Moves - Motivation - Maximizing, Minimalizing

 Happy Tuesday all.  Hope this finds everyone well and safe.  It is a lovely morning here.  Cool, sunny and low humidity for a bit!  I will gladly take it.  I even porch set a bit last evening - it felt so nice outside.  I know the glorious weather won't last, but it will be enjoyed while it is here.

People I know are moving or thinking of it.  My sis has made the final decision to go to assisted living.  It is a very small apartment (very tiny house) - so she is having to get rid of lots and lots of stuff.  All happening this week.

My neighbor and friend have put their home on the market.  I am NOT happy!  They are wanting to move to TN - at least he wants that.  

I looked up the listing on their house to see how it showed in pics.  Now, mind you, I have been in it many, many times and it is just such a sweet cozy house.  Not in the pictures!  It looks very sterile and cold to me.  I know this is what realtors want - so people can 'imagine' their stuff in there.  That wouldn't work on me at all.  I want to see how a house can look homey and cozy, not sterile and vanilla.  They removed any semblance of life IMO.  I would never buy something that looked like that.

But all that being said - I look at mine and I see all the stuff!!!!  So, I am working on decluttering even more, and minimizing my stuff, and maximizing the space and items that I have.

It has motivated me.  Good grief, I would hate for someone to have to come in and go through all my things and think I was cray-cray!

I need to simplify even more (yes, that can be work) and lessen my footprint.  I need to truly love and use all that I have.

Recently I have been working on my pantry stores.  I have lots and lots.  Boy, do I have lots and lots.  My pantry and cabinets have very high shelves in them, and things have been placed up there and almost forgotten.  I have been rediscovering.  From back in my coupon days - I have enough foil and plastic wrap to probably last the rest of my life (I hardly use).

I knew (or thought I knew) I had a lot of pink Himalayan salt.  I couldn't find it.  Well, yesterday I did. Yep, again I have enough salt to last for years.  I have all grinds of it.  Other goods that I thought I was out of or near out of, I found more!  Things that I can only get certain places, mainly out of town.  All is still good.  Some things will basically last forever.

I have pasta (all kinds) out the wazoo!  All safe and in glass jars.  Dry beans - oh my!  Again, all jarred up.  I am trying to get a grip on what is really here.  

I know this probably sounds like I hoard food - that is not what I call it.  I call it being prepared for maybe not having.  I have always been a sort of prepper - for years.

I thought I was about out of relish - I found a few jars I canned a year or two back, that was stuck in with the salsa.  I am good to go on that.  I have a lot of salsa to use in many ways.  Lots of home canned tomato products.

I emptied many glass gallon jars and filled many.  Got to love those jars.

So needless to say, I have no plans for basic grocery shopping anytime soon.  Milk, or cat food or fresh fruit - will be it.  Thankfully the garden is also producing - so more than enough to use.  No reason to have it - if I am not using it.  

Now this is just food - so far!

I have so much stuff that has been boxed up and stored away for years - WHY?????  It isn't going to gain any value or be appreciated any at all in those boxes.  It is taking up real estate.  I have to let go.  Most of it has no sentimental value - it is just things that we both got here and there that we thought were neat at one point.  The sentimental things I keep or pass to certain family.

Those sentimental items are best gifted now, when I can relate stories and where it came from - otherwise someday it will just be 'stuff' no one knows anything about.

It is amazing what motivates us.  My sis and my neighbor have given me a push I needed without even knowing it.  I can't even fathom moving and having to do all this at the same time.

We can't be enslaved to stuff!  It happens and it is easy to do.  I do love things - but the special things.

What an ongoing journey this will be.  A new season in my life!!!!

Funny, how we put things away to be safe!  In my case they are - because even I have forgotten where some things are.  LOL

Life is full of journeys and seasons - here I am in yet another.

Anyone else in this stage?  How are you handling it?  I think we all get there - it just takes time.  Some have already downsized a ton - some have much work to do.

Aint this the truth? Gosh, we have all done it.  I have never wanted that big fancy house, but I have always liked 'things'.  Unusual things, special things, neat things.  Now much of that is just what I said - THINGS!!!  The thrill is gone.

So now I started the 'getting rid of' stage.  It can be overwhelming.  I am going slowly and taking small bites - a little at a time.  I am really thinking about the choices I make and what is important.

Have a fantastic day.  SMILE

Weekly Wrap Up 7/6

 Good day on this first Sunday of July!  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

Hope those in the US had a nice holiday.  I am glad it is over!  Friday sure wasn't the night for peace or rest.  

The people behind my next-door neighbor, went nuts again this year.  It started at 3:30PM and stopped at 2AM!!  There were about 2 - 15-minute breaks in that time.  The hundreds and hundreds of dollars that they blew up!!!!!  Licorice didn't like it at all.  He came out to eat his dinner, then he hid under my back steps.  Bitsy didn't even like it, he stayed out of the bedroom (part of house closest to noise) until it was all over.  I guess thankfully, they were about the only ones in the neighborhood getting stupid this year.

Again, my days were all mixed up!  I kept thinking Friday was a Saturday since neighbors were home from work.  Yesterday seemed like a Sunday.  I should get back on track today.

It is amazing to me, as hot as it has been, that the squirrels are eating so much!  I would think in the heat, they would slow down.  I have to add or clean water in all the water holes several times a day.  The birds sure do love having that water around.

It has been hot!  I have watered some days.  Been trying to do yard things when the temps are down in the mornings.  The humidity has been miserable.

Yesterday morning, I could hardly see the houses across the street it looked so foggy.  According to the news it was NOT fog - but smoke being held in the atmosphere!  We registered some of the worst air quality in the world yesterday morning!!!!

Looking forward to chances of rain this week!

My frugal week:

• Picked rhubarb
• Made a rhubarb/peach cobbler in the air fryer!  I used a can of cinnamon rolls I found in the fridge (way past date) and used them as a topping.  My 8" round cake pan fit perfectly in the air fryer tray!  It was tasty
• Trimmed back all the back shrubs
• Spent a day visiting with sis
• Defrosted & used the last piece of pork roast from freezer (cooked at Easter)
• Received my Kroger coupon book in mail
• Cut 2 different bouquets this week for the house

• Did lots of weeding - it never stops
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard (did it in 3 or 4 trips outside)
• I did a super deep clean of the deep pantry/office room.  Started decluttering some stuff and reorganized & dusting/cleaning
• Started working on stuff in the basement - decluttering things I haven't used in several years - very overwhelming
• Lots of laundry
• I did go to Kroger and got a watermelon (super good), cheese and corn (all on sale)
• I cleaned out one big area of lilies, deadheading all the stems - one more big area to go
• Got my $30 check for showing up for jury duty call
• Picked my FIRST zucchini!!!!  Many more will be ready this week!
• Using the rain barrels when needed
• Cooking from scratch and eating at home

Meals this past week:

Broccoli/cauliflower/bacon salad, chopped steak w/grilled jalapenos

Pasta w/sauce and veggies & dip

Pork/jalapeno and cheese wraps

BBQ pork/cheese baked potato

Cheeseburger and salad

Jalapeno smoked sausage on bun and salad

Broccoli mac & cheese and corn

SNACKS - watermelon, cobbler, pork sammie, peaches

There you go.  Just hanging out and doing things when the weather allows - and it when it is too hot, I have been working on decluttering and cleaning.  Eating somewhat light.  I have been craving jalapenos lately for some reason - not a lot, but a few. (that is as hot as I can go).

I did go out and sit on porch for a few minutes early before working, and then a couple times late evening.  Haven't done my walking this week - but have done yard work (and sweating) and doing the basement stairs a lot!

How has your week been?  Did you have any big celebrations over the past couple days?  Find any good deals?

Prayers for all those folks in Texas - such a sad disaster again!  SO many areas have flooded in the past year or so from storms.  

I hope you all have a safe, cool and lovely week ahead.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Dear Lord

May we all mindful and prayerful for others and our families.  Embrace our hopes and dreams and be happy with what we receive always.  May we all understand that all people have sadness and problems in life, and we all need to allow ourselves the grace and time to get though things.  Never ever stop with prayer.  It does work in Your time and way.  Help us to remember that Thy will be done.

Thank You for all our many, many blessings - big and small.  AMEN

Being Mindful of ALL we Have

 Howdy to all.  Can you believe it is Thursday already?  It is a lovely morning.  Low 70's at the moment and just a bit of humidity.  I did get a lot done outside yesterday - gosh, it never ends.  I went out 3 or 4 times and did my work, so as not to overheat again!

It is going to be a hot, hot weekend.  We are going back into the 90's. 

I hope you all find some holiday deals at the stores.  It seems we can usually find various items cheaply at different holidays.  Time to stock up.

I love this chart!

THIS is how we save our money and are mindful of all things.  

WE are the ones that decide how we spend our money.  Sure, you have certain bills that have to be paid - but you can turn off, turn down, or shop around and lower those items too.

The only one on the list that isn't happening for me is "ditch the car".    At this point in life, it isn't feasible to get rid of the car.  I use it so seldom, that I make up for that.  I go out only now and then.

ALL the rest I do and have done for years.  Could I do better?  Sure, but I try and that is all we can do.

Stop and think about all you do and all you spend.  Be mindful.  Be good stewards.  It not only helps the environment, but it helps YOU and your POCKETBOOK as well!

It is the Independence Day for America tomorrow - the birthday of our nation.  That always calls for many celebrations and family get togethers and fireworks!!  UGH

I have to admit that it has been quieter this year leading up to the holiday than in the past.  That has been something (and much appreciated).  Not looking forward to all the village igits tomorrow night and probably all weekend - but I am sure it will happen.

I hope you all have a great weekend.  I have no plans here.  I tend to piddle around the house and maybe TRY to get my nephews blanket done!  Maybe some porch sitting early or late when a bit cooler.

Eat the goodies, enjoy the family and friends, celebrate safely.

BE MINDFUL!

Have a great day.  Stay safe and cool.

Just a Saving Thing or Two

 Hello all - on this lovely day.  Today is gorgeous here and will probably be the best day of the week!  Humidity has dropped and it is dry, and the sun is out.  It won't last - but today should be wonderful.

Hope this finds you all good!

Today I am listing just a couple of items that might help some save a little bit.  It depends on you and where you might shop.

Postage is going up again.  If you use stamps, now is the time to get some.  You will save 5 cents a stamp by buying now.  Think ahead to the holidays!  Get stamps now for all your cards.

Dollar General is cutting prices on a lot of items to help with budgets.  The notice said food, health, wellness and personal care items will be reduced.  It isn't everything but all discounts help.

A couple weeks ago we talked about Aldi and Kroger have reduced many, many prices as well for this summer.  Kroger says over 1,000 prices lowered and Aldi says over 400 products lowered.  Kids are home from school - so grocery bills go up.  Many celebrations as well.  Add to you stock and get any deals you can.  

Looking at sales this week, the best deal I saw at Kroger is watermelon for 2.99 and Kroger cheeses - 8 oz. for 1.49.  If you buy soda pop, they do have a B2G3 12 packs.  I know many don't (it is so expensive), but for those that do - decent deal, I guess.

I am not a Target shopper but sharing - they have also announced keeping prices lower on back-to-school items, with many under $5.  If you have children or just need supplies for yourself or your office, now is the time to stock up.

Yard sales are now in full force all over.  Watch for many back to school clothes for the young-ins at those.  Don't forget your thrift stores as well.

Just trying to help anyone that may shop these places.  We need to look out for each other.  Saving now and where we can, can sure help the budgets.  

If you know of any chain stores that are offering discounts this summer, let us know!

Have a great day and enjoy to the fullest.  I plan on going out in a few to get some yard work done, and take advantage of the cooler temps.  It won't last!

Have a beautiful day!!!!!

Getting Down to the Ground!

 Happy July to all.  How did that happen already?  Those here in U.S. are going to have a 4-day workweek, with the 4th of July happening Friday.  All days are the same to me now that I am retired - but I remember getting excited about shorter workweeks!  Hope you are all well today.

It is a wet morn here.  We had some rain, everything is so green and the plants are really growing.  It feels much better this morning, and should get better later on, as far as humidity.  We get a reprieve for a couple days!  Tonight is supposed to get in the 60's!!  That hasn't happened for a long while.

Today let's talk about ground beef (mince) or ground other meats.  Tis the BBQ season, and some might be finding some good deals.  It seems ground is cheaper than other cuts - and generally still not cheap.  There are so many things one can do with it - it isn't just for burgers.  I do use a lot of ground meat for all sorts of meals.

That is the one meat I buy only sale and can usually find on clearance.  I stock up when I see it, as it is used so much and it is so versatile.

The last time I bought - 2lb. pack for 4.18!  Sure can't beat that price.  Many places may have ground beef on sale this week with the holiday.  Keep your eyes open - watch the day after or so for mark downs.

Now you can use ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, etc. interchangeable.  You really can.  Don't like the flavor of a certain type - add beef bouillon to the meat to add the beef flavor.  

So many ways to fix ground meat!  Let's get started.

Meatloaf - don't forget you can make mini loaves (muffin pans) as well. I do meatloaf burgers too.

Meatballs, Swedish meatballs, BBQ meatballs

Burgers, sliders - fry, grill, bake - however you want

Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, nachos, tostadas, Mexican casserole

Vegetable soup (love hamburger soup), beef barley, beef & potato, taco soup, chili, etc.

All kinds of casseroles - meat & potato, meat & mac/cheese, meat & veggie, cheeseburger pasta

Spaghetti - baked spaghetti (I love baked spaghetti)

Stuffed shells, stuffed peppers, cabbage rolls

Zucchini boats (it's getting to be that time!)

Philly beef and cheese sandwiches 

Calzones, hand pies, stuffed pitas

Pizza - regular, tortilla, French bread, reg. bread - you can make pizza from anything you have

Chili cheese dogs, topped baked potatoes

Skillet dinners of all kinds - unstuffed cabbage roll, unstuffed pepper, Mexican mix-ups, zucchini & meat/cheese, Spanish rice and beef, dirty rice, red beans & rice, oriental flavored meat & rice

Sloppy Joe

Shepherd pie (not authentic) but good just the same

Cowboy beans, Hoppin John, dips

Chili/cornbread casserole

Fix those burgers with any toppings you want - you can have them without the bun as well.  

Hope you all can find some deals on ground beef - this week.  You might look for hotdogs as well.  I do like an all-beef one every now and then.  I haven't had a good dog in a long while.

Keep your eyes open - watch for those sales and markdowns!!!

Do you have any special recipe that you use ground meat for?  Any tricks for using other ground meats to make it more flavorful?  I know sometimes people don't like chicken or turkey - I just jooz it up.  I love ground pork as well (or combo beef/pork).  You can make your own sausage patties as well with it.

Give us a shout out!!!  Look forward to hearing your ideas!!!!

Have a super day.  Stay cool and hydrated!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/29

 Happy Sunday all.  Hope this finds you well and safe.  Well, here we are on the last Sunday of the month yet AGAIN!  We are halfway through the year - just absolutely amazing!  Momma was sure right, time seems to go much faster the older you get!

We have had 8 straight days of 90* or over - we'll see what today brings.  It does feel a little nicer this morning - only in the low 70's and not quite as humid.

Friday late afternoon, there was a big, windy weather system that flew threw.  Crazy winds, pouring rain and it lasted about 15 minutes.  Blew stuff over, more limbs down, raining sideways and then temps dropped about 20 degrees for a short while - then boom the humidity was back.

Yesterday a couple sprinkles, then about dinner time we got a nice downpour to water everything!  Just quick rains, but they do water stuff.

I saw the duck again yesterday morning in the drive, then it walked on down the sidewalk.  Later in the day, it was in the neighbors out back (alley).  It must be a pet to someone.

My frugal week:

• Used rain barrels a lot at the first of the week - they have pretty much refilled
• I moved a bigger birdbath from out back.  It is metal and set in the sun - never used (just too hot).  I moved it to the shade area and the birds are using it now.  They sure love the birdbaths - drinking and bathing and swimming!!!
• Changed the filter on the air/furnace exchanger - had one here
• Had to report for jury duty (got to see the new court and jail!)
• Did go out early and late to weed some
• Laundry and used up dehumidifier water
• Paid bills on phone and mailed 2
• Pickerd 3 banana peppers and one tomato - there are bunches of zucchinis growing out there 

Yep, that is my tomato!!!!!!!!!!  LOL!  A cherry tomato, about the size of a quarter - but it tasted good!

• I did go out for my month end gas fill-up.  Needed to use my discount before it expired.  Saved .40/gal.
• Stopped at Kroger (same lot as gas station).  Wanted more peaches.  I found a couple deals, 1 1/2 lb. pork roasts and OJ on clearance.  Spent very little.

                              Each little pork roast will give me a few meals - cheap eating!

• Went out on day and cleaned the bottom of mower.  I usually do each time - but last couple times it was hot, so neglected it.  Ton of grass stuck underneath.  Did it in the garage so as to stay out of sun.
• Stupidly, I did mow and trim on Friday!!  I say stupidly because first round of mowing (around 11AM) and trimming caused BAD heat exhaustion!  Yep, I had all the symptoms - so do as I say not as I do!!!  I even scared myself.   Finished it later in the day, under cloudy skies, just before the rain hit.
• Defrosted and cooked up 4 big chicken legs.  Used 2 for dinner, and the others for snacks.
• Did another limb pick-up after brief storm
• Made hummy nectar
• Just doing the normal stuff - cooking from home and using what I have on hand, cleaning, etc.

Meals this past week:

Leftover rice and some fresh veggies & apple & peanut butter

Tuna/egg salad with crackers

Open face sloppy Joe and slaw (home canned)

Big salad and grilled cheese

Teriyaki stir fry veggies over rice

Ham & cheese sandwich and side salad

Chicken legs (air fryer) and slaw & milk shake (used end of 'light' ice cream)

There you have it - nothing exciting.  Well, showing up for jury duty was a little exciting, so glad I was recused.  Heat exhaustion was not exciting, but a nasty experience, to say the least.  I am old enough to know better!  Geesh

How was your week?  Did you do anything exciting?  Get any bargains?  I have done very little shopping this month - but managed to get a couple good deals.  How are the gardens coming along?

I hope you are doing well.  Love to see you all check in.  Let us know what is going on in your neck of the woods!

Be safe and stay cool and healthy this week.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.

Psalms 118:1

Good Morning God!

You are ushering in another day

Untouched and freshly new

So here I come to ask You, God,

If You'll renew me, too,

Forgive the many errors

That I made yesterday

And let me try again, dear God,

To walk closer in Thy way.....

But, Father, I am well aware

I can't make it on my own

So take my hand and hold it tight

For I can't walk alone.

Helen Steiner Rice

                                AMEN

My Frugal Home

 Hello all my lovely friends.  Hope you are all well and safe today.  A bit cooler this morning at 75*, but going back to 90's.  We had rain showers a couple times yesterday - some really nice rain.  Looks like chances of rain each day for the next few!  NICE.  It cooled about ten degrees right after the rain yesterday - which was a nice perk.  It was nice to not have to water things.  I even opened the back door for a bit!

If you have been here very long, you know I am a very frugal person.  Many years ago, it started as a needed thing, now it is just a way of life - a lifestyle.  If you do things long enough, it becomes a habit and a way of everyday living.

I do lots of things to stretch items - I water down most everything.  Soaps - especially.  Many, many years ago I heard a stylist 'to the stars' talk about how damaging soap can be on hair.  They said never use it full strength, no matter the brand.  Well, I have watered it down since - and I find it gives suds even better.  I do the same with dish soap, foaming hand soap (make my own) and body wash.  I have bars of soap as well - they don't go bad, so I always have many on hand.  I use way less on laundry soap as well - remember it isn't the suds that clean, just the water, motions and a little detergent!

Shoot, I even add water to fruit juices, and they taste just as good.

I make my own iced tea, drink lots of water, and have a Soda Stream (bought @ yard sale for $15) to make sparkling water.

I do not pay full price for much - if anything.  I buy clothes (very seldom) at thrift stores, yard sales and on clearance.  Undies cost a ton today - I buy around back to school time, much cheaper on sale.

I try to figure out ways to use what I have on hand, if I need a new 'thing'.  I know when sales happen and try to stock up at those times.  I buy clearance A LOT at the grocery.  It is still good stuff.

I have been talking about buying a new couch and maybe a new chair for several years!  Yep - it will happen when I see just what I want at the right price.  For now, mine works fine.  Patience!!!

I keep things off or turned down/up as needed.  No excess lights, use rainwater and dehumidifier water for things, AC or heat higher/lower than many, shop my pantry and just try to be a good steward.

Lately, I have been going to the store very little.  I have a very good deep pantry, and I need to use it.  Having a pantry isn't a good thing if you don't use it.  Yes, we want to be prepared for emergencies always!!!  But use those items, then replace as needed.  You don't want your food to go bad and be unusable!

Lately the kitchen here, has been creative!  I have been eating a little lighter, using up odd things I have on hand and now that the garden is growing - I will have fresh produce for the summer and fall.  I don't have tons - but I will have tomatoes, zucchini, peppers and onions - basics for me.  I also have basil, mint and lemon balm growing.  I trade with others as well.  Yummy summer goods!

I look forward to making this again soon and fried green tomatoes!  They call this a breakfast pie - for me it will be dinner.  It is so yummy.  Super easy, cheap and tasty. (I use less sugar)

Dinners can be as simple as this!  I do this often in the summer - it is cool and somewhat light, and it fills me up.  Dinner is what you want to eat!!!!!  NO RULES

Stir fry veggies purchased on clearance a while back with rice, will be a dinner in the next couple days.  I mean you can't get too much cheaper!  I will add soy sauce or some oriental seasoning and have a meatless dinner.  I often have meatless dinners.  I know many can't do that, as their hubbies want their meat - but just use less.  Make it a side, not a main thing!

I have used a ton of items from the fridge freezer, and now I am bringing things up from the upright.  I will always be on the outlook for deals - and will add them back in when I find them, but for now I am using what I have.

I have a lot of fruit in the crisper, and I am trying to use that up and be a little creative.  Fruit salads are always yummy, make a crisp or pie, grilling or sautéing fruit is yummy, adding to sweet breads or muffins or pancakes, add to ice cream or puddings, make freezer pops - there is always a fun way to use things up.

Living a thrifty life and having a frugal home is just normal for me.  I am not rich, but I can live how I want for the most part - and that is what I do.  I take care of my pennies and dollars, and they take care of me.  I live a very good and satisfying life - I don't feel I am missing out.

It just takes a little creative thinking and working with what you have.  You too, can have a frugal home and enjoy the good life.

**(Being frugal everyday allows you to splurge once in a while when you choose and not feel guilty!!!)

Have a great and thrifty weekend.  Stay cool and hydrated.

Have a beautiful day!!!!!!