Food - Fun and Subs

 Food is getting more expensive all the time.  Things are hard to find.  We all need to learn a few tips and tricks to substitute things, make things up differently, and well maybe, just play with our food a little!!!!  Why not have a little fun along the way?!!!!!

Surely, you have all noticed I PLAY with my food.  I like experimenting and changing things up a little.  It makes life interesting.  Recipes - eh, not always so much for me.  I just wing it on many, many things.  Probably can't make the same thing twice!  Now I do pretty much follow a recipe when baking, but cooking - nah!

So here are a few ideas that may use up some of those pantry items you may have on hand, some ideas to make things differently, and ways to sub - so you don't have to be worried about not having something.

Here ya go.  I have done this - and my results were like a moist dense brownie.  The cake was rich and yummy.  Super good with a dollop of ice cream!  No need to use eggs or oil at all.  You bake as directed on the cake mix box (I like to bake a tad longer).  Fun uses.  

Now basically you can also add carbonated water as well, if you choose to add no extra flavor.

Biscuits made over the back of a muffin pan.  These would be great little cups to contain gravy - or add a dollop of thick stew to each for a mini type of potpie.  Make sure you grease your pan for easy removal.

Cookie bowls are fun.  Same as above, bake on the back side of a greased muffin pan.  Great little bowls for ice cream or pudding.  Makes dessert a little fun.  Sugar cookies would be good with thickened fruit mix added.  So many fun uses.

EGGS, EGGS

I keep this on hand all the time.  I find it in the baking aisle of the grocery, and it can also be found in the ethnic aisles.  Works great as a substitute for eggs in baking.  I have used it many times.  Many vegetarians use this as well.

There are many items that can be used in place of egg when baking.  Most are things that we all have on hand.

Aquafaba is the water (fluid) from a can of chickpeas.  Carbonated water can be used (why the cake mix recipe above works).  Chia seeds and flax seed can be found many places.  

I know many people are saying that eggs are not to be found in their areas.  I see daily, people talking about the price of eggs.  

Well, if you got them - keep them for breakfast.  Use other things in baking.  I don't bake that much, so it really doesn't matter a lot to me (and I do have the replacer).  

I eat eggs for meals now and then.

Yep, I can make an egg sandwich for a few cents - add a piece of cheese or a slice of sausage or bacon and yum.

  

When you see the higher prices - please stop and do the MATH!

Truthfully, I don't mind paying higher prices, considering what all that egg goes through to get to my table.  If I pay .30 or .35 an egg - it still feels like a deal to me for a single serving of protein.

Now .35 an egg is 4.20 a dozen.  That sounds horrible considering the prices we have paid in the past - but what other protein can you get so cheaply???  Even a serving of canned tuna costs more than that! (using the example of tuna, as it is still pretty cheap).

I truly have no idea how egg farms have ever made a decent living or profit.  I feel the same with milk producers.  There is a lot that goes into getting those items to our tables.  

So, think outside the box a little.  Replace and use different things in your baking.  Save the eggs for breakfast or dinner.  Use products in a different and new way.  Experiment a little.

Have fun and save a little here and there.

Choose to release joy, happiness and love into the universe today.  It is needed.

Organization & Inventory can sure SAVE Money!

 Howdy Ho everyone.  Time to get back to normal - whatever that may be!

Let us start today with our pantries - lauders - whatever you may call it.

We keep what we have - to help us in whatever moment in life that we have a SHTF event in our lives, or for those times when funds are short - whatever the reason - they are ever so important.

BUT we need to know what we have, and we need to be able to access it easily - or it can be wasteful and not used.

The beginning of the year is a great time to organize your pantry and your freezer and inventory what you have.  Organization is very important.  If you have no clue what you have - it slips between the cracks, then you make many un-necessary purchases.

It is all about keeping what you use and using what you have.

                                                                     not my picture

You need to organize - then use up the older items first.  ROTATE - ROTATE - ROTATE!

If you come across things you just don't use much - gift it or find a use for it.  Do not waste it.

We all need to figure out where our weaknesses are and where our overages are.  

Re-evaluate what you buy!

Work on resupplying the weaker areas and work on using up some of those overages.  Get creative and use things in different ways so, you don't get bored.

Example - Spaghetti isn't just spaghetti - it can be broken and added to soups and casseroles, it can be made into lo-mein, it can be covered with any type of cream sauces or meats.  It can be used in stir fry.........

I have what seems to be tons of pasta of every type and dry beans of all types.  I need to get busy and use them more often.  They both seem to last forever - but still, if I have them, I should be using them.

I do know I will not go hungry anytime soon!

Now, it is time to get some very good seasonal deals.  If you find great deals - buy them.  Stock up - BUT remember - it is there to use!!!!!!!!!!!

Groceries can be expensive.  Sundays weekly post - several people shared what they had gotten cheaply!  I love that.  It is encouraging to all of us to see that DEALS can still be had.  Sure, you may have to look a little harder - but deals are still out there.  Take advantage when you can.

NOW is the time to re-evaluate your pantries and freezers.  Organize, inventory, and make lists of new ideas to use the same old stuff.  Get creative.  Waste not - want not.

This is so important to your budget - the more you figure you have that can be used - the less you spend.  That leaves funds for other things.

Let's get organized folks!

We don't need to be rich or famous, just happy!

Weekly Wrap-Up 1/1

 Well here we are - 2023!!!!!!  Happy New Year to all.  I hope this finds you well and safe.  It seems like just a couple months ago we were bringing in 2022.

It is a mild and slightly foggy morning here.

This has been quite a year for many.  Loss, sadness, health problems, financial problems, etc.  Life happens and sadly, it seems these things go along with that.  We are here today - as hard as it is for some - please know we are all here together and we love each other.

After the artic blast over Christmas, we warmed up.  The year ended and the new year started much warmer.  Friday last to this most recent Friday we had a "feels like" temperature that was almost 100* different!  Crazy stuff.

The kitties are sure enjoying the nicer weather!  The little dickens are back to greeting me at the back door each morning waiting for their breakfast.  During that cold spell, they very rarely left the greenhouse! (I don't think Fluff did).

My week:

• Spent Christmas at brother's with his kids and grands.  Such a nice time.  Good meal and my nieces and nephews love me!  I got some very nice gifts.
• Cleaned out the silverware drawer in the washstand - oh my.  I have been a collector of odds and ends pieces of flatware over the years and G got knives.  I have a big box for donation.  I have kept plenty.
• I got together flatware and utensils and other household items for a young couple I know that are getting their first place together.  Several things they can use and things out of my house - win-win!
• Got the new calendar marked up and in place for the new year
• Went out and pick up sticks and more sticks from yard.  I swear, all the limbs and sticks I pick up after wind, should have my trees without any!!!!!
• Unplugged all the water bowls outside - giving the garage light meter a rest for a bit!
• Took down all Christmas stuff, except me tiny tree yesterday
• Took out all the trash, washed all the laundry and paid all the bills to end the year!
• Went to NO after Christmas sales
• Made an entire loaf of French bread (from freezer) into pizza - ate some and froze some
• Working on deep cleaning - behind and under - it seems to never end!
• Kept the fronts of all the holiday cards - for notecards
• I did finally run to the grocery.  I got a lot of clearance deals and it all cost me $0 - as I used a GC.  I got a couple spectacular finds!

Look at this!  1/2 gallons (sort of) of holiday ice cream on clearance for .56!!!!  It was advertised for .99, but our store had it on clearance.  Funny, one endcap had it with stickers for .75 and the other end of freezer aisle had it for .56!   Now get this - I had .45 coupons - so I got 2 for .11 each!!!!!!!!  Definitely my deal of the year!!!!!  I am not a huge eggnog fan - but I use about a heaping spoon of ice cream every morning in my homemade frappe - so I figure for basically FREE, this will add richness and creaminess to my drink.

One pound bags of hazel nuts for .90 each!  I got these for the squirrels!!!  I cannot buy peanuts that cheaply!  They love them.  I got several bags.

So yep, I got some great deals to end my year.  I also got a bag of 10 clementines for .99.  Cabbage was on sale this week for .39/lb.  Used the GC and nothing out of pocket!  Nice way to end the year.

Meals this past week:

Dinner at family's home

Jalapeno burger topped w/Mex. rice & beans and cheese

French bread pizza - froze a big part

Chicken/mushrooms/peppers over a potato

Homemade chicken noodle/veggie soup

Soup w/o broth topped with cheese and sour cream  (froze broth)

Crab (faux) salad sandwiches and fresh veggies

How was your last week of the year?  Did you go after holiday shopping?  Looking for gifts or finds for the new year?  Any grocery deals?

Has your weather gotten any better?  I hope those in the extreme snow areas, have dug out and gotten mobile again.  It sure was something in some areas.

Let us please continue to keep all our friends here in prayer.  So many have had losses of spouses this year, loss of other family and friends, loss of fur babies, and some have had financial difficulties and some health issues.  Lift each of our family of friends up for comfort and healing - whether it be physical, spiritual, or emotional.

Thank you all for being here and starting this new year with me.  I wish you all health, happiness and abundance in this coming year.  May you be comforted and know that God is in control (especially we cannot understand).  

Stay safe this week.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10

Lord, please be with all those who are hurting and comfort them.  Be with all who are weary and give them strength.  Give the hungry and the homeless, shelter and nourishment.  Please help each of us to gain strength from our family and friends and from within.  Guide us and hold us close in your protective arms.  Give us a new year of hope and joy.

Amen

Things Don't Impress - Actions Do

 Good morning all.  Thinking of each of as this year winds down.

Keeping our friends, Kim and Hilogene both in my prayers for comfort and love and healing after they have both lost their spouses this week.  It is all just so sad.

We never know what life will throw at us at any given time.  These are just 2 more examples that life can change in a split second.  My did - others have been through this as well.  No time to prepare or understand.

Sadly, death is part of life - every day someone is going through it.  It is all so heart breaking.

This is why it is so important to be kind and good and understanding to EVERYONE every day.

I have never been impressed with money - I am always impressed with kindness and goodness.

Treat people as you would want to be treated.  Get over the small crap - it truly isn't important.  Stop making a big deal over things that will not matter tomorrow, next week or next month.  Love people for themselves.  There is NO ONE on this earth that is perfect (regardless to what some think)!  We are all imperfect, we all make mistakes, we all need to learn, and we are all broken in some way.

Kindness is so very important.

One tiny, nice word or act - could change a person's life.  It could bring them a smile or a moment of joy, that they may not have had on that day.  It may let them know that someone cares - and maybe that could change life altering decisions for them.

Yes, life is hard for everyone!!!!!  No one is exempt.  Everyone has feelings - and we should never disregard them.  Your feelings are YOURS!  You can feel the way you need to feel and that is fine.  BUT, that does not give anyone the right to be nasty to someone else, whose feelings or ideas are different.

It is NEVER OK to be mean to others.

Be kind and be loving.  Pray for others and put others before yourself.  Treat others the way you want to be treated.  Life is so very short - and we should want to make each day the best we can.  Make it the best for others and for yourself.  If you are kind to others - it comes back to you!!!!!  I truly believe that.

Please stay safe and have a cozy NY eve.  If you are out and about - be safe.  Take a moment or two for yourself and just sit back and reflect and enjoy those you are with.

I will be back on NY day with a new post.

Have a blessed day my friends.  

Have a safe and lovely New Year's Eve.

More Reflection

 This week's posts will be about reflection and a better us.  Next week we will get back to our usual programming!!!!

I just think we all need to be reminded how lucky we really are.  We have so much and often take it for granted.  Many, many people in this world would call us wealthy!  You know what?  WE ARE compared to many.  Wealth has little to do with money in my opinion.  It is all the wonderful things that we have in our lives and the beautiful people.

I hope you are still enjoying the beauty of Christmas lights - inside or out.  There is something so magical about the pretty colored lights.  It feels like the magic of childhood to me.

THIS is wealth in my view.  We are so blessed in so many ways.  Over this past weekend I thought so much about the people who live on the streets.  I cannot even imagine this during decent weather - then we had that artic blast.  I sure hope and pray that folks sought out and found shelter.

So yes, having that roof over your head makes you wealthy.

You woke up today and you have been given another chance to grow, live, enjoy, love and to be kind.  USE THAT OPPORTUNITY!  It is a GIFT.

This sums it up pretty well.  Life is what you make it!  Sure we all get blasted with bad, evil, sadness, anger, and troubles.  We can either wallow in it or we can stomp on it - put on our big girl panties and make the best of the situation.

I know that simplifies it a lot - but you get the point.

Life hands you lemons - make lemon-aid!

We got this.  Make this a beautiful day and enjoy all that is around you.

EDIT:  For those that follow her - Kim at Out My Window is on a cruise with family.  Her husband passed very unexpectedly on Christmas morning of a heart attack.  Please keep her and her family in your prayers.  We love you Kim.

Time to Relax, Breathe, and Reflect

 I always look at this last week or so of the year to just take a moment and breathe!  Much of the festivities are over, and all the running and hurrying.  Now we can relax and reflect of the past year - and reflect on what we want in the coming days.

Many have been through a lot in the past year (actually the past couple years) - but here we are!  We are still here and kicking.  We made it!  That says everything in my book.

Take some time this week to just BE!  Snuggle up on the couch and stay warm.  Read a book or crochet or knit.  Watch a movie.  Eat the food and the goodies (start the healthy stuff next week).  Look at the pretty lights and enjoy them.  Take a nap.  Relax - reflect - breathe!!!!!!! 

We all need time to recharge out internal batteries.  We get so busy, that we often neglect ourselves.  If we don't take care of US - no one will.  Be in the moment and take care of you.

Maybe listen to some soft music, give yourself a spa night, go get a massage, just relax and recharge.

Click on picture to enlarge

I saw this and thought - WOW.  This is something we need to ALL do.  We doubt ourselves and others so much in this world today.  We are all unique and special, and we need to realize that.

It says December self-care.  I changed it to January - but you know what?  It should be a daily self-care and we need to work on these things each day.

I really love this.  I know I sure need to do these things and work on them.

You are YOU.  That is beautiful!  There is no other YOU!  Celebrate everything about yourself and your life.

We have to realize, no matter how crappy we think things may be - someone else would love to have our life!  

So let us all take time to be our best.  To shake up those routines, to grow, accept who we are and love it, to let go of regrets and anger, appreciate ALL you have, to be kind to ourselves and others, to love and to smile.

BE YOUR BEST

You DESERVE it!!!!!!!

Life is short and we are still here - so there is a good reason to celebrate.  Make each day count for the most it can.

May you all have a blessed day.  Make it so!!!!!

Till tomorrow my friends!

Weekly Wrap-Up 12/26

 Howdy!!!!!  Well, the party is over for many and hasn't happened yet, for many more.  It seems many, many families had to reschedule gathering events for another time.  Weather and sickness created a mess for many people.  I hope each of you that had celebrations had a lovely time.

Happy Boxing Day to those celebrating today!

It sure has been COLD!  Our weather took the big turn on Thursday late afternoon.  We went from rain to snow.  We also dropped 40* in a matter of hours.  The winds howled like crazy for 2 days!  We broke a record of over a hundred years on Friday - as the temperature never got above ZERO!

The kitties have done great and stayed inside their house.  They have used the litter box - which neither had been used to and they have water and warm bedding. 

This morning they both came out to meet me on the back walk as I went out with breakfast - first time in days that I think Fluffy came out of the greenhouse!  Blackie would walk out and within a minute he was back in.  They know where to be.  LOL

I watched the birds of Friday - they were so fluffed up and huddling.  I felt so sorry for them.  I made sure all had food.  The squirrels were big fluff balls.  They all loved having the heated water bowls - drinking a lot.

           Not my picture - but I think it shows how we all feel after the festivities are over!!!!!!

My week - last week:

• Finished that baby blanket - oh my aching back!!!! (It was very much worth it - as tears flowed!)
• I did extra insulating of the greenhouse and finished all the weather preps
• I dropped off gifts at my brothers last Wed. - just in case I couldn't get there Sunday.  I DID make it!
• I helped my neighbor wrap a boat load of Christmas gifts for his grandkids!  That was fun
• Actually started cleaning up the craft room a little - so much to do
• Froze extra from meals made this week for another day
• Working on cleaning more
• Finally got out on Saturday and moved the snow that drifted and cleaned the car and got it opened!
• NO shopping at all
• Rolled towels up and placed at the base of the doors - it did help.  It was so cold out, that any crack felt cold
• Just a quiet week

Meals the past week:

Roast, mac n cheese and salad

Stuffed mushrooms (so good)

Chili with crackers and butter

Baked potato with chili, cheese and sour cream

Smoked sausage, Brussel sprouts and garlic toast

Sausage gravy over homemade biscuits (scones)

Tacos and Mexican rice

LOTS of comfort food was in order for me!  Extra food froze for another day!

Here is one of the stuffed mushrooms.  Used Portabella's, stuffed with chopped roast, dried bread, crushed cheese crackers, beef broth and cheese.  Mmmmmm, Mmmmm good!

How was your week?  Did you get hit with the huge weather event crossing the nation? Maybe I should ask, who didn't!  Did you celebrate or are you doing it another day?  Any deals last week?

I did get to go to my brother's yesterday.  Had a great time with his family - almost all were there.  A lovely meal was had and a great celebration amongst the children!!!!  Oh goodness, to see through a child's eyes again.  They sure can make you smile and laugh.

Prayers you are all well and safe and warm.  May you all have a wonderful week.  Can you believe we are now at the last week of the year?  New beginnings will soon be upon us!

Blessings from my humble little home to you and yours.

Christmas throwback!

             Me at Santa Claus, IN circa 59/60.  That Santa is still there for picture taking!!!!

                       Me and Santa - he was a good one!  50's at Murphey's department store!