Learning by Doing

 Howdy and happy Tuesday to all.  It is a somewhat warm morning here - with rain coming soon.  Yesterday was absolutely perfect.  It looks like we may be cooling off again after today - but nothing bad.  I looked out back this morning and I have ONE daffodil blooming!!!  Many more to come this week.  I love it.

Let's talk about our learning process on our journey to frugality.  There are many just starting this process, and it most definitely is a process or a journey.   There are many ups and downs.

I noticed an article on the computer the other day I just had to read. It said more and more young people are getting into "duping" to save money at the grocery.  Well, call me curious, as I had never heard that term before.

It is buying and using off brands and stores brands instead of name brands.  Huh, who knew it had a name??  I have been doing this for years - and just called it smart shopping!  Whatever you want to call it, it is a good idea to at least try off brands.  You may like them, you may not - but it doesn't hurt to try.  It CAN save money.

I give these young people kudos, as they are trying to figure out money saving ways themselves.

You have to start somewhere.   Learn by trying things.  You may have a positive outcome or you may not.  Trust me we have all had successes and failures.

Read, listen, and try and hopefully learn.  

Do NOT let the disappointments and trials break you!!!!  Let it MAKE you!!!  Aid someone, somewhere in life with some wisdom that helps them in a positive way.  Kind of like a little legacy that we will be leaving here!

Learn basic skills - that is so very important.  Cooking from scratch, basic yard work, growing something that can go into your families' bellies (anything), basic home repairs, car maintenance, etc.

Now I am not saying you need to be able to change out a motor or chop down a tree.  Nor re-wire the house or grow an acre of food.  IF you know how - heck - good for you!!!!!

Basic skills = saving money.

I love a do-it-yourself attitude, and I have learned how to do many things that are not considered things a "woman" might do - but you know you do what you have to at points in life.  Sure, I will pay for advanced skills and things just above my skillset - but I do what I can.  We all can.

No one person is perfect and no one person teaches in a perfect way.  It takes a 'village' of reasonably caring people who have been there and done that!  I just hope we can all impart some positive ideas to others. We all do our best.

You will find many people (many) who tell you that what you are doing is crazy.  They will think you should always do things their way.  Most of us here, have been called nuts a few times - trust me.  

They just don't seem to get that you are trying to have a better life, save a little, get out of debt, and provide for your family in a way that is just being a steward of all you have.  

They figure if debt gets too big - file bankruptcy.  If you want something - get it and worry about paying later (or not).  They seem to invoke the idea of just 'flying' through life without a care.

Well, DON'T!!  You will never get ahead.

It does take diligence, hard work, learning, doing, reading, listening, trying and most of all it takes determination!!!

If you are in search of a better life - you can have it.  Just work for it.

It isn't going to just fall in your lap - but never ever give up.

We are here as a community to help.  There are lots of great blogs and vlogs out there, that can help.  Most of us in this type of community have been through and tried all kinds of things.  

The cool thing is - WE are STILL learning too!!!

You are never too old to learn new ways and ideas.  

For most everyone the journey is continual and never ending.  It does become a habit (a good habit), and it really is FUN to see the successes!

Go for it and have a good life for you and your family.

Have a great day all.  
 

Weekly Wrap Up 3/3

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe on this first Sunday of March.  Northern hemisphere is now in meteorological spring and southern hemisphere is entering fall.  WOW!  Some of you are getting blasted with snow and cold still - bummer.  I am having decent weather here in my area.  Looks to be 50's and 60's (maybe 70F) this whole upcoming week.  This morning the sun is shining and the birds are singing!

I go out to feed the critters each morning and I get serenaded by a couple cardinals, a red wing black bird, a woodpecker and a couple of blue jays - every morning!  It is just lovely.  Sitting here typing, I hear the birdies singing on the front porch!!  It sounds like spring.

I have an abundance of perennials popping up through the ground.  Every kind of lily I have, daffodils, tulips, poppies, even some red sprouts popping their noses out on the peonies!  It won't be long.

Had the owner of the house next door (where former friend lives) call me.  I guess L gave notice of moving at the end of May.  That was a huge surprise.  The owner lives in Italy at this time, and just amazed me that he called.  He worries about me a lot and is such a good man. He is not sure if he will try to rent again or sell.  That always make me nervous as you don't know what you will end up with.  BUT, I kind of feel exhilarated as well - I know that may sound crazy.  I started making plans yesterday for the yard and house for this summer.  Made my first call on getting estimate of a new fence around the yard (it so needs replaced).  I want this to be the year of changes for me.  It may cost me some money, but it is an investment - so looking forward to it.

This week:

• Went out the first of the week to the feed store for a few critter supplies.  I also bought some onion sets for planting.
• Stopped and topped my gas tank off - so as to use my points for a discount before they expired.  Paid 2.09/gal.
• Ran in Kroger and got a gallon of milk, a pack of tomatoes, and a discounted loaf of multi-grain bread. That was it - NO other shopping this week.
• Got to air the house on 4 different days (there was cold & rain in between)
• Paid everything I had
• Going through more papers to get ready for next weekends shred event
• Used up all the odds and ends of cheese and other items in meals this week.
• Froze some leftovers for future meals  
• Cooking from home
• Doing all the basics

Meals this past week:

Leftover baked spaghetti and salad

Chicken/veggie wraps

Bacon/veggie bagels (warm day didn't want to cook)

Harvest potato casserole and fresh veggies on side

Leftover harvest potatoes and green beans

Multi cheese mac w/burger added and leftover green beans

Mac n cheese and a smash burger on multi grain bread

SNACKS - muffin cake, pickles, tomato juice, nuts

(I have been craving tomato juice and my brother's home canned is the best ever.  I have been enjoying homemade & store bought pickles from frig.)  **I get weird cravings sometimes! LOL

                              Toasted bagels topped with cream cheese, bacon, cukes, tomato = yum!

How was your week?  Did you get to start spring cleaning yet?  How is your weather?  Any really good deals?  Look forward to hearing about your week.

I miss seeing some of you!  Please check in.

Know I pray for each of you and your families.  May you all have comfort and good moments in your days.  Prayers for those enduring bad weather and fires in their areas.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!

And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalms 139:23-24

Lord, please help guide each of us.  None of us are perfect in any way, and we strive to do Your will as best we can. Please comfort all those hurting today.  Amen 

Comfort Food - Upgrade

 Hello everyone.  Happy Leap Day!!!!  Last day of the month - it is very chilly but sunny here.  Not a bad way to end.  There will still be many, many days of up and down temperatures to come in the next month or so, I guess we need to just get used to it!

Earlier in the week, I was eating light and quick meals - it was warmer and I didn't feel like anything heavy.  Yesterday, well I wanted comfort food!

One of my favorite side dishes is Harvest Potatoes (some call them funeral potatoes).  I love potatoes and I love, love cheese!  I had everything here to make them.  BUT, I wanted it to be more like a meal - so I upgraded it.  It sure did come out tasty.

This is just a good reminder that you don't have to always follow the recipe!!  Most times I do not - I kind of wing it most of the time.

Generally, the 'recipe' would be:

1 - 32 oz. bag of frozen hash browns

1 can cream of chicken soup

1 C sour cream

1 C shredded cheese

1/2 C melted butter

Diced onion if desired

salt and pepper

Well, I found a couple bags of hash browns when inventorying the freezer last week.  I had a very old can of cream of chicken soup (I don't buy anymore - I make my own).  I had sour cream and cheese - so boom ready to go.

I ALSO added a drained and chopped a can of carrots.  I had approx. 1 - 1 1/2 C of chicken in freezer.  I mixed in both of those items as well.  I am sure I added more cheese than called for - I just emptied the container I had in the frig!  Instead of the normal topping of corn flakes/butter - I had a jar with the remnants of cheesy nacho chips in it.  A few pieces and lots of crumbs (from Jan/ get together).  I crushed all of those and used as a topping.

So I mixed everything together except topping and poured in a 9 x 13 and baked at 350 for about 35 - 40 minutes - added the topping and baked 10-15 minutes longer. 

                                         Here is the pan after just removing from the oven.

Yum on a plate!  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I will be eating it again today with some other veggie on the side.  The rest will go in the freezer for another day(s).

So, I had potatoes, carrots, chicken, cheese, and side veggies all in one meal. Only one pan needed!

It was a complete meal.  You could add carrots, broccoli, green beans, just about anything.  Also, I used chicken I had in freezer - but I am thinking it would be good with ham, bacon, leftover chopped pork chops, smoked sausage or even cooked ground beef.

You can different types of cheese - whatever you have on hand.  Also, you could jazz it up with ranch or onion dip sour cream instead of plain.

Sometimes we just have to play with our food!  You may find that new family favorite.  

Honestly you do not have to play by the rules.  Make things that sound good to you.

Last week I made this.  I had a jar mix for blue berry muffins.  I added the last few fresh strawberries (chopped) and just poured it all in the pan instead of making muffins.  Turned out super tasty.  I baked about 10 minutes longer than was called for with muffins.

So, when you get in the mood for comfort food - upgrade it!  You can make a lovely meal and/or dessert just a little different from the norm.

Have a wonderful day and make it a good one!

SMILES

Jars - Big & Small - Great for Storage and More

 Happy midweek to all.  It is a brisk and chilly morning here.  We had temps at about 68F at 2AM - and now we are at 35F at 7AM.  We had rain and lots of wind - wind is still around.  Looks like a couple of chilly days again - then back to 70F!  Wild and crazy rides are what we get in Feb. & Mar.  I sure hope you are all safe - there was crazy weather everywhere last night.

Today, let us talk about jars and storage.  I love glass jars - all sorts of glass jars.  They don't have to be Mason jars for me to use - I keep most store jars as well (that groceries come in).

Plastic jars work too for storage - I just like glass as they are also pretty much safe in all conditions.  For those who have trouble with rodents - they aren't getting into glass ones!

Jars are great for canning - you can, can just about anything.  From ingredients to meals like soups and beans to jellies and jams and fruit.  Home canned foods 'could' be eaten straight from the jar in most instances - like when no power for cooking.

Jars keep things fresh in your refrigerator.  I put strawberries and grapes in jars when I bring them home from the store.  Do not wash - just put them in the jar dry.  I have had great luck with them lasting extra long.  I plan on trying lettuce very soon.  It could really be a game changer for making foods last longer.  That is a plus in anyone's book today.

Jars - odd and end ones - can hold just about anything you can think to put in them.  They are great in garages and utility rooms - holding all those odds and ends of nuts and bolts.

Good for garden seeds as well.

Spices, mixes, dried fruits and veggies, evaporated milk, grains, rice - you name it - it can be stored safely in jars.

I have some gallon glass jars (think pickles, olives) that I have saved over the years and some that I have picked up free at yard sales or been given.  I use those for storing rice and pasta.  They would be great for oats or any grains that you might use on a regular basis.

Many folks use the larger ones for canisters.

**I always throw a couple bay leaves in the jars to prevent buggers of any type.  Sometimes insects have laid eggs on foods before you get it.  I like to freeze for a while (kills larvae) - then allow to warm to room temp and the store with bay leaves in the jars.  So far that has worked wonderfully for me.

You can make up all kinds of soup starters at home - to make life a little easier and quicker on those rush days.  Place some pasta (or rice), dried veggies and maybe some dried bouillon is the jars - whatever you have and like - and when you are ready for soup or a casserole - just dump the jar, add water and cook for a while.  Easy-peasy.  Add meat if you want while cooking.

I love having baking mixes around.  Brownie mixes, biscuit mix, pancake mixes.  There can be fancy coffee blends and tea blends (don't forget hot chocolate).

You all know I give lots of baskets at the holidays full of fun goodies.  Soups are always included.  They are easy to make and they are always appreciated.  It is nice to have those on the shelf here as well - for myself or as a gift.

I often add a canned meat product to the jar, so it is ready to make for the recipient.  I have used regular canning jars and I use other jars as well.  I prefer to gift the other jars when I can - that way I don't need them back and the recipient can use in another way. (not that I ever get any back!)

You can use them for storage in the bathroom or any other room in the house.  I have a blue jar in the bathroom that holds cotton balls (that come out of vitamins), and I have a half pint size to hold Q-tips.  I love the idea of the above picture - such a cute kind of country look!

Crafts of every type can utilize jars.  Thread, buttons, needles and pins - you name it.  All those little beads and bobbles used for crafts stay safe and out the hands of little ones.

Great in offices for holding pins and pencils, scissors, markers, etc.

You can use half pint size jars for individual servings of pudding and Jello.  You can use for all kinds of treats.  They are the perfect size for just a small treat. I know many, many people that use jars to drink from!  I have done this before.  Little jelly jars are perfect for juice or a drink of milk.  Somehow it makes iced tea taste better!!!  LOL

You can use jars to hold candy, cookies and nuts and treats of all sorts.

So yes, they are good for absolutely anything from soup to nuts!  Save those jars and utilize to keep pantry and other areas of your home safe and protected and organized.

Do you have any fun and new ideas for using jars?  Let us know.

Stay safe and cozy today.  Have a good one.

Below Our Means and Enjoying It

 Good morning to all.  Woke to a beautiful morning.  Sun is shining and it was 58* at 6AM!  It will be in the 70's today.  Tonight and overnight we have storms that will be coming through (sure wish they would happen during the day).  By tomorrow morning we are supposed to have wind chills around 20*!!  This crazy weather.  It will be in the 40's a couple days then back up.  The approach of spring is always a roller coaster.

I was trying to come up with a post this weekend and I also watched a few You Tubers and it seemed them and myself were all thinking the same way.  So here are a few things to think about as you go forward on this frugal and financial journey.

FIRST you are not alone.  There are lots of people watching their dollars and doing things that just make good sense.  You always have sources to ask questions.

** Control is something that most people want to feel.  There are many things in this world that we have absolutely NO control over.  Never will.  Inflation, gas prices, utilities, insurance rates, etc.  Now yes, sometimes you can switch out companies and save a little - but many things we just have to live with, as sad as that it.

You CAN control how you react.  Get the best deals you can and look for deals.  Use things in different ways and get the most out of them.  Stop supporting the more expensive places.  Cook from home, plan your trips out (saves gas), follow some of the other ideas that will be listed here.

Don't let not having control - stop you.  Take control where you can and do your best.

**DON'T let your pride get in the way.  Now I mean this, as a way of saving a little.  Don't let "what will people think" be in your head!  Shop thrift stores and yard sales for good bargains.  Look for clearance departments and items.  Barter with people.  

Many people are so worried what others will think.  "They will think I am poor"!  Who cares?  You do you and get the best deals you can get wherever you can get them.  IF you need to go to a food bank/pantry - do it.  IF you need to seek assistance on utilities - do it.  Don't feel you have to have the newest gadget or vehicle.  Don't feel you have to say yes - to going out for an evening.

Do what you need to do to help YOUR family - and don't worry about others.  I know this is hard for some folks - but it is so important.  Once you get back on your feet - maybe you can help another in some way.

    Doing positive things in life that become habits is a good things.  But FIRST you have to start!

**Take it slow - this journey does not happen overnight.  Start with changing one thing - then another and so on.  You will become so overwhelmed with life, if you try to change everything instantly.  Just start somewhere.

Maybe shop just once a week (instead of everyday), then every two weeks......  Buy ingredients and cook from home.  No new clothes.  Turning off lights and heat/AC when not needed.  Using less water and utilities.  Go to a yard sale or thrift store and just look - you will be amazed at what you can find.  Stay home and have fun times there.  Make things a family project - kiddos need to learn these things too.

Make learning (you and them) FUN!

It really is fun to learn new things and save money at the same time.

**KEEP IT SIMPLE - this can be utilized in all aspects of live.  Keep your meals simple with simple ingredients.  Keep your clothing simple - with basics than can be interchanged.  Keep your home simple and lovely.  It doesn't mean you have to be a minimalist - it just means you will enjoy the basics a lot more.

Get rid of clutter - if you love it, keep it and use it.  That special china isn't worth much just sitting in a hutch or box - use it and make a special meal.  

Once you get rid of clutter - that can be stuff, paperwork, toys, etc. - you can breathe a little.

Find new ways to use things instead of buying something else to bring in the house.  Just do little things here and there and simplify your life.  Again, make it a fun thing to do - it really is fun.

**STOP waiting for things to happen!  It seems we spend a huge portion of life waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the next bad thing to happen, or waiting for that big vacation or that big house.

Stop it.  Enjoy today!!!!!  It is all you have at the moment. Make the best of it.

Planning those big vacations are fun - but it may not happen.  That huge house may never happen (without going deeply in debt).

You got today.  Silly and simple as it sounds - you can have fun with the little things.

Make a family day outing to the library, sit and read - wonder the aisles - look at displays - learn something.

Go to the free concerts that will be happening soon in many areas.  They can be the best time.

Have a fun game night or movie night - pop some popcorn and spend it together.

Have a backyard or park picnic.

Set a pretty table once in a while - china, tablecloth, candles, etc.  Make it special JUST BECAUSE!

Take the family to the park and enjoy nature - teach the youngins and yourself about birds, wildlife, plants, trees, etc.

Just enjoy and seize the day!

I have mentioned the word journey a lot - but that is what it is.  Life is a journey - it is always evolving.  No two journeys are the same.

Take your time and just go slow, keep it simple, save a bit where you can and enjoy the dance!

You save a bit here and there - that helps pay off debt.  That helps save an emergency fund.  That helps with education needs.  Saving just helps in so many ways.

Get serious about your new journey - but not so serious that you can't enjoy it!

I know I mention it can be fun a lot too.  It really can be.  I kind of look at it as a game or a personal challenge.

You can do this - just take the first step.

Have a great day to all!

Weekly Wrap Up 2/25

 Hello to all.  Here we are on the last Sunday of the month AGAIN! Daylight hours getting longer each day.  Less super cold and more warmer days (at least here).  Flowers are popping up here and there.  I have daffodil greenery about 4" above ground.

The bed sure felt good this morning.  I have had a few nights of some really strange dreams - not sure where this stuff comes from.  I was laying there this morning all relaxed, and the kitties kept trying to get my attention - then I felt this gentle patting of a paw on my nose!!!  "Mom - it's breakfast time!!"  LOL.  Yep - you know when it's time to get up!

We had a really nice weather week for the most part.  Rain (lots of rain) came in and boom it got cold again.  Saturday morning we had very cold temps and flurries!  That after a couple days before we were in the upper 60's!  We are warming again, then another day or two of coolness.  At least the colder days are less.  The moon has been big and bright the past several evenings (when I could see it).

                                                                        Nature's beauty

This past week:

• I had a long lunch one day with grade school chums - BJ's Brewhouse.  So much laughter and memories (about 25 of us)
• Checked all the fluids in my Blazer and cleaned all the windows (here at home)
• Flea meds for the kitties (had on hand)
• Lots of laundry - used dehumidifier water in a load
• Got to air the house a few times
• Received a lovely gift in the mail from a friend

         A lovely devotions book, 64 assorted tea bags, and a sweet magnet!  Thank you Laurie!!!!!

• Froze parts of 2 different meals made this week - for later
• NO grocery shopping at all - "shopped" from pantry instead
• Cleaned my jewelry
• Cooked up a pound of ground beef and froze half for another time
• Using pantry and freezer for meals - tried using all odds and end up in some way
• Finally organized and straightened the upright freezer a bit.  Found some items I forgot about - I am good on most items.  Feeling blessed.
• Used a jar recipe I had for blue berry muffins.  I chopped and added the last few strawberries I had and added them.  Instead of making muffins - I made it like a cake.  So tasty to have on hand
• Had a REALLY long conversation with sis this week and got caught up
• Just doing all the normal things we all do around the home

Meals this past week:

Leftover beans & rice and sauteed portobella mushroom strips

Loaded nachos

'Stoup' from freezer and added leftover nacho cheese to it - crackers

Out to eat

French bread pizza using what I had on hand

Fish sandwich, oven fries and side salad

Baked spaghetti, side salad

SNACKS - fruit, strawberries & ice cream, nuts, cheese, muffin cake

I have extra French bread pizza and baked spaghetti in the freezer now for another day!

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Are you getting any 'better' weather than all the winter nastiness?  Spring cleaning?  It is less than a month until it is spring here in the northern hemisphere.  Some count March 1 as meteorological spring.  It won't be long.  Of course, many of us have the unappreciated time change coming up soon as well!

Debby and Frances thinking about you both!  Please check in.  

I hope this finds each and every one safe and healthy.  May you have a great week ahead.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and of good courage; be not frightened, neither be dismayed; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.

Joshua 1:9

Dear Lord, thank You for our many blessings.  Please continue to be with us, as we need You in our lives daily.  None of us are perfect, and we slip and fall from time to time, and need You there when we get back up and go forward once again.  Hold our hands and continue to place Your loving hands upon us all.   AMEN

The Value of Moments

 Happy Thursday to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  We are expecting rain and stormy weather today for a while - but it sure is warm outside this morning!

We talk a lot about frugality and finances here.  Getting the best deals.  Using things up.  Ways to save money.  Growing and gardening.  SO many things.  I just want to make people aware (especially those just starting) that there are other things that go along with all this.

MOMENTS - there is great value in moments.

Isn't this sweet?  A friend of mine posted this picture on FB the other day - and I loved it.

Mindset is so valuable.  You need to watch your actions and your finances - but you also need to put value of MOMENTS.  They can be the most valuable thing you have.  They are the simple joys.  They make you feel safe, warm and beautiful.

There will always be bumps in the road (many of them), there will be rough edges, but you can still enjoy a simple life in so many ways.  It can soften everything.

Whether you call them blessings, moments, smiles, life, etc. they are special.

Example - last week I had several special moments that made me realize how special life can be.  I met with old friends and enjoyed a day of laughter, I got to be with family and welcome someone new into the family, I was out on the day bad weather was coming in.  I had another person with me - I made it home as the snow was starting  and got settled in before all the nastiness grabbed hold.

Watching and listening to the kitties do zoombies around the house - they are so funny.

This week I got to join in with another group of old friends for a delightful time.

I get to watch and enjoy nature.  I am comfortable in my little home and feel so blessed.

I have wonderful family and friends.

Those things are worth more than all the money and material items in the world to me.

Take time to sit back and enjoy the moments in life.  Don't get yourself stressed with all the financial issues you may be facing, just relax now and then.  It can change your attitude on many things.

Grab a nice beverage, pull up a chair next to the window and just watch and listen. Give praise for what you DO have!  Enjoy the little things - they really aren't so little.  When it comes right down to it - they are the big things.

Laughter, smiles, nature, a hug, a helpful hand, a warm sunny day, a comfy bed..... these are all special.

I sit here typing this listening to all the birds chirping like crazy.  My kitties are cozy and safe.  

I just feel life is so much more than the money we talk about all the time.

Just giving a little reminder of that.

ENJOY your MOMENTS today!!!

                                       I want to enjoy and relax in this blissful sort of way!!!!