Playing Catch Up And Paying For It

 

Since coming home from Kris's place and the second trip to the city, I have pretty much been going steadily.

The cherries are all picked now.

These are from the second tree. After weighing them we managed to get 5 lbs. so there will be more than enough for some jam (to be made tomorrow, and perhaps another batch of cherry pie filling (though I will have to see how much Minute Tapioca I have). 

My infused oils are working there way to perfection on my sunny window sill. 

And dehydrating is going full blast. 

I have also been weaving, and knitting trying to stay in the cool of the house.

However we were out picking those cherries yesterday, and man even with a hat on it was hot and sunny. I think I may have been out a bit too long, or did not have enough rehydration happening. 

Now I feel like crap, which made grocery shopping today loads of fun (not!!) and trying to get anything but the basics done a bit of a problem. 

When the sun is setting I will go out and water my plants, wearing my hat and taking a bottle of water with me. Then pretty sure I will be hitting bed early.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

Thrifty and Frugal

It has been very hot here, which means watering a bit more often if we want flowers or herbs or veggies and the water barrel is down to the dregs. So no more free watering for awhile. Hopefully we get some rain very soon.

What with two trips to the city fuel expenditure is going to be high this month, so I will be looking at ways to make that extra spending up.

When home I have been using every last little bit up and stretching things as far as I possibly can. The one item in the budget I can really control is grocery spending and that is what I plan on doing for the rest of the month and into August. 

Mending clothing, and I have a few items I want to re-fashion over the next couple of months.

Dehydrating as many herbs as is possible and collecting herbs and flowers to use as the base of various salves and lotions.

Making another Christmas gift, and planning some other gifts that I can make quickly for gifts.

Spending time at home making lists of what needs to be done before winter falls and what I need to stockpile in case of a bad winter, or prices going even higher. 

Picking fruit in the yard, made cherry pie filling and in a couple of days I will be making cherry jam. I hope there is enough cherries left to make another batch of pie filling.

Buying on sale, and if I don't have an ingredient substituting where and what I can.

Decluttered cookbooks, some Kurt took and some I need to copy some recipes out, and some to donate. Still more to go through, but it is a start. 

Looking online at properties in Regina for sale, also looking at apartments. It will eventually be time for us to move though I wonder if we will get a doctor there any easier than here.

Combined errands to save on gas usage and time.

Paid bills online, thus saving fuel and time.

Harvey saved most of the chicken wire we put around the bottom of the cherry trees to keep the birds from flying under the netting and made a sort of fence for the cucumbers to cling and grow up.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

It has been a busy two days since we have been home. I am trying to get as much done as possible since we will be heading back to Regina tomorrow for my Bone Density test. This will be my third as I suffer from severe osteoporosis, not a fun diagnosis at all. I need to remember to be extremely careful in what I do. I was on a bone building pill for 5 years but after that needed to go off it for awhile. 

So what have I been up to....

Monday saw the usual household tasks along with dehydrating and picking cherries (we actually did the cherry picking when we got home on Sunday as well), still have more that will need picking probably tomorrow evening. The tent contraption that Harvey purchased online really works well, so we will be purchasing a second to keep the birds out of the trees. 

I did about 7 inches of weaving, finished off a pair of mittens and started a second pair of this colour. Looks like there might even be enough to make a smaller pair later. 

Of course there were plants to water as well, and since I was doing that I picked herbs to dehydrate, and found two smallish cucumbers in the garden to add to our salad last night. 

I did pick lavender and white clover but will especially need more lavender. There should be enough white clover dried by the end of the week to make my infused oil with that.

At the end of this week I will check the echinacea I hung up to see if it is dry enough to chop up and store for winter teas. 

The calendula infused oil was started today and I made two containers of cherry pie filling. Thursday will see me making cherry jam and perhaps if I am lucky there will be enough cherries to make some more pie filling.

I was asked what Kris's cat's name is. Her name is Eiko and she is actually getting a bit used to us when we visit. This time she was sleeping behind my legs one night, and almost cuddled with Harvey as he slept on the couch. 

Hope to have lots of pictures for you tomorrow.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

 

Quiet

It has been a quiet day. I did a bit of cleaning in Kris's  house and in his garden. I also went to Fabricland and picked up a bit of fabric to see me through a couple of clothing items, and a quilting project. I will share pictures tomorrow, once we are home.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Back Once More

 

My quest towards simpler living took another step forward this week. I actually cleared out some of the cookbooks I purchased over the many years we have lived in this house. Some I have never even opened. There are a few that I need to copy some recipes out of, especially one of my mother's books that have some of her favourite handwritten recipes in. In actual fact I don't really think she used this cookbook for much else.

How am I doing this Plastic Free July?

Well not too badly actually. What plastic bags I have been using are reused for something else, I have moved my dried herbs this year from bags to glass jars, and I am working on trying not to use as many garbage bags.... Harvey has even bought some large paper bags for his grass cuttings. I think that each year I manage to cut another layer of plastic from use around the house. Now if I could only do the same for tinfoil!!

A couple of days ago, Kurt and I went foraging and I picked echinacea to dry and make tea this winter. This will be a good way of knowing if this is something I wish to continue. After washing and partially drying I have tied them into little bunches and have them hanging from the curtain rod in the sewing/craft room.

The guys are at the football game by now, and I have done a bit of cleaning here at Kris's. Pretty sure after a bit of rest I will do some more.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

Well, Kurt arrived at about 4 pm, which was a bit later than I had thought he would. Still I am glad that I had supper started and will be serving it soon.

Maebeme, those wacko's are still after him when ever they get a chance. Still he is handling it well with the help of friends and his other staff. His students love him and I have a feeling they would be up in arms and protesting at the school should things get out of hand. 

My Mother's day present was a lovely candle and some sleep inducing tea (which I should really get into using). Kurt also brought me back some thimbles for my collection. 

Harvey got a couple of puzzles and a whole bunch of fishing lures and such. 

Both of us got small bells that we can hang on our Christmas trees from Capris. 

I managed to get 5 more cloth napkins fashioned and I hope to get the remaining 8 done (or at least close to being done) tomorrow. We shall see. 

Picked lots of calendula and white clover. I am getting closer to having enough to make those infused oils.

I have been waiting for two and a bit years for an appointment at Nuclear Medicine for my bone density test, almost thought my doctor forgot to request said test. I got the appointment on Friday. Now that is a very long wait, and the questions they ask....wow. I doubt I can remember most of the dates. 

Off to get supper on the table.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Really this week has been more of a catchup week since we were gone for a number of days. Still more needs to be done, but the heat is causing havoc with my head and intestines. Still I do a bit each day extra and that seems to be going well.

Today I gave the dehydrator a bit of a rest, but tomorrow it will be back in use. There are lots of calendula blossoms to pick, white clover to pick, and of course there is always lots of herbs to dehydrate as well. 

This week I managed to get a few more mittens made, three cloth napkins totally completed, extra washing done, swept of the deck, did some weeding (still more to do, but it has been so hot and I have been sleeping in). 

Fitted in a visit to the dentist as well for my cleaning which happens three times a year. My next appointment is October.

I even got the shopping done today. Spent a bit more than planned, but am well stocked for when Kurt comes either tomorrow or on Monday. 

What haven't I gotten done?

I need to get the cloth napkins completed so as to warp my loom once again, my rhubarb looks more than ready to pick (even though Hubby transplanted it this spring), the deck furniture could use a good wipe down/cleaning, and of course as is usual the sewing/craft room needs a tidy. Still half a month to get things done though so I am going to work on getting these tasks completed, and finding netting to cover my cherries (seems the robins may have discovered them). 

I also need to make an appointment at the walk in clinic to get my prescription filled. Hopefully they give me more than a 1 month refill. Now that would be a pain.

Off to visit with you and then get supper started.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Moving Towards A Simpler Life

 

Simple living doesn't necessarily mean taking our clothes down to the river and beating them on rocks to clean. Nor does it mean doing without. Just like frugal and thrifty living to me it means being happy and grateful for what we have, no more keeping up with the "Jones's" or needing every new contraption. 

It means enjoying the simple things in life like a good homemade meal, family visits, making something with your own hands, and stopping to smell the flowers, even if the flowers are dandelions handed to you by your child or grandchild. 

Right now simple living to me, especially, means slowing down which in my case can be very difficult as I always seem to be needing to keep my hands busy. I am trying very hard to enjoy life as the heat of summer is upon us, taking time to enjoy the garden, picking herbs, and such for the winter or to make salves and lotions. 

Produce from the garden will be a bit longer before picking and processing. Harvey planted less and next year he is talking about leaving half the garden fallow and working compost and such into that, then the next year leaving the other half fallow and doing the same. I think that I will be paying visits to the farmers market a bit more on those years. He is actually slowing down his days and tasks quite nicely. 

Most days I manage quite well, but today I decided to get the cloth napkins done.... Have I managed to do so? Nope, and it is sort of causing me angst. Will I get them done tomorrow? Probably the majority of them, but still it is taking me longer than I thought, and I spent too much time at the machine and now my neck and shoulders are bothering me. Will this teach me anything, like I need to pace myself when working on crafts? Probably not, I still think I am a youngun and can keep right on working. 

Part of this is probably a leftover from when I worked and I needed to get X amount done on the weekends or the house would start to fall apart. Or at least in my mind it would fall apart. 

It more than likely does not help when Kurt asks me to do something for his friends or his school. I hate saying "No" and that makes more craft work for me. His friends stopped him from spiraling into a depression so bad that he could have considered suicide and this is also my way of thanking them all. Fact is those that have received prayer shawls or afghans have all been so very appreciative that it gives me a lift. His school have supported him through those same rough times and I know are still backing him against those idiots that want him to lose his job or are threatening his life. We are not close enough to where he resides to be a physical help so I do what I can to let everyone know I am very thankful they are there to help him out. Life does get complicated for us every so often. 

All this to say that living a simple life can become complicated at times and is something to work towards.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Thrifty and Frugal Thursday

  Thrifty and Frugal

Since we have been home I have been busy trying to get caught up on tasks around the house. It has been so very warm, not at all the temperatures we are used to at the beginning of July. Usually these show up towards the middle or end of the month. So the not so frugal or thrifty thing happening here on the old homestead is the air conditioner is running pretty much constantly.

There have been a few frugal and thrifty things happening though.

1.  For the first time this year, I actually got to hang absolutely all the washing on the lines outside to dry.

2.  The money leftover from the amount I saved for the reunion was put into my savings envelope to be used for craft supplies, fabric and perhaps a larger reed for my loom.

3.  Using rain water to water all the outside plants, hopefully we get some more rain before it is drained.

4.  I got in for my missed dental cleaning and got lots of little freebies (the cost of the cleaning wasn't that bad either).

5.  I am slowly using up the yarn my friend gifted me with to make all those mittens. I seem to be slowing down though.

6.  I mended a pair of socks, sewed on a missing button, and turned the collar on one of Harvey's loved button down shirts.

7.  I have kept on using appliances for cooking, and Harvey has BBQ fever so that saves heating up the house.

8.  I spent some time organizing pictures on the computer and now have them all in folders, soon to be moved to a thumb drive I hope.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 

We are home now and I am so tired both physically and mentally. Over the next while I will post pictures of our reunion, and tell all of you how things went.... Some good, some bad and some in-between. 

See you all tomorrow with my menu plan for the week, which of course will be changing since I ended up purchasing the bits and bobs left over from our Friday get together.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek Once Again

 

I have spent some time getting ready for our kind of get away tomorrow. Still loads to do, but I am seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. I find getting ready to go anywhere a stressful thing. One must make lists, pack and hope nothing is forgotten. It seems as if I always forget something sooner or later. I am still adding to my lists for this weekend. My goodness, one needs to bring a great deal with them for something like this.

Thought I would share a few more frugal tips with all of you.

1.  Before a contractor begins work, require a detailed written contract.

2.  When your contractor requires a deposit please make sure it is reasonable.

3.  Establish a payment schedule according to work done and not on fixed dates.

4.  Shingles in poor condition will put off buyers. We now have a metal roof which has a lifetime guarantee. 

5.  Repainting those areas that need so pay off big time compared to the effort and cost if you want to resell.

6.  Never rely on short-term returns.

7.  Check unit prices in stores. Sometimes sale items are actually more expensive.

8.  Earn gift cards for your treats.

9.  Drink more water and less soda.

10. Use food scraps to re-grow your own food.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

Just a quick post to let you know all is well. I am slowly getting things done around the house in preparation for our leaving in oh my!!! just a couple of days. So much to do and not enough time in a day. 

At least Blogger is behaving now and I am able to download pictures without having to sign in every single time. 

Once again it has been raining off and on, which means no long walks and me getting slightly damp while grocery shopping today. Still this means I only have to run out tomorrow and pick up the necessary for the Friday get together. Have I ever mentioned I hate going shopping twice in one week???

Off to get supper on the table, but I might have a bit of time to visit a few of you first. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 This month will be kind of strange when it comes to weekly menus. We have a reunion to go to, and will be at our youngest son's place for a couple of days. Our oldest will also be at home here for about a week (give or take). 

Monday

Soup and grilled cheese sandwiches. It's raining so this is perfect.

Tuesday

Leftover roast pork. I think I will make pulled pork and serve it over some buns along with coleslaw, pickles and cheese. Any leftovers will be frozen for another meal.

Wednesday

Smoked hamburgers, fries, and the remains of the coleslaw.

Thursday 

This is the first night we will be at the venue for the reunion so I will take some smoked sausage to have along with pasta and a salad (will clear out the fridge crisper and pull a head of lettuce from the garden).

Friday

Meal is pot luck with hamburgers and hot dogs as the protein.

Saturday

Catered meal.

Sunday

Back at home and I have chicken breasts as our protein and will probably serve with a lettuce salad, mashed potatoes, and peas.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

I have spent most of this week finishing up my weaving, well at least the washing of the scarf. Next week I will warp the loom for the second scarf. 

Also lots of knitting being done. After all 50 or so pairs of mittens take a bit of time to do. 

These are being sewn up over the next couple of days. I have already made a start on that task and have these done.

I swear that it takes almost as much time to sew these two needle mitts up as it does to knit them (could be I am exaggerating slightly here). I hope to get half of them sewn today and the other half tomorrow so as I can do some more knitting. 

My friend brought me lots of her leftovers and I will definitely have enough to make the 50 pairs plus probably a few more. 

There has been time spent picking blossoms, and plantain leaves to make salves and such. I think I might be there for the dried plantain very shortly. The other three salves may take a bit longer as the amount I can collect is quite small in comparison. I did find a recipe to make a mint salve and will check into that a bit more, supposedly it is good for headaches.

Tomorrow I will update my projects list, and perhaps even post my list for next month.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Moving Toward Simpler Living

 

We have a pretty bad storm on the horizon once again, so I am not sure when I will get to visit all of you. Be patient, if at all possible I will be reading your posts tonight, if not, for sure tomorrow morning.

The chapter in my Simpler Living book this time was about laundry and the laundry room. Much of what was written about I already practice and I am sure the rest of you do as well. Some would actually take up way too much room in my smallish laundry space and wouldn't streamline anything at all. At least for me.

But here are some highlights from the chapter.

1.  Be careful not to overload the washer or dryer.

2.  Use the correct amount of detergent for your load size and water level.

3.  Baby wipes can be used to clean stains from baby formula off most fabrics.

4.  Remove clothes quickly from the dryer to minimize wrinkling.

5.  Hang wrinkled clothes in the bathroom when you are taking a shower to allow the steam to remove wrinkles.

6.  When buying new machines buying basic would save you lots of money.

7.  Keep a trash can handy for all the lint cleaned out from the lint trap in the dryer.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Thrifty And Frugal Friday

 Thrifty and Frugal

It has been the regular frugal and thrifty week around the old homestead. Nothing really new is jumping out at me to post about. Instead I thought I just might share a few more frugal tips with you all. This time about how you can save on your home.

1.  Take the time to check and see if it is better for your to rent or buy a property.

2.  Define your needs before looking for a new property.

3.  Wait two or three years to accumulate a higher down payment when you decide you wish to purchase property.

4.  Perhaps purchase a smaller home that is close to transportation if you live in an area with public transportation. 

5.  Pay off your credit cards in full before buying real estate.

6.  Get your loan pre-approved.

7.  Don't purchase a home at the top of your budget. There are always unplanned expenses.

8.  Have the property inspected before purchase.

9.  Don't try and do all the renovations at once if you need to do so.

10.  Shop for home insurance and get the best deal possible.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek

 

Life throws people curve balls and we had one of those today. 

Harvey's brother Bradley decided to drop in and pay us a visit. A visit that lasted almost 4 hours, so it was a good thing I managed to get most of the household tasks done early this morning. I also had to get away from his "Oh poor me litany." He is the baby of the family and was pretty much spoiled rotten by his mother and some other family members. Bradley lost his dog a few months back due to cancer.... and he is not trying to move on at all. 

Then he has been unable to work (or at least that is what he puts forth and is undergoing WCB tasks, like physio and classes. He is now applying for jobs pretty much all over Canada and not finding anything. I wanted to yell, you are 63 do you really think someone will hire you now since retirement age is only a couple of years away.

Now he is trying to sell the two houses he owns and says he can live off that for awhile. Does that sound as if he is serious about getting a job. Not to me. 

I finally went to pick up the mail and he was still here when I got back. I am wondering if he was wanting us to invite him for supper....

Enough rant, it is just I am upset that I couldn't knit or work on any project while he was here. 

I was asked a question by Maebeme about my salves and lotions. Sometimes the leaves or flowers are fresh, but most times they need to be dried  Most recipes say you need to infuse a carrier oil for 4 to 6 weeks. That is strained and then cosmetic grade wax pellets are melted with the oil. Some have added shea butter, and others have a few drops of tea tree oil, or Vitamin E oil. Then the resulting mixture is poured into small jars for usage. 

Lotions are a bit different and one needs to beat or whip the concoction to the right consistency.  

Carrier oils are usually olive oil, grapeseed oil, liquid coconut oil and sunflower oil. All oils that can be used on ones face or body. 

Supper is started, except I have to add a few things to the Greek salad before serving.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 It has been pretty quiet here since the storm. Still gathering twigs and finding a few branches broken off some of my pots and baskets. Still things are not too bad and I am still able to forage a bit. Seems like what could be considered weeds grow like crazy no matter what. 

I have a bit more weeding to do, but man the humidity gets bad by about mid morning. I need to get out a bit earlier in the day.

Harvey got the piece he ordered for his smoker and it seems like he has got it working properly again.

It does cool off at night so the windows are open and the air conditioner no longer starts running at 7 in the morning. 

Household tasks are being completed and even more will get done tomorrow. I am trying to get a bit ahead so as the week before we go for the reunion I really will not have much to do. Just make my lists for packing and then the packing itself.

So here is what I have been collecting so far for my salves, lotions and potions.

The only item I have actually gathered enough to start the oil infusion. This is the lemon balm leaves sitting in a sunny window.

The first gathering of plantain leaves drying in the sun. I should be able to put these in a jar very soon and get another gathering done. I even found more plants growing further down the alley.

The tiny bit of white clover I have managed to collect up until now. This could take awhile.

The dried lavender buds are slowly adding up.

Not many of the calendula flowers collected as of yet. I do have two flowers dried and put into an air tight bag for now. There are another two I can pick and dry tomorrow. Hopefully the blossoms start coming a bit better very soon. Heck I may be stealing some from Kris when we go up there in a couple of weeks.

As far as projects I am slowly getting a few more of those done. Once the perennial bed has been weeded I will mark that one off, and I hope to get the deck furniture straightened out and wiped down at some point tomorrow or if I feel up to it after supper tonight. 

Busy knitting mitts and getting closer to the at least 15 and hopefully 19 pairs done. I am loving the fact that I am clearing out my yarn stash a bit.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Menu Monday

 

Before I give my menu plan.... Yes Maebeme the storm hit here at about 11 or so. High winds, pouring rain and hail the size of a toonie (perhaps larger as I could only reach one through the door without getting pelted). Some damage to our garden, but I couldn't tramp through to check more closely this morning as it was so wet. Damage to some of my flowers, which should be okay as they are small yet and have a good chance of coming back. Cherry trees lost many of their cherries though so no bumper crop this year (Sniff, sniff) and my poor kiwi vine lost a whole vine (sure hope that comes back). But the Riders won!!!!

Monday

Chef's salad as it is bound to be hot and humid today.

Tuesday

Leftover roast beef thinly sliced with celery and onion, a mustard dressing and this will be served over a bed of lettuce. Should be enough left of the roast beef mixture to have later in the week.

Wednesday

Spaghetti and meat sauce. I need to use up the leftover sauce from a couple of weeks ago that is residing in my fridge freezer. I will make a Greek salad to use up some grape tomatoes, cucumber and onion. As well as the feta cheese in the fridge.

Thursday

The leftover beef concoction.

Friday

The container of frozen soup in the fridge with tuna sandwiches.

Saturday

The frozen sausage rolls from the fridge freezer and the remains of the Greek salad.

Sunday

Roast pork, roasted potatoes, roasted carrots. 

Dessert for this week will be Chocolate Zucchini cake.

Everybody have a wonderful day.

God bless.

Sunday Ramblings

 Really very warm and humid today. Good for the plants, but not so much for working in any length of time.

Today I picked more clover and lavender and have the dehydrator going. The pot marigold flowers are taking much longer to dry. I do hope to pick more of those tomorrow. 

I then went down the back alley and picked the first batch of plantain leaves. Those are drying on some toweling in the living room. Once dry they will be crushed and put in a jar so as to make room for another harvest of leaves. I am finding lots this year so the experiment on making plantain salve will definitely happen.

Pictures to follow next week, providing that Blogger allows them. It seems that ever since I did the latest update, I am having to sign in almost every day. Something that never happened when I did not sign out. Getting pictures uploaded is beginning to be very strange. I now have albums that I never had before, which means searching each of them to find what I want to add to a post. That can be time consuming at a time when perhaps I don't have as much. 

We went to Mass last night as the church was putting on a Family Day today. The whole thing started out years ago as a thank you to all parishioners. Lunch was provided and games for the children were held. This year it has turned into a fund raiser and everything is very expensive. I am very disappointed in our parish council and this decision as many families are struggling to make ends meet.

By the end of today I should have 13 pairs of mittens knitted, not the 25 pairs I wanted, but I am pretty sure I will have at least 19 pairs done by the end of the month. I will be sewing them together on Sunday of next week. 

I am going to pull out my toaster oven and make our roast meal in there. Much too hot to turn on the oven.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Round-up

 

So far this month has been mostly about weaving. I am going to leave that for a bit and concentrate on getting a few of my other projects worked on.

I have been knitting mitts and finding even more orphan balls and skeins of yarn to use up. Loving the fact that I have been able to empty two totes of yarn. Sure they were only partially full, but at least they are no longer taking up room on the shelves in the storage room.

I started foraging today. I picked the white clover flowers in our yard (hopefully I will get many more) and dehydrated them. I still have lavender and calendula flowers dehydrating. I have the jars to put the dried flowers in to make infused oil.

Started my lemon balm infused oil today. It should be ready to make into a salve in about 4 weeks. I am actually getting a head start on the infused oils this year and trying some that are totally different from what I have made other years. I will be gathering plantain very soon and hope I can find enough.

I am finding it very interesting how herbs and plants have lots of medicinal purposes. I am also finding it very interesting that almost every plant (even those one considers a weed) can be used to make an oil or a salve/balm/lotion.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless. 

Moving Towards Simpler Living

 

Part of my movement towards simpler living is learning how to be a bit more self-sufficient. There is no way we can raise cattle, pigs or chickens on our city lot, but we can grow veggies, herbs and a few medicinal plants. Back alleys here have an abundance of berry bushes and wild flowers for foraging to eat or make salves with. 

I can and do make lots of my own clothing and now I fashion more for comfort than style. I mend, I darn, I knit, I quilt and now I have taken up weaving. This is my first project, and while there are errors I am quite proud of it. Most of the errors were in the beginning and I did get progressively better as I wove. 

In about a week or so I will warp the loom once more and make another scarf. Perhaps I will even get two made now that I know how much time I can stand before needing to move around.

Living simply and frugally does not mean doing without, to me it means being able to spend where it makes a difference, doing things one enjoys, and taking time to breath.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

P.S.  Blogger is really acting goofy and will not allow me to do what I want to do. Grrrr. 

Thrifty and Frugal Thursdays

                                                        Thrifty and Frugal

Blogger is still acting up for me, but hopefully this posts without me having to sign in, when in fact I am already signed in.

My thrifty and frugal happenings this week are pretty much the same as every week. I did have one thrifty save this week though and I am quite happy about it.

1.  Walking for exercise when it isn't raining. If it is raining I do my walking around the house.

2.  Our coffee pot (a Keurig) died a slow death this week. In checking the flyers I found that Canadian Tire had one on sale (I could make iced coffee with it which made me happy), but I decided to check out Walmart first. Exact same one was on sale for $49.97 a savings of $70.00. 

3.  Checked out the berries I am hoping to forage and all seems to be growing well. I might be able to pick and make jelly by the middle of July.

4.  I managed to move one tote of yarn upstairs into the drawers I have up here for that purpose. I hope to perhaps get another one emptied and up here. 

5.  Made my list and stuck to it while shopping this week. 

6.  Combined errands to save on fuel and vehicle usage. 

7.  Worked on using up all the leftovers in the fridge. A few things left, but they should be cleared out by the end of the week.

8.  Saved the elastics and twist ties off of the veggies bought this week.

9.  Baked bread in the machine for a very decent cost.

10. Book marked some salve and balm recipes.

So there you have it. My frugal and thrifty past times for this week.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Midweek And Some More Frugal Tips

 

I had to sign in again before I could access any pictures, what craziness is blogger up to now!!!!

A few more frugal tips to perhaps think about adding to your frugal living.

1. If you get a tax refund put it in a special account to save to pay down more on your mortgage.

2. Make your meals at home. If you work out take a bag lunch.

3. Respect tax and payment deadlines as no one wants to pay interest.

4. If possible split your income with your spouse to save on taxes.

5. Start saving for your retirement early. 

6. Always pay your credit card balance.

7. Learn how to save fuel by changing certain driving behaviours.

8. Travel light, which is really necessary now that some air services are charging for checked bags.

9. Avoid small money withdrawals abroad and refuse automatic conversions into your own dollars.

10. Plan any vacation budget in advance.

11. Set a daily limit for spending.

12. Book flights as early as possible. 

13. Travel in "shoulder" seasons, avoiding school holidays as the prices will be better.

14. Plan a staycation and visit your own area.

Just a few ideas to add to whatever you are doing now to save on the rising costs.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

Another rainy and dark day. I did manage to get the shopping done before the rain changed from a mist to a regular rainfall. Right now there is nothing coming down, but the sky is still overcast and the day is gloomy.

Harvey should be able to bottle his beer in a couple of days. It really takes so much less time than the wine kits. Kris is happy that his Dad is working on the gift he gave him for Christmas. He does have another kit, to do and this one is a grapefruit beer.... Very different.

Me well I have been doing the usual household tasks, working on various projects and once this scarf is finished (should be done by Saturday), I plan on working on a few of my other goals and pulling out the fabric to make those cloth napkins. I have a couple of table cloths I do not use and will probably cut those up to make the napkins. If I don't have enough I will make a trip to the secondhand store and see if I can find any more tablecloths to use. I really would like enough to last at least 2 weeks. Any over that amount I will add to Kurt and Kris's Christmas hampers.

Shopping is becoming a necessary evil. Shrinkflation is getting worse and costs are still rising. I did manage to get some good deals, but really nothing meat wise this week. I will certainly be stretching things out for the next while, and I am wondering about our regular roast meals on a Sunday.... Harvey's mom usually did a sort of fried, baked chicken meal on Sundays and perhaps that is what we will move to doing. At least until good sales happen once again which really could be awhile. 

I took a look at Walmart's yellow sticker meats today. While they were marked down, the savings really wasn't as high as I had hoped. However this time around the meat looked pretty good (mostly chicken and sausages). I will definitely keep my eye on this over the next few months. This is the only store in my city that has mark downs of food items so I am pretty sure they are well picked over. 

I think my next frugal habit (added the month of July) will be trying to do much more foraging than I have ever done before, as well as concentrate on more meatless meals if at all possible.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.