Stocking - When Money is Tight

 Good morning all.  It is a sunny and chilly morn here.  A little frosty, but not too bad.  Hoping for a pretty day.  It looks like we will have a soggy Easter weekend.

I am still 'mending' after Mondays yard work!  My legs are so sore - getting older is heck.

Let's talk today about stocking up for whatever may happen in life, when you are already short on money.  It can be done.  I keep seeing people say - when you are already strapped at your tightest, it isn't possible.  Well, it really is.

Remember the old saying "How do you eat an elephant?"  "One bite at a time"!  That is kind of how stocking is on a tight budget.

Lots of people don't want to admit, no matter how tight the budget, that little changes can be made.  People DO NOT like change.  They are comfortable in their habits and really don't like changing things up at all.

Can you free up $10 - $20 a month?  Bet you can.

Maybe a couple of lunches not purchased (take your own), or no snacks a few days or drinks out.  Look into to cutting back your cable program or internet service.  Drive less.  No non-essential shopping.  Keep any spare change you may have.  Keep that change and use it to stock.    Lessen power or water usage.  Itty bity, tiny changes do add up.  Save anywhere you can.

Now when you go to the store, buy essentials.  Not everyone knows how or does cook from scratch.  I understand that.  That is something else that takes time to get into.  That should be your goal - to use ingredients to make the foods you eat and like instead of a mix or box.  It will be healthier and cheaper - REALLY!

When you shop, buy 2 instead of one, of some things.  Look at the B1G1 deals - although those aren't often the deal many think they are.  Look for sale prices and clearance.  Think about going to a different type of store.  Maybe stop buying snacks or pop - then buy something nutritious.

When you buy that second item - put it back for a time when the budget is even tighter or an event happens that you can't shop.  

You want things that are good for you - but the important thing MAY BE just having something.  As you get used to stocking - you will see the importance of things.  

You can grow lettuce, tomatoes, radish, carrots, etc.  You can maybe fish or maybe hunt.  You can't grow flour or rice or sugar or salt.  You see where I am going?    

You will start getting the things that are needed that you can't produce yourself.  You will start getting the hang of it.  

Look for clearance and sales - THIS IS ESSENTIAL.  The jars of pasta above, are just for my daily use.  I have lots, and lots of pasta.  I have all shapes and sizes - I get super sales or clearance most often.  I try to keep all pasta in glass jars - it lasts for years truly!  Pasta is one thing I never pay full price for.  Rice is another.  I get it on deals whenever I can.

Both items are things that can stretch absolutely any meal for pennies.

See the jar of dehydrated mushrooms?  I have jars and jars of them.  Anytime I see mushrooms on clearance, I get them and slice and dehydrate.  To me they are one of the easiest things ever to dehydrate.  I keep in glass jars with moisture absorber added and they last and last.  A little hot water or broth and are like fresh sliced to use in cooking!  I use them often.

You can buy cheap frozen veggies (like mixed for soups) and dehydrate those as well.  It takes up so little room in your storage and frees your freezer up for bigger finds.  (you can dehydrate in an oven if no dehydrator)

Cooking from scratch if you don't now?  Ease into it.  Use different sites on the computer to find recipe sites - using what you have to make meals.  It may not be something you do every day, but you can do it now and then and start learning.

Did you know rice can be ground into flour?  Not so great for bread, but it can be used in pancakes and waffles.  Oats can be ground as well. 

Start baking with simple items like biscuits.  They are about the easiest thing to make and it only costs pennies for a filling item.  Pancakes, waffles, are simple as well.  Learn to make gravy - it is a great extender.  Breakfasts of oatmeal and maybe some canned or frozen fruit - if you don't have fresh - sure beats the cost of breakfast out.

Drink water or make tea.  Stop the soda habit - that is so expensive for those without stable funds.

When you get a nice amount of 'regular' food whether canned or frozen - then you can start thinking about other things like powdered milk, baking supplies, etc.  Powdered milk can be handy in baking and cooking and even in a pinch when you need milk to drink!  Throw in a little cocoa if you need to.  Add to the 'ingredient' supplies.

Don't forget TP, shampoo, dish soap, laundry supplies, deodorant, etc.  Every now and then buy an extra.  Don't forget the pets.  It pays to have extras.   You never know what can happen in life to change your situation.

So, start taking notes on everything you spend money on - everything.  Look at the things you can stop spending on or cut back on.  Use those dollars, no matter how few they are to add some extra stock to your home.  It is your job to take care of your family - no one else's.  

Start taking bites of the elephant!!!!!!

Soon you will see a nice stockpile and you will feel the comfort of knowing your family will be ok.

Start now.  Baby steps.  Learn and follow along with people that can give advice or help.  Make changes.

YES, you can stock even when you think the budget says different. 

You got this - just get started.  It is addictive!!!!!

Have a wonderful day!!!!

Looking for Bargains - They are Still Around

 Hello to all.  Happy Tuesday.  Hoping you are all well and safe.  It is cooler here this morning than yesterday for sure!  Yesterday was a lovely day - it got to 73* at my house.  I worked outside a lot yesterday, and boy can I feel it this morning.  LOL!  I did sleep well, as I was just plain old tired.

Today is going to be much cooler and windy again!  It started out sunny, now it is very cloudy and overcast.  The wind is nuts already!!!

Just a peek of my perennial bed.  It is really popping up.  Looks like there will be a lot of poppies this year!  They have burst out of the bed!

Well, as promised, and little about still finding bargains at the grocery.  I ran into Kroger Friday for just a couple of fresh items.  I wanted potatoes, radish, and mini peppers.  I went on Friday as well, so that whatever I purchased gave me 4X my points for gas. I got what I went in for.

Of course I walk the store, JUST IN CASE!

Milk was reduced to .98 a half gallon - dated 4/21.  Pretty darn cheap in my book.  Milk can be frozen too if you find a great deal.

I found this.  I really didn't need ground beef but figured I would add to the freezer.  This is 85/15 organic - 3 pack deal (3 lbs.) was 10.53 = 3.51 per pound.  They had regular 80/20 on sale for 3.99/lb.  I hate paying over $3 but, that is a thing now.  Once in a great while I will find cheaper, but not often.  I got 6 lbs. of this.  So, it will easily be 12+ meals (soups, casseroles).  If making a burger only, it would be it would make 24 meals for me. (1/4 lb. burger)

Pretty cheap protein.

Rice was 5 lbs. for 1.88 and lentils were ,67 lb.  Adding to my stock

I also got a 1 lb. canister of Coffee Mate (powder) on clearance for 1.68 (no pic).  I am not a coffee drinker, but it can be used in hot chocolate or in something that I need a dairy flavor in (mixed with water).  It is dated (sell by) 11/25 - but I will keep it in the freezer for long term use.

Bread was FREE - for stopping in the thrift store.  This is expensive bread.  Found a .50 new coloring book for a gr. niece.

There were so many things this week in the clearance section - but most were things I wouldn't use.

Kroger regularly has deals on meat.  Every time I have gone in during the past couple months there are deals.  

It is a regular at my stores to have multi-packs of pork chops for $5 - it includes 10-12 chops.  Same with chicken legs and thighs.  I bought chicken legs a while back that had 14 huge legs in it, and it was on discount for 2.59.  Super deal.  They have also had fresh salmon, catfish and shrimp in the $5 packs.  Those are pretty darn good prices today.  You just have to pay attention and look around.  Deals can still be found.

We have a discount store that also provides many deals in all things.  They have things from yard equipment, clothes, toys, furniture and food.

Here is a look at a couple of their FB ads showing deals.  It changes up every week.  Some are great and I have purchased there before, and the produce is always good.

There is always a deal.  For anyone close to me this is Circle City Bargains on US 31 south, just north of Greenwood (they are on FB).  This is also where I got my mower and pressure washer.

If you click on the bottom picture, you can see the pricing better.

You just have to look for options and really look around the stores.  I recently saw someone post that Aldi had tomato soup for .29 can!  I saw an Aldi post on FB yesterday with small mushroom pizzas (frozen) having an unadvertised special for .49 each!!  Sign up to get advertisements or FB ads for your favorite stores.  Many send emails to you as well, if you choose.

I have never done any of the apps for groceries.  I do not have that type of phone - but I can sure find a deal by looking around!

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Just a side note- I make my own dressing, and I use an old store-bought bottle to keep it in.  A couple weeks ago, my ranch looked empty, but I turned it upside down in the frig - and I got an additional 5 uses on side salads out of it!!  Empty doesn't really mean empty.  You can always add a bit of milk and shake it up to stretch.  Italian can add vinegar and/or a bit of oil to extend. 

Of course, shampoo, dish soap and laundry soap - add water and shake.  You will be amazed how much is left and how well it works.  Cut things open like lotion and toothpaste - many more uses.

Just stop and think!!  There are lots of ways to extend your pantry and freezer and the items you have.  Use lentils with or to replace meat in soups and casseroles - they are the great extender!  Use less meat.  I can have meals with no meat and still get protein, and I get full.  

Like my Coffee Mate buy - think about other uses than the normal one!

Deals are still out there.  It may not always be 'what you went in for', but maybe you can change up your idea of need.  Be open to going with the deals to help in the menus.  Be observant!!!  It can pay off big time.

Have a super day to all!

Faith over Fear

Weekly Wrap Up 4/13

 Happy Sunday to all.  Happy Palm Sunday!  I hope this finds everyone well, safe and blessed.

It is a decent morning here.  In the 40's and a bit overcast.  Still kind of bright and it isn't raining!  It looks like this coming week will be very near seasonal temps for this time of the year.  That is good.

It is just getting so pretty out.  The grass is vivid green, all the trees are budding and leafing and the flowering trees are magnificent.

The birdies are singing this morning, Licorice has been fed, and the squirrels are scampering all around.  I always have finches, all year long, but the first "bright yellow" gold finches have shown up in the past couple days.  Oh goodness, they are pretty.  Bitsy is curled up next to me and being a cutey!  It is a great morning.

Just a lot of this and that this week!

• Worked on getting the basement floor all dry - that took a couple days.  So happy to have a dehumidifier, shop vac and a fan - they helped a lot
• Picked up lots of sticks after the storms
• Had landscape timbers (8' - 4x4) actually float many feet from all the water in the yard out back!  Got those back where they should be.  They have never floated like that in all these years.  We had a lot of rain to say the least.
• Spent a half day with sis.  That was fun
• Dug out the front street storm drain (2 doors down).  It was packed with dirt, leaves and sweetgum balls and almost couldn't see it.  No wonder we had so much flooding on my street.  I dug it out and removed all the gunk.  It is free and clear now!
• Got to air the house some on a few days
• Recorded some very old classics to watch at a later date (from 40's)
• Mowed front to back and trimmed everything
• Did laundry and used dehumidifier water in the laundry
• Cooking meals at home and using up leftovers in new ways
• I did go to the store Friday to get a few fresh goods.  I found a bunch of really good clearance items and will share those on Tuesday.  Want to post about ways to still get deals!  Also got 4X points on Friday to help with gas later on.
• Just doing all the normal things

Meals this past week:

Made a chili/cheese spread/dip and had with crusty bread - fresh veggies

Deconstructed cabbage roll skillet (used leftover fried cabbage)

Chili/cheese fries and a side salad - (leftover spread)

Chicken breast, fried corn and asparagus

Chicken/mushroom spaghetti, fresh veggies (leftover chicken)

Cheeseburger and fruit

Spicey rice, sausage, cherry toms

There you have it - just a lot of odds and ends.  How was your week?  Has everyone gotten things taken care of after all the storms?   We still have 18 counties under declared emergency!  There is still just so much flooding in the southern part of the state, as it is in many places.

What have you all been up to this week?  Any good deals?  I hope it is getting warmer for those in the great up north.

I hope you all have a lovely and safe and healthy week.  May your week be filled with blessings of all sorts.  Enjoy as the weather warms and sun and fresh air abound.

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

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Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.

Psalms 51:10

Dear Lord, again we send up thanks for all the many, many blessings that we have received.  May we all try to live our best life and be kind and good to others.  May our words and deeds be kind to all.  Help us to improve ourselves each and every day and to improve our attitudes and reactions to others and to things we cannot control.  May we all exemplify the life Christ lived.  In His name we pray, AMEN

Faith over Fear

Words to End the Week

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It is a beautiful morning here.  The sun is shining, and it is warmer - about 40*.  Looks like it may get in the 50's today with NO rain!  Yesterday we had some rain, and in the afternoon, there were even some big old wet snowflakes in the mix.

The next few days should be nicer, with maybe a few showers over the weekend.  I hope to get out and mow at the end of the week again.  It sure needs it.

We all have setbacks in life, some bigger than others.  Stuff happens - but we just can't let it stop us and get us down too badly.  We pick up and continue to go forward.  We find a way.  We cannot change what HAS happened, but we can change our future.  That is one thing that we can all do - maybe in baby steps, maybe in big strides - but we work hard and go on.

I love this meme.  It is so true.  YOU have to take care of YOU!  When you take care of yourself, you are kind of taking care of those around you.  A happier you means a happier world around you!

Get up every day and do something!  Stay as physical as possible.  Clean, plant, do laundry, do yard work, walk, or just exercise a little - whatever you are able to do.  Got to take care of these bodies!

Mind your "head"!  Try to stay positive and not dwell on negative and bad thoughts.  Do not put negative out in the world.  Mind your thoughts and words - everyday!!!!  You CAN control that.  Only you can control that.  When you spread negativity, it touches everyone around you.  Sure, crap happens, but you can dwell on the positive instead of the negative.  It will change everything about you!

Finances - well, we do what we can.  We have big expenses happen, and that isn't easy.  We are here because we are frugal and thrifty people.  That is why I am frugal - so I can confront those spendy days/weeks.  If I mind my money today - it will HELP me tomorrow.  It may not solve the problem, but it can help!

I know it hurts, but not every day in life is perfect.  Sometimes we have to pull the belt tighter, simplify more, and learn new (old) ways.  I hear a lot of complaints about that, that it simplifies it all too much.  Well, I was raised to put in the work and get a positive return.  So, it is just a way of life for me.  Some need to look at things differently.  Quit making things harder than they have to be.

Blessings - count them every single day!!!!!  No matter what your day or week brings to you - it brings good and blessings as well.  It may be something simple as a kind word, or it may be a blessing of bill paid off, or a job offer, or an accident missed, or the beauty of nature.  EVERY single day is special.  Make sure you give thanks on a regular basis.  Be good and kind and watch it happen to you as well.  I am a huge believer in you reap what you sow.

Today is a new day - make it a good day.  As it states in the first meme, you can't change yesterday, no matter how badly you wish you could.  It is the past.  Today is all you can count on - and that is moment by moment.  No one knows how much time they have - so make it good while you can.  I sure don't want people to say "she sure was a negative Nelly on her last day".  I'd prefer they think of me in a kind way - because that means I made a nice impact on this world and/or them.

You control you.  Be the best you can be.  Physically, mentally and to the world.  Do not put bad energy out to the world or in your home.  Be the light that everyone needs.  Help keep your neighborhood a nice place.  Help your family and friends when they need a boost or a positive word.  Help a stranger once in a while.  Learn new ways to make your life a little simpler and easier.  Smile, laugh, enjoy!

Just do all you can do to be a better you.

I, like you, have had s**t happen in my life.  BIG s**t!!!!  It stinks.  But how I respond is everything.  I pull up my big girl panties, reset my thoughts, rest a little, then get busy and move forward.  Wallowing in the S isn't going to help me in anyway whatsoever.

I do understand much of what others go through - been there and done that.  That is the only reason I offer advice.

I send you off with prayers for a lovely day and a beautiful weekend.

Sending love to you all.

Midweek - Fun Foody Ideas

 Howdy all.  Hoping this finds you all safe and healthy.  It is another very chilly morning here.  We are under a freeze warning until about 9AM.  It is partly sunny this morning, but we do expect some showers later on.  Oh fun - not!

This morning I noticed a tan and brown pigeon in the backyard.  My usual visitors are the basic black, gray and iridescent green ones.  This one was really quite pretty.  It is actually only the second times in years that I have seen a tan one in the wild.

Just a cute and fun idea.

I have come across some yummy recipes and ideas that I thought were fun sounding.  One took me back to junior high!  Hope you enjoy these.  As always click on the pictures to increase the size if needed.

From Eating Well on FB.  Homemade butterscotch sauce sounds like a fun addition to the holiday desserts!

From Eating Well.

This is the one that took me back to junior high.  We made a very similar item in home ec.  and called them 'popovers'.  I need to make these again soon.  I remember they were so good and fluffy.

Fun seasoning ideas without the salt.  So many think the only GOOD seasoning is salt!  You can come up with any number of seasonings and rubs yourself.  Fun to give some a try!

(From Quick Life Lessons)

You know I am a natural medicine/holistic believer.  I know there are many that take prescriptions for various things, and everyone does what is right for them.  I take nothing and sure hope I never have to.

I noticed so many of these listed bananas, oranges, nuts, grapes and grapefruit.  At least one or two of those are eaten by me EVERY single day.  I am a citrus fanatic, and I generally have bananas or grapes on hand and there is always some kind of nuts in my home.  I have also kept tart cherry juice or tart cherry capsules around always.  It really does help with aches and pains.  I am not a fan of avocado nor papaya - but pretty much have or have used all the rest.

The Lord has said He provided us with everything we need on this earth.  I do believe that.  Many medications today, were derived from natural things many years ago.  Native Americans have always followed the natural way as well.

I know it isn't for everyone, but I love it.

Just thought I would share.

You have any fun and easy recipes to share?  Do you use a lot of fruits and nuts in your life?

I'd love to hear your tips.

Have a fantastic day my friends!

Hippity Hop - Easter Will Soon be Here

 Good morning all.  I sure hope all are safe and well.  The storms have moved Eastward, causing havoc all along the way.  Prayers for everyone in their line.  If you haven't already - please check in and let us know how you are faring!!!!!

It is cold this morning - go figure.  It is in the upper 20's!  It was 80 a few days ago.  Spring weather never ceases to amaze me.  The sun is shining, so that makes things feel better (if in mind only) to start the day.

Easter is less than 2 weeks away!  Hard to believe.  Many have family get-togethers and meals for the family, many celebrate the bunny events for the younger ones in the family, and then others strictly celebrate the reverence of the day.

Whatever way you plan to spend the day - here are a few ideas that maybe you can use.

A fun and natural way to color hard boiled eggs.  Using what you have on hand and no artificial dyes.  I think it is fun to mix and match.  Coloring is also a good way to store hardboiled eggs in the frig - just to know the difference between fresh and cooked!

Easter Smore packets!  Yeah, Peeps are not the best thing to eat, but the kiddos will surely think this is cute and fun.  Little baggies all ready to make the goodies. These can be used on Easter or kept for a later date!

Making special treats for the family to enjoy, is always fun.  You can decorate cakes, cookies, cupcakes, fruit - you name it.  It doesn't have to cost anything - you can make you own goodies and create fancy toppings.  Just a fun way to increase the fun for Easter or any occasion.

Fruit pizza is always a yummy dessert, and it is pretty too.  I have done this and used a giant sugar cookie (you can make whatever kind you like).  Top with a little cream cheese with a bit of sugar added - then fruit of any type.  Yummy and always a hit.

Maybe make a centerpiece from your yard!  Cut newly budding greenery, or flowering bushes or trees and make a lovely display for the table.

I know eggs are expensive - but I hope those that want, can color a few.  There are also plastic eggs that can be filled with treats and tiny offerings or even change.  You can usually get bags full of plastic ones at the thrift stores.  You can also make Jello eggs.

You can really get creative and color/paint rocks.  Rocks are fun to paint with pictures or sayings.  They look cute in flowerpots, gardens or even on windowsills!  Just something free and fun for the whole family to make.

There are many free printables on the computer to print out for the kiddos to color.

Use baskets, totes, boxes (decorated) that you have to make Easter baskets.  I had the same one (w/Mom) from the time I was little into adulthood!!!  I looked forward to it.

Buy little gems at the dollar stores - hair accessories, crayons, little cars/trucks, socks, balls, maybe a frisbee, nail polish, puzzles, etc. to fill the basket.

Get creative on your meal and use what you have.  Go through that freezer and the pantry and make a delish meal.  Seriously, there are no rules that say you have to have this or that.  Do what you want.  Make the foods that your family likes - whatever it is.  You can make a very special meal with what you have and maybe add a fun dessert.  

Enjoy the family and celebrate the true reason for the day.  

Just remember you don't have to fall into the 'holiday' traps of spending tons of money.  It can be fun and special for nothing.

Do you have any fun and frugal ideas for celebrating, especially for the kiddos?

Have a wonderful day to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 4/6

 Hello and welcome to the Sunday blog.  I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy and hopefully DRY!

Wet is the word of the week in the mid-section of the states, north to south.  Oh my goodness, what a week.  First the storms and tornadoes - then flooding - catastrophic flooding.  So many people have homes and businesses under water.  The flooding is terrible. 

We have had almost 6" if rain in the past couple days, and that is nothing compared to others south of here.  Some have seen 8"+.  Creeks are raging rivers.  Rivers are roaring and 17'-20' over their banks, and yet to crest. 

I have flooding in the back yard and a very wet basement floor, but that is nothing.  I am dealing with that.  The dehumidifier and fans are working overtime - I just can't imagine what others are dealing with.  I sometimes feel overwhelmed that I have to face these things alone, but such is life.  We grow and learn and survive.

The next couple nights are going to get cold again.  We will be at or below freezing for a couple nights - yuck.  I sure hope it doesn't damage fruit trees.

Just a reminder to all - do NOT drive through flooded roads!!  So many have tried (even high vehicles) and have gotten stranded and some float away.  Not only is it dangerous to you and your vehicle, but it is so wrong to put rescue personal at risk for something so stupid.  Just don't - stay home if necessary.

There are violets, dandelions and tulips putting out color now.  The grass is just vivid green.  The Robins and grackles have sure been enjoying the soggy ground!  Even seeing the bunny out and about.  It sure is spring in this area.  We get the good and the bad - it is all part of the season.

This week wasn't all that frugal - but necessary!  That is why I do what I do the rest of the time.  Makes life less painful!

• Kept more tough ends of asparagus for making soup at some point (and kept those heavy rubber bands)
• Got the taxes done.  Yep, an expense - but all worked out wonderfully.  I was more than pleased with results.  The tax place is right across from the park - so got to enjoy just beautiful scenery as well.  Oh, the trees are so pretty.
• I picked a small bouquet of tulips and hyacinths 
• I did buy a new lawnmower.  A NEED!  I got a great price.
• Got to mow the yard before the rains started
• While out, I stopped at the hardware store and also purchased new string disks for the weed whacker.  The first I have had to purchase since I got the whacker (got pack of 3 - will last for a few years).  I also received a free bag of popped popcorn - that was good, as I was hungry!  Got me home without stopping for something!
• Visited with sis for her 94th birthday!  She is doing well.  I did stop to buy her a pretty bouquet of flowers and some of her favorite Russell Stover sugar free chocolates.  She was thrilled.  Worth every penny!!!!
• Running the dehumidifier and fan downstairs - glad to have both.  Will take the air filter/ionizer down there this week
• Using what I have on hand - no grocery shopping
• Doing all the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Ham (freezer), mac n cheese, steamed asparagus

Smoked sausage (freezer) sandwich and small salad

Cup of lasagna soup (freezer) and fresh veggies and fruit

Beef and broccoli rice bowl

Fish tacos (soft)

Grilled ham & cheese, hardboiled egg and side salad

Fried cabbage w/bacon, and scrambled eggs

Well, how has your week been?  I know several of you live within the storm areas we had earlier in the week, and many are in the flood zones as well.  Please let us know how you are faring!!!!

Please know that I pray for all of you daily.  

Also, did you get any deals this week?  Doing spring cleaning?  Cleaning up storm mess?

I pray that each and every one of you are safe and healthy.  That you have not had to deal with big loss or damage.  I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead.

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

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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 3:11-13

Dear Lord, we thank you for all that we have and for our family and friends.  We ask for help and love for those going through so many struggles at this point in time.  May we all remember that no matter what we feel we are enduring, there are so many who have far worse problems.  Help us each to be grateful for what we DO have and help us to learn to be more content in all things.  May we all be kind and caring in our words and actions, as they can affect others in ways we do not realize.  AMEN