Retail vs. Rescue

 Well, here we are beginning summer.  There comes with summer, many options to do our 'shopping' in a rescue fashion, instead of a retail one!!!!!  Yes indeedy - we have options!  Just as a reminder for most, and new ideas for others - let us go over a few.

Not only do most of these ideas give us 'special' prices but they can be a great inexpensive day of entertainment as well!!!!!!

FLEA MARKETS - can be a fun day.  You can find just about anything you can imagine and things you never knew existed.  Prices are generally very good.  There are lot's of different people offering their wares - so pricing options vary.  I have purchased many an unusual gift from a flea market.  

YARD SALES - ESTATE SALES - got to love a good yard sale!  I have a friend out west that goes to lots of estate sales.  I mentioned one day - there must be a lot of people dying there!  It is kind of a retirement area!!!  LOL

Anyway, yard sales - just people clearing out their houses and getting rid of stuff.  You never know what you may find.  I have found a few great deals over the years.  I got a brand new Nuwave air fryer for $10!  I got my soda stream with an air canister and lots of supplies (brand new) for $15.  Both were worth tons more money than I paid.  I would never have purchased these items, if it were not for the price.

Yard sales are great places to find small appliances, bake ware, dishes, glasses, toys, clothes, etc.

Laurie gets the best stuff at the estate sales.  You figure most estate sales are elderly people, who have accumulated much over their years = good items!  Estate sales have lots of quality goods.

AFTER YARD SALE - many put items at the curb for trash pick-up or take it - it's free!  I know many have found great items on the side of the road!!!!!!  I have!  That is where my Mantis tiller came from!  Side of the road find (for trash) and our friend grabbed it, did a little tweak on it and gave it to me!  Still works.

BARTER - this a great deal, especially in the summer.  Maybe your neighbor has a tiller you can use - then you can provide produce.  Tree trimmer maybe for whatever skill you have.  There are so many things we can do for each other.

THRIFT STORES - open all year round.  Now these aren't going to be as cheap as say a yard sale - but it gives another option.  These places are needing to charge enough to help to pay the help, utilities and rent & maybe make a profit - so things do cost a bit more.  It is generally still better than paying retail.

DUMPSTER DIVING - yes, that is an option.  Some people make this a lifestyle.  There is so much GOOD stuff thrown away every single day all over the world.  The U.S. is horrible for wasting.  Now there can be a squeamish factor.  Some people would never consider this, others make it a daily event and help others along the way.

You might check out the YouTube channel 'Freakin Frugal'.  This is their life - they find the best stuff - much of it food.  They help many others and give to the food pantries.

There is also dumpsters at college dorms - at the end of each semester, these people throw out tons of stuff that mommy and daddy bought for them!!!!!!  You can find all kinds of stuff.

Apartment complexes - people move and just get rid of lots of stuff.  Might have been a split-up and the others person's stuff is trashed.  Some just want a new start.  I remember getting several good items out of the dumpster area, when I lived in an apartment.

BUILDING SUPPLY STORES - yes, they are retail - but never underestimate what you might find.  They often have broken bags of dirt, rock, bark, fertilizer for just pennies on the dollar.  They toss a lot of plants they claim to be dead - you can get for free or little dollars.  I have gotten many a plant that looked really bad - but I revived them.  Really wasn't out a thing if it didn't live!

SPREAD THE WORD

Let people know you are looking for XYZ item.  They may have one or may know a person who does.  It doesn't hurt to ask.  

HELPING OTHERS

Help someone move - they may be wanting to get rid of some decent items and you may be at the right place at the right time.  This is kind of a barter as well.

MAKE THINGS from something else.  Learn to get a little creative.  Quilts from old clothes.  Bird houses from 2-liter pop bottles.  Purses or aprons from old jeans.  You get the idea.

Use big old rocks found by the stream or river to trim a garden/flower bed.  Old flower pots and saucers can become a bird feeder or bird bath - just need a little paint to pretty it up.

GROW food from scraps.  Lettuce, celery, etc. can be regrown.  Save seeds.

Look for some of the new apps that let you get great discounts on food deliveries.  Think about joining a local food organization (fresh produce).

There you go - lots of ideas to get great stuff without paying retail.  Do you have any other ideas or ways you have gotten great items?

Just be willing to look around, have an entertaining day and get some deals.

Have a good day!!!!!

Happy Tuesday

 Good morning all.  Even though I am retired and all the days blend together - for some reason I get all discombobulated when there is a Monday holiday!  I have no idea why.

I hope each of you had a nice weekend and got to spend time with family and friends.  That you got to enjoy whatever festivities your areas had.  Remembered and reflected.  Rested.

I got up early this morning, and sat and watched a family of racoons running around the backyard.  They are very pretty - but I would just as soon not have them show up here.  They finally climbed the back fence and went back to the wooded area a couple doors down on the other side of the alley.

I have started removing all food sources that I put out for squirrels, before dark now.

Good golly - you never know what you will see here in the city.

It looks like 'maybe' we might get a little rain later this afternoon.  We could sure use it, it has been 10 days without any.  May is usually our wettest month - not this year!  It will be nice to not water the plants.  LOL - good grief - only had the garden out for days and here I am complaining about watering!!  Just no satisfying some of us is there?  hehe

It is going to finally become summer this week!  We are supposed to be in the upper 80's and around 90 all week long.  I guess I have done good with no AC until now!  I am sure it will come on some this week.  Right now the windows are open.

I guess I am still in weekend mode - and don't have much gumption this morning.  I will get back to regular posting of goodies tomorrow.

I think I will go out and work in the garage a bit before it gets too hot.  Today is going to be a puddle around day.

May you all have a blessed day as you get back to work and regular life.

Till tomorrow!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/28

 Happy Sunday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Hoping you are getting to enjoy some wonderful weather!   And I hope you are all enjoying your weekend.

We have had lovely weather so far this weekend.  Couple days this week we woke to temps in the 40's - but all the plants are good.  It supposed to get really much warmer this coming week.  High's in upper 80's.  No rain in sight for much of the week.

It seemed to look a lot like winter earlier in the week.  I guess it was cottonwood - but the white fluff was flying like crazy and the allergies were going!

My week:

• My double wide blinds in the living room broke this week (very old).  It is an odd size, so will take some time to find a replacement.  I had curtain and valances on hand and put those up and they will work for now!  
• Did replace a blind on another window (had it on hand)
• Garden IS PLANTED!!!!!!!  Weed barrier down, plants in, and soaker hose laid!
• Cut a couple more bouquets
• Made new nectar for hummingbird feeders
• Did some painting and refreshing of a few yard accents
• My front area is now finished!!!!!!  It looks lovely.  My nephews company got the materials and his daughter and SIL did the work.  He refused any money whatsoever - said it was a gift to me!!!!!  Dang - I had no idea.  My gr. niece and her hubby will get something from me for the work.

                                                                Before - UGH!

                                                           AFTER - just lovely

Many neighbors have come by to say how much they like it.  I have looked out the door and seen neighbors on the outer walk or standing in the yard looking at it!!!  It sure looks better than dirt!!!!!  They obviously think so too!!!  LOL

• Mowed and trimmed everything
• Picked a bunch of rhubarb - had a few strawberries from last week and made a strawberry/rhubarb sauce with s little honey for sweetener - it was soooooo good.
• Ran out to get bird seed.
• Stopped at Kroger across from feed store - checked markdowns.  I got a 1/2 gal. milk for .55, a 12 pack of Kroger brand diet soda for 1.77 (will last most of summer/treat) and sour cream/dip for .55

                     This stuff is tasty - used on a baked potato this week.   Mmmmmmmmmmm

Menu this past week:

Breaded shrimp, steamed broccoli, crusty garlic rounds

Baked potato topped w/broccoli and above dip

Huge salad

Chicken tenders, broccoli

Tamales and rice

Tuna salad sandwich and fresh veggies

Pizza quesadillas

Had fruit and strawberry/rhubarb sauce for treats

I guess my most time consuming events were getting the garden in and redoing the window treatments.  The kids only took about 2 1/2 hours to get the front done - I was out there the whole time and did help pull weeds and such.  I know it would have taken me days to do that and I wouldn't have been able to move afterward!!!!!!  What a blessing.

How was your week?  Did you get your gardening done or are you doing it this weekend?  Get any deals?  Enjoying good weather?

I know many are busy this weekend, so if I don't see you guys on here I understand.

I hope you all have a wonderful holiday weekend with family, friends or just peace and quiet and reflection.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

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For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8:38-39

Dear Lord, thank you for this reminder that we are never alone.  Even in our darkest hours You are always holding us in Your protective and loving hands.  Amen

The Weekend - Plans?

 Happy Thursday to you all.  Woke to cooler temps this morning (50*) and a sunny and breezy day.  It is just lovely.

This weekend is a long holiday weekend here in the U.S.  Many people make big plans.   Some folks have cookouts and parties, there will be many graduations this weekend, Many will be watching and listening to the 500 Mile race on Sunday.  Others will make visits to the cemeteries to pay respect to those that have gone on.  

Memorial Day is a lot of things to a lot of people - but it should always be solemnly remembered as a day to honor and respect those Veterans that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

What have you got planned?  Is your family getting together?

I think my weekend will be pretty much like all the others!!!!!!  I am not a big race fan - despite that being the thing my city is famous for.  I don't plan on going to any cookouts. I will work around the house and yard and maybe catch up on some programs I have recorded.  I will continue to air the house - loving this weather for that.

Hmmmm - I may make myself a steak filet this weekend.  You guys keep mentioning steak, and for some reason that sounds good to me.  I will probably chop on this head of hair of mine - oh my, it has grown so much.  It is driving me nuts!

Maybe sit on a lawn chair and read a book.  Maybe porch sitting.  Who knows.  I just know I will be doing whatever here!!!

What are you all doing?  

I bet some will be gardening - either getting the first plants out or just finishing up.  

Tell what you have going on - it may give some of us some new ideas.

Whatever you do - be safe.  There will be even more crazies out than normal.  Stay healthy - always remember safe practices with your picnic foods.

Maybe take a moment to say a special 'thanks' for all those that have sacrificed for us and their families.

Remember and enjoy yourself as well.

Have a great extended weekend!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is a picture I took several years back at our largest cemetery in the city - Crown Hill.  This is just a very small segment of the military stones.  Think about how many there are in cemeteries all over the country/world.  It is pretty darn humbling.

Weekly Words and Love

Happy Wednesday my friends.     It is a beautiful morning here.  Sun is shining and the windows are open letting in a breeze.  

I am tired and sore a bit this morning - yesterday was garden day!!!!!!  Whew, that was work.  Now let the 'grow'ceries begin!!!!!!  Here is hoping we all have a great growing season.

Sometimes life gets so messy and things just get us down and we ALL need to stop and just remember how fortunate we are.

I know I do.  Despite the anxieties and stress I feel at times - it is still good.

I am so very thankful for all the wonders I receive.  We are so much more fortunate that a huge part of the world.  Truly there are days that I think we all forget this.

I often wonder how terribly unhappy and disturbed people must be that go out of their way to do harm to others or to anything.  It is so pitiful.  I pray daily for these folks, that they may find peace and some joy in their lives and God.

I needed this meme today!!!!!!!  Our faith gets tested every day.  In so many ways.  But I know in the end I am loved.  You are loved.

Life can knock us off our pedestals some days.  It can make us cry.  It can make us sad.  It can make us angry.  It can make us wonder.  BUT - it can give us joy and happiness as well.

I pray for each of you daily.  I love you all.

Have a wonderful day and go out live your best life today - and PRAY for those souls that seem need it most!

Blessings to all.

Cheap Meats and Things I do

 Happy Tuesday to all!

Today I am going to talk about some 'cheap' meat options that I use and have found as of late.  I scour the meat section of the store and take advantage of the mark downs.  Many times I find absolutely nothing that is really good, or that even seems like e decent price.  Other times I hit the mother load, and I stock up.

There are some options that many may not think of.  I try to use items in a new and different way.

Here we go.

I love smoked sausage.  I can fix it for all kinds of meals.  This is the time of the year I often find individual smoked sausage links on sale.  I find them 2 packs/$6.00 quite often.

I love these.  I can find regular, all beef, cheddar, jalapeno.  One package is 6 meals for me!  If buying 2/$6 - that is .50 per meal for a protein.  Can't beat that!!!  I like to eat like a hotdog on bun, just on the plate as my meat, cut up in mac n cheese, with cabbage, with any type of beans, with beans and rice, green beans and potatoes, even add it to soups at types.  There is absolutely no limit to the uses of this product.  Now is the time to get the deals - it is BBQ time - holidays bring great deals.

I came across this in the freezer - forgot I had.  Ground pork 1.95/lb. on clearance.  This can be fixed in any way that you would use ground beef.  Ground beef, ground chicken/turkey and ground pork can all interchange.  Sure the tastes will vary a bit - but with seasonings you can make it taste how you like.

I got one of these out of the freezer and made myself 4 breaded 1/4 lb. ground pork burgers/fritters.  Had one for dinner and froze the others after frying up.  It will be a quick heat and eat some other days.  They are so good.

Here is a couple of the pork burgers.  They just came out of the pan, so still a bit greasy - but they were great after I drained for a few minutes.  I used flour and bread crumbs and a bit of seasoning - that is it.  You could really flatten and make your own fritters!

Add seasonings and make home made sausage.  Use in gravy over biscuits/toast.  Add to casseroles or soups.  No limit to uses.

Here is another item I keep in my freezer.  I do not have the advantage of living on the coast with the availability of affordable seafood!!!!  Living in the heartland, limits your access.  Oh, I could buy crab - for a grand price (usually $17/lb. and up) - and no way of knowing the freshness.  Nah!!!!

I love making crab salad for sandwiches or for crackers on occasion. 

A grand crab dip is made from time to time - a mix of cream cheese, crab, shredded cheddar (or what you have) and a little sour cream - and I throw in some chopped jalapeno.  Top with bread crumbs and bake until all melted.  Oh my gosh - what a wonderful hot dip/spread.  You can use in egg rolls, homemade crab Rangoon, add to pasta salad or add to hot cream of soups.  So many uses.  I tend to find these on sale or clearance about 4 times a year.  Usually I get them for 1.99 - 2.99 a pack - (8 oz.).  Sure does make for a cheap and tasty seafood bite!!!!

I showed these finds a couple weeks ago.  The sausage has no limits - and yes, the Kroger sausage has a great flavor.  .75/lb. is unheard of!  I can make as breakfast patties, breakfast sandwiches, added to pizza, meatballs, to beans and rice, to soups, you name it - I can add it!!!

The ham - makes great sandwiches in a quick moment (whether hot or cold).  Great with grilled cheese.  Make your own chicken cordon bleu.  Mix with some cheesy potatoes!  MMmmmmm.

You just have to think outside the box sometimes and be willing to try new and different items.

I will buy chicken on sale, pork loins often go on sale very cheaply - it makes great chops (I cut my own), roast, pulled pork, whatever you can think of.  If you get a loin, and there is only one or two of you - cut that loin into 4 or 5 sections and then freeze.

I buy ground beef when there is a super sale.  I still never pay more than 2.99/lb. for 80% - 85% lean ground beef.  I like a little fat in mine as that is where the true flavor is.  Keeps the meat moist.

When it goes on sale for that price - usually at Kroger or Meijer - I stock up.  I package up in 1/2 pound vacuum sealed packs.  Makes my life easy.

So look around and you may be surprised at what you can find.  Be willing to change it up a bit - a recipe is just something someone has made up - so make your own!!!!!!!!

Here is an idea - add some cream of soup or cheese - potato, rice, or pasta and boom you have a meal of a casserole or pan meal.  Add a veggie side or add to the casserole and you are set.

One pot meals are a favorite of mine - tasty and little clean-up!!!!!!

Don't overlook the cheap cuts and finds!

ENJOY!

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/21

 Happy Sunday to each and everyone.  I hope this finds you safe and healthy.

It is a beautiful morning here.  Chilly - yes - but it will warm up today.  We have been having some nights in the upper 40's, but it sure has been good for sleeping!!!  

I have been sleeping with my bedroom window open a little and it has been wonderful (yes, it is secured to not open further).

We had a pretty good rain on Friday evening - and it looks to be a clear and dry week ahead.  Those allergy indexes are going back up today - so there will be that to deal with.  All in all it has been wonderful.

YAY!  It is peony time again.  The poppies are done and the peonies are blooming.  My goodness, I wish I could bottle that smell and keep it with me all the time all year round.  I just love them so much.

I got to see the first hummingbird of the season on Monday!!!!!  It came by to visit so many times that day!  I have 2 different ones from what I can tell, and they now visit daily.  Oh my world!!

I have had a peaceful week for the first time in ages.  I am optimistically hopeful.  Not sure exactly what changed from Sunday evening to Monday - but adverse behavior from neighbor has ceased this week.  I am giving it to God and His glory.  I have a feeling someone called the law and that maybe they came out - I am not sure - but even if that, God is at work.  I am still waiting for the other shoe to drop - not totally convinced yet - but it has been a peaceful week.  I will take that.  (hope I didn't just jinx things)

I am still praying for him and his soul - he needs it so.

**If you are so inclined, please pray for good behavior to continue from him.

This week:

• I went out and got the garden area completely cleared of weeds after the rain last weekend
• Dug and boxed some perennials that I want to save from out front - before the landscaping happens on that area.  They are to come Wednesday to take care of my little spot!!!!!!
• Cleared another flower bed out back of weeds - oh my.  I then added bark mulch to the entire area.
• Added more mulch to areas I had already done
• Picked 4 bouquets this week - they are all over the house and it smells wonderful in here
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard (including the back 40 as I call it).  Seems my neighbor is avoiding me like some unknown plague - LOL - and he didn't mow it for the first time in almost 6 years! (he usually does it with a rider)
• My neighbor across the street brought me zucchini plants!  Says she just wants a couple zucchini for bread!
• Stayed home the entire week
• Enjoyed a lot of friendly neighbor time with several neighbors
• Made a gallon of iced tea
• All meals from home and from what I have on hand
• Working hard on pulling weeds and just getting the yard in order
• Plan on planting the garden today and tomorrow
• Worked in the shed some this week, pulling out some things to set at the curb for free

My meals this past week:

Chicken fried rice 

Taco salad

Smoked sausage/bun, corn on cob, cuke/onion salad

Chessy tuna/broccoli pasta, cuke/onion salad

Loaded double cheeseburger and some chips

Shredded beef/gravy over rice - side salad

Ground pork breaded burger and salad

Had fruit for snacks

Also, the fried rice and the shredded beef - ate the leftovers for a 2nd meal each day - I never do that - I eat one meal a day.  But gosh, it was so good I ate it all!!!!!!!  LOL

How was your week?  Love hearing what you are all up to.  Gardening, groceries, deals, health, rain, you name it - just let us know what is going on!!!

Wishing each and every one a lovey week and a healthy and safe week.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

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

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8

Dear Lord, I cannot imagine not having You in my life.  When bad things happen, and things make me sorrowful - You are always there for me.  You comfort me and get me through it all.  I am humbled every day and blessed in so many ways.  Nothing is better than You in my life - thank You for everything.  AMEN