Don't Stress - Eating on the Cheap! (it can be done)

 Hello all - hope you are all well and safe!  

It is a cool morning here!  Haven't said that in a while.  58*F right now.  I have had the AC off since Sunday and yesterday, the house never even got to the temp that the AC would have been!  Amazing, how a couple days can make such a difference.  Loving this.  Hope you are cooling a bit too.

Today just a few ideas for those times when you are broke, or just tired, or need to stretch the budget and the pantry a little further for whatever reason.  I know many of the regular that comment, are doing just fine, but there are many who read and don't comment and they may need some help or ideas.

We are here to help out.

Whether snacks, breakfast, lunches, or a quick and easy and inexpensive dinner - here are a few ideas.  Just remember (especially for yourself) you don't have to have a lot of things at one meal.  I eat simple, and most often have one good meal a day - and I am healthy, have energy and feel good.

If you have garden produce, you have several things that you make and eat.  It doesn't have to be traditional; you don't have to have 'breakfast' foods at breakfast anymore!

Core the insides of a tomato (saving the insides for salad) - and stuff with tuna salad or some other type of salad or cottage cheese.  Super healthy and tasty.  Can stuff peppers or banana peppers as well.  Scoop seeds from a cucumber and place some tune salad in that cored out spot.  YUM

Rice is a good meal idea - yes meal!  G used to love rice for breakfast or lunch served hot with butter and sugar on top - or a drizzle of honey.

Cottage cheese served with fruit or tomato - he loved that too.  You could add Jello to cottage cheese as well - super inexpensive and easy.

Melts are easy and cheap.  Add cheese, or meat or both and whatever else you want.  Fold over and grill on each side for a hot treat!  I have done this for dinner many times and add a little salad or a veggie on the side.

An open face sandwich with anything you have on top!  You toast the bread, then add some cream cheese (if you have) or peanut butter and top with any variety of goodies.  Hearty and healthy.

Of course there are the old standbys of oatmeal, or your basic beans and rice and potatoes.  Never overlook the old-time healthy eats!  All are inexpensive to make.  Top the oatmeal with whatever you like or have on hand.

GRAVY - white gravy or country gravy as many call it - is about as easy and cheap as you can get for a tasty meal!!!!  You can use it over biscuits, toast, bagels, whatever you got.  You can toast old buns or any kind of bread.  You can add chipped beef, sausage or even ground beef if desired.  Add whatever meat you have (leftover) - and you have a very cheap and hearty and filling meal!!!!!

Polenta or mush as many call it - is so easy.  I know the sound of 'mush' isn't appetizing to many.  I like it fried!!!  It is MUCH better that way.  This recipe is sooooooo easy and can easily be halved.  I make it up and place in a loaf pan and refrigerate until firm - then slice and fry in butter or bacon grease until golden on each side and it really is tasty!  Pretty darn cheap.

Here you go Mary.  You can have the taste of restaurant at home, make your own!!!!  So easy.

Fried eggs and potatoes together - add a side or toast if you choose.  This was dinner one day for me - very good and healthy!

Leftover mashed potatoes?  Make potato cakes the next day.  Super easy and very tasty.  I have them in a dinner, but they would be great for breakfast or lunch.  Add in other things if you desire.  No leftover mashed potatoes - you can even use made up instant potatoes (got a little packet laying around?).  Super easy and inexpensive and a use it up idea.

(click on recipe to enlarge for easy reading)

I made some yesterday and added about a half a can of drained corn to it - YUM!

Cowboy casserole is very easy and uses things you may have on hand.  You can use less meat if you choose or even sausage or venison.  This is a hearty meal.  Maybe add a side of garlic toast or a salad and you are set.  Great for a busy day.  I have made this many, many times.

Always think about soups!  Throw together any veggies you have and any meats (or not) in a pot or crockpot and make a great meal.  Add tomatoes or sauce or leftover gravies or bouillon to season and flavor the broth.  Soup is always an inexpensive dish to make.  There are absolutely NO limits to what you can make.  Veggie, potato, cream of anything soups, split peas, beans, etc.

SNACKS - we all need a snack now and again.  No bake cookies are easy and use up oatmeal you may have on hand.  Easy peanut butter cookies (posted recipe last week) are also easy and use what you have.

Come fall this is always around my house for a sweet bite.  I mix together salted peanuts and candy corn in a bowl - it tastes like a Pay Day candy bar.  I am not a fan of candy corn alone - but sure do love it this way!

Make a pie!  This is great - mock pecan pie!  No nuts needed - just oatmeal and let me tell you it is good!  I am a pecan pie nut, and this is very good!

No reason not to have good food to eat.  You can use many of the items you have in your own pantry (no shopping necessary) and make something new and tasty.  Meals need to be filling and you want to stretch things as far as you can when you are in need.  Not all meals have to have meat (I know, many don't agree) - but they really don't.  Use whatever protein you have on hand.  Don't stress - feed you family on the cheap.

I never recommend things that I have not done myself.  I have had rough days in the past when food needed to be stretched to the max - and here I am!  

YOU GOT THIS!!!

Have a wonderful day and enjoy all the blessings God has given!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/24

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  I am hoping you are all well and safe this fine Sunday.  One more week of this month and then it will be September.  I know that makes some happy - but I would just as well wait a while.  We will be experiencing a 'fake' fall this coming week - with highs in the 70's F, and lows in the 50's.  That will sure be a nice reprieve for a bit.  That is perfect weather in my book.  It has been much better the past few days - the humidity has come down and the temps as well.  I have sure enjoyed it.  It will get hot again, no doubt about that.

I saw a hummingbird moth again this week.  That doesn't happen often - they are just so neat.  Hummingbirds have been very active and drinking a lot, I hope that doesn't mean what I think.  The bright gold finches have been loving the echinacea seeds!

Got to walk a lot this week, porch sit and visit with many neighbors.  Nice.

My frugal week:

• Picking lots and lots of produce!  Lot of peppers and a good 50-60 lbs. of tomatoes this week!!  I will be picking more today.  The zucchini is done now.  The cherry toms are pretty much done (although setting new blooms), but the regular tomatoes are just going nuts.  I have some that are a pound or over that I have picked - Beef Master.  Talk about a nice slice of tomato!

Here is the one that was just a tad over a pound - there are others close to that weight!  Fills the hand

• Cleaned out the area between fence and drive again (neighbor's stuff coming through).  I sure wish they would keep things up - sigh.  He finally did his front fence yesterday - looks a little better
• Cut wild trees and weeds coming up out back in flowers - seems a constant chore
• Lots of laundry - I seem to change clothes a lot in the summer heat!
• Made new hummingbird nectar and cleaned the feeders
• Took the neighbor some tomatoes and peppers, came home with cukes and 2 patty pan squash.  She brought me cukes 2 more times this week - loving that!
• "Pickled" peppers 3 ways this week.  All easy - some sliced and placed in the jalapeno jar, some sliced and placed in the jar of mild banana rings from store, and one jar of refrigerator dill peppers
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard over 2 days.  A neighbor brought over his blower, when I got done with the front, as I was getting ready to sweep walks and drive.  That was neat to use - I got get one of those!
• Got to air the house and turn of AC a lot!!!
• Didn't leave, so no grocery shopping
• Had a sweet tooth one day, so got creative.  Heated a couple waffle pieces from freezer in toaster - let them cool - and then made an ice cream sandwich out of them.  That was good
• Used zucchini, peppers and summer sausage in a baked spaghetti that I made in the air fryer
• Grapes picked and in freezer to make jelly later on
• Took lots of walks this week - it was so nice and the air refreshing - free exercise
• Cooking from home and using what I have

Meals this past week:

Potato/egg/cheese skillet & sliced tomatoes

Chicken strips, fries and fresh veggies

Italian bread pizza (made air fryer) (bread from freezer)

Pizza piece and salad

Baked spaghetti & sliced toms - 2X

BLT and side salad

SNACKS - tomato sandwich, toms & cukes, fruit, ice cream sandwich

This week I will be doing canning, now that it is cooler.  Got to get those tomatoes put up into winter goodies and 'gifts'.   Have shared a lot of them.

Just the same stuff, nothing exciting going on here.  Life the way I like it.

How has your week been?  Give us a shout out and let us all know what you have been doing and how those gardens are doing.

I hope you all have fantastic week and please, stay healthy and safe.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

I leave you with a wonderful poem today!

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

WIDEN MY VISION

God open my eyes

    so I may see

And feel Your presence

    close to me.

Give me strength

    for my stumbling feet

As I battle the crowd

    on life's busy street,

And widen the vision

    of my unseeing eyes

So in passing faces

    I'll recognize

Not just a stranger,

    unloved and unknown,

But a friend with a heart    

    that is much like my own.

Give me perception

     to make me aware

That scattered profusely

     on life's thoroughfare

Are the best gifts of God

    that we daily pass by

As we look at the world

    with an unseeing eye.

Helen Steiner Rice

                              AMEN

Lord, please keep each and every one in your loving, caring and healing arms.  May we all have a blessed week ahead and may we all be a friend to someone in need.  Thank you for our many blessings.  Amen

Learning and Teaching

 Hello all.  Happy Thursday.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Really hoping none of you are experiencing any effects from the hurricane - I know it is causing a lot of flooding at the coast from the waves and water surges.

It is cool this morning, but still muggy.  We must have had some rain overnight - as the drive is wet this morning.  Sigh!  I am guessing I will not get to mow today - the front just stays wet all day after rain or heavy dew.  I guess there is always tomorrow!

                                                  Isn't that a pretty picture?  I love the colors.

You know we all think as we get older, maybe we aren't as 'useful' as we used to be.  That is so not true.  We all have something to offer and share - I think that is a huge part of our job on earth.

We all have things we can learn as well.

I recently came across this little article and just loved it.  We are valuable and essential in this world, no matter our age.  I know many think that as they age that no one cares any more, or that they have nothing to offer.  Goodness, nothing could be further from the truth.  Whether it is 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, years - you have that many decades of knowledge that can be passed on.  It may be hard lessons learned, it may be joyful experiences, it may be matters of finance, it may be matters of the heart, it may just be plain old common sense - but it is there and can help others.

I recently had a conversation with my nephew, and he was telling me a story about a conversation he had with his daughter.  I sat here smiling the whole time.  At the end, he said, I am sure glad you emphasized those things to me over the years!!! (His mom, is my sis that passed when he was younger).  I told him, I heard those stories from daddy so many times.  Mom was always an influence in my life, but daddy gave the wisdom and advice over the years.  Not sure if it was lessons he learned the hard way, or he had heard it too.  I really can't imagine grandma talking about some things.  He learned a lot of hard lessons over the years.

Anyway, this just shows how the words of one - passes down the lines over the years to many.  Someday, I imagine my great niece will be telling these things to her children!!

Isn't that amazing?  It is nice to actually see it happen over generations, nice to know while I am here.

That is kind of what this whole blog is about.  Passing on things I have learned over the years, many from my family and friends, other things from experience.  My dream as a young woman was to be a teacher, so I feel I get to do that on a small level here.

You come on and post your comments and your tips and ideas and journeys as well.  We are teaching and we are learning - no matter our ages!!!!

We are sharing and teaching even though we have never met - I think that is so neat.

Each an everyone one of us will leave a piece of ourselves in someone else.  I feel so proud, every time one of my nieces or nephews tell me that they appreciate the things we have told them over the years and that they use them in their lives.  Sometimes, they just call and ask - what would you advise.

Knowledge is a great, great gift to pass on.  I think it is more important than money or things.  It is the gift that keeps on giving!

So never feel you are insignificant as you age.  You are vital and so important.  Whether to a stranger, family, friend, neighbor, whoever - you have something to pass on.  Even if just a kind word, you have shown someone how to care.

I love that we all live and learn and teach!

Thank you all so much for contributing in your way to this blog and thank you all for being 'teachers'.

Be YOU and be POSITIVE, that is perfect.

Have a wonderful day and weekend.

Playing with Food!

 Howdy all.  Hope this finds you all doing good on this Wednesday!  

It feels cooler this morning in my neck of the woods.  The humidity is down just a bit, and that makes a world of difference.  Yesterday I had rain showers 3X from about 1PM - 5PM.  Nice soft showers.  We have had sun and clouds over the past few days, and I am grateful for the clouds - as the temps have stayed just at or below 90*.  None of that mid 90 stuff - thank goodness.

My garden is going nuts with tomatoes!  Picking and picking and now it is time to start processing some.

Just a few ideas dealing with food today.  You know I like playing with food!  I like to try different things and using up what I have in some new way.

Here is a picture of a side bowl of my chickpea salad.  I used a can of chickpeas (garbanzo).  I drained and rinsed - then I added whatever veggies I had in the fridge.  I had a good assortment - then added Italian dressing.  You could add any type of dressing and any type of veggies to the mix.  Protein and veggies all in one and it was quite TASTY as well.  I made a nice bowl of it (with one can) and ate on it all week.  

Garbanzo beans are very versatile.  Have you ever had crispy beans as a snack?  I have baked them in the oven until crispy before - and I have used the air fryer as well.  You can fry up in a bit of oil - but I don't think they get as crispy.  Crispy and habit forming (seriously), as a snack - and good for you as well!!!!

One day I had fried green tomatoes and fried peppers.  See the blue arrow and that little patty?  I always use the egg and the breading that is left and mix together and make a small fritter to fry up.  I tend to bread with a combo of breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and a touch of flour - it ends up tasting like a little fried cornbread!  I use it up, it tastes good and well, I don't waste a thing.  By the way, the peppers were very tasty too.

Have you ever had Yum Yum sauce?  I hadn't until I was out to lunch with friends at an Oriental restaurant.  They kept asking me to try it.  Oh my goodness, it was good.  You can buy it at the grocery in the condiment aisle - but it is pricey.  Here you go, make your own.  It is good with veggies, fries, chicken strips, fish, you name it.  A new favorite condiment for me!

Many people may not realize this - but it sure is true.  I have always sliced lengthwise (like pic on right) to make chicken tenders (strips).  I have mistakenly done it the other way, and the chicken is not anywhere as tender after cooking.  Cut lengthwise for tender chicken!

EASY PEASY PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

It truly gets no easier!

(click on recipe to enlarge)

Super easy, super tasty and using what you have for a quick treats for the young-ins or yourself!

There you go - Wednesday adventures in playing with food!  LOL

It is always neat to learn new tricks and tips.  Use what you have and have fun - it can save money and be quite tasty as well.

Do you have any fun treat or snack or tip to share?  Look forward to learning something new!

Have a wonderful day and ENJOY the food!!!!!

Simplifying - What Does it Mean to You?

 Hello all.  Glad to be here this morning and hoping you are all doing well. 

It is a muggily morning!  Waiting for the cool down to hit!! We had a rain shower yesterday afternoon, that seemed to pop up from nowhere.  It may rain some today as well.  The cool front should be moving in after today, which will be refreshing.  I am tired of 90*+.

I want to talk a little about simplifying today.  I have watched some videos and been reading a little about people who have gone really drastic in their lives - going off grid, and kind of disconnecting with societal norms.  It has been interesting.

Simplifying your life does not mean EASY.  Not by any means.  Think back to the stories from our ancestors - and life was anything but easy - but it sure was a lot simpler than life today!  At least in my book.

Many have said they have been criticized, because of their lifestyle.  They are accused of not helping with the infrastructure of the area, by being off grid.  Not helping the economy.  Not being aware of what society 'expects'.

WOW!

In my view society has a LOT of things wrong.  I love the idea of kind of unplugging from the normal stuff and just living a basic life. 

You don't have to go completely off grid - but being wise with our utility is smart.  You don't have to heat with wood or pellets but turn down the thermostat a few degrees.

You don't have to have a huge garden, but growing a little and eating natural has a lot benefits.

It means using simple ingredients and cooking (even if basic) at home.

Unplugging from social media, would be huge!  It is called peace.

You don't have to have the newest and the greatest - look for different ways to use what you have.

It means recycle, reduce and re-imagine.

MY OPINION on a simple life is a smaller home, that I can more easily maintain.  Growing and eating a lot of my produce and buying other things as they are in season.  It means spending less money on stuff.  I mean wanting and needing are so different - and how much do we really need?

It means utilizing what I have in new ways.  It means thinking outside the box.  It means being wise with my usage of utilities. 

It means have a connection with others who think similarly.

I do not need the biggest, the shiniest, the fanciest new do-dad.  I just need enough.

To me, it kind of means living a life that my parents lived - a few decades ago.  Yeah, that is me.

Having less stuff in my home.  I want to have the things I love, but all the rest is so distracting.  I figure much of it may bless someone else.

I know everyone doesn't even remotely think this way.  I guess there has to be a balance.  But I will stay on the older ways route.

I truly do admire those that live off grid.  You have to have a lot of grit to do that.  It isn't easy at all - it is a lot of work.  Growing, hunting, chopping, building, gleaning, gathering, etc.  It isn't for sissies!

But living that way, is living with nature a lot more.  Utilizing all that this good earth has and puts out there for us.  Using our minds and figuring a way.  

Living is a simpler life is about basics.  It isn't fancy.  It is about being smart with what you have.  It is about letting go of some of the 'easy' ways.  It is about having peace.  It is about freedom from societal norms.

It isn't always easy at all!

What is simplifying to you?  What do you do to live a simpler lifestyle?

Does it mean peace to you?  It sure does to me.  It is just a calming way to live and THRIVE.  

Look forward to your ideas and opinions.

Have a wonderful day and stay safe.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/17

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope his finds you all well this morning.  I have been out to feed all the animals, and Bits and I have both had our morning 'meal'.  It is a damp feeling morning, but temp wise doesn't feel too bad.  It is rumbling and dark off to the NW.  We are supposed to have a few scattered storms this morning.  OOPS - it has started! (gentle rain right now)

Last night, I heard thunder about 10:30 - then dozed off.  Guess it got pretty windy, as there were sticks down this morning and a lot of tulip poplar leaves down.  Things were very wet, but I don't think we got a lot of rain.  Enough to give everything a drink and it seemed to clean out the gutter/downspouts!  Lots of gunk on the drive, in front of them this morning.

It seems the rain has cooled things a tiny bit (only going to be low 90's).  It has also been cloudy a lot over the past couple days, which has helped.  Looking for midweek and a little cooler temps.

I have grapes starting to get ripe!  This week I should be picking for jelly this year. YAY

It has been a quiet week.  I was supposed to go to a luncheon this week, I had something come up, plus I also just had a funny feeling about making the drive - so I didn't go.  I do believe in listening to that nudge that we get from time to time.

My frugal week:

• I used birdbath water on plants each time I cleaned it this week
• Did some deep cleaning, dusting this week - my LR shelves (oh my).  They sure get dusty, but I only clean them every few months (so much stuff).
• I did move around a few items just for a little different look - can't move much
• Made a big bowl of chickpea salad to last the week
• Changed out furniture covers and laundered
• Got in my car to remove some items, and then the driver door wouldn't shut.  The latch was stuck and I couldn't move.  I tried WD40 and it was still stuck.  I asked my neighbor to check it out and with a little effort he got it unstuck and really greased it up.  I have thought back and seem to remember that happening once before years ago - but it was still a pain.  (happy it wasn't raining) Glad he was around and knew what to do. 
• I finally got to mow the yard.  Did the entire thing, but I did pace myself and worked on it in sessions.  I did not trim, however.  I did have to rake the front - as I didn't get to mow last week due to moisture.  It was hot!
• I did probably the last trim of the bushes out back, for the season.
• Paid bills over the phone
• Picked lots of produce.  Squash, and lots of peppers and tomatoes!  I think I got about 2 dozen tomatoes this week!!!  I knew they would all start at one time!  They taste soooooo good.
• Eating meals from home and keeping them simple

Meals this past week:

Green beans, corn on cob and sliced tomatoes

Chickpea salad and some fruit

Grilled burritos

Beans/rice/beef, chickpea salad side

BLT - fruit

Fried green tomatoes and sweet banana peppers, corn on cob

Combo nachos/taco salad (used l/o rice/beans/beef)

SNACKS - fruit, sliced cheese, tomatoes, salad

Nothing exciting at all.  Big bird (the hawk) has showed up a lot this week - I go out and off he goes, so the birds have been quieter this week.  

How has your week been?  Did you get any good deals?  How are those gardens doing?  Anyone done anything exciting this week?

Give us a shout out - love hearing from everyone!

I hope you all have a great week ahead and that you all stay safe and healthy.  Prayers for all, especially those needing God's healing touch.

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

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

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that in due time he may exalt you.  Cast all your anxieties on him, for he cares about you.

1 Peter 5:6-7

Lord, we know You have us in Your loving arms, and that we need to place all our trust in You.  Your will be done.  That is so hard for us to understand, but our faith helps us each day.  Thank You for all the many blessings we received these past days, and may we recognize ever single one we get this week.  Please place your healing, loving, and protective hands upon us all.  AMEN

Make the Choice!

 Hello all.  Here we are at Thursday again!  Dang, the time is flying by.  It is a sunny and cooler (a bit) this morning.  Last evening we had a brief rain shower, and maybe one later over night.  It sure is wet outside.  The grass is sopping wet - I don't know if I get to mow or not today.  Sigh!!!!  The humidity is down for the day, so that is good.  It looks like it is going to awfully hot this weekend - so I will be staying in much of the time.

Right now, I am airing the house a little, while I can.

Life is busy, and it slips away quickly.  Maybe, just maybe, if you do the best you can - your light will continue to shine well after you are gone.  Even if it is a brief thought by a stranger of the person who did or said something kind.

Yesterday our high school alumni group sent out yet another memo about another classmate who passed.  A brilliant man.  I remember his brilliance back into junior high.  He graduated early to go to college (I remember no one else doing that.)  He was tragically killed by someone running a red light - he was riding his bike to work (yes at 71).  He was a doctor, specializing in hematology and cancer care.  A biking enthusiast for decades.   A split second changed so may lives.

It seems like at least once a week we get a notice of someone leaving this earth from our class.

Just mentioning this to let it be a reminder that we all need to be our best every day.  

We can have some joy and make it a better day IF we choose to.  Remember the good things.  Do the good things others will remember.  Take time to smile and laugh, and yes, try to make someone else smile and laugh.

We all have the ability.

There is enough negativity in this big old world, without adding to it.  We can each make a difference - if only for one person.  It all makes a difference.

Trust me if you make someone else smile and experience joy - you will feel it too!!!!!

Stay cool in the upcoming summer days.  Eat the fresh yummies.  Tell the silly joke.  Stay well.

Have a wonderful weekend and SMILE and LAUGH a little!!!!

A Bit of This and That - and a Question

 Hello all.  Hope you are all well.  It turned into a pretty morning here.  I woke to the end of a little rain and a little haze this morning.  We had a nice little rain yesterday afternoon as well, and the plants all got a drink.  The skies were grumbling, but we got nothing bad here.  One of these days, I may be able to get out and mow!  Hoping for tomorrow - it looks to be the best day for a bit.  Too hot, too dewy and wet, too humid, it is always something.  Not taking any chances.  I know it is very hot many places, so please take care and stay in and stay hydrated.

I want to say I watched a show this week on Discovery on the 2024 hurricane of Helene and the Appalachia area.  It was films taken by survivors and all their personal videos.  It was so sad to watch.  I cried, and I found myself holding my breath most of the show.  I cannot imagine.  People filming their homes being hit by waves of water and huge debris, watching their neighbors homes being washed away.  One family filmed a neighbor be washed away in the water (an older lady), and their husband/dad jumped in to save her.  Both survived somehow.  Landslides happening right in front of people.  I know many places are still not even close to being back, almost a year later.  Such an unusual event for that area.  I mean who had heard of a hurricane hitting the mountains?  Just so much sadness.

It is now hurricane season again, and I pray for everyone out there, that no one has to go through any bad storms.  I know many of you from Florida and up the east coast have gone through these horrific storms (some many times).  I am so sorry for that.

There is so much flooding around right now, and fires, it is heart wrenching.  

On a positive note, I got a video of my gr.gr. nephew opening his t-shirt blanket after he got home from camping.  He loved it.  He said, "I now officially have the best blanket in the house".  Isn't that cute?  The littles have their blankets I have made, mom has hers from when she graduated high school and the one she had me make with the littles clothes.  He had one as a baby, but nothing as he grew.  He is in middle school this year, and the t-shirts were all memories from 'grade school'.

I got a bag of t-shirts from my niece (his grandma) to make a blanket for her MIL.  Oh my.  I had a gal ask me if I would think about making one for her daughter too. They are fun to do, but oh my back!!  I have no place big enough to spread things out, except the floor.  So up and down.  Guess we will see.

I have a QUESTION for you all.  What do I use fig jam for?  I have a jar I received as a gift, and not sure how to use it.  I am not a big fig eater, except Fig Newtons as a child!  Not sure what to do with it - I sure don't want to waste it.  Give me your best ideas!  Maybe a holiday thing I can make?  Thanks

I picked several tomatoes yesterday!!!  They aren't totally ripe - but I am not taking any chance of critters eating them.  I am so happy they are finally ripening.

I mentioned a week or so ago about the groundhog showing back up for a couple days.  I was really worried about the garden, and it was eating a lot of my flowers.  So I came in one morning (while he was here), and got my jug of ammonia.  It was under the deck/shed - so I started in front of the deck and poured going to the front of shed.  As I walked to the side of the shed - I met him head on!  He just stopped about a foot from me and froze.  I guess he thought I was a BIG predator!!  They usually don't get close to a person and always hide.  I stepped back and off he went too and I haven't seen it since.  The ammonia works!!!!!  My brother has had a problem with them for years and he tried ammonia this year (after my advice) and finally got rid of his as well.  Just an inexpensive tip if you have them.   They don't like the smell at all. (other animals - cats, squirrels weren't bothered).  They leave, I am happy, and nothing harmed.

OK, enough rambling for the today.  Any ideas for the jam would be appreciated!  

Hope you all have a safe and lovely day.

Be a blessing to someone!!!!!

Pantry Prep for the Struggles in Life

 Hello all.  Hope you are all doing well this Tuesday.  It is sunny at the moment, they say the day will be pretty cloudy.  We will see.  It is 74*F already, so it will be a warm and humid one again!  The tomatoes are FINALLY starting to come on and ripen.  They are so good.

Today just an idea or two for stocking up for whatever may come your way.

It could be a loss of a job.  It could be an illness.  It could be a family loss - trust me you don't want to shop for a while afterwards.  It could be rising prices.  It could be a weather event or just plain old winter!

There are a world of reasons to have your pantry in order.  Protect yourself and your family.

You need to remember that "pantry" does not just mean food!  It can be anything that you use on a regular basis.  There are also items that you use infrequently - many of those items are expensive, so slowly work on stocking up a little.

My main tip is to make a list or two.  A list of items you use a lot of  - every day, every week.  Things that you can go through fairly quickly.  Then make a list of things that you will need from time to time.

Keep that list with you at all times when out and shopping.

Everyday and frequently used items.

Canned or frozen foods.  Pasta, rice, dried beans, dish soap, laundry supplies, canned meats, H&B, TP, coffee, tea, there are just all sorts of things.  Pay attention when out in a store (any store).  If you find a great price on those items or a special, get some extra.  So many things last and last (well past 'best by' dates).

Think about things like furnace filters, allergy meds, sleep aids, baking goods, cleaning products (or make your own), vinegar, batteries, even yarn or craft supplies, etc.

You don't want to need something and not have it.  Of course, most of us know how to substitute other items, but not everyone does.  There are many times that you just don't want or need to go out to shop, especially if it is for one thing or for a more expensive item.

Don't limit yourself to grocery stores.  You may find a good deal anywhere.  There are dollar stores and places like Aldi and Ollies.  Now remember when buying goods at the dollar stores to look at the size of the item being purchased.  They often carry smaller sizes, and you really aren't getting a good deal, compared to the grocery.  So always check your sizes and unit prices.

I am personally good on so many items.  But things like filters and batteries are always on my list.  Over the counter vitamins, minerals, restless leg meds, allergy pills, OTC pain meds (Tylenol, Ibuprofen), cold meds or tummy aids (generally I use natural), etc..

Always be on the lookout for deals.  Having a prepped pantry can literally be a life saver.  You want to be able to provide for your family.  

You don't have to spend a lot of money at any one time.  Always keep $10 or $20 back for such reasons.  If you run into something that is a deal, and have no money - well, you have just lost an opportunity.  ALSO remember if you charge the items - PAY IF OFF at the end of the month.  Do NOT accrue interest - that is no deal!!!!!!!

Also remember that baby formula is basically the one thing that has an "expiration date".  The normal dates you find of items are NOT expiration dates!!!!  They are 'best if used by' dates.  The item doesn't magically go bad the day after that date!  Most items last and last, so PLEASE don't be wasteful.

So stock slowly and with purpose and intention.  Get the things you use and will need.  If it isn't used, it isn't a deal and it has no value.

Be wise and prepare!

Have a beautiful day and SMILE!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/10

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

August - means hot days.  We have that - but I sure find it better than below freezing and snow!  I could do without that all together.

Each morning we get up to very heavy dew and it really doesn't dry out.  I went out one afternoon, thinking to cut at least the front, and it was 3:30PM and the grass was still wet!  Crazy.

It looks to be a hot one again all this coming week.  Hope you are all finding ways to stay cool.

I was talking to Laurie in OR and she said they are looking at triple digits this weekend - heck 90 doesn't sound so bad!  Last week Hilogene said she was having triple digits in AZ as well.  Oh gosh, so glad all that isn't here.  Stay safe.

Boy last night and early this morning the moon was sure bright and full.  I thought this was a pretty picture.

You can tell it is getting closer to fall, as there are spider webs everywhere!  No matter where you try to walk outside, it seems you run into a web, around here.

My frugal week:

• I got to walk a couple mornings, early in the week.  Talked a while with the guy 2 doors down (chicken guy).  Probably the most we have talked ever.  Asked about him selling eggs, and he said he really never thought about being "egg man"!  He said maybe we could barter.  He gave me 4 - to just try.  I have tomatoes - so we may do that as a barter.  Regardless, I found a really nice young man (an old soul) to talk with!
• I got to air the house a day or so, and most mornings I turn off AC and air the house
• I had to change a lightbulb this week!!  I can't remember the last time I did that.  I hardly ever use the lights, and bulbs last forever now (I do have a nice stash of them)
• I washed inside windows, doors and mirrors
• I finally finished my gr.gr. nephew's t-shirt blanket - delivered it yesterday (he wasn't home).  Got orders for 2 more - yikes!
• Made hummingbird nectar
• Ran to Ollies to look for gift for my other gr.gr. nephew - he had a 3rd birthday party yesterday.  It was nice to see everyone.  Those kiddos sure had a good time!
• Went to the feed store while out and used my $15 discount for August to stock up a little.  Between feed store and Ollies there is an old K-Mart building.  They are tearing it down, and word has it they are building a Wa-Wa.  I have heard about them - just surprised to see one coming to this area.
• Also ran in Kroger - (all within the same block) - got 10 plums in clearance for $1.50.  Got a cantaloupe as well - 2.88 (tasty).  Needed some more fruit
• Made a gallon of blackberry tea.  Used my rich assortment of flavored tea bags I have.  Nice to mix it up now and then.
• Meals at home
• Dusting and cleaning, and just doing all the usual
• Have picked zucchini, a couple tomatoes, lots of cherry toms, and peppers.  The tomatoes are starting to really blush up - will have lots soon!
• Laundry in cold, and used dehumidifier water - hung to dry

Meals this past week: (simple)

Stir fry veggies and a pork chop

Grilled cheese/smash burger combo and some fresh veggies

Salad and cheese/summer sausage and crackers

Cheesy rice with lots of veggies & meatballs added

Beef bologna/tomato sandwich (had to have my summer fav) and small salad

Egg/sausage sandwich and side salad

Dinner at nieces - grill night & fixins!

Seems like lots of little things got done, but the big thing that looked like I accomplished something was the blankie being done.  

Just trying to stay in and stay cool.  I do go out a few times a day - but not for long.  Just trying to use what I have and only supplement small things.

How has your week been?  How are those gardens doing?  I hope you are all enjoying some fresh goodies of the summer.  Did you find any deals this week?

Give us a shout out and say hello!

I hope you all have a lovely week ahead, and that all are safe and healthy.  Prayers for all in need of healing.  

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

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Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore!  From the rising of the sun to its setting the name of the Lord is to be praised!

Psalms 113:2-3

Amen - we sing praises for all the Lord gives us each and every day.  Every small and tiny thing to the largest, we are blessed.  Help us to pay attention to all things, and know they are gifts from You.  Thank You for all blessings great and small.  May we all continue to notice and be aware of all the treasures we are given to experience.  AMEN

All Things Old are New Again!!!

Good day to all.

It is a lovely morning here.  Sunny and cool at the moment.  We had a little rain late last night - so everything is very wet.  Yesterday the surprise lilies lived up to their name!!  So many popped up and bloomed in the past 24 hours.  They sure are pretty and a sweet reminder of mom and daddy.

I hope this day finds you all safe and well.

Actually, remember an outhouse and a metal tub for baths.  The black rotary phone was on the desk and weighed a small ton!  It was a party line as well.  We got a TV when I was about 4 or 5, and it had a pretty small screen, in a metal box and was black & white only.  Yep, those were the days!

This following clip has been around for ages, but it is so very true.  No one wants to think how 'green' life was back in the day.  Mom, grandma and all those before them dure did their part - and it was just called LIVING!!!!!  It was what they had and what they did to survive.  Think about traveling across the country by horse and wagon!  I can't even fathom that, but they did it.  I just always smile every time I read this and thought you might as well.  It is a little long - but enjoyable.

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" Checking out at the store, the young cashier suggested to the much older lady that she should bring her own grocery bags, because plastic bags are not good for the environment.

The woman apologized to the young girl and explained, "We didn't have this 'green thing' back in my earlier days."

The young clerk responded, "That's our problem today. Your generation did not care enough to save our environment for future generations."

The older lady said that she was right our generation didn't have the "green thing" in its day. The older lady went on to explain: Back then, we returned milk bottles, soda bottles and beer bottles to the store. The store sent them back to the plant to be washed and sterilized and refilled, so it could use the same bottles over and over. So they really were recycled.

But we didn't have the "green thing" back in our day.

Grocery stores bagged our groceries in brown paper bags that we reused for numerous things. Most memorable besides household garbage bags was the use of brown paper bags as book covers for our schoolbooks. This was to ensure that public property (the books provided for our use by the school) was not defaced by our scribblings. Then we were able to personalize our books on the brown paper bags.

But too bad we didn't do the "green thing" back then.

We walked up stairs because we didn't have an escalator in every store and office building. We walked to the grocery store and didn't climb into a 300-horsepower machine every time we had to go two blocks. But she was right. We didn't have the "green thing" in our day.

Back then we washed the baby's diapers because we didn't have the throw away kind. We dried clothes on a line, not in an energy-gobbling machine burning up 220 volts. Wind and solar power really did dry our clothes back in our early days.

Kids got hand-me-down clothes from their brothers or sisters, not always brand-new clothing. But that young lady is right; we didn't have the "green thing" back in our day.

Back then we had one TV, or radio, in the house -- not a TV in every room. And the TV had a small screen the size of a handkerchief (remember them?), not a screen the size of the state of Montana.

In the kitchen we blended and stirred by hand because we didn't have electric machines to do everything for us.

When we packaged a fragile item to send in the mail, we used wadded up old newspapers to cushion it, not Styrofoam or plastic bubble wrap.

Back then, we didn't fire up an engine and burn gasoline just to cut the lawn. We used a push mower that ran on human power.

We exercised by working so we didn't need to go to a health club to run on treadmills that operate on electricity. But she's right; we didn't have the "green thing" back then.

We drank from a fountain when we were thirsty instead of using a cup or a plastic bottle every time we had a drink of water. We refilled writing pens with ink instead of buying a new pen, and we replaced the razor blade in a razor instead of throwing away the whole razor just because the blade got dull. But we didn't have the "green thing" back then.

Back then, people took the streetcar, or a bus and kids rode their bikes to school or walked instead of turning their moms into a 24-hour taxi service in the family's $45,000 SUV or van, which cost what a whole house did before the "green thing."

We had one electrical outlet in a room, not an entire bank of sockets to power a dozen appliances. And we didn't need a computerized gadget to receive a signal beamed from satellites 23,000 miles out in space in order to find the nearest burger joint.

But isn't it sad the current generation laments how wasteful we old folks were just because we didn't have the "green thing" back then?"

-borrowed

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YES, YES! I just love this. Gosh, I remember all these things.

Schoolbooks were used for several years before replacing. Hand me downs or homemade clothes, often from remaking something else. Laundry in a wringer washer and line dried. The water from washer was used on plants. Taking a bus downtown a couple times a year for shopping. Walking to the family-owned markets to get many of the groceries. Riding bikes for entertainment. Creating our own fun (no computers). We had very little trash. Cooked and ate at home.

Hope this gives you a bit of a smile and a thought back to the day when we didn't do the 'green thing'!!! LOL

Have a super great day and a lovely weekend.

Just an Idea or 2 - Using What You Have

 Hello all.  Good morning to each of you, wherever you may be! It is a sunny and lovely morning here.  Birds are singing!  Windows open for now.  Pretty heavy dew this morning, so everything has little water drops on it, and it in the sun it looks like little diamonds.

                                                         And using what you have!!!!!

Today just a couple of options, for using what you have to cook and to make yummy food.  It may be different than what we are used to - but it is good and healthy.  

Also, many have asked about using the air fryer, and I have no real set recipes that I use - but here is a chart that gives some basic times for cooking.  I use the book that came with the fryer and I just kind of experiment.  So far so good.

I know fryers can be expensive - so keep a good eye open to get a 2nd hand one.  Mine was used once and was $10 at a yard sale (and a good brand name).  Pretty good investment, especially since it has replaced the oven during the summer!

Click on image to enlarge for easier reading.

Homemade with no unnecessary ingredients!

CHICKEN NUGGETS

You can use equivalent of fresh chicken as well - you don't have to use canned.  But if you have it on your shelf, here is a different use.  I have made these and they are good.  Fast and easy and tasty.

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

Click on images to enlarge (2 sections)

I have really enjoyed, and they are tasty.  Just a good way to use up things you may not use much and that are sitting on the shelf. (you can also use 2 C of home cooked beans

BEAN BURGERS

Click on recipe to enlarge

I have done this before and they are very good.  It is a great option for vegetarians, or if you are short on the meat front and are looking to feed the family something healthy and filling.

Always remember you can add seasonings you like and have.

Don't forget you can make fritters from many of your garden veggies.  I really like zucchini fritters - search the files (using white box at top of blog) for recipes.  I have listed a couple over the years.  I like corn fritters as well.  Potato cakes is a great use for using leftover mashed potatoes.  I have added leftover corn (drained) to potato cakes - yum.  You can use shredded cabbage as well.  So many fun ways to stretch the budget and the leftovers - making something new.

Don't have bread?  No biscuits or tortillas?  Too hot to bake?  Try fried corn bread - love, love, love this.

I know it calls for buttermilk - but I have used regular milk before.  You can mix up powdered buttermilk mix as well (I always have that on hand).  It does give the bread a tang!  These sure are good and easy to make.  Don't have to heat the house up, and you don't need to make a special run to the store.  Win-win.

Hope these ideas give someone a chance to try something new.  Using what you have in your pantry, can be fun and can save money.  You can eat good, and you can eat healthy and still not spend a fortune.

Have fun my friends!

Have a fantastic day.  Happy Wednesday!

Summer - It is Veggie Time!!

 Good morning all. Been loving the weather for sure.  We will be getting warmer this week again, but heck fire - we got a nice break.  I will take that anytime.

Love the fresh air coming in.  Love having the AC off.  Love watching nature enjoy as well.

Woke to rain this morning - both rain barrels are full again, and everything is watered.

I love summer for all the wonderful fresh items that can be had.  Whether you grow it, or buy it, or barter it, etc. I sure hope you are using your imaginations using up the seasonal produce.  I know some say they get bored with meals, but there is just a lot that can be done, very simply, and for virtually little or no money.

My 'simple life' in summer comes in the way I eat.  I just love the growing season.

Today is just some pics and ideas of summer food using the veggies.  Not all of these are current - some from last year as well.

I eat mainly veggies during the summer, and in the past couple months with all the yard work and sweating to boot, I have lost about 11 pounds.  I like eating light with the warmer days.  Come winter there will be comfort food (any probably the 11 lbs. back!)  LOL

Not every meal has to have meat for me.  Ultimate fresh food.

Zucchini, carrots, potatoes and brisket (could use any leftover meat)

Tuna/egg salad w/crackers and fresh veggies

Zuke steaks and green beans sauteed with peppers and onions

Zuke, corn, beans, onion and meat with taco flavorings (kind of like chili) - can be eaten as is or served over rice or pasta

Pulled pork w/fresh veggies on tortillas - soft tacos.  Can use any type meat you have and any veggies

Zucchini, sausage, tomatoes and cheese.  My fav!  Can serve with pasta or rice

Nachos - made with whatever you have and like

Pasta and veg salad.  Can be eaten alone or as a side dish with anything

Cooked pasta with all types of veggies cooked in.  Peas, broccoli, onion, peppers, onion,,,,,,,,,,,what ever you have

Fresh side of assorted vegs, baby limas, burger

Salads can be anything you have - can include lettuce, but not necessary in my book

I have tons of ideas and meals I eat using the seasonal produce.  I prefer to eat like this all year - but can't always accomplish that.

So when you say you are bored, come and look around the blog - there are lots of ideas.  Use that fresh food as long as you can and in as many ways as possible.  You can add any meat you like, fish, chicken, pork, beef - use as a side or add into the veggies.

There is no end to the possibilities!!!

Whether you want to eat light or eat a heavy meal - the veggies can be eaten fresh, fried, roasted, added in - however you want.

So many that weren't even addressed here.  Cabbage, turnips, parsnips, kohlrabi, onions, celery, sweet peas, peppers....................the list goes on and on.

Get your creative on and eat that healthy food!!!!

Wishing you all a super day.  Enjoy!