Don't Get Tricked at the Grocery!

 It is so easy to fall into the traps.  We all have.  Do you think the grocery really cares about your needs?  NOOOOOO - they just want to sell things and make money!!!!  Yep, that is the truth.  There are so many things they do to get us to buy and even buy things we don't need or use.  They are tricky!!!!!

END CAPS

They have all those pretty and neat end caps set up to grab your attention.  MOST people think those are specials - odds are they aren't.  It is just a promotional display trying to sell things - usually not a great deal.  Be aware.  Know your prices.

BIGGER

Bigger is not always better.  I see it so often.  If you take the time to check prices it is easy to catch.  I remember back several years ago - TP was 'on special' - 12 pack was 5.99.  Right next to that display was the exact same product in 4 packs that were $1 each.  I tried to tell several people to buy 3 - 4 packs and save half the money!  Nope - they just looked at me like I was crazy and had horns and got the big one.

I have seen milk 2.39/gallon and next to it same thing .99/half gallon.  People insist on buying the gallon.  Heck the half gallons are even easier to handle - do people care?  Nope

Check prices and unit prices - it really is eye opening.

HIGH AND LOW

The most expensive items are at eye level!  They ain't stupid.  They know where we generally look.  If you look at items on the top and the bottom shelves - generally you find items with better prices.  Check different departments as well -  ie: - I know I can buy olives much cheaper in the ethnic aisle than in the pickle/olive section.

Strategy is everything! 

AMAZING DEALS

Let's say you see an item that the price is just too good to pass up.  Is it something you normally use?  Is it something you will use often?  If you say no to those questions - then it isn't a an amazing deal.  If you don't use it - don't buy it!!!  (unless donating).  We all have items of 'good intention' sitting in the pantry.  If it isn't used, you saved NOTHING!  You wasted $$$$.

THE CHECKOUT

Enticing items are always put near the check-out.  You spend more time in that spot in the store than any other - soooooo they try to entice you (or the kids).  Most of that stuff is so unhealthy and it really isn't a deal at all.   Just say NO!!!!  LOL

THE REGISTER

Keep an eye on your purchase prices.  If you can't catch a bad price while ringing up is being done - check your receipt before walking out the door.  Many stores have a policy of FREE if it rings wrong.  At least you can get your overage in price refunded.  Always remember pennies make dollars!!!!!!

OUTER PERIMETER

It is best to shop the outer perimeter of the store and stay away from the center aisles as much as possible.  Milk, cheese, fruit, veggies, meat and eggs are all on the outer aisles.  Fresh is best.  The center aisles have all the processed stuff.  Stuff we should all be learning to make from scratch!

Sure there are some things that you will want/need - but shop the outer aisles as much as possible,

SUGGESTIVE BUYING

You go to buy pasta - and what is that (?) - pasta sauce right next to it.  Jars of parmesan cheese, etc.  Yep they try to get you to buy other goods as well.  In the snack aisle - there are chips, jarred salsa, jarred cheese and guacamole.  Coincidence - I think not!

They even do it around the meat aisle - fish on display and next to it is cocktail sauce and tartar sauce.  Chicken on sale - I bet you see breading on a nearby shelf or dressing mix.

It goes on and on - nothing is safe.  IF there is a way to trick you into buying - they will do it.

BUYING LESS

Something to think about - when you buy buy less there is less to waste!  We all tend to over buy on deals and things.  If we let it go to waste it surely was not a deal!

EAT FIRST

NEVER go to the store hungry.  You know that and I know that - but we have all done it.  I can almost guarantee you that your receipt was high that week!  When we are hungry, everything looks and sounds yummy.

Same thing with shopping ALONE!  I know many, many years back when Glen would go with me to the store - oh my, did we spend more.  He was like taking a kid to the store.

Make a LIST and stick to it.  Go in and get your items on the list - MAYBE check the clearance aisle - then get out.  Do NOT wonder the store aimlessly.

Stick to a budget!!  Set an amount that you can comfortably spend - and stick to it.

These are all just basic rules we should all follow.

PLAY THE GAME

There are items each week that the store considers loss leaders - they are crazy good prices to get you in the store.  There hope is to get you in - THEN you will wonder around and buy lots of over priced stuff.  That is how they make their money.  Well - play the game.  Go in a get those crazy good deals and LEAVE!!!!!  Turn the tables on them.

Hey, it is your money, so you have the right to play as well.  

Playing the game is a favorite of mine!!!!

CLEANING - H & B

Think about getting your cleaning items or health and beauty items somewhere other than the grocery.  Most of the dollar stores sell those items much cheaper.  Grocery stores really get you on those items.  Pay attention to the prices and go elsewhere.  Making your own cleaning products is cheaper and healthier - but if you don't do that, just get the best price possible.  

Remember these are things that go down the drain each and every day - so why pay premium price for them???

ETHNIC STORES

Another thing to think about is to shop at some of the smaller ethnic stores.  Odds are you will find a great amount of variety in fresh and pantry items.  Spices and certain food items are generally cheaper than a traditional store.  You are also helping a small business.

SHOP THE CUPBOARD

Well there you - shop the cupboard/pantry FIRST.  I bet you can find some items stuck in the back recesses that you forgot about or need to use.  Shop the pantry and the deep caverns of the freezer FIRST.  Make a list of what you have or find and make up meals that use those items.  I just bet each and everyone of us could do this and not have to shop for a few weeks!!!!  Remaking those leftovers into new items and shopping at home - can save a small fortune.

That is a great time to try new recipes and new ingredients.  You never know that meal may become a new favorite.

I imagine there are things I forgot - but these are the basics.  It is so easy to spend way too much money if we aren't aware.  Be aware of the games the stores play and BEAT them at it!!!!!!

DON'T GET TRICKED!

Be the queen of your grocery budget!!!!!!

Feels Like Living Large - Simply and on Less $$$$

 There are so many ways to feel like we are living it up large on little money.  You don't have to spend a fortune nor does it have to be complicated.  

Today we will talk about living large at the dinner table.  There are many ideas for having yummy and inexpensive meals that just feel like going out to eat or high end food.  Inexpensive and simple.

MEXICAN FOOD

Tacos, burritos, tostadas, enchiladas, quesadillas, etc.   They are all easy to make and oh so yummy.  You don't have to stick with plain old beef tacos or bean burritos - jazz it up with whatever you have.

Maybe use chicken, seafood, pork, seasoned rice, salsa, avocado, any kind of cheese, beans, whatever you want or have.  Tortillas are super easy and inexpensive to make and they are also cheap to buy.  Tacos shells and tostada shells can often be purchased for $1 or so a package.  

You can really experiment with Mexican food and cooking.  In my opinion there are no rules and you can sure make it tasty (better than going out) and varied.

When thinking about having tortillas on hand - you also can make roll-ups and breakfast burritos as well.  There are so many options!

FRIED RICE

Never underestimate rice as a main course.  I love fried rice.  You can make it vegetarian or you can add meat and egg.  Throw in whatever leftover veggies you have, add meat and toss in an egg if desired.  Soy sauce or any sauce you may have.  Fried rice can be a filling high end meal for pennies.

GOURMET SANDWICHES

Never dismiss a sandwich - they aren't just bologna any more!!!!  There is NO limit to what you can add to a sandwich.  Absolutely ANY kind of meat you have - ANY kind of cheese - and ANY kind of veggie.  Yes veggie.  Try adding different things to your sandwich - you may be surprised.  I love to add tomato, lettuce, sliced radishes, even potato chips!!!!!  

Think about Reuben, pulled pork, sloppy Joe, tuna melts, burgers, Hawaiian sliders, etc.

You can make grilled sammies, melts, or fresh veggie, BLT's or even baked bean.  Summer is my time for fresh tomato sandwiches - maybe some sliced onion or cucumber!   Fried green tomato sandwiches can be a hit.  MMmmmmmmm.

A favorite I have made is a thin burger patty with mac and cheese added and then grilled.  Oh my!  Filling and it felt very high end!

There are absolutely NO limits - make it simple or make it fancy - using what you have.  Sandwiches do NOT need to be boring.

SALADS

A salad can be anything.  Mix up any type of veggies, add meat or egg or avocado.  Think about topping with leftover chicken, thin slices of steak or beef, thinly sliced pork chops, tuna, bacon,,,,,,,,

Throw in some nuts or seeds of any type.  Whatever you might have.  Top with grilled veggies or even fruit.  Add some toasted bread or crackers as a side and boom you have a meal in no time.

Salads can be a nice treat.  It gives you the opportunity to place an entire meal in one dish!  Fruit or veggies and meat all in one.  

SOUP

Soup is comfort!  Soup is yummy!  Soup is inexpensive!

You can be as simple as throwing all the frig leftovers in a pot with some broth or juice or tomato sauce.  Add meat or not.  Add pasta, rice or beans if desired.  You can make specialty soups fairly easy - potato, broccoli and cheese, cream of anything, gazpacho in the summer, French onion, tomato - you name it.  I include chili and stews in this category as well.  They are easy to make, use simple ingredients and can come together quickly.  Not only do they fill you up, but most times you get more than one meal from a pot of soup.

Heck it can be as simple as jazzing up a pack of Ramen soup - that's OK!!!!  Use what you have, get a little creative and have fun with it.

                                                           Ramen stew!

STIR FRY

Another way to stretch the budget and have a tasty and inexpensive meal.  Again folks - use up those leftovers in the frig.  Can add meat or not.  Use whatever seasoning you have - soy sauce  (or Liquid Amino) is my go to.  You can serve over noodles, pasta or rice.

There is so much variety in stir fry.  Another one dish meal with almost all your food groups.  Super simple and budget friendly.

CROCK POT DINNERS

There is positively no limit on what you can make in the cock pot.  It may take a little longer - but you can use inexpensive cuts of meat and stretch that budget.  Meats, veggies, soup mixes, cheese, broth, stock, you name it - throw it in and let it cook!!

If you are at your wits end on what to fix - just take a bit of this and that and put it together.  Look through your pantry and your freezer - and get creative.  Think outside the box.

DIP AND RIP

Think about an unconventional meal.  I have had them, I bet you have too.  Who says a meal has to be 3 or 4 courses?  A meal is whatever tastes good and fills you up!!!!!!!

Make up dips of any kinds.  Hummus, cheese melts, ranch, onion, spinach dips.  Serve with sliced veggies or chunks of torn bread or crackers.  You can even make fruit dips with cream cheese (sweetened) and have fruit for more of a dessert bar!

I love making a charcuterie plate for a meal.  Cheese slices, fresh sliced veggies, summer sausage, hummus or dip, etc.  It is filling and very tasty. (kind of like a deconstructed salad!)

Serve what you have - a cold meal is refreshing and tasty.  You don't have to over think it - just serve what you like.

                                                             HUMMUS

BREAKFAST

Breakfast for dinner can be positively decadent.  Pancakes, waffles, quiche, eggs and meat and toast, biscuits and gravy, crepes, etc.

Make from scratch or use mixes.  Use what you have.

Pull out some fruit from the freezer or pantry and make a sinfully delish topping for pancakes, waffles or crepes. 

You can take whatever you have and jazz it up to make an extraordinary meal.  Use your pantry and freezer - just the basics we all have - and put together a fine dining experience.

No need to have fancy and expensive ingredients.  No need to go out and spend lots of money.  

Make your family  "an experience" at home.

LIVE LARGE on a budget - it can be done.  It can be easy and tasty as well.  Never feel deprived.

Have fun!!!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/21

 Happy Sunday and Spring to everyone.  (or Fall in the southern hemisphere).  It is a beautiful spring day here today - the sun is shining brightly.  Not the same could be said about the past week!!!!  I guess winter wanted to hang on and it sure gave us it's last hoorah!  

We are having March Madness here in our state (basketball tourney) - but I think March madness happened all over the country this week.  The weather has been crazy every where.

We started the week with rain, sleet and freezing rain on Monday.  Ice covered the trees and all the power lines.  Then it got a little better and boom Thursday we had 28 hours of rain and winds like crazy.  There was a lake in the back yard.

By Saturday things had really calmed down and all is getting back to normal.  We did have 3 nights that I had to cover my budding daffodils - due to below/or right at freezing.

This next week is supposed to be more spring like with temps in the 60's and showers. 

Things are starting to bud, perennials are popping up, the grass is greening and weeds are growing!!

I just turned and looked out the window and there sits 6 robins on the fence!   I can hear the birdies all singing their special songs - what a chorus.  Aaahhhh - spring!  

It has really been quiet here this week.  I was in a mood for some reason this week.  Just didn't have a lot of get up and go!!!  I am guessing it was because of the weather.  Hoping this week will be better.

                                                       Never forget this.

My week:

• Found a pound of turkey burger in freezer and made it into tasty burgers - fried.  Most were put in freezer for future meals
• Fried up a can of Spam - packaged/froze most for future quick meals
• Drank lots of sparkling water from soda stream (w/fruit juice)
• Ran out and got taxes done this week.  I went to a small business that has been in the neighborhood for years.  I just wanted to make sure I missed nothing - so much changed with G's passing.  20 minutes in and out - and I get a Fed. refund - owe state a little.  I think I will be comfortable doing them again  myself come next year
• Ran to the library - right across from tax office.  They moved everything!!!!!  It will take some time to get used to.
• NO grocery store this week
• I have read a lot this week
• Been working on more spring cleaning
• Did lots of laundry
• Cooking from scratch and using what I have in pantry/freezer, doing all the normal stuff we all do
• Saturday I got to porch sit for a while and talk with neighbors - that was nice
• I got to have a nice long telephone conversation with my friend on the other side of the country - it was so nice to just chat

Meals this past week:

Bacon, swiss turkey burger, slaw (home canned)

Potato soup (from freezer) and a grilled cheese sandwich

Green beans, potatoes and smoked sausage - sauteed (so tasty)

Fried cabbage with smoked sausage and potato cakes (from freezer)

Pancakes (freezer) and Spam

Beef and refried bean tostadas

Chicken quesadilla 

How was your week?  I hope no one endured extreme weather this week and that you are all safe.

Did you get any spring cleaning done?  Any great deals this week?

I hope you all have a great week.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, with all malice, and be kind to one another, tender hearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Tins and Trays - So Many Uses

 We all have ice cube trays and muffin tins - you know they aren't just for ice cubes and muffins right??

I have extra ice cube trays that I use for a variety of things.  Muffin pans can be recycled into all kinds of storage and used to make all kinds of goodies!

ICE CUBE TRAYS

• Freeze leftover coffee - great for cooling that super hot cup of Joe or to add to ice coffee.  I have frozen strong coffee in cubes - to use in chocolate recipes (it really enhances the chocolate taste)
• Freeze leftover wine - good to use in a glass of wine and doesn't water it down
• I make mint and lemon balm simple syrups and freeze in cubes.  Great addition to a glass of tea
• Pizza sauce, tomato sauce/paste, etc.  Great to pop a cube into something you are cooking for just a little tomato taste
• Freeze fresh herbs/edible flowers in trays with water.  Fun addition to any dish you are making

• This s a fun thing to do with fruit - like berries as well - super neat addition to a drink
• Freeze OJ or lemon-aide to add to drinks
• You can freeze cubes of stock or broth to add to future meals.  Even gravy - great way to thicken up a soup or stew
• Kool-Aid frozen in cubes are fun for the kids (and adults) for a fun & cool treat
• Freeze tea in cubes.  Use in your iced tea and it doesn't get diluted.
• You can freeze bits of leftovers to add to soup or to make baby food

Each regular size cube is approximately 2 Tbsp.  I freeze my items - then pop them out and place into marked zip lock baggies for future use.  You can freeze just about anything  this way.  No waste of bits and pieces and dribs and drabs.

**Trays can also be used for earring holders in drawers or for anything that is small and easily misplaced!

MUFFIN TINS

Not just for muffins and cupcakes any more!

I love to freeze things in them and I bake other yummies in them as well.

• Freeze leftover mashed potatoes in tins - perfect for thawing and having another serving later
• Freeze any kind of veggie that is left (perfect serving size) or throw into a pot of soup
• I freeze leftover stuffing - it is the perfect size for a side to a meal
• Bake mini meatloaves - these are perfect serving sizes and easy to freeze for later.  They are also fun to slice in half and make a meatloaf sandwich!
• Quiche is perfect for muffin tins - bake up several servings for later

       Corndog muffins.  Corn bread mix in muffin tin - add chuck of hotdog and bake.  YUM

    Pizza cups - use crescent rolls, pizza dough, biscuits, etc. and add toppings and bake

                                                          Dinner bites - mini pot pies.

• Use to make larger ice cubes or frozen juice for punch bowls or pitchers of drink
• Bake cookies in muffin tins - for perfectly round and uniform size cookies!
• Old tins are great for holding finger paints for the kids - each spot a different color paint
• Great for storing craft supplies or odds and ends on the work bench
• You could also freeze soup in regular size tins - then when ready for a cup of soup, you can decide just how much you want!
• Use for condiment trays at buffets
• Use older trays for soap making or making 'new' crayons for the kids from old broken ones
• Great for making suet for birds

My goodness there is just no end to uses.  You can often find inexpensive trays and tins at dollar stores and discount stores to use for all the 'odd' things!  Look at thrift stores and yard sales - that is where I get most extras that I use.

I store my extra downstairs on top of the freezer - so I always know where to find them.

I love using things in new ways.  Making perfectly portioned leftovers for another meal and having flavored cubes on hand is always nice.  Great storage for odd sized items.

Get creative and think outside the box!

No Budget Busters Here - Eat Well

 I have been asked to maybe do a post for those who are alone or maybe just have two to feed now.  Well, I always had two - but always made lots of extra.  Hubs was a huge fan of leftovers.  That was always lunch, sometimes breakfast, and maybe dinner.  He wasn't picky.  I was so fortunate.

I went a long time just having a sandwich or a salad - no desire to cook.  Now I do cook and enjoy it.

I keep it simple and very frugal.  No busters here!!!!!!

Today will be a lot of pics and ideas of things to do that are tasty and frugal.  Ways of using leftovers in new ways.  ENJOY

French bread pizza (a favorite of mine).  Clearance and previously frozen bread and just added whatever I had on hand.  I love the crunch of the bread pizza

Another favorite.  GOULASH - Pasta, ground meat, tomato, cheese, onion (if you choose).  Serve alone or with a salad.  Such a basic and simple classic.    Can top with crushed chips or serve over corn chips or serve with garlic toast.

CHILI - top - over rice with sour cream and fresh tomatoes.  Bottom over hotdogs with chips and veggies.  I love chili over baked potatoes as well.  I make taco salad with it and even add to nachos.

Chili over corn bread waffles!

Sliders made with biscuits!  A small can (indiv. size) of beans all jazzed up

Biscuits with sausage gravy and a scrambled egg.  Breakfast is always an economical dinner.

Still extra biscuits were eaten with butter and jelly for a snack on a later date!

A very small pork loin with potatoes, carrots and a can of diced tomatoes.  Made in slow cooker.

Leftover pork and veggies with peas and seasoning and pasta added to make lo mein

Taco flavored meat with beans added and served over tator bites.  Kind of like nachos - tot-chos!!!

Added rice to leftover taco meat and beans - topped with corn chips and sour cream.

Fish stick soft tacos and chips.  Topped with slaw mix and ranch dressing.

Nice salad and a tuna patty (make like you would salmon).  Super healthy.

2 smoked sausage links, a tad bit of kraut (found in frig) and mashed potatoes

Leftover potatoes made into potato cakes  Made of meal of them and had some left to freeze

Roll-ups.  Add meat, cheese and veggies you want - dressing - roll it up and eat.  Can make with any type of filling - breakfast ones are great too.  Add scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon - whatever you want.

There you go.  A few ideas - to maybe help you decide on something different.  Easy cooking, low budget, tasty, and quick to prepare.  Doesn't get much better than that!!!!

Just  remember - you don't have to complicate things.  As long as you are full and the food tastes good - that is all that matters!!

I hope this gives someone an idea of something they can make for fun and new!!!!

ENJOY!

Follow the Nudge

Somedays we are all put in a spot that we weren't expecting.  Somedays we all get a feeling to go, call, write, etc.  Some days we DON'T listen!  We all do it.  Those are called gentle nudges - and we need to listen.  If you don't listen - you may get a SMACK and then you have to listen.

I have mentioned that many times, I think about going out and about - then don't.  I don't listen to my inner self.  I do it here on the blog as well.  Some days I have a post all planned, and as I start typing, something different appears.  THAT is what I am 'supposed' to write.  I think I have been nudged to testify or message in a way someone needs to hear (and many say so).  

Our Supreme Being guides us - and we need to listen.

I mentioned last week I went out shopping one day.  I tried to talk myself out of it again, but gave in decided to go.  I planned on only Kroger and at the last minute also decided to go to Big Lots.  There were no cars in the lot, as it was pretty early and only a couple employees.  I did my shopping/looking and went to the checkout.  The cashier looked so sad - she had been crying.

I asked if she was OK, and she was hesitant.  We talked and talked.  Her Mom had recently passed due to cancer.  She was just broken hearted.  I shared my experiences, especially with Glen, and talked about how her Mom was no longer suffering and was in a beautiful place.  I asked her if I could pray with her - and we did.  Upon saying Amen - someone behind me said Amen as well.  I looked up in surprise (as no one had been there), and there was a smiling lady who said "I needed to see and hear this today".  She thanked us both!!!!!!

The cashier was feeling better, I felt good, and another stranger was aided as well.  WIN - WIN - WIN!

I had decided at the last minute to turn into BL's - or maybe I was guided there!

Saturday I got another chance.  At the house warming, my nephew in-laws Mom came.  I have only met her a handful of times over the years.  For a reason I didn't realize at the moment, I got up and went to sit with her and chat.  

She had a really bad stroke about 2 1/2 years ago (sadly runs in their family).  After much rehab, she moved into an assisted living apartment the end of last January (2020).  Covid hit and she could have no visitors, nor could they have resident events any more.  ALL alone and isolated.

She lost her husband 16 years ago and lived a pretty full life, until all this stuff happened.

She hadn't remembered/realized about Glen, and we sat and talked about losing a spouse.  She is lonely  and said no one she personally knows really understood.  Her kids and grands know somewhat - but she hadn't had someone close that had actually lost a spouse to talk with.  She really appreciated having someone who could TOTALLY sympathize. 

We talked and talked and we prayed.  It helped us both.

SO when you get the nudge  to call, write, visit, chat, etc.  DO IT!  You have no idea what it may mean to someone - even a stranger.

God works in mysterious ways - and I DO believe He guides us where we need to be.  We just need to pay attention.

So make that call, or visit that place, or help that stranger, or listen instead of talking, or be a kind neighbor.........  It could mean everything to someone.  

Trust me - you will benefit as well.

Blessings to you all.

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/14

 Well happy Sunday to all.  Hope you are all well and doing good.

Doing well here.  Spring is for sure in the air in my part of the world.  I have daffodils and lillies and hyacinths peeking their green heads out about 4". 

I saw the first Robin, brown headed cowbird, and red winged black birds of the season all on Monday.  Robins are now every where.  I have birdies nesting in the overhang on the front porch.  Yep, spring is closing in!!!

Heck I have even seen flies and a stink bug already!

Took this picture through the window the other day. Momma cat, squirrel and Blackie (you can't see him to the right) were all enjoying the warmth and sun on the front porch together!  So cute how the co-exist!

My week:

• Paid all the bills and balanced the checkbook
• Did a root touch up on my hair
• Started working on spring cleaning - did a lot in the kitchen.  Cleaned out under the sink base - UGH - it becomes a catch all.  Polished the cabinets.  Fixed the leak in frig.  Started cleaning out other drawers
• Got outside on nice days and worked on the big flower garden in back, up against the house.  Just pulling out the dead stuff I didn't get to last fall.
• Made up a new jug of OJ from concentrate
• Set up date for this week to get taxes done
• Cooked up an entire package of bacon
• We had an exceptionally windy day this week and trash galore was blowing all around.  I went out and picked up a big bag of trash from my yard, the neighbor's front, the alley and the front sidewalk.  Grrrr - wish people would take care of their trash properly!!!!
• Scoured all the water bowls and birdbaths
• I did go out one day.  I stopped at Big Lots - didn't find what I was looking for - but I did get 4 gifts at 90% off!!  WOOHOO!  I got 2 scarf wraps - each cost me 1.50!  2 Sherpa pullover tops - each for 1.80!  YAY

          These are just really neat - great replacement for a jacket on a chilly night.

                                              These are the fuzziest and softest tops!

• I then ran 2 blocks up the road to Kroger.  I got salad veggies and 2 heads of cabbage (will last me a long while).  I did find some markdowns there as well.  Bread, bagels, 3 jars of peanut butter and yummy jelly filled donuts!

       2 jars are Jiff and the 1.19 jar is Kroger honey blended peanut butter.  YUM

• I went to a house warming event for my great niece yesterday.  Her and her hubs bought their first home and they had a nice little event.  They have a HUGE back yard - which will be great for the dogs and their son - even a creek running through it and a tree climbing tree!
• Just doing all the normal stuff.  Nothing much exciting happening here!
• Got to open windows and doors several days and air the house.  That has been nice
  

Meals this past week:

Tamales and a salad

Fish sticks, tator rounds and side salad

Pizza (from what I froze last week)

BLT

Cheesy broccoli rice and salad

Bacon, egg, cheese soft 'tacos'

Can of Beef-a-roni  - and some goodies at the house warming 

Snacked on cheese/crackers, oranges, donuts

How was your week?  Is spring or fall staring to appear in your area?  We have so many from both hemispheres - it is neat to hear what is going on.   Did you get any frugal deals this week?

Have you started any garden seeds/plants yet?  None here - still a bit early.

I truly love hearing from you all - we have so many new folks commenting lately and I love it!!

I pray for health and healing for all.  May you and your families all be safe.  

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Better is a poor man who walks in his integrity than a man who is perverse in speech, and is a fool.

It is not good for a man to be without knowledge, and he who makes haste with his feet misses his way.

Proverbs 19:1-2