Today we’re filming live from my kitchen with FOX21 News Live and Local Morning Reporter, Julie Fox! We’re keeping costs down, stress at a low level, and fun as we dish up some basic, yet delicious Thanksgiving dishes that anyone can make. Hosting a holiday meal, or any meal involving guests can be stressful for […]
Pine Cones…Cheap and Easy Ways to Use Them….Pets, Decor & Place Settings
A lot of these ideas are things you’d probably do more in the fall/winter but this will give you time to gather pine cones, scent them, and you can have some ideas in the back of your mind of things to look for if you garage sale or thrift store shop.
Today on FOX21…Fun & Affordable St. Patrick’s Day Food, Drinks, & Crafts
Joining me in the kitchen today is my favorite morning news reporter, FOX21 Lauren McDonald. We’re whipping up everything you need for a fun St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Drinks, food, table decor and more. All on a budget, simple, and delicious. And if you’re looking for last-minute green anything, from clothes to dishes, check out […]
Last Minute Game Day Food & Decoration Ideas….On The Cheap
Having friends and family over for Super Bowl Sunday can be fun but expensive. If you’ve got guests coming and still need to pick up items, here’s a few easy ways to save money….. 1. Make Your Own Party Trays – Party trays are convenient to pick up but can cost up to twice […]
Easy & Cheap Thanksgiving/Fall Table Settings
Have company coming over for dinner during the holidays but you don’t have enough dishes? Or perhaps they are chipped or cracked? You don’t have to spend a lot of money to set a pretty table.
Host A Summer Barbecue For Less
Sometimes hosting a get-together or backyard barbecue can be expensive, with the cost of paper products and supplies adding up to more than the actual food sometimes. Here’s some helpful items that save you tons of money and work great from the Dollar Store.
Watermelon…Juicy, Cheap & Healthy (And A Few New Ways To Serve It)
Watermelon is a healthy, juicy and at this time of year, inexpensive summer treat. Here’s some awesome ideas on how to enjoy one!
Cheap and Fun Patriotic Table Setting Ideas
There are so many different ways you can decorate and you can do so by spending a little or a lot of money. Today’s post is going to feature decorating a table on the cheap, yet fun, end of the spectrum, with 99% of everything having come from the Dollar Tree.
Memorial Day Table Decor Ideas…..(Casual but “Grown Up”)
This is our last post on table setting ideas for Memorial Day (at least for this year!) This table decor uses real dishes, wine glasses, silverware and linens. Nothing disposable in this one!
Throw An Inexpensive But Fabulous Baby Shower!
Hopefully this will give you some ideas for a party or shower you might be hosting in the future. Using what you already have in a different way (like the football dish), and picking up paper products and little decorations from a dollar store can really help you save money.
Dollar Stores….Consumer Reports
I’ve read a lot of articles that talk about how junky and poorly made items are that you can pick up at dollar stores and while I agree that you have to double-check expiration dates (like I do even at the grocery store) and that toys can easily break (just like at any other store), for the most part, I enjoy shopping there and find great buys.
Discover (Or Rediscover) Colorado Springs
Hope you get the book, have some fun exploring and get out of the house….take time to enjoy life, even if you’re on a budget!
Be A Fabulous Hostess….without spending a lot of money or time
Having guests over, whether it’s for an intimate dinner for 4, or a cocktail party for 50, it doesn’t have to be stressful, expensive or intimidating: anyone can do it with a few simple guidelines.
Host A Hot Dog/Ice Cream Bar….Easy & Inexpensive..And A Hungry Bear!
I recently read an article about Nora Ephron (she wrote, among many screenplays, When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia). A lot of the quotes I read from her friends talked about the fun parties she threw. And one particular party was mentioned most…when she threw a cookout and served hot dogs with lots of different toppings. And then had to throw my own hot dog party.
Salmon En Croute
This is my all time favorite “go to” recipe for when we have company over or I want to cook a special meal for my husband. I have been using this recipe for the last nine years but don’t know where I got it from because it’s copied on a piece of notebook paper. It’s elegant looking, super easy to make, fairly inexpensive (depending on salmon prices) and delicious!
Set A Patriotic Buffet Snack Table……And Make Dessert for Around $3.00
So now when we have a big group over, I make cupcakes….easy, inexpensive and fairly quick. And anyone can make them….whether you mix your own batter or buy it in a box. You can whip up your own frosting for next to nothing or buy it in a can.
Set A Festive Table….Inexpensive & Easy Napkin Ring Ideas
I think napkin rings just add an extra touch to any holiday (or everyday) table. It’s been a long time since I’ve bought any new ones though because they can be expensive. Now I either buy them at garage sales, thrift stores or make my own. Here’s some quick, easy and very inexpensive ideas…from spooky to festive…..and most of these can also be sent home with your guests or used in other ways around the house. Love double-duty items!
Two Easy Yet Elegant Appetizers…And Fairly Inexpensive
The first appetizer I decided on is something I make every summer. It’s super quick, easy to prepare and can be presented in many different ways. For my second appetizer I wanted to do something a little fancier, using shrimp (that was on sale).
Four Delicious (And Inexpensive) Appetizer Dips/Spreads
These apps are perfect for a Memorial Day weekend cookout (or anytime you have people over)!
Pork Chops With Pineapple-Mango Salsa, Spicy Grilled Corn and Salt-Crusted Baked Potatoes-($10 or Less Meal)
This is a super easy dinner…quick enough for a hectic week-night, or for when you have guests over for a laid-back barbecue. I cook the potatoes (in the microwave) and boil the corn on the cob, then finish them off on the grill for some extra flavor. Make your salsa and corn sauce before you cook the chops, have your potatoes and corn cooked and ready to add to the grill and everything will be finished at the same time. Then entire meal came in at around $7.00 (the chops, mango, potatoes, corn and cilantro were on sale).