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In my recent podcast, The Value of Meal Planning, (you can LISTEN HERE) I discuss the benefits of meal planning. The main benefits being a reduction in evening stress and saving money! Depending on how often your family eats out, gets take-out, etc will dictate how much the potential savings can be. Since numbers are often easier to visualize than to just hear, I am breaking down the numbers I mentioned in the podcast. My first example was a family of 4 getting take out. The family all gets chicken Alfredo from Olive Garden at $18.99 per entree for a total of $75.96. On the flip side, if the same family made the chicken Alfredo at home (including salad and breadsticks), it would cost them a total of $25-$30 depending on jar or homemade sauce. Keep in mind that amount is with none of the groceries being purchased on special or in bulk, that is regular retail pricing at my local grocery store. Averaging out the at home cost results in a savings of about $49 for JUST ONE MEAL!! Now, say you get take out like this once a week and you eliminated that by eating at home. If you did that once a week for the entire year you would have a savings of $2,548! Now say you kept up with eating at home over a 10 year period and invested that savings (we will assume an average rate of return of a realistic 7%). After 10 years you would have almost $37,000!!! What if you get take out a lot and you eliminated two nights a week? That's $5,096 savings a year and almost $74,000 over the 10 year period! And what if you get take out all the time and eliminated it 4 nights a week? That's a yearly savings of $10,192 and a whopping $147,000 over the 10 year period!! If you are wondering how to pay for college, pay off your own student loans, pay off your credit card debt, etc, then changing your take out habit could be your answer! What if you tend to just go through a drive through and get a less expensive meal? Let's compare the same family of 4! Family of 4 goes to Chick Fil A and gets 4 chicken sandwich with fries meals. They are $7.89 each for a total of $31.56. If you were to make chicken sandwiches and fries at home the total would be about $10. That is with Ore-Ida fries, Tyson chicken patties, and brioche buns. (All prices are regular retail and are not specials or bulk items) So, that is a nearly $22 difference. Let's see what savings that creates if you opt to make it at home. Once a week is $1,144 in yearly savings. If you did that for 10 years and invested it (same 7%) you would have over $16,000. Twice a week would be annual savings of $2,288 and a 10 year investment of over $33,000. Four times a would be annual savings of $91,52 and a 10 year investment of over $132,000. If you are eating out multiple times a week, this simple lifestyle change could greatly better your financial future! Whether you use the savings to pay off debt, save for college, or save for retirement; it's an easy change that is LIFE CHANGING! Note all prices are from grocery stores, Olive Garden, and Chick Fil A located in zip code 28557. These prices could differ slightly in other areas. Last note to add: All information is considered educational and is not considered financial advice.

I began Meal Planning and Prepping about 15 years ago when my son was born so that our work week and evenings would be less stressful and we could maintain a healthy diet and not need to grab fast food and take-out all the time. It was a game changer for me! Even though my work schedule has changed over the years, I still find that this practice is essential for alleviating evening stress! I was recently the guest on The Simplified Island and hosted a mini Masterclass on meal planning and prepping. Check out the recap on her blog HERE! It was so much fun and we had a lot of laughs about "where veggies go to die in the refrigerator." Meal planning and prepping are not one in the same but in order to meal prep you have to meal plan first. If you are home a good bit and don't feel the need to prep, meal planning is still a great tool to save time and money. When you first begin meal planning, it may seem time intensive but after a few times you will find a groove and knock it out in no time. I typically do my meal plan on Saturday mornings but it doesn't have to be a weekend thing. Pick a day and time that works for you! When I sit down to meal plan, I get a nice cup of coffee, maybe a recent cooking magazine for ideas, and my menu and list templates. You can download my templates HERE. I start with the dinner menu and as I list out a meal, I add the ingredients to my grocery list. For example, if I plan Taco Tuesday then I would add ground beef, shredded cheese, a taco kit, and avocado. I go through this process for all meals including breakfast and lunches. Once I have my list prepared, I check both the refrigerator and pantry for things on the list that we already have on hand and I add any items that were put on the running grocery list during the week. Once I have the grocery list complete, I make the online grocery order. If you are going to the grocery store in person, I definitely recommend using the grocery list where items are categorized; it will make your trip more timely. My tips for planning: Keep the pantry and refrigerator organized, preferably with labeled bins, so you can easily visualize items needed and items you have. This helps eliminate duplicates! Keep fruits and veggies in clear bins on the refrigerator shelves rather than in the drawers (where they go to die). I have found that we do a much better job eating them when they are "in our face" every time we open the fridge. Plus, it's pretty. Create category bins in the fridge such as "lunch box" that contains the sandwich fixings, yogurts, etc. Lunch box packing goes much quicker when you don't need constant trips to the fridge. I also have a smoothie bin and breakfast bin. When you bring the groceries in, unpack everything on the counter. Categorize items before you put them away such as lunch box bin items and smoothie items. If you are planning to prep at the same time, categorize items by meal. Schedule your grocery pick-up/ delivery when you have time to unpack properly and prep. I like Sunday on the way home from church but maybe Wednesday afternoon while the kids have dance classes is better for you. Whatever time works! When planning meals, look at your calendar! If you have a meeting on Thursday night and you won't all sit down together, maybe plan a slow cooker meal that day. If you are following a diet different from your family (maybe low carb) plan a variation not a whole other meal. Taco Tuesday? Use romaine lettuce for your shells. Create a collection of go-to recipes that you can have on repeat. A binder is an easy way to categorize recipes you print online or tear out of magazines. Meal planning is the key to not only buying food you have a plan for consuming (which saves money) but also keeps a healthy diet on track! Plus, it saves time from not having to make multiple grocery trips for a few items. Even if you stop here and prep when you make each meal, you're plan is still helping you alleviate meal time stress (and eating out too much). Meal prep can be basic or fully preparing meals. If you have time to cook in the evenings, your prep may be doing basic things like chopping vegetables, washing salad, and putting lunch box snacks into individual containers. (I always recommend buying chips and things like that in bulk or the large bags and dividing them up into containers because the individual portion bags are significantly more expensive.) In my Meal Prep Masterclass, I unpack and categorize the groceries, fully prepare 6 dinner meals, and prep lunch salads. All in one hour! You can get the class HERE if you are interested in the full process! My tips for prepping: Organize ingredients by meal on the counter. Start with items that need to be cooked before you can prep such as baking chicken or cooking ground beef for recipes. Consider your lunches when prepping. Cook extra chicken or salmon for salads. If you like leftover lunch heat ups then prepare additional servings for dinner. TIP: When putting leftovers away, go ahead and put them into individual serving containers so they are ready to grab and go. If you are preparing a slow cooker recipe such as Mexican Turkey Chili, combine the ingredients and store in a container. All you have to do on it's day, is pour it in and set it! Be sure to check expiration dates, especially on meats. I typically put short life items like salmon at the beginning of the week. Fully make casseroles ahead of time, such as Chicken and Broccoli casserole, cover with foil, then simply put into the oven to bake when you get home. Label all prepared food and if you need your spouse or a child to start it, be sure to add the instructions such as preheat oven to 350 then bake 30 minutes. Some general rules of thumb to follow while meal planning and prepping: Stock up on items in bulk every month or two if you have access to a Costco or similar store (we do not have one in our county but I would if we did) Saving time is one of the purposes of meal planning and prepping so don't waste time shopping at multiple stores. Your time spent shopping has a value! When I first login to make my order, I always check the "My Specials" which are items on special that I purchase regularly. I stock up on what I can, especially non-perishable items. Take advantage of the rewards your grocery store offers! I always qualify for $1 off per gallon of gas each month, saving us at least $100 a month at the pump! Looking to get started? Here is a round-up of my favorite meal prep containers along with kitchen must haves to get the job done! And don't forget, you can take my Masterclass! Watch me prep a lunch salad HERE! This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I read some great books in 2022 from summertime fiction to personal growth books! Here is a round up of my top 10 (in no particular order)! Atomic Habits by James Clear If you are looking to get your days in order and establish better habits, this book is one of the best on habits I've ever read! The Midnight Library by Matt Haig Such a great read that makes you think about the decisions we make in life and the paths that are created for our journey! The Wedding Veil by Kristy Woodson Harvey A fantastic historical fiction read that makes you think about the intertwining of family and marrying your true love! Gilt by Jamie Brenner Family business is hard! This book is a wonderful story of overcoming the thought process of business before family! Verity by Colleen Hoover While this book had a bit more sexual content than I had anticipated it was still a page turner! A quick read for a day at the beach. Get Out of Your Head by Jennie Allen A super read for getting yourself back on track with your thoughts and emotions and truly focusing on joy! Meant to Be by Emily Giffin This feel good love story is the perfect beach or poolside read. If you have a vacay coming up, be sure to add it to your bag! The Road by Corman McCarthy While this book is probably the oldest on the list, it is truly one of the most moving and profound reads I've ever read. You will be weeping as you reach the end. The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell A relatively simple character weaves a story line that truly makes you reflect on what matters in life and prioritizing it! Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus The dog narrates part of the story. Enough said. This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Our book club recently met to review our latest read, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni. We sat around the Christmas tree enjoying chocolate martinis and appetizers and discussed this fabulous book! I highly recommend this book! I could not put it down! What's interesting is that the story line is actually very simple. It follows the life of what many would refer to as an everyday person. The main character is extremely likable and you find yourself rooting for him as he endures life, some normal things and some not so normal. The last page of the book (the epilogue), reads: "There comes a day in every man's life when he stops looking forward and starts looking back. Because of my father's circumstances, I had thought it a sad commentary on life, but I now understood that he was offering me his own gift, one that only time can provide. He was offering me the gift of perspective. My father was telling me that while we tend to remember the dramatic incidents that change history-Armstrong's walk on the moon, Nixon's resignation, and the Lona Prieta earthquake-we live for the quiet, intimate moments that mark not our calendars but our hearts: The day we marry. The days our children are born. Their first step. Their first word. Their first day of school. And when our children grow, we rememebr those moments with a touch of melancholy: the day they get their driver's license, the day we drive them to college, the day they marry, and the day they have their children. And the cycle begins anew. We realize it is in those quiet moments that each of us has the ability to make our lives extraordinary." Life truly is short. This book made me think even more about what matters most to me and to not let the noise of the world interfere. If you are looking for a book that will warm your heart about living (and make you a bit nostalgic), this book delivers. It will make you realize that the simple life can truly be extraordinary!

This past weekend was the 10th annual Gingerbread Festival benefitting the Crystal Coast Hospice House at the Carteret County Civic Center. As the Treasurer for the Crystal Coast Hospice House, this event is near and dear to my heart. The Friday night preview is a great party for all of the adults to come out and enjoy live music while viewing the contestants in the gingerbread house competition and the themed crab pot trees. The weekend is dedicated to the kids with lots of activities including a visit from Santa! This year I decided to sponsor one of the themed crab pot trees and decorate it for the silent auction. I chose the theme Down East Strong. For those of you local to Carteret County, you know what this motto means. For those of you that aren't, this motto is a tribute to the 8 lives, including 4 youth, that tragically perished in a plane crash off Drum Inlet on February 13 while returning from the youth day duck hunt. The Down East community is small but it is full of tight knit and mighty people. Witnessing the love and support that poured out was a truly beautiful and heartwarming sight. It was truly an honor to put this tree together. It began with a locally made crab pot Christmas tree. Then I added dark green and Camo tulle followed by a shotgun shell garland that my husband helped me put together. A driftwood cross made for the perfect topper. To complete the tree, I added the "wings" to create the duck blind effect and added 8 decoys around the bottom. Last, but certainly not least, was the sign honoring all 8! I am truly honored to be a part of this community (even if I am a ding batter). Please keep these families in your thoughts and prayers this Christmas season and always.

The perfect cocktail for the Christmas holiday. It's smooth and sweet with the perfect touch of holiday flavor! The syrup used is the type intended to flavor coffees. I was even able to find a skinny one!

This past weekend, we went down to the cottage for a quiet weekend. I had Continuing Education and reading to catch up on and my son needed good rest with exams right around the corner. My hubs was excited to enjoy the quiet and slow cook a brisket. On Saturday morning, Trout was ready to eat breakfast by 7:00 so we went ahead and got up and enjoyed coffee on the porch while my son slept in. We lingered for a couple hours on while my husband started the brisket and we just talked and enjoyed coffee. My son woke up and came to join us on the porch. We had our morning hugs and then I went to make breakfast. He had requested cinnamon apple French toast and I love getting in the kitchen and making a fun breakfast. A few minutes later, I went back to the porch to see if they also wanted some bacon or sausage but they were gone. I looked around and quickly saw that they had walked down to the dock. It was warm for December with no wind so it was quite pleasant even on the water. They were just sitting there, legs dangling over the water, having a father son chat. I know I am probably biased but my hubs is the best dad any kid could ever ask for. He is always family first and he will put his personal desires aside to do for and be with his family. He is so present in our son's life and their relationship exemplifies it. So, I just stood on the porch watching them in gratitude. So thankful for them. So thankful for the love in our family. So thankful for our closeness and always family first. Not every child experiences a love like that. As we enter the advent and Christmas season, I am truly reflecting on the blessings in my life; they are the greatest gifts I could ever receive. I encourage you to take time this holiday season to slow down and just enjoy the quiet with your loved ones. It will be the greatest gift you could give one another! P.S. Yes I did sneak down the dock to snap their picture! I couldn't resist!

Yesterday my sweet friend Julianne Taylor posted a reel on her Instagram page talking about avoiding toxic family members at Thanksgiving. I am paraphrasing but she said "I want to normalize not going to Thanksgiving dinner." If you dread Thanksgiving because some (or most) of your family members are toxic then don't spend Thanksgiving with them. Family that treats you poorly is not thankful for you; they are only thankful for how you can benefit them or fulfill their expectations. If Thanksgiving can only be done on their terms, if they are going to guilt you or embarrass you, if they are going to point out your failures from the year, if they are going to criticize your parenting, if they are going to make you feel like you are never enough then just don't go. That is not what Thanksgiving should be! Thanksgiving is a day to be thankful. It should be a joyous and happy occasion. It should be filled with genuine love. It should not be full of strife, stress, and anxiety. The quantity of people doesn't make Thanksgiving; the quantity of love and thanks does. So, if a small gathering is how you achieve that, then small gathering it shall be! Toxic family members often get their way because we appease them in order to ease the stress. Stop appeasing and conforming to them and start making your own holiday traditions! Life is too short! I truly wish all of you a very happy Thanksgiving full of love and gratitude!

What to do with the leftover turkey other than a sandwich? Make a delicious salad! Start with a bowl of mixed greens. Cube up the leftover turkey, crumble goat cheese, add candied pecans, and some craisins. Toss in your favorite dressing. A vinaigrette is ideal!

What to do with the Thanksgiving leftovers? If you are already tired of turkey sandwiches then this comfort food casserole should do the trick. It's a Thanksgiving version of shepherd's pie. Simply grease a casserole dish (the size will depend on the amount of the leftovers) then in the bottom do a layer of cut up or shredded turkey, then a layer of green bean casserole, and then a layer of mashed potatoes on top. If you have gravy you can top it off with gravy. Cover with foil and bake for 30-35 minutes at 350. This is an easy casserole to make as you clean up from Thanksgiving and then you can just pop it in the oven on Friday when you get home from shopping or finish putting up the tree!

This recipe is similar to my Mexican Chicken Casserole except it is a little heartier and more of a meal in itself. The onions and peppers stay a little crunchy and add great flavor. I used a cilantro flavored rice and it was a great addition. A rotisserie chicken from the grocery store works well if you don't want to cook and shred the chicken breasts.

My husband has been asking for my Christmas list for about a month now. The other day I nagged him about a project he had told me he would do for me. His response: "I'll do it once I have your Christmas list." BOOM! He got me! I sat right down and got it done! I'll be sharing the completed project real soon! In the meantime, here's my list! Cashmere Robe I love to lounge around in my robe on the weekends and during my morning devotional time. I am always cold so a warm robe is essential! Cotton Pima Robe Is it obvious I love a robe? LOL! Both my winter weight and summer weight robes are very long in the tooth and I love both of these so much I had to put both on my list! Mini Round Coquette A set of 4 or 6 of these would be perfect for creating individual recipes. Ruffle Salad Bowls A set of 4 or 6 of these is perfect for serving a beautiful salad meal. Julie Vos Classic Link Necklace I love the simplicity and versatility of this piece. I know I would wear it on repeat. Wellness Mat I spend a lot of time in the kitchen. My feet would greatly appreciate the support and comfort it would provide. Boat Day Bean Bag Chair Well, because I am already thinking about boat days! HA! Waterproof Blue Tooth Speaker Porch sitting is one of my favorite things to do and tunes are essential. There is a good chance I will leave the speaker out there so being waterproof is a requirement! Swiftly Long Sleeve Shirt A perfect long sleeve workout shirt for chilly winter days! Plus, I'll need a little motivation to get moving and burn off those holiday calories! This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

This simple recipe is husband approved and makes for a quick and easy supper! Serve with anything from a salad to Cole slaw to green beans or baked beans!

This dish is the ultimate in comfort food and is perfect for a cold or rainy evening to eat by the fire or curled up watching a movie.

One of my favorite things about fall is that it means oyster season is here! I have loved oysters since I was a little girl. While we usually steam them, we decided to try our hand at oysters Rockefeller the other night and they did not disappoint. We cooked them on our Big Green Egg grill which added a great smoky flavor but you can cook them in your oven as well. This pan from Bayou Classic was perfect!