Summer temperatures have hit with a vengeance. The daily heat index is now often over 100 degrees. Not only that, we sit in our homes and listen to the central air cycling “on” – over and over again, in a seemingly endless loop. Mentally, we brace ourselves for the next utility bill to arrive, knowing … Read more
Zoodles are the newest craze, piggybacking on the current nutritional choices of people around the world. Simply put, zoodles are long, thin strands of zucchini. They are fresh, low-carb, colorful, and incredibly inexpensive. If your goal is to get kids to eat more veggies, then zoodles are a great way to get the job done. … Read more
For nearly two months, I’ve been feeding my family of six for just $200 a month. I use ingredients from our weekly CSA basket as the backbone of my weekly $50 menus. Before we begin, let’s review the “rules” of my challenge. Right now, I’m feeding my family of six on no more than $200 … Read more
The growing season is exciting for our family. Every Saturday morning we head to the farmers market and pick up a bushel basket of fresh (and I do mean fresh) produce. The great thing is, we already paid for this amazing bounty back in January! For twenty-five weeks, from mid-May to late-October, we feast on … Read more
As states begin to relax guidelines, second-hand stores are, once again, open for business. I love a good thrift store find! Nothing beats the feeling of finding the perfect accent piece or outfit at a price that is a mere fraction of what you would have paid for it at retail. Thrift stores are also … Read more
When I was a child the summer song was, “Knee high by the Fourth of July.” However, newer hybrids have made it possible for us to enjoy our favorite summertime treat much earlier, and for much longer, than we did in the 1970’s. It’s always a happy time when it is sweet corn season. Despite … Read more
When my boys were little, the Tooth Fairy didn’t give money, she gave a trip to Dollar Tree. Somehow she knew that there was sure to be something that would attract the fancy and heart of a five year old who just lost his tooth. The tradition stuck and from that point on, whenever they … Read more
This is the fifth week that I have been chronicling our large family journey of eating for just $50 a week. I’m using my weekly CSA share as the backbone of my weekly menu plans, and spending no more than an additional $200 a month to feed my family of six. I bulk cooked on … Read more
It’s time for my world famous chickpea soup. Okay, maybe regionally famous? Truthfully, I have served this soup to many friends and relatives who would categorize themselves as meat eaters. Nearly every single one of them has given this soup two enthusiastic thumbs up! I created this recipe probably 20 years ago. I love the … Read more
I stood in the middle of the grocery store aisle, staring at the produce. Grabbing the tattered envelope from my pocketbook, I counted out a five dollar bill and then added 78¢ in change. Punching numbers into the calculator perched on top of the cart, I verified that I could afford both the 10-pound bag … Read more
