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

The perfect autumn meal – Pumpkin Chili and Corn Bread Waffles

The perfect autumn meal – Pumpkin Chili and Corn Bread Waffles

  As soon as the chill of autumn hits the air I feel compelled to make soups. I drag “the big pot” out of the back of the cupboard and it stays handy until the end of spring. Usually, I’ll make some kind of soup, …read more

Your debt free holiday season starts now!

Your debt free holiday season starts now!

  The Holiday Season is fast approaching and with it comes all the gift giving, the parties, travel hither and yon, decorating the inside and out of your house, and other assorted hoopla just waiting to derail your finances.    As tempting as may be …read more

How to Make the Perfect Summer Dessert – Mixed Berry Pavlova

How to Make the Perfect Summer Dessert – Mixed Berry Pavlova

  Just look at this dessert!  It’s made of melt-in-your-mouth meringue blanketed with lightly sweetened whipped cream and topped with luscious ripe berries.   It’s a Pavlova, named after the legendary Russian ballerina Anna Pavlova. It’s like a fluffy cloud of happiness. I kinda want …read more

Homemade Sugar-Free Limoncello

Homemade Sugar-Free Limoncello

    The first time I had Limoncello was many years ago during my cruise ship days. To this day with each sip, the flavor takes me right back.   We were in Italy on the Isle of Capri in the Gulf of Naples. An …read more

Not Another Dinner Party, Please!

Not Another Dinner Party, Please!

5 Entertaining Alternatives To The Dinner Party     What? You don’t want to have a big dinner party? It’s okay, neither do I.   Here’s the dilemma: Having a dinner party is such a “big deal” and the cost can easily spiral out of …read more

How to be the best party guest. Ever.

How to be the best party guest. Ever.

  We all know how much work goes into planning a party. If you’re fortunate enough to be invited to a soiree show your gratitude by endeavoring to be the best guest. Ever. Most people would file this under “Duh” but here’s a refresher course …read more

The Diva’s Guide to Thoughtful, Creative (and inexpensive!) Hostess Gifts

The Diva’s Guide to Thoughtful, Creative (and inexpensive!) Hostess Gifts

  Being invited to a party is such a special gesture; here are some classy ways to say ‘thank you” to the host. Find a thoughtful gift that’s meant for the host/hostess as a personal thank you and not something to be consumed at the …read more

Tops Optional Party

Tops Optional Party

  It’s not what you think it is, so get your minds out of the gutter.  It’s a big party for a small price.   Here’s how you sneak a potluck past your friends, extended family or co-workers without resorting to the “bring a covered …read more