Life is Good - it really is

 There are times in our lives that we just can't figure out why things are happening.  

When bad things happen - we feel like we are being punished.  We feel like we are falling apart.  We feel like we can't go on.  Well, we AREN'T being punished.  Things do HAPPEN beyond our control.  We WILL go on.

Easy?????  NOPE - not at all.  But we go on and we learn and do and maybe even thrive.  We are here for a very specific reason - our work is not done.

THIS is what we all need to remember.  No matter what happens in life - we are blessed!

Numbers 1, 2 and 5 are things that are soooooo taken for granted.  We are blessed to have these things, as many in the world do not.

One other thing we come to realize as we heal and grow - is that we have had our WORST day ever at some point - yet here we are.  Will there be another 'worst' day?  Maybe.  But for now, we have had it and we are surviving.

Life throws us so many challenges and roadblocks.  I am sure you are like me - and have stumbled and fallen many times along the journey.  

Slowly we get back up and try again.  There is no failure, as long as you are trying.  I truly believe that.

All aspects of life can bring setbacks.  We learn and we move forward, as hard as it may be.  That is our responsibility as a citizen of this earth.  Do good and leave a mark on the world.  Love others, be kind, and be a good steward and grow.

Take baby steps.  There is no big hurry.  I love the old adage - slow and steady wins the race.

BREATHE!!!!!!

This is the way with everything.

May you each have a blessed day and know that you are loved and cared for.  

This is just a little reminder to each of us to smile and TRY to be happy.  HUGS

LIFE IS GOOD - IT REALLY IS!!!!!

Don't feel the need to be perfect - no one on this earth is!

Paper, Plastic or Re-usable

 Over the years, we have talked about this before.  What do you use?  Paper, plastic or re-usable bags when shopping.  

More and more places have changed laws so that plastic cannot be used.  I very seldom see paper bags at stores anymore.

Our state has banned the banning of plastic!!!!!  Yep, you read that right.

Plastic pollution is a huge problem.  I recently read an article in our paper that stated that around the world as many as 5 trillion plastic bags are used each year.  That is over 700 per year per person!!!!  That is absolutely crazy.  The worst part - they said the average plastic bag is used for about 12 minutes, on average!!!!

They did a survey on several stores all over my city, and those using plastic was about 97%!!!  They saw no one using paper and only about 3% bringing their own bags - most of those were at places like Trader Joes and Fresh Thyme.

I have watched a couple You Tubers who talk about being more mindful of watching their plastic use.  They buy in bulk and re-use as many containers as possible - they use a lot of glass, and take their own bags.  They show their grocery buys to tell of their savings - and I cringe!!!!!!  

There upon their counters and tables - just about everything purchased is in plastic!!!!!  Fresh produce, frozen veggies and fruit, meat packaging, containers of coffee creamer.............

I know that we all have to start somewhere, but my goodness, plastic is abundant in all we buy and do.

Animal feed bags can be turned into re-usable grocery bags.  These can be so pretty - as many feed bags are artfully decorated.

An old t-shirt turned into a storage bag.  This one was a larger size shirt - sewed at bottom, and sleeves and neck cut.  I use this one for storing cleaning rags.  Smaller shirts could be made into grocery bags.  They are very strong.

I guess, I start thinking about these kinds of things as each new year starts.  What can I do?

I keep re-usable bags in my car 100% of the time - yet I often don't THINK to take them in with me.  I got out of the habit, when stores went through a period of time that you could not bring your own in because of C19.  I truly thought that was stupid.  No re-usable bags, plastic shields between workers and customers - yet each one of us literally touched every single thing I bought, as did the bagger.  Yep, that made no sense to me.  But that is just my opinion - and I am getting off on a tangent.

So any way I got out of the habit of taking them in - I really need to get back to it.  Buying in bulk can help a lot as well.  If it is something you will use over the year - buy the biggest size and refill your own containers.  That saves a few bottles from going in the landfill.  

Lots of people use recycling services and turn in their plastic bags at the grocery bins.  Sounds good in theory.  I have known some people who work in these places and for these places - and tons of it DOESN'T go to re-cycling centers!  It just goes in the trash and landfills.  SAD.

This is my daily mug for drinks around the house.  I am constantly drinking water or tea - this is what I use.  I have been using this insulated mug for way over a decade!!!  I don't think they even make these anymore!

I use these for other things.  They were both gifted to me and are insulated.  The pink one is my 'wine' glass for warm summer evening on the front porch!  The taller one is my 'to go' glass.  I take my water or tea with me.  Keeps things cold, and no spillage.

I have handmade ceramic glasses and cups and glass glasses for company.

I just think that we all need to make an effort this year to really SLOW down the use of plastic.  Buy in glass when you can, re-use any containers possible, make your own produce bags (use mesh or lace), take our own bags, and just be very diligent about watching what we buy.

Plastic is everywhere!  On everything!  If buying frozen items - maybe think about getting those items that are in boxes not bags.  At least the boxes will breakdown over time.

Sadly all meat purchased at the grocery is not only wrapped in plastic but on Styrofoam as well (it never breaks down).  Maybe find a butcher who uses butcher paper!?

I don't have many answers, sadly.  I wish I did.  We are really messing up the planet.  Waste gets in the oceans and hurts our environment (the fish and wildlife).  Our roads are littered and unsightly and again, we are endangering the wildlife.

I went out yesterday morning and walked the alley behind my house - what a mess.  Today is trash day - and people set things out early - so pickers come by and go through things.  That is fine - but they make messes and don't clean them up.  People overload containers and then the wind blows, and junk blows everywhere.  I went out and cleaned it all up - walked the front as well.  Trash falls out of cars when doors are opened, and well guess what?  Lazy arses can't bend over and pick it up!!!!!!!  Grrrrr

I take pride in my neighborhood and just want it clean.  I guess not everyone does.

I do ramble on.  There is not a 'huge' amount we can each do - but there is a little we can each do.  IF everyone did a little that would be a LOT!!!!!!!!!  Be mindful this year of what you buy.  Be mindful of how you re-use things.  Be mindful of your trach and recycle.

Do you guys have any good ideas for lessening our plastic use.  New ideas for recycling things?  I am always wanting to learn new ways to help this world we live in.

REDUCE AND REUSE

Release anything that does not serve you!

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/8

 Happy Sunday all.  One week of the month and year down!  Amazing.  Hope you are all well.

The first part of our week here was nice and warm - shoot we got to 60* one day.  Funny thing about that, it seemed the warmer it got, the colder I got!!!  Not sure what was going on with that!

Got back to seasonal temps by the end of the week.  It is still much, much better than the artic blast we had at Christmas.  It looks like the next couple weeks will be decent as well.  I will be happy to take that!

                                                         Good morning!!!!!!! (not my pic)

It seems that the daylight hours have increased - on both ends of the day!  Light earlier and light later.  I really like that.  The more daylight the better for me.  It is generally a cloudy month - so at least being light longer helps.  We did have a lovely sunny day yesterday.

I got a real surprise this week.  We have NO robins in the area over winter.  I know some places (even close to me) do - but not here.  They generally show up in March.

I have been seeing robins for the last 3 days!!!!!!!  Started out seeing two - then eight - then six!    I don't know if they are lost or just traveling through or staying!!!  I will look at this as a good thing.  

I will take it as a sign!!!!!!!!

It sure was a joyful thing to see!

This week:

• I cooked a small, corned beef brisket in the crock pot.  I ate 3 meals and froze enough for 2 more
• All holiday put away
• Made a gallon of Kool-Aid and drank it all
• Cut my hair and touched up roots a little
• Laundry in cold and hung everything to dry.  I use the dryer to fluff only
• Working on dusting and cleaning the floor to ceiling knick-knack wall - UGH
• Painted the trim on windows and doors in the kitchen
• One thing leads to another - and painted trim and interior doors in hallway, living room and dining room - it hadn't been painted in years (I will tell a story this week about this).  It all looks so fresh and clean - took a couple days - but it is nice! (I have had the paint for ages)
• Scoured bath from top to bottom
• Did not leave the property this week - no grocery
• Refilled the feed bins for squirrels and birds with supplies on hand
• Meals from home 

Meals this week:

My NY day normal - Corned beef, cabbage and black-eyed peas

Rueban

Cheeseburger and black-eyed peas w/salsa and peppers added

Corned beef hash

French bread pizza (from freezer)

Fried tuna patty sandwich and salad

Stuffed mushroom (from freezer), scrambled eggs and toasted bagel

What have you been up to this week?  Are you still enjoying Christmas decorations, or have you put it all away?  New year cleaning?  I am just in the mood to freshen things up - make a fresh new start.  Did you get any deals this week?

Love hearing from you all and seeing what everyone is up to.

Love that we have had some new people adding to conversations!  All are welcome. 

I hope you all have a wonderful, safe and healthy week.

Blessings to you and yours from me and my humble little home.

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Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.

James 1:19-20

Dear Lord,  we need your help - each of us.  Help us to be better listeners, to carefully choose our words, and to hold our tempers.  It is often quite difficult in this day, even though we know it brings great benefits, as anger does not serve us.

Please be with us, even when hurting or upset to glorify You in all we do.  We can do all in Your Spirit and power.  Fill us each one with love and hope to touch the world with joy.

Amen

Be patient, as change takes time

Bowls - and Other Food Stretching Ideas!

Food dollars do not go as far today as they did - even a few months ago.  Prices keep going up, and it is OUR job to figure out a way to stretch those dollars in new ways.

IT CAN BE DONE!!!!

We all know that using leftovers and bits and bobs of things in soups and casseroles helps stretch the food and wastes nothing.  It is nice to use things up in a new way - no one gets bored, and no one can say "I don't eat leftovers!"  Fix things leftover in a new way - sometimes you have to be a bit deviant!!!  LOL

Now for me - I love to make stir fry meals - a great way to use odds and ends.  Serve over rice or pasta or whatever you want.

I love making fried rice as well.  It gives everything a new and fresh taste.  It always seems like a comfort food to me.

BOWLS have become a favorite for me.  A whole meal all in one bowl.  It uses up leftovers and creates a new and delicious taste.

Here is a little formula to use when making a food bowl.  This is for one - so use this for each bowl made.  Now you can do your own thing - no set rules.

1/2 C cooked grain - rice, pasta, quinoa, etc.

3 oz. cooked protein - chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, tofu, etc.

1/2 C cooked veggies - chopped carrots, broccoli, mixed vegs, tomatoes, peppers, etc.

1 - 2 Tbsp. dressing or sauce - soy, BBQ, salsa, vinaigrette, etc.

I love making bowls with leftover chicken (I make them like KFC bowls).  I use leftover taco meat/beans to make a Mexican version - that is a favorite.  Of course it is - you all know my favorite type of food is Mexican!!!

I even purposely make bowls - not leftovers!  The KFC one is so good.  I use mashed potatoes, corn on top, then gravy and topped with pieces of chicken tenders or breast meat.  Oh YUM is all I can say!!!

Now I know some people do NOT want their food touching!  I know for a fact - I have relatives that are this way.  Me - not so much!  LOL!!  It all goes down the same way to the same place - so I am not picky.  If you are of the ilk that food cannot touch - then a bowl probably isn't for you.

You can make bowls for breaks, lunch or dinner.

A fruity bowl - any type of fruit - fresh or canned or cooked, over rice, oats, quinoa.  Maybe throw in some nuts and you have a very healthy meal

You can put an egg and veggies over rice, oats, quinoa, pasta.  You can even use some hash browns on the bottom.  Add meat if you want or any type of gravy.

There is absolutely no limit to what can be had.

I don't eat breakfast - but I would do these for lunch or dinner, myself.

A complete and balanced meal can be had in this way.  You can add any meat or tofu, any type of veggie - cooked a fresh - any type of gravy or sauce - all over rice, pasta, potatoes, etc.

There truly is NO limit to varieties!  

Here is one with leftover taco meat, sauteed zucchini, a few tomatoes all served over rice.  It was so good.

Chicken pieces, a handful of peppers and mushrooms with a little soy served over a smashed potato.  Wasn't in a bowl - but the same premise!  This was so tasty and comforting.

Folks, there is no limit to what we can do with our food.  Get smart and do NOT waste a thing.  If you throw away food, you are quite simply throwing away money!  Would you just throw dollar bills out the door?  I think not.  Use it up - has never been more important.

Get creative.  Have fun.  Experiment.  It is all good.

Despite what mom said - it is OK to PLAY WITH YOUR FOOD!!!!!!!!!!

Today I choose to be positive, despite the hurdles!

Food - Fun and Subs

 Food is getting more expensive all the time.  Things are hard to find.  We all need to learn a few tips and tricks to substitute things, make things up differently, and well maybe, just play with our food a little!!!!  Why not have a little fun along the way?!!!!!

Surely, you have all noticed I PLAY with my food.  I like experimenting and changing things up a little.  It makes life interesting.  Recipes - eh, not always so much for me.  I just wing it on many, many things.  Probably can't make the same thing twice!  Now I do pretty much follow a recipe when baking, but cooking - nah!

So here are a few ideas that may use up some of those pantry items you may have on hand, some ideas to make things differently, and ways to sub - so you don't have to be worried about not having something.

Here ya go.  I have done this - and my results were like a moist dense brownie.  The cake was rich and yummy.  Super good with a dollop of ice cream!  No need to use eggs or oil at all.  You bake as directed on the cake mix box (I like to bake a tad longer).  Fun uses.  

Now basically you can also add carbonated water as well, if you choose to add no extra flavor.

Biscuits made over the back of a muffin pan.  These would be great little cups to contain gravy - or add a dollop of thick stew to each for a mini type of potpie.  Make sure you grease your pan for easy removal.

Cookie bowls are fun.  Same as above, bake on the back side of a greased muffin pan.  Great little bowls for ice cream or pudding.  Makes dessert a little fun.  Sugar cookies would be good with thickened fruit mix added.  So many fun uses.

EGGS, EGGS

I keep this on hand all the time.  I find it in the baking aisle of the grocery, and it can also be found in the ethnic aisles.  Works great as a substitute for eggs in baking.  I have used it many times.  Many vegetarians use this as well.

There are many items that can be used in place of egg when baking.  Most are things that we all have on hand.

Aquafaba is the water (fluid) from a can of chickpeas.  Carbonated water can be used (why the cake mix recipe above works).  Chia seeds and flax seed can be found many places.  

I know many people are saying that eggs are not to be found in their areas.  I see daily, people talking about the price of eggs.  

Well, if you got them - keep them for breakfast.  Use other things in baking.  I don't bake that much, so it really doesn't matter a lot to me (and I do have the replacer).  

I eat eggs for meals now and then.

Yep, I can make an egg sandwich for a few cents - add a piece of cheese or a slice of sausage or bacon and yum.

  

When you see the higher prices - please stop and do the MATH!

Truthfully, I don't mind paying higher prices, considering what all that egg goes through to get to my table.  If I pay .30 or .35 an egg - it still feels like a deal to me for a single serving of protein.

Now .35 an egg is 4.20 a dozen.  That sounds horrible considering the prices we have paid in the past - but what other protein can you get so cheaply???  Even a serving of canned tuna costs more than that! (using the example of tuna, as it is still pretty cheap).

I truly have no idea how egg farms have ever made a decent living or profit.  I feel the same with milk producers.  There is a lot that goes into getting those items to our tables.  

So, think outside the box a little.  Replace and use different things in your baking.  Save the eggs for breakfast or dinner.  Use products in a different and new way.  Experiment a little.

Have fun and save a little here and there.

Choose to release joy, happiness and love into the universe today.  It is needed.

Organization & Inventory can sure SAVE Money!

 Howdy Ho everyone.  Time to get back to normal - whatever that may be!

Let us start today with our pantries - lauders - whatever you may call it.

We keep what we have - to help us in whatever moment in life that we have a SHTF event in our lives, or for those times when funds are short - whatever the reason - they are ever so important.

BUT we need to know what we have, and we need to be able to access it easily - or it can be wasteful and not used.

The beginning of the year is a great time to organize your pantry and your freezer and inventory what you have.  Organization is very important.  If you have no clue what you have - it slips between the cracks, then you make many un-necessary purchases.

It is all about keeping what you use and using what you have.

                                                                     not my picture

You need to organize - then use up the older items first.  ROTATE - ROTATE - ROTATE!

If you come across things you just don't use much - gift it or find a use for it.  Do not waste it.

We all need to figure out where our weaknesses are and where our overages are.  

Re-evaluate what you buy!

Work on resupplying the weaker areas and work on using up some of those overages.  Get creative and use things in different ways so, you don't get bored.

Example - Spaghetti isn't just spaghetti - it can be broken and added to soups and casseroles, it can be made into lo-mein, it can be covered with any type of cream sauces or meats.  It can be used in stir fry.........

I have what seems to be tons of pasta of every type and dry beans of all types.  I need to get busy and use them more often.  They both seem to last forever - but still, if I have them, I should be using them.

I do know I will not go hungry anytime soon!

Now, it is time to get some very good seasonal deals.  If you find great deals - buy them.  Stock up - BUT remember - it is there to use!!!!!!!!!!!

Groceries can be expensive.  Sundays weekly post - several people shared what they had gotten cheaply!  I love that.  It is encouraging to all of us to see that DEALS can still be had.  Sure, you may have to look a little harder - but deals are still out there.  Take advantage when you can.

NOW is the time to re-evaluate your pantries and freezers.  Organize, inventory, and make lists of new ideas to use the same old stuff.  Get creative.  Waste not - want not.

This is so important to your budget - the more you figure you have that can be used - the less you spend.  That leaves funds for other things.

Let's get organized folks!

We don't need to be rich or famous, just happy!

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/1

 Well here we are - 2023!!!!!!  Happy New Year to all.  I hope this finds you well and safe.  It seems like just a couple months ago we were bringing in 2022.

It is a mild and slightly foggy morning here.

This has been quite a year for many.  Loss, sadness, health problems, financial problems, etc.  Life happens and sadly, it seems these things go along with that.  We are here today - as hard as it is for some - please know we are all here together and we love each other.

After the artic blast over Christmas, we warmed up.  The year ended and the new year started much warmer.  Friday last to this most recent Friday we had a "feels like" temperature that was almost 100* different!  Crazy stuff.

The kitties are sure enjoying the nicer weather!  The little dickens are back to greeting me at the back door each morning waiting for their breakfast.  During that cold spell, they very rarely left the greenhouse! (I don't think Fluff did).

My week:

• Spent Christmas at brother's with his kids and grands.  Such a nice time.  Good meal and my nieces and nephews love me!  I got some very nice gifts.
• Cleaned out the silverware drawer in the washstand - oh my.  I have been a collector of odds and ends pieces of flatware over the years and G got knives.  I have a big box for donation.  I have kept plenty.
• I got together flatware and utensils and other household items for a young couple I know that are getting their first place together.  Several things they can use and things out of my house - win-win!
• Got the new calendar marked up and in place for the new year
• Went out and pick up sticks and more sticks from yard.  I swear, all the limbs and sticks I pick up after wind, should have my trees without any!!!!!
• Unplugged all the water bowls outside - giving the garage light meter a rest for a bit!
• Took down all Christmas stuff, except me tiny tree yesterday
• Took out all the trash, washed all the laundry and paid all the bills to end the year!
• Went to NO after Christmas sales
• Made an entire loaf of French bread (from freezer) into pizza - ate some and froze some
• Working on deep cleaning - behind and under - it seems to never end!
• Kept the fronts of all the holiday cards - for notecards
• I did finally run to the grocery.  I got a lot of clearance deals and it all cost me $0 - as I used a GC.  I got a couple spectacular finds!

Look at this!  1/2 gallons (sort of) of holiday ice cream on clearance for .56!!!!  It was advertised for .99, but our store had it on clearance.  Funny, one endcap had it with stickers for .75 and the other end of freezer aisle had it for .56!   Now get this - I had .45 coupons - so I got 2 for .11 each!!!!!!!!  Definitely my deal of the year!!!!!  I am not a huge eggnog fan - but I use about a heaping spoon of ice cream every morning in my homemade frappe - so I figure for basically FREE, this will add richness and creaminess to my drink.

One pound bags of hazel nuts for .90 each!  I got these for the squirrels!!!  I cannot buy peanuts that cheaply!  They love them.  I got several bags.

So yep, I got some great deals to end my year.  I also got a bag of 10 clementines for .99.  Cabbage was on sale this week for .39/lb.  Used the GC and nothing out of pocket!  Nice way to end the year.

Meals this past week:

Dinner at family's home

Jalapeno burger topped w/Mex. rice & beans and cheese

French bread pizza - froze a big part

Chicken/mushrooms/peppers over a potato

Homemade chicken noodle/veggie soup

Soup w/o broth topped with cheese and sour cream  (froze broth)

Crab (faux) salad sandwiches and fresh veggies

How was your last week of the year?  Did you go after holiday shopping?  Looking for gifts or finds for the new year?  Any grocery deals?

Has your weather gotten any better?  I hope those in the extreme snow areas, have dug out and gotten mobile again.  It sure was something in some areas.

Let us please continue to keep all our friends here in prayer.  So many have had losses of spouses this year, loss of other family and friends, loss of fur babies, and some have had financial difficulties and some health issues.  Lift each of our family of friends up for comfort and healing - whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Thank you all for being here and starting this new year with me.  I wish you all health, happiness and abundance in this coming year.  May you be comforted and know that God is in control (especially we cannot understand).  

Stay safe this week.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

**********************

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Lord, please be with all those who are hurting and comfort them.  Be with all who are weary and give them strength.  Give the hungry and the homeless, shelter and nourishment.  Please help each of us to gain strength from our family and friends and from within.  Guide us and hold us close in your protective arms.  Give us a new year of hope and joy.

Amen