Weekly Wrap Up 2/2

 Happy Sunday, Happy February!!!  Hope this finds all well and safe.  Welp, here we are in a new month.  We are halfway through this thing called winter!  Today marks the halfway point between winter solstice and spring equinox.  I see old 'Phil' saw his shadow - so 6 more weeks of winter (maybe just on East coast)!  Well, that is to be expected - nothing new!  I say 6 weeks until Spring!!!!  Sounds better LOL.

The neighborhood snow is now gone!  We have had some warmer days.  It looks to be in the 40's and 50's all this coming week.  Sounds good to me.

I didn't get a lot done this week, as I just didn't feel well.  That is a very rare occurrence for me.  I had chills, no matter how warm it was outdoors, I was freezing indoors.  I had a temperature and got fever blisters inside my lips.  This lasted a good couple days.  I tried everything from natural to medicinal to help the blisters - nothing helped.  I then started some big doses of echinacea and within hours, my lips started to heal.   I love nature's antibiotics.  They are fine now, and I feel much better.  Yesterday was only in the low 40's and I opened windows a bit and didn't get cold!!  So, this coming week, will be a big catch-up week!

My frugal week:

• I did work outside a little and picked up sticks and did a little yard clean-up
• I ran out one day - and went to Kroger to get special on eggs.  LOL - none to be had!  First day of sale as well!!  (that is OK, I still have plenty).  I did get some veggies on clearance.  3 bags of radishes (I love radishes), romaine lettuce and some nut/raisin trial mix
• I ran into Aldi while out and only got a couple things.  Fruit!
• While out I got a FREE car wash.  Had a coupon from a gift book, so free was great and it was badly needed!!
• I put away all scarves, gloves, and boots (hopefully for season)
• I did remove anything that appeared to be winter decoration!  All put away and looking forward to spring
• I watched some You Tube videos on food pantry hauls.  Pretty neat what people can get to help out their families.  I also watched some on tiny homes
• Laundry - furniture throws, throw rugs and cleaning rags
• Just doing odds and ends - basic cleaning and straightening.  Nothing big or exciting here!

My meals this past week:

I still had an appetite - so ate well

French bread pizza - homemade

Leftover day - just whatever needed used - (a real mishmash)

Nachos

Tuna patty sandwich and salad

Veggie/pork stir fry over tri-colored pasta

Small beef filet, onion rings and tiny salad

Meatballs/broccoli/gravy over rice

All made from ingredients here at home.

SNACKS - fruit, cut up veggies, bits of leftovers

There you have it -nothing exciting at all.  I sure hope to get more done this coming week.  How has your week been?  Did you get anything on a deal this week?  Spring cleaning yet?

Thank you all for the great conversations this week.  We had new people post as well - I like that.  It is always fun to see new folks.

I hope you all have a safe and healthy week.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.

Luke 11: 9-10

Lord, help us each to realize that our needs will be met in Your time.  Keep us from getting worried and bothered about 'what ifs' and realize that we will be fine.  Guide us to find what we need and help us each to understand a tolerable and caring heart and attitude.  Please protect us all.  Amen

Use It - No Waste - Upcycling

 Good morning on this Thursday.  What a beautiful sunrise this morning.  There was a 360* glorious painting in the sky.  Color everywhere you looked. Just lovely.  It is cooler this morning but maybe getting to 50* today.  I'll take it!

Let's talk about upcycling a little more today.  Not just food - but pretty much everything we have, and use can be used for something else!  We often spend money, when we have a perfectly good item already in our homes or garages.

Some things are simple, others are just creative.

Here are a few ideas for trash to treasure.

Cut the tops off those salt boxes and use them for a pour device for a mason jar.  Measure around the opening and then cut.  I have a few of these - they sure are handy.  Also you can use those lids from peanut butter and mayo jars - they fit canning jars.  Even the lids from the powdered parmesan cheese - they make great shake lids.

We often talk about old clothes - those not worthy of donating.  Keep the buttons and the zippers, then cut into rags, or make quilts with the good parts.  Large items can be cut down into material - to make 'new' smaller clothes or items.   Old t-shirts can be cut into long strips of material - many people use to crochet rugs, and it also makes great tie-ups for garden plants!  Nice and strong.

***IF you or your family has older prom dresses - here is a tip.  Before you donate to a thrift store or maybe before you sell it - think about girls who can't afford one.  Check with area high schools, to see if they accept donations to help young girls out!!!

Feed bags can be cut and made into reusable grocery/book bags.  Many are very pretty.  These are easy to make.  They can also be used as trash bags, as can the big packages from TP.  OR cut up and use as a weed deterrent in the garden.  If using in the garden - poke holes so water can get through.

Squeeze containers from the likes of ketchup or mustard - use for pancake mix.  Makes it easy to squirt in pan and get just the right size.  Use for icing to decorate cakes or cookies.  Even fun for the kiddos to play with - think squirt guns!  FREE

Stale bread - don't throw it out.  It makes toast, French toast, croutons, breadcrumbs, bread pudding

Peels from fruits and veggies!!!

Fruit peels - save.  They make great jelly.  Apples peels, peach peels - super great for cooking down to make a flavorful jelly.  I often freeze until I have enough.  When done with the jelly - compost the skins.  Corn cobs make good jelly as well!!

Tomato skins (when canning) make a great addition to soups.  Dry (dehydrate) until crispy and then grind up until it is a powder.  Use to flavor all kinds of items.

Truthfully there isn't much you can't dehydrate and turn into a powder.  Fruit, veggies - it all makes a great powder to add to baking, soups, casseroles, malts - smoothies, you name it!

Yard art.  You can use old pop bottles for a fun bird feeder or house.  A little paint and how pretty.  I use all kinds of things in my gardens.  I have old ice cream parlor chairs that have no seat - they are brightly painted, and then I put a large pot in the seat opening making a lovely look for potted plants.  I have old washstand that are used for flowers and garden.  Old terra cotta pots (broken) can be broken up and used as drainage in other pots.  You can also use old pop cans or plastic bottles in the bottom of big pots for drainage and to take up some space.

Stale soda pop - use it in Jello instead of water.

Those TP rolls (or paper towel) and cardboard egg cartons can be used to start seeds for flowers and garden.  You can plant them directly in the garden as they will break down and you don't disturb roots.  I sometimes keep those plastic clam shell containers you get produce in to use as mini greenhouses!  

They can also be used to gift homemade treats in!

Lots of body wash you may never use!  I get a lot of gifts of scented body wash, which I rarely use (allergies).  So I make it into hand soap but usually foaming hand wash.  I have a couple of those foaming hand soap containers and I refill them.  I use about a third of the bottle with body wash and then fill with water.  Works perfectly!!  I will never run out of foaming hand soap!

*Ice cream buckets - make great storage for bulk items.  

*Faded jeans - dye them!  I have done that many times.  I know the faded raggedy look is popular, but not for this gal.  Maybe if I was a kid again - but not now.  I mend and patch jeans as well - they make great garden wear!!!!

*Coffee grounds and used tea bags - great for garden plants

Jars - of all sorts.  I love glass jars and save most of the ones I may get.  I use them for storage of herbs, dehydrated items. and even gifts.  That is what I use to make my 'jar' recipes I gift - that way you don't lose canning jars!

OK, you get the point.  I could on and on.  We already have things in our home that can be upcycled and reused.  Why spend good money for something new and add even more crud to the landfills???

We all need to be good citizens of earth and recycle in one way or another.

You can help save the earth, save stuff and save MONEY!

What creative ideas do you have for using it up?  What fun things have you recreated into something new?  I want to learn more ideas!!!!

Have a lovely day.  Use what you have!!!

Can't Find, Don't Have - Get Creative

 Good morning to all.  Hope this finds you all well and safe on this last Wednesday of January.  

It was 38*F when I got up this morning!  Wow, that hasn't happened in ages!  It is breezy and will be again today, but warmer temps are a true pleasure.  We look to hit the low and mid 50's a few days this week and next.  Looks like February will start warm.  

The dirty snow is melting - but what is left out there is like ice!  It has thawed and frozen enough, that it is solid and treacherous.

Let's talk a bit about groceries today.  There are things people can't find, some things that you just run out of - so why not get a bit creative and just use what you have?

I do that a lot.  It isn't really because I can't go and buy something, it is because I don't WANT to go out shopping and I like and need to use some of what I have.

Eggs - that is a biggy right now.  Bird flu has caused an increase in price - for what you can find.  Just a heads up if you have Kroger - check your ad for today!  Digital coupon - 18 count - 3.99.  Digital coupons usually let you get 5 of an item!  If you can do this - stock up and freeze some for later.  Frozen eggs work great for cooking and baking.

I never thought that price would be a good deal - but now it is.  I will probably take advantage!!!

****What is amazing to me is that eggs are so expensive and hard to find, and chicken has been super cheap for quite a while in my area!!  I realize different type bird - but same animal.  Something seems off to me!!!

Click on pic to enlarge for easier reading.

Think about using something different if you have it around the house, for your baking needs.

I always have this on hand.  I get it in the baking aisle

Ground beef is expensive in most places - but not as expensive as a roast.  Think about ground pork, chicken or turkey as a sub.  I am not a huge fan of the taste of chicken/turkey (ground) - so I add beef bouillon to change up the flavor.

Again - click on pic to enlarge

There are so many ways to use ground meat - any ground meat.  Ground is generally cheaper than a solid piece of meat, like roast.

Think about using veggies instead of meat for some tasty bites.  Black bean burgers are good - all veggie and no meat.  There are so many things you can do.

Don't have bread - think about cornbread.  It is easy to make.  Don't want traditional cornbread - fried cornbread is soooooo good.  Fun and different.

Think about using pie crust or even pizza dough for hand pies or calzones.  Biscuits are super cheap and easy to make - can be used with gravy, or as bread for a sandwich.  Filling and easy.

Click on pic to enlarge

Beer bread is super easy to make.  The alcohol bakes out with the heat and it has no beer flavor.  The beer acts as a rising agent in case you have no yeast and it doesn't take the time with rising.

Tortillas are also great to make wraps with - like a sandwich but rolled up.  Tortillas are super easy to make as well.

No meat in the freezer for today's meal?  Do you have tuna or salmon on the shelf?  Make patties or add to a casserole or a salad.

Just remember that meat isn't a 'have to' for every meal - unless you have a guy who insists!!!!  I know there are some out there.  

Soups are good ways to stretch 'whatever' you have in the frig or freezer or pantry.  Mix it up and make a big pot of soup.  A nice pot of soup can be several meals for pennies.

Do not let the grocery prices scare you.  Look for clearance and manager specials. I usually can find clearance for about all departments - I know some don't have that privilege.  Manager specials are usually just located up and down the aisles - these are often items that are going to be discontinued in your store, or that is having a package change up.  Try to find a salvage type store - they have fantastic prices.

Think ethnic stores - they are often cheaper.

No need to run out and shop, just because you run out of something - use something else.

I keep screaming it - GET CREATIVE!!!!!  You may make some of the best recipes ever with getting creative.  It may become a keeper!

Have a glorious day and be thankful for what you have!!

For a Friend

 Good morning all.  It looks to be a nice week here, with warmer temperatures for a while.  That is greatly appreciated.

Today's post is going to be a bit different from most. I am sure you all remember Frances, our friend and commenter.  She hasn't posted for quite a while, as her husband has been veery ill, and she has been very active in his care and visiting.  We have all been praying for them both for a couple of years now.

Well, I got an email on Sunday from her, and her sweet Roger has crossed into to heaven to be with our Lord.

I know there are many here, that have gone through the loss of their spouse, so can understand somewhat of what she is going through right now.

She told me that was OK to share that email with you all.

Click on the writing to enlarge for easier reading.

This is for her.  Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for comfort, strength and peace in the coming days, weeks, and months.

We all love you, Frances.

I will not be responding to most entries.  You can leave her your special words.

Blessings to all this new day!

Weekly Wrap Up 1/26

 Hello and happy Sunday to all.  Here we are on the last Sunday of January.  Next week's wrap-up will be February.  It almost felt balmy outside this morning with the day beginning in the upper 20's!  This coming week looks to be in the 40's for highs all week!!  

That means all that dirty looking snow will be gone.  Of course, then it will just be brown and gray.  Guess beggars can't be choosers! LOL

There were a couple days this week that starlings must have been flying through the area.  There were hundreds and hundreds of those pesty birds!  They clustered any place there wasn't snow on the ground.  Not sure what they were finding to eat, but they kept moving from yard to yard.  They obviously hadn't been around liquid water for a while!!  They drank and bathed all day.  I kept having to go out and fill the waterers - with them being heated you can't have them empty.

This January has been our coldest constant temperature for a January in something like 11 years.  I am glad it is going to end warmer than it started!!

47 years ago, was the big blizzard of 1978 in our area.  Oh my goodness, I remember it well.  Drifts that more than covered vehicles, and army tanks driving down the highways!  What a mess that was.  Sure hope that was a once in a lifetime event for me!

Just piddling around the house this week.

• Made a gallon of tea
• Made tartar sauce for a meal this week
• Made a batch of biscuits and made some into biscuits and part into pigs in a blanket
• Did lots of laundry
• Didn't leave the property this week - so NO groceries or other shopping!
• Paid all things I had due, and did it over the phone
• I did watch a couple more things I had recorded - trying to catch up some.
• I cleaned out the sink base cabinet again!  Straightened, combined items, only threw away a couple things that had dried up, and relocated some things to basement
• I conditioned and polished the kitchen cabinets - they look so pretty.  Cleaned and scrubbed all the porcelain handles
• As someone stated this week, one thing leads to another!!  I worked on my small countertop area and moved things around and cleaned everything, replaced some things and combined.  Cleaned the stove really well
• Conditioned and polished the wood 'jelly cabinet' style cabinet in the bathroom
• Hall health and beauty closet got really cleaned out.  Unfortunately, I did have some items that needed trashed.  I found things I forgot about!  Now I can find things easily!
• On a 'slightly' warmer sunny day, I went out and raked all around the squirrel feeders - to rake up peanut shells and hulls from sunflowers.  Made a pile to pick up this next week when warmer.  It actually felt good doing stuff outdoors!
• Meals from home and what I have on hand.  Using all leftovers.

Meals this week:

Leftover veggie hash and scrambled eggs

Mac and cheese with BBQ lil' smokies (freezer) and salad

Broccoli cheese soup (freezer) and grilled ham & cheese sandwich

Beans & rice, non-breaded fish sandwich, slaw (home canned)

'Crab Rangoon' like eggrolls (3) and small salad

Cheese/crab bread & 1 eggroll and small salad

Steamed cabbage and smoked sausage pigs in a blanket

Cheesy/crab bread and eggrolls.  I used faux crab from freezer - cream cheese, chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, and I added some very finely chopped broccoli.  They were very rich and filling.  I ended up freezing a couple as well.  The bread was same filling on a bun topped with cheddar cheese.  All done in air frier at 350*

That's about it for me.  Just taking care of things, I needed to get done inside.  So much always to do.  Just getting motivated is my problem!!  Once I start, I can get on a roll - getting started is the key phrase.

This coming week will probably be very similar!

How was your week?  What have you been up to?  Spring cleaning, de-cluttering, nesting, cooking?

Love hearing from you all.  We had some new posters this week - that is always fun.

Thank you all for being here.

Have a super week ahead.  Stay healthy and safe.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home.

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For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Jeremiah 29:11

Dear Lord, we know You are in control.  Help us each to realize that all things are part of the plan of life, whether we understand or not.  Help us to be less critical and to be more loving.  Help us to enjoy our lives fully every day and stop complaining.  God protect us each one in this coming week.  AMEN

Thursday Tidbits!

 Howdy all.  Here we are close to the end of another week.  We woke to the 20's this morning - much better than zero or below.  It is still cold, but just not bitter cold.  Cloudy and grey.  Looking forward to the weekend when things warm up a bit.  In 9 days it will be February and the end of this looooong month of icky January!

Yes, the simple things.  Yesterday I looked out and the chickens were out grazing 2 doors down.  They were really enjoying themselves.  I have so many types of birds that show up.  The squirrels are a hoot to watch.

My kitties make me laugh sometimes.  Most evenings they each sleep on each end of the love seat.  It has a cover over it - when I get up, Bitsy's end is all scrunched up, as he makes a 'nest' in it to sleep.  He likes being under covers!  Blackie just curls up in his own corner, totally unamused.

Licorice was waiting at the door this morning, wanting his breakfast.  He eats then goes in the greenhouse and naps!  He is so sweet, I just wish he would let me pet him.  We are getting closer, I think.

Yesterday the sunrise was a glorious painting.  We have all enjoyed the full moon that was present for a while.  Isn't that neat - no matter where we live in this world - we all get to see the same big old moon!  That still makes me giggle like a kid sometimes!  Doesn't take a lot to amuse me!!

I have my sweet little home and food on my table.  Lovely family and friends.

The joys of a good and sweet life.

The southside lost quite an advocate this week.  We all called him Mr. Southside.  He was a huge influence on a lot of people.  He helped to start the alumni program at our high school, had reunions at our grade school, and was huge into influencing our youth in sports programs for decades. The ultimate little league coach.  Huge and loving family man, and a friend to all that met him.  Such a good guy.  He fell right before Thanksgiving and hit his head - and was disoriented.  On 11/27 he was diagnosed with stage 4 brain cancer.  He didn't even know he was ill!  He passed on Monday - not even 2 months later.  He was just 8 years older than me.

I mention this to point out how quickly life can change.  You never know.  Life changes in a blink of an eye.

So YES, enjoy all the simple things and live your life with gusto.  Do the fun things, do the silly things, and just ENJOY.  Strive to be the best you can be!

I promised an address to look for those mushroom kits.

Try - backtotheroots.com

It was mentioned here that Target sells them as well as Menard's.  At least you can check online, if you can't find locally.

They weren't super cheap - about $12 a kit, but you are growing something in the winter in your house, it is 100% organic, it's good to eat and FUN!

I need to do some sprouts in the next week or so as well!

What is everyone up to today?  Do you have big plans?  

I hope those who got a rare snow are all safe and actually got to enjoy the snow a bit.  I saw pics this morning on the news of someone playing hockey on the icy streets of New Orleans!  Good example of enjoying the situation!

My great niece lives in Georgia and they were all home for 2 days and making snow angels and snowmen!  A rare treat for her and her teenage kiddos.

I think I am off to do a bit of cabinet cleaning - both inside and out!

Have a beautiful day my friends. 

Carpe diem!!!!!

Simple and Little Ways to Save in 2025

 Hello to all.  I sure hope you are all warm and snug.  I see many who do not usually (or ever) experience snowfall - got it!  Enjoy it for a few minutes.  Take time to play a little.

Both front and back thermometers said 1*F when I got up this AM - up to 4*!  I am really looking forward to the 20's!  LOL We should be above the freezing mark this weekend, thank goodness.  It has been a while.

What a glorious sunrise we had this morning.  The colors were bright and just beautiful.  The backyard was full of cardinals right about sunrise.  Blackie and Bitsy were both in the bedroom waiting on me to get up this morning.  Just sitting there staring up at me.  It is the little things, that make me smile.

I am going to list a few ideas that can help save a little this year.  Most of us probably do a lot of them, but we always have new folks here that are in need of ideas on how to stretch their money.  Little changes don't save a lot at any one point in time - but if you add them up, it can be nice.  May be a way to pay extra on a bill, or it may be a way to save in an emergency fund for perhaps car repairs, medical bills or household expenses.

• IF you use credit cards - get cards that have % of charges in cash back.  That cash back can be used to help pay for things.  Pay off monthly if possible.  Interest can kill your bank account.
• Look at your insurances - especially home and vehicle.  Maybe get new quotes to get a lower payment and also look into raising your deductibles.
• Many of us still have landlines.  If you don't use it - get rid of it.  I want to keep mine, as people can easily find me if necessary.  Cell lines - I have a minimal fee and a simple phone - for emergencies only, basically.  No fancy phone here.  BUT if that is what you chose to have - check out getting bill lowered.
• Take advantage of FREE movies, music and books.  It may be on the internet or it can simply be the library!!  
• Reduce your energy usage.  Shut it off or turn it down.  Whether it is lights, heat or water - use less.  Look into getting on a 'budget' plan if your utility companies offer it.
• Senior discounts and digital coupons.  You can save a lot.  Last year I saved $1700 on digital coupons just at one store.
• Clearance and manager specials - always look and get what you can.  It can be a HUGE money saver
• Find an outlet store close to you if at all possible.  Look at ethnic stores for many specialty items
• SAVE something every month!!!!  Have it direct deposited if possible.  You truly need to save something (at least 10%) if at all possible.  Consider it untouchable!
• Cooking at home vs. eating out, using up what you have, mending instead of replacing, learning new things like gardening or crafting
• Check your fees and subscriptions.  Many people are paying a monthly fee for something they don't even get or use any more.  It may be as little as a couple dollars - but it adds up.  Cancel things you don't need or use.  Do NOT pay late fees - always pay things on time!!!
• Make lists - don't go out and impulse shop!  Shop by a list and stick to it.  Don't make many shopping trips a week - shop once and be thorough.
• Think about making extra income.  If you are younger, think about a second job.  If you are retired, think about a part time job if you are able.  Sell things you don't need or want.  Offer services for a fee.  Sewing, mending, gardening, cooking, pet sitting, tutoring, etc.

MY FAVORITES

• Make do or do without!!!!  Wants and TRUE needs are 2 different things.  Look around for something else that will work to solve a problem for a while.  Learn to use substitutions when cooking.  Learn to get creative.  If funds are low this month - repurpose!  I guarantee you there is always something in your home that can be used in place of something new!!
• BE AWARE of your spending habits.  If necessary - keep track of every single purchase you make.  Down to that pack of gum or that coffee out.  Track it all for a good month - you will see where your $$ actually go.  This is truly eye opening for many.  We did this for years and it was amazing the stupid stuff we spent on.  It caused our mindset to change drastically.

Odds are not one of these will save a tremendous amount each month - but it all adds up.  Like $1700 in coupon savings!  If you can save $500 or a $1000 a year on a few things - that adds up to a nice emergency fund, or extra payments of CC's or mortgage payments.

PAY IT OFF as soon as possible - that is for everything.  Every payment you make is saving interest.

Do you have other ideas?  Give us a shout.  Like I said, many of us do these things on a regular basis, but it sure helps people out who are struggling and just learning new ways.

Have a safe and warm day.  Spring will be here one day soon!!!

Give a helping hand today.