NEVER FORGET

We have the freedoms that we have because of those who have sacrificed everything.
Thank you is not enough - but it is all we have.
I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by not only these brave men and women, but for their families as well.
GOD BLESS AMERICA

Frugal Happenings 5/29

Happy last Sunday of the month and Happy Memorial Day weekend.

First, I'd like to say, I hope everyone remembers the true meaning of this holiday.  The fallen and their families have given everything for us to remain free.  There are not enough "thank you's" that can be offered.  They are forever in my heart.

Secondly, you have all offered so much love and prayers for my brother - and I'd like you to know - each and everyday is so much better.  He can say SOME words now, he is working hard to move his right leg himself (arm not yet), and he is now back to being able to eat soft foods.  There is not a soul on this earth that could tell me that prayers don't work.  They do and thank you all!!!!!!  Each day is one closer to full recovery.

We went from chilly weather to down right hot weather almost over night.  We are now in the 80's with a lot of humidity.  I have had to use the AC a couple hours a day for the past few days.  It just takes the humidity away - I can handle heat but not humidity.
I am FINALLY starting to see our hummingbirds a lot.  What an absolute joy.

Today is the Indianapolis 500 race - a huge deal in our city!  Today will be the first time in over 60 years that it will be televised LIVE in the city!  G is looking forward to that.  Usually we have to watch the delay filming at night - and I am not allowed to mention who won, as G always wants it to be a surprise!  LOL

This week had a lot of little frugal happenings:

• Got the garden tilled (I did it) and ALL planted!  Got the balance of the annuals planted, so all pots and hanging planters are done
• Used the Soda Stream several times this week to make bubbly water.  I drink a lot of water when it's hot - but this helps even more
• Took all recycle to bins when out this week = stuff out of my house!
• Made 12 jars (1/2 pints - jelly jars) of peony jelly.  It is so yummy

• Trimmed all the big bushes out back and mowed - some parts 2X - FREE exercise
• Saved the wax bag from a cereal box to re-use as wax paper
• Put out new cushions on the front porch glider that I got last fall on clearance.  Waited till the squirrels finished pulling stuffing out of old ones for their nests!  Little buggers
• Made a collage of family pictures for my brother Ron for his birthday.  He loved it and the therapists loved it - the will be using it in speech therapy!
• Line dried laundry

• Stopped at Menards on the way home from hospital and bought 5 gallons of deck paint for our front ramp.  Took advantage of a sale that ends tomorrow and a rebate of $35!   Painting ourselves will save a ton of money, I will get some sun and some exercise (as will G).
• Stopped at the library and got a couple books
• Also stopped at Meijer on the way home - purchased 10 lbs. of ground Angus @1.99/lb. to replenish some in freezer.  Got corn 6/$1, and cantaloupes 2/$5.
• Stopped at FM on Saturday morning and bought lettuce and more baby turnips.  Cooked the turnip greens - YUM
• 
• Making tea and filtering water
• All laundry has been done in cold water
• I have accumulated about 40 gallons of water in rain barrels to use on plants
• Only used AC a couple hours each day - still sleeping with windows open at night.  Love my fresh air.
• Have had  several vases of fresh cut peonies.  Unfortunately that is over for another year.  They are on their last leg now.  Sad - as that is one of my favorite flowers!

I was a bad girl once again this week.  After a 9 hour day working on the garden, there was no way I was going to cook.  We ordered another pizza from the really great new place.  It did give us each dinner for 2 nights and lunch on another day.
Now that the long days in the yard are over - it's back on the FRUGAL train!  June will be a new start.

We had hotdogs along with veggies and dip and cheese strips one night for dinner.  I made fish tacos another night.  Pizza two nights.  I cooked a small whole pork loin in the crockpot with potatoes and carrots.  Leftover meat was turned into BBQ pulled pork.  Had pulled pork sandwiches along with homemade cauliflower salad.  Grilled burgers and had them with corn and turnip greens.
Treats have been ice cream and cantaloupe.


What did you do this week to save a dollar or two?  Is your garden in?
Can't wait to hear from everyone.
Have a wonderful and blessed week my friends.

Holiday Hunger Helpers

Here's a couple recipes that are easy and might just fill in nicely over the holiday weekend.

EASY SLOPPY JOES
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 C salsa
8 oz. can tomato sauce
1 Tbsp. brown sugar
Cook your beef and drain, then add the rest of ingredients and simmer


ONE BOWL BANANA BREAD
1/3 C oil
3 ripe bananas - smashed
1/2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
2 1/3 C biscuit mix (like Bisquick)
1 C sugar
1/2 C chopped nuts (optional)
Mix everything together and pour into lightly greased loaf pan.  Bake at 350* for 35-45 minutes


EASY CHICKEN CORDON BLEU
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp. butter
1/4 lb. thinly sliced ham
1 C shredded Swiss cheese
1/2 C chicken broth
1 can cream of chicken soup
3/4 C water
Cook the chicken in the butter.  Wrap the cooked chicken with ham slices.  Place in a lightly greased 9 x 13 pan.  Sprinkle with half of the cheese.  Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted.
Add broth to a skillet, add soup, water, and the balance of the cheese.  Heat & whisk until smooth.
Serve chicken with noodles, and spoon cheesy cream sauce over both.


TANGY CHICKEN BBQ
1 C brewed coffee
1 C catsup
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C Worcestershire Sauce
1/4 C cider vinegar
1/8 tsp. pepper.
Mix together and simmer 8 pcs. of chicken in the mixture, until the chicken is completely cooked.
OR grill your chicken, continually brushing with sauce as chicken cooks.

Hope this helps give you a couple new ideas for cookout or get together food.
ENJOY!

We're Shrinking!

Well, we aren't shrinking...as Americans in general are bigger than ever!  YIKES!!!!!

But our products are sure shrinking.  I am sure you have all noticed.... but the retailers try to trick into thinking you are getting things in the same size.

So often, the packaging stays the same, but the product inside is less.  The really crappy part is they are still charging you the same amount of money, or in some instances MORE! 
This is why I think it is so extremely important to be vigilant of reading the product packaging, but more importantly ------- learn how to make many of the products yourself or find alternatives.
I know there are many items that you just can't substitute another item for, and many you really CAN'T make at home, but we should sure try when we can.
WE CAN ALSO COMPLAIN TO THE MANUFACTURERS!

I got to thinking about this over the weekend.  I went to Kroger to buy their Party Pail gallon of ice cream, that was a crazy price of 2.99 in the flier.  They have only one size called Party Pail.  The flier said 128 oz. for 2.99.  The tub of ice cream says 1 gallon (3.78L).  It rang up 3.99 - so I told the girl the add was 2.99 and showed it to her.
I am being gracious calling her a "girl" - she was about my age.  She says well the one in the ad is smaller - see 128 oz.  Yours is 3.78L!   OK????????!!!!!!
I explain that liters and ounces are not the point.  I told her there are 4 quarts in a gallon.  One quart is 32 ounces - so 4 quarts (1 gal.) is 128 oz.!!!!!   Her answer was "If you say so".  (I'm not joking).  So she only charged me 2.99 but didn't understand why.
REALLY?  It absolutely amazes me, that America has dumbed down so much.  Kids can't make change unless the 'machine' tells them - and adults don't even know that a gallon is 128 oz.!!!!!  Amazing.

Ok, I digressed a bit, but that is what got me thinking about our incredibly shrinking world.

*Most places a 'half gallon' of ice cream is actually 1 1/2 quarts now
*Coffee used to be a pound - now most is 11 oz.
*A bag of chips used to 16 oz.  - now 11oz. or 12 oz.
*Laundry detergent weighs less and does less loads (bottle is generally the same)
* I used to get deli cookies 12/$ - now they are 10/$
*Candy bars are much smaller than back in the day!
*Hotdogs were sold by the pound - now they weigh 14 oz.
*Yogurt used to be 6 oz. - now 5.3 oz.
*Haagon Daz used to be a pint - now 14 oz. in weight and they still label it a pint!!
*Bacon was always sold by the pound - now most packages are 12 oz. - 14 oz.
*Disposable diapers were always 100 per pack - now 92
*Toilet paper has less sheets and is narrower per roll
*Slim Fast was 6 - 11 oz. cans - now it is 4 - 10 oz. cans
*Many bottles of juice went from 64 oz. to 59 oz.
*Cereal used to always be at least 16 oz. - now what I buy is down to 11.5 oz.
*Cans of tuna were 6 oz. - now 5 oz.
*A lot of canned goods have always been 15 oz. or 16 oz. - but have gone down in some cases  to
  11.5 oz.
The list goes on and on and on!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It has gotten really bad in my opinion.  The retailers are being extremely deceptive.  They simply think we won't notice - and many people don't.  I read labels on everything!!!!  I watch people in the stores pick up one size of something that is expensive - when another size is cheaper.
I have seen people struggle with a gallon of milk - costing 3.59 - when the sale is a half gallon for 1.25.  DUH!  It is cheaper to get 2 and easier to handle.
I have even told people in the store this - and they look at me like I am a Martian!  I guess some people just have more money than sense!
I WANT TO USE MY SENSE AND KEEP MY CENTS!!!!!!!

Be careful to read the packaging on everything.  Yes it takes some extra time (especially at first).  This is a good time for all of us to start 'price books' or keep notebooks with us - as to sizes and prices.  Do the math before buying things.  Always breakdown the price per ounce or sheet - this will give you an accurate figure of what you are buying.

Our incomes don't seem to be going up at all - especially those of us who are retired.  Prices go up daily.  We need to pay attention and get the best value for our dollars.
A little extra time can save you a lot of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$!
DO THE MATH



PS - I am waiting for the day when a dozen eggs goes down to 10 and a gallon of milk becomes 3 quarts!  I am sure it won't be long.

Frugal Happenings 5/22

Happy Sunday everyone.  I hope this finds you all well and happy.
I have been remiss again this week in keeping up with posting.  It seems I have been busy going to rehab and working around the house.
When I go to the rehab to see my brother, it takes up at least half of the day.  Progress is slow and steady!  We do see gradual improvements.

I did take advantage of some nice weather to get a lot of yard work done.  Oh my I was way behind.  I still am.  I have plans on spending today in the yard again.  It seems that all of a sudden things have started to thrive - weeds included!

Frugal this week:

• I made up 10 hanging baskets and planters myself, instead of buying them ready made.  That was a huge savings.
• I made more seed blocks (like suet) for the birds.  They are thoroughly enjoying them!
• Made homemade hummingbird nectar and cleaned and refilled the feeders.
• Made flavored coffee a couple times this week for G.  Mixed in my own flavoring
• All meals from home
• We did order pizza one night from a new place.  It was much cheaper than traditional pizza shops, FREE delivery, it was HUGE and thick with toppings.  Usually we get a meal with a piece or 2 left - we got 2 meals each and lunch from this pizza.  It was wonderful!
• Picked more flowers for bouquets
• Made homemade banana bread

• Have gotten to have the windows open a lot, and sleeping with bedroom window the past couple nights.  I LOVE THAT!  I like a cool bedroom.
• I only bought milk and some ice cream this week.  Ice cream was on a super sale.  I haven't bought much in the way of groceries in over a month.
• I cleaned out the garden area.  WOW what a job.  It was full of weeds from about 4" - 12".  I had to pull or dig them all out.  Then I got to spread 1/2 truck of manure on the garden.  Talk about FREE exercise!   I could hardly move that night - boy am I out of shape.

I wish I had taken a picture before I got the weeds out and spread the manure.  It's impossible to appreciate all the work involved.  Now to get the garden plowed and planted!!!!!!  That will happen in the next couple days.

Our meals were pretty easy all week.  We had chili over rice, taco salad, chili-mac made with leftover chili, tuna casserole and salad, ordered pizza (ate 2 nights), and loaded baked potatoes.  I made a large loaf of banana bread and made some homemade grilled fruit pies (with bread & pie filling).

I am sure going to be embracing and loving the warm weather and the sunshine the next few days.  We haven't had a lot of either this spring.

How was your week?  Did you get any deals or do any projects that saved you money?  How is your garden growing?  Hope to hear from you all.

God bless you all, my friends.  May your week be safe and healthy and prosperous.

Thoughts and Posies!

This is our oldest rose bush.  It was here when we moved in 30 years ago, and we have moved it twice.  I have no idea how old it really is.  Look at all those buds!!!  My climbers are literally covered with buds.

The peonies are just starting to open.  I can't wait till all those buds open up.  I sure do love the smell of them.

I sure hope all those little buds turn into raspberries.

Baby bunches of grapes!

Click on pictures to enlarge images.
***********************************************************


"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up.  The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."  
Thomas Edison

I think this statement covers everything.  If you have a bad financial week or slip up - just get back on the bandwagon and start again.
There is NO way to fail, as long as you are trying.

Peace!

Frugal Happenings 5/15

Happy Sunday.  I hope you all had a great week.  We had a wet and chilly week for the most part.  There were a couple of nice days - but it sure hasn't felt like mid May!

I got to spend two days at therapy with my brother, one at the beginning of the week and one at the end.  There was a big difference in following directions by the end of week.  I see it as a positive!

Yesterday I went to the Farmer's Market up the street again.  The 100 year old neighborhood around the park, was having a neighborhood garage sale.  Well, I had to go!!!  That was my first yard sales of the year - but man was it cold.  It was in the 40's, very windy, and gray skies.  I was wishing for my winter jacket by the time I quit.  I got some great deals - I will list below.

I met a couple gals at one sale that I over heard talking about being frugal.  I told them about this little blog - and they seemed excited.  I hope they stop by and join in the conversation.

Frugal this week:

• I stopped at a greenhouse and got some cell packs of flowers to make my own hanging baskets.  So much cheaper than buying the baskets ready made.
• Bought lettuce and salad turnips at the FM.  I think I will try cooking the salad turnip greens as well!
• All meals from home and from scratch
• Used up ALL leftovers
• Brought in a small bouquet of flowers from the yard.  Cut the first 3 peonies that opened - and the house smells just lovely because of them.
• Did a lot of yard work on nice days - FREE exercise
• Of course I have been doing all the usual stuff like making tea, filtering water, laundry in cold water, etc.

It was so cloudy yesterday - no matter how many lights I turned on, I couldn't get bright pictures of the stuff I bought.  Hope you can see.
I will tell you what items were originally marked or what I looked up and what I paid!

• A bag of 50 giant brown lunch bags (will use for gift bags) - retail $6.59 - I paid 50 cents
• Box of 40 fancy all occasion cards (solid re-usable box as well) - marked 11.99 - I paid 50 cents
• 2 handmade pottery soup mugs with lids (will be a gift with a jar mix of soup) - owner said they cost $20 each at high end specialty store - I paid $1 ea.
• An informative book - Amazon $4.99 - I paid 50 cents
• 2 pillow forms (will make for gifts) 50 cents each
• Tortilla warmer (I now make my own) - retail 5.99 - I paid 2.00
• 4 new rolls of bendable Christmas ribbon marked 3.99 each for 50 cents each
• Velveeta cheese keeper - $9 - $20 on Amazon - I paid 50 cents
• 9 packs of decorative holiday napkins (I use cloth except for large gatherings) - total price marked $12 - I paid 10 cents for 3 packs or a total of 30 cents!  These will last years.
• Never opened cake pop pans and kits (for gifts) - Amazon $12 ea. - I paid $5
• MY BEST PURCHASE - A Soda Stream machine (retail 79.99), carbonizer (retail 29.99), extra bottle (retail 7.49), and 14 Pepsi mixes (retail $17 for 16 pack) .................ALL FOR $15!!!!!!!!!       (Only used 2x)        WOOHOO!!!  Not a big pop drinker, but I love sparkling fruit flavored water.  I will keep the Pepsi mixes for company.

Yep, I think I did OK!!!!!!  I haven't bought hardly anything in the past couple years at yard sales - but this cold blustery day was a big win for me!  Despite being chilled to the bone, I had a great day!
I spent around $31 for everything and it has a retail of approximately $235!!!!!!!!!!!!!
****************************************************************************

Meals this week were varied, yet easy.  We had taco salad one night, smothered fries (leftover taco meat & cheese) and chicken strips, homemade biscuits and sausage gravy, grilled cheese and salad, homemade pizza, and homemade lasagna (2X).  Leftover gravy was used at breakfast another day.  Extra pizza for lunch.
Had a small homemade banana split a couple times, and finished last weeks small cake, and made popcorn for snacks.
I think I will make chili for dinner tonight, as it is still cool outside.  I never thought I'd make chili in May - I usually only make it during cold weather!

How was your week?
Check in and let us know what you have been up to.  It's fun for all of us to see what others are doing to save a buck or two!

Many blessings to each of you in the coming week.  Take care my friends.