A is for Apple & Yummy Fall Eating

 Hello all you lovely folks.  So happy to have you hear this morning and hoping all are well and safe.

It is pretty cloudy out right now, yet it is 66*F.  Yesterday got back to about 80*.  We have rain coming into tonight and overnight.  Yesterday I got a little shower in the afternoon, but all it did was make it humid!

I did do a bit more yard work early yesterday, and may go out this morning and get a bunch of peppers and green tomatoes - we have a small chance of frost on Saturday morning.

It is really supposed to cool and get windy after the rain for a couple days.  Back to good by Monday.

I slept horribly last night - not sure what was up with that!  I looked at the clock at 5:30 this morning, and thought I will get up in a few minutes - then woke up at 6:30!!  I never get up that late.

Fall is APPLE season!  I love me some apples - I like several different varieties.  I tend to lean towards a good crispy one that is a combo of sweet and tart.

Apples can be fixed and eaten in so many ways other than just fresh.  I am a fan of fried apples, mom used to fix them often in the fall.  We had a couple of apple trees, so that was a free food!

You can make cobbler, crisp, pie, or sauce.  Apple cider is also a fall favorite - Mmmmmm.

A good fresh apple and peanut butter is a tasty treat and it is filling.

Apples are full of vitamins and minerals and like the old saying states - "an apple away keeps the doctor away"!  I eat apples often (all year) as well as citrus.  I do love my sweets at times - but give me fruit and I happy!

Now there are also fun and maybe some not quite as healthy ways to eat apples as well.  Lots of people have campfires and fall gatherings and I think either of these would be fun, for children and adults alike.

I saw this on FB and thought it was a neat idea.  Water in a crockpot - add jars of chocolate and/or caramel for dipping and apple wedges on sticks.  A muffin tin with toppings.  How fun is that?  I think this would be a great way to have a festive display of apples and goodies.

I have shown this one before - but it is a fun one as well.  Slice apples and insert sticks, then drizzle with melted chocolate and add goodies and let them set up.

Simple and fun ways to make the fall season a bit more festive.  I think youngsters would love to come home from school to the slices for a snack!  

I really like a good caramel apple.  I don't get them often, and I usually cut them up to eat - oh those things are messy - but so good! 

I hope you can get some good apples this fall and enjoy them in your favorite way.  Now is the time to get good pricing.  Stores are even carrying multiple varieties.  Maybe you have your own tree and can get them for free.  I wish I had an apple tree.

What is your favorite way to eat apples??

I remember as a kid I used to sit behind the garage and stuff myself with green apples - mom always told me I would end up with a belly ache!!!  I sure did love apples, even back then.

Have a super weekend and relax and enjoy each other.

Have a great day!

Work - There Always Seems to be Plenty!

 Hello to all this midweek day. Goodness, we are almost halfway through another month!!  

It is very warm here for October.  Yesterday it got to 87* and I had to have the AC on for a while.  That is crazy.  Only in the upper 70's today (maybe 80), with rain on the way for a couple days it seems.  I love the warmer days, understand I am not complaining!  It was 74*F at 6AM this morning!

Ever feel this way??  I do, every time I get into a big clean.  It seems I make a bigger mess than I had beforehand!

I really don't like AI at all, but I truly had to laugh at this picture.  I just see myself.  LOL

Do you have any chores you really hate to do?  Put them off, until you just have to tackle them?  

Mine is the abyss (basement).  Oh, how I hate thinking of getting it all cleaned and cleared.  I usually walk down there, move a couple things - stand there and stare feeling overwhelmed - and come back up and close the door!  Well, this is the week.  Can't be out in the rain, so I have decided to be in the dungeon!  As you can see I have many names for it!

I did get a lot of outside work done yesterday before the heat really set in.

Anybody have a huge project that they really want to get finished?  Just so you feel calm and good that it is done.

I am curious, do people still have certain days for certain chores?  I know Momma always did laundry on Monday - I imagine ironing was Tuesday or Wed.  I am not sure what she did on other days, but everything had a day.

Like, every Saturday evening was hamburgers and homemade fries or fried potatoes.  Maybe baked beans as well.  Sunday at noon was the big family sit down dinner - with lots of good food.  Fried chicken or ham was usually on the menu - sometimes roast.  I remember chicken more than any other - it was a cheap meat and Mom sure made it the best I have ever had.

So what are your cleaning days or schedules like?  Or are you more like me, and just do things when it so strikes you to do them?  I do not do laundry every week - so I just do it whenever.  I clean whenever I get the urge or notice something that makes me cringe!!!  No set schedules here.

But I do know, there is never an end to things.  Something always needs to be purged, cleaned, scrubbed, etc.  Get it done, and it is time to start over.  Dusting is my never-ending chore.  My house isn't messy (it's just me), but it sure does get dusty with the windows open a lot.

Hope you all have a good day and don't work too hard!

Simplifying - Don't Over Think It!!!!

 Howdy all!  Hope everyone is well and safe today.

It is 69*F this morning and going into the 80's again.  We hit 87* yesterday.  I turned the AC on for one cycle late in the afternoon, and the house was good after that.  I had a very comfortable night, slept so good.  I sure resisted getting up this morning.  It is currently 78* in the house.  I will be opening windows in a bit, once it gets light out.  With temps like this it is hard to believe we are almost halfway through October.  Time to get things done.  Rain is coming later on!  So are cooler temps.

Isn't this the truth????

It sure is for me.  Just sitting with my Bits in the house and getting snuggles.  Watching and playing with kitties outdoors.  A nice breeze coming through the window.  Good simple food that just tastes so good.  Wonderful neighbors and friends.  A fall scented candle.  Home!

I think we tend to over complicate things so often.  It isn't about what you have or what you can buy - it is about feeling peace that comes from within and all those little things that happen each day.

I think it is beautiful to be the one who doesn't chase after more.  Doing what feels important to YOU, doesn't always match others - that is fine.  You do you.

Simplicity happens in all kinds of ways.  Having less.  Cooking with what we have.  Enjoying the simpler things in life.  Using up what we have - maybe finding new ways for things.  Keeping life basic and real and simple.  That is what makes it feel so comforting in my book.

Along those lines, I give a couple little ideas that were just "duh" moments for me.  Sometimes it takes a long time to figure out that simple ways work wonderfully!

I was dusting and cleaning last week, and I happened to notice the lampshade.  It was really dusty.  It is a linen type of fabric.  I usually use the attachment from the vacuum to clean it, and it really never does the best job and I worry about the suction on the shade.

What did I do?  I had this idea that worked perfectly!!!!

I used the sticky lint roller thing.  Oh my goodness, the shade is totally lint free and it was the easiest thing ever.  Took just a minute to do and no more worry about the suction on the shade (it is older).  I will never clean the shade any other way.  I can do this often and not worry about damage.  Something I had and can use over and over.

So many people over complicate eating.  It doesn't take a lot of courses to make a good meal.  It just takes good wholesome food, (even if it is one thing) that fills you and tastes good.

I know not everyone can probably eat them, but potatoes are just so versatile and can be made in so many ways.  They are pretty darn cheap and can stretch a meal to feed many, if need be.

Just a few ideas!!!!!!!!!  There are many more ideas as well.  I like potatoes, as they really do provide substance and help us feel full, they are pretty cheap, and very, very versatile.

Let's talk about cleaning products.  You walk down the aisle and there are literally hundreds of different products!  All have a "specific" use!!!  Well, let us think about this for a moment.  Most of the laundry products are highly comprised of water!  Duh.  Then they have perfume added.  Other cleaning items are either lots of water or very caustic chemicals (just smell some of them).  All are in plastic containers!  What are we thinking?  I make my own cleaning products at home using basic things.  Baking soda, vinegar, citrus peels, and yes sometimes just water and clean soap!  I have never made laundry detergent, I know many do - but I use very little of it.  Never do I use what they recommend.  I do not use fancy stuff for fabric softener.  I either use vinegar in the rinse (no smell by time it is done) or nothing.  I use peroxide for bleach - nothing toxic.  On top of all the water, plastic and toxic crap we are buying we are spending a small fortune for it!!!!  We have so much we could use right in the pantry.

Broth - have you purchased broth at the grocery lately?  It is very expensive - sometimes between $4 - $6 a box.  Look at the ingredients.  Again, lots of water and salt - probably nothing that is really real meat in it - maybe bouillon.  Make your own - it is so simple to make and it is basically FREE.  You are using what many throw away.  Sure, you use water - but you put real meat bones or scraps in it and any herbs you want.  You can do the same with veggie scraps for veggie broth.  Put in in a pot, turn on the heat, and go about doing your stuff around the house.  It takes care of itself.  Can or freeze.

Just an idea or two and looking at simplifying a little differently perhaps.

We often just get in the habit of buying or doing things the same week after week, and when we really stop and think, we can see new ideas!  

Being a little more conscious of our daily habits, really can simplify life and it can also save a little.

I love my calm, quiet and simple life.  I just kind of go with the flow and keep a low profile.

Hope you love your life as well!

Have a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 10/11

 Hello to all this fine Sunday.  I hope you are all well and safe.

Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends this weekend!

Hoping that all our southern friends are safe from any harm or damage from the hurricane.

It is 60* this morning, and now dry.  We had a little soft rain last evening late.  The ground sure does need it.  Yesterday stayed pretty cloudy, but it was nice in the 70's.  I have been out to feed already, and it is very cloudy and foggy, and it actually felt like there was a fine mist.  I sure have been enjoying the warmer days that continue - I know all good things come to an end eventually.

Thought this looked festive and fall-ish!

My frugal week:

• Made a small pot of broccoli cheese soup, with a potato diced up in it
• Mowed and trimmed
• Did lots of yard clean up, pulling, cutting and clearing.  Put away the hose from out back
• NO heat or AC this week, and windows open a lot
• Did a big dust
• Darning socks
• HARVEST - lots of peppers, a few tomatoes and cukes
• Went to grocery of course for cat food.  Did get milk - 2.49/gal., eggs - 18/$2, and fruit - apples and mandarins and a few grapes
• I stopped a got 2 loaves of Artesano Brioche style bread - FREE.  It is thick cut and can be used for many things - toast, garlic bread, French toast, stuffing, etc.
• Shredded up the oldest 1 lb. cheese I had (cheddar) and froze - froze on a pan and then bagged
• Did a lot of walking and picking up trash (it has been windy)
• Picked a bouquet of NE asters
• Washed windows and doors, and sills and jambs, and frames and mirrors (I get on a roll!)  Then went on to stove and frig and kitchen floor!
• Made a small batch of biscuits
• Meals from home and using what I have
• Laundry in cold and hung it to dry
• Working of all the normal stuff

Budget meals this past week:

Cheesy broc./potato soup

Chicken Lo Mein (made w/spaghetti) and salad

Broccoli soup

Fish and fries (air fryer) and tomatoes

Cheese/sausage stuffed banana peppers (air fryer) and salad

Sausage gravy and biscuits, toms & cukes

Dbl. jalapeno/cheeseburger and steamed broccoli

SNACKS - milkshake, popcorn and fruit

Cream cheese, cheddar and sausage stuffed banana peppers topped with more cheddar cheese.  10 minutes at 360* in air fryer.  They were so yummy.

I think I am starting to get back on track.  The week before this, I just didn't feel like doing much.  I am regaining my energy and my oomph!  I am so grateful I can still do so many things.  This week will probably be picking most of the garden, as next weekend gets much cooler, after a couple days in the 80's.  I guess we will see what the week brings forth.

How was your week?  I sure do hope everyone is safe - so many things going on weatherwise.  Did you get any good deals?  Any gardening still being done?  

Wishing you all a splendid week ahead, stay healthy, and wishing all well.  So glad we had so many new folks stop by and post this week - I am so grateful for you all.

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

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"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself.  Let the day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Matthew 6:34

Dear Lord, we give thanks for all our many blessings.  Thank you for the opportunity to be here this fine day.  Yes, please help us each to know that Your will be done, and all the worry, stress and anxiety that we feel, does nothing to help us.  May we lift all our worries and troubles to You and may we always praise the way You handle them in our lives.  I know I am guilty and I do try to release worry and fear and ask for help as I struggle with this.    Please continue to be with all and lay Your healing and calming hands on all.  AMEN

Be the Word - Be the Change

 Hello to all - so happy to have you here.  I hope you are all safe and well this fine day.

This morning it is 54*F and fairly clear.  I have been out already to feed everyone, fed Bits, had my breakfast drink, and contimplating the day.

Yesterday was another beautiful day here.  Full blue skies and sunny.  It got into the low 80's yesterday.  Today should be in the 70's.  I was looking at a forecast prediction map for my area - and the rest of the month looks pretty darn good.  Nothing cold and nothing too hot.  I am loving this.

I challenge everyone today to be the ONE that CHANGES someone's day!  Be the one with a kind word, a smile, a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry one, etc.  Be the one.  It could change NOT just a day for someone, but perhaps a week or month - even a life!  That is pretty huge, considering it could possibly just take something little on our part.

We have no idea what is going on in other people's lives behind closed doors.  It could be anything.  Health issues, abuse, financial woes, spiritual struggles, loneliness, depression, anything.

Just something as small as a smile or kind word, could maybe make them realize that they are seen or heard and that they matter!

What a gift to give.  AND it costs you nothing!  AND it could be the best gift someone ever received!

I am so grateful to have you all here.  I love to see new people comment.  I earn nothing from this little blog, but I receive so much.  I see lives that are helped, lives that are touched, and I see strangers that have become caring and thoughtful friends - from all over the world and all walks of life.  That makes me smile each and every day!!!!  THANK YOU!

I hope you all have a great weekend and remainder of the week.  May you enjoy good weather and safety, and wishing you all health and happiness.

Go out and make a change!!!!

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Using What You Have and Making More!

 Good morning all - and happy Wednesday.  Hoping you are all well and safe.  Please know that I think of all of you that don't stop by often.  Wishing you all well.

It is a cool morning here - 52*F at 6AM.  Looks to get to 80* or above today and dry.  All good with me.  Yesterday was another day of perfection weatherwise - it was so beautiful.

When out feeding the cats, I noticed smoke coming from a neighbor's chimney!  He is in his 90's and kind of frail - so he must have been chilly!  My house was 72* this morning.  Still haven't turned on the furnace.

I understand some of our northern neighbors will be getting snow this weekend.  YIKES!  That is a nasty four-letter word in my book!!!

I recently saw someone on one of the FB groups I belong too, post a recipe I just had to share.  She said she really likes good tasting chocolate and says it has gotten so pricey, that she decided to try something different.

She said this is wonderful. It is something I will definitely try, as I have everything here to make it!  Pretty simple and saves a trip to the store.

I really like all kinds of patties and burgers - made from lots of things.  I love a good hamburger, I have made tuna and chicken patties and I like a combo of beef/pork or even ground turkey made into burgers.  I also like potato cakes and veggie fritters as well - they could all be made into a sandwich if one chose to.

I have made bean burgers as well.  Very tasty and easy and uses what you have.

It sure is worth giving it a try.

Click on recipe to enlarge for easier reading.

It is easy to halve the recipe.  1 can - and a little lesser on other items, still using 1 egg.  Use whatever beans you have - or homemade beans.  Remember 1 can is about 15 oz. - close to 2 cups.  You know that to me, close counts!!!!!

I have made these with black beans and with red beans and they are really very good.

Just a couple of fun things to make at home, when you might be out of other things.  I love knowing how to make things differently.  I love the chocolate bar idea - that could be made into all kinds of shapes and moulds.

Here is a notice I saw yesterday - also something GOOD to know if you are around an Aldi!!!!!

Nice!!!!!  October sounds like the month to stock up at Aldi!  I will be going and looking around at some point soon.  It has been a while since I have gone in.

Well, you know we are all about stretching our dollars and saving when we can around here!  I want to help as many folks as will listen. 

Sometimes we talk recipes, sometimes finance, and sometimes just caring and loving.  Hopefully it all makes a difference for someone.

Have a great day and be sure to SMILE today!

Don't Fall For It!

 Hello and happy Tuesday to all.  I surely hope this finds you all well and safe.

It is a chilly morning here - at 48*F at 6AM.  Looks to get into the 70's again today and be another lovely day.  Yesterday was another perfection day - 70's, and a sky of pure blue - not a single whisp of a cloud.  I did get to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Still no heat or AC being used here.  It was 72* in the house this morning when I got up.  All good.

I believe the hummingbirds have gone to the south this season.  It has been a couple days since I have seen one.  The feeders are still out.  There are lots of stink bugs and box elder bugs around - a sure sign of fall.  And I keep seeing grasshoppers - that is unusual.

Trees are still green for the most part.  That will probably change over the next couple weeks.

Commercials. Ads.  It is on TV, radio, on YouTube, on FB, in magazines - we are surrounded by the distracting noise.  It wants you!!!!!!  They want you to think you NEED to have what they are selling.  They try the best they can to make it oh so attractive.  They want you to think you can't live without it. They try to convince us that what we have and how we live, isn't enough.

NOISE - all of it.

I really despise commercials, for the most part.  I will go out of my way to NOT buy things I have seen on TV or in ads over and over.  Their crazy advertising dollars are not working on me.

I don't fall for it.  I can make about anything I want or find something I have that will work as well.  Truth be known, none of us need that much!!!!!

Sales, clearance, weekly deals, odd stores, using what we have, second hand, and just saying NO to all the noise SAVES MONEY - YOUR MONEY!

Society may call us cheap - I call it smart to know how to live better and well on less.  We can have great meals for ourselves and our families, we can have a lovely and neat home, we can have an emergency fund for whatever may come up, we can beat the system!!!!!

It is a game - THEIR game - and we can play too!!

We all see and watch people buy and buy and have to have the newest and the biggest and shiniest.  They go into debt to get it!  They go to the after holiday "sales" and buy and buy - charging all along the way on the "sales" for stuff no one really needs.  Then they pay and pay with interest on all those "sales" they got!  Make sense?  NOPE!  That stuff cost them far more than it was ever worth.

It pays to stop and think how many hours one has to work - to purchase THE thing!

I know most of us here know these things.  There is always someone new coming on board, and the goal here is to teach a better way.  Life can be soooooo good with less - it really can.  

It becomes your new normal and you will find the noise gets quiet and life gets a bit slower and you enjoy a lot more.

So slow down, turn down the noise and have that life that the spenders can't imagine.

Have a beautiful day my friends.

Weekly Wrap Up 10/4

 Happy first Sunday of October to you all.  I pray you are all well and safe.  It is a chilly morning here, around 50*F, going into the 70's later on.  Yesterday was such a gorgeous day - there was not a single cloud in the sky around here.  Pure blue.  Then at sunset last night, I had never seen anything so vivid and wonderful before.  Reds, oranges, pinks and so very bright.  The western sky was just on fire - it was something to see!

This past Friday I rode with my brother and SIL to southern IN (about 75 miles) for Fred's funeral.  We didn't get to go the way we have for years (road work) and took the new way, I-69.  It may have been a little faster, but so boring.  If the leaves had been changing it would have been pretty - but they are not yet.  There was nothing to see but trees - I am just so used to going down there and seeing smalls towns, lakes, farms, and fields.  We gathered, there was so much family there, and I got to see so many nieces and nephews that I haven't seen in ages and even met some new little ones.  It was terribly sad, but good as well, with the communion of the family.  I love them all so much!  There was a lot of love gathered there.  Blessed.

Truthfully, it was a quiet week on the homefront.  I don't feel I accomplished a lot.  It was pretty exhausting mentally, so I get back to things this week!

My frugal week:

• Raked some and picked up sticks and things in yard
• Did a little additional yard work in the flower beds
• Sweet neighbor behind me - gave me some apples.  They had gone to the orchard and saw me outside and shared a few
• Trimmed my hair
• I got address labels in the mail - I haven't received any of those in a long, long time
• Laundry and hanging clothes to dry
• Paid a couple bills by phone
• NO grocery store
• Scrubbed the bathroom down
• General cleaning

Budget friendly meals this past week:

French bread pizza

Cheesy goulash

Chicken tenders and a big salad

Breaded pork chop, fried egg and toast

Pulled pork & refried bean tostadas (topped w/tomatoes)

Grilled cheese (when I got back from funeral) - long day

Taco rice bowl

SNACKS - tomatoes, cucumbers, fruit, popcorn

See, nothing much going on here this week.  How was your week?  Did you accomplish a lot?  Any good deals?  Inquiring minds need to know??  LOL

I truly hope each of you have a wonderful week ahead.  Stay so very safe and healthy.  Keep the people you love close.

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

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And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.  To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever.  Amen

Philippians 4:19-20

Dear Lord, we come forward with many thank you's for all our blessings.  Help us to see blessings in everything, even when bad things happen.  You are always with us, and You will guide us and protect us, that we know for sure.  Prayers for health and safety for all.  Thank you for always providing for us, may everyone realize the many blessings that You give.  AMEN   

Days of Old - Memories

 Hello to all and welcome to this little village.  Welcome to October as well, the month that takes at least another hour of daylight from us!!!   Grrrrrrrrr

It is starting out warm here.  68* this morning going to the 80's today.  Then rain comes in late tonight and overnight dropping the temps in highs of about 70*.

The sunrise was another spectacular sight this morning.  And I saw a hummingbird this morning!!!  Quite something for Oct. 1 around these parts.

Well, I know I am.  We can revisit in our mind, and maybe some of you can still go back to that place.  But for me memory is all I have, and pictures.  The days of playing on the porch and in the yard, helping daddy in the garden, kneeling on the couch looking out the big window waiting to hear if school was canceled for snow (usually no).  It was family get togethers, Christmas coming down the steps, the smells of momma's homemade cookies, and just listening!!!!!  I would love to stand back in a corner today and listen and watch a day of the past!!!!!!!

I did have a good time at home, I know not everyone did.  That makes me sad.  I can still close my eyes and step back in memory and just feel the love.

This was "home" all my life until Mom passed (25 years ago).  It burned down a couple years after that.  It looks large, but it wasn't.  2 attic bedrooms was it upstairs.  A living room, dining room and kitchen and bath down.  There was a big back yard and a huge garden and of course the porch I loved so much.  5 kiddos and mom and dad lived here!  I kind of laugh about it now - not sure how they ended up with a total of 6 children (one died right after birth), with so little privacy!!  I guess they were more creative than I thought!  LOL

I had a lot of quality time in life there, I had sadness there, I had laughs there, I have memories there.

I guess with the passing of Fred in the last week, it has gotten me thinking again.  I have gone through pics as the kids wanted pictures to display at the funeral.   They know I have all the old ones.  We have shared a lot of stories over the past few days.  I have talked to them and to my brother more this week, than I have in the past month or so.  Good comes from bad, I guess.

Tomorrow we will make the journey to southern IN for the funeral.  I will be riding with my brother and SIL.  Prayers for safety would be appreciated.

Life sure has a way.  We just never know what each day will bring.  There are a lot of curves in the road of life for all of us.  So grateful that God saw fit to give the ability of memory!

I love this!!!!!  We all need to preserve our memories of our life in some way.  Recipe books, journals, videos, something.  I kind of think blogging is a version of this - although it will not be around forever.  It is important to leave something behind for those coming up behind us.

Here I sit and type about things I remember and the people I miss, they are not forgotten.  Someone will be doing the same about us someday.  We will all be memories to someone in the future.  Make them good memories and maybe log the info that they may never know.

I am still contemplating writing a family book - geesh I need to get moving, don't I?  I aint getting any younger.  I just want all the family history to be remembered - not just about me, but the whole family.

Talk to your family and friends and keep in touch.  Create good memories with all.  Have fun in life.  Pass on the family history if at all possible (good or bad) - as someday it may explain a lot to others.

Love each other.

Have a special day and thank you for being here.  That means so much to me.

Have a great weekend.

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EDIT:  SEEMS BLOGGER IS ACTING WONKY AGAIN - JUST BE AWARE IT IS TAKING A LONG TIME TO OPEN PEOPLE'S POSTS

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Knowledge & Swapping = Saving

 Hello to all  this last day of September.  Goodness, it is hard to believe another month is done.  We are less than 90 days until Christmas folks!

65*F this morning and the first peeks of sunrise were absolutely beautiful.  God sure is a fine artist!  It has clouded up some at this point and we might get into the 80's today.  Windows open and the fans on.  Even on the chilliest nights, my house never gotten below 71*.  That makes me happy.

We have talked before about knowing different swaps we can make to keep us out of the store!  There are so many little tricks that can used in and around the kitchen that really can save money.  If you go to the store for that ONE thing - odds are that isn't all you get.  Regardless, you are spending $.

I guess back then it meant poor, today it just means smart.  9 times out of 10 this is still happening in my house today.  Unless I get some free buns, everything is served on bread!  Why not?  It is just a different shape.  I like mine lightly toasted for sandwiches.

• If your baking calls for water to be added, think about using the end of juice, or stale pop, or even tea.  Coffee added to something chocolate really makes the flavor better
• If you have paper coffee filters, you have drainage paper for fried goods, you have disposable popcorn or snack bowls.  You have a splatter guard to put over food in the microwave.  You can get packs of paper filters for next to nothing at the dollar stores
• When cooking chicken breast (boneless) - slice each in half (like you would for butterflying), you have a thinner piece of chicken which cooks quicker and it stretches the meat further.  OR cut a breast into small chunks to add to a pasta or rice dish.  Stretch that meat
• Making a 2 crust pie - some folks have trouble w/the top crust looking nice.  Place your bottom crust, filling and for the top - just cut out small circles (like biscuit size) or even a us a cookie cutter and lay on top of the filling.  It still works and is easy, and looks cute!  OR make a galette - a rustic one crust type of pie 
• It is always good to have coconut oil on hand.  MUCH healthier than using shortening, and it is better than many oils.  It lasts well, and if you check some discount places, not too expensive.  ALSO it is great to use on dry skin and chapped lips!
• Keep buttermilk powder around for baking.  Sure, you can use milk & vinegar or lemon juice to give you that buttermilk taste - but I just love the buttermilk powder.  I keep it in the frig or freezer after opening and it lasts and lasts.  **Just a fun note - use buttermilk in mac and cheese for a very lovely, upgraded flavor!!!!!!  Great in homemade biscuits (scones) as well.

• No brown sugar for a recipe - mix together molasses and white sugar
• 3 Tbsp. of mayo = 1 egg in a recipe
• I make my own colored sugar for holiday cookies.  Regular sugar and a couple drops of food coloring and mix well.  You can make custom colors or make colors as intense as you want.
• You can replace some eggs in recipes with applesauce or bananas
• Use plain yogurt or sour cream instead of mayo in recipes - add your own flavorings
• Corn syrup is replaced with water & sugar
• 1 C of heavy cream for cooking = 1/3 C butter and 2/3 C milk heated together
• Here is an idea I saw recently.  Making brownies form scratch - no cocoa - use hot cocoa mix!  Reduce your sugar in the recipe some (cocoa mix has sugar).  3 packs equal about 1/2 C.  You end up with a more cake like consistency and they say the flavor is great.  Look for the deep sales around the after-holiday sales for the packets - you can use flavored as well.  These can be added to smoothies as well with a bit of coffee for a mocha flavored drink (milk shake).  Use to flavor homemade ice cream - all kinds of uses.  Much cheaper than cocoa at the moment.  I can buy a container of store brand cocoa mix at Kroger for about $4, and it is twice the size of cocoa - which is pricey.
• Of course, get after Halloween chocolate candy for half price - it can be stored in freezer.  Chop and use in cookies, cakes, brownies, etc. instead of chips
• When making a crisp - think about mixing different fruits together, if you don't have enough of one - most combos are so good

What tricks do you use to stay home and swap and save?

I love hearing ideas.

Take care and have a wonderful day.

Mmmmm - Old Fashioned Eats - I Love Today

 Hello to all.  Glad you stopped by and hope you are all well.  I want to say thank you for the kind words, prayers and thoughts you have given over the past couple days.  So very appreciated.

It is 55*F this morning and a little dewy.  The moon sure was big and bright this morning.  Looks to be a very nice day, and we may hit 80*F.

I have been out and fed all.  I swear my backyard looks like a little war zone - it is just full of little craters all over the yard.  Rocky has decided to try and find squirrel nuts at night (I guess).  He is not nearly as neat as they are when burying them!

Today I am going to post a few recipes and ideas from what I think of as back in the day!  I still love them all, and a couple I haven't done in a while, and they are now on my 'to do' list.

I have always loved German potato salad (served hot).  Mom made it often, and I used to as G loved it.  I haven't done this in a quite a while, and I intend to soon.  It is supposed to be a side, but it was almost always a meal for us!!!!  Sooooo stinking good.

Yummy and super easy.  Basically fry bread.  It really is so good and you can't get much easier.

Click on recipe to enlarge for easier reading.

Flourless Chocolate Cookies

Use whatever chips you have.  Save the egg yolks for something else (I always add to eggs for scrambled).  Easy and oh so tasty.

Fall is the time for baking!  Apples and pears are plentiful.  You may have peaches or cherries or other berries you made into pie filling this summer.

I love a good crisp better than a pie.  I like the crunchy top and all the good fruit.

I love adding oats to mine - sometimes, if I have them, I even add a few chopped nuts. Mmmmmm!

Just seems like comfort food to me.

This was as close as we got to tacos at home growing up.  Mom often used chili powder, if she didn't have all the spices to mix up taco seasoning.  She also used stewed tomatoes; salsa wasn't a big thing back then.  Ok, she used Fritos as well!!  Above is my version.

It is so good, a nice one pot meal, and very comforting.  You can add what you have - nothing etched in stone.  I always serve with salad or garlic toast.

*****1 can = approx. 2 C of homemade, and I often use 1/2 lb. of meat instead of a pound.

Just a few ideas for using things in the pantry and making something a little different and maybe new to you.  It is getting to be the time for comfort food!!!!

ENJOY!!!!!

Do you have any old family favorites?

REMEMBER to click on any recipe or picture to enlarge for easier reading.

Wishing you all a beautiful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 9/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.

We finally had a sunny day on Saturday and actually got into the 70's.  Windows have been open for several days.  All next week looks to be in the mid 70's - darn near perfect in my opinion.

It is 50* and downright chilly out the door this morning.  The huge old moon was big and bright earlier, and now the sun is shining.

                                          Still picking lovely blossoms - these smelled so good

Have seen Chuck the groundhog all week across the alley.  That bugger is huge and all it does is eat.  Must be getting ready for winter.

Still have a hummingbird now and then, but they have sure slowed.  Guess they are going home for the winter.  

I have talked many times about my 'kids' - my sis's children, a niece and 2 nephews.  When she passed at 48, Glen & I just kind of wrapped them in our arms, and they became our children.  Last evening the eldest nephew, Fred, (age 61), lost his battle with congestive heart disease.  I feel so much loss.  If you are so persuaded, please keep his brother and sister in your thoughts, also his children and grandchildren.  Everyone sure is in shock and disbelief.  All our hearts are sad this morning.💔

My frugal week:

• Throws, throw rugs and table dressings all got laundered and some changed out for fall
• I had a super craving for something sweet (I have not had sweets for a long while) and made a butter cake - no topping
• Cleaned out my closet
• Harvest - lots of peppers, a cuke and a couple toms
• Tried my slippers from last year (that hurt my feet) and they are fine this year!!
• Did some mending
• Went out to use my gas points for the month - paid 3.09 gal. after discount
• Stopped at thrift store and got free bread - I think I will use to make dressing bread or croutons

• I did go and get MORE cat food - trying to get some every week to build stock up.  I found OJ on clearance and peroxide as well.

OJ has been so expensive - I won't pay $7 a gallon for it and I just love it.  I jumped on this

I use this for bleach - still haven't figured out why it was on clearance

• I finished up the last of the 2 huge (75 oz.) bottles of Dawn I bought at a yard sale for $3 each 5 years ago!  That lasted and lasted
• I also used the end of the milk I had open dated 9/1 - and last glass was as fresh tasting as the first
• I sliced and fried up a can of Spam (YES I DID) and froze several slices for later
• No AC or heat
• Started using fall scent melts I had on hand
• Cut back a lot of plants and bushes out back and did some raking
• Made up several odd pieces of pork (from freezer) in the crockpot & shredded and ended up freezing 2 bags of pulled pork for later
• Made a batch of hummer feed and cleaned and refilled probably the last time this year
• Shopped the upright freezer and brought several items up to the frig freezer
• Refilled baskets and jars from stock
• Still working on fall cleaning

Weekly meals on a dime:

Green beans/potatoes, pulled pork, tomatoes

Pozole soup (pork & hominy & veggies)

Day 2 of Pozole & crackers

Taco 'stoup' from freezer over rotini pasta

Baby lima beans (from dry), Spam slices, cukes & tomatoes

Smoked sausage on bun, slaw (home canned) and tomatoes

Sliced potatoes, carrots, peppers, onions and sausage all sauteed together and tomatoes

How was your week?  Did you find any deals?  Are your gardens put to bed yet, or are your still harvesting?

I wish each of you a beautiful week ahead.  Health and safety to you all and your families.  Hold them close.

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

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

Dear Lord, thank You for all our mercies, and for Your loving and kindness to each of us.  We ask that help heal hearts that are sad and fill each person with grace and hope.  May we all trust deeply, that Your will is done, and that we will one day understand.  Fill the hearts of each person with love and kindness towards others.  Thank You for walking with us each day.  AMEN

Safety Is Smart - Doesn't Have to Cost a Thing

 Hello all.  This month has sure just slipped away.  I hope all are doing well this fine day.

We have been in late October for 2 days!!!  It sure looked and felt like it - but we are rebounding and all is good.

60's this morning and looking to get to 70*F or higher today.  Maybe we will see sun!

Ladies, (and gents) we all need to be aware of our surroundings and stay safe.  I don't go out after dark (other than yard), but I know many do.  Above poster makes so much sense.  Do what you have to do before dark and get yourself back home and in the house before it gets dark out.

During the winter I have a portable charger that I take with me.  It has helped me and a couple of other ladies that needed help over the years.  I also have AAA.  I have never had a debit card - so no ATM.  I make sure I get gas in daytime.

With winter coming, make sure you have maybe some extra socks, gloves and a hat - even a wrap in the car.  I wouldn't break down anywhere, that I wouldn't be close to a well lit and busy area - but still may get feet or hands wet.  Especially if you live rural - have things in the car to stay warm.

Make sure the path to your home is cleared and well lit.  If you are coming back after dark - have either a motion light or just turn on an outside light before you leave.  Make sure bushes and trees are trimmed up, so there are no sneaky hiding places for someone to be.  Unlock - get in - and lock your doors immediately.

Keep your car LOCKED while you are in it.  Don't entertain strangers in a parking lot.  You just never know, and sadly today there are many that have evil on their minds!

Keep your doors locked.  Keep windows locked.  I open my windows during the day, and I have stops if I leave them open later after dark.  They only can go up so far, and not far enough that even a skinny person could get in!  I always have outer doors locked - even in the daytime.

My personal tip:  I always keep my keys and my phone in my pocket when out in public.  IF someone would get my purse, I would still have a phone to use, and I could still get home.

Just be safe and ALWAYS look over your shoulder.  It only takes an instant.

SMILE and STAY SAFE!!!!!!

Affordable and Easy - Let's Cook

 Hello to all and a good day to you.

Yesterday was a chilly day and breezy.

This morning is damp with drizzle, and very cool.  Weatherman says 60*, my thermometer says 65*.  Looks to be cloudy with some mist all day today and cooler.  We have warmer days coming again!

Yesterday was a day of tips on ways to get more affordable groceries and to stretch that budget.

Today just some ideas on ways to make meals for yourself or your families on less money.

You guys get a listing every week of my meals - so you know I have a variety of meals, and I keep it easy and tasty.

It isn't a 5-course meal - some have no meat - yet they all fill my body and give me nutrition.  That is what is important.

Here are some visuals that makes my mouth water.  Ideas can be anything - use what you have.  

You can mix and match things and experiment a little.  In my world there really are 'no' recipes!!!!  I just go for it.

Ideas:

Baked potatoes topped with anything

Lentil or split pea soup

ALL kinds of soups - homemade cream of soups are so easy and filling.  Hamburger (or other ground meat) vegetable soup is always a hit

Baked spaghetti is super filling

Good old wraps - a tortilla with anything you have in it, maybe a little dressing or cheese (you can use leftovers too)

Waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, burritos, eggs/biscuits

Bean and cheese enchiladas

Beans and rice

Soup beans

Chili - the way you like it

Grilled cheese and soup

Potato hash - chopped potatoes, ground meat (or chopped), carrots, onion - all fried together

Egg (toad) in a hole (eggs cooked in a bread slice).  I have eggs with a lot of meals - great protein

Pizza made with tortilla or breads

Tuna can be made into patties or croquettes, just as salmon can be.  Make it up the same way.  It has a milder taste than salmon.  I have even formed into strips (instead of patties) to make my own fish sticks!

These go along with our "semi-homemade" we were talking about yesterday. Click on the pictures to enlarge for easier reading.    There can be variations of any these, again using what you have.

Get creative.

My mom used to stretched hamburger on 'hamburger' (Saturday) night, by making her version of White Castles.  Many folks know White Castles.  Tiny thin little burgers on little buns - steamed and lots of onions.  She made them and fries and it was a treat.  Now you can buy slider buns, which are little buns.  Back in the day buns were not big like they are now.  I have made them myself.  Glen used to love them.  Great way to stretch the meat.

We always loved Swiss steak, but not the price of the beef.  I make (as did mom) hamburgers, cook, and smother with veggie soup and simmer and serve with mashed potatoes.  We called it Poor Man's Swiss steak.  I still make that; it is real comfort food for me.  I like to add a little thyme - makes it taste a little hardier and more homemade.

I also make skillet meatloaf!!  Mix up your fixings for meatloaf and make up patties like any burger - and fry.  Tastes just like meat loaf, and I don't have to make a huge amount and they freeze well after cooked.

Keep this on hand!  These small packets cost .49 or .59 at Kroger and I always try to have on hand.  It is great for making your own Rice a Roni.  Add rice and vermicelli together and some bouillon and whatever you want.  Super cheap and easy.  Make a simple broth and add some of these to give it a little bulk - think the old time Lipton chicken noodle packets!  Add some to an easy egg drop soup.  So many uses.

SIDES - steamed and/or seasoned rice, rice salad

Mashed potatoes, twice baked, fries, fried, scalloped, au gratin, roasted, potato cakes ...........potatoes a plenty!!!!!!

Steamed or roasted veggies of all sorts - veggies can be made into patties or croquettes as well - just chop up, add egg and a binder - fry up

Buttered nooodles

Cabbage (cheap) and can be fixed a multitude of ways

Corn casserole

A combo of veggies and rice w/sauce or pasta

Biscuits (scones), crackers, fresh bread, cornbread

Dressing - use up that old bread

Salads - in any combo of things you have.  Salad doesn't always mean lettuce to me - just a bowl of goodies

SWEETS = Easy and fun - Haystacks (haystax) - use whatever type of chips you have on hand to melt with oriental noodles - pretty inexpensive.  You can do pretzels and chocolate as well.

No bake oatmeal cookies

Rice Crispy (or what you have) squares.  I recently bought marshmallows 2 bags for a $1 on clearance - use a cheap version cereal and YUM.  Any cereal can be used.

Bananas are still very cheap (around here) - use to make breads, cookies, muffins, etc.  Even in pancakes.  Sweet breads are easy and use what you have around (add-ins) and they can be rustic with pumpkin, squash, etc.  They go far, and kiddos as well as adults usually love it.

You can even get marked down bananas (a little riper) and cut up and freeze and make a fun version of ice cream with them or dip in chocolate and freeze - what fun.  Smoothies

All fruit is a great snack!  Veggies and a little dip/dressing are good treats as well.

Jello and pudding - make in little cups for snacks

Heck, if you have them - even cake mixes/brownie mixes are great.  You can add things if you want or just make plain.  I always have a couple around when I see on clearance - last ones cost me .65 ea.

USE WHAT YOU HAVE

There are sooooooo many ways to keep costs down in the kitchen.  Many of us have been eating tomato sandwiches this summer with our harvests.  Fried green tomatoes and squash.  Stuffed peppers.  Garden harvests have been great for the pocket book.

Get creative and use it up.  Leftovers become soup and or casseroles.  They can be lunches.  Just USE IT ALL.  Like I said recipes are suggestions - do your thing.  You may create the next huge family favorite.

Do you have a simple and easy meal that you care to pass on?

Let us know.

Have a fantastical day!!!!!!

Saving Money at the Store? It is Still Possible

 Good day to all.  I hope you are all well and safe. Thanks for being here.

It is autumn!!!!  It feels it too.  60*F this morning and going to get in the upper 60's.  Big change from last week.  We will see 70's as highs later in the week.

Monday, I woke to rain, and decent rain.  I even had to wait to go feed the kitties!  Finally, it died down to a sprinkle, so I fed most of them in the greenhouse.  Momma was home, and not happy about going in there with me, so she ate outside in the sprinkles.  Crazy cat.  They were almost 2 hours late getting their breakfast - and they were HUNGRY!  Monday was cloudy all day, and never got past about 69*F.  Heat and AC off.

I keep seeing posts and people complaining about prices - sure they are getting high - but we still have some control.  We control WHAT we buy!!!  We control HOW we use those things.

There are ways to cut back on spending and what you use.

You know me - other than pet supplies, I do NOT pay full price for anything.  I either buy on sale or clearance.  I am fortunate to have a store that has great clearance prices.  I would do the same with pet supplies if I could find them - and when I do see clearance on them - I buy all they have!

Amish, Mennonite and other ethnic type stores are good to shop if you have them around.  Discount grocers are also nice if you can find one.

We recently (in past couple years) - had a discount place open, and they have prices like no other.  I have some friends that are on very strict budgets, that buy all their fresh goods there.  I go once in a while, and I do go around the holidays for gift ideas.  They sell everything from food to patio supplies, garden tools, and toys and clothes.

You gals close around - Circle City Bargains!  (they are on FB)

Just a couple ads from earlier this month.  They have new ads every weekend.  Prices and quality can't be beat.

Buy in season.  Now is the time or close to it, for apples, pumpkins, winter squash, cabbage, sweet potatoes, soon there will be turkey, cranberries, baking supplies. There will also be deals for campfire cookouts.

I like to stretch things up with potatoes, carrots, onions, pasta, rice and beans of all sorts.

Have meatless dinners or lower the amount of meat in the dinner.  Cut up chicken or pork or beef into smallish pieces and add a gravy or sauce.  A little will go a lot further.  Always use less than a recipe says!

Think semi-homemade.  Remember the cooking show with Sandra Lee - Semi Homemade?  She mixed it up a lot, so it was easier for some folks, who really didn't like cooking.  A bit of whole food and a bit of canned, frozen, or boxed.  Whatever works.

Get CREATIVE with what you have.  There are so many sites that you can visit that give you ideas - type in what you have - it gives you recipes and meal ideas.

Can't eat pasta or rice (or chose not to), spiral cut zucchini or sweet potatoes or other fall veggies .  Top chopped cauliflower or other veggies with sauces.  Make your own egg noodles.  Baked potatoes are great smothered in things.  No limit on types of potatoes you can make.

Waste nothing - use it all up in some form.

There is a You Tube channel called Ozark Family Homestead, and she has a $900/month food budget for her family of 9.  She uses that to replenish or fill in what she needs each month.  Now that may sound like a lot - but it is $100 per person per month = $25 each week per person.  It covers meat, produce, frozen and canned, H & B, cleaning and paper.  And yes, she even buys some snacks - she has 7 kiddos for goodness sakes.  She strictly sticks to the budget, watches sales and buy tons of sale and clearance items.  Not much full price.  It is pretty inspiring.

It is all about using what you have, getting sales and deals on the rest and stretching it into new and different items.

IF your budget gets stretched to the max - just try thinking outside the box.  It may seem like an inconvenience to many, but only WE can take control, and WE need to re-learn or actually learn things and skills that can help.

It can be done.  I know this isn't for everyone - but it sure is good to know when strapped.

Tomorrow I will be giving a lot of meals ideas and foody ideas that will help stretch any budget and pantry.

Have a lovely first day of autumn!!!!!