Just an Idea or 2 - Using What You Have

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

                                                         And using what you have!!!!!

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

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

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

Click on image to enlarge for easier reading.

Homemade with no unnecessary ingredients!

CHICKEN NUGGETS

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

BLACK BEAN BROWNIES

Click on images to enlarge (2 sections)

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

BEAN BURGERS

Click on recipe to enlarge

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

Always remember you can add seasonings you like and have.

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

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

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

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

Have fun my friends!

Have a fantastic day.  Happy Wednesday!

Summer - It is Veggie Time!!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tuna/egg salad w/crackers and fresh veggies

Zuke steaks and green beans sauteed with peppers and onions

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

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

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

Nachos - made with whatever you have and like

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

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

Fresh side of assorted vegs, baby limas, burger

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

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

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

There is no end to the possibilities!!!

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

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

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

Wishing you all a super day.  Enjoy!

Weekly Wrap Up 8/3

 HAPPY AUGUST!!  Happy Sunday to you all and welcome to a new month.  I hope this finds you all well and safe on this beautiful day.

It is a gorgeous morning here, nice and cool.  I woke to 60*F.  What a difference a week makes.  We have had a couple of fantastic, no humidity, days.  Seems the neighbors were all out working, well most were.  It has been perfect weather to get things done.  Our days have been in the 70's for the past couple days.  It won't last, as starting mid-week, it is going back to hotter temps, but they say not as humid as the past couple weeks.

The daylight hours seem to be shorter as well.  I have noticed the dusk to dawn light is on/off about an hour different now.  I just saw we lose another hour of daylight this month.

                                             The 'surprises' have started back this week!!  Pretty!

My frugal week:

• Well, I managed to get 2 extra weeks from my 'empty' toothpaste tube!
• Helped a neighbor out with oil and gas for her mower.  She usually has someone do her yardwork, and he hadn't shown up for a bit - so she did it.
• Cut my hair and did a root touch up at home
• Pulled out my onions and going to plant more green onion sets today
• Lots of laundry in cold and used dehumidifier water
• Deep cleaned the floors - wood and rugs - behind, under, over and inside of all registers
• Did go out the last day of the month to fill gas tank, so as to use my points for money savings
• While at gas station, ran into Kroger (same lot).  I got peaches, milk, and mandarins.  I did notice they have raised the discount produce price here as well (1.50 now)
• I received Proctor & Gamble coupons in the mail!!!  That hasn't happened in years!  Only a couple I will use, but I was still shocked
• I also stopped at thrift store while out.  Bought nothing.  Ran into old neighbors, nice to see and catch up.  I got a loaf of Italian sliced bread for free
• I got the lawn mowed front to very back and trimmed.  I edged the front walk and the drive.  I got the 2 front flower beds all cleaned up and looking fresh.  It sure makes everything look pretty
• I did get the permanent fix made to my hose.  IT WORKED!  It is a nice 100' hose, so worth saving - it is now 99'!
• My mower gave me trouble this week.  I mowed a good section, and it worked well, then I cleaned the bottom and rested.  Went back out and it wouldn't stay running.  I figured it was my fault, by tipping over to clean.  Took out the spark plug, and it seemed oily, so I cleaned everything - the plug, the socket and the opening.  Appears to have fixed the problem.  Glad I had a man that taught me things and glad I listened and learned!!!!
• I had some small tree branches touching the wires coming to house - so I cut them down.  Boy that was fun - not!  But I managed the ladder, and I am safe, and the wires are clear now
• All meals from home and using what I have on hand
• Picked 7 peppers, lots of cherry toms, and 1 tomato.  Have a couple zucchini that will be ready any day. 
• I did some more staking of the tomato plants - they are way over my head and hanging heavy with toms - I bet they all ripen at once!
• AC off for the past 2 days (and today) and airing the house - we had a lovely breeze for the past couple days

My meals this past week:

Pasta salad and breaded pork burger

Tacos

Egg/tuna salad sandwich and pasta salad

Chicken breast fillet (air fried) and air fried zucchini fries (gave that a try-decent)

Chicken (leftover), small salad and sliced cheese

Ham sandwich, peach

Italian bread pizza (air frier)

There you have it.  I took much advantage of the lovely days and got tons done outside.  I spent most of 2 days outdoors.  Bitsy has sure been loving having the windows open.  He goes from window to window and lies there for naps.  Even Licorice has been hanging out and chilling the past few days.  Sleeping on the glider or out in a patio chair - loving the coolness.  I have noticed the squirrels are sleeping in a little!

I guess we all take advantage of the niceness when we can!

How has your week been?  Have your temps calmed down any - any rain? Any deals this week?  How are those gardens and garden tubs doing?  I hope you are getting 'fresh' to eat!

I hope you all stay safe and healthy this coming week.  Prayers for all that are going through bad things and prayers for healing for those in need.  I hope you all get a little reprieve in weather, if only for a bit.  

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 day's own trouble be sufficient for the day."

Matthew 6:34

Trust in Him at all times, O people, pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalms 62:8

Lord, thank You for the week and thank You for our family and friends.  Help us each to live our best each and every day. and to live as the scripture says.  Let us each live in the present and to fully appreciate each day we have and to appreciate the people we have, as we have no guarantees for tomorrow.  Keep us from worry and stress, so that our lives are calmer and we can see the all the beauty.

Please keep us all in Your loving and healing arms.  AMEN

Simplifying - Starts with You

 Hello, this last day of July!  It has been raining since the wee hours of the morning.  Seems to have stopped at the moment.  This front is to bring in a cooler front of weather - YAY!  It is actually cooler outside than inside right now.  That hasn't happened all month!  At least we start August a little cooler and getting to air out the house.  Look forward to getting outside and doing yardwork in the next couple days.  I hope you are going to get some COOL as well!

Boy oh boy, aren't these truth?  All of these things shape what we think, how we act, how we feel, etc.

It is amazing that everything in some way shapes us.  Every experience and every thought.  We need to work really hard on making the influences in life positive ones.

Click on words to enlarge for easier reading

I agree to all these things.  If you go about your day, doing little things, it all adds up to a big and more positive day.

I truly do most of these.  I get up, get my drink together, feed the cat and get dressed - then make my bed.  I let it air for a short bit before making.  I need to drink more water - but I do drinks tea or something all day long.

Probably my biggest distraction is the computer.  I need to limit my time.  I also need to get rid of the super negative people on FB.  I guess it is kind of like a train wreck - you just feel you need to look, then you are upset!

We need to take care of ourselves, especially as we get older.  Life is short, and we don't need the negative.  We need to work at being happy and routines seem to help regulate our time and that SIMPLIFIES!

I do love to get up early, and most assuredly have a routine.  I say my gratitude list and prayers first thing and lastly each day (and often many times in between).

I like 12!  Smile when answering the phone. I never really thought about it, but I do.  I do not answer the phone unless it is a number or name I know - so WHEN I do answer - I know who it is, and I always smile!

So read the lists (yes reading in on both) and think about them.  They truly can help you get a nice simple routine in order, and I guarantee if you do that - like will be more pleasant.

Wishing you all a beautiful day and weekend.

Hoping you get to harvest some yummy food or buy at a farm market.

Eat healthy!

Have a super one!!!!!
  

Can we go Back? I Think we Can!

 Good morning to all.  Hope you are all well and safe.  Thinking about so many of you that are going through so much.

Wash, rinse and repeat!!!!  LOL!  That is the weather - same old thing.  Although this morning did not feel quite as bad outside to me.  It will change.  Hot again today.  It is just what it is.

Yesterday there was conversation about teaching some of the older ways and sharing recipes and ideas to the younger ones.  It is amazing how far away from healthy eating that we come in just our lifetimes!  Seriously, the worst thing I remember having that wasn't REAL food was Kool-Aid now and then.  That was a treat.  Usually we drank milk, water or iced tea.  Mom made all our treats, dad grew a garden, mom canned and froze, meat was a side (not a main course).  She cooked from scratch.  Basically, at the grocery store, she purchased baking items, and meat.  We didn't have convenience food.

Dad grew a huge garden, and he was pretty much ahead of his time.  It was all natural, no chemicals.  He had a huge compost pile, and he would get horse manure from a place down the road, once a year.

We knew exactly what our FOOD was - it was 'real' food.

Before me they had chickens, for meat and eggs.  They also had goats, as my older brother couldn't drink regular milk as a youngster.  I remember daddy going rabbit hunting and he fished a lot.

We always had "ingredients" that became our meals and snacks.

Mom 'taught' me how to cook.  I say taught - but really, I just observed and learned.  Did that with canning as well.  Learned from daddy the gardening part.  She showed me how to take care of a home.  Washing, ironing (which I no longer do), mending, cleaning, cooking, baking, etc.

I was lucky.

I know many of you that are younger, maybe didn't have that, as both parents may have worked when you were younger.  My mom didn't work until I was in Junior High - except a part-time job at night (at a bakery) or around Christmas (at Ayres), when my sister could watch me.  She did sewing and alterations for lots of the neighbors, and I remember her telling stories of doing laundry for others, before I came along.

Yep, my folks did all of these.  We didn't have a lot of money, but they could sure stretch it.  AND we never knew we didn't have a lot.  So many pretty clothes and such, as mom made them.    I have to laugh at #1!  Back in the day, a person would never be seen with holes in jeans.  That didn't start until I was late in high school.  The hippy years!  Now people spend big money to get holey jeans.  I still can't stand it.  A hole in the knee, just drives me crazy and is so uncomfortable.  I mend jeans!

There was no GMO stuff, daddy saved seeds from heirloom things.  If it grew, it grew - if it didn't, well you didn't have it that year.  We didn't have preservatives and chemicals in OUR food.  I just cannot see good things happening in people's bodies with all the garbage that gets put in them.

Most of the things we buy today, would never have been considered food back in grandma's day.  All those words you can't pronounce?  They aren't food.

Sure, I do eat snacks one in a while - but I try my hardest to eat real food and to cook it myself.  Since I have really concentrated more on that way of eating, than all the junk, I feel better.  I have less aches and pains (really) and can actually do more.

I love that some are really taking back their health and that of their families.  I love that folks are wanting to learn some of the old ways.  Hopefully each of us, can impart some wisdom to help.  That is one of the reasons I blog - it isn't just about stretching a dollar, but just living a better, healthier, and more fulfilled life.  I hope someone comes here and learns something each day.

Teaching and learning are both so important.

Well, off to get busy.  Hope you have a great Wednesday.

Be safe and well - and SMILE!

Learn something today!!!!!!

Just Randomness Today

 Hello all.  Hope you are well and safe this Tuesday morning.  Gosh, here we are in the last few days of July.  Amazing!  Township schools start here this week.  The State Fair starts on Friday.  Gardens are starting to take off and produce.  Life just goes forward.

It is a muggy morning.  The dew has just saturated everything.  It is wet out there.  Walk out the door and you are literally wearing the air!  I know I have complained about the heat and humidity, but don't get me wrong, I am not looking forward to winter at all!!! Not this girl.

I just want a little break from the mid 90's - and three-digit heat indexes. It is coming - yippee!!!  By the end of the week, it should be so much more refreshing outside.

I look at the garden, and the tomato plants are just loaded with green tomatoes.  Last week I got some ripe ones, the first to come on, now it may be a bit again before more.  Lots of cherry ones though!  Zucchini is going through a second phase of getting ready to pick.  Peppers are popping!

The weeds and the grass are just growing like crazy!!  We had rain over the weekend and a lot of rain yesterday morning - so things are going to town.  I can't keep up!  It is almost overwhelming.  It is too hot to be out there, so it has to just keep growing. Mornings the grass is way too wet to cut, and afternoons are just too hot. (nights are full of mosquitos - so a no there). Sigh!!!!

This picture screams summer to me.  There are so many wonderful things that we receive during the summer months.  Fruits, veggies, flowers, nature of all kinds.  Life is just beautiful in the summer.

You see different things and experience all kinds of stuff.  

I noticed last evening about dusk; the sky was gorgeous and gave a glow to everything.  The purple phlox looked to be iridescent and glowing!  I wish I had tried to get a picture of it.  Such a lovely sight.

I had a groundhog visit for a day or two, just checking things out.  When scared it would run under the shed.  Funny, I think it was too busy under there to stay.  LOL!  Opie the opossum lives under there, and a couple of stray cats hang out in the shade during the heat of the day.  It seems to have just wondered on its way.

The golden finches and the hummingbirds are so pretty and give pleasure during the summer days.  Butterflies - oh they are beautiful.

Just the many sights of summer.

Yesterday I had a great niece reach out to me, wanting to learn some of the 'old' ways!  She is in her early 30's and she and her man and kiddos, are starting to 'homestead' (live in Arkansas).  They have chickens, she is baking breads, and she has taught herself to can and is trying to make everything herself.  They are talking about getting some goats.  She is a nurse, and she has really started realizing just how our food system is harming us.  She wants things to be natural for her family.  I LOVE IT!

She wants to learn.  She wants many of the old family recipes that I can share from her grandma and aunts. 

That just made my day! 

I told her, I prefer to write the recipes down and mail to her, as I just think it is important to have things that aren't on the computer - just in case.  She liked that, as it is also a keepsake!  

I hope each of us here, can pass on some of the past to our families.  The young folks need to learn these things.  I know some people might think that is crazy, but you just never know.  It could be very important someday in taking care of their families.  I kind of think there is a resurgence of wanting to know that knowledge and wanting to know about their ancestors.

I went out to feed all this morning, and I got busy with one thing after another.  Came in and washed my head and started piddling around and was like "oops" it is blog day! Almost forgot. It is funny how all the random things in life seem to catch our attention sometimes, and we just get into a different groove!

I am learning to go with it.  Life is never predictable, so just go with the flow and take it a day at a time.  If it gets done, it gets done - if not, well......................it isn't the end of the world.

I am finally learning this, after all these years.  I can only do so much.  Things are different than they were even last year.  I get tired easier now.  I need naps more often now. But it is OK.

I don't have to keep up with others, I only owe it to myself to be ME! 

I hope you get it too!

So, there you have how my mind works, when I get into the random crap that shows up and flows in!!!!

I am off to do laundry and then sew some.  Enjoy your day - take things as they come - don't rush or sweat the small things.  Stay cool and hoping all is going well in your life.

Que' sera, sera!

Have a lovely day to all my blog family!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 7/27

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe today.  The last Sunday of the month - can you believe it?  They say time flies when you're having fun.  We must be having a ball!  LOL

It is another hot and muggy start to the day and week.  We did get a couple showers over the past couple days - nothing huge, but the plants enjoyed it, I am sure.  Temps would drop for an hour or so, then climb back up.  I am so looking forward to the end of the week and the first of August - they are predicting cooler temps.  From all I see, our area will be below normal in August (normal is about 85).  YAY!  Looking for 70's come Saturday - oh happy days!

                                                                     My front walk!

My frugal week:

• Started week by visiting sis - that is always fun
• Mowed all the yard - front to back (early in week)
• Finally got all the limbs and branches from past storms, broken up and gone
• Found evidence of tomato worms - ugh!  Got that taken care.  I like nature - but I aint sharing my tomatoes with the buggers
• Managed to get in a couple really good walks, when temps were cooler and picked up trash on one walk, as I saw it
• Got to air the house a couple mornings early in the week (AC off & gave it a break)
• I hit the hose when mowing - oh my.  I did a temp patch (so I can get water to garden with soaker if needed), have what I need in garage to do a permanent fix and will when it cools off some
• Cut back some flowers that looked drab, deadheaded and cutting weeds one morning
• Cleaned out weeds/grass between the drive and fence one day - sat on cement and it was all in shade while working
• Staked and tied up tomatoes - that was a hot, hot job.  It was early, but boy did it get hot and sweaty!
• Made a batch of s/f vanilla pudding - topped each serving w/ some choc. syrup and a crushed graham cracker - tasted like an eclair!
• Made a big batch of pasta/veggie salad.  Mainly veggies - using every kind I had on hand
• Picked 5 tomatoes!!!!  FINALLY!  6 banana peppers, 16 cherry toms, and 1 big (hidden) zucchini.  There will be a lot of zucchinis this week.
• Laundry in cold and using dehumidifier water in wash.  Hanging to dry
• NO grocery at all this week again - using what I have
• Paid a couple bills by phone
• Just doing all the regular stuff

Meals this past week:

2 homemade burritos

Pintos (freezer) and rice

Lasagna (freezer) and salad

Zucchini/onion/salsa/sausage skillet & fried smashed potato

Swiss/angus burger w/ sauteed peppers & onions (no bun) & baked beans

Baked beans & smoked sausage on bun

BLT (MY tomato!) and a small salad

SNACKS - pudding, PB sammie, popcorn, fruit

Just trying to stay cool, which isn't easy, unless you are inside.  I am so thankful for AC.  Even working outside early, gets hot in a minute.  Looking forward to cooler days.

How has your week been?  How are those gardens doing?  Did you get any good deals this week or yard sale finds?  Give us a shout out and let us know how you are faring.

I hope you all have a wonderful week ahead, and please know I pray for you all and your families daily.  I wish you all the best.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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

Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet various trials, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.  And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

James 1:2-4

Again Lord, we send thanks for all our blessings and gifts received.  We ask guidance in all our trials, that we may know You are always with us, and Your will be done.  May we each have the strength to continue our faith daily.  AMEN