Cool Yummy Refreshments - For Now and Later

With the weather changing, here in the U.S. - gardens, farm markets and road side stands will be starting up.  It will be a time to get lots of fresh and wonderful produce.  You can also watch for specials at the grocery to get some fun and easy treats - for now and later!!!

FREEZING BERRIES
Berries of all types are so good and healthy.  They make for wonderful desserts and special treats.
Wash your berries and then lay them out on a rimmed cookie sheet (so they don't fall off).  I like to put a piece of parchment paper or wax paper on the bottom first.  Place a layer of berries on the sheet and freeze.  Then add them to freezer bags or food saver bags.
A good way to freeze is in 2 cup increments.  You can munch on the berries frozen, add to smoothies or milkshakes, or thaw and use for pies, cobblers, crisps, etc.

AVOCADO

Did you know you can freeze for later?  Yes you can.  You may find a great deal on avocado - but can't possibly eat them fast enough.  Remove the seed and peel.  Smash up (can use a potato masher) or cube or dice and mix with some lime juice (to prevent browning).  You can use bottled or fresh lime juice.

Add to bags and remove as much air as possible - this is essential!  You can also freeze in ice cube trays and then place in airtight bags as soon as possible.

Great for making quacamole,  or spreading on toast or making any kind of spread.

GRAPES (seedless)

Nothing better than frozen grapes!  They are so refreshing and an absolute treat on a hot day.

I wash my grapes and de-stem.  Dry and freeze on cookie sheets and then add to freezer bags.  Freezing grapes seems to enrich the flavor of them.  Just a tip - these are good to add to a glass of wine for a pretty effect!

BANANAS

We all know that you can freeze bananas that are getting too ripe to use later in sweet bread and for smoothies.  They can be used to make a quick ice cream like dessert as well.

You can also dip bananas in chocolate and lay on a cookie sheet and freeze.  I like to cut the banana into 2 pieces and then add an old popsicle stick first.  Makes eating this frozen treat easier.

The kids will love it!

NOT Freezing - but pasta salad is a great summer treat!
Pasta salads are cool and refreshing on a hot summer day.  You can actually make it into an entire meal.  Add any types of veggies you want (chopped into bite size pieces).  You can add meat as well.  Bite size pieces of chicken, ham, tuna, bacon, etc..
Use your favorite dressings.  I have used ranch, Italian, a combo of the two, thousand island, etc.  You can some blue cheese or whatever you like and have.
There is absolutely no right or wrong way to make pasta salad.  Add anything and everything and have fun with it.  It is some good eating.
Fix a big bowl and you have a cool side or dinner for a few days!

So this summer as your fruit starts ripening or you find a great deal at the store - don't feel you can only get enough for the week.  Stock up and you will be able to enjoy the sweet and lovely taste of summer all year!
ENJOY

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/24

Good morning everyone.  This is the unofficial start of summer here in the U.S..  Memorial Day weekend.
I ask that each of you - whether in America or abroad - take a moment to say a prayer and be thankful for all the men and women who have given ALL for your freedoms.  So many have unselfishly given the ultimate sacrifice.  Just a prayer for them and their families.

Well the temps have finally hit the unofficial summer as well!!  We have had a full range of weather this week.  It went from feeling like March to feeling like July in a couple days!  Crazy.  Yesterday we had an afternoon storm come through here and it was awful!  You could not see the house across the road it was raining so hard and wind, wind, wind.  I have a lake in the backyard again!

I have had a gazillion of those whirly gigs that fall off the maples every where.  You can mow and then the yard is covered in a hour or so.  Finally they have about run their course and now the tulip tree is releasing it's flowers all over the place!  They are every where.

At least they are pretty!  Between stuff falling from the trees and the pollen count being so high - all I can say is ACHOO!
It sure feels like anything but a holiday weekend in our area.  My county (the state capital) still is not fully open.  Can't go in a restaurant (outside only), no getting your hair done yet, many small businesses still closed, limited church, and not much going in the way of family gatherings.
NO 500 MILE RACE!  First time in my life - that it isn't happening on the holiday weekend.  Yes, it has been rained on before and stretched over a few days - but not since WWII has it not happened.  It is rescheduled for August.   So no parades,  no special town parties, no running relays, nothing special.  It sure is different.
We each make our days special.  Make your day or weekend what you want it to be.  We woke up today - so the day is indeed special.

My week:

• Well, I have 110 gallons of water in the rain barrels - IF I ever need it!!!!  LOL  Chances of rain every day for the next week!  Good grief I could have had 5X that if I had more barrels.
• I have used the dehumidifier water in the laundry twice this week
• Cut my hair
• I made a run to the drive up at the bank this week and then went to the greenhouse for plants
• I got some veggie plants and flowers.  
• I made up planters and hanging pots with flowers.  I did a total of 12 and only used about $35 worth of flowers.  Planters and hanging baskets at the greenhouse were selling for $25 and $30+ each - so I saved a small fortune!!!!!
• I have pulled so many stinking weeds.  They just keep growing!!!!!  All the rain sure isn't helping my efforts.  I pulled and pulled and pulled some more!  (oh my aching back)
• I got the garden area all mowed off again and tilled.  It hasn't been tilled since 2018 spring - so it was a JOB!  I worked tilling and tilling one day and then raked and tilled more.  Next day I added all the wood ash I had and then tilled and raked again.  It looks good - just can't get to it to plant!!!!!!!!!!!  It is flooded all around it at the moment.   SIGH!!!

                                My little Mantis tiller.  Works like a charm and just my size!

• I am dog sitting the neighbors dog again this weekend.  He stays home - I just go let him out and feed, water and play with him.
• Made up a bowl a cauliflower salad using what I had on hand.  Enough for a few days
• My brother brought me 2 cherry tomato plants he grew in his greenhouse. (The first I saw any family in person since 2/29!)
• I have made smoothies/shakes a few times this week as a treat 
• Replaced my garden flag and mailbox cover with summer and patriotic ones
• No grocery shopping at all this week
• Did get all the yard mowed and partially trimmed before the downpour yesterday
• No AC yet!  Will probably happen later today for a bit - it will be hot and humid later.  Used heat one morning this week.
• Windows open and ceilings fans  - loving the fresh air (except for the sneezing/allergies)

My menu this past week:

Cube steak, steamed cauliflower/carrots with cheese sauce

Tamale pie (from freezer) and leftover veggies and cheese sauce

Parmesan pasta with peas and chicken tenders

Chicken and fresh veggie roll-up  (used extra chicken tenders)

Tortilla chips with melted cheese and salsa   --  I was too tired to cook anything

Egg/veg/meat omelet round on bagel

Cheeseburger and cauliflower salad

                                            Parmesan pasta with peas and chicken tenders

My omelet round on bagel.  It sure was yummy.  Egg, bell pepper, onion, diced jalapeno beef stick.  It was bigger than the bagel - so I cut to fit and then just ate the rest as is.

How was your week?  Were you able to save any money?  I think it is easier to do now that most people are staying close to home! (Unless shopping on-line - EEK).

Do you have big plans for the coming week?

Stop by and say hello and let us know what is going on around your home.

I hope you all stay safe and healthy.  If you are getting with family for a special day/celebration - stay safe BUT have fun!!!!

Blessings to you all from my humble little home to yours.

 

Keeping Clean - Alternatives

No matter what the conditions of the world - we tend to be a CLEAN society.  We want to keep clean, feel clean and look clean.
There are many alternatives using what you have on hand at home - and they can save you money.  We all like to save $!
CLEAN can cost almost nothing.

The other day in a post I told about how I make foaming hand soap.  It is frugal and uses up all the liquid odds and ends of body wash and hand soap that you have around.  So many times we are gifted (free) body washes that we may not use - this is a great way of toning them down and saving at the time.

You can make your own LIQUID SOAP from bar soap.  It is very easy!!
I have kept dozens of bars of soap around for years.  The only bar soaps I tend to use are the antibacterial/medicated for my face and coal tar soap - which I keep for rashes and poison on the skin (it nips it in the bud!).
So why do I have so much bar soap?  IN CASE!  Once I run out of liquid I can make my own for pennies.  I am NOT adding to the plastic rubbish overload of the world and  I am saving and using what I have.

RECIPE
1 - 4 oz. bar of soap
1/2 gallon water
a big pan
wooden spoon
EXTRAS - OPTIONAL
Vit. E oil (for skin care)
Essential oil (fragrance)
Glycerin (for moisturizing)

Grate or chop your soap.  The smaller the pieces the better.
Boil the water and then add the grated soap.  Stir until melted.  Let it cool and congeal - it can take 12 - 24 hours to congeal.  Stir well and add any extras you want and stir again.  Then use a funnel to fill your own pump bottles.  Leave about an 1" of space and add a bit of water to top off (for consistency).
Store extra in a glass jar in a cool dark place.  That is IT!!!!!!

Here's a bit that I keep on hand, as well as the body washes I receive as gifts.  No excuses to not stay clean here!!!!!  I have gotten all of these on clearance or with coupons for little money or FREE.

BAR soap can be added to a small mesh bag (like a produce bag) and tied to the outside faucet for easy outdoor hand/nail clean-up!
You can do the same thing in the shower for a soap on a rope.  The mesh is good for cleaning and exfoliating as well.
You can use BAR soap for washing dishes in a pinch (as well as the homemade liquid).  This liquid could be used in the laundry as well - just don't add too much.  Years ago I even added a bit of grated soap to my laundry - when out of laundry detergent.
Use as shampoo in a pinch.

MOUTHWASH
Self explanatory!  Not always.  Mouthwash is great for the purpose it was made - BUT it is antiseptic.  It can be used over small skin abrasions, bites and cuts.  Fantastic to have in your medical cabinet!!!!
I sometimes add to my shampoo mixture - it stops any scalp itching and helps heal dry scalp.

I also keep a bottle of salt water in the bathroom.  It is a great gargle for a sore throat or a sore in the mouth - very healing (I like to use Himalayan pink salt, but any is fine). I just use as a mouth rinse.

Salt water is healing in so many matters, as Rose recently reminded me.  In a PINCH you can brush your teeth with salt water as well - if out of toothpaste.

I had a patch of  itchy bumpy skin on my elbow for years (nothing helped) - and after Rose's reminder, I tried the salt water as a rinse.  2X is all it took and that patch is gone and hasn't come back!!!!!

I use it as a rinse on blemishes - basically heals over night.

PEROXIDE

Peroxide is so cleansing.  If you get a cut or scrape use a bit and it truly helps clean and heal.  Mix with water and use as a gargle for a sore throat or strep throat.  My doctor prescribed that for years when I used to get strep.  DON'T swallow (and yes, it tastes nasty) - but it sure works.

BAKING SODA

Can be used as toothpaste.  I do this at least once a week as a whitening agent.  You can make a paste of it and peroxide and get real whitening action.

Baking soda can be used to clean your hair once in a while as well.  

Make a paste of baking soda and water and put on a bee/wasp sting - it relieves the itching and swelling.

Throw some in a cool bath to help relieve sunburn pain.

I truly do not remember where I bought these - but it for body cleansing without water.  Nice alternative (especially if sick in bed)

I buy baby wipes whenever I get a deal.  Not only do I have them if family need them for babies or I can give with a shower gift - but I can use them as well.  We never know when there may a no water situation in our lives - it is nice to have choices!

Just a few more choices and ideas to bounce around.  There are so many alternatives to things we use daily - we just all need to be reminded once in a while.
Lack of money - stock is low - no worries!  Use something else.

I just think back to Grandma and Mom and all the "swaps" they made in everyday life and it all makes sense now.
Nice to know we have options!

Ordinary and Humble

Living an ordinary and humble life is wonderful in my opinion.  Ordinary and humble has meaning!  Many people think that life has to be over the top.  Some people think that you have to do BIG things to be special.  They feel like they aren't doing their part - especially in this 'different' time, that perhaps they should do more.
EVERY life is important - as is every action.

You can journal or blog, you can sit quietly and listen to nature, you can cook good meals, you can care for pets and nature, you can garden, you can be a good neighbor, you can be a kind hearted person...…………..and you know what?  THAT'S ENOUGH!
You don't have to find a cure, or run into a burning building to be ENOUGH. You are special just the way you are.
We tend to be our own worst enemy.  We are more critical of ourselves than any one.  STOP IT!

There is good and bad in life - that is what it is all about.
There are weeds and sticker bushes and there are roses and pansies.
There are days that are a breeze and there are those that are a bi*ch.
Stuff happens.
Stop the drama and remove those that are full of drama from your every day life.  Some people seem to not be happy unless there is drama.  OH MY, we all know them.  That drama is just a waste of time and energy.  We can all do without that!
Life is a gift and it is special - enjoy it.

There will be bad days.  There will be days of crying and heartbreak.  There will be days that we hurt inside and out.  We all have them.  Yet here we are - we woke up this morning!  We have to go forward and keep moving.  Remember the sun will rise and the birds will sing again tomorrow.
You can't change yesterday - there are days that we would all love to change (trust me) - but that is impossible.  So onward and forward.

I think living ordinary and humbly is blissful.  It is healthy and it is normal!!!!
I know some people are afraid.  Be courageous and keep faith.  FAITH IS PEACE.
Remember:   Courage is not the absence of fear - it is about having the fear and doing it any way.

I just wanted to reassure everyone that living an ordinary and humble life is good enough!!
Do the little things.  Live the 'right' life.  Be kind.  Be patient.  Be neighborly.  Be happy.  Be humble and be a faithful servant.

Being YOU is enough.  Someone much greater has this covered!
Have faith my friends.

Blessings to all.

More Cheryl Tips!

Today I am going to share a few more tips and tricks I use around the house.  Many are very simple and probably known and some might be just crazy old me!!!!  Hope someone finds a tip they can use and maybe save a bit of money or time.

WRAP CELERY in foil before storing in the veggie bin of the frig.  YES, it does make the celery last a lot longer.  If you are like me - it takes quite a while to use a whole bunch of celery.  I know this is an oldy - but it DOES work!

FOAMING hand soap is easy to make at home.  If you have an old foaming soap dispenser  - fill it about 1/3 full with any liquid soap/bodywash, etc. and then add water to fill.  Shake for a bit and wahla you have foaming hand soap.  I tend to shake/rock  the bottle about once a week to keep things mixed.   So easy and you can use up all those bottles of soap/body wash you may have received as gifts.  It foams just a great as the stuff you buy.

Keep all those squirt bottle LIDS!  No need to keep all the bottles (unless you need them).  The lids fit almost all individual water/pop bottles (I reuse those as well).  They make for great fun for kids to play and cool off in the heat - think squirt gun/bottles!  Fill with colored water in winter to draw in the snow!!!!!
They are great when our walking or running or working in the yard - keep your cold water in them and pop the top and take a squirt of water!  Many store purchased re-usable drink bottles have squirt tops - make your own and save a fortune. (Those can be expensive).  Keeps water from spilling and keeps bugs out.  I find flipping the top is much easier than un-screwing a top (can do it one handed!)

BANANAS tend to get over ripe in a hurry - especially in warm weather.  I find that if I wrap them in an old grocery bag and rubber band around the stem end (to keep out air) that they last a long time.
Air is what causes them to ripen so quickly.  I can keep bananas for well over a week or two without them getting covered in brown spots or getting mushy.  **(Greener bananas will still ripen in the bag - but not get over ripe)

I have some T-SHIRTS that have gotten a bit tight across the shoulder/breast area.  Some have shrunk over time (OR I have grown!!).  They can still be made comfy and used around the house/yard.    I carefully cut the "banding" off that is around the neck area.  You can just cut it right under the band or even larger if you like.  I then make a cut/slit in front that is 2" - 3" (in center).  You will be amazed at how freeing and unrestrictive this make the t-shirt.  I wear theses over a tank top or sports bra.  No need to sew a thing - as t-shirt material does not fray.  I have a few I have done for working around here.  

They become really comfy.  It is just another way to use what you have and get some extended use.

Use WHAT YOU HAVE to decorate.  Get creative and use things that may have been thrown away.
I use old things a lot in the yard as you know.  Bits and pieces make cute accents in flower gardens.
Time to get your creative juices flowing!

On the front walk I have a big metal flower (glass globe in center) the rod it used to stand on - rusted and broke, so I placed amongst the flowers till I get a new rod.  The red spoke wheel is from an old cart that my Uncle made when I was a little girl.  The cart has been long gone for years - but I kept the little wheel.  I re-paint it every few years.  Just a piece of the past that I like to remember.  I remember Uncle Ed every time I see that wheel.

An old wagon (bought at a yard sale years ago) filled with my fossil rocks (that I found years ago) and a big old flower pot that is now growing squirrel planted sunflowers.  The little church was a birdhouse and the post rotted over the years.  Now it is just a cute decoration in the pot. (birds could still use) but it is pretty close to the ground and kitties!

I like lots of old things, things that have memories, and things that are just whimsical.  I realize not everyone does.  I hate to spend money on things when I can re-use something I have.  It is all about using your imagination.

I hope this gives someone a tip or two they can use.  What do you do that re-uses and saves?????

On another day - I will show some decorating ideas I have done using old things in a new way.
GET CREATIVE - USE OLD THINGS IN NEW WAYS AND SAVE $$$$$$.

Weekly Wrap-Up 5/17

Good Sunday morning all.  Hope you are all well and happy.  I can not believe these weeks go by so fast.  Sunday rolls around before you know it.

We started out chilly and have warmed up a lot.  Rain and stormy days and even got hail.  I have taken advantage of dry days to get out and work outside.
I think my hummingbirds I saw last weekend were scouts - they were here for a few days then gone.  Usually my regulars show up around June 1st.  There are no real flowers around at the moment for them to enjoy - so once I get flowers around that will help as well.

My poppies did start blooming a couple days ago.  There are fewer each year.  These plants are still from the old plants from my parents house and they were there before I was even born!  Poppies are so pretty and fragile - sure wish they lasted more than a day or two.
I may have a new 'house guest'.  Blackie cat - a neighborhood stray - seems to think this place is pretty nice to hangout! Momma and Fluffy are tolerating (better each day) and he thinks they are great.  He has finally gotten to the point I can pet him.  He is a big cat, but sounds like a kitten!  That cry is so sweet.  He eats here and hangs out most of the time.  I even found him napping in the greenhouse one day!  He likes hanging out on the deck where the greenhouse is.  Yep, I do believe he has a new home!!

I ran out this week to the grocery.  Everything was pretty much back to normal as far as stock.  They had lots of everything.  I did not go down the paper aisle (didn't need anything) - so I didn't even notice that stock.  Plenty of fresh fruit and veggies - meat - milk - eggs - cheese - frozen goods, etc.   The only thing that seemed a bit low was dry cat food and boxed mac n cheese!  Plenty of pasta - just not a lot of the mixes.  I don't buy - it just seemed odd to see.

My week:

• No heat or AC most of the week.  Windows open and ceiling fans going
• I received 2 bonus coupon GC's from our local hardware.  One is for $5 off $5 purchase and one for $5 off $25. Might be a good time to get some more furnace filters!!!!
• Both rain barrels are about full
• Started washing the cat's warm bedding from the greenhouse - they don't need the warm stuff now
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard
• Have pulled LOTS of weeds from flower beds and from between pavers down the back walk.
• Did a really good vacuum.  I have to admit the past few months I have not done that weekly.  It is me and kitty - he stays in and I don't wear shoes in the house.  No company - so I just don't vacuum as often.  Bad me!!!
• Saved a square gallon ice cream tub (to use for storage) and an empty spice jar
• Got some deals at the store - Fresh head of cauliflower and 2 big bell peppers for .99 (clearance), a dozen jumbo eggs for .79, 6 large bagels $1 and a 10 oz. bag of stir fry veggies for $1.   I also got some strawberries on sale for 1.88 for 2lb., bananas, more cat food (always add), milk, cheese (always add) orange juice and ice cream.  I got my neighbor some strawberries as well.

There are still deals that can be had.  You just have to pay attention.  I am now good with fresh groceries for a while again.

I did purchase 2 cans of pre-made taco meat on clearance as well.  I had never seen that before.  It says a can makes 7 tacos.  2 cans was all they had and was 1.49 each.  Figured it was worth having another canned meat item on the shelf.  Can always mix with something!

I noticed everyone stayed their distance at the store and most had on masks.  Not much need to wear make up when going out - no one sees your face!  SO I made up my eyes and put on earrings to fill a bit dressier!!!!  LOL

Meals this past week:

Fried chicken tenders and mac n cheese with broccoli added

Roasted potatoes, smoked sausage and coleslaw

Tuna salad sandwich and side salad

Fried cabbage with diced potatoes and smoked sausage  (I made a pig of myself!)

Quesadilla - beef, rice, cheese and salsa

Stir fry veggies with chicken over rice

Bologna sandwich with cheese, tomato and lettuce and ranch chips (a favorite summer sandwich)

One potato diced and fried, added about 1/3 of a small head of cabbage  (found in frig from March) and one individual size sausage cut up.  OH MY GOODNESS this was so good!  I ate ever bit of it!!!!  I seasoned with a bit of soy sauce.

So how has your week been?  Are you getting warmer weather and being able to plant?  

Has anyone ventured into the stores yet (we are still on partial shut-down in my city).  Only certain places are open here until at least next week or later.

Did you do anything frugal this week?

Give us a shout out.

Stay safe and healthy.  Appreciate each and every day and moment to the fullest.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours. 

A Keeper of The Old Ways

I think it is time to make a shift in the balance of things.  We need to become keeper's of the old!
Life has sped forward, technology has grown in leaps and bounds, the rat race has pretty much taken over - and I for one am sick of much of it.
I want to keep the old ways alive!  I want to teach them to younger people.  There may come a day (SOON) that we will most definitely need them!

Sure, I still want some tech - it is how we communicate with our people!  Family, friends, old friends, and new friends (you all).  I like having reference info at my fingertips.  BUT I still have all my books of information on gardening, homesteading, organic gardening, health/medical info., herbs and natural living and so on.  I will NEVER get rid of those - they may come in very handy at some point.

Let us keep alive the old ways -

Home cooking, homemade, sewing, crafting, etc.
Keeping family first ALWAYS
Herbs and foraging - there are so many wild plants that are helpful for healing, for food, there are nuts, berries, wild grapes, abandoned fruit trees, mushrooms and even what we call WEEDS that are so helpful and healthy.
Porch and yard sitting - slow down a little
Use 'snail mail' - send a card or note to someone
We all have stories and pictures about the past - pass them on.  Log these stories  and copy pictures for future generations - they may well love to know about their ancestors.  I know I sure enjoy looking back.  Pass on grandma's best recipes or yours or any families.
Recycle - everything that you can.  Find new uses for anything and everything.
Make a goal of having a simpler life
Forgo  big box stores if at all possible.  Use farm markets, small shops, farmers (if possible), grown your own if at all possible.  Stay LOCAL

Growing herbs and salad greens can be done in your window seals - you don't have to have a big garden.
Slowly start eliminating things from your life - we don't need all the garbage we keep or buy.  No plastic, no pop, raise the temp of house, open windows, less car traveling and more walking or biking, and so on.  Save water - both rain and inside water for watering the gardens and flushing and whatever you need.
Keep that dehumidifier water - use it for plants, add to laundry, use for canning, etc.

Watch for clearance and mark downs.  Go to garage sales or thrift stores if possible - that is the best of recycling.
Barter with family, friends and neighbors.  Maybe you have tomatoes and they have eggs.  You can plow a garden and they lend you a canner.  You mow grass and they pay you with veggies or fruits.
TAKE ANYTHING someone wants to give you - even if you have to get rid of it!  Someday you will need something and if you have said no over and over - they may not check with you.  I had a wise elderly man give me this advice years ago.


Most of us will never be self sufficient - that is understandable.  Maybe if you live out in the country and off the grid you will be self sufficient.
Let us TRY to be COMMUNITY sufficient!!!!!!  That is a great goal.  Keeping it local, sharing, bartering, growing, foraging, shopping small, learning, sharing...………...what a goal!

Keepers of the old ways!