Food Waste - So Many Consequences

Wasting food is such  a huge problem world wide.  I don't understand why people so easily throw good nutritious food away.

It is SINFUL in my eyes.  It wastes MONEY.  People are going HUNGRY all over.  It wastes RESOURCES.  It is just so wrong.

I know people who refuse to eat leftovers.  My advice - go hungry then!  I know that sounds cruel, but it is crazy.  Remake it into something else.  

Make soup, casseroles, wraps, pizza, quiche............etc..  You can mask it if you try.  Breakfasts, lunches, suppers.  Sandwiches or snacks.

I know so much food will be wasted after this Thanksgiving Day holiday.  I actually have known people who through the turkey away the day after (regardless to how much meat is left).  Aaaacckkkkk!!!  Good grief - I boil the bones!

Give food to another family member or a neighbor.  There are homeless people that would love a sandwich or a tray.  Freeze it for later on.  If nothing else - feed your livestock.  (much of people food is not good for house pets).  Just DON'T throw it away.

Not only does it waste food - when so many are hungry, but it is wasting money.  If you are that eager to throw money away, go out to a parking lot and just throw cash about!!!!!!  At least it would benefit someone.

It is also a huge waste of resources!!!  People don't seem to think about this.  It took farmers from all over giving of their time and work, animals and veggies being raised and fed, someone to harvest, someone to clean and package it, someone to transport, someone to stock shelves and someone to sell it.   Soooooo many wasted resources when you simply throw it away.  

That is disgusting and just plain wrong.

We should be thankful for those farmers and truck drivers and stores for providing us nourishment.

Throw your leftovers in the trash - in many big cities the trash trucks come and get it.  They pack those trucks full - then off to the landfill/dump.  Hundreds of trucks of trash a week are dumped.  That compacts much of the trash down - where even wildlife (birds mainly) can't get to it.  

All that packing causes gases to be made.  Methane gas if made when food items are cut off from oxygen.  Methane is horrible - that is what many call greenhouse gas.

If nothing else compost all you can at home - at least that is beneficial to your food system in the long run.

So before your waste - THINK and PLAN:

• Cook a little less
• Have a plan for leftovers - eat as is, re-invent, freeze, or share
• Use small plates - less likely for people to take food they won't eat (they can get seconds if needed)
• Shop from your shelves - instead of buying more
• Plan, plan, plan and be mindful

Just to give you an idea - I recently read that it is estimated that 200 million pounds of turkey alone is throw out after Thanksgiving in America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  DISGRACEFUL!!

This isn't just a Thanksgiving or Christmas problem - waste is an every day problem.  Please be mindful of your food, your resources and your money.

DON'T WASTE

Many blessings to you and yours my friends.  Enjoy a safe, healthy and mindful holiday!

Weekly Wrap-Up 11/22

 Good morning all.  Hoping this finds you all well and safe.

All is fine here.  It is a dark, wet and chilly morning.

We have had another  full cycle of weather again this week - well, all but snow!  Warm weather and got to open windows, strong winds - was watching for a house and little dog to fly by (LOL) - rain, we should be catching up from drought, and cold - had to plug in outdoor water bowls.

Critters were all hungry.  The little birds were very thankful to have the water bowls not frozen!  It is funny, I don't see them at the birdbath often - unless it is very cold.

I saw a red-winged black bird eating in the yard this week.  Unusual, as I usually only see them in spring and early summer.  Must have been heading southwards.

It seemed to be the week of  'one thing leads to another'.  Every project I did led to another,  It didn't seem anything was just simple.

THIS is a picture of love, contentment and happiness!  My sweet little cuddle bug - Coogy.  May your week be this relaxing!

My week:

• My neighbor brought me some candy and a pumpkin roll - what a nice surprise
• Made a batch of corn muffins that lasted a few meals and froze some
• The light company sent out someone to replace my house meter (garage one already replaced).  It is supposed to more accurate.  The worker walked out back and just stopped and was saying nothing.  I asked if all was OK and he said "I have never seen squirrels come so close to people.  That is amazing!  It ran right up to you."  I then showed him how I feed them nuts by hand.  He thought that was just the coolest thing he had ever seen.  Then he said "look it is waving at us".  It sure did look like it.  LOL!   I got a new more accurate meter and he got a story to tell all day!
• I wasn't going out - but ran to Aldi.  I got butter 1.79/lb. (no limit), fresh potatoes were 1.89/10 lbs. and I got a gift card and some small items for gifts.  In and out in about 20 minutes.  They were completely and well stocked and only limits was on TP - 2 packs.
• I raked leaves again.  I did the leaves that collected in a part of the drive up by house
• Emptied and put away 1 rain barrel.  One more to go
• Working on the bedroom pantry - I am working on re-arranging and organizing.  I will be adding a curtain as well
• Been working on de-cluttering and deep cleaning again.  That is where one thing leads to another!
• Normal stuff - laundry, cleaning, using what I have, cooking from scratch (making simple meals), made carbonated fruit water, reading
• Got to open windows and turn off heat on 2 days
• Renewed library books on-line

Meals this past week: Simple but yummy

Cheesy mac with broccoli and cherry tomatoes added and tuna on the side

Complete meal tostado - cheese, taco meat, mac n cheese and slaw all on a tostada

Mixed greens with ham chunks and corn muffins (best bite I have had in ages)

Leftover greens, fried potato and corn muffin

Homemade pizza

Leftover pizza and salad

Homemade beans and rice and brats and corn muffin

Mac with cheese and added broccoli and halved cherry tomatoes

Tostada meal - shell, shredded cheese, taco meat, mac n cheese, homemade slaw and ranch dressing

Mixed greens with ham chunks and  corn muffins - honestly the best meal in ages.  It sure hit the spot!

Pizza using what I had on hand, made crust, sauce, sausage, pepperoni, peppers, olives, onion, sliced Roma tomatoes and cheese - my goodness it was tasty!

Homemade rice (spiced up) and red beans.  Leftover muffin and cheesy brats.

No meal this week probably cost more than a couple dollars and some like greens, mac and pizza cost a lot less than that PER meal!  I loved it all and I used what I have and re-invented a couple things in new ways.  Keeping it simple!

How was your week?  Are you all ready for Thanksgiving?  I think I am staying home and having a friend and a neighbor come by to eat.  I will take something to another neighbor as well - she is battling cancer and treatments.

Did you get any of the great deals being offered?  There sure are some good sales.

May you and yours stay healthy and safe.  

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

This is the day which the Lord has made;  let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalms 118:24

Turkey Day Memories

Today I want to put a couple memories of Thanksgiving Days past out there.  I know we all have special memories of different days.

My Mom would bake so many goodies - pies and cakes and homemade yeast rolls. Her rolls were so good.  The turkey was always cooked during the over night.  No cooking bags back then!

It was all you could do - to sleep!!!  The house smelled so incredible.  

She made two types of dressing.  Regular and oyster (ick).  My Dad and brothers and even Glen liked the oyster dressing - oh my I just couldn't stomach that.

I still use some of Mom's recipes for special items and even her grand daughter's do.  Her special dishes are still around.

I think just about everyone came home to Mom and Dad's on Thanksgiving.  They may not have stayed long - but everyone stopped by for a visit and a goody.

We had people in the kitchen, the dining room and the living room.  If nice out - people even used the front porch.  I remember people even sitting on the steps going upstairs.

The house wasn't big - but it sure was full of love.

I remember one year when I was around 8 or 9, Mom had pretty extreme back surgery and had to wear a body cast - hips to underarms.  That thing was massive back then.  Dad decided he would fix Thanksgiving dinner.  His biggest job was the turkey.

I remember him carving up the turkey (which looked lovely) and he found the giblet packet inside!!!!!  Mom was mortified and Daddy thought it was hilarious (as did everyone else).

That was talked about for years and Daddy never got turkey duty again!!!!!!

We had Thanksgiving for everyone a few times here in our little home ( to give Mom some relief).  It was wall to wall people.  Luckily the years we had it, the weather was decent and we got to ship kids outside to play some!  

The last year I did a BIG T-day, was unbelievable.  I had a big ham, turkey and turkey breast, 10 lbs. of potatoes mashed, tons of dressing and green beans and desserts out the wazoo.  I had tons of people RSVP and went with that.  Well...... a bunch showed up that hadn't RSVP'd and they brought boyfriend/girlfriends and kids.   First time ever in my life that I never had a leftover AT ALL.  They ate everything.  That was the last whole family T-day I had.

We went much smaller every year after that.

My favorite thing about Thanksgiving dinner is having having a cold turkey sandwich the next day.  That is the best!!!!  I look so forward to that simple little thing.

I sure do miss those days.  Mom, Dad, sis and brother, in-laws that are gone and of course Glen - it was precious. I am glad I can sit and remember.  What a gift!

Life sure goes by quickly.  You turn your head and years seem to fly by.

I truly love being able to live those days over and over in my head.

Do you have any favorite memories of Thanksgivings past?  Any funny happenings - or mishaps?

Please share.  I love reading everyone's stories.

Have a great weekend!

 

Frugal Feast - Don't Fret - It's Possible

 Here we are at the holiday season again.  Next week is Thanksgiving here in the U.S.  A feast is always anticipated.  WHY?  

Should we not be thankful everyday for what we have and celebrate each and every day that God has given us?  YES

This year many families are staying home and just having a simpler version of the holiday.  Many folks have been short on money for months and may not have the funds to do a big spread.  That is OK!!!!!!!

A feast can be anything - especially if you are sharing with someone you care about.

In the U.S. turkeys are like stupid cheap right now.  Frozen turkey can be purchased just about every where for .31 - .39 a pound!  You can't get anything else that cheap.

BUT if you can't shop or have no funds to shop or choose to just stay in - have something else!

You can have turkey, ham, chicken (fixed any way you choose), pork roast, pork chops, beef roast, lasagna, spaghetti, chili, meatloaf (or meatloaf burgers*), fish...........................etc..

Shoot fire and save matches - you can have a grilled cheese and tomato soup or a bologna sandwich.  Have whatever you have on hand and BE THANKFUL!

You can even get a bit creative with store bought pre-packaged foods (many can be purchased for little $ right now with sales or even purchased at the Dollar Tree).

Here's a simple idea using inexpensive food and jazzing it up a little.  Stuffing mix - add a can or 2 of chicken meat and a can of cream of chicken soup and a little water or milk.  Bake or heat on stove for a great side with meat added.  Potatoes - add some sour cream or extra cheese or even cream cheese.  Green beans - season up and go.  Have one of those little hams - bake it up with a little OJ over it or some peach jam - spiff it up.

Make your own stuffing - dry up some bread chucks (any kind) add in celery and onion (or celery seed if no fresh) - broth and/or cream of celery or chicken soup.  I always add an egg.  Super easy to make - bake until heated through and lightly browned on top.  Super frugal!!

*Meatloaf burgers (mentioned above).  Mix up your normal meatloaf and make burger patties out of it and fry.  No need for an oven and these taste just like meatloaf.  Easy and yummy.

I am not a big cranberry sauce fan - but I LOVE mixing whole berry sauce with mandarin orange slices (slightly drained - keep juice for other uses) and throw in a big handful of chopped walnuts or pecans.  YUM!  I also like whole berry sauce mixed with applesauce - it is such a good treat.  You could use as a salad or a dessert.

Cranberry sauce added to apples for a pie or crisp is super yummy too.  Sweet and tart.

Have potatoes?  Potatoes are super cheap right now.  Our Aldi has them for 1.89 for 10 lbs. and some places are cheaper.  10 lbs. of potatoes can go a long way!!!!  Cook up 2 or 3 and make yummy and comforting mashed potatoes (for a couple people).  Twice baked potatoes.  Fried, baked, smothered, potato soup, hash browns..........................breakfast, lunch and super!

SO - you aren't doing any special shopping or can't - OK.  Check your pantries and your freezers and add a little imagination to the mix and you can have a SUPER FRUGAL FEAST!!!!!

If you do shop - there are crazy wicked good deals going on right now.  Stock up on what you can and be prepared for the winter months ahead.

Remember to be thankful EVERY DAY for all you have.  What you have in your pantry or freezer could be an absolute miracle to another family.  IF you have the opportunity to help a family that is down and out this season - please do.

God bless you all.

STAY FRUGAL.  HAVE A SIMPLE FEAST.  BE FULL.  AND MOST OF ALL - BE THANKFUL!!!!!

Well..........Nuts

 Nuts, nuts, nuts.  Tis the season!  I love nuts of all types and I am so very thankful that I am not allergic, nor is anyone in my family.  I love baking with nuts, I love mixing other items with nuts, I just love eating them.

One of my fondest memories from Christmas is my stocking!  There was always an orange in the toe and then lots of nuts in shells - then other goodies.  We always had a big bowl of nuts in shell on the table during the holidays and the nut cracker was at the ready!  Messy yes - but something I will never forget.  That was just part of Christmas!

Sometimes you know you get a deal - then you actually realize what a deal you got.  I got one for sure with some nuts last week.  I generally only buy nuts on markdown or clearance, as they are so expensive any more.

I found these on the clearance rack for 3.99 a bag for a pound bag.  The tag says regular price 7.99!  I knew it was a deal at half price.

This week I saw this ad for Meijer and the price was decent - but still 6.50 a bag.  I did really good with my purchase!!!!!!!

I make up lots of mixes.  I add all types of nuts, dried fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.), M & M's, dried bananas, etc.  Makes for great gifts and such a yummy and semi-healthy snack.

This has always been a favorite of mine - since I was a child.  Mom would take me downtown around the holidays and it was magical.  We would always stop and get a tiny little bag of these (I am sure it was an extravagant purchase for her).  I felt so special.  I have found these at Kroger in their bulk section for 2.99 for 14 oz.!!!!!!  Oh my goodness - what a deal.  There is a Nut House up the road and IF you can find them there, they run 9.99/lb.!  I have been buying these every time I go and they will be a special item added to gift bags.

The same with these at Kroger - only they are only 1.99 for 14 oz.  I was just dumbfounded at the price.  As you can maybe tell - these are being enjoyed at the current time!

I found these goodies on the clearance aisle as well.  The boxes of candy are the movie size boxes and usually run $1 each.  The raisins are over a pound.

All of these will be used in some way in one of my mixes.  It is fun to get the items needed for such a good price.

I also have salted peanuts - I always have those around.  I think Kroger brand runs around 1.79 a jar.  The M & M's were on clearance.  $5 for 2 lb. 10 oz. bag!!!!!!!  WOO-HOO for sure!!!!!  The candy will be used in mixes and in cookies.

I have a #10 size can of dried bananas on hand - so there will be some nice jars of mixed fruit and nuts given this year.

I have hazelnuts in the freezer that I got on clearance and will be used in brownies, candy and cookies.  My pecans (in freezer) were also purchased on clearance at 6.29/lb.  I have been using these items off and on for months and still have plenty for holiday baking.

Keep your eyes open and always check the clearance aisle and sale prices.  It sure can make holiday baking and eating a much more frugal adventure.

Look at places you may not always think of for baking needs.  Many of the large hardware box stores - Menards and Lowes for example - often sell items like this for really good prices.  Keep an eye open at Aldi, Big Lots, Ollies, etc.  You just never know where you may find a fantastic deal.

Think outside the box a bit with your gift giving.  There are no rules or recipes (in my book) when it comes to mixing up goodies.  A pretty jar or even a baggy holds your yummy snack.  You can buy or make granola and add nuts and fried fruit to jazz it up.  Package and gift for a fun and very useful gift.

Just remember - we all have to eat!!!!

Give something exciting to eat and enjoy!   

My FAVORITE type of gifts!

Weekly Wrap-Up 11/15

 Hello my friends.  Hope you are all well and safe.

It is a warmer morning, but very wet and windy.  Temps will be dropping all day and back to cold tonight.  We have had quite a roller coaster of weather this week.  We actually broke records several days for the warmest temperatures for the day (for November).  We have also had a night in the upper 20's.  Still no snow (ugh -such a nasty word in my book).  Looks to be normal and a little above normal this coming week.  I love it!  Each day we get decent weather is one off the list and one closer to spring!!!!

Saturday I looked out the back window and counted 14 squirrels out running, playing and eating in just my yard!  Birds every where.  Oh my.  Some days I feel like Dr. Doolittle!  Always some kind of critter roaming around.

Check this out! (taken through a window and screen)  Squirrel napping in the sunshine!!  That is my little potting table and it laid there and slept for a good 20 minutes.  The red bin is where the empty corn cobs go until I empty in trash bin.  I sure have some content wildlife!

My week:

• I cleaned out the front flower bed and cut back all flower growth from front walk
• Raked again and put leaves on the garden.  (one more BIG raking this coming week - leaves all down now)
• Got to have heat off and windows open at least half of the week
• Cut my hair at home
• Changed out the battery in my watch with one on hand.  I still have several batteries left from a 10 pack I got at Dollar Tree for just $1
• I did go out one day and bought a turkey for .33 lb.  My goodness you can't buy lunch meat that cheap!!!!!  I got a 15 lb.+ for around $5.  The grocery had lots of other great deals going on as well - pre holiday sale.  I also got a few more items for gift baskets (specialty things)
• My BIGGIE this week - got a new water heater finally!  The leak just kept getting worse - I had small trays that fit under and catching water (which I used) - but I was having to empty at least 5 times a day.  That meant going down basement stairs morning, noon, and middle of the night!!!!!  ENOUGH!

I called and got an estimate and checked several places before agreeing.  Almost twice the price I expected - but it is bigger, it is brand new,  and I have a feeling of safety back (not doing stairs so much), peace of mind and sleeping through the night.  Those things are priceless. 

Did the estimate and repair all in one day.  So thankful.  Had wonderful workers as well - so kind and considerate.

I am blessed to have been able to pay for it and not put myself in any kind of financial bind.

I had been cautious with using hot water the past couple weeks - as I was afraid I would cause it to over work and just thoroughly go.   It is wonderful to use what I want and not worry.

LOL - I took a deep and hot soak in the tub that night!!!!!

• I have been cooking from home and using what I have
• Got to hang bedding on the line to dry this week
• Just doing all the normal stuff we all do!
• Doing some reading and watching some You Tube

Meals this past week:

Deconstructed egg rolls

Beans & rice and salad

Sausage/egg/cheese and tomato sandwich on toast (dang that was tasty & filling)

Steamed veggies with cheese and tamales (premade version)

Open face cheese steak sandwich and small salad

Burritos

Baked potato with leftover burrito filling and sour cream

I have munched on fresh turnips (with salt) several times this week and also had carrots and broccoli with dip

I pray you all had a wonderful week.  I hope for your safety and health and that of your families.

Did you stay frugal this week?  Get any pre-holiday sale prices?

I think we have like 39 days or so till Christmas!!!!!!  Are you getting ready?

Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.

Proverbs 16:24

If you can't be kind this week - then say nothing at all.  Silence can be golden.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

A Little Gratitude

 I have been in a mood lately - as have many of us.  Life is uncertain and confusing.  We have all been doing what we can to stock up, learn, share ideas and just get ready for whatever.  May I say UGH!  I have always been a planner and a prepper - but some days I am over it (the reasons).

We all get in a ho-hum kind of mood now and again.  We let daily events get us down - it is normal.  TURN OFF the news.  TURN OFF the computers.  TURN OFF the TV.  GET RID of the people that bring you down.  

Get up and move, do new projects, cook the food, sing the songs - and like the song says "dance like no one is watching".  Give yourself back the CONTROL!!!!!!!!!

I got up.  In a warm home.  I have my kitties.  Food for them and myself.  The sky was clear and I saw the moon and stars this morning.  The air was brisk and cool and refreshing.  I have clothes to wear.  My birds are singing a sweet song and the squirrels are playing.  I can turn a knob and have clean water.  I can flip a switch and have light.  I have funds to pay my bills.  I have family and friends.  I have health.  I see the sunshine. The list goes on and on and on.

We get so complacent and just take so much for granted.  Shame on us.  No matter where we live or what is going on - there is always something to be thankful and grateful for.  ALWAYS!

We complain about cleaning house - be glad you have lodging.  Many don't.

Today is laundry day - ugh.  I have clothes to wear and shoes to wear.  I can pick what I wear.  Many have what is on their backs.

Crud - there are more dishes to wash.  That means I have food.  Many don't.

I need to clean the toilet today.  I have indoor plumbing.  Many don't.

I go outside and hear the traffic, the dogs barking, the kids yelling and playing.  Many only hear war.

I woke tired, sore and achy.  I was stiff and hard a hard time getting started.  Many didn't wake.

I have family who have big health issues.  They have doctors and hospitals (the best) to care for them and treat them and find answers.  Many don't.

I get bored and do nothing some days.  OK.  Many can't stop - they must keep moving just to survive.

I don't sleep well some nights.  BUT I am in a soft and warm bed.  Many have none.

I think I probably wrote this more today for me than anything.  I need to remind myself some days just how good it is.  Yes, it gets depressing.  Regardless of restrictions and rules - I still have free will and a mind to decide for myself.  Life is still good.

Regardless to world events - you still have CONTROL of your mind and actions.

Take a moment or two and just remember how good life really is.  We all have loss in life and loss of lives - but sadly,  that is PART of life.

Take control of what you can and THRIVE.

We can all come out of this better people.  Learn, live and enjoy whatever you can.

Blessings to each of you.

I am grateful for you all!!!!