NEVER FORGET

We have the freedoms that we have because of those who have sacrificed everything.
Thank you is not enough - but it is all we have.
I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by not only these brave men and women, but for their families as well.
GOD BLESS AMERICA

Frugal Happenings 5/29

Happy last Sunday of the month and Happy Memorial Day weekend.

First, I'd like to say, I hope everyone remembers the true meaning of this holiday.  The fallen and their families have given everything for us to remain free.  There are not enough "thank you's" that can be offered.  They are forever in my heart.

Secondly, you have all offered so much love and prayers for my brother - and I'd like you to know - each and everyday is so much better.  He can say SOME words now, he is working hard to move his right leg himself (arm not yet), and he is now back to being able to eat soft foods.  There is not a soul on this earth that could tell me that prayers don't work.  They do and thank you all!!!!!!  Each day is one closer to full recovery.

We went from chilly weather to down right hot weather almost over night.  We are now in the 80's with a lot of humidity.  I have had to use the AC a couple hours a day for the past few days.  It just takes the humidity away - I can handle heat but not humidity.
I am FINALLY starting to see our hummingbirds a lot.  What an absolute joy.

Today is the Indianapolis 500 race - a huge deal in our city!  Today will be the first time in over 60 years that it will be televised LIVE in the city!  G is looking forward to that.  Usually we have to watch the delay filming at night - and I am not allowed to mention who won, as G always wants it to be a surprise!  LOL

This week had a lot of little frugal happenings:

• Got the garden tilled (I did it) and ALL planted!  Got the balance of the annuals planted, so all pots and hanging planters are done
• Used the Soda Stream several times this week to make bubbly water.  I drink a lot of water when it's hot - but this helps even more
• Took all recycle to bins when out this week = stuff out of my house!
• Made 12 jars (1/2 pints - jelly jars) of peony jelly.  It is so yummy

• Trimmed all the big bushes out back and mowed - some parts 2X - FREE exercise
• Saved the wax bag from a cereal box to re-use as wax paper
• Put out new cushions on the front porch glider that I got last fall on clearance.  Waited till the squirrels finished pulling stuffing out of old ones for their nests!  Little buggers
• Made a collage of family pictures for my brother Ron for his birthday.  He loved it and the therapists loved it - the will be using it in speech therapy!
• Line dried laundry

• Stopped at Menards on the way home from hospital and bought 5 gallons of deck paint for our front ramp.  Took advantage of a sale that ends tomorrow and a rebate of $35!   Painting ourselves will save a ton of money, I will get some sun and some exercise (as will G).
• Stopped at the library and got a couple books
• Also stopped at Meijer on the way home - purchased 10 lbs. of ground Angus @1.99/lb. to replenish some in freezer.  Got corn 6/$1, and cantaloupes 2/$5.
• Stopped at FM on Saturday morning and bought lettuce and more baby turnips.  Cooked the turnip greens - YUM
• 
• Making tea and filtering water
• All laundry has been done in cold water
• I have accumulated about 40 gallons of water in rain barrels to use on plants
• Only used AC a couple hours each day - still sleeping with windows open at night.  Love my fresh air.
• Have had  several vases of fresh cut peonies.  Unfortunately that is over for another year.  They are on their last leg now.  Sad - as that is one of my favorite flowers!

I was a bad girl once again this week.  After a 9 hour day working on the garden, there was no way I was going to cook.  We ordered another pizza from the really great new place.  It did give us each dinner for 2 nights and lunch on another day.
Now that the long days in the yard are over - it's back on the FRUGAL train!  June will be a new start.

We had hotdogs along with veggies and dip and cheese strips one night for dinner.  I made fish tacos another night.  Pizza two nights.  I cooked a small whole pork loin in the crockpot with potatoes and carrots.  Leftover meat was turned into BBQ pulled pork.  Had pulled pork sandwiches along with homemade cauliflower salad.  Grilled burgers and had them with corn and turnip greens.
Treats have been ice cream and cantaloupe.


What did you do this week to save a dollar or two?  Is your garden in?
Can't wait to hear from everyone.
Have a wonderful and blessed week my friends.

Holiday Hunger Helpers

Here's a couple recipes that are easy and might just fill in nicely over the holiday weekend.

EASY SLOPPY JOES
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 C salsa
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Cook your beef and drain, then add the rest of ingredients and simmer


ONE BOWL BANANA BREAD
1/3 C oil
3 ripe bananas - smashed
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 1/3 C biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
1 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (optional)
Mix everything together and pour into lightly greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350* for 35-45 minutes


EASY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 lb. thinly sliced ham
1 C shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 C chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 C water
Cook the chicken in the butter.  Wrap the cooked chicken with ham slices.  Place in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan.  Sprinkle with half of the cheese.  Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Add broth to a skillet, add soup, water, and the balance of the cheese.  Heat & whisk until smooth.
Serve chicken with noodles, and spoon cheesy cream sauce over both.


TANGY CHICKEN BBQ
1 C brewed coffee
1 C catsup
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 C cider vinegar
1/8 tsp. pepper.
Mix together and simmer 8 pcs. of chicken in the mixture, until the chicken is completely cooked.
OR grill your chicken, continually brushing with sauce as chicken cooks.

Hope this helps give you a couple new ideas for cookout or get together food.
ENJOY!

We're Shrinking!

Well, we aren't shrinking...as Americans in general are bigger than ever!  YIKES!!!!!

But our products are sure shrinking.  I am sure you have all noticed.... but the retailers try to trick into thinking you are getting things in the same size.

So often, the packaging stays the same, but the product inside is less.  The really crappy part is they are still charging you the same amount of money, or in some instances MORE! 
This is why I think it is so extremely important to be vigilant of reading the product packaging, but more importantly ------- learn how to make many of the products yourself or find alternatives.
I know there are many items that you just can't substitute another item for, and many you really CAN'T make at home, but we should sure try when we can.
WE CAN ALSO COMPLAIN TO THE MANUFACTURERS!

I got to thinking about this over the weekend.  I went to Kroger to buy their Party Pail gallon of ice cream, that was a crazy price of 2.99 in the flier.  They have only one size called Party Pail.  The flier said 128 oz. for 2.99.  The tub of ice cream says 1 gallon (3.78L).  It rang up 3.99 - so I told the girl the add was 2.99 and showed it to her.
I am being gracious calling her a "girl" - she was about my age.  She says well the one in the ad is smaller - see 128 oz.  Yours is 3.78L!   OK????????!!!!!!
I explain that liters and ounces are not the point.  I told her there are 4 quarts in a gallon.  One quart is 32 ounces - so 4 quarts (1 gal.) is 128 oz.!!!!!   Her answer was "If you say so".  (I'm not joking).  So she only charged me 2.99 but didn't understand why.
REALLY?  It absolutely amazes me, that America has dumbed down so much.  Kids can't make change unless the 'machine' tells them - and adults don't even know that a gallon is 128 oz.!!!!!  Amazing.

Ok, I digressed a bit, but that is what got me thinking about our incredibly shrinking world.

*Most places a 'half gallon' of ice cream is actually 1 1/2 quarts now
*Coffee used to be a pound - now most is 11 oz.
*A bag of chips used to 16 oz.  - now 11oz. or 12 oz.
*Laundry detergent weighs less and does less loads (bottle is generally the same)
* I used to get deli cookies 12/$ - now they are 10/$
*Candy bars are much smaller than back in the day!
*Hotdogs were sold by the pound - now they weigh 14 oz.
*Yogurt used to be 6 oz. - now 5.3 oz.
*Haagon Daz used to be a pint - now 14 oz. in weight and they still label it a pint!!
*Bacon was always sold by the pound - now most packages are 12 oz. - 14 oz.
*Disposable diapers were always 100 per pack - now 92
*Toilet paper has less sheets and is narrower per roll
*Slim Fast was 6 - 11 oz. cans - now it is 4 - 10 oz. cans
*Many bottles of juice went from 64 oz. to 59 oz.
*Cereal used to always be at least 16 oz. - now what I buy is down to 11.5 oz.
*Cans of tuna were 6 oz. - now 5 oz.
*A lot of canned goods have always been 15 oz. or 16 oz. - but have gone down in some cases  to
  11.5 oz.
The list goes on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has gotten really bad in my opinion.  The retailers are being extremely deceptive.  They simply think we won't notice - and many people don't.  I read labels on everything!!!!  I watch people in the stores pick up one size of something that is expensive - when another size is cheaper.
I have seen people struggle with a gallon of milk - costing 3.59 - when the sale is a half gallon for 1.25.  DUH!  It is cheaper to get 2 and easier to handle.
I have even told people in the store this - and they look at me like I am a Martian!  I guess some people just have more money than sense!
I WANT TO USE MY SENSE AND KEEP MY CENTS!!!!!!!

Be careful to read the packaging on everything.  Yes it takes some extra time (especially at first).  This is a good time for all of us to start 'price books' or keep notebooks with us - as to sizes and prices.  Do the math before buying things.  Always breakdown the price per ounce or sheet - this will give you an accurate figure of what you are buying.

Our incomes don't seem to be going up at all - especially those of us who are retired.  Prices go up daily.  We need to pay attention and get the best value for our dollars.
A little extra time can save you a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
DO THE MATH



PS - I am waiting for the day when a dozen eggs goes down to 10 and a gallon of milk becomes 3 quarts!  I am sure it won't be long.

Frugal Happenings 5/22

Happy Sunday everyone.  I hope this finds you all well and happy.
I have been remiss again this week in keeping up with posting.  It seems I have been busy going to rehab and working around the house.
When I go to the rehab to see my brother, it takes up at least half of the day.  Progress is slow and steady!  We do see gradual improvements.

I did take advantage of some nice weather to get a lot of yard work done.  Oh my I was way behind.  I still am.  I have plans on spending today in the yard again.  It seems that all of a sudden things have started to thrive - weeds included!

Frugal this week:

• I made up 10 hanging baskets and planters myself, instead of buying them ready made.  That was a huge savings.
• I made more seed blocks (like suet) for the birds.  They are thoroughly enjoying them!
• Made homemade hummingbird nectar and cleaned and refilled the feeders.
• Made flavored coffee a couple times this week for G.  Mixed in my own flavoring
• All meals from home
• We did order pizza one night from a new place.  It was much cheaper than traditional pizza shops, FREE delivery, it was HUGE and thick with toppings.  Usually we get a meal with a piece or 2 left - we got 2 meals each and lunch from this pizza.  It was wonderful!
• Picked more flowers for bouquets
• Made homemade banana bread

• Have gotten to have the windows open a lot, and sleeping with bedroom window the past couple nights.  I LOVE THAT!  I like a cool bedroom.
• I only bought milk and some ice cream this week.  Ice cream was on a super sale.  I haven't bought much in the way of groceries in over a month.
• I cleaned out the garden area.  WOW what a job.  It was full of weeds from about 4" - 12".  I had to pull or dig them all out.  Then I got to spread 1/2 truck of manure on the garden.  Talk about FREE exercise!   I could hardly move that night - boy am I out of shape.

I wish I had taken a picture before I got the weeds out and spread the manure.  It's impossible to appreciate all the work involved.  Now to get the garden plowed and planted!!!!!!  That will happen in the next couple days.

Our meals were pretty easy all week.  We had chili over rice, taco salad, chili-mac made with leftover chili, tuna casserole and salad, ordered pizza (ate 2 nights), and loaded baked potatoes.  I made a large loaf of banana bread and made some homemade grilled fruit pies (with bread & pie filling).

I am sure going to be embracing and loving the warm weather and the sunshine the next few days.  We haven't had a lot of either this spring.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals or do any projects that saved you money?  How is your garden growing?  Hope to hear from you all.

God bless you all, my friends.  May your week be safe and healthy and prosperous.

Thoughts and Posies!

This is our oldest rose bush.  It was here when we moved in 30 years ago, and we have moved it twice.  I have no idea how old it really is.  Look at all those buds!!!  My climbers are literally covered with buds.

The peonies are just starting to open.  I can't wait till all those buds open up.  I sure do love the smell of them.

I sure hope all those little buds turn into raspberries.

Baby bunches of grapes!

Click on pictures to enlarge images.
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"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."  
Thomas Edison

I think this statement covers everything.  If you have a bad financial week or slip up - just get back on the bandwagon and start again.
There is NO way to fail, as long as you are trying.

Peace!

Frugal Happenings 5/15

Happy Sunday.  I hope you all had a great week.  We had a wet and chilly week for the most part.  There were a couple of nice days - but it sure hasn't felt like mid May!

I got to spend two days at therapy with my brother, one at the beginning of the week and one at the end.  There was a big difference in following directions by the end of week.  I see it as a positive!

Yesterday I went to the Farmer's Market up the street again.  The 100 year old neighborhood around the park, was having a neighborhood garage sale.  Well, I had to go!!!  That was my first yard sales of the year - but man was it cold.  It was in the 40's, very windy, and gray skies.  I was wishing for my winter jacket by the time I quit.  I got some great deals - I will list below.

I met a couple gals at one sale that I over heard talking about being frugal.  I told them about this little blog - and they seemed excited.  I hope they stop by and join in the conversation.

Frugal this week:

• I stopped at a greenhouse and got some cell packs of flowers to make my own hanging baskets.  So much cheaper than buying the baskets ready made.
• Bought lettuce and salad turnips at the FM.  I think I will try cooking the salad turnip greens as well!
• All meals from home and from scratch
• Used up ALL leftovers
• Brought in a small bouquet of flowers from the yard.  Cut the first 3 peonies that opened - and the house smells just lovely because of them.
• Did a lot of yard work on nice days - FREE exercise
• Of course I have been doing all the usual stuff like making tea, filtering water, laundry in cold water, etc.

It was so cloudy yesterday - no matter how many lights I turned on, I couldn't get bright pictures of the stuff I bought.  Hope you can see.
I will tell you what items were originally marked or what I looked up and what I paid!

• A bag of 50 giant brown lunch bags (will use for gift bags) - retail $6.59 - I paid 50 cents
• Box of 40 fancy all occasion cards (solid re-usable box as well) - marked 11.99 - I paid 50 cents
• 2 handmade pottery soup mugs with lids (will be a gift with a jar mix of soup) - owner said they cost $20 each at high end specialty store - I paid $1 ea.
• An informative book - Amazon $4.99 - I paid 50 cents
• 2 pillow forms (will make for gifts) 50 cents each
• Tortilla warmer (I now make my own) - retail 5.99 - I paid 2.00
• 4 new rolls of bendable Christmas ribbon marked 3.99 each for 50 cents each
• Velveeta cheese keeper - $9 - $20 on Amazon - I paid 50 cents
• 9 packs of decorative holiday napkins (I use cloth except for large gatherings) - total price marked $12 - I paid 10 cents for 3 packs or a total of 30 cents!  These will last years.
• Never opened cake pop pans and kits (for gifts) - Amazon $12 ea. - I paid $5
• MY BEST PURCHASE - A Soda Stream machine (retail 79.99), carbonizer (retail 29.99), extra bottle (retail 7.49), and 14 Pepsi mixes (retail $17 for 16 pack) .................ALL FOR $15!!!!!!!!!       (Only used 2x)        WOOHOO!!!  Not a big pop drinker, but I love sparkling fruit flavored water.  I will keep the Pepsi mixes for company.

Yep, I think I did OK!!!!!!  I haven't bought hardly anything in the past couple years at yard sales - but this cold blustery day was a big win for me!  Despite being chilled to the bone, I had a great day!
I spent around $31 for everything and it has a retail of approximately $235!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Meals this week were varied, yet easy.  We had taco salad one night, smothered fries (leftover taco meat & cheese) and chicken strips, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, grilled cheese and salad, homemade pizza, and homemade lasagna (2X).  Leftover gravy was used at breakfast another day.  Extra pizza for lunch.
Had a small homemade banana split a couple times, and finished last weeks small cake, and made popcorn for snacks.
I think I will make chili for dinner tonight, as it is still cool outside.  I never thought I'd make chili in May - I usually only make it during cold weather!

How was your week?
Check in and let us know what you have been up to.  It's fun for all of us to see what others are doing to save a buck or two!

Many blessings to each of you in the coming week.  Take care my friends.

$$ Saving Snacks

Can we talk?  Let's be honest - we all love snacks!  Snacks can be anything, and store bought snacks can be very expensive, and they can contain all kinds of nasty ingredients!!!
Granted I am the first to say that I LOVE a good candy bar - but I have determined that I can generally make something that tastes better at home.

We generally have a bag or two of veggie chips and a bag of small pretzels at home (from Aldi), and I usually have some kind of nuts around the house (I either by on clearance or in bulk).  Nuts are super healthy for us and they are very filling, so that is a staple in our home.

For those of us that are 'pantry prepared', there isn't much that we can't make at home.  It will be healthier and will save us a lot of money.

• Sweets are easy - sweet breads, cookies, candy, cakes, pies, cobblers, etc.  Maybe they aren't as healthy as other snacks, but they can be made cheaply and taste oh so good!!!  Add some fruit, less oils and sugars, and you can have a relatively healthy snack that lasts more than one setting.
• I like to make large soft pretzels from pizza dough.  I add egg wash and Kosher salt before baking
• Homemade potato chips are fun to make.  Use a mandolin to get very thin slices, then fry.  My Mom used to make these as a treat when I was a kid - (we didn't get store bought)
• Nuts of any kind are healthy.  You can spice them up or sugar coat them for variety
• Homemade Chex mix is easy.  I wait for mark-downs (clearance) on cereal and then make a big batch
• Popcorn - this is a mainstay at our house.  You can add extra flavors after popping for variety
• Trail mix or homemade granola.  There are tons of recipes on the computer for these, or you can just kind of "wing it".
• Homemade ice cream is another thing I make quite often.  I have accumulated lots of flavorings over time, and often mix in fresh fruit or nuts
• Pudding and Jello is cheap and easy
• Fresh veggies and homemade dip
• Popsicles are made a lot in the summer here.  Use leftover juices from canned fruit, yogurt, fresh fruit, citrus drinks, Kool-Aid, fruit juices, etc.  There is no limit to the imagination
• Smoothies is another favorite at our house  (any fruit that needs used)
• I love making cinnamon toast (cinnamon/sugar).  That was another treat from childhood
• Applesauce or any fruit that you have canned or eat fresh
• Plain cereal - like Cheerios or Chex with a little butter added and some salt or seasonings.(YUM)  You can bake in oven to crisp it up more.
• A bowl of cereal
• Homemade cheese balls or cheese and crackers
• Homemade fruit pies - we make them like grilled cheese sandwiches only using pie filling
• Syrup and peanut butter mixed together and spread on bread or crackers (another childhood goodie)
• Chocolate gravy and biscuits - a grandma thing!!!
• Home canned salsa and chips (tortilla chips are easy to make from tortillas)
• I love to take a tortilla wrap - cover with shredded cheese and microwave for about 45 seconds - then roll and eat!  Great dipped in salsa
• Homemade pizza or pizza rolls
• PBJ sandwiches
• Apple slices dipped in peanut butter
• Make Amish peanut butter - mix peanut butter and marshmallow fluff (It's the best!)

OK, you get the point!  If you have the munchies and a craving - there is no reason to run out and spend your hard earned dollars on junk food!  Most of these items can be thrown together in just a few minutes and they all taste so stinking good!!!!!  There isn't one thing on this list that I wouldn't enjoy!
So the next time you want a daytime or evening snack - go to your pantry and get creative.

HAPPY MUNCHIN'!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lids, Lids, Lids

There are so many useful ideas for using lids.  Bottle lids, jar lids, can lids, etc. 
I hate throwing things away, so I try to find as many uses for things as I can.  I do recycle, but re-using items in my opinion just saves us money.  We don't have to go out and buy an item, and we save something else from the land-fill.

*  I have been seeing posts on FB about using canning lids (bands) for cooking eggs.  I have been doing that for years  I use the wide mouth bands - lightly grease the inside, place it in the pan, and add an egg.  Makes nice round egg shapes, perfect for muffins or biscuits!

*  I am saving the pull top lids from cat food cans for using in my garden.  I will be using them as markers, especially for various types of tomatoes and peppers.  Using a permanent maker for writing, will make them last the season.  I can attach to cages or tack onto plant stakes.

 

 

*  Cut the top off a salt box to fit a Mason jar.  They make great pouring containers.  I use for coffee creamer and have one for cornstarch.

*The green plastic lids from parmesan cheese jars fit mason jars.  They are great for pouring or sprinkling.

*Any type of commercial lid can be painted or covered and re-used for jars storing dry goods.  You can paint according to a color scheme or paint with chalk paint.  If you want to pretty them up even more (for gifts) add some ribbon or twine to the outer edges.  You can also glue knobs on the top of lids to fancy them up.

*  Use older (rusted inside) Mason jar rings and used lids to make a cute, yet rustic coaster.  I am going to make some of these as gifts this year.  Place the lid used side facing up (glue in ring), then add a circle of cork over that (glued in).  Maybe add some checked ribbon or jute around the edge.

*  Use the plastic tops from coffee cans (if not using the whole can as storage container), or the tops from peanut cans, etc. as visual aid toys for kids.  They can be used for alphabet, number, colors, picture aids.  Easy to make and not easily destroyed!
Plastic lids are also great for placing under flower pots to keep water off furniture.

*  Metal lids of any type can be painted and add ribbon to make medals for kids.  Great idea for a birthday party or small child competitive event.

*  The tops of water or pop bottles can be used to make a plastic bag a pourable bag.

*  Use an ice pick or an awl to poke a hole in a lid - place on a re-cycle jar.  This is a great way to keep your garden twine dry and contained, while using in the garden.  Pull twine up through the hole.

*Use old wide mouth mason rings to make individual pies.  Cut your dough about a half inch larger than ring (to account for sides).  Grease the rings, add pie crust and fillings place on a parchment lined baking pan, then bake.  Makes the cutest little pies.

*  Add some chicken wire to the top of a mason jar, secure with the band, and use as a tooth brush holder or utensil holder.

If we all stop and think, we can come up with so many cute and creative ways to re-use items and save money.  WHY should we give our hard earned money to others, when we have most of what we need right at home!

Do you have any good ideas for re-using lids?  I know there has to be a ton of good ideas out there.  Share with us all what you do, so that we save more.

REDUCE, RE-USE, RECYCLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Frugal Happenings 5/8

Good morning all.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all you Mommas out there - whether it be a Mom to human children or fur babies!  Babies are babies!!!!  We love them all.
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I have been MIA again a lot this week.  I hope to get back to normal posting in this next week.
My brother has been transferred to a rehab facility that is supposed to be one of the best, and they sound optimistic that they can help him.  I sure hope so.  I feel so sorry for him when he tries to talk to us, and can't.  How frustrating that must be.  I just pray he improves and can be independent again.
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I was noticing all my roses the other day and they are covered with hundreds of buds!  WOW, if they all turn into flowers - my yard will be beautiful.  I am going to have some ideas ready to use some of them - just in case!
My peonies are loaded with buds as well.  I can't wait - as they are one of my favorite flowers.  I am going to try my hand at peony jelly this year!

Saturday I went to the "first ever Farmer's Market" at the park up the road from us!  It will be an every Saturday event this summer.  Most markets are quite a drive from here, so it is fantastic for our area to have one so close.  It was quite busy for it's first day.
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Frugal this week:

• I am again tossing and de-cluttering (we had a lot of rain this week - so worked inside)
• I reworked my downstairs 'grocery store' and got things organized for summer canning season
• I made my own hummingbird nectar and now have both feeders outside
• I did a ton of yard work on our dry days.  Mowed, trimmed, pulled, cut, weeded....you name it.  Got a great FREE workout!
• Made my own seed cakes for the woodpeckers.  They recipe made 4 and I re-used old suet containers to form them

• Our area grocery had a cheese sale this week.  Most cheese normally runs 3.99/lb., but was on sale for 3.29/lb.  I got a total of 10 lbs. of various hard cheeses.  That should last until the fall sale.  I usually buy cheese twice a year.
• I bought fresh lettuce and local raw honey at the Farmer's Market.
• All meals from home and from scratch this week.
• Made a raspberry mojito flavored cake from a .49 box mix (clearance).  Had a sweet tooth and that satisfied it.

Meals this week were varied.  Used pork from freezer and made a veggie/pork lo mein (dinner & a lunch).
Italian bread from freezer and turned into Italian bread pizza  (dinner and a lunch).  Had chicken strips with onion rings and salad one night.  Made a big pot of chicken gumbo soup (2 meals and a lunch), and it was so good.  Cheesy mac and chunk crab combo and a salad.  Have been utilizing all leftovers.

Except for lots of driving back and forth to rehab, that's my week in a nutshell.  Nothing huge or exciting - just trying to stay steadfast and frugal! 

I hope you all had a great week and I pray that your week going forward is safe and healthy.
Thanks for stopping by.
God bless.

Storms

We started May with an absolutely beautiful day yesterday, then it ended with some really nasty storms.
We lucked out and didn't have any damage other than our trees and flowers got beat to pieces with hail.

About 2 miles up the road, they had to call in their street department, and they had to attach plows to trucks, to plow ALL the hail they got!!!  It was deep.  CRAZY.
There were tornados in areas both North and South of us.  Sirens went off here as well.
What a way to start May.

All that green is pieces of leaves beat down by the hail.

More beaten down leaves all over the yard.

Our whole yard looks like this, and we have some water standing in the back part.
I am sure glad that I didn't have any garden out, nor any annuals put in pots or baskets.
My kitties obviously hid under the deck and greenhouse and are fine.  They are sleeping a lot this morning - all tuckered out I am sure!

I know storms are all over the country, so I am praying for the safety of you all.
Stay safe my friends.

Frugal Happenings 5/1

HAPPY MAY DAY!!!!!
Wow I can't believe it is May already.  I am not ready!  There is so much yet to do outside to get the garden ready.  The temps don't quite feel like May in my opinion.  But it is here, and I know I need to get myself in gear and get things done.

I have been M.I.A. most of the week, do to being at the hospital a lot.  My brother is still not out of the woods, but he is alert and pretty receptive to us, only time will tell.  He had a feeding tube implanted this week, and they keep saying he won't talk or use right side again - but I am trying to stay positive.  God has this, and all we can do is trust in that.

Saying that, I haven't really accomplished much of anything this week.  I did manage to cook all our meals at home, and totally resisted the powerful urge to order out.  I had days where I just didn't feel like cooking - but I did!
I did make a couple stops for things on the way to or the way home from the hospital.

• G and I worked on cleaning the garage some more last Sunday.  He also 'helped' the grandson of our neighbor with some car work, by giving some of his mechanic knowledge
• Monday I got a half of pick-up truck load of 2 year old horse manure for FREE from my other brother.  He didn't need it, so I got it!   (It is covered and still sitting out there)
• I got some 8" deep chunks of cement FREE from discard of a neighbor.  I will be using them to set pots on in the back part of yard to prevent pots from flooding
• I stopped at Dollar Tree and got a package of 4 watch batteries for $1.  They will last me 2 years.  I have been buying from there for years and they last about 6 months each! 
• I stopped at Fresh Thyme (right by hospital) and got some more fresh salad veggies this week.
• I found a heck of a deal on coconut oil this week.  The store had quarts for $12 and on the bottom shelf they had gallon jars for $12!!!!  DUH!  It is organic.  Considering it has so many uses both internally and externally and it isn't even dated till 2019, I got 2 gallons.  **I checked the price online and it was $42 a gallon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!     THAT'S A $60 SAVINGS
• Meals from home and from scratch

Basically in the month of April I bought only fresh veggies and milk and bread as groceries.  I have been trying to use from our pantry as much as possible.

Sunday evening I grilled out steaks from the freezer and we had fried okra and a salad.  That sure was tasty.    We finished the balance of the shepherd's pie one night.  Had sausage and eggs and toast, chicken/rice/cheesy soup, pasta and salad, and lasagna soup.  Tonight we will finish the balance of both soups and have a salad and garlic toast.

I am hoping to get some much needed work around the house done this week.  Praying that I don't need to spend as much time at the hospital and that things will improve there.

May you all have a lovely week.  Please stop and tell those you love that you 'love them' and show them often - life can change in an instant.
God bless and keep you in His loving arms this week.

Peace my friends.