Grocery prices keep climbing, but that doesn’t mean your budget has to. With some smart shopping strategies, you can keep your grocery bill in check without sacrificing quality meals for your family. The key? Shopping sales, meal planning, and using grocery pick-up to avoid impulse buys. Here’s how to make the most of your frugal grocery budgeting while still enjoying…
I’m not a natural early riser, especially as the days grow shorter. Once the sun rises after 7:30 a.m., my circadian rhythm and daily routine clash dramatically. Coffee, the nectar of the gods, seems like my only salvation in the morning. I don’t even need the caffeine anymore; the aroma is enough to perk me up. While I’m not fond…
I started following blogs – then called online journals – in 1995. They were a glimpse into another life and even their mundane seemed more interesting than mine. Some of them were really well written and the authors went to publish successful books. Some went viral for a short time (remember the woman who cataloged her debt-free journey, including having…
As soon as fall arrives, I can’t help but get excited about all the delicious flavors that come with the season. While pumpkin spice is everywhere, I love to embrace the other warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. These cozy flavors always put me in the mood to bake, and this year, I’ve been experimenting with a family favorite:…
The new school year is here! Every store has their back to school display fighting with fall decor and your tween is begging for the latest you Youtuber’s backpack. (seriously, $60 for a kids backpack? have they lost their mind?!?). Being a teacher is a double whammy on stress, because, in addition to getting the kids ready for a new…
One of the more popular trends these days is a weathered plank accent wall. They’re almost as popular as the shiplap wall. I’m not too big on following fads, but I have a very small and very ugly wall that is perfect for trying out something new in decor. It’s a wall at the end of the upstairs hallway between…
Do you want to achieve your goals and dreams? Sure you do! Remember those resolutions you set in January? Me neither! Seriously, though, over 70% of people fail to achieve their goals or resolutions. My biggest resolution this year was to work towards achieving my goals… and accomplish a few! Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links.…
As August rolls in, the countdown to the first day of school begins, which means it’s time for back-to-school clothes shopping. This task has become more intricate now that my kids are tweens and fashion-conscious. They have clear “yes” and “no” lists for what they’ll wear and what they won’t, adding an extra layer of complexity. Where to Start – Make A…
I’ve written before how much I love living in a small town. It’s safer, it’s cheaper and we have so much more control over our lives. There is a downside, however. The biggest one is access to all those fascinating things big-city people take for granted. Like shopping, new movies and people who know to pronounce “tahini” correctly (and have it…
It’s nearly time to start purchasing all those back to school supplies. Summer goes by t00 fast! I teach high school (cue sympathy sighs). It’s a great job, but I’m sure you know that teachers spend a lot of money on supplies. I don’t have a lot of money, so I’m always looking for what lasts. While I’m always ready for…