Many Uses for a Blender

 I used to hardly ever use my blender, except to maybe make a milkshake.  That is about all I can remember Mom using one for too.   Then I had a food chopper, my stick blender and a blender.  They all had a set purpose for me.  THEN I was gifted a Ninja - and my world changed.  I love it and use it so often (every day actually),

A blender with a pulse button can be used for so many things.  You can blend, chop and grind!

This is what I have - I use it every morning to make my morning drink!  There are so many uses.

• Smoothies, malts, shakes
• Great for making refried beans - they smoosh up in a moment
• Make pancake, waffle or muffin batter in a moment
• Hummus - is so easy to make - chickpeas and whatever seasoning you choose
• Sauces of all types, dressings
• After dehydrating greens, peels,, etc. - blend into powders to use in cooking 
• Dry herbs can become powder in a moment - great for making spice blends
• Homemade mayo in a snap
• Faux ice cream - using frozen fruit and dab of milk (only)
• You can even blend cream to make butter
• Turn sugar into powdered sugar

I have this attachment as well - it good for all kinds of wonders.  Great for chopping  relish and salsa.  It is a canning aid for me!

• On pulse you can chop veggies needed for making relish to correct consistency
• I chop tomatoes, onions, etc. for salsa
• I can make the best bread/cracker crumbs - as coarse or fine as you choose
• Peanut or other nut butters
• Apple or fruit sauce - in a snap
• Great to turn rolled oats into flour
• Making up dry mixes (biscuit, pancake, etc.) - do a quick pulse to mix all ingredients thoroughly

There are such a multitude of uses.  I love my TOY and it sure makes things easier in my life.  One tool and many, many uses.

If you don't use your blender for many different things - YOU are MISSING OUT!!!!!

What do you use your blender for?  Do you have any tips or tricks we all need to know?

I need new ideas!!!!!!!

Not to Worry - Be Happy and BE Yourself

 OK  who is singing that quirky little song now???   LOL

Just a small post about just being you.  It seems today so many people seem to think they need to empress others.  Not me!!  I could care less.  You like me, fine - you don't, well that is fine too.  Life is just too short to be worried about what others think or trying to 'keep up with the Jones'.  I may have done that in the past - NO MORE!

I spent a lot of years trying to please others and live like I thought they expected me to (not talking of my hubby).  Not any more.  It sure did nothing to make me happy.  It did nothing for my self confidence.  It did nothing for my LOVE of myself.  Today - you get what you get.  Take it or leave it.  I really don't care.

Maybe age has made me a little wiser - I would like to think so.

I have also realized that that everything can change in an instant - and BOOM - the reality you had, just changed.  You have to make a new reality (as hard as that is).

Now if you are married, I realize there is some give and take.  We all made allowances for our mate.  That is what you do.  Marriage is compromise. That is wonderful.

IF you are single - well kiddos - things change.

If you want to wear PJ's all day - that is OK

If you want to leave stuff on the counter - that is OK

If you don't want to make the bed - that is OK

If you want to eat junk for dinner - that is OK

If you want to go to bed early or sleep late - that is OK

If you don't feel like cleaning house today - that is OK

If you want to turn up the music crazy loud and dance - that is OK

If you want to keep a stack of books next to your chair - that is OK

If you want to watch stuff nobody else watches - that is OK

If you want to have a cocktail - that is OK

If you want to sing in the car (and really can't!) - that is OK

If you want to splurge now and then - that is OK

If you want to cry and yell - that is OK

If you just want to be YOU - that is 100%  A - OK!!!!!!!!!!!

                                               So true - nobody gets out here alive! 

Quit worrying about what others think.  You have a life to live and you and your creator are the only ones that need to  be pleased with your life.

Live a good life.  Live a fun life.  Live a life of giving.  Live a spiritual life.  Live a life that does you proud.

Just maybe some day 'they' will say - "She sure knew how to live and gave it her all".

That would be a nice legacy.

JUST LIVE

BE HAPPY

STOP THE WORRY

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/13

 Happy Sunday to all.  My goodness here we are almost half way through June.  This year is about half over - seems crazy.

It sure has been HOT & HUMID here.    We did get rain at the first of week.  Not getting as much done outside as I would wish.  I spend about an hour - less than two - outside each morning, just trying to do stuff.  I come in red as a beet and melted.  It is way too hot.  Hopefully we have a little cool down coming this next week and the humidity is dropping today.  YAY

We had a heck of a storm come through last night - they were very spotty - but we got the edge of a fierce one.  There was lightening and thunder NON stop for over an hour.  It looked like a strobe light going off outdoors and the thunder - oh my.  It really sounded kind of scary.  It was just a loud rumble that never stopped.  Huge winds came through quickly and then rain.

Each new day brings new hope and a new vision.

This morning the sun is shining, the birds are singing, my babies and all the other animals are here and well, it is a BIT cooler.  LOVELY!!

We all have these days - do not fret if you do.  There are days and maybe weeks - that life needs to slow down and naps need to be taken.

My week:

• Worked outside as I could.  Pulled weeds and more weeds.  Working in various areas - avoiding the big bed out back!  LOL  Oh what a mess it is.  Here's hoping I get to work on it this coming week
• Cut a bouquet of roses
• Washed all the summer bedding for kitties
• Planted a few more flowers and onion sets
• My neighbor cut my front grass with his riding mower so I wouldn't have to push mow in the heat.  The back did NOT get mowed this week!!
• Made a big batch of hummingbird nectar and clean and refilled feeders.  Refrigerated the remainder 
• Ran to the store again this week.  Did a good buy on canned cat food.  It is finally starting to fill the shelves again.  I also got Kroger brand olive oil on Manager's Markdown for 3.49/25 oz. bottle.  They said they are redoing all the labeling, so marking down current product. Win for me!
• I used the air fryer this week.  I give it an  A on chicken strips and maybe a C+ on fries.  They were pretty darn crispy - I need to adjust my times.  I guess this will be a trial and error type thing!
• Ran to the library.  Returned a couple books and found nothing new to bring home.  I did get a book put on my wish list and they will let me know when it comes in.
• Had to run the AC quite a bit this week.  Keeping blinds shut as the sun moved around the house.  Looking forward to cooler days this week!

Meals this past week:

Taco salad

Chicken/broccoli/rice

Small pizza and salad

Cream cheese/chipped beef spread on toasted bread and topped with veggies

Chicken strips and fries

Chopped steak, corn on cob and lima beans

Tostadas

Made an ice cream float one afternoon as a treat and eating fruit as snacks

Have you been having hot weather?  Staying cool?  Did you get any deals or bargains this week?  Look forward to hearing from you all.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Please take care and praying for health and safety for all.

The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your going out and your coming in from this time forth and for ever-more.

Psalm 121: 7-8

Lay your problems and worries in God's hands - He has us all in His protective and loving arms.

AMEN

A Boy and His Toys

 Today is just a cute story about my Coogy.  He is so funny and so loving.  He sure gives his Mommy lots of love and laughs.

He loves to play.  He also misses his Mom when he can't see her for a while.  Silly kitty.

Coogy has a fishy attached to a stick - his fish and fishing pole.  Oh how he loves that thing.  EVERY single night, while I am laying in the bed watching TV - I hear this scratchy noise.  Sure enough, here comes Coogy with the fish in his mouth, dragging the pole behind him and crying all at the same time.  He brings in the bedroom and drops it beside the bed and then sits and stares at me!!!!!  "Um, it's playtime Mom".

                                   His fish and pole with holiday ribbons attached!

Now if I go to the store or go out and work in the yard for a while - I come back in and there it lays in the kitchen!  He brings it in there, because he knows I come in that door.

He is so silly.

              He is one lucky boy, as he has a whole basket full of play things.  Big to little.

These are generally his choices.  His fishing pole, the purple squishy ball, his Wubba (the name on it) and the fuzzy white thing!!!  Wubba (pink) has been a favorite of every indoor kitty for years.  They all played with it and loved on it.  That white piece of fuzz used to be a snowman head.  Now it just is a mess and it sheds all over.  He loves it!  

Each night he comes to get his lovin'.  He has a pillow on the bed next to mine (covered w/a towel) - he sits and stares at it.  I lay my hand on it, palm up, then he comes and lays down with his head in my palm.  He gets his neck and head scratched and rubbed and he is sooooooo content and happy!!  

It is amazing the little routines that they get into.  (they sure have us trained)

Oh our kiddos - they sure are a hoot.  I am so glad I have my fur babies - they have ALL really saved me over the past couple years.

They give me love and purpose each and every day.

Those outdoor babies - well mice is Fluffy's favorite toy.  She finds them and plays with them.  I have saved a few - but usually find them when it is too late.  She likes little birdies too (bad kitty).  Momma will play with either - but usually after Fluff has caught it.  Blackie - he could care less!!!!!!! Eating and sleeping are his favorite backyard activities.

I can't tell you how many times I have opened the greenhouse door and had a bird fly out!!!  It is amazing how gentle she  CAN be - will catch them and take them in (there is a cat door).  They are still alive and trying to stay away from her on higher perches.  Door opens and FREEDOM!

Oh our crazy babies.  They give us such joy and happiness. 

SMILES AND KITTY HUGS!

Even the Cheapest Foods can be JAZZED Up

 I know there are many people who simply need to live on mini mart foods.  They live in food deserts with no decent grocery facilities.  Most food marts carry cheap items and junk food.  BUT even cheap items can be jazzed up if you have the desire and means to do it.

Any of us can get in a spot where money is tight and options are few.  It is nice to be able to have options to jazz things up (or ideas).

We all know dry beans and rice is a fugal option - but that may get old if you eat it every day.  I could do it, if it meant going hungry otherwise!

CHEAP PIZZA

I decided to try an experiment.  I do not like frozen pizza - never have.  But I noticed Kroger had these little individual microwave pizza for $1 - so I thought lets see what I can do!!!!

Doesn't even sound appetizing!  The actual pizza was about the size of my hand - tips of fingers to wrist.  The picture on the box looks more appealing than the actual item did!  LOL

Well I decided to do some magic.  I used things I had in frig.  I sliced a few pieces of summer sausage, added black and green olives, cut up a mini pepper, a few spoons of salsa, some seasoning and a little extra cheese.  BOOM - a tasty little pizza.  About the same as 2 pieces.

                               It was actually pretty tasty!  Also had a side salad with it.

MAC N CHEESE

You can get those store brand boxes of mac n cheese for much less than a dollar.  Add a can of tuna and maybe some frozen peas or broccoli and you have cheesy tuna mac.  Add a little cooked hamburger or sausage and anything else you have needing to be  used (veggies).  Tasty burger mac.

Cut up a couple hotdogs into mac and you have a tasty treat.  Feeds more than one - maybe add a salad.

RAMEN

Yep, many of us always have some on hand.  I actually like it (I know). 

Make Ramen stew - add any veggies you may have, whatever leftover meat there might be or stir in some gravy or make a gravy (rue) and enjoy.  You don't HAVE to use the seasoning packet if you are staying away from salt.  

Cook the noodles and use as lo-mein.  Use noodles under any type of stir fry using whatever leftovers you have on hand.

I even have a recipe around here for making a cold salad using packages of Ramen with cabbage. 

Someone mentioned the other day about making Ramen and adding a easy over egg on top.  Just no limits.

 Generally a pack sells for pennies - it can be jazzed up and tasty.

JIFFY

Jiffy cornbread mix probably isn't the best cornbread - but it is easy and inexpensive (and really not bad).  You can do a lot of things to jazz it up.  Throw in some chopped jalapenos.  Spicy cornbread.  Throw in some shredded cheese - Mmmmm.  Add a bit of sugar if you like sweet cornbread.  You can add garlic powder, onion, just about anything.

Bake in muffin tins and place a piece of hotdog in the center of each muffin before baking.  Kind of like have a corndog.

Many people add some cream corn and make a corn casserole.  There are many, many options to upcycle a box of Jiffy mix!

CHEAP MIXES

I see baking mixes all the time for a dollar or less (if on sale).  They can be turned into other things.  Muffins mixes can become small loaves of sweet breads (throw in whatever extra you may have - chips, nuts, candy).  Make a mini cake.  Make cookies.

A fun up-do is pancakes - easy and tasty and enough to maybe fill a couple of people.  Just add syrup or heated jelly!!!

You can do this with those Jiffy boxes of mixes as well.

So if things get rough, funds get low, and shelves get bare - just remember that you can improve ANY food item.  It doesn't have to cost much.

I know most of us have all kinds of recipes for inexpensive eating or know ways to stretch leftovers and things like rice, pasta, beans and potatoes.  We know how to cook.  Not everyone really does.

Maybe you know someone who needs a little help.  You can pass on these money saving ideas and perhaps help them have a nicer dinner.

I think it would be neat if food pantries - who give many of these items - could also handout  recipe ideas for increasing nutrition and taste.

HOW LOW CAN YOU GO $ ??????

I am so Tired of all the Panic

 Good morning.  I know I can't be the only one who is so over the 'panic' syndrome that seems to have hit the people of the world.  People panic and get manic about everything today.  I am done with the YouTube channels and the groups that only promote chaos.  Seriously - they are helping no one!!!  They may think they are - but they are not.

I try so hard to not follow the 'norm' today and do panic posts.  My opinion is not your opinion.  I will ALWAYS continue to stress stocking and staying stocked - but not to cause mayhem and panic.  I will stress that idea BECAUSE it is the smart thing to do.  ANYTHING can happen at ANY TIME.

You stock now and you are prepared for whatever life throws at you and your family.  

You stock now and it is saving you money. (we all know things go up in price).

You stock now because you are a prudent women.

You stock now because you love your family and want to provide.

You stock now because you are smart.

I realize that in some countries things are worse.  I hate that.  I realize that it depends on where you live in America - some places things are worse than others (and more expensive).

I feel blessed to live in mid America as things still are pretty well stocked and prices are pretty reasonable.  

Last year should have been a HUGE wake-up call to people.  The public got all caught up in panic and we had the great TP fiasco!!!!  Oh my goodness, people had no clue to what to do if they couldn't buy TP.  Others hoarded it.  Good grief - it was the most ridiculous and stupid thing I have ever seen in my life.  Seriously.  No one seemed to be able to think and use logic.

Funny?  Not really - it is an option!  I have received some tool catalogs that hubs used to get and they have pages that are tissue thin.  I keep them!!!!  My goodness there are so many options - cloth TP, wash cloths, tissue........

We all know that there are options and substitutes for about everything.  I have listed many charts over the years of substitutes in case you run out of something.  We can sub other things for eggs in recipes.  We can sub things for oil.  We can mix and match all kinds of food items to make tasty meals.  We can glean things from our own yards (if you were hungry you would be grateful).

We can use old clothes and rags to clean messes or to use for bathroom functions.

We can use a clothesline to dry our laundry (or rack or hangers outside or in basement).  We CAN wash clothes in a tub if needed.

We can simplify our eating habits and eat well.

We can truly do without a lot of the things that we THINK we have to have!  

                                                 Click on picture to enlarge to read.

I have a big pot of this on my porch - yes I do.  It is tasty in salads.  Kind of a peppery taste.  It grows all over the place around here and it is so good for you.  Dandelion greens, roots, and even blossoms can be used.  Folks use plantain, wild onion, thistle, chives, balms and mints.... the list goes on and on.  This is all FREE.  Walnut trees are a good source of protein (if you can beat the squirrels).  There are many a tree in public places and on roadways.  There are fruit trees and wild berry vines all along country roads and maybe on empty lots.  FIND THEM.  USE THEM.

We can survive people.  We do not need to panic.  If the supply chain is disrupted do to shutdown, drought, transportation, flooding - whatever - know you can survive.

Do NOT stop on your stocking.  Keep plugging along, just do it with thought and be mindful of what you and your family really use.  Don't buy stuff you don't need.  

Always be prepared for an extended period of time (only you know your plan).  

Life changes every day.  It will continue to change every day.  That is the one constant in this world - CHANGE!

I think back to my family that lived through the depression.  I think back to my family that lived during the civil war days.  I think about my family that started out with nothing and moved westward and survived.  They used what they found to eat and survive.   They physically cut trees, moved them, and built their homes.  They physically had to cut trees to make roads and pathways to get through the dense woods.  They lived through dust storms.  They lived through floods.  They lived through many a pandemic (or we wouldn't be here).  They cleared land to make gardens and fields.  They had no real medicine.  They used herbs and nature.  They had absolutely NO technology.  They lived off brut strength and common sense.

Had not at least part of them survived and prospered WE wouldn't be here today.  Think about that!  We can be better and stronger if put to task.  We CAN survive.

If you don't know about living off the land or simple survival techniques - read.  The library is a wealth of knowledge and wonder.

Get busy and do what is needed to help your family.  BUT don't spread panic and doom and gloom.  Don't go out of your way to spread bad.  If you want to spread something - spread helpful knowledge of survival.  Spread goodwill and happy thoughts and wishes.  (this is my goal)

Spread the joy of knowing there is something after all this life on earth.  IF we truly believe in a supreme creator and the Word like we say we do - well we know it is all in His hands.

PLEASE stock and prepare but do NOT PANIC nor cause panic.

Be happy and enjoy each and every day you get. 

Spread joy and goodness.

Weekly Wrap-Up 6/6

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope you all had a good week and that this finds you well.

I had a pretty good week.  I got to see a friend (my former boss) that I haven't physically seen in 2 years this week.  They moved to CO. after retiring and visits are not frequent.  It was so good to get to visit for a while.

Woke Thursday to another surprise in the back yard.  Looked out after getting dressed and lo and behold there was a Momma and 4 young racoons!!  Racoons make me nervous around my cats - but I have to admit they sure are cute.  Those young ones were running and frolicking around - up and down the trees - acting like kids!  The Mom just kept trying to collect them to move on - and they kept running away from her!  It was funny.  I waited till they moved on before taking the kitties food out.  Momma and Fluff were at my kitchen door and Blackie slept through it - so all were safe.  I swear this is a flipping wild animal habitat in the city!!!  My fault I guess!

We had a day or two with a lot of rain and now we are hot.  It looks like temps will be more normal this next week with highs in the lower 80's but we have a chance of rain everyday.

My week:

• I did get the garden all planted on Sunday.  Pots and ground.  Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini and cucumbers.  Green onions also planted - may do some other stuff - still have some room.
• The last important fix has been done to the Blazer.  No more snap, crackle & pop (stabilizer bars) this week.  No more trouble getting gas. No more hot car.  No more car not starting.  Sigh of relief.  My neighbor probably saved me over $1,500 is shop fees over the past few weeks.
• I de-flowered the front walk and steps!  LOL.  I got it manageable to walk up the sidewalk again!
• I have 2 rain barrels full - 110 gallons of God's water!  Been using it to water plants
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard
• I cut bouquets of peonies until I couldn't.  They are done for this year.  I still have roses and other flowers looking pretty.  The lilies are getting covered with buds
• Made a plan for repairing the shed front - it really needs a lot of work on the west side.  Checked the stash of things in the garage and thankfully I have more than enough lumber to fix it!!!  So glad I don't have to buy wood at this time.
• I washed down the front of the house & (porch) and took apart the security door and cleaned it and washed the window.  You would think the porch would stay clean but being under a roof it just collects dust and grime
• I finally ran to the grocery.  My area stores seem to be fully stocked.  I got some really good deals.  3 - 2lb. packs of ground beef/pork combo  for 2.99 ea. (1.50 lb!).  Got a small pork loin for 2.69.  2 - 5 lb. bags of s/r flour for .89 ea.   2- sliced loaves of Italian bread for .79 ea.  YAY!  All was on clearance.

• I then saw a sign as I left the grocery for a BIG yard sale.  I decided to stop - first yard sale in almost 2 years for me.  I got 4 small cookbooks for .25 ea. and I got a NuWave 10 qt. air fryer (used once) with rotisserie for $10!!!!  It has the book with it and looks like it was never used.  I guess some of the Covid 'shopping' items will be cheap this year!!!!!!  I have been wanting to try an air fryer - but in no way wanted to spend a lot unless I liked it.  Now I can try it for next to nothing and if I don't like it - I will pass it on.

Meals this past week:

Fried cabbage with smoked sausage and mac n cheese

Chicken and dumplings (small Sweet Sue) and fried corn/with onion

Baked potato and grilled small zucchini

BBQ pork/pepper/onion/swiss cheese sandwiches

Breakfast - silver dollar pancakes (freezer), scrambled eggs, pork chop (precooked freezer)

Veggie/cheese squares (my version) - no oven needed

Tamales and tortilla chips

I hope to pull weeds this week from my big perennial bed - it is a huge mess!!  Maybe with rain off and on they will be easier.  I need to do some painting as well - we will see.  I need to clean out the shed - ugh!

So many things need done.  I need to light my fire again!!!!

How was your week?  How are your plants doing?  Did you get any deals or do anything frugal?  I like hearing what everyone is up to.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.  

May you all stay safe and well this coming week.

Behold, God is my salvation;  I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2