Today I’m offering a little encouragement {and a few ultra-simple tips} for those of you who are overwhelmed and frustrated by clutter, debt, chaos, and stress.
You can do it, I promise!
Blog
8-Minute Applesauce… in the Microwave!
Last week, I snatched up a huge bag of Michigan apples on the discount produce rack… and while many were still good for eating, a few were quite bruised and mushy.
So instead of baking bread or a pie, I decided to make a very small batch of homemade applesauce… in the microwave. After cooking the apples for 8 minutes, the sauce was ready, and my kitchen smelled fabulous!
12 Fun Busy Bag Ideas
A few weeks ago, I blogged about Busy Bags — and how I was going to take part in my first ever Busy Bag Swap with a few friends.
Well, the Busy Bag Swap happened — and it was a huge success. Not only was it a fun excuse to spend time with friends I don’t normally see on a weekly basis, it was also a great way to get lots of fun new educational activities for Nora.
Meatballs – Simple Homemade Recipe
I’ve mentioned (just a few times) that Dave and I really love pasta! So for as much as I love pasta, you might be shocked to know that I’ve NEVER made homemade meatballs… that is, until now.
Today I’m sharing an extremely simple homemade meatball recipe that you can eat tonight…. or freeze for later!
Weekend Giveaway: Holiday Cards from Minted.com
I LOVE holiday cards! I love receiving cards from family and friends, I love sending out our cards, and I really love coming up with a new idea for our cards each year.
If you share my love of holiday cards, you’ll definitely want to enter today’s giveaway — a $100 Minted.com gift certificate for holiday cards!
Everything in Moderation – Even Junk Food and TV
The Big Kitchen Reveal!
I’ve been waiting SO long to share our kitchen before and after pictures with you — and I know you’ve been patiently waiting for the after pictures as well.
Last week, our butcher block island counter arrived — which was the last thing we were waiting for. So the kitchen is officially finished! Come take a look!
TOYS: Purging, Organizing, and Storing
Christmas is right around the corner… and if you have children of any age, there’s a pretty good chance they’ll be getting at least a few toys this year.
If it’s been a while since you’ve gone through your toys, make some time to get started this week. I just finished going through our toys… and I made a little room for more!
Fall Maintenance Around our House
What Will You Do With Your Extra Hour?
Three-Cheese Stuffed Shells
One of my favorite comfort foods is pasta — any type of pasta, any type of sauce. I love pasta! It doesn’t hurt that almost all pasta dishes are simple to prepare, made with frugal ingredients that I almost always have on hand, and they freeze well!
Today, I’m sharing a new favorite pasta recipe and a super simple tip for stuffing pasta shells.
My Thoughts on Busyness, Routines, Over-Commitment, and Recharging
5 Tips to Stay on Budget Throughout the Holiday Season
It’s already the end of October, which means if you haven’t started thinking or planning ahead for the holiday season, you might want to start — specifically when it comes to your holiday budget.
Today, I’m sharing 5 simple tips that have helped us to stay on budget throughout the holiday season — I’d love to hear any of your tips too!
Help! How Should I Decorate My Living Room Wall?
Now that our kitchen / dining room is practically finished, I’ve decided to FINALLY finish our living room… since we’ve been living here for almost 2 years now. And by “finish”, I really just need to figure out what to do on the wall above our couch.
I’m looking for creative suggestions and frugal decorating ideas… who wants to help?
Our New Iron + One More Reason Dave is Perfect for Me
Eight years ago today, Dave and I went on our very first date — and on that date, I noticed that he had an ironing board set up in his room. I thought maybe he was just trying to impress me… but it turns out he really likes nicely ironed clothing!
Eight years later, he still irons several times a week… which means I never, ever iron 🙂
Today, I’m sharing some of Dave’s favorite features about our brand new Hamilton Beach iron.
Bloggers and Businesses: 3 Tips to Get More Product Reviews and Giveaways
I offer at least one Weekend Giveaway every Friday morning… and because of these giveaways, I get quite a few emails from other bloggers asking me how I find my giveaways, who my contact people are, how to contact companies, what to ask for, etc.
Today, I’m sharing a guest post from one of the businesses I’ve partnered with for reviews and giveaways — the post offers lots of helpful tips for any bloggers interested in more product reviews and giveaways.
Come, Look Inside Our Kitchen Cabinets!
Have You Ever Done a Busy Bag Swap?
I’m excited to be attending my first Busy Bag Swap in a couple of weeks, and if everything goes as planned, I’ll end up with 16 different Busy Bags that will {hopefully} keep Nora busy!
So today, I’m sharing a bunch of resources, tips, and ideas for anyone who’s interested in making their own Busy Bags or hosting a Busy Bag Swap!