Simple Beef Empanadas and What We Love to Drink With Them!

Simple Beef Empanadas and What We Love to Drink With Them! Savory beef, warm spices and olives make the zesty filling for these simple empanadas! http://bit.ly/2SneNIa

The Perfect Drink to Pair with Buttery Pastries

The Perfect Drink to Pair with Buttery Pastries Buttery pie dough, tangy cream cheese, honey, and figs are all you'll need for these delightful pastry pockets! http://bit.ly/2HHJW53

Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza

Meat Lovers’ Sheet Pan Pizza This sheet pan Meat Lovers' Pizza is easy to prep - just press it into the pan, add your cheese, ham, sausage, and pepperoni, and then stick it in the oven. Delicious pizza will soon be yours! http://bit.ly/2SohlGk

Split Pea Soup

Split Pea Soup Classic split pea soup! Dried split peas are cooked with ham hocks, onions, garlic, and leeks. This filling, hearty soup is perfect for cold winter days. http://bit.ly/2HKSxnD

February Word Search Printables for Kids

February Word Search Printables for Kids

February Word Search Printable for Kids Post Preview: This post features two versions with two different levels of difficulty for each layout type of a February word find for kids. This word search set is a free instant download. The post includes other resources for February. It’s nearly February! Weren’t we just starting the new year

The post February Word Search Printables for Kids appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2HDiXHX

4 Ways to Make a Batch of Roasted Vegetables Last All Week

4 Ways to Make a Batch of Roasted Vegetables Last All Week A sheet pan of roasted vegetables can be used in so many different ways! Roast up a big pan at the beginning of the week and add them to soups, pastas, and other meals all week long. http://bit.ly/2B8Fgj6

Black Bean Turkey Chili

Black Bean Turkey Chili Here's an EASY chili recipe to add to your list! It's made with black beans and ground turkey, and only takes 15 minutes to throw together. Make it to warm you up on a chilly winter day or for your next Super Bowl party! http://bit.ly/2RoiGbt

Quinoa Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Spinach

Quinoa Bowls with Sweet Potatoes, Black Beans, and Spinach Need a good make-ahead meal? These Quinoa Bowls are loaded with creamy black beans, vitamin packed sweet potatoes, wilted spinach, and crunchy pepitas! Make everything on a Sunday and you have work-day lunches ready for the week! http://bit.ly/2TfUxpa

BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers

BBQ Bacon Jalapeño Poppers These BBQ Bacon Jalapeno Poppers are SO GOOD! They're stuffed with BBQ sauce, gooey cheese, and bacon. Throw them on the grill for your next party! http://bit.ly/2FTPnw2

Menu Plan Monday, January 28th

Menu Plan Monday, January 28th

Is your meal plan ready for the last week of January? I’ve got ours planned and it has some easy and delicious dinners on it. 

If you need a few dinner ideas just scroll down to see what we’ll be eating this week…

I can’t believe this first month of the year is almost gone.  Pretty soon we will be having great weather and working out in the yard. I can’t wait.

This week on our menu plan is a new recipe for us, chicken taco bowls. Since my family loves Mexican food I’m sure it will be a big hit.

The rest of our dinner plan is full of family favorites, like pizza and twice baked taco potatoes.

I always have high hopes to be able to put away a few of the twice baked taco potatoes but we never have any leftovers even when I make a double batch. 

I’ll be making cheesy ham and potatoes this week to use up some of the ham hanging out in my freezer. It is so good and I have dairy free options too, so even if you need to eat dairy free you can enjoy this easy slow cooker dish. 

Lunches will be more of the usual for us this week. Although I will be making grilled sandwiches one day for lunch. My son is sure to love them.

Breakfasts will be our usual every weekday toast and eggs with maybe rice cereal if we have rice leftover from dinner. 

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Hoisin Meatballs, Rice, and Stir Fry Vegetables

Chicken Taco Bowls, Chips and Salsa, and Fruit

Twice Baked Taco Potatoes, Salad, and Fruit

Crock Pot Cheesy Ham and Potatoes, Salad, and Fruit

Chicken Marsala, Egg Noodles, Salad, and Fruit

Pizza and Salad

Chicken Stir Fry with Rice

Lunches

Leftover most days

Tacos, Chips, and Salsa

Grilled Sandwiches and Soup

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs, and Oatmeal

Whole Wheat Pancakes, Eggs, and Sausage

Jam Danish, Eggs and Sausage

What’s on your menu for this week?

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

The post Menu Plan Monday, January 28th appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2ToxjgV

Day Trading Options

via IFTTT

Hawaiian Pizza with Cauliflower Crust

Hawaiian Pizza with Cauliflower Crust What to make for dinner tonight? Hawaiian pizza to the rescue! Salty, sweet, crunchy, cheesy—that's the combination of flavors you get in this pizza, which also happens to be gluten free because it's made with a cauliflower pizza crust! http://bit.ly/2MzZYNh

How to Make the Best Cauliflower Pizza Crust

How to Make the Best Cauliflower Pizza Crust Yes, you really can make pizza out of cauliflower! This cauliflower crust is gluten-free, not hard at all to execute, and tastes great because you've made it yourself. Top it with any of your favorite pizza toppings and grab a slice! http://bit.ly/2sMNWal

Easy Cookie Dough Dip Recipe (with No Eggs & Directions for Safe Flour)

Easy Cookie Dough Dip Recipe (with No Eggs & Directions for Safe Flour)

Easy Cookie Dough Dip Recipe (with No Eggs & Directions for Safe Flour) Post Preview: Need a dessert dip for a party or just for a fun snack for at home? You’ll find an easy recipe for Cookie Dough Dip that contains no eggs. There are also directions for toasting flour. Raw cookie dough is

The post Easy Cookie Dough Dip Recipe (with No Eggs & Directions for Safe Flour) appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2Tco2bs

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 5

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 5 What's on your menu this week? What about stuffed peppers? Or jambalaya?! Or mac and cheese with chorizo? Get these ideas and more in this week's meal plan. http://bit.ly/2B688IJ

Instant Pot Yogurt

Instant Pot Yogurt Instant Pot Yogurt? Not only is it easy—it’ll add a new spark to your love affair with yogurt! Just press the right buttons, give it a peek now and then, and in a few hours, you'll have amazing homemade yogurt. http://bit.ly/2TfJpJ3

How to Make Homemade Greek Yogurt

How to Make Homemade Greek Yogurt Got homemade yogurt? Want to make it into thick, creamy Greek yogurt? Here's how! You just need a strainer and some cheesecloth. Works for store-bought yogurt, too! http://bit.ly/2RSiENW

Free Printable Space Valentines for Kids

Free Printable Space Valentines for Kids

Free Printable Space Valentines for Kids Post Preview: In this post, you will find a set of free printable space valentines for kids to print and hand out to friends and classmates. You will also find more resources and free printables for celebrating Valentine’s Day with kids.  Valentine’s Day is great, isn’t it? Sure, I’ll

The post Free Printable Space Valentines for Kids appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2DA9zk9

Save Your Scents: How to Make the Most of Your Candles (and use them as storage!)

Save Your Scents: How to Make the Most of Your Candles (and use them as storage!) Candles are one of my favorite ways to add ambiance and warmth to our home. I really appreciate how they can change the entire mood of a space just through scent. What I don't love is wasting my candles, whether it be the wax or the actual vessel that it comes in.

Over the years I have learned to look for candles that are not only delightful in scent, but also come in a pretty jar. The jars they come in can always be upcycled and used as vases or storage around the home. More on that in a minute...

And candles are not always cheap. I try to purchase the majority of my candles inexpensively (Marshalls/HomeGoods/TJ Maxx, Michaels, Tuesday Morning, and Target), but some of my favorite scents are typically found at Anthropologie and local boutiques. I don't mind paying a little more for a really great quality candle, but it is ridiculously frustrating when the wick burns down before all of the wax is used. I might be doing something wrong, but so often the wick will be out and 1/3 of the candle wax is still in the jar!

All of the wax has to come out from the jar before it can be reused. I have tried a few methods to remove the wax over the years and recently heard that freezing the candle was a really quick and easy way to do this. So I gave it a try...

It actually worked pretty well! I left a candle in the freezer overnight and just chipped the wax out with a spoon. But look at all that wax! That seems like a lot of waste!

So I went back to the method that I have typically used in the past, which is to heat the candle up on the stove in a pot of water. The water doesn't have to be boiling hot, just warm enough to melt all of the wax within the holder to a liquid (I remove the wick prior to warming up the wax on the stove, but it can be done after as well).

Now to save that wax! I recently had four candles leftover from Christmas and quickly realized that there was a lot of wax remaining in each of the containers once the wick burned down completely. I use to just pour the hot wax into the trash and reuse the container... but I decided to come up with a way to stretch that wax out going forward.

Years ago I had a plug-in warmer that would heat wax as an alternative to lighting candles. They were all the rage back then, and I remember having packs of wax molds in different scents stocked in our junk drawer. So off to the craft store I went in search of some sort of mold. In the baking aisle I came across a plethora of silicone options which are typically used for candies and small treats. PERFECT!

(Don't forget that most craft stores offer great coupons/discounts on a single item purchase!)

Now, when I melt the candle wax, I just pour it into my special mold! Below you can see how many wax melts I was able to create from four burned down candles. I can't get over how much wax I was able to save! (Similar mold can also be found on Amazon here.)

It only takes a few minutes for the wax to naturally harden back up, and then they just pop right out of the silicone.

Quick Tip: Pouring the wax out of the different candle holders can be a little messy, I recommend placing wax or parchment paper under the mold to catch any drips. Also, the candle holders can be really hot from the melting process, so use caution!! I found wearing a winter glove gave me control to pour without burning my fingers.

Right after the wax is poured, I grab a paper towel to clean out the rest of the contents of the jar and quickly wash with hot water and dish soap.


The different candles were a variety of scents so I store the wax molds seperately in canning jars or these wax sandwich pouches until I am ready to melt them in the warmer.

I noticed that they still sell plug-in candle/wax warmers at many home and craft stores, although, I prefer something a bit more discreet and mobile, so I just use a basic butter warmer for now. It was less expensive and I can move it around my home without plugging it in. It may seem like a bit of an odd choice, but I sort of love it. And YAY for extending the life of my favorite candles scents, I can't believe I was going to dump all of that wax away!

Now that the wax is out of the holders, here are a variety of ways to reuse all of those pretty vessels around the house.

Above I placed two on our bookshelves! One is working as a vase while the other tucks away a dice game that our family enjoys playing.

Quick Tip: This gold hammered candle is a true bargain, especially considering the container itself is so fantastic (especially if you line the bottom with a piece of felt). 

I find candle holders are most useful in the bathroom. Above you can see one being used for holding cotton swabs, but they also work as toothbrush holders, floss pick holders, hairbrush and comb holders, etc...

Another bathroom scenario, hair ties and bobby pins are hidden away while keeping the nearby counter clutter free!

One of the first candle holders that I ever upcycled was used for makeup brushes, and they were the perfect match!

Let's talk office supply storage for a second! Candle vessels are perfect for corralling paperclips, rubber bands, washi tape, small craft supplies, pushpins, charger cords... The possibilities are pretty endless.

It is always a bonus when the holder has a nice lid to really hide the contents and to act as a true container.

In the bedroom on a nightstand or dresser, candle jars are wonderful as a change jar or jewelry holder. Or toss your lip balm, medication, hand lotion, earplugs, etc... inside and keep your bedside table nice and tidy.

How about in the laundry room? They work well to keep track of pocket treasures, clothespins, safety pins, and buttons.

__________

That's how I use these charming candle vessels around our home, but I bet you all could come up with even more creative examples. I know that this isn't a new fad, but it's always a great reminder to upcycle and reuse when we can.

One last quick thing! I recently found these candle warmers, but can't personally speak to how well they work. I imagine that they actually melt the wax of a candle more evenly and allow you to use the entire candle without lighting the wick at all (or needing to make molds). That would definitely be another great way to get the most of the candle before reusing the jar. Just wanted to try and offer up all of the options I can find.


And it goes without saying but I will anyway, it is always important to be careful with candles in general. Both plug-in options and the use of any flame should always remain monitored. ♥
http://bit.ly/2G1BCdV

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup

One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup! Throw bone-in chicken, rice, and vegetables together in a pot and simmer until they're done. It's the easiest soup ever, ready in under an hour. http://bit.ly/2DzgVVm

Heart House Luminary Craft for Kids (with Free Template)

Heart House Luminary Craft for Kids (with Free Template)

Heart House Luminary Craft for Kids (with Free Template) Post Preview: In this post, you’ll find step-by-step directions on how to make this sweet house luminary craft with a heart on the front. The heart makes it perfect for Valentine’s Day. The post also includes a template for making the craft. I love the way

The post Heart House Luminary Craft for Kids (with Free Template) appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2TcJkWn

Twice Baked Potatoes

Twice Baked Potatoes When is the last time you had Twice Baked Potatoes?! Here are two variations on a classic recipe: one with a cheddar cheese and bacon stuffing, the other with a blue cheese and chives stuffing. http://bit.ly/2R76UlH

Our Top 5 Favorite Strawberry Desserts

Our Top 5 Favorite Strawberry Desserts Have a few pints of sweet, vibrant strawberries on hand? Here are our five favorite ways to use them to create beautiful desserts fit for both busy weekdays or a special occasions! http://bit.ly/2S9PTMp

Turkey Sloppy Joes

Turkey Sloppy Joes These Turkey Sloppy Joes are family-tested and kid-approved, plus lean ground turkey is a great healthy option for weeknight dinners. Embrace the mess and your kids will, too! http://bit.ly/2sL8IXz

How to Make Easy Homemade Brownies from Scratch

How to Make Easy Homemade Brownies from Scratch

Making brownies from scratch doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming. It can be almost as easy as using a boxed brownie mix. But they taste so much better. Try these easy homemade brownies and see how easy they really are to make.

Easy Homemade Brownies from Scratch

I know making brownies using a box mix is so simple and easy but it also has other ingredients in it you won’t want to feed your family.

When you make brownies from scratch, you know exactly what goes into them. So you don’t have any weird ingredients you don’t want.

And it only takes a few extra ingredients, flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and salt needed to make them from scratch.

And I think you’ll see that other than measuring a few ingredients that’s the only difference between a box brownie mix and making easy homemade brownies.

Even with the brownie box mix you still have to add the eggs, oil, and water.

This recipe I’m sharing is the best brownie recipe at least I think so.

It’s one of my grandma and my aunt used to make all the time when I was growing up. They turned out so delicious and fudge like; I think you’ll like them.

Watch How to Make This Homemade Brownie Recipe..

I’ve made a quick video to show you how to make these easy homemade brownies from scratch. If watching videos isn’t your think, keep on scrolling for the printable recipe below.

 

Tips for Making this Homemade Brownie Recipe

Don’t mix in the flour until the last step. This helps to keep the brownies tender.

Soften the margarine or butter. But don’t liquify it. It should only be softened. You can easily make this dairy free by using dairy free margarine. We like the Nucoa brand for baking.

Mix the eggs and sugar into the softened butter. Breaking up any clumps of cocoa powder.

Bake until set, but don’t over bake. When you check with a toothpick at the edges, it should come out clean. The middle should be set.

Let cool before you cut into them.

Here’s the Printable Easy Homemade Brownies Recipe…

Easy Homemade Brownies

These homemade brownies are crackly on the top and fudge like inside, the perfect brownie. Plus they can be made dairy free too. 

• 3/4 cup Butter or Margarine
• 4 Eggs
• 2 cups Sugar
• 5 tablespoons Cocoa Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla
• 1 cup Flour
• 1 cup Nuts or Baking Chips (optional)

1. Soften the margarine or butter, add the cocoa, eggs and sugar.
   
2. Beat until creamy.
3. Add salt, vanilla, and flour.
   

4. Mix well, add nuts or baking chips if desired. Pour into a 9 by 13 inch baking dish. 

   

5. Bake 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Or until a toothpick comes out clean near the edges of the pan. 

You can easily make this recipe dairy free by using a dairy free margarine like Nucoa brand. Or you can use olive oil or coconut oil if you don’t like to use margarine.

Cost to Make a Batch of Easy Homemade Brownies

While the box mixes are inexpensive costing about $1.50 on sale or up to $2 for the regular price. But that only includes the flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, and flavorings. You still need to add oil and eggs to the box mix. So doing a fair comparison. I only priced the ingredients you would get in the box mix to compare.

Homemade Brownie Ingredient Costs

Flour, $3.96 per 10 pounds, 1 cup cost, $.11
Sugar, $1.99 for 4 pounds, 2 cups cost, $.44
Cocoa Powder $4.00 per pound, 5 tablespoons cost $.40
Salt is less than half a cent
Vanilla $1.00 for 8 Ounces or 1 tablespoon cost $.02

That’s $.98 for a batch of homemade brownie before adding the butter and eggs. Which you would need to add to the boxed mix too.

So you can save a little money anywhere from $.50 to $1 by making these from scratch instead of a boxed mix.

Not too bad for a minute or two of work.

How to Make These Easy Homemade Brownies Dairy Free

You can make these easy homemade brownies dairy free by using a dairy free margarine like Nucoa brand. If you’d like to stay away from margarine, you can use olive oil or coconut oil instead. Either will work well.

With only a few ingredients and a few more minutes than it would take to make brownies from a boxed mix, you can have from scratch homemade brownies.

Give these easy homemade brownies a try and let me know what you think.

More Delicious Desserts

Homemade Brownie Truffles
Brownie Bites

The post How to Make Easy Homemade Brownies from Scratch appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2WdpiwT

Hot Crab Dip

Hot Crab Dip This Hot Crab Dip is a MUST for your holiday party, Super Bowl party, or dinner party. Made with lump crab meat, cream cheese, and mayo. Make it ahead and then bake until bubbly when you're ready to serve! http://bit.ly/2sIyiNc

15 Best Chili Recipes for Watching Football

15 Best Chili Recipes for Watching Football Who's ready for the football?! Here are 15 of our very best chili recipes, all perfect for a game day party or the Super Bowl Playoffs! From White Chicken Chili to Chili con Carne, we've got you covered. http://bit.ly/2U8e3Ek

Chili Beans with Rice

Chili Beans with Rice Chili beans are a quick way to get your chili fix! They're ready in under 45 minutes and are great served over rice for an easy weeknight meal. This version is made with ground beef and pinto beans. http://bit.ly/2W5HZTc

Refried Beans

Refried Beans Here's how to make traditional Mexican refried beans, just like restaurants but even BETTER! Serve them as a side dish for any Mexican meal, turn them into a dip, or use them in burritos and quesadillas. http://bit.ly/2CzAAmj

Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos

Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos Whether we're talking a casual movie night with the family or Super Bowl Sunday, these Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos are ready to party! They come together quickly and easily, and are so much fun to each straight from the pan. http://bit.ly/2sDBxp9

Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos

Slow Cooker Mexican Pulled Pork Tacos Try these pulled pork tacos made with slow cooker Mexican pulled pork! The pork is rubbed with spices, slow-cooked, shredded and served with tortillas in tacos or burritos. Slow cooker pork tacos will feed a crowd! http://bit.ly/2W7zCqb

Menu Plan Monday, January 21st

Menu Plan Monday, January 21st

It’s meal planning time! If you meal plan I’d love to hear what you are eating this week. Or if you need a few easy dinner ideas check out what’s cooking at our house this week below…

I have a confession to make. My freezer is so stuffed full right now, I can’t really fit much more in. I really want to purchase a pork loin to make pork chops.

We are almost out of pork chops,  but I don’t see where I could possibly fit them in right now.

I have a bunch of chicken and lots of ham from the two ham holiday dinners I made. Along with all the frozen fruit, vegetables, and smoothie packs, the freezer is just stuffed full.

To help with our bulging freezer situation we will be eating some of our meals from the freezer this week.

 I’ll be making soup for lunch at least once this week, to use up some of the soup kits, I made over the last couple of months.

I also need to sort through some of the baked goods that are on the top shelf of the freezer. Some of them have been in there for a while and may need to go.

Breakfasts will be the usual, toast and eggs, during the week with some special breakfasts on the weekends.

I’m planning on making cinnamon twists and waffles this week.

What’s on your menu plan for this week?

Here’s what’s cooking at our house this week

Dinners

Hamburger Soup, Salad, and Bread

World’s Best Chicken (from the freezer), Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

 Zesty Potatoes and Sausage, Green Beans, and Fruit

Slow Cooker Easy Hamburger Dish, Salad, and Fruit

Teriyaki Chicken (from the freezer), Rice, and Stir Fry Vegetables

Tuna Patties, Homemade Tartar Sauce, Rice, and Vegetables

Island Chicken (from the freezer), Mashed Potatoes, and Green Beans

Lunches

Leftover most days

Soup and Sandwich

Bean and Beef Burritos, Veggies Sticks, and Fruit

Breakfast

Toast, Eggs, and Oatmeal

 Cinnamon Twists, Eggs, and Sausage

Waffles, Eggs, and Sausage

What’s on your menu for this week?

Do you need help planning your menu? Find my menu planning tips here with a free printable menu planner page and here for my frugal menu planning tips.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support.

Find more menu plan ideas at Org Junkie too.

The post Menu Plan Monday, January 21st appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2T0UVba

Indian Butter Chicken

Indian Butter Chicken Butter Chicken simmers in a buttery tomato sauce and is punctuated by several special spices and herbs. Skip the Indian takeout and cook up your very own version of the popular dish! http://bit.ly/2ATu8pW

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 4

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 4 Looking for some meal inspiration this week? Check out our meal plan! We have Arroz con Pollo, stuffed shells, a quick hamburger soup, and more! http://bit.ly/2FLdbBj

Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Pressure Cooker BBQ Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Barbecued chicken and sweet potatoes in the pressure cooker: the perfect combo for a weeknight dinner. Everything cooks in one pot—including the barbecue sauce! http://bit.ly/2FCLlbp

How to Save Money Even if You’re a Spender

How to Save Money Even if You’re a Spender

You get the credit card bill and your stomach immediately aches. You don’t want to look at the number on it. You know it will have grown. How did it get this bad so fast you wonder? You need to change your habits but how? It’s a process, but you can learn to save money even when you are a spender. Keep reading…

How to Save Money Tips

You really want to save money so you can have security but you sabotage yourself so often. You set out to save but you end up overspending each month.

You wonder why is it so hard to save?

You wonder if you will ever have a nice saving account to fall back on, instead of relying on credit cards to get by.

You can, you can save even if you are a spender. How do I know, I’m a reformed spender myself and if I can change I know you can too. Listen to this week’s podcast to get a few tips for how to save even when you are a spender.

Show Notes for Episode 40 How to Save Money Even If You’re A Spender

Links Mentioned…

How to Set Up a Cash Envelope System with Printable Cash Envelopes

Tips: How to Save Money Even When You are a Spender

If you want help in getting started with your transition from spender to saver these tips can help.

1. Cut Back on Spending

I know it seems so simple but hard to do. To get started pick, something this week you normally buy and don’t purchase it, save the money instead.

Maybe it’s coffee out, maybe it’s eating out, maybe it’s… whatever. Pick one thing you will not buy this week and stick to it.

2. Look for Less Expensive Options

If stopping spending is too hard. Try to find a less expensive alternative.

If you eat out often, try finding a less expensive way to eat out or make meals.

That could switch from a more expensive restaurant to a less expensive one. Or maybe instead of eating out stop by the deli counter at the grocery store and pick up ready-made food or even buy a frozen meal instead.

It can help you save a little money without a huge change at first.

3. Take a Hard Look at How You Spend

How do you pay for the things you buy? Do you use a debit or credit card?

Try using cash instead. It may seem like a hassle at first but you can’t overspend when you use cash.

You can easily set up a cash envelope system in a few minutes. This blog post can help. Be sure to grab the free printable cash envelopes too.

4. Pay your Savings Account First

If cutting back is harder for you, then consider paying yourself first.

Take out the amount you want to save each month and move it right away to your savings account or set up an automatic transfer happen when you get paid.

If the money isn’t there to spend, it can take away the temptation to spend it. That might be all you need to make a change.

5. Change Your Thinking

This last tip I believe is the hardest but is important to tackle even if you are using one or all of the other 4 tips above. Because once we change our thinking about spending and saving the more lasting the change can be.

The best way to change your thinking is to be more mindful of why you spend.

When you get the automatic urge to spend money, stop and think about how you feel.

Are you stressed, are you anxious, are you trying to avoid something by shopping?

Taking a moment to discover why you want to spend money can help. You can find the true reason you are spending when you don’t want to.

Which gets you deeper in debt. The next time you have an impulse to spend money, stop and think about what is happening to cause this response.

Bonus Tip, Become What you Believe

Stop calling yourself a spender, tell yourself you are really a frugal person who values your financial future too much to keep mindlessly spending money.

I know it sounds silly but it really can help you make a lasting change.

Because whatever you believe you will be.

There will always be things you will need to buy to live. You can’t just stop spending money you need to buy things to get by. But you can change the way you do it.

If you found this podcast helpful, I would love you to spread the word and share it with others.

What’s a tip you could add to this list? Leave a comment below with your best tip.

Listen to More Frugal Family Home Podcasts!

The post How to Save Money Even if You’re a Spender appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2U3lufT

Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars

Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars These Peanut Butter Pretzel Magic Bars are a MUST for your next party! Think: Super Bowl, office party, or birthday. They have a pretzel crust with layers of peanut butter, chocolate, coconut, and sweetened condensed milk topped with more pretzels. http://bit.ly/2VZZZOU

Free Star Wars Valentines, Lunch Box Notes, and Coloring Page Printables

Free Star Wars Valentines, Lunch Box Notes, and Coloring Page Printables

Free Star Wars Valentines, Lunch Box Notes, and Coloring Page Printables Post Preview: In this post, you’ll be able to download a free set of eight Star Wars-themed cards perfect for Valentine’s Day or to use as lunch box notes any time of year. There are also free Star Wars-themed coloring pages. I love Star

The post Free Star Wars Valentines, Lunch Box Notes, and Coloring Page Printables appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2MgcHEO

Easy No-Bean Chili

Easy No-Bean Chili Chili, without the beans—just beef, tomatoes, onions, and lots of great spices. Make it ahead, freeze the leftovers, eat it for days. http://bit.ly/2VW0zgm

Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala Chicken Tikka Masala! This recipe is so EASY! It's made on the stovetop and tastes just like take-out. Ready in about 30 minutes, this Chicken Tikka Masala can be on the table in no time. http://bit.ly/2VZTsUv

How to Make Soup with Leftovers

How to Make Soup with Leftovers

Soup is a great frugal dish to make. While it’s great to have a recipe to use, often soup can be made with leftovers, simply and easily too. Here’s how to make soup from scratch with what you have on hand.

There is something about a yummy warm bowl of soup that hits the spot during the cold winter months.

I try to make soup often in the fall and winter. We have our favorites like creamy homemade potato soup, easy and frugal hamburger soup or split pea soup.

But I’ve made soup from leftovers many times too.

If your family doesn’t like leftover much, like mine, then making a new meal of soup out of the leftovers might be the perfect solution for you.

A long time ago I shared a soup I made from leftover steak, baked potatoes, and roasted vegetables. I added a batch of cheese sauce, frozen broccoli, a little onion, and chicken broth. And it turned out to be a soup my family raved about.

You can read the full post but I have to warn you the photos and writing aren’t that great because I wrote it a long time ago but the soup delicious.

From that time on I’ve experimented with making soup from leftovers.

When you can use your leftovers for another meal, it feels like getting free food and you don’t have to worry about the food going to waste.

After all wasting food is like throwing money away, and who wants to do that?

Some of the links in this post are my referral link. When you purchase through them I can make a little money at no extra cost to you. See my disclosure page for more information. 

How to Make Soup with Leftovers

Making soup from leftovers isn’t an exact science. But it is helpful to have a set of guidelines to follow.

The Leftovers

It’s good to have a mix of leftover meat and vegetables from your meal. And maybe a few baked potatoes or noodles.

You can make any leftovers work except maybe bread items, like casseroles that are covered in potato chips or bread crumbs as those could get soggy in the soup.

The Soup Base

Now you have your leftovers, you need to think about what will be the soup base.

There are quite a few options for your soup base. You could use something like a batch of cream of “something” soup, cheese sauce, gravy if you have it, broth of some kind, or even just water.

I make broth from scratch but when I don’t have any on hand; I like to use Better than Bouillon for broth. It’s a paste made with vegetables or vegetables and meat. It’s less salty than regular bouillon cubes but is like bone broth.

Meat or No Meat

Sometimes you have meat leftover and other times you won’t. You can opt to make a vegetable soup when you don’t have any meat on hand like a broccoli and potato cheese soup.

But if your family really likes to have meat in their soup, you could use a can of tuna, chicken, or if you have precooked chicken in the freezer you could use that.

One way to always have a little meat in the freezer for leftover soup is to save it up. When you have a half piece of meat that no one wants. Put it into a freezer bag or container, be sure to cut it up into bite-sized pieces first.

You can add many kinds to your bag. When you need a little leftover meat for soup, you have it ready and waiting.

Adding Beans

If you have a little meat leftover, you can add a can of beans to the soup to help make it more hearty. I’d drain the beans first and then stir them in.

Most varieties of beans will work but some favorites are great northern, a white bean. Black beans, but these can darken the soup.

Kidney beans are the go-to bean for leftover soup or from scratch soups. You could even use pinto beans if you are making a Spanish type soup.

Vegetables

Even if I have vegetables leftover, I like to add a few more to bump up the nutrition and you might too. Can’t ever have too many vegetables, can you?

You can add fresh vegetables to your soup. If you are adding fresh, I’d suggest cooking them in butter or oil before adding the other ingredients, since the other ingredients will already be cooked.

You can do this by adding a little butter, oil, or even bacon grease to the stockpot. Then after the pan is warm and oil or butter is melted. Add the vegetables and saute until they are slightly softened.

You can also use frozen vegetables like broccoli, or broccoli and cauliflower mix. Or even the diced vegetable mix you can get in the frozen food section.

With frozen vegetables, you shouldn’t need to cook them first. You can add them to the soup and let them cook with the other ingredients.

Canned vegetables are another alternative for adding to your leftover soup. You can put in a can of mixed vegetables, green beans, corn or whatever you have on hand.

By using up the vegetables you have leftover and mixing them with another type of vegetable you can really make a delicious soup that doesn’t feel like you’re eating the same old thing again for a second night.

Thickening the Soup

If you don’t like a thin broth-like soup, you can thicken it up with leftover mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes add these to the broth or water. They can give the illusion of more of a creamy soup.

If you add a little cream or milk to the soup, it will taste even creamier. Just be careful to add the milk or cream in the last bit of cooking. If the milk boils, it can break the soup, which means it will get clumpy and yucky.

I’ve had it happen before so it’s best to add milk or cream at the end of the cooking time and turn the soup down so it doesn’t boil to avoid this.

If you like a pureed soup, you can cook the soup and right before serving use an immersion blender to make the soup smooth.

If your leftover soup has beans in your soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend part of the soup to thicken it too.

It all depends on what your family likes.

Using Noodles or Rice

If you are adding precooked noodles or rice to your leftover soup concoction, I’d suggest adding these at the end of the cooking time just long enough to reheat them in the soup.

Noodles swell in the soup when they are precooked and absorb all the broth if they sit too long in the soup. Making more of a pasta dish instead of a soup.

The cooked rice can fall apart in the soup if cooked too long. If adding uncooked rice to the soup you can add it during the last 20 minutes for white rice and the last hour of cooking for brown rice and it should cook just fine in the soup.

If you are using fresh noodles to add to your soup, you can add them in the last 15 minutes of cooking time. Be sure you have extra broth as the noodles will absorb liquid as they cook.

Add Complimentary Flavors with Herbs and Spices

When using leftovers to make soup you want to think about what flavors are in those leftovers.

It’s safe to use garlic, onions, celery to pretty much any other leftovers and it should be fine but consider the spices and herbs that are used in your leftover soup.

If you are using leftover salsa and taco meat with beans, stick with more Spanish flavors. Something like cumin or chili powder.

If you have steak with paprika, onion salt and garlic on the outside, you might not need to add much to bring out the flavors. Maybe a cheese sauce base would be good enough with a little parsley added.

If using leftover chicken and potatoes then thyme, rosemary, and parsley might be a good combination for a creamy or broth-based soup.

If you have teriyaki meat leftover with a few stir-fry vegetables, it might be good to add green onions and a package of ramen noodles with or without the seasoning package to make a ramen soup.

If you stick with flavor combinations that your family already likes you should be good. And maybe you’ll find a new flavor combination you’ll love.

Use Up those Leftover in a Yummy Homemade Soup

The next time you have leftovers you know your family isn’t crazy about eating again why not try to make a delicious soup?

Use these guidelines to help you craft a new soup that your family will rave about. Be sure to write what you use and what leftovers worked best so you can recreate it again if it’s a winner with your family.

What do you normally do with your leftovers? Do you ever make soup? If you come up with a great combination for soup, I’d love to hear about it.

More Ways to Stop Food Waste
10 Food that Freeze Well

The post How to Make Soup with Leftovers appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2Cqeenb

Day Trading Options

via IFTTT

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock

Slow Cooker Chicken Stock There's something so satisfying about making your own chicken stock, and doing it in the slow cooker is a total set-it-and-forget-it exercise. Use it in soups and risotto, sip it from a mug, freeze it for future use—the possibilities are endless. http://bit.ly/2VPGyZ2

What’s the Difference Between Stock and Broth?

What’s the Difference Between Stock and Broth? Ever wonder if there is a difference between stock and broth? Or if you can use one for the other in a recipe? Here are the answers! http://bit.ly/2RNcNbY

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Printable Book for 2nd – 5th Grade

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Printable Book for 2nd – 5th Grade

If you have seen my free Martin Luther King Jr. coloring book and reader printable for preschool – 1st grade and wished that there was one for older kids – you’re in luck!  I have a free Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Printable Book (with Coloring Areas) for 2nd – 5th Grade. Of course, you

The post Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Printable Book for 2nd – 5th Grade appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2AHrdRs

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Book and Reader Printable for Preschool – 1st Grade

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Book and Reader Printable for Preschool – 1st Grade

I’m excited to add another couple of Dr. King printables to the site! I have both this free Martin Luther King Jr. coloring book and reader printable for preschool – 1st grade, but then also another one that is for 2nd – 5th graders. Related Content: Martin Luther King Jr. Worksheets Free Printable Packet Free

The post Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Coloring Book and Reader Printable for Preschool – 1st Grade appeared first on Real Life at Home.

http://bit.ly/2SRrWXc

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 3

Simply Recipes 2019 Meal Plan: January Week 3 Here's your fresh, new meal plan for this week! You can look forward to Slow Cooker Taco Soup, Creamy Ziti Florentine, Stromboli, and more! http://bit.ly/2D6qNoY

Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings

Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings Pressure Cooker Teriyaki Chicken Wings take the party to the next level. The pressure cooker means tender, fully-flavored wings in no time, and a quick pass under the broiler makes them crispy. Toss with more sauce for a sticky, sweet party snack! http://bit.ly/2D5zSyB

What’s in Season – January Produce Guide

What’s in Season – January Produce Guide What's in season in January? Check out our seasonal January Produce Guide and recipes for recipes for lemons, oranges, grapefruit, beets, turnips, parsnips, celery root, cabbage, kale, collards, broccoli, cauliflower, butternut squash, and acorn squash http://bit.ly/2FlIBPA

7 Layer Bean Dip

7 Layer Bean Dip It's not a party without 7-layer Bean Dip! This one is made with hot refried beans and topped with cheddar cheese, chilies, tomatoes, avocados, sour cream, and sliced black olives. Serve with tortilla chips while the beans are still hot! http://bit.ly/2SOliRn

Mexican Red Chili Sauce

Mexican Red Chili Sauce Here is an authentic Mexican red chili sauce, made with dried Ancho chilies or Pasilla chilies. It's perfect making tamales and enchiladas! http://bit.ly/2H6CaS9

Minestrone Soup

Minestrone Soup Minestrone soup is an Italian classic! This version is made with cannellini beans, chicken stock, cabbage, potato, zucchini, carrots, plum tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. http://bit.ly/2ChVaHs

How to Make Banana Bread Pancakes, Just $.14 a Serving

How to Make Banana Bread Pancakes, Just $.14 a Serving

If you’re trying to eat healthier and cut out processed food like ready-made pancakes and waffles. These quick and easy banana bread pancakes are the perfect solution.

They taste just like banana bread and don’t have any refined sugar at all.

Get the recipe, find out how much a batch cost to make (I think you’ll be surprised) and watch the recipe video below…

We love these banana bread pancakes. They are quick to make and so delicious too.

Plus, if you have bananas around that are getting a little soft, they will work great in this recipe. And keep your food waste down. Because we all know wasted food is just like throwing money away. 

With only a few ingredients needed, that you probably have on hand at home, you can make a batch of these easy banana pancakes today. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Banana Pancakes

• Eggs
• Flour
• Banana
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Milk or Milk Alternative
• Cinnamon or Nutmeg
• Vanilla

How to Make Banana Bread Pancakes

Even though these are simple to make, here’s a quick recipe video for you. Be sure to keep scrolling for the printable recipe and recipe tips too.

 

Tips for Making These Banana Bread Pancakes Great

Just a few tips to help your easy banana pancakes turn out great.

Mashing the Banana

I find it’s easier to mash the banana on a plate instead of inside the bowl. A plate works better instead of a bowl because it’s flat. Be sure to mash the banana well unless you like chunks of banana in your pancakes.

Stirring in the Dry Ingredients

When stirring in the dry ingredients it’s easier to use a spatula and fold them in. I tried using a fork, but the spatula works better.

Only mix until the dry ingredients are moistened. Stir too long and your pancakes can get tough.

Print the recipe…

Banana Bread Pancakes

These yummy banana bread pancakes taste just like banana bread and at only $.14 a serving they are a frugal breakfast too. 

• 2 large Eggs
• 4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour
• 1 medium Banana (smashed)
• 4 tablespoons Milk or Milk Alternative
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon Vanilla

1. Smash banana and then stir in egg and milk. Whip to break up eggs.
2. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until it moistens the flour
3. Spoon batter onto a hot griddle or skillet. Cook on one side until bubbles form then flip and cook on the other side until golden brown.
4. Repeat for the rest of the pancakes.

This recipe is weight watcher friendly. It’s Weight Watchers SmartPoints is 5 Weight Watchers PointsPlus 3.

How Much Does It Cost to Make Banana Bread Pancakes?

I love to figure out the cost of our meals. I’m continually shocked at how inexpensive it is to cook from scratch compared to eating out or ready made foods in the store. It blows my mind. 

Now the prices I’m sharing below may be higher or lower than what you currently pay locally but it will give you a good idea of how much this recipe cost to make. A  really frugal breakfast recipe. 

2 egg, $1.30 per dozen, $.22 for this recipe
4 tablespoons All Purpose Flour, $3.96 for 10 pounds, $.04 for this recipe
1 medium Banana, smashed $.59 per pound, $.19 per banana
4 tablespoons Milk, Almond Milk or Soy Milk $1.56 per gallon, $.06 for this recipe
1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder $9.99 for $5 pounds, $.02 for this recipe
1/4 teaspoon Salt $.50 for 26 ounces, $.01 for this recipe

That brings the total cost of the full batch of these banana bread pancakes to just $.54. I mean can you believe it that’s just $.14 per serving.

It’s a good deal for a pretty healthy recipe too. And did I mention these are Weight Watchers friendly too. 

Adjusting this Banana Bread Pancakes for Allergies

Want to Eat More Whole Grains

Use whole wheat pastry flour instead of all purpose flour. Or grind your own oat flour in the food processor. Either of  these flours will work in place of all purpose flour. 

Gluten Free Banana Pancakes

Try using oat flour that is gluten -ree, almond flour, or coconut flour. in place of the all purpose flour With the almond flour or coconut flour ,you may need to mix and then let it sit for the flour to absorb the liquid. Oat flour should work just like wheat flour.

Milk Free Banana Bread Pancakes

Substitute regular cow’s milk with your favorite dairy free beverage. We like soy, but you could also use almond or coconut milk instead. Or even try arrange or grape juice. 

That’s how to make banana bread pancakes, if you like banana bread you’ll love these pancakes. You can  adapt this recipe for people with allergies so everyone can enjoy them. 

And if you’re on Weight Watchers, they are Weight Watchers friendly too.  Such an easy to make frugal breakfast  

Find More Frugal Breakfast Ideas

Easy Oat Groats, a great alternative to oatmeal
Cinnamon Twist Scones
Easy Jam Danish

The post How to Make Banana Bread Pancakes, Just $.14 a Serving appeared first on Frugal Family Home.

http://bit.ly/2AEuqkp