Homemade Crock Pot Pear Sauce (or Applesauce)
One thing I love to do when I find great deals on soon-to-be-expiring apples and pears is to make homemade pear sauce or applesauce in the crock pot. You could also do it on the stove, but I’ve found...
View ArticleOrange Cream Smoothie Recipe
I promised I’d let you know how my freezing oranges experiment went. Well, I’m happy to report that it was a success! I used them to make this Orange Cream Smoothie recipe last week and it was a hit....
View ArticlePick-Me-Up Smoothie Recipe
This deliciously refreshing smoothie is packed with frozen fruit, protein, and just a touch of honey for that “pick-me-up” you need mid-afternoon. Give it a try instead of reaching for cookies or...
View ArticleBlueberry Ginger Smoothie Recipe
When I first saw this recipe in the May/June 2011 issue of the Sandra Lee Semi-Homemade magazine, I thought it sounded like a very strange combination. But the more I thought about it, the more the...
View ArticleDo-It-Yourself Experiment #5: Homemade Hummus
Before I tell you about June’s Do-It-Yourself Experiment, I first promised an update on the Homemade Laundry Detergent. I don’t love it, but it’s working alright. I’ve learned that I have to put it in,...
View ArticleStrawberry Oatmeal Smoothie Recipe
We made Strawberry Oatmeal Smoothies for breakfast a few days ago and they were a hit. I didn’t think they were as yummy as the Pick-Me-Up Smoothies, but the children gobbled them down. (By the way,...
View ArticleHomemade Baked Apple Chips
After buying 18 pounds of apples two weeks ago and another 20 pounds this week, I was excited to see this recipe on Pinterest for Baked Apple Chips. Since I don’t have an apple corer, I decided to cut...
View ArticleDo-It-Yourself: Whole-Wheat Pretzel Bites
Life Blessons shows you how to make Whole-Wheat Pretzel Bites. Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and submit it here.
View ArticleHomemade Carrot Fries
My friend, Angie, and I split a 25-pound bag of organic carrots from Azure Standard last week. It was only $10 for my share, so a pretty good deal for quality organic carrots. Now the fun has just...
View ArticleMy Homemade Poptart Experiment
I was really excited to try the Homemade Poptart idea. It’s been one of those things I’ve long wanted to experiment with. I used a different crust recipe because I’d already tried the recipe Laura...
View ArticleHomemade Yogurt (Slow Cooker Recipe)
After my fairly successful attempt at making homemade toothpaste, I was inspired to try homemade yogurt in my crockpot. I’ve made yogurt on the stove and in a yogurt maker before, but I’ve always...
View ArticleRed, White, and Blue Smoothie Recipe
Note from Crystal: I’m excited that my older sister, Brigette, has agreed to start sharing some of her recipes with us on a weekly basis. She and I will be teaming up to share a number of different...
View ArticleSweet Potato Smoothie
Guest post from Brigette Shevy I don’t know about you, but there’s just something about getting in a serving of vegetables at breakfast that makes me happy. It gives me a sense of accomplishment by 8...
View ArticleLazy Day Tropical Shake
Guest post by Brigette Shevy This Hawaiian Shake Recipe is The Best! This thick, creamy, refreshing shake is the perfect recipe for the long, hot summer afternoons. It’s a healthy version of...
View ArticleChewy No Bake Granola Bars
Guest post from Brigette Shevy You will love this Chewy Granola Bar Recipe These are a perfect lunchbox treat! They are so fast and simple to whip up, and they freeze perfectly. That’s assuming, of...
View ArticleEasy Homemade Hummus
Guest post from of Chris of Simple Family Finance Get ready. Today, you’re in for a good ol’ fashioned food fight! Don’t pretend like you don’t love those. Three similar items are going to face off to...
View ArticleTurkey and Cheese Pinwheels
Guest post from Brigette Shevy This “recipe” is so simple that I don’t think it can even be called a recipe. However, these roll-ups are something fun and a little different to include in those...
View Article7-Layer Pumpkin Magic Bars
I was really hopeful about this recipe. I mean, I love pumpkin and I love Magic Bars. So combining the two should work well, right? Well, actually not, in my opinion. It just tasted off. Like a flavor...
View Article10 Apple Recipes You Should Try
Homemade Apple Butter in the Crockpot (plus printable gift labels!) Apple Peanut Butter Muffins Homemade Baked Apple Chips Upside Down Praline Apple Pie Apple Crisp Pizza Double Apple Whole-Wheat...
View ArticleHomemade Kale Chips
Believe it or not, I’ve never purchased kale before — at least not that I can remember. But when I found the bag of washed and chopped kale marked down to $1.29, I figured it was high time we try...
View ArticlePinterest Experiment: Baked Oven Fries (oh-so-time-consuming and oh-so-good!)
I find a lot of great ideas on Pinterest… but pinning something doesn’t do anything unless I actually, you know, try the idea. So I thought it’d be fun to challenge myself to do at least one Pinterest...
View ArticleHealthy Chocolate Oatmeal No Bake Cookies
I found this recipe on Pinterest and knew I had to try it. A healthier version of the traditional chocolate oatmeal no bake cookies? Bring it on. I tweaked it slightly, since I thought it needed a bit...
View ArticleEasy Honey-Sweetened Energy Bars
I saw this recipe for Easy Energy Bars and immediately knew I wanted to try it. I subbed a few things to use what I had on hand and also to make the recipe sugar-free. I was really happy with the...
View ArticleDelicious Grain-Free Honey-Sweetened Muffins
I’m doing the happy dance over here because I discovered a new grain-free muffin recipe that is actually really delicious. {Those of you who have been grain-free for awhile probably think it’s funny...
View ArticleChunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Guest post from Brigette Shevy This was one of our favorite recipes that my Mom would make for special holiday meals! It was a regular on the table for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day....
View ArticleTrim Healthy Mama Chocolate Cupcakes (grain-free, dairy-free)
I found this Trim Healthy Mama Cupcake recipe when I was browsing on Pinterest the other day. I realized that we happened to have all of the ingredients on hand for it, so Silas and I spent a little...
View ArticleHoney-Roasted Brussels Sprouts (I can’t believe how amazing these are!)
So here’s the honest truth: For years, I thought Brussels sprouts were absolutely disgusting. There are very few things I can’t stomach (thanks to my mom always making me eat everything on my plate!),...
View ArticleDo It Yourself: Homemade Crackers
MelissaKNorris.com shows you how to make homemade crackers with only 5 minutes of prework. Do you have a fun and frugal DIY idea to share? I’d love to hear about it! Read the submission guidelines and...
View ArticleClean Eating Banana-Coconut Green Smoothie Recipe
So, I told you all that Jesse and I are doing this 2-Week Clean Eating Plan. While I’m totally missing bread and desserts (let’s just be honest!), I’m actually surprised at how much I’m enjoying some...
View ArticleDecaf Chai Latte Recipe (what I’m drinking instead of coffee now!)
Looking for a non-caffeinated hot drink to replace your morning coffee? Try this Decaf Chai Tea Latte Recipe — one of my favorite drinks when I first stopped drinking coffee. {For more tips on how to...
View ArticleMy Top 7 Favorite Freezer-Friendly Muffin Recipes (Plus Grain-Free Options!)
Our family has always loved muffin recipes — especially during the days when we were on a really tight grocery budget and trying to stretch every last dollar and ingredient. Muffins are easy to whip...
View ArticleHard-Boiled Eggs in the Instant Pot
I bought an Instant Pot during the amazing Black Friday sale when the 7-in-1 Instant Pot was marked down to just $69! But when I got it and saw all of the buttons on it, I got scared. People had told...
View ArticleHealthy Oven-Baked Sweet Potato Fries
As most of you know, I completely revamped my lifestyle and diet about 7 months ago. And it’s totally changed my life in some really profound ways. I’ve tried a lot of new things as part of that —...
View Article8 Delicious & Healthy Freezer-Friendly Snack Ideas
Looking for some healthier, filling snack ideas to use as afternoon pick-me-ups or after school snacks for kids? These have been some of our go-to healthy snack ideas over the years, and they all...
View ArticleThe Best Ever Bran Muffins
Bran muffins are a quick and easy treat for breakfast or snacks. They taste amazing and your whole family will love them! What makes these the Best Ever Bran Muffins For starters, they are super easy...
View ArticleWhole Wheat Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Looking for a hearty snack or delicious addition to your breakfast table? Look no further than these fabulous whole-wheat banana chocolate chip muffins! Whole wheat banana muffins are the best snack!...
View Article25+ Healthy Cheap Snacks for Kids
Looking for cheap healthy snacks that are super simple to make for kids? Check out this comprehensive list of ideas, recipes, hacks, and more! Julie wrote in with this great question: I’m looking for...
View ArticleHomemade Oatmeal Protein Bars
This healthy homemade protein bar recipe is super delicious and SO easy to make! {Looking for more healthy homemade treats? Check out this list of Delicious & Healthy Freezer-Friendly Snack Ideas...
View Article30 Quick & Easy Protein Snack Ideas
Need some quick and easy protein snack ideas? Here are 30 tried and true ideas that require very little time and effort! One of the things that has helped me be more functional this pregnancy is making...
View Article15 Foods that Give You the Most Nutritional Bang for Your Buck
Trying to eat more healthy foods on a budget? Check out these 15 foods that give you the most nutritional bang for your buck! This is a big list of great ideas! Psst! Looking for more ideas? Check out...
View ArticleHow to Save on Snacks: Minimize The Cost Per Serving
Does your family love snacks? This is such a simple tip to save money on snacks! {Psst! Check out how making your own snacks can save you over $100 per year! And read about how we afford snacks for our...
View ArticleHealthy Alternative to Coffee (My Favorite Non-Coffee Drink!)
Looking for good non-caffeinated drinks or trying to stop drinking coffee? I’ve tried many coffee alternatives, and this has become my favorite non-coffee drink! It gives me energy naturally, lets me...
View ArticleChocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie Recipe
This chocolate peanut butter banana smoothie is ridiculously simple, super healthy, and SO delicious! It’s the perfect afternoon pick-me-up! {Psst! Check out these other creative ways to use up ripe...
View Article25 Budget-Friendly Snack Ideas for Kids
Looking for some easy snacks for kids on a budget? Check out these 25 super simple ideas that kids are sure to love! {Looking for even more tips & tricks? Be sure to see this list of other...
View ArticleHomemade Granola with Honey + Free Printable Gift Tags!
Your search for the perfect granola ends here — I just know you’ll love it! It’s so easy, it makes a big batch, and it freezes well too! You can even give it as a unique holiday gift! (Don’t forget...
View ArticleBaked Oatmeal Cup Recipe (Freezer-Friendly)
We love baked oatmeal at our house, and these portion-sized freezer-friendly baked oatmeal cups are perfect for on-the-go healthy snacks or breakfast! The following is a guest post from Brenda of...
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