Weekly Wrap Up 4/5

 HAPPY EASTER!

Hello to all this first Sunday of April and this glorious Easter Sunday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe and loved.  

It is a chilly morning here today, compared to other days this past week.  The heat has not turned on this week - I imagine that will end tonight and tomorrow.  Monday evening, we are supposed to get below freezing for a night or so.

                     Yes, He has.  The most incredible blessing and gift we could ever receive.

My frugal week:

• Menards run on Monday - mentioned that I got myself a couple new 'yard toys' to take care of things and make life easier for me - get an 11% rebate as well.  I also got some very inexpensive heirloom seeds to have on hand.
• Stopped and got my monthly gas while out - 3.49 gal. after discount
• My regular thrift store has opened a new food pantry - and they advertised 'celery' on FB.  It was a "please come and get all you want - we have skids full"!  Didn't even have to go in - and it was one block from getting gas.  I stopped and got 4 packs - organic

                                                                        I got a total of 4

• While at the gas station I ran in Kroger as well (gas in parking lot).  Well, I got the deal of the year so far!!!!  73% lean ground beef for a grand total of 1.95 lb.!!!!!!  It came in 3 lb. rolls.  I usually buy leaner meat and don't usually get the rolls - but was not going to pass that up!

                                 Did I need?  No.  Will I use?  You bet - freezers are now fuller!!!!!

• I made 18 packages of ground beef for the freezer
• I cut up celery (3 of them) and froze - 4th is in crisper
• I have the ends of 3 stalks of celery in water to root - they have already started sprouting!
• No heat needed all week
• Lots of walks - picking up trash - talking to people - porch sitting
• Mowed the entire yard - front to back
• Did some sewing
• Aired the house
• Made Cheerio crispy treats to take to nieces today - had everything here, and all was from sales or clearance
• Just basic cleaning, laundry and all the usual stuff

Meals this past week:

Homemade pizza - 2 days

Egg salad sandwich and salad

Loaded nachos

Grilled Reuban and veggie sticks

Beef/squash/cheese skillet, garlic toast and salad

Fried thick-cut potatoes, jalapeno smoked sausage on bun, cukes & cherry toms

Just a nice quiet week and enjoying the weather.  I sure love the smell of fresh cut grass.  Seems once one cuts, others follow suit and the air smells so good.  While out walking I came across a yard full of white violets!  That was so neat to see - not sure I have ever seen white ones before. 

Chucky the groundhog has made a few appearances this week - dang, that thing is fat!  You would think after hibernating all winter it would be skinny.

The whirlies, pods, twirlies - whatever you call them on the maple tree are out and stating to fall.  The squirrels do like to sit and eat the little bean in them.  But they are sure messy.

Sis is home.  YAY!!  Today she is 95.  What a gift!!!

There you have my week.  How was yours?  Did you find any deals?  Getting ready for spring and planting yet?  Enjoying the weather or are you still in the snowy areas?

I wish you all a lovely Easter.  I hope we all remember the gift and sacrifice that was given for US!  We are so loved.  May you get to spend time with loved ones or friends.

Wishing you all a super week ahead.  Stay safe and healthy.

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

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For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God sent the Son into the world, not to condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through him.

John 3:16-17

Lord, we send our utmost thank You up for this wonderful gift that we have been given.  Eternal life of health and happiness and supreme joy with You.  We may lose loved ones on this earth, but we will be together again someday - what a beautiful thought.  Jesus suffered for us, so we can have that eternal life by believing and accepting.  I can think of no greater gift.

Please be with each of us and keep us in your healing and loving arms in this new week.  AMEN

Weekend Fun and Easter

 Hello to all wherever you are.  I hope you are all doing well this Thursday.  It is a cooler morning, but still around 50*.  We must have had some rain super early as everything was wet this morning.  We did not get all the rain they said yesterday - although we did get some.  It was windy and will be again later today.  It is a little foggy this morning.  We get back to about 80* today.

By Easter evening we will get back to below freezing!  The weather, it sure does change quickly.

Everything is so green around here - it sure is lovely compared to all the brown, dead and white we saw over the winter.  The tulips blowing in a breeze!  My peonies are about 6-8 inches tall.  I have some violets in my yard, but a neighbor a few doors down has a front yard full of them.  Every time I walk, I just stop and stare - it is so pretty to me.

Do you have plans for the Easter weekend?

I will be going to my nieces for dinner and will be with brother's family.  I am planning on making some kid friendly goodies to take.  I think Cheerio/M&M marshmallow krispies.

Looks like Sunday will be rain free - but rain off and on until then.

Do you make anything special for the meal on Easter?  

Mom used to make ham every year.  Most people I know do make ham.  They are pretty cheap right now - .75 -.85/lb.  I sure hope that people add some to their freezers while they are cheaper.  A great source of protein, and frugal!

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

A funny memory:  When I was a little one (maybe 4 or 5), my eldest brother bought me a couple chicks for Easter.  My parents were not amused!  He was notorious for getting things that others had to take care afterwards.  They lived on the back porch when little.  One died quickly, but the other grew up and lived outdoors.  It grew up to be a rooster!  That rooster hated me - LOL.  It would chase me around and around the house, pecking at me all the while as I cried and yelled and ran from it.  It did not do that to anyone else (all adults) - but me.  Yes, it was my chicken, but I wasn't fond of it.  

One day it suddenly disappeared - folks said it got hit by a car.  Hmmmmm, I wonder now as an adult, did he become dinner?  We didn't have much traffic on our road at all, so maybe that was a good excuse for them to use.

 Moral - animals for gifts at holidays are not always a good idea!!!!

I hope you all have a lovely Easter and weekend.  Enjoy time with family or friends if you can, and spend time being thankful for all blessings bestowed upon us.  

God is good.

Have a wonderful day!

Nature and Natural is so Good!

 Hello all.  HAPPY APRIL!  I surely hope this finds all well and safe.

It is a cloudy morning here, as rain will be coming soon.  It was supposed to rain overnight - but did not.  It was 60*F outside when I got up this morning, and now it is 59*.  50's for the day - then moving back to upper 70's tomorrow.  What a seesaw.  Yesterday was 80.  That is spring weather!

You all know I am all about natural living as much as possible.  I love nature, and it gives us so much.  Not only does nature provide us with plants that can help us, but it gives joy and laughter and whimsy in our lives.  Those things are so very important.

I believe this 100%.  I know there are many that have to take medications, but even you need to do as much as possible on the natural front to improve and manage health.

Exercise is so important, even if it is just walking.  If you can't walk - do armchair exercises of some sort.  Gardening can be exercise and it provides good healthy food. Maybe even getting out and donating your time, that is exercise, going to work, watching the kiddos - it is all exercise.

God has given us everything we need on this earth.  We just need to use it to our best ability.

People and animals and plants and flowers, etc.  give so much joy.  It is all so very important.

I know some people who are never happy with anything or anyone - always negative attitudes, and they are miserable and have the worst health of all that I know.  

We get one go around in this world - make it good.  Enjoy ALL things.

Eat the good food.  Laugh heartly.  Love your family and friends.  Rest.  Pray/meditate.   Move.

It is all FREE and it is all GOOD for you!!!!!

Nature is amazing and can do so much for us.  Fresh air and sunshine - my 2 favorite natural things.

The sun just does so much for us - not just Vit. D.  Open those blinds and let it inside when possible, or get outside and you will get both fresh air and sunlight.  Even if it not a bright sunny day - you benefit.  

I am outside 365 days a year - several times a day - regardless of the weather.  It may not be long, but at least 15-minute increments even on those nasty days.  Knock wood - I seem to have an excellent immune system, for which I am very thankful.  I do believe the sun and air have given me that!

So take time every day to enjoy all the many gifts that are presented before you.  There are many, regardless of your situation.  You may have to look (be aware), but they are there - so many blessings of all sorts.  Take advantage of nature - it is healthy and helpful.

Take care of yourselves and have a beautiful and blessed day.

Working Smarter.....

 Hello to all on this Tuesday.  Hoping this finds everyone well and safe.

It is a lovely morning here.  We were at 66* upon rising this morning.  It is partially cloudy - but nice.  Yesterday was a perfectly beautiful day - although it was windy!  Coming in tonight is rain, and we will probably have a good chance of such for the next 4 days.  Cooler as well.

Sitting here with the windows open already, listening to the birds sing.  All the kitties have been fed, and the birds and squirrels as well.  Bits is loving the fresh air. 

 

    Tiny, single hyacinth stems (been here 40 years) - but they still smell like the big ones!

You have all heard the old saying 'work smarter, not harder'.  Boy oh boy, is that the truth.  You will each one find, that as you get older, finding an easy and good way is just SMART!  It is true in about everything in life.

When doing baking, utilize that oven to its full extent.  Don't just bake one thing, make several things - not only does it save time in the future, but is saves on energy costs as well.

Cook enough for more than one meal.  You can eat during the week, or you can freeze and have a nice easy meal at some later date - when you just don't feel like cooking.  You can use for lunches as well.

When doing that big clean - do it in small steps.  I like the 15 - 30 minutes at a time style.  You don't get super frustrated, you don't get really tired, you don't get bored.  Do your stuff, then move on to something fun (set outside or read) and then come back and go at it again.

When grocery shopping - stock up on things you use often.  Look around your pantry and freezer and figure what is running low and add that to your list.  Look for the best deals that you can find - you can still find deals (you see the deals I find).  The less shopping you have to do, the better.  You are saving time and money and your energy.  

When cooking, use what you HAVE!  Substitute, re-invent, get creative.  It may means changing up your plans, but that is cool - you are being wise.  That is smart!

I love the idea of 'growing' some of your food.  Even if green onions or lettuce in a pot on the patio.  It is fresh and you don't have to buy it.  Plant a tomato plant in a big pot on the patio - you will enjoy freshness daily!  That is smart to me!

I have told the story before, about the fact that my laundry is in the basement.  I have fairly steep steps going down.  I empty by laundry hamper upstairs into a large pillowcase, then I toss that down the steps into the basement.  It sure keeps me from losing my footing carrying laundry down those steps.  I then hang things and fold things before coming back up - and do it in smaller increments.  Sure, it is more trips - but I feel safer.  ALSO, in have learned (ask me how) - NEVER wear slippers when going down those steps!!!!!  Go in stocking feet!!  Much smarter for me!

Use things you have around the house and garage when cleaning or changing the look of things.  Just shifting items from room to room can make the decor look different.  Use unusual things in the garage or shed for yard decorations or for plantings.  Make your own cleaning products using things you have on hand.

Paint a room - it makes all the difference, instead of a total redecorating.  It refreshes and feels new.  Cheaper and less work than buying and getting rid of old furniture.  Use throws or covers to refresh older furniture.  Add toss pillows and things to change a look.  So many ways to refresh things just are just easy.

Yesterday I made a trip to Menards - to look for some 'helper' tools.  Over the past few years, I have added some new 'toys' to make life a bit easier and cheaper over time.  As long as I can continue to do things, I will.  I can afford to hire things out, but it gives me such a feeling of accomplishment to do it myself, and it is all FREE exercise!  Think the pressure washer, the lighter weight trimmer, the new mower, etc. over the past few years.

I finally got myself a small blower (battery operated & lightweight).  I have had to rake and rake everything from leaves to grass - that is hard work.  My arms and back get so tired.  I will be able to use this whenever I need to and not be over worked.  (I see using this on gutters too).

I also bought something I had not intended - but something I will surely use.

Over the past 2 or 3 years I have gardened doing the no till method.  I have a little Mantis (very old) - but it needs work and it is hard for me to start.  No till sounds easy - but it is a LOT of work working the soil some (you still need to work it).  I have used the Claw and Weasel.  Trust me those are hard work!!!!!  Yesterday I bought a small, lightweight, battery operated mini tiller!!!!  It has an 8" wide girth and digs a good 6" deep or so - better than the Weasel.  I can go over and over an area with ease now.  I can use this between plants easily, use in much smaller areas, and heck I can even easily turn over dirt in my large pots!  It has a 90-minute use time and then needs recharging.  Sounds perfect.  We will see - but I am excited.

It wasn't a bad price at all - and I get 11% back from rebates!

As I age, working smarter not harder is very important.  I love being able to keep going and taking care of things here, but I need a hand up sometimes.  This body does NOT operate even the same as it did 5-10 years ago.  I am sure many of you can understand what I am saying.

So, as you do things around the house and yard - stop for a couple minutes and THINK.  How can I do this in a way to help me now and in the future.

There is always a smarter way!

Stay independent as long as possible - it is so important.  Not only does it do your soul and mind and body good - but it is also just smart!

Work smarter - not harder!!!!!

What are some of your tricks - I am eager to learn some new ones!

Have a beautiful day!
 

Weekly Wrap Up 3/29

 Hello all - Happy Palm Sunday.  Here we are on the last Sunday of the month again.  Time sure is flying by.

It was 36*F this morning when I got up and now up to 42*.  Looks like 60's and 70's for the remainder of the week, with a bit of rain on many days.

Loved going out this morning and hearing the beautiful songs of all the birds, geese flying over and honking hello, and just seeing the world come back to life.  There are more and more birds each week.  Cowbirds, red-wing blackbirds, variety of woodpeckers, grackles, finches, cardinals, bluejays, etc..  The tulips are blooming now.  Chucky the groundhog even made an appearance one day - came out and surveyed the yard and then disappeared again.  Can't imagine it will stick around with all the cats here - they say they don't like the 'smell' from kitties and their urine.

Sis should get to go back home sometime later in the week.  She will be back home in time for her 95th birthday.  She will have extra help for a week or two just to get back into the normal ways of semi-independent living.  So happy for her.

My frugal week:

• Worked on the front 'flower' bed across the front of the house.  I moved a bunch of rock and then worked on reseating the metal trim/edging - then all the rock back in place.  It was a straight edge before - I made it curving this time.  
• Cleaned out the area between the garage and the fence - tons of leaves were there. It looks so much better
• Transplanted my chives from where they have been for years 
• Took apart and emptied a really old and dilapidated whiskey barrel (where chives had lived)
• Got one good load of laundry done with the 'empty' soap bottle.  Amazing how much soap was left in that seemingly empty bottle when turned upside down
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• Changed out handbag
• Taxes are done - quick and painless
• Mowed the front yard (back is still good) - started something - the next day 6 close by neighbors did the same!
• I have trimmed sections of my hair over the last couple weeks - it still looked rough - so I took the time to do a good cut and now it looks nice and even
• Picked wild onions
• Cleaned all the floors really well
• A few walks
• After taxes were done, I stopped at grocery just to see if any deals.  Found several (only day I drove)

  Fresh goods on clearance.  Got the juice drink for flavoring my water.

                          Crackers - I eat crackers often and like these.  They are all 'best by' 12/26

80% ground beef 3.06 lb. (2), pork/beef Italian meatballs $3.16 lb. (1), 8 oz. bars of sharp cheddar 1.22 each (3)!  

These are all my way of adding to the pantry without a lot of cost

• Washed all the windows inside and the mirrors
• Just doing all the normal stuff around the house

My meals this past week:

Cream cheese/cheddar/summer sausage topped bagels - air fryer roasted, fresh veg & h/b egg on side

Tuna patty, sauteed brussel sprouts/corn and fresh veggies

Stew over mashed potatoes (both helpings from freezer) **it was yummy!

Philly steak (ground beef) & cheese open face sandwich and fries

Cream cheese/Swiss and veggie sandwich on toasted sourdough

Veggie fried rice, cukes and toms on side

l/o veg rice, jalapeno smoked sausage and cukes on side

SNACKS:  root beer float, fruit, h/b eggs, toasted Eng. muffin

A lot of little things done for the most part - the flower bed was the only biggy.  Boy was that tiring, this gal sure isn't as young as she would like to think!!!  But it is done, and the cost was zero.

How has your week been?  Any deals to add to the pantry?  Has spring sprung in your area yet?

I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.  Wishing each of you a great week ahead and a lovely holy week.

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

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When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles, the Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit.

Psalms 34:17-18

Dear Lord we give thanks for all our many blessings this day.  Please be with and help those who are going through illness for themselves or with their families and those who are grieving.  It is often hard to keep faith when bad things happen.  Please help each one know that You are with them and will hold them up through all things.  We ask for healing of bodies, minds, and souls.  Thank You for the most precious gift of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  AMEN

Do Unto Others

 Hello to everyone.  It is a damp morning here, after early morning rains.  Rain has stopped, and the sun is peeking out.  The grass is just vivid green, and things are starting to look more like spring.  While walking yesterday, I noticed a neighbor's yard a few doors down, was just full of wild violets.  It looked so pretty to me.  I just stopped and look at it for a few minutes - love the bits of color.  The birds are singing away this morning, the squirrels are out getting breakfast, and the kitties have eaten.  Oh, and it was 60* when I got up!!!

Today will be warmer and sunny.  We have storms coming in again OVERNIGHT.  I am so tired of the big change in storms showing up overnight.  That is scary.  At least during the day, you can see what the sky looks like!  Remember when we just used to have rain showers and not storms?   Anyone in the path - stay safe.

We all need to take time to be kind to others.  If may not benefit you in the short run, but it sure will make someone else's day nice and in the long run you become a kinder person.

I love nature and do all I can for the creatures that show up in my yard.  They DO give joy, and that is all I need from them.  

I walk and try to pick up trash along the way.  No one generally realizes who does it - but I know they enjoy a cleaner and neater neighborhood.  A simple smile or a 'hello' can do wonders for a stranger.  Reach that item the elderly person can't and give them a hand at the store.

Keep your yard and home neat and clean - it is so appreciated by others.  Trust me, I have some neighbors that take care of nothing - and it is awful.  When they do pick up, we all smile a little more.

Just be kind.  Be thoughtful.  Be caring.  Be helpful.  Be mindful.  Be prayerful!!!!!  

Prayers are done in silence and when we are alone - but they do impact others.  God hears us, even when it is just in our mind - so keep good thoughts.

Be your best person at all times.  Some people live many years, but in reality, it is very short and we need to make it matter.  Leave a legacy or memory that would make you smile if you read it of someone else!

Yes, make it a better world for others and make it a wonder to enjoy for yourself.  We ALL deserve to be happy, and we all NEED to be good people.

Love you my friends.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

Serving Good Food on a Small Budget

Good day to all.  It is wonderful to be here another day.  God is good.  Hope all are well.

It is 40's this morning and it looks like 70's for today.  I will take it. A good day to air out a little and do some outdoor work.

                                                                                 AMEN

I know everyone probably gets tired of me talking about meals and food budgets, but I think it is so important right now.  I am lucky to live in a place where many stores are discounting groceries and prices everyday (normal here).  I know not everyone has that luxury.  Even our local Kroger stores have hundreds or more of groceries at cheaper prices right now (some are higher as well).  Still not like they were years ago - but that is life.  Inflation is a part of life.

Anyway, we all need to do what we can to keep budgets low and still have good and hearty meals.  Especially those with families to feed.

Imagine in this world, that families expect 2 or 3 meals a day, every day!  The gall of them!  LOL

So, today we talk about making it good and inexpensive as possible.

PLAN - make a plan as well as possible.  You may not totally stick to it, but having some sort of plan is important.  Even if it is making a whole chicken work for 3 or 4 meals.  The more quick runs you make to the store, the more you spend.  PLAN first with what you have on hand, then add to that with sales and markdowns as much as possible.  Learn to be creative!!!

SIMPLIFY - you don't have to have a bunch of courses to a meal.  Keep meals simple yet filling.  Add bread or crackers or a salad to your main dish - which helps stretch it out.  Ex: a simple casserole that used up all the leftovers and some garlic toast or a small salad.  Chili and crackers or cornbread, etc.  Tomato soup or whatever you like and a grilled sandwich - very filling and inexpensive.  Kiddos and adults alike like a PBJ every now and then - protein and filling!

NEVER WASTE - reuse things up in some way.  It may be used at a breakfast or lunch another day, it may be frozen for later on, or it can be reconstructed into something new.

Leftover chili from freezer over mac - for chili mac and stale buns for garlic toast

Another container of frozen chili over a baked potato with cheese and sour cream
Pretty darn cheap meals and tasty too!  Nothing wasted.

 

Leftover mashed potatoes can be used with additional ingredients to make potato soup - hearty and yummy.  They can make potato cakes.  Leftover veggies can be pureed and added to spaghetti sauce (extra vitamins) or to a cream of soup (even a can of soup).  Small pieces of meat can go into soup, stir fry and added to a sandwich.  Add to a scrambled egg for a heartier breakfast................

GROW something - even if you live in an apartment or a condo - you can grow something.  Lettuce, green onions, herbs - super easy and they add to your food supply.  Look for fresh produce and local if possible.  Even grocery store 'fresh' is better than no fresh goods - see if there is a clearance section as well.

Buy INGREDIENTS - instead of packaged foods.  I know we all buy some packaged and processed things, but ingredients give you so much more of a variety on things you can make.  The 'real' food is more satisfying and filling than the processed stuff.

I know not everyone can spend a lot of money.  Some have Ramen budgets.  That is ok.  Use the Ramen, the pasta, the rice - all inexpensive and can be supplemented with leftovers and odds and ends in the kitchen.  Ramen - just don't use that little flavor packet - use your own broth, add veggie and bits of meat leftover.  You have a heartier soup that isn't all bad.  Add pasta or rice to soups and casseroles.  It expends them a lot.  Even if there is just a spoonful or two left of something, save it!!!!!!  Stick it is a freezer bag or container and at some point, it makes soup!  Or stir fry or fried rice or added to spaghetti sauce or pizza............there is no end to the way to use things.

Throw those leftovers and odds and ends together and even add a can or two of purchased soup (for broth or base).  Make it SEMI-homemade!!!!  No limits!

Buy SEASONAL MEATS!  What does that mean?  Well, when turkey is super cheap at Thanksgiving - get as many as you can for the freezer.  Heck, you can't buy lunchmeat for the prices they charge.  Buy ham when on sale for Christmas or Easter (usually less than $1/lb.).  Stock the freezer.  Usually ground beef, hotdogs, smoked sausages, etc. go on sale around summer holidays for picnics and grilling.  Chickens go on sale pretty often - get when cheaper and freeze or can for easy future use.  Fish generally gets a bit cheaper around Lent.

You may need to adjust what you buy as well.  I am not a huge fan of dark meat of poultry - but I am learning.  Chicken legs and thighs can usually be found at a much cheaper price than my preferred breast meat.  I buy ground beef and other ground meats when I find marked down.  I can make burgers, fritters, meatloaf, meatballs, soup, etc.  Cheaper than a roast for sure!

I often find pork very inexpensive in my area.  I can usually find a nice packet of chops for $5 - many servings.  I also look for the sales on loins - .99-1.99/lb.  That is a good pound price for any meat. You can make so many things with it.

I get these little tenderloins when I find them on clearance and stick in the freezer.  They are 1 1/2 lbs. and make a good 3 meals or more (depending on how much I eat per meal).  They are easy to cook in a crockpot - add some veggies and seasoning and you have a meal.  This one was flavored with lemon, which I really didn't want - so I rinsed it really well before cooking and added my own broth and seasoning and it was fantastic.  These generally run $5 or $6.

Eat meat as a side like other food - not a main course!  Use lesser amounts in soups and casseroles than recipes call for.

Just remember if things are really tight - you need to fill bellies as well as possible and as cheaply as possible - it may not be a well-rounded meal - but that is ok at times.

GO to food pantries if you need to.  Please do not let anything stop you if you need food.  They are there for a reason.

Lastly - GIVE THANKS for what you do have!!!

A grateful heart and spirit make most things better.  

Even if it is a PBJ sandwich or tuna/crackers or pot of cheaply made potato soup or an egg sandwich or buttered pasta - give thanks.

My favorite phrase this year - GET CREATIVE.  It truly does save money!!!!

Have a blessed day my friends.