune.

That is a great time to try new recipes and new ingredients.  You never know that meal may become a new favorite.

I imagine there are things I forgot - but these are the basics.  It is so easy to spend way too much money if we aren't aware.  Be aware of the games the stores play and BEAT them at it!!!!!!

DON'T GET TRICKED!

Be the queen of your grocery budget!!!!!!

Feels Like Living Large - Simply and on Less $$$$

 There are so many ways to feel like we are living it up large on little money.  You don't have to spend a fortune nor does it have to be complicated.  

Today we will talk about living large at the dinner table.  There are many ideas for having yummy and inexpensive meals that just feel like going out to eat or high end food.  Inexpensive and simple.

MEXICAN FOOD

Tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc.   They are all easy to make and oh so yummy.  You don't have to stick with plain old beef tacos or bean burritos - jazz it up with whatever you have.

Maybe use chicken, seafood, pork, seasoned rice, salsa, avocado, any kind of cheese, beans, whatever you want or have.  Tortillas are super easy and inexpensive to make and they are also cheap to buy.  Tacos shells and tostada shells can often be purchased for $1 or so a package.  

You can really experiment with Mexican food and cooking.  In my opinion there are no rules and you can sure make it tasty (better than going out) and varied.

When thinking about having tortillas on hand - you also can make roll-ups and breakfast burritos as well.  There are so many options!

FRIED RICE

Never underestimate rice as a main course.  I love fried rice.  You can make it vegetarian or you can add meat and egg.  Throw in whatever leftover veggies you have, add meat and toss in an egg if desired.  Soy sauce or any sauce you may have.  Fried rice can be a filling high end meal for pennies.

GOURMET SANDWICHES

Never dismiss a sandwich - they aren't just bologna any more!!!!  There is NO limit to what you can add to a sandwich.  Absolutely ANY kind of meat you have - ANY kind of cheese - and ANY kind of veggie.  Yes veggie.  Try adding different things to your sandwich - you may be surprised.  I love to add tomato, lettuce, sliced radishes, even potato chips!!!!!  

Think about Reuben, pulled pork, sloppy Joe, tuna melts, burgers, Hawaiian sliders, etc.

You can make grilled sammies, melts, or fresh veggie, BLT's or even baked bean.  Summer is my time for fresh tomato sandwiches - maybe some sliced onion or cucumber!   Fried green tomato sandwiches can be a hit.  MMmmmmmmm.

A favorite I have made is a thin burger patty with mac and cheese added and then grilled.  Oh my!  Filling and it felt very high end!

There are absolutely NO limits - make it simple or make it fancy - using what you have.  Sandwiches do NOT need to be boring.

SALADS

A salad can be anything.  Mix up any type of veggies, add meat or egg or avocado.  Think about topping with leftover chicken, thin slices of steak or beef, thinly sliced pork chops, tuna, bacon,,,,,,,,

Throw in some nuts or seeds of any type.  Whatever you might have.  Top with grilled veggies or even fruit.  Add some toasted bread or crackers as a side and boom you have a meal in no time.

Salads can be a nice treat.  It gives you the opportunity to place an entire meal in one dish!  Fruit or veggies and meat all in one.  

SOUP

Soup is comfort!  Soup is yummy!  Soup is inexpensive!

You can be as simple as throwing all the frig leftovers in a pot with some broth or juice or tomato sauce.  Add meat or not.  Add pasta, rice or beans if desired.  You can make specialty soups fairly easy - potato, broccoli and cheese, cream of anything, gazpacho in the summer, French onion, tomato - you name it.  I include chili and stews in this category as well.  They are easy to make, use simple ingredients and can come together quickly.  Not only do they fill you up, but most times you get more than one meal from a pot of soup.

Heck it can be as simple as jazzing up a pack of Ramen soup - that's OK!!!!  Use what you have, get a little creative and have fun with it.

                                                           Ramen stew!

STIR FRY

Another way to stretch the budget and have a tasty and inexpensive meal.  Again folks - use up those leftovers in the frig.  Can add meat or not.  Use whatever seasoning you have - soy sauce  (or Liquid Amino) is my go to.  You can serve over noodles, pasta or rice.

There is so much variety in stir fry.  Another one dish meal with almost all your food groups.  Super simple and budget friendly.

CROCK POT DINNERS

There is positively no limit on what you can make in the cock pot.  It may take a little longer - but you can use inexpensive cuts of meat and stretch that budget.  Meats, veggies, soup mixes, cheese, broth, stock, you name it - throw it in and let it cook!!

If you are at your wits end on what to fix - just take a bit of this and that and put it together.  Look through your pantry and your freezer - and get creative.  Think outside the box.

DIP AND RIP

Think about an unconventional meal.  I have had them, I bet you have too.  Who says a meal has to be 3 or 4 courses?  A meal is whatever tastes good and fills you up!!!!!!!

Make up dips of any kinds.  Hummus, cheese melts, ranch, onion, spinach dips.  Serve with sliced veggies or chunks of torn bread or crackers.  You can even make fruit dips with cream cheese (sweetened) and have fruit for more of a dessert bar!

I love making a charcuterie plate for a meal.  Cheese slices, fresh sliced veggies, summer sausage, hummus or dip, etc.  It is filling and very tasty. (kind of like a deconstructed salad!)

Serve what you have - a cold meal is refreshing and tasty.  You don't have to over think it - just serve what you like.

                                                             HUMMUS

BREAKFAST

Breakfast for dinner can be positively decadent.  Pancakes, waffles, quiche, eggs and meat and toast, biscuits and gravy, crepes, etc.

Make from scratch or use mixes.  Use what you have.

Pull out some fruit from the freezer or pantry and make a sinfully delish topping for pancakes, waffles or crepes. 

You can take whatever you have and jazz it up to make an extraordinary meal.  Use your pantry and freezer - just the basics we all have - and put together a fine dining experience.

No need to have fancy and expensive ingredients.  No need to go out and spend lots of money.  

Make your family  "an experience" at home.

LIVE LARGE on a budget - it can be done.  It can be easy and tasty as well.  Never feel deprived.

Have fun!!!!!!