Let's face it: Times are tight and budgets are shrinking. But there are ways to stretch, and even (gasp!) have fun doing it! This blog is about finding ways to get more from every household dollar, and enjoy every precious minute.
Over the past few years, I’ve taken a number of steps toward healthier
eating on a budget. In addition to making my own salad dressings, I’ve
also discovered that my homemade seasoning mixes are much tastier than
the varieties I used to purchase at the store...
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Do you often feel your home has become out of control or overwhelmed
with clutter and mess? I did until I discovered how to stay on top of
our family’s daily clutter and cleaning with a few easy steps. Make
these steps a part of your daily habit...
Aluminum identification markers can be used to label many things, but
are primarily known for marking plants in the garden. The markers I like
best are 1-by-3 inch tags made from a strip of cardboard wrapped with a
heavy aluminum sheet, making them easy to emboss with a pen or pencil...
...If you are a lover of the peanut butter and chocolate flavor
combination, then I highly recommend conducting an experiment of your
own to see if this theory stands true for you. Test it out with this
double peanut butter chocolate chip cookie recipe...
Wednesday, October 05, 2011
...It was definitely time to organize the spices in my kitchen. Had I only
known how simple it was to organize, I could have been saving myself
time and money for the past several years. Are you ready to conquer the
spice disarray in your kitchen?...
A perpetual calendar by definition is one that is good for many years.
When my children were younger, they loved having one in our kitchen and
competed to be the first one to change the date for the day...
Friday, September 30, 2011
...Since most packaged breakfast cereals contain sugar (even the “plain”
varieties), I have learned to make quick “from scratch” breakfast meals
using eggs, oats or quinoa, which is a very good source of magnesium...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
...Nearly 15 years ago, I simplified all of my planning and preparing by
creating my first holiday planner binder, which I continuously use year
after year to keep track of everything. This binder is filled with past
gifts purchased, favorite recipes, our holiday card list along with
pictures that I have taken of my home decorated so that I can remember
how I decorate from year to year...
Monday, September 26, 2011
...Simple items can help break up the monotony of rows filled with book
spines, similar to decorative bookends. Look for non-linear items such
as: Vintage metal toys (trucks, wagons or sand pails)...
Friday, September 23, 2011
I believe that life feels organized when the kitchen is organized and
there are a number of practical things you can do for an organized
kitchen. Here are few tips to get your kitchen in order and create a
less hectic routine for you...
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
...I find myself purchasing an
assortment of deals and coupons from local restaurants and shopping
services, only to forget when they expire, which daily deal site I made
the purchase, or what deals I even purchased!...
Monday, September 19, 2011
If you’re looking for creative ways to surprise your children, a fun
way to add some excitement to their lunch table at school is with snack
bag header cards! Download the free PDF file and print to lightweight cardstock paper...
Friday, September 16, 2011
Instead of constantly feeling like I’m struggling, behind and always
late to soccer practice or swim lessons, I’d much rather feel like I’m
beating myself at my own game of managing my family’s schedules.
Wouldn’t you? In order to stay a few steps ahead and keep our routines and schedules flowing without frustration...
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Over the years, I’ve discovered the more prepared and organized I am
occupying my children while they wait for their meals, the more
successful our dining out experience has been. This inspired me to
create a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) restaurant kit...
Monday, September 12, 2011
There’s lots of fun ways to doll up a plain paper lunch bag, whether
for actual lunches or as gifts or party bags. It’s fun and adds such a
special touch to an everyday item. Here are some of my ideas for lunch bag art...
Friday, September 09, 2011
...One of my favorites is the harvest chili because the recipe is so
timely. Each of the vegetables found in the chili are at peak season for
early fall and can be found in farmer’s markets for reasonable and
inexpensive prices. Or better yet, they can be grown from the garden in
your own backyard...