Fun & Easy Easter Ideas for Kiddos (and adults)!

 Good morning.  Wednesday again - time flies.  It is a lovely morning here again.  Enjoying it while it lasts - because all good things come to an end!!!  Come Monday, next week, they are saying snow flurries and a low that night of 20*F - say it aint so!!!!!!  (today 70F).

Easter is on the 31st of this month.  I know not everyone celebrates, but the ideas I will share today will make it fun for young and old alike - and they are good for any 'special' day.  Heck, every day is special to me!

Might as well have a little fun.

How fun is this?  Make up little Smore kits with Peeps!  Now days they have Peeps for every occasion (and all flavors) - so these could be made all year.  Camping days will be here very soon - make it fun.

I like this idea.

Many have youngsters that they are teaching the meaning of Easter.  This would be a fun project.  Basically, just use a clay pot/or plastic saucer - a little dirt, yard rocks and some grass seed & sticks.  It would be a fun project.

Baskets - can be anything.  Any type of basket you have or can find, reusable grocery bags, homemade bags, a tote, a bucket......whatever.  Fill it with fun goodies, not just candy.  Hair accessories, bubble bath, nail polish, mini trucks/cars, puzzles, color books/crayons, colored chalk, Bubbles, socks, mini games or card games - the list goes on and on.  Make it fun and useful.

None of these items are expensive and be purchased for little money.  Shoot, I bet you could go through some kids playboxes and find items they forgot about!!!!!!!  (you know it's true)!!

Easter or any day - fun breakfast!  How cute is that?  Super easy, just pour your batter a little different.

Make goodies.  They don't have to be store bought or extra fancy.  Sugar cookies iced in colors and sprinkles.  Chocolate (use chips) covered apples or apple slices - top with sprinkles or nuts or coconut.  Dipped pretzels or strawberries or bananas bites.  You can use white chips and add food color too!

No bake cookies are always fun and they are so easy - and tasty!  

                                                   Another super easy and frugal goodie!!!

         I like to do these kind of like thumbprint cookies too - add a little jelly to the center - fun!

How about homemade Mounds candy or Almind Joy candy bars (bite size).  I have made these many times in the past and it was a favorite of G's.  He was a big kid at heart and loved those special treats.  Something like this only came about on special days!

This was what mine looked like before dipping in chocolate.  Stick in the freezer for a bit until firm then dip.  It makes it much easier to have them really cold.

Click on recipe to enlarge for better viewing.  SUPER easy!!!!!

Colored hard-boiled eggs.  You can buy those packs of fancy dyes - but you can do things at home a lot cheaper.  You can use beets/juice, onion skins, berries, etc. to get colors.  Make sure you add some vinegar to your colored water - it just helps the color adhere to eggs.  I liked using Kool-Aid too.  You can have strong colors and you can mix for special colors.

There is no way you can mess them up - each one will be an original!!!!

**Just a note here - when I make hard boiled eggs for everyday use - I mark them with an X or a smiley face before sticking back in frig.  (I use a marker).  That way they can be stored with regular eggs, and I know what is what!!!  

Celebrations can be fun without spending a ton of money.  Little things say- you are special!  Don't worry if you are on a budget and have no extra fuds - use what you have.  I don't want ANY mommas feeling like they can't make a special treat or day for the kiddos.  

Heck if you have a printer, you can copy off printable color pages of all sorts.  Make you own color books.  You can even make puzzles!!!  Use an old card front or calendar picture - adhere to cardboard - then cut into puzzle pieces (use a sharp blade) - and mix them up and throw in a baggy.  No money needed!!!!

Use your imagination and have a blast. 

Have a fun holiday celebration.  Make all days a celebration - just have fun and enjoy!

Have a wonderful day!

What's Up? and Another Question

 Happy Tuesday to all.  Hope you and yours are all well.  It is going to be a sunny day here and it is currently 45F this morning.  We are going up to upper or mid 60's.  It appears it will be a lovely week for the most part - then Monday it gets pretty darn chilly again and maybe flurries!  Nope winter isn't over - except in our minds!

The birds are just all singing their songs this morning - it sure sounds like spring.  I just love it.  Had to shoosh the chickens off - I don't mind them, except when they get on the porch!  They CAN be messy - if you know what I mean!  UGH!!

The sun is shining, we will warm up today, there are some spring flowers budding, the birds are singing, and my kitties and I are well.

Bitsy is not sure what to think about the chickens!  He watches and watches and then when they get close (on porch), he runs and hides under my comforter!  LOL.  Such a brave boy - haha.

What are your plans for the week?  Give us a shout out as to what you are up to.  It helps us all get ideas.  Are you going to spring clean - indoors or outdoors?   Are you crafting anything fun for the upcoming holiday?  Are you starting your garden things?

This (the picture) is my week!  All of these things.  I started yesterday outside.  I managed to put a couple things at the curb for heavy trash.  They were so bad, there was no re-use or upcycle left in them - or so I thought.  Someone stopped and took one item last night.  Must have a good imagination!

I just have so many things I want to go through, and donate, and fix, and even some trashing.  

The nicer weather and the sunshine, gets me motivated.

By the time fall comes, I want my house in order, and I want a lot of bigger things done to improve my home.  THIS is going to be my year!

My other question.  WHAT do you WANT to read about here?  

I know I ask this every so often - but I want to keep things fresh and fun.  I want to give posts that are relevant to us all.  I want to give you what you need and want to read.

Any ideas will be considered.  I have my pen and notebook ready to write down your ideas!!

I hope you each enjoy your day and get some sunshine!

Enjoy the simple things in life - they are what makes life a joy!

Weekly Wrap Up 3/10

 Happy Sunday to all.  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Hope you all did well with the time change!  UGH!  I actually went to sleep a little earlier last night, hoping to hedge the drain of today.  Seems crazy, but that hour just changes things!  It got light later this morning, so delayed my going out to feed the critters.  I scared a stray kitty that was sleeping under the side steps!  My kitties weren't sure what to do this morning - I got up same time per clock - not them!  I guess we will all get used to it.

We have had nice weather, we had lots of rain, and we are now having chilly weather.  Looks to get nice again this week - but they are predicting a colder end to the month (last couple weeks).  Oh fun!

This started a couple days ago.  The forsythia have started to flower.  The daffodils are going good.  Lots of yellow and green out there.

I had a sick squirrel for a couple days this week.  It got in the feeding jar and just wouldn't leave.  Not sure if it was hurt or sick, but even walking up to the jar and tapping on it did nothing.  THAT is unusual.  I threw a few peanuts in there and a piece or two of sweet granola bar and finally it left - guess it regained a little energy.  I cleaned the jar well for the other squirrels, in case it was sick.

My cow birds are now back.  I keep seeing more and more different types of birds showing up.  It is getting to that time!  Lots and lots of robins are back now.

My week:

• Spent some time restocking a lot of my pantry jars and moving some around.  Put back things not used often and put out things used more.  Just a lot handier.
• Did some raking, weed pulling and light yard work
• Got to air the house and have heat off for several days
• Made a small batch of oatmeal cookies
• I did run to Kroger and got some fresh veggies and fruit (strawberries & asparagus on sale!)
• Using all leftovers and bits from the frig
• Did more paper declutter.  It takes a long time, as I have to go through things and make sure I don't throw out something important.  I did find some stuff mixed in with general items, that needed to be kept.
• I went to the paper shred event - I had 3 good size boxes.  I got there just as it opened, expecting a big line.  I was 3rd in line!  Next one is first of June - will have more for that one
• Picked a bouquet of daffies!
• Eating at home and using what I have
• Lots of little stuff - moving plants around, moving baskets and small things around, just doing some re-arranging.  Put together new bottles of dish soap and shampoo.  Just lots of odds and ends

Meals this past week:

Beans/rice/sausage/cheese casserole

Enchiladas (used some of above rice & beans)

Fried cabbage and little smokies, smashed fried potato

Frittata and steamed asparagus

Chicken bites, cheesy potatoes (freezer) and salad

Seasoned rice w/asparagus added, topped with pulled pork (freezer) & sour cream

Rice w/asparagus (leftover) and fish sandwich

How was your week?  Did you get any deals?  Spring cleaning?  Still getting snow?  I know a lot of you gals north are getting slammed with snow.  I saw OK and TX had some bad storms - hope all are doing ok.

I always look forward to hearing from each of you.

Prayers for all that are ill or have family that are ill and going through so much.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:10-11

                                                                               AMEN

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!!!!!

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.

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.  
 

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