Category: Budget Eating
Citrus-Black Bean Salad with Two Peppers
I couldn’t bring myself to cook yesterday. When I opened the door to see how it was outside, it was like stepping into a sauna. The air was thick with humidity and it was so hot, despite a late afternoon rain shower. Thank goodness for air conditioners and take out. Today is milder, less humid. [...]
Caramelized Onion Orzo Recipe
It was only earlier this year that I tried making orzo for the first time, and I quickly discovered that I (and my kids) adore it. The tiny bits of pasta make a fabulous side dish. This particular orzo is made with caramelized onions, giving it a wonderful sweetness that gets savory boosts from freshly [...]
Cooking with Kids: Mango Iced Tea Recipe
Our family is off having fun this week (check in Friday for pics, details and more!), so we’re pretty busy. But don’t worry: There is a whole great line-up of recipes that will post this week. Today’s is a great, easy homemade iced tea. We all love iced tea and this one is a wonderful, [...]
My Spending Diet: Week 13
You know that feeling when you know that what you have to say isn’t what you would like to say? I have that right now. I almost didn’t write this post at all, since I really am unhappy with my progress this week. But part of becoming financially responsible is being honest about where you [...]
Grilled Pesto-Topped Salmon Recipe
Whenever I interview a food personality, I try to slip in a question about their go-to items in their pantry and fridge. It’s always so interesting to hear what people say. Of course, it’s only fair that I answer the question myself too. Here goes … In my freezer, there are a few things you [...]
Marinated Grilled Chicken (and Will’s Big Day)
Things change so quickly. When I was a young child, we had a television. It was a really big deal when my grandmother and I went shopping for a VCR for my grandfather … and that wasn’t a small, inexpensive present. Back then, there was no on-demand, no home computer, no iPods. Then, all of [...]
Cooking with Kids: Greek Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Today is Will’s last day of preschool. Ever. I can hardly believe it. You always hear people say that children grow up so quickly, but only in experiencing it can you appreciate just how true that is. It seems like just yesterday that I was uncomfortably pregnant with him and now he’s almost 5. Time [...]
My Spending Diet: Week 12
The hardest thing about freelancing is waiting for the checks to arrive … and this was one of those waiting weeks where it felt like they would never, ever come. Fortunately, thanks to My Spending Diet, I have money set aside in the bank for when the finances get challenging. Aside from this, this was [...]
Pork Chops, Marinated and on the Grill
Pork chops are one of those foods that elicit either really positive or really negative reactions in my house. Some recipes, like Pork Chops Saltimbocca and Rosemary Garlic Pork Chops are total favorites, while others fall completely flat — leaving us silent and brooding. And honestly, whenever I say we are having pork chops for [...]
My Spending Diet: Week 11
Before I launch into the My Spending Diet update, two things: My garden is growing! We’ve planted all our veggies and need to fence it all in (hopefully this weekend). Check in tomorrow for some pictures. Today is 30 days until I turn 30. Hard to believe it’s so close. I expected to enter my [...]
