1. Keep the Guest List Small: We used to have neighbors, family, and a few close friends. That's about it.
Monday, December 30, 2013
Save on New Years Eve Partying
My mother always throws New Year's Eve parties...ever since I was little. This year, I want to contribute to my mom's annual New Year's Eve get together without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas on how you can stay on budget while ringing in 2014!
1. Keep the Guest List Small: We used to have neighbors, family, and a few close friends. That's about it.
2. Have a Pot Luck: For get togethers such as this, people normally do not mind bringing snacks, side dishes, desserts, or beverages to share.
3. Use Holiday Leftovers for Dinner: Left over ham and turkey can be a real money saver for New Years if you use the leftovers for your main course. The ham and cheese sliders, turkey alfredo, ham and cheese dip, turkey enchiladas, turkey pot pies, paella, ham and pineapple pizza, turkey ranch and bacon pizza, and turkey salad all make great entertaining dishes.
4. Limit the Alcohol: Stick to beer and a special cocktail or two. You could eliminate it all together...but come on, its New Year's Eve!
5. Go for Cheap Entertainment: In addition to asking everyone to bring a dish, ask them to bring along their favorite board game. Our family does this every year! We play board games, cards, and Wii games. In the background we will have the various New Year's Eve celebrations on TV so we can watch the ball drop at midnight. Karaoke would also be a fun and inexpensive idea.
6. Use Your Own Dishes: Instead of purchasing plastic or paper places and tableware, use what you already have. Sure you'll have to wash them later, but it will be cheaper.
7. Reuse Decorations: Instead of spending money on special decorations, just reuse your Christmas decorations. The twinkling Christmas lights are pretty when the overhead lights are dimmed and chances are you have sparkly candles and charger plates somewhere. If you must buy new stuff, go to the dollar store and buy candles (usually 2/$1) and glow sticks.
8. Don't Buy a New Outfit: Sure it is fun to dress up, but it is also fun to be debt free, be a homeowner, etc. Instead of purchasing a new outfit for New Year's Eve, wear something you already have. If you must buy something new, Walmart has really cute sequins tank tops for $5! I will be pairing this one with some new rhinestone pocket jeans I received as a Christmas gift and my cowgirl boots that were a birthday gift from my hubby-to-be.
9. Buy With Coupons: As always...buy your snacks, beverages, and ingredients for your main course using coupons. Plan your snacks around what is on sale and what can be paired with your coupons. Also, do not forget about that wine deal we talked about a few days ago. Most stores give you 10% off the purchase of three or more bottles.
10. Don't Buy Confetti: Make it out of newspaper and old magazines instead. It still has the same effect, but it will not cost you anything. This is a great way to keep the kids entertained while you cook too!
11. Skip the Invites: Don't spend money on fancy invitations. Invite your guests via Facebook, phone, email, etc. If you must send out invitations, get them from the dollar store or make them yourself.
1. Keep the Guest List Small: We used to have neighbors, family, and a few close friends. That's about it.
Recipes for Leftover Ham
I
love to purchase large amounts of holiday turkey and ham; much more
than our family can eat. Around the holidays (and the days following),
whole turkeys and hams are extremely cheap. The entire family can get
their holiday fill, and then we can use the left overs to eat for at
least a week! Although I absolutely love holiday leftovers, one can only
eat so many turkey and ham sandwiches.
Below you will find a list of new and unique ways to use up those holiday leftovers and save tons of money on your grocery bill during the week or two following the holidays.
Ham Salad
Mix about three cups of leftover cubed ham with 2 tablespoons of relish, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard. Spread of your favorite bread or leftover dinner rolls.
Ham and Broccoli Ring
In a bowl combine 3 ounces of mozzarella shreds, 4 ounces of cubed leftover ham, 1 1/2 cups of chopped broccoli, 1/2 tsp of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard. Unroll a package of crescent roll dough and arrange the larger ends in a circle with the smaller ends pointing outward. Spoon the ham mixture onto the larger end of the dough and fold over the smaller ends toward the center of the circle. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Ham and Cheese Omelet
Everyone knows how to make an omelet. Why not use it as a way to use up your leftover holiday ham? Sometimes I even toss in some spinach too!
Ham, Green Beans, and Taters
Fresh or frozen green beans, cubed and peeled russet potatoes, cubed ham, water, low sodium chicken broth, salt, and pepper! This is one of my absolute favorite meals ever...and the hubby-to-be eats it up whenever I make it. Pair with cornbread for an awesome southern comfort meal.
Ham and Pineapple Pizza
Grab a pre-made pizza crust from the store and spread on your favorite pizza sauce. Sprinkle on shredded cheese (I like to use Kraft pizza blend or shredded provel). On top of the cheese, drop on chunks of sweet pineapple and cubes or leftover ham. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ham and Cheese Crescents
All you need is leftover ham slices, cheddar cheese, and crescent roll dough. Simply roll up ham and cheese until golden brown and enjoy. Serve with a side of dijon mustard for dipping. The hubby-to-be loves these and they're so simple and inexpensive!
Ham and Broccoli Mac
Toss leftover ham cubes and steamed broccoli into your favorite mac n' cheese! YUM!
Ham and Cheese Sliders
Click here for the recipe! These things are awesome and truly addicting! My mom makes these on New Year's Eve every year and there are never any leftovers.
Hot Ham and Toasted Cheese
Toss a few slices of your leftover ham onto your next toasted cheese sandwich for a salty, meaty bite. These pair perfectly with soup and salad for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Hot Ham and Cheese Dip
Chop up some of your leftover ham and combine it in a bowl with an 8 ounce block of cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of Swiss cheese. Microwave it for about 45 seconds to let everything soften. If you like a little kick (which we do at my house) add a shake or two of cayenne pepper. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Then switch the oven to broil and leave in for another 3-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with toasted bread and crackers.
Ham, Cheese, and Apple Pita
Take a toasted pita and spread a little dijon mustard inside. Stuff the pita with leftover ham slices, thinly sliced apples, and Swiss Cheese. Sometimes I will also add cucumber.
Ham and Bacon Corn Chowder
Click here for the recipe! This thick and creamy soup is so good next to a crisp salad or sandwich.
Below you will find a list of new and unique ways to use up those holiday leftovers and save tons of money on your grocery bill during the week or two following the holidays.
Mix about three cups of leftover cubed ham with 2 tablespoons of relish, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard. Spread of your favorite bread or leftover dinner rolls.
In a bowl combine 3 ounces of mozzarella shreds, 4 ounces of cubed leftover ham, 1 1/2 cups of chopped broccoli, 1/2 tsp of lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard. Unroll a package of crescent roll dough and arrange the larger ends in a circle with the smaller ends pointing outward. Spoon the ham mixture onto the larger end of the dough and fold over the smaller ends toward the center of the circle. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Everyone knows how to make an omelet. Why not use it as a way to use up your leftover holiday ham? Sometimes I even toss in some spinach too!
Fresh or frozen green beans, cubed and peeled russet potatoes, cubed ham, water, low sodium chicken broth, salt, and pepper! This is one of my absolute favorite meals ever...and the hubby-to-be eats it up whenever I make it. Pair with cornbread for an awesome southern comfort meal.
Grab a pre-made pizza crust from the store and spread on your favorite pizza sauce. Sprinkle on shredded cheese (I like to use Kraft pizza blend or shredded provel). On top of the cheese, drop on chunks of sweet pineapple and cubes or leftover ham. Bake until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
All you need is leftover ham slices, cheddar cheese, and crescent roll dough. Simply roll up ham and cheese until golden brown and enjoy. Serve with a side of dijon mustard for dipping. The hubby-to-be loves these and they're so simple and inexpensive!
Toss leftover ham cubes and steamed broccoli into your favorite mac n' cheese! YUM!
Click here for the recipe! These things are awesome and truly addicting! My mom makes these on New Year's Eve every year and there are never any leftovers.
Toss a few slices of your leftover ham onto your next toasted cheese sandwich for a salty, meaty bite. These pair perfectly with soup and salad for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Chop up some of your leftover ham and combine it in a bowl with an 8 ounce block of cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of Swiss cheese. Microwave it for about 45 seconds to let everything soften. If you like a little kick (which we do at my house) add a shake or two of cayenne pepper. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Then switch the oven to broil and leave in for another 3-4 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with toasted bread and crackers.
Take a toasted pita and spread a little dijon mustard inside. Stuff the pita with leftover ham slices, thinly sliced apples, and Swiss Cheese. Sometimes I will also add cucumber.
Click here for the recipe! This thick and creamy soup is so good next to a crisp salad or sandwich.
Recipes for Leftover Holiday Turkey
I love to purchase large amounts of holiday turkey and ham; much more than our family can eat. Around the holidays (and the days following), whole turkeys and hams are extremely cheap. The entire family can get their holiday fill, and then we can use the left overs to eat for at least a week! Although I absolutely love holiday leftovers, one can only eat so many turkey and ham sandwiches.
Below you will find a list of new and unique ways to use up those holiday leftovers and save tons of money on your grocery bill during the week or two following the holidays.
Holiday Leftover Panini
Butter two slices of your favorite bread and place them butter side down on your work surface. Spread leftover cranberry sauce onto each side of the bread. If you do not have or like cranberry sauce, mayo tastes great on these. Place leftover turkey on top of the cranberry sauce. Place a piece of cheese on top of the turkey layer. Swiss is great for this sandwich. Place a couple spoonfuls of leftover dressing on top of the cheese. Put the two pieces of the sandwich together and place it on a pre-heated panini press or grill pan sprayed with a little nonstick cooking spray. Grill until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Turkey Enchiladas
Shred some of the leftover turkey and place it into a pre-heated skillet with some olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, a can of rinsed black beans, and a can of diced green chiles. After the mixture is heated through, take off the heat. Spread some enchilada sauce into the bottom of a glass baking dish. Warm a stack of corn tortillas in the microwave covered with damp paper towels (microwave for about 35-45 seconds). Take a flour tortilla and fill it with a spoonful of the turkey mixture and a sprinkle of Mexican blend shredded cheese. Place each rolled up tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. After your dish is packed with rolled up tortillas, pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top of the rolls. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Turkey and Dressing Mac n Cheese
It is as simple as it sounds! Cut pieces of leftover turkey into bite size pieces. Mix the turkey and a few spoonfuls of leftover dressing into your favorite mac n' cheese recipe.
Turkey Noodle Soup
Saute some chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil. Add in leftover turkey, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Place in a crock pot or stock pot with egg noodles, salt, pepper, low-sodium chicken broth, and water. After the soup is heated through and the veggies are tender, sprinkle in some fresh parsley and serve.
Turkey Pot Pie
Cut or shred turkey into bite size pieces. Add the turkey into a bowl with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, a few spoonfuls of leftover gravy, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Wash, peel, and cube a couple potatoes and place in the bottom of a greased glass baking dishes or personal-size baking dishes. Placing the potatoes in the bottom will ensure that they cook. Pour in the vegetable mixture. Top the pot pie(s) with a roll of flaky biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with a little bit of paprika (optional, its a southern thing). Cut a couple slits in the top so the pot pies do not explode in the oven. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Turkey Salad Sandwiches (or wraps)
Cut your leftover turkey into bite size pieces. Mix in chopped apple, celercy, pecans (if they're on sale or leftover from holiday baking), sliced red seedless grapes, a squeeze of lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. Mix it all together and place on your favorite bread (I like toasted), pita, or leftover dinner rolls with some lettuce. Mmm...I love this stuff!
Turkey Fried Rice
Prepare some rice according to package directions; set aside. Scramble an egg or two and set aside with the rice. Cut some carrots into match sticks and grab some broccoli, peas, or other favorite or leftover veggies. Heat some canola oil in a large skillet or wok and place the rice, veggies, scrambled egg, and leftover turkey in the skillet to fry. Toss to coat all ingredients in the oil. After a few minutes, add in soy sauce to taste.
BBQ Shredded Turkey
Shred some of your leftover turkey and throw it into the crock pot with some bbq sauce. It is as easy as that. Slap it between two slices of bread, your favorite buns, or leftover dinner rolls and enjoy. This is also a great way to stock up your freezer with prepared meals!
Turkey Fettuccine
Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package directions. In a cast iron skillet (or other oven proof skillet) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 4 cloves of minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in 2 cups of milk, dried Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. Add in 2 tablespoons of corn starch and 1/2 cup of half-and-half. Cook until the mixture is thickened, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir until melted. Add in 3 cups of diced leftover turkey. Drain the fettuccine noodles and toss into the skillet. Toss with the sauce until all of the noodles are completely coated. Sprinkle with more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler in your over for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.
Turkey, Bacon, Ranch Pizza
Grab a whole wheat prepared pizza crust from your grocery store and top it with your favorite pizza sauce and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Sprinkle shredded cheese (I use the Kraft pizza blend or shredded provel). Top the cheese with crumbled cooked bacon and cubed leftover turkey. Bake in the over until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Turkey, Sausage, and Shrimp Paella (a family favorite)
Combine 2 3/4 cups of low sodium chicken broth with 1/4 teaspoon of saffron. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan; crumble and brown 2 ounces of Spanish Chorizo. Remove the chorizo crumbles onto a paper towel with a slotted spoon. In the drippings, saute 1/2 cup each of chopped onion and red bell pepper. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir for a minute or two until veggies are tender. Add 3/4 cup of uncooked Arborio rice and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked Spanish paprika. Cook until the liquid evaporates. Stir in broth mixture and 1 drained can of diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. It should take about 20 minutes for the liquid to evaporate and the rice to become tender. Gently stir in cooked shrimp, cubed turkey, and green peas. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. If you wanted to, you could leave out the chorizo and shrimp and just do turkey.
Turkey and Apple Pita Pockets
Take a toasted whole wheat pizza and spread mayonnaise or non-fat plain Greek yogurt inside. Fill your pita with thinly sliced applies, baby spinach, and leftover turkey. Yum!
Below you will find a list of new and unique ways to use up those holiday leftovers and save tons of money on your grocery bill during the week or two following the holidays.
Butter two slices of your favorite bread and place them butter side down on your work surface. Spread leftover cranberry sauce onto each side of the bread. If you do not have or like cranberry sauce, mayo tastes great on these. Place leftover turkey on top of the cranberry sauce. Place a piece of cheese on top of the turkey layer. Swiss is great for this sandwich. Place a couple spoonfuls of leftover dressing on top of the cheese. Put the two pieces of the sandwich together and place it on a pre-heated panini press or grill pan sprayed with a little nonstick cooking spray. Grill until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Shred some of the leftover turkey and place it into a pre-heated skillet with some olive oil, salt, black pepper, cumin, chili powder, a can of rinsed black beans, and a can of diced green chiles. After the mixture is heated through, take off the heat. Spread some enchilada sauce into the bottom of a glass baking dish. Warm a stack of corn tortillas in the microwave covered with damp paper towels (microwave for about 35-45 seconds). Take a flour tortilla and fill it with a spoonful of the turkey mixture and a sprinkle of Mexican blend shredded cheese. Place each rolled up tortilla seam side down in the baking dish. After your dish is packed with rolled up tortillas, pour the remaining enchilada sauce on top of the rolls. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top. Bake in a 350 degree oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
It is as simple as it sounds! Cut pieces of leftover turkey into bite size pieces. Mix the turkey and a few spoonfuls of leftover dressing into your favorite mac n' cheese recipe.
Saute some chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil. Add in leftover turkey, chopped carrots, and chopped celery. Place in a crock pot or stock pot with egg noodles, salt, pepper, low-sodium chicken broth, and water. After the soup is heated through and the veggies are tender, sprinkle in some fresh parsley and serve.
Cut or shred turkey into bite size pieces. Add the turkey into a bowl with a bag of frozen mixed vegetables, cream of chicken soup, a few spoonfuls of leftover gravy, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Wash, peel, and cube a couple potatoes and place in the bottom of a greased glass baking dishes or personal-size baking dishes. Placing the potatoes in the bottom will ensure that they cook. Pour in the vegetable mixture. Top the pot pie(s) with a roll of flaky biscuit dough or crescent roll dough. Brush with an egg wash and sprinkle with a little bit of paprika (optional, its a southern thing). Cut a couple slits in the top so the pot pies do not explode in the oven. Bake until the potatoes are tender and the crust is golden brown.
Cut your leftover turkey into bite size pieces. Mix in chopped apple, celercy, pecans (if they're on sale or leftover from holiday baking), sliced red seedless grapes, a squeeze of lemon juice, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and poppy seeds. Mix it all together and place on your favorite bread (I like toasted), pita, or leftover dinner rolls with some lettuce. Mmm...I love this stuff!
Turkey Fried Rice
Prepare some rice according to package directions; set aside. Scramble an egg or two and set aside with the rice. Cut some carrots into match sticks and grab some broccoli, peas, or other favorite or leftover veggies. Heat some canola oil in a large skillet or wok and place the rice, veggies, scrambled egg, and leftover turkey in the skillet to fry. Toss to coat all ingredients in the oil. After a few minutes, add in soy sauce to taste.
Shred some of your leftover turkey and throw it into the crock pot with some bbq sauce. It is as easy as that. Slap it between two slices of bread, your favorite buns, or leftover dinner rolls and enjoy. This is also a great way to stock up your freezer with prepared meals!
Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package directions. In a cast iron skillet (or other oven proof skillet) sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, saute 1/2 cup chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped celery, and 4 cloves of minced garlic in 1 tablespoon of oil. Add 1 cup of fresh sliced mushrooms and cook until tender. Stir in 2 cups of milk, dried Italian seasoning blend, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil. Add in 2 tablespoons of corn starch and 1/2 cup of half-and-half. Cook until the mixture is thickened, then stir in 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Stir until melted. Add in 3 cups of diced leftover turkey. Drain the fettuccine noodles and toss into the skillet. Toss with the sauce until all of the noodles are completely coated. Sprinkle with more mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Place under the broiler in your over for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden brown.
Grab a whole wheat prepared pizza crust from your grocery store and top it with your favorite pizza sauce and a drizzle of ranch dressing. Sprinkle shredded cheese (I use the Kraft pizza blend or shredded provel). Top the cheese with crumbled cooked bacon and cubed leftover turkey. Bake in the over until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown.
Combine 2 3/4 cups of low sodium chicken broth with 1/4 teaspoon of saffron. Bring to a simmer over low heat. Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan; crumble and brown 2 ounces of Spanish Chorizo. Remove the chorizo crumbles onto a paper towel with a slotted spoon. In the drippings, saute 1/2 cup each of chopped onion and red bell pepper. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir for a minute or two until veggies are tender. Add 3/4 cup of uncooked Arborio rice and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked Spanish paprika. Cook until the liquid evaporates. Stir in broth mixture and 1 drained can of diced tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer. It should take about 20 minutes for the liquid to evaporate and the rice to become tender. Gently stir in cooked shrimp, cubed turkey, and green peas. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat everything through. If you wanted to, you could leave out the chorizo and shrimp and just do turkey.
Take a toasted whole wheat pizza and spread mayonnaise or non-fat plain Greek yogurt inside. Fill your pita with thinly sliced applies, baby spinach, and leftover turkey. Yum!
Saturday, December 28, 2013
Our Financial New Year's Resolution 2014
Another year is coming to a close and the now is the time that many people are making their new year's resolutions. Although many have aspirations of being healthier and losing weight (excellent resolutions), our resolutions for 2014 involve our finances. We were pretty good about our finances in 2013. This time last year I had about $6,300 worth of debt. As of today, I have $2,223 of it left. My fiance was able to save up enough money to purchase a new car and fix it up (he's an auto genius), as well as purchase a new motorcycle. As a result of paying off debt, opening new lines of credit, and paying off new lines of credit, our credit scores have drastically improved. That is pretty good for a couple of twenty-three year old college students, if I do say so myself.
So here they are... our new year's resolutions for 2014. I'm hoping that making them public will hold us a little more accountable for sticking to them!
1. Finish Paying off Debt: This includes credit cards, student loans, and the motorcycle (which if Thomas keeps making payments at the rate he has been the 5-year bike loan will be paid off in a total of 5 months).
2. Save for a Down Payment on our First House: We are sick of renting because it feels like our money is going toward absolutely nothing each month. After all of our debt is paid, we will place the money we generally put toward credit card and loan payments each month in a high interest yielding savings account. This money will be put toward the down payment on our first house. Hopefully we will also qualify for a first time homebuyer's grant offered by the state we will be moving to. Every cent paid upfront on a large purchase such as this is a cent less that has to be paid later (not to mention less interest).
3. Buy Our First Home: Purchasing our first home is going to open up so many doors for us. It is not only about planting our roots in a more permanent location, but also about having a safe and healthy place to start a family and proving to ourselves that the American dream is not dead. In addition, we plan on using our back yard as the venue for our upcoming wedding. Which leads me to our next resolution...
4. Finish Paying for our Wedding: Luckily, we both have a pretty small and intimate, low-key picture in mind when we describe our dream wedding. We are planning on having just family and close friends (80 people tops). We have chosen is a rustic country theme. Thanks to Pinterest, I have been able to find an endless amount of DIY wedding projects that fit perfectly into this theme. My parents paid for half of my wedding gown as a gift and many family members have given me various gift cards for my birthday and Christmas that have helped with wedding expenses (jewelry, craft supplies, etc). By attending a local bridal show I won a free rhinestone headband I will be wearing on our wedding day, $250 toward tuxedo rentals for the groomsmen, free tuxedo rental for my fiance, and $80 toward linen rentals. My mother used to make wedding cakes as a side job when I was younger, so she will be making our wedding cake. By shopping on Craigslist, I was able to find free old fashioned wooden framed windows, free wooden 8"x10" picture frames, really inexpensive plastic charger plates (you know...the ones that are trending right now so they are super expensive), and a free guest book, cake serving set, cake topper, and pair of toasting flutes. We do not have too much left to pay for when it comes to our wedding and we have not really spent a whole lot of money thus far so this goal should be pretty obtainable once we find a house with the perfect back yard!
5. Start a Family: We have been talking about starting our family for about a year now. Money is really the only thing holding us back at this point. I want to have the credit cards and motorcycle paid off first so that we will be able to make large payments toward our house and be able to afford the things we need to live. Let's face it...kids are expensive! We plan on preparing for this big step in our lives by splitting up our extra money each month between an emergency fund/ savings, and making larger monthly payments on our home. In addition, we will be using coupons to stock up on items such as diapers, onesies, bibs, bottles, and baby toiletries when they allow us to obtain these items for free or almost free. I have also been keeping an eye on my favorite free sample websites. Doing this has allowed me to start stocking up on baby items for free. I was even able to find a free baby safety starter pack that included outlet covers and safety latches for cabinets.
I know this all may sound crazy to some people, but it never hurts to have a detailed plan. This is especially true when attempting to obtain three large, life altering goals within a one year time period. However, I have confidence that if Thomas and I keep working as hard as we have been working in the past and follow the money saving tips and frugal living advice posted on my blog, we will have no problem turning our new year's resolutions into a reality.
Thanks for reading and I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014!
So here they are... our new year's resolutions for 2014. I'm hoping that making them public will hold us a little more accountable for sticking to them!
1. Finish Paying off Debt: This includes credit cards, student loans, and the motorcycle (which if Thomas keeps making payments at the rate he has been the 5-year bike loan will be paid off in a total of 5 months).
2. Save for a Down Payment on our First House: We are sick of renting because it feels like our money is going toward absolutely nothing each month. After all of our debt is paid, we will place the money we generally put toward credit card and loan payments each month in a high interest yielding savings account. This money will be put toward the down payment on our first house. Hopefully we will also qualify for a first time homebuyer's grant offered by the state we will be moving to. Every cent paid upfront on a large purchase such as this is a cent less that has to be paid later (not to mention less interest).
3. Buy Our First Home: Purchasing our first home is going to open up so many doors for us. It is not only about planting our roots in a more permanent location, but also about having a safe and healthy place to start a family and proving to ourselves that the American dream is not dead. In addition, we plan on using our back yard as the venue for our upcoming wedding. Which leads me to our next resolution...
5. Start a Family: We have been talking about starting our family for about a year now. Money is really the only thing holding us back at this point. I want to have the credit cards and motorcycle paid off first so that we will be able to make large payments toward our house and be able to afford the things we need to live. Let's face it...kids are expensive! We plan on preparing for this big step in our lives by splitting up our extra money each month between an emergency fund/ savings, and making larger monthly payments on our home. In addition, we will be using coupons to stock up on items such as diapers, onesies, bibs, bottles, and baby toiletries when they allow us to obtain these items for free or almost free. I have also been keeping an eye on my favorite free sample websites. Doing this has allowed me to start stocking up on baby items for free. I was even able to find a free baby safety starter pack that included outlet covers and safety latches for cabinets.
I know this all may sound crazy to some people, but it never hurts to have a detailed plan. This is especially true when attempting to obtain three large, life altering goals within a one year time period. However, I have confidence that if Thomas and I keep working as hard as we have been working in the past and follow the money saving tips and frugal living advice posted on my blog, we will have no problem turning our new year's resolutions into a reality.
Thanks for reading and I wish you a healthy, happy, and prosperous 2014!
Save on Wine
I was walking through Walgreens the day after Christmas when I decided to stroll down the wine aisle and see if there were any good sales on my favorite local wine (Grafton Winery wine from Grafton, Illinois-- my fiance proposed to me at this Winery). I happened to glance up at a sign hanging in front of the aisle. It claimed that if you purchase three or more bottles of wine, you will automatically get 10% off. Now, 10% off may not seem like a lot. However, if you use a lot of wine (either for drinking, cooking, gifts, entertaining, etc) this could really add up. Grafton Winery wines usually sell for $14.99 per bottle x 3 bottles x 10% = approximately $4.50 off your wine purchase. Considering you almost never find coupons for wine, THIS IS AWESOME!
Monday, December 23, 2013
DIY Apple Pie Spice
Apple pie is my hubby-to-be's favorite dessert of all time. Because of this, I tend to go through a lot of apple pie spice. Now, I'm not sure how often you make apple pie...but that apple pie spice is EXPENSIVE! Like, $7 a jar expensive. I decided to go searching for a cheaper way to treat Thomas to his favorite apple pie. That's when I came across this recipe for DIY apple pie spice! I save so much money on this stuff now that Thomas has been getting double the apple pie!
You'll need:
4 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp allspice
2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground clove
Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container. I like keeping mine in a mason jar. This recipe makes enough apple pie spice for about 6 pies. I make tons of this stuff and keep it on hand!
You'll need:
4 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp allspice
2 tsp nutmeg
1 1/2 ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground clove
Mix all ingredients together and store in an air tight container. I like keeping mine in a mason jar. This recipe makes enough apple pie spice for about 6 pies. I make tons of this stuff and keep it on hand!
Homemade Easy Bake Oven Mixes
This Christmas, we decided to adopt a family in need. One of the family's young children was hoping for an Easy Bake Oven for Christmas. Upon purchasing the Easy Bake Oven for this little girl, I was shocked to find that each special little baking mix that goes with this toy costs anywhere from $7-$20. That's when I came across this tutorial on Pinterest for DIY Easy Bake Oven mixes. So for all of the families out there with young bakers using little plastic ovens...this one is for you!
Easy Bake Cake Mix
3 tbsp boxed cake mix (any flavor)
1 tbsp milk
Grease the easy bake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the milk and cake mix together until smooth. Bake in a pre-heated easy bake oven for about 15 minutes.
** You can usually find cake mixes on special at the grocery store for $1. Add a coupon to that and you can save big time! In addition, a single box of store-bought cake mix makes multiple easy bake oven cakes whereas the $7 easy bake mixes only make a single cake.
Jiffy baking mixes are also great for Easy Bake ovens! Simply divide the recipe in half. Grease the Easy Bake pan and bake in a pre-heated oven for 10-15 minutes. Each of these baking mixes at our local grocery stores are typically about 40 cents each. If you have a coupon...just imagine the saving possibilities. There are so many different varieties of these mixes too! Yellow cake, fudge brownies, pizza crust, chocolate chip muffins, blueberry muffins, corn muffins, and so much more!
Easy Bake Brownies
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp milk
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp chocolate milk powder
1/2 tsp shortening
1 pinch baking soda
dash of salt
Grease the Easy Bake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and pour into the pan. Bake in a pre-heated Easy Bake oven for approximately 12 minutes.
Easy Bake Peanut Butter Fudge
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp peanut butter
2 tsp cocoa
2 1/2 tsp milk
1/2 tsp butter
1/4 tsp vanilla
Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a greased Easy Bake oven pan. Bake for 5 minutes. When you pull the pan out, the mixture will appear uncooked. Let cook completely before cutting and eating.
Easy Bake Pizza
2 tbsp flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1 tsp margarine
dash of salt
2 1/4 tsp milk
Mix all ingredients together. Form dough into a ball. Spread into the bottom and up all sides of a greased Easy Bake pan. Spread 1 tbsp of pizza sauce over the top of the dough and sprinkle with desired toppings. Bake in a pre-heated Easy Bake oven for 20 minutes.
Easy Bake Quesadilla
Cut a small tortilla into wedges and place half of the wedges in the bottom of a greased Easy Bake pan. Top each with desired toppings such as shredded cheese and small pieces of chicken or small amounts of ground beef. Top with remaining tortilla wedges. Bake in a pre-heated easy bake oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
3 tbsp boxed cake mix (any flavor)
1 tbsp milk
Grease the easy bake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix the milk and cake mix together until smooth. Bake in a pre-heated easy bake oven for about 15 minutes.
** You can usually find cake mixes on special at the grocery store for $1. Add a coupon to that and you can save big time! In addition, a single box of store-bought cake mix makes multiple easy bake oven cakes whereas the $7 easy bake mixes only make a single cake.
2 tbsp flour
1 tbsp milk
2 tsp sugar
1 tsp chocolate milk powder
1/2 tsp shortening
1 pinch baking soda
dash of salt
Grease the Easy Bake pan with nonstick cooking spray. Mix all ingredients together and pour into the pan. Bake in a pre-heated Easy Bake oven for approximately 12 minutes.
1/2 cup icing sugar
1 tbsp peanut butter
2 tsp cocoa
2 1/2 tsp milk
1/2 tsp butter
1/4 tsp vanilla
Mix all the ingredients together and pour into a greased Easy Bake oven pan. Bake for 5 minutes. When you pull the pan out, the mixture will appear uncooked. Let cook completely before cutting and eating.
Easy Bake Pizza
2 tbsp flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1 tsp margarine
dash of salt
2 1/4 tsp milk
Mix all ingredients together. Form dough into a ball. Spread into the bottom and up all sides of a greased Easy Bake pan. Spread 1 tbsp of pizza sauce over the top of the dough and sprinkle with desired toppings. Bake in a pre-heated Easy Bake oven for 20 minutes.
Cut a small tortilla into wedges and place half of the wedges in the bottom of a greased Easy Bake pan. Top each with desired toppings such as shredded cheese and small pieces of chicken or small amounts of ground beef. Top with remaining tortilla wedges. Bake in a pre-heated easy bake oven for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
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