Weekly Wrap Up 3/2

 Happy Sunday!  Happy March!  Hope this finds all well, safe and healthy.  Can you believe it is March already?  Time is flying by.  Heck, next week - many of us have to change our clocks again (forward).  It is now meteorological spring.

This morning doesn't feel much like spring.  It is a cold and frosty morn.  We had such warm weather for a few days (60's) - this morning is in the teens.  It is to improve again this week - so the frigid feeling cold, lasts a shorter time with each rotation!  Heck yesterday, a couple times I looked out and saw flakes coming down!

I have my first red winged black bird of the season back again. So, each morning I am greeted by cardinals, bluejays and now the red wing and 'big red' (woodpecker).  So cool.

I did a walk around the yard, and there are lots of different types of lilies coming up, hyacinths, and daffodils.  There are even some red nubs at the peonies!

It won't be long!

My frugal week:

• I used a piece of older cabbage in a dish this week.  It sure did last a good while in the frig. I love getting veggies that have a long shelf life
• Got to air the house a few days
• I visited with sis 2X
• One visit with sis, after I stopped at Menards and looked around the garden section - getting in the mood and getting ideas - free entertainment
• I used the Soda Stream this week for carbonated fruit flavored water
• Changed out the bedding - comforter down (except kitty blankie) for a new look for spring
• Stopped while out at 2nd visit to sis, and got oil changed and Blazer serviced.  I knew my tires were down a bit - but man what a difference it makes in driving to be fully inflated!  LOL
• I got to the end of 2 dressing jars (I make my own), so on the ranch I added a splash of milk to stretch it, and the Italian got a splash of vinegar to stretch
• It has been very windy for a couple days - so picked up blowing trash and downed limbs
• Did a couple small repair jobs in the house
• NO grocery shopping
• Using leftovers and food from freezer and pantry
• Just all the normal stuff, cleaning and doing a little decluttering

Meals this past week:

Fried cabbage, corned beef (freezer from NY) and fried potatoes

Tuna patty, leftover rice/beans and salad

Breakfast - 3 mini pancakes (last from freezer), scrambled eggs, and ham (freezer)

Baked potato (topped with cheesy broc. soup - freezer), smoked sausage

Fried potatoes, BBQ lil smokies (freezer) and slaw (home canned)

Fried chicken legs (2), green beans fries and salad

Homemade lasagna soup

SNACKS - fruit, popcorn, milkshake, nuts

Really trying to use things from the freezer that need to rotated and used.  It is fun coming up with some new ideas.

How was your week?  Is your weather changing any - or are you still in the grips of winter?  Making plans for spring?  Any good deals this week?

I love hearing what you are all up to.  Missing many - check in please!!!

I hope you all have a super week ahead, and that this finds you all well and safe.  Hope you are beginning to enjoy signs of spring!

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

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Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24

Dear Lord, again we send thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  We ask that we each pass kind words, thoughts and deeds on to others.  Help us all spread positive vibes.  Guide us each one in this coming week, to live our best lives for others and for You.  Amen

A Different View - What do you Think?

 Morning to all on this Thursday.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Cool morning and it is cloudy right now.  They say we had some rain overnight, I don't really see any signs of that.  We had a brief shower yesterday - not much.  It is supposed to be windy the next couple days.

This morning I saw a Robin sitting on the fence looking towards my window!  I saw some much earlier in the year, and then they disappeared (way too early).  I declare the one I saw this morning my first Robin of spring!!!!  Always look forward to seeing them back in the area - as I know warmer weather is close at hand.

Wouldn't you love to sit a spell here?  I sure would.  I would prefer a rocking chair!  Looks country and it looks beautiful.  You can almost smell the air and hear the birds.  I am so ready!

OK, I saw something the other day about shopping, and thought the view of how to shop was interesting.  I copied a couple of paragraphs to share.  I guess this is a big thing on Instagram - no idea, as I don't do that.  But here we go.

This was 'designed' by a Chef Coleman.  

He calls it a shortcut to shopping for a week.  Making a plan of the 6 to 1 method to work for a smaller family, is supposed to be easy.

6 veggies, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 starches, 2 sauces, and 1 treat.

I think it sounds kind of like how many of us shop anyway!  I always try to be heavier on veggies and fruit.  I use/buy lesser meats/eggs.  Most sauces I make myself.  I consistently have pasta and rice or bread on hand.  Once in a blue moon I buy a treat, but they can be made at home as well.

It does not take into account having a stocked pantry and/or freezer. 

I know many of us do not shop every week as well.  

I guess this is the next 'new' thing!!  Seems many of us have been doing it for years.  

Whatever works, to get folks to shop healthier and maybe save some money in their shopping endeavors.  Sometimes it takes social media to get people to looking at things differently.  That can be good or bad.  In this case - I will say it is a good thing.

I just wish it also spoke of trying to have extra for when funds are low, or emergencies happen.  But I guess it is a start to get people to eating better!

What do you think?

Hope you all have a great ending to your week and the start of your March!!!

Spring is getting closer!

Enjoy the Journey

 Hello to all.  Here we are midweek again!  Time flies when you're having fun.  Gosh, this month is just about done.  It truly does seem to be flying by.  

Warmer again this morning and the sun is out for the moment.  The skies are really dark north of me - supposed to rain sometime today.  Better than snow!

I have been out to feed this morning.  Licorice was chilling in the greenhouse, slow to get up.  Must have had a busy night!  Saw 2 different kinds of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and so many others.  They air was full of singing this morning.

I love this.  Yes indeed, life is a journey - one that is special to each of us.  You have no reason to compete with anyone!  You do you and follow the way that your heart leads you.  Life is special and it is fleeting, so the best we can do is to live it as realistic as we can for ourselves and our immediate family.

The world is full of hate and bad behavior today.  People think nothing of being rude and saying hurtful things behind their 'screens'. That is truly sad.  The computer leads to a lot of anonymity, so people think they can say whatever they want.  

You know I don't appreciate that - and will not oblige.  If you come here and are rude or hateful, I will delete.  This is to be a happy place, a place of encouragement, and place of smiles, a positive place.  That is my goal.  I want to educate, help, and uplift people in the moments that they need it most.

I try to let people express themselves, but there are boundaries.

So, whatever you do today - be kind, not only to others, but to yourself as well.

Know that you are worthy of goodness and joy.  Know you are beautiful and one of a kind - so be the best you that you can be.

We are just like grains of sand in this universe - and each grain is special and different.

That is what makes the world and life beautiful.

You go out there and spread joy - please!  You continue to have a good heart and help others.  You continue to grow and learn.  You continue to be a light to others.  You continue to work on your little piece of the world.

You can do whatever you put your mind to.  I am POSITIVE of that!

Have a beautiful and joyful day.

End of Month Food Stretch

 Good morning all.  I hope you are all well.  I got up to 39*F this morning!  According to my thermometer it is now 44*.  YES!  We had a little rain overnight - and this morning the sunrise was just so pretty full of color.  Looks like high 50's today.  99% of the snow it gone - things are getting muddy - but that is OK.

Got trash bins out for pick-up this morning, first time I have bothered in 3 weeks.

Birds, cat, and squirrels are fed.  The Jays were out there yelling at me, and as soon as I turned my back, they were nabbing peanuts!

Today let's talk a minute about stretching that food and the food budget at the end of the month.  Here we are in the final stretch of Feb.  Many do not get paid for a bit.  Some may be having to stretch food not only here at the end of the month, but also for a while at the first of the month.

There are so many ways to stretch things and to eat well, on a little bit.  Again, my word this year is - creativity.  Just try some different things and different ways.

Truthfully the biggest budget stretcher is soup!  Use those odd and ends that are in the frig and add some things from the canned goods to frozen items.  A huge pot of soup can feed many meals.  You don't have to have a "recipe".  Just do it - you really can't go wrong.  You can even stretch it by adding lentils (if you have) or pasta or rice.  Serve with some bread or biscuits or crackers and you have a very filling meal.

You can use whatever you have on hand.  Also think about soup and a sandwich - tomato and grilled cheese, whatever soup you have leftover and a sandwich of any kind.

You can make stir fry meals with items left over and serve over rice.  It can be just veggies or veggies and little bits of meat.  That is a great way to stretch meat.  One piece of something (pork chop, chicken leg, 1 or 2 sausage patties) can chopped up and added to the stir fry.

Also fried rice is a great way to stretch items.  Add veggies/meat to rice and throw in an egg and fry it all up - season and serve with any side or bread.

Think about making biscuits (scones), so super easy and basic.  Have biscuits and gravy - a very filling meal.  You can also have your gravy with toast.  Make breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese, sausage, chicken, beef, summer sausage, ham, whatever you have.  They make a quick breakfast or a nice lunch or dinner with maybe a side of veggies or a salad.

Make a filling yet cheap meal of pancakes or waffles.  Super easy to make and usually we all have the ingredients in the pantry.  

Tortillas can be added to a meal.  You can make a very tasty tortilla pizza, there are quesadillas as well.  Place whatever you have for filling on one tortilla top with a second and either use a quesadilla maker or a pan.  Heat on one side and then flip and press down a little and heat until golden on the second side.  You could experiment with a waffle iron or George Foreman grill if you have as well.

They also make great wraps for leftovers or for breakfast items, or burritos.

Potatoes are a great extender!  You can make loaded baked potatoes using leftovers of veggies, cream of soups, taco meat, sloppy Joe, chili, etc.  I love a baked potato dinner once in a while.  

Potatoes are relatively cheap and can be made in dozens of ways.  Fries, baked, mashed, au gratin, scalloped, fried, hash browns, etc.  You can even fry some up and top with goodies as a type of nachos.

Pasta is super cheap and can be had in so many ways.  Have odds and ends of fresh veggies around?  Chop and add to cooked pasta, add a little dressing (whatever you like or have) and you have a great pasta salad.  Add pasta to soups.

Make mac and cheese - then add some cut up hot dogs or smoked sausage for a fun main course.  Serve with veggies on the side.

Make mac and cheese and add a drained can of tuna for a fancier version of tuna noodle casserole.  Throw in some veggies (peas, broccoli, cauliflower, whatever) and you have a complete meal.

Spaghetti is super easy and cheap.  You can add any kind of meat (leftover) that you have - just chop it up finely to stretch.  You can add veggies as well - serve with spaghetti and some bread (toast and make garlic bread) or a salad.

I have made salsa mac several times.  Cook pasta and add a bit of salsa, served with a side of meat and a veggie.

A $1 loaf of Italian bread (a regular at WM or on clearance elsewhere) can make super pizza.  Actually, it is my favorite way to make pizza.  Cut in half length ways and add whatever toppings you may have - bake until browned.  Cut into serving size pieces - serve with salad.

A little pie crust or pizza crust, rolled out can be turned into hand pies or even pot pies. 

A can of tuna - can become tuna salad for sandwiches (I like to add a hard-boiled egg cut up as well).  Can be added to pasta or noodles or rice for a casserole.  Add an egg and some bread/cracker crumbs for stability to a small can of drained tuna and make patties and fry.  You can usually get 3-4 smaller patties - serve with your meal as the meat.

Have an apple or two in the crisper?  Peel and slice with a bit of butter and a little cinnamon/sugar and have fried apples.  Good with pork or as a dessert.  Any fruit can be cooked down for a side or as a topping for pancakes or cake or pudding or ice cream.  No need to waste anything. 

Clean out those items from the back of the pantry that have gotten pushed back, clean out that freezer - all those odds and ends, clean out the frig - and you will be amazed at all the neat things you can make.

I know funds get short at various times of the month and pantries get emptier.  DO NOT GIVE UP!

There are so many options for good eating.

So make those pantries and freezers work for YOU!  Use it up - don't let it waste.  Stretch it all.

You got this.

Have fun stretching that food budget!!!!!

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 2/23

 Happy Sunday to all and happy last Sunday in February!  Oh soon, it will be March and then Spring and then.......

It is a very lovely sunny morning.  It was actually in the 20's this morning - that is a first in a while.  Temps are going to warm up for most of the week, and even our nightly lows are to be above the freezing point!  YAY!  Will it last?  Oh, I am sure there is colder weather in the forecast, maybe even snow, but each day is just one closer to lovely weather - so I am happy.

The daylight hours are much longer now.  That is really nice.  

Bitsy has reconnected with his toys this week.  He hasn't played with his froggy in a few months.  Now he is flipping it all around and has been playing "get ya" with me!  Such a sweety.

My frugal week:

• Used some stale hotdog buns in a couple different ways.  I made individual pizza with a couple and cooked in the air fryer.  I used one for garlic toast
• Early in week, I needed to unfreeze the car doors.  It had melted some and refroze and was really froze up.  I used isopropyl alcohol - squirted on the door edges, waited a couple minutes and Wahla, they opened easily.  Alcohol doesn't freeze solid, so it works
• Shoveled a couple times - so free exercise
• Paid bills by phone
• I cleaned under the hutch, fridge and oven - all things I can't move.  Me laying on the floor, a flashlight, a yardstick and a damp rag.  It got them all cleared out - oh, the dust bunnies were thick!
• I ran out to another luncheon with high school mates.  Sat with some different people I didn't know as well - and that was fun.  I answered a cooking question one had, and then there was an impromptu cooking class taking place!  They just kept asking me questions, most of which I could answer.  I got to be teacher for an hour or so - lol!  It was kind of a nice way to get acquainted.
• While out - I stopped at Vet to pick up Blackie's cremains.  💔
• I also stopped at Kroger and got Bits some treats and got the strawberries that were on sale. 1.88/lb. for gorgeous, sweet Florida berries.  Ran all errands on the one day out.

Will use the containers for something else - probably planting seeds/mini greenhouse

• I used leftover rice to make a couple stove top enchiladas - worked fine.  I got out a pint of homemade tomato sauce - used half to make enchilada sauce and used to other half to make a big glass of tomato juice! Yum
• Used orange peels to start a bottle of citrus cleaner
• I froze some leftover enchilada sauce and even froze some leftover rice and refried beans
• Froze 2 containers of the broc/caul/cheese soup
• Also got gas for Blazer while out - 2.39/gal.  That was my Feb. fill-up - needed about a half of tank
• I used leftovers and did all normal household stuff - working on starting some deep cleaning
• Talked with sis a lot this week - she is starting to improve.  Still has the cough, but feeling much better

Meals this past week:

Cheesy broccoli/cauliflower soup and crackers - homemade

'Bun" pizza - all things from fridge

Leftover cheesy soup and garlic toast

Dirty rice w/beef and salad

Stove top enchiladas

Out to lunch

Fish and fries (in air fryer) and side salad

Nothing real exciting, just hanging out and doing a bit of this and that.  My mind is thinking to spring for sure.  I am so ready to porch sit and play in the dirt.  This next week, as things thaw - we will be entering 'mud' season for a while.  That is ok with me.

How has your week been?  Are you getting to have a little warmer weather soon as well?  Did you get any deals this week?

Stop by and say hello!

Have a great week ahead and stay safe and healthy.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home!

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Dear Lord, we thank you for all our many blessings in the past week.  Help us to be kind and gentle, and to have self-control in all that we say and do.  Remind us each one of how we want to be treated and let that be our guide to talking to or responding to others.  Let the negative stop with us.  Prayers for happiness and health for all and may the joy of Your blessings be with us all.  AMEN

Blow Bubbles!!!!!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a bright sunny morning here, but cheese and crackers it is cold!!  Single digits for actual temp and below zero for windchill.  We got about a half - one inch of snow overnight.  Light and fluffy. 

I have been out to feed everyone, cleared off the Blazer - so it wouldn't melt and freeze.  Cleared the walks.  I had on 2 pair of gloves, and my fingers were cold when I came in.  Only a couple more days of this and it will warm up some.  Today highs in teens, tomorrow 20's and then we get to 40's!!!!  WOOHOO!

Aint that the truth?  

People complaining, people angry, people sad, people judging, people being critical, people always seeing the bad.........  It is enough to suck the fun out of anything.  Sure, there is stuff happening in every one of our lives - but we just have to buck up and make the best of the situation, keep trying, and smile.  AND blow some bubbles!!!  Some days it just pays to laugh a little.  MOST days it pays to laugh a little.

It is what you make it!  Make it good and upbeat.

On a different note - I saw the following 2 items in my grocery ads and have to wonder WHY someone would buy them.  My goodness, a few minutes of time, they can be made at home, will no doubt taste much better, and not cost but a few pennies!

A new take on pizza rolls - now they have sticks.  There are 4 per package and as you can tell, the package is about the size of a hand.  So they aren't very big at all.  A little bit of pizza dough - heck even pie dough - and whatever fillings you have on hand - you can make sticks!  Roll out pieces of dough, apply the fillings, add a top dough and crimp and cut to size.  They will sure be tasty.  Great snacks to make ahead and even freeze for a snack for you or the youngsters.

These were ON SALE for 1.99 for 4 pieces!  Doesn't sound like much, but you could make many for a couple bucks.

Seriously - on sale for 5.99!  Maybe 2 or 3 servings at most!  Goodness gracious, these meals can be made with whatever you have in the frig - leftovers - or freezer - in no time whatsoever.  Now maybe you can feed a small family with a package IF you add a lot of sides or a big salad or a lot of bread, but most people would want more than just a serving spoon full!

I always have a bit of some oriental flavorings on hand, or they can be put together easily with items in the pantry.  A tiny bit of veggies, a little meat (sometimes you have to add that yourself), and maybe a bit of pasta or rice.  Not to mention - additives!!!!!!  None in homemade!

Yep, we can all do better at home.

I find it fun to look at the ads and see what they are touting this week, and then figure out a simple way that I can make it myself.  Try it - it is kind of fun.

Ok, that is about it for me today.  I hope those that got tons of snow and rain and then freezing temps are safe!  Stay in, if possible, and stay safe and warm.  This too shall all pass - honest.  Soon we will all be complaining about the heat!  LOL.  (as for me, it will take a while).

Now chill out and go blow a few bubbles and just have a fun and happy day.

Enjoy the beauty of the day.

Simple Projects for Little Money

 Hello all.  I hope this finds you warm and healthy today.  It is another cold morning here and we have been having light flurries most of the morning.  I went out to feed, and boy are there a lot of birdies out there - so much singing going on.  Many, many cardinals, bluejays, sparrows, juncos (lots), finches and about a dozen doves.  So happy to get food!  Squirrels are just waking up.

Bitsy slept in the bed with me almost all last night - in the spot!  I know he is lonesome and misses his buddy.  He sure sticks by me!

Spring will soon be here - honest!  We all get in that frame of mind to spring clean, update, refresh, and change up things a little.

It can often be done for very little money.  There are just a ton of small things you can do to change up the look of a room, a porch, or even the yard.

PAINT - is an easy way to refresh and change up a look.  It takes a little labor, but not a ton of money.  Just touching up places helps.  A color change, or a slight color change can change the feeling of a room.

I darkened a couple walls in the living room (same color scheme) a couple years ago, and I love it still.

You can paint the exterior of your front door or side or back doors - and change the outside look a ton!  A bright door is always so inviting.

WATER - yep, that sounds silly - but just washing down walls and baseboards makes a room feel better.  Washing down the porch or the outside of a house changes up the look dramatically.  I hose down the porch regularly in the summer.  Being covered it collects dust from the road.  You know when drive by THAT house that just looks grimy and dirty, it doesn't leave a good impression.

Clean you carpets or area rugs - you might be amazed how they change!

MOVE the FURNITURE around a little if you can.  It can change up the look for no money - same stuff but arranged differently.  Move pictures and knick-knacks around, maybe from a different room, or things that might be packed away.  

Check out thrift stores or yard sales for a new picture that would look 'just right'.  Make new pillows or get or make a furniture throw/cover.  A new throw rug or area rug changes up the whole room.

Paint your picture frames a new color - to match or accent each other.

KITCHEN - you can sand and paint cabinets a different color to brighten things up.  New hardware changes things up.  Now I know hardware can be expensive - but if that is the only change you make - it is affordable.  Maybe make new hardware - so many cute ideas on the Internet. New curtains or a valance can cheer things up.  They have some really neat items available now that lets you change up the backsplash.  They don't have to be permanent and can be change out if you get tired of them.  I have seen many done with these products and they look so nice!  I am thinking about it myself!

Maybe add some open front shelving for collectables.

BATH - make it feel more spa like.  New towels are always lovely, add plants or candles.

WINDOWS - change out blinds (they aren't real expensive), valances, curtains.  Do something cute to make a valance.  Hankies, sparkly strands of beads, gingham checked towels/material - so many options.

OUTDOORS - again, washing things and painting things makes such a difference.  Have fun with your yard and your flower gardens.  Use items you have around to spruce up things.  Old boots for flowers, a red wagon for flowers/decoration, pretty chimes, lots of flowers in pots and planted.......

Add solar lighting to accent certain areas.  Solar lights can be had for not a lot of money, and they make such a difference.

Old rubber boots can be so cute.  Set on steps, in a flower bed or hang them on a fence.

Homemade birdhouses using/recycling trash!

Paint a fence or even an accent piece for a flower garden/yard.  Get creative and have fun.  The brightness of any decoration or flowers changes up the whole look of a yard!

Paint an old metal bucket or water can, an old chair painted for an accent or flowerpot holder, paint out lawn furniture (add new cushions), the list goes on and on.

Add a gazing globe - they are so pretty.  You can make a platform for it yourself, using flowerpots!

Not everything has to be seen by others to make your home more comfortable for you.  Turn your mattresses, change out the furnace filters, get an air purifier, let in the fresh air, let in the sunshine in.

Spring clean - get those corners and behind and under things all cleaned.  Just knowing that things have been deeply cleaned can change your mindset.

Simple things can have a really big impact.  It doesn't have to cost a lot.  I know we are all in the mood and frame of mind for SPRING!  I want the house all cleaned and ready for me to spend more time outdoors!!!!!  

I believe I am going to paint my outside doors an accent color (been talking about it forever) that brightens the house from the road.

Going to get windows washed (always makes me feel good) and wash down the porch - as weather allows.  I am ready.  How about you?

What have you done that has changed up your home and brightened it up - for little money?  Do you have any good ideas to share with us all.

Have a safe and warm day.

Smile and spread a kind word!