“What do you NOT feel like cooking this week?” is what I try and ask my teenagers every week before I make our weekly meal plan. While I gave up ages ago trying to get them to look at a cookbook, choose a recipe, and make a list of ingredients, I do like to get… Continue reading Weekly Meal Plan
Valentine’s Day Decorations
Valentine’s Day decorations are out at my house earlier than any other holiday mostly because I use the small, red lights from Christmas as part of the Valentine’s Day decorations. I just leave the red lights out and add a few Valentine’s Day decorations to those. Honestly, this is the only way I can get… Continue reading Valentine’s Day Decorations
Rethinking Laundry and Cleaning Detergents
I’m feeling duped right now. For years, I’ve been using Borax and touting it as an “old-fashioned cleaning” product and one that our grandmothers probably used. While that may be true, several readers brought to my attention its health risks. After doing some online research, I’ve decided to mostly discontinue (* see note at bottom)… Continue reading Rethinking Laundry and Cleaning Detergents
Weekly Meal Plan
We’re beginning to run out of food we grew or picked this summer. It’s all in our basement freezer and every time I use the last of the berries or the last of the tomatoes, I think about how it’s time to start planning for the next growing, picking, and preserving season. We still have… Continue reading Weekly Meal Plan
Our Gourmet Supper Club
In our dinner group or gourmet supper club, our 8-members share in the work, the expense of entertaining, and we get to socialize regularly. This happens while we are enjoying good food and good friends. But I have a complaint about it. My big complaint? The word “potluck.” That word has connotations of bag of… Continue reading Our Gourmet Supper Club
Weekly Meal Plan
After I make our meal plan for the week and post it on the refrigerator, I always announce to my kids, "You can sign up for what night you want to make dinner this week," meaning put your initials next to the day that works for your schedule. I have them write it down so… Continue reading Weekly Meal Plan
Budgeting and How to Track Expenses
This is part 1 in a series of 3 about budgeting and how to track expenses. The second post can be found here "Budgeting and How to Track Expenses Part 2" and the third can be found here "Budgeting and How to Track Expenses Part 3". Before sharing ways to reduce your FAITH (food, apparel,… Continue reading Budgeting and How to Track Expenses
Camera Crews and Cleaning House
Because my kids do most all of the house cleaning around our home as part of their “allowance” responsibilities, I really don’t do much house cleaning anymore. Yes, this is nice but trust me, standards must be lowered when it comes to teenagers doing “housework.” At least I’m not doing it! It’s best if I… Continue reading Camera Crews and Cleaning House
Weekly Meal Plan
Whole Foods Market contacted me recently to ask if I’d like to participate in their 28-day healthy meal plan challenge and share my progress on Go Gingham. I had to decline. Honestly, I’m afraid readers are tired of reading about what we’re eating for dinner. Because we stopped eating out as a money saving tactic… Continue reading Weekly Meal Plan
Homemade All Purpose Cleaning Solution
I have tried several “natural” or “green” cleaners over the last few years and have come to two conclusions: either the cleaners didn’t work very well or they were so expensive, I couldn’t justify the cost. As a result, I decided it was time to try to start making my own. The ingredients in my… Continue reading Homemade All Purpose Cleaning Solution
Go Gingham 