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Round-Up

Easy Handmade Bath Gifts

December 6, 2019 by Sarah Leave a Comment

collage images of handmade bath gifts in jars with header text "20 Easy Handmade Bath Gifts"

As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Rather than spend a lot of money buying gifts this year, why not try making one of these Easy Handmade Bath gifts? Yes, you’ll be saving money, but I believe that handmade gifts really are the best kind.

You’d also be surprised to learn that I bet most of you already have some basic DIY bath gift ingredients at home already

Common Bath Gift Ingredients

  • Epsom Salt
  • Essential Oils
  • Olive Oil
  • Baking Soda
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Honey
  • Oatmeal
  • Salt

These ingredients are the base of many of the easy handmade bath gifts below. Package your gifts in a mason jar or wrap in parchment paper for the perfect finishing touch.

I’ve also stocked up on these containers over the years and they would work perfectly for balms:

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Filed Under: Budget, DIY, Round-Up Tagged With: diy, gift ideas, homemade gifts

Easy Holiday Appetizers on a Budget

November 1, 2019 by Sarah Leave a Comment

collage of appetizers with headline text "easy holiday appetizers on a budget"

The holidays can be a stressful time between gifts and attending parties. Check out my tips for keeping it simple during this busy holiday season and check out the compilation of appetizer recipes below. These easy holiday appetizers come together quickly, will be a crowd-please, and they are affordable for any budget.

Tips for Easy Appetizer Prep

It’s important to set yourself up for success when you know you’re entering a busy time of year. When planning what to bring to a family gathering or holiday party, think of items that can be made days in advance. You can get the prep out of the way so that it comes together very easily the night of your event.

If you’re headed to a brunch, try my Everything Bagel and Lox Spread. It can be made up to two days in advance. I serve it with “bread sliced” bagels when I’m really trying to impress. 😉

Don’t be afraid to take some help from the store. Prepared pie crust or puff pastry is the perfect shortcut for easy appetizers that will still look amazing. Canned beans will blend up easily for a delicious, homemade dip or hummus.

The slow cooker is your best friend. I don’t know how many times I’ve thrown a package of Lil’ Smokies in the slow cooker with a bottle of barbecue sauce and a little grape jelly. It is the easiest appetizer and it is always a hit. Meatballs, chicken wings, spinach dip… These all would work wonderfully in the slow cooker.

For even more tips, check out this article from Taste of Home.

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Filed Under: Appetizer, Budget Meal, Round-Up Tagged With: appetizer, budget meals, party, round-up, snack

Ultimate Zucchini Recipe Round-Up

September 24, 2019 by Sarah 1 Comment

photo collage of zucchini recipes with heading text "Ultimate Zucchini Recipe Round-Up"

As we reach the end of summer, you may find yourself up to your eyeballs in zucchini. Whether you grew it yourself or stocked up on a really good sale at the grocery store, I’ve compiled 80 (yes, 80!!) Zucchini Recipes to help you make the most of your produce.

80 recipes can be overwhelming, so I have divided the recipes in categories: Savory, Sweet and Snacks. Feel free to jump to the category you’re in the mood to enjoy and see what looks tasty!

How to Store Zucchini

You have a few different options for storing your zucchini. If you plan to use it within 5-7 days of buying or picking, you can store it in the fridge. Make sure that the zucchini is whole and pat dry with a paper towel. Any added moisture will cause the zucchini to mold more quickly. Place the zucchini in a plastic bag, but leave the end exposed to allow for air circulation. Store the bag in your crisper drawer.

whole zucchini on wooden cutting board

To freeze zucchini, you’ll want to blanch it first. To do this, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Make sure that you don’t salt the water as this will get absorbed in the zucchini and cause it to turn mushy. Cut the zucchini into 1 inch pieces. Add the zucchini to the boiling water and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Immediately remove the zucchini and place in a water bath (a bowl of ice water). This will stop the cooking and help the zucchini maintain its texture after freezing.

Spread the blanched zucchini out on a sheet pan and freeze in a single layer. This way the zucchini won’t freeze in a solid block. Once frozen, you can transfer the zucchini to a freezer bag or container and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Check out this article from Grow a Good Life if you’d like even more ideas for preserving your zucchini haul.

Let me know in the comments what are some of your favorite zucchini recipes.

Zucchini Recipes

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Filed Under: Appetizer, Breakfast, Budget Meal, Dessert, Dinner, Round-Up Tagged With: appetizer, breakfast, dessert, dinner, round-up, zucchini

Savory Pumpkin Recipes You’ll Love this Fall

July 31, 2019 by Sarah Leave a Comment

photo collage of savory pumpkin dishes with title text

Fall is right around the corner, and I couldn’t be more excited. Sweater weather, boots, and fall flavors… What’s not to love?!? I know you’re all thinking I’m talking about Pumpkin Spice anyway, but I’m actually excited to use pumpkin in savory recipes, too. Add a cup on apple cider and I’m all set!

From Instant Pot pasta recipes to soups and chili, you can use cubed pumpkin or pumpkin puree in a variety of ways. When it’s all done, roast up the pumpkin seeds, too.

To make your own pumpkin puree, cut your pumpkin (pie pumpkin is best for eating) in half and scoop out the seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on a baking sheet and roast in a 400 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until you can insert a knife easily through the skin and meat. Allow the pumpkins to cool, then scoop out the meat and blend in a food processor adding a little water or vegetable stock as needed for the consistency you want. This puree can be used as the base for both sweet and savory recipes.

Let me know in the comments which one of these dishes you are most excited to try. I wouldn’t leave you hanging without at least one dessert recipe, too. Check out this one over at my friend June’s blog, Practically Homemade.

Savory Pumpkin Recipes You'll Love this Fall

Fall is my favorite season. Not just because of the weather and leaves changing to gorgeous colors. I LOVE the flavor of fall! I've compiled 15 savory pumpkin recipes for you to try this fall. Let me know what you think!

Chipotle Pumpkin Veggie Burgers

Chipotle Pumpkin Veggie Burgers

Photo Credit: theforkedspoon.com
Instant Pot Pumpkin Black Bean Chili Mac {GF, DF, V}

Instant Pot Pumpkin Black Bean Chili Mac {GF, DF, V}

Photo Credit: flavorthemoments.com
Pumpkin Curry With Coconut Rice

Pumpkin Curry With Coconut Rice

Photo Credit: www.oursmallhours.com
Moroccan Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Moroccan Spiced Roasted Pumpkin Quinoa Salad

Photo Credit: www.abakingjourney.com
Instant Pot Pumpkin Hummus

Instant Pot Pumpkin Hummus

Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Seeds

How to Make Perfect Pumpkin Seeds

Photo Credit: homecookingmemories.com
Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe for an Easy (and Fast!) Meal

Creamy Pumpkin Soup Recipe for an Easy (and Fast!) Meal

Photo Credit: www.attainable-sustainable.net
Pumpkin mushroom bowls + brown rice

Pumpkin mushroom bowls + brown rice

Photo Credit: ahedgehoginthekitchen.com
Southwest Roasted Pumpkin Soup | Blender Babes

Southwest Roasted Pumpkin Soup | Blender Babes

Photo Credit: www.blenderbabes.com
Pumpkin Penne Pasta with Sausage, Greek Yogurt, and Thyme - The Artisan Life

Pumpkin Penne Pasta with Sausage, Greek Yogurt, and Thyme - The Artisan Life

Photo Credit: natashalh.com
Pumpkin Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Pumpkin Macaroni & Cheese Recipe

Photo Credit: www.housewivesoffrederickcounty.com
Hearty Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Hearty Pumpkin Chili Recipe

Photo Credit: www.theflyingcouponer.com
Instant Pot Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo (vegetarian) - Imagelicious.com

Instant Pot Pumpkin Fettuccine Alfredo (vegetarian) - Imagelicious.com

Photo Credit: www.imagelicious.com
Beef, Beer and Pumpkin Stew

Beef, Beer and Pumpkin Stew

Photo Credit: daisiesandpie.co.uk
Pumpkin and Shrimp Soup Recipe (Camorão na Moranga)

Pumpkin and Shrimp Soup Recipe (Camorão na Moranga)

Photo Credit: www.splendry.com

For even more flavors of fall, try my Apple Blondies!

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Filed Under: Budget Meal, Dinner, Instant Pot, Round-Up, Slow Cooker Tagged With: dinner, instant pot, pumpkin, round-up, slow cooker

15 Easy No-Bake Desserts

May 17, 2019 by Sarah Leave a Comment

slice of peanut butter pie on white plate with title text and images or no bake desserts

When the hustle of softball season rolls around, I don’t have time to cook let alone add a dessert into the mix. We hit the drive-thru more often than I care to admit, but we also make use of the Crockpot. Don’t be like me. Plan ahead. (Yes, easier said than done, I know!)

To help with the weekday burnout and last minute planning, I’ve rounded up 15 No-Bake Dessert recipes. These babies can be made on Sunday and keep in the fridge or in a sealed container all week!

Do you have any other suggestions for quick, no-bake desserts? Leave me a comment below!

15 Easy No-Bake Desserts

With summer approaching, use these easy no-bake dessert recipes for a sweet treat that won't heat up the kitchen.

No-Bake Lemon Cream Pie Dessert

No-Bake Lemon Cream Pie Dessert

Photo Credit: www.savvysavingcouple.net
OREO Cookie Balls with Salted Caramel Sauce | Culinary Hill

OREO Cookie Balls with Salted Caramel Sauce | Culinary Hill

Photo Credit: www.culinaryhill.com
No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe - Simple No Bake Dessert

No Bake Oreo Cheesecake Recipe - Simple No Bake Dessert

Photo Credit: momfoodie.com
Chocolate Macaroons/Haystack (No Bake Cookies)

Chocolate Macaroons/Haystack (No Bake Cookies)

Photo Credit: www.spendwithpennies.com
Mini No bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Mini No bake Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecake Recipe

Photo Credit: www.eatingonadime.com
Key Lime Pie Marshmallow Treats

Key Lime Pie Marshmallow Treats

Photo Credit: www.mybakingaddiction.com
Red White & Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Red White & Blue Strawberry Cheesecake Bites

Photo Credit: www.thekitchenismyplayground.com
Peanut Butter Cheerio Treats - It Bakes Me Happy

Peanut Butter Cheerio Treats - It Bakes Me Happy

Photo Credit: itbakesmehappy.com
No Bake Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

No Bake Blueberry Buttermilk Pie

Photo Credit: www.sizzlingeats.com
Strawberry Icebox Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient No Bake Dessert!

Strawberry Icebox Cake - Easy 3 Ingredient No Bake Dessert!

Photo Credit: momfoodie.com
No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

No Bake Peanut Butter Pie with Chocolate Graham Cracker Crust

Photo Credit: foodwithfeeling.com
No Bake S'mores Cheesecake

No Bake S'mores Cheesecake

Photo Credit: www.mybakingaddiction.com
No-Bake Cookie Butter Balls - Dash Of Evans

No-Bake Cookie Butter Balls - Dash Of Evans

Photo Credit: www.dashofevans.com
Fresh Watermelon Cake

Fresh Watermelon Cake

Photo Credit: www.prouditaliancook.com
Snickers No-Bake Cheesecake

Snickers No-Bake Cheesecake

Photo Credit: practicallyhomemade.com
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Filed Under: Dessert, Round-Up Tagged With: dessert, no-bake, round-up

Best Cookbooks for Eating on a Budget

March 18, 2019 by Sarah 2 Comments

Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links. This site earns a small commission from Amazon purchases made using these links.

People often believe that cooking from a cookbook is going to be more expensive than a normal meal and in a lot of cases, this is true. It’s very easy to end up spending more money than you normally would when you’re making meals from cookbooks. Thankfully, there are a lot of budget-friendly cookbooks out there to pick from. These are great for students, small families, and big families alike. Here are a few of my favorites.

100 Days of Real Food: On a Budget by Lisa Leake

New York Times Bestselling author and food blogger Lisa Leake has come out with a budget-friendly version of her book and blog 100 Days of Real Food. It has a cost breakdown for every recipe which can be used as a rough estimate for how much your meal will cost. It also has an entire chapter dedicated to slow cookers!

Budget Bytes by Beth Moncel

This is a book that I use frequently for my own family. It’s written by Beth Moncel, a former broke college student turned food blogger and author with a degree in nutritional science and dietetics. She includes the price breakdown for each total recipe and serving, and includes some great instructions on how to stock your panty on a budget.

Family Feasts for $75 a Week by Mary Ostyn

A mother of ten shares how she manages to feed her family on $800 to $900 a month. It has 200 delicious recipes along with expert tips on how to save money while grocery shopping. Even if you aren’t feeding a family of 12 this book is sure to save you money and keep you eating great food.

Frugal Vegan by Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee

Eating vegan on a budget is possible! Katie Koteen and Kate Kasbee are here to show you how in Frugal Vegan. The book teaches you how to avoid expensive perishable foods and special ingredients while still enjoying nutritious, filling food.

Good and Cheap by Leanne Brown

This is my absolute favorite cookbook to use on a budget! I find myself reaching for it any time I’m looking for a quick cheap and easy to cook meals. This cookbook was written with those on Food Stamps/SNAP in mind who only have budgets of $4 a day, all without relying on heavily processed foods. It is a New York Times Bestseller and IACP Award winner. It’s full of healthy cheap recipes with a ton of great options for variety. For every copy of this book sold, the publisher also donates a copy to a family in need.

Good Cheap Eats by Jessica Fisher

If you’re looking for a book filled with cheap meals that can be made in a short amount of time Good Cheap Eats is the book for you. It has more than 200 recipes in it that don’t have any artificial ingredients or processed foods. Jessica has also written a number of cookbooks and also maintains two blogs!

The Savvy Shopper’s Cookbook by Amy Sheppard

This book will take you through the process of shopping for groceries, giving you tips and tricks along the way to help you get great tasting food without breaking the bank. In it, you’ll find recipes like Moroccan Chickpea Curry, Steak and Potato Salad, and 15 minute Apple Crumbles. 

Try my Turkey and Sweet Potato Chili for another budget-friendly meal.

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Filed Under: Budget, Budget Meal, Money-Saving, Round-Up Tagged With: budget meals, cookbooks

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