Frugal Happenings 11/11

Good morning.  Happy Veteran's Day to all of our veterans past and present.  Thank you for your service.

It is a cold November morning in my area.  We have had very windy (20 mph - 45 mph) and much chillier days this week.  Friday night got down to 18* - brrrrr.  It looks like our highs will stay around the 30's and 40's this week.

Wednesday (one of 2 days that was NOT windy) there was a house fire 2 blocks south of us.  The smoke was awful and I stood on the front porch and actually watched the flames rising to the skies.  It was very scary to see.  Everyone got out, except their doggie.  I just kept thinking what a blessing it was that we were not having a windy day.  Had the usual wind of the week been blowing, many houses would have caught fire.  As it was, it sounded as if every fire truck in the city was in our area.
I can not imagine what the people of CA are going through.  Prayers for their safety and for containment.

Got a bit nostalgic yesterday.  While going to a bazaar, I drove through the neighborhood I grew up in.  Sadly our home burned years after out of our hands.  Then at the bazaar I ran into the daughter of a lady that lived 2 doors from us back in the day.  She is older and grew up with my siblings.  We talked about the old neighborhood.  Yesterday was also 2 years since my brother passed.  Just kind of a sad, yet remembering happy times, kind of day!

I am a little stiff this morning.  This body doesn't  rebound as quickly as it used to!  Things need to be done - it just takes a little longer to  re-coop from the physical labor!

My frugal week:

• I patched and mended 3 pairs of jeans
• Refilled all the spice bottles from bulk jars
• I salvaged about 8 lbs. of cheese powder this week.  We had bought 10 lbs. quite some time ago. (I use a lot - just not as quickly as I thought!).  It had solidified - so I chunked it and ran through the Ninja.  I placed in smaller bags with oxygen absorbers.  All is good and I have it tucked away in old ice cream containers.

It had been in a plastic bag in a box.  Solid cheese powder it was!!!!

Now I have 13 bags and a jar for the kitchen.  I am pleased it was savable.  I am good for cheese powder for ages!!!!!!

• I was cleaning the corner cabinet in the dining room and found a $50 bill!  YAY - I have no idea when I tucked it away or why - but it was found just in time for Christmas shopping!
• I did a major stock-up this week on pantry items.  Turkey .37/lb. - over 20 lbs.  Baking goods and can goods .45 ea..  Aldi and Meijer shopping.  Good for the winter!
• Ran to a Christmas Bazaar at an area church on Saturday (my first of the season).  Only spent 50 cents in the 'Grandma's Attic' section.  I got a bread machine recipe book.

• Stopped at Kroger which was a couple blocks from bazaar and got Saturday specials.  TP and 8 oz. cheese blocks.  I also found a .99 bag of sweet potatoes.  G likes them and I don't get often.  I got 3.5 lbs. in the bag. (5 potatoes and 1 is huge)

• I then dropped in Sav A Lot on my drive back home.  10 lbs. of Russet potatoes for 1.89!
• I reorganized and inventoried freezers, cleaned out the frig and made some new storage areas for overstock of pantry.
• Made a batch of grape jelly (5 pints) from freezer grapes.  Ran water through the pulp left, and made a light grape syrup to add to sparkling water for flavor.
• Meals at home this week.  Laundry in cold.  Tea cooled out on porch handrail.  All the normal stuff
• Made dip
• Got the last rain barrel totally emptied and put away for the winter
• Took the 'kitty' heater from the greenhouse apart and thoroughly cleaned.  Heater and all water bowls all plugged in for the babies and birds and squirrels. (teens and low 20's at night)
• Raked the back yard and got leaves out on the garden area.  Still have more to come down - but made great progress
• When reorganizing freezers - I brought inside (from garage freezer) - 5 lbs. chicken breast, 10 lbs. ground beef, 3 OJ concentrate, 2 lbs. butter, frozen peaches and grapes.  Made room for turkey/ham deals
• Got a big bag of items ready for donation

Meals this past week:
Fried cabbage, carrots & sausage with rice
Pork chops, asparagus and tangy mac n cheese
Breaded tenderloins and leftover mac
Chicken & cheese baked spaghetti and side salad
Homemade pizza and salad
Mini cheeseburgers and baked potato wedges
Chili/cheese dogs, chips and dip

This coming week I plan on working more on my fall cleaning.  I also plan on getting all my bread dried for Thanksgiving dressing.  I hope to color my hair (oh it needs it badly).  I plan on spending a couple dark early evenings (it's dark by 6PM) addressing Christmas cards.  I can get it over with and actually do something constructive on those boring dark evenings!!!
Oh so many things to do - it just never ends.

How was your week?  Are you gals taking advantage of any of the holiday grocery sales?  How is your Christmas gifting going?
Let us know what you are up to!

I pray you all have a safe and healthy week.  May we all be filled with gratitude for all we have and a giving heart for those who have little or nothing.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Getting Holiday & Winter Pantry Ready

This is old gal is feeling kind of flushed today.  I have been a busy bee.  It is nice to sit down and rest my back for a few minutes.
I decided today was the day to get myself in gear and get the holiday and winter pantry sorted, arranged, cleaned out and ready to go.

I started with both of the freezers (actually last night).  I finally got outside and went through the deep freeze in the garage.  I brought a lot of items in, and placed in the upright freezer.  There was sadly a couple things that I just tossed.  I believe I had gotten them free (not that waste of free is ok), and they were very old.

Downstairs & frig freezers are now all sorted (AGAIN) and have new inventory.  Deep freeze is ready for sale turkey or hams!  YAY!

I totally cleaned out the refrigerator and combined bottles and got rid of a few.  If I have had a half bottle of something for a few months - it obviously meant we didn't LOVE it.  Washed all the shelves and re-arranged things.

I did my HUGE Aldi shop of the season this morning!  I get several things to last through the winter, just in case.  I like being prepared for anything during the holidays and I like knowing I don't have to run out for basics if the weather gets nasty.  I got several cases of veggies that I just don't grow or can myself.  I am great on fruit.  Got extra baking goods and some boxed items that we really like.

I then ran across the street from Aldi to Meijer and took advantage of .37/lb. turkey!!!!! WOOHOO.  I got a nice big one for $7 and change (limit 1).  I will use it for Thanksgiving and the others (2) that I already have went to deep freeze.  I will keep my eyes open for more cheap turkey in the next few weeks and for inexpensive hams.  Heck, you can't buy lunchmeat for .37 pound!
I got a few stocking stuffer gifts as well.

It was absolutely pooped after loading the car from Meijer, packing my groceries at Aldi and loading car - then unloading the whole mess and finding a place for it!  They need to send someone home with us to do that - don't you think???  LOL
Sadly much of my EXTRA storage is in the basement - and that gets tricky and scary, carrying things down.
I rearranged some things on some shelves we have in 2nd bedroom and made room for extra pantry storage upstairs.  That will help me make a lot less trips.  I can get extra from there - then replenish that at my leisure. 

I have one more store I want to go this week.  Sav-A-Lot has some good deals.  Potatoes are super cheap, as well as fresh sweet potatoes.  Both will last for a good while in the cool basement.


I basically had everything I needed for Thanksgiving here already - so we are also ready for whatever the holidays or winter throws our way.
I feel accomplished knowing what we have on hand and that it is orderly and accessible, and that I am well stocked for the winter.
BRING IT ON!!!!!!!

Now I just to need to finish making jellies - and using up all that fruit I brought in.  I do need to dry more bread for dressing, and finish the fall cleaning chores.  Then on to Christmas fun.

Are you taking advantage of the great deals that can be found this time of the year? 
Are you ready for Thanksgiving (in 2 WEEKS!!!!! YIKES)? 
Have you got your pantry in order and inventoried?
Now is the time!

Challenges in Life

We all have them.  Has your life gone exactly as you thought it would 10 years ago, 20 years ago, 30 years ago?  Bet not!
Life changes daily and nothing is guaranteed.  We have to go with the flow, accept what is, and MAKE the future a little brighter.

It is not just those BIG LIFE decisions - but all the smaller ones as well.  I am a big believer that everything happens for a reason.  It may never be understood what the reason is - but I think there is one.
It could be to help someone else in a specific situation.
Learning to be a better listener.
Learning to be more thoughtful.
Being a better steward of what we have (money, things, relationships, etc.)
Learning that MONEY is not the only ANSWER.
I do believe that we are all put in certain paths for a reason.  I think even something so simple as taking to a stranger at the store, has consequences (may make a stranger's day).

1. Seriously, nothing stays the same.  Everything will change at some point.  We just have to go on the ride.
2. Remember back on those times that you just couldn't imagine going on.  YOU DID!  You will again.  You have survived EVERY worst day ever so far!  Sadly we all have horrible things happen in life that we feel we just can't bare, but we are given the strength to go forward.
3. LEARN from everything that happens in life.  That is part of the journey
4. Surely we all have experienced not getting what we thought we wanted or needed.  New opportunities come along and they may be what we NEED.  Remember that thing about "when one door closes......"
5. We get one shot at this thing called life.  ENJOY IT!!!!  Play, sing, dance, eat, laugh - have fun along the way.  How boring it would be if we didn't have a little fun. You don't need permission and you should never feel guilty about JUST enjoying things.
6. Like yourself.  It took me years to 'get' to this point.  I made a lot of mistakes along the way, and beat myself up.  But today "I like me" - and I wouldn't be who I am, had I not had those challenges along they way.
7. Don't give a rat's patooty what anyone thinks!!!!!  Some people just CHOOSE to be negative Nellies in life and you don't need that.  Ignore them, stay away from them, block them, do whatever you need to - keep positive!  Put YOUR sunshine into the world.
8. ALWAYS be THANKFUL.  I woke up today!  I live in a society where I got to freely vote today.  I have my husband and family for another day.  I have the cuddles of my sweet kitties.  I have a warm home and a roof over me.  I have made many lovely friends around the world. I have enough!    Need I go on?    There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for, and I am - each and every moment of each and every day!

Life can be discouraging at times, BUT there is so much that could be worse.  There are days that we all need to put on those big girl panties and march forward.
I just thought that perhaps someone might need a 'nudge' today to get past something negative (it doesn't matter what).  I had something else planned for today's post - and when I sat down at the computer this is the direction that was chosen.
This is the month of THANKS - and we all should be thankful for what we have present in our lives today.  No matter what gets thrown at you - go forward - it will make you stronger.

REMEMBER we have each other - to listen - to confide - to learn - to comfort.
Sending love and  blessings your way, my friends.

Frugal Happenings 11/4

Happy November.  Wow, just a few short weeks and it will be Thanksgiving here in the U.S..  This year is just flying by.
I hope all that had to, got their clocks set back.  I hate this so much.  I don't feel drained in the fall, like I do in the spring - but it gets dark so much earlier.  This is not my favorite thing.

The color of the trees have finally started changing a lot - although many are now on the ground!  We had rain, rain and more rain this week.  We also had wind, wind and MORE wind.  If it wasn't so chilly I would think we are having spring storms. 
I know that November is considered one of the cloudiest months and we are seeing it.  Yesterday was gorgeous, so a little reprieve.

This week my computer decided to totally ignore Internet connection.  We had connection, G was using it, but my computer said NO!  G's uncle - who is a major computer tech, came and worked on computer for 6 hours!!!!  No go.  We had to save info and take computer back to day 1 of 6 years ago.  What a pain.  It took another 4 hours after uncle left.  Now my computer is like a new one!!!!
I guess I might not buy a new one for a while now.

My frugal week:

• Cut G's and my hair
• Received a coupon for a FREE full size item from Bath & Body Works (going next week)
• Made black raspberry jelly from berries in the freezer
• Computer completely restored and updated - cost - 1 jar of jelly!  (Would take nothing else)
• Put 3 bags of spicy beans/rice in freezer for future Mexican meals
• Received a Martha Stewart Living magazine in the mail.  I did not order - so not sure why!  Enjoying reading it.
• Put away any Halloween looking décor and just left out fall decorations
• I went out on Nov. 1 to hunt for markdown candy - NONE TO BE FOUND!  2 Kroger stores said they ordered less, so as not to 'lose' money on it after Halloween.  Wal-Mart - removed candy from shelves at midnight and by the time I got to store at noon, the Christmas candy display was already complete!!!  CRAZY!
• I did get milk and a few odds and ends at Kroger.  Found markdown heirloom cherry tomatoes for .50 a pack.  Gal was tossing into a trash can and I asked what they heck she was doing.  She said they were dated and they said trash them.  The date was Nov. 1.  I saved all from the shelf - she wouldn't let me take the ones she had trashed.  They were perfect and taste just like fresh!!!  I shared some with our neighbor.

                                                      These normally cost 3.99 box!

• I also got blocks of cheese at Kroger for 2.99 pound!  That is super cheap in our area.  I bought 8 pounds - which should last the winter.  I am thinking about going back for more.  We love and use a lot of cheese (especially on holiday snack plates).

Meals this past week:
Homemade beef and bean burritos, chips and salsa
Pizza bites - chips, salsa and cheese dip
Burgers and fries
Chicken and wild rice soup and biscuits
Dirty rice with ground sausage, leftover biscuits and side salad
Poor man's  Swiss steak and mashed potatoes and salad
French bread pizza (from clearance bread in freezer)

We had approximately 50 - 60 kids show up on Halloween - that is the smallest amount of kids ever in 32 years!  About 7:00 PM it started pouring rain, so poor kids didn't have a chance!  I do have plenty of candy left, but sure thought I would find some bargains on it to last the year.  Guess it was not meant to be.  We'll see what happens after Christmas!
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This next week, I really need to get more fall cleaning done.  I also have some errands to run in the next town south of us (about 20 minutes away.)  I like combining all errands into one trip to save gas.
I still need to make more jelly from frozen fruit.

How was your week?  Any deals this week?  Staying frugal?
Anyone getting ready for the holidays?

May you and yours have a great week.  Praying that everyone stays good, kind and happy.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.

Organizing - the different pantries

Good morning. 
I do believe we all have several pantries in our homes.  Many may not think of some things as pantries - but it helps when you do.

Yes we have food, but what about gifts, health, crafts, freezers?  I think we all have separate areas for these things - so if you look at them as different pantries - it will help when stocking.

FOOD pantries -
Try to keep them organized - it aids you in saving money and knowing what you need.  If you have things that have gotten stuck in the back - it may end up going to waste, and also you may go out and spend money on something you already have.
*  Always put oldest items to the front - use them first
*  Organize by category - keep soups together, fruit together, spices, baking items, dressings and condiments, pasta, etc.  You see where I am going with that?  It makes it so much easier finding things.
*  Don't buy things you won't use!!!!!!
*  Get creative - use up things that are getting older to make something new or different.  Don't waste. 
*  If you have a secondary or over flow pantry area - keep like items together and know what you have.  'Shop' from it before going to the store.
*  If you have little ones around - maybe keep a snack basket for them at their level
*  Check your pantry before you go shopping - know what you are low on, what you have plenty of, and what you might get if the price is right.  Don't run out of things - it costs you extra money!!!!  If you are anything like me - it is almost impossible to walk in a store and buy ONE THING!

FREEZER
It is harder (for me) to use older items first.  I have a tendency to get new items and stick them in the front.  I am usually in a hurry - and that is where they go.  NOT GOOD!  We need to be as efficient with our freezers as our dry pantries.
It is VERY wise to do a sorting, organizing, clean out, inventory, what ever you want to call it at least 2X a year.
I noticed reader LaurieS said on FB that she did hers this week.  It is amazing what we can find in there.  Her mission is to use up the older stuff.  I did this a while back as well.
Good job Laurie!!!!
If you all think about it, write down what you have and stick that on the freezer - it sure does help to use it up!
Keep those frozen goods organized as well.


HEALTH
Debby in KS mentioned in the comments on the last post - to get that cold/flu pantry stocked now.  VERY WISE!  It is that time of the year - that folks will be getting sick.  You sure don't want to run out or have someone else come in while your sick - no need making others sick.  Have tissues, cold meds, antihistamines, Pepto, Vitamin C and Zink,  clear liquids, soothing soups, etc.  Stock up on all those items that will help you feel better.
Keep it where you can get to it and have it sorted by product.  You sure don't ant to go searching for stuff when you feel bad.


GIFTS
I just recently went through my gift basket to see what I have on hand.  I have a huge tote that holds items I purchased on sales/clearance all year long.  It sure does help with Christmas baskets I make up.  It is also nice to have items on hand for special gifts - birthday, cheering up someone, maybe even helping a random stranger.
It aids in not spending as much money at the holidays.  This can be an expensive time of the year for a lot of people.  Some people go into debt for gift giving - DON'T do that!!!!!!  Buy along the way and you will be ready!
Keep an area JUST FOR gift items.  Keep it straightened so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.


CRAFTING
Many of you craft items for gifts.  Keep those items together and keep you supplies organized and together.  Shop at sales and use coupons.  Keeping your crafting and sewing area organized saves money and time.
Norma does a lot of crafting for Vets and those in need.  She is always on the lookout for yarn in different places.  If she weren't organized with her supplies, she would spend a lot more money.
I know my crafting/sewing area is always in need of organization.  I see some gals post pictures of their areas and I am envious!


Organization saves so much money.  If you keep the many pantries of your home organized you will easily find what you need when you need it, you won't have items go to waste, and you will MOST DEFINATELY save money.
Each one of you has a special talent and can be so creative.  It is heartwarming to read all the comments you all leave, and know that there are so many special gals gathered together here willing to help one another.
It is nice that we each add ideas and tips to make life a little easier for all.
Thank you!

Now go and get organized!!!!!  LOL

Quick Cooking Holiday Pantry

I'm late, I'm late ...... again!  Yesterday was absolutely nothing that I anticipated - oh my.  Today is a new day, and I have a new start.
Here we go!

During the holidays, we are all busy with visiting, visitors, buying gifts, wrapping, decorating, plays and musicals, bazaars....................  It is coming up on a busy time in all out lives.
Here is a great list to help you stay on track, and to help for those unexpected gifts and visitors.
We all love scratch food, but SOMETIMES it pays to have prepared things on hand.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Broth - all types (homemade or canned)
Bouillon
Bread cubes, crumbs - seasoned and unseasoned (homemade or store bought) - even a few boxes of stuffing mix
Canned tuna and chicken
Tomato products of all types
Canned beans
Quick bread mixes, cake mixes, baking/biscuit mixes - these really can help out
Condiments of all types
Soups - especially 'cream of' - canned or homemade mixes
Pasta - all shapes and sizes
Peanut butter - great for making sweets
Oatmeal - good for baking
Seasonings of all types
Nuts - all types for baking
Vinegars - great for cooking (flavored)
Chocolate chips and/or other flavors
Marshmallow cream and marshmallows
Canned veggies/frozen veggies
Baking goods - sugar, eggs, flour, etc.
Cheeses of all types - for eating and cooking
Whipping cream, canned or frozen whipped toppings
Tea, coffee
Canned milks (sweetened and evaporated) and dry milk
Frozen fruit and condensed fruit juices

If you keep basics on hand (I know this sounds like a lot) - it sure can help out. 
You can make gifts - jar mixes, baked goods, candy, tea/coffee mixes, etc.  You are ready to throw a few ingredients together for an impromptu lunch or dinner, or have items on hand for an afternoon visit.  YOU WILL ALWAYS BE READY for what life throws at you.  No unexpected runs to the grocery.

Homemade goodies for gifting and eating are always at the ready and easy to do.  Wrap or tin and you are ready for about anything.  Breads wrapped in plastic wrap and a ribbon - great for a gift OR slice with tea/coffee for an afternoon visit.  Candy, cookies always great for gifting or company.


I have noticed Aldi has already started marking down baking ingredients effective this weeks ads.  Meijer is having a sale on baking goods - now until Thanksgiving.  Let the sales begin.  LET THE PANTRY STOCK-UP BEGIN.
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Here's a couple throw together quick ideas that may help.

CELERY/ONION STUFFING
1 pkg. stuffing mix
1 reg. can cream of mushroom
1 reg. can cream of chicken
1 C chopped onion
1 C chopped celery
Stir stuffing mix and soups together adding 1 1/2 cans of water, onion and celery.  Place in a greased 11 x7 casserole dish.  Bake covered with aluminum foil at 325* for 10 minutes.  Remove foil and continue to bake for 50 minutes - until top is golden.
Super easy to throw together with basic ingredients.

3-2-1 LEMON COOKIES
3 eggs
2 - 18 oz. lemon cake mixes
8 oz. container of frozen whipped topping - thawed
1 C powdered sugar
Combine eggs, cake mix and whipped topping - mix well.  Chill 1 hour.  Drop by teaspoon into powdered sugar, coat thoroughly and roll into balls.  Place on a greased baking sheet.  Bake at 375* for 10-11 minutes.  Makes 8 dozen.
Any flavor cake mix would work!

Make up different jar mixes for gifting for those unexpected drop by visitors/neighbors/co-workers.  If you don't give them away - they are great to keep in your pantry.  Google "jar recipes" - and will get so many ideas or go to the library - there are many books on the subject.


Be prepared, be stocked up, and be ready to ENJOY a simpler holiday season.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE GREAT PRICES COMING UP.

Frugal Happenings 10/28

Good morning all.  Here we are - just about done with October.  The holidays will be here before you know it.  It just doesn't seem possible.

Leaves are finally starting to change color.  The horizon looks very pretty.  I drove past the park this week and there were many varieties of trees changing color.  It is getting pretty - if only for a short while.  Temps have stayed in the 50's this week.  We have had rain off and on.  Daylight hours are getting shorter and shorter and then we have daylight savings time to deal with next weekend - YAY (no one ever said)!  UGH - I just hate the fall time change more than any.  It seems it is always dark.

This past week wasn't my most frugal week ever, but a lot of things just HAD to be done.  I guess that is why we are frugal most of the time, it doesn't hurt so bad when you need to spend!

My frugal week:

• Line dried a few things and hung the heavier stuff in the basement to dry.  Only used drier to fluff
• Processed my home canned kraut
• Had to make a run to the Vet for flea meds for kitties
• Topped gas tank and got a .10/gallon discount.  Didn't spend much last month at the store - so few points.  BUT all savings add up!
• Received a $150 check from bank points we had earned.  That will go for Christmas funds
• Got a $20 refund from utility company
• Stopped at a new branch of the church thrift store (real close by).  It is small and crowded - but the ONLY thrift store in that community.
• Got FREE bread at the thrift store

                                          G has been wanting muffins for a while - so perfect

• I also found a Vera Bradley handbag unlike any I have or have seen - it was .99!!!!!!!

All clothes, shoes, and handbags are .99 each at this thrift store 

• I had to go renew driver's license.  I am still wearing older glasses (I haven't gone to eye doc yet since breaking mine) - and I aced the eye test!  I now have a picture that looks like a mug shot!!!  LOL
• I got the oil changed and the Blazer checked out
• Ran to the bank and cashed those refund checks (I did all my errands together - all in same area)
• Ran into Ollie's.  I shouldn't have done that!!!!!  LOL.  They have such cheap books and I can NOT just say NO!

The most expensive one was 3.99 - so it wasn't bad.  I will read and then probably gift a couple of these at Christmas

• I organized my gift storage tote.  I needed to see exactly what I had - so now it is all organized
• I de-cluttered some more in the basement and did some straightening  (Rainy days are good for this)
• Reorganized many of my home canned goods downstairs
• Have another box ready for donation
• Had our fall furnace check done - no cost this time (we pay once a year for maintenance)
• Made 2 pints of beautiful chicken stock for the freezer from bones left from a whole fried chicken
• Found a surprise outside even after the cold temps.  Got a sweet little bouquet that I have been enjoying and OH the smell is so sweet!

Meals this past week:
Chicken/rice/broccoli casserole & salad
Homemade fried rice and veggie lo-mein
Stew and bread/butter 2X
Ham & beans and cornbread
Fried chicken and salad
Taco Bell (my birthday choice)

Leftovers been used for lunches.  Have beans left and they will be used for a couple different meals and then go in freezer.
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I spent money, got money, and got some deals.  I guess not a bad week when you stand back and look at it. 
I have a list of things I want to accomplish this week.  I will give it the good old college try!  It seems time is slipping by so quickly.

How was your week?  Did you find any great deals?  Do anything frugal?  Let us know.
I love hearing from everyone.


Prayers for each and everyone of you.  Be sweet and kind, keep your heart pure, and help one another.  Stay frugal my friends.
Blessings from our humble home to yours.