Weekly Wrap Up 3/8

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all safe and well.

Are you all spung forward????  I sure wish we would pick a time zone and stick with it!

It has been a wet and warm few days around here.  Lots and lots of rain.  Just as the back yard 'pond' was about gone - then more rain yesterday.  It smells so wormy out there!  The robins are loving it - a major buffet for them.  The squirrels have been gathering leaves and rebuilding and building nests.  Yesterday I saw my first red-winged blackbirds of the season.

The grass is getting greener, the daffies are about 6" high, poppies and lilies are popping up, spring is at hand.  Yes, we will have more cold weather, but for now it is a lovely change.

Friday, we set records for the warmest March day!  Later in the week, we may have flurries!  You never know.

My frugal week:

• Made a pot of chili and used the last of the taco lentils (freezer) in it.  It was so good, some of the best chili I have made in ages
• Did a lot of walks - free exercise
• Messed with my other sewing machines (I have 3 total).  Haven't used those 2 in ages, and one doesn't have a manual, so I did some You Tube research and got them all going and functioning well.
• Did more sewing (blankie)
• Trying to use some older items from the pantry
• I unplugged all the watering holes this week - at least for a while
• Super cleaned the storm drain - first went out and just pulled back a bunch of debris with a stake.  Went out later and cleaned and shoveled all the gunk away from the drain - it flowed and flowed for hours.  People had sump pumps draining out front and it was just sitting in street, until the drain was cleaned
• Picked up sticks that blew down in the winds
• Heat off and windows open for a few days - refreshing the house
• Made some sugar free instant pudding with an older clearance mix I ran across in the pantry - tasty snack
• Cut up more cukes and placed in pickle juice for flavor (great use for older cukes)
• Ran to Kroger - I had a couple coupons that were about to expire.  FREE ice cream (48 oz) and nice dollars off on dry cat food.  They had brisket on sale this week (last week was Aldi) and I got one more for the freezer (3.99 lb.).  Also had a .65 off gal. of milk to use as well
• I stopped at the thrift store on the way back home - got bread (free) and I bought some fantastic tasting dip.  I got a jar the last time I was in to try, and it is yummy - so I got more (I couldn't make as cheaply)

FREE BREAD

                     Enchilada flavored dip for $1 a jar!  Still not even close to use by date

• Froze 2 containers of chili for later
• Doing all the normal things and general house keeping
• Visits - sis and with neighbors

Meals this past week:

Chili & crackers

Chili cheese fries

Chicken & noodles (freezer) and sauteed zucchini

Sauteed green beans/corn/onions and a Swiss burger

Mac & cheese w/broc. and faux lobster added

l/o mac & cheese and salad

Grilled 3 cheese sandwich and a cup of potato soup (freezer)

SNACKS - pudding, popcorn, Eng. muffins toasted, fruit

I am so over rain, but more is coming mid-week.  It is so muddy outside - almost impossible to not get your shoes muddy.  I wash the soles of shoes after feeding critters each day - only way to get rid of the mud and not track in! (they come off at door)

I shouldn't complain - earlier in the week when we had 4 1/2" of rain in a couple days - let us just say I was so thankful it was NOT snow - that would have been a ton.

I know I have several people here, who were in line of the rain and storms - I sure hope you did not get flooded or have any damage.  I have been seeing a lot of sad pictures.

How was your week?  Any deals?  How is your weather?  Reach out and say hello and let us know how you are faring.  I keep you all in prayer - I know so many are going a lot right now.

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

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

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Blessed is the man who endures trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life which God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all men generously and without reproaching, and it will be given him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the sea.

James 1:5-6

Dear Lord, thank You for this past week and for the many gifts that we have received.  

As we each go through our own different grief and frustrations, help us to each know that we are able to find bits of joy in the smallest things and even in our hardships if we look.  Help us each to understand "thy will be done", as we most often do not.  Help us to live Your will and not ours.  Give us strength to endure all things and faith to know the love that You have for us.  AMEN

Sunrays, Smiles and Comfort

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well this soggy day.  

Rain and more rain in these parts.  Oh, my have we had more than our share.  Since Tuesday morning, we have had over 4" of rain.  Flooding is happening all over, including my backyard!  Lots of water in the neighbor's backyards as well.   Our drought seems to be no more at this point.  I am so thankful it hasn't been snow!!!  Gosh, that would have been a ton of snow.  Today should be in the 60's and tomorrow they are predicting near 80*.  I know we will have more cold weather - we just started March, so there will be more.  But this little reprieve is nice.  I will be enjoying each soggy, muddy, warm moment!!!

Don't forget that this weekend there is a time change for many of us.  Sunday at 2AM is the official time to move those clocks forward.

A little smile this AM.  Bitsy laying here the other afternoon, enjoying a sunray that was sneaking its way to his chair/bed.  So content.

Thought I would share a fix I made this week.  I have used the same house shoes for a couple years - but the bottoms (vinyl) started to crack, and they were getting caught on throw rugs.  I had a new pair of slippers in the closet, that I got before Big Lots went out.  They are very sturdy slippers and Dearfoams - they have memory foam on the inside.  Sounded perfect.

I have been using these for a couple weeks and they have kept my feet warm - but then I started having problems with my feet.  The balls of my feet and my toes were hurting and cramping.  Very uncomfortable.  It dawned on me that it didn't happen until I started wearing these.

Well, I had kept the old ones, and I got them out.  I decided to "fix" the soles.  Used duct tape - LOL.  White was the color I had - so what I used.  I wear them only in the house and I am alone, so they don't need to be pretty.  So much better are my feet.

Placed the tape over cracks and now I am wearing again.  I can't believe the difference.  My tootsies are thankful.  Pretty no - comfy yes.  Will get me through the rest of this season.

I guess next stop to donate at the thrift store, they will get a pair of slippers.  

Just because something says it is better and more comfy - doesn't mean that it works for all.  Keep that in mind when buying new wearables.

When starting new things, don't be quick to get rid of the older.  Make sure things will work out.  Mini repairs may need to be done - so be it.  Make yourself and your body comfy.

Just my little tidbit for today!!!!

I sure hope you all have a great weekend.  Hopefully it is warming up some in your area and maybe you can avoid snow (sorry northern gals).

Change those clocks.

Have a fantastic weekend and know that you are each one in my prayers and my thoughts.

SMILES

More Affordable Groceries and Eats

 Hello to all this morning.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

Well, it isn't raining this morning (yet or still).  Boy did we have rain yesterday.  All day and aaallllll night!!!  We had storms and tons of rain over 2 1/2"yesterday).  Quite a bit more coming later on today.  UGH!  I have a lake in the back 40 as do the neighbors.  I went out this AM and cleared the street drain - it was completely clogged - nowhere for the water to go.  It sure looked like a river flowing when I cleared.  I wish people would be careful with leaves and debris.

Today more words on affordable grocery shopping and good eats.  I know I talk a lot about this, and maybe repeat a few things, but new people read every day and we all need to know these things.  Now is the time to really be careful and stretch those dollars.

Here is a fun way to use stale bread.  I used to not like it, because what I had was really wet.  Once I had a hardier version that was drier in consistency - it was wonderful.  This is a basic recipe - think about adding fruit, nuts, anything that sounds good or needs to be used.  Can be used for a side, a dessert, breakfast, lunch - sure a great way to fill a belly and stretch things.

• Make recipes and meals with simple ingredients.  There are tons of things that can be had.
• Count your pieces in bagged produce!  Seriously!!  Those are servings.  A bag of oranges may have 7 pieces or it may have 10 - supposedly the same weight.  Well, a serving is important to stretch it out
• Weigh those bags of produce.  May be advertised as 5lbs for a price - some may weigh more and some less
• Make friends with dept. managers to get a heads up on when they mark things down
• Check every dept. for markdowns!  Maybe the store has a central clearance section - look and use it.  I hardly ever pay full price for anything - either sales or clearance
• Beef is high in price.  Ground beef is high - look for markdowns or use ground pork, chicken, etc.  Add beef bouillon to give it more of a beef taste.
• Think about getting pork loins when they go on special for .99 or 1.99 a pound and have the meat dept. grind it for you!!!  Heck of a lot cheaper than ground beef.
• Add oats or bread/crackers crumbs to ground beef to stretch it further.  You can add cooked lentils as well - great protein and stretches it.  Lentils take on taste of what it is cooked with.  I add beans a lot for tacos.  Make bean burgers or lentil burgers - you may be amazed at the taste.
• DON'T feel bad to use food pantries if needed.  They are there to be used and help out
• Ask your/or neighborhood church for help if necessary
• Add bread or biscuits to meals - it is filling and you use less of the main course
• Keep basics on hand - sugar, flour, dry milk, pasta, rice, canned tuna, oats, peanut butter, crackers, canned tomatoes, corn meal, dry beans and lentils - you can make all kinds of meals with basic ingredients
• If you can't buy fresh veggies cheaply - buy frozen.  Closest to fresh taste, no added ingredients (buy plain) and keep well
• Fresh - carrots, potatoes, apples, cabbage, bananas, celery - all pretty cheap
• If need be - get hot dogs and add to meals.  I know many don't like that idea - but you get what you can in a pinch, and it is filling.  Same with Spam or mini canned hams.  Used tuna
• Remember tortillas are super cheap (and so easy to make at home) - they can be made into chips as well as having many uses soft
• Use leftovers in new ways or for lunches or breakfast (you can always add an egg!
• Use up what you have in new ways.  Add to soups and casseroles and pizzas - new combos can make for a tasty meal
• Things getting old?  Use them up.  Older apples - fried, baked, sauce.  Oranges - juice or use in a sweet & sour Asian meal, use in a shake.  Carrots or celery limp?  Place in ice cold water to replenish or cut up and use in soup.  A few sprouts on potatoes?  Cut them off and use.  USE THEM UP!

Pizza made from scratch last week - everything I had around.  2 types of olives, onions, peppers, small tomatoes, mushrooms, some pepperoni - chopped, homemade sauce (use tom. sauce & seasoning if all you have), cheese/or not.  Leftover veggies, meats, mac & cheese, anything you have can be added and be yummy!

In my opinion there is no recipe for soup - just throw things together, and I bet you won't be sorry.  It sure can stretch fewer ingredients into several meals.  Add some pasta or rice and it stretches even further.

Think about shopping less often.  Maybe start going every other week and using YOUR pantry/freezer in between.  Stretch that food - yes shop at home first.  Then maybe you can go three weeks - it is all about what you get used to.  I have found for me, the less often I go, the less I spend a month.  I learn to use other things and substitute and figure out new things to cook.  Get creative - you knew I had to say it!!!

Small changes can make big differences in funds.  IF you don't need to worry about that - fantastic.

Today many do need to worry about money.  Do the work!!!!!  You have to do the work.

Keep it simple and keep it affordable and make good eats.

Have fun all - give us your tips!!!!!

Have a blessed day to all.

When Life Happens - Hugs

 Hello to all this Tuesday morning.  Here we are in March, just seems surreal to be here already.  

Yesterday we woke to snow and had about 2" of that white stuff.  It was gone by the end of the day, and this morning it was 40* when I got up.  40's today and rain.  Looks like it will be soggy for a few days, very soggy.  Mud season is here!  But the temps will be warming up by the end of the week to about 70*.

I have been out to feed the cats and critters. The birds were singing.  It is gloomy and cloudy, but we have another day!

Today I have some sad news to share with everyone.

Yesterday I got an email from our sweet friend and longtime member here (and card maker extraordinaire) Cookie.  She let me know her sweet husband Bill passed away peacefully and at home yesterday morning.

Bill has been battling cancer for a good while and had many ups and downs.  She said she felt honored to get to take care of him and keep him at home, as he wished.

I have kept in touch with her during this difficult time, and I just can't say how sad it makes me for her.

She gave me permission to share this news and said she will be back here at some point.  She does read when she can.

We have many others here going through a lot with their loved ones and themselves.  Sometimes we just have no idea what others may be going through on a daily basis.  Not just family and friends, but strangers we meet each day.  THIS is one good reason to always be kind to others.  You may be the sweet, soft touch that they need on that day.

So, as you go about your week, BE KIND!

Many prayers for all of you going through illness and tough times, for yourself or your loved ones.

Many gentle hugs to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/1

 Hello to all and happy March! Hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is again, a chilly morning (31F), but partly sunny.  We had another brief taste of spring this week, now we are back to more normal temps for this time of the year.  It looks like as the week goes on, we get back to warmer temps and lots of rainy days.  Before that happens - there is a prediction of a little sampling of snow again!

19 days until the spring equinox!  Today is meteorological spring/fall depending on which hemisphere you live in.

I have so been enjoying seeing the robins - more each day.  Love hearing the birds singing, that is the sound of spring to me.

My frugal week:

• I did go out to lunch with grade school friends this week.  We did something new this time - everyone brought an item (or more) to a 'free' table - and you got to pick anything you wanted to take home.  Helping get rid of things we don't need.  I was going to get nothing, but I did take an inspirational book and a brand-new yummy smelling candle!
• I keep the greenhouse top tarped.  It helps shed snow in winter, holds heat for kitties, and protects in case any window may leak.  The last big wind finally shredded the tarp, so I put a new one on and bungeed down.  That was a job, getting it over the peak alone and on a breezy day, but is done.  I am sure it was a funny sight!
• I did run some errands.  Kroger basically needed milk and more cat food (boy, I go through a lot).  I did get some clearance deals while there

80% ground beef for 3.60/lb.  Bags of produce were 1.50 each.  2 lbs. of zucchini for 1.50 - normally 1.99/lb.  Cukes and peppers had many more in each bag, than the 2.99 regular bags had.

• Got my monthly gas fill-up while out.  2.17/gal. w/points - total fill-up was $15.50
• I did stop at the hardware store on the way home from Kroger.  Got a tarp and some new bungee cords.  Noticed that they now sell key fob covers and can make electronic key fobs for many vehicles!  They run about 60% less than going to the dealer - good to know
• Was in the mood for biscuits - I had a roll in frig that needed used from the holidays.  I baked 8 Grands.  Usually make from scratch - but these needed used
• Sis visits - I am not sure how soon she can get back to apt.  She is in rehab but not doing well walking herself alone (w/walker).  She still needs a lot of help - and can't go back to assisted living until she is more independent.  She is very weak and has little appetite.  You only have so many days in rehab (w/Medicare) - so not sure what will happen.  I sure hope her strength increases very soon.  I try to encourage her and pray for her constantly - nothing else I can do.  I just wonder if she has given up.
• While visiting sis one day I stopped at Menards and Aldi.  Got more cat food and critter feed at Menards and a couple things for the yard for spring clean-up.  ALDI had brisket on sale, so I stopped for that sale.  3.49/lb.  Super price for around here.

I usually get flat cut - but for the price I didn't care!

• Did some yard clean-up on a couple days
• Scoured out all the watering holes
• Got to air the house a couple days and turn off heat - so lovely
• I tore off the much-worn stair treads from the side steps and replaced.  Steps are wooden and get very slick when wet
• Cut up some of the cukes I bought and put in pickle juice in the frig - love that extra flavor in salads
• Lots of laundry - cold water - hung most in basement to dry
• Paid all bills I had and received.  Some by phone and mailed a couple
• Got to do my walking a few days - slowly getting back into that!!  Nice talking w/neighbors again
• Saved some jars for re-use

Meals from home this past week:

Grilled burritos -using lentil taco filling, cheese and sour cream

Out to eat w/friends

Homemade pizza (used tons of frig/freezer items)

Pizza and salad

Bacon/egg biscuits

Stew (freezer) and biscuits

Chicken egg rolls and a side salad

SNACKS - milkshake, fruit, biscuit & jelly, cheese and crackers

Seems like I kept busy - but mainly just running.  Between getting rear ended, tarping the greenhouse roof and repairing the treads - my neck is a little sore!  Things sure wear me out quicker the older I get.  Just glad I am still able.

How was your week?  Did you get anything done outdoors?  Or is your weather still nasty?  Any deals this week?

Hope you stop by and check in - love hearing from you all.

Wishing you all a super week ahead.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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One of my favorite verses

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 minds in Christ Jesus.

Colassians1 4:6-7

Lord, thank You for all our blessings in this past week.  

Help us each one to put our trust and faith in You and Your word.  Your will be done, is so hard for us to remember.  We each one stress about things and worry and fret, when You already know the outcome.  Help us to take a deep breath and really trust in the word. We are always safe with You, now and in the future.  Help us to count our blessings, instead of our problems.  AMEN

He knows!

Nudges

 Hello all - hope this finds you and your family well.  Another cool morning - but all is good.  We get a couple more nice days, then winter comes back in for a minute.  It sure won't be long, before we are complaining about the heat in this area.  I hope I don't complain but just enjoy it.

Do you get nudges?  Some call it coincidence, some say fate, I call them God nudges.

Little things, like taking a different route one day and missing a big wreck.  Or stopping to do something and running late and miss something bad.  Thinking of someone that hasn't entered your mind in ages, maybe call or reach out.  You just get a 'feeling' about someone or a situation and leave.

I think about all the stories I heard about 9/11 - and people that missed being in the towers when they fell.  Running late, a traffic jam, a sick baby, a forgotten appointment, etc.  Those people lived.

Yesterday I left to run some errands.  I was on the road (fairly busy) and I was stopped at a traffic light.  The vehicle behind me stopped as well - a little way back.  Then all of a sudden, I felt a big jolt and heard a huge BAM!  They ran into my rear end!!

Well, I threw my arms up as to say, "what the h***?"  Then I put my vehicle in park and started to get out.  In an INSTANT - I saw the passenger of the back car start to get out and someone SCREAMED at me NO - DON'T!!!!!  Yep, I heard it - although no one was around.

So, I put the car in drive and nudged to the curb - in front of a busy gas station (just a couple feet).

The light changed - they shielded their faces (both men) and took off like crazy people.

Now first thought for me was carjacking, then in another instant I thought better.  My vehicle isn't a jacking vehicle.  Then I thought worse!  Call me nervous Nellie or whatever you want - I just knew something wasn't right.  I didn't even get out after they left - as I thought someone could have been at the gas station waiting.  Yes, I was that shaken.

I went on up to WM parking lot before getting out to look at the vehicle.  I was so lucky - not a scratch or a dent (obviously bumpers didn't line up) - but I was sure shaken.  Shaken to the core.  I sat there for several minutes calming myself and saying a prayer of thanks that I was ok.

I went on with my day and my errands, and all was fine.

I know many think it is just fate or karma or coincidence - call it what you want - I think someone greater intervenes!!!

I always pray before I leave the house, that God will let my journey be safe and that He will take care of me and my home.  I always say 'thank You' when I get home.

I think we receive blessings in many ways - in things that happen and things that don't.  We never know how the day will go or what may be in store - but I do believe that it all happens for a reason, if for no other reason than to remind us to say thank you or say a prayer more often.

Have you ever had one of those moments?  Do you get nudges?

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Pay attention and keep your eyes open.  Listen to that little voice inside.  Be grateful for what does happen and what doesn't - it may be a fine line.

Blessings to all - stay safe.

Things That we Waste $$ on!

 Howdy ho everyone!  Hope this finds you well.  It is a warmer and sunny morning here.  We get another reprieve from winter temps for a few days.  Yesterday ended up with temps that weren't too bad - but goodness the wind was frigid!  Can you believe we are on the last few days of February?  The time is flying by.  We will be in Spring in no time.  Heck the time changes in a little over a week (3/8) and then spring!

Today let us talk about money grabbers that we can waste good hard-earned dollars on.  Now I say most of these are things I would try to avoid, but I know many do a lot of these things.  You have to do what you need to do - just remember the funds it tends to cost.

Here are a few things:

• Interest on charge cards - always pay on time and at least make minimum payments - do not pay interest
• Daily coffee runs!  I know lots of people do this.  If you buy one $6 coffee every day - that is over $2,000 a year!!!!!  Enjoy a coffee out once in a while - otherwise make it at home
• Overdraft fees - keep an eye on things, so you don't overdraw your accounts.  bank fees and ATM fees can really eat up funds
• Extended warranties - I know some may disagree.  Generally, most anything major that might happen - happens in the mfg. warranty timeframe.  If not - it takes a long time for things to break, and those extra fees spent on the extended warranty is wasted
• Cable TV (I am guilty).  Some have cable and a bunch of extra services that stream shows as well (Netflix, etc.)
• Brand name meds and OTC meds.  Always asked if there is a generic version.  Read labels on OTC - many are exactly the same as brand name and are even made by the same companies (do your homework)
• Fast food delivery - with delivery, tips and other fees your food will cost more than 2X as much.
• Wasting groceries and food - so much $$$ is throw away every year.  Come up with recipes and ways of using and re-inventing items
• Bottled water - it can cost 2000% more than tap!  If you have nasty tasting tap - buy a filter.  That filter will pay for itself in no time and you also won't have all that waste of plastic bottles!!!!  IF you buy water - read the labels - it isn't all just water for many brands
• Paper goods (disposable).  Try to use real plates, napkins, and cleaning rags
• Cigarettes!  I see that with current prices - if you smoke JUST one pack a day - that is over $3,000 a year
• Fancy cleaning items - so many items can be made with things you have on hand in your pantries and they work
• Subscriptions of magazines and papers - you can find many things on line and libraries carry a lot of things
• Pre-cut items - we mentioned this last week.  I have seen several vlogs in the last week mention this as well.  If you have physical limits - do what helps - otherwise cut it yourself
• Cheap shoes - buy quality.  It not only saves money, but it is so much better feet and body
• Kitchen gadgets you don't or won't use.  The next new thing is always appealing - but odds are you won't use it once the newness wears off
• Paying full price - I HATE to pay full price for anything.  Always look around and do your due diligence when making major purchases
• Unused memberships - gyms, Costco, Sams, Amazon, etc.  If you don't go or use is regularly - it really isn't worth paying for
• Skipping senior discounts!  (I am guilty) I never think to ask at most places - and they just don't GIVE it to you.  It can save substantial funds over time.
• Convenience store/gas station purchases.  Most often snack items are purchased and they cost more than taking your own.  Milk and grocery items are more expensive.  Generally, the only thing cheaper is a fountain drink (at times).  A bottle of pop will cost a lot more than the grocery store - even a bottle of water.

There are many more things - this is just many I see people do every day.   Now I am not saying stop ALL of them immediately.  If you do a lot of them, pick 2 or 3 and stop.  Then in another month or two pick a couple more.  Eventually you will notice that you have more money in your wallet and your bank account.

That money can be saved for an emergency fund, for a downpayment on a home, for paying off debt, etc.  Use those funds for whatever helps your situation. (just the coffee or cigarette ones would fund a nice emergency fund)!  Not to mention improve your health (cigs).

Take time and really think about how much certain habits cost you in the long run.  You may be VERY surprised.  Make good decisions with your money and your money will take care of you.

Have a wonderful and happy day!

SMILE - it is always appealing!