Time for Concern & Stocking

I am going to take a break from the "simple foods" posts to get a little serious.
We are in some scary and serious times in this world.  So much is happening and it gives me concern that we just aren't doing enough to protect our families in the future.

I don't like to be  panic monger at all, but I am worried.
I mentioned the other day that we really need to get busy stocking as I thought things would get worse sooner than later.
I will tell you why I feel this way.

I am very concerned about the events that are happening around the world.  People are being deprived the basics of life in the name of control and politics.  I guarantee you that five or six years ago these same average middle class people never imagined that they would begging for food, water and medical help.  So many people have died from the lack of basics.  If they protest the situation, they still die, just in another way.   These people who led comfortable lives a few years ago - would be thrilled with the condiments of your frig - as food - that is how bad it is.

It's horrible.

NEVER think that this can't happen where you live - it can.  I don't want to get into politics, I just want everyone to be aware, stay informed, and be prepared to care for your own.  

NO ONE ELSE WILL!  

Secondly, there is the weather situations that are happening, that will drastically affect our grocery store experiences in the near future.  So much of the mid section of this country is totally covered with water (LOTS of water) and deep, deep snow.  That snow will eventually melt and become more water.  More heavy rains are in the forecast.

This midsection of the country supplies much of our food.  Grains, corn, wheat, potatoes, veggies, cattle and pork, etc.

Not only will the cost of food go up - but the cost of feed for the animals will go up as well (for the animals that haven't already died.)  Tens of thousands of animals have died to date.  Many farms will never be able to recover financially.

Predictions are that these farmlands will not get to dry out enough to plant for the entire spring season.

It is not just the mid section of this country, but it's all over.  There is extreme drought in some places on the west coast and also in countries in the southern hemisphere, where many fruits come from.

Heavy frost supposedly killed off the budding olive trees and olive oil prices will go up.  Chocolate and coffee crops have been damaged in recent months.  Have you priced vanilla lately??  WOW.

NOW is the time to really work hard on getting serious about our pantries.  Hunt for those good deals and take advantage.  Odds are you and your home peeps are not your only family or friends.  If the our extended families are in trouble - I am sure we would all want to help them as well.

Buying local is going to be huge for many of us.  Supplementing our garden produce or buying from local farmers for those who don't garden is going to be critical.  Can, freeze, dehydrate all that you can.  I haven't canned meat yet, but that is another idea.  (I will be doing a meat post next week).

Barter - with those who produce what you don't.

Forage for natural growing fruits, nuts, herbs, etc.

These things are going to be important.  Supplies are going to be limited - therefore they are going to cost a lot more.

ALSO REMEMBER - those arbitrary dates that manufacturers put on your food supplies are just that - arbitrary!!!!!  They can be used well past date and they are still fine.  Rotate and use as needed.  

Just remember that whatever you buy now, especially for a discounted price, is 100% totally money in the bank and a safety net for your family!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know we are seeing a lot about these things on blogs and FB (not so much in the news), but it is serious.  Again, I try to steer away from politics on here and don't intend this to be a political post - just a wake up call.

IT IS TIME TO GET SERIOUS.

If you are so inclined, please pray for our world - it needs it badly.

Stretching Your Money - Meals for Pennies

We have all had lean times financially.  We have all had to stretch our food reserves a little further than normal.  Could you?
No income.....life changing events....severe weather situations...financial downfall...
There are so many reasons to have to really watch your dollars and stretch them further than you ever imagined.
I think we are on the edge of times, that we will have to get creative with WHAT we have and ONLY what we have.  I think our deals and grocery options will be very limited in the near future.

If you haven't figured it out yet, this girl likes simple dishes!!!!  If a recipe has 10 steps and a dozen ingredients - I am probably not even going to entertain the idea of fixing it!  I like simple - but I like variety - and I like stretching my food and money.

Following are many, many ideas for dinners (or other meals) that can be made with foods on hand and for little money.  Just remember - not EVERY meal has to be nutritionally sound!!!  Some meals can be just for fun!
Being full is the main objective when resources are low.  Many of these options can be used for more than one meal.

Think breakfast - any time of the day

Oatmeal, biscuits/gravy, pancakes, waffles, French toast, egg biscuits, breakfast burritos, quiche, any breakfast item at all is yummy!

Baked potatoes - top with whatever you have in the frig (or a can of soup)
Goulash - different in every region.  Here it is mac, gr. beef, tomatoes and cheese
Spaghetti
Cheesy mac with hotdogs or sausages cut up in it

Tuna salad, egg salad, pasta salad, chef salad - you can make a salad from about anything.  Bread pudding (it can be made as a hearty dish instead of dessert) - homemade stuffing.

Bean, rice, cheese burritos, chicken (or other meat) enchiladas (make your own sauce), tacos or taco salad, Mexican soup or casserole

Soups:
Potato soup, ham and bean soup, split, beef and lentil, veggie soup (load up with veggies - doesn't need to have meat), chicken and rice or noodle  (can add pasta or rice to any soup to stretch it)
Serve with bread. toast, or biscuits or cornbread to help fill everyone up.
There is no limit to what can be added to soup.  Jazz up plain ingredients with spices and herbs.

Casserole
Anything you have leftover - whatever you have on hand, add a can of cream of soup, maybe a little meat and/or cheese and bake.  Top with some crushed crackers, crushed croutons, etc.  Again - no limits to variety.

Fried rice (add whatever you have on hand), stir fry (definitely stretches a tiny bit of meat) and serve over rice
Lo Mein (spaghetti and veggies/meat (or not)  & seasonings)
Homemade pizza
Savory beans and rice - with or without meat
Have a veggie night - meatless meal
Sloppy Joe
BBQ any meat

Serve sides of veggies, salad, biscuits, tortillas, cornbread, fruit - fresh or cooked, rice, potatoes, pasta, etc.

Think about getting a roast whenever affordable - they can make many, many meals (use smaller servings to help stretch).  Cook with potato and carrots, then use for pulled pork/beef, BBQ, in tacos, burritos, fajitas, enchiladas, stir fry, soups................the list goes on and on.

Use much less meat than normal.  If you use a pound of burger in soup - use a half pound or less.  Stock it up with other items.  Add lots of filler items.

We have been known to have chips and salsa/dip, veggies & dip, cold cut sammies, cheese and crackers, etc. for a meal.  We eat to fill our tummies - so it doesn't have to always be fancy!


There are so many ways to stretch the food budget, the dollar, and yet have a variety of good and fun meals.
Never under estimate the value of simple ingredients and a limited budgets.

Do you have any meal ideas for those tight budget days?  Please share with us!!!!!

Frugal Happenings 3/17

Happy St. Patrick's Day to all.  Blessings  upon you all.

What another weather week we had.  It sure has been a mixed bag.  We got to air the house on Tuesday afternoon, then again on Wednesday and the morning temps were acceptable for that on Thursday - but oh my the wind!!!!!  The wind and rain were unbelievable.  There were tornados in surrounding counties and there was a lot of damage all around.  We had gusts of 60 - 70 mph.
Our neighbor called and asked if they could park at our house as their huge pine tree was swaying 'A LOT' in the wind, and she was afraid it would end up on their vehicle.  Crazy.
This morning it is snowing - snowflakes the size of quarters.  They are huge and plentiful and  sticking!  It won't last long on the ground thankfully.
This week it appears that we may get close to 'normal' temps!  Here's hoping.

The Robins returned this week - and they look pretty stunned this morning pecking around in the snow.  Poor babies.  Also saw the return of the red-winged blackbirds and we now have 3 types of woodpeckers visiting.  Spring is close!!!!

We are so blessed as there are so many people around the country that were inundated with snow and rain and flooding.  It is so sad to see the pictures.  I just can't even imagine.
Prayers for all.

Our frugal week:

• I have always used a microfiber cloth on my Swifter, but this week I came across a stretched out pair of sport socks of G's - and they slide over the Swifter perfectly.  I will use them from now on.
• The bottom of our jar squirrel feeder was starting to come apart - so I got out there and fixed it.  A few strategic screws worked wonders.  Temporary fix until I get my new one (I got for Christmas) stained and up
• I ran errands one day - whew I made a day of it.
• Gas for Blazer - .30/gal discount.  First fill-up since in January
• Dollar Tree - got the 5 Himalayan pink salt for $1 each and I got ranch dressing/dip mix - 2 double packets for $1 each.  Love having them on hand for a quick dip or dressing.  Those are over $3 at the grocery

• I then ran into the Kroger by the DT (it's not one I usually go to) just to check for any mark downs.  I found snack cheese on markdown for .99 packet.  These are great for snacks or quick protein fix at lunch.  They had 5 packs and I got them!

• On to Joann Fabric - looking for a few odds and ends for a project G and I are working on.  Trying to come up with a prototype hand/finger brace/support for his brother.  Frustrating as there is nothing we can find ready made that would work
• Rural King - last but not least.  Big stock up on canned cat food and some squirrel and bird feed
• We fixed our ceiling fan/light in the bedroom.  Our neighbor came and worked on it for us.  I had $8 in parts I had purchased a while back, and he did the labor.  Both chains for fan & light had broke off in the base (unit is 31 years old).  It is a Hunter unit and the quality is superb - we sure couldn't replace with something similar for a decent price today.  Love that it is working and saved!
• Continuing with the deep cleaning  and declutter - never ending chore.
• All regular  daily chores
• Made a batch of pecan/toffee brownies for snacks

Meals this past week:

Swiss burgers, pizza rolls & salad

Beef Manhattans and asparagus

Tuna patties, cheesy mac & salad

Baked spaghetti

Pork chops and veggie/pasta salad

Sliders and pasta salad

Grilled Rueben roll-ups

All leftovers used up in other meals

So there you have it.  Not all that exciting, but we did get some frugal deals and fixes.

How was your week?  Any deals?  Fixes?  Projects?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Prayers that you all have a blessed, healthy & safe week.  May we all 'find joy' in the simple things this week.  Some of our happiest moments come from the simple things.

Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Simple Foods = Good Eats #3

Today let's talk about fruit and veggies.  There are just basics that we all need in our pantries for being prepared for any occasion/problem.  Life can throw some strange moments our way and we need to be prepared.

Many of us garden and during the appropriate months we can have plenty of fresh veggies and often times fruit available.  Not everyone has the space or ability to garden.  You can be prepared as well.
I do garden, but I am limited in garden size, therefore I do keep a lot of store bought veggies and fruit available.  Much of it is canned.  Frozen is wonderful, but I want to be prepared in the event of loss of power.  We can eat veggies and fruit straight from  the can in an emergency.

I can as much of my home grown as possible.  I like to dehydrate many items as well.  Both keep for very extended periods of time.
I think we need to look at all our options!  Store bought, home canned or frozen and dehydrated.  IT IS ALL GOOD!

Things I can't grow - I get at very exceptional sales and prepare myself - like pineapple, mushrooms & apples.

Dehydrated mushrooms that were found very cheaply on sale.  Super easy to do

Zucchini and yellow squash are easy to dehydrate as well.  I slice and place ONE squash per tray - therefore I know how much to put into a baggie.  Great for soups in the winter.

DO NOT FEEL BAD if you can not garden or can.  It isn't for everyone.  Store bought is perfectly OK.  I do not understand people criticizing others for having store bought 'anything'.  Sometimes it is just easier.  It is OK.  If you have dietary restrictions, you may have to rinse store bought food well before preparing and you may have to really watch and read the ingredients.
Remember you can keep it simple - just basics will be a wonder to have in an emergency.

Even I keep a great supply of store bought goods on hand.  I watch sales and mark down and add to my pantry when I can.  I am not ashamed to have prepared goods on hand - it could save a life.

A super sale on fresh pineapple yielded much goodness for our pantry.  Canning pineapple is very easy to do and it tastes so good in the dead of winter! 

There are just many ways to add to your fruit and veggie pantry.  Grow what you can.  Can what you can - then fill in with all the other goodies.

Also - think about looking at LDS and prepping sites for large quantities of dehydrated foods.  Most of those sites carry the #10 size cans of just about anything you can think of and these cans of food last for years and years.  (you just can't be too prepared in this world today).

But start slowly and build up your deep pantry as you can.  If you garden, you have fresh goodies all summer and hopefully can put some back for winter.  Remember you can even grow some things like lettuce, herbs and onions in the house in the winter.

Purchase canned goods you will use whenever you find a good sale or markdown.  Add to your stock and you will be prepared for about any problem.  It may save you and your family.

I know I repeatedly say this stuff - but folks it is important.  Not one of us can predict the future and anything can happen.  

Loss of job, low finances, illness, acts of nature or government turmoil.  I am sure the people in countries that are in  utter chaos at the moment - didn't think it could happen a few years ago either.  ANYTHING is possible.

Get your pantries stocked.  Work slowly but steadily - persistence pays off!

Dollar Stores - My Fav!!!!!

I recently saw in the News that a bunch of Family Dollar stores will be closing.  From what I understand they are owned by Dollar Tree.  They said many would become Dollar Tree's - so you might want to keep an eye open in your area.

I love dollar stores.  Family Dollar has never been a favorite - as the ones around here are very messy and not that clean nor organized.  Just kind of junky.  I really like Dollar General and of course the Dollar Tree!!!

I mean - heck it's a dollar!  Now we must all realize that not everything there is a deal.  I can get many items on discount or sale at the grocery store for less.  Some things just aren't worth bringing home and some shouldn't be brought home.
Watch and read when buying things like toothpaste and beauty aids.  The packaging looks like brand name - but if you read it carefully - it is not the same.  Tons more chemicals added and it often comes from a foreign country.  You really DO have to beware.

That being said - I still find a lot of things well worth that dollar bill!. I buy snacks for G sometimes, candy is often a deal, I like to get cards there as well.  I love making cards - but always try to keep a bunch of ready made for all occasions here at the house.  Most are 2/$1 - that's like dirt cheap.  Cards are sooooooo expensive - and they often just get tossed in the trash.  I buy kitchen towels, peroxide & alcohol, cards, some spices or grocery items, snacks, silk florals (for cemeteries), and shampoo.  Those are my go - to items.  It just depends on the season.


I have been seeing lots of posts of FB talking about Pink Himalayan Salt at DT.  That is what we use and let me tell you that stuff is pricey.  Yes we could use regular table salt, but there is the added iodine and pink salt contains lots of natural minerals of the earth.  It is all natural and better for you.

Well I went yesterday, just to see if ours had the salt.  THEY DID!  I got 5 - 1 lb. bags @ $1 per bag.  Now I know that sounds  pricey compared to table salt - but it is worth it.

This stuff is great.  It is better for you (click on bottom pic to read about it), and it is healing.  G has sensitive teeth and had a tooth hurting for a while and he now keeps a bottle of water (w/pink salt added) in the bathroom and rinses his mouth with it everyday.  No more pain or sensitivity!  It works great for gargling with if you get a scratchy throat.  Much like regular salt water - but has minerals in it as well.

I also use pink salt in my canning instead of buying canning/kosher salt.  No iodine added - so no cloudiness in our canned goods.

I got the mail in yesterday after I came home and there was a booklet from my spice place - Spices, Etc.  I love that place and have purchased our salt from them in the past.

Well check out the price in this flier.

17.8 oz. bag is $19.95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I paid $1 for 16 oz. bag.  HUGE difference. 

It is pure salt and comes from the exact same place.  I checked the bag I still have.  Crazy.  

I truly do not know how DT can sell things so cheaply.  Is it just that other places are making a fortune?  I don't think so.  Think about materials & labor, processing or manufacturing, then shipping and location to sell, etc.  - it just doesn't make since.

I will continue loving my DT as long as possible - because eventually this cheap train has to come to an end.

These are the kind of deals that make frugal shopping fun!  You might check your store for this deal as well.

ALSO keep an eye on your Family Dollar stores as many are starting the discount pricing already.  I have seen 20% - 25% off at some stores.  Popular items will go fast and you won't even get to think about getting a deeper discount for some things.

Keep your eyes open and shop smart!!!!!

Frugal Happenings 3/10

Good morning everyone.
Did you change those clocks?  UGH!!!!!!!  I have not used an alarm clock in over 30 years.  I always wake up about one half to one hour before dawn.  Now I did the same today - and I feel like I am running behind.  It will take me a while to get my mind/body adjusted to this - it always does.  Isn't that crazy?  You wouldn't think one hour would make such a difference.
Don't forget to change those seldom used clocks as well - like in your car!

We had a storm blow through yesterday.  We ended up with almost 2" of rain in a 24 hour period and lots of wind AGAIN.  This past Monday and Tuesday we set records for cold temps on those dates that had lasted 146 years!!!!!!  It was cold.
We went from a yard that was rock solid hard to mushy and gooshy.

This coming week is supposed to be a little better, but I am ready for 60's and 70's.
We have had a major weather event every weekend this year, except 2!  I am kind over it - I wish it would just mellow out a bit.  It doesn't need to be so dramatic!!!!

It was an extremely quiet week (AGAIN)
My frugal week:

• Got my leggings out for about 3 days again to wear under jeans.  They sure do help keep me warm.
• We had a home doctor visit this week.  All is good with G.
• I made a "new" belt for me this week.  G doesn't wear them anymore - so I got one of his narrow (in width) leather belts and cut it down and punched new holes.  Now I have a sturdy leather belt for jeans (instead of my decorative one) and it was FREE
• We got our taxes all printed out and ready to go in this week.  Yes we are old fashioned and mail them - we do not submit digitally.  
• I did go to Kroger and got 48 cans of tuna for the deep pantry at 2/$1 (my stock-up price) and I actually broke down and bought fried chicken at the deli - marked down 8 pcs. (whole chicken) for 2.99!!  I see it marked down a lot - but never that cheap.  Regular price was 7.99.

• I went back to Aldi and bought 3 more bags of oranges for 1.99 each.  I have thoroughly been enjoying them.  I get intense cravings for oranges this time of the year.  I guess my body is telling me something!
• Still working on deep cleaning.  I don't know why we call it "spring" or "fall" cleaning - as it is always needing to be done.  Get through the entire house deep cleaning and it's time to start over!!!!  Right?
• I finally decided on what the baby blankie will be that I need to make for an upcoming gr.gr. niece (gr. nieces first).  It will be a combo of pretty material and hankies!  When I get it made I will show you all.
• Doing all the normal things each and every day - how exciting! NOT!!
• I did a lot of reading, watched some You Tube and research

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Meals this past week:

Baked fish, asparagus and rice casserole

Burrito supreme & salad

Cabbage, smoked sausage, potato skillet

Fried chicken (store bought) and red beans and rice

Chicken and veggie stir fry (flavored like General Tso) over rice

Homemade gumbo - used up all leftovers in this (2X)

All leftovers remade into new dishes or used for breakfast

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So how was your week?  Any good deals?  Are you planning your gardens yet?  I haven't started - but I generally do the same things each year.

Look forward to hearing what you have been up to.

Prayers for health, healing and safety for all.  May your week be full of frugal living and fun surprises.  Live your days with purpose!!!!!!

Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Easy & Yummy Skillets and Mixes

I had someone ask about the Mexican casserole, and someone mentioned they had never made homemade Rice A Roni, so today I will give you both recipes.
We all like easy meals, and homemade, and  frugal.
So here we go - a couple semi-homemade recipes that are just scrumptious.


SEASONED RICE A RONI
2 C uncooked rice (not instant)
1 C broken spaghetti - (I place in a bag and smash with a hammer)
6 Tbsp. instant chicken or beef bouillon powder
2 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
Mix all together and store in an airtight container.
To use - put 1 cup of mix, 2 Tbsp. butter and 2 cups of water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil,  reduce heat - cover & simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
(This is the original recipe I started with and it's from the Tightwad Gazette.)

**I do things a bit different now - just to give you options.  This tastes good, but it isn't exactly like Rice A Roni as it hasn't been sautéed in butter.
I mix up the rice and broken spaghetti together - and I mix the seasoning up and keep them separate (in a small jar or baggy).  One third of seasoning mix is used for each 1 C of rice/spaghetti.

It takes 1 cup of the rice/spaghetti mix to equal the amount in a box of Rice A Roni.
I then follow the below instructions

I cut these instructions from a boxed mix years ago, and it is taped inside my cabinet door over the stove. (See how yellowed the tape is?)

Tastes just like the real thing and you know exactly what is in it.  Easy to make up in bulk and have on hand.

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OK, you all know I am not huge on recipes unless it's a mix like above or baking - but this gives you an idea of how to make it.  You can add or change anything you wish!

MEXICAN CASSEROLE

1 lb. of ground beef (or turkey/chicken)

Taco seasoning (mix with meat like you would for tacos)

1 can of corn (drained)

1 can of beans - drained (kidney, black, chili - whatever you have)

About 1 - 1 1/2  C salsa

Approx. 1/2 C uncooked rice

Actually cooked on top of stove until rice was tender - then topped with crushed tortilla chips and shredded cheddar cheese and place in 350* oven until cheese is melted and lightly browning around the edges.

A great one pot meal - serve with a salad.

I cooked in my skillet and transferred it to the oven - super easy clean-up.  I love one pot meals.

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ONION SOUP MIX

3/4 C dried minced or chopped onion

4 tsp. onion powder

1/3 C beef bouillon powder

1/4 tsp. celery seed (crushed)

1/4 tsp. sugar

Mix all together and keep in an airtight container.  2 Tbsp. of mix is equivalent  to one packet of onion soup mix you purchase.

Use as you would store bought soup mix.

I like having this on hand - as we use it a lot for flavoring soups, casseroles and in meat/veggie crockpot dinners.

We are huge onion people (or lets say G is!!!!)

**I buy dried onions in gallon size jars at Sam's club.  It would take me forever and a fortune to dry as many onions as is in a gallon container.  

Sometimes life is just easier to purchase than do it yourself!!! It's OK - we can use store bought when it makes life easier and saves money and time!

I hope these recipes help you stay ahead of the game in your kitchen.  I always like easy dishes and simple mixes to keep on hand.  

I hope you enjoy!