Wednesday, June 25, 2014

IT'S RAINING IT'S POURING

Oh yeah, it is!  Summer in Dixie can be lots of rain coming down, really fast and ending just as fast.  It's the weather we had yesterday and today. 

I am watching DVR shows by Steve Harvey.  His special guest is a 73 year old woman, white hair, weight lifter.  She has the record for various weight lifting competitions.  She just dead lifted 155 pounds of weights, not one but three consecutive times. 

The reason she does this is to inspire other Seniors to get moving.  Good for her. 

I'm going to see what the exercise room looks like at the local civic center.  Or join a new gym in the local bigger town. 

I    B    N-SPIR-ER-ED!!!

Go for it, World!

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Tuesday, June 24, 2014

MONEY SAVING TIP ON EATTING LUNCH

I cannot believe how much it costs now to eat lunch.  Around these parts, it is between $7.00 and $10.00 or more.  Insane, I say.
 
I found a way that is cheaper and also better for you.
 
I go to the local WM deli counter.  I order 4 or 5 of the spicy chicken nuggets with sesame seeds and one large spoon of broccoli salad.  Then, I swing by the cooler with the bottled ice tea and grab one.  I eat well for less than $4.00!  There are plastic spoons and forks at the deli but never napkins so I use a few from my in purse stash.
 
True, there are zero tables and chairs at our local WM so I head to the shoe department and enjoy the comfy ottomans while I eat.  People walk by and stare but I act like I don't see them.  I am busy with my to do list or grocery list.  Yeah, I fake it if necessary.   There appear to be store detectives scoping me out, too.  I calmly eat, reseal my empty containers, place them in the buggy and pay for them along with all of my other items.
 
Truthfully, it keeps me from stopping at the candy bars or the chips so handily placed at the checkouts.   I exit with a satisfied tummy and money in my pocket.
 
Win, win, y'all.

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Friday, June 13, 2014

ONE POT RECIPE


 
Does this look good?  Well, it is. 
 
Everything is cooked in one skillet.  I use an iron skillet because of the health advantages of cooking with iron over the Teflon coated version of a skillet
 
An elderly lady friend, who has since passed away, served us this one time at her house.  I asked for the recipe.  She gave it to me and we have enjoyed lots of times since then.

Hillshire Farm Smoked Sausage
 
1 lb sausage cut in 1/2 inch pieces, diagonally
1 large onion chopped = 1 cup
1 Tbls oil
1 box Au Gratin potatoes
2-1/2 cup hot water
1/4 tsp pepper
4 medium carrots, cut in 2" strips = 2 cups
1 10 oz package chopped frozen broccoli
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
 
Cook sausage and onion in oil until tender.
Stir in potatoes, carrots, water and pepper. 
Heat to boiling, reduce heat.
Cover and simmer until tender.
 
Stir in broccoli and cheese.
Cover and cook until broccoli is heated through and cheese melts,
5 - 10 minutes

Of course, I made variations to our taste.  Only a small bit of onion, baby carrots substitute for strips and turkey sausage is a healthy substitute.  I also put the frozen broccoli in the microwave for about a minute to defrost it a little.  This helps cut down on cooking time. 
 
Ever had leftovers that taste better the next day?  This is one of those recipes. 
 
Try it.  You might just like it.

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Thursday, June 12, 2014

SUMMER

Well, Summer has arrived in Dixie.  Thankfully, we are having lots of rain so the temps are not that high, yet.  The ground, however, is very soggy.  Which means, we don't have to mow the grass!  Yahoo.  There is something good about every situation.
 
We have been on vacation already.  Our daughter and husband took us to Hilton Head SC.  It was so nice.  We stayed in a resort, an all inclusive one, I might add.  It was similar to being on a cruise.  Everything you needed was right there.  We did go off the property, of course.  There were many places to eat and things to see. 
 
I could live at the beach.
 
So, we're back and Summer is here.  The schools are out.  The local pool is open.  The traffic is busy in town.  WM is busy all day.
 
I find myself slipping into staying up too late and sleeping too late.  I am a night owl, have been all my life, it is a constant battle.  Mornings arriving about 9 are good with me.  A bedtime of 2 is not so good.  Yawn.
 
Now, what to do with myself during this time of the year.  
 
Donating some of our junk is a good thing happening now.  I find that you can get about the same dollar amount taken off of your taxes for items that you might sell online.  I'm donating in an effort to get the garage park-able.  Why keep the stuff?  It just weights us down looking at it. 
 
The plan is also to change a few things in the house.  A new bedspread has been ordered.  May or may not like it.  The Hubbie doesn't know it yet but we are moving furniture.  Translation, he is moving furniture.  For years, I did it, alone.  No more.  He doesn't allow it so I'm good.
 
Also considering joining a gym.  A few pounds are gone but this marshmallow state of body is zero fun.  A Mrs. Universe I'll never be but a bit of toning would help.
 
Motivation is the key it seems.  At 65, why sit and wait for death?!  There's still some living to do!
 
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Wednesday, June 11, 2014

MONEY SAVING TIP ON WEDNESDAY

Yes, I know I am suppose to post something about saving money on Tuesday, but hey, that's what this blog is mostly about, saving some cash.  Plus I ran out of time on Tuesday.
 
Some say a picture is worth a thousand words.  So, here it is.
 


So you think the bottle is really empty?  May not be.  This takes some talent in the placement but it works!  There are also gadgets that can connect the two but I don't own one personally. 
 
Can we say duct tape or aluminum foil around the spout?  Up to you.
 
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Monday, June 9, 2014

Friday, June 6, 2014

CUTE SUMMER WREATHE

I think I copied this from Pinterest but not sure.  Like The Hubbie says, I've slept since then. 
 
Sitting here wondering how it can be done w/o the hose.  Acutally, the flowers and watering pot can be added to a grapevine wreathe.
 
I saw a wreathe that was entirely made of flip flops.  Maybe I can find a pic of one.  I thought it was too much money so I improvised one of my own. 
 
This one should be able to made cheaper than buying a hose, flowers, ribbone, vine, and watering can.  It will be similar but not exactlly.  Can we say pool noodle?
 
I'll sleep on it.....uhoh.
 
 
 

 
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Thursday, June 5, 2014

SPENDING MONEY TIME! REPEAT?

Have I posted this before?  Don't know.  Oh well, here it is again.
 
Some things are not worth skimping on in order to save a buck.  Yep, I said it.
 
Here are a few suggestions:
 
A good hair cut
A nice purse that goes with everything
Quality food that keeps you healthy
Good teeth/dental care
Comfortable shoes
Medicine that makes or keeps you well
 
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Monday, June 2, 2014

THE YOUNGEST AND HIS LOVE

This is a picture of our youngest son, Jared, and his love, Sarah. 
 
Happy, happy, happy!

 
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