What Should I Do With All My Seasonal Leftovers?

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Well, eat them, of course! That said, it can be hard to know what to do with small elements of your leftovers if they’re all placed in little tubs and have no real purpose in a much larger recipe. Moreover, some ingredients can last longer than others in the refrigerator, and on top of this, you may or may not have had a traditional seasonal meal or set of meals over the festive period.

For this reason, understanding what to do with your seasonal leftovers can be a hard task. But don’t worry, in this post, we’ll discuss a few measures you can use to decide exactly that. Without further ado, please consider the following advice:

Make The Best Sandwiches Possible

You can make the best sandwiches with any leftover meats and vegetables from your holiday meals. There are countless alternatives for transforming your leftovers into mouthwatering sandwiches, whether you choose traditional options like turkey with cranberry sauce or more original combinations like ham and pineapple. Stuffing, roasted vegetables, and other softer foods can be delicious in between a fresh baguette purchased from a local barkery, so don’t think you have to slop everything into two small pieces of bread. 

Add your preferred sauces and toppings after layering your remaining components and you’ll really take it up a notch. Have fun, experiment, and use up those leftovers. For a crispy and tasty variation, you may also try grilling your sandwiches in a skillet. Sandwiches are a tasty and practical way to use up your leftover Christmas ingredients, and work no matter if they’re hot or cold.

Delicious Stuffed Pepper Soup

You can make a fantastic stuffed pepper soup with any leftover ground beef and vegetables from your holiday meal. Simply brown some onions and peppers in a pot, add the remaining vegetables and ground beef, and then toss in some broth and canned tomatoes. Alternatively, you can follow this stuffed pepper soup recipe which is utterly delicious and a real treat to both enjoy alone or share with the family. This way you can use up all of those smaller veggies you may have had beforehand and aren’t sure what to do with.

Make A Delectable Casserole

Making a nice casserole is a wonderful way to use up your leftover holiday supplies. You can make a filling and savory casserole that will feed a crowd out of any leftover vegetables, ham, or turkey. Turkey and broccoli casserole, ham and cheese quiche, and sweet potato and black bean casserole are all delicious and you’ll be asking for seconds in no time. Just arrange your unused ingredients in a baking dish, top with cheese or a creamy sauce, and bake the casserole until it is hot and bubbling. The good thing is that casseroles tend to improve in the refrigerator, so ironically you’ll have leftovers, but leftovers that are enjoyable and simple to eat this time around, as you’ve combined them into one delicious meal.

With this advice, you’re sure to turn all of your seasonal leftovers into an amazing meal we’ll be jealous of.

Top Tips For Booking A Trip To America on a Budget

 A lot of us take pleasure in and have a real passion for travelling, but it is also true that it can grow rather expensive. The following are some suggestions that will assist you in organising a holiday that will not only be exciting and unforgettable, but will also be kind to your purse.

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1. Set A Budget

Establishing a financial plan is going to be the first step that you will want to do. You will have a much better understanding of how to make certain that you are able to include the most important components of your holiday without going over your budget if you determine a precise number early on in the planning process. You can accomplish this in a few different ways, and which one you choose will depend on your personal preferences. The first method, which is also the simplest, is to simply establish a rigid maximum limit for the amount. It is likely that shorter excursions with only one location will benefit the most from this option. It is the method that is both the quickest and the least complicated. On the other hand, it may restrict your choices in the event that unexpected developments arise at the very last minute.

2. Consider what your perfect vacation looks like

Once you have decided how much money you are going to spend on your trip, the next step is to determine what it is you want most out of your time away from home. This is crucial because it will make it much simpler for you to prioritise the components of the holiday that are most important to you and to determine which aspects of the holiday can be compromised. When it comes time to plan your perfect holiday, one thing you will not want to forget to take into consideration is anything that can be a "deal-breaker." Camping, for instance, might be an excellent way to cut down on the costs associated with lodging. However, if you are not the type of person who enjoys sleeping under the stars, you should probably look at other areas of your holiday that can help you save money. Be truthful with yourself in this area, but also be willing to make concessions on certain matters of lesser significance.

3. Formulate your plans

Tours are a practical and time-saving approach to ensure that you experience the greatest aspects of your trip; yet, they may also be quite expensive. You should know that making a reservation for a tour is a possibility for you for a number of different reasons. In certain locations, the presence of an expert tour guide is either obligatory or strongly recommended for reasons relating to public safety. In addition to this, they will be able to provide you with detailed information regarding your destination, and reserving a tour will make the process of making travel arrangements much more streamlined. However, if you are ready to put in some extra work in the form of study and planning, venturing out on your own in many different locations can not only save you money but also provide a one-of-a-kind, customised experience.

4. Get off the beaten track

It is not uncommon for some of the most popular tourist destinations to be busy and expensive all at the same time. Even if it might not be a terrible idea to include some well-known activities on your schedule, you should not be scared to venture to other sites that are not as well known - car rental orlando airport will make things much easier. When compared to more popular tourist destinations, many of these "hidden gems" will offer significantly lower prices or even be free of charge.

Five Ways That Busy Parents Can Unwind

 

Things always tend to get a bit stressful during the winter, don’t they? It is tough enough to make sure that your kids are getting everything that they need and that everyone is staying happy and healthy without making sure that you are looking after yourself as well. Every parent is more than familiar with feeling like their self-care is getting pushed to the bottom of the list, and every parent knows that this is part of the deal. But if you are not taking care of yourself, then you are going to struggle to take care of everyone else.

It is especially important to make self-care a priority during the winter with the short days, the bad weather and the added stress of seasonal viruses. If you are someone who finds it tough to unwind and look for ways that you can relax, here are a few easy tips to help you carve out that time.

Find Some Time That’s Just For You

This is always easier said than done when you are running a whole household, but the first and most important thing to take care of if you need to unwind is to make time for some you-time. It’s not always easy to find a whole day or a whole weekend, particularly after the holiday season when it’s back to work with a vengeance. So, think about where you could make a little time every day. Is there a half hour or even a twenty-minute slot where you could step outside of all the rest of the stress that you are dealing with? Think about going for a walk or a cup of coffee, something that is just yours and yours alone.

Try Getting Into Gaming

One of the best ways to unwind is to find an activity that is completely removed from your everyday stresses. This is why so many of us enjoy chilling out in front of the TV watching shows that are about people doing unbelievable things in far-flung destinations. But one of the problems with this is that it is all too easy to find ways for your normal distractions to creep back in, like checking social media or your work messages. Have you considered trying playing videogames to relax? It is something that requires your total concentration, and it’s fun! If you are not sure where to start, it will be worth reading some site and game reviews before you dive in. If you’re looking to try online gambling and play slots games, check out Online Casino Review. They have detailed reviews of all the best online slots and more.

Embrace A New Hobby

Everyone has that one thing that they would like to be better at if they only had more time. For some people it’s painting, for others it’s learning a new language, for others it’s getting into cooking properly for the first time. There is a lot to be said for picking up new skills, and one of the more important bonuses is that it is something that you enjoy which is for you and you alone. Learning something new can be a struggle if you are not enjoying it, so think about what you have always wanted to try and then give it a go. If you find it too difficult or if it is not as fun as you had hoped, you can always try something else! 

Make Time For Your Friends

One of the first things that can fly out of the window when you are overworked and overstressed is time with your friends. Everyone knows the pang of having to rearrange an evening with your favorite people for the millionth time and wondering how many months it is going to be before you can get it in the calendar again. As we head into the new year, this should be a resolution that we all try to make. Remember that there is something truly nourishing about spending time with the people who know you the best, and if you have been looking for ways to unwind, this could be the best option.

Treat Yourself When You Can

With the rising cost of living around the world, everyone is worrying about how much money they are spending, and everyone is looking for ways that they can cut down on non-essentials. It is important to remember that self-care is not something that you can afford to cut out of your life. No one is saying that you need to go for a spa weekend every other weekend (although it is worth thinking about every so often). But the little treats that make you feel like you are giving yourself something that you really wanted, whether it’s a new piece of clothing or a spontaneous meal out at a restaurant, are important.

Holiday Gift Ideas

The holidays are near and I have gathered up some of my favorite products of the year to share with you. This list has some fun gift ideas that you will want to grab for the people on your shopping list.

Samples were provided for consideration.

Fuzzy Glow in the Dark Blankets

These blankets are awesome for kids! Give them a warm and cozy blanket with a cute design that does double duty. It glows in the dark to act as a one of a kind night light that kids will love to sleep with every night. Get these for about $30.

Kitty Light

My youngest needs a night light to feel secure, but the old fashioned kind that plug into a wall don't seem to do the trick. This light makes for such a cute and friendly night light option for her that she can move around if needed. Get these for $20.

Nautilus Puzzles

These puzzles have a nostalgic feel and are super fun to put together. I love giving these as a family gift that everyone can work on together. Get an assortment of designs starting at about $16.

12 Days of Ice Cream

This is the tastiest way to count down to the holidays! Give flavors like the best cookies and cream we have ever tried, chocolate chunk and salted caramel brownie to name a few for a gift that keeps on giving. Order  for $130.

Forever 60's 

This collection from Time Life makes a great gift because it offers a complete trip down memory lane featuring some of the best hits from the 1960's! Find music by The Beach Boys, The Guess Who, Elvis Presley, Sonny and Cher and More! This collection features 155 songs. Order it for $150.

Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

This 17 dvd set is like having the greatest concert of all times at your fingertips with performances by The Boss, Tina Turner, Paul Simon, BB King and More! Order this for a music lover for $220.

 

Chef Woo Noodles

These plant based noodles are so tasty! Available in flavors like roasted chicken, braised beef, and thai lemongrass. This would be a great gift idea for college students who are sure to appreciate the flavor and convenience. 

Body Comp Scale 

Give the gift of great health with this incredibly smart scale by Withings. It offers a snapshot of your BMI, vascular age and more. This is the best gift for a health conscious loved one this holiday season. It combines tech and a healthy lifestyle for a great gift Get this for $209.

Morphee

If you want to give a unique and meaningful gift that will keep giving long after Chrsitmas has passed, then, get a Morphee. It combines mediation and relaxation sessions for a deep sleep experience that is unbeatable. This is under $100 and worth every penny.

Sleep

This sleep tracking mat is such a good gift idea. Everyone can use a good night sleep and this mat tracks heart rate and snoring so you can have a smarter sleep experience. Order for under $130 for a gift that anyone can use an enjoy.

Andy Robot

This code and play robot is an awesome gift for kids. It combines fun and learning for a toy that they will keep coming back to! Get this for $50 for curious kids.

Intro to Gears 

This set offers kids an easy way to learn about gears and how they work. This is a great stem kit for kids that love to learn and want to have some hands on fun that challenges them. Get it for $40.

Magformers

This basic set is a great gift for kids of all ages because these are so much fun to play with! Get this set for about $25 for a gift that will have kids completely intrigued!

Which of these gifts would you like to receive this year? Be sure to check back as I will be updating this post all month long. 

Happy Holidays!

How to Save Money for Christmas

 

Photo by Joslyn Pickens 

When the Christmas season rolls around it is a time for gift-giving. However, before you go ahead and start spending, it is a good idea to try to save. 

With inflation rising, it's best to try to keep spending as minimal as possible. Here's a closer look at how you can control your spending this holiday season.

Create a Budget

The first step to saving money is to create a budget for the holiday season. First, write the names of all the people you want to buy gifts for and then decide how much money you want to spend on each of their gifts. 

This is an easy way to immediately control your spending. Once you have finished allocating the amount you want to spend, you can then calculate your expenditure. 

It might also be a lot more fun to try to fit the gifts you buy into the amount that you set for each person, instead of the other way around. Remember that getting gifts is simply a way to help us learn about the true meaning of Christmas. In the end, it's the thought that comes.

Use a Tracker

If you always have your phone with you a good idea will be to start using a tracker to keep your spending down this holiday season. It can be easy to say that you will think about how much you are spending in January. 

However, when January rolls around you will likely regret that you have spent so much. Getting an app on your phone to assist you with keeping track of your spending in real-time, is a good idea so that you can avoid regrets.

Start Shopping Early

One of the best things you can do is to start shopping as early as possible. The earlier you start shopping the less likely it is that you will overspend. 

Don't wait until the week of Christmas or the day before Christmas to start trying to find gifts. You are likely to end up having to buy things at more expensive prices. Take advantage of Black Friday deals and cyber week sales.

Combine Orders

If you decide to shop online you should consider combining your orders to ensure that you are getting the best value for your money. Buying all your gifts at one time and then getting them shipped out at once is the best way to avoid high shipping costs when you are purchasing gifts online.

Stay Off Your Credit Cards

Another thing you can do is try to stay off your credit cards during this time. Try to use cash instead. 

This is where making a budget becomes critical. You can then pull all the cash that you need at once.

Once that cash runs out your spending is done. Do not carry your credit cards with you when you go shopping. This will make it even easier for you not to use them if you run out of cash.

Set Up a Dedicated Christmas Account

If you typically have a lot of people you need to give gifts to at Christmas, you can set up a dedicated Christmas account. You can start putting funds in it from January so that at the end of the year you will have a good stash of cash ready to buy Christmas gifts. 

The good thing about having a separate account is that you get a debit card for that account. It helps you to separate your money. Even if you don't save in the account every month, you can decide on your budget for Christmas spending, put all the money into that account and then use your debit card. 

Shop All Year

Yes, you are trying to save money, but if you start your Christmas shopping a little bit every month by the end of the year you will already have a special gift ready for everyone.

Take advantage of all the sales that happen throughout the year and purchase something whenever you can. By the end of the year, you will have saved money and avoided the Christmas shopping rush.

Get the Gifts You Need

Getting gifts for the people you love at Christmas is critical. You don't want to disappoint anybody. However, gift-giving can rack up some very high bills. It's always a good idea to be as prepared as possible so that you can save as much money as you can for the new year. 

Unique Nacho Recipes

 Are you looking for some easy meal ideas to get dinner on the table in a flash? Lately I have been LOVING nachos! The whole family will eat them without complaint, and there are so many ways to prepare them. You could serve nachos every week without repeating a recipe if you really wanted to!

I don't know about you, but just thinking about all of the cooking I have ahead of me in the coming weeks is enough to leave me overwhelmed. I like Thanksgiving; who can resist pie and turkey with all of the trimmings? But. Hear me out. I am over cooking these epic feasts already! I never want to eat it after cooking all morning, and the mess is enough to make me want to cancel dinner and stay in bed.

This year, I am going to give myself a BREAK before Thanksgiving and take the easy out for as many meals as possible. My meal plan for the month includes some very basic plans like soup and grilled cheese, crock pot chili, and of course, we are going to have nachos a few times.

I gathered some of the recipes I want to try the most to share with you. These are unique and easy. I am sure your family will love them all. 

Blackened shrimp nachos by Ask Chef Dennis 

I really want to try this recipe because I love shrimp and often keep a bag in the freezer for easy meals. With the price of everything being so high these days, I love that I could make these with what I have on hand, switching out the veggies for what I have in the fridge. 

Waffle Fry Nachos by Dinner at the Zoo

This is a delicious twist on fries and nachos! I have a feeling my kids would love to mix up the toppings to get all of their favorites in there. 

Mexican Street Corn Bacon Nachos by The Forked Spoon

This recipe mixes up so  many good ingredients like corn, tomatoes and avocado to make a really delicious nachos that your family will gobble up!

Green Chile Nachos by Homemade for Elle

These are colorful and just the thing for someone, like me, who LOVES green chile flavor! I would probably add some olives and maybe onions to the mix too!

Loaded Cauliflower Nachos by I Hacked Diabetes

These are perfect for eating a lighter, yet totally satisfying meal. I don't know if my kids will love this recipe, but my waistline will thank me for taking a lighter route at dinner a night or two when I am faced with all of the epic holiday desserts to come my way.

Crispy Loaded Jalapeno Nachos by Crayons and Cravings

If you love jalapenos, then you are going to want to dig into this recipe! Crispy jalapeno nachos look incredibly appealing to me. I LOVE spicy food!

Nachos Deluxe by Ann's Entitled Life

This recipe is loaded with good things! And it looks just messy enough to be fun to eat! I would add some fresh veggies to the top of this plate!

Which of these nachos would you try first?

While you are here you might like to check out 12 Lasagna Recipe You Will Love or My Copycat Cracker Barrel  Chicken and Dumplings recipe.

 

If you love sugar cookies, then this is the place for you! I gathered 15 of my favorite sugar cookie recipes to share with you. Make sure you click thru to the full recipe.

Almond Sugar Cookies by The Taylor House

These are the perfect cookies to make with your kids, they make great cut outs that the kids can decorate and sprinkle!

Perfect Sugar Cookies by Spend with Pennies

This Sugar Cookie recipe is the perfect year-round holiday cookie! A simple mixture of butter, sugar and flour (with a few additions), these sugar cookies bake up beautifully every time. 

Cut Out Cookies with Marbled Icing by Easy Cookie Recipes

 These Cutout ugar Cookies with Marbled Icing are basically edible art. Each delicious sugar cookie is dipped into homemade swirled icing to create a unique marbled effect.

Peppermint Sugar Cookies by Gimme Some Sugar

If you’re headed to a holiday party or just love baking during the holidays, try this homemade Christmas cookie recipe. If you’re looking for a quick solution for the holidays, this is the best Christmas sugar cookie recipes out there! Seriously, I’ve never seen one easier.

Gluten Free Sugar Cookies by Cooking on Caffeine

This recipe is like the holy grail of “safe” sugar cookie recipes. No eggs. No milk. No wheat. No nuts or peanuts. Easily made soy-free. Use a different flour blend if you have issues with legumes or potatoes. And no chilling the dough, because who has time for that? We just want cookies! 

Soft Lemon Cookies by On My Kids Plate

These sweet and easy soft lemon cookies are the perfect little cookie for a delicious treat. Full of fresh lemon zest, these are bright, yummy cookies you’ll want to make again and again!

Chai Sugar Cookies by Lovely Indeed

These chai spice sugar cookies are the perfect cookie to go with a cup of tea or coffee! The easy recipe makes soft, chewy cookies that will be a hit at any party or cookie swap.

Buttery Almond Sugar Cookies by On Ty’s Plate

Buttery Almond Sugar Cookies — buttery soft almond flavored sugar cookies rolled in almond flakes. It's the perfect cookie!

Crispy Sugar Cookies by Creative Lifestyles

Do you ever just want a little crunch in your cookie? I don’t mean the crunch you get from over cooking the cookie. I mean a little crunch inside the softest yummiest cookie you will ever try. This amazing krispy sugar cookie is so easy to make, but it is hands down one of my favorite cookies of all time.

Swirl Sugar Cookies by Bride on a Budget

This recipe is time consuming, but so worth it for the way these swirl sugar cookies turn out! These are perfect for special occasions!

Vegan Dairy Free Sugar Cookies by Delightful Adventures

Easy homemade cut-out vegan gluten-free sugar cookies you can make for Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween…they’re perfect for ANY occasion! These cookies can be made soft or crispy, it’s up to you. Decorate simply with sanding sugar or buttercream frosting or get fancy with a simple vegan icing that hardens.

Spiced Sugar Cookies by Bean Around the Bowl

These Spiced Sugar Cookies are warm and cozy with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves.

Perfect for the holidays and simple to make. These can be topped with additional sugar before baking to add a nice texture. They are not overly sweet to begin, so don’t worry about them being too sweet with added sugar.

Vegan Lofthouse Copycat Cookies by Strength and Sunshine

Sure, you could make classic cut-out sugar cookies for decorating, but no one can pass up one of the soft, cake-like, frosted gems that have been gracing grocery store shelves since 1994 from Lofthouse! Like a cake and a cookie all baked up into one delicious buttery, sweet, colorfully frosted treat! Can you still have this classic cookie even if you're gluten-free, vegan, or have food allergies? Sure you can! With this easy copycat homemade version of the classic soft-baked frosted cookie, you'll never have to miss out again!

Classic Sugar Cookies by Healthy Kitchen 101

This sugar cookies recipe makes fun treats for Christmas and any other occasion. Also, making and decorating cookies is a great activity to get everyone in the kitchen to spend time together.

Super Soft Sugar Cookies by Emily Fabulous

These Super Soft Sugar Cookies are easy to make and taste just like the Lofthouse sugar cookies in the grocery store. This recipe is perfect for making with kids and will work for Valentine’s Day or any occasion because you can choose whatever color and decoration you want to use!

Find more favorite recipes here

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15 Unique Potato Salad Recipes

 Labor day is right around the corner, and in my opinion, that means it is time to make a great batch of potato salad to share at the family BBQ's and gatherings.

Now, I like ALL potato salad. I think it is like comfort food, and I am just generally so thankful for potatoes. They are delicious aren't they?! So, you know I will try all of the varieties that end up at a potluck; but knowing that it is a popular dish has inspired me to spread my wings and try something unique.

I gathered 15 out of this world recipes that are just a little different than the standard mustard based salad. I think you are going to like these and want to try a few of them yourself. These recipes are intended to convert people; if you sneer at potato salad now, just wait til you try ranch potato salad, or maybe even Greek lemon potato salad! They both sound awesome right?

1. Cesar Potato Salad by Sam Cooks Kindness

2. Warm Austrian Potato Salad by Cooking Gorgeous

3. Ranch Potato Salad by Spend with Pennies

4. Sweet Potato Salad by Plant Based Budget

5. Mashed Potato Salad by Feeding Your Fam

6. Instant Pot Potato Salad by Pressure Cooker Recipe

7. Vegan Southern Potato Salad by Strength and Sunshine

8. Eggless Potato Salad by Sugar and Snappeas

9. Salt and Vinegar Potato Salad by My Therapist Cooks

10. Loaded Baked Potato Salad by Centsless Meals

11. German Potato Salad by Like Mother Like Daughter

12. Classic Potato Salad with Eggs by Healthy Seasonal Recipes

13. Greek Lemon Potato Salad by The View From Great Island

14. Roasted Garlic Potato Salad by This Noshtalgic Life

15. German Dill Potato Salad by Served From Scratch

If you are looking for other fun ideas for Labor Day, you might like this Easy Labor Day Table Decor idea. These easy red, white and blue cake and berry parfaits are also perfect for the holiday.