Frugal Fabulous

Money Management Matters

2009-04-01T10:48:00.002-04:00

Donnie and I have been struggling to stick to a budget for some time. We’ve tried weekly, monthly, and annual budgeting styles. We’ve tried calculating every last expense, planning for every penny, saving receipts, using multiple bank accounts, using cash envelopes, and just about every other trick in the book. And, for the most part, we’ve failed miserably. We are simply too disorganized to follow a strict budgetary system. Even worse, every time we fail to stick to a written budget plan, we end up giving up almost entirely, at least for a little while.

Finally, however, Donnie and I have developed a money management system that works for us, because it’s so simple. It’s not a budget. It’s just a basic plan for using and saving our income.

First we calculated our approximate monthly expenses, and our approximate monthly income. Then we determined that, each month, we’ll leave the amount of our total monthly expenses, plus a cushion, in our checking account. The rest will go into savings. When we decide to make a major purchase, we’ll comparison shop, wait for a good deal, then take the necessary money out of savings.

I know this probably sounds foolhardy to those who can budget brilliantly, but it’s the only method that actually seems to work for us. Since we don’t shop for fun, rarely get takeout, and don’t spend a lot of money on recreational activities, there’s no danger of us overdrawing our checking account. And we’re still building savings, one month at a time.

The best part is, I no longer lie awake at night, wracked with guilt over failing yet again to keep our budget balanced. I know we’re living within our means, and planning for the future. And it makes me smile.

How do you manage money?

Wonderful Wednesday Samples!

2009-03-25T07:57:00.004-04:00

Donnie and I have had some "stuff" going on in our lives over the past few weeks, but as things get more settled, hopefully I'll be able to get back to regular blogging.

In the mean time, enjoy some free samples!

Parent's Choice Formula

UnderJams Nightwear

Doggy Delightz

Total Cereal

No More Money Down the Drain!

2009-03-12T16:06:00.005-04:00

It's easier than you may think to lower your water bill. Donnie and I have implemented just a few of the strategies listed below, and our average monthly payment has decreased by approximately ten dollars. That's an extra $120 a year to pay down debt, contribute to savings, help those in need, or use for home repairs. It may not seem like much, but I'll take it!

Brush your teeth in the shower.
Turn the water off while you lather up soap, shave, brush your teeth, or floss.
Install a low-flow shower head.
Place a gallon milk container filled with water in your toilet tank.
Only flush the toilet when necessary (I'll leave it to your discretion to define "necessary").
Get out of the shower five minutes earlier than usual.
Only wash full loads of laundry or dishes.
Turn the water off while you scrub dirty dishes.
Make sure to turn all faucets entirely off after use.
After you boil pasta or potatoes, use the water to feed your plants.

How do you save money on your utility bills? Do you have any unique tips or tricks for cutting costs painlessly?

Originally published April 2008.

Dining IN: Italian Sausage Soup

2009-03-05T19:38:00.001-05:00

Italian sausage soup is one of my favorite simple suppers. It's delicious, satisfying, and full of nutrients. Plus, it's a cinch to make!

Sautee in a large soup pot:

1 or 2 cloves of chopped garlic

A little olive oil

Add:

2 cups cooked, diced Italian sausage

1 pint of cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters

1 large bag of frozen spinach

A sprinkling of hot red pepper flakes

Sautee until heated through.

Add:

2 quarts chicken stock (I use homemade)

Bring to a rolling boil.

Add:

1 lb of pasta (I use rotini)

Boil ten minutes, or until pasta is tender.

Serve with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese.

One bowl of this tasty soup makes a complete meal. However, Donnie and I like to have homemade garlic breadsticks on the side!

Worth the Splurge

2009-03-02T16:49:00.004-05:00

I usually don't mind cutting corners to save money. For instance, eating store-brand foods, wearing hand-me-down clothes, and driving a used car are all fine by me.

However, there are some areas where I won't compromise quality to save money, and I refuse to feel guilty about it. I just make sure to budget responsibly, only buy what I can afford, and use coupons whenever possible.

What about you? Do you have a few favorite splurge items? Or do you always buy the cheapest brands you can find?

Shoes. I've tried purchasing cheap shoes in the past, and always gotten disastrous results. Low quality shoes, particularly those made from synthetic materials, fall apart quickly, fit uncomfortably, and don't allow my feet to breathe. I now stick to well-made leather shoes, and usually buy my favorite brand. My feet are very grateful!

Bacon. Donnie and I have a favorite brand of bacon, which we can only get from a high-end grocery store. It's not cheap, but it's so flavorful that we only need to use a slice or two in most dishes. That helps make up for the higher price tag, and is actually healthier, since we don't have to eat a lot of bacon to get great bacon flavor.

Hair products. I have hard-to-manage hair, which only responds well to a very specific hair care brand. I haven't yet been able to get it free from CVS, but I still spend less than full retail by combining coupons and sales. It's worth the extra money for my hair to look healthy. Plus,Donnie just uses whatever shampoo I can get free from CVS, so our combined hair care costs aren't too bad!

Chocolate chips. I've tried baking with store-brand chocolate chips, and been very dissatisfied with the results. I find my favorite brand creamier, smoother, and better tasting than the generic version. Since I give homemade cookies and candies as gifts so often, it's definitely worth it to spend the extra cash and make something I'm really proud to share.

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 2/23

2009-02-23T18:48:00.004-05:00

Things have been really hectic for Donnie and me lately. It's not always easy to stay "sane," but I'm trying my best! Menu planning is one of the easiest ways I do this. Knowing what to buy at the store, what we'll be eating each night, and what food preparation needs to be done makes both our lives much easier.

rotini with red sauce and Italian sausage, garlic breadsticks, asparagus

creamy corn and carrot chowder, dinner rolls, broccoli

rice and black bean burritos, sour cream, carrot sticks

homemade pepperoni pizza, broccoli

beef stew with carrots and potatoes, dinner rolls, asparagus

dinner out with friends

For more great meal plans, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Decadence on a Dime

2009-02-20T17:26:00.003-05:00

I don’t like feeling deprived—it’s probably my biggest weakness. This is why I like to “dress up” basic menu items, to make them feel more luxurious.

Here are some of my favorite cheap, easy ways to make every day food feel special. What are yours?

Prepare homemade macaroni and cheese using extra sharp white cheddar. It tastes positively decadent!

Top toast with oven dried tomatoes or oven roasted peppers, plus a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.

Roast carrots, turnips, or other root vegetables in the pan with chicken or turkey. They taste great, and add a beautiful flavor to homemade gravy.

Prepare your favorite hot chocolate mix with milk instead of water. A dash of cinnamon or vanilla extract makes for an even sweeter treat.

Top baked pasta with equal parts red and white sauce, for extra richness.

Round out a light dinner by serving garlic bread or breadsticks, plus olive oil for dipping.

Serve a small scoop of ice cream on a bed of fresh fruit. Sprinkle with granola if you like crunch!

Meatless Meals

2009-02-10T18:41:00.004-05:00

In an effort to be healthier, Donnie and I are committing to eating more vegetarian and vegan dishes. One nice side effect is that we'll also be eating more frugally.

Here are some of my favorite meatless meals. What are yours?

Grilled cheese and tomato sandwiches.
Black bean quesadillas.
Veggie fried rice.
Pasta primavera.
Meatless lasagna.
Linguine with pesto and parmesan.
Macaroni and cheese (I add peas).
Pasta with cream cheese basil sauce.
Vegetable risotto.
Bean and cheese burritos.
Eggplant parmesan.
Veggie-lovers pizza or stromboli.
Scrambled eggs, toast, and fruit.
Vegetarian chili.

Lessons Learned

2009-02-02T19:01:00.007-05:00

I'm so proud of my younger brother. He just started his own blog, exhibiting far more entrepreneurial spirit and career-mindedness than I ever showed at his age.

Unfortunately, most young people his age are woefully unprepared for their personal financial futures. I know it took Donnie and me years to get in decent shape, and we're still working hard at it today. Looking back, there are quite a few mistakes I wish we hadn't made. The good news is that we certainly learned from the error of our ways. Now we're better equipped to manage our financial situation, and help our (future!) children make smart money decisions.

Here are some of the lessons I've learned on my personal financial journey. What about you?

Don't buy anything unless you can pay cash. When I first started using credit cards, I had no idea how much money I would end up losing to finance charges and late fees. I viewed the cards a kind of payment plan, and didn't realize they were nothing more than a debt trap. If I could "do it all over again," I wouldn't sign up for even a single card. Now, if I want something I can't afford, I save until I can pay for it out of pocket. The peace of mind is worth the wait.

You can't have everything you want. I know this sounds obvious, but for a long time I bought "stuff" without thinking about it too much. If Donnie and I felt like going out to dinner, picking out some new clothes, or getting some new DVDs, we just did. It took me a long time to realize that I was trading my long-term financial security in for some very empty, short-term "happiness." Now I try hard to be content with what I have. I don't shop for recreation, and when I identify a true need, I do research to get the highest quality at the best price.

College isn't always worth the price. I spent four years at an expensive private school. As a result, I'll probably be paying student loans back for the next ten years at least--and I work in an industry that doesn't even require a degree. I do consider my BA a valuable asset, since it will allow me to move up in my company and pursue a wide variety of opportunities. However, if I could "do it all over again," I would probably attend a community college for two years, then finish my bachelor's degree at an inexpensive state school. I'd still have a BA, without the mountain of debt.

You can't always count on a salary. Once upon a time, I assumed that Donnie's and my paychecks would be our sole source of income. Now I know better. We've been fortunate to experience stability and growth in our careers, but over the past few years we've seen family and friends take pay cuts or lose their employment entirely. That's why we pursue alternate sources of income whenever we can. We certainly won't be quitting our day jobs anytime soon, but we know that, with hard work and dedication, we could weather a layoff or pay cut.

Pay yourself first. I know this is the oldest piece of financial advice there is, yet I somehow managed to avoid living by it for many years. I have to admit, when I think of the thousands of dollars I could have saved, I feel more than a twinge of guilt. Unfortunately, there's nothing I can do about it now, except change the error of my ways. I now contribute to my 401(k), and put a portion of every paycheck in a savings account. When Donnie and I earn extra or unexpected income, instead of spending it, we save it. The peace of mind is worth far more than anything we could buy.

What lessons have you learned on your financial journey?

A Little Bit Extra...

2009-01-28T11:07:00.009-05:00

I originally published this list of potential side jobs a few months ago. Since then, more and more of of the people I know have pursued alternate sources of income. It just makes good financial sense in these uncertain economic times.

You don’t have to be a gifted entrepreneur to generate a decent supplemental income. Believe me—I’m not a brilliant business woman, but I have been earning a steady stream of non-salary revenue for over a year now. I certainly don’t plan on quitting my day job any time soon, but I have been able to rest easier knowing that Donnie and I are not entirely dependent upon our paychecks.

Here are some of the ways my friends, family, and coworkers are earning extra cash. How do you diversify your income?

Planning weddings, bar mitzvahs, and other social events.

Selling flea market finds on Ebay.

Providing small-scale home repair and contracting services.

Teaching music lessons.

Taking on freelance writing, copy-editing, and graphic design gigs.

Tutoring.

Providing consulting and project management services for small businesses.

Selling craft projects on Etsy.

Participating in community garage sales and flea markets.

Singing or playing an instrument at social events.

Delivering pizzas.

Selling fresh milk, eggs, produce, and baked goods at farmers’ markets.

Providing translation services to local businesses.

Baby-sitting, pet-sitting, or house-sitting.

Selling homemade dinners to busy coworkers and neighbors.

Designing, hosting, and maintaining web pages for local businesses.

Decorating birthday and wedding cakes.

Providing lawn, garden, and small-scale landscaping services.

Taking on a paper or phonebook delivery route.

Doing minor sewing and tailoring work.

Frugal Fabrics

2009-01-22T12:43:00.004-05:00

I try to make a point of donating used items, especially clothes, to the needy. However, sometimes Donnie and I wear our clothes until they're too faded, stained, or torn to be of much use to anyone.

Since we're trying to live both frugally and sustainably, we use the fabric from these unwearable clothes in a variety of ways. Here are some of my favorites.

Make shorts or a skirt from an old pair of pants.

Use mismatched socks to make beanbag toys.

If you're feeling ambitious, make a hooked rug or quilt from scraps of fabric.

Make a cute purse from an old pair of jeans.

Use an old T-shirt to strain homemade broth.

Tightly braid strips of old cloth to create a dog toy.

Use large pieces of worn clothing as dust rags or washcloths.

Make a heating pad from an old sock (without holes!).

How do you make use of clothing that's beyond repair?

Free Samples for Saturday

2009-01-17T16:13:00.002-05:00

Total Cereal

Canker Melts - canker sore remedy

Cream of Wheat

Fruit Rollup Snack

Homemade in a Hurry

2009-01-13T19:33:00.005-05:00

Many of my coworkers tease me about being a "health food nut," because I cook and bake from scratch. I wouldn't go that far, but I do like to keep our meals as natural and healthful as possible.

People who know this about me often ask how I manage to do this, while also working full time. In truth, it isn't always easy, but the peace of mind I get from knowing that we aren't ingesting chemicals, and the money we save, are worth the effort.

Here are some of Donnie's and my strategies for cooking healthfully, on a budget, with limited time. What are yours?

We keep it simple. Most of our favorite meals require a limited number of ingredients, and only a few preparation steps. Plus, we eat many Mexican, Italian, and Asian-inspired dinners, all of which allow room for ingredient substitutions and other modifications. This greatly reduces the amount of time we spend preparing dinner in the evenings.

We cook on the weekends. We prepare many of our more labor-intensive dishes on Saturday, then freeze for later use. We also bake bread, assemble casseroles, prep fresh vegetables, and perform other time-consuming kitchen tasks on the weekends. This allows us to spend less time making dinner during the work week.

We use the crock-pot. There's nothing better than coming home from work and smelling fresh chili, stew, or Italian sausage simmering away in the crock-pot. Plus, it's much easier to avoid the temptation of take-out when you know dinner is already done!

We plan ahead. Shopping with a grocery list, stocking the pantry with staples, and menu-planning on a weekly basis means we never have to ask, "What's for dinner?" This helps us avoid last-minute ingredient purchases, fast food stops, and other money wasters.

We keep the kitchen clean. If I know I'm going home to a messy kitchen, it's very easy for me to say, "Let's just get take-out. The kitchen's not clean enough to cook." On the other hand, if the kitchen is neat and organized, it's much easier for me to enjoy making dinner. Thankfully, Donnie usually cleans up after me as I cook, so that when dinner's over, we don't have much more to do than load the evening's dishes in the dishwasher, and wipe down the dining room table.

We cheat. Sometimes I get great deals on baking mixes or packaged foods......so we just eat them and enjoy. :)

How do you balance healthy eating, frugality, and the other demands on your time?

Money Saving Tips from AARP

2009-01-11T10:31:00.006-05:00

Check out these two great articles from AARP:

Pay Less for Anything suggests techniques for negotiating lower prices on groceries, magazine subscriptions, consumer electronics, and more.

9 Money Resolutions for 2009 recommends nine strategies you can implement to stay financially secure during these tough economic times.

Happy reading (and saving)!

Frugal (and Free!) Fun

2009-01-07T19:22:00.003-05:00

Donnie and I may be frugal, but we also love to have fun. Fortunately, there are plenty of fun, free activities for us frugal folks. Here are some of my favorites. What are yours?

We take films out of the library, or get them free from Redbox.

We attend inexpensive minor league sporting events, or watch sports together at home.

We use coupons to go bowling or mini-golfing on the cheap.

We cook (and eat) our favorite meals together.

We take turns reading aloud to one another from books we both enjoy.

We play board games or video games together.

We work together on household chores, to make the time more enjoyable.

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 1/5/09

2009-01-05T16:29:00.003-05:00

We're trying hard to get back to our regular grocery shopping and meal-meal planning routine after a busy holiday season!

Breakfasts:

Peanut butter chocolate chip muffins

Waffles with brown sugar syrup

French breakfast puffs

Blueberries (from the freezer)

Fruit juice

Milk

Hot tea

Lunches:

Pasta with two sauces

Leftovers

Breadsticks

Peas

Oranges

Apples

Dinners:

Three bean chili, tortillas, rice, corn, cheese, sour cream

Bacon, eggs, cheesy potatoes, toast, fruit juice

Nachos topped with chili, cheese, and sour cream; carrot sticks

Steak fried rice loaded with veggies

Harvest beef stew (beef, pumpkin, acorn squash, white potatoes, sweet potatoes), broccoli, homemade wheat bread

Pasta topped with bacon, pepperoni, and cheese; breadsticks; green beans

For more great menu plans, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Fitness - for Free!

2009-01-02T09:49:00.003-05:00

The start of a new year is the perfect time to begin an exercise program. Unfortunately, many people assume that the only way to exercise effectively is to spend a fortune on a gym membership or expensive fitness equipment. That’s simply not the case. There are many, many ways to get fit while spending almost nothing!

Here are some of my favorite strategies to burn calories—without burning a hole in my pocket.

Sweat the small stuff. Find little ways to replace inactive behaviors with active ones. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, get off the bus one stop early, or walk to a co-workers’ desk instead of sending an email. Little changes add up to big results!

DIY. Now is the time to tackle those big home repair projects on your to-do-list. Work up a sweat by painting the living room, stripping your wood floors, rearranging your furniture, or even just steam-cleaning the carpet.

Get walking. Start your day with a brisk walk (or jog) to set your heart pumping while you enjoy plenty of fresh air and sunshine. Begin slowly if you aren’t accustomed to physical activity. Even ten minutes a day will make a difference.

Refuse to sit still. Pace the room, pump your calves, march in place, or do simple stretches as your read, sew, or engage in other sedentary activities. You can fidget your way to burning hundreds of calories a week!

Check it out. Choose from a wide variety of exercise videos at your local library. Just don’t limit yourself to one type of workout! Try your hand at aerobics, Yoga, Pilates, dance, tai chi, strength training, and more. While you’re at the library, pick up a few books that show you how to develop a fitness plan that works for you.

Play with your kids. There are literally hundreds of fun, physical games you and your children can enjoy together. Hop scotch, jump rope, Simon Says, tag, freeze dance, dodge ball, Red Rover, Ring-Around-the-Rosie and hula hoop are just the tip of the iceberg. For maximum family fitness and fun, try a new game or activity every day. You can even invent your own!

How do you stay fit without breaking the bank?

Originally published January 2007.

Getting Started...

2008-12-27T13:03:00.005-05:00

I’m excited to say that Donnie and I have been living frugally for over two years now. We’re in much better financial shape than we’ve ever been, and, more importantly, we’re consuming fewer of our earth’s limited resources.

In this economy, more and more of my friends and family are also eager to adopt a simpler, more frugal lifestyle. Fortunately, although the change can seem daunting at first, it’s fairly easy to get started on the path to frugal living.

Here are some of the things Donnie and I did when we first decided to start living more frugally. How did you make the change from consumerism to a simpler lifestyle? Or have you always been cost-conscious?

We started eating at home more often. Even though our food mostly came from jars and boxes in the beginning, we were still spending less than we would have on takeout. Plus, we were building the skills and habits of frugal cookery that we still use today.

We started a change jar. This has been one of the greatest tools in our effort to live more frugally. It's amazing just how much money you can accumulate in a simple change jar.

We stopped buying everything we wanted. I know this sounds obvious, but it wasn't at the time. We had become accustomed to simply purchasing anything that struck our fancy, whether it was books, DVDs, clothes, movie tickets, or meals out. Breaking this habit was hard, but we've made some real progress. Now we try to stick to the necessities of life, and skip the extras.

We paid closer attention to energy expenses. We started actively turning lights off before leaving the room. We shortened our showers, and turned the water off when we brushed our teeth. We stopped using heat at night, and instead piled on the blankets. In short, we became more aware of how we were using our energy, and saved a good bit of money as a result.

We switched to generic brands. Before we knew the first thing about couponing or CVSing, we decided to purchase only generic brands at the grocery store. We didn’t save nearly as much as we have through coupon shopping, but it was a good first step, and it made an immediate dent in our grocery bill.

Thanks to these changes, we're in much better shape than we were two years ago. How about you?

Deck the Halls on a Dime

2008-12-21T07:30:00.002-05:00

How do you create a festive, frugal holiday decoration in fewer than sixty seconds? Fill a juice glass with candy canes, and trim with a bright red bow!

Holiday Hospitality

2008-12-16T21:33:00.003-05:00

This holiday season, it really is possible to entertain family and friends on a frugal budget. You may not be able to serve the best wines, the fanciest appetizers, or the most elaborate gourmet meals. Nevertheless, you can still prepare delicious, home-cooked dinners for your guests to enjoy.

These simple meals are delicious, filling, and easy to prepare in large quantities. Best of all, none of them will break your budget—which means you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your party, without worrying about the cost.

Choose any of these options, add a fresh green salad and a homemade desert, and you’re all set.

Bon apatite!

Homemade chili, grated cheese, sour cream, cornbread, tortilla chips

Sausage or meatballs, red and green peppers, homemade tomato sauce, crusty Italian sandwich rolls, Parmesan cheese

Creamy potato soup, crumbled bacon, grated cheese, diced green onions, homemade whole wheat bread

Baked lasagna, garlic breadsticks, olive oil and fresh black pepper for dipping, roasted red peppers

Belgian waffles, assorted fresh fruit toppings, whipped cream, breakfast sausage

Chicken and green pepper fajitas, homemade tortillas, refried beans, sour cream, grated cheese

Roast chicken, fresh corn on the cob, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade biscuits

Hot roast beef and gravy, horseradish, sliced cheddar cheese, Kaiser sandwich rolls, potato chips, carrot sticks

How do you entertain your friends on a dime? What are your favorite party recipes? Is entertaining a regular part of your budget?

Originally published April 2008.

Sensible Snacking

2008-12-14T06:50:00.004-05:00

I hate to admit this, but I almost always put on weight during the holiday season. After all, it can be difficult to eat healthfully when surrounded by so many delicious cookies, candies, cakes, and pies!

But an expanding wasitline isn't the only downside to holiday excess. It can also be easy to break your budget buying fancy frozen appetizers, the ingredients for too many baking projects, and other snacks to serve your friends and family.

Fortunately, there are many healthy, frugal alternatives to pricey, processed holiday treats. Here are some of my favorites. What are yours?

Seasonal fresh fruits and veggies served with homemade dip
Oven-baked fries
Rice pudding prepared from scratch
Taco salad prepared with fresh ingredients
Wholesome cookies and granola bars
Toasted pumpkin or squash seeds
Home-baked fruit or grain muffins
Tortilla chips topped with homemade chili
Assorted dried fruits and nuts

Fantastic Freebies

2008-12-09T20:09:00.002-05:00

Dove Shine Therapy

Cesar Canine Cuisine

Fruit Roll-up Snack

Original Pho (Vietnamese rice soup)

Super Simple Slow-Cooked Supper

2008-12-06T05:41:00.005-05:00

This is one of my favorite frugal crockpot meals. It's cheap, tasty, healthful, and requires almost no effort to prepare. Plus, it's an extremely versatile dish. You can add or subtract ingredients based on what you have on hand.

Black Bean Salsa Chicken

In the morning, place in a large crockpot:

One boneless, skinless chicken breast
One 15 ounce can of black beans
One 16 ounce jar of salsa

Swish a little water in the bottom of the jar and the can, and add that liquid to the crockpot as well. Cover the crockpot, and set it to "low."

Let the chicken, salsa, and beans cook all day. It's impossible to overcook, I promise. The flavors just keep getting better!

About 30 minutes before dinner, thoroughly shred the chicken. Then add to the crockpot:

1 cup of your favorite grated cheese
1 1/2 cups frozen corn

Mix well. Let this mixture continue to cook as you prepare the rice.

In a large pot, bring to a boil:

2 cups uncooked rice
3 1/3 cups cold water
A pinch of salt

As soon as the water boils, stir the rice well with a fork, cover, and reduce heat to low. Let the rice simmer for 25 minutes. During that time, do not uncover the pot AT ALL.

As soon as your rice is done, stir it directly into the crockpot.

That's all there is to it! You now have a wholesome, delicious dish that can be eaten as a filling for hard or soft tacos, as a topping for tortilla chips, or simply by itself.

Donnie and I like to top it with salsa con queso and sour cream, but you could also use guacamole, black olives, pico de gallo, or fresh lettuce and tomato. Use your imagination!

How do you use your slow-cooker to make supper simple?

Menu Plan Monday - Week of 12/1

2008-12-01T19:35:00.003-05:00

We're having a good bit of rice this week!

Breakfast

Oatmeal with brown sugar and dried cranberries

Leftover Thanksgiving goodies - cookies, muffins, pie, and cake (healthy, right?!)

Milk, hot tea

Lunch

Nachos

Leftovers

Apples, oranges

Dinner

Pasta with cream cheese basil sauce, bacon, and peas

Chicken quesadillas topped with salsa and sour cream, broccoli

Steak fried rice loaded with veggies

Burritos stuffed with salsa, black beans, chicken, cheese, corn, and rice

Pork chops in spicy plum sauce, broccoli, rice

For more great menu plans, visit I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Substituting Squash

2008-11-26T09:06:00.003-05:00

This time of year, I love cooking and baking with pumpkin. However, the price of pumpkins is often inflated due to the fact that so many people use them as decorations. So, instead, I cook and bake with another winter fruit whenever possible: acorn squash.

Muffins and quick breads made with acorn squash have a similar flavor to those made with pumpkin, although the color is yellower and the texture is springier. Acorn squash seeds taste almost identical to pumpkin seeds when toasted with a little olive oil and lightly salted. Plus acorn squash can be mixed with pureed pumpkin for use in just about any recipe, so if you have some leftover pumpkin that you need to "stretch" inexpensively, why not pick up an acorn squash?

I haven't yet tried to make an acorn squash pie, though. If I need a cheaper alternative to pumpkin pie, I think I'll just stick with sweet potatoes!