Reversed Meal Planning - Something to Think About

 Happy midweek!  We have a slightly overcast start this morning.  It is much more humid than yesterday.  We have storms coming in today and probably tomorrow.  I hope all of you that have events tomorrow for the 4th - have a safe day.  There are heat warnings again this week for various parts of country - you all stay in and stay safe.

Reverse Meal Planning

Yep, it is a thing.  It is much of what I do all the time!  A different name and way of looking at pantry cooking!!

Here we go.  BEFORE you go shopping - you plan your meals from what you have on hand.   I know many plan meals according to grocery sales - the cheaper way is planning meals with what you have.

Take a good look at those pantries and freezers - and get creative.  I bet many, many people can go a couple weeks or much more with just what they have on hand.

Never waste things.  

There are many sites on the computer that can help.  You type in the ingredients you have, and it gives you ideas for what you can make.  You can utilize those cookbooks that are all about simple and easy cooking (libraries have many).  You can ask places like this blog or your friends or family.

It truly pays to utilize what you have.  We have all had weeks where it just wasn't in the budget to go to the grocery.  Those tight weeks gives good reason to get creative.

Think about ways to use a single piece of meat - even with a couple people in the house.  Chop it, chunk it and make a casserole or soup with it.  Cooked it can make a great sandwich salad when chopped and added to other ingredients.

It can be lunch on a different day.  Think of meat as an ingredient, not a staple.  You can also have meatless days - use another protein.

Fruit - use it all up.  Older fruit can be made into salads, sauces, juices, or milkshakes.  Cook up apples that may be older.  Fried apples are wonderful - or make a cobbler or pie.

Use it all up and save your budget.  So many things we can do.  Citrus - juice or salads, then use the skins to make cleaner or zest and freeze for baking/cooking.

Bananas getting older make an easy ice cream or a milkshake - the peels make great fertilizer.  Just so many options.

Sometimes you can make up a fun recipe that is very filling and can be used in a simple meal.  Meals don't always have to be several courses.  Fried cornbread - great for a lunch, a treat or a big part of a dinner.  When you are truly watching the budget and getting creative, sometimes it is just about getting FULL!

Easy-peasy snacks.  These are very good and use minimal ingredients.  Think popcorn or any other easy idea for fun snacks.  Heck, you add some melted butter and seasoning to crackers and bake until crispy again.  Super yummy.

Meals can be veggies only!  Yes, they can.  Vegans and vegetarians eat lots and lots of veggies and fruits - you can too.  I often have no meat nights.  You can use a little meat or no meat.  It is so easy to do, especially in summer.

A good summer meal - meat is not necessary at all.  I could eat this all summer long (even with no meat). Just keep things simple.

Big old salads are great as well.

Use up all leftovers for lunches or other meals, or place bits and bobs in the freezer until you have enough to make soup or casserole.

Never feel that you don't have options.  Never waste food.  Use what you have - no matter how obscure it may seem.  Get creative.

Be smart a do a REVERSED MEAL PLAN before going shopping.  I like this way of thinking about it - instead of saying 'shop your pantry'.  Change your thinking and sometimes it can change your life!  Use your dollars for other things.

Have fun with it.  You may surprise yourself and your family!!

Have a wonderful day friends.

$imple is Wonderful - Don't Complicate It

 Happy Tuesday and happy July.  July, and this morning I have on a light sweater!  It was 60*F this morning when I got up.  It is lovely.  The past 2 days have been lovely!  Tomorrow looks to get hotter & humid again, then some storms coming in.  But goodness sakes, I will surely enjoy these cooler days!  Windows open and fresh air in the house - have to love this!

More about simplicity today.  It really doesn't have to be complicated - hence the word!  We are the ones that tend to complicate things.

Our financial journeys don't have to be complicated to be successful.  I hope these posts help someone starting out - so they can avoid the mistakes many of us made along the way!

If your finances feel out of control, you will feel stressed and full of worry.  If you manage your finances in a smart way, it lightens your burden, and you slowly get to financial freedom.  Start taking small steps to that end and have some peace and some breathing room.

Start by getting rid of the barriers.  Pay extra when and where you can on any bill that has an interest amount adding up.  Mortgages, charge cards - need to get paid up.  Take steps to manage these bills and get to your milestone faster.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Stop the extra spending.

Simplify everything.  You know how lovely your closet looks when you simplify your wardrobe? - well you budget can look like that too.  Remove items that are in your way.  Stop spending on unnecessary things - you know what they are.  Stop that eating out, the daily coffees, the clothes shopping, the bad habits.  By removing the money guzzlers, you are going to bring more simple joy into your life.

Take time and assess your spending habits and then simplify them.  If necessary, write down EVERY expenditure over a month.  EVERY SINGLE ONE.  You will soon see a pattern of silly spending!

Remove those and start to breathe a little easier and think about your goals.

The less you buy and spend - the simpler your life becomes.  You learn to appreciate the "simple" things.  You will learn they aren't so small - they are precious. 

Start making good decisions and start making new habits.  You have to change in order to get ahead and have the future you want. 

Small decisions make big difference.

Make some simple changes and start seeing a reward.

• Work on your budget and look at things for a few minutes each day
• Learn from others - research and get advice when needed
• Eat at home from scratch more often
• Renegotiate some of your basic bills - phone, cable, insurances, internet, etc.
• Pay an extra $50 or $100 on your credit cards (you will ever get ahead paying minimum payments)
• Start saving $50 a month or more to your emergency fund
• Get into a 401K or IRA with your employment if offered
• Spend an extra $5/$10 a week on groceries to stock your pantries or freezer (yes, that is an investment in your future)
• Find FREE fun - events at parks, picnics, walks, etc.

Simplifying your steps to a future you want, isn't lazy work, nor is it a cop-out.  It is streamlining the path.  It is a beautiful thing.  We have always heard if it is worth having it is worth working for - true, but it doesn't have to be miserable - simplifying can be wonderful and it gives you freedom.

                         A simple and lovely joy!  Take in simple moments to smile and laugh.

Try not to get overwhelmed during this process on making a good life.  I know sometimes it can get that way.  Been there and done that.  Trust me, it just isn't worth the nerve wrenching obsession we take on.  Slow and steady is the way to go.  

Start small - and make some simple decisions.  Start small in saving and paying off - and as you start to notice progress, you will get excited to do more.  Small steps can be mighty!!!  Then you get on a roll and off you go to a future you can sit back and enjoy.  BUT just remember to enjoy the ride along the way as well.

I wish all starting out on the journey great success.  IT CAN BE DONE!  Don't give up.

You got this.  Get started today simplifying your life and your finances will thank you!

Have a wonderful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 6/30

 Happy Sunday to all.  Holy heck, here we are officially halfway through the year and the days will soon start getting shorter again.  The year is flying by.  This week we celebrate our Independence Day here in the U.S. on the 4th.

We have been all over the place weatherwise this week.  It was nice and it was hot.  We had humidity and wonderful days.  We had storms and rain.  Today is lovely after a very humid, gloomy and stormy day yesterday.

Butterflies are all over the place!  The cicadas have finally started making themselves heard.  Not the brood, just the normal ones.  I like hearing them at night.

The garden is coming along nicely.  The tomatoes and peppers are full of blooms and a few little veggies.  I have a zucchini that seems to be growing overnight!  Baby cukes on the vine and the cabbages are getting huge.  There is even one double one out there (yes one plant split).  I will try to get a picture of that.  The rain surely helped with everything.  It won't be long and I will be picking something.  I know some of you are already getting produce - YAY!  Got to love our gardens!

               Some pretties from the garden!  I love picking flowers.  These have lasted all week!

My frugal week:

• I did make a little run to the feed store for a few things
• Picked myself a bouquet and a huge bunch of flowers for the neighbor to take to shut-ins at work
• Made more hummingbird nectar
• I needed a new notebook to write ideas in this week - I got one from my .25 each stash!  Those past school deals are still paying off!!
• Made hard boiled eggs
• Picked and used purslane in cooking
• Mowed and trimmed the entire yard.  Did a lot of dead heading of lilies at the back of the yard (need to do the big flower bed today), pulled weeds and cut things back.  A couple hard days of work.
• Had 2 gals from across the street come and porch sit one evening until skeeters decided to get us!  Very enjoyable evening.
• Made OJ from concentrate
• Cut up some older fruit & made a small fruit salad - no waste
• Did finally run to the grocery store.  Got lots of fresh fruit and veggies, of course cat food and litter, and some ground beef marked down on clearance.  I spent out of pocket $78 and my savings with coupons and markdowns was $70!  I did good!  I bought NO junk, & NO canned or frozen.
• Meals from home and from scratch
• Air the house each morning - then close windows & blinds.  Trying to keep AC off as much as possible.  Windows open now and cool air coming in!!

Meals this past week:

Rice/cheese burritos (leftovers used) & salad

Fish wrap and fresh veggies

Tuna salad on sourdough

Breakfast - eggs, bacon & fried potatoes - used purslane & green onions in eggs

Plain burger and salad

Chef salad and fruit

Corn on the cob, smoked sausage on bun, cukes & onions

Eating lots of fruit for snacks - watermelon, cantaloupe, & cherries.  Also had some crackers w/cheese slices

How has your week been?  Have you gotten any rain to help your gardens, or have you gotten too much?  Some places have really flooded - that is so sad.  Did you find any deals this week?  Many stores are starting their holiday sales already.

Any fun stuff on your menus?

I hope you all have a safe and healthy week.  May you all enjoy some time with family or friends over the holiday and that it is a safe day for all.  If you are traveling this week - please be safe.

Blessings to you and yours from my humble little home.

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Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.  For by it the men of old received divine approval.  By faith we understand that the world was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was made out of things which do not appear.

Hebrews 11:1-3

Dear Lord, we know You are with us in every way and in every day.  Please help us to help others to understand Your word.  Faith is believing in what we cannot see and that is hard sometimes.  Give us each strength.  Prayers for our nation, our people and the world.  Amen

  

Snacks for Young & Old - Don't Break the Bank

 Howdy all!  Hope this find you well.  It is a beautiful day in the neighborhood here today.  Cooler, no humidity and sunny.  We got some rain yesterday and it was lovely.  Looks like there will be a high heat reprieve here for a week or so.  YAY!

Hoping to get some yard work done in the next couple days!

I keep reading FB posts from folks that now have children home for the summer, and trying to stretch the food budget.  It can be hard for some folks.  When in school children get a lunch for their mid-day and at home, things can be tight when there are more mouths to feed at home.

Here are a few idea that may help those in need.

These ideas can also be used for anyone, including the elderly on limited budgets.

First and foremost, make sure you buy things on sale and from clearance aisles.  Keep it simple.  IF you  NEED it, please utilize food banks for help!!!!!

Watch your grocery stores for their clearance sections.

FRUIT - our grocery has a .99/bag section of markdown fruit.  It is still perfectly good, and you tend to get several pieces of fruit for the price.  Watch for those special sales and digital coupons that get you a good price.

If you can't get fresh fruit - try frozen or canned (with no sugars added).

So as not to waste fruit - cut it up in smaller pieces.  Children often waste a good portion of a whole piece of fruit.  Use leftover fruit in slushies or milk shakes.  Make popsicles.  Freeze bananas - they are like eating a popsicle (you can dip in chocolate first if you have it).

Melons are coming into season and can be cut up into bite size pieces.  One melon can be several servings!

VEGGIES

Fresh veggies cut up and added to a little homemade dip is a tasty treat and healthy.  Never forget the old time snack of celery with peanut butter or cheese.  I had that a lot when a kiddo.    Fresh carrot sticks or any fresh veggies from a garden can be added to some pasta and a little dressing and you have pasta salad, which can make a healthy snack.

Buy whole carrots and stalks of celery and cut up yourself - don't buy those bags of pre-cut or baby carrots (they have bad stuff on them).  Pickles and olives can be added to the mix as well.

Keep a lot of cut of veggies in the frig for a quick grab!

Homemade simple treats.

Make some simple cookies or a cake if you have the ingredients or have some mixes on hand.  Brownies, cookies, cake (doesn't even need icing), fudge, popsicles, pudding, Jello cups (homemade), etc.  It doesn't need to be fancy.

IF you have cereal at home - even a bowl of cereal and milk can be a snack.

JUICE - is always good as well - whether fruit or veggie.

POPCORN - is very cheap and easy.

Instead of buying chips of all sorts, make popcorn yourself (not the microwave stuff).  You can have popcorn with any type of seasonings.  Jazz it up a bit.  Make popcorn balls if you have the ingredients, or get creative and come up with your own type of popcorn snack. (balls, bars, indiv. sized)

Think about other stuff as well.

PBJ sandwiches.  Hummus (make your own) and veggies.  Pudding or yogurt topped with leftover cereal crumbs.

Toasted bread or buns with a little butter and cinnamon/sugar.

Toasted bread with peanut butter and slices of apple or banana.

Homemade mini pancakes/waffles with some peanut or jelly added.

Easy homemade biscuits with topping of cinnamon/sugar or served with jelly.

Lunchmeat sandwiches.  Tuna salad, chicken salad, egg salad - whatever you can throw together to make a sandwich filling.  Again - cut them up into smaller sections so that nothing is wasted!!!!

I still love a treat of apple slices and peanut butter!

Roast some garbanzo beans (chickpeas) for a tasty snack.

Nuts of any kind are filling.

There are so many options for easy and cheap snacks.

I remember having lots of popsicles as a child.  Made from Kool-Ade or fruit juice.  Sometimes if there was a little pudding left, mom would add some milk and freeze as a popsicle.  You can also freeze in ice cube trays and a fun treat. 

Mom always had a cookie jar with some kind of homemade cookies.  Usually sugar cookies.  My friends thought "my" cookie jar was the bomb (they only got store bought)!  If you have fruit trees - there is a good treat.  I loved picking apples or cherries or grapes when a child. 

There are lots of cheaper options available - you just have to think a little and get creative.

Nothing is off limits for a snack - even leftovers.

Keep those young-ins and yourselves full.  A hungry belly is miserable for anyone.

Always remember - if you need help, please ask for it.

Keep your snacks fun and simple.

Happy snacking!!!

List your ideas for tasty snacks.  Looking for all ideas that help someone!!!

A Random Day

 Happy Wednesday to all. Here we are at mid-week again.  Yesterday afternoon we had a doozy of a windstorm come through.  We got some rain a couple times yesterday, but my goodness the wind!  South of here, there was a lot of tree damage.  Lots and lots of trees down - from a microburst.  No tornado, but there were still almost 80 mph winds.  Luckily here, it was just a few branches down.  A lot of the dropped leaves from my yard are gone!  Oopsy - someone else has them now.

The temps are supposed to stay in the low 80's for a week or so, which is gladly received.  Tired of the 90's and the humidity.  It feels pretty humid this AM, but that is supposed to change over the next few hours.  Have a bit of drizzle at the moment.  More rain later today maybe.

I need to get out and mow and pull weeds soon.  I sure hope I get a good opportunity this week.

Some of my pretties at the moment.  These were both taken out front.  It sure makes it look pretty out there.  The gold finches are really enjoying both of these!

I have been watching a few You Tube videos of people living small and off grid over the past few days.  I sure do admire these folks.  It is absolutely amazing to me what people REALLY need to survive.  These folks are in all different regions and even countries and they are basically 95% self-sufficient.  

Talk about a simplified lifestyle!  It sure frees them up to enjoy all that is around them and to use the earth for their nourishment and needs.  I am totally fascinated by this. 

I doubt that I could ever be that sufficient, but it sure is good to know the basics.  Jackie has been talking about making salves and oils from what most people consider weeds over on her blog,  In The Land of the Living Skies II.  It is pretty cool, to use what the earth has provided.  At one time all medicinal needs came from nature.

I just love how so many are getting back the basics and getting creative with what they have.

We all need to be learning and figuring out alternatives.

I haven't been grocery shopping for a bit now.  Just using things I have here.  I have such a nice pantry and freezer reserve, that I can do this for a long while without putting a dent in things.  Really, I can't see any difference.  There have been no great deals in the ads lately, so I have not felt an urgency to shop.  Oh, I know many vloggers and bloggers and FB groups say shop, shop, shop NOW!  All because of the what-ifs!  Well, I know I am good.  I do not panic!  AT ALL!

I feel sure things may get worse as far as prices, supply, and demand - but I am not sure how panicking is going to help that.  Well, I am sure - it isn't going to help. 

Just go forward and stay the path and know you are prepared for what may come.  That is all we can do.

Panic and fear mongering doesn't help one tiny bit!  I can't stress that enough.

Yesterday, I didn't feel like cooking.  I was hungry, yet just wanted something simple.

I made tuna salad for my meal.  A can of tuna from the pantry (I am sure it was gotten cheaply), added a hard-boiled egg, a couple green onions from the garden, some homemade relish from what I made last year, a little mayo.  Served on toasted sourdough bread - that I got FREE a couple weeks ago and froze for later.  Oh, I added some home-grown lettuce to the sandwich.  What salad that didn't go on the sandwich was eaten later in day with crackers.  I am sure that meal cost very, very little - probably under $2.

I was full and satisfied.  I got my protein, my carbs and a few veggies.  I had a piece of fruit later in the day as well.

Meals don't have to be complicated or fancy.  They can be simple, tasty, and inexpensive.

Bits is being a hoot this morning.  He obviously found my loofa in the bathroom!  He came out carrying it in his mouth.  LOL.  I sat here a bit ago watching him catch a gnat and eat it.  Every time I walk into another room, he follows and talks to me and loves on me.  He is so spoiled.  Blackie had breakfast, took his bath, and is now in his assumed position for the morning - on the back of the couch!  Oh, these babes make me smile.  I do not have a throw rug that is safe from Bits - he attacks them over and over during the day and they end up in a heap, and walks away as if to say "that is better, my work is done".

Fun times.

Well, there you have my random thoughts and ways this morning.  Life is full of simple joys - we just need to pay attention and delight in them.  Life is really sweet, and we are the ones that complicate it.

Keep it simple and keep it joyful.  SMILE!

Have a wonderful day all.

SIMPLE Such a Joy

 Good morning to one and all.  Happy to have you here today.  I hope you are all well and good!

A bit of an overcast morning here - maybe some rain coming.  YAY!  We can use it.

I have fed the babes, been out to feed the critters and picked a huge bouquet for my neighbor to take to work.  She works at a nursing facility and has a couple hospice patients that get no visitors (so sad).  So, she will divide the flowers between them - hopefully it will make them smile, if just for a moment.

FYI - Hey kids - 6 months from today is Christmas!!!!!  LOL

We talk about living a simpler life and living with less.  Living BELOW our means, and just using what we have and being happy.   Well, I think many of us who have been around the block a few times get it.  There are newer folks here that may not.

You truly don't have to have all the fancy stuff and the newest devices.  You don't need the biggest house, or the fancy car.  You don't need tons of clothes or brand names.  You can keep your meals simple and be healthy and full and happy!

I read this recently and love this.  No name was given for the quote.

"You can't change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails to always reach your destination."

Boy is that true.  

You have to decide what is important to you and then make a plan to get there.  It isn't an easy trip, and it takes time and some work.  When you live a simpler life, it doesn't take as much time to get there!

You truly don't have to do without things to live a simple life.  You just adjust.  You can have a nice SMALL home with fewer nice items inside.  You can have many a great meal, using what you have and being creative.  You can have nice clothes for you and your family for less - think thrift stores and yard sales.  There is NO shame in this.  HONEST!

You can actually have more - by living a simple life.  More happiness, more joy, more funds, more creativeness, more family time - more PEACE.

You will learn about yourself and what it truly takes to make you happy and what it takes to feel content.  You may be very surprised!

No matter how many designer clothes you have, how fancy your house or car, or how much money you save - you aren't getting out of this life alive!  No one will be remembering those things at your funeral.  They will remember your kindness and your love.

The reason we 'prep' or keep a stocked pantry and freezer, is so we can just use what we have, no rushing out or spending on the spur of the moment.  We buy things on sale, on clearance and for the best price we can - so we can have that stocked pantry.  We grow anything that we can - even if it is just lettuce or some herbs.

We glean if possible.  We learn 'old time' ways of canning and freezing our abundance.  Making a few jars of jelly is so satisfying and it tastes so yummy.

If you or yours enjoy hunting or fishing - you have a resource to free protein and you do something that you find enjoyable.

All of these things allow us to have plenty and to eat quite well.

Yard sales and thrift stores allow us to decorate our homes with little money, or to have some clothing items (basics) for little.  They can help with our crafting as well - cheaper yarn, material and craft supplies.

Children outgrow clothing so fast and get bored with toys quickly - no problem when you are buying them cheaper.

Start a clothing, toy or book swap in your neighborhood.  You know you aren't the only one looking to save a little and live a little simpler!

As many of us get older, we are going for a simpler lifestyle.  It just feels better.  We have finally realized what matters and what doesn't.  Many younger folks and those just starting the frugal journey, haven't learned this yet.  Maybe this will set the idea in someone's head.

Simple is lovely!

Be happy and content and do it with less stuff and more JOY!

Have a wonderful day.

Weekly Wrap Up 6/23

 Happy Sunday to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe.

We had a very early morning storm come through.  Not a ton of rain - but enough to help the parched earth.  More to come in the next couple days.  It sure was nice to get.  It seems to have helped the feeling outdoors a bit.  Not so muggy feeling this morning. Nice breeze.

Well gang, I had a grand time at the 60's party.  It was fun - better than the reunion, as not quite so many people.  Talked and laughed a lot.  Lots of groovy outfits!  I ended up wearing the tie-dye.  The lace one looked good on, but not as festive.

My frugal week:

• Did weeding, yard work, raking (yes raking) and watering early due to heat
• Both rain barrels are full (110 gallons of free water)
• Cleaned up around the trees - squirrels drop corn and outer shells of sunflower seeds - cleaned up any enticement to racoons!
• Placed mothballs around the outer perimeter of back yard, garden and under the shed and deck to deter racoons and groundhogs.  So far so good, it seems to have helped.
• NO grocery store at all this week
• Left only to go to 60's party on Friday
• Lots of laundry - used dehumidifier water in washer
• Took a walk early one morning - around alley and front walks and picked up any trash dropped/blown along the way.
• Put together new shampoo and dish soap bottles
• Checked and refilled all fluids in my Blazer (did it myself)
• Rehydrated mushrooms to use in recipe.  I have so many that I dehydrated a long while back (buy cheap and dehydrated)
• All meals from home & using up leftovers
• Just working inside and doing a bit of clothes decluttering

Meals this past week:

Chicken tenders wraps

Tuna patty on bun and salad

Homemade 'Alice Springs' chicken & fries (in air fryer)

Mexican pizzas

Mexican rice bowl (using leftovers)

Grilled ham & cheese and salad

Dirty rice w/chopped broc. & peppers added, jalapeno burger (no bun)

There you have it, a really quiet week here.  It has just been so dang hot and humid out, so not a lot going on.  I know some of you have had really cool and wet weather and others hot and humid.  I even read there was snow this week in one area!!  It truly is amazing how different areas can be on the same day.

How has your week been?  Did you get any deals or are you using what you have?  I still have little in the way of garden to pick - except lettuce.  Things are growing nicely though.  I hope some of you are now getting 'grow'ceries.

Give us a shout out and let us know you are OK.

Hope this finds everyone well, safe and healthy.

Blessings to you and yours from me and my kitties from our humble little home.

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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you.  Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Lord, thank You for your love and protections.  Let us each go out and try to live as You have taught, with love, peace, and caring for others.  Help us to know, no matter what trials we face, that You will always be there.  We have eternity with You.  Amen