There are so many different ways to live a frugal  lifestyle. . . this is a great place to learn new things and encourage one another! Below you can share the link to a post on your own blog, share a little about your frugal life and encourage others. Be sure to come back each Friday and link-up to this great community of frugal followers!

If you get my Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about my favorite appetizer to serve at parties (if you don’t get my FREE newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner). Read below to see my response.  Molly

Dear Midge,

I have to admit, I used to enjoy making appetizers or fancy hors d’oeuvres more before having children. This is ONLY because it seems I had more time and I needed less of them! Now whenever I bring food to a party I find myself thinking quantity over appearance- LOL! One of my favorite appetizers to make (or bring to a party) are chicken wings. Who doesn’t love chicken wings? It’s a fairly inexpensive food to purchase and prepare and they’re yummy (and messy!). It’s true chicken wings aren’t very fancy but they’re almost always a hit! You can choose many different flavors and sauces to coat your wings, what about GARLIC AND PARMESAN? BUFFALO CHICKEN WINGS are one of my personal favorites! Maybe you’d like to try baking your wings, HERE’S a yummy recipe. Looking for something a bit different? ROASTED ASIAN CHICKEN WINGS may be your new favorite.

Ok, I know that was a bit of a chicken wing rabbit trail. . . I’m back to thinking about your love for different kinds of dips. Have you ever tried serving them in a bread bowl? Check out THIS RECIPE, you could totally do this and impress the crowd! Remember that punch bowl you bought last year when we were garage sale shopping? A pretty and tasty punch is sure to steal the show! Check out THESE YUMMY PUNCH RECIPES.

Now I’m thinking we need to plan a family get-together so we can make some of these foods! Grab your calendar. . .

Love ya, Molly

To share a link to your post about frugal living, use the Linky below. But first. . .

1. We’d love for you to share your links that include anything  related to DIY projects, saving money, frugal living, made from scratch cooking, cleaning products, sustainable living, gardening, organic, and anything else related to homemaking! You can also  include your struggles while trying to live a frugal lifestyle (like  Midge!)! Show us about how you are thriving while surviving on a smaller budget!

2. Please, no link-ups to giveaways or blog topics in which you are just selling a product.

3. Link directly to your frugal post, not to your home page.

4. Grab our linky graphic (from the sidebar) and put it on your blog or on your linky post.

5. If a linked up post does not meet the above guidelines, it will  be removed.

6. If you link-up, please click on other’s links as well. Our frugal followers have a lot to share!

Living frugally means living, learning, and growing from each other. We can’t wait to see what you are going to share (to see other blogs who have linked up, click the link below)!   Ready, set, link!

CLICK HERE TO LINK-UP!

If you get my Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about a chic, Easter brunch on a dime (if you don’t get my FREE newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner). Read below to read my fun (and frugal!) ideas. Molly

Dear Midge,

You had my attention at the word “chic.” Immediately my mind went to the “shabby chic” method of decorating, I’ve loved that look for years! So for once, I’m going to chat about decorating FIRST. . . before food. I know, it surprised me too.

Decorating your home doesn’t have to be expensive, creativity can go a long way! Shabby chic (in my opinion) is all about taking what you have and reusing it to make your space beautiful. When it comes to Easter and decorating your home, why not start with an Easter wreath on your front door? THIS SITE has 9 easy, DIY Easter wreath & garland ideas. There are kid friendly wreath ideas here as well as some sophisticated (chic) ideas. What are your thoughts on this shabby chic, EASTER WREATH?

Looking for some Easter themed decor to use as a center piece for the table or for around the house? Check out THIS SITE, you’ll find many Easter-inspired crafts there using eggs as the main attraction. THIS EGG SHELL ART is one of my favorites. While I think it would take some time and patience to complete this project, how beautiful would these be in a small bowl as an Easter decoration?

Now. . . on to chic, brunch ideas. One of my favorite things to say is “be fabulously frugal!” That statement is the exact thing that came to mind when I saw THIS SITE and all of the yummy, (and cute!) Easter brunch ideas.  If you scroll down the page a bit (#18 and #19), you’ll come across certain foods that may be on your mind.

Sometimes the kiddos in your group may enjoy tried-and-true recipes such as: pancakes, french toast, breakfast sausage (did you know you can make your own?), fruit cups and/or donuts, muffins and yummy, quick breads. THIS SITE has some simple yet scrumptious recipes for a beautiful brunch.

Happy planning!

Love, Molly

If you get my Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about a simple way to explain the St. Patrick’s Day holiday (if you don’t get my FREE newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner). Read below to read my thoughts! Molly

Dear Midge,

I think a simple explanation followed by a fun craft is definitely the way to go! Just use your own words to describe who St. Patrick was and what he did. Simply put he was the man who brought Christianity to Ireland. Ireland chose the Shamrock as their national flower because St. Patrick used it to describe the Holy Trinity when explaining the foundation of Christianity to the people. St. Patrick’s Day has become associated with anything Irish: the colors green and gold, luck and shamrocks. As far as leprechauns, rainbows and a pot of gold. . . well, you’ll have to decide how you want to approach that.

I found THIS NEAT SITE that provides all sorts of St. Patrick’s Day activities. Take your pick and get the glue sticks ready!

Love ya, Molly

You don’t have to spend a lot of money to say “I love you!” There are simple, creative ways to show loved ones how much they are appreciated without spending a lot of money.

Do you know the history of Valentine’s Day?

There are many stories and legends surrounding the story behind Saint Valentine. Valentine was known to be a Catholic priest who was performing secret marriages without Emperor Claudius II’s approval.

When the emperor found out, he had Valentine put to death on February 14th 269 AD. The night before his death, Valentine sent a note to his loved one and signed it, “From Your Valentine.” Over 200 hundred years later, Pope Galasius instituted the celebration of Valentines Day in 496 AD to commemorate the day that St. Valentine was martyred.

Practical Ways to Say ” I Love You”

Give your loved one a special gift without spending a lot of money. Here are a few ideas:

• Buy a set of candles, bubble bath, or potpourri.
• Bring home dinner and a movie.
• Arrange for a babysitter,  for your children to go to Grandma’s house or somewhere else for the night.
• Forgo eating out: save money and cook dinner at home.
• Clean the kitchen after cooking dinner for your wife.
• Bring home your spouse’s favorite ice cream.
• Leave post it notes with words of love and affection in various spots throughout the house.

Red and Pink Construction Paper and Doilie Heart Valentines

Those who were born in the 1970s or before might remember creating simple Valentines from red and pink construction paper, paper heart doilies, and remnants of lace, foil, tissue paper, or whatever was on hand.

School children made Valentine boxes from recycled shoe boxes or a grocery paper sack. Wives wrote love notes to their husbands and stuck them on his pillow, the bathroom mirror, or in his lunch sack with his sandwich. Husbands may have arranged to take wives to a movie or out to dinner so she could have a night off from her domestic duties.

Why not get back to those days of yesteryear when things were more simple? Let’s be sure to remember that it is the thought that counts.

There are thousands of trinkets and cute little gifts that are available and can purchased from local retail chains. However, gifts from the heart may be more graciously received and treasured for years to come. Why not give a gift that comes straight from the heart?

Do you have a creative way to show loved ones you care? Do you like to prepare a special dish or dessert that says, “I Love you?”

If you get my Friday newsletter, you most likely read Midge’s question about simple ways to show love to others this Valentine’s Day (if you don’t get my FREE newsletter be sure and subscribe via the sticky note in the upper right corner). Read below to find out some of my ideas! Molly

Dear Midge,

My mind always goes to the practical things, here are a few ideas that came to mind:

• bake a few batches of cookies and leave on your neighbor’s doorstep with a kind note
• shovel out a neighbor or elderly person’s driveway/sidewalks
• have your children make homemade cards, deliver to a local nursing home and hand out to the residents
• bring a dinner (or some freezer meals) to an elderly shut in, single mom or a family who has a new baby

The gift or gesture doesn’t need to be big, sometimes the smallest things mean the most. Pick a person or people and try to determine something that might help them or that they might enjoy. Happy imagining!

Love ya, Molly

I love Chinese food! Next to Italian food, it’s my favorite food to enjoy.

Next Sunday, February 10th, is the Chinese New Year. Let’s join in the celebration this year. We’ll learn a little bit about the history behind it, customs, and share a few delicious recipes in the process.

Just FYI, did you know that Christianity is the fastest growing religion in China right now? That’s definitely worth celebrating!

Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is the most important of all the traditional Chinese holidays. People in China and Taiwan may also refer to it as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival.

Chinese months are calculated around a lunar calendar, with each month beginning on the darkest day. New Year festivities traditionally start on the first day of the month and continue until the fifteenth day, when the moon is brightest. In China, New Year preparations are similar to Christmas in America. Many people may take vacation from work or school to prepare for and celebrate the New Year.

The Chinese buy presents, decorate with red paper decorations, and cook large feast for the event. It is also the tradition that every family thoroughly cleans the house to sweep away any ill-fortune in hopes to make way for good incoming luck.

On the Eve of Chinese New Year, supper is a feast with families. Foods will include pork, duck, chicken, and sticky rice cakes. The family will end the night with fireworks.

Early the next morning, children will greet their parents by wishing them a healthy and happy new year. Parents and family members give the children money wrapped in red paper envelopes. (As a side note, Chinese families also give money wrapped in red paper to a bride and groom at a Chinese wedding and at the birth a baby)

Chinese New Year Foods

Certain foods hold symbolism to Chinese people.”Lucky” foods are served throughout the two week Chinese New Year celebration. A whole chicken symbolizes family togetherness. Long noodles represent long life. It’s actually considered bad luck to cut the noodles.

Spring Rolls and clams symbolize wealth. Spring Rolls are shaped to look like gold bars. Lettuce wraps are served to remind the people of the hope of rising fortunes. Oranges, tangerines, and pomelos are passed out freely as symbols of luck, wealth, and abundance.

These symbols of abundance,wealth, prosperity, and family unity are very important to the Chinese. One of those symbols, fish, plays a large role in the festivities. The Chinese word for fish is “yu,” and it sounds like the Chinese words for wish or abundance. So, it is not uncommon to see a whole fish being served at the end of the evening meal. A whole fish, with head and tail still attached, symbolizes a good beginning to a new year and the ending of the old.

Finally, sweet sticky rice cakes are served for dessert to symbolize a rich sweet life. The layers on the rice cake also symbolize rising abundance in the new year, and the round shape of the rice cake symbolizes family togetherness.

Chinese New Year Menu

Here’s an easy way to enjoy Chinese New Year without speading hours in the kitchen. Pick up some of the Chinese food dishes from the local grocer/deli or local Chinese restaurant and combine with a few home cooked dishes and desserts

• Roasted Chicken (buy a roasted chicken from the local grocer or deli)
• Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls, lo mein long noodles, and sweet & sour sauce can all be bought from a local Chinese restaurant.
• Lettuce wraps are easy to make.
• Steamed fish and clams can be bought from the grocery seafood department (some stores will steam these for free).
• Set a fruit bowl out loaded with tangerines, oranges, and grapefruits (similar to pomelos)
• Rice Cake or New Year’s Cake is not so easy to make. Consider picking it up at a Chinese bakery, or make a family favorite instead. Chinese desserts are not as sweet as traditional American desserts.

More Recipes and Ideas

Throughout this next week, on our Facebook page, I’ll be sharing with you all kinds of wonderful Chinese Food recipes and decorating ideas. Come join in the conversation and the fun. Also check out my Molly Pinterest Boards. I have one dedicated to Chinese Recipes!

How Will You celebrate Chinese New Year?

Will you be joining in the fun this week? Will you make a few Chinese Food recipes? Will you decorate or play games? Share with us how you will make this fun at your house. My family really enjoys Chinese Food, but at the average price of $10 a plate in a restaurant, we’ve learned to cook many of our favorite dishes at home. Have you done the same?

The weather has turned cold and football fever has begun for some of us. With a little prep time and some warm up exercises in the kitchen, everyone can enjoy good food, festive themes, and “the game” in a big way. Keep the food simple (yet) tasteful with easy recipes that can be made ahead of time, reheated easily and ready-to-eat within minutes.

Have A Ball

Remember, back in December, when I posted my sausage ball and meatball recipes? They’re not just for the holidays! Sausage balls, spicy meat balls, and olive cheese balls can liven up any party.

Make these little tasty treats ahead time by the dozens. Store in airtight containers and freeze until needed. Simply heat and serve with an array of dipping sauces : honey mustard, Ranch Dressing, marinara, BBQ sauce, and salsa. These tasty treats are sure to score big!

It’s All About The Bowl

Last week, I shared two chili recipes that would be great to serve for a crowd. It may be cold outside but it will be warm in the kitchen! Make this party a fiesta. Stir up a big pot of taco soup, or to make things more fun, have a chili cook-off.

To do this you could encourage friends to bring their favorite chili recipe to the party. Line up the slow cookers in the kitchen, have bowls and spoons ready with a toppings buffet filled with: shredded cheese, onions, salsa, corn chips, tortilla chips, and crackers. You might like to purchase an inexpensive, brightly colored soup bowl and award the winning chili cook with a “super bowl” of their own.

Traditional Super Bowl Foods and Snacks

For some, Super Bowl Sunday means a day in front of TV with chips, chicken wings, and sub sandwiches. For others, it’s a time of good fellowship with friends and family. However you spend the day, why not spice things up this year? Instead of just a bag of chips, serve layered nachos and bring those hot wings to life with some Blue Cheese Dressing. Don’t serve the same traditional cold-cut subs. This year consider steak and cheese subs, BBQ chicken, or meatball subs. Perhaps it would be fun to create big mouth burgers infused with Cheddar Cheese and bacon!

Top It All Off With Deep Fried Desserts

Have you ever tried deep fried desserts? Try some of these delectable treats: Twinkies, Snickers, cupcakes.  You might top them with powdered sugar or home-made ice cream. Use your imagination!

How Do You Tail Gate?

Game on! Tell me how you make game day special at your house or tailgate party. What foods do you serve? Do you dress in team colors?

The first part of Christmas morning is usually all about the children. You can enjoy an easy and delicious brunch after the excitement wears down, relax with family and friends, and eat hearty with this breakfast casserole.

Give these easy brunch and breakfast recipes a try for a quick but delicious holiday brunch meal.

Breakfast Casseroles

Don’t spend hours in the kitchen on Christmas day, make it easy. Set out a loaf of pumpkin bread and cream cheese, a pot of hot coffee, hot chocolate, and a few breakfast casseroles. The casseroles can be prepared the night before and placed in the oven the next morning.

Quiche Casserole

Ingredients :

• 2 1/2 cups seasoned croutons
• 1 pound pork sausage, cooked, crumbled, and drained
• 4 eggs
• 2 1/4 cups milk
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach – thawed, drained, and squeezed dry
• 1 (4.5 ounce) can mushrooms, drained and chopped
• 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese

Directions :

1. Spread croutons on bottom of greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Spread cooked sausage over croutons.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well blended. Stir in soup, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese.Pour egg mixture over sausage and croutons. Refrigerate overnight.
4. The next morning, preheat oven to 325°F.
5. Bake in preheated oven for 50 to 55 minutes or until set and lightly browned on top.

Easy French Toast

Ingredients :

• 1 large loaf French bread
• 8 eggs
• 3 cups milk
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons butter, cut into 5 pats
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• Maple syrup

Directions :

1. Grease  a 13″x9″ baking dish well.
2. Cut bread into 18 (1″) slices and arrange slices in one layer in the bottom of the dish.
3. Beat eggs, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl. When thoroughly mixed, pour over bread in the pan. Bread will float to top of liquid.
4. Cut each pat of butter into 4 pieces. Dot each piece of bread with the butter and then sprinkle with cinnamon. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
5. The next morning, place the dish uncovered in a cold oven. Bake 45 to 50 minutes at 325°F or until bread is puffy and light brown. Remove from oven and allow to set 5 minutes.
6. Serve with butter and maple syrup, berries (optional).

What will be on your table Christmas morning? We’re always looking for new and unique recipes, what special family recipe(s) have been passed down to you?

Do you celebrate a multi-cultural, international Christmas?  I’d love to hear about what’s on your table!

Merry Christmas, Molly

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Christmas break is coming! Entertain your kids with these simple holiday cookie recipes. Roll, cut, bake and decorate- that’s the name of the game!

Make snow days and Christmas break fun for everyone! Keep kids occupied with cookie making for a holiday cookie exchange with family and friends. Children can enjoy every part of the process!

Sugar Cookies

A basic sugar cookie recipe is a holiday baking essential. This one sugar cookie dough recipe can be shaped, rolled, molded, or cut into several different holiday treats. With a little creativity and a pantry full of food coloring, flavorings, baking chips, and candy pieces, the options are endless.

Basic Sugar Cookie Dough:

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for shaping the cookies
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), at room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until smooth.
3. Add the egg and beat until fluffy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.
4. With the mixer on low, gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated (the dough will be stiff). Shape into a disk and (unless otherwise specified in an individual recipe) refrigerate, wrapped, for at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.
5. Make cookies. Use whatever method desired: cut-outs, rolled, dropped, bar, etc. Bake at 350° F for 12-15 minutes per pan of cookies.
6. Store cookies in an airtight contain for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Ginger Bread

I love gingerbread. There’s so much you can do with it depending on the recipe. Make gingerbread men, cakes, breads, cream-filled sandwich cookies, breakfast muffins, gingerbread houses, etc. Be creative!

** If you don’t have much time and don’t want to make your own cookie dough mix, not only can you buy refrigerated sugar cookie dough in your local market, but now they have gingerbread too. See if you can find a coupon and check for it the next time you go shopping!**

Ingredients:

• 1 (6 ounce) packages butterscotch pudding mix
• 3/4 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1 egg
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

Christmas Baking With The Kids

Holiday cooking and baking does take a little advanced planning and Christmas baking with the kids can have its own set of challenges. Plan recipes that are simple, easy and can be enjoyed quickly. Look for kid-friendly holiday cookie recipes with basic ingredients and directions. Let children help in every possible way. Give each child a job and when it comes time to decorate, give each child a plate of cookies to make their own.

Food Allergies and Sugar-Free Options

When baking especially during the holidays, it is good to be aware of any food allergies or dietary restrictions children might have. Nut allergies are fairly common so choosing a cookie recipe with allergy-friendly ingredients is a must. Do a little research when it comes to sugar-free recipes. You want a tasty turnout and one that is not too expensive to make. Gluten- free also falls into this category. A little research before baking day can go a long way!

Kids in the Kitchen

Allowing children to help make Christmas cookies, holiday gifts and treats is a great way to keep them occupied and happy during the winter break. It can take a little more planning but it’s a great way to build lasting holiday memories year after year.

It’s your turn! What is your favorite cookie recipe and how do you get the kids involved?

Well, it’s December. The Holiday Season is in full swing now. That means I better be prepared for a few parties.

Time to roll: sausage balls, cheese balls and meatballs. The whole family can get involved, it’s become a fun part of our annual traditions.

Sausage Cheese Balls

These quick and nutritious protein packed snacks are easy and relatively cheap to make. They bake quickly and can be frozen for up to three months.

The most recognized recipe is the Bisquick  sausage cheese ball recipe, but there are many other varieties. For those that would rather stay away from pork, consider using ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken cooked with sage, onion, and garlic.

If desired, use a variety of cheeses. The traditional recipe calls for cheddar. However a mixture of Colby, Monterey Jack, and Mozzarella can be used too. Most recipes call for a balance between the meat and the cheese. Some families prefer 1 part meat to 2 or 3 parts cheese. It’s all a matter of personal preference.

For a fun twist to a plateful of sausage balls, provide a variety of dipping sauces: honey mustard, spicy mustard, BBQ sauce, cocktail sauce, Ranch Dressing, ketchup, and marinara Sauce.

Meatballs

If the meat can be ground up, it can be made into a meatball. Over the years, chefs and cooks alike have come up with several variations on the basic ground meatball. The Italians like to add pork, Italian sausage, and veal to their meatball mixture. Swedish Meatballs have been a main dish on family tables for generations. Those that like to spice it up have added jalapeno peppers into the mix.

Basically though, meatballs are easy and cheap to make. Don’t buy the pre-made frozen ones at the grocery store unless there is just no time to cook. Find a meatball recipe that works for the family. Make several batches,bake and then freeze family size portions in freezer bags until ready to use. Meatballs can be enjoyed as snacks or appetizers. They make great sandwiches and of course they always go well with pasta.

Basic Meatball Recipe:

• 1 lb ground beef, pork, turkey, chicken, sausage, or a blend of desired ground meats
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• salt, pepper, and season to taste depending on the flavor desired

Directions:

1. Mix ground beef with beaten egg, bread crumbs, and seasoning. Mix well
2. Add onion and ketchup until well blended.
3. Shape into 1″ balls and place on a large sheet pan. Cover the pan with foil or cooking spray for easy clean up later.
4. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes. Let rest and cool completely before serving or bagging for the freezer.

For a gourmet twist on traditional meatballs, roll meatball mixture around a small piece of Blue Cheese or a cheese cube of Colby, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella. It’s like a wonderful explosion of flavors in your mouth!

Olive Cheese Balls

This is a tangy, cheesy, party appetizer straight out of the Betty Crocker archives. For generations, mothers, grandmothers, and aunts have made this their traditional holiday snack. It’s definitely not low in calories, but it’s oh-so-good!

It’s an easy recipe of butter, cheese, and flour shaped and formed into a dough. That dough can be rolled into balls or sticks. Shape it into anything desired. Don’t like olives? Try mushrooms in the center or a cheese cube or even a mini meatball. Again, be creative.

More Holiday Appetizer Ideas

This is the time of year when finger foods are really fun. Appetizers don’t have to be extravagant and expensive. Flavor a block of cream cheese with chives. Shape it into a ball and roll that ball in chopped pecans, slivered almonds, or walnuts. Use it as a centerpiece for a plateful of various crackers, breads, and chips.

That same cream cheese can be spooned onto wonton wrappers and baked or fried quickly for a light snack. Other traditional appetizer recipes include: pigs in a blanket and cocktail sausages served with flavorful dips and sauces.

Each year, there’s always something new to try. What are your holiday party favorites? What new and fun party favorites have you found? Go ahead, share your recipe. Let’s keep this party hopping!