Weekly Wrap Up 8/16

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  I surely hope this finds you well and safe.

It is dry here at the moment just muggy - oh the rain has been awful this week.  I am all good and feel so very blessed, but my heart goes out to so very many people.  

We have areas here in the city (closer to river, but minutes away) that are flooded, there are ENTIRE towns under water, loss of businesses, homes, vehicles, farms, crops, roads and bridges, and most sadly - lives.  Some are calling this a hundred-year flood, and even a couple have called it a thousand-year flood.  It has just been devastating.  About half of our state is a disaster area according to the governor.

I know that you gals that have survived hurricanes, can sympathize.  We just aren't used to this type of weather.  After today, we are to get a couple nicer and dry days.

I know I have other Hoosiers here, and some from Ohio and IL (areas have been hit bad) I just pray all are safe.  Even south of here may get the flooding as the river flows south and it is at a level not seen in our lifetime.

Something cheery!!!!  I took this pic at a friend's house a few years back.  It just makes me smile!!!!

My frugal week:

• I had a luncheon with grade school friends.  Not all are from my class - just anyone that attended the school (no longer exists).  I met a new lady that showed up, that graduated high school and grew up in the neighborhood with my eldest brother (he would have been 89 now).  She is a doll, and I have a new friend, we talked and talked.  I think she enjoyed having someone who knew the same people to talk to
• Had a spa night at home and gave myself a pedi
• Have tried to work more out front on the flower bed, as I could.  Dead heading as flowers die back
• HARVEST  - lots of yummies, keeping me in fresh goods

Anyone have a clue what type of peppers these are?  Came with banana peppers, but very different.  They are not hot.  This is their mature state.  The bush is loaded.

• Dehumidifier water in laundry.  Does it save a lot?  No - but I hate to just not use it and pour it down the drain.  6 gallons each time I use it in laundry
• Canned sweet banana peppers rings for sandwiches and pizza
• Picked up lots and lots of limbs and sticks from storms - good exercise
• Cut my hair
• Made hummy nectar
• Took apart the dehumidifier and cleaned it really well.  It gets a lot of use, and I hadn't cleaned the filters in ages
• I paid my neighbors older son to come and clean all the gutters while it wasn't raining - I was having overflow in areas.  They were packed solid in spots!  Worth every penny
• NO grocery again this week
• Got to put a new hole in my belt!  My poor jeans were drooping
• I froze some brown gravy I had left from a meal in ice cube tray - will be good in future soups
• Since I have been in the house a lot due to rain, I have started fall cleaning
• Using what I have and cooking from home

Meals this past week:

Deluxe smash burger, salad

Out to eat

Roasted cheese and tomato flatbread

Chopped steak w/gravy, jalapeno mac and cheese

Chicken tenders, tom/cuke/onion salad

Loaded nachos

Chicken/veggie wraps

SNACKS - fruit, popcorn and leftovers

I can't wait to be able to get out and cut grass this week and trim again - boy, the rain sure does make the grass and weeds grow!  It looks awful - but I am fortunate that I have a lawn to mow.

I hope you are all safe, healthy and doing well.  Please check in and let us know that you doing well and SAFE!  There have been so many storms and bad weather happening all over.

I hope you all had a great week - let us know of any deals, ideas, or things that have saved you money this week.  

I wish you all a safe and healthy week ahead.

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

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Dear Lord, I come to You with a grateful heart that my family and friends and myself, are safe this week.  Please be with those that have lost so very much, and comfort them and help guide them in the direction they need to go.  Help us all do good things and say good things, not for our own glory or adoration or attention, but let us do them in Your name giving You all the glory.  Guide us each one to be our best person.  I pray that neighbors come forward to help other neighbors and communities, in ways that only individuals can.  Let us all appreciate the little things, as they are often huge in our lives.  AMEN

Living is the Important Part - Stop the Worry

 Hello all.  Hope you are all safe, well and dry if in the areas of rain and flooding.

It is a cooler morning again, have to like that.  Yesterday I actually got to keep the AC off all day.  We did get a lot more rain yesterday afternoon.  My area just got rain - no major wind this time.  There is sooooo very much flooding going on - it is horrible.  People have water in their homes and vehicles - so much loss.  It makes me so sad for them all.  All good here.  And guess what?  More rain coming - each day for the next few.

I have windows open at the moment, but that will end later on.

I sure did not want to get out of bed this morning.  Gosh, it felt so comfortable for some reason.  Bits must have been the same way - he didn't come wake me as normal.

I had to run Rocky racoon off this morning - don't plan on sharing the kitty food with it!  It makes an appearance every couple weeks.

Words to live by!!!  Not always an easy thing I know.  I have to catch myself at times, and then I stop and pray - God Your will be done.  I just have to put things in His hands many times.  I don't have the power to change a lot in this world.  I wish I did.  All the worrying we do, generally will not change a thing!  PERIOD!

I think many people spend more time worrying and fretting than living.  Each day is a gift, so please do not waste it.  

Many of you gals DO live and have a lovely life.  I am so happy for that - traveling, family gatherings, your singings, volunteering, just staying in touch with neighbors, being a role model for young ones, etc..  All kinds of things can encompass your life - just do something.  Enjoy each day.

Go look at the flowers or the birds or nature in general.  Do a little gardening, sing around the house, dance a little (great exercise), walk, visit with someone, eat the food, call someone, just LIVE!

Life is precious and we have a limited time, which is unknown.  So make it the best.

I know a lot of people are going through a lot - whether it be illness, job loss, flooding, fires, family crisis's - but here you are reading this.  You are here and you are alive, that is huge.  Each and every day is a blessing.

Look at the smaller things that happen in life - they may really be the big things.  We have each and every one been through our worst day ever at some point in our lives, and odds are it won't be the last one.  Yet here we are.  There is a reason you are here.  You all know I have tremendous faith in the Lord, and I believe God has a plan for each of us.  We don't know what it is - but every step we take forward is part of that plan.

I pray you each have a good day and are all well.  Donna, unlike you not to be on here every day - hope all is OK with you.

May your day be good, and may you show kindness and love to others.

HUGS and SMILES!

Use it Up, Make Do and Eat Well - A Few Ideas

 Good day to all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very gloomy looking morning here.  I can hear thunder off in the distance.  It is far away, but I can still hear it.  It looks to be another day where we will have storms in the area later on.  Oh boy (not).

Almost every day this week has a chance for storms at some point.  Yesterday got a bit scary in the afternoon.  It got looking dark out, so I walked out back and put the cat food in the greenhouse, and the kitties were all just hanging out on the walk.  Then BOOM - out of nowhere came the wind.  I got the food in and the kitties went running (ended up in greenhouse) and I got back in the door and all heck let loose.

The wind was horrible - 60 - 70 mph straight line winds.  I had a ton of limbs and sticks down (sure cleans out the old trees).  It really scared Bitsy - he stayed in hiding for hours.  Two neighbors to the west had some significant limbs come down.  Yesterday was trash day, so many of the bins were out, and they were tossed like toothpicks - those cans are heavy!  Around the city trees fell and fell on vehicles and one took out a house.  I was so blessed.

Then we had rain in the early evening hours - no wind or bad stuff then.  

To the north and east of here, many counties are flooded.  They have had between 6" and 12" of rain since yesterday morning.  Nothing like that here thank goodness.  More to come.  Not a good weather week for sure.

PLEASE if in any of the flooded areas - stay safe.  Do not try to get through standing water.

Something easy. used what I had, and ever so TASTY!  I made this yesterday.  It is a flatbread topped with cream cheese onion powder, sliced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.  I made it in the air fryer.

Oh my goodness, it tasted like the most decadent grilled cheese sandwich ever and a combo of a tomato sandwich.  So very, good and very filling.  I will make again, sor sure.  It doesn't get much easier.

Now you could use anything - tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon or olives.  You can use whatever you have in the way of cheese.   USE IT UP!  But, let me tell you the taste sensation of the cheese and tomatoes was fantastic.  Great use for those fresh tomatoes!

Here are a couple charts with some good ideas.  New ways to do things and new things to think about eating.  It is great when we can have new ideas using up the things we already have. It sure can save money as well.

If you have an air fryer - it isn't just for fries and wings anymore!!!!   I have not done a couple of these but have used mine for many of these ideas.  I have not made oriental dumplings, but egg rolls are great.  They really do 'freshen' up stale items.  Love it for pizza, fries, chicken, fish and have even made a mini one-person lasagna in mine.  Not a bad $10 deal I got at a yard sale!!! (and I thought I would never use).

These ideas might help someone.  I just wish they could the pictures to match the descriptions.  That drives me bonkers.  But you can read the ideas and find something that works for you and gives you a sugar free and healthy breakfast or even lunch or snack.

Use what you have and get creative.

I know I have said the word so much - but it my word this year.  Get creative.  Use what you have and experiment a little.

There are so many combinations of things that can be made - so many we just don't think about.  There are many ways to fix things and not heat the house or use the power of stove/oven.

Do you have any 'out of the norm' ideas to share that you really like?  Share please!

Give us all some new ideas.

If you are in any of the weather areas or the fire areas, I pray you stay safe.  Leave if you must, and please, please just don't temp fate.  Be safe.

Have a great day.

Pantry Mix & Match Blessings & New Tip

 Hello all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe.  It is a fairly cloudy morning here at the moment.  It is very humid and muggy out, and fairly warm already.  We are supposed to have storms come through later today - UGH.  A nice rain is much appreciated, but storms with torrential rain and damaging winds is not appreciated.  I am ready for low 80's or 70's and no humidity!

After working on the pantries, I thought it might be good to talk about how we can keep a nice pantry, whether you garden or not.  I know so many people do not garden - no shame there.  Some do some gardening or buying from farm markets and put things back for the future - whether canning or freezing.  Some just use the grocery - it is all good!  Do what works for you and don't let anyone intimidate you or say you aren't doing it right.  RIGHT is what works for you.

Here is one of the legume shelves!  I have store canned and dried.  All sorts of beans and many that aren't in the picture.  I lots and lots of pinto, red, navy, lima and black beans on an upper shelf.  Sometimes canned is just the ticket for me, other times, I want to have the smell and slowness of cooking my own.  I mix and match.

My kitchen freezer after re-arranging.  Both fresh and pre-made - some days I just want things easy.  Don't judge me - this IS straightened!  I have all things together in categories.  The blue basket is all packets of ground beef.  That is something I use a lot, especially since I have found such good clearance deals recently.

Here is a side view of the daily pantry.  There is home canned and premade.  I have lots and lots of rice and pasta in there as well - all jarred and sealed.  Cans of soup, baking goods, and other dry goods like breadcrumbs, cornmeal, wraps, etc.  It may look like utter chaos to some, but I know what I have and it is in categories.

However, you do your pantries and/or freezers is up to you.  You know how you use things and how often you use things.

Buy what you will use and please USE what you buy.  Getting a deal and then not using it - is NO deal.  It is just throwing money away.

I had been planning on writing this after the cleaning, and then I watched a video by Little House Living, and by golly, she was talking about the same thing.  People were bad mouthing her because she had store bought goods!!  WHAT?  That is crazy.  Some things are just cheaper to buy, than to can or freeze and yes, you can buy premade goods that are natural and nothing added.

I think people think growing and canning is the cheapest (only sometimes) but it is so much about knowing what is in your food.  You can control chemical use, and you can control ingredients.  You can buy many all-natural goods - I see veggies in water with no other ingredients and I see fruit in natural juices with no sugar added.  They are out there.  OR you can buy frozen as well - they stay pretty natural too - it just takes a little looking.

So do what works for you.  After all it is your home and you are the one eating it.

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Now here is a TIP - we have all heard of placing charge cards or money in containers to hide in the freezer for safe keeping.  Well, I heard a friend tell a story yesterday that made me think about the cash idea especially.  They had a family member pass away, and at the funeral a relative asked the daughter, if they had cleaned the frig out yet.  Answer - yes and we threw everything in the trash.  This lady had a LOT (major amount) of cash in the freezer and the daughter didn't know!!!!!  Out in the trash.  Oh my.

So the TIP is - no matter where you may have money hidden, make sure someone that you trust knows where it is and that they hopefully will be in charge of eliminating things from the home, if you pass on.

There are many places to hide things that would never be thought of.  In ceiling vents or in jars in floor registers.  In a jar of dry beans or rice, freezer, in a book, under drawers, etc.  If you are ever given the chore of cleaning out someone's home - just check everything.  Have a trusted person know where you have things hidden.

I hope you are having a good start to the week.  If you are in the path of storms - be safe. 

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/9

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe,

It is a muggy morning here today and it will get to about 90*F.  We have a day or two more of this heat then we are supposed to get back to the low 80's and less humidity.  That I like.

I have been out to feed, and they kitties didn't eat as much this morning.  Pip is starting to get them more independent.  They aren't quite 3 mos. yet and still nurse a little - but she is taking them out on walk abouts (across alley) and they are getting a lot more active and exploring.  Hunting as well.  Momma cat and Pip sure are cicada hunters!

My frugal week:

• Used rainwater as a final rinse for my hair - made it so soft
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• HARVESTING the garden - tomatoes are really picking up, cukes, lots of peppers and zuke
• Went through some sealed totes I had and found a lot of long-term food items I had forgotten.  They are now in sight and ready for use
• I did a HUGE clean and organization of the deep pantry and the regular pantry.  I am so very blessed with goods.  Some non-food items, that I will probably never have to buy again.
• Vacuum sealed a lot of jars of dried goods. (that gift got a lot of use!)
• I straightened and organized the frig freezer - have the big freezer yet to do
• Made some stuffed banana peppers with cream and cheddar cheese seasoned with onion soup mix.  Froze to have later in air fryer
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard.  First time in ages that I got the yard all mowed and trimmed in one day!  I am having so much more energy.  Did a good trim and clean behind the shed, and worked in the front flower bed some
• Did get some days of windows open and no AC earlier in week
• Met a new neighbor.  They have only lived on the other side of alley for 20 years - about time we meet!!!!
• Picked rhubarb
• Picked a couple handfuls of grapes to eat - a real treat.  They are starting to ripen!!
• Got some blackberries out of the big freezer and mixed with the rhubarb.  Used some on ice cream, and made a little cobbler and still have syrup left
• NO grocery or spending.  Did not leave the property this week
• All the regular stuff - lots of dusting, dust mopping and vacuuming.  I sure get a lot of dust 'kitties'.  Cleaned nose prints from windows, using what I have and cooking from scratch
• Made zucchini boats and made extra to freeze.  Used corn instead of rice in filling this time.  Used the oven but also made the cobbler at same time.

So good

Meals this past week:

Fried egg sandwich and pasta salad

Grilled burritos (homemade/freezer) and salad

Fried okra, corn cob and toms and cukes

Egg roll bowl

Potato bites and chicken fingers (air fryer) and toms

Stuffed zucchini boats and sliced toms

Fried green tomatoes and fried breaded banana peppers (new try and good), sliced toms

I managed to keep busy this week and did get a lot done.  As we pointed out this week, it is all about just getting started.  I am good about finding excuses to not start, but I just made myself get up and do it.  So much more to accomplish!

I ended up with a big old bruise on my arm - no idea how - about gone now.  I also got blisters and lucky me, more poison.  But I survived it all - life is good.

How was your week.  How are the gardens doing?  Anyone doing any canning or freezing yet?  Probably won't be long here.  Did you find any good deals or markdowns?

Give us a shout out - love knowing how everyone is doing.

I wish you all a super week ahead and many smiles.

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

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Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God!  Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!

Psalms 143:10

Dear Lord, we come with thanks for all the blessings and gifts that we received in some form this week.  Help all that are having struggles with various things and let them know they are loved and being held up my Your hand.  Forgive us when we stray from the good thoughts and deeds, we know we should be doing.  May we all open our hearts so You can teach us Your will.  Thank You for loving us.  AMEN

Accomplishing Feels Good - Like Finding Money!

 Hello and welcome to all.  Hope everyone is well.  I sure appreciate you taking a moment out of your days to stop here and visit for a bit.  It means a lot.

It is a nice morning here.  A bit more humid than it has been for a few days, a little cloudy, chance of light rain - but here we are!!!!  We are alive and getting to experience another day.

I am tired this morning, and sure thought it would feel nice to stay in that bed a little longer - but there were mouths to feed!

LOL - who hasn't heard almost all of these in some part at some point in your life?  I sure have - and many I still say.  All pretty good advice in my book!

I have kept fairly busy this week so far.  I have had a lot of projects that I have been wanting to accomplish and by dingy I started on them FINALLY!

I have spent a good amount of time working on the pantry and the deep pantry.  I went through some totes and found goods I forgot I had purchased (for long term).  So, everything got rearranged and organized and sorted and jarred and categorized and cleaned..........

It sounds HUGE, but it really wasn't so bad once I got started.  It was just getting started!!

So, for now, the daily area is done and the big deep pantry are pretty much done.

I still need to do the freezers - frig and upright.  Maybe I will tackle the frig freezer today.  I also have a lot very old home canned goods - have just gotten forgotten - that as badly as I hate it, need to be emptied and the jars cleaned.

I tell you I have found out there are many dried goods and many non-food items, that I will probably never to have to buy for ages.  Goodness, being a deal shopper and an old couponer - has left me with many non-food items that will last and last.

It is now time to stay out of the grocery for the most part.  Occasional milk and cheese and of course pet food - that should do it for me. I have lots of fresh from the garden for now.

Keeping the pantries and freezers really organized is a HUGE money saver.

I also worked in the yard a lot too.  I really do feel accomplished.  But as busy as I was, I made sure to take time just for me as well.  NO naps, but I have had walks and neighbor talks, and reading and porch sitting.  Just keeps me decompressed and happy.

I have a list of so many things that need to be done around here and things I need to declutter and just need to dig into.  I truly want my home in order!  I mean it is decent now, and it always looks cleans - but you know what I mean.  So much that we put off and just avoid and need to get rid of.  We all know the old saying "out of sight out of mind" - YEP!!!!!!

I hope you have all had a good week so far and wishing you a good weekend.  Get up today and do something that you have put off (no matter how small or large) - it will feel good to have it done!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!

 

Calm Home & Life - Cost Nothing

 Hello to all.  Wishing you all well this fine day.  It is a beautiful morning here.  Cool and the sun is shining.  I have the windows open and fresh air is coming in!  I have been able to keep the windows open over half of the day, then have to close do to heating up outdoors.

The water has all dried up out back, but it sure smells 'wormy' out there!  I really would like to mow out back today, but the grass is sopping wet with dew - will see how long it takes to dry out.

Just do it.  You can bring back anything you want and enjoy the calmness of the days gone by.

It seems we all need more peace, comfort and calmness in life.  Life is so busy and everyone and everything seems to be in a rush!  There is always 'noise' to distract us and to try and keep us occupied.  I like a restorative kind of life.  Porch sitting!!  I know people truly love all the gadgets and apps and electronics - I do not.  I have no problem doing things the old way.  Absolutely NOTHING in life is that important that it has to be handled this very moment in my opinion.

I watched a video yesterday that really had an impact - so I thought I would relate some of their ideas.

• Keep meaningful things around you - things that elicit memories and thoughts of people you love and places you love.  When you see them, you smile.  Or they may just be there, and you don't 'think' you look at them each day - but odds are you do and they give you comfort.
• Pause when you come home from being out.  Take a moment to walk in and just BE in your home and breathe.  You are home and that should be comforting
• Use what you have.  Repurpose things, move things around, instead of buying and spending.  Sometimes just changing up the view can feel wonderful - redecorate for nothing
• Let nature in.  Plants, fresh air, cut flowers, herbs, a basket of fruit on the table - something natural - it just feels like home
• Have a quiet place.  It can be a favorite chair, a spot by a window, or a room, or maybe a balcony or place outdoors.  Someplace that you can decompress and just breathe and get your mind back in tune
• Make meals quietly.  Maybe make some simple meals, in a slow pace - don't always rush.  Sit at the table and truly enjoy eating the meal - enjoy the flavors and taste and company if you have someone else there
• Use subtle soft lights after dark.  We see so much brightness all day, and even with TV/computer distractions.  Soft lights calm - that is why Christmas lights always seem so enjoyable and soothing in a dark room
• Keep around calming smells.  It may be fresh air or coffee brewing or candles.   Scent can be so very soothing - scents seem to take us somewhere else
• Keep your sleep place calm and uncluttered.  It needs to be a relaxing area - not a lot of distractions
• Keep your home in order daily.  Do a little here and there - you don't have to bust butt to do it all at once.  Laundry one day, vacuum or dust another, pick up as you go.  This way the house always feels clean, and you aren't rushing around - it is not overwhelming. Slow and steady - always wins!
• Don't worry about what you don't have!  Getting that next new big thing, isn't always satisfying and often you have to work hard to get it.  Concentrate on what you HAVE and appreciate it.  What you have is home and makes you feel safe.

All things we can do and they cost nothing.  Anytime we can reduce stress and the rush of the world, is a good day.  Make your house a home!  It is yours and you can just BE when you are there.

Enjoy your home and just keep it calm and relaxing - a peaceful home is wonderful.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.