If you've ever planted lemon balm, you already know that it doesn't exactly need much encouragement to grow. This fragrant perennial herb can quickly become thick, bushy, and very abundant.
The good news? There are plenty of ways to put all those fresh leaves to use.
Lemon balm has a lovely lemony scent and a mild citrus flavor that works really well in drinks, desserts, fruit, homemade infusions, and even your summer bath. It's also an easy herb to grow, making it a great addition to a backyard herb garden.
If you're wondering what to do with lemon balm, here are 10 simple and clever uses for lemon balm:
1. Add It to Your Outdoor Space
Lemon balm is often grown for its lemony fragrance, and having it near your patio or outdoor seating area can be a lovely way to enjoy the scent while you're outside. It may also be useful for warding off mosquitos!
I like growing lemon balm in a planter near our patio table where I can easily snip a few leaves whenever I want to use them.
Tip: Lemon balm can spread quickly in the garden, so growing it in a container can make it much easier to keep under control.
2. Make Lemon Balm Simple Syrup
One of my favorite summer uses for lemon balm is making a batch of homemade simple syrup.
You'll need:
1 cup packed fresh lemon balm leaves
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
How to make it:
Combine the lemon balm, water, and sugar in a small saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil and cook for about 1 minute, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Remove from the heat and cover.
Let it steep for about 30 minutes.
Strain out the lemon balm leaves.
Store the syrup in the refrigerator.
Use your lemon balm simple syrup to sweeten lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water, or homemade summer drinks. You could even use it to add a little extra flavor to cocktails or mocktails.
3. Make Lemon Balm Tea
Fresh or dried lemon balm leaves can be used to make a simple herbal tea.
Just add a handful of fresh leaves or a small amount of dried lemon balm to a mug or teapot, cover with hot water, and let it steep for several minutes. Strain and enjoy warm.
Lemon balm has a naturally mild, lemony flavor, so you can enjoy it on its own or combine it with other herbs such as mint.
4. Make Lemon Balm Infused Honey
Lemon balm and honey make a delicious combination.
To make infused honey, loosely fill a clean jar about halfway with fresh lemon balm leaves. Pour honey over the leaves until they're completely covered.
Let the mixture infuse for several weeks, then strain out the leaves.
Use the finished honey to sweeten tea, drizzle over yogurt, or add to desserts.
Important: Never give honey to babies under one year old.
5. Add It to Desserts and Fruit Salads
Lemon balm's subtle citrus flavor makes it a fun addition to summer desserts.
Finely chop a few fresh leaves and add them to:
Fruit salads
Yogurt
Parfaits
Fruit crisps
Pies
Homemade popsicles
You don't need much. A few chopped leaves can add a surprisingly nice lemony flavor.
6. Add It to Iced Tea
Summer and iced tea go together perfectly, and lemon balm is an easy way to switch things up.
Add a handful of fresh lemon balm leaves to your favorite iced tea while it steeps. You can also combine it with fresh mint for an extra refreshing flavor.
If plain water gets a little boring, try adding fresh lemon balm.
Add a few washed lemon balm leaves to a pitcher of water along with your favorite fruit. Lemon, lime, strawberries, cucumber, peaches, and berries are all great options.
Let everything chill in the refrigerator for a few hours so the flavors have time to mingle.
It's a simple way to make everyday water feel a little more special.
8. Use It in a Homemade Bath
Want to make your next bath feel a little more relaxing and spa-like?
Add fresh lemon balm leaves to the water for a lovely herbal scent.
You can sprinkle the leaves directly into the tub, or place them in a small cloth bag or reusable tea infuser and hang it near the faucet so the warm water runs through the leaves as the tub fills.
9. Freeze Lemon Balm for Later
If your lemon balm plant is producing more leaves than you can use, don't let them go to waste!
Wash and dry the leaves, then chop them and freeze them in small portions. You can freeze them in ice cube trays with a little water and then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag.
Drop a cube into iced tea, lemonade, sparkling water, or other summer drinks whenever you need a little lemony flavor.
Freezing is a great way to preserve some of that summer herb garden abundance.
10. Make a Lemon Balm Sugar
Here's another easy way to preserve the flavor of fresh lemon balm.
Place fresh lemon balm leaves and granulated sugar in a food processor and pulse until the leaves are finely chopped and incorporated into the sugar.
Spread the mixture onto a baking sheet and allow it to dry completely. Once dry, store it in an airtight container.
Use your lemon balm sugar to sweeten tea, sprinkle over fruit, or add a little citrusy sweetness to baking.
What to Do With All That Lemon Balm
One of the best things about growing your own herbs is that you don't need to use them all at once. When your lemon balm starts taking over the garden, harvest some for tea, freeze some for later, and use the rest to experiment with homemade drinks and desserts.
It's inexpensive, easy to grow, and surprisingly versatile. Which is exactly the kind of plant I love having in my garden!
If you grow lemon balm, what is your favourite way to use it? I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments!
If you love growing fresh herbs during the summer, you may already have spearmint, peppermint, or chocolate mint growing in your garden. Mint is incredibly versatile and can be used for everything from refreshing drinks and desserts to simple crafts and homemade household items.
But there’s another variety of mint that deserves a little more attention: apple mint.
Apple mint has a fresh, fruity scent and a mild minty flavour with a hint of apple. It looks similar to other varieties of mint, but its soft, slightly fuzzy leaves make it easy to distinguish. In late summer, it can also produce pretty reddish or pinkish flowers that add a little extra interest to the garden.
And just like other types of mint, apple mint is surprisingly useful around the house.
If you've recently picked up an apple mint plant and aren't sure what to do with it, don't worry. There are plenty of ways to use apple mint, from making refreshing summer drinks to adding it to desserts, salads, and homemade household items.
Growing Apple Mint
Apple mint is a perennial herb that can grow in full sun or partial shade. It prefers well-drained soil and regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather.
Like other mint varieties, apple mint can spread quickly, so you may want to grow it in a container if you don't want it taking over your garden. If you plant it directly in the garden, give each plant plenty of room to grow.
Because apple mint is a perennial, it can return year after year in suitable climates. If you're growing it in a container, however, you'll need to consider your local winter conditions and whether the plant can survive outdoors.
Once you have a healthy plant, you'll have plenty of fresh leaves to experiment with.
15 Ways to Use Apple Mint
Wondering how to use apple mint once your plant starts producing lots of fresh leaves? Here are 15 simple ideas to try.
1. Add Apple Mint to Tea
One of the easiest ways to use apple mint is to make a simple cup of mint tea.
Rinse a few fresh leaves, add them to a mug, and pour hot water over them. Let the leaves steep for several minutes, then remove them and enjoy. You can also combine apple mint with other herbs for different flavour combinations.
2. Make Flavoured Water
Apple mint is perfect for making plain water feel a little more special.
Add a handful of rinsed leaves to a pitcher of cold water along with sliced lemon, lime, cucumber, berries, or apples. Let it chill in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
3. Add It to Lemonade
Give homemade lemonade a fresh twist by adding a handful of apple mint leaves.
You can gently muddle a few leaves before adding them to the pitcher or simply use whole leaves as a garnish.
4. Make Mint Ice Cubes
This is a great way to use up extra apple mint.
Place small leaves into an ice cube tray, fill with water, and freeze. Add the minty ice cubes to water, lemonade, iced tea, or sparkling water.
They're also a simple and pretty addition to summer drinks when you're entertaining.
5. Add It to Fruit Salads
Apple mint pairs really nicely with summer fruit.
Try chopping a few leaves and tossing them with strawberries, watermelon, blueberries, peaches, pineapple, or cantaloupe. The fresh mint adds another layer of flavour to an otherwise simple fruit salad.
6. Make Apple Mint Syrup
Fresh apple mint can be used to make a simple syrup for drinks and desserts.
Just add 1 cup of water and 1 cup of white sugar to a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and add 1 packed cup of fresh apple mint. Cover and let the mint steep for 20 - 30 minutes. Strain the syrup through a mesh strainer, pressing gently on the mint leaves to release the liquid. Let the syrup cool completely before transferring it to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator and use within about 2 weeks.
Use your homemade syrup to flavour lemonade, iced tea, sparkling water, mocktails, fruit salads, or desserts.
7. Add It to Desserts
Fresh apple mint makes a nice garnish for desserts.
Add a few leaves to ice cream, fruit crisps, cakes, cupcakes, pudding, or a bowl of fresh berries. You can also finely chop the leaves and experiment with adding a small amount to fruit-based desserts.
8. Make Minty Fruit Popsicles
Blend your favourite summer fruit with water or juice and add a few finely chopped apple mint leaves.
Pour the mixture into popsicle molds and freeze.
Watermelon and mint, strawberry and mint, or peach and mint are all refreshing combinations.
9. Add It to Salads
Don't limit apple mint to drinks and desserts!
Finely chop a few leaves and add them to green salads, cucumber salads, grain salads, or salads made with fresh summer vegetables.
10. Make Homemade Salad Dressing
Apple mint can add a fresh twist to homemade salad dressings.
Try combining chopped mint with lemon juice or vinegar, olive oil, and a little honey. You can adjust the ingredients to create a dressing that works with your favourite summer salads.
11. Add It to Marinades
Fresh mint can also be used in homemade marinades.
Try combining chopped apple mint with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and your favourite herbs and spices. It can work especially well with chicken, vegetables, or lamb.
12. Make Fresh Herb Butter
Soften some butter and mix in finely chopped apple mint along with a little lemon zest and salt.
Refrigerate it and use it on vegetables, corn on the cob, potatoes, or warm bread.
You can even freeze small portions so you have some ready whenever you need it.
13. Dry Apple Mint for Later
If your apple mint plant is producing more leaves than you can possibly use, don't let them go to waste.
Harvest the leaves and dry them using your preferred herb-drying method. Once completely dry, store them in an airtight container away from heat and direct sunlight.
Use the dried mint later for tea, cooking, or homemade herbal blends.
14. Make a Simple Homemade Air Freshener
Apple mint has a naturally fresh scent, making it useful for adding fragrance to your home.
Bundle a few stems together and hang them somewhere like a pantry, mudroom, or closet where they can dry naturally.
You can also place dried leaves in a small fabric sachet and tuck it into a linen closet or drawer.
15. Use Apple Mint in Summer Decorations
Apple mint is pretty enough to use as part of a simple summer centerpiece.
Add fresh stems to a vase with flowers, tuck a few sprigs around a serving platter, or place a small bunch beside each place setting.
It's an inexpensive way to add greenery and fragrance to your summer table using something you grew yourself.
More Ways to Use Apple Mint
If you have a really productive plant, don't stop at these 15 ideas. Here are a few more ways to use apple mint:
Add fresh leaves to iced tea.
Use it as a garnish for fruit platters.
Add chopped leaves to homemade salsa.
Mix it into a yogurt-based dip.
Add a few leaves to sparkling water.
Make mint-infused vinegar for salad dressings.
Add fresh mint to homemade fruit compotes.
Freeze chopped leaves in small portions to use later.
Add fresh mint to smoothies.
Use it to flavour homemade fruit sauces.
Don't Let Your Apple Mint Go to Waste
One of the best things about growing herbs like apple mint is that you don't need to use everything immediately. If your plant starts producing more mint than you can keep up with, harvest some and preserve it for later.
You can dry the leaves, freeze them in ice cubes, or make something such as mint syrup that you can enjoy after the growing season is over.
So the next time you see apple mint at your local garden centre, don't overlook it. It's a pretty, useful herb that can provide you with fresh flavour, fragrance, and lots of inexpensive ways to enjoy what you've grown.
And if you're already growing apple mint, hopefully these 15 ways to use apple mint have given you some new ideas for putting that plant to good use!
How to Be Frugal: Simple Tips to Save Money and Live Well
Learning how to be frugal is one of the best ways to reduce financial stress and feel more in control of your money. Frugal living doesn’t mean depriving yourself or never spending money. It simply means being intentional with your spending and making smarter financial choices.
At its core, frugality is about living well within your means. When you spend less than you earn, you create room in your budget for savings, emergencies, and future goals. Knowing how to be frugal can help you feel more prepared when unexpected expenses pop up and can give you peace of mind during difficult financial seasons.
Years ago, frugal living was simply a normal way of life. Families cooked from scratch, reused what they had, grew gardens, and found creative ways to stretch their budgets. Today, with rising grocery prices, inflation, and increasing living costs, more people are searching for practical ways to save money and learn how to be frugal in everyday life.
The good news is that it’s never too late to start.
You don’t need to completely change your life overnight. Small habits and simple lifestyle changes can make a huge difference over time. Learning how to be frugal is all about making progress little by little and finding ways to live comfortably while spending less.
If you’re wondering how to be frugal, here are some practical tips to help you get started:
1. Never Spend More Than You Earn
One of the most important frugal habits is learning to live below your means. Track your spending, create a simple budget, and avoid relying on credit cards for everyday expenses whenever possible.
Eating out and ordering takeout can drain your budget quickly. Cooking simple meals at home is one of the easiest ways to save money. Start with easy, affordable recipes and build a list of go-to family favourites.
3. Grow Your Own Food
Even a small garden can help reduce grocery costs. Herbs, lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers are beginner-friendly options that can save money throughout the growing season.
4. Use the Library
Libraries offer free books, audiobooks, movies, magazines, and more. Using your local library is a simple and effective way to be frugal while still enjoying entertainment and learning opportunities.
5. Cut Unnecessary Subscriptions
Review your monthly expenses and cancel subscriptions you rarely use. Streaming services, apps, and memberships can quietly eat away at your budget each month.
6. Prioritize Your Spending
Spend money on the things that matter most to you and cut back on the things that don’t. Being frugal doesn’t mean never spending money. It means spending intentionally.
7. Compare Prices Before Buying
Take a few extra minutes to compare prices online and in stores before making purchases. Watching for sales and using cashback apps can help you save even more.
8. Keep a Price Book
A price book is a simple way to track the regular prices of items you buy often. This helps you recognize a genuine sale and know when it’s the best time to stock up.
9. Reuse and Repurpose What You Have
Before buying something new, see if you can reuse, repair, or repurpose something you already own. Frugal living often means making the most of what you already have.
10. Make Things From Scratch
Homemade meals, snacks, coffee drinks, and cleaning products are often far cheaper than store-bought versions. Learning basic DIY skills can save a lot of money over time.
11. Use Coupons and Cashback Apps
Coupons still work, especially when paired with sales. Cashback apps and rewards programs are another easy way to reduce your grocery and household expenses.
12. Buy Less Overall
One of the simplest answers to how to be frugal is to buy less. Use what you already have before purchasing more clothing, beauty products, decor, or household items.
Learning how to be frugal is a journey, not an overnight transformation. Every small change you make can help improve your financial situation and reduce stress over time. Frugal living is ultimately about being resourceful, intentional, and confident with your money so you can build a more stable and peaceful life.
Imagine this for a moment. You've just pulled a warm loaf of homemade bread from the oven. The kitchen smells incredible, the crust is perfectly golden, and you can't wait to slice into it. Or maybe you've baked a batch of fluffy muffins, stacked pancakes high on a plate, or made crispy French toast for a slow weekend breakfast.
Now imagine spreading a thick layer of light, fluffy blackberry honey butter over top. As it melts into the warm bread, the sweet honey and juicy blackberry flavor blend with the rich, creamy butter to create something absolutely irresistible.
Sounds amazing, doesn't it?
This homemade blackberry honey butter is one of those recipes that feels a little fancy but couldn't be easier to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you'll have a delicious flavored butter that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even holiday dinners.
The combination of sweet honey and fresh blackberries creates a beautiful balance of flavors. The honey adds natural sweetness while the blackberries bring a bright, slightly tart taste that keeps the butter from being overly sweet. Whipping everything together also gives the butter a light, airy texture that's easy to spread.
It's the kind of recipe that makes everyday meals feel special. Serve it alongside warm biscuits, fresh dinner rolls, scones, cornbread, waffles, pancakes, or even toasted bagels. It's also a wonderful addition to brunch boards and makes a thoughtful homemade gift when packaged in a small mason jar with a ribbon.
If you're entertaining guests, don't be surprised when everyone asks for the recipe. It looks beautiful on the table, tastes like something from a cozy café, and takes almost no effort to prepare.
Whether you're looking for a simple brunch upgrade or a delicious way to use fresh blackberries during berry season, this whipped blackberry honey butter is guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Here's how to make delicious homemade blackberry honey butter that everyone will rave about:
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup softened butter
1/4 cup Honey
1/4 cup Blackberries
INSTRUCTIONS:
Whip butter and honey until fluffy.
Add Blackberries and mix just until berries break up and are distributed throughout the butter.
Either scoop the butter mix into a jar and seal or form into a log and refigerate.
Add blackberries and mix just until berries break up and are distributed throughout the butter.
Either scoop the butter mix into a jar and seal or form into a log and refrigerate.
One of the best things about this homemade blackberry honey butter is how easy it is to customize. If you're missing an ingredient or simply want to try a different flavor, here are a few simple substitutions that work well:
Instead of blackberries:
Raspberries for a slightly tangier flavor.
Blueberries for a milder sweetness.
Strawberries (chopped small) for a classic berry butter that's perfect in the spring and summer.
Mixed berries for a colorful twist.
Instead of Honey:
Maple syrup for a warm, cozy flavor.
Agave syrup for a mild sweetness.
Powdered sugar if you prefer a sweeter, more traditional whipped butter.
Extra additions:
Vanilla
Lemon juice or lemon zest
Cinnamon
Pinch of sea salt if you used unsalted butter
Fresh Rosemary or thyme (would be nice on warm dinner rolls!)
Now if you'll excuse me, I think it's time for a snack! 🙂
Yeah, yeah... I'm sure you've heard it before: Use your local library to borrow books instead of buying new ones.
And while your library is definitely a great place to get your reading fix without spending a fortune, there's so much more to your local library than shelves full of books!
If you're looking for easy ways to save money, your library may be one of the most underused resources in your community. Many libraries offer free access to entertainment, educational programs, digital resources, and activities for the whole family. All included with your library card!
Here are 9 unique ways the library can save you money:
1. Borrow DVDs and CDs
Before you spend money on a movie or music album, check your local library's collection.
Many libraries have an impressive selection of DVDs, including popular movies, classic films, documentaries, and TV series. Some also offer CDs and other types of media.
While you can often find movies and music for relatively little money these days, borrowing them for free can save you money over time. Especially if your family enjoys watching movies together.
And if you only plan to watch something once, why buy it?
2. Borrow Audiobooks for Free
Love audiobooks like me? Your library card may give you access to a huge selection without the monthly subscription fee.
Many libraries offer downloadable audiobooks through apps such as Libby, allowing you to borrow titles and listen right from your phone or tablet.
This can be a great way to enjoy audiobooks without paying for a separate audiobook subscription. You can listen while you're walking, driving, cleaning the house, or doing other everyday tasks.
If you haven't explored your library's digital audiobook collection yet, it's definitely worth checking out!
3. Download Free eBooks
If you enjoy reading eBooks, your library may be able to save you money here, too.
Many libraries offer thousands of eBooks that you can borrow and read on your phone, tablet, eReader, or computer. You may be able to access them through your library's website or an app such as Libby.
Instead of buying an eBook every time you want something new to read, check your library first. You might be surprised by how many popular titles and new releases are available.
4. Read Digital Magazines for Free
Magazine subscriptions can really add up, but your library card may give you free access to digital magazines.
Depending on your local library system, you may be able to read popular magazines from your phone, tablet, or computer without paying for an individual subscription.
Check your library's website to see which digital magazines are available and how to access them.
This is an especially great way to save money if you regularly subscribe to several magazines.
5. Take Advantage of Free Kids' Programs
If you have kids, your local library can be an incredible resource for free family activities.
Many libraries offer storytimes, sing-alongs, craft programs, reading clubs, and seasonal activities for children. Some also run summer reading programs that encourage kids to keep reading while school is out.
My daughters regularly attended story time when they were younger and loved listening to stories and joining in with the songs.
These programs are a great way to keep kids entertained and engaged without spending money on expensive classes or activities.
6. Find Free Things to Do With the Family
Looking for something to do on a weekend or a rainy afternoon? Check your library's event calendar before spending money on entertainment.
When I was browsing our library's website, I was surprised by all of the free activities they offered. There was a scavenger hunt, a quilting circle, a little mermaids academy, escape rooms, a mahjong group and so much more.
Your library may offer everything from craft nights and board game sessions to guest speakers, workshops, and family events.
The programs available will vary from one library to another, so take a few minutes to browse your local library's calendar. You may discover a whole list of free things to do!
7. Borrow More Than Books
One of the best ways to save money with your library is to find out what you can borrow besides books.
Depending on where you live, libraries may lend out things like:
Board games and puzzles
Video games
Museum or attraction passes
Educational kits
Technology and electronics
Tools or household items
Seed libraries and gardening resources
Cooking equipment
Sports and recreation equipment
Not every library offers these items, but it's worth checking. You may be able to borrow something you need instead of buying it for a one-time project or occasional use.
8. Get Free Access to Online Learning
Want to learn a new skill without paying for an expensive course?
Your library may offer free access to online learning platforms, educational databases, language-learning resources, computer courses, and more.
Whether you're interested in learning a new language, improving your computer skills, researching your family history, or picking up a new hobby, check to see what resources are available through your library card.
You may already have access to resources that would otherwise cost you a monthly subscription or course fee.
9. Use the Library as Your Free Meeting Place
Sometimes saving money isn't about finding a cheaper version of something, it's about finding a free alternative altogether!
Instead of meeting a friend at a coffee shop, consider meeting at the library. Rather than paying for entertainment every time you want to get out of the house, see what's happening at your local branch. Maybe there's an event that would be interesting to you both! Or, our library offers free use of a 3D printer, Cricut, sewing machines, sound booth and more. Maybe yours does too?
Libraries can be a great place to read, study, work, browse, attend events, or simply get out of the house without spending money.
Your Library Card Could Be One of Your Best Money-Saving Tools
As you can see, your library is about so much more than borrowing books!
If you're trying to save money, reduce your entertainment expenses, or find more free activities for your family, your library card could be one of the most valuable cards in your wallet.
Take a few minutes to visit your library's website or stop by your local branch and see what's available. You will probably discover free resources and services you didn't even know existed.
How often do you use your library? What is the most unusual or surprising thing you've been able to borrow or do for free through your library?
Removing nail polish isn't exactly difficult, but sometimes you just want a quick and mess-free way to get the job done—especially when you're in a hurry or have kids who want to do everything themselves!
These DIY "twist and scrub" nail polish remover jars are super convenient. No cotton balls, no dripping remover, and no messy cleanup. Simply insert your finger into the centre of the sponge, twist it around a few times, and watch the polish disappear. It's a simple solution for quick polish changes at home.
The best part? You can easily make your own version of those convenient store-bought nail polish remover jars using just a few inexpensive supplies.
Here's how to make your own quick and easy DIY nail polish remover jar:
1. Cut 1/4" off the longest end of your sponges (or more if your Mason jar is shorter)
2. Roll your large sponge piece from short side to short side and place that sponge on top of your other large sponge and roll that sponge around your rolled sponge
3. Push your rolled sponges into your glass jar with the rolled side facing up 4. Cut your scrub sponges small enough to fit in the empty spaces and place into the jar 5. Fill your jar halfway up with your Nail Polish remover
6. When you want use it, shake the jar with the lid on. Take the lid off and stick your polished fingers into the center and twist.
Once you've made one, you'll wonder why you didn't try it sooner! Keep your DIY twist & scrub nail polish remover jar in your bathroom or wherever you usually do your nails, and you'll always have an easy, mess-free way to remove polish when you need it. It's a small DIY that makes one of those everyday tasks just a little bit easier.
How to Meal Prep for the Week: A Simple Guide for Busy Families
Meal prepping can be a simple way to save both time and money. By planning your meals ahead of time, you can shop for only the ingredients you actually need, reduce food waste, and avoid the temptation of grabbing takeout when you're too tired to figure out what's for dinner.
Cooking every breakfast, lunch, and dinner for an entire week in one day might sound overwhelming, but you don't have to do it all at once! Meal prepping can be as simple as chopping a few vegetables, cooking a batch of chicken, or preparing a big pot of soup that you can enjoy throughout the week.
With a little planning, you'll make busy weekdays easier, stretch your grocery budget further, and hopefully hear a lot less of the dreaded "What's for dinner?"
1. Start by Planning Your Meals
Before you head to the grocery store, take a few minutes to decide what you'll eat for the week.
Look at your schedule first. If you have a busy evening filled with activities, choose something quick and easy. If you have more time on another night, that's a good opportunity to make a meal that requires a little more cooking.
You don't need to plan seven completely different dinners. In fact, keeping things simple is one of the best ways to make meal prepping manageable.
Try planning:
2–3 breakfast options
2–3 lunch options
4–5 dinners
A few easy snacks
Then plan to eat leftovers for lunch or repurpose ingredients in different meals.
For example, a batch of roasted chicken can become:
Chicken and rice bowls
Chicken wraps
Chicken salad
Chicken quesadillas
A topping for a big salad
One ingredient can do a lot of work!
2. Check Your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry
Before making your grocery list, take a quick inventory of what you already have.
You may already have pasta in the pantry, frozen vegetables in the freezer, or ingredients that need to be used up soon. Building your meal plan around what you already have is an easy way to save money and reduce food waste.
Think of it as a "shop your kitchen first" challenge.
3. Make a Grocery List
Once you've planned your meals, write down everything you'll need. Group your list by section of the grocery store, such as:
Produce
Meat and protein
Dairy
Pantry
Frozen foods
Snacks
This makes shopping faster and can help you avoid wandering through the aisles and adding things to your cart that weren't a part of the plan.
It can also help to check your grocery store's weekly flyer before shopping. If chicken is on sale, for example, you might build several meals around it and freeze anything you won't use right away.
4. Choose a Meal Prep Day
Pick one day each week when you have some time to prepare food.
For many people, Sunday works well, but there's no rule that says meal prep has to happen on a particular day.
You could also split your prep into two shorter sessions. For example, prepare your breakfasts and lunches on Sunday, then do a quick dinner prep on Wednesday.
The goal isn't to spend your entire day in the kitchen. It's to make the rest of your week easier.
5. Prep Ingredients Instead of Complete Meals
You don't have to cook seven complete meals in advance. Sometimes, the easiest approach is to prepare individual ingredients that can be mixed and matched throughout the week.
Try:
Washing and chopping vegetables
Cooking a batch of rice or quinoa
Hard-boiling eggs
Roasting vegetables
Cooking chicken or ground meat
Washing fruit
Making a simple salad dressing
Portioning snacks into containers
Preparing overnight oats
Then you can quickly assemble different meals throughout the week. This approach also gives you more flexibility if you suddenly don't feel like eating the meal you planned for Tuesday.
6. Keep Breakfast Simple
Breakfast doesn't need to be complicated. Choose one or two easy options that can be prepared ahead of time.
Some ideas include:
Overnight oats
Hard-boiled eggs and toast
Yogurt and fruit
Breakfast sandwiches
Smoothie freezer packs
Muffins and fruit
Egg bites
Peanut butter toast with a banana
If mornings are particularly hectic, preparing breakfast ahead of time can make a huge difference.
7. Prep Easy Lunches
Lunch is a great place to use leftovers.
Instead of making an entirely separate lunch every day, cook extra portions at dinner and pack the leftovers for the next day's lunch.
Other easy lunch ideas include:
Chicken and rice bowls
Pasta salad
Wraps
Soup
Chili
Grain bowls
Big salads with protein
Quesadillas
Keep a few easy lunch staples on hand so you're never tempted to buy lunch simply because there's nothing ready to eat.
8. Make Dinner Work Smarter
When planning dinners, think about how you can use ingredients more than once.
For example, roast a large batch of vegetables on Sunday. Serve them as a side dish one night, add them to grain bowls another night, and toss them into wraps later in the week.
You can also cook extra protein and use it in several different ways.
The key is to cook once and eat twice, or even three times!
9. Don't Forget Snacks
Prepping snacks can help prevent those mid-afternoon trips to the pantry to grab something easy and not so healthy.
Try portioning snacks into grab-and-go containers at the beginning of the week. Keep snacks where they're easy to grab when you're heading out the door.
Glass containers are great for reheating meals, while lightweight plastic containers can be convenient for lunches and snacks.
You don't need to buy an entire new collection of containers to get started. Use what you already have and add to your collection over time if needed. If you do need containers, I've rounded up some good meal prep container options here.
11. Label Your Meals
If you're preparing several meals at once, it can be helpful to label containers with the meal and date. This makes it easier to see what's available and helps ensure that older food gets eaten first. A simple piece of masking tape and a Sharpie works perfectly.
12. Don't Prep More Than You'll Eat
One of the biggest meal prep mistakes is preparing too much food.
If your family doesn't enjoy eating the same meal several days in a row, don't make five servings of the same dinner. Instead, prepare smaller batches or freeze extra portions for another week.
Meal prepping should help reduce food waste not create more of it.
13. Freeze What You Won't Eat
If you know you won't eat something before it goes bad, freeze it! Soups, chili, cooked meat, casseroles, pasta sauce, muffins, and many other foods freeze well.
Freezing leftovers can give you a collection of easy homemade "ready meals" for those nights when cooking is the last thing you want to do.
Just remember to label everything with the name and date so you know what you're pulling out of the freezer.
Simple Weekly Meal Prep Schedule
Here's an example of how you could organize your meal prep day:
Sunday
Breakfast
Prepare overnight oats
Hard-boil eggs
Wash and portion fruit
Lunch
Cook chicken
Prepare rice
Chop vegetables
Make a simple dressing
Dinner
Make a large batch of chili
Portion leftovers for lunches or freeze extras
Snacks
Portion crackers and cheese
Wash fruit
Prepare vegetables and hummus
This might take a little time upfront, but you'll have several meal components ready to go for the week.
Sample Weekly Meal Plan
Here's a simple meal plan designed to minimize cooking and maximize leftovers.
Monday
Breakfast: Overnight oats with berries Lunch: Chicken and rice bowl with roasted vegetables Dinner: Turkey chili with cornbread Snack: Apple with peanut butter
Tuesday
Breakfast: Scrambled eggs and toast Lunch: Leftover turkey chili Dinner: Sheet-pan chicken, potatoes, and vegetables Snack: Yogurt and berries
Wednesday
Breakfast: Overnight oats with banana Lunch: Chicken and vegetable wrap Dinner: Spaghetti with meat sauce and a side salad Snack: Cheese and crackers
Thursday
Breakfast: Eggs and toast with fruit Lunch: Leftover spaghetti and salad Dinner: Chicken quesadillas with vegetables and salsa Snack: Hummus and carrots
Friday
Breakfast: Yogurt, granola, and fruit Lunch: Chicken and rice bowl Dinner: Homemade pizza using naan or flatbread Snack: Popcorn
Saturday
Breakfast: Pancakes with fruit Lunch: Leftovers or sandwiches Dinner: Easy burgers with oven fries and salad Snack: Fruit and yogurt
Sunday
Breakfast: Eggs, toast, and fruit Lunch: Leftover burgers or wraps Dinner: Slow-cooker soup or chili Snack: Popcorn or fresh fruit
Don't feel like you need to follow this meal plan exactly. Swap meals based on what your family likes, what's on sale, and what you already have at home. This is just to give you ideas of what you could do.
Sample Meal Prep Grocery List
Use this as a starting point and adjust it based on your family's preferences and what you already have in your pantry.
Produce
☐ Bananas ☐ Apples ☐ Berries ☐ Grapes ☐ Potatoes ☐ Carrots ☐ Bell peppers ☐ Broccoli ☐ Lettuce or salad greens ☐ Cucumbers ☐ Onions ☐ Garlic ☐ Avocados
Meat & Protein
☐ Chicken breasts or thighs ☐ Ground turkey or ground beef ☐ Eggs ☐ Hummus ☐ Peanut butter
☐ Oats ☐ Rice ☐ Pasta ☐ Pasta sauce ☐ Canned beans ☐ Canned tomatoes ☐ Chicken or vegetable broth ☐ Tortillas or wraps ☐ Bread ☐ Crackers ☐ Granola ☐ Popcorn ☐ Salsa ☐ Olive oil ☐ Salad dressing ☐ Your favourite seasonings and spices
Frozen
☐ Frozen berries ☐ Frozen mixed vegetables ☐ Frozen fruit for smoothies ☐ Frozen pizza or naan, if desired
A Simple Meal Prep Routine to Try
If the thought of spending hours cooking every Sunday makes you want to skip meal prep altogether, start small. Try this simple routine:
1. Pick your meals. Choose a few breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week.
2. Check what you already have. Shop your fridge, freezer, and pantry before making your grocery list.
3. Make your grocery list. Only buy what you need for the meals you've planned.
4. Prep a few basics. Cook one protein, one grain, and a tray of vegetables.
5. Prepare a few breakfasts and snacks. Make overnight oats, wash fruit, or portion grab-and-go snacks.
6. Use leftovers strategically. Plan to turn dinner leftovers into the next day's lunch.
7. Freeze extras. If you won't eat something in time, freeze it for a future meal.
Remember, meal prepping doesn't have to mean spending your entire Sunday cooking. Even 30 minutes of preparation can make your week easier.
The goal isn't to create a picture-perfect fridge filled with identical meal prep containers. It's simply to make your future self's life a little easier.
Because sometimes the best meal prep win is opening the fridge at 5 p.m. and realizing that dinner is already halfway done. That is the best feeling!
25 Clever Upcycling Ideas: New Uses for Old Things
One of the easiest ways to save money is to make the most of what you already own. Before heading to the store to buy another organizing gadget, cleaning tool, or household item, take a look around your home. You might already have something that can do the job just as well.
Learning to repurpose everyday items is a simple habit that can save you hundreds of dollars over time. Instead of throwing things away or buying something new, try looking at old items with fresh eyes. A basket can become storage, a mason jar can become a pantry organizer, and an old towel can find a whole new purpose around the house.
The more you practice this mindset, the easier it becomes to spot creative solutions using the things you already have. Not only does this help you spend less, but it also reduces waste and encourages a more intentional, frugal lifestyle.
Before you make your next purchase, ask yourself this simple question:
"Do I already own something that could work instead?"
You might be surprised by the answer.
To inspire you, I've rounded up 25 clever upcycling ideas and creative new uses for old things. I hope these ideas help you save money, reduce waste, and see everyday household items in a whole new light.
Living frugally isn't about constantly sacrificing or going without. More often, it's about getting creative with what you already own and finding new ways to make everyday items work for you. These upcycling ideas are a great reminder that many things we might otherwise throw away still have plenty of useful life left.
The next time you're about to buy something, pause for a moment and look around your home first. You might already have exactly what you need tucked away in a cupboard, closet, or storage bin. Not only can this simple habit save you money, but it also reduces waste, encourages creativity, and can even turn into a fun DIY project you'll be proud of.
Now I'd love to hear from you! Have you ever repurposed an old household item into something new? Share your favourite idea in the comments. You never know who you might inspire to save money and see their belongings in a whole new way!
If you've ever wanted to learn how to make a DIY hair bow, you're in the right place! I'm so excited to share today's project because it's one of my favourite quick and easy DIYs.
My daughter has finally started letting me put hair clips in her hair, so I thought it would be fun to make a few custom bows just for her. Of course, if I'm feeling a little fancy, I might borrow one now and then too!
These DIY hair bows are simple, inexpensive to make, and come together in just a few minutes. They're perfect for beginners, make adorable handmade gifts, and are a fun way to create cute accessories that match any outfit. Once you see how easy it is to make a hair bow, you'll want to make them in every colour and pattern!
Here's how to make a cute DIY hair bow:
MATERIALS:
1/8 yard of any type of fabric (I typically like cotton)
1. Trace your plastic cup top 6 times on fabric and cut your circles out (the bigger the circles, the bigger your flower) 2. Fold each circle in half twice so that they resemble a triangle. (you're going to want to do this one at a time.)
4. Weave your needle in and out along the rounded part of your triangle
5. Repeat step 4 with all 6 triangles 6. Now that you have all 6 triangle pieces on your thread you can push them all together carefully
7. Tie off tightly 3 times so that your knot stays 8. Place your button of choice on top of the flower and begin sewing it to the inside of the middle of the flower
9. Now turn your flower around and hot glue your circle piece of felt (half dollar size) on the back of your flower 10. You can also glue a few small dots under your button to secure 11. Hot glue your pre lined alligator clip on the back
These DIY hair bows are such a fun and easy project, and they're perfect for all ages. Whether you're making them for your own little ones, giving them as thoughtful handmade gifts, or adding a few to your own accessory collection, they're sure to get plenty of use.
I hope you've enjoyed learning how to make a DIY hair bow and feel inspired to create your own. Have fun mixing and matching fabrics, colours, and patterns to make each bow unique. Happy crafting!
Creative Uses for Old Magazines: 22 Fun Ways to Repurpose Them
Before you toss that stack of old magazines into the recycling bin, take a look at these creative uses for old magazines. Those glossy pages can be transformed into everything from beautiful home décor and unique gift wrap to fun crafts, educational activities, and practical household items.
Whether you're looking for an easy rainy-day project, a budget-friendly DIY, or simply want to reduce waste, there are plenty of clever ways to give old magazines a second life. Repurposing magazines is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to get creative while keeping perfectly usable materials out of the landfill.
From simple family crafts to eye-catching décor ideas, these 22 creative uses for old magazines are sure to inspire your next upcycling project. You may never look at an old magazine the same way again!
Old Magazines for Organizing
Cupboard liners - Line above your kitchen cupboards with pages to protect from the dust, then remove and replace for easy dusting!
Boot trees - Roll up a couple of magazines, then put them inside your tall boots to keep them from falling over and wrecking the leather.
Use as package filler - Shred some magazines to make protective filler for packages.
Make a bowl - Make a cute bowl to hold random items such as keys, loose change or even hair accessories!
Create a box - What a cute way to hold special little trinkets or jewelry.
Old Magazines for Gift Giving
Make a gift bag - No more gift bags in your stash? Just turn some magazine pages into arecycled gift bag!
Gift wrap - Magazines could be a cheap and interesting way to wrap gifts for fun events!
Make a gift bow - Create some gift bows for all the gifts you'll be giving with this tutorial.
Recycled Magazine Flowers - I think one of these recycled magazine flowers would look great on a gift or on a card!
Old Magazines for Crafts/DIY
Crafts - Tear out magazine pages for collage and decoupage projects to help occupy the kids. These magazine embellished bobby pins are neat too!
Make beads - Turn magazine pages into unique paper beads using these instructions.
Create an end table - Create a unique end table by stacking a big pile of magazines and gluing them together or strapping them with a belt to stop them from toppling over.
Make coasters - I was just thinking I needed a coaster for where I put my coffee in the morning. These recycled coasters are lovely.
Make Christmas Trees - Why not make some holiday décor with some old magazines by using this tutorial for magazine Christmas trees?
Make a Butterfly Garland - This butterfly garland would be a beautiful way to dress up a child's room or playroom!
Make Paper Flowers - These magazine flowers look like so much fun to make!
Make a bracelet - Making bracelets out of old magazines would be fun for the kids to do.
Make 3D Wall Art - Who says you have to spend an arm and a leg decorating your wall? This tutorial for 3D wall art is fantastic.
DIY collage art - Here's another way to add style to your walls. Create collage art.
Create a wreath - I like this twist on the more traditional wreath.
These creative uses for old magazines prove that there's no shortage of ways to give them a second life. Whether you try a simple craft, create unique home décor, or find a practical household use, repurposing magazines is a fun and budget-friendly way to reduce waste. Do you have a favorite way to reuse old magazines? Share your ideas in the comments, we'd love to hear your creative inspiration!
