Frugal Happenings 11/5

Good morning my frugal friends.  May this find you well and happy.
First, I'd like to ask for prayers for our friend JANE and her BLUEY.  She found Bluey unconscious  a couple days ago, and he is in a induced coma in the hospital at this point.  They are trying to find a cause.  Hopefully they will allow him to wake tomorrow.  Please pray.

This has been a lazy week for me.  I feel like I have been moving like a sloth all week!  It started cold, wet, and dreary and ended warm, wet, and dreary.  UGH.  I have gotten to turn off heat for a couple days - nice.  We had ONLY one day with sun this week.
I have had to get out REGULAR shoes!  ACK!!!!  I hate shoes, but had to break down and get them out.  Still haven't put away the flip-flops.  LOL
I desperately need to mow, but it is so stinking muddy - so that hasn't happened.
We have a great possibility of some nasty storms today.  Hot air meeting cool air - so enhanced risk of bad stuff.  I sure hope most of it misses us.

Halloween had few trick or treaters for us.  We used to have tons of kids come by (like 400+).  This was the least we ever had with just about 60.  I have lots of candy left which will be used in baking and Christmas baskets.  I had purchased it all on clearance a couple months ago.

My frugal week:

• Dried FREE bread for dressing for the holidays/winter
• Tallied receipts for the month
• Made some sausage/egg muffins with FREE English muffins I received last week
• Did go to the orchard and bought apples, Asian pears and cider for healthy snacks
• Cut G's and my hair
• Received a FREE 2018 wall calendar from NRA - beautiful pictures of 'hunting' dogs
• Working on my Christmas list and going through purchases - seeing what I need to get yet
• Bought 6 small pumpkins for 3/.25 on clearance for the squirrels!  We don't eat pumpkin, but the squirrels will enjoy the seeds.  I cut off the top and they stick their heads in!  CUTE
• Couldn't line dry laundry this week - but did hang some laundry in the basement and only used the dryer for a minimal amount of time.
• Meals from home and scratch

This is the geranium that says "I think I can - I think I can".  Still hanging in there and looking pretty despite frost and freeze.  It's up against the house - it's saving grace! 

We have also been enjoying watching the many, many cardinals in the yard, and this week we have had an abundance of blue jays in the yard.  They are huge and so majestic looking.  We always have small woodpeckers, however this week the huge pileated woodpecker made an appearance for most of a day.   Such a beauty!   The squirrels are a hoot, playing and running and chasing each other.  FREE entertainment right outside the window!


Meals this week:
Hamburger/veggie soup 2X
Loaded baked potatoes
Sausage gravy/toast and scrambled eggs
Spaghetti
Leftover pasta with added cheese/broccoli & cheeseburgers with sautéed onions
Fried split brussel sprouts/onion (in bacon grease), grilled beef fillets and salad.
**Boy were the brussel sprouts yummy cooked that way - added just a splash on soy sauce too.


As you can see, not a lot going on here.  I really need to motivate myself this coming week and get something accomplished.

I did notice this morning an ad in the paper - 4 day sale at Kroger - turkey .49/lb. with additional $20 purchase.  Cheapest I have seen in several years.  I do believe that I have now made enough space to store one until needed for Thanksgiving!
We truly haven't had good turkey sales in our area in ages.  The best prices have been about .69 or .79 over the past few years.  How I long for .29/lb. days!!!!!!!  LOL

I am not happy about this time change thing!  Extra hour sleep last night?  Not here.  My kitties have no idea how to tell "clock" time and still wanted to eat at the same time!  I also wake when my internal clock says 'wake up' - not the clock.  Heck it will dark at 6PM tonight - I so hate that!  The days just seem so short this time of year - I know this most definitely affects my mood!  A friend suggested I buy one of those lights for that - maybe I should.
Oh well, if that is my only problem in life - I am doing great!!!!!!!!  Sorry for complaining!


What was your week like?  Any frugal finds or special deals?

I pray for health and happiness for each of you and your families in the coming week.  Please stay frugal my friends.
God bless you all!

Season of Thanks

I know we are all thankful ever day for our families and friends and our fur babies.  We are also thankful for health and home.  We have so much to be grateful for, because no matter what situation we are in, there is always someone in a worse one.
I thank my Savior every morning for the dawning of another day and I thank Him every night for another day on this earth.  Some are not so fortunate.

I have been reading so many FB posts lately that seem to portray people as so ungrateful.  So many people seem put upon, when they have received a FREE bounty - as it isn't what they 'wanted'!  Others have been talking about how awful and rude people have become, and they feel so dejected by them. 
YES, there are some bad people and rude people in this world - but I think our reaction is MORE important than the rudeness!! 
Lay on the kindness - no matter how hard that is to do.  It surely will change you and your outlook of the day - and perhaps the other person as well.


It seems that so many people seem to forget about those in need until the holiday season is upon them.  People tend to put the hungry, the homeless, the 'less desirable', children - "out of sight, out of mind" for most of the year.
People need food every day, folks need bedding, socks, undies, etc. every day, they need health and beauty items, they NEED KINDNESS every day.
Children need to be able to go to school in a decent outfit (bullying is horrible), a meal to start the day, the security of knowing they have a safe place to return to, something to hug!

I recently read a post on a FB page of our park area neighborhood (this is a few blocks up the road).  They were 'warning' residents that people were sleeping beneath the bridges and in the park shelters.  They had called the police and reported it as well.  I, for the life of me, don't know how they knew this unless they are purposely looking - as all bridges and shelters are secluded from public/road view.
I totally understand their dismay, but then again most of them NEVER do anything to HELP - they just complain.  My response was 'please pray for them' - that was met with much criticism!!!!!!
I say "only by the grace of God" for most of us.

I try to do my part by providing food and funds for the area soup kitchen (right by the park) and we gift socks and blankets often.  I have made up 'survival' bags in the past to be handed out to the area homeless.  Those bags included small size toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, wash cloth, hand towels, hand wipes, razor, etc.   The area church (by the park) has clothing give-aways, and we donate to those.
Any act of kindness is appreciated.

I just hope that each of us can do something to help those less fortunate.  Cold weather seems to make things more prominent in our eyes.
Let all of us be God's angels here on earth.

PLEASE consider donating to a food pantry, soup kitchen, homeless shelter, local school, or children's gifting trees this year. 
Ask your area school if you can donate funds to feed kids who may not have lunch money - many schools have pantries that send food home for the weekends, some schools have a clothing closet, many need donations of school supplies.

We are ALL truly blessed.  We may have hard times - but there is always someone having a harder time.  In my view, money is not what I consider "riches" - it is merely having someone that cares and does.  There are so many blessings far more valuable than money.
           

This is not something everyone has.  Hope and Peace are treasures.

I challenge everyone to do something kind for another human being.
If you are in dire straights financially - give a kind word, a helping hand, a smile - that is FREE.  You have no idea what it could mean to someone.
God bless you all.

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

PS - I was late with this post today because of one of our blessings!  Our elderly neighbor stopped by for a visit.  He lost his wife of nearly 50 years this spring, and he was lonely today.  I feel truly blessed that he feels comfortable visiting with us and conversing for several hours.  There is so much to learn from our elders - compassion being the most important.

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.