Need A Jump Start?

Do you need to jump start your frugal ways?  Do you need to tighten the budget?  Do you need to get back to the frugal life?
Have new bills accumulated?  Are old bills getting behind?  Just wanting to save more?

I think any of these things can happen to anyone.
Many people want to get back to being their BEST frugal self.  2020 is just a couple months away and can be a new start with a new year.  Get yourself back on track slowly in the next couple months.  Make lists of what to cancel or cut back on.  Make lists of ways to improve your financial situation.  Start cutting back now.  Get yourself to make small cut backs and then really work hard at it in the new year.

• Stay home more.  Plan your trips to use the least amount of gas.  No eating out - no more stopping for coffees (take your own).  The more your stay home the less gas you use, the less upkeep on vehicle.  CHECK with your INSURANCE companies if you have made a major life change.  If you retired, work from home, work part time, work within so many miles of the house, etc...…..  you may get your rates lowered!!!!!!  I did - when G and I both retired - our rates dropped drastically.  ALSO if you hit some of those MAGIC AGES your rates will decline as well.  Call and check!
• Watch for food and grocery deals.  Buy the markdowns, clearance and stock up on the seasonal sales.  Whatever you save this week on groceries is $$$ you can use for something else or save.  It is basically money in the bank.  Cook from scratch!!!!!    Shop from home first - use what you have and get creative.  Shop sales.  TAKE anything that you are offered.  Check with Marketplace and Freecycle - you can often find farmers gifting/or cheaply selling food - you can find jars for canning.  Check with local farms to see if they allow gleaning at the end of the season.  Many do - you can get tomatoes, pumpkins, potatoes, etc. for pennies or nothing just for asking.  KEEP YOU PANTRY STOCKED FOR ANY EMERGENCY!

• Simplify your meals and snacks.  Makes soups, casseroles - use less meat.  Take snacks of veggies, fruits, nuts, peanut butter - homemade treats.  Use more pasta, rice and beans in your diet (they are great for stretching the budget).  Consider meat as an ingredient NOT a main event.

You can easily halve or quarter this recipe for biscuits.  Biscuits are easy and cheap.  Use biscuits, bread or cornbread to extend any meal.  All are filling and help the budget.

• Be aware of utilities.  Turn off lights when not in rooms.  Use candles more.  Turn heat down or AC up - use fresh air.  Let sun in on cold days, pull curtains at night to keep warmth in.  Be mindful of water waste.  Unplug small appliances not in use.  Air dry clothes if possible - it not, use your drier sparingly and hang things to partially dry.
• IF someone asks what you want for a gift - BE PRACTICAL.  Ask for grocery GC's, food, or any supplies you may need. 
• Also be practical with what YOU give.  Give homemade goodies, lovely crafted items, re-gift any gift cards you may have that you won't use, check out thrift stores for new items, etc..

JUST GET CREATIVE with everything.  Remember the rule of  one half - use half of everything and/or water down items.  Most things you will never notice a difference.

ASK for discounts and better deals - they may say YES!

BUDGET (I hate that word) - is basically spending less than you make.  Pretty simple concept.  Stick to it.

SAVE what you can.

Pick and chose whatever works best for you and your family.  Not everything works for everyone!  Odds are you WILL fail along the way.  That is normal - it happens to everyone. Just get back up and start again.  Stumbling along the way is normal.  Don't beat yourself up - just don't quit!!!!!  Keep on trying.

So get busy now and do a little jump start to get yourself in the frame of mind that 2020 will be a good financial year for your family.   Make a plan and stick to it!

Start making and implementing small changes - pennies make dollars.

If you want to want for nothing - just want less!  Keep it simple and enjoy the little things.

Blessings!

Dump Dinners - My Favorite Way to Cook

I do like to cook, but I also like things that are yummy AND easy to make!  I can take my time with dishes, but just prefer quick and easy.  Most people are leading very busy lives today, and anything that makes it a little less hectic is always good.
If you work or go to school, or have busy family/farm lives - dump dinners are for you!  So easy, so yummy, and very economical.  Generally easy clean-up as well.

EASY POTATO SOUP
1 - 30 oz. bag of frozen hash browns (you could substitute fresh if desired)
1 - 32 oz. container chicken broth (or homemade)
1 - 10 oz. can cream of chicken
1 - 8 oz. cream cheese
1 - cup shredded cheddar cheese
3 oz. bacon bits (crispy bacon)

Place hash browns in crock pot - add in broth and cream of chicken soup and half of bacon.  Cook on low for 7-8 hours OR high for about 4 hours.  One hour before serving stir in cubes of the cream cheese.  Stir to incorporate throughout the soup.  Once it is all melted - you are done.
Top bowls of soup with cheddar cheese and remaining bacon.
I am making this come the weekend!!!! Mmmmmmm

NOODLE TACO SKILLET
1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
1 onion, diced
1 packet of Taco seasoning (or equivalent of homemade)
1 small can green chilies (if desired)
1 jar (16 oz.) salsa
1/2 pound rotini (or any) uncooked pasta
2 cups water
Shredded cheese to top

Brown meat and onion in large skillet.  Drain fat.  Add seasoning, chilies, salsa and 2 cups of water.  Stir to combine.  Add pasta and stir.  Reduce heat and cook (covered) until pasta is cooked (15 min. or so)
Serve with a topping of cheese.
Doesn't get much easier!  Tasty too.
I make this often - sometimes I add a can of chili beans as well!

BASIC CHICKEN AND RICE
3 cans (10 oz.) cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
2 C  uncooked instant rice
1 C water
1 pound boneless skinless chicken
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. paprika
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/2 C diced celery (I like to use frozen peas)

Combine soup, rice and water in slow cooker.  Add chicken and seasonings.  Add celery or peas.
Cover and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
I also make this on top of the stove in less than an hour.  It depends if you are gone all day or home - how you cook it.

Busy people can still have hot, yummy and comforting food.  Dump dishes have always been my favorite things.  I figure most of my life has been spent cooking this way, and now it has a name!!!  If you think about it, ALL soups, stews, and casseroles are basically 'dump dinners'.  Dump in those ingredients - turn on the heat and soon you have a great tasty meal.

So easy!  

ONE POT dishes have always been my go to.  Not only easy - but easy to clean up.  Add a side salad or veggie or bread and you have a fantastic meal.

Hope these help someone on a busy day.  Good old comfort food at it's best.

ENJOY!

Weekly Wrap-Up 10/06

Happy Sunday everyone!  Hope this finds all well.

My goodness - fall is finally here!  We started out hot this week and ended on a cool fall note.  A front came through and BOOM, just like that it was fall.
It looks that highs for at least the next week will be in the 60's and 70's and lows will be 40's and 50's!
No heat needed yet.  I did get out my slippers!
We  got a little bit of much needed rain over night.  It is kind of gray outside right now, but I think the sun is supposed to shine at some point today.

My week:

• As it cooled, I did get some more yard work done.  Slowly I am doing stuff.  It sure is easier now that it is cooler!
• Got to turn off AC and open windows and air the house.
• Scheduled my furnace check for the 14th of this month (it is free)
• I worked more on the downstairs extra pantry - trying to organize some more and inventory.  This is a long process.
• I went out only 1 day this week and ran to my brothers house.  He sent me home with squash, green beans and cucumbers!

• I received a $5 gift card from the "Do It Best" hardware if I spend $25 for my birthday month.  I am sure I can come up with some items for gifts or yard
• Got to pick some roses this week - they are blooming yet again.  I made two bud vases up. Oh how I wish you could smell these.  They are heavenly.

• I have been watching You Tube videos about old ways of doing things and living simply
• I made a batch of beans and rice - used for 2 meals and then froze balance.  That came out of freezer Saturday and I added it to a batch of chili
• Fall cleaning has started - oh heck, cleaning never ends!
• Got out my fall candles and melts - Mmmmmmm love the fall smells
• No groceries or spending
• Doing all the regular stuff - that is a given

Meals this past week:

Fried potatoes topped w/cheese, breaded shrimp (found in freezer and baked it), tomatoes

Beans and rice and sliced tomatoes

Burritos (using beans and rice) and lots of cheese & salsa

Mashed potatoes and chicken strips

Chef salad

Fried green tomatoes and small salad

Chili

Had popcorn for snacks a couple times and some tortilla chips and homemade salsa

**Had 4 meatless days this week!!!

I am going to go in today and cook the green beans my brother gave me.  There are 3 lbs.  I will then place them in containers for meals later on and freeze.  I think I will have chili again today, then I will freeze the balance of it as well.  Hmmmm - thinking a loaded baked potato this week as well (w/chili).  Yum!

How was your week?  Has your weather made the change of seasons?  Are you gearing up for winter (or summer) depending on where you live?  Did you get any great deals this week?

Stop by and say hello and let us know what is going on in your life!!!

Prayers for all.  I know several readers are going through some hard things with their families and I have kept you all in prayer.  Gentle hugs to all.

May your week be blessed with health, happiness and financial security.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

If IT Hit the Fan

If the day comes that IT hits the proverbial fan - could you survive?  Are you prepared for anything?  Are you stocked with food/water, medical supplies, seeds, pet & animal supplies, just the basics?  Or do you have a supply network where you could get these things?

There are so many things to think about.  I often wonder what would happen if the grid failed and we were all plunged back into the 1800's!  Statistics show that 70% of the earth's population wouldn't survive.  They have no clue how to do things manually without technology or energy.  THAT IS SAD!
Technology has given us many advancements in this world - but I also think it has become the DUMBING AGENT of society as well.
Yes, as crass as that sounds, people today are really ignorant when it comes to how to survive on their own.
Today I just want to give you some things to ponder and perhaps prepare for.

We really have no idea how the grid affects EVERYTHING!  Well, we may - but we don't think of it often.

NO GRID - means nothing is probably open.  Stores, banks, gas stations, everything is electronic and computerized today.    If a store opened and only took cash - odds are supplies would run out in a matter of a couple days.
NO GRID - means your vehicles would not work.  Even if you have a supply of gas - the cars and trucks today are computerized and won't run if the grid is down.  You would have to have a very old model vehicle if you needed to leave.  This also means no new supplies would be coming for stores (no transport).
Have a bicycle????  That is about all that would work.
NO GRID - no phones.  No computers, no e-mail, no FB, NO COMMUNICATION.
NO GRID - no heat or AC (unless you have a fireplace or wood stove or solar)  "I have a generator" you say - well once your gas is gone - there is no more.  In many cases it means no cook stove or oven - do you know how to cook over a fire?

It is amazing how life would change.
NOW, is the time that we should educate ourselves.  We need to read and have books that teach basic survival living.
We need supplies.  Food and water are number one (and seeds for food plants).  Simple medical supplies would be next.
NO GRID - there would be no running water.  Unless you have a well and a hand pump - you would have to rely on your stored supplies and rain, creeks and rivers.
You would need a way to dispose of human waste.

This is something everyone should have.  Life straws will purify any water so it is safe for consumption.
If there were no modern communication - we would have to rely on old school ways.  CB radios, walkie-talkies, battery radios (not sure what we would hear), telegraph, etc.
There would be no mail - as you need vehicles both ground and air for that.

We could possible be separated from family and loved ones with no means of communication.  We might possibly be left to fend for ourselves all alone.
Do you have the personality and attitude it would take to get through this kind of scenario?
Do you have people close by that you could POSITIVELY trust?
Do you have a means to defend what is yours?
COULD YOU SURVIVE?

Hopefully this never happens - but it sure is something to think about.  There is a lot of strife in the world today and attacks happen.  This is a way of everyday life for some places - but we are spoiled and pampered.  Yes we are!
We have been complacent for many, many years.

Our ancestors had what it took to survive.  DO WE?

Computers, Horoscopes and Discoveries

Today is going to be a mish mash of things that are on my mind.

New month - new habits, new journeys, new discoveries, new realities and new praises.  That old saying about the only certain thing in life is change, is so true.  I am not a lover of change and never have been - but it happens.  I know that all things happen in God's time and there is a reason.  We do not always (most never) understand why, but I do believe it is definitely part of the journey that we have to take.  Some journeys are fun and easy and others just stink and they are hard.  BUT, we have them all happen in life - that is how we grow.
EVERY single morning and EVERY  single evening (and many times in between) I thank the Lord for my blessings.  There are days I don't feel happy or encouraged - but I am still blessed.  NO MATTER what happens in life - we still receive His blessings.
His blessings may not be exactly what we thought on a given day, but we are blessed none the less.
Enjoy the simple things - BECAUSE every single thing IS big and important.
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Every morning while reading the paper, I like reading the lighter side of things.  I always read "Dear Annie", and there is a column called "Let It Out" - which is just whatever is on readers minds, and the comics and the horoscopes!  That is all in one section and it is my light read.
Once in a while those horoscopes seem fitting (not that I believe in them).  Last week I had one that read - I would be getting 3 happy surprises that day.  Hmmmmm - I did.  I got 3 phone calls from people that I don't hear from often and they all touched my heart.

Yesterday - "Don't build, simplify.  Shore up what already exists.  Get rid of the excess, and you'll be struck by the value that was there inside all along."  
OK - this is exactly what I have been trying to do lately.  These are sage words for everyone of us - don't you think?
Appreciate what you have, lessen the load, and LOVE what is left.  In the process we may bless others with our cast-offs.
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I will NOT watch LIVE videos anymore on FB.  Yesterday I decided to watch a live Living on a Dime video as it sounded interesting.  This is the 2nd time I have tried to watch one of their videos LIVE - and the second time that my computer has completely frozen up.  I couldn't do anything.
That isn't going to happen again (to me).  Learned my lesson.  I even got my old computer out and charged up, as I didn't think I could get the newer one to open.
I finally got my Virus scan to work and did and scan and restart and it took care of the problem.  I have had this happen twice watching that same site.
Just be careful what you watch live - fair warning to all.
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I have been cleaning, clearing and de-cluttering as you all know.  I have come across a few things that I had forgotten about.  Isn't that something?  We have so much today, that we forget what we have or put it away and are only reminded of it once or twice a year.  That truly says a lot about our society.
I was cleaning in the basement craft area and found this pattern I had forgotten I had.  It looks cute.  It would be cute to make a top for jeans (I don't wear leggings) - but it would be cute with those as well.  I think it would be cute sleeveless shorter top too.  I may have to work on something this winter.  It looks so comfy.

Then while cleaning out the bookcase and closet I ran across some of the books I have that were my Dad's or inspired by my Dad.  They are basic organic gardening and self-help books for gardening and ways of living a more organic life.  My Daddy was way ahead of his time.  He was huge into organic gardening.  He took this magazine for years.  I have so many of them, dating back into the 60's and they are still relevant today.

These are just full of useful information.  I think I have a relative that would thoroughly enjoy grandpa's books  - so one day I can pass them on

I bought the Country Wisdom book for my folks back in the mid 70's.  The other book I have had for years as well.  So much knowledge in them.  Great to have around.

I also came across my Foxfire books that had been put away.  I don't have a full set, but have several.  Those are a wonderful, entertaining and educational read (if you ever get a chance).

AND I learned that I will never be TOTALLY  broke!!!!!  LOL  I came across 2 bathroom size trash cans that I have filled with pennies (tucked away back in a closet).  My goodness, I couldn't hardly move them.  I guess I should turn them into the bank for cash before pennies are NO more!  That is a lot of copper.  I also have little stashes here and there, that contain change that has been saved, and one with paper money.
I have a few silver dollars (from my childhood) and a few old $2 bills tucked away as well.

Ack - look how dusty those pennies are!  LOL  That little trash can is probably 12" across and maybe 15" deep.  That's a lot of pennies X2.

I guess being a pack-rat could come in handy some day.  Knowledge and money are 2 things that we will always need.

So there you have some random thoughts from me to start the new month.  I hope you all have a fantastic month and find some of your own treasures that you may have forgotten along the way.

Thank you for following my life journey.  You guys all keep me sane - you have no idea just how much your friendship and contributions have meant to me, especially in recent months.
Looking forward to another month of learning together!
Blessings!

Weekly Wrap-Up 9/29

Good day everyone.  Here we are at the end of another month.  My goodness.
I have been reading about snow and frost in areas closer to the coasts - and here we are still hot and dry.  September has been one of the warmest and driest on record for years.
We did have some cooler and low humidity days earlier in the week and they were lovely.  I got to open windows and air the house.
We are back to warmer days 80's/90's for a few more days (and humidity) and then back to more normal temps by the end of the week.  Friday from morning to evening the temperature increased 40*!!
First day of October is supposed to be 92*!!!

This getting older stuff is so aggravating with robo calls!!!!!!  I will be 65 in October and I have been getting a minimum of 10 robo calls per DAY from insurance places.  I do not answer, and they don't give up!  Good grief you would think they would realize if you don't answer the first 3 times in a row that you probably won't answer the forth time either!!!  I know it is a computer - but still.  It sure is aggravating and intrusive!

This has been a sadder week here on the home front.  It was 5 months since my sweetie left for heaven and it was also his birthday on the 24th.  Well, let me tell you I tried to work my bum off and kept busy.  Got to do things that occupy the mind and tire the body.  I miss him soooooo much.  Not looking for sympathy - just stating a fact because it really is hard.

The birds and squirrels still are not as plentiful as before.  I have been seeing only 3-4 squirrels versus 10-12.  Maybe some of the older ones have passed on.  I know they don't live a lot of years.  Birds seem to come and go. We'll see how it goes this winter.  I enjoy them all so much.   Hummingbirds are gone now.

My week:

• I did make a run to Rural King last Sunday (oh my - it was busy) for critter feed and canned cat food stock up
• I cleaned all the bird feeders for fall/winter
• Also cleaned out the metal trash can/bins I use for critter feed storage
• Washed windows inside (seems weekly - kitty kisses!)
• I cleaned out the storage area under the basement stairs.  Geesh what a mess.  I got rid of lots of stuff - have no idea why I had kept it.  FOUND  an unopened case of jelly jars and 1 unopened case of pint jars!!!!!!  WOOHOO.  ALSO found 7 gallon glass jars with lids and one half gallon glass jar with lid.  That area is all cleaned an organized now.
• Put lots of plastic in recycle bin
• Got to turn off AC a few days and open windows
• Spent a couple nice mornings outside trying to do some fall clean-up.  I ended up with 3 huge black bags of rubbish for the natural green pick-up by the city
• Picked a few tomatoes
• Picked a bouquet of New England asters

• I have worked on moving more store bought food storage upstairs
• I straightened the upstairs pantry and organized better (AGAIN) and started some new storage for canned good overstock

Yes this is after!  It may look like total chaos to others - but I know what is where.  Soups together, veggies together, fruit, baking items, spices, condiments, bulk, etc.  This is the daily use pantry.  It contains basically ALL my food - kitchen cabinets contain dishes, canisters, and pots and pans. (small kitchen)

This is the 'new' area for overstock on canned goods I came up with.  Cookbooks are below.  I donated a ton of books (no longer interested in) and moved many to other locations in the house - to free this space.  I will be putting curtains over it in time.  Still more to move and do.

See why I don't need to go to grocery?  It is just me and that's a lot of food.  I will helping anyone that needs help as well.

• Colored hair at home
• I worked on de-cluttering a bunch more.  So many things I have no idea whey we kept.
• I took an huge load of items to the church thrift store.  (Back seats down in Blazer and loaded to the back end).
• I got a loaf of FREE bread from thrift store
• No grocery store
• Brought the bread maker upstairs for handy storage - plan on making homemade for holiday baskets
• Using rain barrel water for plants.  I think this may be a year that I use all the water collected
• I have a Wondering Jew plant that was my Momma's.  She passed in 2001 and had it for years before that.  It just got so nasty and spindly looking - SO I trimmed off starts and have them in water to root.  I plan on giving it a new and healthy start.
• Using what I have, cooking from scratch, used the soda stream this week for sparkling water, laundry cold, line dried, working on organization and watched some You-Tube videos, just doing all the normal things.

My meals this past week:

Fried diced potatoes topped with beef and cheese - sliced tomato

Grilled ham & cheese

Easy chili mac - 2X

Pork chop, green beans (from freezer/cooked) and sliced tomato

Black bean/beef nachos

Tacos

Easy Chili Mac - I browned ground beef with onion, added a can of chili beans and chili seasoning - served over macaroni.  Topped with shredded cheese.  Easy and tasty.

This coming week I plan of getting all my home canned goods a lot more organized and I want to inventory and organize (again) the upright freezer.  

I also have more dried goods stored downstairs that needs to be organized.

More paperwork to take care of.

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😋😋😋👍

I want to let you know, a relative/friend reached out to me (privately) and told me she made the Amish peanut butter that I listed recipe for - and that they loved it! Just to let you know - it is yummy and will be a hit if you decide to try it!  I think she plans on using it for gift baskets as well this year.  Thanks for letting me know Becky!

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How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  So many of you impress me with all your freebies that I read about on your blogs!  You gals rock!

Are you still getting garden goodies/canning or is yours coming to an end?

Prayers for you and your families.  I hope you have health, happiness and thrift in the coming week.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

A Jar by Any Other Name = Gift - #1

Today will be the first installment of some jar recipes.  I will continue to randomly post recipes as the season moves forward.
Hope this gives you some fun and new ideas for holiday gifts.  Most are pretty frugal as well.
ENJOY

TUXEDO BOW TIE BROWNIES IN A JAR
1/2 C chopped walnuts (or pecans - whichever you like)
1/2 C white chocolate chips
1/2 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
2/3 C brown sugar, packed
1 C PLUS 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
1/3 C baking cocoa
2/3 C granulated sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
Layer all the ingredients in order listed in a one quart - wide mouth jar, being sure to pack down after each addition.  Secure lid and attach baking instructions.

Instructions
Empty brownie mix into a large bowl.  Add 3 eggs, 1/2 C oil and 1 tsp. vanilla extract.  Mix and pour into a greased 9 x 9 pan.  Bake at 350* for 22 - 25 minutes.  Cut into squares.

How cute to add a black ribbon around the top and tie as if a 'bow tie'.  Add you instructions and you have a yummy gift.  

Nice to keep several on hand as well - you will always have brownie "mix" in your pantry for a quick dessert.

PRALINE ICE CREAM SYRUP

2 C corn syrup

1/3 C brown sugar, packed

1/2 C water

1 1/4 C chopped pecans

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

4 (1 pint) jars and lids - sterilized  (OR 8 - 1/2 pint jars)

Combine syrup, sugar and water in a saucepan.  Bring to a boil over medium heat and boil for 1 minute.  Remove from heat; stir in pecans and vanilla.

Pour into hot jars, leaving 1/4" space at top of jar.  Secure lids, process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.  Makes 4 pints

Wouldn't this be a wonderful add to a basket - maybe an ice cream scoop and small bowls and sprinkles.  YUM

I think this would also be good to gift with pancake/waffle mix!!!!!

FRIENDSHIP SCONE MIX

1 3/4 C all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
1 C quick-cooking oats (uncooked)
1/2 C chopped walnuts
1/3 C mini semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine first 3 ingredients, stir.  Add remaining ingredients.  Mix well.  Store in an airtight container.  It makes 3 1/2 cups - so a quart jar would work.

Instructions
Place scone mix in a large mixing bowl and cut in 1/2 cup butter until batter resembles coarse crumbles.  In a separate bowl whisk a 1/4 cup milk and 1 egg.  Add to crumble mixture, stir until moistened.  Knead gently on a lightly floured board 8 - 10 times.  Pat into an 8 inch circle on a lightly greased baking sheet.  Cut into 8 wedges, do not separate.  Bake 375* for 10-12 minutes.  Cut wedges apart and serve warm.

Too yummy, maybe gift in a basket with a nice cup and tea bags or hot chocolate mix.

So there you have three fun items to make ahead of time for your gift baskets, holiday or anytime.  These are also wonderful items to have on hand in the pantry.
I hope this gives you a few new ideas and is something you can use.
ENJOY