Let’s face it, sometimes life stinks. And I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting things to smell nice! While there is certainly no shortage of air fresheners crowding the shelves of the big box stores, what’s really lurking in these fragrance sprays?
Can we talk about cabbage? Ok before you click away, hear me out. While there are truly so many things to love about these versatile, slightly sweet, crunchy leaves, I often cringe a little when my CSA farm basket shows up with a gorgeous, hearty head of cabbage. I hate to admit it, but of …
Lunchtime!! Agh! I know how it is. You either grab something pricey at the deli or worse, something pricey from a fast food joint. Or you’re just too busy to remember to pack it at all so you go without or scrounge a half squished granola bar from the bottom of your bag. Or you scarf down the dozen sticky raisins and half eaten sandwich triangles your toddler left behind.
I have a confession to make. I am addicted to lip balm. I keep them everywhere. There’s my car lip balm, my stroller lip balm, diaper bag lip balm, one in the bathroom, one on my dresser, one in the pocket of my coat…. My favorite store bought version is the original Burt’s Bees lip balm. But truth be told, it was getting a little expensive! So like any crunchy frugal gal, I knew it was time to DIY. Turns out, making an all natural nourishing lip balm is super simple!
If you’re like me, you have a number of folks on your holiday list that you want to give “a little something” to show your appreciation. But a lot of “little somethings” can quickly turn into a big expense. Homemade gifts can be a great way to trim your holiday budget! This quick and easy dairy-free hot cocoa mix is festive and frugal!
One of my favorite things about the holidays is creating handmade gifts. There is something deeply satisfying about pouring thought and creativity into personalized projects at the craziest, busiest time of year. It feeds my soul and gives me a chance to think about the person I am crafting for. It also enables me to give something nicer and more personal than I could otherwise afford. I believe that whatever your skill level, there are diy projects you can totally ace! This is one of them: calming lotion bars.
To wind up my series of tips for cooking your way through your fall and winter CSA basket (for now anyway), I would be remiss if I didn’t introduce the endless potential of baking with vegetables. Most of us have likely had a slice of pumpkin pie or carrot cake. But lots of fall veggies are particularly well suited to sneaking inside cakes, muffins, quick breads, brownies, and cookies. All squashes, carrots, parsnips, beets, and even cauliflower and greens can add a serious health boost and flavor to your winter baking.
Last week I shared my top 5 tips for getting the most out of your CSA basket or fall vegetables. We chatted about some ideas for your roots, tubers, squash, and crucifers. But what about all those gorgeous greens? Not to mention all the showy fronds that often come attached? Consider this tip #6: Everything green is a pesto waiting to happen! Alternative pesto is a bit unexpected and naturally frugal.
It is full on fall vegetable season, which in the Pacific Northwest means root vegetables, winter squash, and hearty greens. Getting the most out of your fall produce can present a few challenges, but I want to share with you my top 5 tips for using a fall CSA basket, farmer’s market haul, or subscription …
From the moment that the electric heater kicked on in my apartment this fall, my hands began to crack. We are talking like sticking to fabrics, scratching my children dry. So, I knew it was time to stock up on what I believe is the BEST non-greasy homemade whipped body butter. It is luxurious, it absorbs quickly, and most importantly it truly works.