This recipe is so super simple and easy anyone can make it regardless of your cooking skills. I make a Tyler Florence 4-ingredient cranberry relish every year and use a bit of that to top simple cream cheese which can be served on crostini or any crackers of your choice. I even tried it on […]
CLASSIC CHEESE BALL WITH SPICED NUTS
Cheese balls are much easier to make than you might think. I’ve made them over the years with various coatings such as different nuts, fresh herbs and spices, crushed nacho cheese flavored Doritos, black sesame seeds, etc. This version uses hazelnuts because they were on sale but feel free to sub another nut. When I […]
CREAMY PUMPKIN HUMMUS
From start to finish this creamy, savory with just a hint of sweetness pumpkin hummus takes less than 15 minutes to make. For 3 cups this recipe cost me $4.25 to make, with all my ingredients coming from Walmart. And even better? It is delicious! This pairs well with pita chips, pears and apples. CREAMY […]
TOMATO CONFIT CROSTINI
Tomato confit can be made in so many ways. It’s basically tomatoes, garlic, and herbs roasted at a low temperature for a couple of hours, in olive oil. I’ve made it with different tomatoes, more garlic, with a bit of sugar or red pepper flakes, and different herbs and each dish comes out rich and […]
CUCUMBER & DILL SALAD
This quick and easy cucumber salad is creamy, with a little bit of tang, and is super refreshing. I serve this as an appetizer or side salad and there are never any leftovers. CUCUMBER & DILL SALAD Prep Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 […]
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE
TWICE-BAKED POTATO CASSEROLE Prep Time: 75 minutes Bake Time: 30 minutes Makes 12 Servings for approx. $8.50 INGREDIENTS: 8 medium baking potatoes 1 stick butter at room temperature 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup heavy cream (you can sub milk) 2 teaspoons Kosher salt 2 teaspoons fresh ground black […]
KEEPING THANKSGIVING AFFORDABLE, STRESS-FREE & FUN
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 […]
Irish Coffee & Irish Mint Mojito – Perfect for St. Paddy’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to mix up one of these fabulous drinks. Of course you can enjoy them any time! I use Carolans Irish Cream and Jameson Irish Whiskey because they are safe for someone with celiac disease (gluten intolerance,) but feel free to use your favorite brands. Have fun this St. […]
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.
November Table Setting Ideas….
I hope these examples spark some ideas on how you can create a holiday feel to your dinner table…no matter what your budget is. Heck, even if you’re using paper products, you can give your table a festive feel.
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.
Dollar Store Halloween Deals & One Fun Project
We also have a big Halloween party so we of course are entertaining…(HAVE to have people over to make all the decorating worthwhile.) Decorations can be expensive so I always head to the dollar store first.
Make Your Own Flavored Water (Or Tea)…Refreshing, Easy & Affordable
Drinking enough water, especially when the temperatures start to rise, is so important. In fact, keeping hydrated can have a huge impact on your overall health. Water… Increases energy and relieves fatigue. Promotes weight loss. Flushes out toxins. Improves skin complexion. Maintains regularity. Boosts immune system. Natural headache remedy. Prevents cramps and sprains. According to […]
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.
Summer Table Setting Ideas…Lots of Color, Little Mon
I love entertaining and part of that enjoyment comes from setting a table that fits the mood I want to create. And now that the sun is shining and we’re outdoors again, I thought it would be fun to toss out some ideas of how you can create a colorful table without spending a lot […]
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.
Mother’s Day Gifts…Inexpensive but Fabulous Ideas
In this article I’m going to focus on one of my favorite ways to make gifts that are unique, personal and shows thought but doesn’t take countless hours to find of make, can fit any budget and that will be appreciated AND again, used…..personalized gift baskets.



















