Weekly Roundup

 

This week has been one of getting little things completed by putzing around the house, taking my time and working a bit here and there to make life a tiny bit simpler and a tiny bit more organized.

I filled some baking containers with the items I bought to restock those. 

Used leftovers to make lovely meals that fed us a couple of suppers and even a couple of lunches. 

Cleaned the stove and oven, did some decluttering, rummaged through my fabric drawers to see what else I could find to use up in clothing making. 

Cut out three patterns to sew next month.

After rummaging through my fabric drawers I found a few more larger sized pieces to make a couple more items and will get those cut out tomorrow. 

Lots of leftover bits and bobs, but I believe the one on top may be enough to make a small jacket with. We shall see once I find that pattern. 

The rest are really too small unless pinned together in a patchwork design, and I found lots more like that which I will probably cut into squares and or strips. Hmmm, perhaps some yarn will be fashioned from these remnants. 

I finished the size 8-10 mittens.

Filled the cookie jar with Oatmeal Chocolate Chip cookies.

Filled my yarn basket with more yarn, mostly orphan balls and a few that a good friend gave me when she moved away.

There should be enough there to make lots more mittens to send back with Kurt. I believe I now have 80 pair made and I am hoping to reach at least 120 pairs by the time they are needed. I think my next task will be knitting some toques for them as well. Should have enough mittens now to last a good long while. 

Projects are slowly getting completed, though only one scarf will be woven this month, with the second one carried over until next month. I may manage to get the loom warped for it though. 

Thinking through what needs to be used up and planning some meals in my head for next month (though I will have to get those down on paper very soon). I will know more once I get my chest freezer organized and the inventory completed on it. I think there could be many items I have forgotten about hiding in its depths. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

It is really warm today, almost 22 Celsius which is amazing. Just too bad that the cold is going to be returning bringing with it some heavy, wet snow. I am keeping my fingers crossed that this will miss us. Heavy, wet snow can cause lots of damage to fruit trees and bushes.

I have actually gotten a few things completed this week project wise to share with all of you, and there will be a picture of the ongoing weaving that I hope will be finished very soon. I would love to get this first scarf completed, and the loom moved out of the way so as to cut out some clothing patterns.

Here are the binders that contain all those recipes and craft projects I printed off. The binder contains the recipes we really enjoyed, and the crafts I want to work on over the coming years. There is still room to add to both as I find recipes we like or crafts that could save us money, or use up items from my various craft stashes.

A new and much more organized inventory of my fridge freezer. Hopefully this will keep me on the straight and narrow. The older one was not easily cleaned and really did not look at all nice.

I have two more small white boards on my shopping list for this week. One for the larger side of my pantry in the kitchen, and the other for the top part over the built in microwave where I keep my pasta. I will next purchase another couple one for the smaller side of the kitchen pantry, and the other for the chest freezer. The one I have on the upright meat freezer is working a treat.

Working on the scarf, I believe I have about 12" completed and there are red stripes on the end you can not see. I am hoping to get at least another 20 to 24 inches done over the week and be able to take this off the loom. 

No picture of the mitts as of yet, just finishing off pair number 9 of this larger size and once pair number 10 is done, a picture will be forthcoming.

I also did lots of bean preparations this week and those are residing in the freezer packaged nicely in the chest freezer. I will try my hand at crackers, tortillas, and will probably make some mini donuts or cookies next week. Heck since I seem to be on a roll lately the black beans and pinto beans will be cooked and frozen as well. 

While my days might seem complicated to many, they really aren't. As I declutter and organize things just seem to get simpler. Cooking in bulk or getting those items necessary for different foods done ahead, make meal prep and meal planning so much easier. I no longer waste time looking for something I need and either not finding it or losing it in the cupboard, fridge, freezer or in the craft room. 

My lists help me concentrate and as I mark items off it makes me smile. I am so glad to know that I am not the only list lover on this planet.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

I actually got a few projects down to the finish line or completed this week. As well as making some soup that we can eat for a few meals.

First off I used the leftover brisket and made a Vegetable, Barley Beef Soup.

This used up the broccoli in the crisper. While I am not sure I like this soup with broccoli, it at least used up something from the crisper as well as a couple of carrots.

I did sew the rug together and got it measured for the border or borders. Not done yet, but I see the end in sight to this project.

The four totes are sewn for the silent auction this summer. I may break down and do up a denim one later.

The first of the 2 1/2 inch strips have been added to the embroidered blocks and I have started pinning on the next two strips. Hope to get those done tomorrow and perhaps even begin to sew them all together. 

This week also saw me chopping and freezing celery and green peppers before they went bad. This is definitely going to be either use it or freeze it year so there is no waste. Groceries and the cost to get them are just to expensive to waste anything. 

I had to change the menu for tonight, but it does involve using up, or starting to use up some more items in the fridge freezer. There should be enough left from this meal to make us another meal, but we will see.

Hubby is busy putting together a set of shelves to use with the grow lights. He managed to find some on Facebook Marketplace for less than what it would cost to make them. He does need to paint the shelves though so as to make them a bit more waterproof. 

I hope to have some more finished projects this week and that would mean more checked off my project/goal list for the month.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

 

The first day of November started off below freezing, cloudy and windy. We have now managed to reach 10C, the sun is out and the wind has definitely gone down. Still I am glad I had nowhere to go today really and could stay home and work on projects.

Well, I was unable to get my good sewing machine working properly (by good I mean the expensive one) and so I pulled out the Walmart Brother machine that Kurt got me for Christmas one year. Yes!!! That one worked and so I managed to get Harvey's pajama bottoms sewn. One project already completed for the month. This needs washing and a bit of ironing before I take a picture, so expect that in next weeks round-up of projects.

So what did I get done this week?

I finished the 6th rose block and decided that to make a decent quilt I need nine of these blocks. Number seven was started yesterday.

The two double oven mitts were finished just before my machine decided to act up. These need a bit of ironing as well.

My orange cleaner was finished so I put it in a mason jar and will soon mix some of this with some water to see how well it cleans.

This is one of the small jars of mint extract that I got after decanting off the mint leaves. I managed to get four of these jars and a jam jar full. I need some of these smaller containers to finish this off. They are in the fridge and will stay there until all used up.

I did some work organizing and straightening out the baking pantry and pasta pantry shelves. I haven't taken a picture yet as the baking one needs some more work done. I hope to finish that off during the next week. 

Not a great deal done in the grand scheme of things, but enough that my project list for October was completed. 

Off to visit with you all, get supper started and then settle in with some knitting.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Shhhh

I don't want to jynx myself but I seem to be actually getting things completed this month. Shocking, I know, but I am pretty sure it is because I did not list quite as many projects as I usually do.

There are only two items left on my project list and those could hopefully be completed over the next week. This would be the first time in I cannot remember how long that this could happen. I may just have to limit projects for awhile and if I actually finish one add another to the list. Kind of did that this time with the dishcloths.

I am also very happy at how tidy things are becoming here with just an "Oh that does not belong here, let's put it where it does." attitude is going. When I head out of a room I glance around and if there is something out of place I grab it and take it to the room it belongs in. Then while in that room I see if there is anything I can put away or move to where it belongs. Some items automatically end up in the donation bag, or in the case of papers the recycle bin. 

Really the only slightly untidy area in the main part of the house is the area beside my chair as that is where all my project bits and bobs reside. As I finish them what is left over is taken and put away so gradually the pile disappears. I have even gotten to the point when I enter the sewing/craft room with the leftovers from said projects I put them away immediately. 

The sewing/craft room is coming along. As things are used up and items put away I can actually walk around the room. No more little piles all over the place, and as things are used up there will be even more room to move around. 

I am still trying to devise a way to have more counter space as that is very limited in my kitchen. Makes cooking difficult at times, but does make me clean up after baking or cooking so as to have some room for the next batch of whatever I make. I really miss all the counter space I had in the mobile home we first lived in. 

I am trying to hit more no spend days this month and next month to make up for the rather spendy September and August. I do not spend more on the days I do spend. Spend days are groceries, allowance day, gas/fuel, and bill paying and I really try not to overspend on those days. I found out they are raising the cost of banking (not too sure as of yet how it will affect us) so I have talked to Harvey about instead of using the debit card so often, he should use his credit card as that is only one payment out of the account. I really don't think it will sink in until he actually sees how much it's usage is costing us. 

Life is getting much more expensive for everyone.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

Since we have gotten home I have been trying to catch up on the various projects I would like completed. There is no way I will get them all done, so a bit of carry over next month, and not that many new projects added. Those that have been added should be able to be completed in October.

I did get two of the firepit quilts finished. Just working on the last one now. I do know that will not be done before the end of the month, but will be completed early next month.

Beans picked and frozen, carrots picked (some saved to use in coleslaw and our various Sunday roast meals), tomatoes cored and frozen, granola made for the rest of the month on the yogurt, and hot pepper jelly made.

I only made Kurt and Kris two each this time around.

Christmas list has been pretty much completed. New projects (and some that need finishing) are chosen for next month. Most of the projects are for Christmas gift giving. I have gotten the inventory for my fridge freezer completed, and am working (notice I say working) on the one for the meat freezer downstairs. 

Number 8 pair of mitts are on the needles, but I doubt very much I will get the full 10 done by the end of the month. So a carry over, along with the last firepit quilt. 

Still, considering the arm I am quite happy with what I have managed to get done. Along with the fact we were gone for the first week plus a bit of the month.

Hope to get the inventory of the meat freezer done before the end of the month and perhaps a bit more decluttering done as well. I have been kind of lax there.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

I actually managed to get a few projects either finished or at least started this past week. Spring cleaning is taking up most of my spare time.

Here is my reclaimed yarn. I think I may have one more item that I can reclaim the yarn from and will do that probably next month as when I trade my wardrobe around I may actually find a few more items. I only reclaim yarn from items I have knit as I have found it very difficult to reclaim the yarn from things I have purchased in a store.

This is my boat necked tank top. It needs to be washed and blocked once again. I have cast on another knitted tank to use up some more yarn and keep my hands busy during the evening.

A few quilt blocks have been made, and I will probably be able to show you those next week once I get things assembled into a flimsy. Hopefully my nightgown will be cut out and sewn as well. 

Last project will be the jacket/coat as that is going to take some concentration to put together. 

I have also been searching the internet for recipes for the various beans and lentils I have in the pantry. Hoping to add more meatless meals over the next while. 

There are three areas left to spring clean in the house. One small area will be done after Mass tomorrow and the other two will hopefully be done on Tuesday. I want Monday and Wednesday to do some baking along with regular household tasks.

I may even do Harvey's mancave after Easter as it really needs a very good cleaning and I will send him outside to work in the yard. Sounds like a good deal to me. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.

Saturday Roundup

 

When working on three projects at once, not a whole lot manages to be completed. But I did finally finish the rose block that I was embroidering.

Please don't mind the wrinkles.

Ironing will take place once I get a couple more completed. I may also begin putting the quilt top together... Depends on how I am feeling.

I started the next block this week.

I work on my weaving for about 2 hours as well. And I think that I will be putting the yarn I wish to use to separate the tea towels in very soon. There are 4 turns of the wheels on the bottom, one more should see the end of the first tea towel. 

So while I will be carrying over this project into next month I am hopeful of getting this project completed early next month.

The blanket being knit is moving along. Pretty sure once this third ball of yarn is done, so will the blanket be. 

I can then start on the second one for Kurt's friend. Hopefully he won't figure out another person who needs one. The great thing is I am actually using up yarn from my stash on these. Now that is excellent. 

Decluttering has continued, and so far this month the donation bags now have 40 items. I hope to get a few more clothing items removed. I just have to try them on first and make a decision. 

Work was done on the project/goal list for next month and that should be completed very soon. I have put in a few quickly completed projects so as to not have a list with nothing stroked off. I will share that with you all at the end of the month.

So that is what I have been up to this week. Hopefully a couple more projects will be either completed or have gotten a head start on next month by the time of the next Roundup post.

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Tuesday Tidbits and Stuff

 

It has been a long day here on the Phillips homestead. It has taken me until now to get the first tray of Cabbage Bread into the oven. There is leftover filling so I will add some rice, add some tomato soup, and more shredded cabbage tomorrow and make some Lazy Cabbage Roll Casserole. I plan on doing that first thing so as to be able to make bread and buns for the remainder of the week.

I also found two more items to donate, cleaned the corner where I keep my various hobby items, and even did a bit of tidying in the sewing/craft room. 

This along with my regular Tuesday to do list. Staying home enables me to get much more done around the house. 

I did fall down a bit of a rabbit hole as one of my daily watched YouTube channels talked about "Traditional Wives" and decided to find out a bit more. Any blogs I found on the subject ended in 2019, and really aren't very informative at all. Mostly they talk about staying home, the husband is the bread winner and boss, and one should always be subservient to their husbands wishes. Meals should always be home cooked, women should always wear feminine clothing, makeup and pretty much stay at home.... Not really conducive to a great marriage in my eyes. In fact many of them decorate their homes in a 50's fashion and say we should go back to that time. 

 As frugal people we already do many of the ideas posted. Cooking meals at home, thrifting, using up and making do. However when I look at photos and images of what these women are wearing I am pretty sure they spend way more on clothing than any of us do. I doubt very much that any one of them can sew a straight line, make a quilt, knit, or mend. Or at least I never saw a post on any of those things. 

Not going to spend any more time, hopefully, reading about what I find a kind of cult. My husband and I share tasks, and discuss big expenses which is what I always thought marriage was

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Monthly Goal Update

 

First off what did I manage to get completed in May.

1.  Work on cross stitch angel. Nothing done on this just too rainy and dismal. 

2. Copy 14 recipes from those we have tried and loved. Done

3.  Finish binding on baby quilt. Done

4.  Sew sun dress. Done

5.  Cut out purses (can't find anything I really like so will try to make a couple of my own). Done

6.  Plant perennial bulbs. Done

7.  Hem and hang curtains. Actually pretty much done. Done

8.  Make another quilt flimsy. Done

9.  Cut and sew infinity scarves for silent auction.10. Sew purses. Done

11.  Wash winter coats. Done

12.  Plant outside flowers, herbs and veggies. Done

13.  Try and use appliances for cooking much more than I do. Done

Not too bad. I even managed to knit another tank top for the summer.

Here are a few photos of what was completed.

This month there will be fewer projects on my list.

1.  Set up the loom.

2.  Warp the loom.

3.  Start an easy weaving project (probably a scarf or some placemats).

4.  Knit 25 pairs of mittens.

5.  Weed the perennial bed at least twice.

6.  Water outside plants.

7.  Get the fertilizer spikes into the lemon tree pots.

8. Cross stitch on the angel.

Wish me luck as I am not too sure about the weaving portion of these projects. We are going to start (notice I say start) putting the loom together tomorrow. Hopefully all goes well and we can get it all together in one day. 

Everybody have a wonderful evening.

God bless.

Projects /Goals Completed

 

End of the month and time for a roundup of what I actually accomplished this month. While only a few things were actually completely finished (many will be finished this month), I am very happy with what was done. Most are and were listed as being carried over into the month of May. Lots will be completed next month.

1.  Copy 14 tried and true recipes and get them in the album. Done

2.  Work on cross stitch. Worked on those sunny days.

3.  Sew shorts. Done

4.  Sew top. Done

5.  Cut out a summer tank dress. Done

6.  Quilt the baby quilt. Done

7.  Start knit tank top. Done and finished, just needs a bit of blocking.

8.  Shred papers. Done

9.  Make an appointment with my prayer partner. Done and set up meetings until this summer

10. Go to the accountant. Done

11. Transfer fall/winter and spring/summer wardrobes. Done

I worked on our budget entries today and we were actually under budget for the month. Even with the extra items I bought (sandwich meat, pork loin) we were under budget for our groceries. Got to love that. 

I have picked my frugal habit for this upcoming month. I know I have talked about using appliances more to do our daily cooking, and in looking at our menus for this month I should be able to use my various appliances most days. I am even thinking of using the electric roaster for a few of our Sunday roast meals. In order to see if this will save us money on electric in the long run, I will have to continue to do this for about three months. Still, with BBQ season things might not be so hard to handle.

I did have a bit of trouble remembering the water saving some days. Hopefully I can keep working on this while adding the next.

Today has been rainy, which will fill our rain barrel and now Harvey does not have to water the areas out front that he planted new grass in. He will not have to water the corn seeds he planted, or the potatoes and radishes either. 

Here are my goals and plans for next month.

1.  Work on cross stitch angel.

2. Copy 14 recipes from those we have tried and loved.

3.  Finish binding on baby quilt.

4.  Sew sun dress.

5.  Cut out purses (can't find anything I really like so will try to make a couple of my own).

6.  Plant perennial bulbs.

7.  Hem and hang curtains. Actually pretty much done.

8.  Make another quilt flimsy. 

9.  Cut and sew infinity scarves for silent auction.10. Sew purses.

11.  Wash winter coats.

12.  Plant outside flowers, herbs and veggies.

13.  Try and use appliances for cooking much more than I do.

Everybody have a wonderful evening. 

God bless.