Use it Up, Make Do and Eat Well - A Few Ideas

 Good day to all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very gloomy looking morning here.  I can hear thunder off in the distance.  It is far away, but I can still hear it.  It looks to be another day where we will have storms in the area later on.  Oh boy (not).

Almost every day this week has a chance for storms at some point.  Yesterday got a bit scary in the afternoon.  It got looking dark out, so I walked out back and put the cat food in the greenhouse, and the kitties were all just hanging out on the walk.  Then BOOM - out of nowhere came the wind.  I got the food in and the kitties went running (ended up in greenhouse) and I got back in the door and all heck let loose.

The wind was horrible - 60 - 70 mph straight line winds.  I had a ton of limbs and sticks down (sure cleans out the old trees).  It really scared Bitsy - he stayed in hiding for hours.  Two neighbors to the west had some significant limbs come down.  Yesterday was trash day, so many of the bins were out, and they were tossed like toothpicks - those cans are heavy!  Around the city trees fell and fell on vehicles and one took out a house.  I was so blessed.

Then we had rain in the early evening hours - no wind or bad stuff then.  

To the north and east of here, many counties are flooded.  They have had between 6" and 12" of rain since yesterday morning.  Nothing like that here thank goodness.  More to come.  Not a good weather week for sure.

PLEASE if in any of the flooded areas - stay safe.  Do not try to get through standing water.

Something easy. used what I had, and ever so TASTY!  I made this yesterday.  It is a flatbread topped with cream cheese onion powder, sliced tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese.  I made it in the air fryer.

Oh my goodness, it tasted like the most decadent grilled cheese sandwich ever and a combo of a tomato sandwich.  So very, good and very filling.  I will make again, sor sure.  It doesn't get much easier.

Now you could use anything - tomatoes, onions, peppers, mushrooms, bacon or olives.  You can use whatever you have in the way of cheese.   USE IT UP!  But, let me tell you the taste sensation of the cheese and tomatoes was fantastic.  Great use for those fresh tomatoes!

Here are a couple charts with some good ideas.  New ways to do things and new things to think about eating.  It is great when we can have new ideas using up the things we already have. It sure can save money as well.

If you have an air fryer - it isn't just for fries and wings anymore!!!!   I have not done a couple of these but have used mine for many of these ideas.  I have not made oriental dumplings, but egg rolls are great.  They really do 'freshen' up stale items.  Love it for pizza, fries, chicken, fish and have even made a mini one-person lasagna in mine.  Not a bad $10 deal I got at a yard sale!!! (and I thought I would never use).

These ideas might help someone.  I just wish they could the pictures to match the descriptions.  That drives me bonkers.  But you can read the ideas and find something that works for you and gives you a sugar free and healthy breakfast or even lunch or snack.

Use what you have and get creative.

I know I have said the word so much - but it my word this year.  Get creative.  Use what you have and experiment a little.

There are so many combinations of things that can be made - so many we just don't think about.  There are many ways to fix things and not heat the house or use the power of stove/oven.

Do you have any 'out of the norm' ideas to share that you really like?  Share please!

Give us all some new ideas.

If you are in any of the weather areas or the fire areas, I pray you stay safe.  Leave if you must, and please, please just don't temp fate.  Be safe.

Have a great day.

Pantry Mix & Match Blessings & New Tip

 Hello all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe.  It is a fairly cloudy morning here at the moment.  It is very humid and muggy out, and fairly warm already.  We are supposed to have storms come through later today - UGH.  A nice rain is much appreciated, but storms with torrential rain and damaging winds is not appreciated.  I am ready for low 80's or 70's and no humidity!

After working on the pantries, I thought it might be good to talk about how we can keep a nice pantry, whether you garden or not.  I know so many people do not garden - no shame there.  Some do some gardening or buying from farm markets and put things back for the future - whether canning or freezing.  Some just use the grocery - it is all good!  Do what works for you and don't let anyone intimidate you or say you aren't doing it right.  RIGHT is what works for you.

Here is one of the legume shelves!  I have store canned and dried.  All sorts of beans and many that aren't in the picture.  I lots and lots of pinto, red, navy, lima and black beans on an upper shelf.  Sometimes canned is just the ticket for me, other times, I want to have the smell and slowness of cooking my own.  I mix and match.

My kitchen freezer after re-arranging.  Both fresh and pre-made - some days I just want things easy.  Don't judge me - this IS straightened!  I have all things together in categories.  The blue basket is all packets of ground beef.  That is something I use a lot, especially since I have found such good clearance deals recently.

Here is a side view of the daily pantry.  There is home canned and premade.  I have lots and lots of rice and pasta in there as well - all jarred and sealed.  Cans of soup, baking goods, and other dry goods like breadcrumbs, cornmeal, wraps, etc.  It may look like utter chaos to some, but I know what I have and it is in categories.

However, you do your pantries and/or freezers is up to you.  You know how you use things and how often you use things.

Buy what you will use and please USE what you buy.  Getting a deal and then not using it - is NO deal.  It is just throwing money away.

I had been planning on writing this after the cleaning, and then I watched a video by Little House Living, and by golly, she was talking about the same thing.  People were bad mouthing her because she had store bought goods!!  WHAT?  That is crazy.  Some things are just cheaper to buy, than to can or freeze and yes, you can buy premade goods that are natural and nothing added.

I think people think growing and canning is the cheapest (only sometimes) but it is so much about knowing what is in your food.  You can control chemical use, and you can control ingredients.  You can buy many all-natural goods - I see veggies in water with no other ingredients and I see fruit in natural juices with no sugar added.  They are out there.  OR you can buy frozen as well - they stay pretty natural too - it just takes a little looking.

So do what works for you.  After all it is your home and you are the one eating it.

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

Now here is a TIP - we have all heard of placing charge cards or money in containers to hide in the freezer for safe keeping.  Well, I heard a friend tell a story yesterday that made me think about the cash idea especially.  They had a family member pass away, and at the funeral a relative asked the daughter, if they had cleaned the frig out yet.  Answer - yes and we threw everything in the trash.  This lady had a LOT (major amount) of cash in the freezer and the daughter didn't know!!!!!  Out in the trash.  Oh my.

So the TIP is - no matter where you may have money hidden, make sure someone that you trust knows where it is and that they hopefully will be in charge of eliminating things from the home, if you pass on.

There are many places to hide things that would never be thought of.  In ceiling vents or in jars in floor registers.  In a jar of dry beans or rice, freezer, in a book, under drawers, etc.  If you are ever given the chore of cleaning out someone's home - just check everything.  Have a trusted person know where you have things hidden.

I hope you are having a good start to the week.  If you are in the path of storms - be safe. 

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 8/9

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe,

It is a muggy morning here today and it will get to about 90*F.  We have a day or two more of this heat then we are supposed to get back to the low 80's and less humidity.  That I like.

I have been out to feed, and they kitties didn't eat as much this morning.  Pip is starting to get them more independent.  They aren't quite 3 mos. yet and still nurse a little - but she is taking them out on walk abouts (across alley) and they are getting a lot more active and exploring.  Hunting as well.  Momma cat and Pip sure are cicada hunters!

My frugal week:

• Used rainwater as a final rinse for my hair - made it so soft
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry
• HARVESTING the garden - tomatoes are really picking up, cukes, lots of peppers and zuke
• Went through some sealed totes I had and found a lot of long-term food items I had forgotten.  They are now in sight and ready for use
• I did a HUGE clean and organization of the deep pantry and the regular pantry.  I am so very blessed with goods.  Some non-food items, that I will probably never have to buy again.
• Vacuum sealed a lot of jars of dried goods. (that gift got a lot of use!)
• I straightened and organized the frig freezer - have the big freezer yet to do
• Made some stuffed banana peppers with cream and cheddar cheese seasoned with onion soup mix.  Froze to have later in air fryer
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard.  First time in ages that I got the yard all mowed and trimmed in one day!  I am having so much more energy.  Did a good trim and clean behind the shed, and worked in the front flower bed some
• Did get some days of windows open and no AC earlier in week
• Met a new neighbor.  They have only lived on the other side of alley for 20 years - about time we meet!!!!
• Picked rhubarb
• Picked a couple handfuls of grapes to eat - a real treat.  They are starting to ripen!!
• Got some blackberries out of the big freezer and mixed with the rhubarb.  Used some on ice cream, and made a little cobbler and still have syrup left
• NO grocery or spending.  Did not leave the property this week
• All the regular stuff - lots of dusting, dust mopping and vacuuming.  I sure get a lot of dust 'kitties'.  Cleaned nose prints from windows, using what I have and cooking from scratch
• Made zucchini boats and made extra to freeze.  Used corn instead of rice in filling this time.  Used the oven but also made the cobbler at same time.

So good

Meals this past week:

Fried egg sandwich and pasta salad

Grilled burritos (homemade/freezer) and salad

Fried okra, corn cob and toms and cukes

Egg roll bowl

Potato bites and chicken fingers (air fryer) and toms

Stuffed zucchini boats and sliced toms

Fried green tomatoes and fried breaded banana peppers (new try and good), sliced toms

I managed to keep busy this week and did get a lot done.  As we pointed out this week, it is all about just getting started.  I am good about finding excuses to not start, but I just made myself get up and do it.  So much more to accomplish!

I ended up with a big old bruise on my arm - no idea how - about gone now.  I also got blisters and lucky me, more poison.  But I survived it all - life is good.

How was your week.  How are the gardens doing?  Anyone doing any canning or freezing yet?  Probably won't be long here.  Did you find any good deals or markdowns?

Give us a shout out - love knowing how everyone is doing.

I wish you all a super week ahead and many smiles.

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

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

Teach me to do thy will, for thou art my God!  Let thy good spirit lead me on a level path!

Psalms 143:10

Dear Lord, we come with thanks for all the blessings and gifts that we received in some form this week.  Help all that are having struggles with various things and let them know they are loved and being held up my Your hand.  Forgive us when we stray from the good thoughts and deeds, we know we should be doing.  May we all open our hearts so You can teach us Your will.  Thank You for loving us.  AMEN

Accomplishing Feels Good - Like Finding Money!

 Hello and welcome to all.  Hope everyone is well.  I sure appreciate you taking a moment out of your days to stop here and visit for a bit.  It means a lot.

It is a nice morning here.  A bit more humid than it has been for a few days, a little cloudy, chance of light rain - but here we are!!!!  We are alive and getting to experience another day.

I am tired this morning, and sure thought it would feel nice to stay in that bed a little longer - but there were mouths to feed!

LOL - who hasn't heard almost all of these in some part at some point in your life?  I sure have - and many I still say.  All pretty good advice in my book!

I have kept fairly busy this week so far.  I have had a lot of projects that I have been wanting to accomplish and by dingy I started on them FINALLY!

I have spent a good amount of time working on the pantry and the deep pantry.  I went through some totes and found goods I forgot I had purchased (for long term).  So, everything got rearranged and organized and sorted and jarred and categorized and cleaned..........

It sounds HUGE, but it really wasn't so bad once I got started.  It was just getting started!!

So, for now, the daily area is done and the big deep pantry are pretty much done.

I still need to do the freezers - frig and upright.  Maybe I will tackle the frig freezer today.  I also have a lot very old home canned goods - have just gotten forgotten - that as badly as I hate it, need to be emptied and the jars cleaned.

I tell you I have found out there are many dried goods and many non-food items, that I will probably never to have to buy for ages.  Goodness, being a deal shopper and an old couponer - has left me with many non-food items that will last and last.

It is now time to stay out of the grocery for the most part.  Occasional milk and cheese and of course pet food - that should do it for me. I have lots of fresh from the garden for now.

Keeping the pantries and freezers really organized is a HUGE money saver.

I also worked in the yard a lot too.  I really do feel accomplished.  But as busy as I was, I made sure to take time just for me as well.  NO naps, but I have had walks and neighbor talks, and reading and porch sitting.  Just keeps me decompressed and happy.

I have a list of so many things that need to be done around here and things I need to declutter and just need to dig into.  I truly want my home in order!  I mean it is decent now, and it always looks cleans - but you know what I mean.  So much that we put off and just avoid and need to get rid of.  We all know the old saying "out of sight out of mind" - YEP!!!!!!

I hope you have all had a good week so far and wishing you a good weekend.  Get up today and do something that you have put off (no matter how small or large) - it will feel good to have it done!

Have a wonderful day!!!!!!!

 

Calm Home & Life - Cost Nothing

 Hello to all.  Wishing you all well this fine day.  It is a beautiful morning here.  Cool and the sun is shining.  I have the windows open and fresh air is coming in!  I have been able to keep the windows open over half of the day, then have to close do to heating up outdoors.

The water has all dried up out back, but it sure smells 'wormy' out there!  I really would like to mow out back today, but the grass is sopping wet with dew - will see how long it takes to dry out.

Just do it.  You can bring back anything you want and enjoy the calmness of the days gone by.

It seems we all need more peace, comfort and calmness in life.  Life is so busy and everyone and everything seems to be in a rush!  There is always 'noise' to distract us and to try and keep us occupied.  I like a restorative kind of life.  Porch sitting!!  I know people truly love all the gadgets and apps and electronics - I do not.  I have no problem doing things the old way.  Absolutely NOTHING in life is that important that it has to be handled this very moment in my opinion.

I watched a video yesterday that really had an impact - so I thought I would relate some of their ideas.

• Keep meaningful things around you - things that elicit memories and thoughts of people you love and places you love.  When you see them, you smile.  Or they may just be there, and you don't 'think' you look at them each day - but odds are you do and they give you comfort.
• Pause when you come home from being out.  Take a moment to walk in and just BE in your home and breathe.  You are home and that should be comforting
• Use what you have.  Repurpose things, move things around, instead of buying and spending.  Sometimes just changing up the view can feel wonderful - redecorate for nothing
• Let nature in.  Plants, fresh air, cut flowers, herbs, a basket of fruit on the table - something natural - it just feels like home
• Have a quiet place.  It can be a favorite chair, a spot by a window, or a room, or maybe a balcony or place outdoors.  Someplace that you can decompress and just breathe and get your mind back in tune
• Make meals quietly.  Maybe make some simple meals, in a slow pace - don't always rush.  Sit at the table and truly enjoy eating the meal - enjoy the flavors and taste and company if you have someone else there
• Use subtle soft lights after dark.  We see so much brightness all day, and even with TV/computer distractions.  Soft lights calm - that is why Christmas lights always seem so enjoyable and soothing in a dark room
• Keep around calming smells.  It may be fresh air or coffee brewing or candles.   Scent can be so very soothing - scents seem to take us somewhere else
• Keep your sleep place calm and uncluttered.  It needs to be a relaxing area - not a lot of distractions
• Keep your home in order daily.  Do a little here and there - you don't have to bust butt to do it all at once.  Laundry one day, vacuum or dust another, pick up as you go.  This way the house always feels clean, and you aren't rushing around - it is not overwhelming. Slow and steady - always wins!
• Don't worry about what you don't have!  Getting that next new big thing, isn't always satisfying and often you have to work hard to get it.  Concentrate on what you HAVE and appreciate it.  What you have is home and makes you feel safe.

All things we can do and they cost nothing.  Anytime we can reduce stress and the rush of the world, is a good day.  Make your house a home!  It is yours and you can just BE when you are there.

Enjoy your home and just keep it calm and relaxing - a peaceful home is wonderful.

Have a wonderful and blessed day.

Momma Lessons to Me and Now to You!

 Hello to everyone that has taken the time to check in this little place I call home.  I hope you are all well and safe. I want to take a moment and say how I appreciate people finding this a place that they can come and ask for prayer.  That just makes me happy.

It is a cooler morning at 65* and sunny.  It will get to the mid 80's today.  It is very dewy out there. The windows are open at this time, just enjoying the fresh breeze.

I told you Sunday, that we had sirens go off on Saturday evening with our storm.  I found out yesterday that there was a low-grade tornado just on the other side of the park - that is just a few blocks away!!!  YIKES - I had no idea.

Yep, that is me!  Mom's old kitchen - bright shiny yellow were the walls.  You can't see it, but to the right of me would have been the old Chambers stove.  Oh how I wish I had that today.  That thing was the best.

Mom taught me many lessons in that kitchen and the one that followed when they remodeled.  I learned to cook, and I learned to can, and I learned to "use it up".

Now I realize that a lot of things she did back then, people just would not do today.  Folks like convenience and want things now!  We didn't have fast food, so everything was made at home.  The grocery budget was very tiny, so it was for things that could not be grown or made from home.

So here we go - from Momma to you!

Always save your bacon grease.  That is gold - and it can be added to things and adds a tremendous amount of flavor. (I still save)

Butter was always kept on the counter - never the frig.

There was always coffee on the stove - ALWAYS in that kitchen.

Never put a tomato in the frig.  It changes the chemical compounds and boy; does it change the taste.

Always use up the bread in some way - never waste it.

Soup can be made from anything you have on hand - and cream of soup can be made from any veggie - great way to use leftovers.  Soup was served with crackers or bread - to help fill you up.  Plain old tomato soup often had macaroni or rice added to it to add extra bulk.

SOUPS - potato, broccoli, split pea, cauliflower, veggie, chicken noodle/rice, pozole (pork & hominy), tomato, goodness the list went on and on.

Those leftover veggies also made great fitters.

Chipped beef gravy was a biggy at our house.  Super easy and cheap.  We called it 'dried beef' gravy.  She would use a package of Buddig beef (I still do).  Any kind of gravy was made.  Often it was just white (country) gravy made with bacon grease as a starter.  It was also made with ground beef, sausage or whatever we had.  Served over biscuits (scones) or toasted bread.  Always filled us up and I still love it for comfort food.

Heck, we had baked bean sandwiches, tomato or cuke sandwiches, peanut butter and jelly.  Daddy loved hot peppers on buttered bread!  That was lunch. Mom could make a great meat spread with about any leftover meat we might have - it would sure stretch out a little meat into something to fill a belly.

The kitchen after they remodeled it.  It was this way until we sold it in 2002.  See that old Admiral frig?  That became mine when I got my first home in 1975, and mom upgraded.  I used that frig in my house until it sold many years later.

Oh if that kitchen could talk!!!  So many meals, thousands of dozens of cookies and just a bunch of yummy food and so much canning.  So many people passed through there.

Mom would add tuna to veggies or pasta to have a cheap meat in the dinner.  Maybe add some cheese on top and yum.  I make what I call skillet dinners - mom called them casseroles and they were made in a cast iron skillet in the oven.

Baked potatoes was a nice addition to a meal, as they were really filling.  Mom made potatoes in about every way you could think of - they were cheap.

Jello was a staple in the kitchen.  Mixed flavors or fruit added.  She would sometimes take peach halves, pineapple slices, apricot halves and even watermelon slices and heat on the griddle (we didn't have a grill) - they would char a bit and made for a special dessert! Oh, another was fried apples!

She made all sweets.  Cookies, cakes, pies, sweet breads, you name it.  There was always a sweet bread in the freezer that could be pulled out and sliced for a treat if company stopped by.  She fed everyone!

She made potato chips and French fries at home.  Our baked beans were always 'baked' beans (not from a can).  Macaroni and cheese was made in an oven (still my preferred) - not a pot on the stove.

Other than sweets she made, we had fruit in the summer from the trees and vines out back, and there was popcorn and my favorite treat was syrup and peanut butter mixed together and served with crackers or a slice of bread!

She canned or froze everything that daddy could grow - jams, jellies, veggies, fruit, kraut, even stuffed peppers.

We had simple breakfasts during the week and something hearty on the weekend.

Her words were NEVER waste a thing - it can be used in something else.  Grow and put away all you can and of course everything was made from scratch.

Now I know many don't do these things today - but if we just follow some of her lessons, we can save a lot of money.  It uses what you have and feeds your family.

Buy and grow what you eat and eat what you buy or grow.

I am so glad I had parents that were inventive and hard workers - I learned so much.  We didn't have a lot of money at all - but we never went hungry - mom could make anything a feast!  

Lessons I still use today!

Maybe you will see something that you can use in your kitchen, and just maybe it will help you stretch that food budget a little and fill the bellies of the family!!!!

Have a beautiful day!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/2

 Hello to all and welcome here and to August!  I hope you are all doing well.

We had some really nice weather last week, and then things turned around yesterday.  Rain and more rain.  I wish I could have sent it to some of you that are so dry and having fires.  

We woke with pouring rain, then on and off all day light rain, then another downpour late afternoon/early evening.  It just poured.  I still have water out back as of this morning.  I went out AGAIN, and cleaned the storm drain - it was clogged with debris that flowed from down the street.  Seems no one else can figured out why the street floods!!!!!  Geesh.  It looked like a river flowing into the drain after I got the debris out.

We even had tornado sirens around 5PM.    The weather says we had about 2" yesterday, but I know we had more here - the rain gage shows it.

We are supposed to have sporadic showers today.  It is cloudy, cooler but still humid.

My frugal week:

• Found some wings while digging in freezer - thawed to use
• Porch sitting and walking a lot and talking with several neighbors
• Put together new bottles of dish soap and shampoo
• HARVESTING garden - toms, cuke, peppers, cherry toms, zuke (enough to keep me in fresh)
• Stripped the bedding top to bottom and washed all and throw rugs as well
• Had tons of limbs and sticks down from storm #1 early in the week - got them all picked up
• Made hummingbird feed
• Neighbor brought me homemade zucchini bread
• Went out to renew my library card (every 3 years) and get a couple books
• Stopped and got gas fill-up for the month, paid 2.67/gal. after discounts (our state gas tax has been suspended for a while - it comes back 8/6)  
• Refilled all the feed bins with things I had on hand and scrubbed all the water holes
• Mowed and trimmed the front only - edged all the front walks
• FULL rain barrels
• Paid everything I had on hand 
• The rain 'washed' my car!  It looks so much better!!  It gets a lot of dust around here
• Made a big bowl of veg/pasta/faux crab salad
• Got to have windows open a lot this week and AC off
• Just doing all the normal stuff and cooking at home

Meals this past week:

Boneless chicken wings, rice/broc/cheese, cukes

Fried zucchini, corn on cob, l/o rice

Flat bread pizza (in air fryer)

Stuffed peppers and sliced cukes/toms

Cheesy/bacon fries and salad

Tenderloin, corn on cob, salad

Pasta salad and fried ham slices

There you have it.  Just a bit of this and that.  

I did hear from Cookie and she is OK.  She said she had sent me a couple earlier e-mails which I didn't receive.  So glad to know she is OK - just trying to get through the trials of a different life now.

What have you all been up to this week?  Any deals or harvests to brag about?

I hope you all have a very lovely week ahead and that you and yours are all safe and doing well.

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

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

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.  Therefore we will not fear though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble with tumult.

Psalms 46:1-3

Dear Lord, we say thanks for all the many wonders in our life - from small things to big.  Help us each to know that You are with us every day and no matter what goes on, on earth or in our lives, You will remain with us.  You will comfort us and send us blessings in many forms.  May we always turn our faith and trust to You.  Things happen beyond our control each day, and we know that it is all part of Your plan.  Thank You for loving us.  AMEN

Don't Let Things Pass You by

 Good morning all.  Hope you are all well.

It is another lovely morning here.  Cool, light breeze and the sun is up.  Yesterday was a glorious day.  I just love these days where the weather cooperates.

I have seen others mention a problem on Blogger, and I see it as well.  It is not updating posts as it should.  It is seriously affecting readers and views.  I have to actually go to the blogs I read each day to see if something new is posted (click on blog name), as my Blogger list does not update for a couple of days.

Just a reminder I always post on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings.  So if your list doesn't show anything - just come and look.  There will be a new post.

So, that said, Blogger get it together!  It is aggravating.

I want to post a poem, that I think we will all appreciate and it is also a great reminder of what we might just let pass us by each day.

Unaware, We Pass "Him" By

On life's busy thoroughfares

We meet with angels unawares --

But we are too busy to listen or hear,

Too busy to sense that God is near,

Too busy to stop and recognize

The grief that lies in another's eyes.

Too busy to offer to help or share,

Too busy to sympathize or care,

Too busy to do the good things we should,

Telling ourselves we would if we could,

But life is too swift and the pace is too great

And we dare not pause for we might be late

For our next appointment which means so much,

We are willing to brush off the Savior's touch,

And we will tell ourselves there will come a day

We will have more time to pause on our way.

But before we know it "life's sun has set"

And we've passed the Saviour but never met,

For hurrying along life's thoroughfare

We passed Him by and remained unaware

That within the very sight of our eye,

Unnoticed, the Son of God passed by.

Helen Steiner Rice

Seriously, probably my favorite poet. I think this just says everything and we ALL do it.  We always think tomorrow - well, today is what matters.

I often think that God has told us that we will turn Him away, unaware.  That crying child, a homeless person, a friend that just needs an ear, an elderly person who needs a hand ..........  I know we can't and don't always stop or do something.  Life and experiences have turned us, and we are much too skeptical today.  But maybe, just maybe we need to pay a little more attention and do a little more.  We truly are entertaining God, as we are from Him.

***********

I also want to share these words - as I know they will help many of you.  They are the words on I card I received from my friend Laurie - and it is probably the best card I have ever received - as it says it all so truly.

During this time....

There will be hugs

There will be tears

There will be people who don't know what to say

And some who can still make you laugh.

There will be pictures and keepsakes,

Memories and stories ---

Some you have never heard and some you will never hear enough.

There will be sorrow.

There will be celebration.

But, most of all, there will be love, the kind that never ends.

Isn't that perfect?  Truer words were never spoken.  We each receive and perceive all kinds of things when dealing with a loss.  Some good and some bad.  We just need to know that we are still loved - not just by God, but by others (some we don't even know).

Has anyone heard from Cookie recently?  I checked on her a couple weeks or so ago, and she was trying to adjust to this new stage in life - but I just recently sent a couple e-mails and have heard nothing.  If you have seen her post or have talked to her, please let me know.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend and stay safe.

Make sure you check on our normal days to see new posts.

Be blessed and be AWARE!

Expensive Groceries? Meals & Treats for Cheap

 Good day to all. Hoping this finds you well.

It is a very refreshing morning here.  Looks to be pretty nice out today.  AC off again, and the windows open this morning.  My 'surprise' lilies have popped up, waiting for them to open.  I always think of mom and dad when I see them.  They had hundreds of them at the old home sight, and this is some I brought home over 20 years ago.  Still going strong.

I know many places are paying a lot more for groceries.  Yes, I have seen increased prices, but I generally don't buy full price items.  I deal with clearance and manager's mark downs.  Saying that, I know not all have that option, as they have smaller stores and live more rural where there aren't a lot of options.

We can adjust our eating by WHAT we make.  Meat doesn't have to be a daily option (I know!!)

It is also very hot many places, and people just don't like the idea of heating up the kitchen making food.

I suggest using toaster ovens, air fryers or crocks or fast cooking pots along with the stove top.

SNACKS - popcorn is very inexpensive and easy to make.  It makes for a great and filling snack.  Fresh fruit or veggies are also good for snacks.  Veggies and some dip.  PBJ, a small salad, maybe make some no bake goodies.  Pudding, Jello, no bake cookies, Krispie bars, etc.  You can make a simple crisp and not use the oven, but one of the other options of baking.

Maybe a tomato sandwich or a cucumber sandwich.

When it comes to bread - use what you have.  A hamburger or hotdog don't have to have buns - use bread (that is all we had growing up).  You can sub a bun in almost all sandwiches if that is all you have - maybe toast them to be different.  Turn a bun into a sub sandwich, or use for tuna /egg salad, even a bologna sandwich!  They are interchangeable.

I know many of you like cottage cheese and I thought this chart was interesting.  You can add anything to it and jazz it up.  Or it can be as simple as a tomato or peach added.  It is good for you (not me!) and you can really add any type of items.

Fresh produce cut up and added to pasta and dressing for a quick and simple pasta salad.

Have some older fruit that needs used?  Peel and cut up and make a little fruit salad.

Drink water or homemade iced tea.

Sandwiches - can be hot or cold.  Hot ham or beef or pork with leftovers would be great.  Make cold meat spreads or egg salad.  PBJ or pimento cheese sandwiches are great.  Fried egg sandwiches are always a quick and healthy go to.  The use of bread with sandwiches also helps fill one up.  Throw in some veggies or fruit and you have a nice little meal for easy.

Even add a bowl of soup if desired.  A can of soup can be all jazzed up by adding some rice, pasta, leftover veggies or meat.

Make a quick and easy cabbage/sausage and potato skillet. Can be done in one pan and the flavors all work together.  Taco skillet - use either rice or pasta/taco meat - maybe some corn or beans.  I am a huge fan of skillet meals.  I do a couple with zucchini, bell peppers, cabbage, pasta.................

Individual pizzas are cheap and easy - you can use tortillas, bread, Ital. bread, Naan, whatever you have as a crust.  Top with bits and pieces just hanging out in the frig or crisper. Add some cheese - don't need an oven.

Roll-ups or wraps - super easy.  Can be hot or cold.  Breakfast/lunch/dinner.  Also easy is quesadillas, taco or burritos (burritos can be turned into enchiladas).

Some items are just super filling.  Great to add to meals, when trying to keep costs down.  Potatoes are such a versatile veggie and can be fixed a hundred ways!!!!!

Add those bits leftover or hanging out in the crisper together to make a stir fry and serve over rice.

Fried rice - doesn't get much cheaper or easy than this.  Rice - whatever odds and ends you have - throw in an egg and some seasoning and BOOM you have dinner.

Good food, inexpensive cooking, fast cooking, little effort and FILL the BELLIES!!!!!!

It can be done.  You have to be willing to use everything ALL up and maybe in a new way, look for all the bargains you can find, maybe throw in some home-grown goodies and get CREATIVE!

Also if it is just you - you can do whatever your little heart desires!!!!  Eat a meal, snack on items, whatever floats your boat.  I have times I just have meat/cheese and crackers and maybe a salad or piece of fruit.  There really are NO rules.

Do you have a special easy, yummy and affordable dish you make?  Share your ideas!

Have a beautiful day!
  

It is the Little Stuff - Smiles!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are all safe and healthy and doing well.  Hope some of the storms yesterday missed you and did no damage.

We had a heck of a storm come through around 6:30PM.  It came out of the north which was kind of unusual.  It came hard; fast and boy did it rain.  It got kind of crazy for a bit.

I had more limbs and sticks down than I have had in ages.  We got about 1 1/2" rain in an hour.  The temps dropped 21 degrees in an hour, and it felt awesome out after the rain.

This morning is back to humid, but that is supposed to be leaving this afternoon.  It is a gloomy and cloudy morning.  This too shall pass.

Tomorrow many children go back to school around here.  The rest start next week.  Crazy stuff.  I loved having the entire summer off when I was young - didn't go back until after Labor Day.

Have you noticed the daylight hours are getting shorter?  It gets light later and dark a little earlier.  I notice it most in the mornings!

Today, just a few pics of things that make me smile, and that I just find a wonder.  It is little things, that can surely make a day special.  A smile, a hug, a word, a sight...... just the little things - they can be huge.

A side view of my little garden.  I have black garden fabric under the plants and then just dirt between rows.  There is a soaker hose if needed.  Here are my 8 tomato plants and behind them is peppers.  I had zucchini behind them (far right), but the ones in the garden didn't do good at all.  The ones in the big washtub are doing great. (Cherry tomatoes are in pots as well).

At the right of pic - see that tall green plant?  That is where my banana peppers are and they just keep producing and are loaded.  That tall one came in same cell pack - but it doesn't appear to be the same.  The plant is 2X as tall as others and the peppers are different.  I do believe it will be a jalapeno!!  Surprise!  It has tons of tiny peppers on it.

Tomatoes are hanging out there in clusters!  There are many and just so neat to see such clusters of potential yumminess.

This makes me sooooo happy.  It has been years since I have had cucumbers be successful.  I am growing very old seeds (planted very late) in a big pot.  They are doing good and taste so good.

KITTENS (and leaves).  Front to back - Patches, Boots, Dusty and mommy Pip.  They are 9 weeks old and just a hoot.  Playing and exploring everything.  They eat and drink, but they are still nursing as well.  They are so little.

Yesterday after changing out everything on the bed, I put this quilt on.  A good friend gave me this about 10 years ago - said it reminded her of me.  She is now gone, and whenever I put it on the bed, I think of her.  It is so pretty and cheerful (not made by her), but it just makes me smile.  She was a flower buddy and my hummingbird buddy.  She would call me every day (at least once) to give me a hummingbird report!!!  LOL

Isn't mature something?  Phlox - tons of little, teeny tiny flowers all together to make one beautiful flower head.  The bees love these flowers.

                                                                         Perfection!

God makes nothing that isn't perfect in His eyes.  That is something we need to remember.  We often see flaws and criticize things - but God made it and He makes no mistakes.

From quilts, to kitties, to growing things, just a few of the items that are little but make me smile.

Folks, life is good - appreciate all that you see and can do.

Looking forward to the humidity breaking today and feeling a bit cooler out.  That is a beautiful feeling, not just for me but all of nature as well.

What little things make you smile?  

Have a fantastic day and take time to appreciate!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/26

 Hello to all.  Hope you are well and safe on this last Sunday of the month.  Hard to believe we have basically gone through another month in the blink of an eye.  Less than 5 months is Christmas!  Oh my!!!

This morning it is about 70*F and foggy.  We have had mist as well.  While I was out wondering and feeding first this, I felt water hitting my skin - then noticed the pavement seemed damp too.  Looks to be cloudy most of the day.

We had some fantastic weather this week - just perfect days.  No humidity was the key.  That shall end they say, and starting today humidity rises and heat return (although not as bad as before).

I came across a fix for my tiredness this week, all by accident.  Well, I say accident for me, but I think it was a God nudge.  Early in the week, my day got all changed up as far as my routine goes.  I then noticed I felt better.  I wasn't tired or sleepy, didn't have a headache, and had a lot more energy.  WHAT was it you say?  Well, my morning drink didn't happen first thing - I waited until I was up for an hour, hour and half.  Lupper (lunch/supper) got pushed back the same amount of time maybe longer.  That is it and what a difference I have felt all week.  I might guess it was a blood sugar thing!  I feel like a different person.

My frugal week:

• Made the dressing/dip with leftover broccoli (posted earlier in week)
• Laundry using dehumidifier water - hanging to dry
• Trimmed the back bushes
• Mowed & trimmed whole yard, cleaned the fence rows about 90% (what I could from this side)
• Worked on the front flower bed more and then on the back one some
• Using a lot of rain barrel water
• Garden - picking cherry toms, lots of peppers, cukes, zucchini and my FIRST tomato!
• Had AC off a good 3 or 4 days - windows open
• Picked a bouquet of flowers to brighten my day

The phlox, mallow, and rose from the yard - the little yellow flowers from the wild growth down the alley - it is still pretty and just cheery!

• Noticed the drainpipe from AC was leaking - so took it apart and it was clogged.  Who knew?  The water had built a major build up over years - so it is clean and flowing properly now
• Did more staking of tomatoes, tied them up and weeded the garden
• Washed the windows on the security doors
• Ran to Kroger to get more wet cat food - suddenly I am going through a lot!!!  Go figure.  While there - I walked around and they had tons of markdowns (early morning).  Sorry I didn't take pics.  I got 3 HUGE yellow peppers (1.50), 6 nice apricots (1.50), ground Angus (lean) 3.49 lb. (2), jumbo stuffed olives (2.35 jar - 2), corn on the cob .39 ear, jar of sliced jalapenos (1.25), 2 1/2 lb. bag of frozen chicken strips (4.05)
• Stopped at auto store and got the back wiper blade replaced on Blazer (should have done that when I did the front)
• Stopped at the thrift store and got FREE whole wheat pack of hamburger buns, and Friskies cat treats 2 bags for $1 (4)

Meals this past week:

Beans and rice

Beans/rice/cheese & dressing, salad

Green beans/potatoes/ham

Tostadas (bean/rice/cheese/salsa)

l/o beans/potatoes/ham, corn on the cob

Sauteed zucchini/peppers, chicken fingers, cuke/tom salad

Loaded cheeseburger, corn on cob, cuke/tom salad

It has been a good week.  The weather was wonderful for being July, probably a couple of the best days weatherwise in a couple months.  I got lots done - do to changing my schedule up.  Felt renewed with energy this week.

I know many of you are going through some very hard things in life, and I just wish you all the best.  God places things in our lives, that we often don't expect, but it truly can make us stronger.  I hope you all know you have a safe place here.

Wishing you all a lovely week ahead, with health, safety and joy.  

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

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

This seems appropriate this morning:

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven; a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.

Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8

Dear Lord, we come forth again this week with all our thanks for the many blessings we received this week.  Please comfort those who are hurting, heal those who are ill, and open eyes to all the blessings that we do have.  May we all give love and comfort to others and may we all stay good stewards of all our gifts and possessions.  Help each one who is reading this to have a beautiful week full of goodness.  AMEN

Busy Hands, Thankful Heart

 Hello to all.  Hoping this finds you well.  A glorious morning it is here.  Wishing you a good one as well.

It was 57* this morning when I got up!  What a difference a couple days makes.  It is just beautiful out.  The sun is shining, the birds are singing, the kitties fed and playing.  Windows are open - actually I never had the AC on at all yesterday!  Hope today is the same.  The heat is coming back in a couple days (just not as bad), so I will enjoy and appreciate these fine cooler days all I can.

I actually saw the groundhog for the first time in a week or so - it must like cooler weather too.  I saw a bunny across the street.  Such sweet sights of nature first thing.

I was amazed how much dew there was this morning.  I figured as cool as it was, and the humidity levels way down that wouldn't be the case.  Oh well, gives me a chance to do some other things until it dries, as I want it dry to mow.

This says it all to me.  The picture even reminded me a little of daddy.  He always had his bibbers on and loved the porch swing.  He would sit out there when not working and play his harmonica.  I used to love to sit and listen to that.

I feel so blessed to have these lovely days to get out and catch up.  It sure needs 'catching up'.  I see a mess - others don't.  Yesterday I was out back working and trying to make things 'pretty' again in my eyes, and I met the folks that are caretakers of an elderly neighbor behind me.  We talked about him and she told me what a lovely yard I had.  I said it is such a mess right now, from all the heat and stuff.  Her words were "from my view it is beautiful".  There you go - everyone has a different view on things and sees things differently - I think that is pretty neat.  I was so appreciative of her words, it makes the work seem more doable.  Something so simple as her words, made me smile and lifted my day.

I am so blessed to have a full refrigerator and a full pantry and can make about anything I can think of to fill my belly.  I use up leftovers in new ways and get a little creative and never get bored with meals.

A group I am involved with from school, had been planning a major event, that seemed way out of hand.  We were all kind of pressured into being involved, which just really stressed me out (others as well).  Well, I finally said I was done and wouldn't be involved.  What a relief I felt - sometimes NO is the best answer us.  One by one others backed out as well - and I really prayed that those that started this thing would see it wasn't feasible.  That happened yesterday.  Such a relief to many.  

Sometimes we tend to complicate life, when we don't need to.  Memories of days past are good enough - we don't need to try and relive them.  

Go forward and make new memories.

Opening the windows for fresh air, hanging laundry to dry, picking veggies from the garden, the kitties getting excited to see me, watching them play, cuddles with Bitsy, eating something fresh for a snack, a cold drink of milk, watching the butterflies and birds at the flowers........I could go on and on.

Simple little things that just make a day and make me smile.

I love being in my little home - as simple as it is.  It gives me a hug every time I come home from someplace.

I am so thankful that I can still get out and do all the things I love, just maybe a little slower.  I see many people my age, that have actually stopped and have no will or health to do things.

We go through things in life that make us sad and make us depressed - we all do.  Bad things DO happen.  But you know what?  There is still so much out there that is good!  Sometimes we just need to open our eyes and pay attention.  Maybe just being in the moment and not running away from things or not running towards something else is the answer.   It seems some people are always running.

BE IN THE MOMENT!  APPRECIATE what you have.

Keep your hands and your body busy with what you have and what you love.  If that is gardening, yardwork, knitting, piece work, reading, walking and visiting, cooking, just do it.  

Make each day the best day.  

I know I have been a bit nostalgic lately - but I needed that to get up and move again in my normal fashion.  I have needed some reminders that life is indeed GREAT no matter what happens.  

I think there are others here that need to be reminded of that as well.  You will get through things, and you WILL go on.  It takes time and work - but you got this.  God loves you; I love you all, and you all have others in your life that love you - so just keep plugging away and take baby steps to getting back into life.  Small steps still make a journey happen.

Have a blessed day and weekend.

SMILE and look up and appreciate.

Something for Nothing

 Hello to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  HUGS to all that need them. (I know some do).

It is a cool morning here - boy, does it feel different.  It almost felt chilly out when I went out to feed all.  It is breezy and in the mid 60's!!  We get a couple days of nicer weather - good time to get things done outside finally.

Just a short post to show how to make something from almost nothing.  I used a leftover and dribs and drabs of other things - and made a new product that was yummy.

I saw a post on FB about 'broc'amoli - using broccoli instead of avocado.

So I did my own version.  I had about a cup of leftover cooked broccoli, so I threw it in the blender with some sour cream that needed used, a couple tablespoons of nacho cheese in a jar, and a dash or two of taco sauce.  Blended it all up together and the above picture is the result.

I had it over beans and rice - it took away some of the spicey bite.  I had it over salad as a dressing, and I finished it off with nacho chips.

This would be a great way to use up any leftover cooked veggie and hide it, for those who may not like veggies.

You could use as I did, or on sandwiches, on burritos, a dip for fresh veggies, etc.

Mine ended up the consistency of a thick ranch dressing.  You can add or delete whatever you have, so change up texture and consistency.  It was completely smooth and showed no sign of broccoli!  I got a very faint taste of broccoli - probably could have added more cheese or spice and changed that.

Just another idea of using up this and that to not waste and have a new item on your table.

This was very tasty and I will use leftover veggies this way again!

So there you go - use up those leftovers and get creative.  It can be fun, not just regular food item!

Makes a somewhat healthy dip/dressing.

Have a great day.

Letting Our Light Shine

 Hello all - hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.  Hope all you gals in the smokey areas are doing well.

The smoke is pretty much gone around here.  We had a couple days of it - but nothing like up north.  It is nice out this morning, just a little humid.  We were supposed to have rain and storms, and again it all passed by my area.

I have been out and fed everyone - kitties get so excited to see me at morning feeding!  I had my quiet time, and I have a load of laundry on.

Yesterday was a really off day for me.  I am not sure what was going on, but all I wanted to do was sleep.  I just felt so drained and tired.  I did what I had to do, and then I just rested.  Today I feel totally different - so I guess I needed the extreme rest.

We need to listen to our bodies.

I spent a lot of time thinking too.  You know we may be getting older and things may be slower - but that is OK.  We just need to keep moving.  Moving is sooooo important not just for physical health but mental.  Keeping active and appreciating all the things we have and get to see - makes for a pretty well-rounded person.

We need to remember to be positive in life.  Anger and nastiness get us nothing, and it is so unbecoming!!!!  Some people cannot have a single conversation without interspersing something nasty or negative.  It is really ugly.   

Be patient.  I heard something the other day I thought was good.  BE patient or be THE patient!!!!!  Pretty good advice.

We can't stop stuff - but how we react is a choice we can make.  Make it a positive choice.  It does take practice.  Stay calm and carry on.

Live fully and appreciate all things.  Life is such a joy and a privilege.

Stay balanced.  Look up.  Look around.  Take it all in.

We do a lot of planning for the future - some people spend all their time planning.  Make sure you spend time for today!!!!!  You can't change yesterday, you aren't guaranteed tomorrow, but TODAY is yours and make it the best.

Have a life of joy, peace, contentment, humor - yes humor is very important too.

Live gracefully and be a good steward of all things.

Make sure you let YOUR LIGHT SHINE today.  It will make you feel better and it most likely make someone else feel better too.

Enjoy this gift of life.

Have a beautiful and blessed day!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/19

 Hello to all this Sunday.  It is hard to believe we are over halfway through the month of July.  I hope you are all safe and healthy.

It feels lovely out this morning.  The temp is around 70* and the humidity has dropped dramatically overnight.  Now it stinks like crazy!!  Outside smells like a ginormous campfire and it is so smokey/hazy out (from the northern fires).  We are in the unhealthy range here in the city.  It is supposed to last another day.  I know you gals all over are having it much worse.  By Wednesday we are going to have highs right at 80* - that will feel so good, compared to the temps we have been having.

It was an emotional week for sure.  I thank you all for your kind words and your prayers - they were all felt.  Now it is time to get back to life.  Between the extreme temps and the sadness, I just have left a lot go.  It seems like life was put on hold - so it is time to get back to normal.

My frugal week:

• Cut my hair
• Not frugal - but went to florist.  Then on to grocery to check things out.  Got the great deal on tenderloins and mushrooms I mentioned Thursday
• I picked a lot of banana peppers, cherry toms and my first cucumber (so good)
• I 'pickled' several peppers in a jar of jalapeno brine - no processing used.  They stay fresh and crisp and last forever that way (I cut into rings)
• I got out and cleaned up the front flower bed of weeds
• Discovered a dress I forgot about when deciding what to wear to funeral.  It has only been worn once, and I forgot all about it.  I wore it - and got a lot of compliments on it
• Repaired the hummingbird feeder with new feeding flowers I got last time I was at the feed store.  They were tough to get in, but now it will last many more years
• Mowed and trimmed my little front yard - and boom!  I was done.  Oh, it was so stinking hot, and I was drenched just doing that
• Cleaned out the crispers and washed them down - then scrubbed the kitchen floor

Meals this past week:

Tuna/egg salad sandwich and fruit

Tenderloin and salad

Pork/cheese stuffed mushrooms

l/o mushrooms and air fried potatoes

Church dinner after funeral

Chicken, corn casserole and cheesy potatoes (sent home from church)

Chopped steak w/sauteed onions & peppers, steamed broccoli, tom/cuke/onion salad

I did manage to accomplish some things, just didn't have the mindset to do a lot.  I already have a list for outside work, for when the temps drop!

I got to see a ton of family I haven't seen in many years (live out of state) and some that I have never met.  Sis's family has been scattered all over the country for years.  I was a nice time of laughter, stories and love with tears thrown in.  I am sure she was smiling down!

How has your week been?  How are the gardens doing?  Any good deals on anything?

I love hearing from you all.  We heard from some this week, that we haven't heard from in a while.  Still some MIA - wish our missing would check in.  We care.

I hope you all have a great week ahead and stay healthy and happy and safe.

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

***************************** 

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the days own trouble be sufficient for the day.  Judge not, that you be not judged.

Matthew 6:34, 7:1

Dear Lord, we thank You for all the blessings we received this week.  Help us to understand that our time is not always Your time, and that You have us each in your loving hands.  Protect and assure those having health and/or family issues that You are there every step.  May they see that and give themselves grace in all that they do.  Help us all be kind to others and bite our tongues of nastiness and harsh words.  May our words be loving and heal.  AMEN

Bargains and Bites

 Hello all, I hope everyone is safe and doing well.  I have enjoyed hearing from some of our MIA gals the past couple days.  It is good to know how all are health wise.

I will be so happy when this heatwave pops, and we get back to some normal temps in the 80's.  It is ok as long as it is somewhat cloudy - but the sun really makes it miserable.  I feel so bad for people that work outside and for all the animals.

It feels a bit muggy outside this morning, more than it did earlier in the week.

When out for flowers the other day, I ran to Kroger.  Just thought I would see if there were any bargains since I was so darn close.  I found a couple things to add to the larder for future meals.

I found these breaded and pounded pork chops (basically tenderloins).  There were 6 huge ones in the package for $4.50.  I love a good tenderloin sandwich and haven't had one in a long, long while.

That is .75 per loin or chop.  Pretty good bargain in my book.  A couple of them could actually be cut into 2 pieces for 2 meals.

I also got these really nice mushrooms.  They fit in my palm - so pretty good size.  I decided they would be good stuffed for various meals.

Well, I made 6 of them into cheesy pork stuffed mushrooms and cooked them in the air fryer.  I ate 2 meals from them.  

I thawed 6 pork meatballs from the freezer and smooshed them a bit (technical term) so they weren't balls any more.  I cooked most of the way done.  I place a small chunk of cheddar in the cap, then the meat, then topped with some nacho cheese I had in frig and then some crushed chips on top. 

**I always keep the crumbs from any chips for topping when baking.  They were so stinking yummy.  I had 4 for one meal and that was my meal!  I had a piece of fruit after.

I plan on doing the remainder of them in some style of 'pizza' version.  Mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, olives, etc.   I will make them up and probably cook and then freeze for future meals.  So basically about .85 meal for the mushrooms with whatever I have in the frig to top them.

Cheap eating doesn't get a lot cheaper, and it has all been tasty too.

I love it when bargains make great eats!!!!

Have you come up with any fun and creative dishes this week?

I won't be back on until later this evening or in the morning to respond, depending on what time I get back and how drained I am.  

I hope all you northern ladies are safe from fires and smoke.

Wishing you all have a blessed and wonderful day.