Expensive Groceries? Meals & Treats for Cheap

 Good day to all. Hoping this finds you well.

It is a very refreshing morning here.  Looks to be pretty nice out today.  AC off again, and the windows open this morning.  My 'surprise' lilies have popped up, waiting for them to open.  I always think of mom and dad when I see them.  They had hundreds of them at the old home sight, and this is some I brought home over 20 years ago.  Still going strong.

I know many places are paying a lot more for groceries.  Yes, I have seen increased prices, but I generally don't buy full price items.  I deal with clearance and manager's mark downs.  Saying that, I know not all have that option, as they have smaller stores and live more rural where there aren't a lot of options.

We can adjust our eating by WHAT we make.  Meat doesn't have to be a daily option (I know!!)

It is also very hot many places, and people just don't like the idea of heating up the kitchen making food.

I suggest using toaster ovens, air fryers or crocks or fast cooking pots along with the stove top.

SNACKS - popcorn is very inexpensive and easy to make.  It makes for a great and filling snack.  Fresh fruit or veggies are also good for snacks.  Veggies and some dip.  PBJ, a small salad, maybe make some no bake goodies.  Pudding, Jello, no bake cookies, Krispie bars, etc.  You can make a simple crisp and not use the oven, but one of the other options of baking.

Maybe a tomato sandwich or a cucumber sandwich.

When it comes to bread - use what you have.  A hamburger or hotdog don't have to have buns - use bread (that is all we had growing up).  You can sub a bun in almost all sandwiches if that is all you have - maybe toast them to be different.  Turn a bun into a sub sandwich, or use for tuna /egg salad, even a bologna sandwich!  They are interchangeable.

I know many of you like cottage cheese and I thought this chart was interesting.  You can add anything to it and jazz it up.  Or it can be as simple as a tomato or peach added.  It is good for you (not me!) and you can really add any type of items.

Fresh produce cut up and added to pasta and dressing for a quick and simple pasta salad.

Have some older fruit that needs used?  Peel and cut up and make a little fruit salad.

Drink water or homemade iced tea.

Sandwiches - can be hot or cold.  Hot ham or beef or pork with leftovers would be great.  Make cold meat spreads or egg salad.  PBJ or pimento cheese sandwiches are great.  Fried egg sandwiches are always a quick and healthy go to.  The use of bread with sandwiches also helps fill one up.  Throw in some veggies or fruit and you have a nice little meal for easy.

Even add a bowl of soup if desired.  A can of soup can be all jazzed up by adding some rice, pasta, leftover veggies or meat.

Make a quick and easy cabbage/sausage and potato skillet. Can be done in one pan and the flavors all work together.  Taco skillet - use either rice or pasta/taco meat - maybe some corn or beans.  I am a huge fan of skillet meals.  I do a couple with zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage, pasta.................

Individual pizzas are cheap and easy - you can use tortillas, bread, Ital. bread, Naan, whatever you have as a crust.  Top with bits and pieces just hanging out in the frig or crisper. Add some cheese - don't need an oven.

Roll-ups or wraps - super easy.  Can be hot or cold.  Breakfast/lunch/dinner.  Also easy is quesadillas, taco or burritos (burritos can be turned into enchiladas).

Some items are just super filling.  Great to add to meals, when trying to keep costs down.  Potatoes are such a versatile veggie and can be fixed a hundred ways!!!!!

Add those bits leftover or hanging out in the crisper together to make a stir fry and serve over rice.

Fried rice - doesn't get much cheaper or easy than this.  Rice - whatever odds and ends you have - throw in an egg and some seasoning and BOOM you have dinner.

Good food, inexpensive cooking, fast cooking, little effort and FILL the BELLIES!!!!!!

It can be done.  You have to be willing to use everything ALL up and maybe in a new way, look for all the bargains you can find, maybe throw in some home-grown goodies and get CREATIVE!

Also if it is just you - you can do whatever your little heart desires!!!!  Eat a meal, snack on items, whatever floats your boat.  I have times I just have meat/cheese and crackers and maybe a salad or piece of fruit.  There really are NO rules.

Do you have a special easy, yummy and affordable dish you make?  Share your ideas!

Have a beautiful day!
  

It is the Little Stuff - Smiles!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are all safe and healthy and doing well.  Hope some of the storms yesterday missed you and did no damage.

We had a heck of a storm come through around 6:30PM.  It came out of the north which was kind of unusual.  It came hard; fast and boy did it rain.  It got kind of crazy for a bit.

I had more limbs and sticks down than I have had in ages.  We got about 1 1/2" rain in an hour.  The temps dropped 21 degrees in an hour, and it felt awesome out after the rain.

This morning is back to humid, but that is supposed to be leaving this afternoon.  It is a gloomy and cloudy morning.  This too shall pass.

Tomorrow many children go back to school around here.  The rest start next week.  Crazy stuff.  I loved having the entire summer off when I was young - didn't go back until after Labor Day.

Have you noticed the daylight hours are getting shorter?  It gets light later and dark a little earlier.  I notice it most in the mornings!

Today, just a few pics of things that make me smile, and that I just find a wonder.  It is little things, that can surely make a day special.  A smile, a hug, a word, a sight...... just the little things - they can be huge.

A side view of my little garden.  I have black garden fabric under the plants and then just dirt between rows.  There is a soaker hose if needed.  Here are my 8 tomato plants and behind them is peppers.  I had zucchini behind them (far right), but the ones in the garden didn't do good at all.  The ones in the big washtub are doing great. (Cherry tomatoes are in pots as well).

At the right of pic - see that tall green plant?  That is where my banana peppers are and they just keep producing and are loaded.  That tall one came in same cell pack - but it doesn't appear to be the same.  The plant is 2X as tall as others and the peppers are different.  I do believe it will be a jalapeno!!  Surprise!  It has tons of tiny peppers on it.

Tomatoes are hanging out there in clusters!  There are many and just so neat to see such clusters of potential yumminess.

This makes me sooooo happy.  It has been years since I have had cucumbers be successful.  I am growing very old seeds (planted very late) in a big pot.  They are doing good and taste so good.

KITTENS (and leaves).  Front to back - Patches, Boots, Dusty and mommy Pip.  They are 9 weeks old and just a hoot.  Playing and exploring everything.  They eat and drink, but they are still nursing as well.  They are so little.

Yesterday after changing out everything on the bed, I put this quilt on.  A good friend gave me this about 10 years ago - said it reminded her of me.  She is now gone, and whenever I put it on the bed, I think of her.  It is so pretty and cheerful (not made by her), but it just makes me smile.  She was a flower buddy and my hummingbird buddy.  She would call me every day (at least once) to give me a hummingbird report!!!  LOL

Isn't mature something?  Phlox - tons of little, teeny tiny flowers all together to make one beautiful flower head.  The bees love these flowers.

                                                                         Perfection!

God makes nothing that isn't perfect in His eyes.  That is something we need to remember.  We often see flaws and criticize things - but God made it and He makes no mistakes.

From quilts, to kitties, to growing things, just a few of the items that are little but make me smile.

Folks, life is good - appreciate all that you see and can do.

Looking forward to the humidity breaking today and feeling a bit cooler out.  That is a beautiful feeling, not just for me but all of nature as well.

What little things make you smile?  

Have a fantastic day and take time to appreciate!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/26

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well and safe on this last Sunday of the month.  Hard to believe we have basically gone through another month in the blink of an eye.  Less than 5 months is Christmas!  Oh my!!!

This morning it is about 70*F and foggy.  We have had mist as well.  While I was out wondering and feeding first this, I felt water hitting my skin - then noticed the pavement seemed damp too.  Looks to be cloudy most of the day.

We had some fantastic weather this week - just perfect days.  No humidity was the key.  That shall end they say, and starting today humidity rises and heat return (although not as bad as before).

I came across a fix for my tiredness this week, all by accident.  Well, I say accident for me, but I think it was a God nudge.  Early in the week, my day got all changed up as far as my routine goes.  I then noticed I felt better.  I wasn't tired or sleepy, didn't have a headache, and had a lot more energy.  WHAT was it you say?  Well, my morning drink didn't happen first thing - I waited until I was up for an hour, hour and half.  Lupper (lunch/supper) got pushed back the same amount of time maybe longer.  That is it and what a difference I have felt all week.  I might guess it was a blood sugar thing!  I feel like a different person.

My frugal week:

• Made the dressing/dip with leftover broccoli (posted earlier in week)
• Laundry using dehumidifier water - hanging to dry
• Trimmed the back bushes
• Mowed & trimmed whole yard, cleaned the fence rows about 90% (what I could from this side)
• Worked on the front flower bed more and then on the back one some
• Using a lot of rain barrel water
• Garden - picking cherry toms, lots of peppers, cukes, zucchini and my FIRST tomato!
• Had AC off a good 3 or 4 days - windows open
• Picked a bouquet of flowers to brighten my day

The phlox, mallow, and rose from the yard - the little yellow flowers from the wild growth down the alley - it is still pretty and just cheery!

• Noticed the drainpipe from AC was leaking - so took it apart and it was clogged.  Who knew?  The water had built a major build up over years - so it is clean and flowing properly now
• Did more staking of tomatoes, tied them up and weeded the garden
• Washed the windows on the security doors
• Ran to Kroger to get more wet cat food - suddenly I am going through a lot!!!  Go figure.  While there - I walked around and they had tons of markdowns (early morning).  Sorry I didn't take pics.  I got 3 HUGE yellow peppers (1.50), 6 nice apricots (1.50), ground Angus (lean) 3.49 lb. (2), jumbo stuffed olives (2.35 jar - 2), corn on the cob .39 ear, jar of sliced jalapenos (1.25), 2 1/2 lb. bag of frozen chicken strips (4.05)
• Stopped at auto store and got the back wiper blade replaced on Blazer (should have done that when I did the front)
• Stopped at the thrift store and got FREE whole wheat pack of hamburger buns, and Friskies cat treats 2 bags for $1 (4)

Meals this past week:

Beans and rice

Beans/rice/cheese & dressing, salad

Green beans/potatoes/ham

Tostadas (bean/rice/cheese/salsa)

l/o beans/potatoes/ham, corn on the cob

Sauteed zucchini/peppers, chicken fingers, cuke/tom salad

Loaded cheeseburger, corn on cob, cuke/tom salad

It has been a good week.  The weather was wonderful for being July, probably a couple of the best days weatherwise in a couple months.  I got lots done - do to changing my schedule up.  Felt renewed with energy this week.

I know many of you are going through some very hard things in life, and I just wish you all the best.  God places things in our lives, that we often don't expect, but it truly can make us stronger.  I hope you all know you have a safe place here.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead, with health, safety and joy.  

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

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

This seems appropriate this morning:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Dear Lord, we come forth again this week with all our thanks for the many blessings we received this week.  Please comfort those who are hurting, heal those who are ill, and open eyes to all the blessings that we do have.  May we all give love and comfort to others and may we all stay good stewards of all our gifts and possessions.  Help each one who is reading this to have a beautiful week full of goodness.  AMEN

Busy Hands, Thankful Heart

 Hello to all.  Hoping this finds you well.  A glorious morning it is here.  Wishing you a good one as well.

It was 57* this morning when I got up!  What a difference a couple days makes.  It is just beautiful out.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the kitties fed and playing.  Windows are open - actually I never had the AC on at all yesterday!  Hope today is the same.  The heat is coming back in a couple days (just not as bad), so I will enjoy and appreciate these fine cooler days all I can.

I actually saw the groundhog for the first time in a week or so - it must like cooler weather too.  I saw a bunny across the street.  Such sweet sights of nature first thing.

I was amazed how much dew there was this morning.  I figured as cool as it was, and the humidity levels way down that wouldn't be the case.  Oh well, gives me a chance to do some other things until it dries, as I want it dry to mow.

This says it all to me.  The picture even reminded me a little of daddy.  He always had his bibbers on and loved the porch swing.  He would sit out there when not working and play his harmonica.  I used to love to sit and listen to that.

I feel so blessed to have these lovely days to get out and catch up.  It sure needs 'catching up'.  I see a mess - others don't.  Yesterday I was out back working and trying to make things 'pretty' again in my eyes, and I met the folks that are caretakers of an elderly neighbor behind me.  We talked about him and she told me what a lovely yard I had.  I said it is such a mess right now, from all the heat and stuff.  Her words were "from my view it is beautiful".  There you go - everyone has a different view on things and sees things differently - I think that is pretty neat.  I was so appreciative of her words, it makes the work seem more doable.  Something so simple as her words, made me smile and lifted my day.

I am so blessed to have a full refrigerator and a full pantry and can make about anything I can think of to fill my belly.  I use up leftovers in new ways and get a little creative and never get bored with meals.

A group I am involved with from school, had been planning a major event, that seemed way out of hand.  We were all kind of pressured into being involved, which just really stressed me out (others as well).  Well, I finally said I was done and wouldn't be involved.  What a relief I felt - sometimes NO is the best answer us.  One by one others backed out as well - and I really prayed that those that started this thing would see it wasn't feasible.  That happened yesterday.  Such a relief to many.  

Sometimes we tend to complicate life, when we don't need to.  Memories of days past are good enough - we don't need to try and relive them.  

Go forward and make new memories.

Opening the windows for fresh air, hanging laundry to dry, picking veggies from the garden, the kitties getting excited to see me, watching them play, cuddles with Bitsy, eating something fresh for a snack, a cold drink of milk, watching the butterflies and birds at the flowers........I could go on and on.

Simple little things that just make a day and make me smile.

I love being in my little home - as simple as it is.  It gives me a hug every time I come home from someplace.

I am so thankful that I can still get out and do all the things I love, just maybe a little slower.  I see many people my age, that have actually stopped and have no will or health to do things.

We go through things in life that make us sad and make us depressed - we all do.  Bad things DO happen.  But you know what?  There is still so much out there that is good!  Sometimes we just need to open our eyes and pay attention.  Maybe just being in the moment and not running away from things or not running towards something else is the answer.   It seems some people are always running.

BE IN THE MOMENT!  APPRECIATE what you have.

Keep your hands and your body busy with what you have and what you love.  If that is gardening, yardwork, knitting, piece work, reading, walking and visiting, cooking, just do it.  

Make each day the best day.  

I know I have been a bit nostalgic lately - but I needed that to get up and move again in my normal fashion.  I have needed some reminders that life is indeed GREAT no matter what happens.  

I think there are others here that need to be reminded of that as well.  You will get through things, and you WILL go on.  It takes time and work - but you got this.  God loves you; I love you all, and you all have others in your life that love you - so just keep plugging away and take baby steps to getting back into life.  Small steps still make a journey happen.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

SMILE and look up and appreciate.

Something for Nothing

 Hello to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  HUGS to all that need them. (I know some do).

It is a cool morning here - boy, does it feel different.  It almost felt chilly out when I went out to feed all.  It is breezy and in the mid 60's!!  We get a couple days of nicer weather - good time to get things done outside finally.

Just a short post to show how to make something from almost nothing.  I used a leftover and dribs and drabs of other things - and made a new product that was yummy.

I saw a post on FB about 'broc'amoli - using broccoli instead of avocado.

So I did my own version.  I had about a cup of leftover cooked broccoli, so I threw it in the blender with some sour cream that needed used, a couple tablespoons of nacho cheese in a jar, and a dash or two of taco sauce.  Blended it all up together and the above picture is the result.

I had it over beans and rice - it took away some of the spicey bite.  I had it over salad as a dressing, and I finished it off with nacho chips.

This would be a great way to use up any leftover cooked veggie and hide it, for those who may not like veggies.

You could use as I did, or on sandwiches, on burritos, a dip for fresh veggies, etc.

Mine ended up the consistency of a thick ranch dressing.  You can add or delete whatever you have, so change up texture and consistency.  It was completely smooth and showed no sign of broccoli!  I got a very faint taste of broccoli - probably could have added more cheese or spice and changed that.

Just another idea of using up this and that to not waste and have a new item on your table.

This was very tasty and I will use leftover veggies this way again!

So there you go - use up those leftovers and get creative.  It can be fun, not just regular food item!

Makes a somewhat healthy dip/dressing.

Have a great day.

Letting Our Light Shine

 Hello all - hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.  Hope all you gals in the smokey areas are doing well.

The smoke is pretty much gone around here.  We had a couple days of it - but nothing like up north.  It is nice out this morning, just a little humid.  We were supposed to have rain and storms, and again it all passed by my area.

I have been out and fed everyone - kitties get so excited to see me at morning feeding!  I had my quiet time, and I have a load of laundry on.

Yesterday was a really off day for me.  I am not sure what was going on, but all I wanted to do was sleep.  I just felt so drained and tired.  I did what I had to do, and then I just rested.  Today I feel totally different - so I guess I needed the extreme rest.

We need to listen to our bodies.

I spent a lot of time thinking too.  You know we may be getting older and things may be slower - but that is OK.  We just need to keep moving.  Moving is sooooo important not just for physical health but mental.  Keeping active and appreciating all the things we have and get to see - makes for a pretty well-rounded person.

We need to remember to be positive in life.  Anger and nastiness get us nothing, and it is so unbecoming!!!!  Some people cannot have a single conversation without interspersing something nasty or negative.  It is really ugly.   

Be patient.  I heard something the other day I thought was good.  BE patient or be THE patient!!!!!  Pretty good advice.

We can't stop stuff - but how we react is a choice we can make.  Make it a positive choice.  It does take practice.  Stay calm and carry on.

Live fully and appreciate all things.  Life is such a joy and a privilege.

Stay balanced.  Look up.  Look around.  Take it all in.

We do a lot of planning for the future - some people spend all their time planning.  Make sure you spend time for today!!!!!  You can't change yesterday, you aren't guaranteed tomorrow, but TODAY is yours and make it the best.

Have a life of joy, peace, contentment, humor - yes humor is very important too.

Live gracefully and be a good steward of all things.

Make sure you let YOUR LIGHT SHINE today.  It will make you feel better and it most likely make someone else feel better too.

Enjoy this gift of life.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/19

 Hello to all this Sunday.  It is hard to believe we are over halfway through the month of July.  I hope you are all safe and healthy.

It feels lovely out this morning.  The temp is around 70* and the humidity has dropped dramatically overnight.  Now it stinks like crazy!!  Outside smells like a ginormous campfire and it is so smokey/hazy out (from the northern fires).  We are in the unhealthy range here in the city.  It is supposed to last another day.  I know you gals all over are having it much worse.  By Wednesday we are going to have highs right at 80* - that will feel so good, compared to the temps we have been having.

It was an emotional week for sure.  I thank you all for your kind words and your prayers - they were all felt.  Now it is time to get back to life.  Between the extreme temps and the sadness, I just have left a lot go.  It seems like life was put on hold - so it is time to get back to normal.

My frugal week:

• Cut my hair
• Not frugal - but went to florist.  Then on to grocery to check things out.  Got the great deal on tenderloins and mushrooms I mentioned Thursday
• I picked a lot of banana peppers, cherry toms and my first cucumber (so good)
• I 'pickled' several peppers in a jar of jalapeno brine - no processing used.  They stay fresh and crisp and last forever that way (I cut into rings)
• I got out and cleaned up the front flower bed of weeds
• Discovered a dress I forgot about when deciding what to wear to funeral.  It has only been worn once, and I forgot all about it.  I wore it - and got a lot of compliments on it
• Repaired the hummingbird feeder with new feeding flowers I got last time I was at the feed store.  They were tough to get in, but now it will last many more years
• Mowed and trimmed my little front yard - and boom!  I was done.  Oh, it was so stinking hot, and I was drenched just doing that
• Cleaned out the crispers and washed them down - then scrubbed the kitchen floor

Meals this past week:

Tuna/egg salad sandwich and fruit

Tenderloin and salad

Pork/cheese stuffed mushrooms

l/o mushrooms and air fried potatoes

Church dinner after funeral

Chicken, corn casserole and cheesy potatoes (sent home from church)

Chopped steak w/sauteed onions & peppers, steamed broccoli, tom/cuke/onion salad

I did manage to accomplish some things, just didn't have the mindset to do a lot.  I already have a list for outside work, for when the temps drop!

I got to see a ton of family I haven't seen in many years (live out of state) and some that I have never met.  Sis's family has been scattered all over the country for years.  I was a nice time of laughter, stories and love with tears thrown in.  I am sure she was smiling down!

How has your week been?  How are the gardens doing?  Any good deals on anything?

I love hearing from you all.  We heard from some this week, that we haven't heard from in a while.  Still some MIA - wish our missing would check in.  We care.

I hope you all have a great week ahead and stay healthy and happy and safe.

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

***************************** 

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the days own trouble be sufficient for the day.  Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matthew 6:34, 7:1

Dear Lord, we thank You for all the blessings we received this week.  Help us to understand that our time is not always Your time, and that You have us each in your loving hands.  Protect and assure those having health and/or family issues that You are there every step.  May they see that and give themselves grace in all that they do.  Help us all be kind to others and bite our tongues of nastiness and harsh words.  May our words be loving and heal.  AMEN