Weekly Wrap-Up 3/15

Good morning everyone.  Hope this finds each of you well.
It has been pretty quiet around here.

We have had warm weather, chilly weather, wet weather, and yesterday we had a covering snowfall!
This next week is supposed to be in the 50's all week - but a chance of rain almost every day.   UGH!  We all know that when we need that rain - it won't be around.
At least the sun has come out this morning ( a little) - so the snow won't last long.  I am so tired of gloppy muddy shoes every time I go into the yard.  What a mess.
Oh well, I guess it could be worse.  I am able to go out and I have a yard - so that is good.

Yesterday I got a message from my former neighbors (they moved about 4 years ago).  Said they were going to the store and did I need anything.  How sweet was that?  That is how we should all be - every day.  Watch out for each other vs. all this nasty hoarding that is going on.
I have gotten 2 phone calls this week from family, asking if I was OK and did I need anything.  I love how my little community is looking out for each other.
Please look out for your family and your neighbors.

My week:

• I did get to do some yard work on a couple days - just starting to clean up a bit.
• Cleaned all the 'watering holes' for the animals and birdbath
• Cleaned out the desk drawers - what a bunch of un-needed paper!
• Checked all the fluids in the Blazer - general maintenance
• Made a batch of biscuits - for now and later
• I did go out and check a few stores.  Didn't need anything - I was just curious.  Things were good when I checked - but totally changed in a day (once it was announced that schools were closing)
• I got 4 bottles of peroxide (I use instead of bleach in laundry) at Dollar Tree and 2 packs of wipes (for my purse).  There was plenty at the time.

• I then ran to Kroger to look around.  I did get some more cat food, just to have.  I also got 2 - very small heads of cabbage.  It was .49/lb.  That will last me for quite a while
• Got to turn off heat and air house a couple days
• Paid all bills, ran to P.O. and then the library (which is now closed till Apr.)
• All normal things - cleaning, laundry, using what I have, cooking from scratch, working on de-cluttering, etc.

Meals this past week:

Oven fish & fries and slaw (home canned)

Chili/cheese dogs and chips

Mac/cheese with leftover hotdogs and chili sauce added, fruit salad

Taco salad

Big loaded salad and an orange milkshake

Chicken strips, rice and peas

Turkey/rice soup (from freezer) and biscuits with apple butter

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?

I know many who come and visit here have big pantries - what a blessing!  We all knew there would be a time that we could sit back and not panic - regardless the reason!!!!!   Being prepared - priceless!

This coming week, I think I need to get in gear and accomplish a lot of things that I keep putting off.  I plan on staying home for the most part - so I want to accomplish stuff around the house.  Busy, busy hands and minds - good for the soul!

I pray that you and yours are healthy and safe.  May you have a fantastic week and accomplish much as well.  Let's use this time to do all those things we have put off.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours!!!

Ways to Live Like a Pioneer

Pioneers DID work hard for everything.  Life was not easy at all.  Everything was a struggle.
BUT, we can live somewhat like a pioneer by learning new "old" skills and practicing them.  We need to learn to be more self sufficient.  There may come a time when you have no one else to help or turn to.  You need to educate yourselves.

COOK FROM SCRATCH
Everyone needs to be able to take simple ingredients and make a filling and nourishing meal.  You don't have to fix fancy or expensive foods.  Basics and well rounded meals will keep you alive.  I often hear people say "I don't know how to cook".  If you can read and follow directions - you can cook.  It isn't rocket science.

PRESERVE.GROW FOOD
I know not everyone can have a garden - but you can grow something to help.  A tomato or pepper plant in a pot, lettuce, spinach or herbs in window boxes will help.  Watch for farm markets and pantries that have fresh food.  You don't need a lot of equipment or skill to preserve some food for later.  An oven can be used to dehydrate - as can fresh air!  Start with something simple such as jelly or pickles or relish or tomatoes for canning.  (If you have a big stockpot you can water bath).  Freeze food.  Read and learn new ways to preserve things for the future.  It may save your life.

Don't have to claim to be a homesteader - just figure out how to live more simply.  It will give you peace.  Once you realize that you don't have to depend on others for everything you gain some freedom!
STOCK UP ON BASICS
Stay stocked up on basic ingredients that can be used in many ways.  Flour - baking, gravy, bread, biscuits, etc.  Sugar - drinks, baking, canning, etc.  Salt - seasoning, preserving, even in some cleaning.  You get it!
If you stay stocked up on basics (things you normally use), there will be no need to panic in any given emergency.  Buy a little extra each week and put it back for another time.  Can, freeze, or dehydrate for later use.  Grow whatever you can - fresh is always best.

USING FIRE
Learn how to start a fire.  You never know when you can't use your stove - you need a way to cook.  I have a gas grill that I can use - you may too.  Learn to use any type of grill or cook over an open fire.  Have a couple pans (cast iron) that can be used on a fire.  You need to have an alternative way to prepare food.  Do your research - there are many options.

LEARN TO USE WHAT YOU HAVE
Figure out ways to remake and reuse things you have on hand.  New purchases may not be available and you can figure out a way to recycle.  That just makes sense any way.  Have 'how to' books on hand and learn what you can from others.  If you have a computer you can learn from You Tube.  I love finding new uses for things.  Not only is it frugal and prudent, it is helping the environment.
Sewing - use old clothes and remake them into something new.  Make quilts and covers.  Hankies and TP.  Different clothing items.  Home furnishings. Mend.
Cooking - use all leftovers to make new and nourishing meals.
Yard - look at new ways to decorate the yard (with older things), reuse wooden skids for projects, use flower pots to grow some food, etc.
There is no limit to the things that can be recycled.

HAVE FAITH
This is the biggest one for me.  Have the wisdom to know that something bigger than you is in control of the universe.
Economies can fail, crops can fail, inflation can happen, illness can spread, deaths can happen, lives can change - and at some point you will experience at least one of these.  That is a given.  FAITH will get you through (trust me, I know).
It isn't about how much money you have, how much stuff you have or your comfort level - it is about leaning on something higher than yourself for strength and guidance.


Stop for just a moment and think about the hardships that the early pioneers went through.  If was unbelievable that so many survived.  We are here today as a testimony to their perseverance, and their abilities to keep pushing forward (even through the worst of times), and their industrious ways.
We can do this too.
Do research, read, learn from each other, do whatever you can to figure out how to survive through bad times.
LEARN TO LIVE LIKE A MODERN PIONEER


**If you have access to the Foxfire book series - get them and read them.  So much knowledge that is getting lost today.

Shop to Win - Different Strategies

Most people go to the grocery every week or so.  You may have one or two places that you regularly shop.  Those may not always be the cheapest or best places to find deals.  Think about looking outside the box.

AT THE STORE
MARKDOWNS/CLEARANCE- always, always check the clearance aisle.  You can get so many deals there.  Most items are well within the "best by" dates.  Actually most are exactly the same as what is in another aisle for regular price.  Our area stores markdown all stock that won't fit on the regular display - as they keep nothing in the stock room.
The fresh produce areas often have a markdown section as well.  Kroger has it's .99 bags and the items a near perfect.

AISLE DEALS - always check the aisle for deals.  Those who are familiar with Kroger or affiliates - watch for the white shelf tags that say "manager markdown".  Those are items that the store is no longer going to restock or carry - so you can get some great markdown deals.

BAKERY DEALS - most stores all have an area where they have marked down bakery goods.  These items are much cheaper and can be taken home and used immediately, refrigerated or frozen.

DAIRY MARKDOWNS - always check the dairy aisle.  Often milk is marked down, as is yogurt, cheese, etc.  I can't remember the last time I purchased yogurt for full price (except at Aldi - it's cheap).  Milk can be purchased and drank, turned into cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, sour cream, etc.  You can also freeze milk (remove a bit before freezing) and use at a later date.

ALTERNATIVES TO GROCERY STORES

Look outside the box.  You can often find deals in places you would not think about.  I have gotten some of my best deals at stores not commonly thought of for groceries.

DOLLAR STORES - Whether the Dollar General, Family Dollar, or Dollar Tree - there are deals to be had.  Now you need to know your prices - as some things aren't deals - you just have to look.  I get many things at the $Tree, that are super expensive at the grocery.  Shelf stable milk is one thing.  $1 a container at $Tree and at least twice that at grocer.
Cleaning supplies and health and beauty items are sooooooo much cheaper at the $Tree (brand names - watch sizes).  I get most of my first aid stuff there as well.  Why spend money that you don't have to?
Many dollar stores have coupons on receipts that on certain days you can get $5 off $25 purchases.  With cheaper prices and a lot of clearance at these stores - it sure can stretch your dollar.

FARM/BUILDING STORES
I know this sounds crazy - but check them out!!!  Farm & Fleet, Tractor Supply, Rural King, Lowes, Home Depot, Menards, etc.
I get the best price EVER on vinegar at Rural King.  I always stock up whenever I get there.  Garden seeds can be purchased for lesser prices as well as yard and garden items.  Food of all types are now being sold at these stores.  I have purchased canned veggies for .33/can at Menards and they often have sales on canned chicken/ham/turkey for a $1 can.  Great shelf stable items for your long term pantry.
With all the shortages people keep speaking of on cleaning items, hand sanitizers, and paper goods - check these places.  They usually have ample supplies.

WAREHOUSE STORES
Sam's and Costco are the two big ones.  Can you save money?  Sure - but again, remember, you need to know your pricing.  NOTHING is a good deal, if you can't use it before it goes bad or you simply waste it.  Buy fresh meats and veggies and repackage and freeze when you find a deal.  Non food items are often very cheap at these places.  If you can not store for a later date or you will not use it all, think about splitting purchase with another person.  You both get a deal and stock up.
These stores also have markdowns and clearance - usually because they are going to stop carrying that item.  You can get some phenomenal deals if you watch the labels closely.

SCRATCH & DENT STORES
I am not fortunate enough to have one of these close by any longer.  The last one closed a couple years ago.  If you can find one - go and check it out.  There can be so many great deals.  If I ever get back to the Amish store (quite a drive), I will check out their scratch and dent section.  Make sure the cans are just slightly dented - no leaking and no rust and no bulging.
BREAD STORES - are also great places to get bread and snacks items for a cheaper price.  Our last one of these closed a couple years ago as well.  That made me sad.  Hmmmmm - sounds like we have a couple business opportunities in my community!!!!!

There are places like BIG LOT'S/ODD LOT'S and OLLIES that sell store buy outs and over stock from places.  Many deals can be found at these places as well.

DRUG STORES
Osco, CVS, Rite-Aid, Walgreen, etc. often have food and grocery deals.  I have found many items on special (especially at holidays), that sure make it worth stocking up on.  Always look after the holidays for at least 50% markdowns on holiday items.  Who cares what the packages look like  - the product is the same.  Stock-up on these deals for a later date.

YARD/GARAGE SALES
In the past there have been many members of the community that were AVID coupon queens and they would sell their deals at yard sales for pennies on the dollar of store prices.
Of course shopping/stocking doesn't always mean groceries - keep eyes open for school supplies, toys, clothes, bedding, household goods as well.
It is amazing what people buy - then never use - and sell for next to nothing.  Obviously they have more money than sense!!!!  Well, sometimes I figure they have little of both!  LOL
You can take advantage and get great deals.
THRIFT STORES can also be a place for good deals.  You can usually find a bit of everything - although these places are looking to make money - so your deals may not be as good as yard sales.

NEVER dismiss any type of store/outlet for a getting a deal.  Think outside the box.  Keep you mind open.
Watch all the ads and watch the aisles whenever you enter a store - sometimes the best deals are NOT advertised!
If you find a great deal - let others know as well.  I realize not everyone will run out and purchase or even look for a deal - but if you can help someone else save a penny or a dime - DO IT!

KEEP YOUR EYES AND MIND WIDE OPEN TO FINDING DEALS

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/8

Hello all my friends!  Hope this finds you well.
It sure is a pretty morning here.  We had a bit warmer weather most of the week.  Thunderstorms hit on Tuesday night.  Friday got cold, cold, cold!!!!  My oh my - it was windy, cold and snow flurries!
Looks like we will have above normal temps all next week - but wet!

I have noticed all kinds of things popping through the ground.  Lillie's, tulips, and daffodils and even saw a few red sprouts of peonies!!!!!  Looked out one morning (wish I had the camera close) and there were 3 blue jays and a big woodpecker on the feeder together!  What a sight.
I saw my first two - red-winged black birds of the season this week, and yesterday I saw my first two robins!!!!!!
The squirrels are making new nests and 'remodeling' their existing ones.
This morning the woodpecker sounded like a jack hammer!!  Boy he sure was a head banging!!  LOL
Looking off into the neighborhood, you can see a golden/red hue on all the trees.  They are showing their buds!
Yep, spring is in the air!!!!

Neighborhood news - the kids that live next door said they are going to stay at least 2 - 3  more years until they can build something.  I am so very happy.  There is so much to be said for good  neighbors.
The people on the other side of them FINALLY got evicted.  Thank goodness.  NO ONE is sad to see them gone!  Our elderly neighbor who owned that house, sold it and there will be a new landlord.  He seems nice and is doing a lot of work there.  Hoping we get a good neighbor.

My week:

• Changed out handbags - spring is a good time to change!
• No heat on a few days and the door was open and aired house
• Cleaned out another drawer
• Picked up a ton of sticks AGAIN.  Between the wind and the squirrels who are working on nests - sticks were everywhere.
• My brother & SIL came by one day.  They wanted to get some ham seasoning from me - no problem.  That is why I buy in bulk.  He brought me homemade apple butter!  He didn't need to - but it sure will be good on biscuits
• Straightened the pantry again.  How does it get so messy???
• My other thumb nail broke below the nail bed too - so I trimmed all my nails down - give them a chance to grow out together!
• All normal stuff - changing out bedding, laundry in cold, cleaning and de-cluttering
• I ran to the bank one day - hadn't been since the holidays.
• Also hit some stores while out.  Ran into Kroger, Ollies, and Fresh Thyme (for suppliments).  Didn't really need anything - it was such a pretty day I wanted to get out.
• At Ollies I did buy 4 yard flags.  Last year a friend gave me a flag holder - so I got flags for each season.  They were on sale for 3.99 each.  Generally they are about $15 around here.

               I have the spring one hanging outside already - it is full of tulips and spring colors!

• I ran across to super Kroger and did get fresh asparagus for .99/lb.  I love asparagus.  I also got myself a pair of jeans!!!!!  YES I DID!  They were 25% off and cost me $15.  Those are the first (at a store) pair of jeans I have purchased in years.  I usually get them at a thrift/yard sales.

I am happy to report that at all three stores I went to there were plenty of supplies on hand.  Nothing was missing.  I actually walked all the aisles just to check.  Plenty of everything and no shortages.  Shelves were stocked full!

It was amazing to me as I noticed while driving - all parking lots (malls, stores, restaurants, bars, etc.) were full of cars!  

Meals this week:

Tuna salad sandwich and fruit

Small pizza

Leftover tuna salad mixed with slaw and crostini 

Beef/veggie skillet 2X

Chicken & stuffing and steamed asparagus

Fried - chicken/stuffing patties and asparagus/carrot/tomato salad

Eating lots of fresh fruit as snacks

          Beef & veggie skillet.  It sure was tasty - and filling and used things I had on hand.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Did you stay on the frugal band wagon?  Is your yard coming to life?  Let us know what is going on in your part of the world!  

I love how we have had a lot of new people posting - it is nice to see so many sharing ideas.  You guys are ALL the best!

I pray that you all will be safe, healthy and happy this week.  

Blessings from my humble little home to each and everyone of you.

Fix This and That

Sometimes there are some very easy fixes for things.  Everyday things break, get messed up, or just wear out - that doesn't necessarily mean they are done.  All of us frugal gals know when there is a will there is a way!!!!!

SCRATCHES ON WOOD FURNITURE
It has happened to all of us.  There are some easy fixes (or disguises) for those scratches.  Most come from items we have around the house.
*I like using Old English - I always have that on hand.  I have had 2 bottles (light and dark) for years.  A little goes a long way.  It is really good for concealing scratch marks.
*Use an eyebrow pencil to cover a scratch - then buff
*The right shade of crayon will work.  They do sell furniture crayons in different colors - but if you have kids around, check the crayon box!
*Tea bags - a couple black tea bags in a few tablespoons of hot water makes a great scratch cover.  Dab on with a cotton swab and wipe away excess liquid
*Nut meats work well - walnut, brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, etc.  Rub the nut in the same direction of the scratch until colored.
*Shoe polish hides all kinds of irregularities.  Use a cotton swab to apply.


DEEPLY BROKEN NAIL
I recently broke my thumb nail down way below the quick.  It is too far down to just cut off without pain and bleeding.  My fix - SUPER GLUE
It sure does work.  Cut your nail down to a comfortable place and then CAREFULLY apply a thin coat of super glue.  If bumpy - you can file when dry.  Can be reapplied as need until the nail grows out.

You can see how low the break is - I covered with super glue.  I have even trimmed the nail down further so I don't keep hitting it.  Make sure not to get glue on your skin!!!!!!

MAKING YOUR OWN HAND SANITIZER

2/3 C -  99% rubbing alcohol  (you can also use witch hazel)

1/3 C  -  Aloe Vera gel

Add 8-10 drops of essential oils if desired

Some people like to add 1 tsp. or so of Vitamin E - (open capsules if you have them and use)

Mix and keep in a squirt bottle.

WIPES (for on the go)

If you can't find sanitizing wipes - just keep a couple soft cloths (t-shirt squares or cotton washcloths) in a baggie dampened with alcohol.  Take these with you when you go out - use for cleaning cart handles, door knobs or just cleaning your hands.  These can easily be laundered and re-used over and over.  

You could also make a bleach based liquid - but would need to be careful with getting it on clothes or fabrics.  Alcohol WORKS GREAT!

HAIR COLOR

You all know I color my hair at home.  My hair is short, therefore I don't need to use a whole box of dye - that just gets wasted.

My little kit works great for me.

I use a color that is lighter than my natural color - due to the gray in my hair.  WHEN I do decide to go natural the change won't be so shocking!!  I get three dye jobs out of a box of dye.  (Pretty cheap, especially when you get dye on clearance).  I use one of those little cups that come with some over the counter medicines to measure equal parts of solution.  Mix in an empty bottle (that I have kept) and then with gloves - I squirt over hair and use a small comb to comb the dye through my hair.  A bit of the gray still shows through (on sides) which is fine - as it looks more natural.

Wash the cup, comb, gloves, and bottle to use again.

**Those little OTC medicine cups come in handy for all kinds of things!

Take time and think outside the box.  There are so many fixes we can do - that just makes life a little easier and little bit more frugal.

Get creative.

Strong Faith - Let it Guide You

I know there are many people here that have a strong faith and are quite spiritual.  Many believe in a higher being.  I know I do.  If I didn't have my faith and belief, I wouldn't be here today.
I am not trying to post about religion - as everyone has their own beliefs.

So far, you haven't seen me post about the Coronavirus.  I will mention this today - then you probably won't see me talk about it any more.  I also don't talk politics on here - maybe just my insight now and then.

I am so over all the posts seen every where about this 'new' virus.  People are in panic mode.  It seems that all have forgotten what it was like with Ebola, Sars, Swine, Bird virus breakouts.  Everyone panicked then too.
I understand this is new and scary - but panic gets us no where and solves nothing.
My goodness, H1N1/A and influenza B have already hit 29 million people THIS season (2019/2020).  280,00 or so have been hospitalized from then and over 16,000 have died.  Why is no one talking about that??
New and not understood - sells!!!!!! I believe there is an agenda (my opinion only).
The news has zoomed in on this and it sure has put other things on the back burner.  I find it odd that the things that were so all fired important (basically in politics) have gone by the way-side.  There is always a new crisis in the news and it takes our minds off other things.  How soon we forget.

IF we all have the faith that we say we do - why are we worried?  Seriously.
I do believe in making our life on this earth as pleasant as possible and making it the best quality we can - but we are told by the Good Book - that our days are numbered and our last day was known when we were born.
We can't avoid it!!!!  Make it as happy and pleasant as possible - and just go forward.  You aint getting out of here alive.

I keep seeing stories every where that are only in-sighting fear.  Many are full of misinformation.  Some people just want to feel the power they get by placing fear in your lives and hearts.  DON'T let them.

Shortages on the store shelves - well, yes there is.  People panic and hoard.  Not doing anyone any good.  Things will get back to normal.  Learn to adjust and make do until they do.

Masks - 'I can't find masks'.  CDC says stop buying them!  They say they don't stop you from getting germs - they prevent people from spreading germs.  They are to be used by the sick and medical personnel - who deal with hundreds of sick people daily.

Keep your hands and stuff clean and washed.  Keep your hands away from eyes, mouth, and nose when out in public.

If you are relatively healthy odds are you have nothing to worry about.

Stock market drop - it will go back up.  You LOSE nothing as long as you leave your money alone.  All things rebound.

JUST DON'T PANIC!

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

This is all you hear about now - the news is causing panic.  People are causing panic.  

YET, the Olympics are still on schedule for that very part of the world that this all started.  Are they really that worried?  Kind of makes me wonder.

WHY do I mention this?  Have faith that all will be OK.  God is in control.

It doesn't matter if it is the flu, an accident, cancer, your heart, whatever...…. when your day comes, you aren't going to stop it.

I truly learned this first hand last April.  A beautiful, sunny, warm 'normal' Spring day and an odd and crazy set of circumstances changed my life forever! 

I questioned myself and my actions for months.  What could I have done to change things?  What could Glen have done to change things?  Why?   PTSD took over my life.  I couldn't get past that day - it played over and over in my head, just about 24/7.

I finally set and prayed and prayed and asked for God's divine hand to help me.  He helped me realize and understand that nothing could have been done - that was my love's day to go Home.

I still miss him terribly and I am so lonely - but I do know God has this.  My faith let's me know that and gets me through each day.

So I now know and believe that I am not to fret over things I can not control.  That is just the way it is.

I want you to know that you don't have to worry and panic over things that happen in this world - eventually they all work the way they are SUPPOSE to.  Do we understand why?  NO.  Do we always agree?  NO.  Do we have complete control?  NO.

Control what you CAN.  Always be prepared for anything - illness, financial problems, loss of job, etc.  Not just one thing.  Make this a way of life on a daily basis - not just in crisis.  Stay ahead of things and you won't be sorry.

Don't panic.

Don't hoard.

PLEASE don't create doom and gloom on a daily basis.

Spread happiness, love and good will every moment of every day - it is what helps make the world a pleasant place to be.

Love each day and know you can't change what is supposed to be .

I won't be addressing politics or the flu on any other posts.  I don't want to be the negative poster!!!!!! (Please know these are my opinions - you don't have to agree).

I just wanted to help you see that a Higher Authority has this covered.  TRUST and BELIEVE

Blessings to you all.

Keep calm and go forward!

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/1

Good morning.  It is officially March.  It is now meteorologically spring - however most here in the U.S. wait until the Spring Equinox to claim spring.  It is starting out to be a beautiful day to start the month.  It was cold this morning, but we will get close to 60* today and sunny.
Again this week we had the whole gamut of weather.  Warm, cold, rain, ice, snow, sun, gloom, and warm again!!

This was earlier in the week.  Today, virtually all the snow is gone - just a little in shaded areas.  Rain is supposed to come over night tonight and into tomorrow.   It is going to be a muddy mess again, for a few days!

I have been enjoying the birds and squirrels so much this week.  I have had 18+ cardinals just about every morning and evening.  I had 5 huge blue jays at one time, several times this week.  I think they are all ready for spring as well!

I went to my great nieces wedding yesterday.  It was such a nice affair.  Not too big or small.  It was done a bit differently than any I had been to before.  After they walked down the aisle after the "I do's" - they came back into the church and THEY released each row of people - so they could personally thank each person for coming.  I thought that was really cool.  

There was a lovely reception after.  

They had a buffet of 'finger foods' - wings, egg rolls, fried cheese sticks, fried shrimp, mini sandwiches (turkey & ham) - veggies and dip and lots of fresh fruit chunks.  There was also a dessert bar with cake, brownie bites, cookies, cake pops and cupcakes.  NO ONE left hungry!

I am just so happy I got to celebrate this wonderful day with them and family.  

My frugal week:

• The neighbor kids (with the dog) brought me a pretty magnet back from their little trip they took (when I dog sat).
• Had an appointment with insurance agent and now (as of today) I am finally 100% covered by Medicare and some sort of supplemental insurance.  Glad that is over
• Cleaned out 3 kitchen cabinet drawers (more to go).  Threw out a lot and collected some things to donate
• Cut my hair at home
• Colored hair at home
• Cleaned all my jewelry this week - it looks pretty and sparkles again!
• I went to the orchard Friday (it closed for season on Sat.).  I got 10 lbs. of apples (2 kinds), 6 lbs. Asian pears, 4 lbs. oranges and a gallon of fresh cider for $21.  I am set with fruit for quite a while!!!!
• Gave myself a nice 'spa' night
• doing all the regular things - cooking from scratch and eating what I have, laundry in cold, continuing to clean and de-clutter.
• My sister gave me 3 magazines

My meals this past week:

Hard tacos - supreme

Grilled turkey (from freezer), cheese and veggie sandwich and cheesy/bacon fries

Pork & veggie stir fry served with rice

Cold cut sandwich, chips and salad

Enchiladas - 2X

Dinner at wedding reception

It was quiet again this week, but it was nice to have a couple highlights.  

How was your week?  Did you do anything frugal?  

Are you still working on your '20' goal?  I have been donating or trashing at least 20 things a week.

I hope you and yours stay healthy, happy and frugal this week.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.