Frugal Happenings 8/14

Good morning dear friends.
I hope you are all doing well.  We are soggy at the moment!  We are getting rain and more rain!
It started raining yesterday morning and it's to continue through Tuesday evening.  We have already had about 2 1/2".  The nice part is that the temperatures have finally dropped.  We were in the 90's with awful humidity for days - now in the 70's today.

I have sure been enjoying the hummingbirds this past week.  They just about emptied the feeders, before I got a chance to refill.  I wonder if they are trying to tell us something - like early fall/winter!
I hope not.  I hope they were just unusually thirsty!

This week we had a problem with our whole house generator.  It comes on at an appointed time every week as a test - and this week all we heard was a loud pop and no running.  They came out to check it and the battery exploded!  Well we had to spend $375 to have it all taken care of (mostly labor-less than an hour - CRAZY). It is just a few days shy of being out of parts and labor 2 year warranty.  Battery isn't covered of course.  BUUUUUTTTT - the tech did see another problem and a bad part that he is scheduled to replace this week.  Had it gone out of warranty it would have cost us an additional $400 in labor and the part would have been $1,300!!!!!  So I am glad we spent what we did, to save that much.

MY WEEK:

• I purchased an additional 25 cans of tuna at .50/can for the pantry
• I used a $10 off coupon for $40 spent at Aldi - added to long term pantry supplies
• I cleaned an organized the upstairs pantry
• I inventoried and re-organize the pantry supplies in the basement
• I finally opened a new dish soap bottle this week - the last one lasted 90 days (I date things when I open them - helps with keeping enough on hand in our inventory)
• I dehydrated zucchini slices for a couple days

I am keeping one squash per baggy and then the bags will go into a gallon glass jar for storage.  These will be great for stir fry or soups in the winter

• I canned 14 jars of pasta sauce and 7 jars of pizza sauce
• Renewed library books on-line
• Dried more tomato skins
• All meals from home and scratch - using lots of garden veggies
• Picked about  50 lbs. of produce from the garden

Here is a jar of ground tomato skins.  I use a coffee grinder to grind.  I have 2 grinders - one for mild things and for spicy.  I paid $1 each for my grinders at yard sales!

Check out this jar I came across in my stash this week.  Not sure where it came from - but I am sure it's old.  Says PRESTO Supreme Mason.  The glass is about twice as thick as a normal jar, and it is heavier.  I used it!
************************************************

Meals this week:
Zucchini/sausage/cheese skillet dinner and salad
Grilled ham and cheese sandwiches and salad
Dirty rice with ground beef and fresh veggies
Chicken and beans and rice
Cheesy tuna casserole and fresh veggies
Leftovers and fresh veggies
'Unstuffed' zucchini boats (made into a casserole instead of boats)

Snacks - popcorn, nuts, chips
***********************************************

I have about 30 lbs. of tomatoes sitting in my dining room ripening up.  I have to pick before they are completely ripe, as the critters keep eating them.  I probably have 10 -15 more pounds to pick if it quits raining today.  I will be canning a ton more tomato products this coming week - so I definitely know what my week will consist of!
WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN UP TO?

Have you been adding to your pantry?  Doing any canning?

I pray you all have a wonderful, safe, and healthy week.
TAKE CARE!

Use This for That..................

I know we all love to save money, or we wouldn't be here right now!
I do believe we all want to help preserve the resources of the earth as well.

There are so many things that we can use for purposes other than their "original" purpose.
We can re-use many items that we already  have, and that my friends reduces our load on the planet and recycles as much as possible - which saves us money as well.

So let's save a little money.

• HAIR CONDITIONER - it makes a great shaving lotion for your legs and under arms - I am sure men could use it as well.  I have several bottles that I got cheaply, and then decided I didn't like it for my hair - so I use it for shaving.  Makes the skin soft.                                   Conditioner can also be used for fabric softener in a pinch.  Mix it in a 1:4 ratio (1 part conditioner 4 parts water) and soak and ring out a wash cloth to use in your drier.  A little squirt in the rinse cycle will work as well.
• LEFTOVER CHIPS OR COOKIES - the crumbs at the bottom of the bag of chips (any type or flavor) can be used as a coating for meat or veggies, and will add a great amount of flavor.  I also use them to mix in with meatloaf or salmon (when making patties).   Chips, cheese cracker, cheese puffs, etc. can all be used.                   COOKIE crumbs are great for topping pudding or yogurt, or to top a nice bowl of oatmeal or even added to cold cereal or ice cream.   There is just no limit to the uses. 
• USED TEA BAGS - I re-use tea bags when making hot tea more than once.  I also like to keep several used bags in a baggie in the freezer.  I get a couple out from time to time and allow them to cool (don't use frozen), and I place them over my eyes when I feel stressed.  It helps reduce puffiness in the eyes.  Used tea bags can also be placed over an insect bite or sting and helps relieve the itch and swelling.
• TURKEY BASTER - I don't baste a turkey any more, due to using those cooking bags that makes everything tender and moist.  I use my baster to remove the grease from a skillet.  I tip the skillet ever so slightly, and suck the grease right out and place in a can for the trash.  It works great, and you don't spill any meat out of your pan trying to drain.  I've been doing this for years.
• VICK'S MEDICATED RUB - not only is this stuff good for a cold and stuffiness, it helps keep insects from biting.  Rub some on your ankles and  your arms when out, and you will not get nearly the bites.  Bugs don't like the smell either! 
• Keep some gravy mixes on hand - small packages or the larger containers that can be bought at places like Sam's.  I don't like gravy made from mixes (except the country gravy), but I love using the mix to add thickness to soups and stews and it sure adds a great amount of flavor.
• CLEAR OR LIGHT COLORED NAIL POLISH - this is great for coating the backs of cheaper jewelry or even expensive jewelry that you may be allergic to.  I have worn a cheaper watch for years, and the backing has all worn off - which would "green" my arm, but I paint the back with polish.  It works like a charm.  I re-do it every few months, and so far after about 4 years NO GREEN!
• SHOE BAGS - aren't just for shoes any more.  These are great for holding small items in a bathroom or bedroom.  Attach to the back of a door and you can stuff all kinds of goodies in those pockets.  This is also a good idea for a kids room.  Having one on the back of your pantry door is great for small items, like seasoning packets, mixes, baggies, etc.  I think this would be a wonderful idea for the craft room as well.  There is no limit to a shoe bags' uses.
• A TWIN FITTED SHEET - is the perfect size to use as a table cover for those long folding  tables at events and also for many picnic tables.  It won't blow away, as the elastic keeps it in place under the table.
• PEELINGS AND SCRAPS from food can be kept and used to make stock.  I keep the scrapings from carrots (and tops), the peels from potatoes (or anything I peel), the tough part of asparagus, onion skins and butts, just about any veggie scrap.  I keep it all in an old gallon ice cream container in the freezer, and I use it to make veggie stock once the container gets full.  Scraps can also be added to meat bones when making stock for them.  It just adds extra flavor and nutrition to your stock.  After making the stock - THEN they go into the compost bin.
• TOMATO SKINS - don't forget to save your skins when canning any tomato products.  The skins can be dehydrated in the oven or dehydrator and then pulsed into a powder.  This powder adds a great deal of flavor and nutrition to soups, casseroles and meats.  REMEMBER - you can dehydrate about any veggie and then turn it into a powder.  This is handy for making healthy smoothies, and also for adding veggies to meals without others knowing it's in their food (picky eaters)!
• WAX BAGS from cereal boxes and such are great to keep.  I open them up and wash them down, then keep them and use instead of buying wax paper.    It works great between pieces of meat when freezing.
• SEEDLESS GRAPES - freeze them (off the stem).  Freezing really does boost the flavor and they are a great cooling snack.  I love to have frozen grapes on hand, whenever I plan to serve wine.  Throw a few grapes in the glasses of wine to keep it cold without watering it down, and then eat them at the end!
• JUICE FROM CANNED FRUIT - is great for freezing in ice cube trays or popsicle molds.  It makes a great snack or addition to a smoothie or a glass of tea.
• PICKLE JUICE is a wonderful meat marinade.  The vinegar in it helps to tenderize even the toughest meats.  Sweet pickle juices can be blended into a salad dressing.  Try a glass of tomato juice (or V-8) with a good dash of dill juice in it - it's YUMMY.  That is the only way we drink now. Makes a dandy Bloody Mary!

That's all I can think of off the top of my head - I know I have more.  These should give you a few options to think about.  What are your favorite unconventional uses of things? 
LET US KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Pantry Prep Recipes 3

Today will be a few more recipes to have mixed up and ready in your pantry.  No matter what the future holds - world or economic problems, illness, job loss, financial problems, etc. - ONE THING IS CERTAIN - prices will only continue to go UP!!!!!
There hasn't been much that I can think of over the past few years, that has come down in price and stayed down.  Groceries cost more every week.
Being prepared now - is like MONEY IN THE BANK in my opinion.

Even if you have to buy some of  the ingredients to make some of the recipes now, you will be saving money in the future.  I love that I can save time as well with my mixes that I keep on hand.  They are also great for those moments you realize that you need a gift - because as we all know - everybody has to eat!
***********************************************

Here is a recipe that is good for a quick, yet hardy lunch, great for the office or school, or just for a quick dinner with a nice hearty sandwich.

POTATO SOUP MIX
1 3/4 C instant potatoes
1 1/2 C dry milk
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon
1 tsp. dried parsley
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/4 tsp. thyme
1/8 tsp. turmeric
1 tsp. seasoning salt
Combine all the ingredients, mixing thoroughly.  Place in a quart jar or in a secure baggy.  Makes 6 servings.
Place 1/2 cup mix in a bowl and add 1 cup boiling water.  Stir until smooth.
**************************************************


INSTANT REFRIED BEANS
3 C ground dried beans*
2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. chili powder
*To grind the beans, place a small amount at a time in a food processor, blender, flour mill, or coffee grinder.  You should know if your blender or processor will handle the beans.  I prefer using the coffee grinder for mine.  I do about 1/2 cup at a time.

Mix all the ingredients together and store in a quart jar or large zip lock bag.

You can rehydrate beans to extend the meat in tacos or any other recipe. 
Heat 2 1/2 C water to boiling, add 3/4 cup BEAN MIX, 1 Tbsp. butter.  Still until it thickens and is combined with water.

BEAN DIP
3/4 C BEAN MIX
1 Tbsp. butter
2 1/2 C water
1 jalapeno diced
1 Tbsp. vinegar
1/2 tsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. cayenne

Mix BEAN MIX, butter and water in a saucepan.  Simmer until beans are rehydrated.  Add jalapeno and simmer a while longer.  Remove from heat and add the other ingredients.  Serve with chips!
*************************************************


RANCH DRESSING MIX
(I mix up enough to fill a jar to keep on hand.  We use it a lot)
5 Tbsp. minced onion
1 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 tsp. black pepper
2 1/2 Tbsp. dried parsley
2 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. celery salt

In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together.  Store in a sealed container in a cool dark place (pantry).  1 Tbsp. of the MIX equals one Tbsp. of store bought.

RANCH DRESSING
Mix 2 Tbsp. MIX
with 1 C sour cream
1 C. mayonnaise
1/2 C milk
Stir together until well blended.  The longer it sets in frig before use, the better it tastes.

RANCH DIP
1 Tbsp. MIX
1 C sour cream
Stir until blended.  Make a few hours ahead of time.

RANCH BAKED VEGGIES
3 lbs. potatoes (or any similar veggie).  Peel and cut into smallish pieces
Mix 1 tsp. MIX and 1 Tbsp. oil together and toss veggies in the mix and shake until well coated.
Bake at 400* for 30-40 minutes (when potatoes are tender).
This would be good with carrots, sweet potatoes, onion, or any other root veggie.
*************************************************

ALWAYS  make sure that you make up a card or label to attach to the jar or baggy with the instructions for preparing.
These are great basic recipes to have in your pantry and they all will make a FUN gift.
*************************************************


My plans are to have my pantry in EXTREMELY good shape by the fall season
None of us know how this election "thing" is going to turn out - (not good on either count) - there could be rioting and unrest in the towns and cities.
Winter will be arriving at about the same time - and we never know what weather conditions we will have to tolerate.
The banks and financial markets will probably be chaotic as well at this particular time.
THEREFORE - this girl wants to be completely prepared to stay home and take care of my little family to the best of my ability.
HOW ABOUT YOU?
WILL YOU BE READY?

Get busy my friends - you are the only ones that can make your pantry ready!!!!!!
GET READY, GET SET...........PREP!

Frugal Happenings 8/7

Good morning everyone.  Here we are getting ready to start our second week of August.  Boy, time is flying by.
School started here in the past week or so.  Most schools in our area are now 'year round' schools - so just a few weeks of summer vacation for them. 
The State Fair is going on this week, and they have already started closing the public pools!  Isn't that the craziest thing ever?  The pools should be open till Labor Day - they always were in the past.

My past week was busy and stressful.  So many health issues for folks close to us on both sides of the family.  Seems like people were either being admitted to hospitals for big health problems or going to emergency for lesser things.  I hope this coming week shows improvement for all. 
Getting older sure isn't for sissies!!!!!!

Frugals for the week:

• I did buy a new water bath canner for a great price of 19.99 (complete).  A new rack was going to be 12.79 & shipping - so I figured after 30+ years I could get a new one!!  The old one still works (can use both), just can't lift the rack.
• I bought a new set of sheets for 1/2 price.  First really nice set I have purchased in over 20 years.  Again, I thought I was do.
• Pulled out all the onions, and replanted green onion sets (bought plenty in the spring and stored them in frig)
• Made a nice batch of slaw from garden cabbage
• cut up and froze a bunch of bell peppers from the garden
• Harvested LOTS of veggies again this week.  Pounds and pounds of tomatoes
• Canned 13 pints of salsa and 6 of pickles
• Dehydrated tomato skins (and powdered), broccoli leaves (and powdered), and more basil.  **Broccoli leaves are said to contain more vitamins and minerals than most veggies!
• Ran out of milk early in the week, and used 2 cartons of shelf stable milk - instead of making a special run out to buy
• Laundry in cold & dehumidifier water and line dried
• re-carpeted the cat scratching post again.  I tend to redo it at least once a year.  My kitties love it
• Gave myself a nice spa night at home and a really good pedi
• Got to have AC off yesterday and so far today.  That hasn't happened in a couple weeks or so.  Humidity finally dropped for a couple days as did temps.  Loving the fresh air.
• Used rain water on the plants.  We did get a big rain one afternoon as well.
• All meals from scratch and home
• Made a big bowl of zucchini, cuke, tomato, onion salad from garden veggies

My yummy garden salad.  Excuse the stains in the bowl - 30+ years of use has left it looking the worse for wear!
YES everything I own is old!!!!!  LOL

****************************************************
Meals this week:
Cabbage, squash, onions cooked with smoked sausage plus mashed potatoes
Stuffed green pepper skillet
Coney dogs and homemade slaw
Fried chicken and slaw
Homemade taco salad
Homemade pizza
Chicken strips, oven fries and zucc. salad
We also had tomatoes and cucumbers for just about every meal

Snacks:
Ice cream, nuts, and whatever chips we had on hand
****************************************************

I have a feeling that the canning will really be ramping up this week with all the tomatoes we are getting.  It sure will make for yummy goodies for the winter.
I hope to do some more de-cluttering this week.  that seems to be a never ending project.

WHAT HAVE YOU ALL BEEN UP TO??  We all need some inspiration and ideas!
Have you been canning any of your garden goodies?  Get any great deals?

May God be with you in this coming week, and bless you beyond measure.
Take care my friends.

Weekly Reflection in Pictures

Here are just a few pictures that reflect my past week.
Hope yours was eventful.

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!!!  I love when these bloom.  They originally came from Mom and daddy's house - so I always think of them and HOME when they bloom.

 

 

This is to give you an idea of how big my zucchini plants are.  They are huge and producing like crazy.

 

This is the package of Mrs. Wages that I used to make part of my salsa.  Look at that clearance price!  I bought it after season last winter.  Super cheap salsa at my house!
It always pays to buy your mixes and such after the season is over.

Homemade pizza before baking.  G was like "oh wow, sliced roasted tomatoes".  It had tomatoes, peppers, and onions from the garden and a bit of homemade salsa on it.  YUM

My bean pots.  They are finally starting to produce well.

I call this  my "garden crack!".  I eat cherry tomatoes off and on all day.  I can't walk by a dish of them without grabbing a few.  I pick 2 bowls like this every day now.


I'll be back tomorrow for Frugal Happenings.
Have a great Saturday.

MORE Recipes for Pantry Prep

As promised, I am going to post a few more make ahead recipe preps that are great to have on hand.  We are all working hard at getting our pantries in order before winter ( or whatever else hits us). 

There are so many great jar recipes to have on hand, that just make life a little easier and that taste so yummy.  I like having jar recipes on hand in case the day gets busy, I am tired or short on time.  They are also wonderful as quick and thoughtful gifts.


WHITE CHRISTMAS SOUP
1 pkg. country peppered gravy mix (2.75 oz.)*****see note below
2 Tbsp. chicken bouillon granules
2 Tbsp. minced onion
2 Tbsp. celery flakes
2 tsp. parsley flakes
2 1/2 - 3 C dried noodles
Place the gravy mix into a wide mouth quart jar, mix the other ingredients together and pour over gravy mix, top with noodles.

Empty contents into a 4 quart pan.  Add 8 Cups of water, heat to boiling.  Reduce heat, and add 1 can of chicken (or leftover chicken).  Cover and simmer till noodles are done.

*****I buy peppered gravy mix at Sam's (3 bags to a box) and measure out the appropriate amount for this recipe.  The peppered gravy mix makes the best sausage gravy, and it is great in all kinds of cream soups for flavor and thickening.

This is a favorite recipe of ours and of my families.  Everyone loves getting this jar recipe in their gift bags at Christmas.  I always give it with a can of chicken, so the recipient doesn't have to purchase anything for a tasty meal!  (I make little labels for the jar with the cooking instructions - so they are always gift ready).
This is definitely a 4 STAR meal!


BREAD MACHINE MIX
3 1/4 C all purpose or bread flour (or your favorite)
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. sugar
2 Tbsp. powdered milk
Mix well, until blended and put in a labeled quart jar or baggie till ready to use.

FOR BREAD
1 1/4 C warm water
1 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil
1 recipe of MIX
2 tsp. yeast
In your bread machine, first add the water and oil.  Pour in the bread mix and make a little indentation on top to place your yeast.  Set your machine on bread setting and let it do its' job.

This is nice to have mixed up and ready to go on a cold winters day or a busy  weekend.


ONION SOUP MIX
3/4 C dry minced onion
4 tsp. onion powder
1/3 C beef flavored bouillon
1/4 tsp. celery seed - crushed
1/4 tsp. sugar
Mix all together and store in an airtight container.  I double or triple recipe and keep on hand all the time.  2 Tbsp. equals one packet of store bought.
I use onion soup mix in a lot of things for the wonderful flavor.


JANE'S KRAZY MIXED-UP SALT (brand name) - homemade version
3 Tbsp. onion flakes
2 Tbsp. garlic flakes
1 tsp. oregano
1 Tbsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. basil
1 Tbsp. onion powder
1 tsp. marjoram
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container.  If you put some in a shaker - make sure it has larger holes so, flakes come out easily. 
Hmmmm - I guess you could also blend this all into a powder as well.  I have never done that.  I usually just use a couple pinches out of jar.
We love this stuff.  It makes a salad taste great!


I hope this gives you some more ideas of things you can make and have on hand for your pantry prepping.  We just never know what the future holds in store for us - so it is very smart to be prepared.
I feel most of these mixes are very easy and made from things most people have on hand.
ALL of these also make great gifts.
I LOVE the idea that I can have these things on hand and that I KNOW exactly what is in them (no chemicals or preservatives).

************************************************************
JUST A PREP NOTE - when making jar recipes that use flour for your pantry shelves - make sure you have put your flour through the freezer for a while before adding to the mixes.  You don't want your mixes to show up with buggers in them.  The freezer will kill critter eggs in your flour.
************************************************************

LET'S GET BUSY PREPPING THOSE PANTRIES!  Have a great day.

Hmmmm - did you know?

Here are a couple of fun facts about our garden veggies we are all harvesting now.
Cool stuff.

Almost all of mine are three bump.  They still taste yummy to me!

We have been eating cucumbers absolutely every night.  I just love the younger super crisp ones.

FUN FACTS TO KNOW AND TELL!