Use it Up, Make Do and Eat Well - A Few Ideas

 Good day to all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very gloomy looking morning here.  I can hear thunder off in the distance.  It is far away, but I can still hear it.  It looks to be another day where we will have storms in the area later on.  Oh boy (not).

Almost every day this week has a chance for storms at some point.  Yesterday got a bit scary in the afternoon.  It got looking dark out, so I walked out back and put the cat food in the greenhouse, and the kitties were all just hanging out on the walk.  Then BOOM - out of nowhere came the wind.  I got the food in and the kitties went running (ended up in greenhouse) and I got back in the door and all heck let loose.

The wind was horrible - 60 - 70 mph straight line winds.  I had a ton of limbs and sticks down (sure cleans out the old trees).  It really scared Bitsy - he stayed in hiding for hours.  Two neighbors to the west had some significant limbs come down.  Yesterday was trash day, so many of the bins were out, and they were tossed like toothpicks - those cans are heavy!  Around the city trees fell and fell on vehicles and one took out a house.  I was so blessed.

Then we had rain in the early evening hours - no wind or bad stuff then.  

To the north and east of here, many counties are flooded.  They have had between 6" and 12" of rain since yesterday morning.  Nothing like that here thank goodness.  More to come.  Not a good weather week for sure.

PLEASE if in any of the flooded areas - stay safe.  Do not try to get through standing water.

Something easy. used what I had, and ever so TASTY!  I made this yesterday.  It is a flatbread topped with cream cheese onion powder, sliced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.  I made it in the air fryer.

Oh my goodness, it tasted like the most decadent grilled cheese sandwich ever and a combo of a tomato sandwich.  So very, good and very filling.  I will make again, sor sure.  It doesn't get much easier.

Now you could use anything - tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon or olives.  You can use whatever you have in the way of cheese.   USE IT UP!  But, let me tell you the taste sensation of the cheese and tomatoes was fantastic.  Great use for those fresh tomatoes!

Here are a couple charts with some good ideas.  New ways to do things and new things to think about eating.  It is great when we can have new ideas using up the things we already have. It sure can save money as well.

If you have an air fryer - it isn't just for fries and wings anymore!!!!   I have not done a couple of these but have used mine for many of these ideas.  I have not made oriental dumplings, but egg rolls are great.  They really do 'freshen' up stale items.  Love it for pizza, fries, chicken, fish and have even made a mini one-person lasagna in mine.  Not a bad $10 deal I got at a yard sale!!! (and I thought I would never use).

These ideas might help someone.  I just wish they could the pictures to match the descriptions.  That drives me bonkers.  But you can read the ideas and find something that works for you and gives you a sugar free and healthy breakfast or even lunch or snack.

Use what you have and get creative.

I know I have said the word so much - but it my word this year.  Get creative.  Use what you have and experiment a little.

There are so many combinations of things that can be made - so many we just don't think about.  There are many ways to fix things and not heat the house or use the power of stove/oven.

Do you have any 'out of the norm' ideas to share that you really like?  Share please!

Give us all some new ideas.

If you are in any of the weather areas or the fire areas, I pray you stay safe.  Leave if you must, and please, please just don't temp fate.  Be safe.

Have a great day.

Pantry Mix & Match Blessings & New Tip

 Hello all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe.  It is a fairly cloudy morning here at the moment.  It is very humid and muggy out, and fairly warm already.  We are supposed to have storms come through later today - UGH.  A nice rain is much appreciated, but storms with torrential rain and damaging winds is not appreciated.  I am ready for low 80's or 70's and no humidity!

After working on the pantries, I thought it might be good to talk about how we can keep a nice pantry, whether you garden or not.  I know so many people do not garden - no shame there.  Some do some gardening or buying from farm markets and put things back for the future - whether canning or freezing.  Some just use the grocery - it is all good!  Do what works for you and don't let anyone intimidate you or say you aren't doing it right.  RIGHT is what works for you.

Here is one of the legume shelves!  I have store canned and dried.  All sorts of beans and many that aren't in the picture.  I lots and lots of pinto, red, navy, lima and black beans on an upper shelf.  Sometimes canned is just the ticket for me, other times, I want to have the smell and slowness of cooking my own.  I mix and match.

My kitchen freezer after re-arranging.  Both fresh and pre-made - some days I just want things easy.  Don't judge me - this IS straightened!  I have all things together in categories.  The blue basket is all packets of ground beef.  That is something I use a lot, especially since I have found such good clearance deals recently.

Here is a side view of the daily pantry.  There is home canned and premade.  I have lots and lots of rice and pasta in there as well - all jarred and sealed.  Cans of soup, baking goods, and other dry goods like breadcrumbs, cornmeal, wraps, etc.  It may look like utter chaos to some, but I know what I have and it is in categories.

However, you do your pantries and/or freezers is up to you.  You know how you use things and how often you use things.

Buy what you will use and please USE what you buy.  Getting a deal and then not using it - is NO deal.  It is just throwing money away.

I had been planning on writing this after the cleaning, and then I watched a video by Little House Living, and by golly, she was talking about the same thing.  People were bad mouthing her because she had store bought goods!!  WHAT?  That is crazy.  Some things are just cheaper to buy, than to can or freeze and yes, you can buy premade goods that are natural and nothing added.

I think people think growing and canning is the cheapest (only sometimes) but it is so much about knowing what is in your food.  You can control chemical use, and you can control ingredients.  You can buy many all-natural goods - I see veggies in water with no other ingredients and I see fruit in natural juices with no sugar added.  They are out there.  OR you can buy frozen as well - they stay pretty natural too - it just takes a little looking.

So do what works for you.  After all it is your home and you are the one eating it.

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

Now here is a TIP - we have all heard of placing charge cards or money in containers to hide in the freezer for safe keeping.  Well, I heard a friend tell a story yesterday that made me think about the cash idea especially.  They had a family member pass away, and at the funeral a relative asked the daughter, if they had cleaned the frig out yet.  Answer - yes and we threw everything in the trash.  This lady had a LOT (major amount) of cash in the freezer and the daughter didn't know!!!!!  Out in the trash.  Oh my.

So the TIP is - no matter where you may have money hidden, make sure someone that you trust knows where it is and that they hopefully will be in charge of eliminating things from the home, if you pass on.

There are many places to hide things that would never be thought of.  In ceiling vents or in jars in floor registers.  In a jar of dry beans or rice, freezer, in a book, under drawers, etc.  If you are ever given the chore of cleaning out someone's home - just check everything.  Have a trusted person know where you have things hidden.

I hope you are having a good start to the week.  If you are in the path of storms - be safe. 

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/9

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

It is a muggy morning here today and it will get to about 90*F.  We have a day or two more of this heat then we are supposed to get back to the low 80's and less humidity.  That I like.

I have been out to feed, and they kitties didn't eat as much this morning.  Pip is starting to get them more independent.  They aren't quite 3 mos. yet and still nurse a little - but she is taking them out on walk abouts (across alley) and they are getting a lot more active and exploring.  Hunting as well.  Momma cat and Pip sure are cicada hunters!

My frugal week:

• Used rainwater as a final rinse for my hair - made it so soft
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• HARVESTING the garden - tomatoes are really picking up, cukes, lots of peppers and zuke
• Went through some sealed totes I had and found a lot of long-term food items I had forgotten.  They are now in sight and ready for use
• I did a HUGE clean and organization of the deep pantry and the regular pantry.  I am so very blessed with goods.  Some non-food items, that I will probably never have to buy again.
• Vacuum sealed a lot of jars of dried goods. (that gift got a lot of use!)
• I straightened and organized the frig freezer - have the big freezer yet to do
• Made some stuffed banana peppers with cream and cheddar cheese seasoned with onion soup mix.  Froze to have later in air fryer
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard.  First time in ages that I got the yard all mowed and trimmed in one day!  I am having so much more energy.  Did a good trim and clean behind the shed, and worked in the front flower bed some
• Did get some days of windows open and no AC earlier in week
• Met a new neighbor.  They have only lived on the other side of alley for 20 years - about time we meet!!!!
• Picked rhubarb
• Picked a couple handfuls of grapes to eat - a real treat.  They are starting to ripen!!
• Got some blackberries out of the big freezer and mixed with the rhubarb.  Used some on ice cream, and made a little cobbler and still have syrup left
• NO grocery or spending.  Did not leave the property this week
• All the regular stuff - lots of dusting, dust mopping and vacuuming.  I sure get a lot of dust 'kitties'.  Cleaned nose prints from windows, using what I have and cooking from scratch
• Made zucchini boats and made extra to freeze.  Used corn instead of rice in filling this time.  Used the oven but also made the cobbler at same time.

So good

Meals this past week:

Fried egg sandwich and pasta salad

Grilled burritos (homemade/freezer) and salad

Fried okra, corn cob and toms and cukes

Egg roll bowl

Potato bites and chicken fingers (air fryer) and toms

Stuffed zucchini boats and sliced toms

Fried green tomatoes and fried breaded banana peppers (new try and good), sliced toms

I managed to keep busy this week and did get a lot done.  As we pointed out this week, it is all about just getting started.  I am good about finding excuses to not start, but I just made myself get up and do it.  So much more to accomplish!

I ended up with a big old bruise on my arm - no idea how - about gone now.  I also got blisters and lucky me, more poison.  But I survived it all - life is good.

How was your week.  How are the gardens doing?  Anyone doing any canning or freezing yet?  Probably won't be long here.  Did you find any good deals or markdowns?

Give us a shout out - love knowing how everyone is doing.

I wish you all a super week ahead and many smiles.

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

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

Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God!  Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!

Psalms 143:10

Dear Lord, we come with thanks for all the blessings and gifts that we received in some form this week.  Help all that are having struggles with various things and let them know they are loved and being held up my Your hand.  Forgive us when we stray from the good thoughts and deeds, we know we should be doing.  May we all open our hearts so You can teach us Your will.  Thank You for loving us.  AMEN

Accomplishing Feels Good - Like Finding Money!

 Hello and welcome to all.  Hope everyone is well.  I sure appreciate you taking a moment out of your days to stop here and visit for a bit.  It means a lot.

It is a nice morning here.  A bit more humid than it has been for a few days, a little cloudy, chance of light rain - but here we are!!!!  We are alive and getting to experience another day.

I am tired this morning, and sure thought it would feel nice to stay in that bed a little longer - but there were mouths to feed!

LOL - who hasn't heard almost all of these in some part at some point in your life?  I sure have - and many I still say.  All pretty good advice in my book!

I have kept fairly busy this week so far.  I have had a lot of projects that I have been wanting to accomplish and by dingy I started on them FINALLY!

I have spent a good amount of time working on the pantry and the deep pantry.  I went through some totes and found goods I forgot I had purchased (for long term).  So, everything got rearranged and organized and sorted and jarred and categorized and cleaned..........

It sounds HUGE, but it really wasn't so bad once I got started.  It was just getting started!!

So, for now, the daily area is done and the big deep pantry are pretty much done.

I still need to do the freezers - frig and upright.  Maybe I will tackle the frig freezer today.  I also have a lot very old home canned goods - have just gotten forgotten - that as badly as I hate it, need to be emptied and the jars cleaned.

I tell you I have found out there are many dried goods and many non-food items, that I will probably never to have to buy for ages.  Goodness, being a deal shopper and an old couponer - has left me with many non-food items that will last and last.

It is now time to stay out of the grocery for the most part.  Occasional milk and cheese and of course pet food - that should do it for me. I have lots of fresh from the garden for now.

Keeping the pantries and freezers really organized is a HUGE money saver.

I also worked in the yard a lot too.  I really do feel accomplished.  But as busy as I was, I made sure to take time just for me as well.  NO naps, but I have had walks and neighbor talks, and reading and porch sitting.  Just keeps me decompressed and happy.

I have a list of so many things that need to be done around here and things I need to declutter and just need to dig into.  I truly want my home in order!  I mean it is decent now, and it always looks cleans - but you know what I mean.  So much that we put off and just avoid and need to get rid of.  We all know the old saying "out of sight out of mind" - YEP!!!!!!

I hope you have all had a good week so far and wishing you a good weekend.  Get up today and do something that you have put off (no matter how small or large) - it will feel good to have it done!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!

 

Calm Home & Life - Cost Nothing

 Hello to all.  Wishing you all well this fine day.  It is a beautiful morning here.  Cool and the sun is shining.  I have the windows open and fresh air is coming in!  I have been able to keep the windows open over half of the day, then have to close do to heating up outdoors.

The water has all dried up out back, but it sure smells 'wormy' out there!  I really would like to mow out back today, but the grass is sopping wet with dew - will see how long it takes to dry out.

Just do it.  You can bring back anything you want and enjoy the calmness of the days gone by.

It seems we all need more peace, comfort and calmness in life.  Life is so busy and everyone and everything seems to be in a rush!  There is always 'noise' to distract us and to try and keep us occupied.  I like a restorative kind of life.  Porch sitting!!  I know people truly love all the gadgets and apps and electronics - I do not.  I have no problem doing things the old way.  Absolutely NOTHING in life is that important that it has to be handled this very moment in my opinion.

I watched a video yesterday that really had an impact - so I thought I would relate some of their ideas.

• Keep meaningful things around you - things that elicit memories and thoughts of people you love and places you love.  When you see them, you smile.  Or they may just be there, and you don't 'think' you look at them each day - but odds are you do and they give you comfort.
• Pause when you come home from being out.  Take a moment to walk in and just BE in your home and breathe.  You are home and that should be comforting
• Use what you have.  Repurpose things, move things around, instead of buying and spending.  Sometimes just changing up the view can feel wonderful - redecorate for nothing
• Let nature in.  Plants, fresh air, cut flowers, herbs, a basket of fruit on the table - something natural - it just feels like home
• Have a quiet place.  It can be a favorite chair, a spot by a window, or a room, or maybe a balcony or place outdoors.  Someplace that you can decompress and just breathe and get your mind back in tune
• Make meals quietly.  Maybe make some simple meals, in a slow pace - don't always rush.  Sit at the table and truly enjoy eating the meal - enjoy the flavors and taste and company if you have someone else there
• Use subtle soft lights after dark.  We see so much brightness all day, and even with TV/computer distractions.  Soft lights calm - that is why Christmas lights always seem so enjoyable and soothing in a dark room
• Keep around calming smells.  It may be fresh air or coffee brewing or candles.   Scent can be so very soothing - scents seem to take us somewhere else
• Keep your sleep place calm and uncluttered.  It needs to be a relaxing area - not a lot of distractions
• Keep your home in order daily.  Do a little here and there - you don't have to bust butt to do it all at once.  Laundry one day, vacuum or dust another, pick up as you go.  This way the house always feels clean, and you aren't rushing around - it is not overwhelming. Slow and steady - always wins!
• Don't worry about what you don't have!  Getting that next new big thing, isn't always satisfying and often you have to work hard to get it.  Concentrate on what you HAVE and appreciate it.  What you have is home and makes you feel safe.

All things we can do and they cost nothing.  Anytime we can reduce stress and the rush of the world, is a good day.  Make your house a home!  It is yours and you can just BE when you are there.

Enjoy your home and just keep it calm and relaxing - a peaceful home is wonderful.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Momma Lessons to Me and Now to You!

 Hello to everyone that has taken the time to check in this little place I call home.  I hope you are all well and safe. I want to take a moment and say how I appreciate people finding this a place that they can come and ask for prayer.  That just makes me happy.

It is a cooler morning at 65* and sunny.  It will get to the mid 80's today.  It is very dewy out there. The windows are open at this time, just enjoying the fresh breeze.

I told you Sunday, that we had sirens go off on Saturday evening with our storm.  I found out yesterday that there was a low-grade tornado just on the other side of the park - that is just a few blocks away!!!  YIKES - I had no idea.

Yep, that is me!  Mom's old kitchen - bright shiny yellow were the walls.  You can't see it, but to the right of me would have been the old Chambers stove.  Oh how I wish I had that today.  That thing was the best.

Mom taught me many lessons in that kitchen and the one that followed when they remodeled.  I learned to cook, and I learned to can, and I learned to "use it up".

Now I realize that a lot of things she did back then, people just would not do today.  Folks like convenience and want things now!  We didn't have fast food, so everything was made at home.  The grocery budget was very tiny, so it was for things that could not be grown or made from home.

So here we go - from Momma to you!

Always save your bacon grease.  That is gold - and it can be added to things and adds a tremendous amount of flavor. (I still save)

Butter was always kept on the counter - never the frig.

There was always coffee on the stove - ALWAYS in that kitchen.

Never put a tomato in the frig.  It changes the chemical compounds and boy; does it change the taste.

Always use up the bread in some way - never waste it.

Soup can be made from anything you have on hand - and cream of soup can be made from any veggie - great way to use leftovers.  Soup was served with crackers or bread - to help fill you up.  Plain old tomato soup often had macaroni or rice added to it to add extra bulk.

SOUPS - potato, broccoli, split pea, cauliflower, veggie, chicken noodle/rice, pozole (pork & hominy), tomato, goodness the list went on and on.

Those leftover veggies also made great fitters.

Chipped beef gravy was a biggy at our house.  Super easy and cheap.  We called it 'dried beef' gravy.  She would use a package of Buddig beef (I still do).  Any kind of gravy was made.  Often it was just white (country) gravy made with bacon grease as a starter.  It was also made with ground beef, sausage or whatever we had.  Served over biscuits (scones) or toasted bread.  Always filled us up and I still love it for comfort food.

Heck, we had baked bean sandwiches, tomato or cuke sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly.  Daddy loved hot peppers on buttered bread!  That was lunch. Mom could make a great meat spread with about any leftover meat we might have - it would sure stretch out a little meat into something to fill a belly.

The kitchen after they remodeled it.  It was this way until we sold it in 2002.  See that old Admiral frig?  That became mine when I got my first home in 1975, and mom upgraded.  I used that frig in my house until it sold many years later.

Oh if that kitchen could talk!!!  So many meals, thousands of dozens of cookies and just a bunch of yummy food and so much canning.  So many people passed through there.

Mom would add tuna to veggies or pasta to have a cheap meat in the dinner.  Maybe add some cheese on top and yum.  I make what I call skillet dinners - mom called them casseroles and they were made in a cast iron skillet in the oven.

Baked potatoes was a nice addition to a meal, as they were really filling.  Mom made potatoes in about every way you could think of - they were cheap.

Jello was a staple in the kitchen.  Mixed flavors or fruit added.  She would sometimes take peach halves, pineapple slices, apricot halves and even watermelon slices and heat on the griddle (we didn't have a grill) - they would char a bit and made for a special dessert! Oh, another was fried apples!

She made all sweets.  Cookies, cakes, pies, sweet breads, you name it.  There was always a sweet bread in the freezer that could be pulled out and sliced for a treat if company stopped by.  She fed everyone!

She made potato chips and French fries at home.  Our baked beans were always 'baked' beans (not from a can).  Macaroni and cheese was made in an oven (still my preferred) - not a pot on the stove.

Other than sweets she made, we had fruit in the summer from the trees and vines out back, and there was popcorn and my favorite treat was syrup and peanut butter mixed together and served with crackers or a slice of bread!

She canned or froze everything that daddy could grow - jams, jellies, veggies, fruit, kraut, even stuffed peppers.

We had simple breakfasts during the week and something hearty on the weekend.

Her words were NEVER waste a thing - it can be used in something else.  Grow and put away all you can and of course everything was made from scratch.

Now I know many don't do these things today - but if we just follow some of her lessons, we can save a lot of money.  It uses what you have and feeds your family.

Buy and grow what you eat and eat what you buy or grow.

I am so glad I had parents that were inventive and hard workers - I learned so much.  We didn't have a lot of money at all - but we never went hungry - mom could make anything a feast!  

Lessons I still use today!

Maybe you will see something that you can use in your kitchen, and just maybe it will help you stretch that food budget a little and fill the bellies of the family!!!!

Have a beautiful day!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/2

 Hello to all and welcome here and to August!  I hope you are all doing well.

We had some really nice weather last week, and then things turned around yesterday.  Rain and more rain.  I wish I could have sent it to some of you that are so dry and having fires.  

We woke with pouring rain, then on and off all day light rain, then another downpour late afternoon/early evening.  It just poured.  I still have water out back as of this morning.  I went out AGAIN, and cleaned the storm drain - it was clogged with debris that flowed from down the street.  Seems no one else can figured out why the street floods!!!!!  Geesh.  It looked like a river flowing into the drain after I got the debris out.

We even had tornado sirens around 5PM.    The weather says we had about 2" yesterday, but I know we had more here - the rain gage shows it.

We are supposed to have sporadic showers today.  It is cloudy, cooler but still humid.

My frugal week:

• Found some wings while digging in freezer - thawed to use
• Porch sitting and walking a lot and talking with several neighbors
• Put together new bottles of dish soap and shampoo
• HARVESTING garden - toms, cuke, peppers, cherry toms, zuke (enough to keep me in fresh)
• Stripped the bedding top to bottom and washed all and throw rugs as well
• Had tons of limbs and sticks down from storm #1 early in the week - got them all picked up
• Made hummingbird feed
• Neighbor brought me homemade zucchini bread
• Went out to renew my library card (every 3 years) and get a couple books
• Stopped and got gas fill-up for the month, paid 2.67/gal. after discounts (our state gas tax has been suspended for a while - it comes back 8/6)  
• Refilled all the feed bins with things I had on hand and scrubbed all the water holes
• Mowed and trimmed the front only - edged all the front walks
• FULL rain barrels
• Paid everything I had on hand 
• The rain 'washed' my car!  It looks so much better!!  It gets a lot of dust around here
• Made a big bowl of veg/pasta/faux crab salad
• Got to have windows open a lot this week and AC off
• Just doing all the normal stuff and cooking at home

Meals this past week:

Boneless chicken wings, rice/broc/cheese, cukes

Fried zucchini, corn on cob, l/o rice

Flat bread pizza (in air fryer)

Stuffed peppers and sliced cukes/toms

Cheesy/bacon fries and salad

Tenderloin, corn on cob, salad

Pasta salad and fried ham slices

There you have it.  Just a bit of this and that.  

I did hear from Cookie and she is OK.  She said she had sent me a couple earlier e-mails which I didn't receive.  So glad to know she is OK - just trying to get through the trials of a different life now.

What have you all been up to this week?  Any deals or harvests to brag about?

I hope you all have a very lovely week ahead and that you and yours are all safe and doing well.

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

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

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with tumult.

Psalms 46:1-3

Dear Lord, we say thanks for all the many wonders in our life - from small things to big.  Help us each to know that You are with us every day and no matter what goes on, on earth or in our lives, You will remain with us.  You will comfort us and send us blessings in many forms.  May we always turn our faith and trust to You.  Things happen beyond our control each day, and we know that it is all part of Your plan.  Thank You for loving us.  AMEN