Weekly Wrap-Up 7/11

 Happy Sunday everyone.  It is a gloomy and wet morning here.  Rain and more rain - I sure wish I could send some of it to you who need it so badly.  We have a chance of rain for every single day this coming week.  Temps here have cooled a bit, which is lovely, it is just muggy feeling.  I feel so sorry for those living out West where the temps are so incredibly dangerous.  Please take care.

                            Squirrel planted and approved!  It is going to be a double bloomer

The week started with the 4th of July and it was horrible here.  That night was like being in the epicenter of a war zone for hours on end.  It didn't stop until 1AM.  I was totally surrounded with idiots who had let loose of too many of their dollars!!!!!  UGH! (I can't begin to describe the noise)

Thursday we had a major downpour and storms.  Friday cooled so much and was just perfect.  I got a lot done outside and was so tired at the end of the day.  I sat out on the porch at the end of the day and watched others sitting out, the littles across the street being so sweet, listened to birds and had a kitty at my feet.  It was a perfect end to a busy day.  More rain came in yesterday and it rained during the entire overnight.

I got proficient with my ladder this week!!!  A couple big outdoor jobs checked off the list.  Boy did I use muscle I had forgotten about!!!!

My week:

• Pruned the lower limbs of my big old trees (over 50+ years old).  Got the limbs that were hanging over the roof and gutter, over the greenhouse, over the power lines and just general trimming.  The limbs are all out back to dry for burning at a later date
• I used the air fryer again this week.  Slowly learning
• I cleaned up leaves 2X this week.  Raked once and blew them once.  It looks so nice when they are clean.  Doesn't last long - but it looks nice!
• I did a small repair on a pair of jeans.  I managed a super glue spot about the size of a thumbprint on them and it discolored.  Didn't come out after washing.  I used a dark blue permanent marker (which turned kind of purple blue) and then used a gray marker.  You can NOT see the spot at all now!!!!!
• I am HARVESTING!!!!!  I got 9 zucchini this week and several peppers.  I have a pepper called Holy Mole' - supposed to be milder than jalapeno but the same flavor.  Holy Mole' were they wrong - it was hot!  LOL  That is OK - I 'll use them.

                                     This is what a Holy Mole' looks like - super long and skinny

• I did make a grocery run finally.  Not much - mainly fresh stuff.  Did get a good deal on cat litter - 20 lb. bags for 2.99 - got the last 2 on the shelves.  Found purple cauliflower in .99 bin.  Got 2 cantaloupes 2/$5.  So super sweet and juicy.  One is already gone!!!
• I cleaned the gutters and the downspouts on Friday.  I noticed on Thursday's rain they looked full!  Gutters were messy, especially out back - but the downspouts had gotten plugged up.  Took them apart and cleaned out.  All clean and ready for more rain!  That was quite a tiring job!
• Cut more basil
• Just doing all the normal stuff.  Cooking from home, using leftovers, basic cleaning, drinking tea and water, laundry in cold and used dehumidifier water in laundry.

Meals this past week:

Various fish, chicken and potato bites (in air fryer) and salad - (all cut in pieces and breaded)

Broccoli/rice/cheese and salad

Club sandwich and chips

Zucchini/pepper/chicken/pasta mix up - (pasta from freezer)

Hard shell tacos

Sauteed zucchini with leftover taco meat and salsa added (so good)

Pasta and veggie salad (mainly veggies)

OJ and cantaloupe for fruit this week.

                                Colorful pasta and veggie salad.  So tasty and made plenty

How was your week?  Are your gardens producing?  SO many yummies to be had now - whether home grown or farm markets!  Any good bargains this week?

I wish you all a safe and healthy week.  Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

🙏🙏🙏

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.  

Galatians 5:13

Lord help us be good neighbors and love others with our whole hearts.  Prayers for peace and kindness in the world.  May all people love one another and have peace.  AMEN

How I Live on Little $$$$$

 I know I live on less money than many people believe possible.  My past and my way of life for years has enabled me to do this.  I do have a decent income with SS and PERF (hub's retirement).  I have really started saving more - which was truly surprising to me.

I don't necessarily save to just have it - but to live in case of emergencies or need for spending on big projects.  I also like having extra to donate at times.

I pretty much live on less than one of these checks per month.

My biggest save is  the house!  It is PAID for.  We bought a very inexpensive home, smaller than most might want and worked hard to pay it off as soon as possible.  That is a blessing now.  My property taxes are very reasonable.  Homeowner's insurance costs far more than anything else I pay - as I cover myself for for any problem that may arise. (called an Umbrella).  I pay that insurance once a year and it is NOT included in my monthly budget $.  It comes from savings.

Next I stay home and do NOT shop very often.  I know people who feel the need to go to stores of some sort every day!!!!  Not me.  Staying home and not spending is a huge money saver.

I often make plans to go out shopping and then talk myself our of it!!!!  I really need nothing.  Why should I go out and tempt myself?

I don't grocery shop every week.  No need.  I have a very ample pantry and deep pantry.  If not for pets and animals I wouldn't need to spend much of anything for a LONG, LONG time.  

I can eat a very varied diet for a long while and not shop.  If I would run out of fresh - I can canned and frozen.  I could survive quite well.

I grow a garden - not huge - but ample.  It could be more if I so desired.

I USE up everything.  I use all leftovers in some way - whether another meal, re-inventing into something new, or freezing for the future.

I wear my clothes for a long time - I don't dress fancy, so no need for fancy clothes.  I spend most of my life barefoot or in flip-flops!  I do have good shoes!!  LOL

I do NOT shop online.  Nope!!!  I just don't.  I want to see what I am buying.

I have lowered my basic bills as low as I can.  I am now in the process of lowering a couple of bills that will add up to about another $100 a month that I don't have to spend.  You can call places and ask for lower rates - many times they say yes (especially if you threaten to leave!)

I don't buy a lot of gifts. I give homemade items and gift cards for most.  Little kids get stuff - but I watch for deals and  sales.

I use what I have.  I cook from home and don't go out to eat (unless it is with a gift card).  I experiment with food - so have variety.  I can make things.  I am handy around the house and yard.  I can repair many things myself.  IF I can in any way do it myself, I will.  I have and know many family, friends, and neighbors that are in various trades - and I would rather help them with my business than strangers.

My monthly budget DOES include all utilities, Medicare and supplemental insurance, life insurance and household expenses.

I do vehicle insurance 2X a year, car registration 1X, property taxes 1X (I pay all at once) and homeowner's insurance 1X a year.  These all come from savings (part of why I save).

Mainly, I have ENOUGH!!!!!  I don't need big and fancy.  I don't need new and improved.  I don't need gadgets out the wazoo.  I can make do with what I have and that is MY choice.  I am blessed in so many ways.  There are so many people in the world who would feel rich with what I have.  Many would feel rich with what you have.  Sure others would feel poor - but I do feel sorry for those people.  

People have become accustomed to having SO much - to excess.  It isn't needed and doesn't make you any happier (some may argue that).

Now I realize that there are many who have medical problems and need to spend funds on supplies and medications.  Those can be huge.  

I am content with my life and with what I have.  I could have more and bigger - and maybe I will at some point - but I don't have to.  I have enough.

Learn to live BENEATH your means and you can live well.  Don't fall for the temptations of others and for the need of stuff.  You really need very little to live a happy life.

I hope this makes someone feel OK that they don't have big, new, expensive and fancy stuff.  It is OK.  You live you!  I live me!  We don't have to be the same.  We don't have to agree.  

We just need to be true to ourselves and plan a little bit for the future.  Things happen and come up.  We DO need to be prepared for those.

Be happy with what you have - you are far "richer" than most!

Remember "rich" really has nothing to do with $$$$$$.

Summer Reminders - Lot's of Harvest & YUM

 It is that time of the year that the gardens are really starting to produce.  So much fresh and wonderful food being produced.  REAL FOOD!  NUTRITIOUS FOOD!

I just love this time of the year.  You can walk out to your yard and get groceries!  How wonderful is that?  I love that friends, family and neighbors share with each other.

There is nothing better than good fresh veggies.  So many things we can do with them.  It doesn't need to be boring.

Just a reminder - a few ideas and yummy looking pictures!

                                                 Tomatoes aren't just for salad!

                                                      Green beans - hot or cold

                                    My summer favorite!!!!  Love fried green tomatoes!!!

                                        Pizza on zucchini - more than one way to eat pizza!~

Stuffed squash - zucchini or yellow.  Can stuff with rice, tomatoes sauce, meat, dressing, etc.  YUM

                                                               Another favorite!!

Grilled or oven baked stuffed peppers.  You can stuff with anything and you can stuff ALL kinds of peppers.

This says it all!!!  You don't have to be fancy.  Eat as much of this summer produce as possible.  Enjoy those fresh ingredients while you can get them.  Can or freeze what is left over.  Spread the wonder of summer all through the year.

Each fresh, eat the yumminess of summer, eat good whole REAL food.  You will be better for it!!!!

ENJOY

What to do With a Pound of Ground Meat (Minced)

 There are so many things that a person can do with a pound of ground beef, pork, lamb, turkey, chicken......  whatever kind of ground meat you have.  I know other places refer to ground beef as minced, that is why the reference is above.

There really is no limit to what you can make.

Many of us are living alone or just have 2 people at home now - and perhaps can get by with using just a half pound of meat in a recipe.  People actually eat a lot of meat and it isn't necessary to have so much.  Meat should be an ingredient in a recipe or a side like anything else.   Meat prices are going up, so we all need to learn to eat less and stretch it a little further.

Let's get started!

Chili or soups of all kinds (my favorite is hamburger/veggie soup)

Taco, burritos, enchiladas, burritos, tamales, tostadas, nachos ......

Lasagna

Stuffed shells

Sloppy Joes

Goulash

Hamburger gravy over toast or biscuits

Burgers of all sizes - from sliders to 1/4 pounders!  Burgers can be made hundreds of ways

Patty melts

Shepherds pie

Meatballs of all types

Pot pies

Porcupines

Porcupines

1 lb. ground beef

1 can tomato soup

1 C uncooked instant rice

1/4 C minced onion

Garlic powder

Salt

1 tsp. prepared mustard

Make meat balls with meat, 1/4 can of soup, rice, onion and seasoning.  Brown until golden.  Pour remainder of the soup over meatballs with the mustard added in.  Simmer for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender.  THESE ARE SO GOOD

The above recipe is the simple version - you can add about anything you want and jazz it all up!

Stroganoff

Baked spaghetti - baked Ziti

Casseroles of any kind

Hamburger hash

Philly beef and cheese - add onion and peppers with Italian seasoning

Meatloaf - meat loaf in muffin tins - meatloaf burgers

Stuffed peppers, squash or eggplant

Pizza

Poor man Swiss steak

Stuffed cabbage

Calzones

Turn ground pork, turkey, chicken, etc. into sausage - add your own spices and seasonings

 

               Tostadas - bean and a little taco meat added - topped with veggies and cheese

                                          Salsa topped burger and veggies - YUMMO

There is just no end to what you can make.  Ground meat is so versatile.  Use a lot or a little.  I have gone to packaging up meat in 1/2 lb. packages now.  I can always use more than one pack if I need to. 

Think about precooking your ground meat to use in recipes.  That way you can pull out a pack and add to any recipe and be done in a jiffy.

Pre-form burger patties before freezing.  Place a piece of parchment or wax paper in between burgers to make them easy to take apart (if only needing one or two).

If freezing raw meat - place your measured amount in bags and mash it flat.  It makes it easy to stack in the freezer and it will thaw in no time.

You can get beef from very lean to fatty.  There are usually blends from 70/30 - 90/10.  I like to get 80/20 or 85/15 if I can.  I WANT some fat in mine!!!  Fat gives flavor!!!!!  I also like the consistency better.  Very lean is just too steak like for me - it always seems to be a heavier density.

It is all a personal preference.

Right now - ground beef is about the cheapest meat that can be purchased in MY area.  It is usually much cheaper than pork, turkey or chicken.  I am STILL paying 1.99/lb. - 2.29/lb. for my ground beef (on sale).  I get a bunch anytime it is on sale.  I am well supplied with MANY packages in the freezer.  I keep it on hand all the time - it is my most used meat.

Now you can purchase ground sirloin or angus and it will all cost a lot more!!  That is a sure thing!  I like just plain old ground beef - love the flavor and consistency.

Just remember - you can use ground meat in just about ANY recipe.  Experiment a little - and use less.  No need for a huge amount of meat - use as a normal ingredient.

Hope this gives you a few ideas.  I know there are a lot of things not mentioned.

You have any special ideas?  Please share!!!!

Weekly Wrap-Up 7/4

 Good morning all!  Happy Independence Day to all the American readers.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

We had some hot and humid days this past week.  It did finally cool a bit to the point of being able to open windows!!!!  That has been wonderful.  Heat is back on for a while again this coming week.  I know some of you have horribly hot days - I am so sorry.  I hope you are able to find some ways to stay cool.

Last night was pretty darn noisy around here.  I shouldn't complain because it was MUCH better than the past several years.  I am sure it will be noisy again tonight.  I am truly not a fan of fireworks.  They scare so many people and animals.

This past week was kind of quiet!

• Watered with rain barrel water when needed.  We did get rain again for a couple days - so things have stayed watered.  Barrels are full again. (Haven't used the hose to water yet this year!)
• Used dehumidifier water in laundry again
• Cut basil to dry
• Mowed and trimmed really well (on a cooler day)
• Trimmed the flower covered front walk again!!!  My those flowers go crazy
• Trimmed the bushes out back
• AC off Friday and Saturday both day and evening.  Windows open and house aired!
• Made up a gallon of OJ
• Eating at home and using what I have on hand
• No shopping
• Just doing all the basics

Meals this past week:

Burritos topped with salad

Loaded burgers

Leftover rice mixture fried with eggs added (kind of like quiche) & zucchini strips

Beef and cheese nachos

Rueben

Baked potato and salad

Mac n cheese w/sausage added and salad

How was your week?  Anything new or exciting happening?  Any deals?

My garden is growing like a weed!!  I have some zucchini that will be ready this week and maybe a couple peppers.  Tiny cucumbers and tomatoes hanging out there.  I am ready for some home grown produce!!!!

I look forward to hearing from everyone!  I hope you all have a fantastic and safe and healthy week.

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Thy word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Psalms 119:105

Make it - A Few Ideas

 Good morning.  As promised - today I will give a few easy recipes for odds and ends that we spend a lot of money on that can be made so cheaply at home.  Hope it gives you some ideas and helps save a bit.

ENJOY

EASY TACO SEASONING

2 tsp. chili powder

1 1/2 tsp. paprika

1 tsp, onion powder

3/4 tsp. garlic salt

1/2 tsp. salt

dash of cayenne

INSTANT ONION SOUP MIX

3/4 C dry minced onion

4 tsp. onion powder

1/3 C beef flavored bouillon

1/4 tsp. crushed celery seed

14 tsp. sugar

Mix together and store in airtight container.  2 Tablespoons equal one packet of store bought onion soup mix

HOMEMADE GATORADE

1 pkg. unsweetened Kool-Aid (any flavor)

1/2 C sugar or sweetener

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 C orange juice

2 quarts water

Mix and chill.  You can sub lemon or lime juice as well.

 

                          You can make your own zero Gatorade - using sweetener.  

HOMEMADE HERSHEY CHOCOLATE SYRUP

1 C cocoa powder

2 C sugar

1/4 tsp. salt

1 C water

1Tsp. vanilla

Combine cocoa and sugar and blend well.  Add water and salt and mix well.  Heat over medium heat, bringing it to a boil.  Remove from heat once it boils.  When cool - stir in vanilla.  Refrigerate.

                                    Make your own and stay out of the coffee shop!!!

HOMEMADE OXICLEAN

1/2 C peroxide

1/2 C baking soda

1 C hot water

Can use to spot clean or add to regular wash as well.

HOMEMADE SWEETENED CONDENSED MILK

1 C powdered milk

1/3 C water

2/3 C sugar

3 Tbsp. soft butter

Pulse all in a blender until sugar is dissolved.  

Never run out again!!!!!!

OUT OF SOMETHING - SUB

• Sour cream - Mix 1 C plain yogurt with 3 Tbsp. of melted butter
• Cream cheese - 1 c cottage cheese with 1/4 C butter.  Blend until smooth.  Ready to spread!
• Catsup - 1 C tomato sauce, 1/4 C brown sugar, 2 Tbsp.  cider vinegar
• Nuts in baking - substitute granola or rolled oats
• Catsup in meatloaf - use spaghetti or pizza sauce
• Honey - use equal measures of sugar and water mixed together
• Low on eggs for baking - sub 3 tsp. cooking oil for 1 egg

POWDERED LAUNDRY SOAP

1 C grated Fels Naptha - can use Ivory

1/2 C washing soda

1/2 C Borax

Mix and keep in closed container.  Use 1 Tbsp. per load (2 Tbsp. if heavily soiled)

FRENCH DRESSING

2/3 C catsup

1/4 C oil

1/4 C vinegar

1/2  tsp. salt

1 tsp. wet mustard

1 tsp. onion powder

Mix and refrigerate.  

CREAM OF - SOUP

2 C dry milk

2 1/2 C flour

1/4 C chicken bouillon

2 Tbsp. dried onion

1/2 tsp, thyme (optional)

1 tsp. basil (optional)

Mix together and keep in airtight container.  Similar to cream of chicken.

For casserole consistency - 1/2 C - 1 1/4 C cups of water to 1/2 C mix

For soup - double the water

Equivalent to 10 cans of soup!!!!!!!!!

There you be!  Just a few ideas - some edible and some not.

Hope this may save you some money or maybe just make a product that you know the ingredients of!  So many chemicals in things today - it is just nice to know what we eat.

Never run out - you can make your own!!!!~!~!~!~!~!

Make it - Don't Buy it!!!!

 There are so many things that we people buy at the store (I have been guilty) that can simply be made at home and for much less money.  When we make things at home - we not only save some money, but we know exactly what is in our food!!!!  That is huge.  No fillers, no chemicals, no ingredients you CAN'T pronounce!!!!!

People love the convenience and the stores take advantage of it.  They charge you a small fortune for basic and simple eating.  Take a few minutes and do your preparations and you too can have tasty and healthier foods at home.  I bet in most cases, we all have the ingredients on hand - we just don't want to spend the extra time!

A FEW IDEAS

• French fries - so easy.  Just peel (or not) and cut clean potatoes.  Season and go!  Can fry, bake or air fry - super easy and super tasty.
• Chicken nuggets - easy-peasy.  Cut you chicken into bite size pieces or even strips, coat with egg or buttermilk - coat with your favorite coating (flour, bread crumbs, cornmeal, etc.).  Fry, bake or air fry.   YUM
• Brown sugar - plain old sugar with molasses added.  Light to dark - depends on amount of molasses.
• Seasoning mixes - you can make just about any flavor combination that you can think off.  You can add salt or go salt free
• Shredded cheese - oh my goodness, DO IT yourself!!!!  When you buy already shredded cheese you are also consuming wood pulp and goodness knows what else - to prevent clumping.  Shred it as you need it

• Croutons - is simply dry and seasoned bread.  Use older bread (day old) and make up a bunch if you eat salads regularly.  Cut or tear bread - drizzle with a bit of oil or butter - add your seasoning and dry.  Can oven dry or dry in the microwave.  You can air dry easily if you didn't use oil.
• Drinks - tea and lemonade - super easy and tasty to make at home.  Of course there is water too - add a slice of lemon or a squirt of lemon juice to jazz it up for a fresh taste
• Lunches - whether eating at home or taking it to work.  Think about leftovers - use them.  Make simple items that are filling and easy.  Think about roll-ups - you can put absolutely anything in them and have a meal.  Soups or casseroles.  Sandwiches - there is no limit to having an inexpensive lunch

• Tartar sauce - super easy.  Mayo, relish and maybe a bit of lemon juice and horseradish (if you choose).  Make it as you need it.
• Hummus - super easy.  Chickpeas, a dab of oil  and flavorings of your choice.  Healthy and tasty - no need to keep dip on hand all the time.  Open a can of chickpeas and GO!
• Fancy coffees - stay out of the shops!!!!!!!  Make your own.  You may need to experiment a little - but it is so easy to make your own.  Saves a small fortune!!!!!!  Those fancy coffees are expensive.  There are recipes all over the internet for making your own

                                  You could make this chocolate or whatever flavor you want!

• Sweets and snacks - so easy and so much variety.  Make cookies, muffins, pies or cakes.  You can make super easy homemade ice cream or freezes.  Smoothies, homemade chips - fry, oven or air fry.  Have fresh fruit or fresh veggies with some hummus!  Popsicles (made with Kool-Aid or fruit juice).  Yogurt or frozen yogurt.  Pizza bites.  Dip, cheeseballs, spreads.  Ice cream sandwiches - use cookies and ice cream - so much variety!  Use your imagination.  SAVE $$$$
• Breakfast foods - make batches of pancakes or waffles and freeze.  Can heat in the toaster or microwave.  Breakfast burritos - add whatever you want.  Wrap and freeze.  Breakfast biscuits or bagels.  Add egg, sausage, ham, bacon, cheese or whatever you want.  These are easy to grab, heat and go!!!!!  So tasty, inexpensive and tastes much better than fast food.

                                LOVE this idea - bacon and pancakes all in one!  Grab and go.

We can save so much money by just doing things at home.  Stop going out to eat and going out for snacks.  Make your own.  You will be amazed at how much better homemade tastes than store bought.  

THURSDAY I will list a few quick and easy recipes for those "make it instead of buy it" ideas.  Mixes, soups and drinks, misc.

                      *******************  NOTICE TO ALL:********************

On a different note - here is a heads up.  Blogger and Google  are changing things up again.  UGH!  We all know I hate change.  I will show you  the notice I got.  For those of you who get EMAIL notices of the blog - not sure - but those may stop for a bit.  My notice (when expanded) says I may not have to do anything - but who knows!!!!  If you stop getting notices for a bit - please remember I post EVERY Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday - so check another way!!!!  I literally haven't figured out how to fix this - their directions are as clear as mud!  

PLEASE let me know if email notices STOP as of July - so I can try to figure this out.  Hopefully all just goes on as normal!!!!!!!

Click on picture to enlarge for better reading.  If you have done this - let me know how you did it!!!!!

Hopefully all just keeps going like it is. Fingers crossed!!!!

Have a great day - see you tomorrow.  Stay cool and safe my friends!!!!