Hey, there! Are you seeing signs of spring in your neck of the woods? It felt like winter was never going to end, and then one day, I noticed I could hear the frogs croaking while I was throwing the ball for my dog at the park. Then I realized the birds were going wild, chirping and singing in the woods. And then I started to notice flowers emerging. Last fall, we had to tear out two dead bushes from our front yard, and planted dozens of daffodils and tulips. The flower bulbs have started to...
18 days agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hey, there, Especially if youβre living on a budget, you need a well-stocked pantry. Itβs a vital safety net during challenging times and literally everyone should have at least a few basic staples on hand at all times. But how do you load up on extra supplies when your budget is stretched thin? Or when prices are skyrocketing? This is such an important topic. When food becomes inaccessible, we tend to enter into panic mode, which permeates into every part of our lives. Spreading fear is...
26 days agoΒ β’Β 5 min read
Hi, Reader, When I first started blogging years and years ago, I learned how easy it was to make most of the products we use on a regular basis. Homemade lip balm? Easy. Toothpaste? Done. Deodorant? Surprisingly easy. Once I realized how I could take a few simple ingredients and turn them into something else, I was hooked. Not only did it feel good to make something I previously had to buy, but I also quickly saw how affordable it could be. Now, I'll be the first to admit that there are some...
about 1 month agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Reader, Are you a maple fan, too? We always have maple syrup in the fridge and we use it all the time! It's great in sweet preparations, but also pairs wonderfully with savory flavors, too. Plus, I love that it comes from a tree! If only we had sugar maples here...I'd love to try making my own sometime. Have you ever made your own?? I'd love to know! Since this is still such a cozy time of year, I wanted to share some of my favorite maple-infused recipes and creations to inspire you. You...
2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi, Reader, Do you make any of your own pantry staples? It's amazing how easy it is to throw together a quick batch of nut butter, some homemade granola, or even make your own brown sugar! Sometimes I make things like this when I run out of a crucial ingredient (and don't want to rush to the store to get it). Other times, it's to control the quality of ingredients or make something special. You definitely don't have to make any of these things from scratch if you don't want to. But, I find it...
2 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hi, Reader, With the cooler temperatures, this is the PERFECT time to turn on the oven and bake something warm and cozy! On the weekends, I feel like I have the oven going all the time. If I'm already paying to heat it once for a batch of bread or roasted vegetables, why not get the most of that energy? I usually start with whatever bakes at the highest temperature, like roasting vegetables or baking a nice, crusty loaf of sourdough. Then I drop the heat to 350 F and bake scones, cookies,...
2 months agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hi, Reader, We tend to think of winter as a time without bright flavors - it's all root veggies, squashes, hearty greens, warm spices, etc. But really, this is one of my favorite times of year - citrus season! ππ You can add so much color and flavor to your meals by working with fresh limes, lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and more. Since they're in season, they're also cheaper, fresher, and taste better, too. Not sure what to do with all of them? Here are just a few ideas to get you started!...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 1 min read
Hey, Reader, After the chaos and indulgence of the holidays, I often find myself wanting a chance to reset. You spend a month in celebration mode (AKA buying mode) constantly needing one more thing for special meals, presents, holiday baking, and more. By the time January comes around, we feel tapped out. We're drained emotionally from the holidays and financially from the constant spending that feels like it just won't stop. This time of year, I find myself drawn to the idea of a spending...
3 months agoΒ β’Β 2 min read
Hey, there! With the holidays just around the corner, this is a great time to start some DIY projects to share with your friends and family. These are some of my favorite projects and they make absolutely wonderful gifts. Just be sure to make some for yourself, too! Homemade Sugar Cubes This is one of my favorite little projects and the sugar cubes are absolutely adorable. Plus, you don't have to use just a cube-shaped mold. You can use any sort of mold you'd like and also change the flavors...
4 months agoΒ β’Β 3 min read