Making Ends Meet During Tough Times~

Seeing and hearing so many with concerns over lack or loss of income made me realize that I forget sometimes, that the things I do regularly, or have had to do during tough times to get by, not everyone has had to do or even thinks of doing. So, as I think of them, I will post them here, updating as they come to me. They aren't anything groundbreaking, earth shattering or things others have not done, or do not do, but on the off chance something I post helps someone get through a difficult day (or more) I'll be happy to know it helped. I've been there...

*If you think of anything, please add your tips in the comments too~I'm still learning new things after all these years!

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♡ Advise to my daughter last night amid concerns of possible future lack: let's be conservative with the supplies and food we presently have on hand to make them last longer and stretch further. No need to use things with wild abandon right now (I've seen how some people in my family squirt the dish soap around here...not mentioning any names ;~D ).

♡ Waste as little (of anything) as possible (re-think those leftovers.
*Leftover bits of meat and veggies can create beautiful, delicious soups and stir frys and pizza toppings! ( my favorite no knead pizza dough recipe: https://www.biggerbolderbaking.com/best-ever-pizza-dough/ ~ grandson approved!)
*Add a tidbit of water to get the last little bits of dressings, condiments and sauces out of bottles and cans.
*Use spatulas to scrape out every little bit clinging to sides of bowls and cans, etc.)
*use "day old" breads to make croutons and/or bread crumbs for coating.
*fruit on the verge of going bad? Don't toss! Process (peel, dice) and freeze to use in smoothies, homemade popsicles, banana bread/muffins/pancakes, sorbets, fruit purees/sauces. Use your imagination! And...fun bonus: you can use the peels combined with herbs and spices for a simmering potpourri to make your home smell inviting naturally!

♡ as icky and distateful as the thought might be to some, if you find yourself without access to a washer and dryer, or the money to go to a laundromat, you can put some soapy water in the sink or bathtub, take a clean and santized plunger, and plunge, plunge, plunge those dirty clothes clean! Rinse well then air dry using what you've got: clothes hangers, a clothes line, etc.

♡  when my kids were itty bitty, to discourage the whizzing whir of toilet paper being spun off the roll at the speed of sound, I would flatten the roll before putting in the roller. The resulting lopsided, oval shape didn't as easily allow a tp free for all.

♡ in an attempt to conserve the bleach/sanitizers you have on hand, or would rather not use them in order to avoid the chemicals, you can always boil water to pour over dishes and other things that need to be sanitized AND can stand the heat. (Gentle reminder: NEVER mix bleach with ammonia and other cleaners-even some dish soaps warn not to mix with bleach. Please, always read the label. I've known someone that ended up in the hospital from the noxious fumes from mixing bleach and ammonia )~: )

♡  in a pinch, you can make your own syrups, crackers, herb/seasoning mixes and more!

♡  if you feel the need to stock up on water but find grocery store shelves cleared of it, you can always fill any bottles, glass jars, or jugs you have on hand with...are you ready for it?...TAP WATER! Our family has filled rubbermaid tubs and bathtubs with water when hurricanes were headed our way. Not to drink of course, but to wash, clean or flush toilets with. I prefer to drink bottled water too, and even exclusively give bottled water to our pets (I know, I know) buuut, if our back's against the wall, I refused to NOT drink tap water, even if I have to disguise the taste by making tea, infused, or some other flavored beverage out of it.

♡out of dog food? Can't afford it? For many years, before manufactured dog food was a thing, our faithful companions ate the same foods we ate (and, granted, some things we wouldn’t THINK of eating, lol). I've been making and feeding my dog a 2/1 veggie/meat diet for years (I do keep dry food for emergency backup in case I am unable to make her meals for some reason). I will add: PLEASE remember to research a food that you are unsure of before feeding it to your pup.
On the same subject in regards to feeding cats, as the owned (yes, owned) of a finicky feline, I can't even begin to help you there...#catsarecomplex

♡ be thankful. There's always something to be thankful for no matter how trying the times get. Right here, right now I'm thankful for:
*  the garbage workers that I hear outside picking up our trash.
*  the birds I hear singing in our neighborhood.
*  the sun that will be peeking out from behind the clouds...any minute now.
*  the flowers and trees that are beginning to bud and bloom.
*  the earth that continues to spin and rotate.
*  my heart and lungs that keep on keeping on, regardless of the maltreatment I have subjected my body to over the years.
*  everyone that is working hard to keep us safe and healthy.

More to come I'm sure ;~D ...

●My prayer for us all is that we try to think calmly, rationally and prayerfully during these trying times. Stress and worry contribute to illness~we need our immune systems in the best condition possible!

Stay well!😷