Let's Take a Walk Back!

 Hello and happy Thursday all.  A lovely morning here.  It is going to be a warm but gorgeous day.  I hope to get some things done outside again.  Trying to spend time out every day with something - work never ends.

I was watching fireflies (lightening bugs) the other night and got to thinking about being a kiddo.  Used to get an old jar, poke holes in the lid and catch those little buggers.  What fun we had back then.  Simple fun.

As a matter of fact we had a lot of simple fun.

We played hopscotch, Jaxs, baby dolls, jump rope, then we had badminton and croquet.  Sometimes we would sit on the porch swing and play "I spy" games or count cars!!  LOL.  A big old box was so many different worlds - a store, house, hospital, etc.  In grade school I got a little record player, and we played those 45 rpm records!  Had a hula hoop and got good at that and rode bikes.  Gosh we had some fun - and it was all simple.

We had this kind of mower for quite a while.  I still have dad's old one in the garage.  It is in a couple pieces, but could be put back together and used if necessary.  Probably not by me, dang that was work!

Who had one of these?  Ours was yellow and gray.  I loved that big old table.  Our kitchen was painted with glossy bright yellow paint, white open face cabinets, a huge farm sink with a built-in drainer and this big old table.  Sure had a lot of good food and fun times around that table.  

These were some of my favorites as a kid.  I love those little bottles!  And the wax lips!  Oh goodness, we thought they were something.

This was what we used most of the time.  They kept stuff so cold.  I do have a set of several glasses and a pitcher still.  I think they are so pretty.

Made many a "gifts" with this.  I have a metal one still.  A few years ago, I found the loops at Hobby Lobby and bought a bag.  I have made a couple.

YES we did!!!!!  I would love to have one of these today.  They sure got laundry clean.  It was a lot of work, no doubt, but we used one until I was in junior high.  Of course, when we had this, we had no dryer, so clothes were always hung outdoors or in the house in the winter (by the heat stove).

You remember these folks and animals?  I don't know if they get used today, but I sure enjoyed learning to read with them.

I had a neat metal doll house.  I kept it until Glen & I married, then I gave it to my gr. niece.  She still has it.  Spent many a winter day playing with this and rearranging furniture!

I remember many hours looking at the Sears 'wish book' as well.  Watching cartoons, getting excited that Lassie was coming on.  Disney on Sunday evening.  I even remember the old Ma & Pa kettle shows.  I watched one a couple weeks ago!!

There were milk boxes out on the porch and the milk man came every week.  The Avon lady came by - she always smelled good to me - and usually gave me a little sample lipstick!!!  I can see her to this day if I close my eyes (and her bright red nails).

We all had a pretty box of 'dusting' powder (talcum) in the bathroom.  Then there were the futuristic looking hair driers - looking like we had a huge balloon on our heads!

Pin curls and home perms (I hated).

This was such a treat on a hot summer day!  Frosty mugs and all.  What a big day that always was to me.

Lightening bugs made me start thinking and look where I went!!!!!  Down the rabbit hole! LOL

Do you have any fun and special memories from back in the day?

I know many of us remember these things, and then we probably have younger gals who don't know the joy these all brought to us.  I am so glad I grew up during this time of no cell phones and no technology - we used our minds and had a ton of just plain old simple fun!  Dark was the indicator to be home.  Our social network were our friends playing together, and the neighborhood moms all watching out for us (though we didn't realize that).

I truly would be in my element to go back in time!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy the remainder of your week!

A Couple Fun and Easy Ideas

 Hello to everyone!  How are you all doing?  It is another cool morning here, and I am loving it.  Windows and doors open at the moment, birds are singing, and the sun is shining.  It is a good day.

The clover is open all over the place and goodness does it smell heavenly outside.  So many honey bees a buzz as well - a wonderful sight!

Today are just a couple ideas, that basically cost nothing (or very little) and helps us out a bit.

Does anyone remember wearing scarves back in the day, tied at the back of the head/neck?  Like in the 60's and 70's.

I used to do this a lot when my hair was long.  I still like a scarf now, when working out in the yard.  It keeps hair out of eyes, keeps me cooler, and just keeps 'stuff' from getting in my hair when mowing and trimming.  I have little luck now.  My hair is short - it always wants to fall off and even with clips I have trouble.  So, I saw something on FB and gave it a try and boy does it work!!!

Hot glue your bandana to a headband - it stays right in place!  I had both on hand - so gave it a try.  Place the headband on your head - then tie the bandana behind your neck and it stays right in place.  Works perfectly for me!  Maybe you can use this as well.

I thought it was pretty clever!

Lemon is so refreshing in the summer.  I love lemon in water or iced tea.  Here is a way to make nice size cubes for your drinks with your lemon right in it!

Perfect.    You could put wedges in smaller cubes as well - but I like these big cubes

Cooking fish on the grill?  Lemon goes with fish - so here is a nifty idea for the grill.

Make a bed of lemon slices on the grill top with fish and cook.  Get the flavors of the lemon yet keeps fish from sticking to the grill grates!

And just a reminder to THINK before spending!!!!!

We can live a wonderful life, a thrifty life, and a fun life - without spending a ton of money.  Just get a little creative and have fun.  Some of my favorite things to do cost ZERO money.

Porch sitting and visiting with neighbors - or just sitting in quiet

Listening and watching nature

Gardening and taking care of my yard

Reading and "visiting" a different place! 

Being with family

Loving on my fur baby

Go to the park and enjoy the sights and the people and the quiet

Taking walks

Go out there and have a beautiful day and get a little creative today.

Many blessings to all.

Today: Public Service Reminders

 Howdy all.  Here we are in the midst of the second week of June!  It is a beautiful morning here.  It is cooler and right now there is a lot of dew on things.  As soon as it dries, I will be out working again.  Always something to do!

Just a couple things today - as reminder or new news to some, that may be quite beneficial in someone.  Hope the info helps someone out.

Michaels is helping out now that Joannes' has closed all stores.  Fabric would have been a lot harder to find.  I know I always went to Joannes. They have bought Joanne's private label and will be increasing their fabric departments.

Of course there is Hobby Lobby as well, and some WM's carry a bit pf fabric.  Hopefully this helps those that do a lot of sewing.

ALDI

Aldi is decreasing a lot of prices again this summer.  It did this last year as well, to help folks out.  I know not all areas have Aldi (sorry), but it always pays to check them out.  They are reducing pricing on over 400 items by around 33%.  That is pretty darn good.  It says seasonal - which they sell a lot of.  Many food items come out once or twice a year for a short period of time - take advantage and stock up when you get the chance.

EGGS

How are prices in your area?  They have down a lot in my area.  Most prices I see are over $1 a dozen cheaper today.  Some are $1.50 cheaper.  Still higher than they were, but better.

There is a recall at the moment for August Egg Co. eggs.  It said they sell to a variety of stores including WM and Safeway for brown cage free eggs.  Not a company that I have heard of.

FRUIT

Many places are in the middle of strawberry season or just coming out of it.  It is the time to get them.

Also, from now until close to fall is stone fruit season!

It provides quit a variety of fruits.  Cherries to plums and peaches, even mango (which is generally shipped in).  Some areas got hit by late freezes this spring and that will affect those areas - but be on the lookout for fresh seasonal fruit.  Peach trucks are going to be starting in our area soon.  Cherries will be on sale soon.  It is just such an abundant season of goodness.  Get things cheaper while you can.

I love seasonal eating.  I truly enjoyed asparagus, while that was in season and cheap.  Right now is great for rhubarb, luckily, I have my own - it sure pairs with strawberries.

Greens and some smaller root crops are really thriving now.

So, shop season when you can.  Keep your eyes open and help the wallet!

Hope you all have a great day!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 6/8

 Hello to all - here we are at Sunday again.  I surely hope this finds you all well and safe.  Many prayers for those in the fire zones up north - praying for rain.

Rain has been something we have had a lot of this week.  Nothing hard or bad, just nice showers for the most part.  No need to water plants and they all seem to be thriving.

Between the heat and the rain, it has been so humid.  I haven't had such frizzy hair in years!

It is a damp morning here.  Muggy.  We have had rain off and on much of the week.  Humidity levels have been high, and temps got pretty darn warm too.  The AC has been used some this week.  I have it off at the moment and Bitsy is enjoying sitting in a window watching kitty TV.

This week, my sis got a real treat.  She has a favorite singer she watches every Sunday evening.  An Irish singer by the name of Daniel O'Donnell.  (she has gotten me watching).  Her youngest got her tickets to a concert in Nashville, IN (a good little drive from here).  They went Thursday evening for concert and dinner, and sis got a one on one with him!  She got to meet him, and that sweet little 94-year-old gal was thrilled.  Late night, as she got home at 1AM.  Love that she is still loving and enjoying life!

                                              Roses from the yard!  The smell!!!!!!!!!!!!

My frugal week:

• Mowed and trimmed the yard.  Did the front twice.  Free exercise
• Did some walks this week as well - getting free exercise in many ways
• Had a neighbor bring some brownies by and we sat, and porch chatted for a nice visit
• Met another neighbor on my walks - she is a widow as well.  Very nice lady
• Made hummingbird nectar
• Root touch up on hair
• Made about a 1/2 gal. of strawberry/banana ice milk
• Went to lunch with grade school friends.  Boy was that a drive in unchartered territory for me.  An area I had never been, and out in the boonies!!  Not the kind of boonies I usually think of!!!  It was a restaurant in the middle of a golf course, in the middle of an addition of Mc Mansions in the middle of nowhere!!!!  Had a lovely time, saw some beautiful homes, and got outside my comfort level.  Win-win.  It rained that day for about 20 minutes of my drive (about 45 minutes), then stopped and it didn't start again until I was a few blocks from home.  That was a blessing, as I hate driving in rain.
• Made a nice batch of bean/veggie salad to last several days.  Red beans, garbanzo beans, and about every fresh veggie I have on hand with Italian dressing.  Yum.
• Did some deep cleaning
• Worked on T-shirt blankie a bit more
• Cut flowers for inside
• I did go to Kroger.  Probably my only trip this month.  They are remodeling the store, and usually I don't like that.  This time it ACTUALLY makes sense.  They are putting things together that should have been all along!!!!  I think it will be good after done.  Any way they had a lot on clearance area - not sure if not carrying later or just package changes or what.  All had long term "best by" dates.

I got some good deals.  

Elderberry gummies - reg.14.99 - for 3.69

Cat food box of assorted meals - reg. 30.99 for 7.69

Cat food treat bowls - reg. 1.79 ea. for .39

Lickables treats (he loves) - reg. 7.99 box for 1.19 box

also 2 lbs. of fresh carrots for 1.06

Let's say I stocked up really good on cat food treats and goodies.  I got a lot.  Bits is pretty picky, so this was a huge win and a great savings.

I did get some strawberries and grapes and cauliflower as well.  Just sale not clearance on those.

• Eating from home and using what I have in new ways (except the one day out)
• Have 2 rain barrels full now (110 gal.)
• Just doing all the things we all do

Meals this past week:

Chicken fried rice

Fried rice and chicken strips

BLT

Ham, Canadian bacon and veg wrap

Out to lunch - tenderloin sandwich and steak fries

Cheeseburger and fresh veggies

Crunchy fried okra and bean/veg salad

There you go - kind of a slow and quiet week.  It was a nice week.  At our luncheon we celebrated our music teacher that comes to these events.  She was 86 this week.  Funny, we thought she was 'old' in grade school, and she was actually in her 20's!  She is only 16 years older than us!!  Perspective.

Any way I had a nice week.  

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Do anything exciting?  Give us a shout out.

I hope you all have a safe and healthy week to come.  

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

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

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalms 46:1

Dear Lord, we send thanks for this week we have had, and for this wonderful new day.  We know that You watch over us and protect us in all ways.  All things happen in Your time and for reasons we are not aware of.  Your will be done.  Please help us each one to understand that.  We often do not understand and need help with that.  We ask this in Jesus' name, AMEN

Kindness of Others

 Hello everyone.  Hope you are all well and safe on this Thursday. It is a soggy morning here.  It has rained overnight and still is.  YAY, I am sure the garden and flowers are doing their happy dance.  I walked out there this morning, and they were standing straight and proud!  The second rain barrel is now filling with overflow from the first - all good things.

I just wanted to share a little.  Good neighbors are such a blessing for not only individuals but for the neighborhoods.  All kind gestures pay it forward in some way, and it makes all smile!  I have some of those neighbors.

In the past couple years, I have really gotten to know many of the surrounding neighbors.  It all happened when I was dealing with the scary issue next door.  It seemed that the universe just came together to protect one of its own.  I feel very blessed to know these people.

Many of us ladies, bake or cook, and share our bounty.  Seems just about every week one of us is sharing some baked goods with others or a bit of a great casserole.  It is pretty neat.  Garden harvests get shared all summer long.  We all grow different things and share.

We talk and keep an eye on things and each other.  We make sure that the neighborhood stays safe.

One of the guys is a handyman and he is now 'retired'.  This man works harder now than he ever did before.  He works at church many mornings and evenings each week.  He will help anyone out that needs help.

He was recently donated some treated lumber - as someone knew he does a lot of projects.  After gaining permission from a couple homeowners, he used that lumber to make them handrails on their steps.  Both are older and have some mobility issues.  Above you can see a couple of the handrails.  One on the lower steps and one at the upper.  These are cemented at the base and will be painted once the wood is ready.

This would have cost these ladies a chunk of change - but it all happened for free.  He spent part of 2 days doing this.

I have another neighbor that will mow or help out as needed.  He was talking with a lady up at the corner last week, and her home had become surrounded by wild trees and brush growing up on her corner lot.  It has been a true eyesore and really a safety issue.  She isn't able to manage it and makes limited funds, so it has just kept growing.  He volunteered and she said yes - and her front and the entire area of the corner is now clean and free of brush and weeds.  He mowed and trimmed too (her normal mower broke his leg), however, he never trimmed or worked on brush - it was more than he could handle as a little person.

The neighbor will work on her deck and backyard in the coming week, and another neighbor has offered to help him.  She did pay him to take the brush to the dump.

This is how community should be.  Helping those that can't help themselves.  Being kind and good to others.  Jumping in and being a solution instead of a problem.  Taking care of things and keeping the community safe and protected for others.  Sharing.  

I am glad that I have 'found' these folks.  They are just great neighbors.  Sure, we have a couple who don't manage to maintain their yards (even though quite capable), but for the most part, it is just lovely now.

Do you have that kind of community?  Do you know your neighbors?

I am off to a luncheon today.  Wish me luck.  It is a longer drive than normal, in an area I am unfamiliar with, and off the beaten path!!!  So, here's hoping I find it OK!

Have a wonderful day to all the lovely community we have here!

It's OK to be You!

 Good day to all and a big howdy!  What a lovely morning it is here.  It is 71* right now and going back into the 80's today.  Yesterday was in the 80's as well.  I did turn on the AC for a bit last evening, just because it felt so humid.  Right now, the windows are open, and I am enjoying the fresh air.  Maybe some rain later in the day and evening.

I worked outside yesterday morning, until it just got too hot and muggy.  After today it appears to go back to 'normal' for temps - with 70's as highs.

I really like this little chart.  I think something on it applies to each of us at some point.  I especially like the last 3 (bottom row).

I always try to be grateful for all the things in my life - big and small.  Giving thanks is just part of my life.

The last two apply to many.  Some have empty nests now, some have retired, some are changing careers or jobs, some have maybe divorced, some have become widows, some have recovered from major health issues, etc.

Be proud of what you have accomplished in your life - everyone on every day!  Things happen in each life that makes us wonder sometimes.  Have we done our best?  Have we accomplished all we could?  Maybe the answer is no - but that is OK.  You have done you along the way, and each day is a chance to start over or do it all again.

Whatever major changes that have happened in your life - be proud you are still standing tall today!

Some of us have gone through the worst day ever in our lives - yet here we are.

Yep, we survived the worst (whatever it was), and we are going forward and changing things and making a new life.  DO NOT feel guilty about making a new life.  It is OK.  It is what you need to do.  You need to go on and move forward.  It may take time - some longer than others.  That is OK as well.  Do it, in your own time frame BUT just do it.  

I just see everything on this chart as true.  Each and every comment is true.  We are all individuals and we all process life and things differently.  Just do your best, be proud, ask others when necessary, be kind and grateful and grow!

CHANGE is the one thing that is constant in life and that we all know will happen.

You got this!

Have a beautiful day!

You and Your Thrift

 Good day to all.  Hope you are all well and safe on this fine day.  We started the day in the 60's - much warmer than it has been for a while in the mornings.  We are to get back into 80's for a few days - sounds like maybe it will be AC time for a couple days.  Right now, the windows and doors are open.  It is lovely out.  Still a bit hazy.

Yesterday was a nice 'neighbor' kind of day!

Lots of people think being thrifty and frugal are 2nd class citizen problems.  Well, they would be wrong.  Thrift is wise for college students to millionaires (think Sam Walton).  It isn't about doing without; it is about having a solid foundation for your home and family.  It is about not wasting.  It is about being a good steward of everything.

Being thrifty can mean so much.  BUT it IS about money - maybe skipping the fancy lattes and growing a tomato plant or shopping your closet instead of going to the store, it is awareness - it is about taking care of what you have and saving something for a day in need!  It isn't about being afraid - fear is not a good thing for organizing your life.  It is about being prepared.

Boy if this isn't the truth!  Just because you have it today and can spend it wholeheartedly - doesn't mean it is a good decision for the future.  A deal isn't a deal, if it gives you debt that you can't get in front of.

I think in being thrifty - many people forget to be kind to others.  You can sow blessings and kindness freely, and I am a firm believer that you will reap blessings and kindness two-fold.  A win-win in my book.

Break the bonds of consumerism - it isn't always a good thing.  Learn to make things yourself and to make things do.  Reduce your footprint!  Take control over life - and you will be less vulnerable to any crisis that arises and more prepared for emergencies.  If you stay organized and thrifty and simplified, you reduce stress and emotional problems in life.  Your life will remain calm, and you will feel secure and happy, while others are all a fluster with "what shall we do".

Think about the things you can do with what you have.  Especially in the kitchen, as to avoid waste.  It surely can be fun and being creative is always a challenge and it brings a lot of good things into our lives.

Examples - you have just a couple apples left in the crisper - core them and add a bit of butter and brown sugar to the center, maybe some nuts or oats - them bake.  What an easy dessert and it uses up things without them going to waste.

Peeled potatoes for mashed - place those washed peels into a pan with seasoning and some cheese and bake (or fry) and make potato skins.  I remember years ago paying good money for those at a restaurant!  They are yummy too.

A piece of fruit - add to oatmeal or to top cereal.  Top yogurt.  Cut up and add to muffins or sweet bread.  Throw into a smoothie.

Leftover soup or casserole (or anything) - use for lunch.  OR freeze to add to another pot of something in the future.  Keep a container going for those bits to use in soup.

A couple broken cookies or crumbs - great on ice cream or pudding or yogurt

Crumbs from chips - topping to a baked potato or a casserole

There is no limit to what you can do.

I know these things sound little and simple - but you start small, and it grows!

Make your own snacks.  Shop the clearance that are in the produce dept.  That stuff can be frozen or canned for later use.  Check the clearance of all depts. at the store.  Stock up when you find super good sales.  Maybe grow something - anything.  Use basic ingredients to make home cooked meals.  Eat with the seasons. NEVER feel food insecurity!!!!!!

There is just an endless way to save a little here and there and to be thrifty.  Nothing 2nd class about it - I see it as first-class, worry-free living!!!!

Make your own GATORADE

1 pack unsweetened Kool-Aid

1/2 C sugar or sweetener equivalent

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix together and chill.  You can use any flavor you have or want.

Good thing to have during the summer and it costs pennies.  I like it better than store bought - I always have ingredients on hand.

Remember that a journey of a thousand miles, starts with a single step!

Make a little progress each week or month and you will be on your way to being thrifty and living well!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy it to the fullest!