Weekly Wrap Up 12/21

 Hello to all and happy WINTER! (here in the northern hemisphere).  Today is the winter solstice and the shortest daylight hours of the year.  Good news that from here on out - the daylight will get a bit longer each day!!

We have had all kinds of weather this week.  Thursday morning to Friday morning we dropped 35 degrees!  That was a shock to the system and then you add in the wind and oh my!  We have had a lot of wind this month.  We are now (starting tomorrow) on an upward trend for temps.  Christmas we may actually hit a record high!  It is supposed to be in the 60's.  I know the kiddos will be sad, but we adults who drive, will be happy.  Visits without the stress of ice and snow.

Looks like no more snow for the remainder of this year and warmer temps here.  Nice ending.

I would like to thank everyone that I have received cards from.  So thoughtful and sweet.  THANK YOU

My frugal week:

• I did get the last couple of GC's I wanted
• Made and canned jelly
• My goodie bags and gifts are all bagged and wrapped
• Received a $34.66 check in the mail.  From Prudential - still not sure what it is for, but I will take it
• Paid all bills on hand over the phone
• I did spend some time watching and enjoying some old time (from my younger years) Christmas cartoons!  Yep, connected with my inner child and laughed a lot!
• NO grocery store
• Spent Friday with sis and brother and SIL for Christmas with sis.  She bought us lunch - which was wonderful.  She can't go out and shop and does nothing like that on the computer, so she bought lunch.  In the past she has always hosted lunch at her home.  The chef at her facility is excellent (she has gained over 20lbs. since living there!).  We had a lovely lunch, gave her gifts and had a great visit.
• Used the air fryer to make fries one day and also cooked up chicken for another time.

Meals this week:

l/o cream of chicken/pasta soup

Stoup (freezer) and roasted cheesy mini bagels

Waffles and patty sausage (all from freezer)

Grilled turkey (freezer)/cheese sandwich and fresh veggies

Potato cakes and smoked sausage (cooked & in freezer) and spinach

Lunch with sis

Loaded burger and fries

SNACKS - popcorn, turkey slices, cheese and crackers

It has been fairly quiet this week.  I am done with all shopping and wrapping and have just been enjoying the quiet and reflecting.  I have had a couple really neat phone calls this week as well.  I feel accomplished that all my Christmas is PAID IN FULL.  I will not go into the new year owing for any of it.  

I spent a lot more money this year on gifts - and it has nothing to do with prices - it was me!  There were just things I wanted to do for others and to help some folks a little.  I know it will make them happy.  It won't be a normal thing - but it just feels right this year.

How has your week been?  I know you northern gals have tons of snow and very cold temps.  I hope you are staying safe and cozy.  Are you ready for the big day?  Did anyone get any great deals this past week?

There are so many going through health challenges for themselves or with family - and I just pray that healing comes and that you will have a healthy new year.

Please take care and know we all care about each of you.  I hope you all have a beautiful holiday week.  I WILL post again before Christmas.

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

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

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 136:1

Dear Lord, as we approach the day of celebration this year, help us each to realize the gift of family and friends, and to remember the true meaning for the day and season - the birth of Jesus Christ.  The greatest gift ever to be received by anyone.  Thank You for loving us so.  Please continue to place Your healing hands upon all those in need of that healing.  Please heal hearts and souls as well.  Thank You for all our blessings and for the greatest gift of LOVE.  AMEN

The Weekend and Events

 Hello to all you wonderful folks.  Praying you are all safe and warm and healthy.  It isn't even 7AM yet, and it is 45*F.  Today is going to be in the 50's and rain (lots of rain) - then the bottom drops out for a day.  Tomorrow is going to cold, cold, cold (teens).  Hopefully it will not be icy out by late morning tomorrow, as I plan to go down and have Christmas with sis.  Brother and SIL are going too.  It is supposed to start warming up again on Saturday and there will be NO chance of a white Christmas here.

What is your upcoming weekend going to be like?  Many will be baking, some will be shopping, some will be wrapping, and some will be having family gatherings.  Some may just be enjoying the quiet and solitude of the season.

Can you believe it is just one week until Christmas Day?

Two weeks and we start a new year.  Lots of people are thinking of ideas and plans for the new year, and ways to stretch a dollar, and ways to live a simpler life.

Whatever you put your hands or heart to this weekend - I hope you spend time JUST enjoying the season a bit.

May you and yours stay warm and cozy, and SAFE!  I know many places are getting slammed with really nasty weather.  Do not go out if you don't have to, if you are in those areas.  Stay well and safe for your family.  Let us know what your plans are!

ENJOY YOUR WEEKEND!

Blessings to you all - spread the gift of the season to everyday!

It's About What you HAVE Already!

 Hello to all on this Wednesday.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  It sounds like many of you northern gals are about to get slammed with a significant weather event - stay safe.  It is 40*F this morning already!  The temps were rising all night.  We get a couple of warmer days, and then lots of rain tomorrow, so the snow will all be gone.  I think we are on a tremendous roller coaster ride around here as far as weather goes!

Christmas is just days away.  I think the picture says a lot to all of us. We are all so blessed in this life, and we need to take time to just appreciate what we DO have and not worry about what we COULD have.  Take time to enjoy the moment.

Yesterday I got a call from my old boss and dear friend, that moved to CO many years back.  It was just like we hadn't missed any time apart - the conversation was lovely.  So good to hear her voice and her husbands in the background!  Old friends are gifts we need to stop and enjoy.  Those simple gifts are sometimes the best.  Take time to look at what is really in your life, I bet it is the important stuff!

I have finished up Christmas gifts - I made grape jelly the other day to put in some of the gift baskets.  Many look so forward to it.

It always looks pretty.  I tasted the 'crumbs' in the bottom of the pan and off the ladle and YUM!  It tastes like summer.  Funny, I always put off making jelly - and for some reason this year it just seemed so easy to make.  I did put off doing it, but it seemed more fun this year.  Not sure why - maybe just my frame of mind.

I have enough grapes in the freezer to do another batch - maybe after the new year.

This looked like a fun idea.  It could be for you or your spouse or the kiddos.  Use your cookie cutters as molds for pouring pancake batter.  Once it sets - remove the cutter and flip.  You could do this with all kinds of cookie cutters for any season.  Just a fun way to freshen up that morning meal!

What fun that would be on Christmas morning!

Take it slower today - do not get in a rush.  Look around and see the beauty in the world.  YES, there is beauty all around.  Take time to enjoy and smile.

If it doesn't get done - well maybe it wasn't to be.  Some things just don't matter.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Reminisce and Recipe

 Hello all and happy Tuesday.  I sure hope this finds you all well and safe!  Well, we are finally starting to warm up a little bit.  It is 20 degrees warmer this morning than it was yesterday morning!  It is 24* as I type.  We may see 40 today.  We get to have a couple days of warm up and rain - then a cold day again (Friday).  Of course, that is the day I need to go out for celebrating with sis.  Hopefully there won't be any ice after rain on Thursday night.

This is my little tree!  There is also my little stain glass turtle - which works perfect in the Christmas colors!  I just love sitting in the evening with just the tree lights on and enjoying the colors and snuggles with Bitsy.  The little table it is on has always been called the 'library' table in the family - it was grandmas.  I have a big piece of glass over the top of it to keep it from getting scratched up.  That is where I put my cards I receive now (under glass).  I get fewer these days than in the past (used to hang them).  So, it works out perfectly to display them.  I have finally started getting some in the past day or so.

Incidentally, that same table is where momma would find their tree all decorated on Christmas morning, when she was little.  Santa brought their tree!

Here is another fun recipe to think about trying.  A cranberry/nut cheeseball.  I am making this when the kids come up for Christmas.  They like a lot of different flavors and tastes, so I think this will be perfect.  I have everything here to make it.

I just love fun and easy recipes for goodies.

I have been keeping busy getting things in order for all my goodie bags.  Making things and making sure I have everything I need.  

What have you all been doing?  Are you ready?

Here is a reminisce for the day.  Who remembers the Norelco shaver Santa?  I remember seeing that on TV as a kiddo.  Probably one of the first commercials I remember seeing for Christmas.  Hope it makes you smile a little.

Go out there today and be the LIGHT that the world needs.  We can all add a bit of sunshine for someone else and to the world.

Have a wonderful day!

Weekly Wrap-Up 12/14

 Hello to all.  Hope you are all well, safe, and warm.  Baby, it is cold outside here.  My thermometer says 0* - weather says -4*F.  That is cold for here.  We have windchills colder than most of Alaska this morning!  We got 2 rounds of snow.  Thursday night - so moved a couple inches on Friday.  Most of that melted on Friday as well.  Lots yesterday - a good 5"+.  I went out last evening and moved that, so as not to have to do it in the frigid weather.

We can sure get the gambit of weather in a short time.  Subzero, cloudy, snow, wind, then sun, rain and 50's.  Yep, all that will happen in about 4 days!!!!  Hey, just a thought - spring is 97 days away!  LOL!  Shoot, it isn't even winter officially yet.

My frugal week:

• I chopped up the bottom of a candle (in a jar) to use as melts.  It smells good - so I will use it
• Made potato cakes out of leftover mashed potatoes.  Ate some and froze the rest
• Went out early one morning to get some more basket stuffers and avoid crowds
• Went to Hobby Lobby and got a couple things
• Ran across to the discount market and got fresh red raspberries - 12oz. $1, fresh strawberries - 1 lb. 1.99 (so good), one pear and one banana (for a salad)
• Made a nice bowl of fruit salad - either looks summery or like Christmas - it sure tasted good, used apples and oranges I had at home

• Got my cards mailed
• Going through the frig and frig freezer and trying to use up things that have hung around a while - doing pretty good with it
• Found a smoked sausage pkg - 14 oz. that was in freezer for a while - cooked and used some and froze the remainder cooked up
• Cleaned out crispers - had radish and carrots starting to sprout - yikes!  Cleaned them all up and repackaged - will use soon
• Turned on the humidifier on the furnace (turned dial to winter) and it sure does make the house feel warmer using the same temps
• Made up a new bottle of dish soap
• Moved a ton of snow - free exercise
• Juiced grapes (from freezer) to use for making jelly
• Insulated the outdoor hose faucet - it is close to backdoor and only the faucet sticks out - remainder is in basement

Meals this week:

Potato cakes made with bacon, cheese & onion, salad

Fried corn and fish

Chicken tenders and veggies

Chicken legs and sauteed zucchini

Smoked sausage sandwich and salad

Baby lima beans (from dry), pork chops, and Naan bread toasted

Creamy chicken/pasta/veggie soup and crackers

Snacks - fruit salad, popcorn, cheese

That is about it - except all the normal stuff.   I stayed away from the grocery store.  I hope everyone experiencing the cold and nasty weather is safe - stay in and stay warm.  So many of us aren't used to it.  I know you northern gals are old pros at it!

How was your week?  Any get togethers, shopping, deals or freebies?

I hope you are well and safe. Please take care.  Think how blessed we all are to have a warm home and bed and food on our tables.  So many do not.  Such a sobering thought at times like this.

Be well.

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

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The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalms 27:1

Dear Lord, I send great thanks for all the blessings that have been given.  You are our salvation, and we give You credit.  You are our light, and we are thankful.  You teach us love and understanding, and we are grateful.  Help us each one to spread Your word and Your love every day.  Please place Your healing hands on those in need again this week.  AMEN

A New Find and a Scare

 Hello all.  It is a cloudy morning here and about 28*.  Calm before the weather really hits.  Looks like a few days of real ICK here.  Predicting some snow tonight into morning and then again Saturday evening into Sunday.  It is also going to get really cold (for these parts).  Highs in teens (actually 12 on Sunday) and lows below zero for a couple days.  Then we get a rebound next week.  Oh, such is winter weather.

I just love all the pics I keep seeing for the holiday - so I will post a fun memory of Christmas each day until Christmas!

I forgot to mention that when I went to Aldi, I walked the 'aisle of shame'!!!  That was where I spent most of my visit - so many fun things.  I did get something for me, well, for my kitchen.

I got these liners for the air fryer.  They are unbleached and they fit the tray perfectly.  Packet of 50 for 3.78.  I have always used regular parchment, then I have to cut it to fit.  These really help keep the air fryer clean.  I have used a couple already and love them.  They also have some small holes for air flow.

I am not sure if it will be a normal item or if it is just a special right now.

I like parchment in fryer, as it helps keep the greasy mess less.

Yesterday I got a phone call, while I was busy in the middle of something, so I let it go to the machine.  It was the bank my CC is through - said they were calling to potential card fraud.  Oh my!  I have used the card a few times lately, so thinking it might be because of extra use.  I hardly ever use it.

Well, I called back (and it WAS the bank) - I also got a text on different phone - and it ended up being a once-a-year charge, that was applied to my card.  Nothing is just added to my card, without a purchase - except this one charge.  So, it raised alerts.  It was all fine, and I am glad they checked.  It makes me feel better about things.

This is the time of the year that things happen a lot more.  Keep track of things and be alert.

I keep all receipts, until I at least get the next statement - so I can check things.

I am sure glad I got ahold of the luncheon committee about tomorrow's lunch for high school.  It is a decent drive, south of here, and I just decided I didn't want to go, so I let them know I wasn't coming earlier in the week.  I do believe it may be a very messy drive for many.

I hope all affected by nasty weather, stay safe and warm.  

Have a lovely day and remember - 2 weeks!!!!! from today!!!!

Blessings to all.

                                                                       More cozy!

Ways to Cut Costs Today and Any Day!

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well.  It is raining and raining some more here this morning.  It is still dark out as I write this, so I will go out a little later to feed the kitties outside.  Weather looks to be all over the place here, in the next few days - and that isn't on my 'favorites' list!!!  If it is snowing or icing where you are - be safe.

                                                                      TRUE STORY!!!

Today just a few ideas and recipes to cut costs and still eat well.  I know many are trying not to go into the grocery for the remainder of the year - or have plans to start the new year that way.  Well, there are things that are just very tasty, that can be made with items you already have.

I was looking back to some posts from several years ago and came across these recipes again.  Just as relevant now as they were then - maybe more so.

AGAIN remember:  click on the recipes to enlarge for easier reading!!

                           SPOON BREAD

Can't get much easier.  Bread comes in all types and flavors and who says it has to be a slice?  This is like fry bread, and it really is good.  I plan to make this again soon.

                        POTATO/BEEF CASSEROLE

You can use any ground meat you have - you can use any kind of cream of soup.  Heck you could even change out potatoes for carrots, squash, turnips, etc.  Recipes are just "ideas" to me - they aren't etched in stone.  Use what you have and make a hearty winter dish!

*Use up spices and herbs to change up the flavors of things.  You can take the blandest ingredients and make them taste good - just add different seasonings. Also think bacon grease - you can sure add flavor to a lot of fried goods with a little bacon grease - that stuff is gold!

*Use up older fruits - even if you have a variety of pieces and kinds - to make a cobbler.  Kind of like a cobbler fruit salad!  You can also fry up a variety in butter (like making fried apples).  Peaches, pears, apples - even a little citrus would be so good.  This would be good over pancakes, waffles, pudding or even cooled and used on ice cream.  No need to let things go to waste!

                                           MINER'S STEW

Actually, a casserole, but it doesn't matter what you call it.  It is super easy.  Again, use whatever ground meat you have.  You can use carrots or other root veggies in the mix, instead of so many potatoes.  

Just because things are easy, doesn't mean they aren't filling and hearty.

I think throwing a handful of cheese on top would be super yummy too!

Yesterday I was out, and I noticed that ALL Christmas items were already 50% off at Hobby Lobby!  Now and immediately after the holiday is the time to buy many items for the upcoming year.  Paper products - like plates and napkins - (if you use) would be a deal.  Wrapping paper - get plainer rolls of paper that could be used for all occasions throughout the year.  Candy - that would be the time to get some candies to chop up and use in baking or to use for melting.  Candy can be frozen for use throughout the year. (cheaper than buying choc. chips)

Stock up now on all baking supplies - groceries tend to be having a lot of loss leader sales.  Ham is on sale many places as well.  I would think around New Years, cabbage and maybe even corned beef will be on sale.  You have to pay attention to the sales and watched the in-store mark-downs.  I stopped on the way home for cat litter at WM - walked around and noticed they still have frozen turkeys for .69/lb. Not as cheap as Thanksgiving, but still pretty darn cheap.

Stay warm, dry and safe today.

No matter where you are, I wish you abundant blessings.