Healthy Munchies on the Cheap!

We all get the munchies now and then and just HAVE to have a snack.  I know so many people who say chocolate is their go to snack!  I like chocolate once in a while - and I love flavored potato chips - by my favorite snacks are all pretty darn healthy.  GO FIGURE!

There are so many ideas for 'smart snacking' that cost very little money.  These are great ideas for home, car, and the office.  Adults and kids should enjoy most of them.

FRESH FRUIT -
Buy what is in season. 
SUMMER - melons, peaches, plums, cherries, etc. 
FALL - apples, pears
WINTER - citrus of all kinds
SPRING - strawberries

I absolutely love melons.  I like all types of them if they are really ripe and juicy!  Apples and peanut butter are a staple in my house in the fall and winter.  We both love that.


FRESH VEGGIES
Sliced carrots, celery, radish, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.

Probably my favorite in the summer is a nice tomato with salt!  I do like to eat cukes, radish and baby carrots with a little Italian dressing - or even a small salad.

*Hard boiled eggs are a great and filling snack (or lunch or breakfast)
*Bananas - so nutritious and another yummy with peanut butter.  I like peanut butter/banana sandwiches
*Nuts - full of protein and very filling.  Eating about 10-12 nuts can make you feel full
*Homemade trail mix - so easy to make with whatever you have on hand.  Throw several sweet and salty goodies together and you have trail mix.  Very filling.
*Pickles - sweet or dill - they are good!  This is another one of our favorites - we can sit and eat a quart of dill pickles in an evening!!!!!
*Popcorn - so easy to make and very inexpensive.  Filling as well.  Try adding new flavors so you don't get bored with it.  Ranch, garlic, onion, cheese, etc.
*Pretzels - can't get much cheaper than pretzels.  We have small pretzels on hand all the time.
*Yogurt - mix it with some fruit and you have a super healthy snack
*Muffins - make several muffins (sweet or savory) and keep them in the freezer.  Microwave one or two when hungry (much better than snacking on cookies, candy or other sweets).
*Smoothies - fruit smoothies are always fun.  You can put all kinds of combos of fruits (and even veggies) together with a little milk or juice and ice and you have a smoothie.  We love fixing these for what seems like a sweet treat - but very healthy.
*Cheese - string cheese is great for taking away hunger pangs!  It is filling and good for you.  I often cut some slices of cheddar or Colby and eat for a little snack.
*Seeds - sunflowers, pumpkin, etc.  Very healthy and can be quite inexpensive.  You can even  dry your own.
*Water instead of pop or sugared drinks is the best.  Water is filling.  Drink before a meal and eat less.


None of the items mentioned above are expensive.  Probably the most expensive would be nuts and cheese - but if you eat just a bit to fill you - each serving costs little to nothing.
All the above items are very healthy, especially when eaten in moderation.  Looking at the list I see lots of protein and lots of vitamins and minerals!
Don't waste your money buying those "lunch-able kits" at the store - make your own with fresh and healthy ingredients.  You know exactly what your getting and it will only cost you pennies!!!

The next time you get a little growling in that tummy, don't grab for candy (it really doesn't curb your hunger) - reach for something healthy.
You can keep all these items at home (and probably already have most), and you can grab and go.

Stay healthy and full and save a chunk of change in the process!
MUNCH AWAY MY FRIENDS!

Frugal Happenings 5/28

Good morning to all.  I hope all are well and happy on this glorious day. 
It is race day in our city - The 500 Mile Race.  The weather has taken a turn and should be clear for the race.  It was supposed to rain.  I am glad as there are thousands of people visiting from all over the world for this event.
I have not had any desire to fight those crowds for years and years.  In my younger days, it was quite fun - NOT NOW!

We had a couple nice clear days earlier in the week, then rain off and on the rest of the week.  Storms went through the area on Friday evening.


My week:

• I managed to get a lot of yard work done - mowing, weeding and planting flowers
• Plowed the garden, plowed in coffee and tea grounds and egg shells.  Added my beneficial insects (looks like dust - becomes alive and eats grub larvae).  Laid the weed barrier and planted the entire garden.  Also placed soaker hose (just in case rain water runs out).  It sure was an exhausting day!!!!!  My poor body ached.
• God has been watering my newly planted garden all week!
• Laundry dried on the outside line
• Picked a bouquet of roses
• Now have 2 -  55 gallon barrels of rain water
• I have been working on the t-shirt/jersey blanket for nephew.  It sure would have been easier had all the shirts been t-shirts.  Almost done.  (This has been another back aching project!)
• I made a run to Meijer and did a big stock up on dry and wet cat food.  Saved $21 with sales and coupons.
• Meijer also had fresh corn 6 - $1, and ground beef for 1.87/lb.  I got 6 ears of corn to enjoy and 10 lbs. of meat for the freezer (not much room left or I would have gotten more)
• Made a light and fluffy yellow cake - no icing.  Serving with fruit.

My bad moment was the day the garden went in - I was so absolutely drained, that I broke down and ordered delivery food.  We had Chinese (which made G happy) - but it did last us 2 nights.
I also got 2 really nice storage containers out of it!!!!

Tex-Mex skillet meal


Meals this week:
Cold sandwiches and chopped veggies in dressing
Chicken & dumplings and steamed broccoli
Chinese (2X)
Tex-Mex skillet dinner over rice
Burgers and corn on the cob and salad
Homemade pizza (Mexican style) - used leftover skillet mix on top with mushrooms, olives, onion and cheese (Mmmmmmm)

Snacks - sherbet, popcorn and cake w/fruit


We have been enjoying the open windows and fresh air (when not raining).  I did turn on the AC for a couple hours Saturday afternoon, as it got to feeling quite humid.
It sure smells heavenly when I walk into the back yard.  The honeysuckle is absolutely divine!
The hummingbirds have been enjoying it, and my feeders!  Such precious little flying jewels.
We have some young squirrels showing up at the feeders.  There must have been a birth somewhere close by - in the past month or so.  Oh my the are just so cute.


How has this past week been for you?  Did you find any great bargains?  Did you ad to your pantry?  How is everyone's gardens doing?
Check in and let us know what is happening in your little spot in the world. 

May you all have a safe, frugal and happy week.  God bless!


NEVER FORGET !!!!

Holiday Stock-up

It is that time of the year again.  Memorial Day is this weekend, and yes many celebrate it as a day for picnics and sun bathing, and swimming pool openings, etc. 
I know this is a long holiday weekend for many, and folks look forward to that first big get together of the summer.
In our city, we host the largest single day sporting event in the world - the 500 Mile Race.  I pray it will be a safe event, not only for the drivers, but for the patrons and the city.  It is kind of scary with all that is going on in this world.


Along with all the parties and celebrations - come SALES!
Now is the time to stock up on many items that are extremely well priced this week.

Hamburger
Hotdogs
Buns
Chips
Condiments
Soda Pop
Watermelon & other melons
Fresh corn
Chicken
Baked beans
Many types of alcohol
Grilling and picnic items
Suntan lotions
Even swim suits and many summer clothes

This will probably be the last BIG sale until July in America.  Now is the time to add items to the pantry and freezer and save money.  There are many, many great deals to be had at almost every store.

Plan ahead and perhaps you can even buy some Christmas presents.  Nothing says items gifted at Christmas have to be all about winter!  Shake things up a bit.
Think summer clothes, lotions, picnic supplies, grilling supplies, beach towels, etc.

Take advantage, and help to fill your pantry for the winter, or bless someone who may need a little help.  Always be planning ahead.  Pantry prepping is an on-going thing!



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I'd also like to add a HUGE THANK YOU to all Veterans and active service members.  So many have sacrificed everything, so we may all have a life of freedom. 
Thank you to the families of all past and present service members as well.  They sacrifice so very much as well.
May none of us ever forget that FREEDOM IS NEVER FREE

Be safe and have a lovely weekend with family and friends.
God Bless

Garden Fun and Function

Good morning everyone.  I am a day late on posting - so sorry.  I took advantage of a near perfect day to get my garden in yesterday.  WHEW is this old gal pooped!!!!!
We are supposed to have rain just about everyday for the next week, so yesterday was my shot at getting it done.

Sunday I posted a picture of my purple chair and everyone seemed to like it.  I love my yard and gardens, but there is nothing formal about anything I do.  I like formal gardens, but that just isn't me.
I am all about WHIMSY!
I love using things in an unconventional way.

As a side story - I had an uncle years ago that made all kinds of doo-dads and whirly gigs for his yard.  I used to think he was silly.  My aunt would spend money on feeding all the stray cats and nature outdoors.  I, as well as my siblings, thought she had lost her mind. 
OH MY GOODNESS  - I have turned into both of them!!!!  I know they are looking down and laughing at my silliness as well!

I will show some pictures today of how to use items in a new way in the yard and garden.  I know some of you may have seen a couple of these - but I hope it gives everyone a few ideas!
NOTE:  Most of these are from summers past - my garden isn't big yet!

This is a farm implement flower I have in the garden.  It was unfinished when I purchased it years ago - I added paint.

This is a birdhouse attached to the handle of an old shovel.  The shovel end was broken in the middle.

 

 

The old washtub  makes a great garden container.  Rubber animal water container in front contains lettuce.  A painted metal basket on left contains lettuce as well.

A second wash tub contains flowers - an old chair holding a pot of flowers, whiskey barrel of chives - pieces of drift wood in odd shapes.

Rain barrels.  One store bought - the other is homemade.  Clean 55 gal. drum, scrap piece of hose (works for over flow), and a piece of screen and a budgy cord.

I use a spare piece of plastic lattice in the garden between the zucchini and the tomatoes.  It keeps the squash from taking over.

A wood pallet placed up against the fence works for vining cucumbers.

Ice cream parlor chair turned into planter.  I have 2 of these in different colors.


This gives you an idea of how unconventional  I am!  Shoot I used to have a church pew on the from porch, until it finally started giving out - then my neighbor took it!

I have a red metal old fashioned headboard as a center piece of my perennial bed (I couldn't find a good picture).  It is a flower "bed" is it not???

I just love a little whimsy and fun.  My neighbors all seem to enjoy it as well.  I have met people out walking their dogs in the alley, that stop me and tell how much they enjoy walking by the yard.  These are people I don't know.  I am glad it puts joy in someone else's life as well as mine!

It's your yard - have fun.  You can decorate and add color and fun for little or no money. 
I LOVE MY YARD ART.

Do you have any  fun pieces in your yard and garden?  Any new ways to use old items?  Give us a shout!
ENJOY

 

Frugal Happenings 5/21

Good morning to all my frugal friends.
I hope all are safe and healthy!

We have had an interesting weather week.  It got quite warm and humid for a few days this week - actually had to turn the AC on for a few hours on a couple days.  We have had a couple nasty storms.  We faired well, but other areas of the state had a lot of flooding and even tornados.  We had a couple days that were extremely windy - 40-50 mph winds.  Couldn't get much done outside on those days.
I see some areas of the country had SNOW again this week.  WOW!
It appears that this coming week will cool a bit and we will have some lovely weather. Hoping to get a lot done outdoors this week.

This past week:

• Picked 2 more bouquets of peonies.  I absolutely adore that smell.  They are now done for the year.
• Boiled eggs for quick and easy meals and snacks
• Made a big bowl of chunky salad.  Broccoli, cauliflower, tomatoes, onion, cukes, dressing, sunflower seeds and frozen peas.  Was good for several meals.
• Sprayed fence rows and out back with vinegar solution to kill weeds and grass
• Line dried laundry
• On calm days I got to paint some yard art and freshen it up a bit.

This is the chair I found in trash a while back.  Repaired and painted - it called out to be purple!  Now a plant stand in my front flower bed.  I love the pop of color.

• I made a run to my favorite family owned greenhouse to get some plants.  They have really cut back (trying to sell out).  I got most of my stuff needed for $28.  Still need to find a few other things and a place that sells them cheaply.  I can't believe how expensive plants are around here, at other places!
• Got a .20 a gallon discount on gasoline
• Got my container garden in - still haven't got main garden done
• Went to Joanne Fabrics to get fleece for the blanket I am making for graduation.  Didn't realize they were having a 4 day sale!  Fabric regular $24.98 - I PAID $9.98.  I also bought a 3 pack of Fiskar brand scissors.  Regular price 19.98 - I PAID $11.99!!  So I got the fabric and scissors for less than the price of what the  fabric should have been!  CALL ME HAPPY!
• Stopped at Kroger on the way home (of course I did!) to check out clearance.  I found 14 - 16 oz. bottles of salad dressing on closeout for .47 each!!!!   Got Ranch, Italian, Caesar, and Honey BBQ.  No way I could make it that cheaply!  (dated 5/2018)  YAY!!!
• I also got 4 sets of silicone ice cube trays in cute designs (flowers, stars and moustache).  These went into the gift box/pantry.  They were reduced to $1 per set of 3.
• Made hummingbird nectar
• My rain barrels are about half full - FREE garden water
• Finally made it to the Farm Market up the road yesterday (just before a storm hit).  Got some nice radishes, baby turnips (we use in salad), salad greens and a loaf of Artisan bread.  Cooked the radish and turnip greens for lunch (nothing wasted)

My Farmer's Market goodies.  YUM

 Meals this week:
Chunky salad and chicken strips
Salad and tuna patties
Ground pork burgers, dirty rice and side salad
Pork chops, leftover rice and green beans
Sloppy Joes and oven fries
Fried chicken livers and country gravy (definitely non-diet day!)
Chef salad
SNACKS:  sliced strawberries, fruit smoothies and sherbet


How was your week?  What have you done to help your pantry and/or your pocketbook??
How does your garden grow?


I absolutely love hearing from each of you.  I love how we are getting a number of new readers.  The more the merrier - so many more ideas to share!
Take care my friends and may you have a truly blessed week.

"Sub Pantries"

I know we all work on our pantries weekly.  In most cases people think of everything they buy and put back for future use as their pantry.
I look at it a little differently.  I figure I have SUB PANTRIES!

What do I mean? 
I categorize by different items and uses.

Here are a few that you may JUST consider pantry!

Pet pantry
Health aids and beauty pantry
Craft pantry
Gardening pantry (seeds, etc.)
Cleaning and canning pantry (supplies)
Reference pantry (informational books and guides)
Food pantry

Here is where I do something a little different - my food pantry is divided into special areas.

I have my FAST FOOD PANTRY
This contains the supplies I keep on hand to make knock-offs of fast food.  It saves money from wanting to make a special trip for that favorite food.

• I always keep ALL supplies to make Mexican food - taco seasoning, beans, salsa, sauces, cheese, taco shells, and wraps (I also make my own wraps)
• I keep supplies on hand for pizza night - sauce, pepperoni, chopped frozen veggies in case I don't have fresh, hamburger and/or sausage.............
• I keep seasonings on hand to make Chinese or Oriental (hubs favorite).  I also always have thin pasta (for lo-mein), rice, water chestnuts, and veggies that can be used in stir fry, sesame oil, rice wine vinegar, etc.
• We also love Italian food - I always have homemade spaghetti sauce, canned tomatoes and sauce, pasta of all sorts (lasagna, shells, elbow, spaghetti - all sizes), cheese, etc.
• I also keep a bag of seasoned wings, tasty breaded fish, thinly sliced ham, turkey and beef in the freezer.  Once used - I replace.  This enables us to have a quick 'fast food' meal without having to spend the money on take-out!

 

Part of my upstairs pantry supplies.  There are shelves above what you see and they are all about 3' deep.  Spice racks on the door for extra containers.


I DON'T WANT TO COOK PANTRY
There are just nights that none of us want to take the time to cook a big dinner.
You DO NOT have to cook every meal!!!  You are allowed to just get lazy some times!

• I try to keep soup beans, homemade soups, maybe even a casserole in the freezer.
• Soup and sandwiches are my favorite go to.  I have home canned soups, and store bought soups on hand always
• I always have some kind of sandwich fixings - even if it is just grilled cheese
• I keep bar cheese and beef sticks on hand - for those nights we veg out on cheese/meat and crackers
• Fresh veggies and dip are great as well.  Always keep a bag of nacho chips on hand for salsa (chips are so easy to make from tortilla's)
• Keep tuna, hard boiled eggs on hand for making a quick sandwich salad.
• Spam and eggs are super easy and filling as well - add some toast and you have a meal
• Egg sandwiches
• Salad

GOODIES PANTRY
We all want our tasty yummy goodies and treats.  Homemade are so easy and much cheaper.

• Keep the items on hand to make cookies, brownies, and cakes (Even if it is pre-packaged mixes - it's better to have on hand at home
• Learn to make trail mixes (actually about anything you might want to throw together)
• Popcorn and different salt flavorings
• Fresh veggies and dip (always keep sour cream on hand for making dips)

OK, you get where I am going with this.  Make sure that you have all the supplies that you might need for any type of scenario.  There is NO reason to run out and spend precious funds on fast food or 'lazy' food when you can do it right at home.
SURE we all need a restaurant meal once in a while - I am not saying never eat out.  It is just so costly any more - even going to McD's, Taco Bell, or Arby's!!!!!!

I love Taco Bell - but have learned how to make most of the items they sell.
G loves Chinese, and I keep supplies on hand to re-create some of his favorites.
We both LOVE the Outback - I can do steaks on the grill and have learned how to make Alice Springs chicken myself (my fav).
YES, we do have restaurant meals from time to time (especially when we have gift cards).  Yes, we do splurge once in a while.
But we have become so accustomed to eating from home, and it tastes so much fresher - that this is what we do most.


Are there any certain things that you consider "SUB" pantry??
Do you keep items on hand for those knock-off meals??

I look forward to hearing how you handle your pantries and what specialty items you try to keep on hand.  I am always looking for new ideas.

PANTRIES ARE ESSENTIAL!

SIMPLE Solutions

We are all looking for ways to save time and money, no doubt about it.   There are so many things we can do at home, that just makes since - but we don't often think about them.

Today I have a few ideas, hacks, and even a recipe that will hopefully aid you in your every day life.

• A seriated knife will cut a tomato without ever smashing the tomato.  It works perfectly every time!
• The green lids from jars of dry parmesan cheese will fit a canning jar.  Works great for storing your own spices or mixes
• The top from a pouring salt box, can be cut to fit under the band of a canning jar.  Makes a perfect pouring jar. (I have several of these jars)

• Freeze fresh herbs in oil.  Use an ice cube tray.  (I always keep extra ones for herbs and food - different from the ice ones).  A great way to infuse fresh herb flavor in frying.
• Keep your water from boiling eggs or potatoes, or water from steaming veggie - let it cool and use on your plants.  It contains lots of minerals.  **Make SURE there is no salt  in it - just water.
• Pour scalding water bath water on weeds you want to kill.  No sense pouring it down the drain.
• Place a sheet of plastic wrap over the ice cream in an opened container.  This will prevent ice crystals from building up on the ice cream.  (Ours never lasts that long - but just in case!!)
• Freeze seedless grapes and use in a glass of wine to keep it chilled.  Frozen grapes are a wonderful summertime snack as well
• Honey NEVER goes bad - although it may crystalize.  Warm it up and it will liquefy.
• Grease a measuring cup before measuring honey or anything else sticky.  It will pour right out.
• Make 'ice cubes' from tea, coffee, juice, wine, etc. in muffin pans.  Larger cubes take longer to melt and you don't water down drinks 
• Add fruit - berries, grapes, lemon, oranges, etc. to cubes for an added summer splash
• Freeze tomato sauce, spaghetti sauce, or any tomato product in ice cube trays.  When frozen place in a baggy in the freezer.  Pull out what you need.
• Place parchment paper on baking racks when roasting veggies - super easy clean up!!!!
• Keep a designated pair of FOOD scissors in your kitchen.  I love them for cutting up lettuce, celery, some meats, and even small pizzas.  So many uses!
• NEVER  throw out the woody part of asparagus or broccoli - DEHYDRATE and GRIND into powder.  Adds so much flavor to soups and such.  I also like to peel the stems of broccoli and cook.  That is my favorite part (keep peelings to dry)
• Place 1 CUP of uncooked rice in your coffee grinder and pulse.  It will clean and sharpen the blades
• Use old place mats as drawer liners, picnic basket liner, padding between fragile dishes, or even as protection when  packing shoes (keeps clothes clean)
• Drill tiny holes (about 6 - 3 each in 2 rows) in the top of a plastic bottle lid.  Add vinegar to bottle and you have a weed killer bottle that allows you to pour vinegar exactly where you need to.  I have been doing this in areas of flower beds this spring.  Works wonderfully!
• Lay slices of lemon on your grill before grilling fish.  Lay the fish upon the slices and get the flavor of lemon and fish will not fall through the grates
• Grate FROZEN  or VERY COLD butter for baking recipes.  So much easier to incorporate.
• Make your own non-breakable GAZING BALL for your garden.  Get an old bowling ball and spray paint whatever color/colors you wish!  My brother did this and it was amazing!!!!  You can also glue copper pennies to one.

This was my brothers 'gazing ball'.   You could place the holes on the bottom or silicone them closed.  That is what he did. 



GLUTEN FREE PANKO LIKE CRUMBS
Crush rice Chex cereal and use as 'panko' crumbs.  No gluten!  This would work with ANY gluten free cereal you might want to use.

FRUIT AND VEGGIE WASH
1 Tbsp. lemon juice (fresh if possible)
1 Tbsp. baking soda
1 C water.
Spray fruits and veggies to clean.  Pat dry and refrigerate.
Saves money - and there is NO added chemicals or "secret" ingredients!


I hope a few of these ideas may help you in the kitchen or yard.  I have many more ideas and hacks - but that is another day.
Do you have any great ideas to pass on?  Inquiring minds want to know!!!

ENJOY your day!