Weekly Wrap Up 3/13

 Happy Sunday all.  Hope you all remembered to change your clocks!  I feel like I am way behind today!!  I like the spring forward - but this one messes me up more than the fall change.  I just feel behind for a while!  The only reason I get up so early all winter, is because the kitties internal clock does not change.  They expect to eat when ready!  So now Mom gets to lounge a bit longer in the bed (clockwise).  This whole changing the clock thing is crazy in my opinion - I wish they would just leave it all alone!!!!!

One more week to the spring equinox!  We have had a crazy weather week.  Last Saturday we reached 75* - yesterday the high was about 25*.  We had cold rains early on.  Luckily we just had flurries this week and nothing stuck here.  It looks like this coming week should have some spring-like temps.

Not only are the robins back - this week I saw the first red-winged black bird and brown headed cow birds of the season.  The wood peckers have shown back up.

Every morning I am serenaded by the beautiful song of the cardinals.

Daffodil greens are up, lilies peeking out, hyacinths (been here over 35 years) are peeking out and I even saw some red sprouts at the ground at the peonies!  It is coming!!!!!!!

My week:

• Got to air house last Sunday
• Got the kitchen faucet flowing well again with vinegar (earlier post)
• Followed my neighbor to shop for recall work on his vehicle.  It was a nasty rainy, foggy, gray day - made him drive back!  My good deed of week!  LOL
• Mixed up some soup from freezer and an older can of soup from shelf
• Found 2 doz. pieces of cookie dough in freezer - took out and baked
• Baked an older can of biscuits that needed used.  They are tasty!
• I was going through some totes I had stored away - great surprises!!  10 more lbs. of rice, pounds of dried beans, 32 lbs. of sugar and powdered and brown sugars as well!  WOOHOO!!  All things that last and last.  I am beyond happy.
• I worked on jarring up a lot of pasta on hand (gallon glass jars)
• While vacuuming - I cleaned out all the floor register vents thoroughly - oh my!!!
• Doing more sorting and organizing.  Finding all kinds of things to donate
• NO grocery shopping at all - stayed home after helping friend
• Using what I have, cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering (never ends)

Meals this past week:
Pizza sammie!  (2 pcs. pizza from freezer)

Mexican pizza

Mixed soup (potato from freezer & creamy, spicey chicken can) & crackers

Tuna/broccoli/cheesy pasta

Chicken bites, steamed broccoli and roasted potatoes

Creamy turkey & veggie stir fry (all from freezer) over rice

Leftover stir fry & rice with biscuits

SNACKS:  home canned applesauce, cereal and cookies

Homemade Mexican pizza.  This was really good.  (better than Taco Bell). Taco meat, refried beans, cheese, enchilada sauce and salsa.

Pizza sammie!  2 slices thawed - goody sides together and then heated on the gridle like you would a grilled cheese.  Both crust sides were crunchy/crisp and inside all gooey!!!!!  Figured - why not?!!

How was your week?  Any deals?  Staying home and hibernating?  Thinking spring?

I hope you are well and safe and have a great upcoming week.  

Blessings from my humble little home to yours.

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, do; and the God of peace will be with you.

Colossians 4:8-9

Thank you Lord for ALL that we do have and help us be grateful and appreciative.  May we all lend our words, hands and hearts to others to help them in whatever way they need us.  Show us the way.

AMEN

"Food" for Thought - Choices

 Good day to you all!  I know we are all in basically the same boat at this point in time.  EVERYTHING we need costs more!  Now you noticed, I said NEED!  There are tons of things out there that people want - but we have to make some hard decisions at some points in our lives - and YES, this is one of those times.  Your "wants" just may need to be put aside to cover the needs.

Utilities are going up.  Gasoline prices are going up.  Food prices are going up.  It is going to get worse before it gets better - so we all need to buckle up and get smart about our choices.  

Sorry but many need to say so long to the morning coffee shops, the soda stops, lunches out, frivolous driving here and there and yes, even the random thrift shopping.  We need to make smarter choices at the grocery and buy the REAL food and not the garbage foods. (sure, we all need a treat - just make it).

Sorry, but this is so true.  We complain about the cost of milk, eggs, fresh produce, and definitely gasoline prices - yet some still stop for that expensive coffee drink or that fast food.  I just shake my head.

Yes, a gallon of gas is getting crazy expensive - but how far can you go on a gallon of gas?  Most vehicles can go several miles per gallon.  My food for thought - I'd sure be happy to pay the price of a gallon - than to have to walk those miles!!!  

I have stores and shops, a library and a post office all within a mile or so of my home.  I can walk to some (even at my age) - but it is nice to know I can drive as well.  NO, I wouldn't want to walk to the grocery and have to carry all my groceries home (I know many do that in places) - I will pay that price for gasoline to get me there and back.

I guess it all depends on priorities.  If you have a job - the choice is not so easy.  Maybe you can carpool or take transit to save on costs.  

Think about what it takes to get groceries to your table.  No matter what it is, eggs, milk, produce, canned goods, boxed foods, etc.  Farmers grown and take care of crops/animals - they harvest and prepare - they ship to plants - it is packaged and shipped again - and then stocked in your stores ALL before you get it.  Each operation takes people and energy!!!!!  Why then do we complain when the cost rises a bit?

I know we all ONLY make XXXX amount of dollars - most times that doesn't change.  Yes, prices go up and our pay doesn't.

So that is where it all comes to choices.  I can still walk through the grocery and see carts and carts of 'junk' being purchased.  Their decision - so I am trying not to judge - but I can almost bet money - those are the same people complaining!

I know we all complain - it is human nature.  We all hate the rise in costs of everything.  You know what?  At this moment there is not one darn thing we can do about it.  

All we can do is make CHOICES that may be hard.  Maybe we have to get rid of cable, or turn down the heat, or get rid of the extra phone, or sale things we aren't using, or stay home more, or quit doing the 'fun' things that cost money.

Yep, maybe - choices is all we got at this point.  Does it suck?  Sure, at times it will.

It will eventually get better - it always does - but for now, we have to be strong and get up and DO what needs to be done.

Plan those gardens.  IF you have no garden space - think about a few containers for growing.  Friend people who DO garden.  Think about summer fun at home.  Think about new uses for things.  Plan your trips out and be vigilant when shopping.

Do what it takes.

I don't know about you, but I am so thankful for each and everything I have.  I am so thankful I live in relative freedom.  I am so happy I can nourish my body.  It may get to a point that it is not with things of choice - but nourishment none the less.  I am thankful I can worship. I am thankful for home and for family and friends.  I am thankful for this wonderful community we have here and for the grand encouragement we give each other.

I hope I have given you something to think about and ponder.  I hope maybe, just maybe, I have given you look at things in a new light.  I hope you make good choices - even if a tough choice.  I hope you too, can be a rebel and count your blessings.

I am thankful and I am blessed. 

Fun Recipes From the Pantry

 Today a few different type recipes using the pantry items we have.  More examples that it can be tasty to get our heads outside the box now and then!!

PINTO BEAN FUDGE

1 - 15 oz. can of pinto beans (drained and rinsed) or homemade equivalent

1 C cocoa powder

2/3 C melted butter

1 Tbsp, vanilla

4 C powdered sugar

1 C chopped nuts (optional)

Blend beans until smooth.  Put in a bowl and add cocoa, butter and vanilla and blend together.  Add powdered sugar slowly and beat with blender until smooth (about 3 minutes).  Add nuts if desired.

Spread into a buttered 9 x 13 pan and refrigerate until set.

HUMMUS

Chickpeas - garbanzo beans 

You can really add what you like to this - no set rules.  I use sesame oil and not tahini paste.  I just use a tablespoon or so.  Garlic, onion, roasted peppers or roasted tomatoes - whatever you want to add will taste absolutely yummy.  Serve with crackers or Italian type breads.

TOMATO SOUP CAKE

1 - 10.75 oz. can condensed tomato soup

1 tsp. baking soda

1 C sugar

1 egg

1/3 C butter

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. ground cloves (if you have)

1 1/2 C self-rising flour (or all-purpose flour w/1 1/4 tsp. b. powder)

1 C raisins - I use chopped nuts instead of raisins

Mix together and bake at 325* for about an hour.

I make mine in a loaf pan - like a sweet bread or in muffin tins.  Adjust and watch your cooking times

MEAT PIE/POT PIE TOPPERS

A pot pie or meat pie can be made with any kind of ingredients or meat.  Use up those leftovers and odds and ends.   Have fun putting together the filling.  For a topper you can use a pie crust, biscuits, mashed potatoes, or a simple Bisquick topping.

Click on recipe to read clearly!!!

                                                                     Pie with biscuits

ODDS AND ENDS

Dressing or stuffing - add an extra egg and make stuffing cakes/fritters.  Fry until golden brown on each side.    

Place in a waffle iron and cook until golden - make great breakfast sandwiches - add an egg or some sausage - YUM.  

Makes a great bottom crust for a quiche.  Use on top of a casserole.  

HAVE FUN

LEFTOVER MASHED POTATOES

Add a bit of flour and an egg and make potato cakes - fry until golden on each side.  Throw in leftover corn for a fun fritter.  

Use as a topping on a casserole.

Make potato candy

When I have just a little left, I throw into any soup and use as a thickener.  OR add to potato soup.

We can be creative with what we have in our pantries.  It is fun and you may just find a new favorite recipe.  Get a little inventive and step outside the box.

Have fun and eat good!

Around My World

 Not much going on today - it is chilly and gray.  Better than yesterday - oh my it was wet.  We got so much rain over Sunday night and Monday.

I figured today I would share a tip and just catch you up on what is going on in my little world.

                                 Isn't this just the cutest pic?  (not my photo)  Just a smile moment!

You all know I live in an older neighborhood (built 1947).  MOST keep their homes up and decent - others do not.  We tend to have a lot of rentals now and they are owned by investors - so they do not keep up on things.  It is very discouraging.  There are some houses on the next street that are just the pits.  I can see them from my backyard across the alley.  

Well, last summer one burned and is boarded up.  Sadly, I have to say YAY on it being boarded and no one living there (all painted white).  We had the poorest excuse of people (people was not what I called them) living there.  When their govt. help on rent ended last year - they had to move and by golly the A -hole set fire to the house!  Yup.

He didn't realize it, but it was a favor to us all.  Boarded up - so no crappy people living there - we called board of health and the entire premises were cleaned up and the city mows.  Win-win in my book!

Sometimes bad things have good outcomes!  P.S. - it will be demolished at some point - so a clean slate.

The house next to it - just couldn't get rented because of it - so the investor sold it.  It must have been purchased for a steal - as 2 gals bought it and moved in.  It was a sound looking house - just not much upkeep of the outdoors.  They are doing SO much work on it and it is wonderful!!!!  They have had a new fence and privacy fence put up in the past week.  Wooden and it is lovely.  They are having a porch and ramp put in front.  They had the house 'treated' for who knows what.  They have had the outside cleaned up and trashy brush and trees cut away.  The property has truly improved 100%.

A house about 6 down on the opposite side of my street burned near the holidays - gutted.  They are rebuilding it!  They must have had good insurance.  These people are replacing each and every board one at a time (keeping the same floorplan).  I can only imagine the smoke smell - so they are replacing it all.  They have removed dumpster after dumpster of burned materials and insulation.  It will be a brand new house when done.  Bless them,

The kids next door bought a house!  They will be moving the end of this month!  Sadly.  They have been there for 5 years and the previous folks were there about 25.  I hate the idea of getting new neighbors.  You never know what you may get.  It is truly scary.  I am happy for the kids - but not for me.  

Let's just say this girl is contemplating, spending a chunk of change for a wooden privacy fence here!  This may be the year.

I think I will remove the ramp this year.  It needs lot of work, paint and boards repaired/replaced - it just isn't needed any more.  So I may remove it and just make a nice flower garden or shrubs across the front of the porch.  So many things to do!

So little by little things around here are improving and good changes have happened.  I sure hope it continues.

OK here is my tip!  My kitchen sink has been running very sluggish every since we had that water shut-off back in Feb.  The other faucets are fine - just the kitchen messed up.  I figured 'gunk' built up in the filter for some reason.  Well, I couldn't get that darned thing off - so I fastened a small bowl of vinegar to it!!!!

I put vinegar in a small dish and attached to faucet with a rubber band.  It worked!  I left it on the faucet for several hours - removing whenever I needed the faucet.  I would say it was there 4-5 hours.  It obviously dissolved the gunk - as the faucet works good as new now!!!!  Easy peasy fix.

Let us just say - when there is a will there is a way.  Being a gal alone - doesn't mean you can't come up with your own fixes.  It may be unconventional, but who cares?  It worked.

So there you have my little world in a nutshell.  Little things happen, and just make things better at times.  It doesn't always seem so at the time - but often it just works out.

It is going to be chilly a lot this week, with a chance of snowy stuff on Saturday!  ICK.  Nothing that will last, as the next day it will warm some - Oh March you are fickle!!!!!  The lake out back is slowly going down - so all is good!

Hope you are having a good start to your week.  Take care my friends.

Weekly Wrap-Up 3/6

 Hello everyone.  It is Sunday again - one week down in another month.  Two weeks until Spring equinox.  WOOHOO.

It will a week of March madness here this week - and I am not speaking of basketball!  Yesterday we got to 75* and very windy.  Next Saturday has a prediction of the 20's for a high!!!!  WHAT?  70's - 20's, rain, storms, and flurries - the madness of March is upon us.

This morning I got myself up and ready, fed all the cats, wrangled an opossum from the greenhouse and had my breakfast drink made my 6:20AM!  It was dark - but the birds were singing happily, and it was 66*.  We had rain  and super high winds overnight.  I slept with the ceiling fan on and the window open a bit.  No heat at all!  Tonight we have another big storm front coming through.  UGH!  But, spring rains bring growth and life.

I saw a couple flies outside yesterday!!  LOL

My week:

• Cooked up a pound of ground sausage into patties.  Used a couple and froze the rest for a quick fix
• I repackaged a big bag of rice I have.  I refilled my gallon jar in pantry and filled 3 more gallon jars for future.  I think I am good with rice for a long while!
• Cleared out under the bar area downstairs (it will be a good hidden storage area).  Many old drink mixers and bits and drabs of alcohol - all trashed (so old).  I did keep some lovely bottles and cleaned them
• I got Roku this week.  My neighbor picked up device for me and helped me install.  It will take some getting used to.  This hopefully puts me one step closer to getting rid of cable
• Laundry done in cold and got to line dry it yesterday!
• I went to Kroger - peer pressure! LOL.  I needed nothing, but keep hearing I should go.  I did get a few bargains - but would have been fine if I hadn't!!!   I did get 56 more cans of cat food (that's only a couple weeks or so).  Got some snacks and produce marked down and also drink mixes

 

  Got drink flavors on clearance for 37/box of 6 (got 10 boxes).  Gatorade/no sugar mix for 1.04 box. DEAL!

Fresh goods.  Salad mix will give me a few fresh salads - and the 2 lb. bag of cauliflower, broccoli, carrots will work for lots of meals.  Using some fresh and blanching and freezing some.

• Got gas while out early in week.  I had a .10 discount - paid 3.39/gal.  I only needed a little over 1/4 tank.  This was the first time of buying gas since 12/29!!!!!  Staying home pays!
• I did stop at CVS while out and got a couple bottles of vitamins and herbs I needed
• I also stopped at Dol. Gen. and Fam. Dol. (all in same parking lot) - found absolutely nothing in either place.
• Cleaning and organizing more.  Declutter still happening - getting boxes and bags together for donation
• Meals from home and using what I have.  Using or freezing all leftovers
• Just doing all the normal stuff
• Airing house 3 days!!

Meals this week:

Scrambled eggs, sausage patties and toast

Combo of fried cabbage, potatoes and bacon (used the last bit of cabbage)

Homemade pizza - supreme - using what I had

Slice of pizza and salad - froze balance of pizza

Tamales over rice

Grilled egg/ham/Swiss sandwich and sauteed asparagus

Baked potato w/cheese and sour cream and salad

SNACKS - donuts, popcorn, veggies & dip, fruit

How was your week?  Did you find any deals?  How is your weather doing?  I hope you are all doing good.  I love hearing from you all.

I know prices are going up on everything - but we should be thankful we have our pantries and freezers.  I know I am not rich by any means - but I will gladly pay what I need to - to know your children, grandchildren and my nieces and nephews are NOT being bombed or having to hide in underground facilities and to know are families aren't being torn apart!  We are blessed in so many ways.  I pray it stays that way.  

My thoughts and prayers for all that may be in harms way.  The evil must be and will be stopped and goodness will prevail.

Prayers you are all safe and healthy.  Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Psalm 32:8

For the upright will inhabit the land, and men of integrity will remain in it; but the wicked will be cut off from the land, and the treacherous will be rooted out.

Proverbs 2:21-22

Beating Inflation?? Small Ways to Help

 Prices go up - paychecks do not!  Such is the way of life.  It has always been this way - but there are times that inflation is worse than other times.  Any little way to save money is needed and we should take advantage of every little opportunity.  I know most people know these things - but we may have new people who don't.  Reminders are always nice too!

Do whatever you can - wherever you can.

Turn the heat down.    Turn the lights off.  Use it up.  Don't waste water.  Plan your trips.  You know the drill!!!!!

At the grocery - make a list and STICK to it!  Yes, you may now and then find an unexpected deal - if so, GET IT when you have the chance.  Get as much as you can afford on the unexpected finds!!!  Odds are that deal may not come around again.

Buy sales and clearance.  Those special weekly sales usually run on a 6 - 9 week cycle.  Get at least as much as needed for a couple months.

Buy seasonal.  Holidays are great for seasonal buys!  It may be cookout supplies, ham, turkey, sweet potatoes, cabbage, condiments, etc. - STOCK UP when the deal is available.

Plan your meals somewhat!  I am not good at planning ahead - but if I needed to - I would plan around sales.  Make a list of popular meals that you and your family like and post it on your frig.  That way, you have ideas in front of you all the time.  No need to say "I have no idea what to fix".  Keep the ingredients on hand for those favorite meals - no excuse to spend extra money!

Shop your pantry/freezer first!

Use leftovers - USE IT ALL!  None of that "they won't eat leftovers".  They will if they are hungry!  Remake those leftovers into something new.  Veggies can be pureed and put in soups.  Meat can be added to stir fry, soups, casseroles, eggs, etc.  You can figure out something - no waste!!!!!!!

Shop different stores if necessary.  I know people are loyal to certain places - but they still raise their prices and they aren't too concerned about you!  Shop the best deals.  No one store gives you all the best prices.  Now I don't advocate driving all over kingdom come - that will waste gas.  But read the ads and plans a route to hit the best deals.

Make sure you know what you have!  It doesn't matter how much you can save - if you have no idea what is in your inventory.  Keeping track is huge.  

Use what you have and restock.  Rotating those stocks is so important - nothing gets missed or forgotten.

REMEMBER:  There are no EXPIRATION DATES!!!!!!!!  I cannot emphasize this enough!  The dates are "best if used by dates".  That means optimum flavor by that date - not bad.  It is also an aid for manufacturers and stores to get you to buy more!  Just think of it this way - does the item in that can or box have a brain to think and deduct?  Well NO.  So, how does it know the date?  It doesn't magically go bad on the date!!!!!!!!

If the packaging is dry, not rusted and stored properly - items last for months and maybe even years past that stupid date!  HONEST.  Please do not waste.

IF you can grow or regrow anything - do it!!!!!  Lots of things can be regrown.  Celery, green onions, bunch lettuce, etc.  You can do this on a window seal or on a patio in warmer weather.

Use everything.  Make your own cleaners.  Make smoothies or milkshakes with the end of fruit.  Make cream of soups with ends of veggies.  Dehydrate what you can - you can use the oven if no dehydrator.  Items can be dehydrated and made into powders to use in about anything for nutrition and flavor. Keep a "soup" container in the freezer for bits and bobs of things leftover.

Use LESS.  We most all eat too much.  Cut back on serving sizes.  Use meat (palm size pieces) as a side - like veggies - instead of a main course.  Have a meatless meal now and then.

Use less paper - just throwing away money.  

Use less chemicals - not good for you.

Water down shampoos, dish soap, laundry soap, even things like juice.  It works and tastes just as good.

Use less TP!  Most people use way more than needed!!!!!!  Flushing $ down the toilet!

Feed animals, chickens, or compost if necessary.

If you have a good inventory - then don't shop!  Stay home and use what you have.

I recently got caught up in all the hype about "you need to go shop now".  Well, I didn't really need anything - but I spent $$!  Yes, I did.  Did I need what I bought?  NO.  Will I use what I got?  Heck YES!  I spent the money - I will use it.  I did get deals, but I could have been just as happy in my future life without spending this money.  OK - I did get more cat food while there - which is always needed.  Otherwise, I just went and spent - BECAUSE!  Worst reason ever.

Spend cash if at all possible.  It hurts more when you have to hand over cash.  I tend to spend less when paying cash.  Also, there is no tracking of your expenditures with cash (except if you use store shopper's card). 

Take time to plan.  You can take a little control over the inflation that is happening.  Be wise with your purchases and the way you use them.

Every little penny helps!!!!!

Save where you can.

Renewal - Regrowth - Revive

 Spring is soon to be here.  It is a time of rebirth for the land.  Everything awakens and starts growing and blooming and being born.  What a wonderful time.  

March is the beginning of spring for many of us.  I know many live in areas where the weather stays lovely most of the year - how wonderful.  As much as I hate winter - I do appreciate the seasons.  

Others are starting fall (southern hemisphere).  That is so hard for my brain to grasp!!  LOL

March - hard to believe it is that time again.  I walked about yesterday and saw some daffodils peeking out of the ground - their tips have yellowed from cold - but they are a promise for beauty soon to come!  

Lots of spring flowers will be popping soon.  The birds are singing their glorious songs. The squirrels are getting all frisky (if you know what I mean)!

I saw 5 robins in my yard yesterday!!!!!!!  My first of the season and on the first day of March.

The temperatures are starting to make some changes.  Beautiful warmer and sunny days - then some cold ones as well.  The cold ones will be fewer as time goes on.

The daylight hours are getting longer.  So many positive things happening to the earth and in nature.  Be aware - and be grateful that we get to experience it.  There can be joy in each day - despite the world happenings.

Here you go - read this and say each morning!  Today is a great day - God gave you another gift.  Don't waste it.  Believe, enjoy and be grateful for everything.  So many would LOVE to have your life.

How do you plan on living your March?  I plan on getting as much fresh air and sunshine as possible.  I want to take care of some small projects inside my home. I want to clean and organize more.  I want to get the inside of my home in good shape and in good order - so when spring/summer does get here - I can be outside as much as possible.  Granted, housework never ends - but bigger projects can be done and then I can move forward.

We have started meteorologist spring as of March 1.  The spring equinox starts March 20.  We have today, Ash Wednesday.  There is Mardi Gras and St. Patties Day.  In another week and a half we go back to daylight savings time.  The world of nature is waking up!!!!!!!

We need to wake up as well!!!!!!  We need to get out of our winter slumber and get active again.  MOVE and REJOICE.

We still have chance of frost, freeze and snow - so please do not remove leaves and garden waste yet.  Many of the necessary insects are still sleeping and need that for shelter.  Clean up the basic yard - but leave those flower beds and gardens alone for a while yet.  That only applies to those of us who KNOW we will get more cold.  Some folks in the southern states are planting gardens.  Lucky them.

Just be mindful of your weather zone and go accordingly.

So as the earth has a renewal and revival - so should each of us.  We all need to have our reawakening as well.  Be mindful of your home, your yard, your family and friends, your neighborhood and YOURSELF!!!!!!   Be kind to others.  Pray like you have never prayed.  LIVE like you have never lived.  Make this a wonderful month and a wonderful spring.

I mentioned to someone the other day - I cannot control what happens in the world - but I can control what happens in my home and what happens in my mind and heart.

You can too.  Take control of your little piece of the world and make it wonderful.  Maybe, just maybe if we all do that - life will be brighter for others as well.

HAPPY MARCH!