Taking Control - My Story

 Hello to all.  Happy Wednesday.  Hoping you are all well today.

It is about 45* right now (still dark) outside and it is 69* in the house.  The bed sure did feel good this morning, as it has the last few days.  I guess my body likes being all snuggled up under the covers lately!  Bitsy likes the throw I have on the bed as well - it is kind of like sheepskin, and he sure loves laying on it and making 'biscuits' on it.

It looks to be another wonderful day in my area.  Sunlight and 70's.

A good chart of different types of apples.  I love apples and eat them all year long, as well as citrus.  They are my favorite snacks.  You know the saying "an apple a day keeps the doctor away".

Today I just want to talk a bit about taking control of your life and your health and doing all you can to stay healthy or healthier.  Staying healthy is one of the best 'frugal' things you can do.  Staying away from doctors and meds (when you can) saves money.

This is my story of the summer.  I know it isn't for everyone, nor would it work for all.  

I was a sickly child - rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, anemic...that was me.  I had a couple bad years.  I had my appendix out at 4 and my tonsils out at 8.  I used to get strep throat every year, spring and fall, until I met Glen.  Then it stopped.  At 17 I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia - I was really supposed to watch my sugars.  Yeah, that didn't last long!

Years and years ago I smoked - I stopped that cold turkey.  I have an occasional cocktail, but that is it.  (that wasn't always the case when younger).  I abused my body in my younger years - now I know so much better.

You all know I hate doctors and do not take any meds.  I take my vitamins (when I think about it) and try to just do the right things.

This summer I made a lot of changes.  I seemed to always feel tired and wanted to nap a lot.  I lacked energy.  My restless leg was awful at nights.  I had constant headaches.  I mean every single day - I can't tell you how many over the counter pain relievers I took!!  It was crazy.  I was actually thinking something bad was really wrong, and I was contemplating going to doctor.  Now those that know me, know that is a huge thought!  

I changed the time of the day I eat my main meal (yes I eat one), then I have a snack later on.  I never eat anything after 5PM.  I changed up WHAT I eat a lot.  I have pretty much cut out all sugar.  I do have an occasional sweet treat, but nothing I like I did.  I love sweets, so that was a biggy.  I am trying to eat more real food and not processed.  I have had absolutely no fast food.  I have done lots of walking this year.

With those changes I have lost 20 lbs.

I have energy, hardly ever nap, and haven't had a headache in months (since end of June).  Hardly ever have a restless leg bout anymore - and something I discovered just this week - I can sleep on my stomach again!  I love laying on my stomach, but it hurt my neck so bad - so I quit trying.  This week I rolled over and fell asleep on my tummy for 2 hours, and my neck didn't hurt when I woke up!

I have waaaaayyy fewer aches and pains.  Sure, if I overdo it, I hurt some, then it is done.  I am not hurting all the time now.  Even my feet were hurting last winter, and now they are not.

Now you can call me crazy or think I am just imagining this - but it is very real in my life.  I feel better today than I have in years, and I will soon be 72.

WHY?  Just a few simple changes in diet and activity.

I know this is totally my experience and would not necessarily work for everyone.  BUT stop and look at ways you can change things up some in your health journey - it may make a difference - a big difference.

We all want to take control of our finances, our pantries, our homes, etc.  Well, take control of your health too - that is so very important.  Diet and exercise can make such a HUGE difference in our lives.  We are what we put in our bodies.  I have always known this, but this summer it finally really clicked and now I am feeling that difference.

**You know it all started by accident too!!!!!  I didn't set out to make changes, life just kind of happened and then I saw the positive change occurring.

So, as you go forward, think about some little things you can do to change up your life.  I know there are many things that are bad that are affecting people, and I hate that.  But if a tiny, miniscule change can be made that may help, it would surely be worth it.

Just thought I would share my journey.

Have a fantastic day my friends!

Let's Get Unconventional!

 Hello to all.  Thank you for being here today.  Hope you are all doing well.  

It is in the mid 40's this morning and the house is 68*.  We should be getting to the low 70's today and all week and it looks to be a dry and sunny week.  You won't hear me complain about that!!!

The daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter, and the year is getting closer to be over!  It is so hard to believe that we are on the downward end of October.  Just yesterday (it seems) we were saying how can it be September already?!!!

This morning when outside with the feeding frenzy of cats - the sunrise was so pretty.  The sky was the prettiest shade of blue and there were just whisps and poofs of pink everywhere.  God sure does beautiful work.

I got a notice yesterday for my December luncheon of old friends - Dec. 14.  Then I realized that is less than 2 months away!  So, I really got to thinking and well, the bad news is it is about 10 weeks until Christmas - around 64 days!

Now what a cute idea for a cheese platter!!!  Cheese and pepperoni shaped to look like Santa.  You could do something similar with assorted cracker or even sliced veggies.  Get creative.

You all know that I am not a real traditional gift giver.  I like doing things a little different.  I try to make things a bit more personal and creative.

I mean seriously, anyone can go and buy just any assortment of "stuff".  For the most part kiddos are into computers and gaming and well, I will not contribute.  Besides that, I am not spending the money that all that takes!  It is way too expensive.  

Most adults have everything they need already.  So just buying to be buying seems silly.

I know we all know people who do not appreciate the homemade gifts, and think that is cheap.  I personally love something different or homemade - because a lot of time, love and THAT person is in it.

I love getting (and giving) food items.  Different things, people may not do for themselves.  I mean we all have to eat!

So let's look a little outside the box today - IT IS TIME TO GET BUSY!!!!

• Used book stores are a great place to shop.  Find a subject they would like.  Many used books look new and then the old classics are just beautiful books.
• Puzzles - I know many of you love puzzles - lots of people do.  A gift that is used over time.  Also think puzzle and word books
• Don't overlook the Aldi aisle of shame!  They have tons of cute ideas (especially fun things for youngsters) for little money
• Sample size health & beauty products in a cute little basket or tote with a bath scrubby
• CVS - deals - you can get a lot of inexpensive things on those daily deals at CVS with their card and their coupons
• Warm socks (we all love warm feet) - maybe some hot chocolate mixes and a mug to go with it.  Or for the right person some mulling spices, and a bottle of wine
• A pretty Christmas ornament - can be used year after year.  Homemade or a pretty you buy.  If you buy one - get a paint pen and write the year on it or a sentiment
• At yard sales or thrift stores - buy pretty single plates for gifting home baked goods or candies. They can keep the plate or pass on to someone else
• A cold/flu/cough kit - lozenges, herbal tea bags, small bottle of honey, tissues, Pepto, soup mix, etc.
• Garden and flower seeds - you can find at garden centers now - marked down.  They will be good next spring - garden gloves, a trowel, bulb planter, etc.  Get some paperwhite bulbs and a small planter to give - fun inside project.  Amarylis bulbs.
• Kiddos - a little basket with a cute toothbrush, toothpaste, bubble bath, cute soaps, and fun sponge or scrubbies, etc.
• Think vintage - it is the new thing again.  Many people are getting back into vintage everything - usually find at thrift stores.  Older kitchens utensils, salt & pepper shakers, fabrics (for the sewer), hankies, bowls & baking items, cookbooks, etc.

Fire starters are easy to make from pinecones - great for a fireplace or for folks that camp. Dip in wax (or colored wax) and place in a basket

Another use for pinecones.  They are FREE and can be turned into all kinds of pretties.  I think these are wonderful!  So cute and cheerful!

Candles - scented or votives or melts are always a good gift.  Everyone knows I love scented candles, and I always get a few to enjoy during the winter months - I think of the giver each time I use them.

Fire extinguishers are a great gift - you can now buy super easy to use ones and they are disposable after use.  I have been gifted several and have them in various areas of the home.  Also a fire blanket - that can be thrown over a fire to extinguish.

Anything that provides safety is good.

This is a great idea for people who live alone - an extra feeling of security.  I have 2 - one for front and one for back door.

It just slides under the handle and helps keep the door from being opened.  Easy to use.

Gift cards are now available for everywhere - If you know someone having difficulties - this is a great gift - they can use for anything.  Think about stores that have food and other goods - they can get what they need.  Coffee lovers - a GC to their favorite coffee spot.  You can buy Visa cards that can be used for anything.  Amazon cards.  The list goes on and on - and they can get exactly what they want or need.

I will give more ideas in the coming weeks, but this gives folks ideas on ways to get started and buy ahead.  We all need to get motivated - even if we just gift to neighbors and friends or maybe an office gift or the teacher.

What unconventional gift would you like?

What unconventional gifts do you give?

Tis the season to get busy!!!!!!!

Have a fantastic day!!!!!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 10/18

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

Very chilly morning here.  It is 40* outside at the moment and was 68* inside when I got up.  It is the coldest morning we have had in months.  I tell you that bed sure did feel good this morning (and yesterday).  I did not want to get up.  I got out the longer jammie pants the past couple evenings and added a heavy throw on top of the bed.  That made sleeping very enjoyable and restful.

It finally feels like October is here.  It will get chilly again tonight, and then we go back to above normal temps for at least the next week, maybe the remainder of the month.  It does look as if my car has some frost on it, from looking out the window.  It is dark still and I haven't been out yet.

My frugal week:

• I still had a little leak in the kitchen (after the neighbors' work) but not as bad.  He came back over and we both noticed at the same time, that the flashing on the chimney looked loose.  He fixed that and tarred around it and did a few more shingles and I am happy to report NO more leak (we did have a big rain to test it).  YAY!
• He blew the gutters out again while up there - the poplar is so close to the house & has dropped most of its leaves
• I did some leaf clean-up in the yard and around the garage (kitties loved that)
• Walking around the street and picking up blowing trash and items (it has been windy)
• I mowed and trimmed everything & did a bit more yard work
• HARVEST - I finished it up.  One last cuke, lots of tomatoes and peppers (plants still in). The basket below is the size of those grocery baskets.

• I got started on the basement clean - did a lot, but nowhere near done
• Cats all got flea meds (I had already)
• Laundry cold water and hung to dry
• Cooked up the last of the fresh broccoli that needed used and froze for later (for soup)
• Hard boiled some eggs for snacks
• Did a real deep vacuum 
• Been using up leftovers and cooking from home
• NO grocery this week - using what I have
• I did get out a little heater to use, instead of using furnace.  I got several little heaters two years ago on clearance and have kept them for in case (or gifts)!

Warmed up the living room, so when I am on couch it feels great.

Meals this week:

Cheese/rice/broc/ham skillet and biscuits

Enchiladas (used l/o rice)

1/2 enchilada and bean/cheese tostada

Tuna salad and fresh veggies

Fried green tomatoes and chicken tenders

Sausage ravioli (freezer) in sauce (homemade), garlic toast

Fish, fries and veggie slaw

That is about it for me.  We did get a lot of rain on Thursday evening and Friday morning.  The ground sure needed it.  I did turn on the AC on one late afternoon for a cycle - it got to 87* that day, and now the weather is frosty.  Crazy stuff.

It did frost some - but the annuals still look fine.  It is now daylight and I have been out and fed all the cats.  Boy, are they happy to see me in the morning!!!!

How was your week?  Is your garden done now?  Are you doing any after harvest stocking or canning?

Let us know what your weather is like.  I love hearing from you all - heard from several new people this week and many regulars that have been missing some.  Love it.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

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

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And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 4:17

Lord, we come to You in thankfulness for the week past and blessings on the upcoming week.  You have again gotten us all through another week, and we are so grateful.  Guide us each one on our paths this week to do good and be a good representative here on earth.  Continue to lay Your healing hands on all in need, no matter their need, whether mind, body or soul.  Thank You for all our blessings.  AMEN

A is for Apple & Yummy Fall Eating

 Hello all you lovely folks.  So happy to have you hear this morning and hoping all are well and safe.

It is pretty cloudy out right now, yet it is 66*F.  Yesterday got back to about 80*.  We have rain coming into tonight and overnight.  Yesterday I got a little shower in the afternoon, but all it did was make it humid!

I did do a bit more yard work early yesterday, and may go out this morning and get a bunch of peppers and green tomatoes - we have a small chance of frost on Saturday morning.

It is really supposed to cool and get windy after the rain for a couple days.  Back to good by Monday.

I slept horribly last night - not sure what was up with that!  I looked at the clock at 5:30 this morning, and thought I will get up in a few minutes - then woke up at 6:30!!  I never get up that late.

Fall is APPLE season!  I love me some apples - I like several different varieties.  I tend to lean towards a good crispy one that is a combo of sweet and tart.

Apples can be fixed and eaten in so many ways other than just fresh.  I am a fan of fried apples, mom used to fix them often in the fall.  We had a couple of apple trees, so that was a free food!

You can make cobbler, crisp, pie, or sauce.  Apple cider is also a fall favorite - Mmmmmm.

A good fresh apple and peanut butter is a tasty treat and it is filling.

Apples are full of vitamins and minerals and like the old saying states - "an apple away keeps the doctor away"!  I eat apples often (all year) as well as citrus.  I do love my sweets at times - but give me fruit and I happy!

Now there are also fun and maybe some not quite as healthy ways to eat apples as well.  Lots of people have campfires and fall gatherings and I think either of these would be fun, for children and adults alike.

I saw this on FB and thought it was a neat idea.  Water in a crockpot - add jars of chocolate and/or caramel for dipping and apple wedges on sticks.  A muffin tin with toppings.  How fun is that?  I think this would be a great way to have a festive display of apples and goodies.

I have shown this one before - but it is a fun one as well.  Slice apples and insert sticks, then drizzle with melted chocolate and add goodies and let them set up.

Simple and fun ways to make the fall season a bit more festive.  I think youngsters would love to come home from school to the slices for a snack!  

I really like a good caramel apple.  I don't get them often, and I usually cut them up to eat - oh those things are messy - but so good! 

I hope you can get some good apples this fall and enjoy them in your favorite way.  Now is the time to get good pricing.  Stores are even carrying multiple varieties.  Maybe you have your own tree and can get them for free.  I wish I had an apple tree.

What is your favorite way to eat apples??

I remember as a kid I used to sit behind the garage and stuff myself with green apples - mom always told me I would end up with a belly ache!!!  I sure did love apples, even back then.

Have a super weekend and relax and enjoy each other.

Have a great day!

Work - There Always Seems to be Plenty!

 Hello to all this midweek day. Goodness, we are almost halfway through another month!!  

It is very warm here for October.  Yesterday it got to 87* and I had to have the AC on for a while.  That is crazy.  Only in the upper 70's today (maybe 80), with rain on the way for a couple days it seems.  I love the warmer days, understand I am not complaining!  It was 74*F at 6AM this morning!

Ever feel this way??  I do, every time I get into a big clean.  It seems I make a bigger mess than I had beforehand!

I really don't like AI at all, but I truly had to laugh at this picture.  I just see myself.  LOL

Do you have any chores you really hate to do?  Put them off, until you just have to tackle them?  

Mine is the abyss (basement).  Oh, how I hate thinking of getting it all cleaned and cleared.  I usually walk down there, move a couple things - stand there and stare feeling overwhelmed - and come back up and close the door!  Well, this is the week.  Can't be out in the rain, so I have decided to be in the dungeon!  As you can see I have many names for it!

I did get a lot of outside work done yesterday before the heat really set in.

Anybody have a huge project that they really want to get finished?  Just so you feel calm and good that it is done.

I am curious, do people still have certain days for certain chores?  I know Momma always did laundry on Monday - I imagine ironing was Tuesday or Wed.  I am not sure what she did on other days, but everything had a day.

Like, every Saturday evening was hamburgers and homemade fries or fried potatoes.  Maybe baked beans as well.  Sunday at noon was the big family sit down dinner - with lots of good food.  Fried chicken or ham was usually on the menu - sometimes roast.  I remember chicken more than any other - it was a cheap meat and Mom sure made it the best I have ever had.

So what are your cleaning days or schedules like?  Or are you more like me, and just do things when it so strikes you to do them?  I do not do laundry every week - so I just do it whenever.  I clean whenever I get the urge or notice something that makes me cringe!!!  No set schedules here.

But I do know, there is never an end to things.  Something always needs to be purged, cleaned, scrubbed, etc.  Get it done, and it is time to start over.  Dusting is my never-ending chore.  My house isn't messy (it's just me), but it sure does get dusty with the windows open a lot.

Hope you all have a good day and don't work too hard!

Simplifying - Don't Over Think It!!!!

 Howdy all!  Hope everyone is well and safe today.

It is 69*F this morning and going into the 80's again.  We hit 87* yesterday.  I turned the AC on for one cycle late in the afternoon, and the house was good after that.  I had a very comfortable night, slept so good.  I sure resisted getting up this morning.  It is currently 78* in the house.  I will be opening windows in a bit, once it gets light out.  With temps like this it is hard to believe we are almost halfway through October.  Time to get things done.  Rain is coming later on!  So are cooler temps.

Isn't this the truth????

It sure is for me.  Just sitting with my Bits in the house and getting snuggles.  Watching and playing with kitties outdoors.  A nice breeze coming through the window.  Good simple food that just tastes so good.  Wonderful neighbors and friends.  A fall scented candle.  Home!

I think we tend to over complicate things so often.  It isn't about what you have or what you can buy - it is about feeling peace that comes from within and all those little things that happen each day.

I think it is beautiful to be the one who doesn't chase after more.  Doing what feels important to YOU, doesn't always match others - that is fine.  You do you.

Simplicity happens in all kinds of ways.  Having less.  Cooking with what we have.  Enjoying the simpler things in life.  Using up what we have - maybe finding new ways for things.  Keeping life basic and real and simple.  That is what makes it feel so comforting in my book.

Along those lines, I give a couple little ideas that were just "duh" moments for me.  Sometimes it takes a long time to figure out that simple ways work wonderfully!

I was dusting and cleaning last week, and I happened to notice the lampshade.  It was really dusty.  It is a linen type of fabric.  I usually use the attachment from the vacuum to clean it, and it really never does the best job and I worry about the suction on the shade.

What did I do?  I had this idea that worked perfectly!!!!

I used the sticky lint roller thing.  Oh my goodness, the shade is totally lint free and it was the easiest thing ever.  Took just a minute to do and no more worry about the suction on the shade (it is older).  I will never clean the shade any other way.  I can do this often and not worry about damage.  Something I had and can use over and over.

So many people over complicate eating.  It doesn't take a lot of courses to make a good meal.  It just takes good wholesome food, (even if it is one thing) that fills you and tastes good.

I know not everyone can probably eat them, but potatoes are just so versatile and can be made in so many ways.  They are pretty darn cheap and can stretch a meal to feed many, if need be.

Just a few ideas!!!!!!!!!  There are many more ideas as well.  I like potatoes, as they really do provide substance and help us feel full, they are pretty cheap, and very, very versatile.

Let's talk about cleaning products.  You walk down the aisle and there are literally hundreds of different products!  All have a "specific" use!!!  Well, let us think about this for a moment.  Most of the laundry products are highly comprised of water!  Duh.  Then they have perfume added.  Other cleaning items are either lots of water or very caustic chemicals (just smell some of them).  All are in plastic containers!  What are we thinking?  I make my own cleaning products at home using basic things.  Baking soda, vinegar, citrus peels, and yes sometimes just water and clean soap!  I have never made laundry detergent, I know many do - but I use very little of it.  Never do I use what they recommend.  I do not use fancy stuff for fabric softener.  I either use vinegar in the rinse (no smell by time it is done) or nothing.  I use peroxide for bleach - nothing toxic.  On top of all the water, plastic and toxic crap we are buying we are spending a small fortune for it!!!!  We have so much we could use right in the pantry.

Broth - have you purchased broth at the grocery lately?  It is very expensive - sometimes between $4 - $6 a box.  Look at the ingredients.  Again, lots of water and salt - probably nothing that is really real meat in it - maybe bouillon.  Make your own - it is so simple to make and it is basically FREE.  You are using what many throw away.  Sure, you use water - but you put real meat bones or scraps in it and any herbs you want.  You can do the same with veggie scraps for veggie broth.  Put in in a pot, turn on the heat, and go about doing your stuff around the house.  It takes care of itself.  Can or freeze.

Just an idea or two and looking at simplifying a little differently perhaps.

We often just get in the habit of buying or doing things the same week after week, and when we really stop and think, we can see new ideas!  

Being a little more conscious of our daily habits, really can simplify life and it can also save a little.

I love my calm, quiet and simple life.  I just kind of go with the flow and keep a low profile.

Hope you love your life as well!

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 10/11

 Hello to all this fine Sunday.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends this weekend!

Hoping that all our southern friends are safe from any harm or damage from the hurricane.

It is 60* this morning, and now dry.  We had a little soft rain last evening late.  The ground sure does need it.  Yesterday stayed pretty cloudy, but it was nice in the 70's.  I have been out to feed already, and it is very cloudy and foggy, and it actually felt like there was a fine mist.  I sure have been enjoying the warmer days that continue - I know all good things come to an end eventually.

Thought this looked festive and fall-ish!

My frugal week:

• Made a small pot of broccoli cheese soup, with a potato diced up in it
• Mowed and trimmed
• Did lots of yard clean up, pulling, cutting and clearing.  Put away the hose from out back
• NO heat or AC this week, and windows open a lot
• Did a big dust
• Darning socks
• HARVEST - lots of peppers, a few tomatoes and cukes
• Went to grocery of course for cat food.  Did get milk - 2.49/gal., eggs - 18/$2, and fruit - apples and mandarins and a few grapes
• I stopped a got 2 loaves of Artesano Brioche style bread - FREE.  It is thick cut and can be used for many things - toast, garlic bread, French toast, stuffing, etc.
• Shredded up the oldest 1 lb. cheese I had (cheddar) and froze - froze on a pan and then bagged
• Did a lot of walking and picking up trash (it has been windy)
• Picked a bouquet of NE asters
• Washed windows and doors, and sills and jambs, and frames and mirrors (I get on a roll!)  Then went on to stove and frig and kitchen floor!
• Made a small batch of biscuits
• Meals from home and using what I have
• Laundry in cold and hung it to dry
• Working of all the normal stuff

Budget meals this past week:

Cheesy broc./potato soup

Chicken Lo Mein (made w/spaghetti) and salad

Broccoli soup

Fish and fries (air fryer) and tomatoes

Cheese/sausage stuffed banana peppers (air fryer) and salad

Sausage gravy and biscuits, toms & cukes

Dbl. jalapeno/cheeseburger and steamed broccoli

SNACKS - milkshake, popcorn and fruit

Cream cheese, cheddar and sausage stuffed banana peppers topped with more cheddar cheese.  10 minutes at 360* in air fryer.  They were so yummy.

I think I am starting to get back on track.  The week before this, I just didn't feel like doing much.  I am regaining my energy and my oomph!  I am so grateful I can still do so many things.  This week will probably be picking most of the garden, as next weekend gets much cooler, after a couple days in the 80's.  I guess we will see what the week brings forth.

How was your week?  I sure do hope everyone is safe - so many things going on weatherwise.  Did you get any good deals?  Any gardening still being done?  

Wishing you all a splendid week ahead, stay healthy, and wishing all well.  So glad we had so many new folks stop by and post this week - I am so grateful for you all.

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

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"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Matthew 6:34

Dear Lord, we give thanks for all our many blessings.  Thank you for the opportunity to be here this fine day.  Yes, please help us each to know that Your will be done, and all the worry, stress and anxiety that we feel, does nothing to help us.  May we lift all our worries and troubles to You and may we always praise the way You handle them in our lives.  I know I am guilty and I do try to release worry and fear and ask for help as I struggle with this.    Please continue to be with all and lay Your healing and calming hands on all.  AMEN