Groceries - Take Control Where You Can

 Hello all.  Hope you are all safe and well.  Boy we had a super big bad storm system come through our state last night.  It did some damage in many places, yet again.  It was a system that was a strip of storms that covered most of the state from north to south.  Somehow there was a tiny break in that system as it approached my city and I got no rain at all!  There was wind, but no rain.  Just the weirdest thing.  I am so thankful.

It is the FIRST day of SPRING!!  Sure doesn't feel like it.  Cooler and sprinkling this morning - maybe some snowflakes!   The daffies are blooming, the forsythia is thinking about blooming, I see some buds on some trees, and the grass is greening. Looks like the warmer temps are gone for at least a week or so.  Such is March!

I know lately, I have talked a lot about our pantries and freezers and our kitchens.  It seems to be one of the things many are talking about.  It truly is the one spot in our budgets where we DO have some control.  Utilities are what they are.  Gas is what it is.  Rent/mortgage is what it is.

Groceries, we do have choices we can make, and we can pick and choose items.

To me, grocery shopping starts at HOME not the grocery store!

Your refrigerator food is some of the most expensive food items you buy!  It also tends to be where the most waste happens.

We need to bring that food home and prep it and USE IT.  Use those leftovers in some new way.  Clean the frig every week to see what actually needs to be used and USE it.  Don't let it become a science project.  Using what you have, decreases the need to shop and/or to not eat out.

Check the pantry - try to keep an inventory - or least look through it very often.  Use those oddball items that have been sitting around.  Use the older stuff that keeps getting shoved back.  Get creative.  There are many sites on the computer that let you enter what ingredients you have - and gives you recipes and ideas for meals.  MyFridgeFood.com is one that I have used several times.  Get out those cookbooks.  

Think about getting or borrowing a vacuum sealer.  It sure save items in the freezer.  No freezer burn as it removes the air from the packages, and that is what causes the burn.  If you can't get a vacuum sealer, try your darndest to get as much air as possible out of those packs. Many use a straw to suck air out!  Freezer packs can be stored FLAT (smoosh them out), and you have a neater freezer and can see what you have easier.  It helps give you more room as well.

PLAN your meals around what you have!!  Shop less often and then go for sales only and clearance and to generally just re-stock items you are low on.

Keep some freezer meals on hand - so that you can get a meal out in a flash if necessary.  It helps keep you from eating out.  Also think about meal 'ready' items.  Pre-cooked taco meat or packs of cooked dried beans.  Maybe sausage patties already cooked, pancakes, waffles, containers of soup, etc.  Having things that you can just easily thaw and reheat really helps the budget by lessening the urge to go out.

Air fryers and Instant Pots can help make meals in a short time.  They can be expensive, so look for sales or second hand - or ask for them as a gift! 

Utilize a crockpot if you work or have busy days.  They make great meals without a lot of work.

Buy seasonal fruit and veggies when possible.  Not everything is cheap out of season.  Sales on foods go in cycles - keep track of those and stock up then.  Holidays create a lot of seasonal sales!  Take advantage - it is like money in the bank later.

If you get the opportunity to grow anything when the weather warms - do it.  Even if it is just lettuce or a tomato plant.  That is something, and it keeps you from buying.  If you have excess - freeze or can or dehydrate.  OR barter with someone else for something you don't have.

You don't HAVE to buy junk - you can make it!  Yes, you can.  Make your sweets, breads, crackers, chips, dips, snacks of all sorts.

So as the old saying goes - use it up, make it do.  Think about your decisions carefully.

Get creative.

You DO have some control - so take advantage of it.  Don't get all flustered, make it fun and maybe even have the family help with ideas.

Have a great day everyone.

NO POLITICS PLEASE

More Pantry Fun

 Happy Wednesday all.  Hope you are all well this morning.  My goodness, what a pretty sunrise we had this morning.  It didn't last long, but boy the colors were spectacular.  It is in the 50's this morning, but winds will be coming in and blowing in a cold front & storms late tonight.  We will be cooler for the next week or so.  It is March Madness time (basketball tourney), so that is to be expected.  We most always have nasty weather during tourney time. 

The grass is greening up, the daffodils started to bloom yesterday, the birds are back - so spring!

There have been tornadoes, dust storms, fires, blizzards, flooding and severe storms all over - all at the same time.  Crazy spring weather for sure.  The craziness of March!   Stay safe out there.

Let's talk a bit more about making things from the pantry.  It seems that is the thing we all like and look forward to figuring out.  It helps the budget, and it is just plain fun!

NATURE

Now that spring is popping up in many places, there are several ideas to utilize the gifts that we are given in the spring.  Dandelions and violets will soon be appearing, and both can be made into jelly.  I have done both before.  It is a bit time consuming to get ready, but it is very good and uses nature.  Some eat dandelion greens.  I had those as a child.  But there are many pretties that can be used in jellies out there.  Peonies, lilacs, honeysuckle, roses, lemon balm, mints.  Nasturtium can be used in salads - both flowers and leaves - for a tangy peppery taste.  With mints and lemon, you can make extracts as well.

Don't forget the wild garlic and onions - great when added to salads.

Nature provides us with a lot of tasty morsels.

Not the healthiest thing in the world, but this recipe comes in handy at times.  Using a can of sweetened condensed milk to make caramel.  I have done this on the stove top before.  Make sure you keep it covered with water while processing.  It really is tasty!  Generally, we all have a can or two in the pantry, so this something different to do with it.

HOMEMADE 'CORN' SYRUP

A lot of people don't like corn syrup - so here is a version to make your own

2 C white sugar

3/4 C water

1/4 tsp. cream of tartar

Whisk is all together, bring to a boil.  Cover and simmer for about 3 minutes.  Uncover and cook to a 'soft ball' stage (a drop in cold water and then sinks in a ball).  Cool and store in an airtight container for a couple months.

To make DARK syrup - combine 3/4 C of the above with 1/4 C molasses

CREAM CHEESE

If you need cream cheese for baking and have none, you can blend cottage cheese in a blender until smooth and use that.  It will not taste like cottage cheese in the recipe.

I can't stand cottage cheese, but I do use it in lasagna as the cheese, if I have it on hand.  Used to do that a lot when G was here, as he liked cottage cheese, and I had it on hand always.

SPRINKLES

It is coming time for holiday cookies!  Lots of people like to bake, ice and decorate cookies for various holidays or parties or just for fun.  No sprinkles - no problem.  

Pour some sugar in a shallow bowl and add drops of food color and mix thoroughly.  You can customize your colors yourself.  I have done this so many times over the years.  Super easy and fun.

You can make these with any type of fruit you have.  Strawberries, bananas, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, etc.  I have done this and used regular milk - as I don't keep coconut milk on hand.  You can even blend in some flavored yogurt - there is nothing set in stone with this idea.  Use what you have a make a nice treat or snack that is pretty healthy as well!  Make into pops or freeze in ice cube trays for small treats.

BROWN SUGAR

Make your own.  Use 1 cup sugar and add 2 Tbsp. of molasses and stir.  This is like light brown sugar.

Want dark?  1 cup sugar and 4 Tbsp. molasses.

TRADES

1 garlic clove = 1/8 tsp garlic powder or 1/2 tsp granulated garlic

Lemon zest 1 tsp. = 1/2 tsp. lemon extract

Unsweetened chocolate 1 ounce = 3 Tbsp cocoa plus 1 Tbsp. shortening or veg. oil

Self-Rising Flour - use 1 C all-purpose flour and add 1 1/2 tsp. baking powder and 1/2 tsp. salt

HOMEMADE GATORADE

1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-aid

1/2 C sugar or sweetener equivalent

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix it all together and chill.

You can use whatever flavor you desire and could even sub lemon or lime juice

I have made this many times - just using what you have!

Hope we all have a nice last day of official winter!  WOOP!

I know winter weather will be sticking around for a while for many, but it sure is something nice to think about - the last official day!

Have a super day all.

What Goes Around....Comes Around

 Good morning to all.  Hope this finds all well and safe.  Cool morning here, but it will be a lovely day.  Probably the best of the week.  It was about 42 when I got up - maybe going to 70*F today.  NICE!

I sure hope all the storms have died down, and people can pick up the pieces of their lives again.  So many sad situations out there.

I have been doing some reading over the weekend and I spent a good deal of time going through my old notebooks and articles that I have kept around for a long while.  It is funny, I came across some things from early in the 2000's (around Y2K) - and here we are!  Some I thought were kind of comical as well.  People just didn't have a real clue to real life for many!

Here is one of the quotes:

"People taking personal responsibility for sustainable, simple and frugal lifestyles are a wave of the future.  Catch the leading edge of this epic transformation that will change the face of the nation forever.  As it turns out, you are not your stuff." 

Really??  Wave of the future?  How about the way many have lived all along?  How about how our ancestors did?  

This was a big wave around Y2K, then again around 2008, and now again!  Maybe, just maybe if people had lived like this all along - there wouldn't be a problem!

I know many live a totally different kind of life and have always lived differently.  But suddenly, this is a NEW thing again.  Everyone seems to think 'the sky is falling'.  Well, it has happened many times in the recent past, and we made it through.  YES, WE MADE IT THROUGH!  

I am one of those that hasn't really changed a thing in the way I live, as I have lived a very sustainable lifestyle for many years.

Just a little common sense is what is needed.  A little less WANT, and more NEED.  A little more looking at things differently.  A little more caring about the earth and others.  A little more of just being frugal and responsible.

I look at this blog as a piece of all of us.  We all contribute recipes, ideas, tips, memories, etc.  We are passing on a little piece of ourselves and our families to others.  We are passing on history!!!  How cool is that?

For those of you just starting this journey - you truly CAN live better with less.  Less money, less stuff, less stress, less complications, less aggravation, etc.  We can live a better life if we look back at what grandma did, served, cooked, and saved.  We need to go back to "slow food" instead of fast food that is literally not even food in many instances.  The chemicals and such that are added, are doing us all harm.  Use real ingredients and make it yourself.  You will be amazed.

People need to take more personal responsibility for creating a better life.  Stop blaming problems on everyone else.

We change things one person at a time, one decision at a time, one household at a time.  BE the change that you want to see.  Talk to others and tell them.  Educate others.  Learn.

Don't give up or despair.  Don't feel sorry for yourselves.  Sow goodness and blessings wherever you go and to all you meet, and you will be amazed how you will reap blessings and kindness back.

You aren't living a second-class life, when you try to live a more frugal (or sustainable) lifestyle.  You are learning to live a first-class, worry-free lifestyle.  You realize what is truly important - and it isn't stuff.  The more you learn and practice living a simpler lifestyle, the more control you have over your life.  This makes you less vulnerable, and you will learn how to get through just about any situation.

REMEMBER a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step!!  Start today, make one change, and a second tomorrow and so on.  You can do this.  Stop the fretting and the anxiety - we are here for each other.  Let us all continue to use the wisdom of our ancestors and the wisdom we have acquired over the years to help each other.

BUY what you use, USE what you buy.  Recycle and make positive changes in life.  Learn to live on less of everything - you will be amazed how freeing it really is.

Have a fantastical day!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 3/16

 Happy Sunday my friends. I sure do pray you are all safe.  There has been so much bad weather happening the past couple days.  So much destruction.  Prayers for all.  

We had a few tornados touch down in IN, but nothing like that here in my area.  Just lots of wind and rain, thank goodness.  We have hit our warmest of the day, earlier this morning.  The temps will be dropping back into more normal (for this time of year) range.  We have had a very warm week, but that is over for a bit.  More normal for this coming week.

It seems March is always full of wind and storms.  It is a scary time.

Here we are half-way through the month.  Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day.  They had a parade here in the city Friday - and it happened without rain!  It usually pours on the day of the parade.  ENJOY

AMEN

I actually got out my flip-flops this week!  Yes, it was that warm (80 one day).  I think I broke every nail while doing yard work!  LOL.  Daffodils are starting to bud.  Birds are just amazing.  Robins and more robins, tons of doves, and even the one-legged pigeon - it has shown up daily for about two weeks.  Amazing.  The cow birds are back too.  My little world is starting to wake up!

Sis went home Friday!  It has changed and they say she can now do assisted living.  So they are getting that all worked out, and then she will move.  She should be able to move real soon.  If so inclined, please say a little prayer that she doesn't get hurt anymore and stays safe.

My frugal week:

• Got to air the house most of the week.
• NO heat for many days
• I worked and worked outside.  Cleaning out the front beds and spots all over the yard.
• Did my weekly "trash" walk and picked up lots of items
• Refilled all the soap containers - my usual of soap, water and vinegar
• I did put out spring door decorations
• Cleaned all the windows, doors and mirrors.  Did the ceiling fans as well
• Made a gallon of tea.  Had sparkling fruit water several times (soda stream)
• Got to unplug all the outdoor water bowls and birdbath
• I think I have laundered about everything in the house!  I am on a roll with spring cleaning.  Just laundering everything
• I stayed home until Friday.  I did run in Kroger for sales only.  Cabbage - .49/lb., asparagus - 1.49 lb., bananas .49 lb.  I did get 2 - 4 lb. bags of sugar as hummingbird season will be soon (to add to what I already have).  I also found 1 lb. of Brussel sprouts on sale for 1.69 and 3 lb. Cara Cara oranges for 2.99
• Cooking at home, using up leftovers.  No oven used - just air frier
• All the normal stuff

Meals this past week:

Beans & rice, ham slices (freezer) carrot & cuke stix

Cheese topped bagels (roasted), summer sausage and small fruit salad

Faux crab salad over lettuce, crackers

Chicken strip, potato & cheese roll-up

Pan seared flounder, crab and salad (homemade cocktail sauce as well)

Beans & rice (freezer) and tortillas, fruit

Cheese, fried onion topped chopped steak and salad

There you have it.  Nothing exciting, just trying to get things done while the weather permits.  I have sure enjoyed this taste of spring.  This week I will probably continue to work inside.  Trying to get creative with meals.  Buying the cheaper goods while available.  I only buy cabbage when it gets super cheap - it lasts quite a while.

How has your week been?  Did you get any good weather to enjoy?  Any good deals? 

I sure hope none of you had to endure damage from the storms.

I pray you are all safe and healthy!  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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

Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right.  Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Lord, again we send thanks for all our mercies received.  Please help us each one to live according to the scripture.  May we each live our best lives and help others as well.  We pray for peace and love in this world for all.  AMEN

Rise and SHINE

 Happy Thursday all.  Another beautiful day in the neighborhood!  40's this morning, going up into the 70's again.  It looks to be another great day for being outside.  The birdies are serenading me as I write, and Bitsy is all pumped up watching them.  I noticed yesterday that there is a bird nest in the gutter on the porch overhang.  The bird hardly ever leaves!

I have lots of green popping up in the perennial bed.  We have a cool down coming in Sunday, after the storm front moves through, and are looking at one cold night.  I am sure everything will be fine, as they were all up some, during the last cold snap.  It basically will only last a day or so, then temps go back up.

I came across a meme or saying that I thought just summed up how we should all be.  There is so much anger and negative happening, and people sure DO respond to it.  I am so over it.  You can control how you respond - only YOU can.  

Years and years ago, I had a very bad temper.  It was not pretty.  Once I met G, I realized the reason I was that way before, it was because I was not happy!  Once I got happy - everything changed.  Sure, I was broken hearted and lost when I lost him, but I still feel that love from him in my heart.  That will never leave.  He would want me to go forward and do good.  That is how I try to live and not let that negative creep back in.

I just want to be happy each day and maybe make someone else's day a little more joyful.  That is it!  Pretty simple.

I have stopped watching a lot of You Tube channels and have stopped reading a lot of blogs because all I see is negative.  That isn't what I want to absorb in life.  You shouldn't either.

STOP letting yourself get triggered by the bad stuff!!!!!  That is exactly what is happening.

Look for the GLIMMER and SMILE.  I do believe it is true, the more you start to notice the good things in life, the happier and healthier you will feel.  The more you are likely to do something nice for another.  The more you are likely to smile or say a kind word. 

That is what we need.

Be that GLITTER that makes things shine and gives another a picture of GLIMMER!

Sending out blessings to you all.  Have a wonderful day!

**(no politics)**

A Little More Assistance in the Kitchen - Mastering Your Pantry

 Good morning and happy Wednesday to all.  A little cooler this morning, in the 40's.  Bright and cheery looking outdoors and it will be a lovely day again.

This morning there were 2 red-winged black birds and the newest one to show up had a ton of red on its wings.  I bet it is a male.  Their song is just so neat, very distinct from all the other birds.  Gosh I love the morning songs.  I wish I had a recorder, so I could record and post.  I would love you to hear what I hear every morning and a lot of the day!

Today, just a few more kitchen ideas to maybe saving a little money.  Make it yourself and subbing when there is a need.  We all need new ideas for making yummy things for our kitchens and our families.  Hoping this helps someone save a little and have fun.

Pretty darn simple.  No need to go buy an expensive bottle.  It always seemed I would buy a bottle and use it so rarely, that if would just get funky.  This works for smaller batches.

Great subs. The syrup - I keep a little bottle of maple flavoring on hand to add to the flavor.  These work great to keep you from making that extra run out to the grocery.  Use what you have.

Be a master of your pantry!!!!!

Click on these separately to enlarge for easier reading.  

Just a simple way to make homemade ketchup.  Not like most canning recipes that contain dozens of items and takes hours.  This tastes really good.  Uses normal at home pantry items, doesn't take a lot of time, win-win.

Love me some homemade sloppy Joe.  No need to buy the bottles of sauce.  One of the easiest things to make.  I also add a splash of Worcestershire Sauce - gives it a bit of a zip!

Easy-peasy ideas.  Hope these help someone out a little.  New homemakers need to find easy ideas to stretch those dollars.  There isn't always a mom available to answer questions.  Let us by the mom to them and whomever might need a good idea or two.

If you have an easy tip - drop us a note!

Have a beautiful day my friends.

Getting By and Getting Ready

 Happy Tuesday to all.  I sure hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is a lovely morning here today.  Woke to 50*.  Yesterday was gorgeous.  I worked on some spring projects that I wanted done.  More of the same today.

Sitting here listening to the birds sing.  I have a feeder on the front porch and the birdies just sing out there.  It is great kitty "TV" as well.  Out back I have all kinds of birds, but in the front it is mainly the little fellows and of course robins in the yard.

The chickens two doors down have sure been enjoying being outside most of the day!  This isn't them (not my pic), but they roam all over the yard.  There are 2 black ones, 2 brown ones, and 2 that look to be a combo of black/white.  They have a young dog as well, and he acts like a herder - lol!  It is fun to watch.

Yesterday was a beautiful day.  I got some work done.  Spring is in the air, and I am ready.  

I got the two security door windows cleaned inside and out.  What a lovely difference it makes.  The front door is a toughie to do, as it is one solid window from top to bottom and you have to take it out to clean the outside.  The doors have a lot of wrought iron fretted work on them - and you can't clean around it.  But I did it!  My back was screaming at me - but that is part of spring.

They just look so good.  Noone else would probably notice but I do!!!  

That is the thing - do things for yourself!!!!  You don't have to care what others think when it comes to your place - do you!  Do what makes you happy.  Do what brings you joy.

I had this piece from a broken car window cleaner in the Blazer.  I got it out, cleaned it with a little vinegar - and used it on my windows!  I just held it in my hand.  I am sure somewhere in the garage there is a handle that will fit it (I will look) - but yesterday it worked great to clean big windows!

Being a beautiful day - it was a line drying kind of day!  I have a clothesline still in my yard.  I need to re-line it this year.  I have everything to do it.  I think I have the only actual clothesline left in the neighborhood!!!  Seriously.  Other improvise though.  I love their ingenuity.  A couple of younger couples do what they can to use the great outdoors and the free air!

2 doors down.  (the chicken house).  She hung the little ones clothes out to dry the best way she could.

 

This was taken a couple years ago - 2 doors over the other direction.  You do what you can with what you have!!!!!  She still does this with towels, covers and jeans.

I got these solar lights at Christmas as a gift.  After cleaning the front flower bed this week, they will be going out there!  There is a hummingbird, a dragon fly and a flower.  I bet they will be so pretty lit!  I got a huge decorative pot for Christmas as well - that will soon make its way to the porch.  It will be filled with some pretties for sure.  It is fun to get these things out that have just been stored for a while.

After cleaning the doors, I put out my spring door decor.  It always looks so cheery.

I also got the bedroom windows cleaned yesterday.  Today I will be working on all others.  That is a job, but it makes me so happy when done.  I just love a CLEAR view!  I also washed the screens down too with a wet and soapy rag - then rinsed with the dampened rag.

Airing out the house makes me happy as well!!!!!  I can't tell you how happy that makes me.  I just love fresh air.

There are so many things you can do to spruce up things and they don't have to cost a cent!  Just washing down the house with a hose or cleaning the windows, makes a huge difference.  Wash the windows and screens and the window coverings.  Change out the bed coverings or add a cheery afghan or pillow.   Little things can just make you go "aaaaahhhhhh".

I wish more of my neighbors would 'pretty up" their yards - but I can't control that.  As long as they keep things mowed and trimmed, I am glad.  I just love doing all the little things - to me it makes a house a home!

I know you gals up north in Canada are still in the deep freeze.  I saw a map yesterday showing weather - and dang gals - you aren't catching a break!  It is lovely down this way for now.

I hope all of you that can - get out and do something to enjoy this fresh air and sunshine and warmth.  Get that free vitamin D!!!!

Like I said above - do things that make you happy!  Get creative and have fun with your home and yard.  It doesn't have to cost a penny if you don't want it to.

Enjoy this day you were gifted!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up Date 3/9

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.  There is still much in the way of weather, that is causing problems for people.

It is a lovely morning here, after a pretty day yesterday.  Still a little on the cooler side - but it appears that will be ending this week.  It looks to be such a nice week - I am ready to get outside for a bit.

First, I saw a robin, then two - now bunches.  In just a day or so, lots and lots of robins have shown up.  Always a good sign in my book.

This morning outside I heard the distinctive calls of Big Red, the woodpecker and the bluejays.  All the other birds were happily singing.  Music to my ears.

I hope all that needed to, changed their clocks!!!!  I had a little harder time getting up this morning - not sure which time I wanted to follow!!  LOL

Nothing much exciting happening this week.

My frugal week:

• I froze several bowls of leftovers for use at another time
• My neighbor brought me a new yard flag as a gift - a pretty Easter one
• Made my own homemade 'Spanish' type rice
• Got to air the house a couple times 
• Visits with sis
• I did stop at Kroger after a sis visit and got fresh fruit and some veggies (on sale) and just a little stock up of other things - should be all I need for March + longer
• I also stopped at the thrift store.  They have really rearranged it, and it looked so much nicer.  I didn't find a thing I needed, but they did gift me with a bag of sourdough bagels.  Everyone got a bread just for going in
• I have been working on spring cleaning daily
• Lots of laundry - sprucing up
• Using what I have and eating all meals at home and using leftovers in new ways

See, nothing exciting at all.  I do look forward to this coming week, as there will be open windows daily, and most likely no heat needed.  It is to be near or above 70*F all week!

I look forward to working outside and cleaning things up a bit.  So ready for spring.

Meals this past week:

Lasagna soup and garlic toast

Chicken and dumplings, green beans

Spanish type rice w/beans added and ground beef - made into 2 burritos (froze the remainder)

Tortilla pizza and salad

Corn/garbanzo beans/pepper/onions fried together topped with bacon

Omelet with leftover veggies (from above) added

Chicken tenders and salad

Just snacking on fresh items I have on hand

How has your week been?  Are you getting warmer temps or are you still in the deep freeze?  I hope none of you are near the fires out East.

Did anyone get any special deals this week?

Check in and let us know that things are OK with you.  

Prayers for all - that you are safe and healthy.  I know there are many who are quietly going through things (alone) and could sure use our prayers.  We just never know the trauma that another endures - so it is always RIGHT to be kind and have kind words.  Concentrate on the things you can actually do something about and realize that life is full of other things that just are.  We will endure and get through it all in some way or another.  

Be kind, be joyful and be helpful.

Prayers for you and yours from me at my humble little home.

Blessings to all.

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

Dear Lord, we come to You in thanks on this beautiful day You have given us.  We also send prayers for those that are hurting and going through unspoken issues.  Give us each and every one strength to get through our daily worries and calm them.  We know Your will be done, and that we must have faith.  Let us not falter in doing kindness for others and living as we know You want us to live.  AMEN

Keeping the Pantry Active - Make it!

 Happy Thursday to you all.  Hope this finds you all safe - there sure has been some nasty weather the past day or two all over the place!  Two days ago, we were near 65 - yesterday the winds were blowing (very briskly late in day), and we had rain - then sleet and flurries!  Crazy stuff.  There was a dusting on 'things' this morning, nothing on the ground.  Skies are supposed to clear today - so sunglasses will be in order.

I saw another robin this morning - that is promising.  So is the weather forecast.  70*F by Tuesday!  EEK

I sure love these little tastes of spring.

           Indeedy do!  That is how we should all feel.  Being able to live and get by is a blessing.

You may have little to some - and you may super wealthy to others.  It is all perspective.  Make yours a positive attitude and influence.

Today is just a few more idea/recipes that can be done right in your kitchen and you don't have to go out and buy something special.  No more 'one thing' runs!

I know I have shared some of these in the past, but there may be some new people who can use these, and they are just reminders for the rest of us.

As always - click on the recipe to enlarge for easier reading!

CREAMY HONEY MUSTARD

              I love this stuff.  I keep a batch on hand all the time.  It is super on salads

So easy to make and have on hand.  No more cans necessary.  You can make it into whatever type you want.  You can use beef bouillon as well. 

No more ingredients you can't pronounce.  Make you own cake mix and keep the dry ingredients in a jar on the shelf ready to go.  Bake as you would a cake mix purchased at the store.

Good to have - as many cake mixes are smaller now, and this like the original size.

STIR FRY SAUCE

You can also add spices or ginger to change it up a bit.  This makes a good basic sauce for a tasty stir fry

Just a couple ideas to help your wallet and your pantry shelves.  I love being able to just mix up something from what I have at home.  Most of my whims can be covered with the supplies in the pantry.

Use what you have and make new things.  Stop spending and start making!

Have a lovely and safe day.  Hope all are well and warm!!!

Many blessings to all.

Spring -- the Promise is Real - Gardening on my Mind

 Happy Ash Wednesday to all.  Hope all are well and safe.  

It is raining, it's pouring......no snoring - but it is kind of breezy.  Yesterday got to 6o+ degrees, I got up to 50 this morning, and tonight is to be in the 20's.  It is windy, but we have been removed from the wind advisory in my area.  Predictions say near 70 by next Tuesday!  The weather of March - it sure is unpredictable.  March brings all sorts of weather and the promise of spring.

I did get out to feed during a break in the rain, and just as I was coming in - it hit again!  Soggy for sure.  Spring rains are sure good for the growing season.

I am so ready to see colors outside!  Something besides white, gray and nasty brown and green.  I want color, I want pretty flowers, I want fresh garden veggies, I want warm weather!!

I bet most of you feel the same way.

Gardening does not have to cost an arm and a leg.  There are many things that can be done on the cheap.  MOST garden seeds are not super expensive - considering what you can reap from a plant started from a seed!  It always amazes me what a tiny, tiny seed can do.  Think of all the zucchini you get from a plant, all the tomatoes from one plant, etc.

Displays like this are popping up everywhere right now.  Flowers, veggies - so much to choose from.  Sure if you have a small garden like I do, it may be easier to just buy a few plants.  I grow some things from seed like zucchini and even cukes and lettuce (they start quickly) - but other things I buy plants.  I do NOT spend that much money on the plants.

You can make your own hanging baskets and planters - with a few small plants that will grow into lush and beautiful containers.

You can exchange seeds and plants with others.  Check with family and friends and check the neighborhood groups - you can get and barter all kinds of things.

Seek out pots and planters the same way.

You can plant things in pots if you cannot have a garden where you live (that is crazy to me).  Flowerbeds and big pots, let you extend your growing.

A good representative pic of what you can grow in pots.  I did notice the bottom right pot is mismarked!!  I think it maybe should be lettuce.

You can catch water (if allowed) and use that for your plants.  You can easily make a rain barrel - but if not - use buckets or totes under downspouts or in overflow areas.  It is amazing the gallons of water that flow off roofs.  You can compost and make some of the richest soil ever.  IF you can't - find someone who does.  You can give your scraps to them to help the pile work and maybe they will share compost.

If you grow heirloom plants - keep seed for next year and to trade.  You will always be guaranteed what you will be growing with an heirloom plant.  Other plants that have been crossed in breeding, the seed will provide you product, but with no guarantee of what it will be.  

I do let volunteer plants come up many times - and just move them to a different area.  I figure all veggies are good veggies!!!  And a FREE plant if just fine with me.

You can start many of your seeds now or soon, depending on when your growing season starts.

You can make your own fertilizers.  Banana peels soaked in water - makes a good nutrient rich water to use on plants.  Coffee and tea grounds are good for plants.  Crushed eggshells are calcium rich and good for plants as well.

Make your own concentrate that is equivalent to Miracle Gro.  Just remember the is a concentrate!  It needs to be watered down when using.

You can use old canning jar flats as plant markers, instead of throwing out.  Clean and write on them with permanent markers.  You can also use pull tab lids (like cat food) for markers as well.  Use toilet paper rolls or newspaper to make seed starting pots.  They can both be planted as is and will dissolve into the soil.  You can use newspaper as a weed barrier - or old feed bags or bulk food bags.  Use sticks as 'pins' to hold these items down.

I use scalding canning water on weeds.  Also mix vinegar and salt on weeds (not desirable plants).  Pull out what you can - it is exercise and fresh air - super IF you can physically do it.

I know we all have visions of spring in our heads!  I think most of us are so over winter and cold.

Start checking out seeds, onion starts, and ideas for gardening.  Make connections with other people who may be a help to you.  Check out free groups and neighborhood groups for pots and supplies - even tilling offers might be found.

Now is the time to start the planning!!!!

What ideas do you have to share with others?  We can sure use all the fun ideas we can get - it is all so exciting!

Stay safe and have a wonderful day.

Some Kitchen Ideas - New and Old

 Happy Fat Tuesday to all!!  Hope this finds all well and safe.  What a difference a day or two makes.  I got up to a temp of 50* this morning!  We do have rain coming in later today and tonight.  Then we cool yet again for a few days and next week there are predictions for the mid 60's.  Such is spring in the Ohio River Valley area.

I have been out to feed and the birds are just singing away.  Licorice was waiting at the back door this morning; he loves the warmer weather too.  I have already walked the alley and picked up odds and ends of trash before the trash truck comes.  Will probably do it again after.

Let us talk about little tricks and ideas for the kitchen today.  There are so many ways to make life a bit easier and tricks one can use.  I think we tend to over complicate things.  It can all be so easy, and just simplifying makes it better and cheaper.  No need to panic about anything - just breathe and carry on.

• To make self-rising flour - mix 4 cups of flour, 2 Tbsp. salt, and 2 Tbsp baking powder together.  Store tightly covered for future use.  
• It is easier to slice meat if partially frozen
• Add tomatoes to a roast when cooking, to naturally tenderize the meat.  Tomatoes contains an acid that works to break down meats
• REFERENCE - 1 pound of boneless chicken equals about 3 cups of cubed chicken
• Instant potatoes make a great thickener for soups and stews
• Adding about 3 stalks of chopped celery to a couple dry cups of beans (before cooking), helps make them a little easier to digest (adds flavor as well)
• Think about getting a small coffee bean grinder to use for spices and herbs and nuts - makes like so easy.

I have 2 of these grinders.  One is marked spicey and is used for dried peppers and any spicy item.  The other is used for dried tomato skins, nuts, etc.  I got both at different times at yard sales for $1 cash each!

Beats getting out the big old blender or processor.  Easy to clean as well.

WACKY CAKE

1 1/2 C flour

1 C sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

3 Tbsp. cocoa

1 tsp, vanilla

1 Tbsp. vinegar

6 Tbsp. melted butter

1tsp. baking soda

1 C warm water

Stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, and salt directly in a 8" layer pan.  Make 3 depressions in the dry ingredients - put vanilla in one, vinegar in one and butter in 3rd.  Pour water in pan and stir until well mixed.  Bake at 350* for 30 minutes

ICING

2/3 C brown sugar

1/2 C melted butter

small pack of coconut 

1/4 C milk

1/2 tsp. vanilla

Thoroughly combine and pour over warm cake.  Place under broiler until lightly browned

NO EGG CAKE!

If you have a couple apples, pears, peaches or whatever fruit you may want to use - make an equivalent to an easy-peasy pie!  Make a galette.

Cut up your fruit and season the way you want - and you use one pie crust!

It truly gets no easier than this rustic dessert.  I have made these more times than I can count.  Place your pie ingredients in the center of your 9" pie dough and then wrap up the edges around it.  I like to brush with a dab of milk and sprinkle a little sugar for a sweet crunchy exterior!  Bake until crust is golden.

OATMEAL GOOEY CAKE

(Mom made this often and I sure did love it)

1 C uncooked oats

1 1/2 C boiling water

1 C white sugar

1 C brown sugar

1 1/2 C flour

1/2 C butter (1 1/2 sticks)

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Mix oatmeal in to boiling water and let it stand about 20 minutes.  Add sugars and butter and mix until smooth.  Add all other ingredients.   Bake in a greased and floured 9 x 13 pan at 350* for 30 minutes.

TOPPING

6 -8 Tbsp. butter

1/2 brown sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1/2 C coconut

1/2 C chopped pecans

Place in a pan on low heat until all is blended together.  Spread on warm top of cake

YUMMO is all I can say.  The topping is also good on top of spice cake or applesauce cake.

Another NO EGG cake!

• Add a few grains of rice (raw) to your saltshaker - to keep moisture from salt.  I have done this for years
• Fresh lemon juice will remove onion scent on hands when slicing or chopping.  I use a stainless butter knife myself.  I rub my fingers over the blade under water and the smell is gone.  ALSO - if you slice them under running water, it helps prevent tears!  OR try placing the onion in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting - that helps too
• A few drops of lemon juice in cooking rice, helps it to not stick together
• Save your store-bought bread bags - great to reuse if baking your own bread or rolls.  Also wash and dry and use to collect ice cubes for upcoming events - so you don't have to buy ice
• When needing fresh juice - one lemon yields about 1/4 C juice and one orange yields about 1/3 cup
• When shredding cheese - I want the block of cheese to be very cold - it shreds so much easily and doesn't stick to grater
• Throw a lemon drop or a hard peppermint candy into a cup of hot tea to jazz up the flavor (it helps calm a cough as well)

Feed yourself or feed your flock with things you have on hand.  Have fun and try some new things.

Use the items from your larder and your freezer and make some yummy desserts and meals.  There truly is no limitation to what you can do - just your imagination!

What are some of your favorite TIPS for simplifying your cooking and kitchen?  Stretching supplies and making something creative and yummy?

Look forward to hearing from you!

Have a blessed and beautiful day!

Weekly Wrap Up 3/2

 Happy Sunday!  Happy March!  Hope this finds all well, safe and healthy.  Can you believe it is March already?  Time is flying by.  Heck, next week - many of us have to change our clocks again (forward).  It is now meteorological spring.

This morning doesn't feel much like spring.  It is a cold and frosty morn.  We had such warm weather for a few days (60's) - this morning is in the teens.  It is to improve again this week - so the frigid feeling cold, lasts a shorter time with each rotation!  Heck yesterday, a couple times I looked out and saw flakes coming down!

I have my first red winged black bird of the season back again. So, each morning I am greeted by cardinals, bluejays and now the red wing and 'big red' (woodpecker).  So cool.

I did a walk around the yard, and there are lots of different types of lilies coming up, hyacinths, and daffodils.  There are even some red nubs at the peonies!

It won't be long!

My frugal week:

• I used a piece of older cabbage in a dish this week.  It sure did last a good while in the frig. I love getting veggies that have a long shelf life
• Got to air the house a few days
• I visited with sis 2X
• One visit with sis, after I stopped at Menards and looked around the garden section - getting in the mood and getting ideas - free entertainment
• I used the Soda Stream this week for carbonated fruit flavored water
• Changed out the bedding - comforter down (except kitty blankie) for a new look for spring
• Stopped while out at 2nd visit to sis, and got oil changed and Blazer serviced.  I knew my tires were down a bit - but man what a difference it makes in driving to be fully inflated!  LOL
• I got to the end of 2 dressing jars (I make my own), so on the ranch I added a splash of milk to stretch it, and the Italian got a splash of vinegar to stretch
• It has been very windy for a couple days - so picked up blowing trash and downed limbs
• Did a couple small repair jobs in the house
• NO grocery shopping
• Using leftovers and food from freezer and pantry
• Just all the normal stuff, cleaning and doing a little decluttering

Meals this past week:

Fried cabbage, corned beef (freezer from NY) and fried potatoes

Tuna patty, leftover rice/beans and salad

Breakfast - 3 mini pancakes (last from freezer), scrambled eggs, and ham (freezer)

Baked potato (topped with cheesy broc. soup - freezer), smoked sausage

Fried potatoes, BBQ lil smokies (freezer) and slaw (home canned)

Fried chicken legs (2), green beans fries and salad

Homemade lasagna soup

SNACKS - fruit, popcorn, milkshake, nuts

Really trying to use things from the freezer that need to rotated and used.  It is fun coming up with some new ideas.

How was your week?  Is your weather changing any - or are you still in the grips of winter?  Making plans for spring?  Any good deals this week?

I love hearing what you are all up to.  Missing many - check in please!!!

I hope you all have a super week ahead, and that this finds you all well and safe.  Hope you are beginning to enjoy signs of spring!

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

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

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24

Dear Lord, again we send thanks for all the blessings in our lives.  We ask that we each pass kind words, thoughts and deeds on to others.  Help us all spread positive vibes.  Guide us each one in this coming week, to live our best lives for others and for You.  Amen

A Different View - What do you Think?

 Morning to all on this Thursday.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Cool morning and it is cloudy right now.  They say we had some rain overnight, I don't really see any signs of that.  We had a brief shower yesterday - not much.  It is supposed to be windy the next couple days.

This morning I saw a Robin sitting on the fence looking towards my window!  I saw some much earlier in the year, and then they disappeared (way too early).  I declare the one I saw this morning my first Robin of spring!!!!  Always look forward to seeing them back in the area - as I know warmer weather is close at hand.

Wouldn't you love to sit a spell here?  I sure would.  I would prefer a rocking chair!  Looks country and it looks beautiful.  You can almost smell the air and hear the birds.  I am so ready!

OK, I saw something the other day about shopping, and thought the view of how to shop was interesting.  I copied a couple of paragraphs to share.  I guess this is a big thing on Instagram - no idea, as I don't do that.  But here we go.

This was 'designed' by a Chef Coleman.  

He calls it a shortcut to shopping for a week.  Making a plan of the 6 to 1 method to work for a smaller family, is supposed to be easy.

6 veggies, 5 fruits, 4 proteins, 3 starches, 2 sauces, and 1 treat.

I think it sounds kind of like how many of us shop anyway!  I always try to be heavier on veggies and fruit.  I use/buy lesser meats/eggs.  Most sauces I make myself.  I consistently have pasta and rice or bread on hand.  Once in a blue moon I buy a treat, but they can be made at home as well.

It does not take into account having a stocked pantry and/or freezer. 

I know many of us do not shop every week as well.  

I guess this is the next 'new' thing!!  Seems many of us have been doing it for years.  

Whatever works, to get folks to shop healthier and maybe save some money in their shopping endeavors.  Sometimes it takes social media to get people to looking at things differently.  That can be good or bad.  In this case - I will say it is a good thing.

I just wish it also spoke of trying to have extra for when funds are low, or emergencies happen.  But I guess it is a start to get people to eating better!

What do you think?

Hope you all have a great ending to your week and the start of your March!!!

Spring is getting closer!

Enjoy the Journey

 Hello to all.  Here we are midweek again!  Time flies when you're having fun.  Gosh, this month is just about done.  It truly does seem to be flying by.  

Warmer again this morning and the sun is out for the moment.  The skies are really dark north of me - supposed to rain sometime today.  Better than snow!

I have been out to feed this morning.  Licorice was chilling in the greenhouse, slow to get up.  Must have had a busy night!  Saw 2 different kinds of woodpeckers, nuthatches, and so many others.  They air was full of singing this morning.

I love this.  Yes indeed, life is a journey - one that is special to each of us.  You have no reason to compete with anyone!  You do you and follow the way that your heart leads you.  Life is special and it is fleeting, so the best we can do is to live it as realistic as we can for ourselves and our immediate family.

The world is full of hate and bad behavior today.  People think nothing of being rude and saying hurtful things behind their 'screens'. That is truly sad.  The computer leads to a lot of anonymity, so people think they can say whatever they want.  

You know I don't appreciate that - and will not oblige.  If you come here and are rude or hateful, I will delete.  This is to be a happy place, a place of encouragement, and place of smiles, a positive place.  That is my goal.  I want to educate, help, and uplift people in the moments that they need it most.

I try to let people express themselves, but there are boundaries.

So, whatever you do today - be kind, not only to others, but to yourself as well.

Know that you are worthy of goodness and joy.  Know you are beautiful and one of a kind - so be the best you that you can be.

We are just like grains of sand in this universe - and each grain is special and different.

That is what makes the world and life beautiful.

You go out there and spread joy - please!  You continue to have a good heart and help others.  You continue to grow and learn.  You continue to be a light to others.  You continue to work on your little piece of the world.

You can do whatever you put your mind to.  I am POSITIVE of that!

Have a beautiful and joyful day.

End of Month Food Stretch

 Good morning all.  I hope you are all well.  I got up to 39*F this morning!  According to my thermometer it is now 44*.  YES!  We had a little rain overnight - and this morning the sunrise was just so pretty full of color.  Looks like high 50's today.  99% of the snow it gone - things are getting muddy - but that is OK.

Got trash bins out for pick-up this morning, first time I have bothered in 3 weeks.

Birds, cat, and squirrels are fed.  The Jays were out there yelling at me, and as soon as I turned my back, they were nabbing peanuts!

Today let's talk a minute about stretching that food and the food budget at the end of the month.  Here we are in the final stretch of Feb.  Many do not get paid for a bit.  Some may be having to stretch food not only here at the end of the month, but also for a while at the first of the month.

There are so many ways to stretch things and to eat well, on a little bit.  Again, my word this year is - creativity.  Just try some different things and different ways.

Truthfully the biggest budget stretcher is soup!  Use those odd and ends that are in the frig and add some things from the canned goods to frozen items.  A huge pot of soup can feed many meals.  You don't have to have a "recipe".  Just do it - you really can't go wrong.  You can even stretch it by adding lentils (if you have) or pasta or rice.  Serve with some bread or biscuits or crackers and you have a very filling meal.

You can use whatever you have on hand.  Also think about soup and a sandwich - tomato and grilled cheese, whatever soup you have leftover and a sandwich of any kind.

You can make stir fry meals with items left over and serve over rice.  It can be just veggies or veggies and little bits of meat.  That is a great way to stretch meat.  One piece of something (pork chop, chicken leg, 1 or 2 sausage patties) can chopped up and added to the stir fry.

Also fried rice is a great way to stretch items.  Add veggies/meat to rice and throw in an egg and fry it all up - season and serve with any side or bread.

Think about making biscuits (scones), so super easy and basic.  Have biscuits and gravy - a very filling meal.  You can also have your gravy with toast.  Make breakfast sandwiches with egg, cheese, sausage, chicken, beef, summer sausage, ham, whatever you have.  They make a quick breakfast or a nice lunch or dinner with maybe a side of veggies or a salad.

Make a filling yet cheap meal of pancakes or waffles.  Super easy to make and usually we all have the ingredients in the pantry.  

Tortillas can be added to a meal.  You can make a very tasty tortilla pizza, there are quesadillas as well.  Place whatever you have for filling on one tortilla top with a second and either use a quesadilla maker or a pan.  Heat on one side and then flip and press down a little and heat until golden on the second side.  You could experiment with a waffle iron or George Foreman grill if you have as well.

They also make great wraps for leftovers or for breakfast items, or burritos.

Potatoes are a great extender!  You can make loaded baked potatoes using leftovers of veggies, cream of soups, taco meat, sloppy Joe, chili, etc.  I love a baked potato dinner once in a while.  

Potatoes are relatively cheap and can be made in dozens of ways.  Fries, baked, mashed, au gratin, scalloped, fried, hash browns, etc.  You can even fry some up and top with goodies as a type of nachos.

Pasta is super cheap and can be had in so many ways.  Have odds and ends of fresh veggies around?  Chop and add to cooked pasta, add a little dressing (whatever you like or have) and you have a great pasta salad.  Add pasta to soups.

Make mac and cheese - then add some cut up hot dogs or smoked sausage for a fun main course.  Serve with veggies on the side.

Make mac and cheese and add a drained can of tuna for a fancier version of tuna noodle casserole.  Throw in some veggies (peas, broccoli, cauliflower, whatever) and you have a complete meal.

Spaghetti is super easy and cheap.  You can add any kind of meat (leftover) that you have - just chop it up finely to stretch.  You can add veggies as well - serve with spaghetti and some bread (toast and make garlic bread) or a salad.

I have made salsa mac several times.  Cook pasta and add a bit of salsa, served with a side of meat and a veggie.

A $1 loaf of Italian bread (a regular at WM or on clearance elsewhere) can make super pizza.  Actually, it is my favorite way to make pizza.  Cut in half length ways and add whatever toppings you may have - bake until browned.  Cut into serving size pieces - serve with salad.

A little pie crust or pizza crust, rolled out can be turned into hand pies or even pot pies. 

A can of tuna - can become tuna salad for sandwiches (I like to add a hard-boiled egg cut up as well).  Can be added to pasta or noodles or rice for a casserole.  Add an egg and some bread/cracker crumbs for stability to a small can of drained tuna and make patties and fry.  You can usually get 3-4 smaller patties - serve with your meal as the meat.

Have an apple or two in the crisper?  Peel and slice with a bit of butter and a little cinnamon/sugar and have fried apples.  Good with pork or as a dessert.  Any fruit can be cooked down for a side or as a topping for pancakes or cake or pudding or ice cream.  No need to waste anything. 

Clean out those items from the back of the pantry that have gotten pushed back, clean out that freezer - all those odds and ends, clean out the frig - and you will be amazed at all the neat things you can make.

I know funds get short at various times of the month and pantries get emptier.  DO NOT GIVE UP!

There are so many options for good eating.

So make those pantries and freezers work for YOU!  Use it up - don't let it waste.  Stretch it all.

You got this.

Have fun stretching that food budget!!!!!

Have a beautiful day.