Weekly Wrap-Up 1/30

 Well, I say WOOHOO we have made it to the end of January!  Actually, we got more sun than I anticipated this month, but it has still been a gloomy one.  We got a half inch of snow on Friday.  February will start out warm here - then the bottom will drop out and it will be C O L D by next weekend, with sloppy, snowy weather coming.  YUK!  I guess it is all part of winter - just not the parts I like!  LOL

I guess I better get the snow shovel out!

We had some pretty darn cold days this past week.  The cats always amaze me.  The temps are so cold, but the sun is out - and they love it!  They just love sitting in the sun despite the temps.

I have had many, many cardinals back at around dusk every day.  I think the other evening I counted 6 pairs.  They are just so pretty.  The birds have sure been liking the heated birdbath for drinking.  The squirrels do to.

I see geese going over every evening as well.  They sure are noisy!

Another quiet week here.  I have just been blah lately.  This past week would have been anniversary week for G and I (36 years).  It just got me down a bit. (not looking for sympathy - it is just part of life).  Reminiscing a lot this week and looking at pics.  I am so grateful I can do that.  I think between the holidays being over, less sunshine, cold temps, and special days - I have just allowed myself to wallow!  Now it is time for another new month, and I WILL get myself and my mojo back!!!!!!!!!  Time to get out the big girl panties and get with it again!

My week:

• I did have a neighbor come by and visit for a while.  It was nice to catch up
• Did 2 weeks worth of laundry
• Made a cake!  YUM
• Worked on going through a lot of paperwork and started shredding a bunch of older stuff
• NO shopping or leaving the house again this week
• Been using the pantry and freezer stock again this week and using up leftovers
• Made a batch of drop biscuits
• Doing all the normal stuff we all do each day 
• Started boxing up some donation items - things I just don't need.  I have so much stuff to go.

Meals this past week:

Leftover split pea soup

Cheesy potatoes, steak burger and salad

Broccoli rice and chicken tenders

Hard shell tacos

Homemade pizza with all kinds of stuff added

Air fried fish, fries and baked beans

Biscuits and sausage gravy

                                                         Drop biscuits - so fluffy and light

Well, there you have it.  Not much going on here.  How has it been in your neighborhood?  Any deals or frugal finds this week?  

I seemed to spend most of my time going out and visiting/feeding my kitties, watching birds and squirrels, thinking of food (LOL!), and watching some You Tube.  Soooooo exiting!  NOT

Give us a shout and let us know how your week was.

I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Fear not, for I am with you. be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Easy, Frugal, No Waste Yummy Bite!

 We all like easy, frugal and not wasting.  I saw an acquaintance on FB post a recipe she tried, and I figured I had to give it a try.  Well, let me say - this will be my use it up go to recipe for a tasty sweety bite from now on!

Seriously you need to give this a try.

I used an older box of cake mix and a very much past 'best by' date of pie filling!  I smelled it, tasted and all was good.  So I used it.

Here is the easy-peasy cake!

1 box cake mix

1 can pie filling (home canned or store bought)

3 eggs

Mix together and follow the instructions for baking that were on the cake mix box.

THAT'S IT!

                                              I used yellow cake and raspberry pie filling.

Probably not the prettiest color of cake - but it sure is tasty.  Very moist, yet light and has a nice hint of raspberry taste.  I didn't ice the cake - just used a little whip cream on top.  The 2nd piece was eaten plain!!!!!  LOL!  Yes, it was that good.

Think of the possibilities.

Spice cake mix with apple or peach fruit

Chocolate mix with cherry or any berry

White/yellow mix - no limit to what pie fillings you could use

Yes indeed, I will be doing this again.  I still have a few cakes mixes I got for next to nothing that need used, and I have lots of different pie fillings - both home canned pints and store bought.

Great way to use up those past date items, it saves money on snacks, and it does taste soooooo good.  You can't eat just one piece!

Give it a try and ENJOY!

Creative Storage

 Storage - for our stuff or for food - we all need it.  I constantly hear that people that live in small spaces have no room to store extra food or supplies.  If you get creative, you can have extra storage!  Today - it truly is important!!!!!  I also hear, well I live close to shops and stores and I can get what I need weekly.   That may not be the case as much today.  Supplies are lower in many places, and some shops are closing, and some are just not having 'in person' shopping.  Prices go up each and every day - so if you wait to buy - you will be spending a lot more money!

The normal EXTRA spots are under the beds and under and behind couches and chairs.  Great spots.

There is also those hanging shoe racks that you can put behind doors - great for all kinds of smaller items and toiletries and H & B and even small packages.

I have seen people place very shallow shelves behind doors, that are the perfect size for cans.

How about under stairs?  You can get very creative with that.  That has always been a wasted space in homes and there is no need for that.  My Mom used to keep most of her home canned goods in that space under the stairs!

                                           You can get as creative with this area as necessary.

Add extra shelving to your existing pantry.  I did this and it helped a lot.

Utilize suitcases or baskets or totes.  Old armoires or chest of drawers.  You can fill 5 gal. buckets with goods and stack in a corner.  There are ottomans that open for storage - a great place to store out of sight.

If you have a basement you can even get creative there.  Use the rafters!!!!!

Make a false floor in your closets!  Place cases of goods in the closet floor and then cover with cardboard and use as normal.  Those dark recesses in closets are great as well.  

I added extra shelves to my closets.  Each closets had one shelf and it was a good 3' to 4' from the ceiling.  So I added another.  You could also just place several milk crates or something similar on the shelf you have (opening of crate facing out).  Store in them and on them!

Do you have space between your cabinets and the ceiling?  Use pretty containers - baskets or pretty bins and store up there as well.

Not only do we need extra storage areas, but we may need to hide valuables as well.  A spot to hide some cash or nice jewelry.  Keep some food jars and use them.  I like the idea of a mayo jar - (with label) cleaned and painted white inside - place valuables in it.  Place on a shelf.  Pack in plastic (vacuum seal) and place in freezer.  

Use a canning jar or any jar for that matter.  Place a TP tube in the center and then pour pasta, rice, beans, whatever you want around it.  The tube can then easily hide cash or small valuables!

You could use half gallon or gallon jars as well.  Place your objects in plastic or a small box in the center and then cover with dry food goods.

I saw someone on FB show how they store ammunition so that it is somewhat hidden.  They use old Velveeta boxes!  You can use any kind of food boxes or crates or baskets.  I have an antique crate that is setting out as decoration - it has ammo in the bottom and then there are pretties and books stored on top of the ammo.

I know we have talked about this before.  We have new folks reading and we all need reminders that we CAN find spots to store and prepare as needed.  Times are tough right now and we all need to have extra goods on hand.  You may NOT always be able to get to a store or even afford the product.  Stock up and keep as much as you can now.

Don't say you don't have room - just GET CREATIVE!!!!!

3 Flavorful Dishes From the Pantry

 We all get tired of the same old things to eat.  It is nice to have some variety.  You all know I love anything that even resembles Mexican food!  I like flavor.  There are just certain flavor combinations that are great together.  You can make these as mild or spicy as you like depending on ingredients.  Also note - these can be changed up to use what you HAVE, there is no set way to make them.  

Hope this gives someone a new idea and a little variety.

SOUTHWEST SALSA CORNBREAD

1 1/4 C all-purpose flour

1/4 C cornmeal

2 tsp. baking powder

1 C corn - can use frozen or canned (drained)

3/4 C milk

1/2 C salsa (mild to hot depending on your desire)

3 Tbsp. oil

1 egg

Heat oven 400* and spray a 9" pan with non-stick spray

Blend all dry ingredients and stir till blended.  Add remainder if ingredients and stir until just well blended.

Bake at 400 for 18 - 20 minutes.

This would be great with beans, fried potatoes or any meal.  I can see using AS a main item for a meal.  I am thinking a big warm slice slathered in butter with a nice salad!!!!!

It would make a wonderful warm breakfast bite as well - or even for an evening snack.

SCRAMBLED TOSTADA OR TACO (non-meat dish)

6 eggs beaten (or egg products if desired)

1/4 milk 

salt, pepper

1/2 C diced peppers and 1/2 C chopped onion (use what you have)

refried beans (homemade or canned)

salsa, chili sauce or enchilada sauce

1 C shredded cheese

Mix eggs, milk and veggies and scramble in a bit of oil.    Top tostadas with beans (or put in first in taco shells), top with scrambled eggs, then top with sauce of choice and cheese.

Place in a 375* oven for 8-10 minutes until cheese is melted.

Great for breakfast, lunch or dinner!!!!!!!

                                   This combo would be great in tortillas as well - like burritos

SOUTHWEST MEAT AND BEAN STIR FRY

Cut into strips a couple pork chops or a chicken breast or even some ham or beef (use what you have)

1 med. onion cut into small wedges

1 pepper cut into strips

2 cloves of garlic

2 C corn (frozen or canned (drained)

1 - 15 oz. can of black beans (or kidney or what you have) drained

1 small zucchini (chopped) - I have also subbed broccoli - use what you have

1/2 C salsa

Heat a small amount of oil in a large skillet - add onion, peppers and meat - cook 6-8 minutes (until no pink in meat) and veggies are tender.

Stir in corn, beans and zucchini or broccoli and salsa - warm until flavors are blended.

Serve with/or over rice.

Super easy and flavorful dishes, using what you have on hand.  There are no set ingredients kiddos - use what you have.  You can make things as mild or spicy as you choose.  You can top with cheese if desired or add sour cream.  PLAY with your food and have fun.

Good food doesn't need to be complicated or expensive!!

I hope this gives you some ideas on how you can mix and match what you have and make some new and yummy comfort food.

ENJOY!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/23

 Happy Sunday to all.  My goodness, this month is flying by.  Another week and it is gone!!!!  I hope this finds you all well and safe and warm.  

Cold weather seems to have permeated much of the country.  We are finally having some winter here.  This morning we are seeing a few flurries, maybe an 1".  If we get an inch, that will be our biggest snow of the winter so far!!!!  Crazy winter for sure.  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining!

We have had some sunshine this week, which is so much appreciated, because it has been cold.  January is our darkest month, so sun is wonderful.  We sure have been having a big, bright full moon lately.  It has been amazing to see.

I tell you it has been another quiet week for me.  I do believe my get up and go has got up and went!  I have no desire to do much.  I do go outside every day, several times, so I get fresh air and sunshine when I can.  Maybe I need to go somewhere (other than outside), but have no desire for that either.  January is always a blah month for me.  I always have a ton of plans - then the month passes and not much gets done.  I do believe it is a seasonal or moon thing.  I will get my mojo back soon!

This week:

• Again, using from pantry and freezer and using up all leftovers in new ways
• Paid all the bills I had
• I did order the FREE C tests - but I still am not sure why.  If I am sick with ANYTHING - I will not be out and about or around anyone and there isn't anything much that can be done other than resting, fluids, and vitamins.  BUT I ordered them!
• I did spend parts of a couple days downstairs trying to get the craft area and gift, wrapping and storage area back in shape from after the holidays.  I don't think I made much progress - just relocating things!
• Ran by the PO and dropped off mail
• Ran to Kroger on my outing to PO.  First time to grocery this month.  I got a lot more cat food (dry and wet) I get it when I can.  I also got fresh goods - broccoli, radishes, mini sweet peppers, lettuce, 2 kinds of tomatoes, 8 lb. oranges, 5 lb. grapefruit, lots of bananas, milk, bread, 1/2 ga. ice cream.  I also got more eye drops and 2 packs of RLS tabs ($20) and found a bottle of Airborne on clearance for 3.99 (reg. 14.99) - spent about $90.  Not bad for the entire month - shouldn't need to go again this month.

• Made a small pot of split pea soup with various veggies, cooked up a lb. of sausage (froze most), fried a tin of Spam (froze some)
• Doing all the normal stuff we all do.

Meals this past week:

Grilled burrito (stuffed w/leftovers) topped w/salad

Waffles (freezer), eggs and sausage patties

Pulled pork (freezer) soft tacos

Pasta with sauce and meatballs (meatballs from holidays/freezer)

Tamales over rice

Split pea soup with bread and butter

Cheesy potatoes, Spam slices and salad

How was your week?  Any deals or bargains?  How is your weather?  Anyone else in a blah mood???

I hope you have all had a good week and continue to have another.

Well, looking out the window - the flurries have picked up and it is sticking - some big flakes!  Not predicting a lot, it is pretty, but YUK!  LOL

Stay safe, healthy and warm.  Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

Kind of Throw Back Thursday!

 Funny, all the talk about bread got me to thinking back yesterday.  The silly things that trigger memories!!  So today I will share a few thoughts from days gone by.  I bet some people can relate!

Every Saturday night my Mom made hamburger sandwiches (yes, on bread) and homemade French fries and baked beans.  We had that every Saturday I can remember that I was at home.  

She made her hamburgers different from most.  She made the patties and then covered them in flour before frying.  They were so good!!!!  I did that for years myself and somehow got out of the habit.  

We had 'supper' every night.  On Sunday we had 'dinner'!  It was at noon every Sunday and was a big meal.  Chicken or roast or ham and all the fixings.  I truly can't remember a Sunday that was just the 3 of us.  There were always others there to eat.  My Aunt & Uncle lived 2 doors down, so they were there often.  My cousins lived next door and they almost ALWAYS just "dropped by" at the right time!  Of course, my siblings came at times - it was always a big deal.  

In the summer - we would carry everything way out back and eat outside.  The guys would play horseshoes after, and the ladies and kids would play croquet.  I remember those days so fondly and sure do miss them.

I also remember mush of our dinner was things from garden, canned or frozen - and I remember how many times when extra people showed up - Mom would scramble to get something extra on the table and then exclaim how she really wasn't hungry - so there would be enough.  Bless her heart.

ME!!!!  In our old kitchen!

It got remodeled to a more modern kitchen when I was around 10 - but I always loved the old kitchen.  Our big old yellow and gray Formica table and yellow chairs, open cabinets, huge Chambers stove (I still want one of those!) and bright, bright yellow gloss walls!

I think back on helping Mom bake and cook in there.  My fondest memory was sneaking homemade noodles that had been laid out to dry.  I loved them!  LOL.  Or snitching a hot cookie off the table, just as they came out of the oven. 

Until I was 9 or 10, I took a bath in a galvanized tub.  In the summer it set by the back kitchen door and in the winter, it was placed next to the heat stove in the dining room.  Got that 'full' bath once a week and washed head to toe every day at the sink.  We had a sink and toilet in the bathroom and the tub was like a swimming pool to me!!!!!  I was so excited.  My Mom threatened me to not say at word at school about getting the tub!!!!  LOL!  Everyone else had all those 'modern' conveniences - so she didn't want me bragging.

We had a wringer washer until my teen years.  It sure was a lot of work - but it got clothes so clean.  I think we used that same galvanized tub for rinse water for the washer. (It sure had many uses).  We line dried everything - again till I was a late teen.  Then the dryer was only used in the winter for a long time. I remember as a child coming home from school during the winter and knowing it was laundry day.  All the windows were steamed up!!!!  Mom hung laundry from lines she put up every week in the dining room where the heat stove was.  The house was so humid - I used to hate those days!

Helping Daddy out in the garden was fun.  He and I would always go and get a tomato or even a carrot - wipe them off and sit under the shade tree and eat. He always had a saltshaker out there!!!  Helping to pick apples and grapes and then there were the raspberries!  Can we say chiggers???  

When Daddy plowed the garden, I would always walk behind him in my bare feet - loving the feel of the soft soil.  I still love that feel today and always walk through my garden barefoot after plowing!  Some things just never change!!

My first 6 years of school I walked to school.  Even when there was a huge snow - I still had to go to school.  Some kids rode buses, and they would arrive very late on the bad days - but they arrived.  I think I can only remember missing MAYBE one or two days of school because of weather during those 6 years.    Now we get an inch and we have to close schools!  

We wore dresses back then and in the winter on very cold days - we got to wear long pants UNDER our dresses.  That was the only time long pants were allowed until I was in my high school years.

My school was very old and had big rooms and lots of windows.  We celebrated its 50th anniversary when I was in 6th grade.  ALL of my siblings (all older than me) went there too.  It got torn down after I graduated.

My grade school.  I still have dreams about going in there and getting lost!  So many stairwells that went to different areas.  Many different entrances.  It was heated with old boilers via radiators!  Oh, how many crayons got melted on those radiators while waiting in lines!!!!!!!  LOL

*I got my first kiss behind this building!  It was just a peck - but I still remember it and him!!!

I remember in the summer, on a few hot evenings, the fire department (which was directly behind school) would come and string up some big metal ball and they would have 'games' of pushing ball from one end to the other with the hoses.  Those were so much fun - because the real reason for these nights, was to cool everyone off (no such thing as AC then).  The whole neighborhood would show up - kids and adults!

Lots of fun fish fries and carnivals happened at the school as well.

OK, I have traveled down memory lane - probably boring everyone.  There are just some things that never leave our memories (and I am glad).  I had so much fun during those days.

I was truly blessed with the family I had and the neighborhood I grew up in.  I even belong to a group of all those 'kids' from the hood today.  We keep in touch.

Sorry if I bored you in the throw back!

Do you have special memories that will always be with you?

I love stories!!!!!!  Please share.

Being Prepared and Flexible

 Tis the time that we are thinking about being more prepared.  We also need to think about being more flexible.  Some people are not.  If you can't find something or you run out of something, there is ALWAYS a substitute. 

 

No milk - use canned or dry or just use water! (Been there and done that).  No bread - biscuits, tortillas, cornbread, fry bread, etc.  No spaghetti - use macaroni or any other type of pasta OR sub rice or potatoes.

No fresh meat - use canned or substitute beans, peanut butter or cheese.  Protein!!!!

Use up those leftovers and scraps in soup.  Cheapest meal out there.

I still do this - not about being poor in my house.  Just smart.  Also great with gravy instead of biscuits or a side dish in a meal - stuffing/dressing, bread pudding, etc.   Also dessert or snack - sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar or coated with peanut butter/syrup mixture!!!!!  YUM!

I keep seeing all the posts about empty shelves at the grocery.  I live in the mid-section of the country and have seen little of it.  I have seen the occasional shortage here and there and perhaps limited brands of the same products - but no totally empty shelves.  I am sure that people aren't fibbing - they have to be seeing these things.  I always wonder about the pictures I see though, as most were not taken by the poster - so I wonder about time frame.  Was the store cleaning or repairing?   Were they getting ready to restock?  Was this a day after a holiday weekend?  Was this after a weather event?  I am always skeptical.

I am not a blind sheep - so it isn't that.   It just isn't experienced in my area!  I am grateful.

I understand in places like Alaska - such extreme weather there and everything is more expensive.  Foreign countries rely on cargo ships for much of their goods.   

I have always figured that shortages would appear first in the central section of the country - as things have to travel further to get here.  It would seem the coasts would have better stock.  It appears to be just the opposite from I see other people post.  I don't really understand.

There are so many reasons for shortages.  Cargo ships sitting, truckers, the big C, lack of workers, less production in past year or two, hoarding, gas prices, inflation, extreme weather, so many reasons!  

This is WHY we PREPARE!

I know this gets talked about a lot - but people seem to just keep panicking and that causes even more problems.

To be blunt SH*T happens!!!!!  It always has happened.  

I think back to childhood and the things my parents did to survive and to make sure we had enough!  People persevered and did with what they had.  They didn't complain - because most people were in the same boat.  They knew how to be flexible!  

I am glad I had good teachers.

The only area of a grocery store I have seen totally empty has been at the meat department at one local store - that has been in the fresh meat area (where you picked your seafood or steak) - not the actual packaged meat department.  That has happened because they said they are short staffed and can get no one to work!  That is another thing I don't understand!!!!  This place pays excellent wages!  Their other locations seem better.

I know that things changed over the past couple years.  Prices have gone up and employees have gone down.  It has been a struggle.  

My 2 local 50's diners that have been around for decades have both closed and sold in the past couple weeks!  

YET, every week I read about 10-12 new fancy restaurants opening up around the city.  Maybe I am just dense, but I don't get it.  I can't imagine they are opening up with a plan of going out of business!!

I guess all I can offer is - DO WHAT YOU CAN, WHEN YOU CAN!  Stock as you find things and deals.  Never let your guard down.  Always be prepared for ANYTHING!  Know how to substitute and be FLEXIBLE!

But whatever you do - do NOT panic!!!!!!  

Slow and steady wins the race.

What have you been experiencing?  I can't be the only one that doesn't see the extreme shortages.

DO you have your plans in place and do you know how to be flexible and substitute?

I am so curious!