Looking Ahead

 Happy Tuesday all.  Well, in less than 3 weeks we will be in a new month and a new year!  Oh me oh my!  This year has just flown by.

Truthfully, I am kind of looking forward to getting past all the holiday hoopla and just get back to 'normal' (whatever that is)!  Don't get me wrong - I do love the holidays - the family - the lights - the pretties.  I also love the tranquility of a quiet and simple life.

We actually got a little glimpse of that bright light, that is supposed to be in the sky yesterday!!!!  I was amazing to see.  It has been so cloudy and gray this month.  Next few days (after today) won't be much better - rain is a coming!!!!!

The new year is always a great time to make any changes or just upgrade the way you live.  Many make resolutions (not me) - and many just make a few plans and hope for the best (me).

Do you have any big plans for the new year?

Maybe:

You will be looking for ways to save more funds for emergencies

Eating a better diet

Not spending as much

Overhauling the budget

Build that pantry

Taking more vacations

Being with family more

Living a simple and quiet life

Planning your next garden (or 1st one)

I generally take advantage of any deals I can after and around the holiday (so many at groceries) - then I pretty much stop shopping in January.  I like to start the first couple months of the year - hibernating - and using what I have and not spending.

I hope to finally get my bum motivated to do a little updating and remodeling around the house.  I have been planning on doing things forever, and just find a reason to not do it!  I have wallpaper to scrape - walls to sand and paint.  I want a couple pieces of new furniture.  I want to declutter more.  Nothing huge - just updating a little.  Winter seems to be the time to do this.

We will see!!!!!  I may be saying the same thing come next December!  LOL

What are you looking forward to in the new year?  Any big plans?  OR are you just ready to lay low for a couple months and rest?

Just think, for those of us in this hemisphere - in a mere 7 days or so - the daylight of each day will ever so slightly start getting longer again!  YAY!!!!!  Hopefully, once out of December, the days may get sunnier.  December seems to be the cloudiest month.  

I know many of you may be getting hit with snow and cold right now - here's hoping that you are all safe and warm.  We are just mild with rain coming at the moment.  Such a weird month.  I am OK with that - as I could do with NO snow - but it will happen eventually.

Make these next few weeks fun.  Spend time with people you love and enjoy.  Eat the food!!!  I  put forth - holiday goodies have no calories!!!  LOL

Be kind to yourself.  Do you and what makes you happy.  

Be blessed.

Today's Christmas bit:

Christmas became an official U.S. holiday when it was signed into law in 1870 by President Ulysses S. Grant.  It wasn't until 1890 that every state followed suit and declared it a holiday.

This amazed me.  Never thought about it before - just assumed it was always a celebrated holiday!

Weekly Wrap Up 12/11

 Happy Sunday all!  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Whew - what a week it has been.  I am surely hoping the remainder of the month is quiet and calm.  I shouldn't complain, as there are so many that have had a much worse week or month or year.  Life gives us a lot of ups and downs - good and bad - yet we continue on!  That is what we do!!!!

We have had fairly mild temps again this week, along with gray skies, foggy days and some rain.  It looks as if the coming week will be much of the same.  The squirrels have been munching away and the birdies are all eating whatever they find.  I have had a Downey woodpecker around all this week.  I just love seeing woodpeckers - they are so majestic to me.

Remember these?  I have some in a jar on my table right now and I bought a container of filled hard candies for my brother's gift bag.  A bit of nostalgia!

My week:

• Finished up all the jar recipes for gift bags
• I used Old English on my natural wood chest of drawers.  It was so faded and blah looking (from sun) - it really perked up the look!
• Made a batch of jelly - to gift.  (2 berry - grape and blueberry combo)
• Got my Blazer back.  Well, it turned out the place that had it lied - there was damage to my door, both body and paint!  Hmmmm.  (Not a huge area - but damage non the less).  They only fessed up, right before I was to receive it back.  Needless to say this girl blew a gasket!  They lied about it for 2 days!  I don't think the guy was used to a woman standing up for herself, nor was he used to someone calling out his business ethics!  I got the Blazer back and he marked the invoice PAID IN FULL!!  Yep, I paid $0 (it was orig. $395).  He also gave me his insurance company name, so I can turn in the damage to be repaired.  I guess it does pay to speak up!
• I had to get a new computer as my old one died a complete and total death in an instant!  I am really getting used to the new one and like it.  It was marked on sale with a decent price, and it rang up $80 less than that sale price!  WOOP - WOOP!  
• I did a gas fill-up and received a .60 per gallon discount.  (Paid 2.79/gal.)  That was thanks to buying GC's last month and buying on a day with dbl. points!
• I got my new progressive bifocals.  This is taking some getting used to!  I wear them only when reading or computing.
• I ran to Kroger, Aldi and WM (where I got glasses) and finished up the Christmas shopping!!!!!  I do believe I am DONE!  I just need to wrap (bag most) and bake.
• I mainly was looking for items for gift bags & kiddos while shopping.  I did get a couple items for me - milk, ice cream and a couple of markdowns on clearance.  I also bought a spiral sliced ham for when the kids come up for Christmas - it was .89/lb.

Bags of Brussel Sprouts were 1 1/2 lbs. each.  I had planned on buying Brussels on the sale for 1.99/lb.  I got a much better deal.  The nuts are each jar just over 2 lbs. each.  

• Got the cards all addressed and ready to go in the mailbox on Monday
• Cooking from scratch and at home
• Doing all the normal stuff we all do

Seems, I did a lot better this week than I thought.  With no charge on vehicle, extra discount on sale price for computer and finishing up gifts - kind of a win-win.  The savings paid for those gifts!

I have had better weeks - but I have had much worse!  Que sera - sera!

Meals this week:

Beef & bean tostadas

Breakfast - sausage, eggs, and a waffle

Big cheeseburger on toast (no buns) and chips

Fish sandwich and salad

Cheesy broccoli soup (freezer) and cheesy bread sticks (freezer)

Chef salad and leftover bread sticks

Dirty rice and chopped pan seared Brussel sprouts

I am getting with my siblings today for our holiday luncheon.  Looking forward to sitting and chatting and catching up!

How was your week?  Have you gotten any good deals at the stores?  There seems to be many deals out there - holiday specials. Food deals - for your pantries & freezers?

Are you doing any special baking?  Any thrift store shopping?

I sure hope you are all well and safe and happy.  Have a wonderful week.

Sending blessings from my humble little home to you and yours!

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

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.

Isaiah 32:17

Lord, Help us have faith that You have control, when we cannot see the path that lies ahead of us.  Point us each in the right direction, to live a loving and giving life.  We pray for guidance for us and we pray for peace among all on this earth.  Thank You for Your blessings.  Amen

Pack Those Pantry Shelves - Cheaply!

 Good morning, all.  I have been posting a lot of Christmas ideas - and I realized not everyone celebrates. Please know that these recipes and ideas I post - can be used at home and by everyone, for any time of the year.  It doesn't have to be for gifts.

I was asked for some of the soup recipes (jar mixes) and I had planned that for today already.  I generally post these around this time of the year.  I am sure some of you have them or have read them - but we have new people who have not.

These are great to keep on your shelf - anytime you want a tasty and easy soup - grab one and pour!  They are all pretty darn cheap to make as well.

You can use up those glass jars you have been acquiring!  They don't have to be pretty ones for your own shelf.

WHITE CHRISTMAS SOUP      (quart jar)

1 small pkg. country gravy mix 2.75 oz. ***

2 Tbs. chicken bouillon granules

2 Tbs. minced onion (dried)

2 Tbsp. celery flakes

2 tsp. parsley flakes

2 1/2 - 3 dry noodles

**** just a note - if you buy don't want to buy the little packs (around $1) - it is 2/3 C of bulk mix.  I have the gravy mix from Sam's that comes in a 3 pack of larger bags.

Mix all the ingredients except noodles together.  Pour that into a jar - wide mouth is easiest.  Then add the noodles to jar.

I gift with a small can of chicken.  You can use store canned chicken, home canned chicken or bits and pieces leftover for your own use.

EMPTY contents into a 4 quart pan and add 8 cups water.  Heat to boiling on high - reduce heat and simmer.  Add chicken at this point.  Simmer until noodles are done.  Makes 8 servings.

LOVE SOUP       (quart job)

1 box onion soup mix (2 packets) = 1/2 C bulk or homemade mix

1/2 C split peas

1/2 C alphabet macaroni (use what you have) - I used tiny elbow

1/2 C shell pasta (I used tiny shells)

1/2 C colored pasta (I used veggie pasta and broke in pieces)

1/4 C lentils 

Pour mixture into a pot with 7 C of water.  Cook and simmer slowly.  Add 1/2 lb. ground beef, ground turkey or sausage - whatever you like.

PATCHWORK SOUP      (can use pint jar)

1/2 C barley

1/2 C split peas

1/2 C rice

1/2 C lentils

SEASONING PACK

1 Tbs. parsley

1 tsp. granulated garlic 

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. Italian seasoning

1 Tbsp. dried onion

Place beans and rice & barley in stockpot and cover with 8-10 C water (I start w/8).  If you do not have dried onion - chop1 small onion and add.  Add season pack.  Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for 45 min. to an hour.  Check after 30 minutes - to adjust water level if necessary.  Stir occasionally.

                                                     This is Patchwork Soup mix

Left is Love Soup mix.  Right is White Christmas Soup.  This one is always requested by my family.  They absolutely love it!!!!!  It is so good!

You can make jar recipes out about anything.  You can mix up dry ingredients for cookie, brownies, cakes, etc. and place in jars.  Add the list needed for wet ingredients and cooking instructions.  

It sure can make life a little easier - just having these things on the shelf.  Too tired or busy to figure out what's for dinner - pour a jar and add water!!!!!!!  It doesn't get much easier than that!!!

None of these ingredients are very expensive.  Most, you may have stocked already.  Beans, peas, rice and pasta can be purchased at dollar stores or $Tree or at all groceries for little money.  

These are pretty much all things I have in my deep pantry - so throwing together mixes is easy.

These make great items for the ready to go pantry and also great gifts for any occasion.

Hope this helps and that you ENJOY!

Christmas Bit today:

This is the first tree placed at the site of Rockefeller Center in 1931.  Construction workers put up the tree on December 24.  They decorated with paper garlands, strung cranberries and a few decorations.  They were lined up waiting for their pay from the foreman. (Yeah, on Christmas Eve).  The construction started the year before - tens of thousands of workers were out of work and this was a grand opportunity to work.  Even in the worst of times - they put up that little tree and celebrated what they had!!!!  I love that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The official beginning of the 'grand' tree at Rockefeller Center started in 1933.

Using What You Have

 During any crafting or food making for the holidays - we don't have to spend a lot of money nor do we have to give away our precious jars in food gifts!!!!  Sure, if you are giving away your canning - you will be giving jars out.  Make sure to attach a little note if you want your jars back.  Make a cute little saying up about getting the jars back.  Jars are expensive - but sometimes I guess that is just considered part of the gift.

I have been making up jars of dry soup mix for gifts - and I am using other jars.  I keep all instant coffee jars I get, and I keep any glass or heavy plastic jars to re-use in some new way.  I don't need them back and the recipient can also use them if they choose.

The rounds ones are from Kroger instant and the squarish ones are from Aldi.  They work perfectly and hold the same as a quart jar!!!!!!

I also use other things.  I keep plastic packaging I get in produce dept. - especially if it is a container without holes in it.  They can be used for cookie, candies or even soup mixes.  Wrap tightly and nothing falls out!

I tilted the container as I added barley, rice and peas - to layer (and look pretty).  The little packet on top is seasoning in a sandwich bag.

I then slipped into a zip lock bag.  Now it didn't want to JUST slide in, so I snipped each side at zip lock.  Then in it went and I sealed the zip and turned it down on side and taped!  Nothing coming out until ready to use!  Instructions taped to the top.

Keep those Christmas card fronts - or any card for that matter.

The fronts make great gift tags, postcards, note sheets and really pretty ones can even be framed and used for decoration.  You can also make many holiday decorations for the tree with them.  Above is also a couple 'books' scrapbooking 'cards' that I have - and they too can be used in many ways.

Also, many nursing homes and even pre-schools like getting these for craft projects.

I like the idea of keeping the fronts and writing a nice sentiment on the back - and then taking to a nursing home.  They can be passed out to residents - they bring a smile - and it costs nothing.

You all remember the blankies I made last year for the little girls?  All made from scraps, material I had on hand and hankies.  Cost $0 - but loved.

This is some of what I am using to make Mile's blankie this year.  Gr. Gr. Uncle G's fleece jammie pants that I have kept.  I knew there would be something special I could use them for and then along came Miles.  The plaids are the jammies, and the other item is from my discarded clothing.  So he will be wrapped in Auntie and Uncle's love!

Instead of using paper plates for cookie or candy giving (they often are flimsy) - I like getting pretty dishes at thrift stores or yard sales for pennies.  They can be gifted and then the recipient can keep OR they can use to gift someone else.  Great way to upcycle.

There are so many things we can re-use in new ways, and they cost nothing.  Just get a little creative and your gift giving doesn't have to cost a fortune.  It will enjoyed and loved just as much or more than a generic store-bought item.

What are some of your recycle or upcycle ideas.  

Save a little money and give a lot of LOVE!!!!!!!!

Today's Christmas bit - a little memory

My original 45 record!  Children kitchen tools and mug used for hot chocolate as a child.

When it Rains.......

 Howdy Ho friends!

Yep - when it rains it pours!  I am looking forward to some brighter days for sure.  Needless to say, this was not the planned post for today.  Don't know if anyone saw the comment I left at the end of the comments from Weekly Wrap Up - but my computer DIED!  Full on death!!!!!!!!

I tried to get on to post from my tablet - but no - it was capable of handling blogger it said.  It only let me comment - not do a post.

I was up almost all night last night.  I think I slept about 2 hours.

Not only did the computer die - it happened just when I found out (at closing time) that Blazer wouldn't be ready.  Oh, they had the fuel line fixed all handy dandy - but it "just came to their attention" that someone tried to break into my car.  Yeah!  RIGHT!

No windows broken or damage to body - but they broke the handle on driver side.  It is to be fixed today and they are delivering the vehicle to me - according to them.  Darn tootin' Skippy!!!!

Cheryl is not a happy camper AT ALL.

So my neighbor took me out this AM to buy myself a new computer.  I have most of it set up and working - still a lot of little things to figure out.  Windows 11 - so different.

                                                         "What you talking about?"

I have actually surprised myself at how much I have set up and working!!!!!  I am not computer savvy.

Any way - just talked with them a bit ago and they will have the car 'home' soon.  She asked if she could take my card info for payment.  NO - not till I see how my car is and make sure there is no additional damage.  I told her, I would call her back when I found the time!!!!  Kind of how they work.

I am very sorry to be belly aching again!!!!!  Seems I have griped a lot lately.  I don't like that.

I do know I have spent a lot of extra funds in the past few weeks!  GEESH!  Oh well, it all works out and some people actually have legitimate concerns in this world - mine do not compare.

So have a great day - and hopefully all will be back to normal tomorrow!

Christmas Bit today - Me being amazed at ALL the stuff Santa brought!  That was very unusual to get so much.  My folks must have had a good year!

Notice the TV, the curtains and the decor - all 50's!!!!!!!

Later my friends!

Weekly Wrap Up 12/4

 Happy first Sunday of December to all.  Just think in 4 weeks it will be 2023!  Eeeekkkk!

I hope this finds you all well and safe and happy.  The days go by so fast - it is hard just to keep up with all the holiday goodies.

This week, we had some warmer days, some rain, some cold, and lots of wind.  It appears we will be seasonal this coming week with days in the 40's (F).  It will also be rainy and cloudy - I say it beats snow!!  December seems to be one of our cloudiest months of the year - so when sunshine is seen - it is a wonderful gift.

I 'SHOULD' get my Blazer back tomorrow!!  Here's hoping.  The fuel line is specific to the dealer (the connectors) and had to be special ordered.  A little more than I figured in price - but hey, that is OK.  I will have me vehicle back and that is great.  It is amazing, I can stay hope for a couple and not have a problem - but when I "can't" go - I want to!!!!  LOL.  Human nature!

I have had neighbors and family call and ask several times if I needed anything or needed to go somewhere - and I did not.  All is good.

My little holiday decorations!  Not a lot - just enough for me.  They are setting on the library table that my momma always got her tree set on (it came from Santa) when she was a child - over 100 years ago!

My week:

• Went to eye specialist and regular eye doctor this week.  Glad the exams are all done - should get my new bifocals this week
• I used my LAST garden tomato on Monday - yes I did!  
• Ordered the jerky and summer sausage for gifts this Monday.  That is a part of gifts that is highly anticipated!!!!
• Managed the bank for funds and feed store before being without a vehicle
• Blazer towed to car shop - $0 charge - thanks to AAA
• Froze leftover turkey and stock
• Did a tiny bit of decorating (seen above)
• Cut my hair
• Been working on soup jar recipes and spice mixes for gift bags
• Got my gifts all sorted and bags started with what I have on hand
• Making my list and checking it twice!!!!!
• NO grocery shopping at all
• Made tea
• Eating from pantry and freezer and cooking all meals here

My menu this past week:

Turkey and veggie roll-up

Homemade pizza - 2X

Tamales over rice

Cheesy/veg rice and chicken and fish bites

Smoked sausage/Kraut and smashed fried potatoes

Pork fritter sandwich, tator tots and carrot sticks

SNACKS - PB/honey on crackers, cheese/crackers, cereal

My turkey and veggie roll-up (before rolled) with my last garden tomato!!!!!!!

Smoked sausage, kraut and smashed fried potatoes!  Those are so yummy!

How has your week been?  Are you working on gifts or crafts?  Baking or making any fun and yummy goodies?  Any big grocery deals?

I hope you are all well and have kept busy this week.  The daylight hours are sure short anymore - it will only be a couple weeks or so, and the daylight hours will start getting longer again!!!!  We just need to get past that shortest day of the year!!!!!!  

How is your weather doing?  So far so good here!  Not going to complain.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and that you all stay safe and healthy.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:8

Dear Lord, we know that You are with us daily, and not just for a season.  When we lose faith in ourselves and our fellow man, it is You that gives us faith that all will be OK.  Through You all is possible.  Only You can restore our hope, our energy, and our determination to start again and succeed.  Thank You for Your everlasting strength and love.

Amen

A Christmas Bit

"I heard the bells on Christmas day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet words repeat

Of peace on earth, good will to men,

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;

The wrong shall fail, and right prevail,

With peace on earth, good will to men."    

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Fun Stuff

 DECEMBER!!!!  It is here - 24 days and counting!!!!!  Oh my!

Today, just a couple fun things to make for either yourself or for gifts.  All are yummy and pretty easy!  Doesn't get much better than that.

Just a SIDE NOTE:  I am going to post a fun tidbit on each December post.  It may be a fun fact or a fun memory!  Just a little something extra at the end.  ENJOY!

This is soooooo good.  I have posted before - but it always a fun winter thing to make for your pleasure or for gifting.  You could put this in small jars and gift with say homemade rolls, bread or biscuits (scones).  I have heard from others that have made it and it is loved!

I used to buy this at the Amish store and it is expensive.   Back when I bought it (many years ago), it was about $7 a pint.  Give it a try - you won't be disappointed!

Here is another yummy treat!  Easy to make and super yummy.  If you have ever been to a Texas Roadhouse restaurant - you have had this.  Don't have to go to the expense of eating out to enjoy it!  Again, good for home - or put in 1/2-pint jars and gift with bread or biscuits.  Place in a cute little basket and boom - you have a nice gift.  (super good on toast) 

Any type of pretzel dipped in chocolate of any type.  Almond bark, milk chocolate, dark chocolate.....  It is all good and so stinking easy.  They don't have to look perfect, and they taste good.  Something about the sweet and salt combo!

Spritz cookies is a holiday staple in my family.  Everyone loves the simple yet delicious cookie BITE!  Literally they are a bite!  **I use almond extract instead of rum extract.  I have even done mint - but usually stick with almond.  (you could use vanilla as well)

You can add food color to make them festive or you can top each bite with a pecan piece or a candied cherry if desired.  Just plain with a glass of milk is super tasty too!!!!!!!

I will share fun stuff to make and eat and gift over the next few weeks.  It is always nice to do some fun things around the holidays.  Easy - makes it even better!

You never know I may even do some extra posts this month on unscheduled days!!!!  Tis the season!

ENJOY the goodies!

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Calvin Coolidge

YES 365 days a year!!!!!!!