Frugal & Fun - Ornaments

Today is Halloween and I truly hate to think about Christmas until this day is over.
NOW we can get busy and make some lovely and easy ornaments for ourselves and for gifts.  Super frugal and cute!


CINNAMON ORNAMENTS
1 1/2 C smooth applesauce
2 C cinnamon (buy cheaply at dollar stores)
Mix ingredients together.  Roll out dough to about 1/4" thick - use cookies cutters to make cute shapes.  Improvise and make cute hand or foot cutouts of the kids or grands!
When rolling out and working with dough lightly dust area and hands with cinnamon.
Air dry for 3 - 4 days OR bake at 175* for 2 -3 hours.
Use a small straw to make a hole for ribbon, string, or hook.
**Store in zip-lock bags after Christmas to preserve smell for next year.  THEY SMELL SO GOOD!

These are so cute as tree decorations, added to wreaths, or as a cute addition to a package.


SALT ORNAMENTS
4 C flour
1 C salt
1 1/2 C warm water
Mix dry ingredients and slowly add water while stirring.  When the dough gets too stiff to mix with a spoon, use your hands.  Roll out 1/8" thick. (If too thick it will tend to split and break).  best to roll between 2 sheets of parchment paper.  Use a skinny straw to make a hole.  Bake at 300* on parchment for about 1 hour.  Allow to cool and paint and then spray with poly spray.

Paint and spray for beautiful gifts or gift tags (add a personal touch with painting a name).


WHITE CLAY ORNAMENTS
1 C baking soda
1/2 C corn starch
3/4 C warm water
Mix dry ingredients in a cooking pot - then add water and stir.  Stir over medium heat until bubbling and pulling away from sides of pot.  Cool a bit in the pot - then remove and knead into a soft dough.  IF too wet, add a bit more baking soda.  Roll 1/4" thick and cut into shapes.
*You can add glitter to the dough at the kneading stage if desired.
Push in beads, jewels or other decorations and allow to air dry over night. 
This dough would be cute to add pet paw prints - or kids hand/foot prints in.
These can be painted if desired.

PINE CONE DECORATIONS
Pinecone can be found most anywhere.  If no pine trees in your yard, check your local park or cemetery - most all have pinecones laying all over the ground.
Pinecones can be spray painted, glued and glittered, dipped in wax, etc.  They can be turned upside down and made into trees, can be added to wreaths, made into cute angels, added to center pieces or garland, placed on mantles and on and on.............................

I like making bird gifts with them.  Spread the cone with peanut butter and roll in bird seed to heavily coat.  Wrap loosely in plastic wrap and a ribbon and give to a bird loving friend!!!!

TWIGS AND BRANCHES
Nature gives us so many gifts that we can use in lovely and rustic decorations.  Learn to use what you have.
Twigs can be cut into pieces and glued to the outside of a plain votive holder for a rustic candle holder.
Fill a vase with assorted sizes of branches - wrap a lovely bow around the vase.  Branches can be left plain or spray painted (gold is festive).
Grape vines can be made into wreaths.
You can make all kinds of ornaments with twigs - twigs and a glue gun is all you need.
Spare ribbon pieces or strips of fabric and twigs can be a cute Christmas tree ornament.

Your imagination is your only limiting factor on creating fun and easy FREE ornaments from nature.


You can make so many cute decorations for pennies or FREE.  These are also fun projects for the kids or grandkids - what a fun day it would be.  How lovely to decorate your home with homemade, and how cute these would all be as gifts.  I love homemade gifts - so personal.

Get your CREATIVE BRAIN GOING and have some frugal fun.
Decorating and gifting doesn't have to cost much!

Frugal Happenings 10/29

Hello my frugal friends.  WOW here we are at the end of another month!
It is hard to believe that we will be welcoming in 2018 in a couple months.  It sure doesn't seem possible.

The weather has FINALLY become fall-like.  We have had a lot of rain and gloom this past week and them temps - well, they fell!  Lows are in the 30's and high in the 40's and 50's.  Thursday morning we had our first 'noticeable' frost and we are supposed to have our first freeze tonight.
The garden party is over!!!!  It makes me sad, but it is also nice to have a break.
I got all the water bowls plugged in for the kitties and natures vast array of critters!

We have had 4 pair of cardinals in the yard for about the past week.  They seem to be busy eating right at dusk and dawn.  Oh my, they are so beautiful!
The birdies and squirrels sure do realize that the weather is changing - they are eating LOTS of food!

Cuteness overload!  I thought this was the sweetest picture!!!!

 

My frugal week:

• I processed the last batch of kraut - 8 pints
• Did get to do more yard work when it wasn't raining - FREE exercise
• Picked ALL the garden that was left.  I got 8 - 5"-6" heads of cabbage.  5 - tennis balls size heads - several pounds of broccoli, the end of the peppers and bunches and bunches of cherry green tomatoes!   Picked thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
• Dehydrated the tiny heads of cabbage  (took them apart) - and ground into powder.
• Dehydrated herbs
• Had a breakfast/brunch with a high school pal this week.  We met at 9:30 and left the restaurant at 2PM!  We had lots to catch up on.  Cheap fun!!!!!!
• This was my birthday week and I went to buy myself a present - but found nothing except Christmas gifts!  I went to Big Lots to look for a new shower curtain - NOPE.  BUT I did find 2 - gallon size jars (2lb.each) of Protein powder for my nephews who work out a ton.  They were regular 19.99 and I PAID 5.00 each.!!!!!!!
• I also got regular size cans of chunky cranberry sauce for .10 each!  Not huge cranberry eaters, but in a pinch it would taste great.   I may also use to make jam with oranges/cranberry.
• I received some money as a gift this week, and also some home canned goods from my brother (things I don't can).  G bought dinner one night - as I was told I was NOT cooking!!!!  How sweet (but I cringed at the amount spent!)
• Did more fall deep cleaning.  It never ends.
• All the normal stuff - we do each and every day!

Meals this week:
Leftover homemade pizza and salad
Taco salad
Mini taco pies and brussel sprouts
Cheesy smoked sausage sandwiches and chips
Cajon rice with chicken . steamed broccoli and sliced tomatoes
Pizza, breadsticks, and wings (delivered) Big Box - had 2 different pizzas & other goodies!
Leftover breadsticks and cheese and pizza


I will be making a nice pot of hamburger/veggie soup today.  I am so in the soup mood with these chilly days!
I am all set for Halloween (with clearance candy I got earlier) - but I still am not sure what I will do.  It just gets kind of scary any more - you never know who is walking around out there.  IF I do it, I will sit outside so I don't have to open the door (it's what I always do) and I will quit early - at dark.  The little kids start coming about 6PM - those are the ones I care about.
Halloween is only once a year and I remember how exciting it was when I was kid.

I sure do dislike the shorter daylight hours we are having.  They will only get worse in another week with the time change.  It is now still dark at 8AM and is dark at 7:30 PM.  That is one part of fall/winter that I hate!  UGH

What did you do in your frugal home this week?  Are the gardens done?  Any special deals?
It seems that the 'fall winding down' is happening every where here in the states.  Some of our readers are getting to enjoy spring/summer!  Lucky gals!


I hope each of you has a safe and healthy week.  May the Lord bless you and keep you in His loving arms.
Blessing from our frugal home to yours.
Cheryl



**Please say an extra prayer for our reader Laura at Harvest Lane Cottage.  She has been battling cancer and is now finished with chemo and surgery.  Prayers that the Lord heals her quickly and completely!

Shopping Strategies

I think everyone has their own shopping strategies.  No one thing works for everyone.  I totally know that I do NOT shop like other people.    I can't remember the last time a HAD to shop for a weeks worth, or 2 weeks worth of groceries!  I get things to fill in - but always have plenty of groceries on hand.  The pantry/freezers are my friends.
I have really been working hard to use what we have, instead of doing additional shopping this month.  It is working out pretty well.

There are so many things to think about when figuring out when, where, and what to shop for.

KNOW YOUR STORES
You need to know which stores have the best prices on certain items.  I know that Aldi is my best place for ANY dairy and for eggs. 
I know Kroger has the best clearance.  I know that Wal-Mart (in our area) has the best prices on soda pop and deli stuff.  (Although I very seldom shop there.)  I know WM and Meijer have the best cat food prices.  Dollar stores are best for health and beauty products and cleaning products.
KNOW who offers what.

WATCH FOR CLEARANCE, MANAGER'S SPECIALS, SALES & COUPONS
You need to make friends with the meat manager, produce manager, etc. and find out when they NORMALLY mark down their items.  Many stores have great markdowns on Mondays - because they overstocked for the weekend.  Many have the best clearance on the first day the grocery ads come out.  It strictly depends on your stores policies.
COUPONS  & APPS can often be used in conjunctions with markdowns and sales - therefore you get the most for your dollar.
Take advantage of the coupons many stores send out for FREE products or FREE money.  B&BW send out coupons for free items and Kohl's (and others) send out $10/$10 coupons.
NEVER turn down FREE MONEY!!!!!!!!

CREDIT CARDS - Don't use UNLESS you are disciplined enough to pay off your bill every month.  Nothing is a bargain - if you end up paying interest on a card for it.
IF you pay your cards every month - then use them.  You can earn rewards, cash back, and bonus points which can give you FREE items, GC's or specials.

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX - Your traditional stores aren't the only places to shop.  Learn to love your Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and even closeout stores like Big Lots and Ollie's.  There are so many bargains that can be found.  For example - I won't buy books for gifts until I have checked out Ollie's (super book prices) or Half Price Books.
Keep watch of Farm Markets, specialty grocery stores (Indian, Mexican, Asian, etc.), and even yard sales for deals.

MAKE A LIST - and stick to it.  Know what you are going to shop for and stick to your list.  The only time I deter from the list, is when I see absolute crazy clearance prices for things I WILL USE!  I will stock up on as many as I WILL USE in a reasonable time or buy for gifts.

SEASONS - know your season.  This is important. Many fruits and veggies are cheaper at certain times of the year.  You probably wouldn't buy a turkey in May - but November is the perfect time.
Linens, appliances, clothes, even cars have seasons that give up the best prices.  Summer items are best priced at markdown in fall, anything holiday related is best priced AFTER the holiday, winter items - buy close to spring.  Always be aware of seasonal sales and markdowns.

CLUB STORES - Sam's and Costco.  Not always the best prices, although there are some things that just make since to purchase there.  You need to be alert and careful.  A gallon can of chopped tomatoes is a deal at 2.28 - but some things cost more than when you watch for sales, clearance, and use coupons.
Bulk purchases can be split with other family or friends.  If you buy too much and it goes to waste - it was not a deal.
BIGGER  is NOT always better. 
This applies at all stores.  Be aware of UNIT prices.
I have seen 4 packs of TP for $1 each - yet the same product in a 12 pack is 4.99.  DUH!

Wouldn't it be nice to see these kind of prices again?  WOW - sadly, most of us probably remember these days!


**Many people MENU PLAN around the sales of the week.  That is a good idea if you are that disciplined.  I AM NOT. 
**STAY AWAY from buying at gas marts and corner marts.  The mark-up on purchases is huge.
**DON'T shop unless you NEED TO!
** NEVER pay interest on something you got on sale and NEVER let sale items (or anything) go to waste!  THEY ARE NOT DEALS if you do these 2 things!!!!!


Like I said above, I don't need to weekly shop.  I rely on the pantry and freezer for most of my meals.  I know a lot of you do the same things.
BUT if you need to shop every week (and many people do and that is totally understandable), make sure you use all the best strategies that you can.  You work hard for those dollars - work just as hard at saving as many dollars as you possibly can.

DO YOU have any great strategies for saving money?
Inquiring minds want to know!

Simple & Happy

ARE YOU HAPPY?
I hope everyone is saying yes.  Now that we are approaching the holiday season, it can bring on a lot of stress, depression, and anxiety.  Those are not things that make for a happy life.

Please remember that no matter what our religion. our ethnicity, our country of origin, or our language - we all have similar emotions and needs.  We all want to be happy.  We all want a stress free life.  We all just need our family and friends.

It is very important to periodically reflect back on your life and your priorities. Is your vision the same as it was 20 years ago, 10 years ago, or even last year?  Do you know what changes you might need to make for a happier future?  Maybe you just need to simplify.

I remember having visions of grandeur when I was younger about everything!  I could conquer the world!  I wanted my holidays to be perfect in every way, I wanted to buy the best for everyone, and I wanted everyone to be happy.
TODAY - I go with the flow!  A perfect holiday is ANY that I am blessed to have.  The food is kept simple, the gifts are homemade, and I am thrilled just getting to spend time with loved ones.  No gifts necessary.

I hope you sit back and reflect on what really makes you happy.  I bet it isn't money or gifts.  I bet it's family, friends and relationships.  Once in a while - we all need a reminder of that.
Make this year's holidays the best ones you have ever had - BUT without the stress and anxiety. 
Eat what you have or what someone brings, worry less about gifts and money, spend time together and BREATHE and ENJOY.

Keep it simple and BE HAPPY!!!! 

Frugal Happenings 10/22

Good morning my frugal friends.  What a lovely morning it is in our neighborhood.

We have had cooler, yet decent temperatures, this past week.  We did have to turn on the furnace for a cycle, on two different mornings.  Rain coming in tonight and possibly for the next couple days - then much more fall like temperatures.  Highs in the 50's and 60's this coming week.

I have done yard/garden work every day this past week.  So much to do, but I am trying to space it out, as not to kill my back! 
Have been watching the squirrels  carry around walnuts and hide them.  Not sure where they are finding them - but they have been busy.  Every time I go out back, I have to have peanuts in my pocket, as they run up to me and put their paws on my leg, looking up begging!!!  I have created little beggars!!  They take them from my hand.  Too cute.

The allergies have been in full force this week with being outside so much.  I do look for relief from that.
I got the garden pulled out except for cabbage and broccoli.  There is much of that left.  The volunteer tomatoes are still around the yard as well.  Get a few every day!

God's "good morning" to us this morning.  It was the most incredible sunrise!!  Looked like a painting!

My frugal week:

• Used a $6 off any sale coupon at Kroger.  Got 40 lbs. of cat litter for a grand total $1.04 (mainly tax).  YAY
• While at Kroger I had to look at clearance - (called withdrawal!!).  I did buy 4 packs of gourmet smoked garlic powder ($1 ea.) and 4 - 12 oz. containers of specialty mocha coffee ($2.29 ea.) on clearance.  NOT for me - these ALL GO IN GIFT BASKETS for Christmas!
• Bought gas and got it for .20/gallon discount.
• Had our yearly furnace check under our maintenance agreement - no charge
• Used a ham bone from the freezer for making beans - boy did a lot of good ham come off the bone!
• Made cornbread and used bacon grease in it for extra flavor - YUM
• Got out my fall candles and melts (candle scraps).  Love the smells of fall
• Did lots and lots of yard work - FREE exercise
• Stopped at the church thrift store while out.  I got myself 4 tops for a total of $4 ($1 ea.).  I also got a 2 pack of English muffins (18 muffins) for FREE.  One pack in the freezer for later.

A cute holiday t-shirt (new),  sweatshirt with cardinals, brand new denim fall shirt (extra button pack still attached), and a heavy zip up cardinal sweater (I will use as a jacket).  I love cardinals if you couldn't tell!!!

• Went to my first craft bazaar of the season (just up the street).  It was so disappointing.  Few crafts and lots of pre-made stuff.  Not like years past.  Bought nothing.
• Making tea, filtering water, using Soda Stream and making meals from pantry/freezer.
• Line dried laundry
• Picked more flowers for bud vases
• We were gifted a pound of 'fried' chicken livers from G's aunt and uncle!  YUM
• I did stop at Aldi and spent $6.50 on grocery items.  I got 4 lbs. of fresh brussel sprouts and 3 lbs. of baby carrots.  That is all I bought.

Meals this week:
Leftover cheeseburger soup and sandwiches
Cube steak, mac n cheese, and steamed broccoli
Soup beans with ham and cornbread
Chicken livers, mashed potatoes and gravy
Leftover beans and cornbread
Smoked sausage, cabbage and fried smashed potatoes
Homemade 'loaded' pizza


It is hard to believe that Halloween is about a week away, and Thanksgiving is just 4 1/2 weeks away. 
There will be lots of frugal finds in the next few weeks.  After Halloween sales of candy (great for Christmas stocking stuffers and baking), and baking and Thanksgiving type foods will be on sale every where soon.  Turkey, ham, potatoes, sweet potatoes, veggies, and baking goods will be at their best prices.  It will be time to fill the pantries and freezers on the cheap!


What did you do at your frugal home this week?  Any good deals to be had? 
Is anyone making any Christmas gifts?

I hope you all have a blessed and safe week.  May the Lord give you health for your body and love for your heart.
Blessings to all.

Oldie to the Core

THAT'S ME!  I like the old ways, the older music, older things, you name it. 
I tend to be inclined to the 50's and 60's music.  I love gardening and canning.  I garden organically, like my Dad taught me.  I have 'old fashioned' morals and values.  I like re-using and re-inventing things.  I like antiques.  I like buying second hand - gently loved items.  I like old fashioned holiday rituals. 
I just like all that is old.

My home reflects my love of oldie goldies for sure.  NOTHING in my house is really new and modern - oh yeah, I have small appliances and such - but those are pretty necessary to every day living.
I decorate with keepsakes, family heirlooms, childhood possessions, garage sale finds, antiques, and family pictures.
Let me give you a small tour!

Anybody recognize some the 50's items?  I do use a lot of it too!

Old 50's & 60's matchbooks my dad saved - makes a nostalgic picture.

 

My mechanical doggy and old Mason jars

This picture is from my grandparents home - it is from the early 1900's  I loved this even as a child

My story books from childhood

Old time implement made into my towel holder

 

Old family pictures, and a certificate from family branch from Ellis Island.  Yep, they came through there and I have the proof!

A $2 yard sale picture.  I bought it for the frame - as you couldn't see the picture for dirt.  I do believe it is worth some money, as the artist is quite prolific and in museums!

 

Items in the china hutch.  The doll was my Aunts who was born in 1906, and a tiny picture of Aunt holding the doll  from about 1910.  Blue/white dishes came from Germany with ancestors in 1700's.  Brown dish made by my gr. grandma.  Lot of other goodies from days gone by.

Items in shadow box were my Uncles.  Keepsakes I received after he passed years ago.

 

 

As you can see, everything old is new again, at my house!  I just have a love for old things - I guess it's a good thing - since I am getting OLD too!  LOL   I guess I just felt nostalgic and wanted to share, plus I also wanted to show how you can decorate for little or no money and have your long ago loved ones around you each and every day as well.  I love paying homage to my ancestors and my past.

 

 

BLESSINGS!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Simple, Saving Subs

It is getting to that time of the year in the States that winter will be closing in soon.  Weather can change at a moments notice, and if you are like me, you hate going out in the ice and snow to buy groceries.
We all need to keep our pantries full, but we must also realize that there are any items that can be used in place of others.  There is no reason to make a store run for 1 missing ingredient. 
Most times I am right in the middles of my recipe when I notice I am out of something. 
I am working on being more organized before baking - so that doesn't happen!!!!!  I just love having the knowledge to switch things up a bit.

Substituting ingredients is not only easy, but it is also cost effective and CAN BE healthier as well!  WIN - WIN - WIN!


There are many substitutes for oils in BAKING:
Applesauce can be used cup for cup of oil
Butter can be used cup for cup
ANY fruit puree can be used cup for cup
You can also substitute yogurt (plain or flavored), sour cream, mayo, or buttermilk
Avocado puree can be used cup for cup for butter
Pumpkin and winter squash puree can be used as well

You may need to watch the texture of your baking mix before baking, and adjust the other wet ingredients a bit - but all of these work.

You also have olive oil, Crisco, butter, coconut oil, Ghee and oils made from just about everything.  You can find just about any kind of oil you so desire at the grocery.
I just love knowing, if by some chance I run out, I have other options at my fingertips.  I generally have several types of oils on hand at any given time.  You can also create a lot of yummy new taste sensations as well by experimenting.
**TIP - I always use olive oil in brownies (most people use other oils), and my brownies come out so moist and tasty.  I always get compliments.

Oils for FRYING
My favorite is bacon grease - I keep all bacon grease in a container in the frig.
You can also drain and keep beef fat (from ground meat)
Grease from any type of meat can be drained and kept in containers in the frig or freezer.  Fats from ham, steak, pork, etc. can be rendered down.
There are lots of options for your frying needs as well!  
**TIP - I have even been known to 'pan fry' pork chops or b/s chicken in a water base - no oils at all.  There is also oven 'frying'.  No oils and both options are MUCH healthier - yet still yummy!


EGGS
There are lots of subs for eggs as well, and many you wouldn't even think of.
1/4 C of Tofu  = 1 egg
1/4 C egg substitute = 1 egg
1 Tbsp. oil +2 Tbsp. water = 1 egg
1 Tbsp. cornstarch + 2 Tbsp. water = 1 egg
1 Tbsp. tapioca flour + 2 Tbsp. water = 1 egg
About 1/2 of a mashed banana (1/4 C) = 1 egg
1/4 C applesauce = 1 egg
1 Tbsp. chia seeds + 1/2 C water (let it set for 15 minutes) = 1  egg
1 Tbsp. ground flax seeds + 3 Tbsp. water (let it set 5 - 10 minutes) = 1 egg

IF you are short just 1 egg for a baking recipe, add 1/4 cup extra oil. 
OR short an egg - add 2 Tbsp. water + 1 Tbsp. oil + 2 tsp. baking powder
**TIP - Always keep a box of egg substitute on hand.  Mix with water.  Found in most baking aisles!


I would suggest if you are replacing oils with purees or dairy TRY NOT to replace eggs with another ingredient.  If you start replacing too many things in one recipe - you will definitely change the taste and texture and the chemistry involved in baking.

It is just fun knowing that we can always bake or cook with what we have on hand AND not make an extra trip to the store.  We all KNOW - NO ONE every gets just one thing at the store!!!!!!!  You save time, wear and tear on your vehicle, gas, and money.


Hope this helps in that moment you run out - it happens to the best of us!
Baking season is here!