It’s super frustrating to be in the middle of preparing a recipe and realize that you’re missing some common ingredient needed to complete the dish. This happens to me on occasion and it’s probably happened to you, too. Christine, one of my readers, recently asked if I had ever created a pantry checklist—a tool that could reduce how often … [Read more...] about Printable Kitchen Staples Checklist
Keeping the Home
Ranch Chicken and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
I love the convenience of one-pot dinners, so I was immediately curious when I began seeing sheet pan dinners all over Pinterest. A sheet pan dinner is exactly what its name implies: An entire dinner cooked in the oven on one sheet pan. Preparation and cleanup are easy, plus roasting is a healthy and delicious way to prepare foods. I … [Read more...] about Ranch Chicken and Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner
Beef Tomato Rice Skillet
I came across this recipe while searching for frugal dinner ideas. In addition to being frugal, this no-frills dish is easy to prepare and uses common ingredients, making it perfect for nights when you’re short on time or need to make a trip to the grocery store. Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe for Porcupines Skillet.) 1 pound … [Read more...] about Beef Tomato Rice Skillet
French Bread Pizzas: A Great Meal for a Crowd
When my house is brimming with hungry guests, I try to prepare a well-liked dish that is easy to prepare and affordable. French bread pizzas fit the bill and they also happen to be fun! To make French bread pizzas, you need some bread. French bread is the normal bread used to make them (as their name indicates), but in a pinch you can … [Read more...] about French Bread Pizzas: A Great Meal for a Crowd
Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Because it is often more affordable to purchase food items in bulk, I’ll frequently plan a couple of meals that use the same ingredients so I can take advantage of this cost savings. I’ve done this in the last couple of weeks by making a Tuscan Tortellini Skillet and this Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Pasta. They are both delicious dishes … [Read more...] about Cheesy Sausage and Pepper Pasta
Tuscan Tortellini Skillet
As I’m thinking through the best way to plan meals for my family, I’m continuing to try new recipes. One of the best we’ve tried recently is this Tuscan Tortellini Skillet. It’s rich in vegetables and in flavor! Ingredients (Adapted from this recipe.) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 medium onion, … [Read more...] about Tuscan Tortellini Skillet
7 Different Ways to Plan Meals
You don’t have to spend too much time with me (or reading this blog) to realize that I love making lists and planning. Naturally, this extends to meal planning. In recent weeks, I’ve been questioning if my menu planning approach is still the best for my family. Is there a more efficient way? Is there a way I can focus more on keeping … [Read more...] about 7 Different Ways to Plan Meals
7 Reasons to Choose Raised Beds for Your Garden
There are numerous approaches you can use when growing fruits and vegetables. We use raised garden beds in our yard, and we’ve found this to be a wonderful approach. There is not necessarily one best way to garden; what’s best will depend on your specific situation. However, if you are thinking about starting a garden in your yard, then … [Read more...] about 7 Reasons to Choose Raised Beds for Your Garden













