Sunday, March 17, 2024

Weekly Wrap Up 3/17

 Happy Sunday.  Happy St. Patrick's Day.  Hope this finds you well and safe.  It is a chilly but clear morning here.  We had some wonderful weather this week, and now we are going into a little cool down again.  Nights will be well below freezing - so here's hoping that it doesn't hurt any plants. 😥  
Normal weather for March/April - always changing.
I am still trying to get my body to adjust to the time change.  It just doesn't seem that I have gotten there yet!  Who would think an hour could make a difference?

Shamrocks and 4 leaf clovers are 2 different things!  Many think they are the same.  A shamrock is 3 leaves and to many represents the holy trinity.  A 4-leaf clover is just that - 4 leaves and supposedly brings good luck!

This week was just a lot of smaller things that saved a $ here and there.
My week:
  • Made OJ from concentrate
  • Clipped 'most' of Blackies nails!  He isn't fond of this at all - so I do a couple every chance I get.
  • Got some more yard work done and picked up blowing trash from walks and alley
  • Started packing up a lot of clothes for donation - things that haven't been touched in ages
  • Used the Rainbow vacuum this week on area rugs and bedroom.  It is a water filter system - boy does it pick-up!!!!  I think I vacuumed another cat!  I vacuum all the time - but this does a fantastic job.
  • Cut up a cuke that needed used and added to a pickle jar for flavor (used in salads)
  • Cooked a pound of ground beef - used half for a meal and froze the other half for a quick meal add-in.
  • Picked more flowers from the yard.
  • I keep bird/squirrel food in metal trash cans outside - one lid developed a rusted hole (these are years old).  FOR NOW - I repaired.  I covered the hole with foil and then used duct tape and topped with waterproof tape.  Did this inside and out - worked like a charm.  East fix for now.
  • Got to visit with 3 different neighbors this week
  • Made a gallon of tea
  • Made a 'compote' with fruit.  I used some older apples that I peeled and cored, strawberries and a packet of rhubarb I found in the freezer.  Cooked in a tiny bit of OJ and sweetened with a little sweetener.  Super tasty and a nice, sweet bite instead of something bad!
  • Froze the peels and cores to use w/more later to make jelly or to add to other fruit when making jelly as a natural pectin.
  • I did run to Kroger for a couple things.  Fresh asparagus for .99/lb.  Cabbage for .49/lb.  Found Edy's ice cream on a markdown - 1.5 qt. for 1.56.  Also, combo pork/angus beef - 1 lb. packs for 2.79/lb.

This size and brand regularly sells for 7.99 - that is just crazy!  I would never buy at that price. This was  the only one left.
A deal for sure.  Divided up packs and vacuum sealed and froze for several meals.
  • All meals from home and using leftovers where I could
  • Got to air the house a lot this week - no heat or AC for several days
  • Paid what bills I had
Meals this past week:
Loaded nachos (used leftovers)
French bread pizza (prev. made from freezer) and salad
Unstuffed cabbage roll skillet (used the older pc. of cabbage I had)
Above skillet - day 2
Pork/beef into breaded fritter, asparagus fries (breaded) and salad
Tamales over rice, fresh veggies
Tuna patty, mashed potatoes and asparagus (steamed)

There you have it.  Just doing things to save a little and use up what I have.  I keep thinking about going out shopping for some things, and I keep talking myself out of it!!  LOL
How was your week?  What have you done to use things up or to save a little?  Any great deals this week?  Are you thawing out yet?
Hope no one had damage from the storms this week.  Check in!!!!!

Hope to hear from you all.  We all enjoy hearing what the others are doing.  Gives us great ideas.
May you all have a great week and stay safe and healthy.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
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A cheerful heart is a good medicine, but a downcast spirit dries up the bones.
Proverbs 17:22

Lord, help us to enjoy our days as they happen, instead of always being so regimented.  Let us enjoy according to Your plans.  Let us learn to relax a little.  Help us lighten our spirits and laugh more.  When faced with serious situations may we look to You, as You will protect us.
Thank You for all our many blessings.  AMEN




Thursday, March 14, 2024

It Is In The Air

 Happy Thursday!  Spring has sure been in the air this week at my house.  Yesterday was 70F, and it is currently 60F this morning!  We have a big line of storms that is to come through this early afternoon - yuck!  I love spring, but spring storms is my one dread.  We get a lot of tornados in this area and hail.  Nothing fun about either.  It looks like it may go through quickly but covers a lot of area.

I did a walk about this morning after feeding the birds and squirrels.  Flowers are pretty and things are popping up.  There are a couple of big magnolia trees in the neighborhood, and they are just about ready to pop open!!!  Bad news - they better do it quick - as by Sunday evening we will have freezing weather.  Almost every year this happens.  So sad - as they are such beautiful majestic looking trees.

Sunday is St. Patrick's day - do you have plans?  We have a parade, I believe tomorrow downtown.  It is usually pretty chilly and often wet for the parade.  I have Irish in me but will not be doing anything special - EXCEPT I will make myself a Rueban sandwich this weekend!!!!  I have everything here and look forward to that.
                             The forsythia are in full bloom!  Just bright balls of beauty in the yard!
                                                         Daffies are so pretty for now!
                                             All kinds of flowers (and weeds) are popping up.
        Here is Vinca vine, Spider Wart, Ivy (ugh) and there is some Echinacea in there too.
The grass really needs to be cut - it is growing like crazy.  It is still muddy and will be worse after today - so it will have to wait until next week.

Birds of all sorts singing this morning.  Chickens pecking out front (ugh).  My squirrel is in the feed jar again.  It was in there late yesterday afternoon, came out and sunned, went back in, and stayed all night I suppose.  I am wondering if he lost his nest to another or maybe it got destroyed.  Little guy doesn't stir much for me  - so not sure what is going on.  Nature will work things out.

                                                               That is a gallon size jar.
It has been so lovely to have no heat on, windows open and fresh air filling the house.  Guess that ends after today for a while.  Such is life.  Soon we will all be complaining about the heat!!  You know I am right!

Some of you live in warmer areas, some are on vacation in warm places right now and others are experiencing what I am.  Then there are those who are still being bombarded by snow!  
Whatever your day brings - I hope you enjoy it and are safe.!

I plan on being outside while I can today.  Windows open as long as possible.  I plan on experimenting with a couple of cooking ideas I have this weekend.

Have a fantastic day to all!



Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Fun & Easy Easter Ideas for Kiddos (and adults)!

 Good morning.  Wednesday again - time flies.  It is a lovely morning here again.  Enjoying it while it lasts - because all good things come to an end!!!  Come Monday, next week, they are saying snow flurries and a low that night of 20*F - say it aint so!!!!!!  (today 70F).

Easter is on the 31st of this month.  I know not everyone celebrates, but the ideas I will share today will make it fun for young and old alike - and they are good for any 'special' day.  Heck, every day is special to me!
Might as well have a little fun.
How fun is this?  Make up little Smore kits with Peeps!  Now days they have Peeps for every occasion (and all flavors) - so these could be made all year.  Camping days will be here very soon - make it fun.

I like this idea.
Many have youngsters that they are teaching the meaning of Easter.  This would be a fun project.  Basically, just use a clay pot/or plastic saucer - a little dirt, yard rocks and some grass seed & sticks.  It would be a fun project.

Baskets - can be anything.  Any type of basket you have or can find, reusable grocery bags, homemade bags, a tote, a bucket......whatever.  Fill it with fun goodies, not just candy.  Hair accessories, bubble bath, nail polish, mini trucks/cars, puzzles, color books/crayons, colored chalk, Bubbles, socks, mini games or card games - the list goes on and on.  Make it fun and useful.
None of these items are expensive and be purchased for little money.  Shoot, I bet you could go through some kids playboxes and find items they forgot about!!!!!!!  (you know it's true)!!

Easter or any day - fun breakfast!  How cute is that?  Super easy, just pour your batter a little different.

Make goodies.  They don't have to be store bought or extra fancy.  Sugar cookies iced in colors and sprinkles.  Chocolate (use chips) covered apples or apple slices - top with sprinkles or nuts or coconut.  Dipped pretzels or strawberries or bananas bites.  You can use white chips and add food color too!
No bake cookies are always fun and they are so easy - and tasty!  

                                                   Another super easy and frugal goodie!!!
         I like to do these kind of like thumbprint cookies too - add a little jelly to the center - fun!

How about homemade Mounds candy or Almind Joy candy bars (bite size).  I have made these many times in the past and it was a favorite of G's.  He was a big kid at heart and loved those special treats.  Something like this only came about on special days!
This was what mine looked like before dipping in chocolate.  Stick in the freezer for a bit until firm then dip.  It makes it much easier to have them really cold.
Click on recipe to enlarge for better viewing.  SUPER easy!!!!!

Colored hard-boiled eggs.  You can buy those packs of fancy dyes - but you can do things at home a lot cheaper.  You can use beets/juice, onion skins, berries, etc. to get colors.  Make sure you add some vinegar to your colored water - it just helps the color adhere to eggs.  I liked using Kool-Aid too.  You can have strong colors and you can mix for special colors.
There is no way you can mess them up - each one will be an original!!!!

**Just a note here - when I make hard boiled eggs for everyday use - I mark them with an X or a smiley face before sticking back in frig.  (I use a marker).  That way they can be stored with regular eggs, and I know what is what!!!  

Celebrations can be fun without spending a ton of money.  Little things say- you are special!  Don't worry if you are on a budget and have no extra fuds - use what you have.  I don't want ANY mommas feeling like they can't make a special treat or day for the kiddos.  
Heck if you have a printer, you can copy off printable color pages of all sorts.  Make you own color books.  You can even make puzzles!!!  Use an old card front or calendar picture - adhere to cardboard - then cut into puzzle pieces (use a sharp blade) - and mix them up and throw in a baggy.  No money needed!!!!
Use your imagination and have a blast. 

Have a fun holiday celebration.  Make all days a celebration - just have fun and enjoy!
Have a wonderful day!



Tuesday, March 12, 2024

What's Up? and Another Question

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope you and yours are all well.  It is going to be a sunny day here and it is currently 45F this morning.  We are going up to upper or mid 60's.  It appears it will be a lovely week for the most part - then Monday it gets pretty darn chilly again and maybe flurries!  Nope winter isn't over - except in our minds!
The birds are just all singing their songs this morning - it sure sounds like spring.  I just love it.  Had to shoosh the chickens off - I don't mind them, except when they get on the porch!  They CAN be messy - if you know what I mean!  UGH!!

The sun is shining, we will warm up today, there are some spring flowers budding, the birds are singing, and my kitties and I are well.
Bitsy is not sure what to think about the chickens!  He watches and watches and then when they get close (on porch), he runs and hides under my comforter!  LOL.  Such a brave boy - haha.

What are your plans for the week?  Give us a shout out as to what you are up to.  It helps us all get ideas.  Are you going to spring clean - indoors or outdoors?   Are you crafting anything fun for the upcoming holiday?  Are you starting your garden things?

This (the picture) is my week!  All of these things.  I started yesterday outside.  I managed to put a couple things at the curb for heavy trash.  They were so bad, there was no re-use or upcycle left in them - or so I thought.  Someone stopped and took one item last night.  Must have a good imagination!
I just have so many things I want to go through, and donate, and fix, and even some trashing.  
The nicer weather and the sunshine, gets me motivated.
By the time fall comes, I want my house in order, and I want a lot of bigger things done to improve my home.  THIS is going to be my year!

My other question.  WHAT do you WANT to read about here?  
I know I ask this every so often - but I want to keep things fresh and fun.  I want to give posts that are relevant to us all.  I want to give you what you need and want to read.
Any ideas will be considered.  I have my pen and notebook ready to write down your ideas!!

I hope you each enjoy your day and get some sunshine!
Enjoy the simple things in life - they are what makes life a joy!




Sunday, March 10, 2024

Weekly Wrap Up 3/10

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Hope you all did well with the time change!  UGH!  I actually went to sleep a little earlier last night, hoping to hedge the drain of today.  Seems crazy, but that hour just changes things!  It got light later this morning, so delayed my going out to feed the critters.  I scared a stray kitty that was sleeping under the side steps!  My kitties weren't sure what to do this morning - I got up same time per clock - not them!  I guess we will all get used to it.

We have had nice weather, we had lots of rain, and we are now having chilly weather.  Looks to get nice again this week - but they are predicting a colder end to the month (last couple weeks).  Oh fun!
This started a couple days ago.  The forsythia have started to flower.  The daffodils are going good.  Lots of yellow and green out there.

I had a sick squirrel for a couple days this week.  It got in the feeding jar and just wouldn't leave.  Not sure if it was hurt or sick, but even walking up to the jar and tapping on it did nothing.  THAT is unusual.  I threw a few peanuts in there and a piece or two of sweet granola bar and finally it left - guess it regained a little energy.  I cleaned the jar well for the other squirrels, in case it was sick.

My cow birds are now back.  I keep seeing more and more different types of birds showing up.  It is getting to that time!  Lots and lots of robins are back now.

My week:
  • Spent some time restocking a lot of my pantry jars and moving some around.  Put back things not used often and put out things used more.  Just a lot handier.
  • Did some raking, weed pulling and light yard work
  • Got to air the house and have heat off for several days
  • Made a small batch of oatmeal cookies
  • I did run to Kroger and got some fresh veggies and fruit (strawberries & asparagus on sale!)
  • Using all leftovers and bits from the frig
  • Did more paper declutter.  It takes a long time, as I have to go through things and make sure I don't throw out something important.  I did find some stuff mixed in with general items, that needed to be kept.
  • I went to the paper shred event - I had 3 good size boxes.  I got there just as it opened, expecting a big line.  I was 3rd in line!  Next one is first of June - will have more for that one
  • Picked a bouquet of daffies!
  • Eating at home and using what I have
  • Lots of little stuff - moving plants around, moving baskets and small things around, just doing some re-arranging.  Put together new bottles of dish soap and shampoo.  Just lots of odds and ends
Meals this past week:
Beans/rice/sausage/cheese casserole
Enchiladas (used some of above rice & beans)
Fried cabbage and little smokies, smashed fried potato
Frittata and steamed asparagus
Chicken bites, cheesy potatoes (freezer) and salad
Seasoned rice w/asparagus added, topped with pulled pork (freezer) & sour cream
Rice w/asparagus (leftover) and fish sandwich


How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Spring cleaning?  Still getting snow?  I know a lot of you gals north are getting slammed with snow.  I saw OK and TX had some bad storms - hope all are doing ok.
I always look forward to hearing from each of you.

Prayers for all that are ill or have family that are ill and going through so much.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
*********************************

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
Ephesians 6:10-11

                                                                               AMEN


Thursday, March 7, 2024

An Information Kind of Day!

 Good morning all.  Here we are at Thursday already.  The weeks are flying by.
It is 44F this morning and cloudy - not bad.  We have a little cooler stuff this weekend, but nothing bad at all.  Not holding my breath, but maybe we have rounded the weather corner.  LOL - yeah, probably not!

Just a couple things today.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wal-Mart and Aldi are both lowering some prices!!!! 

Wal-Mart has said basic things like eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, frozen fruit, mayo and bread will be lowered in prices back to 'pre-inflation' prices.  I kind of got the idea that this was for the Easter season, by what I read.  They didn't say it was long term.  But heck, take the price reductions when you can!  If you shop WM, hope this helps a little.
Aldi lowered a lot of prices last fall, supposedly they will be doing more.  So far this year they have lowered prices on 23 items up to 13%.  Their plan is to lower prices to about 250 more items by summer.  When shopping look for the red tags in front of items - those are the new lower priced items!
******
For those that eat fast food!  There are some establishments that are having cut back prices for the month.  $1 and $2 burgers at Wendy's.  Cheap breakfast sandwiches at BK.  One donut shop is having specials.  MOST all of these need you to be signed into an app!!!!!  Not just a walk-in thing.
Most of this is due to DLST, March Madness (basketball), etc.  I won't be using any of these!
******

Now on the opposite side, Dollar Tree is raising prices again - what I hear - to 1.75.  I knew it was bound to happen.  How long can we possibly expect someone to sell things for a dollar when they are experiencing inflation as well?
I have seen so many people being outraged and saddened by this - my answer is just don't shop there if you don't like it!  
I KNOW some people live in food deserts and dollar stores and convenience stores are their go to.  I hate that for them.
But as for others - I still think some things will still be cheaper than other stores - gift bags, small holiday decorations, cards - even some cleaning supplies and kitchen towels.  You just have to choose what you want to pay for and where.  Probably will still be able to get many basics (pasta, soup, etc.) cheaper at other stores when they run sales. 
Once Dollar Tree was purchased by the bigger dollar store - it was inevitable.
************************

RECIPE TIME

I had a new to me type of hummus, when I attended a shower event recently.  It was chocolate hummus and I must say it was wonderful!  My niece bought it at the deli area at the grocery, but it is so easy to make. 
CHOC. HUMMUS
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - drained**
1/2 C cocoa powder (not hot choc. mix)
1/2 C maple syrup or honey
1/4 C peanut butter (or use Tahini or almond butter, or any other nut butter you like)
1 tsp. vanilla
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until very smooth.  Keep extra refrigerated.
Serve with fresh berries, banana pieces, apples, or graham crackers.

***Keep the liquid - can be used instead of egg in baking.  You may want to pour a tiny bit in your hummus as processing - if it seems too thick.
                                                                        DELISH!
**********************

Lastly - DON'T FORGET - it is that time of the spring again!!
                                                                                2 AM

I know many hate this change and many love it.  Everyone talks about more daylight - NO not more, just later!  If you get up early, it will just be dark later (for a while yet) - so it just pushes up the daylight hours. I am a very early riser - so now I will deal with dark again when I wake up.
Also remember animals cannot read the clock!  They have a schedule they are used to and that doesn't change (just the clock does).
I do like later daylight - but not crazy about 9PM stuff.  That is close to my bedtime!!!!!  I want it dark when I go to bed!
I wish they would just pick one and keep it!

So there is my infomercial/public service update of the week!!!  LOL
I hope you all have a great end to your week and a fun weekend.  Stay safe and warm - many are battling lots of snow still!

Have a great day!!!!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

It's Almost Time!

 Good morning my friends.  I hope this finds you all well this morning.  Yesterday was a pretty darn nice day around here - except for the rain and thunderstorms.  It wasn't bad though, and the sun came out later.
I have one daffy blooming and many about to pop open in the next day or so.  The forsythia bushes are about to pop open as well.  The grass is sooooo green!  I even went out yesterday afternoon and pulled some weeds - they are thriving.

So it is about time to start thinking garden.  Many people start their own plants at home - I did at one time, but my garden is pretty small - so I just buy a few plants.  I do start my zucchini, lettuce and cucumbers from seed - they pop up so quickly.
I know some folks who have already got NICE plants because they started so early, others are just thinking about planting.  Now is the time in our area.
Today are a few ideas that you can use to save a bit while starting your plants and gardening.

You can buy seeds at the Dollar Stores - usually 4/$1 - granted not a lot of seeds in each and most are not heirloom quality - but they are seeds and they produce food!!  I have lots of seed that I keep over from year to year.  Generally, they are just fine.  Just keep them in a cooler and dry spot.

Start collecting fallen limbs and sticks from the yard.  You can make very cute and natural plant markers.  Clear off a bit of bark and use either a wood burner or a permanent marker for names.  You can make these any size you need.  Also keep those larger limbs that fall for plant stakes.  You can find so many things in your yard to help you all for FREE.

Keep those TP rolls or even tubes from paper towels and use them as your plant starting pots.  Once the plant is big enough these can be transplanted into a bigger pot or the garden as it.  The cardboard will break down in the garden.  My brother starts most of his plants and this is what he uses.  He saves all year long - cuts them in half and has FREE planting pots.
You can also use newspaper for pots.  Easily form them around a used tin can - fill with dirt - plant.  These hold moisture well for the seeds and again, can be planted directly into your garden or bigger pot.  Recycle at its best!

Homemade fertilizer is so easy to make - and it doesn't have a lot of chemicals like many store-bought ones.  The above recipe is kind of like a homemade Miracle Grow. (click on recipe to enlarge).  I use this myself and it works.  I like keeping things more natural.

Get your patio pots cleaned and ready to go.  I plant several things in pots as well as things in the garden.  Over the years the pots get grungy and buggy and it is a good idea to clean them up and out every so often.

I hope everyone can try and grow something this year.  Maybe you can't have a garden where you live - but you can plant a thing or two in a nice flowerpot and place on the porch or the patio.
A tomato plant, a squash or 2, green onions, lettuce, herbs or maybe a pepper plant - something!!! ' 
Do a little 'food-scaping' in your yard.  It can give you 'grow-ceries'!
Every little thing you can grow saves a little money at the store.  The taste and the freshness cannot compare - regardless of the savings.  It all tastes so good.

I am always amazed to think about what can be gained from a tiny seed.  One tomato seed can grow a plant that produces dozens of tomatoes.  One zucchini seed can grow a plant that can literally 'feed a neighborhood'.  LOL - you know what I mean, if you have ever grown.
It is truly awesome.
Nature at its finest!

Make sure you have some lovely flowers around as well.  Bees are so important in pollination of things and we need them - flowers and blooms give them nutrition.  I am one that will never use weed killer on my yard as well.  I let the dandelions and the violets and clover bloom!  YEP, I am that neighbor!!!  LOL
They are the first things blooming many times and it feed the precious bees.  We are kind 'screwed' without the bees.
Not only that - but you can also make jelly with the dandelions, violets and clover.   It is very good and kind of honey flavored.  I have made dandelion and clover jelly before - and it is yummy.  A little work to start - but worth it.
There are so many things put on this earth that we can use to nourish our bodies.  Don't forget the wild onion and garlic as well.
I just love that nature can provide so much and it is all FREE!

Are you thinking about gardening?  I know many still have lots of snow - but that will soon be gone, and you will be seeing the world come back to life.  Get those plants and ideas ready now!
May you have "visions of gardening" dance through your heads as you dream tonight!!!

Have a wonderful day all.