If my house were to burn down, there would be only two kitchen gadgets that I would try REALLY hard to salvage: #1 High Speed Blender #2 Stand Mixer And then last week, I officially added a third. #3 Immersion Blender You see, ever since we climbed out of debt and learned to be content with less, I've become sort of a "stuff" minimalist. Having too much stuff makes me feel ... Continue Reading
Best 11 Things to Buy at Whole Foods
There are certain stores that I personally avoid for various reasons. For example, I don't shop at Cost Plus World Market because the store is BEYOND amazing. It's truly a foodie's dream. Kitchen gadgets, specialty oils, BOGO coffee... yikes. They do carry just a few things we need now and then, so if I absolutely must go, I make a bee-line to the aisle and get out ASAP. Otherwise the grocery ... Continue Reading
9 Practical Ways to Save Money at Whole Foods
Earlier this week I spent some time doing recon work at Whole Foods. While trying to find good deals, I stumbled across simple, yet effective methods for saving money while there. Now, I know there are plenty of "how to save money at whole foods" types posts out there. Believe me when I say this is not your typical "buy seasonal produce" and "use coupons" type of list. These tips, my friends, are from ... Continue Reading
Recipe: Spring Greens with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
Salads are my all time favorite food. They're quick, easy and delicious. But somewhere along the way, they've gone complicated. Onions get caramelized, tomatoes are roasted and almonds are tossed with maple and cinnamon before toasted in the oven. Don't get me wrong - those types of salads are downright delicious. And to be honest, I'm salivating a bit just thinking about a thick bed of greens ... Continue Reading
Recipe: Southwestern Salad
A beautiful thing happened a couple weeks ago. I rummaged through the fridge, took out a bunch of random foods and put together a meal. And not just any meal. It was a entire meal that fed all four mouths at the table. It was a fill-you-up-without-feeling-stuffed, let's-make-this-again-soon type of meal. And it was SO good! Truth be told, I took my own advice and made it again for lunch ... Continue Reading
Reduce Your Water Bill by 15% with a DIY Water Displacement System
While not exactly food related, saving money on your water bill is something that a frugal person like myself would consider doing when they're always looking for easy ways to cut back on every day expenses. Being frugal doesn't stop in the kitchen. It's a way of life. It's spending less in every area possible, because you can and your money can go to so many more other worthwhile causes. Like ... Continue Reading
18 Frugal Dips for Outdoor Parties
I love going to outdoor parties. Laughing with friends, sunshine on my arms, the smell of grill, Frisbee in the grass and sand volleyball (even though I don't have a single athletic bone in my body)... What I don't love: Trying to figure out what dish to bring that is... If I only had to deal with one of those issues, that would be totally do-able. I've got PAGES of healthy recipes right ... Continue Reading
My Real Life, Frugal Real Food Story
As I was writing these past couple of weeks, I realized that while I've shared my story with other bloggers, I've never sat down to write the whole thing out for you! So here it is in all its nerdy, frugal food glory. I hope you enjoy! Back in 2006, while on a road trip with my soon-to-be husband, Mr. Crumbs brought up the topic of finances. He thought that since we would soon be sharing bank ... Continue Reading
Homemade Powdered Foundation
If my old-self knew my today-self, she'd totally point her finger and laugh at me. First, for refusing to drink coffee creamer. Childish to some, but I don't really want to eat plastic-like food, thankyouverymuch. Then, for making my own toothpaste. Shoot, she'd laugh at me for cutting off the ends off the tubes too, but for an entirely different reason. Not only does old-self think new-self is a ... Continue Reading
Homemade Bread in a Slow Cooker
The fact that you can make homemade bread in a slow cooker shouldn't surprise me. I mean, you can make meat, soups, stews, macaroni and cheese, fruit butter, yogurt, spaghetti sauce, veggies - even dessert! I don't think there's anything you CAN'T make in a slow cooker. But BREAD in a slow cooker?! Time-laden, kneading-required, yeast-filled bread? Yeah.Right. I thought that only fared ... Continue Reading