Tuesday Tip or Two

 Hello all!  Hoping you all are doing well and are having a good week so far.  We made it through some harrowing winds yesterday.  It got kind of scary a couple times - such high winds.  Lots of limbs down here, but there was a tornado in another part of state.  Tis the season!

Just a couple tips and ideas today.  Maybe they will help someone!  Here's hoping.

SODA STREAM

If you have a soda stream, you know the drink mixes can be expensive.  I only have a machine because I found it brand new several years ago, at a yard sale for $15!!!!  It even came with the carbonator canister and extra bottles.  I lucked out.  Now I do like a carbonated drink from time to time.  This works to fill that craving.  I often add fruit juice to the water after it is carbonated - but generally I like a little more flavor.  

 A machine doesn't take up that much room - and you can have carbonated drinks when you want.

I generally use these little individual flavor packets when I want a carbonated drink.  You can get all kinds of flavors.  It gives the flavor and a little sweetness, and takes away my craving.  Using the little packets is a lot cheaper than buying the flavor bottles.  I most always get the flavors at Dollar Tree or on clearance at the grocery.  Each box gives you several servings!

Need extra counter space when having company?  I have a large metal cutting board that I can place over one half of my sink.  It fits nicely and gives me extra counter space!!!!  Just make sure the faucet if over the other half of sink!!!  LOL

You could also open a base drawer part way and place the cutting board over it.  It gives just that little extra space you may need.

Duct tape, clear packing tape, masking tape, etc. - it is always hard to find the end and start to peel.  I often just fold over a piece of the tape - so it has a flap.  You can also place a paper clip, a bread-wrapper tab, a toothpick, etc. under the edge of tape.  It sure saves time and makes it easier to unroll the tape!

When making a 'breakfast' type sandwich - it is nice to have the egg fit the sandwich nicely.  I make breakfast biscuits often and it is good to have a round egg!  Easy!

Grease (well) a wide mouth ring (from canning jars) and place your egg in it to cook!  Flip over when bottom is done - it will fall a little but stays round.  It sure makes a nice round egg for that biscuit!

HOMAMADE HAMBURGER HELPER

Mix together:

1 Tbsp. cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)

2 tsps. paprika

1 tsp. onion powder

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. sugar

1 1/2 C macaroni

After mixing together you can keep these on your shelf for easy use.  Place in a pint jar or a sealed baggie.  Grab one to make.

Mix with:

1 lb. ground beef (or other ground meat) Browned

2 C milk (or 1 of milk and 1 of broth) - or 2 of broth if you need it to be dairy free

1 C water

Mix these all together with you packet of mix.  Simmer until pasta is done and top with 1 cup shredded cheese.

Make it taste more chili-like by adding a tablespoon of chili powder.

You can change up cheeses or cheese-like options - you can use gluten free pasta, you can add any variety of spices to change it up.

It is always nice to have an alternative to something and to have it be as natural and preservative free as possible.  This is a great BASIC recipe.  Have fun with it.

You can use basically the same seasoning mix - maybe add a little celery seed - for chicken as well.   Mix with 2 cups of pasta for your shelf storage.

Add to a cup of cooked and shredded chicken with a cup of milk (or broth) and 2 cups of diced tomatoes.  Top with parmesan cheese.  YUM a totally different but sort of same recipe!!!!!!

Hoping you found a tip you can use today.  Sometimes the easiest and simple ideas can be time savers.

Any time savers you care to share?

Have a wonderful Tuesday my friends.

Weekly Wrap-Up 2/26

 Happy last Sunday of February.  February is the shortest month of the year - yet it has seemed like the longest!  Granted, we have not had the extreme weather many have, but so much rain and winds and winds and more winds!  A few more days and it will be what is called meteorological spring (3/1).  We will be changing our clocks yet AGAIN (ugh) in a couple weeks.  Yes, spring is coming - we just need to be patient.

I did a walk about again this week, and did see tiny red buds peeking out of the ground at the peony plants.  There are poppies, sneaking out (greens), and the forsythia is getting growth.  I see the daffodils getting some buds.  If you stand and just look around - you can see a haze around the trees off in the distance.  Red, gold, green, bronze haze - the trees are starting to set buds!  SOON!!!!!!!!

I have all kinds of birds in the yard.  I see the geese flying over in both directions several times a day - I love hearing them.  Blackie is getting more healthy everyday.  He still has a bit of congestion - but is doing so well and he is loving sunshine and fresh air!

I had damn hawk get one of my small squirrels.  They usually go after birds - so this really ticked me off.  Poor baby was sunning up in the tree and there is no protection.  Sometimes nature makes me so sad.

We got to 70* on Wed. it was also windy and wet - then on Thursday the temps dropped and we had lows in the 20's!!  We have had over 30 days in the 50's since early December.  Lots and lots of rain!  So happy all that rain wasn't snow.

This week:

• Had to change out a couple light bulbs - why do I mention that?  I can't remember the last time I had to change bulbs!!  I hardly ever turn on lights - so no need to change things out.
• Baked a batch of brownies - man I had a craving!
• I had to change out the disk in my digital camera.  I have used the same disk for YEARS!  It finally decided to quit.  I went searching and sure enough I had a new in package one that G had purchased many years ago!
• Worked on the wallpaper some more - taking it slow!
• Made iced tea and added a couple apricot tea bags for flavor
• Got to air the house on a couple days
• Had my chime/angel on porch get blown over and chime broke.  I fixed it and have it back out there.
• Paid everything I had for March
• Did more yard work when I could - just cleaning up some
• Did a walk about and picked up trash from walks and alley
• Ran to feed store for corn
• Went to library and returned and got some more books.  I have looked at a couple I got before - but will re-read.

• I also went to grocery this week.  I used a $5 off total coupon I had for Feb.  I got a couple buys with digital coupons - strawberries 1.88/lb., cherry tomatoes, milk - 1.29/half gal., Bumble Bee tuna .79/can (limit 5 w/coupon).  I have been going on Friday, when I go lately - as I use the 4X points on Friday coupon.  Points give money off on gasoline.
• I topped off the gas tank and used last months points.  I saved .50/gal.
• Eating from home and using leftovers
• Just doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Cheeseburger (on toasted bread), cole slaw 

Fish soft tacos

Green beans cooked with potatoes and fried Spam (froze extra Spam)

Leftovers - green beans/pots, fish and chicken bites

Quesadillas

Sausage, egg, cheese sandwich (on bun)

Meatball, pepper, mushroom, blk. olive and Swiss mini subs (hotdog buns)

Good golly these were good!!!!!  Easy and yummy.  I used a Tbsp. of brown gravy mix and 1/4 C water over it all to make a gravy.  All cooked up nice and thick!!!!!!!!  Mmmmmmmm

So there you have it.  Nothing much exciting here.  Just trying to do all the normal things.  Enjoying the blue skies and sunshine when given the opportunity and love walking about in the yard.  I have even gone out and set on my bench just to enjoy the fresh air - Blackie comes and curls up next to me each time!

How has your week been?  Are things waking up in your area?  I know many are still experiencing cold and snow!  Hopefully, it changes for you soon.

Did you get any deals this week?  Give us a shout out and let us all know what is happening in your part of the world!

Take care and be safe and warm.  Enjoy each day - a gift from above.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours!  Prayers for all.

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The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.

Psalms 28:7

Dear Lord, thank You for always being by my side.  Many days we have struggles and battles that we try to get through, and You are always there to help hold us up and give us strength.  Please be with others who are battling their own struggles and protect them with your shield.  Amen

Making Groceries!

 Morning all.  It is so easy to make many of our groceries ourselves.  It costs less and most times it is just better for you as well!

I think back and my mom made about everything at home.  She made treats and snacks, and she made bread and biscuits.  You name it was homemade groceries!

I know many here do this as well.  Sure it may be a little more work - but if you are looking to save a little money or looking to eat a healthier diet - making groceries is for you!

We all know there are all kinds of basic mixes that can be made ahead of time and they are good for many things.  You can make up mixes for baking, spices, soups, etc.

Today a couple of ideas from pantry to grocery!  To yummy!!!

SEASONED COATING MIX

2 C flour (or whole wheat if you want healthier)

2 Tbsp. salt

1 Tbsp. celery salt

1 Tbsp. pepper

2 Tbsp. dry mustard

4 Tbsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. thyme

1/2 tsp. basil

1/2 tsp. oregano or marjoram

Mix thoroughly in a large bowl - start with mixing seasonings into 1 C flour - and mix thoroughly.  Add last cup of flour and blend.

Great for fish, chicken, pork chops, dredging for meats for stews - tasty and yummy!

What a fun treat for the kiddos or self!  Super easy.

CORNMEAL MIX

4 C flour

4 C cornmeal

1 1/2 C nonfat dry milk

1/4 C baking powder

1 Tbsp. salt

1 1/2 C shortening

Stir dry ingredients together - cut in shortening until blended.  Place in a glass jar or tightly covered container.  Keep in a cool place and use within a month or so.

CORNBREAD - 4 1/2 C mix, 2 eggs and 1 1/3 C water.  Pour into 8" greased pan.  Bake 425* for about 25 minutes.

CORNMEAL DROP BISCUITS - 2 C mix to about 1/2 C water.  Makes a soft dough.  Drop by tablespoon onto a greased baking sheet.  Bake 425 for about 12 minutes.

CORNMEAL MUFFINS - Grease muffin tin.  Combine 2 1/4 C mix, 1 egg, and 2/3 C water.  Stir to moisten dry ingredients.  Fill tins 2/3 full.  Bake 435 for about 20 minutes.

PEACHY SUNDAES

1 pint vanilla ice cream (or make your own) or slightly freeze some yogurt

3/4 C peach preserves, warmed - you can use any flavor

1/4 C chopped almonds (toasted) or whatever you have

1/4 C flaked coconut (optional)

Divide ice cream into 4 sherbet dishes.  Top with preserves.  Sprinkle with goodies.

**This goes along with our jelly/jam uses this week.  There is no limit to the flavor that can be used - or what toppings you can use!!!!!  Have fun with your ingredients and make FUN!

YUM CAKE

A loaf pound cake or butter cake

1 - 12 oz. jar of marmalade or jam (whatever flavor you like)

Frosting (if desired)

Chill your cake to help firm it.  Turn on its side and slice into 3 pieces (horizontally).

Add jam/jelly/marmalade into 2 cut pieces and restack.  You can add a regular frosting or a drizzle of powder sugar icing or use plain powdered sugar sprinkled if desired.  I like it plain with a scoop of ice cream!!!!!!

(Reminds me of a jelly roll)

Think about snacks. Popcorn is an easy and cheap snack - there is no limit to the toppings for it.

Homemade potato chips.  Use a mandolin and very thinly cut potatoes and then fry and season.  I have even baked!  I spritz with a little oil & salt - then bake until crispy.  So fresh and yummy.

Tortilla chips - use flour or corn tortillas - cut into wedges and bake or fry (as above) until crispy.  Super easy to make chips.

I have made chips from zucchini as well.  I thinly slice - sprinkle with a bit of seasoning and dehydrate until crisp.  They get eaten in a matter of minutes!!!!!!!  I LOVE THEM!

There is no limit to what we can make at home.  No need to buy expensive junk at the stores.  Use your INGREDIENTS and make your own!!!!!!!!!  It is much healthier and cheaper.

HAVE FUN!

Bellyaching and Reflecting

 Morning all.  Yesterday, I was working on the wallpaper scraping some more.  Ick, what a job.  Some areas are very loose and flaky and then much of it is stuck for eternity!!!!  LOL

I think I could consider it an ancient ruin!!!    Oh my.

Well, any way I was peeling and scraping, the TV was on behind me, and there was a program on about living in the past.  As I sat on the floor cursing the wall - a lot of things went through my mind.  (Scary place to be!).

The solid color is mint and that is the color of the LR.  I peel and what do I find - more wallpaper.  Oh my goodness - that stuff is old.  A good 3 layers of paper!

I am griping and hissing and moaning about this job - and then I think how good I have it.  

All of our ancestors (at some point) had to cut through the woods and forests, to go a mere feet.  As they traveled to new parts of the land - there were NO roads.  They had to hand chop with an ax every single tree out of their way and move every rock and boulder.  Over mountains and through gullies and valleys and over rivers.  WOW

They had to down trees and haul them and then build their homes.  Pretty much had to build everything.  There weren't stores to rush out to, to get new furniture or pretties.  Furniture was made.

They had to do everything.  They had to clear the land.  Down the trees, Build the houses (with crude tools).  They had to grow the food.  Raise the animals.  Hunt and fish.  Spin the wool.  Make the soap.

Tan the hides.  Collect the water or dig the well.  NO cars - ride a horse or a mule.  Chop the wood for heat.  Fight off the wildlife.

Heck even vices had to be done by them - they had to grow the tobacco and make the moonshine!!!!!

I guess my point is we are so fortunate to have all the things we have.  We take most all of it for granted.  Shoot if the oven breaks down, or the washing machine quits, or the microwave stops or the lawn mower stops working - we are just frantic.  What are we to do now?????

We go in and turn a handle and we have hot and cold (clean) water.  Flip a switch and we have light.  Flip another switch and we have heat.  We have mechanical equipment for building and plowing that our earliest ancestors would probably think was the devil at work!!!!!!  

My mind - it can wonder!!!!!  This is where it went while scraping wallpaper and feeling sorry for myself!  I sat on my nice wood floor, in a warm house with a sturdy roof overhead, next to a glass door that looks out to see the sunshine, in my comfy clothes - feeling sorry for myself for a moment.  

Seriously!  

Just take a moment and look around today - no matter what you may be fixing or re-doing or remodeling - you are lucky!

I love the history of the past and hearing the stories.  I love watching programs about it and reading about it.  Would I have survived?  Oh probably, as we would have been conditioned to living that way - but it sure was a hard life.  They knew nothing different - I think to myself, what they would think today if they could see things.  Magic - the devil!

Take a moment or two to just be thankful for the life you have and lead today. 

(Promise next week the story of my ancestors and their Indian mishap!)

Have a fantastical day!!!!!!!

Another Throwback and Thoughts

 Good morning.  Today I am going to add a post from 2016!  I know many of you were not here then.  I think I had just a handful of followers then.  I was still pretty new to this blogging thing.  It sure has been a fun ride.  I have learned so much from all of you.

A lot has changed in life over the years - my goodness.  Much has changed - yet much is the same.

This is what our trees still look like.  All dormant and empty!  Blue skies give the backdrop beauty and if you click on the picture to enlarge - you will see dead center a little squirrel sunning itself!  Yes, the trees and earth may still look blah and dead - but they are full of life.  There are squirrels and birds that thrive in these trees, the skies and the sun give hope to warmer days.  Flowers popping up through the ground here and there - give great hope to what is to come in a few weeks.  

Just like nature - we all go through seasons in life.  

Some seasons are happier than others - but in some way they are all beautiful and we learn so much from each of them.  It may not seem so at the time - but we do learn and we continue to grow.

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Here is a post from early on.  The many uses of jellies and jams.  It isn't just for peanut butter anymore!

I hope it gives you a few ideas on ways to use this basic item in a new way.  It is fun to learn new uses for things.  Maybe, just maybe, it will help stretch the budget a little.

I always have many jars of homemade jelly around - I know some of you do as well.

ENJOY!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

MANY USES OF JELLY

Jelly and jams have many uses other than the traditional peanut butter sandwich!  If you are anything like me, you have LOTS of jelly and jam on hand.  I make several types each year and other than for gift giving, we just don't it that much.
I have decided to get busy and start using up some of the older jars, so I don't feel so bad about making new.  I just can't let things go to waste, and many things get made into jelly easily.

Here is a few non-traditional uses;

• thumb print cookies or molasses cookies (I always put a dab of jelly in center)
• oat bar cookies
• make a flavored vinaigrette for salads (they can be expensive to buy)
• I make flavored homemade ice cream with jam (raspberry is a favorite)
• If it doesn't set right - it's called syrup at my house.  Jelly can also be melted down for syrup.
• use in making BBQ sauce or chili sauce
• add between the layers of a layer cake for a fun surprise
• add to smoothies
• stir in cottage cheese (the Cottage Doublers are pricey at the store)
• Jelly rolls
• mix with cream cheese to serve with crackers or chips.
• top a cheese cake (melt and cover cheesecake with a thin layer of jelly)
• mix in yogurt (buy cheap plain yogurt and make your own flavors)
• Make little individual pies with leftover pit crust (we loved these as a kid)
• Place a spoonful in the middle of muffins or cupcakes before baking.  Fun surprise!
• Sweeten hot tea (yum - flavored tea)
• Dollop some in your hot oatmeal.
• Use as an ingredient in sweet breads (just adjust liquids a bit)
• Give as gifts
• use as a meat glaze - apricot, apple, orange, pear, mint or jalapeno are all good on pork or lamb
• Mix a little in pancake/waffle mix.  Makes them flavored.
• And of course on sandwiches, toast, biscuits, etc.

Do you have any cool ideas to use jelly or jam in a different way?  Please let us know.
This year I want to make sure nothing goes to waste and I want to get creative.

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It seems that seven years later - the sentiment of not wasting and using up what we have it still very relevant!!!  Maybe even more so now!

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Celebrate each and every day you are given.  In sadness and joy - each day is still a gift.  

Look toward your family and friends, your pets, nature, the blue skies, the thought of what promises we will have in a few weeks with Spring, and the knowledge that God loves you.

Whatever you are going through at the moment - hope still prevails and love is shared.

Have a blessed day.

Weekly Wrap Up 2/19

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you well and safe.

It sure seems like Suday comes around faster and faster every week.

We have had all kinds of weather this week.  Warm, cold, wet, dry, sunny, gloomy - you name it. It always amazes how many seasons can hit in one week!!!!!  LOL

Yesterday I saw my first red-winged black bird of 2023!  I just love those birds.  They are so pretty, and they have a lovely song.  There are so many different kinds of birds.

I also noticed while out roaming the yard - not only are the daffies popping out of the ground, but also, the tips of tulips, all kinds of lilies, and hyacinths.  Spring will be here soon!

Blackie has had a cold this past week.  He started being a bit sneezy last weekend, then got congested in the week.  He has rested and slept a lot, and he seems to know better than me - starve a cold - feed a fever! He ate what he wanted, when he wanted (despite what I thought)!  He has gotten herbs and vitamins.  He is much, much better today - and ate like a piggy this morning!!!   Yesterday he spent the afternoon outside laying in the sun and getting fresh air.  That was the first time since the beginning of the week.

I did pull all his bedding out and laundered it this week (get rid of germies) and scoured all the water bowls.  But he is well on the mend now!

My week has been kind of quiet.  I just didn't have a lot of oomph for some reason.  Slept badly a couple nights - ate something I shouldn't have too late!  So I had a couple days of just reading, eating and napping!

My week:

• Had company on Sunday - that was wonderful
• Took down the winter door decorations
• Changed out the yard flag from mittens to tulips!
• Raked up a bunch of stuff in back.  Sunflower seed hulls and peanut shells.  The squirrels need to learn how to clean up after themselves!!!!
• Picked up a ton more sticks - we had another big wind event
• Got to air the house 3 days
• Started stripping wallpaper - oh what a job
• Saved 2 glass jars to use for jar mixes (for gifting) 
• Did some mending
• NO grocery store this week

My meals this past week:

Homemade pizza and chacuterie board

Chili (from freezer) and crackers - some fresh veggies on the side

Fried green tomatoes - spicy mac n cheese

Taco salad

Tator tot casserole 

Broccoli cheese soup

Tuna mac - used leftover broc. soup and spicy mac

SNACKS - leftovers, fruit, fresh veggies, cheese crackers

How was your week?  Did you get any good deals?  Are you seeing things come back to life in your area or are things still all winter?

We sure had some good conversation this week.  I love that - we can all be so different, yet so the same!

I pray that you have a safe, healthy and lovely week.  Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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For He will give His angels charge of you to guard you in all ways.

Psalms 91:11

We ask for Your help in taking better care of ourselves - physically, spiritually, and mentally.  We know we are in Your hands, but we must tend to our bodies as well.  Guide our steps to make positive changes in our lives.  Amen

Could you? Would you? Do you?

 Today I propose a question to all.  Could you or would you go a YEAR without buying STUFF?  OR do you?

I have been reading about a lot of people and families that have done this as a conscientious way of trying to save and trying to be mindful of everything.

Now these people still pay mortgages, utilities, insurance, taxes, and buy groceries.  They just eliminate a lot of unnecessary things from the budget.   They have managed to save a lot of money by doing so.

OK - here were some of the rules.  No eating out, no coffee or drinks out, no new clothes, no movies, no vacations, no yard sales, thrift stores, estate sales, no beauty shops, just basic grocery purchases - no junk food, just no nothing that isn't imperative for living a basic everyday life.

I kind of chuckle - because this just sounds like ME on a normal week/month/year!  I don't buy much extra.  I can - I just don't.  I do get junk food now and then, but that is my biggest vice. (whoop!)

Many people have made this choice on purpose.  I know many who don't have a choice, as this would be a normal thing.  I do not mean any disrespect to them.

Extreme frugality is choosing NOT to buy.  Poverty is having NO other choice.

I buy very little.  I do love the grocery store, and often overspend there.  I do like to buy gifts for others.  As for me - I need nothing.  I have plenty of stuff in my house - and need to get rid of much.  I would LIKE new furniture and I will get it when I see something that floats my boat.  But I am not rushing out and going crazy to JUST buy.  I am not a clothes horse at all - and I have lots that I don't wear regularly - so I CAN switch things up if I choose.  I cut my hair myself.  I don't use a lot of make-up or fancy toiletries.

Yep, I can, could and do easily do this with no problem.

I live on half of my monthly income (maybe less).  I need for nothing.  I am not a vacationer or an on-the-go person.  I find it a nice, simple, and drama free life.  I like living simply. 

I know that many don't and that is fine for them.  I am not in any way knocking it.  We all know what makes us happy and we spend accordingly.  

People save for various reasons.  Trips, health, emergencies, financial independence, security, etc.

You each have your reason for saving.  I love that we can make choices and live accordingly.

I am just curious IF you could make the decision to have a buy nothing kind of year!  Just basics - nothing extra.  

It is just another option for saving!  Some have saved thousands doing this.  I wouldn't save much extra than I do now.  How about you?

Could you?  Would you?  Do you?

This is just a fun way to see how others feel and think.  I hope you play along.

Have a good day!