Weekly Wrap-Up 2/12

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.  Gosh, here we are at almost the halfway point of another month.  They sure are flying by.

We had some spring like weather and then a tremendous wind event.  Thursday was sooooo nasty.  The wind was horrible.  Luckily no major damage around here.  Lots of limbs down, but that was it.  We are now in a warming trend for much of the week, then another cool down to winter like weather for a couple days.  There seems to be a lot more decent days than nasty - so that is good.

I love being outside and listening to the birds - it sounds like spring!

They are singing their sweet songs.

I have company coming today.  My nephew and his wife are coming in town.  I am so excited to see them.  I am making homemade pizza and an assortment of veggies and cheese and summer sausage.

It has not been an exciting week at all on the home front.  Just a lot of this and that.

• I did go out Tuesday to a luncheon with a lot of my high school alum.  They do this every other month - my first time going.  It was really nice and it was what I needed to lift my spirits.  Many of the people I even went to grade school with - so it went back a 'few' years!!!!!
• Cleaned and scrubbed all the watering holes outside
• Did a big yard pick-up of limbs and sticks.  Some trash - but most just kept on blowing down the street!
• Cleaned out a couple more drawers
• I did run to Kroger to get a few fresh items.  I found a bag of firm, large green tomatoes (3) for .99.  This week is going to be fried green tomatoes!!!!!!!  YUM!
• I did try the Dove for sensitive skin on my hair this week (Elise).  I liked it.  My hair was very clean and soft. Today I did shampoo - kind of a controlled study.  I think it was much softer with the Dove.  I am wondering now about Ivory bar soap.  I have about 12 bars of that.  It was always advertised safe for babies - hmmmm.
• Basic cleaning - the mention of company sure does keep the house dusted and vacuumed well!! LOL!
• I did get to air the house on 2 days - very nice temperatures.

Meals this week:

Baked beans, smoked sausage and garlic toast

Deconstructed cabbage roll skillet

Out to lunch (Mexican restaurant)

Ham/cheese/ranch sandwich and tortilla chips and cheese dip

Roasted squash, Brussel sprouts, & onion over rice

Grilled ham/Swiss/roasted pepper sandwich and salad

Cheesy mashed potatoes, chicken fingers and cherry toms

So there you have it.  Not real eventful at all.  This week, I am going to start doing some projects that may make a mess - just wanted to wait until after company is over!  So many small jobs to do.

It sure seems there is always something calling our names and begging to be done!

How was your week?  Did you accomplish anything major this week?  Any great deals?

I love hearing from everyone.

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

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

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I know I have used this before - but it is always good.  This whole chapter is wonderful!

Better to be 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

Lord, help us to help others and to pass our knowledge to all who will listen.  We all need to learn and teach, to make our path sure footed in this world.  May we each appreciate ALL we have, and not to be envious of others.  Please keep us each and every one in Your loving and protective hands again this week.  Amen

Few Thursday Tips

 Today's post kind of follows along with the others this week.  Making what we have go further, making life easier, and just being creative.  A bit of this and that!  Here we go!!

• Spritz roasting veggies with a bit of Italian dressing before roasting.  Talk about a yummy taste - lots of extra flavor.
• Top hot brownies or layer cake with about a half bag of chocolate (or any flavor) chips.  Do this as soon as it comes out of oven.  They melt - spread around and you have a delish "icing" or topping.  I am always asked my secret when I make brownies!!!
• An easy-peasy way to chop an onion!  I always chop by hand (no machine) and this just works so well.

                              Makes for nice uniform pieces and not a lot of handling!!!!!

• Always keep dehydrated onion flakes on hand - just in case you have no fresh and none in freezer
• When slicing a tomato - cut slices from top to bottom.  Stem to butt.  I just learned this not long ago - and it makes a huge difference.  It keeps the juice from running out all over everything!!!!  Seriously!  I always used to slice side to side and juice would flow everywhere.  Not now!
• When making any baked good in chocolate - add a bit of brewed coffee or a bit of instant in water to recipe.  The coffee so increases the chocolate flavor.
• Have stale chips or crackers?  Place a few at a time on a paper towel (to absorb moisture) in the microwave for a few seconds.  They will taste fresh a new.
• For a quick fried potato - use a mostly cooked baked potato.  You can microwave until almost done - then place in a pan with a little oil - use your potato masher (or the bottom of a heavy mug) to smash.  Fry on both sides until golden.  These are so good!!!!!

          Item on top part of plate is smashed potatoes.  Soft inside and crispy outside!!!  YUM

• Use your veggie peeler to make slivers of chocolate from a bar - to add pretty ribbons on top of desserts.
• Cut on onion in half (kind of like view 1 above) - top to root and then use your veggie peeler to make long uniform slices - easy.  Slice from top to root.
• Use an egg slicer to slice strawberries, mushrooms or bananas.  Nice and easy.  You can cut anything soft that way.
• When measuring out something sticky (like peanut butter) - always measure an oil first.  Makes the sticky item come right out of spoon or cup.
• Keep all kinds of milk on hand for cooking or baking.  I keep fresh, evaporated, dry, shelf stable and frozen cubes of milk.  I also keep Coffee Mate on hand as well - just in case!  Always be prepared.

NOT a kitchen tip - but something I did yesterday that was helpful.  I noticed my remote was pretty grunge looking!  I made sure it was off - then I used an 'old' dry toothbrush to scrub between all the buttons.  Dead skin and basic crud gets around all the buttons. This cleaned it out lickety-split!  Then I took a damp antiseptic wipe and cleaned it.  You don't want to use anything dripping or real wet - so as not to flow inside.  Just needs to be sanitized.  That and door knobs and the phone are the things we touch most often.  Keep the clean and sanitized!!!

Hope you got an idea or two!  You have any tricks to make things easier?

Give us a shout out!!!!!

Aisle by Aisle

 Shopping by the aisle can really work.  You need to know what to look for and you need to know your prices.  I tend to buy the most items in the perimeter of the store.  I do get some canned goods and of course pet supplies in the center of the store.  Also get some baking supplies.

You can really save a lot if you just follow a few simple rules!

PRODUCE

• Buy what is in season for the best price
• Check if your store has a clearance area for produce - usually have bags of goodies for .99
• Check bags of produce to make sure there is no bad item in the bag - that can make the rest of the bag go off quickly
• Weigh prebagged produce (apples, oranges, etc.)  Not all 5 lb. bags weigh 5 lbs.!!!!!!  Some weigh more!
• Don't buy chopped lettuces or cut up veggies or fruit - it will always cost more than just buying it whole and cutting up yourself
• When you get home - DRY off any wet produce before storing.

MEAT & SEAFOOD

Most expensive thing you can buy today at the store.   So, plan your meals to use much less or to have meatless nights once in a while.

• Never pay full price for meat.  Always get it when it is on sale!!!!!!  Stock up and freeze.
• Most times it is more economical to buy whole instead of cut up.  Whole chickens, whole loins, larger beef cuts, etc.  Cut it up yourself and freeze in meal size packages
• Look for inexpensive cuts of meat that you can marinate or slow cook to make tender 
• Don't buy the pre-marinated, seasoned or stuffed meat.  It always costs more.
• Think about other sources of protein - canned tuna, salmon, beans, etc.

CANNED GOODS

Buy generic when possible.  Most brands are canned in the same factories and just labeled differently.  If you find a great deal on something your family uses and likes - stock up!!!!  Remember "best by" dates are pretty much just suggestions.  Things are good for much, much longer.

BREADS, CEREAL, PASTA

• Day old breads are great for toast, crumbs, making croutons and stuffing
• Plain pasta and rice are a lot more economical than the pre-seasoned mixes.  You can make up your own flavor combination.  
• Bigger boxes of cereal are a lot more economical than buying smaller boxes - look for those 'bags' of cereal, they are a different brand, but much cheaper sans box!  Think about buying hot cereal in bulk (oats) - not those indiv. packets.  Make up your own blends.  

FROZEN FOOD

• Frozen fruits and veggies are a perfect way to get some items that are out of season
• Buy plain veggies - no sauces.  That causes them to cost more and adds calories.  Make your own sauce or gravy or seasoning.  
• Skip buying frozen pancakes, waffles, biscuits, French toast - etc.  Make your own for pennies and then bag them up and freeze for quick breakfasts and meals.

DAIRY

• Buy a block of cheese and shred your own.  It isn't necessarily cheaper - but it sure does melt better.  Pre-shredded cheese has an anti-clumping agent added - so not just plain cheese.  Shred you own and bag up.  I freeze shredded cheese for cooking and baking.
• Check for markdowns on milk or cream - if it is getting close to "best by" date it may be marked down.  You can drink now or you can freeze for later.  I often keep milk fresh and flavorful for more than a couple weeks past the date. (store at the back and bottom of frig - it is colder).
• Cottage cheese, sour cream or other container items - store upside down in the frig.  That removes the air that causes spoilage and makes it last longer.

I know most of these are common sense, but maybe some might be new to someone.  Be conscious of everything you buy.  Look for those sales and for clearance that your family uses.  If you have the ability - use digital coupons for certain stores.  There are often VERY GOOD deals using those digital coupons.

Make a list - but don't pass a deal that your family can use.  It may not be on the list - but it may save a lot down the road.

Buy what you eat and eat what you buy!!!!!!!

Happy shopping!

Shop or Stop

 We all know those people who shop just to be shopping!!  IF it is a deal - it is a must have!!!!  You know them - I know them - Eeeeeeek!

I love a deal with the best of them - but it is no deal, if I cannot use it or have too much already.  This works with everything.  It isn't just about groceries.  There are so many ways to shop, and sometimes some are better than going to the big shiny store!!!!!!

• First - shop at home first!!!!!  Not just groceries - but all things.  The pantries and freezers can contribute to an endless variety of meals if you just get a little creative.
• Go through your closets and drawers - your basement or even the attic.  I bet you have a ton more than you can even remember.  I have boxes of holiday decorating things, that haven't been opened in many years.  I have all kinds of goodies tucked away.  I have found brand new undies and socks, that got pushed to the back and bottom of drawers.  I HAD a lot of kitchen small appliances that I never used - finally I got rid of them.  I kept what I could use for something else.
• Check that garage!  There may be yard things and tools that have been forgotten.  I know my hubs was the king of buying tools of every type at yard sales - and I keep finding things I can use.
• Borrow what you need.  Borrow from a neighbor or family or friend if it is something you need just once in a blue moon!!!!  Many libraries have a 'borrow' policy as well on tools and such.  Always make sure you get it back to the person in as good or better shape than you got it.
• Shop second hand - yard/garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores, etc.  You can find sooooo many neat things for pennies on the dollar and often for free!
• Think about swapping with others - clothes swaps, kids toys, books, kitchen gadgets, tools, etc.  What a neat idea!
• Utilize free local groups if you have them.  Craigs list (for cheap), neighborhood FREE groups, mom groups, etc. (start a group)
• Think about buying some bigger ticket items second hand.  You have to be aware - as furniture needs to come from a neat and clean place (no buggers).  Furniture is not made as well today as some of the older stuff.  Quality has slidden a lot over the years.  I bought myself a bread maker at the thrift store - you could tell it hadn't been used - for $10 years ago, and it still works.  Just something to think about.  We have some pretty nice high end "thrift" stores around that deal with quality goods.  Check your area.
• Remake things into something new!  Maybe remake older clothes into new styles.  Alter and adjust things.  Use off the hook types of items in the garden and flower beds as decorations.  Re-use wood in new ways.  There is no limit.

Things are so expensive - so it just makes sense to use what you have, buy second hand or borrow it.

I have read that the average home contains more than 300,000 items!!!!!!!!  Yep, you read that right.

Rental storage units have become one of the fastest growing businesses around!

Many studies show that the more you own, the less happy you become.  I can believe that - stuff can be stressful!

Buy with purpose!!!!!  That is the key.

Don't make rash and quick decisions.  Think about things and try to figure something else out.  Think how much money might be saved, how much that we keep out of landfills, and how many things may get a new life!

IF you get lots of fliers, magazines, e-mails, etc. from places that are selling - opt out!  If you don't see it - you don't know about it.  Seriously, out of sight out of mind.

Stay home more.  DO NOT just go 'window' shopping or just browsing.

Go with a purpose - ALWAYS!!!

Hope this gives someone an idea or two to STOP and not shop!  Look around and have fun.

Have a wonderful day!

Weekly Wrap-Up 2/5

 Happy Sunday to all my sweet friends.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.

We are going to have a little milder day today with a lot of wind.  40's sure beat teens!  This coming week looks to have warm temperatures for another short while.  Soon the temps will break, and we will be in spring!!!  It won't be long.

The daylight hours are definitely getting longer.  I love that.

I noticed the other day that I have leaves to daffodils up about 2"!!!!!  We have had a couple days of sun as well.  That sure can make a difference.

It has been quite the week - well actually couple of weeks.  So much on my mind.  Much that has just made me think and reflect.  I have done little in the way of accomplishing things - lots of napping, eating and thinking.  That is OK - I am feeling refreshed and I am about to get back on track!!!!!  Yes, I am.  Thank you all for hanging in there with me.

My week:

• Spent time Monday at the emergency vet 
• Doing a lot of extra laundry
• Cut my hair - boy it sure does grow fast
• I did run to the feed store to get more supplies - great part ALL bird seed was on sale 25% off - deal until 2/15!!!!!  That was a nice savings and surprise
• Restocked all the feed cans and feeders
• Got my new months' worth of extra coupons from Kroger - I sure do like getting those now.  I went forever not getting any

• I did stop at Kroger while out at feed store.  I got milk, bread, tangerines and cherry tomatoes
• Using supplies I have on hand and cooking from scratch & using leftovers
• Just doing all the normal things we all do - nothing exciting at all

Meals this past week:

Chili mac (chili from freezer)

Sliced cheese, summer sausage and crackers - just a snack

Beef tortilla soup (from freezer) over mac

Spanish rice, chopped steak and salad

Sausage biscuit and salad

Salad and just this and that in the frig.

Tamales over rice

Not a lot of exciting eating this week.  Just wasn't in the mood to cook much - so odds and ends were eaten, and I was still plenty satisfied.  I don't always need a big meal.

How was your week?  Are you keeping warm?  Anyone else having decent weather for a few days here and there?  Any deals this week?

Give us a shout out and let us know what is going on in your world!!!!!

May you all stay warm and cozy and of good health and safe this week.

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours!

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I can do all things in Him that strengthens me.

Philippians 4:13

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Isaiah 40:29

Lord, You know that each of us gets weary and full of despair at times, but You never leave us.  You hold our hand and guide us through it all.  Forgive us when we have doubts, and when we feel powerless, as we know You are there and You fill us with Your spirit.

Give us each the strength we need to accomplish and be successful each day.

Amen  

Just a Reminder!

 Just a gentle reminder to all.  Some days we ALL need to be reminded that "stuff" happens we cannot control, and we will get through it - eventually.  TIME is what it takes and that is just fine!

Take time to be gentle to yourself and love yourself.  You are worthy.

I resemble this one!!!!!!! 

Be kind to yourself and others.  Love this day with all your heart.

Have a blessed day.

Howdy Y'all

 I think I am about ready to get back into the real world again!  Geesh, what a week.  I have been emotionally spent and I have been so physically tired.  I am doing better.  Thank you all for your kind words and thoughts.  I hope you all saw my comment at the end of your comments on the last post.  I appreciate you all.

Not sure what this post will be today.  My brain still doesn't feel real creative!!!  I had a couple things in mind, then as I sat to type, they didn't float my boat!  LOL

I guess today I will talk about living your life with intention.  I think we often feel that what will be, will be.  In some aspects I guess that is true.  But we need to live an intentional life.  Make things happen - don't just sit back and wait for something to happen.  

Live slowly, mindfully and intentionally.  Have a direction and a purpose in mind.

Make things happen!!!!!   Stop making excuses.

Maybe you want to lose weight, write, travel, learn a new language, study, be in the country, learn to cook, save more money - whatever it is - MAKE IT HAPPEN.

Make a conscious effort to make things happen.  

Life changes - often in ways that we can not even imagine - but we can not stay still.  I know that is our reaction.  It is hard to move forward sometimes.  Very hard.

But, we have to keep living and moving forward.  Not just for ourselves, but for all those who would want us to!!!!!  Think about that.  

Life is relatively simple if we just stop to realize that.  We need shelter, food, and water - the rest is gravy.  Companionship and love is huge as well.  Love comes in all shapes - family and friends - it doesn't have to be a relationship love.  Companionship can be family and friends as well.  I know when we think about those 2 things, we think 'special love' - but it comes in many ways.  We just need to realize that and open ourselves to accept it.

Realize that STUFF will never make you happy.  STOP shopping and buying, trying to fill a void.  It won't.  All it does, is make you have less money!!!!  

If you think you can't save in today's world - you can.  You have to work at it.  Live a simpler life.  Save in little bits - YES dribs and drabs help.  Any of you that have ever read Kim's blog, Out My Window - knows that she has so many methods of saving and they all work!!!!!!  She picks up change, she saves all change received back from purchases, she saves dollar bills or five-dollar bills, she just saves.  She marks things off her list all the time that have been paid.

Buy ingredients (simple ingredients) and cook at home.  Food and meals don't need to be fancy - good simple cooking is just fine.  

You don't have to always be on the go.  Stay home and save gas.

NO junk!  Whether it be food or stuff.  Just stop shopping!  Use what you have - get creative.  Use those pantries and freezers and closets.

Consumerism can be a huge threat to your life.  Yes, there are things we all NEED - but much of what is spent is not necessary.  Now, this is not for everyone.  Many people have saved and saved to be able to do all the fun things they do.  They have been INTENTIONAL on saving to do the trips or buy the things.  Yes, they are living an intentional life.

But for most, spending is not a positive thing.

Stop letting debt and spending control your life.

Stop letting YOURSELF get in the way of having a happy life.  Learn new things, experience new things.  There are so many things we can do that cost us zero money - yet we grow!

So folks, stop making excuses - for whatever.  Know you CAN go forward and grow.

TAKE THE JOURNEY - wherever it may take you.  Get out of your comfort zone!

Care for yourself!!!!!!! (I am still working on this).

Maybe, just maybe if we stop complaining and bellyaching about what we don't have or can't have - and start being thankful for every teeny tiny thing that we DO have it will all work out!!!!!!

We can do this together.

Love you guys!  Have a blessed day.