Halloween is a time for ghouls, ghosts, and of course, great parties. But hosting a Halloween party can be a frightful experience when it comes to your wallet. Fear not! We're here to help you navigate the treacherous waters of party planning while keeping your budget intact. In this guide, we'll share some clever tips and tricks to save money on your Halloween Party without sacrificing the spooky fun. So grab your broomsticks, put on your favorite witch hat, and let's dive into the world of thrifty Halloween party planning. Get ready to host a boo-tiful party that won't leave you haunted by excessive expenses! How to Save on Your Halloween Party One of the most popular holidays of the year is Halloween. Whether you are a fan of the candy, the spooks and goblins or just an … [Read more...]
DIY Candy Corn Jar Decor
DIY Candy Corn Jar Decor A sweet treat holder, this cute candy corn painted jar is adorable sitting on a table or counter to bring a touch of fall to your home. It is also a great to fill with candy to gift to a teacher, friend, or neighbor. Place a votive inside to create a simple and festive lantern. You can use any type of jar or glass that has smooth sides without raised lettering, this is a perfect use for clean, empty spaghetti, pickle, or jelly jars. If you have some spare spray paint on hand this quick craft is also a free one! Supplies Needed: Clean, smooth sided jar orange spray paint white spray paint yellow spray paint painters tape rafia Directions: Measure jar so that it is divided into three roughly equal parts, mark lightly with a … [Read more...]
How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin
How to Pick the Perfect Pumpkin Fall is in the air! This is one of my very favorite seasons and I am excited to start picking a pumpkin for carving. Did you know that there are certain things you should look for in a perfect pumpkin? Here are some tips for making sure you get the very best pumpkin when you are ready to start your carving! Make sure the pumpkin you pick is all the way ripe. It should not have any green left on it at all. This is because unlike many types of produce, it won’t continue to ripen after it is harvested. Choose a pattern or have a general idea of what you will be carving before you pick your pumpkin. This way, you will know that your pattern will work and you can even take it with you to lay over the pumpkin while you are selecting it. Look for a … [Read more...]
How I Save Money on Kids Clothes Part 2: Where to Save Money
How I Save Money on Kids Clothes Part 2: Where to Save Money Visit How I Save Money on Kids Clothes – Part 1: The How To Yesterday I walked you thru HOW I organize my kid’s clothes I bet your asking how do I GET them and for so cheap (and sometimes even free!)?! Well shopping sizes in advance allows me to watch for sales and deals and shop around. There have been many great offers online to score some great clothes even freebies here are some of the deals I have scored! Free $10 Gift Card to Swap.com to use towards kids clothes Free 3pc Kids Outfit Free Kids clothes with $10 Credit Just pay Shipping (still available!) Now I’ll let you in on my favorite stomping grounds from around town to online! Around Town Thrift Stores. I regularly visit Salvation Army and … [Read more...]
How I Save Money on Kids Clothes – Part 1: The How To
How I Save Money on Kids Clothes - Part 1: The How To I get asked so often about saving money on kid’s clothes. I have a bunch if tips. I have written about a few of them everything from shopping sales and thrift stores to hand me downs. See those articles below: Thrifty Thursday: Swapping Kids Clothes How to Save Money on Back to School Clothes Thrifty Thursday : Clothes Shopping = Thrift and Consignment Stores! Now I want to share how I personally save money on kid’s clothes, as it might help some other 'bigger' families out there. (PS I can't believe as we add our 4th kid we are now considered a 'big family' by society standards!) First we have soon to be 3 girls and 1 boy let me tell you the girls get hand me downs. My favorite dresses I get to see on each kid and I … [Read more...]
Copycat Applebee’s Clubhouse Grilled Sandwich
I LOVE a great sandwich. So does my husband.This copycat Applebee's Clubhouse sandwich is one that I love to make at home it's easy and REALLY yummy!! (though I like mine without tomato!) Copycat Applebee's Clubhouse Grilled Sandwich Ingredients 2 slices Texas Toast 1 tbsp softened Butter 2 tsp Mayo 1 slice Jack Cheese 1 slice Cheddar Cheese 3 slices of Ham 3 slices of Turkey Breast 2 slices Applewood Bacon, I like mine thick and crispy! 2 thin slices of Tomato 2 teaspoons Honey Barbecue Sauce Shredded Lettuce Directions Butter 1 side of each slice of bread and place butter sides down in skillet and cook under golden brown. (like making grilled cheese) Move from skillet to a plate Stack ham, turkey, both pieces of cheese on top in a skillet over low until cheese … [Read more...]
DIY Burlap Covered Box
DIY Burlap Covered Box I love the look of custom home decor pieces, but not so much the price tag that accompanies them from pricey home decor stores. In an effort to dress up my home without breaking the bank I like to rescue items from the recycle bin and give them a facelift. I needed some pretty baskets for some shelves that could hide my office supplies. Hubby enjoys his Bud Light in aluminum bottles and the cases just happen to be very sturdy so they make excellent baskets. Liquor cases from the liquor store or diaper boxes are also good sturdy bases for homemade baskets that last. A can of adhesive spray, 2 yards of burlap, and 30 minutes will yield you 4 beautiful custom baskets that can be use anywhere to hold anything- office supplies, books, homeschool curriculum, snacks … [Read more...]
Baked Donuts Recipe – Baked Funfetti Donuts
I love having donuts for breakfast, but I hated having to fry them. Buying donuts at the store can be expensive! Then I was a get-together, and a friend made this baked donut recipe. I love baked donuts and being able to make them allows for so many more flavor combinations. We have even done Chocolate Guinness Baked Donuts for St. Patricks Day. One of my kid's favorites is this bake funfetti donuts recipe! Baked Donuts Recipe - Baked Funfetti Donuts For this recipe, you will need a donut pan or a silicone donut mold. I have never used a silicone mold, but there are other that swear by them! I can make a few batches of these and have breakfast set for a few days. They are also great for get togethers! Ingredients For Donuts: 2 and 3/4 cup Funfetti Pillsbury Cake Mix, boxed 3/4 … [Read more...]
DIY Fall Spice Play Dough
DIY Fall Spice Play Dough I love using play dough during homeschool, it's great for fine motor skills and really what kid doesn't like to play with play dough?! Well I'll tell you who, my 2 year old! Go figure but my older 2 LOVE it! I prefer to make my own and I love to make it themed to the season or what we are studying. Each fall we love making this fall spice play dough in fall colors! Supplies needed: Mixing bowl Spoons 1 cup of all purpose flour ¼ cup of salt 1 ½ tablespoons of cream of tartar 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil 1 cup of boiling water Red, yellow, and blue food coloring ½ teaspoon of nutmeg ½ teaspoon of cinnamon ½ teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice Directions: 1. Begin by heating your water to a boil. 3 minutes in the microwave will typically do … [Read more...]
15 Apple Dinner Recipes Round Up
15 Apple Dinner Recipes Round Up Each year my family goes apple picking and we ALWAYS come back with way more then I know what to do with. I make applesauce and apple butter, apple bread and apple cookies but I also love to incorporate it in diner recipes! Here are a few news ones I'm going to try out this year! Turkey Quesadilla with Brie, Baby Kale and Apples - Nibbles and Feasts Crock Pot Apple Chicken - The Frugal Navy Wife Grilled Apple Turkey Burgers - Cooking With Books Apple Pork Roast - Enchanted Homeschooling Mom Cheddar Apple Onion Bacon Pizza - Farm Fresh Feasts Bacon Wrapped Pork Chops Stuffed with Cheese & Apples - Cooking With Books Maple Teriyaki Salmon Sushi w/ Apple and Carrot - Farm Fresh Feasts Maple-Bourbon Apple Barbecue Ribs - Snappy … [Read more...]
Sour Patch Grapes
Sour Patch Grapes My husband is a huge fan of Sour Patch Kids, or anything sour for that matter. He started the kids young as well (think lemons while out to eat!) and they are now sour addicts, they make the cutest faces and we laugh but they keep coming back for more!! Ingredients 1 lb White Seedless Grapes 1 box Lime Jell-O 1/2 teaspoon Citric Acid Directions Pour dry Jell-O mix and citric acid into quart plastic bag. Shake bag to mix well. Wash and remove grapes from stem. While grapes are still slightly damp, toss a handful at a time in the bag and shake to coat. Take coated grapes onto plate, being careful not to dump out powder, Repeat. Place in refrigerator for at least an hour. … [Read more...]
Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup
Copycat Olive Garden Minestrone Soup I have a slight Olive Garden addiction! From the salad and breadsticks to the tiramisu I love it all. The Minestrone soup is one hubby and I can both agree on! So since we love it and the kid tolerate it I went on the hunt for a recipe to make at home and we all can agree on this one as the closest contender! Ingredients 3 tablespoons Olive Oil 1 chopped small Zucchini 1 medium Onion, diced 14 oz Green Beans (Italian Style if possible) 4 teaspoon minced Garlic 1 stalk Celery, diced 4 cups of Vegetable Broth 30 oz drained Great Northern Beans 30 oz drained Red Kidney Beans 14 oz can Diced Tomatoes with juice 1/2 cup dry Red Wine 1/2 cup of Shredded Carrot 4 oz can of Tomato Paste 1 teaspoon of Basil 1 teaspoon of Oregano 1/2 … [Read more...]