It is the last day of January, but hopefully you still have momentum going on your resolutions and goals for this year. Personally, it took me about 3 weeks to get my goals from my head to paper. In fact, I’ve added a few more!

The first Eat Well, Spend Less topic for 2012 was Food Resolutions:

Mandi from Life… Your Way hits the nail on the head with the key to making a successful diet change. I am also working on limiting sugar in our family {and let me tell you, it is not easy!}, and these tips are going to be so helpful!

Shaina at Food for my Family shows you how to save money by having an organized kitchen.

Katie of Kitchen Stewardship has the right idea: reuse chicken bones for multiple batches of chicken broth. I need to do this next time I make broth, as I thought once was all you got Do you have turkey instead of chicken? Try Alyssa’s Turkey Broth recipe!

Carrie from Denver Bargains lists six tips to save money by wasting less in the kitchen. I, too, have learned some of these the hard way!

Jessica at Life as MOM is saving money by teaching her kiddos kitchen skills. {Oh, how I should be doing this better!}

Aimee of Simple Bites has several smart snacking suggestions. Her Baked Brown Rice Pilaf sounds soooo good!

Katie from Good Life Eats shares three tips for baking with whole grain flours, plus a tasty Pumpkin Cranberry Bread recipe.

Tammy of Tammy’s Recipes shows you how to work your food budget to eat well and save money at the same time!

And my contribution lists several tips on how to save money on healthier foods.

Be sure to visit each of these sites to see how you can improve upon your food and kitchen resolutions for this year. I know I need to revamp mine a bit now

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Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away, and even though my girls are homeschooled, we still love us some Valentine’s crafts and cards! Unfortunately for my craft-loving girls, this mom is a bit on the un-crafty side; I really have to work to make my crafts look, well, crafty.

So, whether you homeschool and get together with your co-op, or are celebrating Valentine’s Day in a classroom, these cards, crafts, and treats are sure to make a splash at any Valentine’s party.

Start the big day off with a yummy and holiday-appropriate breakfast.

“Valentine” Eggs in a Nest would make a cute and tasty breakfast for Valentine’s Day.

Who wouldn’t want to wake up to this treat on Valentine’s Day? And a bonus is these pancakes are “dyed” with strawberry jam and cocoa powder!

Create some super-cool and kid-friendly Valentine’s Day crafts.

Create a footprint card for an adorable and frugal keepsake that any Mom, Dad, or Grandparent will love!

My girls would love sporting this cute foam Valentine’s hat.

Any craft with a toilet paper roll is a hit with the girls and me: tp rolls mean we get to recycle AND the craft is going to be easy. And easy crafts are right up my alley!

Create sweet sentiments on cut-out hand prints for everyone in your family!

If your kiddos love painting as much as mine do, this will be a fun craft! Create a heart-shaped hand print and frame it for a special memento to give to grandparents.

I love, love, LOVE these adorable, easy Valentine’s Cards!

This is a great alternative to giving candy for Valentine’s day… just slip a pencil through this adorable little owl card and voilà! you have a super easy and super cute Valentine treat.

This is a fun and quick way to show some Valentine’s love!

Another sweet card idea is to glue little googly eyes onto a Tootsie Pop and slide it through this butterfly card.

For more Valentine’s Day crafts, cards, and activities, visit Life… Your Way.

What are your favorite Valentine’s Day crafts?

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When I started on my living healthier journey, food was a big part of what I wanted to change. It was a bit discouraging at first, as it seems eating healthier means you spend a lot more money! I didn’t give up, though, and as I continued, I realized that while eating better did cost more, you can still save money when it comes to eating healthier.

Decide what your priorities are.

Are you looking to simply reduce your eating out expenses and cook at home more? Or, are you wanting to spend your money on organic produce? Wherever you are on the spectrum, figure out what is most important to you. If you are trying to go gluten-free, then that needs to be the first thing budgeted for on your grocery list.

For our family, we choose to spend the bulk of our money on grassfed meats, real butter, farm eggs, and raw milk. Right now, with our budget (and the fact that we live in an area where organic produce is rare), we rely on the dirty dozen to purchase our fruits and veggies. Our family is also reducing the amount of gluten we eat, so gluten-free products are also make our shortlist.

Use coupons.

Yes, you can save money on natural and organic products. In fact, we have a brand-new weekly feature rounding up the best in Natural and Organic Printable Coupons. I also try to post the best daily deals that feature organic, natural, and gluten-free products.

{photo credit}

Eat at home.

I know not everyone is a gourmet chef; I’m not either. But I have found that cooking my own meals, rather than eating out, has saved our family a ton of money. And if this idea sounds completely foreign to you, that’s okay! Try cooking one or two meals a week and go from there. It won’t be long, you will be a natural… or at least it won’t be so scary! And, if you need a few ideas for easy meals, here are five frugal meals that are tasty, and won’t put a dent in your budget.

Buy fruits and veggies when they are in season.

Not only do they taste MUCH better when they are in season, but they are MUCH less expensive! It costs extra money to ship produce in when it is out of season. Buy buying local, in-season fruit and vegetables, you are getting the most bang for your buck… and the best taste for your palate.

Consider growing a garden.

I have failed miserably at this the last few years, but I am determined to eventually have a great garden. Ha! Even if you only have a few pots on your back porch, think about planting a few seeds. There is nothing better than a fresh-picked tomato, or spinach right from your own backyard.

{photo credit}

Buy in bulk.

The options for buying organic and natural products are increasing. You can now order produce in bulk from Azure Standard and Amazon. Costco carries many organic options, and our family purchases hormone-free chicken from Zaycon. While buying in bulk is a great way to save money overall, it can cost a lot of money upfront, so be sure to carefully work it into your budget.

Save in other areas.

Each week, we show you how to work the drugstores with our $5.00 Challenges. And while $5.00 may not get you all of your health and beauty items, these challenges show you how to get the most for your money.

What are your tips for saving money on healthier foods?

This month, the Eat Well, Spend Less ladies are talking about Food Resolutions. Read more great tips, ideas, and recipes here:

• Aimee at Simple Bites
• Carrie at Denver Bargains
• Jessica at Life as MOM
• Katie at Good Life Eats
• Katie at Kitchen Stewardship
• Mandi at Life Your Way
• Shaina at Food for My Family
• Tammy at Tammy’s Recipes

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If you still have your free $10 credit from Vitacost, you can snag the 54 oz. jar of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for only $15.08, shipped. Plus, if you shop through Ebates, you can get 8% cash back on your purchase!

Here is how you can get this deal:

• Refer a friend to Vitacost and get a free $10 credit.

• Sign up for a free account with Ebates, or login. On Ebates, search for “Vitacost,” and click the orange “Shop Now” button to shop through Ebates and receive 8% cash back.

• On the Vitacost website, search for “coconut oil.”

• Add the 54 oz. jar of Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil for $20.09 to your cart.

• At checkout, apply your $10 credit. Shipping is $4.99, making your total cost $15.08 ($0.28 per ounce).

• Within 30 days, your Ebates account will be credited with 8% cash back.

I love coconut oil for cooking, baking, making homemade deodorant, and more!

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Source: SimpleBites.net

The December edition of our Eat Well, Spend Less series is focusing on the Holidays.

:: Carrie at Denver Bargains has brainstormed some ideas for buying Christmas food supplies at a discount when grocery sales are lackluster.

:: Jessica at Life As MOM has listed some easy appetizers that are just the ticket for tempting tummies on a budget.

:: Nothing beats soup or chili on a cold winter day. Tammy of Tammy’s Recipes has several frugal cold weather comfort foods to fill you up this winter!

:: Katie at Kitchen Stewardship shares frugal, real food ideas when sharing food or hosting a party.

:: A hearty breakfast has always been a Christmas tradition at our house, and Mandi of Life… Your Way has compiled 9 easy make-ahead breakfasts that are perfect for Christmas morning!

:: Aimée of Simple Bites has rounded up some recipes for traditional and popular holiday foods.

:: Shaina at Food For My Family shares how this weekend is a good time to get into the store and stock up on kitchen essentials for the coming week so you can enjoy the week, rather than stress about it.

:: Contributing writer Amy listed 10 easy Homemade Food Gifts that are easy on the palate and the budget.

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If you haven’t finished your Christmas shopping, and are at a loss as to what to get some of your friends and family (like I am!), you might want to try making homemade goodies. My husband is a youth pastor, and while I don’t want to break the bank getting the other staff families gifts, I like to whip up a little something for them at Christmastime.

Source: SimpleBites.net via Amy on Pinterest

My girls adore shortbread cookies. They don’t last long at our house! Now the only question is, which of these four shortbread cookie recipes to make?!

Source: MyBlessedLife.net via Amy on Pinterest

This Peppermint Bark from My Blessed Life is so fun and festive, and would make a beautiful (and yummy!) Christmas gift.

Source: StolenMomentsCooking.com via Amy on Pinterest

These Double Chip Cookies from Stolen Moments Cooking are a favorite with our students. They go crazy over them, and I can never make enough! Everyone I know would not mind receiving these goodies for Christmas!

Source: Life.YourWay.net via Amy on Pinterest

I love biscotti, and this Candy Cane Biscotti looks divine. Now… should I go dipped or undipped?!

Source: MarthaStewart.com via Amy on Pinterest

This is an easy, healthy gift. Mix walnuts and dried fruit with raw, local honey and you have a delicious topping for yogurt or oatmeal. I love how it is “wrapped up” with a spoon and simple label.

Source: AmysFinerThings.com via Amy on Pinterest

One of my husband’s favorite desserts is fudge. I’m not a fudge-making kind of gal (mainly because I always mess it up!), but even I might be able to manage this Peanut Butter Cocoa Fudge. Amy says it is “No Fail,” so hopefully that applies to me!

Source: SixSistersStuff.blogspot.com via Amy on Pinterest

These Andes Mint Cookies look decadent… and I’m sure any recipient of them would think the same thing!

Source: PeasandThankYou.com via Amy on Pinterest

I am definitely putting these No-Bake Snowball Cookies on my must-bake list! They can even be made gluten-free. Yum.

Source: MyBlessedLife.net via Amy on Pinterest

Chex Mix is one of my guilty pleasures, and I love how Myra has mixed it up by adding craisins and M&M’s. This would make one tasty and beautiful Christmas gift… if I don’t eat it all myself!

Source: FoodForMyFamily.com via Amy on Pinterest

I would be remiss if I did not mention a gingerbread recipe. Gingerbread is a Christmastime staple, after all. Shaina has put together a lovely cookie mixture to make any gingerbread lover swoon.

Hopefully some of these tasty goods will inspire you… and help you cross off a few people on your list! You can also check out my Homemade Foodie Gifts board on Pinterest if you need more yummy ideas.

Linked to Top 10 Tuesday at Oh Amanda

The Eat Well, Spend Less ladies are tackling the Holidays this month. Read more great tips, ideas, and recipes here:

• Aimee at Simple Bites
• Carrie at Denver Bargains
• Jessica at Life as MOM
• Katie at Good Life Eats
• Katie at Kitchen Stewardship
• Mandi at Life Your Way
• Shaina at Food for My Family
• Tammy at Tammy’s Recipes

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If you would have told me five years ago that I would be making homemade stock from leftover turkey, I would have laughed. Not only was I a kitchen novice, but the sight of a leftover bird of any type made me positively squeamish. If you are one those, read no further. But if you can handle a little gross factor and want to learn this valuable frugal skill, grab a stockpot and join me for some nourishing homemade broth.

Good stock is a cooking essential; homemade soups demand it, vegetables and rice appreciate it. And when you or a loved one is sick, there is nothing more soothing than warm broth. Wives tales aside, meat stocks are full of minerals and electrolytes. Keeping plenty of stock on hand during winter months is always prudent.

Supplies:

leftover cooked turkey or chicken
large stockpot
cold filtered water
apple cider vinegar
black peppercorns (optional)
vegetables
strainer
cheesecloth
glass jars, ziploc bags

Instructions for Homemade Stock:

To make a basic stock, start with your leftover bird; organic or free range is best if your budget allows. A little meat left on the bones is fine, and will enhance the flavor. It will fall off the bone during the cooking process and you can save it for stew.

A large stockpot is a worthy investment for the frugal cook. Grab your largest pot and place your cooked poultry inside, breaking apart as needed. Fill the pot will cold filtered water, leaving an inch or two of space at the top.

Throw in some black peppercorns (optional) and 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. The vinegar step is important, as it will help to draw minerals out of the bones. Let it sit for about one hour. You can then add vegetables if you desire, for flavor and extra vitamins. Three to four coursly chopped carrots, onions and celery work nicely.

Bring the stock to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for several hours. For best results, lower the flame as far as it will go, and simmer overnight, covered. About 24 hours is ideal.

Finally, remove from heat and pour the stock through a strainer lined with cheesecloth. I strain mine directly into glass mason jars with a wide-mouthed funnel for storage.  You can use the stock right away for cooking, or freeze them for later use.

If you do plan to freeze, let it cool completely and leave an inch or so of headroom at the top for expansion. Ziploc bags or containers also work well for freezing, properly portioned in one cup increments. Some prefer to freeze stock in ice cube trays then transfer to a bag for easy tablespoon portioning.

Your beautiful stock will keep for about a week in the fridge or four to six months in the freezer. It will add wonderful flavor to your cooking while saving you money.

Feeling really frugal? Reuse the bones and repeat this entire process up to three times!

Do you enjoy homemade stocks?

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Photo Source: Food for my Family

This month we are talking turkey in our Eat Well, Spend Less series.

: Aimée of Simple Bites brings it with her post on serving one bird four ways.  I can’t wait to try her Quick Turkey Noodle Soup!

:: Carrie from Denver Bargains shows you how to set an elegant table for less.  My favorite tip is using edible decorations!

:: Jessica at Life as MOM shares her tips for a budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner.  I like how she suggests easing some of the inevitable stress by switching turkey with chicken.

:: Katie of Good Life Eats has a great post on reducing Thanksgiving waste.  Katie recommends purchasing a turkey larger than you actually need when the deal is right, with leftovers being stretched into other meals.

:: Katie from Kitchen Stewardship hits on a subject that effects most of us: Do Your Holidays Focus on Family, Food…or Fighting?  I appreciate Katie’s perspective, and how she encourages everyone to focus on the joy of the holiday season, rather than conflict!

:: Mandi at Life… Your Way has a yummy-looking slideshow of allergen-free dishes for Thanksgiving dinner.  As a gluten-free family, these recipes are a welcome sight!

:: Shaina of Food for My Family shows us how to make dessert frugal and full of good food.  Dessert is often one of the most expensive pieces of the holiday meal, but it doesn’t have to be!

:: Tammy from Tammy’s Recipes has great tips for a homemade, make-ahead Thanksgiving dinner.  She lists all of the Thanksgiving favorites, and how far in advance they can be made, making the “big day” much less stressful!

:: My contribution on making the most of turkey leftovers, includes 10 yummy recipes you won’t want to miss!

How do you plan to eat well and spend less this Thanksgiving?

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The following is by contributing writer, Amy.

In the days after Thanksgiving, it seems our family is busier than ever.  I like to spend the day after Thanksgiving checking out Black Friday sales, and then that Saturday is reserved to decorate for Christmas.

In addition to this, we are blessed with turkey… lots of turkey.  Since I’m not one to waste food, and plain old turkey gets boring come Friday, what on earth do we do with those leftovers?

Here are 10 easy, hearty recipes you can throw together quickly to use up those turkey leftovers and still Eat Well and Spend Less:

1. A quick dish for a hectic Black Friday is Shepherd’s Pie with turkey instead of ground beef.  This is also an excellent way to use up leftover mashed potatoes and veggies from the day before.

2. Substitute the chicken for turkey in this yummy Pasta and Spinach Bake recipe.

3. I love this White Chicken Chili recipe, and it would be so easy to throw it all in the CrockPot to have ready when you get home after a busy day of shopping.  My friend Myra also has a tasty version of this family favorite!

4. This Homemade Pot Pie recipe is super easy… plus, if you don’t want to make your own crust, this is a good time to stock up on the ready-made kind.

5. Create a Roast Turkey Sandwich with some bread or rolls, lettuce, and yummy cheese for an easy lunch.

source: ivillage.com via: Amy on Pinterest

6. These Chicken and Cheese Lasagna Roll-ups are a nice variation to plain old lasagna.  Change it up a bit with turkey and you have a filling meal that everyone will like!

7. Throw together this Homemade Taco Seasoning, mix it with some turkey, cheese, lettuce, and onion, and you’ve got some tasty Turkey Tacos!  If you are looking for something a bit different, you Turkey Tacos with Cranberry Salsa definitely fit the bill.

8. Turkey Enchiladas are another great way to use up Thanksgiving turkey.

9. I love this Chicken Tetrazzini recipe.  I like to make it with Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup, but if you are short on time, the canned version will do just fine!

10. Paula Deen’s version of Mexican Chicken Casserole would be an easy recipe to substitute leftover turkey.

Did you get enough turkey on Thanksgiving day?  Freeze it in 1-2 cup portions to use in some of these recipes at a later date!

What are your tips for using leftover turkey?

Don’t forget to visit the other Eat Well, Spend Less ladies:

• Aimee at Simple Bites
• Carrie at Denver Bargains
• Jessica at Life as MOM
• Katie at Good Life Eats
• Katie at Kitchen Stewardship
• Mandi at Life Your Way
• Shaina at Food for My Family
• Tammy at Tammy’s Recipes

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We use a LOT of coconut oil in our home, because it is so versatile and healthy. I keep a big jar in my kitchen for cooking (I use it just like I would use butter), and one in bathroom for various skin needs. It is a great moisturizer! It is also one of my Top 10 Frugal Must-Haves, so when I see a price like this on Amazon, I stock up.

You can order a 2-pack of Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, 15-Ounce Tubs for just $12.96, shipped. This makes the cost of each tub only $6.48! These normally run about $10 per jar at my local health food store, so this is a great price.

Here’s how:

1. Go to the Nutiva Coconut Oil page on Amazon.

2. Select a Subscribe & Save option to save an additional 15% off the sale price bringing it down to $14.69.

3. Go through the checkout process. Use code NUTIVOCT to bring the price down to $12.96. Free shipping is included on all subscribe & save orders!

4. If you do not wish to receive future shipments of this order, be sure to cancel your subscription after your order ships.

*Note: Amazon prices can change without notice, so please let me know in the comments section if the price changes!

Thanks, Couponing 101!

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