Pantry and Grocery Tips

 Howdy Ho all.  As we approach the final days of this month, I hope you are all doing well and staying cool!  Next couple of days will be hot again here - maybe rain tomorrow night into Saturday - yes please!

Looks to be much cooler by Monday, Labor Day.

Life sure is moving quickly!

Today, I just want to post a few reminders about shopping and prepping your pantries.  Most all these things are common knowledge - but someone may not know.  

If you read our comments - yesterday was a good example why I do what I do.  A young lady, who is home schooling her children, wrote to say thank you.  She sounds very overwhelmed - and my job (our job) is to help gals like her who need some advice and support.

I did a store run yesterday.  It was round one of my stocking up.  I got mainly non-perishable items.  I took my time and strolled the store just looking around and getting some information to share.

FIRST - before you start that stock-up for fall/winter make sure you know what you have on hand!!  If really helps you spend your funds where they need to be spent.  You don't want to end up with a ton of something you use seldom, and not enough of something you use weekly.  INVENTORY FIRST

You all know I am not a person who is big on dates.  Those dates are NOT expiration dates - but "best is used by" dates.  They are by no means a 'throw it away' date!!!!!  Please do not waste your precious money and resources.

Think - the item in the package doesn't have a brain - so in no way knows the date!!!!!!

click on pic to enlarge for easier reading

With all that being said - when buying fresh items, I want them as fresh as possible.  I always buy from the BACK of the shelves.  Yesterday I bought milk.  The milk to the front of the shelves (where the doors open), was dated 9/3.  I moved some gallons and the milk on the same shelf at the back (and colder) was dated 9/10!  Think about that - not only is the date further out, but it is not by the door that is constantly being opened - at the back the temp will be a bit more stable.

I do the same when buying sour cream, cheese, etc.  I get product from as far back on the shelves as I can.  It just seems to have stayed colder.

I looked in the produce department as well - the bagged salads and veggies to the back were dated a good 5 days later than those in front!

Eggs and meat - I try to get packs that are further down under and not right on top.  Same reason! Colder.

ALSO shop for your cold items LAST!  Do all other shopping you need to do, then go to dairy and meat and frozen food areas.

If you can carry a cooler with you in your car that is handy.  You can keep some ice packs in there (when shopping) and place your cold items in it.  Or you can get those insulated bags.  Keep your foods cool if you have a ways to go home or have an extended trip out.

Along these same lines - I bought Ritz crackers that were on special.  I did the same thing and looked at the dates on the box.  The ones in front said - Nov. '24 - the ones in the back of the shelf were dated Mar. '25!

PAY ATTENTION

**also, for those worried about illness - the stuff at the back has been handled less!

Shop sales - loss leaders - you can save so much.  Those are the really great priced deals, that the store uses to lure you in.  It is the game they play.  YOU can play the game too!  Buy those items and any clearance goods you can and then leave!  Try to make you menus around what you have on hand and what loss leaders and clearance items you can get.

NEVER buy meat that has bloaty plastic.  You want your meats to be sealed very tightly.  Bloaty means gases are expanding and your meat is already starting to get yuck!  The same with buying bagged salads.  You want the bags that seem to have little air in them - kind sucked in looking.  Air is not your friend.

If you can get a vacuum sealer - get one.  You can often find at thrift stores for little money.  Vacuum sealing meat REALLY helps meat stay fresh longer in the freezer and not get freezer burn.

Take a time or two and really walk through your favorite grocery.  Get to know the lay-out (until they change it - grrr) and know where they keep any and all clearance racks.  My 2 favorite stores have a clearance section in the main aisles - then bakery has a rack.  The produce has a small section with bags of .99 bagged produce.  Other areas like cheese and dairy just have things marked to stand out.  I even have an endcap in the frozen dept. with markdowns.  Look around and notice it all.  It really can pay off.

If your grocery offers points for your shopping that can be used on future purchases or for gas - make sure you get as many as possible.  Know days that they may double or more your points.  My store does Fri. - Sun. that they often 4X points on grocery purchases (sometimes 2X).  You need to have their digital coupon for that - but it sure adds up.  They often have days when you get 4X points on buying gift cards (other than store cards).  That is a good way to buy gifts here and there and get extra points as well.

IF you have a little extra money when shopping - think about buying a $15 or $25 GC from the grocery.  Do this every so often.  (keep them for yourself IF you can).  They don't expire and SOMEDAY you may be very short on funds - and these will come in handy.

Check the buy one get one deals (B1G1).  Know your prices.  I buy these kinds of things now and then - but often find they are not that great of a deal.  If I watch other sales, I can still get better prices than the B1G1 most times.  It sounds like a deal - I mean you are getting something for half price - right?  Not really, as they usually have increased the price to give you that option.  It is sooooooo important TO KNOW YOUR PRICES!!!!!

Don't just buy B1G1 because!  Sometimes a store brand or another brand is much cheaper.  Look around.

Now I am a cook from scratch kind of gal - you all know that.  Not big on mixes and such.  I do buy some canned veggies and fruits (w/o added stuff).  BUT that being said - it is OK if you don't do that.  As much as I think cooking from scratch is best - if you have a boat load of kiddos or a schedule that is just crazy - you may need to do the box mac n cheese or the simple and easy mixes that help you save a bit of time.  This is another time to DO YOU!  You know what works in your family.  Not everyone is into cooking or cooking from scratch - so do what works.  Just do it as cheaply as possible.

Lastly, when putting your groceries away at home - take a trick from the stores.  Put your oldest product in the front and your newest to the back.  First in first out.  This makes the rotation smart.  Things don't get lost and you are using it all and thus saving money.

Hoping this helps someone.  Just a few things I noticed and thought about when walking the store.  Any way you can keep things fresh and save money is a winner.  Be aware of your stores and the rotation of sales (many are 6 - 9 week intervals).  

SHOP SMART

Enjoy these last few days of August.  Stay cool and have a lovely weekend.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!

Different - Yet, so Very the Same

 Happy midweek my friends.  Hope things are going well in your lives.  We are quickly approaching the end of the month and it is hard to believe.  It is a decent morning here, about 72* at the moment.  Going to be a hot one again.  We had some big old winds come through about 2AM - but I don't think there was any rain.  Saw no evidence of it this morning.

Just some things that I have been thinking about this morning.

Life is so different for us all.  There are folks from the city, the suburbs, there are rural folks.  There are people who live in homes, apartments, condos, trailers, etc.

We have young and older and in between.  Some have children and grands and others who never did.

So many from other countries that have different ways of life.  

Quite a cornucopia of people.

I think that is just so neat.  So many, many differences - yet we are so much the same.

People come by here, to learn or get some new ideas - or maybe to get reminders of things they already knew.  We come to chat and share ideas.  We give suggestions, we give recipes, etc.

Not everything is for everyone.  That is OK.  Actually, that is good.  It sure would be boring if we were all the same.

Just remember as you read and maybe learn - you don't have to be like others.  You have to be you!  This is huge for those just starting this venture.  You can't do all the tricks and tips - you have to pick and choose what works for you and your family.

You can't change everything all at once either.  It has taken most of us years, to accomplish what we have.  A bite at a time!!!!  A little now and a little then is better than nothing at all!

Work on yourself and your home and family.  DO NOT judge others at all.  Easier said than done, I know.  But it isn't your place to judge how people choose to live or how they want to run things.  You do you, and leave others be.

Take things a step at a time, a breath or a moment at a time.  It will get done eventually.  You can't eat a steak in one bite - you can't change your life all at once either.  Things take time and the take patience.

Stop being hard on yourself if you fall.  It happens to everyone.  Just take a big breath, pull up those big girl panties and start again.  That is what we have all done.

Frustrations will be many - but when you have that first big accomplishment - it will be worth every moment you fretted.

Just a reminder to us all - but especially to those starting out - YOU GOT THIS!

It takes work, it takes perseverance, and it takes a 'can do' attitude.

Everything worth having is worth working hard for!!!!!  This is true for marriages, relationships, budgets, friendships, a homestead, everything!

YES, we all live differently - but in the end we all want the same things.  Peace, joy, happiness, and peace of mind.

Hope this encourages someone just a little.  

May you all have a wonderful and productive day.

Peace be with you all.

My Garden - My Gift

 Howdy everyone.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  It is going to be a scorcher today.  Probably a good 10-12* above normal highs.  It feels pretty darn good outside right at this moment.  Now is the time to get things done outdoors.

My garden has been going strong, and I love it.  I don't have a big garden, but I do have a lot crammed into a small area!  I know not everyone can garden - but for those that can't, I hope you are getting to eat some fresh produce.  I hope you are being gifted some or finding farm stands to get some.  There sure is nothing like it!  The taste is phenomenal.

This has been a normal on my counter for the past several weeks.  I eat by handfuls each day (my summer candy) and go pick more the next morning.  The blue bowl is cherry toms as well - but that one plant has much bigger ones on it!  

Check this out!!!!! 1.11 5/8 lbs.!!!  This thing is huge.  I have had so many big tomatoes from those plants.  This has been the biggest one so far.  Daddy would be proud!  He was always trying to see how big he could grow tomatoes.  One year at the garden center (their business), he had a contest - you should have seen all the big tomatoes that showed up.  And the best part - they taste good too.

I have been enjoying eating all the produce I grow this year.  Here is a tasty meal.  Zucchini, peppers, onion from garden - with some chopped chicken from freezer over rice.  Cukes & toms as a side.  I mentioned last week making a veg pizza.  It was darn tasty too.  Peppers, onions, tomatoes and even some thinly sliced squashed from the garden - threw in some rehydrated mushrooms and some olives and a tiny bit of pepperoni - golly it was good.

It is such a joy to eat the produce I have grown.

Soon gardens will be coming to an end.  Don't forget that when that happens, to still use up what you can.  Just because things aren't ripe or grown to full capacity - you can still use them.  Think about relishes.  You can make some great relish.  I used to make green tomato relish - oh my goodness that stuff is heavenly.  Eat it with a spoon good!!!

Now I try to can many of the green tomatoes to fry over the winter!  YEP.  It is easy and they are quite tasty in the middle of the winter.

You can also let tomatoes that are in perfect shape - sit in a cooler spot and ripen up.  Many people wrap in newspaper and keep cool - so they will ripen.  I just set them out on a paper or cardboard and let them ripen in their own time.  I usually eat my last fresh grown tomato somewhere around Thanksgiving.

If you end up with BIG zucchini or cukes (those that hide) - use them in relish.  Both make great relish.  Grate the zucchini to use over the winter in zucchini bread or muffins.  **You can do the same with cucumbers.  Make faux pineapple.  Don't let things go to waste - they are still useable.

I just love this time of the year.  It is busy and we work hard to put that produce back for the winter - but dang it, it is worth it. 

If you don't can or freeze items (or even dehydrate), I hope you at least get to enjoy some of the freshness for a while.

If you have extra - share with family and friends.

Now is the time to forage if you live in a place where that is possible.  Walnuts are falling around here.  If you can beat the squirrels to them, that is a good forage item!  Soon apples & pears will be ready - if you have neighbors that don't use theirs - ask if you can have them!  Wild grapes are ripening.  There are many items that one can get for free.  Heck, even ask your family and friend if they have fruit trees that they don't use the produce from.

I have been loving eating all the fresh items, and really haven't thought much about the grocery lately.  I know I should really watch the ads now - as there are some sales going on for Labor Day - it is time to start stocking up for winter.

I do not want to get into any politics (AT ALL), but things may get weird come fall - and this gal just wants to be prepared.  Illness and flu usually pick up in the fall & winter months, so staying away from stores is a good thing.  Thankfully I am not a person that needs to be on the go all the time - very content staying home.  You just never know what could happen in life - so stay on top of your home.  It is your domain, and it is about the only thing you can control.

Hoping my time will be full of planning Christmas gifts and working on them!

Hope you are all getting to enjoy some of the harvest freshness that seems to be everywhere!  Nothing like it.

Stay cool and hydrated.  Please don't forget the animals - they need water too!

Have a super beautiful day!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/25

 Happy Sunday.  Happy last Sunday of the month and last week of the month!  That is so hard to believe.  It is almost September!  September and Labor Day weekend kind of marks the official end to summer - yes, it will still be warm/hot for a long while - but we are so close to fall.

Our temps have gone back to hot and humid.  Looks like at least the next week will be 90*F+ and humid.  They are saying 96* Tuesday!

I have been trying to help out an old neighbor some.  He owns the house next door, and he lives in Italy.  I have a key and have worked with cleaners coming and going and showing it to prospective renters.  He and I have talked a bit this week.  I think he may have it rented (he thinks), so here is to having a good neighbor.  I have really kind of enjoyed no one being there - it has been quiet for sure.  LOL

I have sure been seeing an uptick in wooly spiders, bees, wasps, gnats and cicadas and crickets!  Fall is close.  I hear the cicadas to a certain point each night - then come early morning I hear all the crickets.

Seems each time I go to pick grapes I get stung.  Yep - darned old bees.  Gladly I am not allergic to those.

Bringing in produce from the garden, brings in gnats/fruit flies as well.  Nothing I have tried helps.  I have tried all the homemade 'catchers' and they haven't worked.  So, I kill them!!!  I have smooshed 100's of them.  UGH

My frugal week:

• HARVEST - lots and lots of cherry toms, reg. tomatoes, peppers, squash, grapes
• Froze leftovers from meals
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard - did a really good trim
• Did lots and lots of yard work.  Cleaned the drive fence area again (neighbors stuff), the back fence row (cutting back flowers that are done), the 2nd front flower bed.  I have gotten the front about 85% done - then I just got tired, and it got hot.  It will get done soon.
• Froze more grapes - I have enough so far for one batch of jelly so far.
• Made more hummingbird nectar and cleaned the feeders (they are getting busy)
• Shared produce with a couple neighbors
• The 'corn bin' where I keep corn for squirrels needed repairs and a good cleaning out.  I got that all done one morning
• Made a basically veggie pizza - using just about every type of veggie I had fresh (yum!)  I did add a little pepperoni - but 95% veggies
• Had almost a week of no A/C.  Lots of fresh air.
• Put the fall decor on the doors - had on hand
• Talked myself out of shopping this week!
• Renewed library books online
• Eating from home and cooking from scratch
• Just doing the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Mushroom stuffed ravioli (freezer) topped with garden skillet leftovers, & cukes & toms

Beef patty topped with fried egg, salad

Chicken tender soft tacos/wraps

Loaded baked potato

Veggie pizza

BLT and salad

Toast topped w/beef burger & baked beans, side salad

SNACKS - lots of fruit and fresh veggies

How has your week been?  Did you all get a reprieve from the heat any?  It'll be back with a vengeance this week it seems.  Just a reminder to please keep water out for birds, squirrels and any strays!!!

Did you do any shopping this week - deals?  How are the produce harvests/finds going?

Have big plans for holiday next weekend?

I hope you all have a great week ahead.  Stay safe, and healthy and cool.

Blessings to you and yours from me and my humble little home.

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

I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell all of thy wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and exalt in thee, I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High.

Psalms 9:1-2

Lord, thank you for all our many blessings and thank you for the opportunity to spread Thy word.  As we appreciate each and every single blessing received, may we also spread the gospel and the love that we receive every moment.  Help us to be kind to others and do good works.  Please continue to watch over and protect us all.  Amen

Luxury and Wealth

 Happy Thursday to all.  Another lovely cool morning here.  Enjoying it all while I can - as it all changes this weekend.  Higher temps and humidity come back.  Next week looks to be mid 90's F.  I knew summer wasn't done.  It is what it is - I am just thankful it is not below freezing and snow and ice!

                                          7:45 AM this morning from my front porch!  Cool

We all have an image in our heads when we hear the words wealth and luxury.  They are generic images that we have been taught.

I am here to say those are NO longer what I think of when I hear those words.  It is time we change our views of those words and that in turn will change lives!

You ladies (and guys) just starting on this journey, need to realize all is not what it appears.  The notions that you have been taught for years are skewed.  Us folks that have been at this 'frugal' journey or simpler lifestyle see wealth and luxury as something different - and it sure is lovely on this side.

I live in a small 2-bedroom bungalow.  Have been here in this neighborhood for 38 years.  Homes are close to each other and there is noise from close by major roads.  I have become accustomed to the noise, as I don't really hear it - I hear nature. YES, I still have lots of nature around.  My neighbors and I keep an eye on each other and help each other when we can.  I can still garden and enjoy my yard.  I have had my home paid for, for years!  It didn't cost a fortune - it needed some work and updates which we did.  My car is a 2002 Blazer - and still looks decent and gets me around just fine.  I have a savings account and I have investments to help with my future.

THAT is WEALTH and LUXURY to me!!!!!

Yep - the sooner you learn this - the better off you will be.  It isn't about the stuff!!!  It is about the people and the experiences.

I know we all work hard (or did) to get what we are told is the 'dream' when we get older.  I tried that, as did a lot of others here.  Yeah, well, for a lot of us, that 'dream' changed.

If you are starting out, PLEASE don't be blindsided to think that stuff makes a life.  It doesn't.  You can drive around every day in fancy, smancy neighborhoods and see tons of empty homes.  You also don't see behind the doors and windows.  Many may have nothing in them - they are just a 'good' address!  People are in debt up to their eyeballs.  They aren't happy.  Sure, there are some that make it work and have good lives - I am not trying to be critical of those folks (I am happy for them), but it isn't realistic for most.

Years ago, I worked in the HVAC industry and the techs would talk about the fancy neighborhoods they went to.  A nice car in the drive and a beautiful home - but basically they contained a bed, a couch and a TV.  These folks couldn't furnish them, but they sure had that prestigious address!!!

How is that living?

**Funny story I have related before - years ago we played the lotto on Saturdays.  On Sunday morning (every Sunday) Glen would say "are we rich yet?".  He knew my answer - then he would say "yeah, I know we are already rich".  LOL.  Rich had nothing to do with money!

Don't be shamed or pressured into what you know you cannot afford.  Today, even lending places will try to convince you that you can afford what you can't!  Common sense will tell you that.  

You make X amount of money - you need to spend less than that!!!!!!  PERIOD!

There are many here that can relate stories of going into extreme debt and how it DOESN'T work!

You can live in a tiny home, and you can have an average salary - and you can be wealthy and have luxury!  

*************** Peace of mind is a luxury many have never known. **************

Start with a small home - and maybe finish with a small home!  You need less room than you think.  Work hard at what you do and pay your bills and start a savings.  Stock your pantries.  Remember the difference between wants and needs.  Love your life where you are and make it the best you can.  IF you do that, you will be far ahead of a whole bunch of people in this world!

If life gives you lemons - make lemonade!  If the rain pours down - go dance in it!  Make things happen yourself.  Make your life a joyful and happy one.  YOU HAVE THE POWER!

Do you and don't let others burst your bubble.

Learn the luxury listed above!  You will not be disappointed.

Have a beautiful day everyone.

Go out and make the day a great one!

Just a Chat

 Happy Wednesday to all.  It is another beautiful day here.  Quite cool this morning, but that is fine.  Sun is up and I can still see that big old moon out there.  Birds are chirping, squirrels are waking up, Blackie and Bits have had breakfast, and Blackie is back to sleep.  Bits is all over the house.  I sometimes call him Kramer - as in those who have ever seen Seinfeld!  He comes running full bore into a room, and stops on a dime and looks at me as if to say, "here I am!".  Crazy boy.

I am all mixed up this week on the days for some reason.  I have been thinking today is Thursday.  No holiday, so not sure why mixed up!  I had another night of bizarre dreams!  This has been going on for a couple weeks - just the strangest things.  No idea why!  I am just weird I guess.

Yesterday I was going through the frig and cleaning and I have some apples and citrus that have been in there a while.  I am thinking of making some juice out the of the two together and maybe making some jelly or just making juice.  I don't want to waste - and I could use the crisper space.

I was out working in the yard and garage on Monday and filled up the big trash can - replaced the bag and lo and behold it was my last big black trash bag.  I am going to have to get some - not that they get used a lot - but I need some.  The last big box I bought was 5 1/2 years ago!!!  Got it at Sam's before G passed.  I can only imagine the cost of them now - trash bags are so expensive.

I have been watching some You Tube videos from  Single Mom on a Farm.  It is pretty amazing.  She is a divorced mom of 10.  6 at home and 4 in college (all earned scholarships at BYU).  All home schooled and all graduated at 16 or 17, and very smart.  She was married and he had some 'personal' issues and divorced her.  She moved across the country and bought a small farm w/35 acres sight unseen (except for real estate ad) for her and the kids.  She is a stay-at-home mom - and takes on all kinds of small jobs to make extra money. (she does get support).

Hers is a pretty neat story of how everyone said NO you can't possibly do that, and how she did.  Pretty inspiring. She is a good example that you can do about anything you put your mind to - perseverance!

She also has a blog under the same name.

Gosh, tis that time of the year that there is so much to do.  Harvests are coming in and canning and freezing and dehydrating are taking place.  Yard clean-up when the days are cool enough.  Taking care of our homes and making sure they are in order before cold weather sets in.  Just seems like the list doesn't end.

Heck, even thinking about holidays and gift ideas!  Yep, that time will be here before we know it.

Well, I guess I better get busy.  Things are calling my name!  Much to do.

May you all have a fantastic day and stay well.

Cole Slaw for the Future

 Good morning to all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a glorious fall feeling morning here.  It is about 59* as I type this.  We get a sampling of fall for a few days - then summer comes back in the form of 90*F by weekend.  The moon was magnificent this morning.  So big and bright.  It always amazes me, that all of us, no matter where in the world we are, are looking at the same moon.  The simple and the basics amuse me!

I enjoyed yesterday's weather and got a bunch of outdoor work done.  More to do today and garden to harvest and things to chop - oh my!!!

I had a couple people ask about canning the Cole slaw - it is really very easy.  I like it as it is - it is sweet and tangy.  BUT it can be drained and used with mayo as well.  Let is sit for a few weeks before using after just canning.  Yes, it does stay somewhat crunchy as well - it is not like cooked cabbage.

CANNED COLE SLAW

1 medium cabbage

1 large carrot

1 bell pepper

1 smaller onion

1 tsp. salt

Chop all of this up finely and add salt.  Let it sit for about an hour - then drain if needed. (I didn't have anything to drain)

**I did all the chopping in my Ninja in batches.  It pulsed to the perfect consistency. It only took a few minutes to complete the chopping.

SYRUP **

1 C vinegar

1/4 C water

2 C sugar

1 tsp. mustard seeds

Bring this all to a boil for about 1 minute.  Cool slightly and pour over your stuffed jars.

Process in a water bath for 15 minutes boiling.

**I doubled the brine for the batch I made.  I think my cabbage was a bit larger than medium - and I stuffed 7 pints with slaw to about 1" from top.  I suggest doubling brine.

If you are just a 'little' shy on having enough brine (top w/water).  My tip is to pour brine over contents a little at a time over all the jars you have - that way it is even and if you need to make more you know how much!  You want it to cover all the veggies.

I hope that isn't confusing.  

**You could always just double the brine to start with - and IF you have any left - make some refrigerator veggies!!!  I used all of mine in the slaw.

                                                  Slaw mixed up in my big cooking pot

                                                                7 pints of slaw all made up

There you have it.  Super easy and tasty to eat.

There are so many ways we can use different ingredients we have.  Your mind is your only limitation! 

I love this time of the year.  It is the time to make things and put things back for the winter months.  I have cabbage, peppers, tomatoes, and squash.  I have grapes as well, so will be using those as well.

Not only is it good for our pantries, but making fresh items and canning are great for gifts as well.

Do what you can with what you have.  There are just all kinds of options.

Enjoy using these fresh ingredients in your cooking as well.  

I hope you all have a wonderful day and stay productive.

Be safe all.