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Shop Wisely as You Pick 5 for 25

How to shop wisely as You Pick 5 for 25 meats for your family.

Pick 5 for 25 can be a real bargain; especially if you shop wisely to get the best deals for your family.

Here are some simple tips I use to get the most out of the Pick 5 for 25 section at the meat counter.

#1 Think before you purchase.

Pick only those items that you will actually prepare and your family will eat. One unused item will cut into your savings. Hot dogs and other processed foods may be a fantastic bargain for some, but our family uses very little of those products.

#2 Consider the time involved when you get home.

Make sure you have time to adequately prepare or store each item when you get home. Do you have good freezer containers and space for what you will not use in a few days?

I break large packages down to usable size for storage. Patties, legs, ribs and such can be wrapped individually and frozen.

#3 Price per pound less important than amount of product.

The price per pound can be inflated. Look at the size of the package, the amount you are actually getting for five dollars. I start at the back of each shelf and pick out the heaviest packages to consider.

This week, for instance, one package of lean sirloin strips was over a pound and a half. For 5 dollars, we will have steak one night and steak stir-fry another!

#4 Be flexible with your grocery list.

Explore options. A package of 5 lean, very thick patties will make 10 nice-sized sandwiches for us.

80% lean patties for ground meat recipes may prove cheaper than the same weight package of ground beef which is usually 73%. Before grabbing the large package of ground beef because you need ground meat, find the equal weight in lean patties—easy to chop up and much tastier!

#5 Poultry can be a great buy if you are selective.

In buying poultry, look for plump pieces without excess skin. A package with 12-15 legs is a real find. Bake them in the oven, cool and freeze ½ of them. Add BBQ sauce, salad, and potato for quick and easy meal for a tired shopper’s family.

As with all our tasks as busy homemakers and caregivers, shopping takes time, patience, and energy. Carefully taking advantage of sales like pick 5 for 25 options will, in the long run, actually save us time, energy and money.

Let me hear from you; I look forward to your ideas.

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30 2-INGREDIENT RECIPES AND HELPFUL HINTS FOR THE BUSY HOMEMAKER

Simple Ways of Expressing True Love

Simple Ways of Expressing True Love

It seems everyone is selling red roses today; hardware store, grocer, even on the street corner. Nice, yes! Necessary? No! (Did I hear you gasp?)

Many “expect” roses, chocolates, jewels.

Have we lost the meaning of love in the procurement of things? Oh, trust me, I am NOT against diamonds and fluff, if given from true love and not guilt or duty. For me, my special guy has shown me a better way. I will share some at the close of this article.

Tradition has it that Valentine’s Day was named for a 5th century martyred Roman priest. The day is a time set aside to show love. Traditionally hand-written notes were exchanged. Commercial cards came into prominence in the mid 19th century. (I think hand-written is still the best.)

Not just a time for couples to express their love.

Finland celebrates the day as Friend’s Day and in Guatemala it’s Day of Love and Friendship.

Valentine’s Day is a time set aside to show true love appreciation in some way to our friends and families. For me it is an opportunity to consider those who have no one; those who live alone, have lost loved ones, or seem disconnected from the community.

The value is not the card or gift.

I’ve received more joy from a dandelion held in a tiny child’s hand than I ever could find in a truck load of roses. My favorite card was made by a special needs adult and given with the tightest hug ever.

My husband is not a traditional gift-giver.

More love is wrapped up in the golden ring on my left hand than any diamonds or pearls available.

I neither expect or want a chunk of flowers or jewels on a certain day from him. I treasure these simple gifts from him—a silly stuffed clown he brought me from Montgomery Wards (that tell you how old it is?); a big stuffed raccoon from the furniture store because I giggled when it “sang” a song.

This January, he bought me a car!

Seriously! On a stressful day, he left home to “run an errand” and returned with a shiny bright blue bug—filled with white daisies and blue flowers!. I have nothing blue and no extra space in our tiny house! HOWEVER, that car is proudly parked on a small table in front of my picture window. I put a small pillow with blue butterflies in it beside the table.I LOVE MY HUSBAND!

Do you know you are loved today?

If you don’t feel loved today, let me tell you you are wrong! I love you very, very much. And God loves you even more!

The Greatest Gift for All Seasons

“For God so loved (you) that He gave His only begotten son, that when (you) believe on Him, you will not perish but have everlasting life.” from John 3:16

Hugs,

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6 Simple Ways to Encourage the Bereaved

Encourage the bereaved.

It seems every week I meet someone who recently lost a spouse, parent, child, or close friend or relative. Emotions are fragile and reality is often lost in the grief process.

We know we cannot take the hurt away.

Often we find ourselves in difficult circumstances and at a loss for words. What do we say? How can we show love and concern without seeming to meddle? Consider these helps as you reach out to the hurting in their time of need.

1.We do not all have the same needs.

This may sound like a no-brainer; however, the truth is, we generally expect others to react as we would in a given situation. We do not understand why they either cry too much, or they don’t seem to show their emotions at all. Give the hurting one time to sort out their feelings and to respond accordingly.

2. Food is not always the answer to our problems.

Forcing someone to eat will not necessarily “make them feel better”. The grieving individual may need some time to let emotions settle before he/she can eat. Temporary loss of appetite is often our body’s way of dealing with the pain.

3. Grieving persons may welcome news about your family.

Do not be afraid to talk about your own life and what is happening in the outside world that may interest them. Perhaps hearing about current events and your family may ease their load. At the same time, be sensitive to their need to talk about their loved one or share a memory.

4. Allow time for genuine grief.

While the grieving one is not looking for a pity-party, they do need adequate time to grieve. They need to be allowed to weep, cry, be emotional. The loss is great; it will take time to heal. This will come only as they are given time to work through their grief.

5. Do not stay away because you do not know what to say or do.

Visit the bereaved as you normally would, call, send cards. Your presence, your hugs, your smiles, and your prayers are most likely just what the doctor ordered. Each visit can give comfort and help pull them back into the real world.

6. Some people will need more alone time than others.

I am reminded that we must allow each person some alone time. Some need more than others. If you feel you are being pushed aside, consider they may need to spend time alone and honor their desires.

I’ve lost parents, grandparents, spouse, and more friends than I can count. My most precious memories during that time are of those friends who simply gave me a hug and smile and let me cry awhile on their shoulder.

I am sure the prayers of God’s family have held me up more than I’ll ever know. I pray for you that you will have those caring friends in your life; and that you will be faithful to pray for others.

Hugs,

Sign up for my newsletter and let me hear from you soon. For those who get the newsletter now, thanks! Spread the word! Let’s each be encouragers along our journey!