Weekly Wrap Up 3/1

 Hello to all and happy March! Hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is again, a chilly morning (31F), but partly sunny.  We had another brief taste of spring this week, now we are back to more normal temps for this time of the year.  It looks like as the week goes on, we get back to warmer temps and lots of rainy days.  Before that happens - there is a prediction of a little sampling of snow again!

19 days until the spring equinox!  Today is meteorological spring/fall depending on which hemisphere you live in.

I have so been enjoying seeing the robins - more each day.  Love hearing the birds singing, that is the sound of spring to me.

My frugal week:

• I did go out to lunch with grade school friends this week.  We did something new this time - everyone brought an item (or more) to a 'free' table - and you got to pick anything you wanted to take home.  Helping get rid of things we don't need.  I was going to get nothing, but I did take an inspirational book and a brand-new yummy smelling candle!
• I keep the greenhouse top tarped.  It helps shed snow in winter, holds heat for kitties, and protects in case any window may leak.  The last big wind finally shredded the tarp, so I put a new one on and bungeed down.  That was a job, getting it over the peak alone and on a breezy day, but is done.  I am sure it was a funny sight!
• I did run some errands.  Kroger basically needed milk and more cat food (boy, I go through a lot).  I did get some clearance deals while there

80% ground beef for 3.60/lb.  Bags of produce were 1.50 each.  2 lbs. of zucchini for 1.50 - normally 1.99/lb.  Cukes and peppers had many more in each bag, than the 2.99 regular bags had.

• Got my monthly gas fill-up while out.  2.17/gal. w/points - total fill-up was $15.50
• I did stop at the hardware store on the way home from Kroger.  Got a tarp and some new bungee cords.  Noticed that they now sell key fob covers and can make electronic key fobs for many vehicles!  They run about 60% less than going to the dealer - good to know
• Was in the mood for biscuits - I had a roll in frig that needed used from the holidays.  I baked 8 Grands.  Usually make from scratch - but these needed used
• Sis visits - I am not sure how soon she can get back to apt.  She is in rehab but not doing well walking herself alone (w/walker).  She still needs a lot of help - and can't go back to assisted living until she is more independent.  She is very weak and has little appetite.  You only have so many days in rehab (w/Medicare) - so not sure what will happen.  I sure hope her strength increases very soon.  I try to encourage her and pray for her constantly - nothing else I can do.  I just wonder if she has given up.
• While visiting sis one day I stopped at Menards and Aldi.  Got more cat food and critter feed at Menards and a couple things for the yard for spring clean-up.  ALDI had brisket on sale, so I stopped for that sale.  3.49/lb.  Super price for around here.

I usually get flat cut - but for the price I didn't care!

• Did some yard clean-up on a couple days
• Scoured out all the watering holes
• Got to air the house a couple days and turn off heat - so lovely
• I tore off the much-worn stair treads from the side steps and replaced.  Steps are wooden and get very slick when wet
• Cut up some of the cukes I bought and put in pickle juice in the frig - love that extra flavor in salads
• Lots of laundry - cold water - hung most in basement to dry
• Paid all bills I had and received.  Some by phone and mailed a couple
• Got to do my walking a few days - slowly getting back into that!!  Nice talking w/neighbors again
• Saved some jars for re-use

Meals from home this past week:

Grilled burritos -using lentil taco filling, cheese and sour cream

Out to eat w/friends

Homemade pizza (used tons of frig/freezer items)

Pizza and salad

Bacon/egg biscuits

Stew (freezer) and biscuits

Chicken egg rolls and a side salad

SNACKS - milkshake, fruit, biscuit & jelly, cheese and crackers

Seems like I kept busy - but mainly just running.  Between getting rear ended, tarping the greenhouse roof and repairing the treads - my neck is a little sore!  Things sure wear me out quicker the older I get.  Just glad I am still able.

How was your week?  Did you get anything done outdoors?  Or is your weather still nasty?  Any deals this week?

Hope you stop by and check in - love hearing from you all.

Wishing you all a super week ahead.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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One of my favorite verses

Have no anxiety about anything; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Colassians1 4:6-7

Lord, thank You for all our blessings in this past week.  

Help us each one to put our trust and faith in You and Your word.  Your will be done, is so hard for us to remember.  We each one stress about things and worry and fret, when You already know the outcome.  Help us to take a deep breath and really trust in the word. We are always safe with You, now and in the future.  Help us to count our blessings, instead of our problems.  AMEN

He knows!

Nudges

 Hello all - hope this finds you and your family well.  Another cool morning - but all is good.  We get a couple more nice days, then winter comes back in for a minute.  It sure won't be long, before we are complaining about the heat in this area.  I hope I don't complain but just enjoy it.

Do you get nudges?  Some call it coincidence, some say fate, I call them God nudges.

Little things, like taking a different route one day and missing a big wreck.  Or stopping to do something and running late and miss something bad.  Thinking of someone that hasn't entered your mind in ages, maybe call or reach out.  You just get a 'feeling' about someone or a situation and leave.

I think about all the stories I heard about 9/11 - and people that missed being in the towers when they fell.  Running late, a traffic jam, a sick baby, a forgotten appointment, etc.  Those people lived.

Yesterday I left to run some errands.  I was on the road (fairly busy) and I was stopped at a traffic light.  The vehicle behind me stopped as well - a little way back.  Then all of a sudden, I felt a big jolt and heard a huge BAM!  They ran into my rear end!!

Well, I threw my arms up as to say, "what the h***?"  Then I put my vehicle in park and started to get out.  In an INSTANT - I saw the passenger of the back car start to get out and someone SCREAMED at me NO - DON'T!!!!!  Yep, I heard it - although no one was around.

So, I put the car in drive and nudged to the curb - in front of a busy gas station (just a couple feet).

The light changed - they shielded their faces (both men) and took off like crazy people.

Now first thought for me was carjacking, then in another instant I thought better.  My vehicle isn't a jacking vehicle.  Then I thought worse!  Call me nervous Nellie or whatever you want - I just knew something wasn't right.  I didn't even get out after they left - as I thought someone could have been at the gas station waiting.  Yes, I was that shaken.

I went on up to WM parking lot before getting out to look at the vehicle.  I was so lucky - not a scratch or a dent (obviously bumpers didn't line up) - but I was sure shaken.  Shaken to the core.  I sat there for several minutes calming myself and saying a prayer of thanks that I was ok.

I went on with my day and my errands, and all was fine.

I know many think it is just fate or karma or coincidence - call it what you want - I think someone greater intervenes!!!

I always pray before I leave the house, that God will let my journey be safe and that He will take care of me and my home.  I always say 'thank You' when I get home.

I think we receive blessings in many ways - in things that happen and things that don't.  We never know how the day will go or what may be in store - but I do believe that it all happens for a reason, if for no other reason than to remind us to say thank you or say a prayer more often.

Have you ever had one of those moments?  Do you get nudges?

I hope you all have a great weekend.  Pay attention and keep your eyes open.  Listen to that little voice inside.  Be grateful for what does happen and what doesn't - it may be a fine line.

Blessings to all - stay safe.

Things That we Waste $$ on!

 Howdy ho everyone!  Hope this finds you well.  It is a warmer and sunny morning here.  We get another reprieve from winter temps for a few days.  Yesterday ended up with temps that weren't too bad - but goodness the wind was frigid!  Can you believe we are on the last few days of February?  The time is flying by.  We will be in Spring in no time.  Heck the time changes in a little over a week (3/8) and then spring!

Today let us talk about money grabbers that we can waste good hard-earned dollars on.  Now I say most of these are things I would try to avoid, but I know many do a lot of these things.  You have to do what you need to do - just remember the funds it tends to cost.

Here are a few things:

• Interest on charge cards - always pay on time and at least make minimum payments - do not pay interest
• Daily coffee runs!  I know lots of people do this.  If you buy one $6 coffee every day - that is over $2,000 a year!!!!!  Enjoy a coffee out once in a while - otherwise make it at home
• Overdraft fees - keep an eye on things, so you don't overdraw your accounts.  bank fees and ATM fees can really eat up funds
• Extended warranties - I know some may disagree.  Generally, most anything major that might happen - happens in the mfg. warranty timeframe.  If not - it takes a long time for things to break, and those extra fees spent on the extended warranty is wasted
• Cable TV (I am guilty).  Some have cable and a bunch of extra services that stream shows as well (Netflix, etc.)
• Brand name meds and OTC meds.  Always asked if there is a generic version.  Read labels on OTC - many are exactly the same as brand name and are even made by the same companies (do your homework)
• Fast food delivery - with delivery, tips and other fees your food will cost more than 2X as much.
• Wasting groceries and food - so much $$$ is throw away every year.  Come up with recipes and ways of using and re-inventing items
• Bottled water - it can cost 2000% more than tap!  If you have nasty tasting tap - buy a filter.  That filter will pay for itself in no time and you also won't have all that waste of plastic bottles!!!!  IF you buy water - read the labels - it isn't all just water for many brands
• Paper goods (disposable).  Try to use real plates, napkins, and cleaning rags
• Cigarettes!  I see that with current prices - if you smoke JUST one pack a day - that is over $3,000 a year
• Fancy cleaning items - so many items can be made with things you have on hand in your pantries and they work
• Subscriptions of magazines and papers - you can find many things on line and libraries carry a lot of things
• Pre-cut items - we mentioned this last week.  I have seen several vlogs in the last week mention this as well.  If you have physical limits - do what helps - otherwise cut it yourself
• Cheap shoes - buy quality.  It not only saves money, but it is so much better feet and body
• Kitchen gadgets you don't or won't use.  The next new thing is always appealing - but odds are you won't use it once the newness wears off
• Paying full price - I HATE to pay full price for anything.  Always look around and do your due diligence when making major purchases
• Unused memberships - gyms, Costco, Sams, Amazon, etc.  If you don't go or use is regularly - it really isn't worth paying for
• Skipping senior discounts!  (I am guilty) I never think to ask at most places - and they just don't GIVE it to you.  It can save substantial funds over time.
• Convenience store/gas station purchases.  Most often snack items are purchased and they cost more than taking your own.  Milk and grocery items are more expensive.  Generally, the only thing cheaper is a fountain drink (at times).  A bottle of pop will cost a lot more than the grocery store - even a bottle of water.

There are many more things - this is just many I see people do every day.   Now I am not saying stop ALL of them immediately.  If you do a lot of them, pick 2 or 3 and stop.  Then in another month or two pick a couple more.  Eventually you will notice that you have more money in your wallet and your bank account.

That money can be saved for an emergency fund, for a downpayment on a home, for paying off debt, etc.  Use those funds for whatever helps your situation. (just the coffee or cigarette ones would fund a nice emergency fund)!  Not to mention improve your health (cigs).

Take time and really think about how much certain habits cost you in the long run.  You may be VERY surprised.  Make good decisions with your money and your money will take care of you.

Have a wonderful and happy day!

SMILE - it is always appealing!

Cooking and a Gift

 Hello all - hope this finds you all well today.  It is a chilly morning here, in the 20's.  Yesterday was a blustery day with flurries all day, as was Sunday.  Nothing major at all - so can't complain - because we all know some places have a right to complain right now.  Goodness, blizzards and cold in places that don't usually see those things.  Sounds like even Florida is in the deep freeze.

Last evening from my front porch!  I just can't get enough of the sunrises and sunsets - God's art is beautiful.

The kitties are all fed - boy they were excited this morning.  Usually they get mainly dry food, but this morning they got a treat - canned food!  The past few days has been cold, so I was afraid it would freeze, but lets say it didn't have a chance.  A whole clan of kitties scarfing wet food!!!  It was so cute - of course they have their dry food to eat on all day.

Birds are out and singing - nothing coming from the sky - a good day.

I had a couple ask about the lentil taco filling I made.  I did not follow a REAL recipe - I just sort of winged it.  I was very skeptical - but it tasted like taco meat to me.  I used one cup of lentils and I had tacos one day, made burritos one day and stuck some back in the freezer - will throw in the next batch of chili.

1 C lentils

2 C water

I sauteed some onion in a pan (for flavor), threw in the lentils for a couple minutes after the onions were soft.  I then added the water - taco seasoning - beef bouillon.  That is it!!!!  Cook until done.

What I had left for freezer - I threw in a small amount of beans I had left over from another dinner.

I used just like taco filling in the tacos, added my toppings and yum.

I made burritos with this and some rice and cheese - grilled and tasted so good.  

I swear it tastes just like taco meat.

It sure is a money saver.  Ground beef is pretty pricey anymore.  Of course you can used ground anything for filling, but this is just so darn cheap.  It is healthy and tasty.  I will definitely be using this again for many things.

It takes me a while to try 'new' things - but I am often pleasantly surprised when I do.  I know many of you already use lentils for tacos.  I am sure there are many ways to fix them.  I did simple!

I got a candle warmer for Christmas, unlike any that I have had before.  I have had container that you place a jar candle in, then turn on.  The heat melts the candle and thus it smells good.  This one is a light of sorts.  I decided to try it this morning.  Goodness sakes, within minutes I could smell the candle.  So cool, and no dangerous flame.

I am sure many have these or have seen them - I am always late to the party!!!!  I really do like it.  My house smells so good this morning.  The orange band you see in the picture, is where it has melted already.  That was after about 15 minutes.

Nothing exciting this morning - just a bit of this and that.

Maybe it will give someone an idea or two. 

I am tired today - yesterday was a long busy day - so I will just hang out around here and piddle around.

I hope you all have a wonderful day and that you are SAFE and WARM if in the bad areas.

Blessings to all.

Weekly Wrap Up - 2/22

 Hello to all and happy Sunday.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  I know there is some nasty weather taking place out east - with big winter storms.  I hope you are all prepared and cozy inside.

It has been quite the weather week here.

We had a free preview of spring this week - it was delightful.  Tons of robins back in the area.  The ice cream truck was out after school on 2 different days!

We even had thunderstorms and tornadoes this week.  Thankfully all that I know are well and safe.

Now we are back to our regularly scheduled winter weather.  Yesterday was windy and cold (but a little sun), today is breezy and it is snowing!  Just flurries - but heck, a few days ago it was 70*.  We are to have a couple cold days again, then back up some by mid-week.  I think the colder days are fewer and further in between for our area - soon spring will be upon us.

Another week of just a bit of this and that.

My frugal week:

• Changed out the door decor
• Got to air the house out and turn off heat for a few days
• Lunch out with high school chums on Tuesday - El Toro
• Walked a lot this week - love getting back into it on warmer days and talking w/neighbors
• I picked up tons of trash blowing around the neighborhood.
• Saved store bought glass jars and some baggies washed to reuse
• I tried a new recipe (to me) making taco 'meat' strictly from lentils.  It turned out really well - with toppings, I couldn't tell it wasn't meat. (sure is cheaper) (even have leftovers to use)
• Lots of general housekeeping
• A little sewing
• Had a family luncheon out on Saturday for my SIL 85th birthday.  Was at Chicago Pizza and brother paid for everything! (15 adults and a few littles).  It was fun to see everyone.
• Brought home 2 pieces of cake
• Refilling containers with things on hand
• NO shopping at all

My meals this past week:

Tuna patty, mac & cheese and side salad

Nachos - used l/o Mex. skillet (from freezer) on top

Out w/friends

Fish sandwich and salad

Tuna/rice/broccoli casserole & some fresh veggies

Lentil tacos (tasty)

Out w/family

SNACKS - mainly fruit and popcorn.  A little cheese

I got some baby time yesterday at the family gathering.  I got snuggles with Bella - she is growing so much.  She has a grip with those tiny hands - wouldn't let go.  Cooed and talked with me.  She laid back in my arms and against my chest and just stared up at me - such a feeling of pure joy & love!  The other littles had a good time playing and visiting with us all.

It was quiet around here this week - except for times at luncheons.  Enjoyed seeing folks.

Sis is slowly gaining her strength back.

How was your week?  There are several of you that need to check in - you haven't posted in a while.  I do notice when you don't check in.  

Did you all do anything fun this week or are you warming up any?  Any good deals?

I think of all of you and wonder about how you are all doing.  Many prayers for you all and wishing everyone well.  Hoping you all have a lovely week ahead.

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

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For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him.  He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken.

Psalms 62:5-6

Dear Lord, we say thank You again this week for our many blessings, both small and large.  Help us each to grasp onto the light and to be happy with the tiniest moments.  Challenges and sickness abound, yet we know things happen in Your time, as hard as it is to try and understand that.  Give us patience and hope, as we know You hear even the quiet prayers, and the ones we somehow can't finish.  I pray for grace in following Your word and guidance and knowing Your hand is involved in all things.  

Again, we ask for healing for all our friends and family - whether it be physical, mental or spiritual.

AMEN

Save Your Money - Know the Sneaky Tricks

 Hello and good morning to all.  It is a warm morning, but gloomy looking.  A bit foggy this morning, but nothing like a few days ago.  Goodness, that day, you could barely see across the street.  We are supposed to get rain and storms late afternoon and early evening.  Then temps are to fall a bit.  We will get through these ups and downs - spring is just 30 days away!

The price of goods at the stores is high enough, but there are many tricks and strategies the stores use to get you to spend even more money!  YES, that is right - it is time to take back some control of your money.

These apply to MOST major grocers - not necessarily small ones.

When you walk in it is almost overwhelming.  Many big stores have fresh produce, bakery and floral all at the front.  It is pretty, healthy looking and it smells good!  Not a mistake on their part.  They are trying to set your brain into the mode of shopping.

Carts are BIG.  If you only want a couple items, get a little basket or skip the cart.  A couple things in a big cart - looks sad and lonely.  We tend to over buy with a bigger cart.

ALSO - that wobbly wheel?  It isn't that they just don't fix - it makes you move slower to control it.  (I just return it - so it doesn't work on me).

MUSIC - that is even part of it.  Slower calming 'elevator' music, has you walking slower and just dallying through the aisles.  That is the plan.  During busier times of the day - you will notice peppier music - to help the crowds move along faster.

Popular items are at eye level, and they tend to be the most expensive items.  Always look higher and lower for better prices and different brands.  You will notice a lot of the cereal aisle has the big brands a little lower - that is so it is eye level for kids!!! (yep, they are tricky)

We tend to think those endcap items are sale items.  Most of the time not - manufacturers pay extra for prime spots - you see it, think it is a sale - and buy.  Don't be fooled.

I have noticed at my regular store that they have increased the length of the aisles.  Used to be a walk through halfway down the aisle - not now.  You enter an aisle you have to walk the length of the store to get to the other end!  Makes you stay longer and look at more.

Milk, meat, cheese, eggs, butter are almost always at the back of the store!  So you have to pass a lot of stuff to make purchases there.  They want to temp you to buy more than you came for.

3.99 feels cheaper than 4.00 - so many places use the .99 principle.  You read left to right and you see the 3 and the 4.  Most always pick up the 3.99 item, even if really isn't what they want - it appears cheaper to the mind.

Many people never read the UNIT prices.  Just because something is bigger we tend to think better buy.  Not always so (same with smaller).  It is important to pay attention and do the math.  They keep that very small (in print) on the tags - the law says they have to list it - it doesn't say you have to be able to read it.  It truly does pay to take an extra minute and figure it out or use a calculator.

EX.  I can buy a gallon milk about every day for 2.29 - but they have sales of half gallons for 1.39!  People fall for it all the time.

Some stores actually pipe in smells - they want you to feel hungry while shopping.  If you are hungry you tend to spend more.  ALWAYS eat before shopping and try not to be enticed by the smells in the store.

CHECKOUT areas make more $$ per square foot than other areas in the store.  All those items that entice you - candy, chips, drinks, gum, magazines......  I know I have been guilty at times.

SHRINKFLATION - pay attention.  The package may look the same, and the price may be the same - but you get less in it.  This has been happening a lot for a few years.  You buy a bag of chips - it is half air.  There are less cookies in a package.  Cereal box looks the same, much less inside.  1/2 gallon of ice cream is no longer a 1/2 gallon!!!!!  It is all over the place.  Be aware.  READ!

CONVENIENCE items - sure they are nice and yes, we have all purchased them once in a while.  They do cost more.  Pre-cut items, pre-seasoned, even water.  At my local Kroger a small bowl of precut watermelon (all year) is minimum $5 - in the summer I can get a whole watermelon for less.

A head of broccoli is decently priced most of the time - getting less product in a bag pre-cut is almost twice as much.   A head of lettuce gives me more per dollar than a small bag of precut lettuce.  Pre-seasoned meat - do it yourself.  It is super easy.  Stew meat is super costly - a single cut of meat that can be used in several meals would be better.  Water - there is a lot of trash from bottles and wrapping and a filter at home - will give you good water from the faucet (you already pay for it).  A filter and a nice reusable water bottle or a, insulated glass pays for itself in a few weeks.

10 for 10 - items are a $1 regardless.  99% of the time you do NOT have to buy 10.  It just makes you think you get a better deal.  Just buy what you need - don't be fooled.

They see us coming, and they know we are often in a hurry - so they play games with our minds.  Don't fall for it!  Go with your list and get your needs and get out.  Don't dally along, unless you have money to burn!  This isn't just grocery stores - many other stores do the same thing.

A 'sale' isn't always a sale.  Some items always have a sticker on them that says sale.  It isn't!!!!!  When seeing those big signs offering mark-down prices - look under that sign!!!!  If is often the same exact price or even a lesser price - YES they can do that!

Keep your money as long as possible.  Don't be tricked.

Happy shopping.

Keeping you all in thought and prayer.

Home - My Place

 Good day and midweek to all.  Oh, what a morning!  It was 57* when I got up, and my thermometer says 60* already.  I know it is a false spring - but I will take it.  Today might hit 70*.  There was spotty rain around overnight, but it seems to have missed my area.  Thursday will not be so lucky. Then winter comes back for a bit this weekend.

The kitties were happy to see me this morning, and all are fed.  The birds are singing and I see more and more robins.  Love watching the chickens out 2 doors down.

I wore a sweatshirt to go out this morning - no coat needed.  Kitchen window is already open, and others will be soon.

It is a pretty darn good start to the day.

Yes, HOME!  My happy place.  I have to admit that I am a super homebody.  I had my days of partying and clubs many, many years ago.  It seemed fun at the time, but when I look back, I see many things about it that wasn't so good.  Live and learn.

Yesterday I got together with some old friends for lunch, and one gal came up to me and said "nobody is that happy staying home - you must have a man hidden there, and you aren't telling us!"  LOL

Now mind you she was laughing and joking - and I wholeheartedly told her NO man!  I GUARANTEE!

She has always been a goer - lots of road trips all over the state and country.  She loves being involved in things all the time.  I think it has increased since she lost her hubby last year.  Most of us sitting there together were widows or others have chosen to be single for decades.  Most keep pretty active.

I guess I am different.  I just love the calm and quiet of home and the serenity it gives me.  I am not a hermit - I visit with neighbors and family.  I do enjoy my outings; they are just few.  I talk to people, but my safe place is just here with my kitties.  I guess maybe I am THAT 'cat lady'!

It is just too peopley out some days for me!

IF you are the same - don't be ashamed.  It is wonderful to live your life as you choose.  This wasn't the life I thought I would be living several years ago - but it is what I have, and I am making it MINE.  I am not depressed - just content.

Your life changes, just like the seasons of the year.  We have seasons in life.  Some are always in the fast pace season of spring and summer - going, growing, thriving.  Others (like me) tend to live like fall/winter - slower, more deliberate and peaceful and calm.

How ever you choose - is ok.

So, if all you want to do is tend the garden, sit of the porch, talk to the neighbors, take community walks, or just keep your privacy - it is ok.

If you want to be involved in community, always taking trips, do all the kiddos activities, and go, go, go - that is ok too.  Do your life as you want.

We all thrive in different ways.

Just be a good person, a kind person and a loving person.

PEACE to all.