Quick and Easy Chicken Noodle Soup

 Who doesn't love chicken noodle soup?  Because of the Federal Food Program our Daycare Center is required to serve certain portions of meat, grains, vegetables and more.  Canned Chicken noodle soup tastes good but is lacking in enough chicken and noodles to satisfy the guidelines so we had to get inventive and now everyone is happy.  Here's what we do;  We add additional chicken and noodles to the canned broth.  I personally use canned chicken, but you can use whatever works for you.  We usually add some additional fine noodles, but the wider noodles work good too.  Let this simmer until the noodles are done and within minutes you have a soup that is like home made.  We add no additional seasoning, just the broth from the canned soup.  The kids and adults love it!  Let me know how you like it and share your ideas for quick and easy fixes for others to see.

Blessings!
GrandmaB

PROOF IT'S YOUR KIDS BIKE

I found the following idea at http://hubpages.com/ and felt it was a great idea for identifying your child's bike should it be stolen.

Proof it's your Kids Bike

If you purchase a new bike for your child, place their picture inside the handle bar before placing the grips on. If the bike is stolen and later recovered, remove the grip and there is your proof who owns the bike.

Junk Mail Gems

Although I consider myself frugal, even I have never thought about reusing my junk mail.  I came across this link today and thought I would share it.  www.junkmailgems.com Take a look.  Even if you don't use some of these ideas, I think your children would really enjoy trying some of these projects.

Blessings,
GrandmaB

MOISTURIZERS FOR YOUR SKIN

I have had extremely dry skin most of my life.  When I get out of the shower I lather my body with lotions and just a few minutes later I still  feel dry and itchy.  I have purchased many expensive lotions and cremes through the years and some work for me and some don't. 

About a year ago I began learning a little about "essential oils" and "carrier oils" and that's when I stumbled onto an inexpensive relief for dry skin.  This product was purchased at my local health store for about $9.99.  This price was for a large 16 oz. bottle and has lasted the entire year.  What is this amazing product?  Almond Oil!  You probably are thinking that you wouldn't want something  oily or greasy on your skin and clothing, but just a few drops applied to your face and body will absorb quickly into your skin.  Notice I said a few drops not a handful.

A few weeks ago I heard Jillian Michaels, of the Biggest Loser tell people that the only beauty product anyone needs is Olive Oil.  I haven't tried it on my skin yet, but I'm sure it would also work just as well as Almond Oil.

Another oil I discovered for really dry chapped feet is also very inexpensive and effective;  Castor Oil.  Yes, its that same oil that our ancestors used to clean out  their systems when sickness came on.  It really works.  Apply a small amount to your heals and calloused skin.  Now if you forget and lick your fingers I won't promise the "end" result, but used externally you will notice results within just a few days.

Blessings,
GrandmaB

FREE ON-LINE STOP WATCH

Have you ever found yourself cooking or baking and you log on to your computer for a few minutes, only to forget you had something baking in the oven?  Even though I turn my oven timer on sometimes I just can't hear it when I'm in another room or when I'm engrossed in something on my computer!

I found this site www.online-stopwatch.com that has already helped me.  A free stop-watch on my computer.  This would also be a wonderful tool for those of you who have family members who need to share the computer.  Just set the timer and go.  Very user friendly.  What useful tool have you found on-line that you could share with us?

Thrift Store Shopping

Most of us have a local thrift store or resale shop close to where we live.  If you haven't checked them out yet you are missing some great bargains!   You can find almost anything in these shops from books, toys, glassware, jewelry, clothing, furniture, and more.  If  I have a particular item I'm  looking for and don't have to have it immediately, chances are I'll find it at one of these stores if I just keep checking back.


Before you shop these stores you should do some research.  Know what is a bargain and what isn't.  One of the stores I shop at has begun to raise it's prices and sometimes I can buy an item "new" for the price they ask, so I have learned not to purchase something there until I'm sure I'm getting a bargain.  Their books at 70 cents each are a bargain!  The outdoor yard decoration for $9.00 was overpriced. 


Also, it's not a bargain if you really can't use it.  Think before you buy: 
1. Is it a bargain
2.  Will I really use it?
3.  Do I have room for it?


My last resale shop bargain was a beautiful basket for $1.00.  What have been some of your favorite finds?

TIME FOR NEW FOCUS

It has been over a year ago that I started this blog.  For me it has been fun just writing about things that are dear to my heart; especially family!  But when I started GrandmaB's Simple Living, it was supposed to have the purpose of helping people to save money by learning to do things in a simple way.  I lost my focus almost from the beginning!

Over the next few weeks I will be taking the focus back.  I will be posting tips and ways to save money.  I plan to include some easy, healthy, inexpensive recipes along with ways to find the best prices on everyday items.

I really hope that you will leave comments and your own ideas on this site so that we can help each other to survive in this tough economy.

Thanks for your support and I hope you will drop by often.
Blessings,
GrandmaB

FIVE FAVORITE MEN IN MY LIFE!

While browsing through some photos this week I found this one of my five favorite fellows.  They are my family, starting with my 3 sons, Scott, Dale, and Jason.  Next is my wonderful husband Sidney who I have been married to since 1967.  And the man on the end is my  late father-in-law, Sidney Sr.

I am so proud of each one of these men.  They have brought so much joy to my life.  I thank God for the privilege of having them in my life.

Who do you have in your  life that has brought joy to you?