There is no reason why we can’t have yummy things. Make it yourself is my motto. Recipes and how to’s from the simple things in life to the ones a bit more complicated
Yes, you might see a little extra money in your paycheck this January. No, you did not get a raise. No, the economy did not suddenly heal. And no, this is not permission to start acting brand new. What’s happening is boring but important: tax withholding changes. Translation? The government may take slightly less out…
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Every January there’s pressure to “reset” everything — the budget, the pantry, the calendar, even who we think we’re supposed to be. But real life doesn’t work that way. For me, what actually made the difference over time wasn’t a big financial overhaul or a perfect spreadsheet that tracked every dollar. It was habits. Small…
Three Easy Flavored Butters for Holiday Bread These take minutes, use pantry staples, and feel special without being fussy. 1. Garlic Butter (Perfect for Pasta Dinners) Ingredients: Directions:Mix everything until smooth. Chill slightly so it firms up, but stays spreadable. 2. Cranberry Butter (Made for Turkey) Ingredients: Directions:Stir until well blended. Chill to let the…
My eldest daughter had the best idea, so we’re starting a new tradition here: Secret Santa. Because kids should learn how to give — how to think about someone else — especially during this season. Don’t you think? They get so much joy out of picking things out. Watching them quietly observe, plan, and get…
The holiday season has a way of draining people — emotionally, physically, financially. And a lot of frugal advice still assumes you’re operating at full capacity. You’re not. Most of us are tired. Some of us are exhausted. And pretending otherwise is how good intentions turn into stress. So let’s talk about a frugal skill…
For a lot of families right now, health insurance feels shaky — lost jobs, rising premiums, fewer employer options, and deductibles so high they might as well not exist. So let’s talk plainly about something more people are quietly using: Healthcare without traditional insurance. It’s not magic. It’s not risk-free. But for some households, it…
I’m making lasagna for Christmas dinner on Thursday. I’ll freeze it, and on Christmas Day I’ll pull it out and bake it — and that’s it. No standing in the kitchen all day.No juggling timing.No exhaustion by noon. Because this year, I want to be present. The kids won’t remember what they got for Christmas….
A lot of things feel harder lately. Shopping takes longer. Healthcare feels more fragile. Customer service is harder to reach. Everyday errands feel more exhausting than they used to. Nothing looks “broken” in an obvious way — and yet daily life feels thinner, less human, and more expensive. That’s not accidental. What we’re living with…
(So you don’t default, overspend, or regret it later) 1. Decide the boundary first Before anyone opens an app, decide one thing: Not both. Just one clear limit. “We’re ordering out, but we’re keeping it simple.” That’s the whole rule. 2. Start with a picky tea Before ordering anything, put food on the table: Let…
