Useful Ideas on Using What You Have

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all safe and well.  It is a very pretty morning here.  It is around 70* to start the day and sunny.  Yesterday got warm, but it was a really nice day.  We had a lot of hefty breezes which felt awesome.  The humidity was fairly low too.  I guess the humidity is to start creeping up again this week - UGH.  Back to hot, hot temps as well.  I hope you are all managing to stay cool (or warm depending) and do you work where you are comfortable.

                   Sure seems so!!!!  As long as we can do the work - we should.  FREE exercise!

I imagine I have listed some of these ideas before - but I think they are worth mentioning.  We all look for ways to save dollars and ways to save on extra work - so here are a few ideas.  Some just help keep our homes a bit neater.

• I wash out all cans, jars, bottles and meat trays before placing in the trash.  I know that may sound like over kill, but it sure keeps down the risk of getting gnats and in the summer it keeps things from smelling
• I never leave small appliances plugged in.  The only thing that stays plugged here is the microwave, because the plug isn't easy to get to.  Years ago, we heard a lot about small appliances catching fire when people were away from home.  My mindset hasn't changed.  Just an extra precaution
• Keep your sinks and drains clean all the time!  Gnat problems often derive from sink drains - keep them flushed with water and soap and/or vinegar.
• I have a Swifter dry dust mop - I don't buy those refill pads.  I use an old sock or footie, or a rag or microfiber cloth - they can all be washed if desired.

• Fresh and canned fruit can be used together to stretch it into a fresh tasting summer salad.  It is ok to mix them up - not wasting anything and adds variety
• Learn to fry or saute' veggies for something different.  So many things can be fried.  I love fried corn or hominy - add some peppers and onions and fry in a little butter - YUM.  Battered green beans are wonderful fried.  Bean fries!  Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, summer squash, etc.  can all be battered and fried - I usually use a little butter or bacon grease for frying and flavor
• I always add frozen peas to my tuna salad when I make it.  My mom always did this.  It gives a little brightness and a bit of veggie.  Frozen peas hold form and aren't squishy
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  Make your own crab Rangoon's!  Super easy to make and taste so yummy for a treat with fried rice or homemade lo mien.  I have made these in the air fryer as well - so no heating the kitchen.
• Keep bread bags - great for storing homemade bread, muffins, biscuits.  Wash well and use to store homemade ice for gatherings - I never buy ice.  You can use to store fresh garden produce as well.  Wrap premade burritos, egg rolls, breakfast biscuits/burritos, waffles, pancakes, etc. in them
• When making chili - I use half chili powder and half taco seasoning.  I get rave reviews!
• Make refreshing ice.  Add lemon, limes, cukes, orange slices - whatever you want.  Make a cold beverage a little tastier.  You can also make 'tea' cubes to use in ice tea, so it doesn't get watered down.  Same with fruit juices

                                 The larger cubes keep things cold longer and they are fun!

• If you have extra fruit getting to the end of its life or need to use from freezer - make some syrup.  You may not want to warm the oven baking, or may not want to make jelly/jam - so make a wonderfully flavored syrup for pancakes, waffles, ice cream etc.  Super easy to do on the stove.  Fruit and a little sugar (maybe a touch of water) and let it cook down.
• You can also use the fruit in smoothies, shakes, or homemade ice cream
• Have bits and pieces of this and that in the frig or freezer?  Turn them into fried rice, stir fry or quiche.  Super easy and it makes an entirely different type of meal.  Check those crispers for things getting down to the wire, check the frig and freezer - use up those odds and ends. 
• If you can turn off AC for a while and still want to keep air moving - just turn on the FAN only on the thermostat control.  I do this often.  I am only using the fan, not the big compressor on the AC- so it saves money on electricity.  I also keep ceiling fans going all the time
• Make your own little snack trays - great for snacking for yourself or for kiddos - portion control

Gives variety and you can add dip or syrup as well.  I know you can just place things on a plate - but this makes it kind of fun for the young ones.

• Don't forget about freezing seedless grapes in the summer - oh what a treat.  They are so refreshing and so good - I swear it makes them taste sweeter 

Just a few ideas for making summer a little more fun!  Having a clean and sweet-smelling home is on everyone's list - so simple tricks can help.  Food can be fun and refreshing.  So many options in the summer with fresh produce.  If you purchase produce - ALWAYS make sure you clean it well (I use vinegar and water) - you just don't know what it has come in contact with.

Have fun around your house and with your food.  You know my saying "get creative".

Have fun with things - it spices life up a little and it saves money.

Give us your fun and useful ideas!

Have a great day - SMILE