National Brands (Food) at the Dollar Tree

When I did the Dollar Tree shopping this week I took a few minutes to snap some photos of national brand foods that are offered.  I was surprised at the amount of them that were  offered.  These are not all of them, just a few. Are there any brands you shop the dollar stores for?

I bought an LED light bulb, tissue, salami, a card, and a sanding block that I will use on a DIY project.

Hanover baked beans large can.

Libby pineapple. This item no longer
originates from Hawaii, but rather
a foreign nation. 

I use this broth when the home
made is gone.  Nothing but broth
is on the ingredient label.

There are 12 bags that make large
batch tea in this box. That's 8.3
cents per batch.

This is not a national brand, but is
loved by my grandchildren.

I'm  well aware of how this salami is
made.  I like it anyway. This is one item
I eat to grab some fat in my diet. I
bought a pack this week. 

Arizona tea for when time is crunched.

Wheat bread.

This item is great for school lunches
or car trips. 

I have to admit I look for Welch's jelly
now and then. It's one of my pantry
staples

Hormel pepperoni.

Accomplishments Last Week

I'm going to have to start writing down the things I do for this blog.  Sometimes I think I forget more than I write about.

I took a trip to the dollar store to check out the new products.  There wasn't much  I was impressed with.  I did pick up tissues, parchment paper, moth balls, wet floor wipes and a sanding block.

I worked on three small projects, as well. I hung a small shelf I bought a few years ago in the laundry room to bring a bit of comfort in the small space. It was the perfect place to showcase the candles Carolyn gave me for Mother's Day.  Our family believes in supporting small home based businesses so Carolyn put our standard to practice. She chose the soy candles from Stone Cottage Customs. They use small reusable canning jars and wood wicks that sizzle when lit. The essential oil infused soy burns evenly with little carbon emission.  So  I'm a happy girl.

I also scrubbed down the laundry room before I hung the shelf. To add more of a comfortable feel I placed bleach in a small clear bottle (It'll be used before it can break down.) along with a candle and the yarn basket.  I shopped my home for a small rug, too.  Since this room is off of the back hall, the candle is a nice addition to provide a clean smelling area.  Putting items on the fryer works for me because I don't have a lot of laundry and can use just the washer top to fold clothes.  I realize this wouldn't work for those readers who have families to care for.  I know when I had kids at home our laundry was in the basement.  There were plenty of times that we had to go down the steps to find clean clothes piled up on the dryer or on hangers on the small line.

The last project I worked on was setting up a garden table I purchased on amazon.  A friend told me they were available and I saw a glimmer of hope to be able to garden this year. I had pots to use even though you are able to put soil directly in the table.  It was sad to think I couldn't get my hands dirty in soil any longer, but I figured it was just a part of life I would have to accept.  I now have beans, paisley, cucumbers, and lettuce planted.  I have one pot left that will house a lavender plant once I purchase one.

Look at the bean plant my grandson
planted in March.  I have a number
of beans on it.  I planted two more
in the same pot. 

I wanted to show you how large the blackberries have grown even with the cool weather.

Today I noticed the plant is over the
six foot fence.
 

What have you accomplished this week?  I'd love to hear from you.

Stay safe.

Things I'm Loving This Month

When I was a college student, I was a bit conservative and mostly liberal.  These things tend to evolve as we grow.  One of the biggest game changers for me was becoming a parent.  The time had come when I was responsible for another human being.  The focus was off me, and onto a family.

Now, all of these years later, the realization that life has become a set of habits that are comfortable for me has set in.  I vowed to mix it up (just) a little.  I've been going out on a limb and purchasing a few things I never thought I would have.  Imagine my surprise when I found I liked a few new things.  These are my favorites this month.  All but one item was bought on some sort of offer.  The tan case was full price - if I remember correctly it was around 30.00.  The showcased items have been purchased over a long period of time.

This is a cleaning mitt.  It has
two sides, one is microfiber, the other is
a duster. (You're seeing the duster
side)  Who would have thought
something so simple would
make light of a task.

I got this at TJ Maxx. The usual hand
washing soap I use has been discontinued.
The dusting mitt was washed with this.  I'm
pleased with the results. 

Despite the fact that I keep my nails
trimmed low I thought a light polish
would protect them.  I use this once
in a while when I have plans to
go out.

I found these items at the Dollar
Tree.  The polish remover is  a
nice and easy way to remove
polish and the buffer shines
nails nicely.

I can't get enough of these whole wheat
fig bars with raspberries.  I bought ten
bars on Saturday, on sale, and have three
left.  This morning a box of 12 was ordered
on amazon. 

This was a random purchase that I liked
and never  gave it a second
thought.  I came, I saw, I purchased.
It holds all of the nail care items.
It's a nice addition to the master bathroom.

Have you bought something you found you love?  I'd like to hear from my readers new items they discovered.  This is one way I become aware of things.

Stay safe.

Requested Post/ Gold Project YT Channel

I was watching a video on yoo toob this morning about planner carry cases.  Gold Project was comparing the Erin Condren case with the 31 zipper case.  I happened to mention I use the zipper cases for travel cubes to keep my suitcase neat and orderly.  Gold Project asked for a picture, but being a bit challenged I was unable to figure out how to grab a picture to put in the comment section.  I offered to put pictures on my blog and she accepted.

Here, Gold Project are the results.

If I knew I wanted more than one
pouch, I would have chosen the
yellow flowers one as a
coordinated set.  By the time I
 figured it out, the yellow was discontinued.

The bag holds five days worth of
undies and socks without being
squished.  I also carry a laundry
bag with a bar of nice smelling
soap so the dirty laundry smells
nicer.

This easily holds my tablet, pen,
paper, address book, and phone.
Just to let you know, I'm not noted
for my photographic ability!

I keep cotton swabs and discs in
a plastic bag , as well as bottles, in the bag.
Any other toiletry would go in the bag
such as toothpaste, body wash, perfume,
etc,





Despite my lack of great photos, I hope this has helped.
Stay safe. 

Can't Beat the Price Recipes 3

To find all of the recipes search 'Cheap Recipes'.

Frugal Protein Quiche  (Great to use up leftovers.)
2 eggs
1 cup milk or cream or a combination of both  (If you re shy one cup, add a bit of water to the milk.)
1 pie shell
Pie dish
Any leftover veggie and / or meat
1 cup of any cheese or a combination of cheeses.
Salt and pepper to taste
A small grate of nutmeg

Beat together eggs, milk, and spices in a medium size bowl.  Set aside.
Chop veggies and meat to desired size and place in the pie shell that lines the pie pan.  Distribute the cheese over the diced ingredients.  Pour egg mixture over the cheese and veggies. (meat)

Bake at 350 degrees F. (175 C.) for 30 minutes.  Check at this time because it may be done, but add five more minutes if not.

Consume warm OR freeze for an easy meal when in a time crunch.  Serve with a fruit or salad. Ice tea goes nicely wit quiche for a drink in the summer.

___________________________________________________
Rice A Roonie, Home Made Goodness
3 cups uncooked rice
2 cups broken (small pieces) spaghetti
1/4 cup dried parsley
6 tablespoons beef or chicken bullion
2 teaspoons onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix and store in an air tight container.  Cook the same way you would cook rice.
_____________________________________________________
Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 cups evaporated milk
_____________________________________________________
Purifying Water
This is important knowledge where I live because of possible hurricanes.

Fill a pot with more water than you will need because some of it will boil away.  Bring
the water to a boil and boil 30 minutes.  Let cool to desired temperature. 
_______________________________________________________
Hot cocoa mix
1 cup dried milk
1/3 cup plus 3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons cocoa powder

Mix, store in an air tight container.  To a cup of milk add 2-3 tablespoons and heat to desired temperature. 

Can't Beat the Price Recipes 2

Furniture Polish  (Great results.)
Spray bottle
1part vinegar
3 parts olive oil
Shake well before use.  Spray cleaning cloth with mixture, then polish wood furniture in a circular motion.  Wood furniture should be dusted often, but polished about once a month.

This is the bottom shelf of my coffee table.
The part closest to you has been shined with
the polish of vinegar and oil.  The
back half has not been touch with polish,
but has been dusted.

Can't Beat the Price Recipes

I tried making a separate page for a collection of recipes, but it will take me much longer to figure out how to. Any recipe I put up is one I've tried and found it to work well.  The category will be titled 'Cheap Recipes' which should help you find the collection easier.  Let me know what you think or if you have an easier way to access the information.

Bug Spray

Spray bottle
20 drops peppermint essential oil
distilled water

Fill spray bottle with water.  Add 20 drops peppermint oil  Spray around perimeter of rooms once a week for a month then twice a month after that.
__________________________________________________
Orange Cleaner

Jar with lid
citrus peels
white vinegar

Fill jar with peels.  Add vinegar to cover the peels.  Let stand in a dark place (cupboard) for two weeks.  Strain out peels.  Make a solution with 50% vinegar. 50% distilled water.  Do not use on wood or painted surfaces.  Great for flat surfaces such as counters, sinks, shower, etc.
___________________________________________________
Brown Sugar

1 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon molasses

Mix with a fork or whisk.  I love this recipe.  It takes less than a minute to make and there is no waste.  If a recipe calls for 1/3 cup, I do the math and add 1/3 tablespoon molasses. (1 teaspoon)
_____________________________________________________
Toothpaste Codes

Codes are located on the bottom of the tube.  They appear as a square.
Green - natural ingredients
Blue - natural and medicine
Red -  natural and chemical
Black - chemicals
_____________________________________________________
Cosmetic Uses for Coconut Oil

Makeup remover
Shaving
Dry skin
Hair conditioner (I haven't done this)
Facial cleanser
____________________________________________________
Detox Bath  (This is very nice.)
Once a week, 20 minutes

1/4 cup Epsom salts
10 drops lavender oil
1/2 cup baking soda
Mix dry ingredients, add oil and pour into bath water.  I poured it under the stream of water coming from the faucet.
______________________________________________________
Weed Killer

Spray bottle
1 tablespoon dish soap
1 tablespoon salt
Vinegar to fill spray bottle
Shake before each use.
____________________________________________________

Strawberries and Other Things

Between rain storms I checked on the berries in the yard.   Look what I found!  There's hundreds on the plants, but most are still green. The spring before last I planted five plants.  This spring they have grown to fill the space and are coming out of the spaces between the side wall bricks.

The grands came to visit Friday evening and we had strawberry shortcake for dessert.  The berries came from the grocery which I price matched at WM for 2.00 a pound.  Five of the berries needed to ripen more so they were put aside until they ripened.  Last night I sliced them and dried them to preserve them.

I laid them on the fruit roll up sheet in the drier, but they stuck to the sheet.  I was able to lift up all but two slices to place them on the regular rack.  Next time I will put the plastic sheet under the regular tray filled with berries so if any shrink and fall through the holes, the sheet will catch them.

Mother's Day was a nice day for me this year.  The family took me out to breakfast at a buffet.  Then I went shopping with S and the kiddos.  Her kids needed shoes as both outgrew them at the same
time.
Another quiche was added to the menu as well as macaroni and cheese.  Any left overs were used up after those two dishes were made.

I used ibotta again this week and saved 6.50.  My total in rebates has reached over 36.00.  That number includes 10.00 earned from two people signing up under my name.  Because we are now considered a team, I also eanred a 2.00 bonus for a Mother's Day promotion.  So far this week I don't see anything on ibotta that interests me.  They will add more so I'll check each day to see if there is anything that I buy.  It really doesn't matter if there is because anything I earn from the app is 'gravy'.  I'll just wait to cash it in and use the money for gifts.

In the event anyone would like to add their name to my team this is the code to use:  jdwerpv
As a disclosure, you will earn 10.00 for joining and I will be gifted 5.00.

Here's a DIY idea for a small gift that S. came up with.

Dollar Tree LED chunky candle
straws
glue
ruler
scissors
embellishments (optional)

Measure the straws a half inch longer than the candle and cut them.  She used 24 straws.  Glue them to the perimeter of the candle.  A glue gun works best.  Embellish if desired.  Just a few minutes and a lovely gift is created.

Stay safe.

Super Creative Video Presentation From YT

I'm posting a video that is from one of the most brilliant ladies on yoo toob.  She is frugal and creative with her projects.  She amazes me so I had to share.  She spent just $6.00 on a pantry door rack.  All of the 'parts' came from Dollar Tree.  I know you will enjoy the short video for the shear creativity of it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-YF41gLBXg

Over the River and Through the Woods to Grandmother's House

Today's post is a little different.  It's time I took pen to paper to jot down a bit of history for my children, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews on my father's side of the family.  We'll call them the 'Dees'.

As children my brother and I spent most weekends at my dad's parents - Grandma and grandpa Dee's.   Keep in mind that our dad passed when I was two and my brother was nearly five. Our weekends were filled with family, great home made foods and fun.  We were allowed to be children while we played in the huge yard made up of three city lots.

The house was a huge Victorian set close to the road but surrounded with a chain link fence.  All around the chain link fence our grandfather grew gardens of beautiful flowers and food.  At the back of the yard was a huge patio with picnic tables.  Enough room to sit the whole family.  I can remember fourteen people at any given time sitting back there.  The patio was surrounded by every fruit tree imaginable to man.  (Or so I thought!)  There were cherries,  apricots, and I can't remember what else.  But there were lots of them.

The cherry tree brushed up against the garage.  My brother and I use to climb the ladder that was left against the garage to sit on the roof and pick cherries, one by one, to stuff in our mouths.  This one day there was a peck of cherries sitting on the sidewalk close to the house.  They sure looked rather appetizing.  My brother (who became an engineer when he grew up) knew we couldn't be seen eating from the basket. He devised a pulley system that carried the basket to the second floor porch so we could munch in private.  We ate nearly the entire peck of cherries!  No tummy ache and no discipline from the adults.  We later found out why we didn't get into trouble.  We spend the next few days fighting for the bathroom!

My memories are few of that period of time other than going to grandma's house was the best.  I remember my cousin and I played for hours in the yard.  I bet my brother was relieved to have some time to himself.  He always stayed with me to protect me, even when he played football.  I figured out later in life why his team always won.   They used me as the running quarterback and no one would dare tackle me!  My brother was a very wise boy.

There was a 'family' of ducks that were stuck in the grass.  I only remember my cousin and I had fun with those ducks.  I just can't remember how we had fun.  The memory is a good one though.

Other than the food grandma prepared every weekend, the wine barrels in the basement and the wringer washer, my memory has failed me.  We did go there for Christmas and my uncle would sit me in front of the mirror in the living room and told me to pick a card from the deck.  He always guessed which card I chose.  My brother finally told me when I was an adult that the mirror was there.  I figured out the rest on my own.

Maybe I spoke too soon.  When our cousins were with us my grandfather would bring out a huge box of candy bars to pass out to us.  We made them last and you could hear a pin drop in the room while we were slowly devouring them.

My best friends at that time were my cousin, Nardine and my brother Robert Louis.  My brother has passed, but my cousin and I still are spiritually connected.  There are some things in life that even death can't change.   The biggest thing is love.

More Accomplishments

To my surprise my energy level was up again yesterday. (Wednesday)  Even though I had an appointment to get my vehicle inspected in the afternoon, I accomplished some things in the morning.
The hardwood floors were dusted then washed.  While doing that I noticed a spot on the side riser of the stairs that needed a paint touch up.  Out came my little touch up kit so that was taken care of. Since the sun was bright I also noticed a couple of scratches on the walls. They are no longer.

The other small project was cleaning out the bin under the sink.  I've been a bit lax in keeping that organized.  The biggest change I made was combining two packs of Swiffer cloths into one baggie and labeling it.  How surprising it was to see how much room doing that one thing freed up.

Before being organized.

The two empty bags and the new
space saving set up for the
floor dust cloths.

All done and organized!

While the car dealer did the inspection they also washed the car and put windshield washer in it.  While they were doing that, I had a manicure done and made a cup of coffee while I waited. I also tried out the massage chair, but got up when it closed in on my ankles.  No thank you.  I'll rub my own feet.

Before going home I stopped at Wal Mart to grab five other ibotta rebate items.  Any bacon had a .75 cent rebate.  When I got home I made a BLT sandwich for dinner.  The rest of it will get separated into packs of three and frozen.

Other rebates were onions (.25), bananas (.25), any boxed mac and cheese (.25), and ultra thin cheese slice (.75)  After a little over one week I have collected 21.00.  Keep in mind I pass up most offers because I don't use the items.

ibotta purchases

My plan is to collect cash until close to Christmas, add my swagbucks gift cards and my credit card points, combine them and use amazon for gifts I send up North. (With free shipping)

What have you accomplished this week?  I'd be interested in hearing because I learn from what other women do.  As an example I watched a video yesterday where the woman put peppermint oil in her floor wash water as well as sprays it around the perimeter of her rooms.  I never would have though of that.  Or a comment left by a dear reader mentioned I could use a fuchsia plant with my fern. One is never too old to learn new things.  Thriving on new knowledge keeps me young at heart.

Stay safe.

Monday Accomplishments

I'm beginning to recognize a pattern with Monday.  I have loads of energy when my feet hit the floor.  After prayer time I balanced the checkbook and wrote out checks for a couple of bills.  They were mailed on the way to get my hair recut.  I did get it cut on Friday, but it was too long.  The stylist was new to me and she graciously accepted my return to clip a bit more off the top and front. 

From there I paid the vet for the final bill and dropped off things at the thrift store.

During a visit to Goodwill a few months back I asked where the money is spent in the community.  How shocking it was to find out that the only thing GW does is provide jobs for people.  That's a pretty prolific corporate policy.  The goods come in free, the corporation has charity status, (No taxes) and they pay minimum wage from the high priced goods they obtained for free, but charge customers.  It's genius, really.  You can see why my choice of donation has changed to the Salvation Army.  At least SA feeds the hungry.

The day ended with a visit to S's home to see the grands.

Oh, my gosh.  I forgot the trip to Wal Mart I made with ibotta rebates in hand.  I paid .27 cents for an onion and will receive .25 cents in a rebate.  The four bananas were .87 cents with a .25 cent rebate.  The Glad cling wrap (300' roll) was 3.12 with a 1.00 rebate.  The last rebate was 1.00 off cheese slices that were 2.74.

If you think ibotta is something you're interested in you can use my code to sign up.  A team will be created then teams get additional savings and offers.  My referral code is (jdwerpv)  You will receive 10.00 for signing up and I will get 5.00.  Please note that my motivation for signing you up under my code is the additional bonus (money) offers we will get.  It's a win - win situation.

The crackers were price matched and
the Glad wrap was ibotta.

Both the bananas and onion were
ibotta rebates.

Another ibotta rebate.  I noticed this
week the rebate went down to .50 cents.

I also price matched crackers, (1.88) grapes (1.49)  and oranges (.10 cents each).

When I got home I entered my receipt into WM savings catcher and ibotta.  Easy peasy.

The ibotta site has changed over the rebates adding any milk, bread, bacon, and eggs this week.
I'm off to open the rebates and make a list.

Stay safe.

The Garden AND Dollar Tree?

The week flew by quickly as there was a lot going on.  I went to the dollar store to pick up a few items that I needed.  I did come across a couple of wants, but the stock has not been refreshed even though the spring line is in.  Moth balls are a must for spring and summer for the area around the garden.  I use them to keep creepies at bay.  There was two choices of Dawn dish soap, but one of them appeared watered down even though the bottle was larger.  The caulk is for the master bathroom where the counter meets the wall.  Caulking was one thing my husband taught me how to do, so I will fix the small problem this morning.



Moth balls, caulk, and Dawn dish
soap

I ran out of bubbles for the little ones so this time I picked up two large bottles, one with an orange top and the other with a pink top.  These colors are their favorites.  The tape was a want rather than a need and the teeth picks - well - I need to stay clean.  LOL

I already used the yellow starfish tape to cover
a magnet I made from recycled advertising
magnets.  I clipped the magnet in two,
then covered it, then folded it over to
mark the current week in my planner.
I saw the small project on yoo toob, but can't
find the video to share with you.
 

I found the most delicious food item this week.  Made in the USA.  Dried peach slices with nothing added.  I told the three year old it was peach candy and she loved them, eating close to half the bag in one sitting.  Pictured is also a pack of plastic utensils to use during summer picnics with the kiddos, as well as ice cream spoons.

The peach slices are a great addition
to the snack bin.
 

The exciting thing that happened this week happened in the garden.  While shopping for rubber mulch at Lowe's I found huge ferns at the back of the garden center for $5.00.  I purchased two, one for the front porch and one for the back yard.  There was also a large pot of geraniums for the same price that I hung on the Shepard's hook with the pot that I paid full price for.

The fern will go in a holder my
daughter bought for me that sits
on the ground.  Right now it sits
on the glass table to acclimate to
the surroundings.

The back yards plans have been
altered this year.  It's getting difficult
to garden so I decided I would buy food
at the farm market and go for a bit
of color that was easily reached.

 

The biggest and best thing is S and her husband finished the areas that I wanted covered with rubber mulch.  Recycled rubber mulch that has a life time guarantee of seven years.  If a wind comes by, I'll just sweep it back in place.

  

I love the clean lines that the rubber mulch
offers.  No more grass to worry about.
I need about six more bags to cover the
blackberry section.  This area took
12 bag at a cost of a bit over $75.00.
minus military discount of  $7.50.

An over view of the garden so
far.  The blackberries and strawberries
look to be plentiful this year.





I feel the week has been productive.  The yard couldn't have been coming together so nicely if it weren't for my family.  Three stages with three families working on it.  What would I do without you guys.  Love from Mom!

Monday Morning Accomplishments

This morning my energy level increased as I'm getting use to Marley being gone.  It was a surprise, but a welcomed one.  A visit from C and her two boys really helped me Sunday.

Saturday I had a visit from a rescue dog, but the fit wasn't very good.  The dog was a good dog, but she wasn't fond of me.  I liked her enough, but she wasn't what I'm looking for.  With that out of the way, I think waiting is the best thing for me.  When it's meant to be, then I will know it.

I scrubbed down the master bedroom this morning.  I didn't take photos before I started, but remembered while the sheets were in the washer.  So there are photos in the middle and at the end.  One area that surprised me was the small bin I have next to the bed - between the bed and the side table.  It had more dirt and dust in it than has been seen in this house - ever.  The truth is I think I scrub down a room, but always forget one area.  It keeps me humble as a reminder that I'm imperfect.  I kind of like it.

This is the bin that was dusty and
dirty.

Time to empty the trash and wipe
out the can.

These decorator pillows have been
on the floor for three weeks.

The blankets stripped off the bed.
The winter one (blue) was washed
and put away.

The end results.  Smelling fresh
and sprayed with lavender
spray.


 

I also cleaned out the refrigerator this morning.  I've been lax with my chores for a few weeks, but decided it was time to get with the program.  I wiped down everything and put items in the appropriate containers.  I also took the time to put fruits and veggies in the drawers.What a difference.

Before

After

Since the weather has finally warmed up, I went out to the garden to see many flowers on the strawberry plants and the blackberries.  I also potted the bean plant that the five year old grandson and I planted in March from seed.

Strawberries

Blackberries

The bean plant in it's 'forever' home.
 

The only other thing I did this morning was washed the bedding and cleaned out the vacuum cleaner before I used it.  It was rather dirty, as well.

What did you accomplish today or last week.  Posting a comment helps me and others learn new things.  It's a great way of sharing information.

Stay safe.