Seven years ago I published a Month-by-Month Buying Guide that detailed when stores typically have particular items available on sale or at their lowest prices of the year. Sometimes items are at low prices because of tradition (for example, January “white sales”) and other times they are at low prices for practical reasons (for example, … [Read more...] about When to Find the Best Prices on a Variety of Items
Hot Cocoa Ice Cream
It may be chilly outside, but we’re not going to stop trying new flavors of homemade ice cream. This variety seems particularly appropriate given it takes the classic flavor of hot cocoa—a treat that is perfect for cold days—and turns it into a frozen treat. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 2 ½ cups heavy cream 1 can (14 oz.) … [Read more...] about Hot Cocoa Ice Cream
An Open Thank-You Letter to Grocery Store Employees
There are so many individuals to whom I owe a debt of gratitude because of their sacrifice and hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic. I could go on and on thanking essential workers including healthcare workers, truck drivers, first responders, farmers, sanitation workers, and public health professionals, but today I am going to focus on … [Read more...] about An Open Thank-You Letter to Grocery Store Employees
9 Safe Ways to Celebrate Christmas During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic is casting a somber shadow over Christmas celebrations this year. Our excitement and enthusiasm during “the most wonderful time of the year” are tempered by unease. Though we are experiencing so-called pandemic fatigue (we’re tired of wearing masks, social distancing, cleaning high-touch surfaces, being unable to travel, … [Read more...] about 9 Safe Ways to Celebrate Christmas During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Printable List of Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
Each year around Christmas, many of you stop by and check out a post I wrote several years ago about alternative gift exchanges. This post has inspired many of you to try out some non-traditional approaches to giving gifts! This year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us will be having non-traditional Christmas celebrations. Because of … [Read more...] about Printable List of Alternative Gift Exchange Ideas
December 2020 Dinner Menu
We’ve made it to December! This year has been full of surprises and I know many of us are hopeful that 2021 will look different from what we’ve been through over these last 12 months. We’ll soon find out, but first we must tackle December. At the start of each month, I take a little time to sit down and plan out our dinners for the … [Read more...] about December 2020 Dinner Menu
DIY Tree Skirt with Kids’ Handprints
My husband and I didn’t have a tree skirt for our Christmas tree for the first several years we were married. It wasn’t until our firstborn child was 2 years of age and our middle child was about 6 months of age that I decided what I wanted in a tree skirt. I decided to make a simple tree skirt out of felt on which we could chronicle … [Read more...] about DIY Tree Skirt with Kids’ Handprints
Vanilla Buttermilk Spice Waffles
There are two breakfast foods that my kids absolutely love: muffins and waffles. About a year ago I made some Vanilla Buttermilk Spice Muffins that had a delightful taste. At the time, I thought that they would be a perfect treat to make during the fall months because they have the yummy flavors of cinnamon and nutmeg. When I thought … [Read more...] about Vanilla Buttermilk Spice Waffles
