Why I LOVE Leftover Mashed Potatoes

Written by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, Contributing Writer Heading into the holiday season, keeping meals simple is a must. Days are busy with class parties, extra crafting projects, special outings, and much more. I love planning delicious holiday meals, but for the everyday, ordinary meals I like to keep the menu plan quick and easy.  One thing I try to do when preparing for a busy week or season is to make more than what I need so that I can then repurpose it into another … [Read more...]

Homemade Apple Cider

Written by Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life, Contributing Writer Every fall we do the traditional things like go pick pumpkins, ooh and ahh over the leaves, read books about Johnny Appleseed, and (one of my personal favorites) make homemade apple cider.  Sure, it's easy enough to simply purchase the glass jugs of cider from the grocery store. And we do that too.  But making cider at home is both easy and fun.  Last week one of my closest friends and her four children … [Read more...]

Spiced Pumpkin Pie with Flaky Pastry Crust

Written by Kari @ KariNewsom.com, Contributing Writer Autumn is officially here! At least in Colorado! We are having beautiful and warm days (high 70's to low 80's), but the nights are cool and crisp! Leaves are turning bright yellow, orange and red - and the morning has brought a slight haze these past few days. Typically I am more of a warm-weather person. I'm all about the sun, flip flops and being outside. That being said, I'm still a Colorado girl at heart. I like to get bundled up in … [Read more...]

Tropical Delight Smoothie

Written by Kari, Contributing Writer   There is something about summer that brings with it the need to make me feel like I live near the ocean, palm trees and an abundant supply of coconuts. The truth is, I live in the foothills of Colorado - which I absolutely love - but it doesn't bring with it the euphoria of ocean waves and coconut beverages!   This is where I use our love of smoothies to fulfill this need for all things tropical. Everyday during the hot months of Colorado, we … [Read more...]

Quick and Easy Homemade Brown Sugar

Written by Contributing Writer, Lisa @ This Pilgrim Life It's true that too much sugar isn't good for you, but I'm not likely to completely give up on the occasional sweet treat.  Instead, we focus on limiting sugar in our day to day diets and choosing healthier alternatives to processed desserts.  Making our own treats is healthier and it saves us money to boot. I've also found that I can simplify my grocery shopping and save more money by learning to make own of the basics … [Read more...]

Lemon Meringue Pie for Spring

Written by Reelika @ Financially Wise On Heels, Contributing Writer Around Easter-time, we always look for simplicity, quality family time and enjoying special treats. As a total baking fanatic, I love to bake something delicious that entire family can enjoy.  Lemon Meringue Pie for Spring There are several lemon meringue recipes available, but my absolute favorite is the one I am sharing with you today.  What’s your favorite pie for Spring? … [Read more...]

Protein Packed Nut Butter Bites

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari at Living Strong, Health & Wellness Snack time! Personally, I'm not a big "snacker". I can go meal to meal without needing any extra food to keep me going. Although, having a family, I need to have a plan on hand for our meals and snacks and then I need to make sure they are ready and available to eat! My kids, on the other hand, seem to need a snack every 30 minutes. I can understand why since they are on the go, non-stop, active kids. This can … [Read more...]

The Best Beef Stew in the Crockpot

Cooking with my daughter Julia is one of my favorite things to do.  She loves helping! I have been slacking on my meal planning lately, but when I am on top of it, she is right there by my side eager to help.  Cooking when it's easy and tasty is something I always strive to do. This Beef Stew is the best because you just dump the ingredients into the crockpot and later you have a delicious dinner... AND the best part? No huge mess to clean up! ;) **I wish I had a photo of the … [Read more...]

Jasmine London Fog Tea

Written by Contributing Writer, Kari @ Living Strong, Health & Wellness I like hot beverages. Coffee, hot chocolate, hot cider, tea...you name it. If you're a tea connoisseur, then you need to try this amazing recipe. Even if you don't usually like tea, this has such a sweet and delicate taste, you may actually like this. Adding milk to tea is a tradition practiced in many cultures, American culture not being one of the top ones. So, this isn't a common drink for many people, but it's … [Read more...]

Easy Veggie Breakfast Casserole

One thing I love is a healthy, tasty breakfast casserole.   I love them because the are really easy. I like to throw a bunch of things together with some eggs and seasonings and call it breakfast- which usually turns into something delicious, like this recipe.  5.0 from 1 reviews Easy Veggie Breakfast Casserole   Print Prep time 10 mins Cook time 50 mins Total time 1 hour   Author: Rachel Recipe type: Breakfast Serves: 4-6+ What you need: 7-8 eggs 1 … [Read more...]