Food and Health and Good Eats

 Hello all, this Tuesday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe. 

It is a chilly morning here.  It is 31*F this morning, but the sun has come out.  What a roller coaster it has been here on the weather front.  Sunday, we hit a record breaking high of 88*F, then Sunday evening a storm blew through.  There were thunder and lightening, hard rain and hail.  Monday morning, we woke to 35*!!!  A 53 degree drop in just a few hours.  Crazy stuff.

Isn't this cute?  I think this would be a cute addition to the Easter table.  I have used peppers to hold dip before, but I like this idea.  I bet it would be the hit of the table setting.

I came across some charts that I thought I would share.  It is all good information for eating healthy items and tasty items.  We all look for ways to stay healthy in any natural way we can - it IS frugal!!!  Staying away from doctors, hospitals and medication is much cheaper than having to use them a lot.  I will promote healthy eating all I can.

Great ideas for snacks that are healthier than eating junk.  I do several of these regularly.

There are so many ways to get protein into our bodies.  It doesn't always have to be meat.

This is kind of fun.  I was not aware of some of these.  Those trying to control sugar levels might like this.

I like how some of the high fiber and the good protein items cross over.  Win-win.

I watch for sales and for clearance and manage to get a lot of these items for a decent price.  I am a huge fruit lover, and citrus is a mainstay in my diet.  Once summer gets here, there will be so many things to look forward to.  I do try to keep citrus and cherry tomatoes all year.  Can't wait to grow my own tomatoes again!

I love nuts of all kinds, and luckily, I was gifted a lot of the healthy ones for gifts.  I look for sales on those as well.

I do most of the items from the protein chart as well.  My only dislikes would be cottage cheese and possibly tofu (just not a fan-could eat it).

Sure, I like some junky foods - I think that is normal.  But I also notice, that they are totally false calories.  They make you full for a minute, then you end up even hungrier - and they aren't good for you and the calories aren't good ones!!!  I love comfort food as well - I try to keep it healthy, but often my comfort foods contain pasta and potatoes, so there is that!  We all have our vices.

Eating better foods, can really help a lot of medical conditions.  Everyone needs to do the research for themselves concerning whatever problems you have - and see how diet can affect things.

It sometimes pays to spend a bit more of food to save on doctors and medications!!!

Have a beautiful day and stay joyful.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/22

 Hello to all, and welcome to another new week.  I hope this finds you all well and safe and hanging in there.  This morning started out in the low 60's!  It looks like it will probably hit 80* today, then we play on the roller coaster again.  Next couple days will be cooler - but not any stupid cold or snow in the forecast.

Lilly leaves got tinged with the cold earlier in the week. But they will be fine.  Poppies and all the lilies are growing - saw red tips poking out on the peonies.  The daffies really got hit after the cold, but I will be darned, new buds came out and more flowers!!  I have a new vase of them in the house.  It is about time to think of mowing.

My frugal week:

• Made a pan of corn casserole with items I had on hand.  I have had a craving for that, and it was good
• Cut more daffodils before the cold - then got a chance to cut more that came out after the cold
• Lots of walks and picking up trash - saw the first dandelion and wild violets of the season!
• Pulled big chicken legs from big freezer and cooked up.  Ate a couple and then froze the others cooked for a quick bite later
• I trimmed the top of my hair, as it was getting so long.  Did a root touch-up as well
• Paid everything I had on hand
• Had breakfast/brunch with an old friend.  It starts breakfast and ends up brunch as we talk for so long!  We met at a little diner and meal was filling and inexpensive
• Scoured out the watering holes and the bird bath again - the robins sure love to take baths!
• Thorough cleaning of the stove top 
• Removed the secondary quilt from the bed - YAY
• Stopped at Kroger for some good deals.  Eggs - .99 doz., cheese 1.49/half lb.  Found 80% ground beef on clearance 3.73/lb.  Got 2 pounds (all they had left).  Got more fruit to last the next couple weeks
• Made hard-boiled eggs - 10
• Got the older apples out of crisper and plan on making fried apples tomorrow
• Refurbished some leaf lettuce that had wilted, by placing in ice water - really perked it up
• Getting to air the house, no heat and used a small fan in bedroom at night, instead of ceiling fan

Meals this past week:

l/o pork loin, corn casserole and fresh veggies

Chicken legs, asparagus, corn casserole

Corned beef hash and scrambled eggs

Chili mac (chili from freezer) and garlic toast

Out for breakfast - diner food - just pieced later at home

Meat, cheese, veggie sandwich on sourdough (like a sub)

Soft tacos

SNACKS fruit, corn casserole, cheese

Mainly just using up and doing things here to keep expenses lower.  There is always plenty to do this time of the year.  House in order, yards in orders, planning gardens - goodness always something.  

How was your week?  Any good deals this week?  Getting ready for a new season?

I hope those that were having such nasty weather are doing good.  I wish you all a safe and healthy week.  May you all get to enjoy the beauty of spring.

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

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

I love thee, O Lord, my strength.  The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalms 18:1-2

Lord, we sing Your praises today for all the gifts that You give.  As we feel our lives are sad or hard, help us to see all the beauty that is presented each day.  Let us give glory instead of grumbling.  Help us each one to be surprised each day with a bit of beauty or joy.  Have us truly pay attention and be joyful for tiniest of wonders.  AMEN

Spring is Coming and we are Moving Forward

 Hello all - hope this finds you well.  Tomorrow will be officially spring.  YAY!!!!!  I sure hope the weather changes for the good from here on out.  It is 40* this morning, so that is a plus.  It looks like decent temps and warmer days for a bit here.

A nice bouquet from the garden before the cold weather and snow hit.  I still have some in a vase - they last and last.  One of the first signs that spring is coming - they give us cheer and hope.

I hope as the weather changes for the best - we do too.  May we all do things and say things that brightens a day for someone else.  May we all do just a little more for the world.  May we all take care of nature.

Winter is going or gone - thank goodness.  Whatever it brought is done and now spring gives hope the life returning to everything around us.  

I hope you all have a wonderful spring season.  

I am going to a late breakfast/brunch with an old friend.  I may do a bit of grocery shopping tomorrow, only to pick up some specials.  They are having customer appreciation days - and my special coupons are good only through Friday.  They have some good deals on those.  Looking forward to airing the house again and turning off heat, as it will be warming up.

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.  Enjoy the first days of spring.

May you have lovely weather.

Nostalgic Foods from Growing Up

 Hello to all and midweek wishes for health and safety.  Yesterday we woke to a covering of snow - then it was mainly gone by the end of the day.  Had nothing to do with temps, but we had sunshine for a bit.  It is cold this morning, but no snow here (so far), and not as cold as yesterday's high!  Making our way back upwards!

I have had a couple people ask if I saw the brief post from Linda (PP) that Tommy passed.  So very sad.  I can't help but wonder what she will do now.  Such a sad situation.

Yesterday I read an article about nostalgic foods from days gone by, and that they said most don't do today.  Hmmmm - I still do some of these.  I do remember every single one - and the thing was, we just thought it was all good, we had no idea it was frugal food because we didn't have a lot of money (even though mom did)!

1.  Catsup and spaghetti - I truly don't remember mom doing this - we did have tomatoes and pasta often times.  BUT catsup and macaroni was a staple for me in my single days.  It was what I could afford.  To be honest I still do this every now and then.  I really like it - my sister does too!

2.  Sugar sandwiches - I didn't do this, but I remember hearing that my siblings did once in a while, when money and food was low

3.  Fried bologna - I was never a fan of it fried but did and do like bologna sandwiches once in a while in the summer with a big tomato sliced on it!  Glen loved fried bologna and so did my dad

4.  Peanut butter & syrup - oh golly, I loved this as a kid.  It was such a fun treat.  Mom would mix the two and I had it with crackers or bread.  I thought this was the best thing ever

5.  Hotdogs cut up in mac and cheese - remember this and have done it back in the day.  It is a great way to extend a little meat and make a simple meal out of what you have

6. Cereal with no milk - LOL - this is the only way I have ever eaten cereal!  I do not like my cereal soggy!!  I drink milk on the side, but eat cereal more like a snack and it is always dry

7.  Powdered milk - Mom may have served us powdered milk - I really do not remember.  I have never made it just to drink but have made and used in recipes.  I have extended a short gallon with it, but never made it just alone to drink

8. Cinnamon sugar toast - LOVED it and still do this for a snack sometimes.  It is easy and quick and so very tasty!!!

9.  Buttered noodles - yep, mom did these and I have too many times.  I really like buttered noodles - don't have to have fancy gravy or sauce

10.  Tuna and crackers - sure enough.  I still do this.  It may be part of a meal or just a snack.  I don't have to have tuna salad - I like plain old tuna

11.  Egg sandwiches - of course.  Still a staple for me.  Easy and fairly cheap and tummy filling

12.  Mayo sandwich - I know dad did this once in a while and I think mom did.  I have never just had mayo - but have had many a tomato or onion or cucumber sandwich with mayo.  A summer treat still today

13.  Biscuits and gravy - duh!  Not sure why this is on the list.  Are there actually people that have never had them?  I love biscuits (scones) and gravy.  Truly a favorite and comforting meal for me

14.  Rice with sugar and butter - I was never a fan - but Glen used to LOVE it.  He would ask for this many times as a breakfast meal.  I know mom served it a lot for my siblings.

15. (adding this one myself) - Cornbread or crackers crumbled up and eaten in milk.  This was a big thing with dad - he loved it.  I remember my siblings saying this was a breakfast or lunch many times, when things were tight.  My brother still does this but uses buttermilk.  Oh, I shudder!!!!!  LOL

Do you remember some of the odd ones?  Have you had any or all of them in years past?  Do you still eat any of them today?

It is always fun to go back and think about the ways food got stretched when the budgets were low and food needed to used up and nothing wasted.  People found a way to eat what they had.  I know there are people today that would just cringe to think of some of these things.  Hey, you ate what you had, so as not to be hungry.  Many of these were what we considered 'fast' food!!!!!  Quick, easy, cheap and used it up!

Have a great day everyone.  

Spring will soon be here!!

Finding Our Enough

 Hello all and Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

Boy, has there been some weather to end our winter around these parts.  Blizzards in many areas, cold in areas that don't usually get too cold and winds!  We went from 70's on Sunday (windy) and windows open, taking walks, and picking flowers - to snow covering the ground this morning and very cold!  Good golly.

I am so ready for warmer days!

I would like to talk for a moment about finding our ENOUGH!

We can have very little, just enough and too much (in my opinion).  What s enough?  I guess we all have a different view of that.  For me it is basic - a roof over my head, food for my belly and warmth.

Movies, TV, magazines, media - it all tries to tell us that we need more and that we aren't good enough as we are.  Don't fall for it.

I think knowing how to survive on less than the norm is a blessing.  It could possibly serve us well someday.  It lets us live and enjoy the small things and have pleasure in different ways.

It is about having what you need to get to point B.  I mean you can't take the leftovers with you!

It means less stress.

A smaller home gives you shelter as good as (or better) than a McMansion.  It is easier to take care of as well.  A WM watch tells time as well as a Rolex.  Basic, healthy and natural foods are better for you than all the caviar.  Secondhand clothes keep you warm probably better than designer clothes.

It isn't about the stuff for most of us.

The old saying 'he who dies with the most toys, wins" - is ridiculous!  Not sure how that is winning anything.

The money trap can be like jail - it traps you, and it is hard to break free.

Give me memories and daily simple joys over millions.

It is freeing to not worry about making tremendous wealth.  It is freeing to just love life and take it slower and enjoy all the small pieces.

It is freeing to release stuff and have a cleaner, less cluttered life.

I am really working on this.

Wealth should be what is in our hearts and how we share that with others.

THAT is golden.

Have you found your ENOUGH?  What does it mean to you.

Have a lovely St. Patty's Day.

Many blessings to you all.

Weekly Wrap Up 3/15

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.

It has been a crazy weather week all around.  Friday, we had winds that didn't seem to cease!  I was out actually 'catching' trash as it blew! Powerful winds.

They are coming back again today, with thunderstorms coming late tonight.  Some areas north of here are predicted to have blizzards!!  Winter isn't done yet!

Trees are budding all over, and flowers and bushes are popping out and being pretty.  The magnolias are just starting to bloom, but will be DONE within the next 24-48 hours, as we are to get in the teens once more.  We will have the coldest St. Patrick's Day in nearly a century!!!!  Crazy stuff.  I hope all getting winds, storms and lots of snow stay safe.

My Licorice cat has been MIA for 2 weeks now.  Within 2 days of him not coming to eat his usual treats - I was out scouring the roads.  I walked our entire street, the street behind us, the cross streets, and the alley - no signs of a hit kitty.  I looked at all the yards as well - no Licorice.  I have not given up total hope yet, I sure miss that feller.  He has been a mainstay around my house for a couple years now - and lived across the street before that.  There are many black cats around, so I may have seen him and not known it, but he hasn't been 'begging' at the door as usual.  He has a funky ear, which is how I can pick him out - but at a distance I can't tell.  I sure hope he returns at some point, I just hate not knowing.

My frugal week:

• Lots and lots of walks - free exercise
• Spent some time doing yard clean-up, raking, bagging, cutting and pulling - and moving some things around
• Picked a big bouquet of daffodils - since they will be gone after tomorrow.  Probably need to pick more today (70* today)
• Aired the house out and had furnace off for a good bit of the week
• Used the air fryer and the crockpot this week to avoid the oven
• Lots of laundry in cold and hung to dry
• Fixed a spot on the awning out front that had a loose piece of metal that banged like crazy Friday in the wind - that was fun being on a step ladder in the wind!
• Refilled all the feeder bins with feed on hand
• Had to plug in the watering holes again - when not raining as cold coming back
• Using what I have on hand and making new meals from leftovers
• Pulled out a mini pork loin from freezer and cooked in the crockpot (will give 3 meals)
• One day I was chilly and I also wanted something sweet - so I made a big mug of hot chocolate w/lots of marshmallows - so nummy
• Did a little sewing
• NO grocery shopping
• Doing all the normal stuff

Nothing exciting here!

Meals this past week:

Baked potato topped w/chili, cheese and sour cream

Chicken strips, brussel sprouts, and sauteed carrots strips

Dirty rice (homemade spicey rice) and fried cabbage

Bean, rice, cheese enchiladas (done on stove top)

Fish sandwich, mixed greens cooked and carrot sticks

Pork loin w/carrots and potatoes

BBQ shredded pork sandwich topped with shredded cabbage and l/o greens as side

SNACKS: toast, fruit, nuts

There you have it.  Nothing real exciting here.  Counting down the days until it gets warmer and stays!  

How has your week been?  What kind of weather are you getting?  Any good deals this week?

Let us know what is going on in your life.

I hope you are all safe and stay safe with all the weird weather that is happening this weekend.  

Prayers for your health and safety.

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

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

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Psalms 7:17

Dear Lord, thank you again for all the many blessings that we have had this week.  Help us each one see the light that comes from our darkest moments, and the joy in little things.  There are many things in life that are sad and depressing and worrisome, but with You we can get through all.  Prayers for all our family and friends, and prayers for all everywhere.  Help us to remember that things happen as part of Your plan, and we need to have faith.  AMEN

 

Be Careful - Don't Get Scammed

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  We are back to feeling like winter this morning.  It is about 40 degrees cooler this morning than yesterday morning!  We sure had the winds and rain yesterday, but nothing like some areas had.  There were many tornadoes that touched down north - just so sad to see all the damage.

Talk about a roller coaster of weather - we got it!  We have winds of March, April showers, summer storms and winter cold and snow - all in a few days!  It is nuts.  Sunday we may hit 70* again and by Tuesday morning they are saying lows in the teens!!  And SNOW!  It is the season of change for sure.

We have wind warnings around for late tonight and tomorrow again - I sure do love calm and pretty days!!!  I guess the nasty weather makes us really appreciate the good days.

This is the time of the year that damage starts happening due to storms.  It goes on until fall for most of us, and in different forms in different areas.

With damage the scammers come out to prey upon vulnerable folks.  It is awful.  Some folks will do anything they can in a dishonest fashion to make a buck!!  Geesh, if they would work as hard at doing good work it would be wonderful.

Whether you are having repairs made due to weather damage or just doing remodeling - take your time and check people out.  Even with storm damage - TAKE YOUR TIME to decide (I know that seems hard to do).  People are anxious and scared and worried, and they can make rash decisions. 

NEVER pay for a job up front!  You have nothing to guarantee they will be back and do the work.  Pay in increments, if necessary.  Let insurance pay when possible.

ALWAYS check the businesses out.  Call the BBB and check on them, call the attorney general, do the work - so you aren't scammed.

I like to use people that family or friends have used - word of mouth.  Put the word out and listen to people you know.  I would never use someone that just shows up at my door, soliciting business.  I love using small family-owned businesses, but I still need to know they can be trusted to do good work.

It is very sad that we have to consider things like things - but there are so many bad people out there.  Listen to your inner self and your gut.  Listen to people you know.  Don't be a victim to anything else.

Common sense is so important.

I hope you all have a lovely day and a super weekend.