We go through quite a few tortillas in our home. Between quesadillas, burritos, tacos, cream cheese & meat rollups and even pizzas, it feels like I'm always buying a pack of tortilla shells. That can really add up when a package costs $4 or more!
I knew it was possible to make homemade flour tortillas so I thought I'd try. Let me tell you, they are so easy to make and delicious! (Especially when you eat them when they're still fresh and warm.)
Making homemade flour tortillas at home is really inexpensive and you most likely have everything in your pantry already. Flour, oil, baking powder and some salt. It will take a bit of time to cook your tortillas but it is still easy. If you think you will be making homemade flour tortillas regularly, you may want to consider purchasing a tortilla pressto make the process easier.
INGREDIENTS
3 cups Flour
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Warm Water
DIRECTIONS
Step 1: Using a stand mixer, whisk dry ingredients until combined. Add water and oil and mix, scraping down the sides as needed until ball forms. Mix for two more minutes until dough is smooth.
Step 2: Turn out onto floured work surface and divide into 16 pieces and roll each into a ball. Allow to rest for 10 minutes. Preheat skillet over medium heat.
Step 3: Roll out each ball into a 6" circle.
Step 4: Cook each tortilla on first side for about a minute, until brown spots form, then flip and cook other side for about 20 seconds. (Or use a tortilla press.)
Stack cooked tortillas and wrap in a clean towel to cool.
If not being used immediately, store in a zip lock bag.
These homemade tortillas were so easy and so much better than store bought. I'll be making these on a regular basis over here. They're perfect for snacks and for meals. What do you use tortillas for in your house?
Sometimes, the secret to saving money is actually spending a little more money in the first place.
As long as you spend it on the right things, that is.
That might sound illogical, but in reality, it can make a lot of sense when you start thinking about long-term savings.
This is where thoughtful, intentional spending comes in to play.
In this article, I'm not going to be talking about gadgets that you will only use once, like a Cake Pop Maker for example. I am going to list out products that you will use time and time again, allowing you to see financial savings in the long run. Smart purchases that will save money in the long run!
On that note, to help you save cash and satisfy your gadget purchasing desire, I've rounded up 22 smart purchases that will end up saving you tons of cash in the long run. The best part? They don’t require you to change any of your everyday habits.
Smart purchases that save money:
Low flow shower head - Why not have a great shower and save water at the same time? A low flow shower head doesn't cost a lot to replace, but the savings on your water bill will really pay off in the long run!
LED light bulbs - While they cost more upfront, LED lightbulbs are a smart choice in your home. they save money on your energy bill and last way longer than incandescent light bulbs. There are many different options to get just the right color warmth that you like.
Solar powered outdoor lights - Light up your yard to add safety and ambiance by using solar powered outdoor lights. Once purchased, these won't cost a cent on your energy bill!
Drying rack- Do we always need to use the dryer? You can save a lot of electricity by using a drying rack instead! You will also find your clothes last longer too. If you have yard space outside to have a drying line, this is a fantastic way to dry stuff
Smart thermostat - Monitor your energy usage easily with a smart thermostat in your home! This will adjust heating/cooling according to your schedule. You can even control it from anywhere using your Android or iOS device. No more heating and cooling an empty house when you’re gone!
Reusable food storage bags - Stop throwing plastic bags (and money) in the trash. These reusable storage bags are easy to clean and ready to use for a long, long time. I especially like that these ones are self-standing...makes it easy to fill!
Brita water jug - Very, very rarely will we buy bottled water. We do, however, use our Brita every single day. We fill up glasses at home or fill our reusable water bottles for adventure days.
Reusable water bottle - Speaking of reusable water bottles, never buy bottled water again! I really like this Simple Modern one. My daughter uses it for school and dance and it never leaks! Even when it's on its side.
Air fryer - Hear me out on this one. It might seem like a gadget, but our air fryer has really made my life better. It has made lunch making and heating up leftovers a breeze. Let's not forget to mention that it saves so much money because I'm not getting takeout as often!
Wool Dryer balls - These don't seem like anything special, but this is one of those purchases that save money like crazy. They save money on fabric softeners and dryer sheets because they soften naturally. They also lessen the drying time needed so they will save you money on your energy bill.
Rechargeable batteries - If you find yourself going through batteries often, investing in rechargeable batteries is a smart idea!
Fire TV Stick has been a TOTAL game changer for us! We bought one when we decided to eliminate cable tv. It plugs into the back of your tv and has a homepage for all your streaming services. Save a TON of money with the free tv apps it offers.
Hair clipper kit - This one might not be for everyone, but we have saved a lot of money by cutting my husband's hair at home. I give him a very basic hair cut every 6 weeks or so and he's always pleased as punch.
Vacuum Sealer - How many times have you thrown away foods that are so badly freezer burned? Well, say goodbye to freezer burnt food by investing in a vacuum sealer. Once you've sealed your food, toss it in the freezer and you'll find it stays fresher for so much longer.
Reusable K Cup Coffee Filter - Those little K-Cups can really add up after awhile! If you own a Keurig machine, think about buying a reusable k-cup coffee filter so you can buy your favourite grounds to use in the filter. You'll have delicious coffee and save money!
TubShroom - I don't even remember how I came across this in the first place, but I purchased a TubShroom and LOVE it! It's been years since we've been using one and I will never go back to an ordinary drain protector. It catches so much hair. I'm convinced that this is one of those purchases that save money in the long run.
Makeup remover cloths - I really like those disposable, pre-moistened face towels so I really think these makeup remover cloths would be just as convenient. Plus, they're reusable of course!
Personal finance books - I've got a list of highly rated personal finance books right here. First though, why don't you see if your library has any copies available?
Memberships - Do you find yourself often visiting the same places and paying the daily rate? It might be time to purchase the membership! Buying a membership to places that you frequent often can save you so much money in the long run. Think swimming pools, science centers, amusement parks and more!
Drain snake - Having a drain snake on hand will without a doubt save you money on expensive drain cleaners that don't necessarily work. Not to mention, a drain snake could save you having to hire a plumber too!
Bamboo towels - These bamboo towels are such a great idea. Especially if you think it will be hard to get away from using regular paper towels. These bamboo towels are washable and can be used just like how you use regular paper towels.
Fabric Defuzzer - Before you discard of any pilled sweaters or even furniture, try a fabric defuzzer! For less than $15, you can save your favorite things and make them look brand new again with this simple tool!
In conclusion, making smart purchases that prioritize quality and durability is not just a matter of saving money in the short term; it is a strategy for long-term financial well-being. By choosing products that stand the test of time and offer lasting value, you can enjoy the satisfaction of smart purchasing decisions that will contribute to your financial stability. As well as taking steps to be a more intentional consumer.
What are some smart purchases that you would add to the list?
My daughters love decorating gingerbread houses every year before Christmas. Probably, most likely, because they get to consume candy. But I also like to think it's because of the creative process and making something cute.
We like to make a special evening or weekend day out of it by adding hot chocolate and having Christmas carols playing in the background.
This year, I thought it would be fun to create little gingerbread house kits. I even had fun creating a Build Your Own Gingerbread House tag to make them way more official. Lol.
To assemble them, add 8 square graham crackers or 4 of the large rectangle ones if they are the brand name ones by Christie (pictured below). I like the brand name ones best because you can cut the large rectangle on the top half on an angle so it has a point. This is so the roof crackers have a sturdier resting point.
After this, fill the bag with an assortment of candy. I bought all of ours from Bulk Barn. Seal the sandwich bag.
Once you've printed out the tag, cut it out, fold it in half, then staple it to the top of the sandwich bag. Ta da!
The icing I used didn't fit inside the bags, however, you could create a mini piping bag filled with icing that should fit nicely if you're giving it as a gift!
You can make your own icing or you can buy it like I do. The premade icing in a can by Betty Crocker and the likes, also works really well!
I think it would be so fun to have a Gingerbread House making party with a bunch of friends! Young or old!
What are your holiday traditions that you find yourself doing every year?
Are you up to your ears in leaves? If your yard is home to numerous trees, you might find yourself overwhelmed with leaves this fall season. So what exactly can you do with all of those leaves, other than rake them? Well the good news is they do have a few fun uses! Take a peek at these 5 creative ways to use fallen leaves, in ways that are both fun and frugal!
1. Craft a scarecrow.
Fallen leaves are perfect for stuffing and filling scarecrows. Save leaves so when you are ready to craft your scarecrow, you have plenty to create the body, legs, arms, and of course, head. Leaves make perfect stuffing material and fill up the scarecrow nicely.
2. Make giant yard pumpkins.
Buy orange yard waste bags found at your local home improvement store or Amazon. Some are plain orange while others might have the pumpkin faces already on them. No worries if you can’t find any with faces, you can always add your own with a black marker. Simply fill the bags up with leaves, then tie the top for yard pumpkins that make the perfect outdoor fall décor.
3. Craft spooky ghosts.
Take white trash bags and fill the bottom with a handful of leaves. Twist the bag and tie it to create a round head shape. You can use a black marker to draw the face of a ghost directly onto the bag, and then add string for hanging. Place the ghost in a tree or porch for a spooky effect.
4. Make spooky yard spiders.
Take a black trash bag and fill it with fallen leaves. You can then use white paper to craft eyes and attach them with craft glue. Painted PVC piping can make legs as well as long cardboard tubes or even pool noodles. How spooky would these be to see in your yard around Halloween!
5. Create a leaf fort.
Find a large cardboard box that can be used as the fort’s main foundation. Cut a square to enter. Spray the box with spray adhesive and apply the leaves to the outside of the box. One or two layers is sufficient. When you are done you should not be able to see the box and it will look like the entire piece is made from leaves.
Did you ever think that leaves could provide so much fun? Start raking up those fall leaves and then give these fun ideas a try and see all the ways you can put those fallen leaves to use. You are sure to enjoy lots of family fun with very little cost to you.
Living frugally is really just about making small, smart choices throughout the day. From morning to night, those little habits can add up to big savings over time. Curious what that actually looks like? Let’s walk through a typical day in the life of a frugal person and the simple things they do to save money without overthinking it.
Our frugal person skips the $5 coffee shop run and makes their coffee at home instead, saving a ton over time. When they want something a little more fun, they’ll whip up their own homemade coffee creamer. Of course, they’ve also got a reusable mug they use again and again, whether they’re at home or heading out.
2. Looks at the Meal Plan.
This frugal person creates a meal plan every week with their Meal Planner Kit. So every morning they double check the plan to see what they might have to pull out of the freezer or pick up at the grocery store in order to stay on track. The meal plan saves them hundreds of dollars each month and keeps them sane at the dinner time hour.
3. Check the Gas Buddy app.
Before heading out to run errands, our frugal person does a quick check on the free GasBuddy app to see where gas is cheapest. When they spot a good price in their vicinity, that’s where they fill up. Simple as that!
4. Turn on the slow cooker.
There won’t be any take out traps for this frugal person tonight thanks to their meal plan. Instead, they toss some chicken, fresh vegetables, and broth into the slow cooker for dinner. She uses canned broth from the stockpile, veggies from the garden, and chicken she bought on sale.
5. Scour the sales.
Our frugal person checks the weekly grocery store flyers to see what's on sale that week. They then match the sale prices with the coupons they have on hand. This helps them to make their shopping list for the week while keeping the budget in check. They love the Budget Planner for keeping track of their budget categories and savings goals.
Afternoon:
6. Enjoys a homemade lunch.
Whether they’re at work or out and about, our frugal person brings a homemade lunch. Today it’s a taco salad made with leftover ground beef from last night’s burgers. They also stick to a refillable water bottle, skipping pricey sugary drinks and saving money without even thinking about it.
7. Swing into the local thrift store.
Frugal people love thrift stores to look for gently used items at a fraction of the price of new. Today, our frugal person finds some frames that can be spray painted to match their décor as well as a table lamp they can use on the night stand. For about $7 total they walk out the door so happy!
8. Give the house a quick clean.
Our frugal person keeps cleaning simple and budget-friendly. They use a few affordable staples like vinegar for windows and baking soda for sinks and drains. Rather than buying a bunch of specialty cleaners. A quick wipe keeps faucets looking shiny, and a little attention to the drain helps prevent odors before they start.
9. Snag some free reads.
Our frugal person loves looking on Amazon for free eBook downloads. They also love to swing into the library to borrow free movies, CD’s, magazines, books, and so much more.
Evening:
10. Dinner is served.
Our frugal person serves their thrifty dinner. They use cloth napkins instead of buying disposable paper. They serve lemon water or powdered drink mixes which cost less than pop or premade juices. When done, they will load the dishes into the dishwasher but wait until it's full before running it.
11. Inexpensive entertainment.
Our frugal person loves finding free things to do, so they always check local listings for ideas. They spot a free outdoor concert and a movie downtown that night. They also keep an eye out for discount days at the theatre. Of course, local parks are always a go-to for easy, no-cost fun.
12. Cheap dessert.
No day in the life of a frugal person is complete without a sweet treat. That's why our frugal person signs up for the email lists of all her favorite brands and local restaurants. This way, they get all sorts of coupons and special offers sent to them. Tonight they have a B1G1 FREE coupon to their favorite ice cream parlour. So tonight, they get to enjoy dessert for less!
13. Lights out!
Now that it is time for bed, our frugal person turns down the thermostat so it won’t work as hard at night while they are sleeping. They take a warm shower before bed, using a shower timer and a low flow shower head so they don't waste as much water.
Our frugal person is off to sleep, probably pretty happy thinking about all the money saved that day. Could this lifestyle be for you? Try a day in the life of a frugal person and see how it feels for yourself.
I'd love to know what a day in your life as a frugal person looks like. Let me know in the comments below!
