Thursday Chat

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well and good.

It is a lovely start to the day here in my area.  It is currently 59* according to my thermometer.  Much better than freezing temps!  May get close to 80* today.  Good day to work outside for sure.

Everything is getting so pretty outside.  Green is now the color of the week!  Flowers are all popped up (perennials).  The Vinca vine out front is flowering now - little blue/violet flowers.  Lots of dandelions and violets everywhere.  Weeds are thriving as usual!!  Seems nothing keeps them down.

Thought I would show you how I 'started' my celery ends to grow.  I have each one raised a bit above the bottom of each container (sitting on 3 quarters - ea. one).  They are raised a bit off the bottom so they can get roots easier.  Once I have the ends - I scrape the very bottom with a knife to have a clean bottom.  It has scabbed over during transit - so scraping helps the water to enter the ends.    This was the day I set them and now they are growing out of the center of each.  The one on the left has celery stalks about 2" tall now.  They grow more flimsy than a regular stalk of celery - but great to just snip and use in food!  Waste not!  It is fun too!

I was watching the crazy squirrels yesterday in the tree.  I mentioned that they love the little pods/twirlers from the maple tree.  They are so funny.  They go to furthest out fringes of the branches to get them.

See that goofball hanging on the fragile little branches hanging down. (mid picture).  Now mind you the pods are laying all over the yard - but noooooo - got to make it exciting!!!  LOL

Licorice has never come back home.  He was last seen on 2/28.  I sure do miss that boy.  There are lots of cats being seen that I have never seen before.  Not babies, but adult cats.  I mean I find odd that all of a sudden there are so many different ones just roaming around.  They all look healthy - so getting fed somewhere. 

I still have Momma, Persi (came back and decided it likes to live here (all healed)), and Pip and Squeak (the young-ins) outside.  Those 4 are getting better, as they come to greet me each morning and don't hide anymore.  I still can't pet them, but it is getting better - they know I bring FOOD, so they get closer and closer!!!!  A couple others come by for a bite now and then - but they are regulars in the neighborhood.  Yep, seems I am the cat lady!  LOL

Of course there is Bitsy inside!  My buddy.

Now that the major threat of freeze is over here, I think I will be hanging the hummingbird feeders today.  I have heard rumors that a few have been sighted as far north as our city.  I want to be ready when they show.  There isn't a lot to feed on naturally yet, so they need the nectar.

I keep noticing more and more blogs I read are talking about using up the oldest items they have in the freezers and pantries - I just love it.  I am trying to get the older items out of the freezer as well - now I do buy new when I find a deal - but rotation is so important.  Sure don't want to trash good food - that is like throwing away $$.

Guess I best get busy.  I hope you have a lovely day.

Look for all the good things and be happy.

Stay joyful and smile. 

Foods that Extend Your Pantry (and don't cost much)

 Hello all and happy midweek.  I hope everyone is well this lovely day.

It is in the upper 30's this morning and partially sunny.  It looks to be a lovely day ahead.  I think we had our last night of 30's for a good while (hopefully for the season).  Yesterday was a bit cooler, but it was great for doing yardwork (no sweating).

                                                      Just enjoy your day and your life!

I talk a lot about food, I know.  Food is something we all need, and one thing we can control in our budgets a bit.  It is tough when you don't have big funds to buy anything you want, I understand that.  I was there many decades ago.

There are inexpensive ways to extend what you do have on hand and still fill the bellies.

Basics that we should all have on hand - that help with any budget - big or small.

Beans and lentils - protein, inexpensive and good for you.  Can extend any meal

Canned fish - it is the least expensive of canned (tinned) meats

Oats - a super grain to have.  Breakfast, baking and a great extender in meats!

Rice and pasta - they can be added to about anything from soup to sides.  Inexpensive

Peanut butter - good protein.  A nice snack. baking, flavoring, sandwiches, etc.

Flour - not just baking, use for batters, coatings, gravies, pancakes, thickeners, etc.

Sugar - again not just baking, but seasoning and flavoring

Spices - can get at inexpensive stores and they can add great flavor to plain items

Potatoes - so many DOZENS of ways to fix!!!!!!!!!!

Carrots, onions - add flavoring and/or nutrition to a meal

Cabbage - pretty much the cheapest veggie per pound - it can be used in many ways

Squashes - great nutrition and fairly cheap to buy.  Add to any meals or make soups

Canned tomatoes & tomato products - a must!  Unlimited ways to use tomatoes in meals - from sauces to salads

Apples and bananas seem to be about the least expensive fruits - great for vitamins

Eggs - prices have come way down (or buy fresh) - great protein

Crackers - tortillas

Boullion - can add flavor to anything - especially different meats, soups, stews, etc.  

MEAT - buy whatever is least expensive.  Chicken and pork are usually the cheapest here.  Ground meats of any sort - can season and flavor (bouillon) as you wish.  Sausage can be found on sale a lot.  Seasonal meats - turkey, ham, even ground beef and hotdogs at various times (summer).

Cheeses when you find on sale - adds to any meal or dish.  Yogurt, milk can be used in many ways - not just drinking or eating as is.

Frozen veggies are nice to have on hand and can be pretty inexpensive.  Canned as well and fruit too.

Corn meal - great for making corn bread, coating items for frying, added to all kinds of muffins and breads.

I know many say - yuck.  LOL!  Now I would too to just plain old mush - but unless you have tried fried slices of cornmeal mush in a little bacon grease - don't say yuck yet.  It really is tasty.  Get it crispy on both sides and I am in!!!!

Now it may not be a lot of nutrition - but it sure will fill the belly and sometimes that is what it is all about.   Maybe add an egg or pancakes - even a little syrup - Mmmmmmm!

(click on above to enlarge for easy reading - 3 parts)

Lastly - grow something - anything - if at all possible.  Nothing like walking out the door and getting fresh goods.  It saves on the grocery budget, and the taste can't be beat.

Think about gleaning as well - so many things that can be eaten for free.  Mushrooms (know what you are doing), greens, nuts, even fruit - from abandoned places and the woods.

These items are not just great extenders but fairly inexpensive.  They may not make a complete pantry - but they sure can stretch other foods and goods you have.  I find the above items to be basics that I want in my pantry ALL the time.

Do you have any other items that fit the bill of extending and that are fairly cheap?

Let us know - it is always good to get new ideas.

Have a fantastic day - live, learn and share today!!!!!!!

Could YOU do it??????

 Hello all - happy Tuesday.  I hope all are well this morning.  It is a very chilly morning here, in the 30's.  So far it has not gotten to freezing here!  YAY!  I hate seeing all the buds freeze after things start really growing.  The first moments of sunrise were really something to see this morning.  It was like a giant hug in the sky.  The sky turned pink in all directions!  Granted it was brightest in the East - but the pink spread 360 degrees.  Just so pretty.

Now that the holiday is over, it is time to get back to normal and back to doing all things frugal again.

Here is my question or challenge to all.

Can or could you go all week cooking meals using ONLY what you have on hand?  How about the next two weeks?  I know many of us do this most weeks and it is a usual thing - but there are so many who shop every week or very often.  Now I not talking about those runs in to see what clearance we can find - I am talking staying out of the stores completely!

CAN YOU?

So there you go - my little challenge to you all.  Use only what is in your pantries and your freezers to fix all meals this week and hopefully next week.

WHY you ask?  I say why not!  It will save you money you can use for something else or save, it is being mindful of what you have so that nothing goes unused, and it is good practice!

Practice for what?

Well, if you shop every week and only keep enough provisions on hand to last just the week or two - you may be very sorry one day.  If deliveries can't get to stores - they will be empty in a couple days.  PERIOD!  

If grid would go down - there will be no transactions - as there will be no way to sell or record those transactions, without reverting to pen and paper and cash! (also would affect deliveries)

If supplies are in short supply, you need to be prepared at home.

If YOU have an emergency - such as loss of job, illness, or natural disaster - $ will be tight and you will need to rely on why you have.

There are many reasons to keep supplies on hand for the 'just in case' scenario.

It is just a smart move to at least give this a trial run.  Use what you have ONLY for a good week - hopefully two and see what you can come up with.  Get creative.  Not only is this smart to try, but it can also be fun.  If you have kiddos at home - get them involved too.

This is pretty much normal for me, and several others that read here.  I love my special deals I find, but I often stay out of stores for weeks.  I always have enough milk, eggs, and even fresh goods to last for a good while.  I can keep fresh produce a long while with a little prep.  Once summer gets here, it will be even better, with my own 'grow'ceries.  I learn to substitute things as well.

So, what do you think?  Can you do it?  Willing to try?

I hope many give it a try and play along - then you can report back each week on how well it went.  You can find holes in your inventory and figure out where you need to step it up.

Have fun!

Have a super day and be blessed and bless others.

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!