New Day, New Month, New Start

 Howdy all!  It's May Day, it's May Day!  What a fun day!!  I remember it being fun when I was a kiddo.  We always made little cone shaped baskets out of colored paper in school and then picked dandelions and violets and left them on the front doors for our Mommas!  We really thought we were doing something big!

We also did a May Day flagpole dance at school - using the old 'witches' hat' playground pole!  Streamers were added and we would do a silly dance around it - just having a fun time.  Gosh, the simple fun of childhood!

I think we all look at May as the unofficial start to spring/summer - depending on where you live.  Farm markets generally start in May.  We have our first outdoor ones this weekend around here.  Outdoor flea markets start.  Yard sales really get going.  People are planting flowers and gardens.  Pretties are popping out all over.  I bet my poppies start popping open in the next week!  They have huge, big buds on them.  The peonies are covered in buds.  The roses have buds on them.

MAY, I do believe it is one of my favorite months!

Pretties in the yard.  My vinca vine is blooming with little blue/lavender flowers as well.  The world is coming back to life.

Yes indeed.  As hard as it is, stuff happens in life that isn't always what we thought.  We just have to get up and get going - and we need to believe life goes on and we can make positive changes.

It sure isn't always fun - but life does get better.  Make each day a new path to a new life.

Let May be a rebirth of sorts, for yourself as well as all of nature.  We are a part of it!!!

Make new starts this month.  If you haven't done the things, you thought you might, so far this year - start now.  Each day and month gives us a new opportunity.

Get up and get out and enjoy a little bit.  Get that sunshine and fresh air - enjoy those rainy days, enjoy all the new growth and life popping out everywhere - and know you have been given a gift on this day - ANOTHER DAY!

It is a cloudy and damp morn here and it is 68*F this morning.  Looks to be damp for the next week or so, rain off and on for a while.  I will be getting out in between raindrops and getting things ready for garden and planting.  It will make weed pulling easier!!!

It is an exciting time of the year.

Enjoy this day and here is a wish for you to have a fun, productive and happy May!!

SMILE and LAUGH a little today!

Go with Natural - Much to be Said

 Hello to all on this last day of April.  Hope you are all well.  It is a beautiful morning here today.  Looks like by the end of the day, we will be back into rain again.  It has been such a wet April - sure hope that says something about May's growing season!

Yesterday was rain off and on a lot of the day and the humidity was unreal.  I had forgotten how uncomfortable humidity was!  I managed to make my outing, and it was dry upon my going and I came home in a downpour - but all is good, and I made it safely.

Today I am going to post a couple of items of things we should all be doing for our personal health and well-being and then a couple natural/homemade recipe ideas.  We need to stay on top of our health by doing as much as WE personally can.  Taking care of ourselves is important - and doing some of the simplest things help.

Water is essential to all living things.  It is so important.  I know so many people who say "I can't drink plain water" - odds are you don't want to!  Add a piece of fruit or a cucumber slice for a bit of flavor and DRINK!  I love ice cold water most days, but especially when I am hot!  I always keep a jug of water in the fridge.  I have a couple bottles I refill myself, as I do not buy bottled water.

Water is not just for mornings in my house!

Again - so important to life.  It does so much more than we think.  I am outside at least a little bit 365 days a year - no matter the weather.  I do not feel alive unless I get fresh air and sunshine.  When I get up each day and it gets daylight, I let the sunshine in my home until it gets too hot.  This is something I have always NEEDED.  

I truly attribute my good health to enjoying the outdoors and sun, and fresh air and just getting out and moving each and every day.

Many people can't have salt.  I do really like salt and it doesn't really bother me much - but there are so many ways to get wonderful flavors in your cooking and salads and such without salt.  Put together your own blends of seasoning.  Whatever you like!!  You can use something like these or just make up your own.   You know exactly what is in it and can adjust to any palette.

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

You can make your own specialty sauces as well.  Sauces and dressings are really easy, often using the simple ingredients that we keep on hand all the time.

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

Funny - I do always keep a small bottle of Fireball whiskey on hand (called for in the Fireball BBQ sauce above).  No, I cannot stand whiskey, but I keep a small bottle for making a "hot toddy" in case of cold or flu.  I have always made that if I feel like I am getting sick, and it has always done the trick.  I cannot remember the last time I took a store-bought cold med.

So get out and enjoy that sunshine and fresh air - drink that water and stay hydrated and help yourself stay a little healthier.  

Make a mix on your own and have a healthier version of store-bought.  No added ingredients you can't pronounce or don't know what they are!

Take your life back and make it wonderful.

Have a beautiful Wednesday!

Convenience Costs - Ways to be Mindful

 Hello all.  I sure hope you are all well.  It is a very cloudy morning here.  Storms going through the north part of the city.  We are supposed to have storms later - of course, they are supposed to hit about the time I need to be out and about.  Fingers crossed they aren't too bad.

Grab a cup and sit for a minute.  Let us talk about convenience can cost us money.    I understand that we all buy things at time that just make things easier - but most usually 'from scratch' is cheaper.

Of course there are the basic things we should all heed:

Shopping alone is usually cheaper than with kids or spouse!

Cooking from scratch is usually cheaper

Shopping the store perimeter is the healthiest food - usually fresh or frozen

Shop early if you can - produce is usually fresher.  Of course, check with your grocer and see when they restock their shelves - so you can get the best and freshest

******

CONVENIENCE

*Don't buy those precut veggies and fruit in packs!  It costs a ton more than buying the whole item and cutting yourself.  ACTUALLY, you pay almost 2X the price for pre-cut.  Those precut salad mixes give you a few ounces for a lot of money!

                                     Cut up your own and serve in a fun way!  Saves money!!!!!

*Individual packs of snacks cost a lot more.  Those multi packs of chips cost more than buying a big bag and doling out yourself.  Also snack packs of lunchmeat and crackers (Lunchables) - make your own.  Those premade packs cost a small fortune for what you get.

*Individual cans of flavored coffee or flavored tea or smoothie drinks.  You can make you own so easy and for a lot less.  I make flavored teas all the time that taste like those expensive cans/bottles

*Coffee pods - get one of the re-usable/washable pods and make your own with cans/bags of coffee (also no trash after)

*Granola bars - trail mix.  It is so easy to make your own and your bars are fresh, and you know what is in them

*Spices - know you don't have to get brand name.  You can buy lesser brands and still get good flavor

*Out of season goods always cost more than in season

*Bottled water.  If you don't like your tap water - get a filter.  The cost will work out much cheaper and it will last a long time (again - no trash after)

******

Always go with a list and a plan!!!!!  Now that being said - keep your eyes open for special deals!!  You never know what you might find.  It is always good to keep a bit of the budget open for unexpected deals.  Those deals are like money in the bank - they save you future spending.

I ran out yesterday to Kroger to get 3 things - 2 were their specials of the week.  Milk and strawberries and I wanted a few bananas.

Well, me being me, I walked around and looked.  Sure, I spent more than I planned, but I got some good deals.

1 lb. packs of taco seasoned ground beef for $2.10 a pound!!!!  1 lb. ground pork for 2.74 a pound!  Both are much cheaper than the best price for plain ground beef.  I brought them home, opened, portioned out and froze.  The pork makes the best smashed 'burgers' breaded and fried up like fritters.

Did I need these?  NOPE.  Are they healthy food?  Nope not really.  But for that price, they will make many a fun and cool snack on a hot day!

OK, this is something I have never purchased.  I found these marked down to .69 a can (manager special) and thought it would be a handy thing to have on the self for "in case".  Dated 2027.  I can donate or keep for a time that a fast cheap meal is needed.  No shame here.  Maybe not the heathiest - but sometimes if a person is hungry for whatever reason - healthy might go out the window. I got 4 cans

Think about ethnic markets if you have some around.  They often have a lot of fresh fruits and veggies that are a bit different than your grocery store - and foods that might be fun to try.  Also, spices are almost always cheaper.  There is a lot of variety at these stores.

Try to grow some herbs this year.  They can be grown in pots on your porch/patio or windowsill.  Growing your own and having fresh is super and it sure is cheap and convenient.

And as always - reduce waste.  Use things up and find new ways to reuse those foods left after a meal.  Try to go for ZERO waste!

I know there will be someone that thinks - "mind your business".  I am just putting out options that actually cost us more money, and if you are looking to save or looking to stock up cheaply - then these are some ideas you might want to follow.  We all want to get the best value for our money.  We need to open our minds to doing things a little differently.  We need to branch out a little.

It also saves on trash - less bags and plastic being used.

If you don't care how much you spend - well buy as many convenience foods you want.  That is your choice. 

This is for those needing/wanting to save.  We often have to look outside the box.  There are good options out there that help us save some.

Do you have any ideas of things that can be made cheaper at home, than spending the big bucks at the store for?

Have a super day everyone!

Weekly Wrap Up 4/27

 Hello and happy last Sunday of April.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Another week that has flown by, heading into a new month.  

It is a chilly morning, as was yesterday morning.  Lots of ups and downs.  I still haven't planted anything but will do so after at least Mother's Day.

Last Sunday, Easter, I did not see the Easter bunny - but I did see the "Easter hog" - yes, it was my first sighting of the groundhog across the alley!

Enjoyed the nicer days this past week and tried to get some stuff done in preparing for planting season and just enjoying the great outdoors.

My frugal week:

• I cooked a whole pork loin on Easter (from freezer) - cut it into 3 pieces before placing in crockpot.  I have 2 sections frozen now for easy meals later on
• Cut my hair and colored (at home)
• I did turn on the heat one cycle this AM - but have used none all the rest of the week, nor AC
• Cut the grass and trimmed
• Flipped the cushions on the glider out front (reversible) for a different look
• Did go out to shop for a 4-year-old!  I have a gr.gr. niece having a birthday party this coming week -- so needed some fun stuff (Ollies).  I did purchase a new door mat for the porch for myself - bright and cheery for 4.99 as well!
• Topped off the gas tank for month, when out - saved .10 gal. on purchase
• Eating from home, except for one day.  Using what I have and eating leftovers in new ways
• Did go out Friday to have lunch with grade school friends.  Went to the House of Tokyo - it was good and a different experience
• Bought NO groceries again this week
• Been moving lots of yard decor/yard art to different places - kind of redecorating w/o spending any money!  Also put out some of the gifts I got at Christmas for the yard.
• Cleared out between garage and fence - old siding and bad lumber had been stacked for a while - all cleared out now
• Trimmed the back shrubs
• Took apart the air purifier/ionizer and cleaned it all
• Aired the house a lot
• Used air fryer and crockpot and not oven this week
• Cleaning, and doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Pork loin, potatoes and carrots

Pozole

BBQ pork sandwich, fries and side salad

Chicken fingers and salad

Tostadas

Out to eat

Sloppy Joe and salad

Thursday, we had random downpour in the late afternoon and hail.  That was surprising.  Nothing big but is sure was noisy.  Friday, we had a lot of rain as well.  Looks to be more rain before April ends - it sure has been a wet month.  April showers bring May flowers!  Everything is so pretty around here.

How was your week?  Have you found any good deals this week?

Getting ready for planting/garden season?

Look forward to hearing what you are all up to!

I pray this coming week is beautiful for each of you and that you all stay safe and well and productive.

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

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

Not that I complain of want; for I have learned, in whatever state I am, to be content.  I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want.  I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Philippians 4:11-13

Dear Lord, our souls are thankful for another week on this earth.  Guide us each and every one to be thankful for everything we receive - whether big or small.  Guide to use what we have wisely and to help others to know how to use their time, money and goods as well.  Let our hearts be full of appreciation and love, and not of loathing or anger or resentment.   Prayers for a beautiful week for all.  AMEN

Cheap Meal Ideas & Using it Up!

 Hello all.  Here we are on Thursday again.  Gosh, another week and it will be May, that sure doesn't seem possible.  Pretty much everything is green and pretty here, the weeds are growing - think, dandelion puff balls everywhere!!!!  I notice some of the neighbors are starting to put out flowers.  I plan on waiting a week or two - but I am chomping at the bit.

Some of our friends way up North had a lot of snow again this week!  That is just awful.  I know everyone is ready for the warmer temps.

Today, I wasn't sure to write about - but figured I would give a few ways I have used leftovers in the past few weeks, and some ideas for cheaper meals or meal supplements.  I do not have to have meat every meal, nor do I have to eat several items - I know that isn't for everyone.  There are a lot of 'single' folks here too - so maybe these ideas will help those who meal prep for one!

I mentioned one day about 'poor man's Swiss steak.  Mom used to make that, and I loved it.  I still do t for myself.  A nice burger, topped with a can of condensed vegetable soup (or homemade) and mashed potatoes.  Still tasty all these years later. 

Now I took leftovers and turned it into a sort of 'cottage pie'. 

I used one of those mini loaf pans - placed an extra burger in bottom, soup left on that, mashed potatoes left on that and topped with cheese.  Didn't even need to heat the oven, as I heated in the air fryer.  360* about 15 minutes - till the cheese was golden.  It really was yummy.  Same stuff - just a little different form!

I never thought about those little loa pans before - but I am thinking I will utilize them more now.  I have a bunch I keep for making sweet breads.

Deconstructed cabbage rolls!  I had leftover cabbage from a meal I made of fried cabbage - so did a skillet dinner.  Used some leftover taco meat, the cabbage, a partial jar of spaghetti sauce and one of salsa and threw in some rice.  Let it all cook up until the rice is tender.  Used things that needed using and had a great meal and some for the freezer.

French bread pizza is super easy and cheap.  I usually get a clearance loaf of bread ($1 or less) and just top with whatever I have in the fridge.  I always have some kind of sauce on hand.  You can literally top with anything.  Sometimes I make a quarter of a loaf, sometimes a half and sometimes a whole one.  Eat what you want and wrap and freeze the rest for another time.  Cost is pennies per meal.  Add a little side salad and you are set to go.

Grilled cheese and soup - good anytime of the year.  It can be any type of soup you have.  I always have extra soup, when I make homemade, so there is always some kind in the freezer if I chose something other than tomato soup.

Think anything wrapped in a tortilla!  It can be using leftover rice, beans, meat, cheese, sauce for a burrito or it can be whatever is left and using 2 tortillas and make a quesadilla.  Wrap chicken strips or fish or leftover steak strips - ham, turkey, cheese - whatever you have!!!  I have done veggie wraps as well on a hot summer day.  What veggies I have in strips, a little ranch dressing and roll it up = YUM.

Chili - the great re-invention!  Tops dogs or sausage with leftover chili.  Top a baked potato with it and some cheese or sour cream.  Chili fries.  Add to nachos.  I love chili and can eat it in any form.  I use it for many meals.

A baked potato can be topped with about anything you have leftover.  Throw on some cheese or sour cream and it is a meal!

Pasta salad.  It can be used for a meal - especially for a meal for one, when there is no one else to please.  I have done this often.  A favorite in the summer.  Check that crisper or the garden and use whatever veggies you have.  Add to cooked pasta and add the dressing of your choice.

In the summer I also make a lot of tomato, zucchini or cuke, onion salads with Italian style dressing.  Great way to use that fresh garden produce.  So refreshing.

I made a pork loin on Sunday, so I have lots of meat.  Froze much of it to use later - but made a fun soup for one.  I made pozole.  It is a soup I really like and have very seldom.  Pork pieces, a drained can of hominy, pork broth (from cooking meat), chopped onion, and a few chopped jalapenos.  NUM!

I even had about a quarter jar of salsa in the frig, so I threw that in too.  

Just remember you can add whatever you want to things.  I am not a huge recipe type person.

You can use leftovers and make hand pies.  Leftover pie crust from baking or a frozen crust - works perfect for making hand pies. You could even use pizza dough.

Leftovers are great for making a stir fry or fried rice as well.  Super easy, cheap and tasty.

I love salads of every type.  Summer makes salads fun - as there are so many fresh options close at hand.

Lots of people make salmon patties - which are tasty.  But I tend to make tuna patties!  Small can of tuna, an egg, and some breadcrumbs, smashed chips/crackers whatever - form into patties and fry.  I usually get 2 per small can.  Much milder taste than salmon.  Cheaper too!!!!!!

Biscuits - all is good with biscuits.  Make egg/sausage biscuit sandwiches.  Biscuits and gravy.  Biscuits and jelly are even acceptable!!!

There are just so many options for eating up the leftovers or eating for an inexpensive price.  I know everyone talks about rising prices, but I really don't notice it much.  You know how I shop, I have a great stockpile of items, and I use it ALL up!  Waste nothing - get creative.

Eating for one or two can be daunting.  Just keep it simple and eat WHAT YOU LIKE!  You don't have to conform to what people think is normal - do you.

Seriously, if all you can do is sandwiches - that is ok.  Just look around the pantry and figure out some new options for sandwiches.  You can do lunchmeat, deli meat, egg salad or any type of meat salad.  You can use canned meats in those meat salads as well - heck you don't even have to cook.

Eat salads - if that is what you like, there are tons of ways to eat a salad.

Soup - you can make soup so easily with whatever you have on hand - or if you so choose - buy some version of canned.

You can eat good for a little bit of money - TRUST ME!  I do it all the time.

Get creative and use what you have and NEVER waste.  Re-create.

There are still many ways to eat cheap!

Have a wonderful day - this beautiful day.

You woke up - make the best of it!

Carpe' Diem

 Hello to all.  Happy Wednesday - midweek is already here.  Hope this finds you all well.

It is a lovely sunny morning here today.  It is in the 50's, going into the 70's today.  Lots of dew around!  Birds are singing, and the squirrels are frolicking.  It is a very pretty morning.

YES IT IS!

Thus, the title to today's post.  Make each day count.

I say these things, as 6 years ago today, my life changed in an instant!  It was a day much like this one - very pretty.  A day with plans made of things to do.  Then it all changed.

I do not write this for "I'm sorry" or for you to feel sorry me.  I am OK.  I write this for YOU!!!

Many here know how an instant can change everything.  It isn't something I would wish on anyone - ever.   But it happens. It isn't easy.  It is very hard.  It is upsetting.  It sucks - but it happens.

Glen used to always tell me, that I would outlive him - as he had medical issues.  I never wanted to hear those things.  But that being said, we did over the years talk about the "what if's".  Our wishes, our thoughts and hopes.  We took care of lots of things early in life together - for the 'just in case'.

We woke that morning and neither of us had a clue, at least I know I didn't.  It was a normal morning. We woke up together, and I went to bed that night alone.  Life CHANGED forever.

You all need to make sure you tell people you love them.  It doesn't matter if they are a spouse, children, grands, or friends.  Live your life well.  Do things and enjoy.

Make the most of it.  Be someone and do things, that people will remember fondly one day. Be a good memory for someone!!!

It took me a good 4 years to break out of a shell I got in - seclusion!  I did things with family, but that was pretty much it.  Slowly I started getting out and reacquainting myself with old friends and even meeting some new ones.  I got to really know neighbors.  I tried to break out of my shell a bit.

I did know the whole time - that I needed to do good wherever I could.  I want to live a good life, one that would make Glen happy and proud.  I still fight with myself about doing things and going places, but I am trying.

I keep him alive always.  That one day was horrible, but that was ONE day.  I want to remember and pass on and share all the days I got to spend with him and love him and have fun with him.  The craziness, the jokes (never ending), the days we 'wondered' Indiana together, the days of camping, just the days filled with laughter and love.  I talk about him and share.  My family still talks about him often.

He was/is a huge part of my life, and yes, I am sad he isn't here - but what a gift I was that day I met him 1985!!!!!

So, whether it is someone or something - enjoy them every day.  Don't wait for a "special day".

Use your things!  If you aren't going to use your things - pass them to someone that might.

Enjoy each and every day you have with your people!!

Do things that would make them proud whether they are here or not.  I am trying.

Make this a WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!!

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL

Little Things can Help a Lot!

 Good morning all.  I hope this finds everyone well.  First, thank you for all the prayers for my gr. nephew.  He is doing well, and finally home.  Still not out of the woods completely, but if he follows the directions of doctors all should be good.  Again, thank you.

It is a beautiful morning here.  Very damp with a lot of dew.  Sun is shining and it will be warming up today - so all is good.  This week looks to be in the 70's most of the week.  Everything is green and pretty.

Easter turned out dry here - it was cloudy a lot, but it stayed dry.  Saturday was a total wash-out.

Today is Earth Day!

It should be something we think about every day.  There are just so many little things that we can do daily, that helps in so many ways.  This is our home - we need to take care of it as well as we can.

• DON'T use chemicals outside!  Please DON'T.  They are damaging to birds and animals and they kill our bees.  We NEED those bees - they are needed for so many things to pollinate
• Plant flowers for the bees
• Keep a plant or two in the house - Plants help the air stay clean - very important
• Be kind to nature.  Yes, some things are invasive - but it is all important for a reason.  Each thing on this earth is put here to take care of something else
• Cut out chemicals in the HOUSE as well.  You don't need to be breathing in all that stuff.  Stop the chemical cleaners - try to make your own from natural things.  Be careful what you buy, clothes, furniture, rugs, etc. - many contain very dangerous chemicals.  I am sure you have all smelled that smell on new items - that isn't good - it is chemicals
• Stop using plastic as much as possible.  Use glass for storage.  Take your own grocery bags to stores
• Walk around and pick up any trash that you see in your neighborhood (or wherever you may be) - if we all do a little it will help so much
• REDUCE, RECYCLE, REUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  The best 3 R's ever
• Conserve water.  Turn it off, fix those leaks.  Save rainwater if possible, for plants
• Choose sustainable options of things.  Natural things that when used, can be regenerated by the earth.  

Did you know these little -pain in the bum- whirlies are edible?  Yep, they are.  The bean inside is very edible.  They contain protein, fiber, and healthy fats.  Can be eaten raw or cooked.  Younger ones have a very mild flavor.  Animals love them - my squirrels sit and feast on them!  Use them on cereal or on top of salads.  Just a thought in case you are ever out or lost and need something to eat as well!

• Many plants, leaves, 'weeds' and flowers are edible or usable in many ways.  Jellies can be made from lots of flowers and what may be considered weeds (dandelions, violets, clover).  Tinctures and salves can be made.  Teas.  Many leaves and flowers can even be eaten in salads or cooked
• Walk more if possible - at least take less trips in your vehicles.
• PLANT - weather it is trees, flowers, or veggies.  Grow things - it all helps the air and the soil and our bodies
• Forage - this kind of goes with above - things that are edible.  You can often find berries, grapes, nuts, mushrooms, etc. growing out in nature and they can add to your pantry.  KNOW what you are getting - do the research.  You don't want things that can harm you
• Turn things OFF - lights, heat, water, etc.  If you aren't using it - turn it off
• Don't WASTE - try to use 100% of what you bring in your house in some way
• Eat as natural as you can.  Less junk and processed food - means less health issues and it means less packaging and less spending of $.  If we all stopped that stuff - it really could make a difference.  If it doesn't sale - less will be made

There are so many little things that we can do on a daily basis to not only help the earth, but to help our bodies and to help our pocketbooks!  Just try to be a little more conscientious of things.

Get outside and just chill a little.  Enjoy all the beauty and the nature and sounds.  I know many of us get outside to work - but we also need to relax outside too.  ENJOY what we have.

Take care of things and they will help take care of you.

Have a beautiful day!