Use It - No Waste - Upcycling

 Good morning on this Thursday.  What a beautiful sunrise this morning.  There was a 360* glorious painting in the sky.  Color everywhere you looked. Just lovely.  It is cooler this morning but maybe getting to 50* today.  I'll take it!

Let's talk about upcycling a little more today.  Not just food - but pretty much everything we have, and use can be used for something else!  We often spend money, when we have a perfectly good item already in our homes or garages.

Some things are simple, others are just creative.

Here are a few ideas for trash to treasure.

Cut the tops off those salt boxes and use them for a pour device for a mason jar.  Measure around the opening and then cut.  I have a few of these - they sure are handy.  Also you can use those lids from peanut butter and mayo jars - they fit canning jars.  Even the lids from the powdered parmesan cheese - they make great shake lids.

We often talk about old clothes - those not worthy of donating.  Keep the buttons and the zippers, then cut into rags, or make quilts with the good parts.  Large items can be cut down into material - to make 'new' smaller clothes or items.   Old t-shirts can be cut into long strips of material - many people use to crochet rugs, and it also makes great tie-ups for garden plants!  Nice and strong.

***IF you or your family has older prom dresses - here is a tip.  Before you donate to a thrift store or maybe before you sell it - think about girls who can't afford one.  Check with area high schools, to see if they accept donations to help young girls out!!!

Feed bags can be cut and made into reusable grocery/book bags.  Many are very pretty.  These are easy to make.  They can also be used as trash bags, as can the big packages from TP.  OR cut up and use as a weed deterrent in the garden.  If using in the garden - poke holes so water can get through.

Squeeze containers from the likes of ketchup or mustard - use for pancake mix.  Makes it easy to squirt in pan and get just the right size.  Use for icing to decorate cakes or cookies.  Even fun for the kiddos to play with - think squirt guns!  FREE

Stale bread - don't throw it out.  It makes toast, French toast, croutons, breadcrumbs, bread pudding

Peels from fruits and veggies!!!

Fruit peels - save.  They make great jelly.  Apples peels, peach peels - super great for cooking down to make a flavorful jelly.  I often freeze until I have enough.  When done with the jelly - compost the skins.  Corn cobs make good jelly as well!!

Tomato skins (when canning) make a great addition to soups.  Dry (dehydrate) until crispy and then grind up until it is a powder.  Use to flavor all kinds of items.

Truthfully there isn't much you can't dehydrate and turn into a powder.  Fruit, veggies - it all makes a great powder to add to baking, soups, casseroles, malts - smoothies, you name it!

Yard art.  You can use old pop bottles for a fun bird feeder or house.  A little paint and how pretty.  I use all kinds of things in my gardens.  I have old ice cream parlor chairs that have no seat - they are brightly painted, and then I put a large pot in the seat opening making a lovely look for potted plants.  I have old washstand that are used for flowers and garden.  Old terra cotta pots (broken) can be broken up and used as drainage in other pots.  You can also use old pop cans or plastic bottles in the bottom of big pots for drainage and to take up some space.

Stale soda pop - use it in Jello instead of water.

Those TP rolls (or paper towel) and cardboard egg cartons can be used to start seeds for flowers and garden.  You can plant them directly in the garden as they will break down and you don't disturb roots.  I sometimes keep those plastic clam shell containers you get produce in to use as mini greenhouses!  

They can also be used to gift homemade treats in!

Lots of body wash you may never use!  I get a lot of gifts of scented body wash, which I rarely use (allergies).  So I make it into hand soap but usually foaming hand wash.  I have a couple of those foaming hand soap containers and I refill them.  I use about a third of the bottle with body wash and then fill with water.  Works perfectly!!  I will never run out of foaming hand soap!

*Ice cream buckets - make great storage for bulk items.  

*Faded jeans - dye them!  I have done that many times.  I know the faded raggedy look is popular, but not for this gal.  Maybe if I was a kid again - but not now.  I mend and patch jeans as well - they make great garden wear!!!!

*Coffee grounds and used tea bags - great for garden plants

Jars - of all sorts.  I love glass jars and save most of the ones I may get.  I use them for storage of herbs, dehydrated items. and even gifts.  That is what I use to make my 'jar' recipes I gift - that way you don't lose canning jars!

OK, you get the point.  I could on and on.  We already have things in our home that can be upcycled and reused.  Why spend good money for something new and add even more crud to the landfills???

We all need to be good citizens of earth and recycle in one way or another.

You can help save the earth, save stuff and save MONEY!

What creative ideas do you have for using it up?  What fun things have you recreated into something new?  I want to learn more ideas!!!!

Have a lovely day.  Use what you have!!!

Can't Find, Don't Have - Get Creative

 Good morning to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe on this last Wednesday of January.  

It was 38*F when I got up this morning!  Wow, that hasn't happened in ages!  It is breezy and will be again today, but warmer temps are a true pleasure.  We look to hit the low and mid 50's a few days this week and next.  Looks like February will start warm.  

The dirty snow is melting - but what is left out there is like ice!  It has thawed and frozen enough, that it is solid and treacherous.

Let's talk a bit about groceries today.  There are things people can't find, some things that you just run out of - so why not get a bit creative and just use what you have?

I do that a lot.  It isn't really because I can't go and buy something, it is because I don't WANT to go out shopping and I like and need to use some of what I have.

Eggs - that is a biggy right now.  Bird flu has caused an increase in price - for what you can find.  Just a heads up if you have Kroger - check your ad for today!  Digital coupon - 18 count - 3.99.  Digital coupons usually let you get 5 of an item!  If you can do this - stock up and freeze some for later.  Frozen eggs work great for cooking and baking.

I never thought that price would be a good deal - but now it is.  I will probably take advantage!!!

****What is amazing to me is that eggs are so expensive and hard to find, and chicken has been super cheap for quite a while in my area!!  I realize different type bird - but same animal.  Something seems off to me!!!

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

Think about using something different if you have it around the house, for your baking needs.

I always have this on hand.  I get it in the baking aisle

Ground beef is expensive in most places - but not as expensive as a roast.  Think about ground pork, chicken or turkey as a sub.  I am not a huge fan of the taste of chicken/turkey (ground) - so I add beef bouillon to change up the flavor.

Again - click on pic to enlarge

There are so many ways to use ground meat - any ground meat.  Ground is generally cheaper than a solid piece of meat, like roast.

Think about using veggies instead of meat for some tasty bites.  Black bean burgers are good - all veggie and no meat.  There are so many things you can do.

Don't have bread - think about cornbread.  It is easy to make.  Don't want traditional cornbread - fried cornbread is soooooo good.  Fun and different.

Think about using pie crust or even pizza dough for hand pies or calzones.  Biscuits are super cheap and easy to make - can be used with gravy, or as bread for a sandwich.  Filling and easy.

Click on pic to enlarge

Beer bread is super easy to make.  The alcohol bakes out with the heat and it has no beer flavor.  The beer acts as a rising agent in case you have no yeast and it doesn't take the time with rising.

Tortillas are also great to make wraps with - like a sandwich but rolled up.  Tortillas are super easy to make as well.

No meat in the freezer for today's meal?  Do you have tuna or salmon on the shelf?  Make patties or add to a casserole or a salad.

Just remember that meat isn't a 'have to' for every meal - unless you have a guy who insists!!!!  I know there are some out there.  

Soups are good ways to stretch 'whatever' you have in the frig or freezer or pantry.  Mix it up and make a big pot of soup.  A nice pot of soup can be several meals for pennies.

Do not let the grocery prices scare you.  Look for clearance and manager specials. I usually can find clearance for about all departments - I know some don't have that privilege.  Manager specials are usually just located up and down the aisles - these are often items that are going to be discontinued in your store, or that is having a package change up.  Try to find a salvage type store - they have fantastic prices.

Think ethnic stores - they are often cheaper.

No need to run out and shop, just because you run out of something - use something else.

I keep screaming it - GET CREATIVE!!!!!  You may make some of the best recipes ever with getting creative.  It may become a keeper!

Have a glorious day and be thankful for what you have!!

For a Friend

 Good morning all.  It looks to be a nice week here, with warmer temperatures for a while.  That is greatly appreciated.

Today's post is going to be a bit different from most. I am sure you all remember Frances, our friend and commenter.  She hasn't posted for quite a while, as her husband has been veery ill, and she has been very active in his care and visiting.  We have all been praying for them both for a couple of years now.

Well, I got an email on Sunday from her, and her sweet Roger has crossed into to heaven to be with our Lord.

I know there are many here, that have gone through the loss of their spouse, so can understand somewhat of what she is going through right now.

She told me that was OK to share that email with you all.

Click on the writing to enlarge for easier reading.

This is for her.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for comfort, strength and peace in the coming days, weeks, and months.

We all love you, Frances.

I will not be responding to most entries.  You can leave her your special words.

Blessings to all this new day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/26

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Here we are on the last Sunday of January.  Next week's wrap-up will be February.  It almost felt balmy outside this morning with the day beginning in the upper 20's!  This coming week looks to be in the 40's for highs all week!!  

That means all that dirty looking snow will be gone.  Of course, then it will just be brown and gray.  Guess beggars can't be choosers! LOL

There were a couple days this week that starlings must have been flying through the area.  There were hundreds and hundreds of those pesty birds!  They clustered any place there wasn't snow on the ground.  Not sure what they were finding to eat, but they kept moving from yard to yard.  They obviously hadn't been around liquid water for a while!!  They drank and bathed all day.  I kept having to go out and fill the waterers - with them being heated you can't have them empty.

This January has been our coldest constant temperature for a January in something like 11 years.  I am glad it is going to end warmer than it started!!

47 years ago, was the big blizzard of 1978 in our area.  Oh my goodness, I remember it well.  Drifts that more than covered vehicles, and army tanks driving down the highways!  What a mess that was.  Sure hope that was a once in a lifetime event for me!

Just piddling around the house this week.

• Made a gallon of tea
• Made tartar sauce for a meal this week
• Made a batch of biscuits and made some into biscuits and part into pigs in a blanket
• Did lots of laundry
• Didn't leave the property this week - so NO groceries or other shopping!
• Paid all things I had due, and did it over the phone
• I did watch a couple more things I had recorded - trying to catch up some.
• I cleaned out the sink base cabinet again!  Straightened, combined items, only threw away a couple things that had dried up, and relocated some things to basement
• I conditioned and polished the kitchen cabinets - they look so pretty.  Cleaned and scrubbed all the porcelain handles
• As someone stated this week, one thing leads to another!!  I worked on my small countertop area and moved things around and cleaned everything, replaced some things and combined.  Cleaned the stove really well
• Conditioned and polished the wood 'jelly cabinet' style cabinet in the bathroom
• Hall health and beauty closet got really cleaned out.  Unfortunately, I did have some items that needed trashed.  I found things I forgot about!  Now I can find things easily!
• On a 'slightly' warmer sunny day, I went out and raked all around the squirrel feeders - to rake up peanut shells and hulls from sunflowers.  Made a pile to pick up this next week when warmer.  It actually felt good doing stuff outdoors!
• Meals from home and what I have on hand.  Using all leftovers.

Meals this week:

Leftover veggie hash and scrambled eggs

Mac and cheese with BBQ lil' smokies (freezer) and salad

Broccoli cheese soup (freezer) and grilled ham & cheese sandwich

Beans & rice, non-breaded fish sandwich, slaw (home canned)

'Crab Rangoon' like eggrolls (3) and small salad

Cheese/crab bread & 1 eggroll and small salad

Steamed cabbage and smoked sausage pigs in a blanket

Cheesy/crab bread and eggrolls.  I used faux crab from freezer - cream cheese, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and I added some very finely chopped broccoli.  They were very rich and filling.  I ended up freezing a couple as well.  The bread was same filling on a bun topped with cheddar cheese.  All done in air frier at 350*

That's about it for me.  Just taking care of things, I needed to get done inside.  So much always to do.  Just getting motivated is my problem!!  Once I start, I can get on a roll - getting started is the key phrase.

This coming week will probably be very similar!

How was your week?  What have you been up to?  Spring cleaning, de-cluttering, nesting, cooking?

Love hearing from you all.  We had some new posters this week - that is always fun.

Thank you all for being here.

Have a super week ahead.  Stay healthy and safe.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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

For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Lord, we know You are in control.  Help us each to realize that all things are part of the plan of life, whether we understand or not.  Help us to be less critical and to be more loving.  Help us to enjoy our lives fully every day and stop complaining.  God protect us each one in this coming week.  AMEN

Thursday Tidbits!

 Howdy all.  Here we are close to the end of another week.  We woke to the 20's this morning - much better than zero or below.  It is still cold, but just not bitter cold.  Cloudy and grey.  Looking forward to the weekend when things warm up a bit.  In 9 days it will be February and the end of this looooong month of icky January!

Yes, the simple things.  Yesterday I looked out and the chickens were out grazing 2 doors down.  They were really enjoying themselves.  I have so many types of birds that show up.  The squirrels are a hoot to watch.

My kitties make me laugh sometimes.  Most evenings they each sleep on each end of the love seat.  It has a cover over it - when I get up, Bitsy's end is all scrunched up, as he makes a 'nest' in it to sleep.  He likes being under covers!  Blackie just curls up in his own corner, totally unamused.

Licorice was waiting at the door this morning, wanting his breakfast.  He eats then goes in the greenhouse and naps!  He is so sweet, I just wish he would let me pet him.  We are getting closer, I think.

Yesterday the sunrise was a glorious painting.  We have all enjoyed the full moon that was present for a while.  Isn't that neat - no matter where we live in this world - we all get to see the same big old moon!  That still makes me giggle like a kid sometimes!  Doesn't take a lot to amuse me!!

I have my sweet little home and food on my table.  Lovely family and friends.

The joys of a good and sweet life.

The southside lost quite an advocate this week.  We all called him Mr. Southside.  He was a huge influence on a lot of people.  He helped to start the alumni program at our high school, had reunions at our grade school, and was huge into influencing our youth in sports programs for decades. The ultimate little league coach.  Huge and loving family man, and a friend to all that met him.  Such a good guy.  He fell right before Thanksgiving and hit his head - and was disoriented.  On 11/27 he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.  He didn't even know he was ill!  He passed on Monday - not even 2 months later.  He was just 8 years older than me.

I mention this to point out how quickly life can change.  You never know.  Life changes in a blink of an eye.

So YES, enjoy all the simple things and live your life with gusto.  Do the fun things, do the silly things, and just ENJOY.  Strive to be the best you can be!

I promised an address to look for those mushroom kits.

Try - backtotheroots.com

It was mentioned here that Target sells them as well as Menard's.  At least you can check online, if you can't find locally.

They weren't super cheap - about $12 a kit, but you are growing something in the winter in your house, it is 100% organic, it's good to eat and FUN!

I need to do some sprouts in the next week or so as well!

What is everyone up to today?  Do you have big plans?  

I hope those who got a rare snow are all safe and actually got to enjoy the snow a bit.  I saw pics this morning on the news of someone playing hockey on the icy streets of New Orleans!  Good example of enjoying the situation!

My great niece lives in Georgia and they were all home for 2 days and making snow angels and snowmen!  A rare treat for her and her teenage kiddos.

I think I am off to do a bit of cabinet cleaning - both inside and out!

Have a beautiful day my friends. 

Carpe diem!!!!!

Simple and Little Ways to Save in 2025

 Hello to all.  I sure hope you are all warm and snug.  I see many who do not usually (or ever) experience snowfall - got it!  Enjoy it for a few minutes.  Take time to play a little.

Both front and back thermometers said 1*F when I got up this AM - up to 4*!  I am really looking forward to the 20's!  LOL We should be above the freezing mark this weekend, thank goodness.  It has been a while.

What a glorious sunrise we had this morning.  The colors were bright and just beautiful.  The backyard was full of cardinals right about sunrise.  Blackie and Bitsy were both in the bedroom waiting on me to get up this morning.  Just sitting there staring up at me.  It is the little things, that make me smile.

I am going to list a few ideas that can help save a little this year.  Most of us probably do a lot of them, but we always have new folks here that are in need of ideas on how to stretch their money.  Little changes don't save a lot at any one point in time - but if you add them up, it can be nice.  May be a way to pay extra on a bill, or it may be a way to save in an emergency fund for perhaps car repairs, medical bills or household expenses.

• IF you use credit cards - get cards that have % of charges in cash back.  That cash back can be used to help pay for things.  Pay off monthly if possible.  Interest can kill your bank account.
• Look at your insurances - especially home and vehicle.  Maybe get new quotes to get a lower payment and also look into raising your deductibles.
• Many of us still have landlines.  If you don't use it - get rid of it.  I want to keep mine, as people can easily find me if necessary.  Cell lines - I have a minimal fee and a simple phone - for emergencies only, basically.  No fancy phone here.  BUT if that is what you chose to have - check out getting bill lowered.
• Take advantage of FREE movies, music and books.  It may be on the internet or it can simply be the library!!  
• Reduce your energy usage.  Shut it off or turn it down.  Whether it is lights, heat or water - use less.  Look into getting on a 'budget' plan if your utility companies offer it.
• Senior discounts and digital coupons.  You can save a lot.  Last year I saved $1700 on digital coupons just at one store.
• Clearance and manager specials - always look and get what you can.  It can be a HUGE money saver
• Find an outlet store close to you if at all possible.  Look at ethnic stores for many specialty items
• SAVE something every month!!!!  Have it direct deposited if possible.  You truly need to save something (at least 10%) if at all possible.  Consider it untouchable!
• Cooking at home vs. eating out, using up what you have, mending instead of replacing, learning new things like gardening or crafting
• Check your fees and subscriptions.  Many people are paying a monthly fee for something they don't even get or use any more.  It may be as little as a couple dollars - but it adds up.  Cancel things you don't need or use.  Do NOT pay late fees - always pay things on time!!!
• Make lists - don't go out and impulse shop!  Shop by a list and stick to it.  Don't make many shopping trips a week - shop once and be thorough.
• Think about making extra income.  If you are younger, think about a second job.  If you are retired, think about a part time job if you are able.  Sell things you don't need or want.  Offer services for a fee.  Sewing, mending, gardening, cooking, pet sitting, tutoring, etc.

MY FAVORITES

• Make do or do without!!!!  Wants and TRUE needs are 2 different things.  Look around for something else that will work to solve a problem for a while.  Learn to use substitutions when cooking.  Learn to get creative.  If funds are low this month - repurpose!  I guarantee you there is always something in your home that can be used in place of something new!!
• BE AWARE of your spending habits.  If necessary - keep track of every single purchase you make.  Down to that pack of gum or that coffee out.  Track it all for a good month - you will see where your $$ actually go.  This is truly eye opening for many.  We did this for years and it was amazing the stupid stuff we spent on.  It caused our mindset to change drastically.

Odds are not one of these will save a tremendous amount each month - but it all adds up.  Like $1700 in coupon savings!  If you can save $500 or a $1000 a year on a few things - that adds up to a nice emergency fund, or extra payments of CC's or mortgage payments.

PAY IT OFF as soon as possible - that is for everything.  Every payment you make is saving interest.

Do you have other ideas?  Give us a shout.  Like I said, many of us do these things on a regular basis, but it sure helps people out who are struggling and just learning new ways.

Have a safe and warm day.  Spring will be here one day soon!!!

Give a helping hand today.

Cozy and Slow is Nice

 Happy Tuesday to all.  I sure hope you are warm and cozy this new day.  It is a cold one here.  The news said we hit our high for the day at 4AM with 8*F!  It is now 3* according to them, my thermometer shows 6*.  It seems to always register a few degrees warmer at my house than the news station - but well, those couple degrees are still COLD!  We go back to a warming trend tomorrow to the 20's!!  LOL

It is a gray morning out there.  Hoping to see a few pops of sun today.  That just makes things seem better.

Hope you stay in and stay warm today.  Snuggle and read or work on a new project.  Stay cozy!!!!

I haven't done a lot so far this week.  Just hanging inside, watching DVR'd programs, snuggling, and relaxing.  You know what - that is OK to do!  Give yourself a break and just snuggle inside some days.  No one needs to be active every day all day!

I am more than ready for warmer temps - I am just itching to get outside and spend some time.  I got so many lovely gifts for Christmas that will pretty things up out there.  I want to see color - other than the house colors on the street!!

I want to show you my mushroom kit I started last Monday.  It was just a solid sort of block in plastic.  I followed the instructions and lo and behold it is growing.

All the tiny little dark spots you can see are the beginnings of mushrooms as well!  That is what they call 'pinning'.  By the time they all get to picking size there will be hundreds!  I have another kit as well - when this one ends.  Can't get much fresher than this!!!! 

It is fun to watch - they actually double in size every day!

Kind of neat to be growing something in this crazy weather!

I mentioned that last week I made a pork veggie 'hash' of sorts.  It was ground pork and lots of veggies.  So good and filling.  Day 2 of eating it was with scrambled eggs.  You can use what you have and make all kinds of fun and yummy things to eat.  Could be served with rice or mashed potatoes or even pasta.

I am trying to use things I have had for a bit of time and use from my pantry and freezer.  It is kind of fun experimenting.  Gives me something to do each day - and well, I like food, and I am not real picky.

Are any of you using things that have been tucked away for a bit?  Making any yummy and tasty new things?

Use them up - don't let them waste.  It saves from waste, and it also saves money!

The other day I saw a post on a FB group and the gal said she had lots of cans of Veg All that she was given.  She said no one liked them - and I kind of agree.  I have never been a fan either - although I have used in soups successfully.  She asked for suggestions.  My suggestion was, since no one liked the veggies themselves, to blend them up and use it as a base for soups or pasta sauce - people really liked that idea!  Goodness, I got over a 110 likes!

Sometimes the simplest idea is the best.  You can do that with any type of veggie.  It is a great way to get veggies in kiddos or husbands who say they don't like veggies!  Sometimes you have to get a bit sneaky!

What is everyone up to today?  Whatever it is, I hope you stay warm and safe.

I have plenty of laundry to work on and I need to do some 'once in a while' type projects!

Wishing you all a joyful day.  

Be grateful for you have.

Weekly Wrap Up 1/19

 Howdy and good day to all.  Hope this finds you safe and well on this Sunday.  It is kind of cloudy and cold this morning.  We have already reached our high for the day and now we are falling in temperature.  The next couple of days will be frigid (single digit highs), but it shows sunshine every day.  That is always a positive!

I have been out to do my morning feeds.

We had a couple days of much warmer temps and got some melting action.  The piles are shorter, and you can see grass here and there.  The streets and walks are all clear.  There is still a lot of white out there, but not as much!

Have enjoyed the glorious moon most mornings this week - sure has been pretty.

I thought the pretty flower would be appreciated in January!  Also, the words are very meaningful - 60 days until Spring!  It will go by quickly - so stay positive.  Better weather days are coming!!!!

It has been a quiet week, for the most part.

• Had a meeting with my financial guy - all looks good
• I ran to the grocery for a few fresh items.  I got celery, mushrooms, oranges, grapefruit, broccoli all on clearance.  I also got some potatoes and a couple onions - zero money out of pocket - used a gift card
• I also ran to feed store and got some more corn and thistle seed - again zero out of pocket do to gift 
• Used my air fryer a couple times this week
• Started one box of my mushrooms this week - they are really growing already.  There should be tons of them!!  This is fun
• Had 2 partial bottles of mouthwash open - one mint, one regular - mixed them together to free up space.  It tastes fine!
• Received an Ollie's coupon for 15% off entire purchase.  Need to use before 2/15
• No cat food goes to waste - if indoor kitties don't eat all their wet food - Licorice gets it.  
• Got to scrub the watering holes on warmer days
• Got to use the sun to heat the house a couple days - turned down heat and the sun shining in really warmed the house well
• Used the last couple of older potatoes in dishes, so as not to waste
• I have had no sugar for 15 days so far this month - had only a couple treats
• General cleaning and going through magazines and books to donate
• Cooking from what I have and using all leftovers

Meals this past week:

Leftover soup beans and side of fresh vegs

Mushroon/onion/Swiss burger (no bun), fries and veg sticks w/dressing

Fried fish, green bean fries and salad

Chicken breast, mashed pots, green beans

Chopped chicken/diced potato soft tacos

Tenderloin and salad

Pork & veggie "hash" skillet (used pots, carrots, broc., peas and onions)

Pretty much my week!  Nothing exciting at all.  Just piddling around and keeping busy doing odds and ends.  How has your week been?  Are you in the cold?  Getting snow?

Did anyone get any good deals this week?

Thank you to all for being here and to those who contributed to conversation this week.

I know much of the country is about to get slammed with super cold weather and maybe even snow.  Please stay safe and warm.  Do not get out if you don't have to.  Make sure you keep extra socks, gloves, hats, and even a blanket in your vehicle if you do much traveling.  Be prepared.

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead and stay so very safe.  

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

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

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places

Ephesians 1:3

Dear Lord, help us each to live our lives as Christ-like as we possibly can.   May we do good and love all others.  May we help all those in need and love our earth and all that you have created.  We know that turning over our lives to Thee, we have our place in eternity, what a wonderful gift that will be.  Thank You for each and every blessing we receive every day.  AMEN

Luxuries for Free

 Happy Thursday!  We're having a heatwave!  LOL!!  Goodness, it was in the mid 20's this morning when I got up.  Yesterday was around zero.  It is funny how perspective can change.  We get a couple decent days then BOOM - bad, bad winter comes back.

The moon was peeking out of the clouds first thing this morning - still big and bright.  Then the clouds parted and there was that magical sphere in all its glory.

Here we are mid-way through the month.  Granted January seems like the longest month each year - but it is flying by.  See - it will be spring in a blink of an eye!  We just have some ick to get through and then comes the beauty of color again.

I often think about how blessed I am in so many ways.  Last evening I got a phone call from a guy that was a schoolmate, and we set and talked for a long while.  He and his wife (younger than us) are fun people, and he stays pretty darn active.  We were talking about all we can still do at our age, as so many people can do little for themselves, and many are already gone.

There are many luxuries in life that cost us nothing.  We just need to realize that they ARE INDEED luxuries than many in the world will never know.

I came across this meme and it sure sums it up well.  I will also add, a luxury is also a warm home (to many just having a home).  Our sweet fur babies that we get to cuddle and love.  

Also, those things we all seem to take for granted.  Running water, flushing toilets, lights at the flip of a switch, heat and even air.  An easy way to launder our clothes, good neighbors, and the ability to shop for the things we want/need at any time.  Even having funds to pay our bills.

Yes, these are just basic things - but many in the world do not have these "luxuries".  We have become so complacent in life and just expect these things as normal.  We are truly very blessed to have them.

I also count this little blog a luxury.  I am free to come here and share my thoughts and share things with people all over the world - how cool is that?

Life is good, even in the times that we are lonely, sad, or hurt.  We can arise from our problems and smile and TRY to make a day good.  We do not have to be stuck in the bad, we have choices and options - free will.

Make your day the best.  Be kind and smile.  Share a laugh with someone.

Have a super wonderful day.

Today - Using What I Have

 Oh baby - it is cold outside!  TV says 0 degrees, my thermometer says 3.  No big difference - cold is cold!!!  High today is to get to 20F.  Geesh - Canada you can have your weather back!!!!!

We sure got spoiled over the past few years - and now we are getting a healthy dose of what winter used to be here every year.  I don't like it!

Let's talk a bit about using what we have.  Recently I have been trying really hard.  I have so many things that will work for more than one thing.  Yesterday we talked about advertising and how they lure us in to buy things we don't need - well, I like to challenge myself to use things here instead of buying the newest gadget or fancy food.

Last week I mentioned my 'leftover' soup.  One day I had made a taco sort of skillet, ground meat, beans, and lots of veggies with taco seasoning and salsa.  Tasty.  One day I made a small batch of dirty (spicey) rice.  I mixed the leftovers of the two together with a small jar of home canned tomato juice (juice leftover from making salsa) = SOUP!  Really hearty and good soup and I had dinner and put a container in the freezer for another day!

I ran out early in the week to the store for a few fresh items.  I got celery - which I wrapped in foil.  It will last ages that way.  I have been doing that for years.

I have a bag of Romaine lettuce that has a few paper towels in with it.  It pulls out excess moisture from the heads and helps it last much longer.  I do this with Romaine or other lettuces I get as a plant type lettuce. (not shredded)

After Christmas was over, and I took down all the decor and I sure did miss my twinkle lights!  They are so sweet and give off a nice glow at night.  Well, my little nightlight for living room, had its little bulb burn out and a regular bulb is just too bright.  I need one of these silicone covered bulbs and I am out.

So, I looked around and found a 20-light set of clear twinkle lights and wrapped them around an area over in the corner.  They stay on 24/7 and give off such a sweet light at night.  It is in the living room (center of my small house) so it lights enough to walk through the house with no other light.

I leave plugged in, as it uses so little electricity, and the plug isn't easy to get to.

I often freeze leftovers for another meal in Rubbermaid type containers.  I write on top of the container what is in it with a permanent marker.  When washing them, I was scrubbing really hard with a scrub pad and hot soapy water to clean the writing.  The other day I came across a pack of thin magic erasers that I had in the bathroom storage.  I took one and used to clean on the top of one of my containers and like "magic" all the writing was gone - super simple.  Now I keep one at the kitchen sink!

I was mending some jeans last week - and used a really old pair of jeans that are no longer worn for patches.  I cut and place the patches 'inside' the jeans - so there isn't a big old patch seen on the outside.  I guess it doesn't matter as they are work jeans - but it works pretty well.  I like to place with 'liquid sew' - a type of fabric glue - then I sew too.

Of course, I have been using what pantry and freezer items I have.  I really need to work hard on that, so that the older items get used and then I can replace when I find a deal.

Here is a fun one.  Use the fresh snow that has fallen for something good!!!  Make snow cream.  Right now a lot of people have a lot of snow.  Remember do not use 'yellow' snow!!!!  LOL

It sure is a fun thing to do, especially with the kiddos.  I used to make it every winter for Glen and I when we had snow.

What have you been doing lately to use what you have instead of buying?  Love to get some ideas.

Spread love, light and joy today in all you do.

Have a fantastic day.

Consumerism - We have Been Programmed!

 Good morning all.  Boy oh boy, it is cold out there this morning.  It will get colder in the next day or so, then warm a little, and they get waaaaaaayyy cold!  UGH

Sure had a beautiful sunrise this morning, and yesterday before dawn, the moon was really something to see.  I glanced through the blinds and thought "who has a spotlight on?"  It was pretty incredible.

Today just a few words about purchasing!  Have you ever really thought about it?  In my opinion we have been programmed all our lives to buy, buy, buy!

All the phrases have been used for year.  Deals, specials, sale, lowest, best, unbelievable.........

They want your attention!  Once they get your attention, they insert the hook and pull!  Even as children we were learning.  There was peer pressure - Sally got go-go boots, why can't I?  Billy got the newest version of a toy - I want one too.  Yep - we didn't realize it was happening, but it was.

THEN there were the big shiny pages of that ever famous "WISH" book that came right to our doors!!  Oh goodness, how many hours we all spent wishing and wanting.

It happened with everything.  New cars, new clothes, toys, the best cereal, the neighbors yards, new appliances to make life easier, it went on and on.

We all watched cartoons - what did we see?  Commercials for the newest sugary cereal, the fun new toys and games - they had out attention!  They still do.

They used the kiddoes to get Mom's attention to buy grocery items.    I mean, everyone wanted their children to be happy.

Enticed moms and housewives with the newest shiniest appliances and items to work around the house.  From an iron to a TV, to a fancy vacuum, to the whole bundle of the most modern kitchen!  (I love this kitchen!)

Now never mind the crazy low prices, from back in the day - just look at the ad.  Today that would not really catch your eye.  People don't seem to want to 'read' the ads - they want 'look at' the ads.  The ads today are nothing but colorful photographic type pictures.  People shop with their eyes.  Boy did the advertisers figure it out!

It worked with the 'wish' books, and it worked with the ads in the likes of Life magazine (and others) - so make it work on everything else.

They can now entice us with beautiful, lush looking pictures of the oranges - not just the price!!

We fall for it too.  We 'read' the pictures first - then the prices.  It happens to all of us. It happens on the computer as well.  They sure aren't going to sell you the latest gadget or get you to come into the store to see it, without a picture.  A description no longer works alone.

It has also made people dependent on them.  You don't have to think about a way store your extra stuff - there is a picture of a fancy new box that will do it.  You don't have to think of an old fashioned way to save food in the frig - there is a special 'keeper'.  Buy the newest deodorant, toothpaste, medicine, even phone - all because you saw an ad for it, and they make it enticing!  People dancing, singing, playing, etc..  What a joke! 

I am one of those people that HATE commercials to the Nth degree.  If you advertise it, especially 5X during every program, I will NOT be purchasing it!!  I do not find them entertaining nor informative. I will do my own research and then buy if I need to.  We are bombarded every day with new things to get.  When you watch a TV program, an hour show is generally half or more commercials.  That is why I DVR anything I would like to watch. I can just skip all the commercials with the forward button!  They aren't getting me!

So it isn't all your fault!  We have been subjected to advertising our entire lives and we have been conditioned to think we need the newest, biggest and best!  

Just use YOUR own computer - your brain - and come up with your ideas of how to do things, what to eat, and what you need.  It doesn't have to be fancy, it doesn't even have to be easy.  It sure would save a lot of people a lot of money!

If you are on the train of wanting to SAVE a little money - turn off the noise.  Use your brain and get back to doing things in a different way.  Do not be CONDITIONED!

Just my two cents worth!  What say you?

Sending love, light and many blessings to you today!

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/12

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

What a weather week - I have pushed a lot of snow this week.  We had 2 snows come through - one was 9" and the second was 4-5".  We have not had that much so for entire season in a few years.  This we got in a few days.  We are back on normal track for winter, I guess.  Cold and snow.  That is what our area has always been.  How spoiled we have become!!!!

Now that being said - I still don't like it!  I have had my fill - although I don't think nature is done with us.

How I felt this week!  I am so very thankful that I can still do this at my age.  No help (except a few minutes once) - so it is me, myself and I.  I have some achy hands, and my lower back hurts a bit, but that is it, thank goodness.

Frugal this week:

• Well, the biggy was moving a lot of snow twice.  Took three times for the first snow, and just once for the last one.  I had the second snow done yesterday, before most of the neighbors were even awake.  FREE exercise and cardio!
• Baked a small chunk of ham I had (about 3 lbs.).  Used in a few meals and froze the balance in slices
• Cleared the top of the greenhouse 2X this week.  I am sure it is insulating, but it was heavy too - so needed the roof cleared
• Got out and started the Blazer one day - just to start it
• I made a very small pot of soup out of leftovers this week
• Lots of laundry
• DIDN'T leave the house this week - no spending
• Worked on straightening the craft/sewing area some
• Did some mending
• Kept an OJ bottle and a bag from flatbread to re-use
• My boots (have had for several years) sprung a tiny leak - dried them over the register and then I have been using the old-fashioned water proofing - a bread bag!  Worked perfectly
• Neighbor brought me a small pan of jambalaya on day

Oh my goodness it was soooooooooo yummy!  Shrimp, chicken chunks and smoked sausage...

Meals this past week:

Fried cabbage with carrots and baked potato

Jambalaya

Taco style skillet w/ lots of veggies added

Ham slice, dirty rice and fresh veggies on side

'Leftover soup' - using Taco skillet and dirty rice remains with added tomato juice, toasted flatbread

Ham, cheesy potatoes and fresh veg salad

Soup beans w/ham and leftover cheesy potatoes

SNACKS - fruit, fresh veggies, apple and peanut butter, cheese chunks

There you go - nothing exciting.  I did watch some TV - caught up on a few things I had DVR'd.  Just a week doing a bit of this and that at home.

I may actually run out and do a couple errands today!!  It is warmer, the roads are decent and I just need to get out a bit.

How was your week?  I know a lot of people got snow that aren't used to getting it - I sure hope you all stayed safe and warm.  Oh goodness, winter has reared its ugly little head - I have gotten used to calmer weather - guess we shouldn't get complacent.

Did you do any shopping?  Any baking or cooking?  Decluttering?  Look forward to hearing from you all.

Have a safe, warm and healthy week my friends.  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, help us each to be our best.  May we talk sweetly to others and never put down.  Help us each to be this kind of person.  We may make a day special for another in ways we cannot understand, with a smile or a kind word.  Help us to each live our lives in Your way.

Please be with those who are hurting so much this week from disasters happening around the land.

Amen

So Many Challenges

 Hello to all.  I sure hope you are all safe, well and warm!  It is very cold here this AM.  9*F when I went out this morning.  The sun is supposed to shine again today - which will be wonderful.  As cold as it was yesterday, the sun helped a lot.  It melted anything that was left of pavement I had shoveled.  The plow actually went down our street yesterday.  We have a little more snow coming in again tomorrow - oh, welcome to January and winter!

Just a quick note - I hope none of you are in CA.  If you have family and friends there, prayers they are safe.  I have several old schoolmates there, and I am waiting to hear something about them.  Such an incredibly sad situation - such tremendous loss.

There are so many challenges going on in blog and FB world!  No spend, no shopping, use it all up, etc.

I used to kind of fall for the challenges, but not anymore.  I just do me!

I keep hearing NO spend for the year unless absolutely necessary.  Well, that is just kind of how I live.  I get what I need, don't do a lot of frivolous spending and use what I have.  I make the best of what is in my house.

I keep thinking, if masses of people stop spending, it sure isn't going to be good for an already struggling economy!    Maybe instead, think about shopping at more small businesses, more mom-and-pop places.  Think about buying used instead of new.  Also, you might pledge to stay away from big box stores if possible.

Think about going through your house and garage and seeing what you already have that can be used. (you might be surprised).

I am not intentionally 'NOT' spending - I have a freezer and pantry full of food.  I am intentionally going to be using up the oldest - as I (we) should do on a normal basis.  I have been negligent about using the older items in the freezer - got used to convenience of just buying new and using.  Yeah, that needs to stop.  I can't stand waste - so I am going to work on using the older items.

As far as other items - there really isn't much 'stuff' that I need.

IF you used it all up - as in 'let's empty the freezer and pantry' - you will spend a small fortune to replace all that food!  Use some and replace as needed.  Things were cheaper when you placed them in the freezer/pantry - so remember that prices have gone up.

Continue to look for sales, clearance and mark-downs.  They surely do help pack those pantries.

Another thing to think about this year - IF you can (I know not everyone can) - grow something.  Even if it is a planter of lettuce or a potted tomato plant.  Replace a pot of petunias with a potted tomato or pepper plant!  Not only is it fun, but it is also healthy, and it is cheap!  You can even grow sprouts or micro greens in your house.

Now if you take part in a saving challenge - that might be good.  Saving change, saving ones, trying hard to put back a good 10% of income, investing in a 401K, children's college fund. etc.

Saving is always a good thing.  EVERY single household NEEDS an emergency fund!

Are any of you doing any kind of challenge, or are you just being a good steward of what you already have?

I have sent no money so far this year, but I haven't left the house either!  I am in good shape.  When I do go out in the near future, I will buy whatever I need, but for now I am comfy staying off the roads and out of the stores.  Snug and well fed here.

Stay warm and safe.

Have a fantastic day.

Getting Creative - Using What we Have

 Howdy Ho all!  Very cold morning - my thermometer says 20* F.  The world is a combo of white and gray/dark - that is how the trees look.  This morning though, I had some color outside.  There were 5 pairs of cardinals in the backyard - eating what they could find until I went out to feed.  They sure were pretty. I have a couple big old bluejays that visit and a big woodpecker - who is so handsome!  Just love watching the birds.

I was asked about the sugar cookie dip I made for company.  I will list the 'proper' recipe and the way I made it!!  Yeah, I am not big on following recipes precisely - I use what I have and get creative.

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

OK - now my version which was eaten with gusto!  It was so good.  It tastes much like cheesecake.

8 oz. cream cheese softened

1/4+ C of regular sugar (measured around a 1/4C)

1 C of sugar free cool whip - (didn't have whipped cream or heavy cream to make any) used what I had

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. almond

I pulverized about 5 or 6 sugar cookies and added to mixture (super fine) - didn't have sugar cookie mix

Mix it all together until smooth.

Note if you add sprinkles they kind of melt and change the color of the dip.

I served with vanilla wafers and graham crackers

After company was gone, I made some 'ice cream' sandwiches with the remaining dip and graham crackers.  Wrapped in plastic wrap and then bagged and froze.

Here is another sugar free type cookie for those wanting a taste of sweetness without the all the calories.

These are really good.  I use regular milk - as I don't keep almond milk.  Raisins - craisins or any dried fruit if desired or maybe some nuts.

Just use what you have!  Great way to get fruit and oats into kiddos!!!

Need brown sugar and out?  1 Tbsp. Molasses to 1 C sugar - mix well.  

Need powdered sugar and out?  Put regular sugar in blender and pulse until powdered.

Cooking bacon?  That grease is GOLD!!!!!  Whether you fry or bake your bacon - keep the grease.  It is FREE and it adds flavor to many fried items or for flavoring in others.  It is all NATURAL as well!

I keep a jar in the frig with bacon grease all the time.  I just keep adding to it.  Mom used to leave hers out in a tin on the stove - but I like to refrigerate to keep it fresh.

You can now BUY bacon grease at the store, and it is very expensive!!!!  Use your own.

It is all about having a good life and eating yummy things - all the while using what you have.  It doesn't have to cost a lot of money - it just takes a little thinking and creativity.

It truly is about "making the most of your resources" and "living richly on less".

Have a fantastic day.  Be safe and warm!!

Let's Get Busy With It - Ways to Save at Grocery

 Hello to all.  It is a cold day here, and a white one!  Yep, we finally got a big dose of winter.  We have had such mild and non-snowy winters for a couple or more years - welp, it ended yesterday!  Total 9" measured here at my house.  Doesn't look to get above freezing for at least the next week - if not much longer.  I know some are used to this, but we have been spoiled here.

I got my cardio on yesterday!  Took 3 different sessions to get the paths, walks and the drive clear.  I had drifts in the drive that were over knee high.  

Sure was hoping some kid might want to earn some money - but nope!  One guy walked down the street with shovel in hand and only stopped at places that needed little shoveling.  Drifts, long drives, etc. he just walked past.

At the end of shoveling, I was out by the street clearing the gravel end of drive (past walk and cement drive by street), and the neighbor's grandson and helped me for about 15 minutes.  Grateful for that.

I was tired!  

New day, new year - new habits!  Or old habits being used again.  It seems we all get off tack during the holidays.  Extra food purchases, stocking for winter, gifts, higher utilities, etc. 

We can't change inflation - BUT we can change how we do things and what we spend our dollars on.

I wanted to share something - my yearly savings using digital coupons with our Kroger store.

My digital savings for 2024 was $1,070.12!!!!  That is significant in my book.

Now that was just digital coupons.  Also, for every 100 points accumulated over the month you get .10 per gallon off your gas.  That adds up as well.

I am also gifted a coupon book for our city each Christmas.  It has $5 off grocery (Kroger) purchases over $50 once a month.  That is another $60 a year.

If you have a grocery store that offers points for dollar purchases - think about utilizing this feature for gasoline purchases/or some offer cash.  IF you have a store that utilizes digital coupons - use them.  You do NOT need a smart phone.  I simply get the ads online and add my Kroger card number and click on the coupons I want to use - and when going to the store - present my card and get the discount.  

** generally, each digital coupon can be used to purchase 5 of an item.

Now I get savings in other ways as well.  I try very hard to NOT pay full price for things.  Sometimes it can't be avoided. but I try.  I am a lover of the clearance sections in my store.  I am fortunate as each department has its own clearance.  Bakery, meat, dairy, general merchandise - and even freezer has clearance.  You have to look around - even make friends with the department managers if need be.

Those savings I get from clearance or manager's specials do not show up in the 1,070.12 savings.

                                            This is 10 meals for me - pretty cheap for a protein!

Just a few deals found over the year.  Sometimes, you really have to look.  There may not be a lot of any one item.  Like the ice cream - it was after the holiday season - so eggnog flavored ice cream was extremely reduced (great for a malt)!  Not sure why the beans were so stinking cheap - not even remotely close to date.  Maybe they were just stopping that brand, or packaging is changing.  Half price meat is a deal!  Maybe a day or two until sell by date - no problem.  Bring them home, repackage in meal size packs and freeze.  I NEVER buy meat that isn't on sale or reduced.  NEVER!  I have a good year (probably two**) of meat in my big freezer.  If I needed to, I could stretch that much further.

Also, you need to remember that ground meat or cut up or chopped goes further.  As in many meals from soup, chili, stews, or skillet dinners.  You can stretch a half pound of meat to many servings that way.

**USE a vacuum sealer if you can!  Makes meat last much, much longer in freezer!!!!!!! NO freezer burn.

Heck, I even got my vacuum sealer for a stupid cheap price years ago after the holidays.  The store goofed up but had to honor their price!  (keep your eyes open)

I will be sharing all kinds of ways to stretch food and other items in the coming posts.

Does anyone get senior discounts at the groceries anymore?  Most of our stores stopped that.

Do you have a discount grocery store?  We finally have one - but it is hit or miss (and very small).

What are some of your favorite ways of saving at the store?

Look forward to hearing your tips!

Stay warm and snug.

Have a good day!