Don't Stress - Tis the Season

 Hello on this midweek day!  Hope you are all well.  A cool morning here, just waiting on rain to move through this morning.  It's funny, we went all October dry as a bone - now we get rain and more rain.  We need it though.  Tomorrow looks to get much cooler here with snow later in the day.

We are now in that busy time of the year for many people.  Holiday gatherings, gifts to buy and wrap, plays and musicals, office parties, you name it.

Many thrive during this time and others really prefer to hibernate.  I can understand that, as it can all be overwhelming.  Some just feel that there are too many expectations to be met and to many people to see, and for some it is just a sad time.

However you handle it - know IT IS OK!!!!!!!  If you don't want to do - don't do!  Take care of you.

If indulging in the events of the holidays - just remember a few things that will help make things a bit easier.

• Make you list and check it twice or three or four times.  I am a huge list maker - it helps
• Check for sales and loss leaders at the grocery stores and get the deals for meals.  Most things we all serve will be discounted at some point during the holiday time
• Stay OUT of the grocery store the week of a holiday!!!!!  Generally, the people in the stores the week of - are panic shopping and things get crazy and lines get long, and peoples tempers flare
• Make sure you have everything for your baking needs - so as not to make lots of emergency store runs
• Maybe bake fewer things.  2 or 3 favorites is all people need - not dozens
• Prep what you can ahead.  Chop veggies, dry bread, bake what you can and freeze - do whatever you need to - to make your holiday easier
• Consider having others pitch-in some of the dishes - it is cheaper and easier when everyone does their part
• When it comes to cleaning - dust and vacuum, clean the bathroom and call it a day!  Don't worry about the closets, behind the beds, etc.  Some folks about kill themselves doing a deep clean.  If people are being nosey - they aren't your people!  I do the basics and that is it.  People should be socializing not inspecting!!!!!
• Simplify the gifting!  The holidays should be about the people and NOT the stuff
• DO NOT go in debt to buy gifts for others!!!!!!!  No sale, no deal is worth going into debt for.  PLEASE don't be one of those people that are paying off charge cards for months all because of one day.
• If you have extra gatherings (other than main meals) - consider doing things buffet style.  Finger foods, appetizers, a common drink - use crockpots to keep things warm.  Keep it simple.  I have a gathering every year - that I utilize a couple crockpots, a nice charcuterie board and maybe some chips, crackers and dips.  A few homemade sweet goodies and it's done.  We snack all afternoon and just enjoy each other!!!!!  

Whatever you do - don't let this time of the year get you down.  If you need to avoid people and gatherings - then do it.

Simplify what you can and don't feel bad about it.  As we age, it seems to make more sense to simplify, as we truly know what is important.

Pass on stories from your childhood and from family now gone to those that will listen.  I like to think that as I speak of those not here anymore - it is keeping them alive within the family.  Laugh and enjoy memories - they are important.

MAKE new memories!!!!!

So as the song says - "Don't worry - be happy"!

I hope as we enter this holiday season - that everyone will take care of their mental health and reach out to someone if they need help coping.  Be well and do what is best for you.

Have a super day everyone!

A Pretty, A Fun, A Creative

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope you are all well and doing good.  It is a wet morning here.  We had rain overnight and it is still misting out.  The temps when getting up were still in the 60'sF.  It will get close to 70 today, then it appears that temps will be slowly dropping the next few days.  I guess it is time. Sigh!!

I am so tired this morning.  I slept last night, but starting at about 2AM I managed to wake and look at the clock EVERY half hour!  I went right back to sleep, but each time I slept I dreamed some of the craziest dreams.  I dreamt of people I haven't even thought about in decades and just weird things.   My mind was very active, for sure.  The covers were a mess this morning, so I must have moved a lot too.  I do believe today may be a short nap day!  You ever have one of those nights?

This was Sunday evening at sunset.  So pretty - but look at that cloud formation in the center.  It really was strange looking, which is why I took the picture.  I looked out and saw that 'funnel' looking cloud and had to grab the camera.  Last night was gorgeous as well - it looked like mountains with pinks and oranges behind them.  Yeah, we don't have mountains nor hills where I am!  Such beauty - the best art right outside.

Click on the picture to see it larger.

This is my kitchen clock.  I 'inherited' this from a neighbor that passed a couple years back.  This summer her BIL was finally letting go of her things and he knew what a cat lover I am.  What you can't see is that the tongue moves back and forth every second.  It is such a fun addition and a reminder of Rosemary.  Isn't it fun?

It reminds me of the old Felix the cat clocks!!!

I told you in Sunday wrap-up about cleaning the filter in the bathroom faucet.  Well, for a long time the kitchen sink seemed to have low pressure.  I couldn't understand as nothing has been changed underneath the sink.  I decided to try and remove the filter from it - NOPE, that wasn't happening.  So, I got a little creative.  I took a small juice glass and put vinegar in it.  Then I place a rubber band over faucet and wrapped it a time or two - then placed the little glass over the end of the faucet (to cover the filter part on spicket) and wrapped the rubber band around it.  Clear as mud now?  LOL.  I forgot to take a picture.

Anyway, I left it that way for about 3 hours while I worked outside.  Came in and removed and turned on the water - after a few sputters I had full flow of water again!  My pressure at least doubled.  I guess it was really clogged up as well.  

Sometimes we may think things are all messed up - and just a little creative thinking can remedy the problem with NO money spent!

Have you got any FREE fixes that worked for you around the house that saved having to hire help or buy something new??  Inquiring minds need to know!!

Well, I guess I need to get busy.  I truly need to sew - I keep talking myself out if it!  Sometimes I can be such a procrastinator - that is one of the things about me I need to work on!

Wishing you all a great day.  Stay safe and stay healthy and be productive!

SMILE

Weekly Wrap Up Nov. 17

 Hello to all and happy Sunday.  Hope this finds all well and safe.

It is a cool morning here.  My goodness, what a big old full moon we had glowing in a misty looking sky - it sure looked like fall/winter.  This morning the sunrise was just glorious with all the pinks and oranges.

It looks to be a somewhat dreary week ahead - with many chances of rain and much cooler temps by the end of the week - even with talk of flurries!

We had rain and cloudy skies a lot of last week, with the sun finally showing itself yesterday afternoon.

I do not like these darker days and the shorter sunlight hours at all.  It really plays with my mood and motivation!  Counting down the days to the days getting a minute or two lighter each day!

My frugal week:

• Used my air fryer and crockpot this week
• Worked outside when I could - pulled out the remainder of the garden plants and did some other yard work
• I did find a few more small green tomatoes while pulling out plants - so brought them in (we still haven't had a freeze here) - they will probably be cut in half and fried!
• Still eating lots of tomatoes from the garden
• Had some old eggroll wraps in frig that needed to be used - so made up a fun meal.  Used mini sweet peppers and stuffed with Mex. chicken (from freezer), cream cheese and then wrapped.  Air fried and they sure were tasty.  
• I used more of the Mex/ chicken for a meal and made a quesadilla for the freezer with it.
• Visits to sis - she is slowly moving.  Finally walking a bit - but it is tough.  She has finally resigned herself of probably not being home for Thanksgiving :( - but she is slowly improving.
• Stopped at Meijer this week when done with a sis visit.  Hadn't been in ages.  Won't make that mistake again.  I couldn't believe how expensive that store has gotten on EVERYTHING (except turkey).  I used to shop there a lot.  I will stick to my Kroger and Aldi - shoot even WM is better than going there.  I was pretty dumbstruck.  My Menard's visit the week before was a much better experience.
• I ran to a Holiday Bazaar at my old high school yesterday.  It was not huge - but it gave me some ideas and helped put me in the mood a little.  Only bought a couple snacks for myself!
• Had my bathroom sink appear to be leaking.  I took off the filter and boy was it clogged!  I cleaned it really well and put back on.  The 'leak' was just water trying to flow out and taking a minute!  The stream is better too.
• Have been working on cleaning, recycling and decluttering a lot.  Cleaning off /out different areas
• NO groceries this week
• Using what I have and cooking from home
• Used crockpot to make a very small beef roast and veggies
• Changed out the bed comforter to change up the look

Meals this past week:

Home fries, chicken strips and tomatoes

Mex. chicken tostadas

Stuffed pepper 'eggrolls' and salad

Homemade pizza

Cup of chili (freezer) and a small slice of pizza

Fried fish sandwich and tomatoes and cukes

Roast and potatoes and carrots

SNACKS - cut up tomatoes, cheese on crackers, fruit

Really a pretty quiet week.  I just didn't have the oomph I needed to get a lot done - the dark days have played on me!!

How was your week?  Did you do any holiday shopping/crafting?  Are you gals in the US ready for Thanksgiving?  Have you started decorating for Christmas?  I will wait until after Thanksgiving to do what little I do.

Look forward to hearing from you all.  A thank you to all this week for answering questions and helping others out.  I love the sharing.

May you all have a super week ahead and please stay safe and healthy.

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

***********

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving; for then it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.

1 Timothy 4:4-5

Dear Lord, again we send up thanks for all the blessings we each received this week.  There are many unspoken prayers by those we know, and we ask that You lay healing hands upon bodies and hearts.  Let us each be thankful for every wonderful little thing that happens in our lives.  Amen

Fun Stuff - Subs and Making Your Own!

 Howdy all.  It is a dreary and wet morning here.  My thermometer says 57*, and it won't get much warmer today.  At least no snow!  It looks to stay this way temp wise for the next week.  Fine with me!

We got a lot of rain last evening and overnight, sure is helping to rid us of drought warnings.  October was basically bone dry.

Yep!  This is kind of what we were talking about yesterday.  Having 'enough' is often quite fine.  As we get older, we worry about having more to take care of ourselves during older age - but young folks need to know that they can still have a good life on less.  Think ahead for emergencies and unforeseen events in life and save for those.  Even if it is a small amount - it all adds up.

Along with living with a little less, means often not running to the store at every moment when we run out of things.  Most times we don't just get what we went for, but more - plus we are spending gas and time.  Knowing substitutes is fun and works to save a little bit of money. 

You can still cook and bake with subs!

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading

Use 5 Tbsp. of this to equal one packet on store bought.  So easy to make and nice to have on hand.

It is that time that many people use cream of soups in cooking.  Make your own!!!  Super easy and it tastes good.  You can sub chicken bouillon for beef or whatever you have to make different flavors.

It is nice to have on hand, even for just adding to your own soup to thicken things up a bit.

Take time to think for a minute, if you are missing an ingredient.  Do a moment of research and you can almost always find an alternative.  Sure does save money - not running out for one item, and it really can taste better too.

Hope you all have a great weekend.  It is time to maybe get those outdoor decorations out while the weather is still decent, or get the pantries in order, or work on the canning or crafts.  Just enjoy whatever you do.

Have a lovely day!!!!

Living on Less - Things You Can do!

 Good day to all.  Here we are mid-week again!  It is a lovely morning here.  We expect rain tonight, so need to do things outdoors today.  Hope you are all well.

There are many ways to live on less, if one has the right mindset.  You have to be willing to change a few things, and you have to be willing to TRY!  Sure, some things only save a few pennies or dollars - but we all know it adds up.  It can really add up quickly.  Pennies make dollars.

Many want to quit working and are so afraid that there will not be enough money.  Really, staying home can save $$$.

If not working, you spend less on gas.  Less wear and tear on your vehicle.  You don't need as many clothes.  You can often get your car insurance rate lowered (I did and so did G).  No lunches out.  If you have children, no day care!  Less laundry.  The benefits go on and on.

You need to use what you have.  If you keep things - use them.  Wear the clothes you keep.  Use the pantry you have.  Use the lawn equipment and do your own lawn work IF you are able.  

Eat it, wear it, use it - things serve NO purpose in a closet!!!

You have time to fix things or maintain them.  That leaky faucet - easy fix.  Air around the door - work on draft dodgers.  A room needs painted - do it.  There are many, many things that are simple and we can do them ourselves.

Cook at home.  Use the pantry, try new things, look up recipes.  Make your drinks at home - no daily coffees out.  Make tea at home.  Don't waste things!

Think of ways to conserve energy - extra blankets on the bed, electric blankets/flannel sheets, maybe a space heater instead of furnace, open/close blinds for sun to heat house, windows for fresh air, work outside/or walk for exercise and fresh air, be conscious of water/light/heat usage (you have time now).

You will have less stress - which generally means better health and well-being!  A good mindset is a huge benefit.  

You will have time to grow things IF you so desire or IF you are allowed where you live.  Otherwise, you will have more time to watch for deals or go to farm stands.

THINK about purchases.  You have time to plan and not make binge purchases.  No quick decisions.  You can look around and buy quality instead of quantity.  You can even eliminate fast food - by thinking about your purchases.  Make sure your purchases are really going to make a difference in your life and are needed.

Along that vein of thought - know the difference between wants and needs!!!  Not only is this important of your dollars but your time.  Before maybe you had to go to events, that you may not have wanted to go to.  Now you can decide what you want to attend.  Make it something you really will enjoy - not just a 'have to go' thing.

You no longer have to be on someone else's schedule - you can make your own.  Do things when you want and how you want.  It is so freeing!

So, if you are wanting to retire or even be a stay-at-home mom - sit down and think about the things you can do that will save you dollars.  Make a list.  Think about everything and really work on that budget.  There may be many, many more things you can stop or not spend on - each person is different.  These are just the general things most of us can do.

YOU CAN DO IT - IF you really want to!

Plan your work and work your plan!!!!!

I read this quote yesterday and think it is fitting.  This was from a fellow in China who came from nothing - made a fortune - and lost it all.  

I think it says it all!!

"The happy man is someone who has purpose, something to do each day.  The value of money is about how you spend it, not how much you make or how much you have."

Im Chae-moo

Have a beautiful day!

Finding Frugal Fresh Foods in the Fall

 Good day to all my friends.  It is a chilly morn here.  Going to be a cooler day.  We are getting deep into the fall season, and today we talk about finding some very frugal finds for our frig and pantries.

Now is the time to start watching those holiday and fall sales for fresh goodies at the store.  I know that it all comes to location, location, location.  Here in the US we are close to celebrating Thanksgiving, which is always a great time to find inexpensive deals on food.  This may not hold up in other locales - but still it is the season for much produce to be harvested in other areas and hopefully prices will be better.  

IF you find the deals - get them and if you can, preserve some for later.

WINTER SQUASH - there are tons of types of winter squash to be had and just as many ways to fix them.  They are hearty and filling and very healthy for you.  I am seeing many being sold for much cheaper prices than normal.  Easy to store for later.

CARROTS - are getting much cheaper here right now.  You can generally fond a 2# bag for under $2 now.  Carrots are such a healthy food item.  They can be used in so many ways.  Medallions, stir fry, mashed, roasted and even in sweets - like carrot cake or muffins!

Buy whole carrots not 'baby' carrots if at all possible.  'Baby' carrots are generated and have been treated.

POTATOES - regular and sweet.  Holiday season brings good prices on this fall harvest.  I cannot begin to count the ways potatoes can be used.  You name it you can do it!  They also make a super inexpensive meal all alone.  A nice baked potato or sweet potato can be so filling!  

CABBAGE - I am starting to see some great prices on cabbage around here.  This generally continues into the new year.  Such a versatile and healthy item.  Fried, steamed, boiled, baked, rolls, in soups and stews..........and on and on.

TURNIPS - RADISH - both are inexpensive right now.  I know a lot of people turn their noses up at turnips.  I am not a fan of cooked ones, but I like them raw and sliced in salads or just alone with a little salt.  YUM.  I am also a radish nut!!  I use them in a lot of salads and alone.  They are also good pickled and I have fried as well.  Both are easy to keep on hand for a while.

ONION, CELERY - it is becoming dressing/stuffing time, and these items are needed.  They are both good in soups.  Also pair with your carrots and make 'trinity' for cooking.  I freeze both celery and onions in baggies all the time.  Both are easy to dehydrate as well.

GREENS - there are many greens being harvested now as well.  From collards, kale, chard, and lettuces.  These can be used in and on many meals.  Many can be cooked alone and used as a side dish. If you are finding a deal on leaf lettuce - think about wilted lettuce as well as fresh for salads.

BRUSSEL SPROUTS, CAULIFLOWER, BROCCOLI - are getting cheaper right now.  All are great in so many types of dishes or just alone.  Great for roasting and in soups.  Easily frozen.  

TURKEY - not a garden item - but they are cheap this time of the year, especially in the US.  If you live in our neighboring country to the north - if you get a chance to cross into US, maybe you can take advantage of the wonderful sales.  I am seeing ads for .39 lb. - .69 lb. at just about every store.  Next week will be even cheaper I suppose.  Tis the season!!!

Truly the best meat deal ever available.

CRANBERRIES - it isn't a regionally grown item for me, but they are a staple in many holiday celebrations.  They are starting to show up fresh in stores at a cheaper price.  Not only can they be used in meals, they can also be made easily into juice and canned.  Also watch after the holidays - as they get really marked down on clearance.  Not as healthy at all - but even the canned cranberry sauces are much cheaper now.

Don't forget about PUMPKINS and APPLES and PEARS - oh my!  There are some great deals to be found on these items as well.  Now that Halloween is over, many places are almost giving pumpkins away (some are).  Apples are plentiful and pears as well.  All can be saved for later if properly stored and can be frozen, canned or dehydrated.

So if you live in a location that is celebrating fall and Thanksgiving - be on the lookout!  You can get a lot of healthy food for a frugal price.  Buying in season is just always smart.

There are so many ways to preserve and so many ways to cook these items.

Get the good stuff while you can for a price you can afford!

Have a wonderful day to all.

Weekly Wrap Up - Nov. 10

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a gloomy start to the week here, and it is still drizzling rain.  We had about 1/2" of rain over night - much needed.  It is around 56*F this morning.  According to predictions it will be above average through Thanksgiving at the end of the month for my area!  No snow here for a while!!  I am good with that.

Speaking of the S word - Christmas is just a mere 45 days away!!!  OH MY!

Sis, is in rehab as of this week.  She is slowly working to improve and be able to function again on her own.  She still hurts a LOT - but she is determined!  Please continue to keep her in your thoughts.

This sure looks like fall and holidays.  I do love the fall decorations.  I have been seeing tons of Christmas commercials this week.  Seems here in US we don't even pause for Thanksgiving anymore.  Halloween to Christmas.

One year ago today this little booger butt showed up in my drive!  He was so tiny (fit in hand small) and so afraid of everything.  Blackie watched over him and took care of him, until I got to where I could pet and pick him up.  It took us a while - then they came indoors!  My how my life changed, and my love grew!!  He is spoiled to the hilt and just loves hanging out with his buddy and momma.  Looks like he kind of likes his life now, doesn't it?  LOL.  My sweet Bitsy such a stinker!

My frugal week:

• Still eating garden tomatoes, a lot
• Cut a beautiful rose this week - oh it smelled so sweet.  Lasted almost all week.  I still have many pretty flowers blooming
• Rehab visits with sis
• Stopped at Menards while visiting sis.  Got some fun add-ins for holiday baskets (mushroom growing kits), things for kiddos and some things I had trouble finding for gardening this year - all set for next year
• Froze leftovers I had or used in a new way
• Cleaned out refrigerator and consolidated many jars and bottles
• Made 14 pints of salsa & canned - most will be gifts.  I have plenty from past for my needs & cooking
• Washed lots of freezer bags (from tomatoes) to use again
• I raked a ton of leaves and have a big pile ready to put on garden once it is totally empty
• I mowed the entire yard - the rigged-up wheel worked just fine!
• Cut the last little cabbages from garden
• Used the scalding canning water on the still thriving weeds out front in the rock!
• Did some mending
• Made OJ from concentrate
• Hard boiled several eggs for snacks
• Meals from home and using what I have on hand
• Got to punch a new hole in my belt!  WOOHOO

Meals this past week:

Chili and crackers

Baked potato w/cheese/sour cream and side salad

Sausage/egg biscuit and sliced toms

Nachos - using chili as well as cheese

Pepperoni/cheese calzone (hand pie) and pan seared brussel sprouts

Grilled fish (used G. Foreman grill) and salad 

Beef chunks/peppers/onions over pasta with a little homemade salsa (left from canning)

SNACKS - fruit, pickles, cheese & crackers, cup of chili

There you have it.  Lots of little things - but I guess it adds up.  How was your week?  What have you been up to?  Crafting, canning, freezing, cleaning, etc.?

Tis the season that many will be busy getting ready for the upcoming holidays.

Let us know what you are up to?  Check in if has been a while!  PLEASE

Continued prayers for those who suffered much loss with storms.  Hoping everyone is well, safe and healthy in this coming week. 

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

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

Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7

Lord, we thank You for allowing us to be here another week.  Help us each to know that Your will be done, and that may not be what we have asked for.  Your will is the way always.  We ask and seek, but we cannot know what the answers should be.  We ask for peace and understanding amongst all people of earth.  Thank You for all our many blessings and help us to see and realize that there ARE blessings each day, in spite of what we think.  AMEN