When my family and I decided to start living frugally, we found it frustrating to come up with fun things to do that didn't cost an arm and a leg. We didn't want to just while away our time in front of the TV for lack of funds so we got creative and found plenty of hobbies that didn't break the bank. No matter what you enjoy, you'll be able to find something that interests you in our ultimate … [Read more...]
Use, Don’t Throw: 7 Ways to Transform Expiring Produce
Sometimes in the produce aisle, my eyes are bigger than my stomach. More often than not, before I manage to eat everything, some of my purchases get too ripe, soft or wilted to enjoyably consume fresh. That's when it's time to transform expiring produce into something that will keep for weeks. Pop Them in the Freezer Freezing fruits and vegetables requires minimal prep work, so … [Read more...]
7 Ideas for Cooking in Bulk
I used to cook just one meal at a time, but as life got busier and busier, I realized that there was a better way. I discovered that I could save time in the kitchen by cooking food in large batches and popping them in the freezer. Here are seven ideas for cooking in bulk that will help you learn to do the same. Buy in Bulk If you're going to cook in bulk, you might as well shop in … [Read more...]
8 Frugal Reasons to Start Bike Commuting Today
Since 2000, there has been a steady rise in the number of bicycle commuters across the United States. The movement is catching on, and you may have already seen your coworkers commuting by bicycles. This may leave you wondering if biking to work is worth its weight in gold. Check out these eight reasons why biking to work is a smart financial decision. You Can Skip the Gym … [Read more...]
10 Tips for Cooking Meals in Half an Hour
Many days, by the time I wrap up work and start cooking dinner, it's already about the hour that we should be sitting down to eat. But, there I am in the kitchen with nothing yet started. There are days when I can push back our mealtime until the food is ready, but there are other evenings when family members need to hurry out the door for extracurricular activities. On those days, I need a quick … [Read more...]
How to Make Crunchy Salad Without the Dressing
I love salads, especially for spring and summer meals. One of my favorite parts of a salad is the dressing that ties it all together. But since most store-bought dressings are loaded with calories, they can quickly turn my healthy meal into the equivalent of a happy meal. What's a girl to do? Introducing: no-dressing pressed vegetable salads! This flavorful alternative allows me to still have … [Read more...]
7 Simple Leftover Chicken Recipes
I'm always looking for ways to save money on meals, so leftovers are a no-brainer at our house. Of course, eating the same meal day after day can get awfully boring. That's why I'm glad I have a standby list of meal ideas for leftover chicken. When I pull a recipe from my idea file, I'm guaranteed a fresh new meal even if I'm using leftover meat to pull it together. Fix a Cold Meal for … [Read more...]
10 Healthy Snacks Your Toddler Will Love
Toddlers and snacks just go together, it seems. Little kids' attention spans have a tendency to run out before mealtime is over, so they end up hungry again shortly afterward. Instead of fighting against this common behavior, savvy parents use snack time as an opportunity to load up their little ones with toddler-sized portions of hearty nutrition. Over my years of parenting, I've come up with a … [Read more...]
10 Healthy Foods That Cost Less Than a Dollar
I want to feed my family nutritious meals, but like most of us, my food budget is limited. Grocery costs seem to go up and up, but there are still healthy foods that cost less than a dollar. When I base my meal plan around these ingredients, I can put a filling dinner on the table for my whole family for less than the cost of a single restaurant meal. Ahead, discover 10 grocery items that you can … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Save Money with Loose-Leaf Tea
While coffee is my must-have morning drink, tea has become my favorite afternoon pick-me-up. At first glance, tea bags seem like a better value, but I get the best flavor and most bang for my buck when I use whole leaves instead. Here's what I've learned about how loose-leaf tea can help trim down my budget. Brew Tea at Home The cheapest way to drink tea is by brewing it at home. A … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Guide to Exercising on a Budget
Crunches on my living room floor? Those I can handle. Walks around my neighborhood? I'm there. But a pricey gym membership? No thank you, that's just not for me. I'm all for being healthy and I know that fitness comes at a price. But, I just don't want that price to come out of my wallet. I'm willing to put in the time and effort, as long as my finances don't take a big hit in the process. … [Read more...]
8 Back of the Box Recipes That You Need to Try
Please tell me that I'm not the only one who never remembers that I need to make a dish for a get-together until I'm already at the grocery store. When this happens — more often than I'd like to admit — the easiest solution is to grab a nearby box and scan the back for a tasty-looking recipe. Of course, in that moment, it's hard to know whether a recipe will be a winner. The better plan is to have … [Read more...]
16 Healthy Snacks That Will Keep You Full Longer
Recently, I decided I wanted to begin a healthier lifestyle and lose a few pounds. To learn how, I naturally turned to the Internet. Like many, I thought eating healthier foods meant I would be hungry more often. No way were carrots more filling than a slice of cake. In the course of my research, I learned I was wrong. There are plenty of alternative healthy snacks that won't leave you reaching … [Read more...]
12 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Eat Healthy
Whether you want to do it for yourself or you're supporting someone in your family who has health or food issues, eating healthy is important. It can also be hard, but it doesn't have to be. Many people panic when thinking about changing the way they eat because it feels impossible. It's not, I promise. Here are 20 ridiculously easy tips for healthy eating that you can do today. Use Smaller … [Read more...]
30 Healthy Soups for Winter
During winter, there's nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of savory soup. Instead of resorting to packaged mixes, why not make your own soup from scratch? It's not only cheaper and healthier, you can use up any leftovers you have in the fridge. Check out @tasteofhome via this link for simple and delicious soup recipes that are perfect for the cold weather. Serve soup with freshly baked … [Read more...]
Get Back in Shape With These 18 Healthy Post-Holiday Recipes
There are usually a lot of once-a-year treats on the table during the holidays. Who can resist having a taste of everything? As a result, we often welcome the New Year with more pounds and extra inches. How can we get back in shape the healthy way? Try these salads, soups, and smoothies from Sweet as Honey. They are super delicious and easy to prepare. Click the link below. Get Back in Shape With … [Read more...]
26 Last-Minute Christmas Recipe Ideas
Barely a week before December 25th, are you still scrambling for ideas on what to serve for Christmas dinner? Try one of these appetizing dishes from @EatingWell, which range from refreshing salads to no-bake desserts. They are easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious. Click on the link below to start cooking. 26 Last-Minute Christmas Recipe Ideas … [Read more...]
The Ultimate Guide to Buying Fruits and Vegetables in Season
My mother taught me that prices at the store can vary widely, depending on the time of the year. She told me it was best to buy produce in season when they are cheapest and freshest. I follow her advice when grocery shopping since I want my family to enjoy meals that are delicious, healthy, and affordable. What I discovered is that there are fruits and vegetables available for each month and … [Read more...]
These 12 Restaurants Will Give You Free Food on Your Birthday
When it comes time to celebrating birthdays, the majority of us would probably rather not cook. However, the cost of eating out for even that special occasion is still hard to justify. It's fortunate, then, that there are so many restaurants that offer free food to birthday celebrants, or I might never eat out. For your next birthday, why not let the cooks at one of these restaurants take care of … [Read more...]
Warning: You’re Losing Money by Not Doing These 30 Frugal Tips
I love living on a budget and with this blog, I can share the benefits of simple living far and wide. My appreciation for living economically began after college, when I moved across the country for a temporary job. Six months later, I moved again. Living a "nomadic" lifestyle can work if you reduce the amount of baggage that you take with you. Now, I am settled in my career and living in a city … [Read more...]
