I’ve been experimenting, studying and learning how to lower our grocery budget and it’s working! My monthly budget is at least $200 less than I was spending two years ago, and even with one more kid, our pantry is fuller and we eat healthier. I’ve covered some of what I do in How I Save Money to be a… Read More Grocery shopping and feeding a family on a tight budget
Did you get a waffle maker for your wedding? Is it covered in dust in the back of the cupboard? Do you buy frozen waffles? You should consider making your own frozen waffles. They’re healthier, cheaper and taste way better! My kids love waffles for breakfast and can go through a box in a couple days.… Read More Healthy applesauce waffles to freeze
We had a barbecue at our house last weekend and Marcello decided last minute to make summer in a glass! I was so impressed with his lemon and cucumber cocktail, I have to share. It was the perfect, refreshing barbecue accompaniment. Ingredients lemonade (2 ounces for one drink, 16 ounces for a pitcher) vodka (3 ounces for… Read More Lemon, cucumber and mint cocktail
Ready for a fun and exciting New Year’s Eve?! If you are then I’m jealous — please tell me all about it so I can live vicariously. If you’re not headed out for a night on the town, you’re in good company with yours truly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy a little bubbly!… Read More New Year’s bubbly on the cheap
The biggest reason I started making baby food is to give my kids the most fresh and nutritious food I could in their first year of life. The second is to save money. And the third is for the environment, because God knows I owe it after putting three babies in diapers! My husband and I have… Read More How to make baby food in 45 minutes a week and save 50 percent
When there’s nothing planned for dinner, my husband can open the fridge and cobble some things together for a delicious meal. I, on the other hand, open the freezer and pray there’s a pizza. I’d say I’m a creative person, but it seems to be lost in the kitchen. It helps me to have a menu… Read More Dinner idea list and menu
Happy Valentine’s Day! Well, almost. I thought I’d share a pink mocktail recipe to celebrate. Almost seven months into this pregnancy, I’m craving a cocktail! I’ve ordered virgin drinks quite a few times during my three pregnancies. I usually ask for the bartender’s recommendation, and they tend to come out super sweet or super tangy. But a bartender/friend… Read More Sophisticated Lady Mocktail
I’ve been craving a good old cobb salad and this recipe hits the spot. It’s just my kind of salad — with as many toppings as salad! And this tasty lemon salad dressing only has six ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Here’s a refresher of this classic if you’re looking for dinner ideas: Ingredients Lemon salad dressing 1/4… Read More Cobb salad recipe with lemon dressing
I’m a complete poser writing this post. I lectured myself since the beginning of this pregnancy that I would eat healthy and not gain 50 pounds like I did with both of my previous pregnancies. But I have derailed! I can blame it on the holidays, blame it on saying goodbye to morning sickness, blame… Read More Healthy pregnancy snack ideas
My friend Ashby came up with a genius, simple way to get her son to eat sweet potatoes. She sliced them and sautéed them in coconut oil! They’re nutritious and have a flavorful balance of salty and sweet. I’m in love with the mild coconut scent and flavor the oil adds to the orange power food. They’re… Read More Homemade sweet potato chips in coconut oil
I love a good milkshake, but I have to say, this smoothie hits the spot. And the fact that it’s healthy and includes spinach kind of blows my mind. (More on how to sneak spinach into your diet here.) I admit to making my serving larger than my boys’ this morning. There are only a handful… Read More Simple, delicious chocolate smoothie
Kale seems like all the rage these days, but I’m still keeping my spinach around for its versatility. (This is an interesting article comparing the two.) Here’s the thing: I don’t like vegetables. I have to play mind games and poke them in here and there when I’m not looking. Spinach happens to be my trick of choice… Read More How to sneak spinach into your food