50 Fun Rhubarb Recipes for Summer

rhubarb tarts

Growing up in Maine, rhubarb recipes were all the rage for summer. Stewing, baking and even freezing rhubarb for later use were common activities in many kitchens throughout our neighborhood. From Persian stew and bread pudding to rhubarb daiquiris and poultry stuffing, this giant list of ideas for enjoying rhubarb recipes represents my favorite finds… [Continue Reading]

How to Inexpensively Redecorate a Child’s Room

Child room

If you are getting ready to, or are in the process of decorating your kid’s room, then you need to read this article. Specifically we’ll discuss inexpensive options and ideas that will delight your kids, and be friendly to your wallet! The Bed If you are setting your children up to share a room, the… [Continue Reading]

10 Perfect Picnic Ideas

picnic ideas

It may be an idea you like to enjoy as often as possible during the summer months, but if you don’t make any effort to mix up the menu from time to time, having a picnic can start to feel like an idea whose time is long past. That’s when developing a list of fun… [Continue Reading]

The Big List of Tater Tot Casserole Ideas

Tater Tot Casserole

Most of us have grown up loving these little bits of golden toasty potato goodness that pair with burgers, fish sticks and whatever veggie side dish Mom decides to put on the plate. Yes, I’m talking about Tater Tots. They disappear quickly when served as party snacks and make a fun addition to a work… [Continue Reading]

Product Review: Spring Teas from Kusmi

Bouquet of Flowers Kusmi Tea

While I’ve always been a flavored tea fan, we’ve been drinking more and more of it at our house, and saving the French-pressed coffees for the weekend. I know. I never thought it would happen either. We still love our coffee mind you, it’s just that for health reasons we’re trying to lean more towards… [Continue Reading]

Breakfast Casseroles

Breakfast Casserole

For sleepy Saturdays, special events and group get togethers, breakfast casseroles provide a reliable go-to option your guests are sure to enjoy. Here are a handful of flavorful options to add to your repertoire. Hearty hash brown breakfast casseroles are a popular choice. Prepared hash browns bring heft and staying power to breakfast casseroles. This… [Continue Reading]

6 Easy-to-Grow Herbs That Will Have You Saving in Style

Rosemary

When it comes to pinching pennies, if you can do it yourself, you should. We all know this. However, time is frequently a pretty big factor in whether or not the DIY approach is really an option. Herbs are one of those places that many folks feel it’s easier just to buy at the grocery…. [Continue Reading]

Giant List of Ideas for Gifts in a Jar (More Than 26 Unique Ways to Show You Care!)

Gifts in a Jar

In addition to creative lamps and simple blender drinks, one of the most popular uses for canning jars is to use them to house homemade gifts. Gifts in a jar are affordable, thoughtful and a great activity for the kiddos to be involved in. In short, they are incredibly useful when trying to be generous… [Continue Reading]

Cookbook Review: Cookielicious

Cookielicious

For cookie enthusiasts everywhere looking for a diverse recipe resource, comes the title Cookielicious. A collection of favored cookie recipes assembled by St. Petersburg Times food editor Janet K. Keeler, this book offers a wide range of confections suitable for nearly every occasion. The recipe list includes everything from gingerbread bars and chocolate biscotti to… [Continue Reading]

How to Enjoy Savory Pancakes for Dinner

Korean Pancakes

When you’re out of time and need something quick and kid-friendly to put on the table, enjoying savory pancakes for dinner is a great way to go. Here are some of my favorite ways to put pancakes on the table with a suppertime spin. Consider Korean These kimchee pancakes from the New York Times make… [Continue Reading]

Moon Cookies

Cashew Moon Cookies

Being married to a space and science news enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for recipes with an astronomy theme. So I was particularly excited when I came across this recipe for moon cookies in a baking cookbook called Cookielicious. The inclusion of split cashews represents the quarter-moon shape nicely and adds a bit of… [Continue Reading]

Book Review: Gluten-Free Vegan Comfort Food

gluten-free-makeovers

It’s not easy removing beloved food items from one’s menu. I had both wheat and dairy intolerances as an infant, and while I did outgrow both, I have adjusted my diet to accommodate, at least in part, the wheat intolerance part of those childhood allergies. Allergies do return as one grows older, so it seemed… [Continue Reading]

25 Plus Uses for Lavender

lavender

Whether you have recently visited a lavender farm for the first time, or seen a friend get crafty with homemade lavender oil, chances are you’re here because you’re interested in exploring the many and varied uses for lavender. And the uses are varied indeed. From linen spray to doggie deodorant and bath salts to biscotti,… [Continue Reading]

Book Review: Gluten-Free on a Shoestring

Gluten-Free-on-a-Shoestring

There is more than one reason why Gluten-Free on a Shoestring by Nicole Hunn is a really good resource for those of us with wheat sensitivies, allergies, or restrictions. First, Nicole offers some sound tips for frugal living in general, specifically with regard to groceries and more specifically with regard to gluten-free items.  She lists… [Continue Reading]

Bling on a Budget: Get Great Jewelry for Less with These Savvy Shopping Tips

Swarovski bangle

Jewelry accessories can make or break an outfit, and provide pizzazz to your overall look. Here are several savvy shopping tips for scoring bling on a budget. Get serious about sterling silver jewelry. If solid gold isn’t in your budget, but you’d still prefer a precious metal, investing in high-quality sterling silver jewelry is a… [Continue Reading]