Category Archives: frugal living

52 Ways for More Serenity in Life and Home :: define simplicity (week #18)

Welcome to the first edition of May’s 52 Ways! Here’s a recap from last month: week #13  limit media, increase creativity week #14  nurture your ‘no’ week #15  embrace the mess week #16  live ‘clean enough’! week #17  budget your time  Am I the only one just now realizing there were 5 Mondays in April!?...

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Introducing Advanced Penny Pinching :: a review & giveaway!

Are you ready to get super serious about saving $$$ on groceries? Or maybe you’re a beginner in the whole idea of slashing food shopping costs by 25%, 50% or more?   *** If you’d like some tips & tricks of the trade, let me share – Advanced Penny Pinching might just be a book to...

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preserving summer :: recipes, tutorials for freezing and canning

In our part of the country, or in my part domestic world, the freezing and canning season is about to kick off!  I’m always a little excited at the start, and will be tired of it all about August. But, let’s focus on beginnings, okay? Fresh, homegrown strawberries are almost at peak, blueberries are around the...

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the lives we choose

“I wouldn’t have ever thought you’d be canning applesauce”, says this woman who knows me, a mother who’s watched my growing up and out into the world beyond home. “And five kids!”  She chuckles under her breath while reaching for more apples to chop. I’ve heard this line of joking and teasing before, from my...

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freezer cooking express :: asian b-b-que chicken, black bean soup, fajitas, honey pizza dough

So far, my September goal of maintaining a short freezer cooking session once a week has gone great!  Flowing with the current season of life, this plan is working well — it’s much more energizing than anticipating an all day cooking time.  Yes! But, the plan for posting progress?  Not so great. Thus, this double whammy...

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simple tips for planning a memorable summer

Summer time is fast approaching!  With this season comes more relaxed and laid-back days perfect for creating family memories.  And planning special times for those we love is exactly what should be the priority, don’t you think? Whether we anticipate more organized vacation times or envision simple backyard picnics, a little thought can go a...

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