Simple and Beautiful

 Happy Thursday to all.  It is a very chilly and wet morning here.  Guess it is a stay indoors kind of day!  Hope you are all doing well today.

Simple and beautiful.  This is the kind of life I love.  But this can describe life, people, things, yards, clothes, recipes, etc.  It is kind of making the easiest and simplest things in your life the best ever.  Attitude is everything.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.  This picture is a perfect example - beauty can be found in anything and you can grow and flourish, even in extreme conditions.  When there is a will - there is a way.

A simple life doesn't have to fancy or perfect.  It just needs to be you and what you like/want.  It can be small and selective and be wonderful.

I like the idea of a very basic pantry/freezer - filled with all kinds of BASIC INGREDIENTS to make your food. Ingredients - yes.  Things that can make good and basic meals and recipes.  It allows you to make MAGIC!  

Keep the basic tools to do your job of home keeping.  Basics can be used in many ways.  You do NOT need a special piece of equipment for everything.   Sometimes it just takes a little thought.  A good saucepan can boil and cook, it can be a tea kettle, it can be a steamer, etc.  Get creative.

Keep things that are beautiful and purposeful to you.  Things you really love - the rest isn't necessary.  This makes cleaning easier and less stuff is less visual stimulation - so peace of mind.

Declutter and purge things that bring no joy.  Bless another.

Your home is yours - so you do what makes you happy.  Don't listen to other people.  If you like something that "they" say is outdated or out of fashion - then you use it.  You don't have to please everyone or agree with everyone.  You can't walk into your neighbors' homes or your friends' homes and tell them what to do - don't let others do that to you.  

This works the same with your thoughts, your ideas, your words - they are yours.  Don't let people step into YOUR playground and try to judge you or tell you what to say or how to behave.  Don't do that to others either.

Take time to learn new things.  We are never too old to learn.  I learn something new most every day - is it useful?  Maybe not - but it is now in my head!

Have a use it up attitude, not a wasteful attitude.  Use all things - whether in the same old way or new ways.  Create!

Be economical.  Look for the best deals and offers.  You can still find things cheaply if you search.  Whether it be clearance, coupons, thrift, gifted items, sales, barter, gleaning, etc. - be wise.

Buy what you will use and use what you buy!  This is a huge pantry principle.  It isn't a deal unless you will use it - period!

Simple can be beautiful.  Yes, it can.  It can be beautiful for everything and everyone.  Sometimes we just have to adjust the way we look at things.  Our lives change each and every day - for good and bad.  There are things that happen that just suck - no other way to put it - but that doesn't mean you can't adjust and see beauty again and again in the simple things.

Attitude affects absolutely every aspect of life.

It isn't always about having the most or the best or about money - it is about loving what you DO have and making it the best you can.

Grow where you are planted - it IS possible.

That is simple and beautiful.

Make today wonderful!

Some Days You Just Chuckle

 Happy Wednesday - boy midweek happens quickly.  I sure hope everyone is OK - after all the nasty storms that crossed the country yesterday and overnight.  Nothing much here.  Today off and on rain and then flurries - oh my.  Much cooler this morning and today.

Today I am just going to chat - haven't done that in a while.  There are things that make me chuckle and laugh each day - some good and some - well......  There is nothing real exciting in my little world, so the little things are what get my attention.

This PINK house sits exactly one block due south of me!  I cannot see it from my front door but can see it from the dining room window (the back of house) and from my drive.  Now let me tell you - the picture does not do the pink justice!  It is BRIGHT HOT pink.  Much better than it was, and everything on the house was pink - everything.  Also, the privacy fence 'was' painted pink, the foundation and the sidewalks!  YEP

Well, they toned it down a bit as it is FOR SALE!  LOL

It sits on a very busy and noisy main thoroughfare.  I have to say it does have a huge, fenced back yard - although messy.  A notable realtor has it listed (amazingly), and I can't believe the pictures from inside that they are showing on the computer.  Usually they are nice and neat - not these. Oh my!  Walls covered with marker swirls, dirty clothes everywhere, a partially tiled kitchen floor, a broken window - but it does have a cute vintage bathroom and the basement looks dry!!! LOL

This was the original home for this area, before the subdivision was built.  It is much older than our homes.  I am sure it was a farmhouse back in the day. 

My neighbor and I have bets how long it stays this color once it is purchased!!  LOL

I will say that IF someone buys it, they will put a lot of money in it - but it does have potential!

I chuckle every time I look up and see this!  And shake my head.

I thought the chickens were gone.  I had not seen them at all for over two weeks.  YAY!  Looked out the window yesterday and there was one coming my way.  Seriously?  I walked out on the porch and it immediately turned around and went back the way it came! As if to say "well crap - busted".  

I had to laugh.

My kitties always make me laugh.  By morning, they have usually left the bedroom and are in the living room.  So, when I sit up in bed to get up - here comes Bitsy running full bore into the bedroom and jumps on the bed yelling at me!!  What a way to wake up - how could I possibly be in a bad mood in the morning?  Blackie saunters in and sits there waiting for me to head for the kitchen.  They know the routine.

They sure do love each other and me!  Bitsy loves me and rubs and plays and talks to me a lot - but no one else.  He does not like other people and hides - under my covers!  Yep, he runs in the bedroom and sneaks under the comforter and hides!

                                  See that lump in the circle?  Yes, that is a kitty hiding!!!!  LOL

They do love being together too.  They are just too sweet.  I am so glad they are in here with me.

Pure joy is all I feel with them.

Bitsy propping his feet up on Blackie while they nap!  They both lay with bellies up a lot!  I have read they do that not so much for petting, but it means they are trusting and comfortable in that space.  I sure hope so.

I think they are enjoying their best life!

I have a squirrel out in the yard (one of many) that runs up to me every time I go out back.  It sits up on its bum begging for a peanut!  It is the cutest thing.  It sees me and comes running.  I guess they really do know who feeds them!

They make me chuckle.

What makes you chuckle or laugh each day?  A child, a pet, nature, a neighbor, a song or sound?

Life is more than just serious stuff.  We have to have little joys that just make us stop and smile or laugh.  Those are the moments that bring us joy.

Tell us what makes you chuckle???

Have a wonderful day all!

The Many Uses of ........... Part 2

 Happy April to all.   April showers............bring May flowers!  Goodness, are we starting out with a bang!  Rain and more rain overnight and today - oh my.  Lots of thunder boomers and fireworks in the sky.  Flooded back 40 in the yard!  After today, the temps get pretty chilly for a few days again.  They have mentioned snow!!  Say it aint so.   Such is life in Spring!  I hope you are all well and safe.

More of the many uses of different items today.  It is just nice to know of many ways to use what you may have, or ways to get the most bang for your buck.

Maybe some new ideas for some and same old for others.

TOMATOES

I think tomatoes has to be the most versatile item we can have in our pantries.  So many uses.

Soups, stews and casseroles - always good as a base

Salsa, spaghetti sauce, pizza sauce, chili sauce, tomato bits, sauce, juice - so many things to make from your garden

Salsa chicken or chops - yum

Make a Spanish style rice with salsa

Cold soups in summer

Top pizza with thin slices

Roast tomatoes

Salads, diced or sliced

Salsa eggs

Add bits to mac n cheese (yum) or to Cole slaw (super yum)

Anything Italian or Mexican

Sauces and pastes can be made into juice with addition of water

Dips - salsa and cheese is yummy

I love tomatoes so much - in just about any way.  Of course, my favorites come summer are BLT's and tomato sandwiches!!!!  My mouth is watering!

BAKING SODA

First a disclaimer:  I know baking soda is salty!  The ideas listed may not be for everyone.  They are great uses to save a cooking blunder or to add a bit of fluff or color to food.  As always check with your physician before using a lot of it.  If blood pressure is a problem for you, check with your doctor.

* 1 tsp. to a pot of cooking rice, makes the rice a bit fluffier

* 1/2 tsp. to every 3 eggs, helps makes omelets fluffy

* Rub some to the fat on pork chops before frying - to get crispy fried fat

* Soak fresh fish in 2 Tbsp. of soda and a quart of water for a while - rinse and cook.  Takes away that "fishy" smell and flavor

* Test the acidity of tomatoes!  Dip a damp spoon in baking soda and the stir some tomatoes.  If it bubbles they are very high in acid.

* If you have a boil water alert in your area - that does change the taste of water some.  1 Tbsp. of baking soda to a gallon of water - softens the taste

* Helps cut the acid in tomato sauce or chili - just add a pinch

* A pinch in a cup of coffee takes away bitterness

* 1/4 tsp. to 8 oz. of OJ or grapefruit juice reduces the acidic levels

* I use a bit with vinegar and water to clean store-bought fruit and veggies - that waxy film!

* If you cook cauliflower in water - add a tsp. to the water - it keeps the cauliflower white and reduces odors

* Helps to eliminate gas formed by baked beans - add a dash while cooking

* Softens the taste of wild game.  Soak in a little baking soda and water overnight.  Rinse and cook

* I always add a pinch to waffles, pancakes and biscuits to make them fluffy

* If using tart berries - add a 1/2 tsp. to the berries and stir in.  You will use less sugar in your pie or cobbler!

* Tenderizes tough cuts of meat.  Rub a bit on the meat - let it stand a few hours - rinse and cook

It tenderizes, it sweetens, it fluffs, it takes out acidity - just so many uses.

It is also very, very useful in cleaning.  Like I stated above I use in a fruit wash.  I also use as a natural cleaning scrub.  I use in laundry from time to time with a little peroxide to whiten clothes.

I use the ineffective stuff in the frig for a deodorizer.  I can sprinkle on rugs and let it sit for a while - then vacuum - it removes odors.

I also use with peroxide from time to time as a natural toothpaste that whitens (my dentist suggested this).

I have also many times used it to settle an upset tummy!  1/2 tsp. to 4 oz. of water and drink - helps neutralize acid in the belly.  Been doing this since I was a child - mom taught me this one.

The list goes on and on.  So many uses!!!!!

**Again, if you have blood pressure problems - check with your doctor before using a lot - just as you do with salt use.

So there you have some ways to stretch those pantry items a bit and maybe save a little along the way.

So many items have many uses - we just get stuck in a rut and don't experiment.

Have fun all.

Have a great day and be safe - those storms have been traveling across the country!

Weekly Wrap Up 3/31

 HAPPY EASTER

Here we are on Sunday again, the last of the month.  It is Resurrection Day!  A very meaningful day for many.  I hope this day finds you well and safe.

As I sit here this morning looking out the window - all is greening so much!  The grass is vibrant.  Things are growing and trees are getting that glow of new growth.  The birds are singing.  It is starting out wet here - gray and gloomy looking - but it is a wonderful day that we have been given.

This week was kind of quiet and nice.  We had some pretty chilly days until the end of the week.  We look to have some cool days this next week as well - but they are shorter in duration and fewer!

Daylight hours last much later in the evenings, and the days are just getting nicer overall.

My week:

• Did lots of laundry and totally changed out bedding to lighter weight bed linens
• Been doing lots of cleaning and spring cleaning
• I received a pretty homemade card from Cookie - THANK YOU!
• I received a gift of a homemade bookmark from a neighbor

• I went out on Wednesday with a friend.  We went to the conservatory and enjoyed all the beautiful tropical plants & they were also having a little 'gnome' show.  It is spring break week - and lots of kiddos.  We then went to lunch at a small diner and then on to a couple antique shops.  It was a fun day.
• Mowed all the yard
• Have done some yard work for spring - so much to do
• Picked another bouquet - daffies, wild hyacinth, and tulips
• I received a $1 bill in a survey sent to me.  Didn't do the survey, but I have a $1!!
• Been using up.  I had a bit of pimento cheese and nacho cheese in frig - added to mac n cheese.  Eating leftovers
• Got a b/s turkey breast out of freezer (came across it when I cleaned freezer) - baked yesterday for today (an other) meals
• Made a diced cherry cake - un-iced.  I like it this way and less calories

• Made a gallon of lemon water - so refreshing
• Just doing all the normal stuff
• Aired house yesterday - oh, it was wonderful!  Yesterday was about 100% perfect!

Meals this past week:

Spicey rice - w/added leftover meat/mushrooms, fresh veggies, and garlic toast

Leftover rice, asparagus, sauteed mushrooms

Baked spaghetti (freezer) and fresh veggies

Out to lunch at diner - meat loaf, mashed potatoes/gravy, green beans

Smoked sausage, mac n cheese and asparagus

Pan seared fish, leftover mac, fresh veggies

Breaded burger w/cheese and oven fries

Yes, quiet but nice week.  I like those kind!  How was your week?  Did you do anything exciting this week?  Any great deals?  Having a special day for Easter?

I am having a quiet and reflective day here today.

I look forward to hearing from you all.  May you all have a wonderful day and if you are getting with family - please enjoy each moment.

I hope your upcoming week will be lovely, safe and healthy.  Wishing you and yours many blessings from my humble little home.

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

Dear Lord, thank you is not enough, but is all we can say.  Thank you for Your Son and our Savior and for the love that is spread over us each and every one.  We are not deserving, but we can try to live the life we should.  Thank you for forgiving us and for loving us and for this life we enjoy each day.

May the Glory of our Savior be spread to all, as we pray for this world.  AMEN

Nature Can Always Provide

 Happy Thursday all.  Hope you are all well and safe.

Cold frosty morning here - with thoughts of getting warmer today!  At least the sun is shining this morning.

We all have so many options on this earth we can use for food or in foodstuffs.  Nature provides us with most all we NEED!  Notice I said need - not want.

Plants of all sorts - many of which most of us call weeds are good for food and medicinal needs.  Foraging is a great way to find these items.  I look towards my own yard often - as I know I use no chemicals on anything.  That is important to know.  If you live near a woods - you have a huge 'grow'cery store at your fingertips.

Today I will talk about things that are springing forth as we speak!  It is spring and certain things show up then.  Dandelions, wild violets, and soon clover - then peonies will be blossoming in a couple months!

There are so many things we can use - I will add posts about different items in coming weeks.

Flower to root - these are very nourishing and valuable. Not just for us but also for the first bees of spring hunting for food.

DANDELION JELLY

Click on recipe to enlarge for easy reading.

I have made this and it is sort of a honey taste.  Very good.  It doesn't look pretty at first (as you are preparing water) - the lemon juice makes all the difference in appearance!

Click on recipe to enlarge

Wild violet jelly is also quite tasty and it is pretty too once it is completed.

These specialty springtime jellies are very expensive if purchased at a specialty shop!  You can have it for the price of sugar, basically!

Click on recipe to enlarge

I have also made peony petal jelly.  It is sweet and a bit tart and a little flowery tasting.  Makes a great appetizer type jelly.  

As you start getting the liquid made to make it - it looks ugly and doesn't smell nice either!  Just fair warning.  That all changes - trust me.  Tasty, tasty!

You can use clover as well for a honey tasting jelly.  I need to look up my recipe for that one.

Many weeds (what we call them), flowers, seeds, fungi and roots can be used for all kinds of things.  There are some people that basically live off nature.  Animals are provided on the earth, fish, fruit, veggies, roots, herbs, you name it.  It is all here for us to use.  Sure, you do need to do a little research when it comes to plants and such - that it is safe for YOU - but there is so much to naturally choose from.

Hopefully I can add some ideas to all in the future posts.

I hope you have a lovely day and a reflective holiday week.

SMILES

And God said, "Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed which is upon the face of the all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit; you shall have them as food.  And to every beast of the earth, and to every bird of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth, everything that has breath of life, I have given every green plant as food." And it is so.

Genesis 1:29-30

There Will Always be One of Those Days!

 Morning to all.  Hope you are well and safe.  Kind of gloomy out here today - supposedly we may see peeks of sun.  We will see!

We have all had ONE of those days!!  You know those days, where things go wrong, or people disappoint, or you just feel blah!  Yep.

Yesterday - the guy came about 4:40 to fasten the wires.  I watched from inside and just kept shaking my head.  He was having one of those days for sure.  I don't know if he had a new battery drill he wasn't used to or if he was new or what - but that young man could not get that drill to work right.  From in the house, I could tell what he was doing wrong - it took him 45 minutes to figure it out.

He obviously forgot "righty tighty - lefty loosey"!  It was like he didn't realize his drill had a button to reverse his drill direction.  I just kept shaking my head.  Goodness.

Well, he finally got the simple connector in (with all kinds of tools and 1 hr. wasted) and fastened the wire.  Then I saw him take down the ladder and was leaving the other wire laying on the garage.  I went out to question.  His comment "that wire does nothing - it isn't active".  Me - WELL - why leave it???? I said you realize that will damage my shingles after a while of wind blowing it.  So, after sighing - he removed that wire completely.

All is good - but I wonder about workmanship these days.  I hope for his sake - it was JUST one of those days!!

This made me chuckle.  I guess sometimes we have to be very specific as to what we say, so people don't misunderstand.

It seems so often, no matter how we try it is 'damned if we do and damned if we don't'.  I know we have all felt that way.  Those are the things that make me sigh.  

We try to do our best daily, that is all we can do.  We all have failures. 

When you have a day that things don't work out, or you fall of the frugal wagon, or you get that unexpected bill, etc. - don't give up!!!

Sigh all you want, feel sorry for yourself for a moment - then put on those big girl panties and get up and try again.  ALWAYS TRY AGAIN!

Like we were taught with a classic childhood book - "I think I can, I think I can".

YES, you can.  It isn't always easy.  It isn't always a good day.  It isn't always going to work.  It isn't always going to be a simple thing.  Nothing in this world worth having is really easy!  It takes work and the "I CAN" attitude.

So, whatever you do today - do it with joy and with happiness and with a good attitude.

Today is a gift - it truly is.

Wishing you all a great day.

KEEP TRYING!

LET US PLAY - The Many Uses of........

 Good morning this Tuesday.  It is a windy day here and feels very damp.  We had some storms go through overnight and lots and lots of STRONG wind!  I have phone and internet lines down off the pole this morning!  There is one hanging about 5' above ground and one laying on the garage.  Everything works - so I just need someone out to place back on pole.

Hope everyone is safe - there are a lot of storms going through the country.  Hoping everyone's families are safe and not involved in the Baltimore bridge disaster.  That is just awful.

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

Today I am going to pick 2 different items that can be used in many, many ways.  Not just the conventional.  I think I may do this once a week for a bit - just as a reminder to all and a push to newbies that things aren't always what they seem!!!

JAMS AND JELLIES

Lots of us make both of these.  I always have several jars on hand - mainly for gifting.  I don't eat that often, and when I open a jar - it often gets sugary before I use it all.  I bet everyone has some of those baby jars on hand - those little jars that come in food gift boxes!  Here are some ideas to use it up.

Make thumbprint cookies

Jelly rolls

Blend with other ingredients to make sauces and BBQ and glazes

Cupcake centers

Melt and use over ice cream

Use with cream cheese on crackers for great snacks

Add to vinegar for specialty dressings

Granola bars

Use in oatmeal, over pancakes and waffles

In yogurt

OH, and maybe a PBJ!

ITALIAN OR FRENCH BREAD

Whether this is homemade, or store bought - it isn't just bread at my house.  Many uses.

I can buy this every day, sliced or whole, for a $1 or less at a couple different stores in my area. 

Garlic bread

Garlic toast

Bruschetta

Cheesy bread

Individual slices for mini pizza bites

Party sandwich

Individual sub sandwiches

French toast

Croutons, breadcrumbs

Bread pudding

Bread pizza

                                                                                Pizza

Roasted open face sandwiches of any type

Grilled sandwiches

Dipping bread

What different ideas do you have for these items?  Do you use these things in different ways?

I love being creative and using things in a way that many would not.  It sure does stretch the food (no waste) and it helps stretch the budget.  And as a bonus - you get some tasty food and goodies, by playing with your food a little!!

What items would you like to see other uses for in upcoming weeks?  Doesn't have to be just food to eat - many food items can be used for other things.

Look forward to your ideas.

Have a beautiful day!