Frugal Living

Frugal Living Frugal Mom| Big Family | Gardener| Christian |Homeschool Family
Sharing my tips with you! (And sometimes earning a little money along the way!)

I’m a hardworking mom who loves finding smart ways to save money. From deals and discounts to money-saving subscriptions and promotions, I share the best tips I’ve discovered to help you stretch your dollars further. With a big family and years of experience, I’ve learned how to make every penny count — and I’m here to help you do the same!

🍽️ Easy, Fun & Budget-Friendly: DIY Walking Tacos! 🌮Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner twi...
07/08/2025

🍽️ Easy, Fun & Budget-Friendly: DIY Walking Tacos! 🌮

Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or just a fun dinner twist — walking tacos are always a hit and super easy to make!

What You’ll Need:

Individual bags of chips (like Fritos or Doritos)

Seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken

Toppings like shredded cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, salsa, and jalapeños

How to Make It:

Open a chip bag and gently crush the chips inside.

Add warm meat and your favorite toppings right into the bag.

Grab a fork and dig in — no plates needed!

🍴 Cleanup is a breeze, and everyone can customize their own meal. Budget-friendly + family fun = dinner win!

💬 Have you tried walking tacos before? What’s your favorite combo?

🌿 Frugal Gardening Tip: Propagate Your Herbs! ✂️Did you know you can grow MORE herbs from the ones you already have — fo...
07/07/2025

🌿 Frugal Gardening Tip: Propagate Your Herbs! ✂️

Did you know you can grow MORE herbs from the ones you already have — for FREE?

Here’s what I did with my basil:
✨ I clipped the tops off a couple of stems
💧 Placed them in a glass of water on the windowsill
🌱 In just days, they grew roots!
🌿 Now they’re planted in soil and growing into brand-new basil plants!

This simple method works great for basil, mint, oregano, and more. It’s a frugal way to stretch your harvest, save money at the store, and always have fresh herbs on hand. 🙌

💬 Have you tried propagating herbs before? What’s growing at your place?

🍲 Hearty, Healthy & Budget-Friendly: Homemade Lentil Soup 🥕This is one of our favorite go-to meals — it’s warm, filling,...
07/07/2025

🍲 Hearty, Healthy & Budget-Friendly: Homemade Lentil Soup 🥕
This is one of our favorite go-to meals — it’s warm, filling, and incredibly frugal. Perfect for big families or meal prep!

🧄 Made with pantry staples like lentils, carrots, celery, garlic, and simple seasonings, this recipe stretches far and costs very little.

✨ Bonus? It freezes well too — just scoop into containers for a future busy day!

💬 Have you made lentil soup before? What do you add to make it your own?

💡 Frugal Living Tip: Embrace “Meatless Mondays”!Skipping meat just one day a week can significantly lower your grocery b...
07/07/2025

💡 Frugal Living Tip: Embrace “Meatless Mondays”!

Skipping meat just one day a week can significantly lower your grocery bill — and it’s great for your health too!

Try budget-friendly, protein-packed meals like:
🍝 Spaghetti with marinara and veggies
🌮 Bean and cheese quesadillas
🥣 Lentil or split pea soup
🥗 Chickpea salad wraps

It’s a fun way to get creative in the kitchen while saving money.

💬 What’s your favorite meatless budget meal?

🎆🐶 Friendly Reminder for Fellow Dog Owners! 💙If you have a nervous pup like we do, you know just how tough fireworks sea...
07/03/2025

🎆🐶 Friendly Reminder for Fellow Dog Owners! 💙

If you have a nervous pup like we do, you know just how tough fireworks season can be. With the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s a good time to start thinking about how to keep our furry friends safe and calm.

Here are a few simple, budget-friendly tips we use to help ease the stress:

🛏️ Set up a cozy, quiet space where your dog can hide and feel secure. A closet or small room works great!
🔊 Play some soft music or white noise to help drown out the sound.
👕 Use a snug t-shirt or Thundershirt to give a little extra comfort.
🦴 Keep them occupied with a favorite chew toy or frozen treat.
💊 And if your dog really struggles, don’t hesitate to chat with your vet about calming options — we do, and it truly helps!

We love celebrating — but we also love our pets. A little prep can go a long way in keeping them safe and comforted. 🐾

💬 Have a tip that works for your dog? We’d love to hear it!

🍕🎉 Fun & Easy Dinner Idea: DIY Pizza Night!Looking for a meal that’s cheap, cheerful, and keeps everyone happy? DIY Pizz...
07/03/2025

🍕🎉 Fun & Easy Dinner Idea: DIY Pizza Night!

Looking for a meal that’s cheap, cheerful, and keeps everyone happy? DIY Pizza Night is one of our favorites — especially for busy weeknights or lazy weekends!

Here’s how we do it (on a budget!):

🫓 Start with the base:
• Store-bought flatbreads, tortillas, English muffins, or homemade dough (super cheap to make!)
• We’ve also used Pillsbury pizza dough in the can — it’s easy, yummy, and kid-approved!

🧄 Add your sauce:
• Jarred marinara, Alfredo, pesto, or even ranch dressing if you’re feeling wild 😄

🧀 Sprinkle the cheese:
• Mozzarella, cheddar, or whatever you have on hand

🍄 Top it off:
• Leftover veggies, lunch meat, pepperoni, olives, pineapple, etc.

Bake at 400°F for 8–12 minutes until bubbly and golden. DONE!

✅ Budget-friendly
✅ Kid-approved
✅ Great for using up leftovers
✅ Everyone gets to customize their own

💬 Have you ever done DIY pizza night? What’s your go-to topping combo?

❄️🧊 Frugal Tip: Organize Your Freezer for Maximum Storage & Savings!A messy freezer = wasted food, wasted money, and mys...
07/01/2025

❄️🧊 Frugal Tip: Organize Your Freezer for Maximum Storage & Savings!

A messy freezer = wasted food, wasted money, and mystery bags of who-knows-what. 🙈 But with a little planning, you can make the most of your space and actually use what you freeze!

Here’s how to organize your freezer like a pro:

✅ Label EVERYTHING – Use freezer tape or a permanent marker to write the date and contents on each item. No more mystery meat!

✅ Freeze Flat – Soups, sauces, shredded meat, and berries freeze flat in bags. Stack them like books or file folders to save space.

✅ Use Bins & Baskets – Group similar items together: veggies, meats, baked goods, prepped meals. Dollar store bins work great and prevent the dreaded avalanche when you grab one thing.

✅ FIFO Rule (First In, First Out) – Put newer items behind older ones so you’re always using up the oldest first.

✅ Create an Inventory Sheet – Tape it to the freezer door. When you use or add something, update it. This saves SO much time when meal planning.

✅ Portion Before Freezing – Break down bulk items into meal-sized portions before freezing. Saves space AND makes dinner prep easier.

💬 How do YOU keep your freezer organized? Got any freezer-friendly meals you batch prep?

Gardening: The Free Workout You’ll Actually Enjoy! Did you know that gardening is one of the best forms of low-impact, f...
07/01/2025

Gardening: The Free Workout You’ll Actually Enjoy!
Did you know that gardening is one of the best forms of low-impact, full-body exercise — and it doesn’t cost a thing?

From pulling weeds to hauling soil, you're burning calories, building muscle, and improving flexibility… all while growing food for your family! 🙌

Here’s how gardening helps you stay fit:
🌿 Bending & stretching = great for flexibility
🌿 Digging & shoveling = strength training
🌿 Raking & weeding = cardio boost
🌿 Carrying water = builds endurance

Plus, sunshine = Vitamin D, and time in the garden is a huge stress reliever. It’s good for the body, mind, and wallet. 💚

👩‍🌾 Whether it’s a few pots on your porch or a full backyard garden — every bit counts!

💬 Do you consider gardening part of your fitness routine? What are you growing this year?

✈️ Frugal Summer Travel Tips 🧳Yes, you can enjoy summer travel without draining your savings! Whether it’s a weekend get...
06/27/2025

✈️ Frugal Summer Travel Tips 🧳
Yes, you can enjoy summer travel without draining your savings! Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a full family road trip, these budget-savvy tips can help you make memories without maxing out your credit card.

☀️ Top Frugal Travel Tips:

🚗 Plan a Road Trip – Skip pricey flights and explore hidden gems close to home. Small towns, state parks, and scenic drives offer affordable adventure!

🏨 Use Deal Sites – Compare prices on Hotels.com, Airbnb, and Booking.com. Traveling midweek or booking last-minute can save you a ton.

🍽️ Pack Snacks & Meals – Bring a cooler with sandwiches, fruit, and refillable water bottles. Even prepping breakfast at your Airbnb can save $30–$50/day for a family.

🎟️ Look for Free Attractions – Many cities offer free museums, concerts in the park, splash pads, walking tours, and festivals.

🎫 Use Travel Reward Points or Gas Apps – Apps like GasBuddy help you find the cheapest fill-ups. Cash-back cards or travel points can cover part of your trip if used wisely.

🏕️ Consider Camping – National and state parks are a fraction of the cost of hotels — and it’s a great experience for kids!

🧺 Pack Smart – Bringing what you need (sunscreen, chargers, towels) helps you avoid expensive last-minute purchases on the road.

💬 Got a favorite frugal travel tip or destination? Share it below — let’s help each other save and explore!

🥚🐔 Our Chickens Are Laying Like Crazy! 🐔🥚It must be all that sunshine, because our backyard hens are in full production ...
06/27/2025

🥚🐔 Our Chickens Are Laying Like Crazy! 🐔🥚
It must be all that sunshine, because our backyard hens are in full production mode right now — and we are swimming in fresh eggs! 🍳

If you're also blessed with a happy flock and an abundance of eggs this summer, here are some of our favorite ways to use them up without wasting a single one:

🍽 What We're Making with Our Eggs:
Egg Salad Sandwiches – Great for quick lunches or picnics!

Breakfast Casserole – Eggs, cheese, and leftover veggies baked into a hearty meal.

Quiche – So easy to make with a store-bought crust and whatever fillings you have on hand.

Fried Rice – Add scrambled eggs to leftover rice, veggies, and a splash of soy sauce for a quick dinner.

Deviled Eggs – A classic for summer gatherings or a fun snack at home.

French Toast – Simple and frugal breakfast treat the whole family loves.

Mini Egg Muffins – Great for meal prepping and freezing for grab-and-go breakfasts.

Breakfast Tacos- So easy and you can pretty much add whatever you want to the eggs.

Custards or Pudding – When you're feeling a little fancy. 😉

💬 What about you?
If you’ve got backyard chickens, are yours laying a lot right now too?
Tell me what you’re doing with your eggs — I’m always looking for new ideas!

Here’s a budget-friendly chicken recipe perfect for feeding a big family (6–8 people): (or enough to have leftovers for ...
06/27/2025

Here’s a budget-friendly chicken recipe perfect for feeding a big family (6–8 people): (or enough to have leftovers for a smaller family!)

🍗 Baked Ranch Chicken Thighs & Potatoes
Total cost: ~$10–$12
Serves: 6–8

🛒 Ingredients:
8 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (~$5–$6)

2 lbs russet or red potatoes, cubed (~$2)

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (~$0.50)

2 tablespoons oil or melted butter

Salt, pepper, garlic powder (to taste)

Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a large bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tbsp oil, half the ranch seasoning, and a sprinkle of salt and garlic powder.

Place potatoes evenly on a greased baking sheet or in a large casserole dish.

Pat chicken thighs dry. Rub with the remaining oil and ranch mix, and season with pepper.

Lay the chicken on top of the potatoes, skin side up.

Bake 45–50 minutes, or until chicken is golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Broil 2–3 minutes at the end if you want extra crispy skin.

Garnish with parsley if you like and serve with a side of steamed green beans or frozen mixed veggies.

💡 Tips:
Sub in drumsticks if thighs are more expensive at your store.

Use a homemade ranch seasoning mix if you have spices on hand (to save even more).

This dish pairs well with leftover rice, salad, or frozen rolls for a fuller meal.

🍽️ Frugal Weekly Meal Plan for a Family of 6Feeding a big family doesn’t have to mean a big grocery bill! This simple me...
06/26/2025

🍽️ Frugal Weekly Meal Plan for a Family of 6
Feeding a big family doesn’t have to mean a big grocery bill! This simple meal plan uses affordable ingredients, leftovers, and pantry staples — all for about $125–$140/week. 🙌

Here’s your budget-friendly plan:

🗓️ Monday
Breakfast: Oatmeal with apples & cinnamon
Lunch: PB&J sandwiches + carrot sticks
Dinner: Slow cooker chili with cornbread
Snack: Popcorn

🗓️ Tuesday
Breakfast: Banana-spinach smoothies + toast
Lunch: Chili wraps (leftovers!)
Dinner: Baked chicken thighs, potatoes & broccoli
Snack: Yogurt cups

🗓️ Wednesday
Breakfast: Muffins & scrambled eggs
Lunch: Tuna salad lettuce wraps
Dinner: Rice & bean burrito bowls with salsa & corn
Snack: Apple slices + peanut butter

🗓️ Thursday
Breakfast: Overnight oats (peanut butter & banana)
Lunch: Hummus, cheese & cucumber pita pockets
Dinner: One-pot pasta with frozen mixed veggies
Snack: Trail mix (raisins, pretzels, peanuts)

🗓️ Friday
Breakfast: Pancakes (make extra & freeze!)
Lunch: Leftover pasta + simple salad
Dinner: DIY pizza night using homemade crust & leftover toppings
Snack: Frozen grapes

🗓️ Saturday
Breakfast: Breakfast burritos with eggs & veggies
Lunch: Turkey-cheese roll-ups + oranges
Dinner: Crockpot BBQ pulled pork sandwiches + coleslaw
Snack: Veggie sticks & ranch

🗓️ Sunday
Breakfast: Yogurt + fruit parfaits with granola
Lunch: Pulled pork quesadillas (use leftovers!)
Dinner: Veggie stir-fry with rice & scrambled eggs
Snack: Homemade banana bread

💡 Frugal Tips:
• Cook once, eat twice — plan for leftovers
• Repurpose ingredients (pork → 2 meals!)
• Use frozen veggies + pantry staples
• Homemade snacks like popcorn or muffins save tons!

💬 Want any of the recipes? Comment below with the day or meal, and I’ll send it your way!

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