This Is Your Life part 5

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How to Make Soup with Leftovers: A Guide to Kitchen Alchemy Let’s face it—leftovers are like the "I didn't really plan for this" moment of your fridge. They lurk, uninvited, in the back corners of your fridge, just waiting to be noticed. Some of them are brave enough to sit front and center, looking all sad and slightly unidentifiable, while others have been tucked away so deep you wonder if they’ve started forming their own little ecosystem. But what if I told you these seemingly sad leftovers could be the foundation for something glorious? That's right—I'm talking about the culinary magic of turning leftovers into soup so they won't become mystery items anymore! With a little creativity and a few culinary tricks, you can transform that half-eaten rotisserie chicken, those wilting vegetables, and that mysterious container of rice into a delicious soup that could fool anyone into thinking you’re a gourmet chef. (Just be sure not to use anything that's sat for longer than 5-7 days and definitely don't use anything that is obviously growing things lol) So, grab your ladle and your can-do attitude—here’s how to make a soup from leftovers that’ll have your taste buds cheering and your fridge feeling a lot less guilty. Step 1: Take Inventory (AKA: The Leftover Excavation) Before we dive into any cooking, let’s first channel your inner archaeologist. It’s time to excavate your fridge. Open every Tupperware container, stare down the half-eaten salad that’s still hanging around from last week, and peek inside those mysterious jars. Now, take stock of what you’ve got. Do you have some leftover roast chicken? A couple of random veggies that look like they might be on their last leg? A few spoonfuls of mashed potatoes that you can’t possibly throw away? Good. These are the building blocks for your next masterpiece. Pro Tip: If something has developed an unusual smell or grown a colony of fuzz, please proceed to the trash. We’re going for “leftovers,” not “science experiment.” Step 2: Broth It Up What’s soup without broth? Answer: Not soup. It’s a sad, unfulfilled pile of random ingredients. So, your next step is to start with a base, and this is where the magic happens. If you’ve got leftover broth or stock from that roast chicken or beef stew you made last week, fantastic! If not, no worries. You can always create a makeshift broth from whatever leftover scraps you have lying around. Throw in the veggie ends, some dried herbs, and maybe a splash of wine (it’ll help you feel like a professional chef). Add water, salt, and pepper, and let that simmer for a while. Congratulations, you've just created a makeshift broth! For those of you in the “I forgot about the broth entirely” camp, store-bought broth is a perfectly acceptable shortcut. It’s okay, we all have our days. Step 3: The “Anything Goes” Vegetable Toss Here’s where your fridge becomes your personal farmer’s market. Look at all those leftover veggies! You can throw in almost anything that’s still edible. Got some carrots from that salad you were supposed to make? Perfect. A couple of celery stalks? Absolutely. That lonely potato ? Why not? And yes, even that wilted kale can make its grand comeback in a hot, steamy soup. The key to making soup from leftovers is embracing the anything-goes mentality. Seriously, soup is like the ultimate "clean out your fridge" project. It’s flexible, forgiving, and doesn’t care that you threw in some half-wilted spinach. In fact, it’ll love it. Pro Tip: If you’re feeling fancy, chop the veggies in different sizes to give your soup a bit of texture—big chunks for that rustic, hearty vibe or finely chopped if you’re going for elegance (or just avoiding chewing like after a dental appointment ). Step 4: Protein Power Okay, so you’ve got the broth and veggies. Now, let’s make this soup a meal. Leftover meat is the key here—whether it’s that half-eaten roast chicken, the last few bites of steak from last night’s dinner, or the mystery meat you can’t quite place but surely it’s chicken, right? If your leftover protein is in large pieces, you can just chop it up and toss it in. If it’s more of the shredded variety (hello, leftover pulled pork), that’s even better. The protein will give your soup the kind of staying power that makes you feel like you’ve actually achieved something after eating it. For a quick protein boost, you can also toss in some beans or lentils—canned beans work just fine! Or, if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, throw in an egg or two for a creamy, protein-packed twist. Step 5: Spice It Up (Because Leftovers Don’t Have to Be Boring) Here’s the thing: soup made from leftovers is amazing—but it can also taste like...well, leftovers if you don’t season it properly. Don’t be afraid of spices! We’re talking garlic, thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, chili flakes, or a dash of soy sauce if you're in the mood . Pro Tip: Taste as you go. Soup is forgiving, but you have to give it a little love. A squeeze of lemon, a splash of vinegar, or even a handful of fresh herbs can make all the difference. Step 6: Carbs (Because Soup Without Carbs Is Just Broth) You can’t forget the carbs, people. Soup is basically the superhero of comfort food, and every superhero needs a trusty sidekick. So, toss in some leftover rice, noodles, or pasta. Or maybe, you’ve got some sad bread that’s going stale—cut it up and toast it. This is your opportunity to give your soup that “something extra” that transforms it from a simple bowl of leftovers to a full-fledged meal. And let’s not forget croutons or a sprinkle of grated cheese on top for that chef’s kiss moment. You’ll feel like you’ve just opened a restaurant called “Soup du Leftovers,” and frankly, that sounds amazing. Step 7: Taste, Adjust, and Bask in Your Leftover Glory Now comes the fun part: tasting. Give your soup a try, and see what it needs. Maybe it needs more salt. Maybe it needs a bit of acidity. Maybe it needs another small chunk of cheese. But whatever you do, be sure to taste-test regularly—you’re an artist now, after all. When you finally sit down to enjoy your hearty, comforting bowl of leftover soup, take a moment to appreciate the brilliance of what you’ve created. You’ve turned your fridge’s forgotten bits into something magical. You’ve made soup, and not just any soup, but a bowl of pure resourcefulness. Also see these posts: Whole Chicken Budget Hack: Bone Broth Soup Season: A Love Letter So, next time you're standing in front of a fridge full of odds and ends, remember: those leftovers are begging for a second chance. And with just a little creativity, you’ll turn them into the star of your kitchen. Happy cooking (and slurping)! Jenny

Soup season comfort food Best soups for winter Easy soup recipes for cold weather Cozy soup season meals How to make soup in winter

Cozy home ideas after Christmas Winter home decor tips How to create a cozy home in winter Cozy winter home essentials Making your home feel cozy post-Christmas Hygge

I know that title sounds weird and far fetched, but let me explain. First, a little bit of back story: I was a stay at home mom for 13 years before I began kind of working outside the home. Even when I was a SAHM, I did little side things. I cleaned houses and offices. I babysat. I worked from home as a nutritional therapist after I got my certification, but let that go after I realized people were really only interested in weight loss and I wasn't interested in doing that professionally long term. My first "outside" of the home job after becoming a mom was in 2018, after I graduated from my yoga teacher training. I taught multiple styles of yoga. I taught a class almost every day of the week, but was only gone for like 2 hrs. Through all of this, I still considered myself a homemaker. I'm sharing that because I really do believe that you are a homemaker no matter if you get paid to work in or out of the home. A homemaker is someone who makes a "house" a "home". You can be a full time or a part time homemaker. The amount and variety of things you're able to do within your homemaking may be determined by whether you're full time or part time...but anyone can be a homemaker. That's just a little soap box of mine I guess. Okay, moving on.... In 2020, I almost died of sepsis after a simple gallbladder removal surgery. I was in ICU and then was diagnosed with Post Sepsis Syndrome after returning home. Later, it was discovered that I had a stroke while I was septic and they had bombed my body with life saving antibiotics. Later still, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS. I also have a handful of other chronic things, but that's not really the focus of this post. All of this is to say that I could no longer live up to my own expectations of being a homemaker- or anything else for that matter. I couldn't even walk without passing out. I had to go to speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to recover. When I became a SAHM it was a choice. So, when I couldn't afford to go get my nails done or pay for a gym membership, it was okay. It actually felt empowering because I reminded myself that I was choosing to not have/do those things because I wanted to be home with my babies instead. (NOT judging anyone who makes the opposite choice though. We all have different personalities and some of us find joy in being home while others feel trapped by that idea. Both are fine. Choice is important.) After becoming chronically ill and having that CHOICE removed, it no longer felt empowering. Now, I can't work. I don't have a bachelor's degree, so it's extremely difficult to find a job. The jobs that are available to those without a degree are mostly physical. I can't teach yoga anymore because no one will hire a teacher that could pass out in front of a class. (believe me, I've tried. One interviewer literally ghosted me after an interview lol). I can't serve tables or be a cashier. My physical limitations and mental limitations (aphasia post stroke and brain fog etc with POTS) held me back from finding a job. It wasn't for not trying. No one would hire me. I even tried finding remote work, but those all turned out to either be a scam (people just data fishing- even when found on reputable sources like indeed and zip recruiter)...or, again, I got ghosted. One lady interviewed me 3 different times and even had me go through some training for HIPPA and then I never heard from her again. You can say I was discouraged lol. Then, after a lot of prayer and a long walk & talk with my husband, we made the decision that I would "just" be a full-time homemaker. My daughter just graduated and will be going to SCAD in the fall, and my son only has 3 more years until he graduates. I may try to find something remote after he graduates so that Matt and I can travel and stuff...but until then, my focus is my family. I'm homeschooling and I'm homemaking. So it is my CHOICE again. I got the power back. Now, when I can't afford to do something extra...it feels empowering again. And ya know what? After focusing on my homemaking, and having time and energy to put towards working on our budget, cooking meals from scratch, and saving money on DIY cleaning supplies etc... we were able to move money over to our savings account for the first time in over 4 years. So, while I didn't "make" any money; I "saved" money...which I feel is basically how full-time homemakers make money lol. Letting go of the self imposed pressures of figuring out how to make side money and all of that stress allowed me to not only save money but also slow down and enjoy life. Here's where the healing comes in: when I was bed ridden, I COULDN'T wash dishes, do laundry, vacuum, or garden. I couldn't bake or sew. I was only surviving- and not really even doing that well. Now that I'm ABLE to be upright and walk around without fear of passing out most of the time, I understand the PRIVILEGE it is to be able to do all of those things. Yes, I still have flare ups and am unable to do things, but I know they're more short lived now. Without the pressure to "perform", to "earn money" and always "produce"...I've become more able to actually do more things. I can slowly and mindfully hand wash dishes. I can enjoy the process of laundry. I chat with the bees while I pull weeds from my garden beds. I can take the time to actually DO those things that help me heal, like castor oil packs, rebounding, and different therapies. I'm present. I'm able. I'm HEALING. I am hopeful that you can too, if that is your desire. Jenny

What is a Homemaker? The Unsung Heroes of Domestic Bliss Let’s talk about homemakers. You know, those mystical beings who can juggle laundry, dinner, and the emotional needs of a family—all without breaking a sweat or letting their coffee go cold. (I use the term mystical here because I can assure you that version of a homemaker is right up there with mermaids and fairies. At the VERY least, there's no way our coffee isn't cold.) We often hear the term “homemaker” tossed around, but have you ever stopped to wonder: What does that even mean? The Short Answer: A Homemaker is a person—traditionally, but not exclusively, a stay-at-home spouse—who takes care of the home. They’re the person who makes sure the laundry gets done, the groceries are stocked, and everyone remembers to wear pants (preferably clean ones). But this simple description doesn’t even begin to cover the layers of complexity, creativity, and yes, superhuman powers that homemakers possess. 1. The Chief Household Engineer Ever seen a sink full of dishes and thought, I can’t deal with this today? Well, a homemaker’s superpower is the ability to always deal with it. They are like domestic engineers, constructing order from chaos. The living room is suddenly organized, the fridge is stocked, and somehow, the toilet paper is always replaced. They’ve mastered the fine art of solving problems before you even notice they exist. Oh, you were out of clean socks? That’s already been fixed. 2. The Personal Chef (and Family Nutritionist) Imagine cooking three meals a day, every single day, for years. Doesn’t that sound like a reality show challenge? But homemakers? They’re like top-tier chefs facing picky eaters, random dietary restrictions, and the daily “What’s for dinner?” interrogation. A homemaker doesn’t just throw together any meal. No, no. They meticulously craft meals that’ll make everyone’s taste buds do a happy dance… even if those taste buds occasionally beg for mac and cheese again . Bonus Points for meal planning, grocery lists, and somehow turning last night’s leftovers into an Insta-worthy new dish. 3. The Emotional Support Guru Not only does a homemaker manage the physical space of the home, but they are often the emotional backbone, too. Have a bad day at work? Well, here’s a cup of tea, a sympathetic ear, and a hug that probably has some sort of magical healing powers. Homemakers excel at being a shoulder to cry on, an advisor in times of crisis, and, at times, a "human stress ball." They can feel when something’s off, like a sixth sense that goes beyond the state of the laundry basket. Is it about the kids' report cards, a forgotten anniversary, or just that inexplicable "I need chocolate" feeling? They’ll know. 4. The Professional Negotiator Homemakers are also skilled diplomats. They resolve sibling squabbles with the precision of a UN peacekeeper and negotiate bedtimes that are both acceptable to the child and to the time-space continuum. Whether it's convincing the family that eating breakfast at 11:30 a.m. is "totally fine" or that no, you cannot eat candy for dinner, the homemaker can smooth things over with a mix of logic and charm . 5. The Household CFO Did you think a homemaker only dealt with laundry and emotions? Think again. Managing the budget, paying bills, and making sure there’s enough money for both groceries and the surprise dentist visit is no small feat. They’re like CFOs with a master’s degree in stretching every dollar until it begs for mercy. A good homemaker can make a dollar feel like a hundred, and if they don’t have it, they will find a way to make it happen. 6. The Life Coach and Time Management Specialist A homemaker is like the world’s most patient life coach. From organizing your calendar to reminding you about that dentist appointment you forgot about three months ago, they’ve got the skills to keep things on track. They know exactly when to offer a pep talk and when to give you that look that says, “Please don’t make me remind you again.” They also somehow manage to keep their own personal calendars full, with zero time to themselves. It’s like a magic trick—how do they do it? They’re multitasking at a level so high, it’s practically an Olympic event. It’s not uncommon for them to accomplish a week’s worth of tasks in a single day, all while making sure everyone else’s needs are met. Now, to be very clear here...when I say time management specialist...I'm definitely referring to OTHER homemakers. I, myself, am far from that. I have total time blindness. Where my ADHD homemakers at? Tell me in the comments lol 7. The Cheerleader of the House Whether you’re getting ready for a big presentation or just attempting to put your shoes on the right feet, homemakers are your #1 fans. They cheer you on through every victory—no matter how small—and offer encouragement when you’re about to throw in the towel (or in this case, the laundry). They turn every success into a family-wide celebration and make you feel like the champion you truly are. So, Is Being a Homemaker Really That Hard? Well, yes. And no. On the surface, it might seem like just cooking, cleaning, and reminding people to wear pants. But when you dig deeper, being a homemaker is an intricate balance of skills, patience, and maybe just a bit of wizardry. It’s about keeping a household running like a well-oiled machine, while simultaneously making sure everyone feels loved, cared for, and—somehow—encouraged to do their own laundry. Homemakers are the silent warriors, the unsung heroes who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. They’re working hard behind the scenes to make life smoother for everyone else, and let’s face it, that deserves a standing ovation. So next time you see a homemaker in action, give them a high five. Or better yet, throw in a load of laundry and ask if there’s anything you can do to help. Because the truth is, if they didn’t exist, the rest of us might just be… living in piles of dirty socks and cereal bowls. To the homemakers out there—we see you. We appreciate you. And we promise, next time we ask, “What’s for dinner?” we’ll try to sound more enthusiastic.

Ah, January—the month when your spending from December’s holiday shopping is knocking at your door and your kitchen is brimming with half-empty boxes of random pantry items you never got around to using. What better time than now to take on a Pantry Challenge? If you’re tired of opening your cupboard only to find a mysterious jar of expired pickled beets, a bag of quinoa that’s too old to trust, or a can of beans that have been around since 2020, it’s time for a kitchen overhaul. This isn’t just a clever way to clear out your cabinets—it’s a proven strategy to save money, reduce waste, and avoid impulse grocery shopping until you’ve truly used up what you’ve got. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your most daring apron, and let’s dive into the Pantry Challenge. What is a Pantry Challenge, Anyway? In simple terms, a Pantry Challenge is a month-long (or however long you choose) effort to eat through the food you already have stored in your kitchen. It’s like spring cleaning, but with a side of burritos, pasta, and maybe a few questionable cans you’ve been avoiding. The goal is to reduce your grocery spending and use up what’s collecting dust in your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You might even discover forgotten treasures lurking at the back of your cabinets. By the end of the challenge, you’ll likely have saved money, minimized food waste, and (hopefully) rediscovered some cooking skills you forgot you had. Why You Need to Do a Pantry Challenge in January Post-Holiday Financial Recovery: After the holiday season, our bank accounts are often feeling the pressure. A Pantry Challenge helps curb grocery spending by using what you already have, which is crucial during the “no-spend” month. Reduce Waste: According to the EPA, the average American household wastes about $1,500 worth of food each year. A Pantry Challenge is the perfect antidote to that sad statistic. You’ll start to see the savings add up when you realize you didn’t need to buy yet another bag of rice or jar of pasta sauce. Creative Cooking: Ever opened the pantry and thought, “I have no idea what to make with this?” A Pantry Challenge encourages creative cooking. It’s like Chopped, but with less stress and more beans. Suddenly, that odd assortment of canned goods and dry pasta can become an experimental gourmet meal (or at least a surprisingly decent casserole). Space to Breathe: That cluttered pantry you keep meaning to organize? The Pantry Challenge is the perfect excuse to clean it out once and for all. You'll end up with a clearer kitchen and a better sense of what you actually need on your shopping list going forward. How to Start Your Pantry Challenge 1. Inventory Everything Before you dive into the challenge, take stock of everything you have. Pull out every jar, bag, box, and tin from your pantry, fridge, and freezer. You might be shocked by how much you have hiding in the back. Organize it into categories: grains, canned goods, sauces, snacks, frozen foods, and so on. Make a list of items you could use up in the coming weeks. If you have a lot of rice, pasta, or canned beans, start planning meals around those. 2. Set a Budget (or Don't) Some people set a hard limit on how much they’ll spend on groceries during the challenge, while others commit to buying only fresh produce or perishables (like milk, eggs, and greens) while using up pantry staples for the rest. Decide what works best for your lifestyle. Either way, the goal is to minimize trips to the grocery store. 3. Plan Your Meals Around What You Have This is where the magic happens. Meal planning becomes your best friend. Take a look at your inventory and start brainstorming meal ideas. Use resources like SuperCook to find recipes that use the ingredients you have on hand. If you're in the mood for soup, you've got endless options if you’ve got canned tomatoes, beans, and stock. Got some spaghetti? Time to get creative with those pantry sauces. The possibilities are endless! 4. Don't Be Afraid to Get Weird This is your chance to experiment and have fun in the kitchen. Just because you have a half-can of coconut milk, some black beans, and a box of instant noodles doesn’t mean it’s a culinary disaster waiting to happen. It could be the start of a surprisingly tasty curry-noodle hybrid. The point is to think outside the box—because, well, your pantry’s already full of boxes. 5. Track Your Progress Post updates on social media (use the hashtag #PantryChallenge so that other people that are also doing a pantry challenge can follow along. You’re in this together!), or write in a journal to keep track of what meals you’re creating and what you’re using up. This can give you some much-needed accountability and keep you motivated. Plus, it’s fun to share your food triumphs with others—like when you turn a random mix of spices and canned vegetables into a delicious dinner. 6. Share or Donate Excess Food If you find items you just can’t or don’t want to use, consider donating them to a local food bank. Food banks accept unopened, non-perishable items, and you’ll be helping others while still reducing clutter in your kitchen. Tips for Success Be Realistic About Your Time and Skills: If you’re not a master chef, don’t worry. The goal is to eat through your pantry—not become the next Food Network star. Keep it simple and focus on easy-to-make meals like soups, stews, stir-fries, and casseroles. Don't Forget Snacks: Pantry challenges aren’t all about the main course. If you have bags of chips, crackers, or nuts, now’s the time to finish them off. You’ll be shocked at how quickly those “snack” items can add up in your grocery budget. Embrace Leftovers: Get used to eating leftovers for lunch or dinner. This will save both time and money, plus it’s a great way to ensure you don’t waste food. If you make too much of something, freeze the extras for later. Stay Flexible: Sometimes life gets in the way, and you’ll end up buying a few items here and there. That’s okay—just keep it to a minimum and adjust your challenge rules if needed. Wrapping Up the Pantry Challenge  After a month (or however long you choose) of eating your way through your pantry, you’ll probably be feeling a sense of accomplishment and maybe even a little surprised at how much food you had sitting around. Not only will your wallet be happier, but you’ll also have a new appreciation for using what you have. Plus, your pantry will be much more organized—and you’ll have room for new items you actually need. By setting aside your impulse grocery shopping habits, you’ve taken control of your kitchen, reduced food waste, and saved money—maybe even enough to treat yourself to a celebratory dinner OUT, because with all of that cooking you’ve done, you’ve earned it! Happy Pantry Challenging, friends, and may your cupboards never be full of mystery cans again! Jenny Lundy

The Ultimate Budget Hack: Using a Whole Chicken for Meals and Bone Broth If you’re looking to stretch your grocery budget while maximizing nutritional value, buying a whole chicken is one of the best hacks you can implement in your meal planning. Not only does it provide multiple servings of delicious, versatile protein, but it also offers the bonus of making nutrient-dense bone broth, which can be used in future meals. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for yourself, this simple approach wi ll help you save money and eat healthier. Why Choose a Whole Chicken? Whole chickens are incredibly affordable compared to buying individual cuts of meat, and they provide much more than just a meal for the day. A whole chicken is a versatile ingredient that can be roasted, grilled, or slow-cooked, and it can be used in a wide variety of dishes, from salads and soups to tacos and pasta. Step #1: Roast or Cook the Whole Chicken The first step is to cook your whole chicken. Roasting in the oven is the most common method, but slow-cooking or pressure cooking (e.g., in an Instant Pot) are great alternatives that preserve moisture and tenderness while making the meat easy to shred. Simple Roasted Chicken Recipe: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs or spices. Roast for about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on the size of the chicken (an internal temperature of 165°F ensures it’s fully cooked). Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Once your chicken is cooked, divide it into portions. You can use the meat in salads, sandwiches, tacos, stir-fries, or soups, depending on what you have planned for the week. Aim to keep some of the cooked chicken for later meals, and don’t forget to save the skin and bones for the next step! Step #2: Use Leftover Meat for Other Dishes The beauty of a whole chicken lies in its ability to feed you for several meals. Here are a few ideas to use up the leftover chicken: Chicken Salad: Combine the shredded chicken with mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, add some diced veggies, nuts, and seasonings for a quick and healthy salad. Chicken Tacos: Heat up the shredded chicken with taco seasoning and serve in tortillas with your favorite toppings. Chicken Soup or Stew: Add the chicken to a simple vegetable or noodle soup for a warming meal. Chicken Stir-Fry: Toss the chicken with veggies and soy sauce for an easy, flavorful stir-fry. By repurposing the leftover chicken into different dishes, you'll ensure that you're getting the most out of that single bird. Bonus Hack: Make Bone Broth Once you’ve enjoyed your chicken, don’t throw away the bones! This is where the magic happens: you can turn them into a rich, flavorful bone broth that will become the base for future soups, stews, sauces, and even risottos. How to Make Bone Broth from a Whole Chicken: Gather the Bones: After you've removed all the edible meat, place the leftover bones, skin, and any cartilage into a large pot or slow cooker. Add Vegetables and Aromatics: Add a couple of onions (quarter them with the skins on), a few garlic cloves (smash them with the skin on), a couple of carrots, and celery stalks. You can also throw in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, and add a splash of apple cider vinegar (about 2 tablespoons) to help break down the collagen and release nutrients from the bones. Cover with Water: Fill the pot with water, just enough to cover the bones and vegetables. Simmer: Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 4 hours, ideally up to 12 or even 24 hours if you’re using a slow cooker. The longer it cooks, the richer the broth will be. Skim any foam or impurities that rise to the surface during the first hour of cooking. Strain and Store: After simmering, strain the broth through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove the solids. Let the broth cool and store it in jars or containers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze it for later use. Bone broth is packed with collagen, gelatin, and essential amino acids, making it a powerful addition to your diet. It's great for gut health, skin, joints, and overall immunity. Why Bone Broth Is a Game-Changer Making bone broth is not just a way to use up leftovers—it’s also an incredibly nutrient-dense food that can improve your overall health. Bone broth provides: Collagen and Gelatin: Great for skin elasticity, joint health, and digestive support. Minerals: Especially calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus, which are important for bone health. Amino Acids: Including proline and glycine, which help with protein synthesis and support the liver in detoxification. Incorporating bone broth into your meals is an easy way to boost the nutritional profile of soups, sauces, or even to sip on as a warm, comforting drink on a chilly day. How to Use Bone Broth Here are a few ideas for using your homemade bone broth: Soups & Stews: Use it as the base for all kinds of soups and stews. Add veggies, grains, and any leftover protein for a hearty meal. Cooking Grains: Use bone broth instead of water to cook rice, quinoa, or couscous for added flavor and nutrients. Sauces & Gravies: Make richer, more flavorful sauces by using bone broth as a base. It’s great for gravies or pan sauces for meats.  Sip it: For a quick, nutrient-packed snack, just heat up a cup of bone broth and sip it like a warm drink. Conclusion By purchasing a whole chicken, you’re not just getting one meal—you’re setting yourself up for multiple, nutrient-dense meals. Whether you’re enjoying roast chicken for dinner, repurposing leftovers into new dishes, or making a batch of homemade bone broth, you’re making the most of your food, your money, and your time. This approach is a fantastic way to eat well on a budget while prioritizing nutrition. So next time you're at the store, grab a whole chicken and start planning your meals—your body (and your wallet) will thank you

Welcome, friends, to the world of homemaking on a budget, where the towels don’t fold themselves, the dishwasher never runs on its own, and every grocery store trip is a battle of wits, willpower, and a tiny bit of bribery. But don’t worry—just because we’re trying to keep things affordable doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice fun, flavor, or sanity. In fact, you can be a homemaking genius on a budget if you just embrace the chaos and a few creative shortcuts. Let’s dive into some of my best (and most humbling) tips for making your home run like a well-oiled machine… without burning a hole in your wallet. 1. The Budget Spreadsheet: Your New Best Friend (or Frenemy ) You’ve probably heard that budgeting is essential, but here’s the real truth: I didn’t know what “fixed expenses” were until I spent an hour Googling it and feeling incredibly inadequate. To be honest, my husband manages most of our budget. We talk about everything, and he makes sure I know everything, but sometimes you've just got to know your strength/weaknesses, and creating a budget is really more his strength than mine. He also LOVES a good spreadsheet. Yes, it's color coded and has conditional formatting. He's a nerd, but he's MY nerd. Anyway, it's good to have at least a basic idea of how to do it all. It seems a little boring, I know. But let me tell you: once you’ve spent an entire Saturday getting intimate with an Excel spreadsheet, something magical happens. You’ll start to see where your money goes—and where it mysteriously vanishes. (Spoiler: It’s the overpriced coffee treat you keep getting “just because” you’re at Target.) Pro Tip: Don’t shy away from those "Miscellaneous" categories. They’re there to save you from total financial chaos. Maybe add a category for “Stuff I Think I Need But Really Don’t,” which is basically the same as the “Miscellaneous” category but with more judgment. 2. The Dollar Store Is Your New Fashion Runway Here’s a secret: the dollar store doesn’t just sell cleaning supplies. Oh no, my friend, it’s a goldmine of home décor that could rival your favorite boutique—if you squint and don’t mind a little glitter. Need throw pillows? Dollar store. A vase for those flowers you definitely didn’t steal from the neighbor's yard? Dollar store. A random assortment of random things that somehow make your home feel more "together"? Dollar store. But don’t stop there! Once you’ve conquered the world of inexpensive decor, turn your attention to food. Sure, it’s a little more “instant noodles” than “gourmet meals,” but throw in a few fancy spices and voilà—you’ve got yourself a meal that looks like it came from a high-end restaurant. Or at least the Instagram post of one. I kid, I kid. mostly. 3. Meal Prep Like You’re On a Cooking Show (Except Way Less Fancy) Meal prepping sounds like something only professionals do, right? Like those people who don’t just cook—they craft meals. But guess what? Meal prepping is your gateway to both saving time and money. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can even plan your meals around your budget! (I know, I know, this is where things get wild.) Here’s how it goes: Make a shopping list based on sales and what’s in season. Buy in bulk. Cook large portions of meals that can be used in various ways (think chili that turns into burritos, soup that becomes casserole—look at you, kitchen magician). Store it all in Tupperware that will probably leak, but you’ll find a way to make it work. Not only will you impress your family with your culinary prowess, but you’ll also avoid the dreaded "What’s for dinner?" moment when you’re tired, hungry, and staring blankly at a jar of peanut butter. 4. DIY As Much As You Can Let’s face it—homemaking on a budget means being a DIY warrior. Need a new shower curtain? Grab some fabric or an old sheet at the thrift store, a sewing machine, and pretend you’re on HGTV. The beauty of DIY projects is that they’re usually pretty inexpensive, and if they go horribly wrong, you’ve got a cool story for your friends (or at least your dog...or at my house your frog). If sewing isn’t your thing, try making your own cleaning products. A little vinegar, some baking soda, and a dash of essential oil can go a long way in keeping your home sparkling clean and your budget intact. Plus, you’ll get that lovely false sense of superiority when you tell people you “made it yourself.” (“Oh, this old thing? Just a homemade all-purpose cleaner.”) 5. The Art of Embracing "Good Enough" This might be the most crucial part of homemaking on a budget: you don’t have to be perfect. Your laundry room doesn’t need to look like a Pinterest board, and that throw blanket you’re folding doesn’t need to be styled like it's on a magazine cover. Good enough is absolutely fine. As long as your home is semi-organized and everyone’s fed, you’re winning. You’re not hosting a Vogue shoot, you’re running a home—and that's a huge victory. 6. Target Is a Trap, But It’s Also a Blessing Ah, Target. The land of dreams and $200 receipts. I know you think you’re going in for one thing (maybe just toothpaste or a new pair of socks), but before you know it, you’ve spent an hour wandering the aisles, adding things like “fuzzy slippers” and “fall-themed napkins” to your cart because, you know, it’s just so cute. And then the self-checkout machine looks at you like, “You know better.” But here’s the trick: Set a budget for each trip. And stick to it! Even if that means avoiding the dollar section. Which is hard. So very, very hard. But it’s doable. Also, if you find something irresistible, ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or am I just feeling emotionally drawn to the neon-colored kitchen gadgets?” At the end of the day, homemaking on a budget is all about balance. It’s about getting creative, knowing when to say “no” (especially when Target is involved), and reminding yourself that your home doesn’t need to be a museum—it just needs to be a place where you feel comfortable, safe, and maybe a little bit smug about how much money you saved on that DIY project. So go forth, fellow homemakers, and budget like the true champions you are! You’ve got this. And if all else fails, there’s always room for a little extra chocolate… which, let’s face it, is probably in the budget if we really look hard enough. Happy homemaking! Jenny Lundy