Master the Art of the Frugal Lifestyle: Money-Saving Strategies, Easy Affordable Recipes, Stress-Free Meal Planning, and Family Celebrations. Spend Wisely, Live Lavishly

Category: Holidays and Parties

Ten Thoughtful Ideas for Mother’s Day that won’t Break the Bank

Ten Thoughtful Ideas for Mother’s Day that won’t Break the Bank

Are you ready for Mother’s Day?   In other words, make Mom’s day truly special with this list of ideas.    Make something with your own hands You don’t have to be a little kid for this to be special. Honest.  Make a card by hand. …read more

Spice up your corn for Cinco de Mayo

Spice up your corn for Cinco de Mayo

    It’s almost Cinco de Mayo (AKA drink margaritas day) and we’re going to be seeing lots of themed parties over the weekend.   So, in honor of all the things we’re celebrating, the beautiful weather, the coming of summer and finally breaking out the …read more

Marshmallow Easter Peep Kabobs

Marshmallow Easter Peep Kabobs

  There’s a secret ingredient in this colorful Easter Bunny Peep Kabob.   An ingredient that costs hardly anything but makes your kabob stand out from the crowd!   I’ll give you a hint . . . it’s Jell-O powder! (I’m bad at hint)   …read more

Easy “Egg-straordinary” Craft to Welcome Spring

Easy “Egg-straordinary” Craft to Welcome Spring

    The definition of Spring Fever is “a feeling of restlessness and excitement felt at the beginning of spring.”   Raise your hand if you’ve got Spring Fever. Ooh! I do, I do! Pick me, Pick me!   Maybe it’s the longer sun filled days, …read more

Pub Style Irish Nachos with Guinness Cheddar Sauce

Pub Style Irish Nachos with Guinness Cheddar Sauce

  A St. Patrick’s Day tradition with a twist   As I write this it’s almost St. Patrick’s Day!  For most families the day won’t be complete until we sit down to the traditional dinner of corned beef and cabbage.   While I love customs, …read more

Knead to Please this St. Patrick’s Day

Knead to Please this St. Patrick’s Day

      If you’ve been reluctant to make bread because you don’t want to mess around with yeast, then this recipe is for you!   Can bread with a chewy, craggy crust and a tender moist interior cost less a dollar? Yes! In short, …read more

Meet Your New Favorite St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

Meet Your New Favorite St. Patrick’s Day Sandwich

  What’s not to love about St. Patrick’s Day? The wearing o’ the green, leprechaun pinches, and green food coloring in everything from breakfast to beer (well maybe not that so much). Plus, I’m excited about the traditional St. Pat’s dinner of corned beef, cabbage, …read more

Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Mousse and Balsamic Strawberries

Red Velvet Waffles with Cream Cheese Mousse and Balsamic Strawberries

  A decadent Valentine’s dessert with a surprise twist.   This Valentine’s Day have I got a treat for you! Are you sitting down?    Drum roll please!!! Red velvet waffles with cream cheese mousse and balsamic strawberries topped with sliced almonds.   And the …read more

Strawberry Cheesecake Truffle Bites

Strawberry Cheesecake Truffle Bites

    Look what I made!   This is what happens if I’m left alone in the kitchen too long.   I start out to make super healthy, organic, fennel twig, green tea, echinacea, kale, smoothie cookie bars but when I’m finished I realize I …read more

Get a Leg Up for Game Day

Get a Leg Up for Game Day

      Super Bowl is synonymous with food.  And football, but I don’t write about football.   Granted, some foods are just traditional; like pizza, chili and Buffalo chicken wings. But I’m going to be bold and suggest we ditch the chicken wings this …read more

How to Throw the Ultimate Frugal and Fabulous Super Bowl Party

How to Throw the Ultimate Frugal and Fabulous Super Bowl Party

    If you’re like the 111.9 million other people who watched last year’s Super Bowl, this Sunday will find you gathering with friends and family for this Super Bowl and that means a party!   Here’s how to keep your party under budget but …read more

Thanksgiving Pot Pie Soup with Stuffing Dumplings: Let’s be thankful for leftovers!

Thanksgiving Pot Pie Soup with Stuffing Dumplings: Let’s be thankful for leftovers!

Besides being thankful for our blessings and time spent with loved ones, leftovers are probably the best part of Thanksgiving. Here’s a recipe for a hearty soup that uses every last bit of your leftovers, even the stuffing. In our home, we call this “Thanksgiving …read more