Around here, schools are just starting to go back after summer break. So many things come with the going back to school time. New school supplies, back to the school year schedule, making new friends and seeing old friends, homework, and so much more. One thing that almost always happens is that those kids come home from school hungry! Of course, kids do seem to always be hungry. Most the time grabbing some crackers or some fruit is just fine but once in awhile it's nice to give them something a … [Read more...]
The Best Last Minute Pasta Salad
We've all done it. It's a day before a barbecue or picnic and you just remembered that you are suppose to bring a side dish. You can have your husband stop for one or two ingredients on his way home but between lack of time and no extra money this week, you need to make something with the ingredients you have in your house. One of the easiest things I like to do is make pasta salad. What goes into it depends on your tastes and what you have in your house. This isn't so much a recipe as it is a … [Read more...]
Summer Slow Cooker Recipes
With summer here and the temperatures only getting warmer, we are all looking for ways to feed our families without having to turn on the oven. I know that I am desperate for summer recipes. My house is great at holding heat in the winter. Unfortunately, the lack of shade trees makes that true in the summer as well. Using the grill is the obvious choice to keep the house from heating up more. However, we can only have grilled meals so many times. Plus, I like a little more variety than that and … [Read more...]
Uses for Leftover Coffee
Leftover coffee? Who ever heard of such a thing? However, if you are like my husband, you make more coffee than you need for one or two cups. Throwing it out is such a waste. It is cheaper to make your coffee at home rather than buying at a coffee shop but you still don't want to be throwing it out. You aren't really saving much if you waste it. Part of living a frugal lifestyle is using everything you can and stretching things as far as you can. Sometimes it takes thinking a bit outside the box … [Read more...]
Quick Meal: Disassembled Shepherd’s Pie
Years ago I started making what my husband calls disassembled shepherd's pie with pan fried potatoes (home fries) then I started making it with macaroni. It quickly became one of our favorites for a quick and filling meal. Plus, it is really inexpensive to make. As we are coming in to a heavy cooking and baking season, this is a great, quick meal for those nights where you are just too busy to cook. One of the best part is that you can change up the seasonings based on your tastes and mood. … [Read more...]
Best Apple Projects and Recipes
With August over and September underway, it is almost fall. Which means....almost apple picking time! I love to go apple picking. It is probably the one thing I look forward to the most all year. The whole family loves it. I love the fall weather, my daughter loves the fun at the orchard, and my husband loves all the yummy things I make. Well, let's be honest. We all love the yummy things. ;) This year I'm excited to do some crafty things with Abby. She is finally old enough to really enjoy … [Read more...]