Things to Think About on This Adventure

 Today we will address some ideas that those who are 'frugal' think about.  There are lots more people realizing that they need to cut back and do something different.  Prices rise on everything, and I can almost assure you that they will not be going down much - if any.  Inflation may stabilize, but prices generally don't go back down.  Something has to be done to stretch those dollars.  Pay does not go up with inflation, sadly.

**That being said - I read Aldi plans on lowering the prices of even more items than it did in the last quarter.  They said they still made profit with lower prices and will lower even more! (you don't see that often).

Many know these things - but we have new people reading all the time.  Young people starting out, people who are suddenly alone and trying to get by seniors on limited income, etc.

As stated last week - wants versus needs.  This is huge.  You need shelter, food, utilities, insurance - but you don't need the newest phone or computer or that fancy coffee or lunch out every day.

You have to set your priorities.  Much may go bye-bye for a while as you concentrate on getting ahead.  Don't continue to purchase your wants, then ask for help with your needs!!!!  YOU need to be in control.

PAY your debts!  Make as many payments and as much as possible.  Paying minimum payments will never get you ahead.  Always add extra to the minimum.  Late fees are just an absolute waste.  Pay highest interest debt off first.  QUIT charging!!!!!

Take control!  Your circumstances may not change, but you can change your perspective.  Do anything and everything you can to stay on top and be positive.  I am a firm believer that our situations or actions or reactions have a reason.  Nothing is an accident.  Things are learning moments.  Make a game of it if necessary.  I know it isn't easy - been there and done that - but the Little Engine principle really does help - "I think I can, I think I can".

Be realistic.  Sure, a big fancy home might be nice or that new vehicle - but a small fixer upper will provide lodging and is affordable, and do maintenance on vehicles - that is usually cheaper than buying new and having that big monthly payment.  It is about trade-offs.

Read, learn and practice.  NO, you won't always get it right the first time.  YES, you may fall off the wagon now and then.  But you back up and KEEP trying.  This whole way of living a simpler life is not always easy.  It does take work and determination.  You may need to downsize, sell things, use just the basics, barter, never waste things - it is a learning process.

Learn to do simple things for fun.  Reading, games, puzzles, popcorn and a movie (at home), walks or hiking, fishing, foraging, the list goes on and on.  Make it a family adventure.  Kids get their cues from adults - so if you are having fun and acting joyful - they see that and they will be too.  Enjoy your family.  Show confidence in all you do - make it fun.  Do the hard thing!

Always SAVE something.  Even if it is just a couple dollars, or change, or birthday gifts, etc.  SAVE something - for emergencies.  ie:  eating out is not an emergency!!!!

You will run into naysayers - no doubt.  We have all had that experience.  Handle them with grace!  Be kind and tell them your life is YOURS and you are making changes.  Not everyone does things the same.  Smile, be kind, and have faith you can do this.  Those things can take you a long way!

Trust me - some will call you crazy!  Most of us have heard it all.

Tomorrow & maybe Thursday will be some kitchen/home ideas to think about - things we can do to take care of our food, ways to use things in new ways, and how to stretch our food dollars and items.

Here is a fun thing - snow and cold is everywhere - may as well have fun with it!!!!

Clean, clean snow only!!!!

I hope all that are just starting this journey will know, that there are many people out there that can help you through this.  It is a journey and an adventure - it isn't always easy - but you can make it fun.

There are many, many more ideas to come and things to share - no way can it all be put in one post.  Stay tuned for ideas and tips.

YOU CAN DO IT.

We are here to help when we can.  Now go get started!!!!!!
 

Weekly Wrap Up 1/14

 Happy Sunday!  Oh baby, it is cold outside!!!!!  YUCKO!  I think nature has decided to have a temper tantrum!  It is -3* (F) here this morning going to a high of 6*!  It hasn't been this cold in our area since December of  '22.  The week is going to be cold all week as well.  We got a little snow last night and overnight - maybe an inch or so.  All I can say is Brrrrrrrr.

I know there are places that it is far colder, and I feel so sorry for you all and those who are being dumped on with snow.  Just stay safe - stay in.

I am so happy (more than I can express) that my kitties are inside.  They are safe and I no longer have to worry about that situation.  Blackie is truly coming out of his shell a lot.  He slept ON my bed with me ALL night on Friday!  He comes in a sleeps a while each night - but that was an all nighter!!  Bits just plays and chatters all the time - and loves looking out the windows.

                                                                             YEP

My week:

• Well, Sunday (7th) was the family get together and it was wonderful.  So many great memories.  Shared a lot of old pictures with everyone, and that was a tremendous hit!  I think they enjoyed that more than anything.  Each one of them gave me something homemade and I also got some different items for the pantry

 

We all enjoy gifting odd ball things that maybe the receiver wouldn't buy.  It is fun and yummy.

• I saved a bunch of tissue paper and pretty bags and boxes for use for next year
• I had lots of leftovers and used them off and on in many ways this week.
• I froze a lot of pulled pork in a couple containers.  Used one at the end of the week, after eating some at first of week.
• Had a meeting with my financial guy this week - all looks good.  Have some new decisions to make as well.
• One neighbor came by on Monday and we talked for a couple hours - nice visit
• I got 3 invites for luncheons coming up in the next month and a half.  I may do 2 of them
• I got the shovel out and ready, and brought some squirrel/bird supplies in in case the cans freeze shut
• I received an nice unexpected check this week and ran to the bank to deposit.  While out I did run in the store for a bit of different kitty food and an extra gallon of milk (lol - yes I did)
• I started on cleaning the pantry - started!  I just couldn't get into it this week.
• I did a lot of resting up this week - as last week was so busy.  Lounging and reading and napping!
• Did a scrubbing on my outdoor scruff-about slides (shoes).  Seems they agitated Blackie, as they smelled like outdoors and other cats!  They are cleaned and scrubbed and he is fine now.  Too funny.
• House is all cleaned and all gifts put away.  Have 2 HUGE baskets I received - I am still figuring out how to utilize them - they are huge.  I may post this week for ideas!  I am thinking books and throws.

Meals this past week:

Get together dinner - pulled pork, beans & rice, veggie plate, meat/cheese platter, cheese dip, chips and crackers, buns & wraps

Beans & rice topped with pork and cheese dip

Mashed potatoes with pork/gravy and fresh veggies

Tomato soup and grilled 3 cheese sandwich 

Macaroni/cheese topped with taco seasoned meat

Broc/cheese soup (freezer) with added cauliflower/carrots/beef stick pieces & crackers

Pork/cheese/salsa soft tacos and fresh veggies

Snacking on fresh veggies, cheese/beef stick, fruit

So how are you?  Are you staying warm and cozy?  What is the weather like where you are?  Did you get any deals this week?  Working on any new projects?  

Hope this finds everyone safe and healthy.

***RITA are you OK?  If you are reading - please check in - you have been on my mind!!!!!

Coming this week - some more ideas on saving money - especially in the kitchen.  I have a bunch of ideas to share.

I hope you are each and everyone safe.  

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

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For with God nothing will be impossible.

Luke 1:37

(I love this verse)

Lord, please guide us and hold safe this coming week.  Be with all those who are alone and homeless, that they may find shelter and friendship.  Guide us all to make the best decisions for our families and for others.  May we always hold hope and love in our hearts.  AMEN

Crud, Cold and Cozy!

 Good day to all!  Hope you are well this Thursday.

Well kids, if it isn't nasty and cold where you are - odds are that it will be in a few days.  It sounds like most of north America is going to get some kind of nasty crud to deal with.

Snow, wind, rain, tornadoes, COLD..............yeppers, winter has come to pay a visit.

Make sure you have what you need.  Most of us have enough preps on hand to cover ourselves for a long while.  That enables us to stay in and to stay safe off the roads.

IF you need to go out and get a thing or two - do it before the weather hits.  We all know what it means when they mention snow!!!!  Crazy people who go to the store and get milk, TP, bread and junk - enough to last for ages.  I guess people think they will be snowed in for months!!!!  It always amazes me.

So make sure you are prepared with enough food in the pantries and freezer.  I bet we all are.  This is part of the reason we do what we do.  Make sure you have a plan in case you lose power for a while.  If you lose power, place blankets around your pipes to protect.  Do you have meds for a few days?

Just remember that unless you are extremely rural - odds are you will not be snowed in for more than a couple days.  

I like comfort food when the weather gets frightful.  Maybe make a nice pot of soup, stew or chili.  Catch up on watching movies or reading a book.  Light was scented candle and cuddle up in a throw.  That is winter to me!

I like sweets too - I shouldn't eat them - but something about nasty weather says yummies!!!

Super simple cookies, using what you have on hand.  No special ingredients at all.  Bake at 350*.  Nice way to have cookies and not make a ton, but enough to warm the tummy.  I like to set a "Kiss" on top of each one as soon as they come out of the oven!

It truly doesn't get much easier!

Maybe make some muffins, brownies, biscuits, bread..... oh the mind goes in overdrive!

When baking brownies - I always pour some chocolate chips (or what you have) on top, as soon as they come out of the oven.  They melt, and I spread it around - instant icing (only better).

No bread - no worry.  

These are great to make and good with beans, soup, stew, basically anything.  If you don't have buttermilk that is ok, but you can add a little lemon or vinegar to your milk and use instead.  So yummy.

Throw your leftovers in a big pot, add some broth or tomato base, bits of meat (or not), add a little rice or pasta and make soup!

There is no need to go outside in the frightful weather.  USE what you have and stay safe.

Improvise and substitute if you don't have something.  You may make the next favorite thing!

I hope all stay safe and warm.

Our temps are pretty decent through tomorrow (40's), although a bit windy.  THEN the temps drop and we get cold.  I guess it is time - as much as we hate it.  It is winter!

Spring will be here before we know it.

Stay safe and stay well.  Use what you have and get creative with some goodies over the cold spell.

Have a wonderful day and weekend.

 

Makin' Do

Hope all are well.  It is cold, nasty and windy just about everywhere!  Some getting bushels of snow and others getting tons of rain.  Please stay safe and stay in if you can.  We had rain all day yesterday, and today it is very windy - the chimes are singing, and limbs are down.  Stay safe to all.

Today I want to speak briefly about making do!  Most of us, that are regulars here, know how to do that.  We may have some new viewers and those who are just starting the frugal journal.  I want to let you have a few basics - not all things by any means - but basics to get started.  You adjust as you go along, and soon it becomes a normal way of being in your life. I started being frugal as a need (as did many), and then it just became a habit and a way of life.  I don't even think about the things I do now, it is all just normal.

First is knowing your needs from your wants!!!!!` You need food, a warm bed, heat, clothes for whatever job you do, shelter, and medications.  You WANT the latest gadget, phone, vacations, etc.

Self-gratification goes bye-bye for a while if you are serious about getting out of debt or trying to get ahead.  SERIOUSLY!!!!

You need to learn very basic recipes and use basic foods for a while.  The basics are very good and can keep you full and can be made in fun and exciting ways.  No more shopping just to be shopping!  No new and latest gadgets.  No coffee stops every morning or afternoon.  No more eating out for a while.  Make a crockpot your friend, especially if you work.  It cooks while you work.  It can make easy and cheaper foods taste wonderful.  Use leftovers!

Turn down the thermostat and put on clothes or add covers.  Keep lights off if not in the room.  Don't let faucets just run, while doing dishes, or rinsing items, or even brushing teeth.  That is money (albeit a few cents) going down the drain.  Wash full loads - and only wash what is really dirty.  Do NOT shop everyday!  Shop once a week, or every two weeks and plan your meals around the sales.  No more "just going to run in for one thing" stops.  You all know it is always more than one thing.

Stop using credit cards and making minimum payments only.  If you are using cards - pay them off quickly or if possible pay them off each month.  I do use a lot of cash, but also use a CC for gas or other bigger purchases - but I pay it in full every month.  Interest can literally eat you alive.

DID YOU KNOW???  If you have $30,000 in CC debt, and you only pay minimum payments, it will take you about 40 years to pay it off!!!!  That is if you NEVER charge anything else.  You will also be paying thousands of dollars in interest!!!!!!

All for those "bargains" you found and just couldn't live without!!!!!

Make coffee at home - you can jazz it up at home too

Make your meals at home and keep them somewhat simple

Turn off the lights

STOP shopping

Keep the temps cooler - put clothes on

Run errands all at one time - to minimize gasoline use

Use the sun for extra heat

SAVE something every week

Keep cleaning supplies basic - use what you have on hand or make your own

LEARN new ways - follow blogs, Vlogs, books, etc.

Use the library - it is free

Put the word out - if you need something.  Odds are someone you know will have what you need

Barter and trade with others for items or service (it is kind of fun)!

The list goes on and on...........................

Continue to read along each week on this blog and other frugal minded blogs to learn new tricks and ideas and recipes.  We grow as we learn!  Learn to save, pay off, and be a good steward of what you have.

I understand it all seems overwhelming when starting out.  Many of us have been there and done that.  Do not be daunted - you CAN do it.  Getting out of debt, staying out of debt, and having a nice emergency fund or savings account feels FANTASTIC!!!!!!

You can have that as well.

Just start!  Yep, you will have days of failure - but you can start afresh the next day.

Pick yourself up from the failures and go forward.  Try hard to stay on the track of getting out of debt.

YOU GOT THIS!!

Let us help you and each other.  We learn together and share ideas.

Let us make it a fun journey!

Have a great day.

Trash to Treasure - Getting Creative

 Hello all.  Happy Tuesday.  Hope this finds you well and safe.  It is a very rainy morning here.  Breezy and rain - makes for a real chill!  Just glad it isn't snow.

You all know I had my last holiday gathering Sunday.  It was a blast.  Oh, we had some fun.  I again, got so many lovely gifts from my family.  My niece and both nephews MADE parts of my gifts.  They added in store bought - but each got creative.  I love it!

One nephew made a wreath tree.  It is something like a coat tree - not as tall and has a hanger for a lovely big wreath.  I got a wonderful homemade wreath from them a couple years back.

Another made a beautiful candle holder - wood - hand whittled and wood burned.  It almost looks ancient - like Aztec or something.  I will have to take pictures of both of these items to display at a later date.

My niece made me a gnome!

He is adorable!!!  

Now, I told her I was going to post - so others could make one too.  She used a laundry soap pods container to make.  She has also used coffee creamer bottles, Purex bottles, coffee containers, fabric softener bottles, etc.  You can use anything - depending on the size and shape you want. (you would buy baby/children hats instead of adult for skinnier ones.)

This is the back.  She painted the container white - I might have painted to match the 'hair' - but you can do it either way.  She got the caps on clearance - and the 'hair' she bought at WM and you can get at any craft store.

She added the nose (1/2 of a craft wooden ball) and the little ornamental sprig.  She has done in all colors.

Add a bit of glue to hat to hold in position.  Everything is just glued.

He is just the cutest thing.  I can leave it out all winter, not just a Christmas decoration.

I just love using one's trash to make a beautiful treasure that can be used for years to come.  I will start saving my laundry detergent bottles, (or any plastic container that could work). I want to make some of these over this coming year for gifts.

Now would be a good time to find the hats cheaply - but you could buy next fall as well.  

If you don't have bottles, have family or friends keep theirs for you.

There you have a great trash to treasure project.

Give a lovely gnome to someone as a gift!  Get creative and maybe make them to have a summer/hippy look too! ****  I am thinking colored 'hair' or a bandana - so many options!

There is no limit to what you can do!

Have a great day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/7

 Hello to all.  Our first Sunday of the year!  The first week in the books now.  I hope this finds everyone well.  Hoping to hear from some of you who have been missing the past few weeks.  The holidays keeps everyone busy, I know.

I kept busy this week, and I am preparing for my last family gathering today.  I am so excited to see the kids.  Even though we are in the same state, we don't get to each other very often (2 hours away).

Yesterday was the first sight of winter in our area.  Woke to a covering of white stuff!  The weather said 2" - but I had slush and a very thin layer of snow.  It was basically gone by the end of the day.  Temps this coming week will be 40's and 30's - with some mixture of precipitation.  Nothing horrible.

Kitties are doing better and better.  At 3 weeks from surgery, I noticed Blackie spitting out some stitches!  He is now back to eating more dry food (with water on it).  He likes kitty chow too.  That will be a big money saver to go back to more dry food than wet!  They have been playing and playing together.  Blackie now likes to hang out in the kitchen on the rug in there!  They are such a hoot.

My week:

• Washed all the bedding and the rugs
• Scoured frig and stove - cleaned frig out
• Combined goods when possible in frig and shopped from my stock to fill in gaps
• Scoured the bird/squirrel watering holes
• Started a file for all my tax stuff - got my first info on the 2nd
• Mended a bed covering (under cover)
• Made my last batch of the season of Springerle cookies (gifting today)
• Managed to do some big clean-up in basement/craft area on the spur of the moment.  Went looking for something and one thing led to another!!!!!
• Have all for today's meal here at home.  Even made my own ice and tea.  Only things I bought were buns, soft street taco shells and fresh veggies to make a veggie tray with.
• While at the store - I looked around as I wanted to get my gr.gr. nephew a little something extra.  I found this big dinosaur head that contains 30 different activities.  Normal price 49.99 - I paid 9.99!!  What a deal!  That is my only after Christmas buy!
• Lots of dusting and vacuuming - just basic cleaning. 
• Used crockpot to make corned beef - froze lots of the leftovers for later

My meals this past week:

Lasagna from freezer and salad

Corned beef, cabbage and black eyed peas 

Rueban - YUM

Angus/cheeseburger and salad

Dirty rice with meat added and veggies

Burrito (w/leftover rice) and fresh veggies

Chicken wraps

How was your first week of the year?  Did you after the holiday shop?  Eating what is on hand?  

I hope you all check in, missing some of you gals.

May you all have a wonderful week ahead and stay healthy and safe.  Winter weather is to hit a big section of the country this week - so please stay safe.  Stay in when possible.  Nothing is so important to go out in nasty weather.

Blessing to you and yours from my humble little home!

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Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health and body.

Proverbs 16:24

Dear Lord, please help us to each be a better person this new year.  Help us to mind our thoughts, actions and words that they are only used for good.  May we all be the best person we can be, and may we live the best life we can.  AMEN

Lists - They Really do Help!

 Happy Thursday my friends.  Today, let us talk a bit about LISTS!  I am huge list maker.  I make lists for everything.  Yes I do.  Now that said, I am also the person who often walks off without my list for the grocery!  Yep.  I have gotten to the point, that I try to stick it in my purse as soon as I have written it - so I don't leave it laying on the table.

Lists can be our friend.  They can be used for any number of things.  I am surrounded at the moment with no less than 4, maybe 5.  I have my notebook that contains ideas, thoughts and recipes that I want to use on the blog.  I have my daily notebook where I keep track of what I do each day.  I have a list of all the things I need to remember to do before my family gathering Sunday.  I have my list of gifts bought/made for family - so I don't forget anything.  I also have a list of scriptures that mean a lot to me, that I reread often.

I make lists of all sorts of things.  When I clean out the freezer - I always make a list of exactly what I have and put back in.  Now that becomes obsolete fairly quickly!!!!  I am notorious for making the beautiful/useful list - then not marking it up when removing or adding things!!!!!  YES I DO THAT

I have tried to list pantry items - that doesn't really work for me.  There is just too much stuff.  I do categorize by item type, veggie, fruit, mix etc. & oldest to the front.  The keeps that area of my life sort of organized.

I make lists of things to do outdoors in the yard.  Garden plants/seeds I want.  To do things around the house.  So many things.

I also keep an old-fashioned calendar on the wall in the kitchen - dates of birthdays, anniversaries, luncheon dates, appointments, etc.

I have always been a list person - it was imperative when I worked!  I made so many lists at work, as there were so many facets to my job - I couldn't forget anything.  I also kept lists for home - as working made less time at home and things fell through the cracks.

I guess I learned this from the best - my folks.  Daddy always kept precise lists of everything he planted and what he harvested.  Mom kept track of all the canning & freezing she did.  She had to - as our storage area was not easily accessible - and she canned 100's of jars every year.  She was good about keeping track.  

Some people buy fancy lists.  Some use notebooks.  Some make their own pretty lists (check out Rhonda at If You do Stuff - she makes cute sheets).  Some use those freebies that come in the mail.  I use a lot of the backs of Christmas cards.  Those are my go-to for grocery lists - they are sturdy and easy to find in my purse.  Some use envelopes from mail they have received.  Some use the backs of printer pages that are not needed (I did that all the time at work).  Anything from scraps to fancy will work and you don't have to buy anything.

My notebooks I use all are purchased at back-to-school time for pennies.  I buy many and they last for a couple years at least.

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Notebooks are great for journaling as well.  That is how I got my mom started.  First, I bought her a blank 'book' as a gift to put stories in from her childhood & younger days.  She filled that in no time and went on to using notebooks (lots of notebooks).  She used them as a daily diary for her very private thoughts and feelings about things. It was very therapeutic for her.  (no one was allowed to read until she passed).

IF you have lots of feelings about your past, your current situation or about anything from life - try journaling.  It is a great way to release those feelings and thoughts.  Some things are just private.  It does help!!!!!

You are never too old to start.  Mom was in her 80's when she started journaling.

This isn't exactly a LIST but in a way it is.  It is a list of your thoughts and feelings.

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Lists help keep us organized to some degree.  We all want to be organized - so give lists a try.

There is nothing that won't benefit from keeping track. 

So, make your list and check it twice and DON'T forget it!!!!!

Have a good day.