Weekly Wrap Up 2/23

 Happy Sunday to all and happy last Sunday in February!  Oh soon, it will be March and then Spring and then.......

It is a very lovely sunny morning.  It was actually in the 20's this morning - that is a first in a while.  Temps are going to warm up for most of the week, and even our nightly lows are to be above the freezing point!  YAY!  Will it last?  Oh, I am sure there is colder weather in the forecast, maybe even snow, but each day is just one closer to lovely weather - so I am happy.

The daylight hours are much longer now.  That is really nice.  

Bitsy has reconnected with his toys this week.  He hasn't played with his froggy in a few months.  Now he is flipping it all around and has been playing "get ya" with me!  Such a sweety.

My frugal week:

• Used some stale hotdog buns in a couple different ways.  I made individual pizza with a couple and cooked in the air fryer.  I used one for garlic toast
• Early in week, I needed to unfreeze the car doors.  It had melted some and refroze and was really froze up.  I used isopropyl alcohol - squirted on the door edges, waited a couple minutes and Wahla, they opened easily.  Alcohol doesn't freeze solid, so it works
• Shoveled a couple times - so free exercise
• Paid bills by phone
• I cleaned under the hutch, fridge and oven - all things I can't move.  Me laying on the floor, a flashlight, a yardstick and a damp rag.  It got them all cleared out - oh, the dust bunnies were thick!
• I ran out to another luncheon with high school mates.  Sat with some different people I didn't know as well - and that was fun.  I answered a cooking question one had, and then there was an impromptu cooking class taking place!  They just kept asking me questions, most of which I could answer.  I got to be teacher for an hour or so - lol!  It was kind of a nice way to get acquainted.
• While out - I stopped at Vet to pick up Blackie's cremains.  💔
• I also stopped at Kroger and got Bits some treats and got the strawberries that were on sale. 1.88/lb. for gorgeous, sweet Florida berries.  Ran all errands on the one day out.

Will use the containers for something else - probably planting seeds/mini greenhouse

• I used leftover rice to make a couple stove top enchiladas - worked fine.  I got out a pint of homemade tomato sauce - used half to make enchilada sauce and used to other half to make a big glass of tomato juice! Yum
• Used orange peels to start a bottle of citrus cleaner
• I froze some leftover enchilada sauce and even froze some leftover rice and refried beans
• Froze 2 containers of the broc/caul/cheese soup
• Also got gas for Blazer while out - 2.39/gal.  That was my Feb. fill-up - needed about a half of tank
• I used leftovers and did all normal household stuff - working on starting some deep cleaning
• Talked with sis a lot this week - she is starting to improve.  Still has the cough, but feeling much better

Meals this past week:

Cheesy broccoli/cauliflower soup and crackers - homemade

'Bun" pizza - all things from fridge

Leftover cheesy soup and garlic toast

Dirty rice w/beef and salad

Stove top enchiladas

Out to lunch

Fish and fries (in air fryer) and side salad

Nothing real exciting, just hanging out and doing a bit of this and that.  My mind is thinking to spring for sure.  I am so ready to porch sit and play in the dirt.  This next week, as things thaw - we will be entering 'mud' season for a while.  That is ok with me.

How has your week been?  Are you getting to have a little warmer weather soon as well?  Did you get any deals this week?

Stop by and say hello!

Have a great week ahead and stay safe and healthy.  Blessings to you and yours from me at my humble little home!

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

Dear Lord, we thank you for all our many blessings in the past week.  Help us to be kind and gentle, and to have self-control in all that we say and do.  Remind us each one of how we want to be treated and let that be our guide to talking to or responding to others.  Let the negative stop with us.  Prayers for happiness and health for all and may the joy of Your blessings be with us all.  AMEN

Blow Bubbles!!!!!

 Howdy all.  Hope you are well and safe.  It is a bright sunny morning here, but cheese and crackers it is cold!!  Single digits for actual temp and below zero for windchill.  We got about a half - one inch of snow overnight.  Light and fluffy. 

I have been out to feed everyone, cleared off the Blazer - so it wouldn't melt and freeze.  Cleared the walks.  I had on 2 pair of gloves, and my fingers were cold when I came in.  Only a couple more days of this and it will warm up some.  Today highs in teens, tomorrow 20's and then we get to 40's!!!!  WOOHOO!

Aint that the truth?  

People complaining, people angry, people sad, people judging, people being critical, people always seeing the bad.........  It is enough to suck the fun out of anything.  Sure, there is stuff happening in every one of our lives - but we just have to buck up and make the best of the situation, keep trying, and smile.  AND blow some bubbles!!!  Some days it just pays to laugh a little.  MOST days it pays to laugh a little.

It is what you make it!  Make it good and upbeat.

On a different note - I saw the following 2 items in my grocery ads and have to wonder WHY someone would buy them.  My goodness, a few minutes of time, they can be made at home, will no doubt taste much better, and not cost but a few pennies!

A new take on pizza rolls - now they have sticks.  There are 4 per package and as you can tell, the package is about the size of a hand.  So they aren't very big at all.  A little bit of pizza dough - heck even pie dough - and whatever fillings you have on hand - you can make sticks!  Roll out pieces of dough, apply the fillings, add a top dough and crimp and cut to size.  They will sure be tasty.  Great snacks to make ahead and even freeze for a snack for you or the youngsters.

These were ON SALE for 1.99 for 4 pieces!  Doesn't sound like much, but you could make many for a couple bucks.

Seriously - on sale for 5.99!  Maybe 2 or 3 servings at most!  Goodness gracious, these meals can be made with whatever you have in the frig - leftovers - or freezer - in no time whatsoever.  Now maybe you can feed a small family with a package IF you add a lot of sides or a big salad or a lot of bread, but most people would want more than just a serving spoon full!

I always have a bit of some oriental flavorings on hand, or they can be put together easily with items in the pantry.  A tiny bit of veggies, a little meat (sometimes you have to add that yourself), and maybe a bit of pasta or rice.  Not to mention - additives!!!!!!  None in homemade!

Yep, we can all do better at home.

I find it fun to look at the ads and see what they are touting this week, and then figure out a simple way that I can make it myself.  Try it - it is kind of fun.

Ok, that is about it for me today.  I hope those that got tons of snow and rain and then freezing temps are safe!  Stay in, if possible, and stay safe and warm.  This too shall all pass - honest.  Soon we will all be complaining about the heat!  LOL.  (as for me, it will take a while).

Now chill out and go blow a few bubbles and just have a fun and happy day.

Enjoy the beauty of the day.

Simple Projects for Little Money

 Hello all.  I hope this finds you warm and healthy today.  It is another cold morning here and we have been having light flurries most of the morning.  I went out to feed, and boy are there a lot of birdies out there - so much singing going on.  Many, many cardinals, bluejays, sparrows, juncos (lots), finches and about a dozen doves.  So happy to get food!  Squirrels are just waking up.

Bitsy slept in the bed with me almost all last night - in the spot!  I know he is lonesome and misses his buddy.  He sure sticks by me!

Spring will soon be here - honest!  We all get in that frame of mind to spring clean, update, refresh, and change up things a little.

It can often be done for very little money.  There are just a ton of small things you can do to change up the look of a room, a porch, or even the yard.

PAINT - is an easy way to refresh and change up a look.  It takes a little labor, but not a ton of money.  Just touching up places helps.  A color change, or a slight color change can change the feeling of a room.

I darkened a couple walls in the living room (same color scheme) a couple years ago, and I love it still.

You can paint the exterior of your front door or side or back doors - and change the outside look a ton!  A bright door is always so inviting.

WATER - yep, that sounds silly - but just washing down walls and baseboards makes a room feel better.  Washing down the porch or the outside of a house changes up the look dramatically.  I hose down the porch regularly in the summer.  Being covered it collects dust from the road.  You know when drive by THAT house that just looks grimy and dirty, it doesn't leave a good impression.

Clean you carpets or area rugs - you might be amazed how they change!

MOVE the FURNITURE around a little if you can.  It can change up the look for no money - same stuff but arranged differently.  Move pictures and knick-knacks around, maybe from a different room, or things that might be packed away.  

Check out thrift stores or yard sales for a new picture that would look 'just right'.  Make new pillows or get or make a furniture throw/cover.  A new throw rug or area rug changes up the whole room.

Paint your picture frames a new color - to match or accent each other.

KITCHEN - you can sand and paint cabinets a different color to brighten things up.  New hardware changes things up.  Now I know hardware can be expensive - but if that is the only change you make - it is affordable.  Maybe make new hardware - so many cute ideas on the Internet. New curtains or a valance can cheer things up.  They have some really neat items available now that lets you change up the backsplash.  They don't have to be permanent and can be change out if you get tired of them.  I have seen many done with these products and they look so nice!  I am thinking about it myself!

Maybe add some open front shelving for collectables.

BATH - make it feel more spa like.  New towels are always lovely, add plants or candles.

WINDOWS - change out blinds (they aren't real expensive), valances, curtains.  Do something cute to make a valance.  Hankies, sparkly strands of beads, gingham checked towels/material - so many options.

OUTDOORS - again, washing things and painting things makes such a difference.  Have fun with your yard and your flower gardens.  Use items you have around to spruce up things.  Old boots for flowers, a red wagon for flowers/decoration, pretty chimes, lots of flowers in pots and planted.......

Add solar lighting to accent certain areas.  Solar lights can be had for not a lot of money, and they make such a difference.

Old rubber boots can be so cute.  Set on steps, in a flower bed or hang them on a fence.

Homemade birdhouses using/recycling trash!

Paint a fence or even an accent piece for a flower garden/yard.  Get creative and have fun.  The brightness of any decoration or flowers changes up the whole look of a yard!

Paint an old metal bucket or water can, an old chair painted for an accent or flowerpot holder, paint out lawn furniture (add new cushions), the list goes on and on.

Add a gazing globe - they are so pretty.  You can make a platform for it yourself, using flowerpots!

Not everything has to be seen by others to make your home more comfortable for you.  Turn your mattresses, change out the furnace filters, get an air purifier, let in the fresh air, let in the sunshine in.

Spring clean - get those corners and behind and under things all cleaned.  Just knowing that things have been deeply cleaned can change your mindset.

Simple things can have a really big impact.  It doesn't have to cost a lot.  I know we are all in the mood and frame of mind for SPRING!  I want the house all cleaned and ready for me to spend more time outdoors!!!!!  

I believe I am going to paint my outside doors an accent color (been talking about it forever) that brightens the house from the road.

Going to get windows washed (always makes me feel good) and wash down the porch - as weather allows.  I am ready.  How about you?

What have you done that has changed up your home and brightened it up - for little money?  Do you have any good ideas to share with us all.

Have a safe and warm day.

Smile and spread a kind word!

How Can You Possibly Cut More From the Budget?

 Hello all.  Hope this finds you all safe and warm and healthy this morning.  It is cold here.  Windchill below zero - but still not as cold as many of our northern friends.  High today will be about 16*F - normal temps should be in the 40's.  A month until Spring!!!  You think?  I sure hope so - I am more than ready.

Yep, isn't that the truth?  It will get better at some point.  You just have to persevere and go through some stuff to get to the better.  

I know many people think, "I can't cut out anymore".  I bet you can.  We all can, if we really try.  Does each thing make a big difference?  Usually not - but all those small things add up.  It doesn't have to be miserable, just get your mindset into a spot that you are doing what is necessary to help your family.

Turn it up, turn it down, turn it off!  Lower the heat a little, only use AC when it gets unbearable, turn off either, when the temps get to a decent spot.  Open windows for fresh air, open blinds to utilize the sun for extra heat, close those blinds to keep things cool.  It all depends on the time of the year.

Turn off lights!  Only use if it absolutely necessary.  Usually TV light, gives plenty of light in a room - if you watch TV at night.  Turn out lights in rooms where you aren't!!!!  You can use candles or lanterns for a nice ambiance and extra light.  Turn off water!!  Don't just let it run, when brushing teeth or washing dishes.  Catch the extra when warming to water plants or give to animals - use it in the washer.

If allowed catch rainwater to use on plants, birdbaths, animals, washing hair, etc.  Even melting snow will work - it is a free resource!!!!

Wear layers!  Add extra clothes or covers - doesn't cost a thing.

Bock any drafts at doors or windows - you can use a rolled-up towel.

Look for FREE entertainment.  Utilize the library.  You can get books, audio tapes, videos, magazine, even computer time. It is a wonderful resource that we all can take advantage of.  Go to city parks and enjoy the beauty.  Take the kiddos and let them explore - sort of like a scavenger hunt.  Have a picnic.  Go to free concerts in the community.  There are many free items you can get online as well.  If you have a Kindle, there are free books.  Find free printouts for the kiddos to learn from or color.  You Tube is a wealth of information and fun.  Learn, craft, ideas, movies, old TV shows, etc.  Take walks, enjoy nature.  Get to know neighbors - good in many ways.

Stretch that food.  We have talked a lot about that lately.  THINK about meat being an accent to a meal!!!!!  It isn't always necessary.  Learn to use lentils and beans instead of meat in many dishes (make great tacos and nachos).  I often have a day or maybe 2 of no meat a week.  Use beans or other proteins.

Biscuits, bread, waffles, pancakes, corn bread, tortillas, etc. are great ways to fill-up and stretch the food dollars. Add those to a meal to help fill that belly.  Stale bread can be used if toasted - or for garlic toast - or for mini pizzas, croutons, bread pudding..........the list goes on and on.

Gravy is another easy and filling idea.  You can make country gravy or pan gravies, to add flavor and serve with those biscuits or bread to make it more appealing.

Rice and pasta and even potatoes (all are pretty cheap) can also extend any meal.

Only have a certain amount of leftovers for a meal? Add an egg to the meal.  It is filling and a great protein.

Eggs can be stretched when scrambling or adding to veggies and/or leftover meat to make a small quiche or omelet.  Throw an egg into fried veggies and maybe meat and rice to make fried rice.

Another great idea for baking!  I can make my own carbonated water with the Soda Stream.  

Make snacks!!  Don't buy the junk - make your own healthier snacks.  Peanut butter on toast or crackers is filling.  Mix PB with a little syrup or honey for a fun treat - that was a favorite of mine growing up.  Add sliced fruit to PB sandwich.  Slice fruit.  Make no bake cookies (oatmeal).  Popcorn.  Learn to make your own yogurts or you can make ice cream - easy.  If sweets are needed, make cookies, brownies, sweet breads, pudding, hand pies, etc.  

Make your own oven fries instead of having fast food.  

Got a bunch of odds and ends that need used?  Make a fun pan dinner with it all.  You can add anything - from leftover veggies to taco meat.  Season and serve over rice or pasta.  A nice slice of garlic toast on the side or a mini salad.  Super cheap meal and very filling!  Stretches that food.  AND you know what?  It is yummy too!!!!!!

Go through that freezer and that pantry and find all those oddball items that keep getting pushed to the back!!!!! USE THEM.  Get creative and have a new kind of meal.  Don't waste things.

UPCYCLE, RECYCLE - USE IT UP.  Mend things, find new uses for things.  

Know the HUGE difference between your wants and needs.  Trust me there is a difference.

It all comes down to being mindful of your spending!!!!  Just turning off the lights or water or turning down the T-stat is saving you money.  Those things count as spending - you are paying for them.

You sure wouldn't just drive down the street and throw money out the window to just blow in the wind!  Why do you waste it on all these small items? - that add up and save dollars.

SAVE something - there is no amount too small.  If all you can do it a couple dollars a week, $5, $10 - do something.  Stick in in the bank or hide it so you can't get to it easily.  Just SAVE something every week.  There are always emergencies that happen - and a little saved is better than none.

If you need help - seek it.  Yes, it does happen and there are folks that need a hand up at some point.

Live below your means.  That doesn't have to mean living a horrible life.  I live way below my means, and I live a very good life.

It is about choices and decisions.

Do the LITTLE things - they all add up!!!!  Be mindful - no impulse spending.

How can you cut more when you think you are at the lowest budget?  Give us your ideas.

Stay safe and warm friends.

Have a super day!!!!

Weekly Wrap Up 2/16

 Happy Sunday - midway through this month!  I hope this finds you all well and safe.  Lots of winter weather and flooding happening all around.

Well, winter has reared its ugly head again - I guess I knew it would happen.  It started raining yesterday - then it sleeted and then snow.  Yesterday was our warmest day of probably last week or the next week.  I have been out already and shoveled pathways and cleaned the walks.  We got anywhere from 1" - 3", depending on where you are standing.  It is very windy and blustery out there - so the snow is blowing.  Not a lot - but enough to make things yucky - with ice underneath.  

This next week will have highs in the teens and low 20's(F) and lows in single digits.  More snow likely. All I can say is YUCK!

I want to take a moment and thank you all for your very kind and sweet words at the loss of my Blackie.  I am sorry I did not answer each one individually - but every time I read a response I was in tears.  I know many of you have been through losing a precious pet (family) and totally understand.  He was a very special boy.  So happy we had this precious time inside together.  I know it prolonged his life.

Bitsy keeps looking around, but he is very aware something happened too.  He has never laid on the bed with me, unless Blackie was up there too.  The past 2 nights he has been laying and sleeping on the bed on Blackie's blankie (which I have left there on purpose).  He lays in the exact spot that Blackie was, when I got him in his crate Thursday.  He keeps snuggling with me and follows me everywhere!  I have left out 2 blankies that Blackie used just for Bitsy - so he can smell him.  He is using them for sure.

So again - thank you all for your love.  It was felt with every word.

Needless to say, I didn't accomplish a lot this week.  I will get back into it this week, maybe!

• I did have lunch out one day with school friends at Ruby Tuesdays.  That was nice.
• Of course there was the Vet business.  She was so kind.  They worked me right in (I was surprised) and took a lot of time with me and Blackie.  She and I talked for a very long time and discussed everything in detail - she answered all my questions.  They were so gentle with him.  She let me stay as long as I needed with him before and after.
• I received a beautiful handmade card and sweet little notepad from Cookie this week.  Thank you, Cookie.  It is out on display!!  (Last years is as well)
• I ran out to see sis on Friday for Valentines Day and took her some sweets.  She was feeling so bad.  She has had bronchitis very bad.  Such a deep cough.  She looked exhausted.  We talked a bit, then I let her rest.  She was glad to get some candy!
• While out to see sis, I did stop at Ollies to see if there was anything I needed to use my 15% off coupon before it expired.  All I got was 3 - 2lb. bags of unsalted peanuts in shell for the squirrels.
• Just doing odds and ends - laundry, daily straightening, dusting
• Meals from home and what is on hand
• NO grocery shopping
• Did have a neighbor come over and visit for a while yesterday

Meals this past week:

Loaded chili/cheese fries

Burger and salad

Tamales over rice

Out to lunch

Nothing much, just bites of this and that

Angus burger w/mushrooms (no bun), onion rings

Bacon & egg sandwich

Didn't have much of an appetite later in the week.  Things were very simple.

I did snack on fruit earlier in the week and a handful of nuts

Not much happening here, just not in the mood.  I think I will catch up on some reading or maybe TV that I have DVR'd today and tomorrow.  Don't plan on leaving.  Eventually I will clean the drive off.

How was your week?  What did you do that was fun or special?  Did you get any good deals?  

I hope you all had a nice Valentine's Day if you celebrate.

I wish you all a safe and healthy week.

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

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

The plans of the mind belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from the Lord.  All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirit.

Proverbs 16: 1-2

Lord, Thank you for each of our blessings.  We pray that people will be kind of heart and word, and truly look for answers and reasons, before speaking ill of others.  Our words can cause such sadness.  May we all try to be the best example of human life that we can be.  May we each reach out and offer love and kindness to all. Prayers for peace for all.  AMEN

Winding Up Another Week - UPDATE

 Hello all.  Another cold and blustery day here.  It seems we missed 98% of the nastiness yesterday in my area.  Had a little rain, which caused a little black ice.  They had everything salted yesterday early - so that hopefully helped.

Good conversation this week.  You guys all added some very good ideas and tips.  I love how everyone tries to help each other.

I think the one big thing to take from this week, is that we all have to look outside the box, more often than not.  There are many options and ways to solve any problem.  Nothing etched in stone.

You have to do whatever works for you and your family and your budget.

No one thing fits all.

No big post this morning.  I need to try to get ahold of my Vet to see if they can see Blackie.  I am not holding out hope with them, may need to go to emergency care.  He has stopped eating and drinking.  He is hungry I can tell, when he tries to get down the slightest watered-down gravy even - he gags and spits it up.  He has declined a lot in the past few days.  Poor baby may be at his end, not sure.  I have had this happen a couple other times with babies, and it didn't have a good outcome. 

I know I have given him a good life in the past year plus!  I sure hope there is something I can do.  Please think good thoughts.

Have a lovely day and spread happiness and joy.

UPDATE:  BLACKIE 

It did not turn out good.  Vet got him right in, did tests and checked him.  BAD infection in gums and then there were cancer lesions in his mouth as well.  His mouth looked horrible (pictures) - he wouldn't let me look.  No wonder the poor boy couldn't eat.  2 scenarios - neither good.

Extreme and radical surgery which may/probably not help and would be very traumatic.  No guarantee he would ever heal and/or not be in continued pain.   They really didn't even want to entertain surgery - my decision.  OR forever sleep.

I couldn't put him through all that and not know he would be free of pain or would even survive it.  

He has now crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  I am broken hearted - but know he is pain free now and running in paradise.

I think Bits knows something - I came home, and he was sitting in the exact spot I picked Blackie up from on the bed when leaving this morning.  He just looked sad.  He is curled up next to me now.

Oh my sweet, sweet big boy - I hope he enjoyed this last season of life.  I tried to make it the best for him.

Just feeling lost.  I will miss him so much.

Shopping Strategies - Part 2

 Morning all.  Here we are midweek again.  Time flies by so quickly.  Another chilly morning here - cloudy too.  We supposedly have some adverse weather coming in later today.  I sit on the border of rain vs. yuck!  I hope it stays rain or waits until later - as I have a scheduled get together today - some are coming a decent way to get there.

Today part 2!  Shopping strategies on other things we buy.  There are ways to shop and get deals - yes there are.  You just have to be patient and look around.

First look around the house and reuse what you have.  SO many things can be used for other things.  Do you need a new teapot?  Use a sauce pan instead.  Do you need a new oven immediately?  Use what you have.  Sounds impossible - Jackie has been doing without an oven for a while now and has learned to bake and create a lot of things.  (In the Land of the Living Skies II).  Do you need to buy those Swifter wet/dry cleaning pads?  No - use what you have!

I use old socks on mine all the time - the fluffy socks work great.  Spritz with water, vinegar, dust spray - and clean.  They are washable as well.  I often use old wash rags, microfiber or cut up t-shirts as well.

Get creative!

Old clothes - yours, yard sales, thrift stores, etc. for material to create with.  Our one really affordable big fabric store seems to be going out of business, so you may need to look at other ways of getting affordable fabric.  Even yarn from old sweaters.

Think about scratch and dent stores - salvage shops.  My stove and my refrigerator both came from the scratch and dent dept. of Sears years ago.  Tiny marks in non-descript areas - they work fine still today.  I also got my power washer last year at a discount/salvage buy-out store.  You can find things a lot cheaper than normal retail.

Going out of business sales.  Sure you may not have a store warranty - but there may still a manufactures warranty.  You can get many, many deals this way.

Yard sales, thrift stores, etc.  GO!  You can find all kinds of things gently used or maybe even brand new.  If we spent more dollars buying from places like that - there may be less new manufacturing.  IMO that is a good thing.  Use what resources are available already and for a lesser price.  I have purchased brand new small appliances (my new Nuwave air frier $10, my brand-new Soda Stream $15).  New clothes, home furnishings, yard and garden art, tools, toys, coats, etc.

I love the idea of keeping things out of landfills and buying them from another person.  People often donate entire households of items after deaths - and so many wonderful things are included. There is no limit to what you can find.

Vintage shops.  Around here they are kind of thrift stores with a theme!  Lots of neat vintage and retro items can be found for such a good price.  Some of the older items are made so much better than anything new you can buy now.  

Most thrift stores have a variety of clothes as well.  Lots of classy basic looks, goth for kiddos, Boho, vintage 50's - you name it - you can find it.  Never forget these places for costumes for drama programs, and holidays as well.  Dresses for prom - even weddings.

ASK!!  Put the word out to family, friends and neighbors that you need -------.  Odds are someone may have it, or they may know someone.  Often you can get things for FREE or for a nice barter.

Getting by.  When we first married - this was our dining room table!!  Yes it was.  We had expenses of remodeling, bills we came into marriage with, and just setting up a household.  So, we used this for a while.  It worked!  I used this for the 2 years I was living alone as well.  It served its purpose.  After we decided what we wanted - our parents went together and bought us a dining set.  But we were happy to use what we had.

After we got a 'real' dining set - this went outside and was used for a long time.

After my mom passed, I inherited her stainless cookware set that she got when I was about 6 years old.  I am still using it!  It is very high end and sturdy and still looks like new - well taken care of.  She managed to get such a nice set, because daddy sold it for a while as a second job.  So cookware that is about 64+ years old and it is still lovely and useful.

Just remember you don't have to have brand new or the biggest or the best of things.  You can get by just fine with lesser items.  Shop and look and have patience.

There are so many options of places to shop at.  PLEASE think gently used and save things from landfills.  

Take good care of what you and it can last for ages.  NEVER be ashamed of what you have.  Be thankful.  

Love to hear some of your stories about fun finds!!!

Have a super day everyone.

Be safe.