Blog
Finding Joy in Movement
Over the past several weeks, our Spend Smart. Eat Smart. team has been sharing some of our favorite ways to stay physically active. One of my goals as a parent is to help my kids develop a love for movement- something that feels fun, not forced. As Justine shared in last week’s family blog, finding activities that get your body moving and bring you joy is key to staying motivated.
We All Scream for Ice Cream!
Have you ever played a game where you can only choose one food to eat for the rest of your life? If you asked my oldest daughter what that favorite food would be, I could guarantee that her answer would be ice cream! Each week when I put together a grocery list, ice cream is one of the first (and only!) items my daughter will add.
A Peek into Katy’s Freezer
As Jody mentioned last week, in her blog on frozen food, it can be a great option to stretch food dollars and plan meals. Having items on hand in the freezer allows me to have a variety of options to feed my family. Frozen foods give me the flexibility to change my meal plan as needed, without worrying about food waste.
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!
