Blog
Reading Your Way to a Healthy Heart
With February focusing on heart health, it’s a great time to take a closer look at the foods we enjoy and how they support our personal health goals. As Justine shared last week, the choices we make each day play an important role in caring for our bodies and hearts.
Comfort in a Bowl: Thai Chicken Curry for Cold Winter Nights
When winter hits and temperatures drop, I crave dishes that bring warmth and comfort. For me, that means hot soups and stews in a bowl to wrap my hands around. But by January, my family is ready for something different. Thai Chicken Curry is a great alternative to soup at my house. I still get that warm, comforting meal in a bowl, yet it is different enough from traditional soup to keep everyone in my family happy.
The Sleepy Side of Nutrition
When you think about nutrition, what comes to mind? Maybe it’s maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, or lowering your risk of illness and disease. But have you ever considered how your food choices might affect your sleep?
Bread Recipes for Busy Seasons!
Homemade breads and sourdough recipes are making a big comeback. If you are like me, you’ve probably watched countless videos or read blogs from people sharing how easy it is to make bread from scratch.
Saving Time and Money with my Slow Cooker
The start of a new school year means a busier schedule for my family. As much as I love to cook, some school nights I simply don’t have the time or the energy. Slow cooker recipes and one-pot dishes are on my meal plan at least 2-3 times a week. Any recipe that requires minimal cooking and minimal clean-up is a win!
Refreshing Summer Salsa
Now that school is out for the summer, my kids are constantly reaching for snacks during the day. My grocery list has grown quite long over the past several weeks! To stay on top of my grocery budget, I have been trying to buy less pre-packaged snack foods and opt for items that have more fiber and nutrients to keep my kids full while waiting for our next meal.
Boost Your Produce Confidence
Have you ever skipped a recipe or passed on fresh fruits and vegetables because you weren’t sure how to choose or prepare them? You’re not alone! Fresh produce can feel intimidating if you’re unfamiliar with how to prepare it. When I first met my husband, I noticed he often had pre-cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge. While convenient, those pre-packaged items were expensive. I soon learned he was buying them simply because he didn’t know how to prep some of his favorite produce himself. With a little bit of guidance and practice, he was able to prep those produce items in his kitchen, saving quite a bit of money in his food budget. If you’re looking to try new fruits and vegetables while reducing food waste, check out the Food Preparation videos on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. There are several produce videos, and the ones we have found most helpful in our house are how to prepare a melon (my husband’s favorite!) and how to prepare asparagus.
Spring into Action in Your Kitchen
With (slightly) warmer temperatures and longer days, I view spring as a season for new opportunities and renewal. Trees are beginning to bud, birds are building their nests, and flowers are starting to bloom. All the newness that comes with spring brightens my mood and brings a new level of motivation- motivation I desperately need when it comes to deep cleaning my home!
Stuffed Peppers: A Delicious Twist on Pasta Night!
Pasta is a fan favorite at our house. I love the flexibility of pasta and how I can use a variety of sauces, cheeses, noodles, and even protein. Thankfully our daughters enjoy pasta, so some form of a pasta dish ends up on our meal plan at least 1-2 times a week. To switch it up, I love using the Stuffed Peppers recipe on Spend Smart. Eat Smart. This recipe provides the same flavors as our favorite pasta dishes, but with a fun twist!
Simplifying Meal Planning with Young Kids
Do you find yourself debating a drive-thru run after work and activities on busy evenings? If you answered yes, you are not alone! As a mom of two young kids, I feel like I spend quite a bit of time during the week as the family’s taxi driver. Occasionally we pull into a quick restaurant for a convenient meal after activities, but I have really tried to prioritize meal planning at home. Cooking at home is more cost effective for my family and ensures that my kids are eating well balanced meals.
Extra Sweet Memories
I have fond memories of the holidays as a child and now that I have two young daughters of my own, creating that same Christmas magic has been such a joy! Our oldest daughter is six and she’s starting to remember a lot of our holiday traditions. She remembers specific decorations that need to be unboxed, fun holiday events we do every year, and she even remembers special foods that we prepare that aren’t typically on our family’s menu. Read below to hear about a few of her favorites!
Embracing Fall Flavors! The Underrated Delight of Brussels Sprouts
I love fall produce! There is something so comforting about roasting root vegetables and baking apples as the weather begins to shift. Starting in November, I find myself adding Brussels sprouts to my grocery list at least every other week, sometimes weekly, depending on my meal plan! Brussels sprouts are high in Vitamins A and C which are known to help your immune system. With two young kids at home, I am always looking for foods that will help me build my immune system to fight off those fall and winter viruses!
