There’s a specific morning every fall — usually the first one where I go out to the coop and can see my own breath — where my whole body just goes, okay, it’s soup season now. The garden’s winding down, the fireplace is about to earn its keep and drive me INSANE, and suddenly the …
There is a very specific kind of panic that hits at 4:45 in the afternoon. The chickens still need to be shut in, somebody needs to be picked up from somewhere, and dinner is a completely blank page. I used to solve that panic with takeout. Now I solve it with a chest freezer full …
I make zucchini bread more than anything else in August, and it took me an embarrassing number of years to realize I was making the same loaf over and over with small changes. So a few summers ago I stopped keeping six recipes and started keeping one. This is that one. A single base batter, …
There is a moment every July when I walk out to the garden with one basket and come back needing three. The zucchini plants look perfectly innocent in June. By the middle of summer, they are producing faster than any household can reasonably eat, and I am standing at the kitchen counter looking at a …
If your fruit bowl is overflowing or your berry bushes are going absolutely wild, this post is for you. Making homemade jam or jelly is one of the most satisfying — and budget-friendly — things you can do with a surplus of fresh fruit. It’s the skill that started my entire preserving journey, and I’ll …
Nothing says summer like having people over in the backyard—whether it’s a laid-back cookout, a little neighborhood get-together, or even just a picnic outside. But if you’ve ever fed a crowd, you already know… it adds up FAST. You don’t have to spend a ton to make it fun (and still have plenty of food). …
I swear the humble Mason jar can solve 72% of life’s problems. Sick of paper clutter? Use a Mason jar. Want to sprout an avocado pit? Mason jar. Need a gift that screams, “I thought about this a lot and totally didn’t just grab something from the Dollar store”? Enter the cookie jar gift. I …
I haven’t made this fruit dip all winter, but last week, I decided to whip it up since the temps were in the 60s! My girls, who are 12 and 14, fought over who would eat the last of it. It’s a hit always and forever, no matter what age your kids are. I get …
Easter has come and gone, leaving behind a surplus of colorful candies. Instead of letting those sweets go to waste, transform them into delightful new creations that your whole family will enjoy. Or if you didn’t get a lot of candy for Easter, and now it’s on clearance, here are some fun ways to use …
When Leslie Knope (shoutout to Parks and Recreation) declared February 13th as Galentine’s Day, she wasn’t just giving us an excuse to gather our best friends and overdo it with waffles and wine. Nope, she was planting the seed for what’s become a full-fledged holiday for celebrating female friendship—and honestly, who doesn’t love a reason …
OK, can we talk about the emotional rollercoaster that is grocery shopping? There’s nothing quite like loading up your cart, feeling pretty good about all the “smart choices” you’re making, and then pulling up to the checkout only to have the total hit you like a ton of bricks. Every. Single. Time. I swear, I …
While the Super Bowl is often synonymous with chicken wings, greasy nachos, and over-the-top indulgence, it doesn’t have to mean you throw your healthy habits (or your budget!) out the window. Since we are a diabetic household, I like to find low-carb options for my husband. This list is perfect for those looking for more …
Doesn’t it feel like it was just the end of summer, but now you’re about to host a Christmas brunch? The idea sounded amazing at first—friends, family, and a cozy table filled with festive bites. But now you’re staring at your Pinterest board, wondering how you’re supposed to whip up an impressive spread and keep …
New Year’s Eve is one of my favorite days of the year! It is filled with excitement, friends, and good food! Whether you are hosting a New Year’s party or need something to bring, these 20 small appetizers are elegant and easy to eat. From hot and cold options to vegetarian and meat-based treats, there’s …
It doesn’t matter what age your kids are; making affordable meals is always a challenge. I like to have a base of simple, cheap meals to turn to when I’m either burnt out from cooking or we are just on a tight budget week. This may be something you need to do, especially if it’s …
It’s October, and what better way to savor warm days and cool nights than with slow cooker recipes? If you have a Ninja Foodi, these will work, too. I pretty much live off my Ninja Foodi and use it for all my slow cooker recipes. If you are a working mom, enjoy the month with easy, …
No-bake cereal bars are my favorite frugal snack! They’re a great way to use up cereal that the kids are not interested in. I love using these clear containers to keep our cereal in. I have three of them, and that’s it for the kinds of cereal we have at one time. I love couponing …
I have always loved Mason jars. You can use them for so many things, and they really never go out of style. Gifting homemade cookie jars is BACK, and they’ll get to reuse an adorable mason jar. I love giving the colored mason jars for gift ideas, but the classic clear ones work great, too. …
Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated recipe? Maybe you are looking for breakfast on-the-go ideas. Your answer is to make these cheap homemade cereal bars! Not only are these bars quick and easy to make, but they’re also perfect for busy moms …
When it comes to elevating the taste of your favorite dishes, a simple yet powerful ingredient can make all the difference. Rosemary parsley salt, a delightful blend of aromatic herbs and salt, adds a burst of flavor to a variety of recipes. In this article, we will explore the unique qualities of rosemary parsley salt, …
In a world filled with processed foods and fad diets, the Paleo diet stands out as a back-to-basics approach to nutrition. Inspired by the eating habits of our ancient ancestors, this dietary philosophy emphasizes whole, unprocessed foods that our bodies are biologically adapted to consume. In this article, we will explore the principles of the …
The Animal-Based Diet: Exploring Nutritional Benefits and Recipe Inspiration The animal-based diet, also known as a carnivorous or carnivore diet, is a nutritional approach that primarily focuses on consuming foods derived from animals. This diet emphasizes animal proteins and fats while minimizing or eliminating plant-based foods. While it may seem contrary to popular dietary trends …
When I grow pickles in the garden, I always have to make a cucumber salad with my first batch. I love adding cucumbers to my salads, water, and sandwiches. My favorite is always this frugal cucumber salad recipe though. I always eat this cucumber salad when my cukes are coming in like crazy. It’s one …
If you’re a frugal mom looking to spread holiday cheer without spending a ton of money, then it’s time to get baking! From cheesecakes and cookies to pies and cakes – baking up some deliciousness from scratch is cost-effective and adds a special touch of warmth and love that store-bought treats can’t replicate. Plus, when …
