During the summer, when my kids were much younger (and still wanted to go to the swimming pool with me) we’d leave the pool feeling hungry and ready for a snack. I’d get the full-court-press on picking up fast food. After sunshine and swimming, we were starving. Our neighborhood public pool is located down the… Continue reading Could You Give Up Fast Food for One Year?
Year: 2011
The Loot From Our Goodwill Shopping Trip
Here’s what I bought for my family at The Goodwill Outlet Store, otherwise known as “The Bins.” The total is listed at the end of this list but just try to guess how much money I spent… Ice grabbers (a reader said they’re really sugar cube grabbers) Tennyson poetry book 3 handkerchiefs (which I’ll use… Continue reading The Loot From Our Goodwill Shopping Trip
Do Kids Really Need Cell Phones?
“The Family Plan” marketing strategy for cell phone users is impressive. Cell phone companies make it sound like each person in your entire family must have a cell phone. My kids would probably be thrilled if we (their not-smart-in-the-least-bit-parents) bought into this marketing-mayhem, but we just can’t. This question has yet to be answered: Do… Continue reading Do Kids Really Need Cell Phones?
Meal Planning Made Simple
Meal planning is the biggest saver in the kitchen. You can save money, time, and resources by meal planning. Money is saved by purchasing only what you need. Time is saved by not running to the grocery store everyday. Resources are saved because you know what you need for the week so food won’t be… Continue reading Meal Planning Made Simple
Notes From the Class You Missed
Did you miss the class last month on “How to Shop at the Goodwill Outlet Store” or more commonly known as “The Bins?” If so, here are the notes from the class you missed! We’ll do another one soon. We doubled the number of attendees and had fun. Matt Buxton, from “The Oregonian” newspaper missed… Continue reading Notes From the Class You Missed
Delicious Everyday Cake with Fruit
This is my favorite, go-to cake recipe. Why do I love it? Simple, easy ingredients that I always have on hand. After dinner as a dessert, or at a coffee-klatch in the morning with friends, it’s always a hit. My kids call it “breakfast dessert” and they love it, too. The best part is that… Continue reading Delicious Everyday Cake with Fruit
How to Adapt Recipes
This question comes from a friend who was asking me about how I make changes to a recipe. I thought I'd share with you my steps so you can do this in your own kitchen. The real secret is that it's just all trial and error. Your willingness to make healthy food that tastes great… Continue reading How to Adapt Recipes
DIY Flower Arranging
Let me go on record here: I am not a floral designer and up until this project, I had no experience with fancy flowers. My expertise is in easy, cut from the yard flower arrangements. I am a “Do It Yourself Type of Gal” especially if it involves saving money! When a friend asks for… Continue reading DIY Flower Arranging
Sew Your Own iPod Cover
When I see the vast assortment of plastic covers for iPods, phones, and other electronic devices, I shake my head. Why pay money for something that can be made for very little cost and requires very little effort? You can sew these on your regular sewing machine. These covers and holders are made from double… Continue reading Sew Your Own iPod Cover
Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces
We live in the city and have very little space when it comes to gardening. I’m always trying to find space to grow more vegetables. I try to carve out small spots in our yard that I can grow vegetables up instead of taking up lots of ground space. [amazon_link id="1579548563" target="_blank" ]The Square Foot… Continue reading Growing Vegetables in Small Spaces
Go Gingham 