Our "Brief 2-day Spring"

Good Morning Puffins.... technically it's morning as it was at 3:45 a.m. both yesterday and today.  Farmer-dear is working some over-time at the factory, so we all get up then... him, me and the cattle.  I don't mind quite as much in the summer as it is dawn about then, but in March, after daylight savings time has started (Way too early IMHO!), it's DARK!   But it is morning so we'll just get on with it...

Remember a few days ago when I mentioned the Blue-eyed One had the tractor and disk out for oats sowing?  I remember it well, for it was our 2-day Spring.  Here, let me show you how we spent it....

We had a thunderstorm complete with HAIL!  Those white blurs are more hail stones falling.   The hail ranged from quarter to pea-size .

This was a marble-sized hail stone outside the front porch.  If you look closely you can see a few pea-sized.

But shortly after that brief storm, the sun came out!  I hung jeans on the clothes line in the breeze and Farmer-dear did this...

Opening the drill boxes.

Reading the settings for oats.  (Notice the glorious sunshine on the hills.)

Pouring in the oats seed.  This was the last bag.  I helped by lifting the bags onto the walkboard. (I'm sure there is a technical term for that, but I don't know what it is.  I should ask Mr. Thinker.  )

Dumping out the last bits, as this was rather pricey seed!  And then off he went behind the hill until way after dark.  He was pleased he got finished and used all the seed.  

These "beauties" will have feed this winter.  We have a variety of colors in our lot now.  From pure white calves to these  funny brownish ones to dirt-colored ones.  Most of the Mommas are black, with a few brown and one white.  The Bull, Amos, is a white Charolais. 

Hello, Inquisitive.

And then it turned cooler (ok, cold) and Winter came barreling in for another round of rotten weather.  **sigh~**  To keep my spirits up, I went to the Thrift Store and found some bargains.

A gardening book, (the Farm Animal Ailment book is for Farmer-dear... I just don't want to know about any of that!), a Grace Livingston Hill book and an audio book for my sewing room.  Some serger thread.  I only got one spool to see if it will work for piecing quilts or if is too thick.  Some greeting cards.  And music cds.   

This morning (yes, I could see it in the dark) we awoke to snow on the ground, snow coming down and more in the forecast.   **bigger sigh~~**   On the bright side, we also had 2 new calves in the last 24 hours.  All is well with them and their mothers.  We are past the half-way mark on calving.  YAY!


I believe I'll be home today and while I should do some bookwork, I think it will more cozy to do my Bible Study, read more chapterz for our church's Bible Reading Challenge and then see how  many pinwheel blocks I can sew.  Also feeling like sewing some small giftie-type items like bags and tissue holders.  Both the laundry and dishes are caught up and it will only take a short amount of time to do the rest of the dailies.  


Final question... Chocolate Chip Cookies or Brownies?  


I hope Spring is firmly in place wherever you are (unless you are in the Southern Hemisphere, then I hope you are having a nice long, beautiful Autumn.)


Hugs!
K~
** "Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine."  ~Anthony J. D'Angelo

Randomness Becomes Me on a Friday

Yup, another Randomness Becomes Me post....  Why?  Because it's Friday the 11th.

And because I've had more than my share of broken things in my life lately.... a tire on my Edge, my watch, my iMac (it's being getting a new hard-drive tomorrow), my Farmer (he's on his way to being well again, but's been a long road), my sleeping 8 hours per night, his chainsaw and tree cutter, my ability to not over-bake things, my Sun-heat heater and my iMac (yes I said it twice because it is That important!)

Because I'm in the midst of piecing 102-2 3/8" squares of 2 different colors into 204-2" half-square triangles and out of every 10 I sew in a set, at least 3 need to be frog-stitched and resewn and even then I end up with 1 in every 30 that is totally too wonked to be used.  **crazed look**

It's a blustery early Spring day and I'm going to wash the sheet and let them blow out all the germies into the wind!

I'm drinking Kona Seneo Coffee today.

I decided that I MUST eat breakfast everyday and I love oatmeal, just not the fussing with making it every morning.  So I made up "instant packs".  1/3 c. regular oatmeal, handful of dried fruit (raisins, apples and apricots that I dried, were my choices), handful of nuts (pecans, walnuts and slivered almonds), a good shake or two of Mulling Spices for "zing".

Packaged these in sandwich-sized ziplock bags so that in the morning when I'm barely able to make coffee, I can dump one bag's worth into a bowl, add 3/4 c. milk and microwave for 4 mins on 60% power.  A little more milk or half-n-half on top and wah-lah! It's breakfast!

I went to the thrift store yesterday and found sweet pink and purple clothes for my favorite girlies (jackets for the big girls and clothes for my sweet baby-kins for this summer and fall.)  I found a yellow coffee cup that matches the miscellaneous pieces my dear neighbor gave me.  I had a yellow saucer so now I have a yellow cup-saucer and a pink set.  I just need someone to come have coffee with me.

I also found a cool straw tote bag with a clasp.  It has yellow decorations.  Ok, so it's a cheesy tourist buy from Mazatlan, but it's got "leather" handles and is big enough to hold a laptop (if I had a laptop) or supplies for the beach (if I went to the beach) or maybe just my Bible and Study book for church this summer.   In any case, it made me smile, and I'll take a $2 smile any day during "mud season."

And finally....

Who are these people and why am I here??

This darling has stolen my heart.  She is there and I am here.  But we have conversed on the phone and I know she is saving all her sweetest snuggles for her Grammie... who will get there as soon as we are well and those danged cows all have their calves.


The laundry calleth and my coffee cup is empty and there are no elves to finish sewing those half-square triangles.


Enjoy your weekend Puffins.
Hugs
K~


PS  Please pray for the people of Japan and the islands in the Pacific and even our West Coast.  I cannot even imagine the tragedy and loss in Japan.  Please Father God... be with our Brothers and Sisters in that country.  Send aid, comfort, provide, save and give them strength in this time of need.

Sniffles, Snow and Polkas

I've been noticing a increase in "cabin-fever" around Blog-dom lately.  It seems like it's been an awfully long winter.  I'm not one to wish my life away, but I'm ready for April/May and some warmth and sunshine and green grass....(someone remind me I said that when it comes time to mow again.  lol)

Here on the Prairie Farm, we're at the brink of calving season.  yipee~   >_<   

We're also in the midst of colds/virus/something .  Farmer-dear is feeling better, but still gets puny in the evenings.  I'm self-doctoring with Zicam, garlic, Vit C.  It's moving out slowly.  Unfortunately it went from my chest to my head & sinuses.  

And we are in the midst of a winter weather weekend!  5" of snow yesterday and 1-2" today with more in the forecast through Monday a.m.  I know.. I know... It's still February in Neb.  We've had 13" in April before.  

But to turn this into a happier post.... I went thrifting earlier this week.  I found these 2 cookbooks:

(yes, I took the images from Amazon... too lazy to take the photos or scan them myself.)

I'm a bread-baking girl, and love to make bread with whole-grains. The Laurel's Kitchen book has at least 2 recipes I'm eager to try.

And of course anyone who has read or seen "Julie-Julia" has to have MTAOFC on his/her shelf.  I can't imagine I'll make too many recipes from this one, but it's fun to read the recipes while reading along with Julie Powell's blog.  (warning-- lots of f-bombs in it and Bush-bashing, but an entertaining read.)

I also brought home 2 cassettes... remember those?  (I could have picked up several 8-track tapes but our players have been long gone.  We had a stereo with an 8-track player and one of our vehicles... I think it was our courting car.... Oh the memories... we played Willie Nelson's "Red Headed Stranger" over and over.)

Anyway... used to have a LP (remember Those?) of Sandi Patti's "Morning Like This" and the title song always speaks Easter (Resurrection Sunday) to me. 

I also got this:

 

with the dance mat for the girlies.  You know I can't go into the thrift store and not look for them.  They don't need any clothes but a fun dance-along dvd might be fun for them.

And the last cassette I got was.... Al Holman and The Polkatoons, #12!  LMHO... Farmer-dear was a bit dismayed.... polkas??   Yes!  Back when I was growing up, the radio station we listened to, used to play polkas on Sundays.  I haven't been to a Czech Wedding Dance in ages, to hear all the old polka tunes and I miss them sometimes.  (does it mean I'm getting old if I am starting to look back fondly on my youth.... oh crud!)

All in all I spent around $13 but I'll get hours of enjoyment from these.   

Hopefully I can share more photos of my quilting projects.  I hope to have BFF's quilt done by Sunday and more progress made on DGD3's.  And I might cut out another caring baby quilt in some brights just for the fun of it.

Stay warm and keep thinking thoughts of Spring and if you've been thrifting lately or like Polka music... leave a comment, telling me about it.

Hugs

K~

** "Music is what life sounds like."  ~Eric Olson

The canning continues and other frugal ways

Just a quick update here Puffins....

For the record, 8 small jelly jars and 2 pint jars of Hot Pepper Jelly.  I stopped in my Favorite Thrift Store yesterday because I WON a very cute green vase in the silent auction (photo soon) and you know I can't just buzz in, pay and leave.  I had to look around a bit.  I found a red sleeveless top, like new; a feed sack piece of fabric with pink and blue flowers-Cute! (photo soon) and a hard-back edition of Little House on the Prairie (collecting those for read-alouds with the grand-girlies).  And at the checkout was a box of nice cucumbers for slicing and some jalepeno peppers.  I just bemoaning to myself that I was down to my last small jar of hot pepper jelly and no-one seemed to have any to give away.  (I am trying very hard to not buy much when it is so readily available if I just say I'll take it off 'your' hands.)

I came home with 7 cucumbers for salads and eating fresh and 7 peppers. Six went into the jelly with the 2 remaining green-turning-red bell peppers I had gotten for my relish earlier this week. 

Today should be the turning day of the heat.  Thank Goodness!  I need to mow but it's still too dewy out there, so I am off to use the remaining Colorado peaches and plums in a cobbler  and do some pantry diving to find the ingredients for White Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes (ala Vivian) for Sunday School tomorrow. 

I did have to do some shopping this week, but I was happy to save over $15 on storebucks back deals at Walgreens.  And I found some Columbian coffee pods on clearance at the dreaded Walmart in the clearance aisle.  I save $1.20 on each package of 12 and bought all 8 packages.  If I'm stingy and only have one cup a day I can stretch this for over 3 months.  We'll see how I do.  (more on these deals later)

A final frugal report, the evening Farmer-dear and I went to town, I was determined to not spend much.  We did the Wal-greens run and then Menards for a locking doorknob (on sale) (ours on the kitchen door is on it's last leg).  I talked him out of going to the grocery store because I knew I had coupons and sales @ our local Sunmart the next day (Schoolbucks savings-- more on this later) and I also knew we'd end up spending at least $30 because we'd find "bargains" or we'd not know if we needed an item and get it "while we're here."  We have food galore in the freezers and pantry. 

We did need to eat some supper, however.  So again, being frugally-minded, I reminded him I had a coupons for free Limeades at Taco Bell.  It is our "not healthy but frugal" bad habit.  I got a combo meal-main dish, side taco and large drink.  He got 3 ala cart items and the free Limeade.  We split it up and I ate my main dish and the Limeade and he ate my side taco with his 3 selections and used my large drink cup.  Plenty of food (I was stuffed) & drinks for a little over $10 (and we could have kept it under $10 if he'd left off one of his items.) 

How were you frugal this week?  Where do you want to conserve even more?  Comment on it and we'll chat more on saving our hard-gotten money.

I'm off to play in the flour!

Hugs!
Kay~

A little Thriftiness

Again... I love Thriftiness.  As in Shops and in finances.

We have been VERY thrifty here on the Prairie Farm.  It's as if the rest of the country's financial woes finally caught up with us here in the middle states.  Actually, it's just that we've had some major repair bills this past spring and Farmer-dear did not plant any winter wheat last fall, hence, no mid-summer cash flow.  We'll make up for it come fall and the extra corn & bean acres, but it's a bit of an adjustment right now. 

So seeing how the bank account is hurting a bit, we've been staying home more.  Eating "out" less (alot less) and conserving where we can.  It's good for our bank account and good for our waistlines. 

It is hard on my creativitiy, however.  I've been cooking some on the grill.  I refuse to use the oven when it's over 90° outside.  So it's been salads, sandwiches, fruit and stove-top meals.

I'm running out of hot-weather meal ideas.  We're getting tired of the same-old, same-old.  But thanks to my wise friend Penny-Ann Poundwise, and her great idea, I'll be perusing my old women's magazines for ideas.  Those ladies back in the early part of the 20th century fed their families every summer day WITHOUT air conditioning.  I'm pretty sure Mama 1930, didn't fire up the cobstove and make a roast when the heat of August was on. 

Other thriftiness.... made a quick stop at my Favorite Thrift Store yesterday.  And came home with 2 summer tops for me, a pretty pin to wear on my cardigans, 3 paperbacks to read on these hot afternoons, 2 canning jars (one is a half-gallon, which I hardly ever find!  Will use that for dry goods storage in the pantry) and 2 wine glasses with black stems (I only had 2 wine glasses, so not enough if we have company and serve wine).  Nothing over $3 and I silent-bid on a green pottery vintage vase in their display case.   Any one of these items would have easily cost $5 new. 

And while I love buying from the thrift store, I did buy 2 new books from Amazon.  Now... before you start scolding... I used some of the gift cards I "purchased" from my Swagbucks .  (Go HERE to read more about that or click on the swidget button at the bottom of the page for more information on Swagbucks.)  "Free" new books is alright with me!

Since I've been reading more these hot days, I've been using my library (LOVE my library) and reading from my personal library.  I have a few books to get rid of and so will be adding them to my Paper Back Swap account.  I may have to pay for shipping to whoever requests my books but any I request from someone else are FREE to me.  Can't beat that deal.

Final thrifty activity.... as I said, it's been HOT here.  Really hot.... and humid.  So I've been running the A/C.  We've been keeping it set at 77° when we're home and 82° when we are gone for the day.  I found that if I run the ceiling fans when we are in a room and the floor fan to help circulate the air and if I close off the laundry room and the bathroom on the south & southwest sides of the house And shut the shades when the sun shines in; it all makes a huge difference on how the cool the house stays.  

We're utilizing the pool we got for the grandgirlies and sleeping in the basement where it's naturally cool.

And speaking of naturally cool, we are having a mini-cool-down this morning, so I'm off to bake up some of the cookie dough balls I have in the freezer, so my Farmer can have a treat this afternoon.

Stay hydrated and remember to check on your pets and elderly neighbors.  September is coming!

Hugs!

Kay~

More thrifting

Sorry, no photos. It was a a busy afternoon when I finally got home at 4 p.m. with the Blue-eyed Farmer on my heels. Enough time to put the groceries away before he called from the lot with the news of a preggo cow ready to calf.

Fast-forward past the scenes of said cow cross-eyed in labor pains, ignoring the open barndoor and taking a tour around the house, back to the hay bunk and back to the lot. She and new bairn are snuggled together in a cedar tree thicket, getting to know one another better. When it starts snowing after midnight, she might wish she had taken us up on our offer of that warm barn.

(not to worry, gentle souls... Mama cows are very equipped to keep new calves warm and comfy. A warm tongue bath and plenty of hot body-temp fluids do a body good. They'll be fine.)

Anyway, all that kept me busy until it was past time to make supper (Crusty cheeseburgers made in my cast iron skillet, oven fries, tomato-avocado salad and frosted cinnamon rolls for dessert.)

But just in case you were still wondering what I got for under $30 at my Favorite Thrift Store, here's the list:

2 pairs of slacks for the grand-girlies
1 very cute vest for same girlies

1 red Asian looking blouse-cami set for me

A selection of birthday and note cards

A Bible verse set to music, memorization CD

A large Tupperware cereal keeper ($1!)

A ziplock bag of 5-inch fabric squares, look like all quilt fabric -cotton & current

6-yds of micro-suede like cloth in a mossy green to donate to church for Easter pageant
1-yd of fleece (it was 50¢)
2 other yardages suitable for head-dresses
1-yd of green "silk", very Asian material, that I may keep for something. Purse/bag maybe?

I know, not very exciting without photos. You'll just have to take my word on it. It was a great time. :oD

Of course it could just be that it's been so long since I've had a really exciting time, my standards have lowered....

Off to the showers.... Sleep Sweet Everyone!
K~

** "We either make ourselves happy or miserable. The amount of work is the same."
~Carlos Castaneda~

MUST GO THRIFTING NOW!

Last year's Antique Market buys.

Ok.... word of warning....

If you are just craving a good flea market, estate sale, thrifting, etc....

Do NOT.... I repeat.... DO NOT..... Read this Blog by Miss Vintage Rescue Squad!

It is just too painful.


And DO NOT look at her photos.... (that one in particular but they all do me in....)

Because as she says.... Crap, her trash looks better than most people's yard sale stuff!!!

I'm "dying" here! I want that sweet little phone table, those garden chairs, that wicker basket, that white/pink tall cabinet in the distance looks intriguing and that plate rack..... all left at the curb last June!! **wailing and gnashing of teeth**

My only help with this depressing situation is that on Feb. 27 there is a Flea Market in the City and the annual Antique Market in March.
And I know my favorite seller has a new spot in a very accessible shop that I haven't scoped out yet.

Until then, it's time to put away all the wintery decorating and dig out what I've purchased in the past and USE IT! My kitchen, in particular is really bothering me. I am totally regretting that yellow paint decision. :o[ It is not going with the vintage image I have in my head at all.

Who loves to paint? Come on over and bring some light cream paint!

Anyone else desperate to go thrifting, antiquing this weekend?

Hugs
Kay~

** "I read this article that said the typical symptoms of
stress are: eating too much, impulse buying, and
driving too fast.
Are they kidding?
That is my idea of a perfect day. "

Thrifting again

(Winter fog can be beautiful)

I made a quick stop at the local thrift store today and found the following:

2 large sacks of Spring floral vines and picks

2 name-brand sweaters for the Girlies

4 bright-colored zippers for bag making

4 3-ring binders in various sizes

2 3-pound hand weights (look brand new)

All purchased for what would have been the regular price of one of those sweaters. I love thrift shopping!

I had been watching for those weights. I'm always waiting for something to become available there. Right now I'm also watching for: 1/2 gal jars, a yogurt-maker, a bread machine or pan to fit my ABM, audio books, and a chronological Bible.

I also have my eye on a pair of vintage outdoor Christmas candle decorations at a local shop. Please, local readers......Don't beat me to them, Please....

Anyone else been thrift-shopping lately?

Hugs,
K~

** "I believe that thrift is essential to well-ordered living."
~ John D Rockefeller

Why I shop at Thrift Stores and other frugal ways

If you've read PQ&K for a while, you know I LOVE the hunt of thrift stores, flea markets and antique malls. You just never know what you might find.

I recently took a gander around our local "antique shop" to see what they had. I found a large square-round jar that almost matches my coffee pod jar (also a thrift store find). With the recent mouse-in-the-pantry drama, I'm watching for large jars to house my dry goods.

I also found a 8" square glass cake pan. I first looked at the 9x13", thinking I needed a second one for when my blue glass pan is in use.
But then I remembered, I'm trying to cut down my cooking & baking to our 2-person household. The 8" size will make more than enough for us for a meal and some leftovers.

Neither of these items are antiques. But they were inexpensive and that's why I shop these kinds of places.

I plan to go back to that store on Monday. I looked at a 12-14" cast iron skillet but didn't get it that day. The clerk assured me that she would make me a good deal if I came back for it soon. I know it'll be too big for just us most of the time, but sometimes my 10" cast iron is too small.

Also, I had looked at a vintage citrus juicer. Very 1950s. Today as I hand-squeezed orange juice for the muffins I made, I wished I had gotten that juicer.

And then in the back was a Senseo coffee maker similar to mine. It has been used and not cleaned very well, but looks to be complete. I think I'll pick it up for a friend and if she doesn't want it, I'll keep it for a spare or give it to ddil.

I keep hoping I'll find a Zo bread maker there or at least the pan, like mine.

At my favorite thrift store I got in on the end of their "All Clothing 1/2 off Sale". I got a pair of shorts and a top for me and 2 pairs of shorts for the girlies.
I also found a newer book I've read before and enjoyed.
And 2 sets of hangers for 50¢ each. One set is the plastic tubular ones that I'll donate to our church's costume closet and the other were nice plastic pants hangers for F-d's dress slacks.
I also found a few more vintage refrigerator dishes that I've been using in F-d's lunch and for storing food in the fridge. I'm becoming less comfortable with using plastic for reheating.


My favorite online nursery has day lilies on sale every July. I purchased their pink/red collection plus another large rooting of another pink variety. With the new borders put in this spring, I have some empty areas that need some color. These, along with the unhappy lilies from the back of the house, should fill it all in nicely.


Grocery / household savings:
49¢ Powerade for F-d;
25¢ tomato sauce;
50¢ packages of Ziplock bags;
$3 12-packs of soda;
99¢ per lb nectarines.

Discount store:
$1 Crayola markers;
$1 Bic pens;
79¢ wooden pencils
and $1-off coupon on Advil which was on sale as well.

At the second store I should have picked up the Coffee grinder/maker for a wedding gift and I'm struggling with not getting the AeroGarden for $80. I know they will be more come Cmas time! Not that anyone I know wants an AeroGarden, besides me of course. And do I really have the room for it? No. This is a case of "It is not a bargain just because it's clearance priced, if you don't need it." I will check out the gift lists for the weddings we have coming up and see if anyone wanted one or the coffee maker.

It's Saturday and we may have company this evening, so I'm off to do some cleaning and laundry and be available if Farmer-dear needs my input on the new feed bunk construction.

Hugs!
Kay~

** "Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end.
It's not a day when you lounge around doing nothing;
it's when you've had everything to do, and you've done it."
~ Margaret Thatcher

Frugal Friday

Happy First Day of Spring, Dear Readers,
I hope it is springing wherever you are (ok- falling into Autumn for any "down-under." )

In the Prairie Garden:
Plants are popping up all over on the Farm. Iris, day lilies, Surprise Lilies (which really are a surprise, because I thought they died last winter!), chives and leaves on some of the trees.
When the weather forecasters start saying "thunderstorms" instead of blizzards, I get hopeful. But I haven't heard the peeper frogs yet, so it's not really Spring to me.

In the Farm Barnyard:
There are still baby calves being born here. Another heifer just 2 days ago and 4 new mamas in a temporary pen by the south barn are very close. They are sequestered off from the rest until after they calve, to avoid injury while everyone reestablishes the herd pecking order. And to keep an eye on them when they calve. Since they are new to us, we want to be sure they do alright and have an easy time during delivery.

In the Farm Kitchen
There have been a lot of good sales & discontinued bargains in the past several weeks.

Last week I went to the thrift store, the farm store and took advantage of sales on kitchen staples.

My latest Thrift Store finds. (See the photo above.)

• 2 long-sleeved work shirts for Farmer-dear. 50% tag price: $1.50 & $1
• 3 name brand-tops for me: $1.75, $3, $2.50
• 1 Modular Mate Tuppeware™ container with a pour spout lid: $1 (apprx. $11 new)!
• 1 dvd "A Prairie Home Companion": $2.50
• 4 zippers (for making more Humbug Bags): 40¢
• 1 woven leather purse: $3.50

Total: $17.25 before tax. (savings: $21 on just the things I knew the original prices or the percentage off at the thrift store. I'm not sure what the original price would have been on the tops for me & the purse, so the savings should be even more.)

City Grocery Store Sales

• 2 packages of discontinued coffee pods $2 from $4.89
• 2 packages Farmland Bacon, $2.50 each, normally over $4
• 3 each of Mozzarella, Cheddar & Parmesan store-brand, 8oz Shredded Cheese, .99!!! Typical sale price is around $1.69. Even the parmesan was on sale. I have never seen that variety on this kind of sale. :o)
• 4 avocados .99 each, normally $1.34
• Store-brand face cleanser on clearance for $2, normal price $3.58 and national brand over $6. I bought all 5 on the shelf.

Total: $29 (savings: $22.58)

From there it was to Wal-mart to price match and I found some clearance bargains.

• 3 twill pillows on clearance for the front porch chairs: $2 each (were $7)
• 2 tops for me, on clearence: $3 & $4 (notice this is about what I paid at the thrift store; original prices were $11 and $8)
• 2 Shout Color Catchers (clearance) $3.50 ea (were $4.32 ea, saving 82¢ x 2)
• 4- 2 litre bottles, Pepsi products: 88¢ each (were $1.48, savings 60¢ x 4)
• 1- 1/2-gal milk: 99¢, (apprx savings - 50¢)
• 1 Barefoot wine: $3.99 (apprx savings $2.)

Total: $28.50 (savings $33.54)

Then to the local Farm Store where they were having 13% off everything in the store to "celebrate" Friday the 13th, in addition to their in-store sale of 20%-off seeds.
I got my early Spring garden seeds:

• 2 kinds of radishes,
• 2 kinds of lettuce,
• 2 Swiss chard and
• 2 spinach.

Total: $12.46 (savings: $4.74)


Other stocking-up sales at the City Grocery Store were:

• Name brand Sour Cream: 98¢ (2)
• Name brand Butter: $1.48 (4)
• Store brand soda: $2.50 (2)

Total: $12.88 (~savings: $5.40)

And at our local Grocery Store:

• Store brand Half & half: 79¢ (2)
• Store brand Whipped Topping: 59¢ (1 case - 18 ct)
• Store brand Chili Beans & Kidney Beans: 60¢ (9 total)
• Scallions: 2 bunches/79¢
• Bagged Radishes: 99¢
• Frozen French Fries: $1.79 (2)

Total: $25.29 (~savings: $15.)


Yesterday's bargains were nothing to scoff at either:

These were all price matched at Wal-mart as I don't get to Walgreens, CVS, Pamida or Target all that often. It means an extra trip to the city for me. I don't like Wal-mart, but I do like their price-matching. (hypocritical, isn't it? lol)

• Yoplait yogurt: 50¢ (20- 10 for a friend)
• Pantene Expressions Shampoo & Conditioner: $4.50 each (1 each) & $1.00-off coupon
• Bic Soleil Razors 4-pack: 2/$8 (2 packs) & $2.00-off coupon
• Opti-Free Replenish Contact Solution: 2/$14 (2 packages) & $1.00-off coupon
• Neosporin Ointment: $3.50 (1) & $1.00-off coupon
• Band-aids: $3.50 (1) & $1.00-off coupon

Total: $58 (~savings: $14.50 with coupons)

Total so far for the month: $183.38 (~savings: $116.77) Wow!! I didn't realize it was so much!

I'm sure some of you are looking at that list and wondering why in the world I need 18 containers of whipped topping or 10+ Yoplait yogurts or 4 pounds of butter (& actually I bought more in the last month, that isn't recorded here.)

One reason, I live in the country. 10 miles from the nearest grocery store &/or Wal-mart. If I run out an ingredient in the middle of a recipe, I have to make-do or borrow from a neighbor. My mother-in-law taught me the wisdom in keeping a well-stocked pantry & freezer.

Another reason, it just makes good economic sense. I would much rather spend a bit and stock up on sale items, than have to pay full-price later on.
I watch and compare prices on tolietries & first aid items; cheese, butter, yogurt; canned goods; flour, sugar & spices; bacon and produce. These are all on my regular grocery list. I don't have a comparison price book like some do. I know 8oz of cheese is a good sale at $1.60 or less and that yogurt goes to 50¢ each quite often. I also know that there will be case-lot sales on canned veggies & fruits, twice a year; spring and fall and that baking items will go on a deep price reduction right before Thanksgiving.

With all these sales, and with butchering a beef & hog in the next 2 months; we should not have to buy much for staples until late summer. I'm keeping my eyes open for pasta sales and some summer salad ingredients. Also, I'll be buying organic chickens again in either June or September.
That leaves just weekly dairy and produce specials to watch (mostly fruit once my garden starts producing). It's going to be interesting to see how low my food totals can go.

And another 6 weeks and we won't have anymore propane fills. I'll be able to calculate how much our infrared heater saved us in propane costs and compare that to the difference in our electric bills from last year.

Every extra penny saved helps in these tough times. We are so blessed here on the Prairie Farm.

How is your grocery buying being affected these days? What are some of your recent savings? I'd love to hear about them. Leave me a comment about that or anything you are doing to be frugal.

And now I'm off to find some breakfast,
Hugs!
Kay~

** "With rushing winds and gloomy skies;

The dark and stubborn Winter dies.

Far-off, unseen, Spring faintly cries;

Bidding her earliest child arise;
March!"
~~ Bayard Taylor

Thrift Shopping & Sewing

So what does 30 mins. and $37 get you at the local thrift store? All of the above!
5cup Hitachi Rice Cooker (looks brand new, never used. Was able to download the manual.)
3 hardbound books & one cartoon book
1 fake minature rose plant to brighten some corner of my home (looks pretty real to me)
3 small gold-colored baskets for little gifties or adding sparkle to somewhere

8 rolls of fabric, none less than 1 yard

2 twin-sized sheet sets in a perky yellow/red/pink
1 full-sized sheet set in blue/white

The blue/white sheets will fit on the basement guest bed. I plan to join the flat sheets into one full-sized top sheet and find a yellow or pink fitted sheet for the grand-girls' guest bed. The twin-sized fitted sheets will be used in either room decor or for quilting. They are 100% cotton.


*warning to non-fabric lovers-- extended gushing about my finds ahead, scroll through if not interested*

Is this not the coolest design! I really like paisley. This material has a brushed suede feel to it. I suppose for skirts or light jackets? I just like the richness of the colors.

Oilcloth anyone? Not really but has that feel. Avocado....caning.... from the 7os, perhaps?

This one and the paisley are going to be used to make new shopping totebags.

The blues.... love them for their individualness. The grid, so masculine and orderly, but the shell design is more "me." These will be for covering old canvas tote bags. (I wish the shell design was 100% cotton. Would love to put it into a quilt.)

And then we have these lovelies. The yellow/blue vines remind me of Jane Sassaman's fabric and quilts (http://www.janesassaman.com/core-pages/quilts.html ). Again, none are 100% cotton and won't work for quilting. The red/yellow floral is glazed & would make great pillowcoverings. Or great tote bags!

I have this as an idea for covering my tote bags:
Aren't these yummy? I copied this from someone's blog and forgot to note where. Sorry!!! (If it's yours, please LMK and I'll give proper credit.)

And on that site, these: Sweet pincushions. No pattern but I bet I can figure it out. That "vine" fabric would work for these.

Then, yesterday afternoon, after fondling all my fabric finds and washing the sheets, I decided to hunt up my tote bag patterns. And in the pile I found one for the Humbug Bag that one of my quilting friends had sent me, complete with fabric she had quilted. I LOVE batiks and this is just my style! Well here... take a look at what I made from that material, a 10¢ thrift store zipper and about 30-45 mins. (would have taken less time but I was learning how to use my zipper foot):


and a close-up of the inside, the zipper and the thrift store organza ribbon accent. (Have I said how much I LOVE my local thrift store! )

This little bag will be perfect for my lipgloss, mints, etc in my desk at work.

I can't wait for Sunday, more sewing. (this evening- eye exams & dinner out; tomorrow-Bull shopping [yee haw I'll be reading in the truck])
I just need to decide what to sew.... the Anniversary Quilt? More bags (but I need more zippers)? Those pincushions? The tote bags &/or tote bag covers?

Oh! And want to know what spurred on my Muse to make this bag? Restitching Farmer-dear's zipper in his chore coveralls. LOL Hey! Whatever works, right?

Finally, thanks for all the good thoughts, prayers and well-wishes you all sent for Farmer-dear & me. He's feeling lots better. Good enough, in fact, to trim some trees with the chainsaw yesterday. I'm about half-way through my cold. At the gunky stage (sorry) & with a sore nose, but no more fever, so I'm on the mend too. Definitely time for Spring weather!

Hope you all have a Fabulous Friday and a Wonderful weekend!

Hugs!
Kay~

** "Methinks it is a token of healthy and gentle characteristics,
when women of high thoughts and accomplishments love to sew;
especially as they are never more at home with their own hearts
than while so occupied."
~ Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Marble Faun, 1859

I STILL LOVE VINTAGE!

Today we slept in and then went to the city to the Antique Show and Flea Market. I had a blast, but it would have been nice to have a more enthusiastic compantion. My Farmer is a good sport and took me, but he was about as thrilled to be there as I am going to farm stores.

As it turned out, I was "lucky" or "blessed", depending on how you think...

Here's what I got: (oh....crud...have to save and come back and edit it again....SIGH~~)

Ok, now, here is what I got:

Red & White crocheted potholders & a red-handled child's rolling pin. All so sweet!
(potholders $1 each; rolling pin was $3)

I absolutely LOVE this rectangle Christmas tablecloth from the 1940s(?)!!
It was under a bunch of displayed items in a booth and I could not believe the vendor did not have it out for sale! I've seen these go for $30+ at auctions. My dickered down price...$7! (and the vendor even had to move all his stuff off the top of it first.) It is a bit stained and only has one little frayed spot. Did I tell you I LOVE this piece!

Ok, and now the Deal of the Day!!! My photos don't do this quilt justice, I'm afraid. Will have to hang it on the clothesline later and really show it to you.
I saw this quilt on a vendor's chair but the vendor was MIA. I figured I was not suppose to have it and judging from the prices in his booth I figured it would be way out of my price-range.
Later when we had to wait for the tablecloth vendor to unbury the tablecloth above, I decided to go back to see if the quilt was still there.

I am so glad I did! The vendor was very nice and quoted me a price of $45! Be Still My Heart!! I had estimated the lowest he'd go would be $65. Then he showed me the 2 "repairs." On 2 of the rings, someone had machine stitched a square of weird printed material and a square of white on the back. I'm guessing there is a small tear or hole in those spots. Thankfully they only covered the spot and didn't cut it out. I can see the original piecing behind the patch.

So this very nice, HONEST vendor, showed me those spots and how it is stained. Then he says he'll take $40! I was about ready to hyperventelate then... lol Just to see what I could do, I asked him if he'd take $37 and he said YES! I could not belive it! Other than those 2 spots this is a beautiful quilt. It is not thinned nor frayed on the edges. It is hand-quilted and the colors are bright. The patches seem to be from the 1930s or 1940s. Maybe feedsacks?

I looked at a couple of other quilts at other vendors but the lowest I found was a twin-size summer coverlet (Snowball pattern in white, black and blue print) for $65 and a 12" Friendship star block double-size quilt with badly frayed edges for $35. Next time I'm bringing more $$$$! Total spent today- $50, which was how much I brought along.

The Double Wedding Ring Quilt (also known as the Deal of the Day)

Detail of the rings and a corner edge. (see, it is badly stained)

I love vintage!

Hugs
K