Thursday, March 7, 2024

An Information Kind of Day!

 Good morning all.  Here we are at Thursday already.  The weeks are flying by.
It is 44F this morning and cloudy - not bad.  We have a little cooler stuff this weekend, but nothing bad at all.  Not holding my breath, but maybe we have rounded the weather corner.  LOL - yeah, probably not!

Just a couple things today.
DID YOU KNOW?
Wal-Mart and Aldi are both lowering some prices!!!! 

Wal-Mart has said basic things like eggs, potatoes, sweet potatoes, frozen fruit, mayo and bread will be lowered in prices back to 'pre-inflation' prices.  I kind of got the idea that this was for the Easter season, by what I read.  They didn't say it was long term.  But heck, take the price reductions when you can!  If you shop WM, hope this helps a little.
Aldi lowered a lot of prices last fall, supposedly they will be doing more.  So far this year they have lowered prices on 23 items up to 13%.  Their plan is to lower prices to about 250 more items by summer.  When shopping look for the red tags in front of items - those are the new lower priced items!
******
For those that eat fast food!  There are some establishments that are having cut back prices for the month.  $1 and $2 burgers at Wendy's.  Cheap breakfast sandwiches at BK.  One donut shop is having specials.  MOST all of these need you to be signed into an app!!!!!  Not just a walk-in thing.
Most of this is due to DLST, March Madness (basketball), etc.  I won't be using any of these!
******

Now on the opposite side, Dollar Tree is raising prices again - what I hear - to 1.75.  I knew it was bound to happen.  How long can we possibly expect someone to sell things for a dollar when they are experiencing inflation as well?
I have seen so many people being outraged and saddened by this - my answer is just don't shop there if you don't like it!  
I KNOW some people live in food deserts and dollar stores and convenience stores are their go to.  I hate that for them.
But as for others - I still think some things will still be cheaper than other stores - gift bags, small holiday decorations, cards - even some cleaning supplies and kitchen towels.  You just have to choose what you want to pay for and where.  Probably will still be able to get many basics (pasta, soup, etc.) cheaper at other stores when they run sales. 
Once Dollar Tree was purchased by the bigger dollar store - it was inevitable.
************************

RECIPE TIME

I had a new to me type of hummus, when I attended a shower event recently.  It was chocolate hummus and I must say it was wonderful!  My niece bought it at the deli area at the grocery, but it is so easy to make. 
CHOC. HUMMUS
1 can chickpeas (garbanzo beans) - drained**
1/2 C cocoa powder (not hot choc. mix)
1/2 C maple syrup or honey
1/4 C peanut butter (or use Tahini or almond butter, or any other nut butter you like)
1 tsp. vanilla
Place all ingredients in a blender and process until very smooth.  Keep extra refrigerated.
Serve with fresh berries, banana pieces, apples, or graham crackers.

***Keep the liquid - can be used instead of egg in baking.  You may want to pour a tiny bit in your hummus as processing - if it seems too thick.
                                                                        DELISH!
**********************

Lastly - DON'T FORGET - it is that time of the spring again!!
                                                                                2 AM

I know many hate this change and many love it.  Everyone talks about more daylight - NO not more, just later!  If you get up early, it will just be dark later (for a while yet) - so it just pushes up the daylight hours. I am a very early riser - so now I will deal with dark again when I wake up.
Also remember animals cannot read the clock!  They have a schedule they are used to and that doesn't change (just the clock does).
I do like later daylight - but not crazy about 9PM stuff.  That is close to my bedtime!!!!!  I want it dark when I go to bed!
I wish they would just pick one and keep it!

So there is my infomercial/public service update of the week!!!  LOL
I hope you all have a great end to your week and a fun weekend.  Stay safe and warm - many are battling lots of snow still!

Have a great day!!!!!

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

It's Almost Time!

 Good morning my friends.  I hope this finds you all well this morning.  Yesterday was a pretty darn nice day around here - except for the rain and thunderstorms.  It wasn't bad though, and the sun came out later.
I have one daffy blooming and many about to pop open in the next day or so.  The forsythia bushes are about to pop open as well.  The grass is sooooo green!  I even went out yesterday afternoon and pulled some weeds - they are thriving.

So it is about time to start thinking garden.  Many people start their own plants at home - I did at one time, but my garden is pretty small - so I just buy a few plants.  I do start my zucchini, lettuce and cucumbers from seed - they pop up so quickly.
I know some folks who have already got NICE plants because they started so early, others are just thinking about planting.  Now is the time in our area.
Today are a few ideas that you can use to save a bit while starting your plants and gardening.

You can buy seeds at the Dollar Stores - usually 4/$1 - granted not a lot of seeds in each and most are not heirloom quality - but they are seeds and they produce food!!  I have lots of seed that I keep over from year to year.  Generally, they are just fine.  Just keep them in a cooler and dry spot.

Start collecting fallen limbs and sticks from the yard.  You can make very cute and natural plant markers.  Clear off a bit of bark and use either a wood burner or a permanent marker for names.  You can make these any size you need.  Also keep those larger limbs that fall for plant stakes.  You can find so many things in your yard to help you all for FREE.

Keep those TP rolls or even tubes from paper towels and use them as your plant starting pots.  Once the plant is big enough these can be transplanted into a bigger pot or the garden as it.  The cardboard will break down in the garden.  My brother starts most of his plants and this is what he uses.  He saves all year long - cuts them in half and has FREE planting pots.
You can also use newspaper for pots.  Easily form them around a used tin can - fill with dirt - plant.  These hold moisture well for the seeds and again, can be planted directly into your garden or bigger pot.  Recycle at its best!

Homemade fertilizer is so easy to make - and it doesn't have a lot of chemicals like many store-bought ones.  The above recipe is kind of like a homemade Miracle Grow. (click on recipe to enlarge).  I use this myself and it works.  I like keeping things more natural.

Get your patio pots cleaned and ready to go.  I plant several things in pots as well as things in the garden.  Over the years the pots get grungy and buggy and it is a good idea to clean them up and out every so often.

I hope everyone can try and grow something this year.  Maybe you can't have a garden where you live - but you can plant a thing or two in a nice flowerpot and place on the porch or the patio.
A tomato plant, a squash or 2, green onions, lettuce, herbs or maybe a pepper plant - something!!! ' 
Do a little 'food-scaping' in your yard.  It can give you 'grow-ceries'!
Every little thing you can grow saves a little money at the store.  The taste and the freshness cannot compare - regardless of the savings.  It all tastes so good.

I am always amazed to think about what can be gained from a tiny seed.  One tomato seed can grow a plant that produces dozens of tomatoes.  One zucchini seed can grow a plant that can literally 'feed a neighborhood'.  LOL - you know what I mean, if you have ever grown.
It is truly awesome.
Nature at its finest!

Make sure you have some lovely flowers around as well.  Bees are so important in pollination of things and we need them - flowers and blooms give them nutrition.  I am one that will never use weed killer on my yard as well.  I let the dandelions and the violets and clover bloom!  YEP, I am that neighbor!!!  LOL
They are the first things blooming many times and it feed the precious bees.  We are kind 'screwed' without the bees.
Not only that - but you can also make jelly with the dandelions, violets and clover.   It is very good and kind of honey flavored.  I have made dandelion and clover jelly before - and it is yummy.  A little work to start - but worth it.
There are so many things put on this earth that we can use to nourish our bodies.  Don't forget the wild onion and garlic as well.
I just love that nature can provide so much and it is all FREE!

Are you thinking about gardening?  I know many still have lots of snow - but that will soon be gone, and you will be seeing the world come back to life.  Get those plants and ideas ready now!
May you have "visions of gardening" dance through your heads as you dream tonight!!!

Have a wonderful day all.



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Learning by Doing

 Howdy and happy Tuesday to all.  It is a somewhat warm morning here - with rain coming soon.  Yesterday was absolutely perfect.  It looks like we may be cooling off again after today - but nothing bad.  I looked out back this morning and I have ONE daffodil blooming!!!  Many more to come this week.  I love it.

Let's talk about our learning process on our journey to frugality.  There are many just starting this process, and it most definitely is a process or a journey.   There are many ups and downs.
I noticed an article on the computer the other day I just had to read. It said more and more young people are getting into "duping" to save money at the grocery.  Well, call me curious, as I had never heard that term before.
It is buying and using off brands and stores brands instead of name brands.  Huh, who knew it had a name??  I have been doing this for years - and just called it smart shopping!  Whatever you want to call it, it is a good idea to at least try off brands.  You may like them, you may not - but it doesn't hurt to try.  It CAN save money.
I give these young people kudos, as they are trying to figure out money saving ways themselves.
You have to start somewhere.   Learn by trying things.  You may have a positive outcome or you may not.  Trust me we have all had successes and failures.
Read, listen, and try and hopefully learn.  
Do NOT let the disappointments and trials break you!!!!  Let it MAKE you!!!  Aid someone, somewhere in life with some wisdom that helps them in a positive way.  Kind of like a little legacy that we will be leaving here!

Learn basic skills - that is so very important.  Cooking from scratch, basic yard work, growing something that can go into your families' bellies (anything), basic home repairs, car maintenance, etc.
Now I am not saying you need to be able to change out a motor or chop down a tree.  Nor re-wire the house or grow an acre of food.  IF you know how - heck - good for you!!!!!
Basic skills = saving money.
I love a do-it-yourself attitude, and I have learned how to do many things that are not considered things a "woman" might do - but you know you do what you have to at points in life.  Sure, I will pay for advanced skills and things just above my skillset - but I do what I can.  We all can.

No one person is perfect and no one person teaches in a perfect way.  It takes a 'village' of reasonably caring people who have been there and done that!  I just hope we can all impart some positive ideas to others. We all do our best.
You will find many people (many) who tell you that what you are doing is crazy.  They will think you should always do things their way.  Most of us here, have been called nuts a few times - trust me.  
They just don't seem to get that you are trying to have a better life, save a little, get out of debt, and provide for your family in a way that is just being a steward of all you have.  

They figure if debt gets too big - file bankruptcy.  If you want something - get it and worry about paying later (or not).  They seem to invoke the idea of just 'flying' through life without a care.
Well, DON'T!!  You will never get ahead.

It does take diligence, hard work, learning, doing, reading, listening, trying and most of all it takes determination!!!
If you are in search of a better life - you can have it.  Just work for it.
It isn't going to just fall in your lap - but never ever give up.

We are here as a community to help.  There are lots of great blogs and vlogs out there, that can help.  Most of us in this type of community have been through and tried all kinds of things.  
The cool thing is - WE are STILL learning too!!!
You are never too old to learn new ways and ideas.  

For most everyone the journey is continual and never ending.  It does become a habit (a good habit), and it really is FUN to see the successes!
Go for it and have a good life for you and your family.

Have a great day all.  
 

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Weekly Wrap Up 3/3

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe on this first Sunday of March.  Northern hemisphere is now in meteorological spring and southern hemisphere is entering fall.  WOW!  Some of you are getting blasted with snow and cold still - bummer.  I am having decent weather here in my area.  Looks to be 50's and 60's (maybe 70F) this whole upcoming week.  This morning the sun is shining and the birds are singing!
I go out to feed the critters each morning and I get serenaded by a couple cardinals, a red wing black bird, a woodpecker and a couple of blue jays - every morning!  It is just lovely.  Sitting here typing, I hear the birdies singing on the front porch!!  It sounds like spring.
I have an abundance of perennials popping up through the ground.  Every kind of lily I have, daffodils, tulips, poppies, even some red sprouts popping their noses out on the peonies!  It won't be long.

Had the owner of the house next door (where former friend lives) call me.  I guess L gave notice of moving at the end of May.  That was a huge surprise.  The owner lives in Italy at this time, and just amazed me that he called.  He worries about me a lot and is such a good man. He is not sure if he will try to rent again or sell.  That always make me nervous as you don't know what you will end up with.  BUT, I kind of feel exhilarated as well - I know that may sound crazy.  I started making plans yesterday for the yard and house for this summer.  Made my first call on getting estimate of a new fence around the yard (it so needs replaced).  I want this to be the year of changes for me.  It may cost me some money, but it is an investment - so looking forward to it.

This week:
  • Went out the first of the week to the feed store for a few critter supplies.  I also bought some onion sets for planting.
  • Stopped and topped my gas tank off - so as to use my points for a discount before they expired.  Paid 2.09/gal.
  • Ran in Kroger and got a gallon of milk, a pack of tomatoes, and a discounted loaf of multi-grain bread. That was it - NO other shopping this week.
  • Got to air the house on 4 different days (there was cold & rain in between)
  • Paid everything I had
  • Going through more papers to get ready for next weekends shred event
  • Used up all the odds and ends of cheese and other items in meals this week.
  • Froze some leftovers for future meals  
  • Cooking from home
  • Doing all the basics
Meals this past week:
Leftover baked spaghetti and salad
Chicken/veggie wraps
Bacon/veggie bagels (warm day didn't want to cook)
Harvest potato casserole and fresh veggies on side
Leftover harvest potatoes and green beans
Multi cheese mac w/burger added and leftover green beans
Mac n cheese and a smash burger on multi grain bread
SNACKS - muffin cake, pickles, tomato juice, nuts
(I have been craving tomato juice and my brother's home canned is the best ever.  I have been enjoying homemade & store bought pickles from frig.)  **I get weird cravings sometimes! LOL

                              Toasted bagels topped with cream cheese, bacon, cukes, tomato = yum!

How was your week?  Did you get to start spring cleaning yet?  How is your weather?  Any really good deals?  Look forward to hearing about your week.
I miss seeing some of you!  Please check in.

Know I pray for each of you and your families.  May you all have comfort and good moments in your days.  Prayers for those enduring bad weather and fires in their areas.
Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.
*****************************

Search me, O God, and know my heart!  Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
Psalms 139:23-24

Lord, please help guide each of us.  None of us are perfect in any way, and we strive to do Your will as best we can. Please comfort all those hurting today.  Amen 

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Comfort Food - Upgrade

 Hello everyone.  Happy Leap Day!!!!  Last day of the month - it is very chilly but sunny here.  Not a bad way to end.  There will still be many, many days of up and down temperatures to come in the next month or so, I guess we need to just get used to it!

Earlier in the week, I was eating light and quick meals - it was warmer and I didn't feel like anything heavy.  Yesterday, well I wanted comfort food!
One of my favorite side dishes is Harvest Potatoes (some call them funeral potatoes).  I love potatoes and I love, love cheese!  I had everything here to make them.  BUT, I wanted it to be more like a meal - so I upgraded it.  It sure did come out tasty.

This is just a good reminder that you don't have to always follow the recipe!!  Most times I do not - I kind of wing it most of the time.

Generally, the 'recipe' would be:

1 - 32 oz. bag of frozen hash browns
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 C sour cream
1 C shredded cheese
1/2 C melted butter
Diced onion if desired
salt and pepper

Well, I found a couple bags of hash browns when inventorying the freezer last week.  I had a very old can of cream of chicken soup (I don't buy anymore - I make my own).  I had sour cream and cheese - so boom ready to go.

I ALSO added a drained and chopped a can of carrots.  I had approx. 1 - 1 1/2 C of chicken in freezer.  I mixed in both of those items as well.  I am sure I added more cheese than called for - I just emptied the container I had in the frig!  Instead of the normal topping of corn flakes/butter - I had a jar with the remnants of cheesy nacho chips in it.  A few pieces and lots of crumbs (from Jan/ get together).  I crushed all of those and used as a topping.
So I mixed everything together except topping and poured in a 9 x 13 and baked at 350 for about 35 - 40 minutes - added the topping and baked 10-15 minutes longer. 
                                         Here is the pan after just removing from the oven.
Yum on a plate!  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  I will be eating it again today with some other veggie on the side.  The rest will go in the freezer for another day(s).
So, I had potatoes, carrots, chicken, cheese, and side veggies all in one meal. Only one pan needed!

It was a complete meal.  You could add carrots, broccoli, green beans, just about anything.  Also, I used chicken I had in freezer - but I am thinking it would be good with ham, bacon, leftover chopped pork chops, smoked sausage or even cooked ground beef.
You can different types of cheese - whatever you have on hand.  Also, you could jazz it up with ranch or onion dip sour cream instead of plain.

Sometimes we just have to play with our food!  You may find that new family favorite.  
Honestly you do not have to play by the rules.  Make things that sound good to you.

Last week I made this.  I had a jar mix for blue berry muffins.  I added the last few fresh strawberries (chopped) and just poured it all in the pan instead of making muffins.  Turned out super tasty.  I baked about 10 minutes longer than was called for with muffins.

So, when you get in the mood for comfort food - upgrade it!  You can make a lovely meal and/or dessert just a little different from the norm.

Have a wonderful day and make it a good one!
SMILES


Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Jars - Big & Small - Great for Storage and More

 Happy midweek to all.  It is a brisk and chilly morning here.  We had temps at about 68F at 2AM - and now we are at 35F at 7AM.  We had rain and lots of wind - wind is still around.  Looks like a couple of chilly days again - then back to 70F!  Wild and crazy rides are what we get in Feb. & Mar.  I sure hope you are all safe - there was crazy weather everywhere last night.

Today, let us talk about jars and storage.  I love glass jars - all sorts of glass jars.  They don't have to be Mason jars for me to use - I keep most store jars as well (that groceries come in).
Plastic jars work too for storage - I just like glass as they are also pretty much safe in all conditions.  For those who have trouble with rodents - they aren't getting into glass ones!

Jars are great for canning - you can, can just about anything.  From ingredients to meals like soups and beans to jellies and jams and fruit.  Home canned foods 'could' be eaten straight from the jar in most instances - like when no power for cooking.
Jars keep things fresh in your refrigerator.  I put strawberries and grapes in jars when I bring them home from the store.  Do not wash - just put them in the jar dry.  I have had great luck with them lasting extra long.  I plan on trying lettuce very soon.  It could really be a game changer for making foods last longer.  That is a plus in anyone's book today.

Jars - odd and end ones - can hold just about anything you can think to put in them.  They are great in garages and utility rooms - holding all those odds and ends of nuts and bolts.
Good for garden seeds as well.
Spices, mixes, dried fruits and veggies, evaporated milk, grains, rice - you name it - it can be stored safely in jars.
I have some gallon glass jars (think pickles, olives) that I have saved over the years and some that I have picked up free at yard sales or been given.  I use those for storing rice and pasta.  They would be great for oats or any grains that you might use on a regular basis.
Many folks use the larger ones for canisters.

**I always throw a couple bay leaves in the jars to prevent buggers of any type.  Sometimes insects have laid eggs on foods before you get it.  I like to freeze for a while (kills larvae) - then allow to warm to room temp and the store with bay leaves in the jars.  So far that has worked wonderfully for me.

You can make up all kinds of soup starters at home - to make life a little easier and quicker on those rush days.  Place some pasta (or rice), dried veggies and maybe some dried bouillon is the jars - whatever you have and like - and when you are ready for soup or a casserole - just dump the jar, add water and cook for a while.  Easy-peasy.  Add meat if you want while cooking.
I love having baking mixes around.  Brownie mixes, biscuit mix, pancake mixes.  There can be fancy coffee blends and tea blends (don't forget hot chocolate).

You all know I give lots of baskets at the holidays full of fun goodies.  Soups are always included.  They are easy to make and they are always appreciated.  It is nice to have those on the shelf here as well - for myself or as a gift.
I often add a canned meat product to the jar, so it is ready to make for the recipient.  I have used regular canning jars and I use other jars as well.  I prefer to gift the other jars when I can - that way I don't need them back and the recipient can use in another way. (not that I ever get any back!)
You can use them for storage in the bathroom or any other room in the house.  I have a blue jar in the bathroom that holds cotton balls (that come out of vitamins), and I have a half pint size to hold Q-tips.  I love the idea of the above picture - such a cute kind of country look!
Crafts of every type can utilize jars.  Thread, buttons, needles and pins - you name it.  All those little beads and bobbles used for crafts stay safe and out the hands of little ones.
Great in offices for holding pins and pencils, scissors, markers, etc.

You can use half pint size jars for individual servings of pudding and Jello.  You can use for all kinds of treats.  They are the perfect size for just a small treat. I know many, many people that use jars to drink from!  I have done this before.  Little jelly jars are perfect for juice or a drink of milk.  Somehow it makes iced tea taste better!!!  LOL
You can use jars to hold candy, cookies and nuts and treats of all sorts.

So yes, they are good for absolutely anything from soup to nuts!  Save those jars and utilize to keep pantry and other areas of your home safe and protected and organized.
Do you have any fun and new ideas for using jars?  Let us know.


Stay safe and cozy today.  Have a good one.




Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Below Our Means and Enjoying It

 Good morning to all.  Woke to a beautiful morning.  Sun is shining and it was 58* at 6AM!  It will be in the 70's today.  Tonight and overnight we have storms that will be coming through (sure wish they would happen during the day).  By tomorrow morning we are supposed to have wind chills around 20*!!  This crazy weather.  It will be in the 40's a couple days then back up.  The approach of spring is always a roller coaster.

I was trying to come up with a post this weekend and I also watched a few You Tubers and it seemed them and myself were all thinking the same way.  So here are a few things to think about as you go forward on this frugal and financial journey.
FIRST you are not alone.  There are lots of people watching their dollars and doing things that just make good sense.  You always have sources to ask questions.


** Control is something that most people want to feel.  There are many things in this world that we have absolutely NO control over.  Never will.  Inflation, gas prices, utilities, insurance rates, etc.  Now yes, sometimes you can switch out companies and save a little - but many things we just have to live with, as sad as that it.
You CAN control how you react.  Get the best deals you can and look for deals.  Use things in different ways and get the most out of them.  Stop supporting the more expensive places.  Cook from home, plan your trips out (saves gas), follow some of the other ideas that will be listed here.
Don't let not having control - stop you.  Take control where you can and do your best.

**DON'T let your pride get in the way.  Now I mean this, as a way of saving a little.  Don't let "what will people think" be in your head!  Shop thrift stores and yard sales for good bargains.  Look for clearance departments and items.  Barter with people.  
Many people are so worried what others will think.  "They will think I am poor"!  Who cares?  You do you and get the best deals you can get wherever you can get them.  IF you need to go to a food bank/pantry - do it.  IF you need to seek assistance on utilities - do it.  Don't feel you have to have the newest gadget or vehicle.  Don't feel you have to say yes - to going out for an evening.
Do what you need to do to help YOUR family - and don't worry about others.  I know this is hard for some folks - but it is so important.  Once you get back on your feet - maybe you can help another in some way.

    Doing positive things in life that become habits is a good things.  But FIRST you have to start!

**Take it slow - this journey does not happen overnight.  Start with changing one thing - then another and so on.  You will become so overwhelmed with life, if you try to change everything instantly.  Just start somewhere.
Maybe shop just once a week (instead of everyday), then every two weeks......  Buy ingredients and cook from home.  No new clothes.  Turning off lights and heat/AC when not needed.  Using less water and utilities.  Go to a yard sale or thrift store and just look - you will be amazed at what you can find.  Stay home and have fun times there.  Make things a family project - kiddos need to learn these things too.
Make learning (you and them) FUN!
It really is fun to learn new things and save money at the same time.

**KEEP IT SIMPLE - this can be utilized in all aspects of live.  Keep your meals simple with simple ingredients.  Keep your clothing simple - with basics than can be interchanged.  Keep your home simple and lovely.  It doesn't mean you have to be a minimalist - it just means you will enjoy the basics a lot more.
Get rid of clutter - if you love it, keep it and use it.  That special china isn't worth much just sitting in a hutch or box - use it and make a special meal.  
Once you get rid of clutter - that can be stuff, paperwork, toys, etc. - you can breathe a little.
Find new ways to use things instead of buying something else to bring in the house.  Just do little things here and there and simplify your life.  Again, make it a fun thing to do - it really is fun.

**STOP waiting for things to happen!  It seems we spend a huge portion of life waiting for the other shoe to drop, or the next bad thing to happen, or waiting for that big vacation or that big house.
Stop it.  Enjoy today!!!!!  It is all you have at the moment. Make the best of it.
Planning those big vacations are fun - but it may not happen.  That huge house may never happen (without going deeply in debt).
You got today.  Silly and simple as it sounds - you can have fun with the little things.
Make a family day outing to the library, sit and read - wonder the aisles - look at displays - learn something.
Go to the free concerts that will be happening soon in many areas.  They can be the best time.
Have a fun game night or movie night - pop some popcorn and spend it together.
Have a backyard or park picnic.
Set a pretty table once in a while - china, tablecloth, candles, etc.  Make it special JUST BECAUSE!
Take the family to the park and enjoy nature - teach the youngins and yourself about birds, wildlife, plants, trees, etc.
Just enjoy and seize the day!

I have mentioned the word journey a lot - but that is what it is.  Life is a journey - it is always evolving.  No two journeys are the same.
Take your time and just go slow, keep it simple, save a bit where you can and enjoy the dance!
You save a bit here and there - that helps pay off debt.  That helps save an emergency fund.  That helps with education needs.  Saving just helps in so many ways.
Get serious about your new journey - but not so serious that you can't enjoy it!

I know I mention it can be fun a lot too.  It really can be.  I kind of look at it as a game or a personal challenge.
You can do this - just take the first step.

Have a great day to all!