tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31168099036410700892024-03-16T14:51:11.329-04:00Frugal Foodie MamaSharing budget friendly recipes, money saving tips, and our love for family friendly travel.Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comBlogger1481125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-14144601113583513552023-06-23T07:00:00.001-04:002023-06-23T07:00:00.153-04:00The 5 Best Family Friendly Things to Do in Erie, PA This Summer<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Planning a family getaway to Erie, Pennsylvania this summer? Add these 5 kid-friendly attractions & experiences to your must-do list while you are in the area...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0MiIZYLbpNhP-GMd8beqLXBBQytgunaA_96aqnVJV50uSCVv_s_PiZeZ2ed4Mv5Czi90SSUNcWwvhvCaoQ-B-nN-kts4_v6Ya0aFTpf-cuKtejdFjgjhTxZmh3bALi7x02WAsyaB_pXLXhl0jgxl0-cOQwd58ayW1F9q8JuO4mPiRov_Pppeby906jY2/s1500/Erie-Best-Things-To-Do-Summer-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn0MiIZYLbpNhP-GMd8beqLXBBQytgunaA_96aqnVJV50uSCVv_s_PiZeZ2ed4Mv5Czi90SSUNcWwvhvCaoQ-B-nN-kts4_v6Ya0aFTpf-cuKtejdFjgjhTxZmh3bALi7x02WAsyaB_pXLXhl0jgxl0-cOQwd58ayW1F9q8JuO4mPiRov_Pppeby906jY2/w426-h640/Erie-Best-Things-To-Do-Summer-PinCollage.jpg" title="Planning a family getaway to Erie, Pennsylvania this summer? Add these 5 kid-friendly attractions & experiences to your must-do list while you are in the area." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://www.visiterie.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit Erie</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This is our second summer (and sadly our last) living in Erie, Pennsylvania, and summertime is when this area most comes alive. The lake glows a bluish-green. The beaches at Presque Isle State Park open for swimming. All the rooftop bars and restaurants on the bay re-open. And every weekend, visitors from all directions make the drive on 79, 80, or 90 to spend the weekend on Erie's shores. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have to admit that the city of Erie and its surrounding neighborhoods have surprised me in many ways. I definitely had a completely different vision of what living in this northern Pennsylvania city would look like when my fiance first approached me with the possibility of us moving to the area for a career opportunity that he was considering pursuing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Honestly, all I could think about is how awful the winters were probably going to be here because I am not a girl who enjoys much more than one or two snow days a year. I don't like the cold, and the thought of anything "lake effect" sounded like a deal breaker to me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/06/the-5-best-family-friendly-things-to-do.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-86159259107834659022023-04-21T07:00:00.004-04:002023-04-21T07:16:49.186-04:00Charcuterie Made Easy with Platterful<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://platterful.com/discount/FRUGALFOODIEMAMA10" rel="nofollow" style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;" target="_blank">Platterful</a><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"> takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect charcuterie board, thus saving you </span><i style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">so much</i><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"> time and effort. From the artisan meats to the unique cheeses to the accompaniments, their charcuterie kits are thoughtfully paired and curated.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLR-rAYJjIFRPSEBMkT8N00cLDkUKtmBHez6ZQ24D9a-RP5O_n9Xw0tQ-3kcEbgxnGyxKSxwqrlFTI-JtlXGgPkVfffzxdJ-VMubPGJxYJxggcQvWiK9fhuqbvBNGv26OEsvbcaA7KzqEcDRY7d4bqFbb-FUL_dn-_3V9U-I38CrnK8wI1JS3mFTEfA/s1350/Platterful-Charcuterie-Board-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqLR-rAYJjIFRPSEBMkT8N00cLDkUKtmBHez6ZQ24D9a-RP5O_n9Xw0tQ-3kcEbgxnGyxKSxwqrlFTI-JtlXGgPkVfffzxdJ-VMubPGJxYJxggcQvWiK9fhuqbvBNGv26OEsvbcaA7KzqEcDRY7d4bqFbb-FUL_dn-_3V9U-I38CrnK8wI1JS3mFTEfA/w426-h640/Platterful-Charcuterie-Board-1.jpg" title="Platterful takes the guesswork out of creating the perfect charcuterie board, thus saving you so much time and effort. From the artisan meats to the unique cheeses to the accompaniments, their charcuterie kits are thoughtfully paired and curated." width="426"></a></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://platterful.com/discount/FRUGALFOODIEMAMA10" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Platterful</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370673146314/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Over the past few years or so, putting together tasty and somewhat epic charcuterie boards has kind of been my thing. Whether to provide a little light snacking before a holiday dinner or for family game night, a wine night-in with the girls, or even for dinner itself (aka, what the members of my family like to refer to as a "snacky" dinner), charcuterie probably happens <i>at least</i> once a month in my house.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I really do enjoy building the perfect meat & cheese board, but if I am being perfectly honest the shopping for each board can get expensive at times and somewhat time-consuming. I roam the cheese section at my store looking for new ones to try or for the perfect cheese to pair with a particular cured meat or jarred spread. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">For those of us short on time (or patience), we may just grab whatever at the cheese counter. And as a result, we may often end up with boards that may be tasty, but are probably not paired very well. </span></p><p><br></p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/04/charcuterie-made-easy-with-platterful.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-15639128566306285432023-04-14T07:00:00.005-04:002023-10-28T11:47:59.716-04:00Chocolate Funfetti Sheet Cake<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Chockfull of rainbow sprinkles, this dense and fudgy <b>Chocolate Funfetti Sheet Cake</b> is topped with </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">the most airy & light chocolate whipped frosting. A little slice of happiness on a plate!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZFmQCfB5mvlPYOktvVDkJi_VFBUhXT0Jv7Plj0w0Fhnq_mjez4DsUOCu103J7ui5QaI5Tfa5GpaRoCmtFnAvwnbI6wsmll5jVtmgYBNV3s5_4LDCfxL1dueIIyxsm-5_jaSYgYZbAyJnZU2pSajNJB7nCNRVm2OTVXMTeS7bmZyRg5qSulQYyGM8xg/s1350/Chocolate-Funfetti-Sheet-Cake-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZFmQCfB5mvlPYOktvVDkJi_VFBUhXT0Jv7Plj0w0Fhnq_mjez4DsUOCu103J7ui5QaI5Tfa5GpaRoCmtFnAvwnbI6wsmll5jVtmgYBNV3s5_4LDCfxL1dueIIyxsm-5_jaSYgYZbAyJnZU2pSajNJB7nCNRVm2OTVXMTeS7bmZyRg5qSulQYyGM8xg/w426-h640/Chocolate-Funfetti-Sheet-Cake-Titled.jpg" title="Chockfull of rainbow sprinkles, this dense and fudgy Chocolate Funfetti Sheet Cake is topped with the most airy & light chocolate whipped frosting. A little slice of happiness on a plate!" width="426"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370673122480/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have been contemplating the meaning of happiness lately- the complexities of it, the things that enhance our own personal happiness and the things that seem to hinder or take away from it, and the various ways that we sometimes seem to get in the way of our own happiness.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I mean, when do we know that we are truly happy? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">When we stop reaching for the next big thing? The better thing? When we allow ourselves to finally feel some contentment with how things are in the here and now?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">But then you have to ask yourself- is that really true happiness? Or is that just settling?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Shouldn't we always be striving to better ourselves? To improve our lives? To love harder? To love ourselves more? To push that extra mile or two? To not give up on the things that we feel are important in our lives just because it may be hard at the moment?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/04/chocolate-funfetti-sheet-cake.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-81141852481012879902023-03-31T07:00:00.013-04:002023-03-31T07:40:28.567-04:00Easy Chicken Ramen Salad<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">This time-saving <b>Easy Chicken Ramen Salad</b> uses pre-cooked chicken, canned mandarin oranges, & crunchy ramen noodles to make a tasty, family-pleasing dinner salad in under 20 minutes...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBz1umxFggAg3VZcq5g_QRBsYbqW7d6nly4_pHBK6oJb1Z39tZihQ5_v_uBx95TKS1nEVOJejwhhh-BmgT-Xv6igByNSn3MDRvjz5X-hPmy2Ndq5pK-BLCxgqnyC6dM3UDUmA-FQ03GIbxLMWb1E6M_SosD5G7HzZOlwmXtH-s9Gzdt7hNJEm-Ja-ow/s1800/Easy-Chicken-Ramen-Salad-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXBz1umxFggAg3VZcq5g_QRBsYbqW7d6nly4_pHBK6oJb1Z39tZihQ5_v_uBx95TKS1nEVOJejwhhh-BmgT-Xv6igByNSn3MDRvjz5X-hPmy2Ndq5pK-BLCxgqnyC6dM3UDUmA-FQ03GIbxLMWb1E6M_SosD5G7HzZOlwmXtH-s9Gzdt7hNJEm-Ja-ow/w426-h640/Easy-Chicken-Ramen-Salad-Titled.jpg" title="This time-saving Easy Chicken Ramen Salad uses pre-cooked chicken, canned mandarin oranges, & crunchy ramen noodles to make a tasty, family-pleasing dinner salad in under 20 minutes." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370673075729/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><br><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">One thing that I do love and can rarely pass up is a good salad with crunch. There is just something about a good crunch factor that takes a hearty salad to the next level for me.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Give me a a salad with crisp kale or cabbage and some crunchy nuts over a delicate salad with spring greens and soft fruit any day of the week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's not that I can't enjoy a softer salad as the start to a meal, but if the salad is going to be </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">the meal</i><span style="font-family: georgia;">? Nope. It needs to have all the crunch.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And maybe it is just the texture tricking me into thinking that a salad with some crunch just has to be more hearty and filling. Or maybe it is just a personal preference. But I do love me a big ole salad with multiple layers of crunch.</span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/03/easy-chicken-ramen-salad.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-89680822645885962732023-03-24T07:00:00.009-04:002023-10-26T16:18:05.126-04:00Oatmeal Raisin & Dried Berries Cookies<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">These perfectly chewy and soft <b>Oatmeal Raisin & Dried Berries Cookies</b> are packed with sweet golden raisins, dried mixed berries, and crunchy walnuts... Add a cold glass of milk, and you are set!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI6kr-NhC-OkVWJpwn0_SJPeqaUmzEeMWAZv23eErFWVh7uW-0RuvQU1uCiSQbmtgsM3Hw3C3adJFxrsf2qUaLSOXpNxJRCV0dRKCsfSCs_M2lnz6ciSKI9TXcKBNJjxLuVBm0MYO2ypDkZW3HIyGdhvPNXshVRlmRexGfpBFIIklcEBq-nV06iQqOw/s1350/Oatmeal-Raisin-Dried-Berries-Cookies-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyI6kr-NhC-OkVWJpwn0_SJPeqaUmzEeMWAZv23eErFWVh7uW-0RuvQU1uCiSQbmtgsM3Hw3C3adJFxrsf2qUaLSOXpNxJRCV0dRKCsfSCs_M2lnz6ciSKI9TXcKBNJjxLuVBm0MYO2ypDkZW3HIyGdhvPNXshVRlmRexGfpBFIIklcEBq-nV06iQqOw/w426-h640/Oatmeal-Raisin-Dried-Berries-Cookies-Titled.jpg" title="These perfectly chewy and soft Oatmeal Raisin & Dried Berries Cookies are packed with sweet golden raisins, dried mixed berries, and crunchy walnuts... Add a cold glass of milk, and you are set!" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370673051758/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s16000/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will be the first to admit that, in general, I am not a big fan of raisins in my baked goods. I also get kind of salty when a trail mix includes regular raisins, and then they happen to make up at least half of the actual mix. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The one exception to my "no raisins in baked goods" rule is a homemade, fresh-from-the-oven oatmeal raisin cookie. But even then I am only tolerating the raisins in the cookies just because I </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">really </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">like the rest of the what is going on with a good oatmeal cookie.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But a couple of months ago, I bit into one Panera's Oatmeal Raisin with Berries cookies for the first time and let me just say, you all.... mind blown! They could have literally left the raisins out and just had the dried berries in that cookie, and I would have been in absolute heaven.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But that got me thinking... why not just bake up my own version at home and leave out those raisins altogether? </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/03/oatmeal-raisin-dried-berries-cookies.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-87114068213824176732023-01-27T07:00:00.014-05:002023-01-27T07:50:08.482-05:00Parmesan & Veggie Quinoa Skillet<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This one pot <b>Parmesan & Veggie Quinoa Skillet</b> combines fresh veggies with Parmesan cheese & hearty quinoa. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is the perfect dish to whip up when you are craving a little healthy comfort food...</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></span></p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef0n_jsfUzcAoUz-CRNHHUFf02XHl38W59pO8tL1Mmzf87tHRvE9vuvN3tReW25GHxFhShnnaUmbd-CBHd2G_4DDQ-om9OGw5ODQJdgxErg6vXu9uSyCS938rwmCcQiszKBVipgGszhaDfmf2RGTCXU-a2UVYwzKgdN10Dv4rwHf7q7eVconWzbTbgg/s1350/Parmesan-Veggie-Quinoa-Skillet-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgef0n_jsfUzcAoUz-CRNHHUFf02XHl38W59pO8tL1Mmzf87tHRvE9vuvN3tReW25GHxFhShnnaUmbd-CBHd2G_4DDQ-om9OGw5ODQJdgxErg6vXu9uSyCS938rwmCcQiszKBVipgGszhaDfmf2RGTCXU-a2UVYwzKgdN10Dv4rwHf7q7eVconWzbTbgg/w426-h640/Parmesan-Veggie-Quinoa-Skillet-Titled.jpg" title="This one pot Parmesan & Veggie Quinoa Skillet combines fresh veggies with Parmesan cheese & hearty quinoa. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is the perfect dish to whip up when you are craving a little healthy comfort food." width="426"></a></div><br><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370672832359/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a> </div><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">As many of you know, <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/10/im-sharing-my-spare-beginning-of-our.html" target="_blank">I donated a kidney to my fiance</a> in October of 2021. If you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frugalmama/" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a>, then you may also know that we have had our struggles and setbacks since our surgeries a little over 1 year and 3 months ago. </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">While his kidney function and numbers are better than they have been in over 15 years, the reality of life post-transplant was not exactly something that we felt we had really been made aware of or had been sufficiently prepared for. Over the course of the past 15 months, Colin has experienced emergency surgery, hospitalizations, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">2 mild rejection episodes, </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">more ER visits than I can remember, and numerous medication changes to try to find the right combination for him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And while we are thankful that the surgeries, hospitalizations, and rejection episodes seem to now be a part of our past (knock on wood), we are still struggling with the latter two- particularly the medications. Colin takes quite a few medications to help prevent rejection and keep his blood pressure in check. They all can have significant side effects, and some of the meds and dosages are worse than others.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">While we are leaving it to his team of docs to try to find the right combo and dosages of his much needed medications, we are doing what we can as a couple to lead healthier lives together. That includes eating healthier, going to the gym more each week, and cooking at home more often.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2023/01/parmesan-veggie-quinoa-skillet.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-31502240878226000942022-11-11T07:00:00.011-05:002023-10-31T13:37:07.183-04:00Apple Cider Mojitos<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">A classic summertime cocktail gets a delicious autumn makeover with the addition of apple cider in these crisp and refreshing <b>Apple Cider Mojitos</b>...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm8tbAYZbNBId9rgXudcxMlYlq19ochy_Osg3-PqgM4sHihxkjLukYxY-4lm-MKJV9Fdo_ss4rohNsjKPtzDAqerkw3odrQpev8ZDtCt31GSS9F9kHvgZiIrepqMgOK90BWqfOUxvb7DWKXeGdWD8bQ7cL-VVxL-jvCLk3Z3MxGPb5KSBirYv_mwDdw/s1350/Apple-Cider-Mojitos-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZm8tbAYZbNBId9rgXudcxMlYlq19ochy_Osg3-PqgM4sHihxkjLukYxY-4lm-MKJV9Fdo_ss4rohNsjKPtzDAqerkw3odrQpev8ZDtCt31GSS9F9kHvgZiIrepqMgOK90BWqfOUxvb7DWKXeGdWD8bQ7cL-VVxL-jvCLk3Z3MxGPb5KSBirYv_mwDdw/w426-h640/Apple-Cider-Mojitos-Titled.jpg" title="A classic summertime cocktail gets a delicious autumn makeover with the addition of apple cider in these crisp and refreshing Apple Cider Mojitos." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370672562052/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Okay. I know, I know.... Mojitos are cocktails that are usually associated with summertime, and backyard BBQ's, and beach vacations. Not with fall time or apple season.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But hear me out, you all.... It works. The white rum with your favorite apple cider and a little fresh mint and lime really works. Even I was surprised by how delicious this autumn twist on a <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+mojito" target="_blank">classic mojito</a> turned out.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Now, I can't take all the credit for coming up with this cocktail idea. I actually tried an apple cider mojito <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CioJC2MshPS/" target="_blank">at a local brewery</a> a couple months ago, and I knew I had to try to recreate it at home. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last month, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMV6IFM-EW/" target="_blank">we went apple picking</a> while my sister and my best friend from West Virginia were visiting us at our new home in Erie, Pennsylvania. When I spied the fresh pressed apple cider at the local apple orchard we stopped at, I picked up a half gallon to bring home just to test out my new fall cocktail idea. I am a firm believer that the best cocktails start with the freshest ingredients.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2022/11/apple-cider-mojitos.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-86534038754018489342022-10-21T07:00:00.002-04:002022-10-21T07:46:14.407-04:00Pumpkin Banana Bread with Pepitas & Dried Cranberries<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Crunchy pepitas & dried cranberries lend a little crunch and tart sweetness to this moist (and healthy-ish!) <b>Pumpkin Banana Bread</b>...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjAirwb_0Y3kAQsBVuBd6YFUtDPNSGH7tUxnaVg5MZ22AFJCsqiIeLxW3eyO1Hqt7aMz6KVLn_jDsk9wujLg_tyfTXYD_qjs22iNc7g2vvzbRIcfSxYbR90Ghm_NwEe3nW9KgPZKrkuaTERm_p6QH0PP-nnPZAOBtTWcIk1hz3vkfVWkBxMBFAqd3hw/s1350/Pumpkin-Banana-Bread-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWjAirwb_0Y3kAQsBVuBd6YFUtDPNSGH7tUxnaVg5MZ22AFJCsqiIeLxW3eyO1Hqt7aMz6KVLn_jDsk9wujLg_tyfTXYD_qjs22iNc7g2vvzbRIcfSxYbR90Ghm_NwEe3nW9KgPZKrkuaTERm_p6QH0PP-nnPZAOBtTWcIk1hz3vkfVWkBxMBFAqd3hw/w426-h640/Pumpkin-Banana-Bread-Titled.jpg" title="Crunchy pepitas & dried cranberries lend a little crunch and tart sweetness to this moist (and healthy-ish!) Pumpkin Banana Bread." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370672478643/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My most favorite time of the year has finally arrived here in Erie, Pennsylvania- fall! I have to admit that when we first decided to move here a couple of months ago, I had a few reservations about living here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yes- my fiance, my daughter, and I would be hours from our hometowns and families. And we would have to adjust from life in our small hometown to living close to a bigger city (which actually wasn't all that difficult to do! ;) ). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But one thing that caused me a bit more apprehension than maybe it would the average person was this question- what would the autumn season be like this much further north? Would I still get to see and enjoy the fall colors, crisp weather, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CjMV6IFM-EW/" target="_blank">fun fall activities</a> that I had come to love in my home state of West Virginia?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And let me be the first to tell you all- the fall foliage here is simply amazing! And the weather? It definitely has its moments (like the 3-4 days straight of non-stop downpours when it rains- yay, lake effect!), but all in all, I have been enjoying the cooler temps here since I get to don my favorite fall sweaters, hoodies, and boots just a little earlier than normal.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2022/10/pumpkin-banana-bread-with-pepitas-dried.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-56622274664780540192022-08-10T07:00:00.005-04:002022-10-27T21:34:22.849-04:00Mahi Mahi with Fresh Pineapple Salsa<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">This light and healthy <b>Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa</b> is the perfect quick and easy summer dinner idea! You can have this on the dinner table in just 20 minutes, folks...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN1Xz8QgHu10mkmKLNvQUcvazxRtmfEWS8B9KSjMVZ05e6sDsl1cykdfS-SsYQ0l8wEQemp00tbAmKVsIgA4jeX3eohGiKekuZJCAGfm0tJX6F-Uxc4kYVn_0694UZIxbIK3NBWamkmAbSVsk2TbfQdYPUNSXC6jT3Od0V5UntF8leKh8Xy-m7TOq7Q/s1350/Mahi-Mahi-Pineapple-Salsa-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiN1Xz8QgHu10mkmKLNvQUcvazxRtmfEWS8B9KSjMVZ05e6sDsl1cykdfS-SsYQ0l8wEQemp00tbAmKVsIgA4jeX3eohGiKekuZJCAGfm0tJX6F-Uxc4kYVn_0694UZIxbIK3NBWamkmAbSVsk2TbfQdYPUNSXC6jT3Od0V5UntF8leKh8Xy-m7TOq7Q/w426-h640/Mahi-Mahi-Pineapple-Salsa-Titled.jpg" title="This light and healthy Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa is the perfect quick and easy summer dinner idea! You can have this on the dinner table in just 20 minutes, folks." width="426"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370672212244/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div></div><br></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, life has been a little on the crazy side for me lately. In case some of you all haven't picked up on the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CgkdTf_OkeK/" target="_blank">little hints I have left here and there on my social media lately,</a> my daughter, fiance, and I are moving to Erie, Pennsylvania in just a couple of weeks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Colin has already been in Erie since the end of June starting his new career opportunity, but he has unfortunately been living out of a hotel for almost two months now. To say he is beyond ready to have an actual home and a family to come home to each day is an understatement.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am going to be in full-on packing and moving mode for the next two weeks or so as I have decided to tackle not only packing my home, but Colin's apartment as well. If any of you all can spare any good vibes or ju-ju (or moving tips!), please send them my way. My sanity will thank you. ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><span></span><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2022/08/mahi-mahi-with-fresh-pineapple-salsa.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-46740891749054819332022-07-21T07:00:00.004-04:002022-07-21T07:00:00.207-04:00Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad<div id="mediavine-settings" data-blocklist-all="1" data-expires-at="2022-09-18"></div>
<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">This <b>Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad</b> is full of flavor and amazing textures- crunchy almonds, cucumbers, and red bell peppers, soft and slippery noodles, all tossed with a spicy almond butter sriracha dressing...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TBbDHwfSmo4hQfCZdKS7_G3LE7ErBwwGXFTQlqGBeJCHo8L3BkHjaUrLkyxP9HeF6b6MmcjTp3EqXcU0EsDdKCJkTWg-MPmWf7CkfwMr9WTxzABDhD_l5_nqyfWwEtG2APlgjxZVyO_3AZtvvpXTIkq5EMMdQPww_WgRG8hW-pB_MzRAG8HNbl5vZA/s1500/Spicy-Almond-Soba-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TBbDHwfSmo4hQfCZdKS7_G3LE7ErBwwGXFTQlqGBeJCHo8L3BkHjaUrLkyxP9HeF6b6MmcjTp3EqXcU0EsDdKCJkTWg-MPmWf7CkfwMr9WTxzABDhD_l5_nqyfWwEtG2APlgjxZVyO_3AZtvvpXTIkq5EMMdQPww_WgRG8hW-pB_MzRAG8HNbl5vZA/w426-h640/Spicy-Almond-Soba-PinCollage.jpg" title="This Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad is full of flavor and amazing textures- crunchy almonds, cucumbers, and red bell peppers, soft and slippery noodles, all tossed with a spicy almond butter sriracha dressing. And let me tell you guys about a few of the products I am loving this summer for cooking and entertaining." width="426"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia;">This is a sponsored post by Babbleboxx.</i></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am all about easy and simple when it comes to cooking and entertaining in the summertime. I love quick and effortless pasta salads and dishes that work well not only as a light and healthy lunch idea, but also as a flavorful, make-ahead side dish for a backyard BBQ or a summer potluck. The Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad recipe I am sharing with you all today easily meets the requirements for both. </span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Seriously, you all. This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and can be easily doubled or quadrupled. And thanks to Roland® Organic Soba Noodles and RECIPE 33 Infused Almonds, this cold noodle salad recipe is packed with flavor and amazing textures. </span></p><br><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN_FJEEXWiM7YA_z-5EwAw_rcAXKoY7g3Aa6HWkUku5-Ag8UcODdnQ7JhcpKtAnZ60zerGFGxn4QVkmpV6jipXcErPEj4RyKtsiLmsq-4ESPWY3WMnOQv2BqGssdQ_Qh2a4W2gJX6AOxDl412Inhfjs1D3lgIOoD8Ix0CCeUq0ZboLQ-_xkqQatEvFQ/s1200/Sriracha-Almond-Soba-3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTN_FJEEXWiM7YA_z-5EwAw_rcAXKoY7g3Aa6HWkUku5-Ag8UcODdnQ7JhcpKtAnZ60zerGFGxn4QVkmpV6jipXcErPEj4RyKtsiLmsq-4ESPWY3WMnOQv2BqGssdQ_Qh2a4W2gJX6AOxDl412Inhfjs1D3lgIOoD8Ix0CCeUq0ZboLQ-_xkqQatEvFQ/w640-h426/Sriracha-Almond-Soba-3.jpg" title="This Spicy Almond Cold Soba Noodle Salad is full of flavor and amazing textures- crunchy almonds, cucumbers, and red bell peppers, soft and slippery noodles, all tossed with a spicy almond butter sriracha dressing." width="640"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before I share the actual recipe with you all, let me tell you guys about a few of the products I am loving this summer for cooking and entertaining...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2022/07/spicy-almond-cold-soba-noodle-salad.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-13963510022845608362022-06-29T07:00:00.028-04:002022-07-13T16:23:54.220-04:00Chicken Mushroom Flatbread<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">You can have this artisan-worthy <b>Chicken Mushroom Flatbread</b> pizza for one on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDg7px43AF5eZLPJtCd92yv7NLoVzlbwgq7b5oeHyAZEZSdmm2N_zfAQt6omRGO2APy3EPUYJFTqTpfV3nxRCEsEP7LqT3f21GZ71LDkuXPn7gxp7DEwJgIbc-04hjc2io_vktL10xOtr6OyonMHDd-L2V65SF62AZo8r5gbGMfQ3nAtbiEVuPqBXZA/s1350/Chicken-Mushroom-Flatbread-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDg7px43AF5eZLPJtCd92yv7NLoVzlbwgq7b5oeHyAZEZSdmm2N_zfAQt6omRGO2APy3EPUYJFTqTpfV3nxRCEsEP7LqT3f21GZ71LDkuXPn7gxp7DEwJgIbc-04hjc2io_vktL10xOtr6OyonMHDd-L2V65SF62AZo8r5gbGMfQ3nAtbiEVuPqBXZA/w426-h640/Chicken-Mushroom-Flatbread-Titled.jpg" title="You can have this artisan-worthy Chicken Mushroom Flatbread pizza for one on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes!" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370672036140/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="" data-original-height="54" data-original-width="200" height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifx5lJ0vHCDcwQDPFAJEjKz98QnvgoUsalk9N-jApQ_Or_DHqEl5f477Z-E9yEscsmcUd7gf1zVqqNSY47OfXsm1AVbyBEZzQ0tWX8yjGg_KjeKXXKFgwq7KQTJTPptqedFbVKpywab4rBXWnkRGWLxeW8kjkDrKHnmh-3GD39CS6ZEmSyurDEX-xklg=w200-h54" width="200"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">First, before I even begin here, let me apologize to you all for taking such a long hiatus from posting to the blog. As many of you all know by now, I <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/10/im-sharing-my-spare-beginning-of-our.html" target="_blank">donated a kidney to my fiance</a> in October of last year. My recovery went pretty smoothly, but my fiance was hit with a few setbacks shortly after our surgeries. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We faced many challenges- mild rejection episodes (which we have now come to realize is fairly common within the first 6 months of a transplant surgery), numerous medication adjustments (he was on 20+ prescriptions at one time during this journey), and even emergency surgery which resulted in him having to stay weeks longer in the hospital. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Let just say that life needed my blog to temporarily take a back seat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Fortunately, we have finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel and life is somewhat resuming to normal. My fiance is feeling healthier and stronger every day, we have the meds under control, he is back at work, and we are planning for a (hopefully) fall wedding. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2022/06/chicken-mushroom-flatbread.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-36187635895521659572021-10-08T07:00:00.003-04:002021-10-08T19:24:10.670-04:00I'm Sharing My Spare: The Beginning of Our Kidney Donor Story<p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuIGmNclNOSNf3jw7ejSs692bEFjhGoNFEg-XgC6PWLEoWKhRoMd02RDynR18soNU9yUIB-UNmnrD-CLkvreZ3HClofKpMhMkYJ20zmxLb0VJaSn6dCtS0hrKiaJ95WrK3QiH4YalpCDG/s1600/Carrie-47.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1068" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYuIGmNclNOSNf3jw7ejSs692bEFjhGoNFEg-XgC6PWLEoWKhRoMd02RDynR18soNU9yUIB-UNmnrD-CLkvreZ3HClofKpMhMkYJ20zmxLb0VJaSn6dCtS0hrKiaJ95WrK3QiH4YalpCDG/w428-h640/Carrie-47.jpg" title="I'm Sharing My Spare: The Beginning of Our Kidney Donor Story" width="428"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>Photo credit: <a href="https://www.meredithbrookephotography.com/" target="_blank">Meredith Brook Photography</a></i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So today's post isn't going to be like my usual blog posts on here. I won't be sharing an easy to make recipe or any cooking or baking tips. Today, I am going to take a moment to get a little personal with you all- something that I don't do all that often on here.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you <a href="https://www.instagram.com/frugalmama/" target="_blank">follow me on Instagram</a>, then you may have already seen <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CRyoXllM_fC/" target="_blank">my post in July</a> about my then boyfriend's impending need for a kidney donor. Colin has been battling kidney disease since he was diagnosed with a rare auto-immune disorder in his mid-twenties. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">His doctors were not able to identify what was wrong with him in those first few weeks of his illness. In the meantime, the disorder wreaked irreversible damage to his kidneys during the weeks that elapsed between when he was first admitted to the hospital and then finally diagnosed with <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/henoch-schonlein-purpura/symptoms-causes/syc-20354040" target="_blank">Henoch Schonlein Purpura</a>.</span></p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/10/im-sharing-my-spare-beginning-of-our.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-49164347795964681332021-09-17T07:00:00.004-04:002023-01-14T17:31:51.444-05:00Small Batch Blueberry Muffins<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">These <b>Small Batch Blueberry Muffins </b>are perfect to bake up when you don't need an entire dozen of muffins in the house. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">They are nice & moist thanks to the addition of creamy Greek yogurt and are bursting with fresh blueberry flavor...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztWg18XELQO-IFiHktc4mt376Xo9gq0mio6ftyA-xSJOk7Lid3ba-QrMHRkqp5Ait_ilZ0EkFtcP1Vyg4nqUjHETJMjXPTy2K-y2C7iQSUx-IvxJ0aBg0bF8qC1LHk5z2RWgamk0_RzNN/s1350/Small-Batch-Blueberry-Muffins-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiztWg18XELQO-IFiHktc4mt376Xo9gq0mio6ftyA-xSJOk7Lid3ba-QrMHRkqp5Ait_ilZ0EkFtcP1Vyg4nqUjHETJMjXPTy2K-y2C7iQSUx-IvxJ0aBg0bF8qC1LHk5z2RWgamk0_RzNN/w426-h640/Small-Batch-Blueberry-Muffins-Titled.jpg" title="These Small Batch Blueberry Muffins are perfect to bake up when you don't need an entire dozen of muffins in the house. They are nice & moist thanks to the addition of creamy Greek yogurt and bursting with fresh blueberry flavor." width="426"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370671072994/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal;"></a></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">So I know that summer is on the exit and that the fall season is just about to arrive, but I had to sneak in just one last summer-inspired recipe this year before we dive head first into all things pumpkin spice and apple. ;) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">One thing that we have not been in short supply of this past summer was <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+blueberries" target="_blank">local blueberries</a> at our weekly farmers market. And one of my absolute favorite things to make with fresh blueberries is <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+blueberry+muffins" target="_blank">homemade blueberry muffins</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The problem is that most recipes I have come across online make a dozen or more muffins. But since it is now just my daughter and I at home together most weeks, we can rarely get through an entire dozen of muffins between the two of us before they go stale no matter how amazingly delicious they may be. Cue my mission to come up with the perfect small batch blueberry muffin recipe!</span></p><p><br></p><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/09/small-batch-blueberry-muffins.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-34600493533569846502021-08-20T07:00:00.005-04:002021-08-20T13:12:49.748-04:00Loves Way Village: A Glampground Destination in the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">Enjoy the very best of nature and camping combined with the amenities and comforts of a clean and comfortable hotel room when you go glamping at <b>Loves Way Village</b> in West Virginia...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHPWffz_aUSU4DNIK4u67Am1SUWjPZe4nfiyG41NjRZvspwP91Ly8OSqGNdi-swoXEW3Lv3V7Zn3muAv8PcEJky1lna2Rep3vlbpTnxn3O6E8BZYqNZO4D32hEScXV9bRjNfln2Af6WFh/s1500/Loves-Way-Village-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWHPWffz_aUSU4DNIK4u67Am1SUWjPZe4nfiyG41NjRZvspwP91Ly8OSqGNdi-swoXEW3Lv3V7Zn3muAv8PcEJky1lna2Rep3vlbpTnxn3O6E8BZYqNZO4D32hEScXV9bRjNfln2Af6WFh/w426-h640/Loves-Way-Village-PinCollage.jpg" title="Enjoy the very best of nature and camping combined with the amenities and comforts of a clean and comfortable hotel room when you go glamping at Loves Way Village in West Virginia." width="426"></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://loveswayvillage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loves Way Village</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670973118/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">While I do consider myself somewhat of an outdoorsy person, I am not one that is much for "roughing" it. I love finding <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+hiking" target="_blank">a good hiking trail</a> or paddling down a river in a kayak, but sleeping on the ground in the middle of the woods with no bathroom (or shower!) in sight? No, thank you. It just really isn't my thing. I'd would MUCH rather commune with nature in comfort. ;)</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">That is why I was beyond thrilled when the folks at <a href="https://loveswayvillage.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Loves Way Village</a> invited my sister and I to stay in one of their glamping tents a few weeks ago. We were able to hike and kayak and enjoy all of the beauty and adventure that the Potomac Highlands of West Virginia has to offer, but we still got to come back to a comfortable bed, air conditioning, a hot shower, and a soak in our own private hot tub each evening of our two-night stay at Loves Way.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know that glamping has definitely become all the rage lately. Some may even call it a novel trend in traveling. But I do think that this fad in accommodations is here to stay, folks. You get all the fun of camping (think s'mores over a campfire, rainfall hitting the fabric of the tent lulling you to sleep, being close to nature), but without all of the dirt, and grime, and dealing with the elements. </span></p><p><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/08/loves-way-village-glampground.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-14815389326116615072021-07-23T07:00:00.002-04:002021-07-23T07:45:40.371-04:00Cake Mix Strawberry Shortcakes<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">These easy to make </span><b style="font-family: georgia;">Strawberry Shortcakes</b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> start with one of my favorite time-saving baking hacks- a boxed cake mix!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XE65dGMO1iPOpYmGYfZ0ViUFwIvlxI7T6-me29qVKIqg4h8yp97Kr9hgWtDRidl1gvljnNWiUPwaO5eucoK47jtAoj9QxHFqXgVuRtn6PLTA7iLOhE9XpyJbU67yYA4h62Q6PwIA-vty/s1350/Cake-Mix-Strawberry-Shortcake-Hero.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6XE65dGMO1iPOpYmGYfZ0ViUFwIvlxI7T6-me29qVKIqg4h8yp97Kr9hgWtDRidl1gvljnNWiUPwaO5eucoK47jtAoj9QxHFqXgVuRtn6PLTA7iLOhE9XpyJbU67yYA4h62Q6PwIA-vty/w426-h640/Cake-Mix-Strawberry-Shortcake-Hero.jpg" title="These easy to make Strawberry Shortcakes start with one of my favorite time-saving baking hacks- a boxed cake mix!" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670889732/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While I tend to make most of my recipes from scratch, I have also posted my fair share of recipes using <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+cake+mix" target="_blank">one of my absolute favorite baking hacks</a>- a simple boxed cake mix. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know that some people might consider using a boxed cake mix as "cheating", but I personally just find it to be a convenient shortcut that comes in handy if you are short on time or happen to not be the best at baking. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">For the most part, a boxed cake mix takes the guesswork out of making sure you have the right amount of flour, baking soda or baking powder (or both), salt, etc. And bonus? Cake mixes come in so many different varieties and flavors that they can easily be adapted to just about any recipe you would like to make!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have used boxed cake mixes in everything from actual cakes (see my secret for making a boxed cake mix taste better than the bakery <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2019/10/how-to-make-boxed-cake-mix-taste-better.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>) to pancakes and even <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2019/03/10-out-of-box-cake-mix-cookie-recipes.html" target="_blank">cookies</a> and muffins.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But today's recipe was my first time making a shortcake from a cake mix...</span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/07/cake-mix-strawberry-shortcakes.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-72060591399355034872021-06-25T07:00:00.016-04:002021-06-26T17:54:06.323-04:00Hidden View Bed & Breakfast: A Destination In & Of Itself in Loudoun County, Virginia<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: start;">The Hidden View Bed & Breakfast can provide the most luxurious home base as you explore the Loudoun County, Virginia area, but </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">it is also a </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">destination in & of itself- perfect for a girls' trip, a couple's getaway, or when you just need a few days of "me time" to yourself...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_5fQjHZNGdCvztAO02qVPE6oRaEnYUYEOS1Sa0fKIKIfXUkPaBgZDzyXBopLQeDC2Wh2h9vZmGY1Xwi4FNxQ1jobzDkY2qIMWO7bt0K5WhS-POoBb3wbquJGfe3Zm6QOik_qIXkQsqMR/s1500/Hidden-View-BB-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN_5fQjHZNGdCvztAO02qVPE6oRaEnYUYEOS1Sa0fKIKIfXUkPaBgZDzyXBopLQeDC2Wh2h9vZmGY1Xwi4FNxQ1jobzDkY2qIMWO7bt0K5WhS-POoBb3wbquJGfe3Zm6QOik_qIXkQsqMR/w426-h640/Hidden-View-BB-PinCollage.jpg" title="The Hidden View Bed & Breakfast can provide the most luxurious home base as you explore the Loudoun County, Virginia area, but it is also a destination in & of itself- perfect for a girls' trip, a couple's getaway, or when you just need a few days of "me time" to yourself." width="426"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://www.visitloudoun.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit Loudoun</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670805906/" target="_blank"><img height="54" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/w200-h54/Pin-Later-Button.jpg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal;" width="200"></a></div></div><br><br></i></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I know that when you typically start to plan a trip or a weekend getaway you end up booking a room somewhere to simply serve as your home base while you explore the area. You want a clean and comfortable place to sleep and shower, maybe a pool on premise, and perhaps a free continental breakfast. Booking the accommodations is a starting point, but not usually the thing you are looking forward to most about your upcoming travels.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">That cannot be said about the guest rooms at <a href="https://www.visitloudoun.org/listing/hidden-view-bed-%26-breakfast/2420/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Hidden View Bed & Breakfast in Hillsboro, Virginia</a>. In fact, you could possibly spend most of your time during your visit to Loudoun County in your room and exploring the grounds of this beautiful bed & breakfast and be totally content... but I wouldn't necessarily recommend that. Not when <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/06/booze-brews-with-view-8-must-visit.html" target="_blank">there is so much to see and do in the area</a>, but that is for another blog post. ;)</span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/06/hidden-view-bed-breakfast-destination.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-71701132310465172882021-06-09T07:00:00.002-04:002021-06-09T10:54:55.482-04:00Oatmeal Raisin Banana Snack Cake<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> Packed full of raisins, hearty oats, and crunchy pecans, this <b>Oatmeal Raisin Banana Snack Cake</b> is an easy-to-bake recipe that will remind you of one of your favorite childhood cookies...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF6YOpMM8DnTS4laD8smqwCrZ43cgDBx8fc_L1Og4r6dHUwQyEz6Z4IIw3EWHuLb7dnlLdbkzncu0W3H9rrkAzeJCr550Nnt9shJTjrcNJgfNSP5QLhtPUWLySOlG8l9LBEc7QfZLfL0O/s1350/Oatmeal-Raisin-Banana-Snack-Cake-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidF6YOpMM8DnTS4laD8smqwCrZ43cgDBx8fc_L1Og4r6dHUwQyEz6Z4IIw3EWHuLb7dnlLdbkzncu0W3H9rrkAzeJCr550Nnt9shJTjrcNJgfNSP5QLhtPUWLySOlG8l9LBEc7QfZLfL0O/w426-h640/Oatmeal-Raisin-Banana-Snack-Cake-Titled.jpg" title="Packed full of raisins, hearty oats, and crunchy pecans, this Oatmeal Raisin Banana Snack Cake is an easy-to-bake recipe that will remind you of one of your favorite childhood cookies." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670758172/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, recently my 9 year old daughter has been asking more and more to help out in the kitchen. She is even slowly beginning to make some things on her own now. While I am so glad that she is showing an interest in learning how to cook and bake (and I seriously have no desire to squash her newfound interest), I do have to make a confession- it makes the Type A, Virgo mom in me cringe slightly.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I feel kind of guilty even typing that out loud, but I can't be the only parent who feels this way when their kiddos finally start to show a little initiative in the kitchen, right? ;)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I have decided I am going to suck it up this summer and let her help me out more when it comes to cooking dinner and baking up some tasty treats because I don't want to discourage her from learning new things and growing. Even if she leaves the batter drenched whisk sitting on the counter. And despite the fact that she might use every measuring cup and spoon that I own just to make one recipe. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Because part of the process of teaching our kids to cook and bake is to also teach them how to consolidate steps and to clean up as they go, am I right? So that is just what I am going to do- teach her. Teach her that spending time in the kitchen involves much more than just measuring out ingredients, whisking and mixing, and setting a timer. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/06/oatmeal-raisin-banana-snack-cake.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-23795386583328249502021-06-04T07:00:00.003-04:002021-06-04T10:19:47.935-04:00Booze & Brews with a View: 8 Must-Visit Wineries & Breweries in Loudoun County, Virginia<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">It doesn't matter if you are wine lover, a craft beer </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left;">connoisseur, or if you happen to appreciate small batch spirits- </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">you can craft the perfect booze-filled itinerary</span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> in Loudoun County, Virginia...</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDW9pGOL5HPfrvEqk1x8E1eSicNee60ZvDYLTGbV7eFTU1pUee9trgApmTbfGgbfIXEnRtN-wv6cenFHdGspEhGc_DK0gLJz0uEIYB3L7hXSUSTz227N1tKWPnVi_Mm5TKkgPuChuL9iI/s1500/Booze-Brews-With-a-View-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDW9pGOL5HPfrvEqk1x8E1eSicNee60ZvDYLTGbV7eFTU1pUee9trgApmTbfGgbfIXEnRtN-wv6cenFHdGspEhGc_DK0gLJz0uEIYB3L7hXSUSTz227N1tKWPnVi_Mm5TKkgPuChuL9iI/w426-h640/Booze-Brews-With-a-View-PinCollage.jpg" title="It doesn't matter if you are wine lover, a craft beer connoisseur, or if you happen to appreciate small batch spirits- you can craft the perfect booze-filled itinerary in Loudoun County, Virginia." width="426"></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://www.visitloudoun.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit Loudoun</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></div><p style="text-align: center;"><br><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">After almost a year of Covid-induced homebody-ness, I was finally ready to venture out on a girls' trip last month. A little road trip to one of my favorite areas of Virginia became the obvious choice for our first girls' getaway in over a year. Not only is Loudoun County home to some of the best wine country in the state of Virginia, but their local foodie scene has recently seen an explosion in growth when it comes to locally owned and operated breweries and distilleries as well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It doesn't matter if you are wine lover, a craft beer connoisseur, or if you happen to appreciate small batch spirits- <a href="https://www.visitloudoun.org/drink/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">you can craft the perfect booze-filled itinerary</a> (responsibly, of course!) in Loudoun County, Virginia. Loudoun County boasts over 30 breweries, almost 40 wineries, and about 7 distilleries & cideries, but that number continues to grow every year.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">While our two and a half day girls' getaway didn't allow us to try every winery, brewery, and distillery in the county, we did get to visit at least 8 on the list. All 8 of these wineries & breweries (plus 1 distillery!) had to meet certain discerning criteria to make it on our girls' trip list ;) :</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">They had to have plenty of outdoor spaces and seating. I mean, what is seriously better than being able to sip on a glass of pink bubbles or enjoying a cold draft beer on a patio or deck?</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">They had to be locally owned and operated.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: georgia;">And being nestled in the rolling, green foothills of the Shenandoah, a beautiful view was definitely a must!</span></li></ul><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/06/booze-brews-with-view-8-must-visit.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-294584693742491362021-03-05T07:00:00.008-05:002023-02-27T15:43:44.733-05:00Irish Coffee Brownies<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">Inspired by a classic Irish cocktail, these fudgy and decadent Irish Coffee Brownies are a must-bake for St. Patrick's Day (or any day of the year!)...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHSTq8YhBuiHahx8-iwbeSBnglvoTW2KOzY8Lb-AqT47PsL-z6bfeiIYpV-Y_akY74Fehnqpetg-CJX0qvpEVbWO9voooRzlF8SjFrsrPiIejCwUa-LBsQ-_CnBz7XI-knJDUGxuLAHzQ/s1350/Irish-Coffee-Brownies-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdHSTq8YhBuiHahx8-iwbeSBnglvoTW2KOzY8Lb-AqT47PsL-z6bfeiIYpV-Y_akY74Fehnqpetg-CJX0qvpEVbWO9voooRzlF8SjFrsrPiIejCwUa-LBsQ-_CnBz7XI-knJDUGxuLAHzQ/w426-h640/Irish-Coffee-Brownies-Titled.jpg" title="Inspired by a classic Irish cocktail, these fudgy and decadent Irish Coffee Brownies are a must-bake for St. Patrick's Day (or any day of the year!)." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670369176/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Can we just chat about my love for Irish whiskey for a quick second? Because prior to about a year ago, I was absolutely <i>not </i>a whiskey drinker at all. I didn't like the smell of it or the taste of it, and I definitely wasn't sitting around on a Saturday night sipping it on the rocks. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But it just turns out that I had been experiencing the wrong whiskey for pretty much my entire life. Who knew?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">You see, my only experience with whiskey for most of my adult life was either the Canadian variety (ahem... Crown) or Kentucky whiskeys and bourbons. Other than a few sips of Jameson here and there, I had never really tasted Irish whiskeys before. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then last year I discovered what has now become my go-to whiskey- Tullamore Dew.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I have to give credit where credit is due. My boyfriend introduced me to the right kind of Irish whiskeys. Being a mixologist, he was able to pinpoint just what it was that I hadn't liked about the whiskeys I had tried before and was able to finally help me find one that I not only actually like, but that I absolutely enjoy as well.</span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/03/irish-coffee-brownies.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-44534034213652433332021-02-26T07:00:00.012-05:002024-01-12T08:37:20.513-05:00Coconut Curry Tomato Soup<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">A classic favorite comfort food gets a delicious update with the addition of Indian & Thai-inspired flavors in this easy to make <b>Coconut Curry Tomato Soup</b>...</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5FDtmqhWXzU6aVV0vzU5dygWwIC0ZYDHdJQYoJLunS6ot8puCungwZKyWq88g7ZXcbnwqf2f1HHi8D0oymshkOxxdho74PYt0mvDrhUqm2MmbqRv379Wx9prEiNBGr17hA3UrZi269V/s1350/Coconut-Curry-Tomato-Soup-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijV5FDtmqhWXzU6aVV0vzU5dygWwIC0ZYDHdJQYoJLunS6ot8puCungwZKyWq88g7ZXcbnwqf2f1HHi8D0oymshkOxxdho74PYt0mvDrhUqm2MmbqRv379Wx9prEiNBGr17hA3UrZi269V/w426-h640/Coconut-Curry-Tomato-Soup-Titled.jpg" title="A classic favorite comfort food gets a delicious update with the addition of Indian & Thai-inspired flavors in this easy to make Coconut Curry Tomato Soup." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post may contain affiliate links. Purchasing through them helps support this website.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670338937/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dating someone who used to own a British/Indian fusion restaurant certainly has its advantages. Not only can he cook homemade Indian food like nobody's business, but he has been providing me with a whole new world of recipe inspiration for the blog.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I haven't experimented very much with Indian flavors or curries on the blog yet even though I have been a fan of Indian cuisine for decades now. I have always found the idea of cooking Indian food from scratch a bit daunting and intimidating, to be honest.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If you find yourself feeling the same way about trying your hand at Indian cooking at home, then today's recipe for this Coconut Curry Tomato Soup is the perfect way for you to dip your toes into the waters of homemade Indian cuisine. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This flavorful soup requires no complicated cooking techniques, is made from ingredients that are easy to find, and can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/02/coconut-curry-tomato-soup.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-74856377328336618962021-02-12T07:00:00.003-05:002023-01-10T08:08:50.188-05:00Cereal Marshmallow Snack with Cranberry Seeds<div data-blocklist-all="1" data-expires-at="2021-03-12" id="mediavine-settings"></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">These easy to make <b>Cereal Marshmallow Snacks</b> get a naturally pretty red color and a little nutritional boost thanks to the addition of cranberry seeds...</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynk87F2DDBc0EnDyBIo2UdQ756Yk4l8ibPHHlLtMneWZvk9D8GTygQxkm3WBmo6KLjC9M20jAUCSXpmrm9ksAZrcgNIEX43Tv6nQ6bw_KGTuMbxvMOFXdmrwaefNUF3JFjSgq21hZCeFV/s1350/Cranberry-Seeds-Marshmallow-Snack-Titled.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhynk87F2DDBc0EnDyBIo2UdQ756Yk4l8ibPHHlLtMneWZvk9D8GTygQxkm3WBmo6KLjC9M20jAUCSXpmrm9ksAZrcgNIEX43Tv6nQ6bw_KGTuMbxvMOFXdmrwaefNUF3JFjSgq21hZCeFV/w426-h640/Cranberry-Seeds-Marshmallow-Snack-Titled.jpg" title="These easy to make Cereal Marshmallow Snacks get a naturally pretty red color and a little nutritional boost thanks to the addition of cranberry seeds." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx on behalf of Ocean Spray.</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370670269819/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">With Valentine's Day fast approaching, I wanted to share a quick & easy treat with you all that is perfect for sharing with your loved ones this weekend. Not only are these Cereal Marshmallow Snacks super simple to make, but they also happen to have a little "secret" nutritional powerhouse ingredient mixed right into them- <a href="http://www.cranberryseeds.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Ocean Spray Cranberry Seeds</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not only do these little red seeds give a 100% natural red color to any recipe that you add them to you (Hello! Perfect for Valentine's Day!), but they also provide a host of health benefits. Cranberry seeds have been proven to support a healthy digestive system, heart, & brain, as well as giving you a little immunity boost to boot. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So move over, chia and flax seeds! And make way for Ocean Spray Cranberry Seeds. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2021/02/cereal-marshmallow-snack-with-cranberry.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-78909855680018610172020-12-23T07:00:00.003-05:002023-11-06T13:03:21.315-05:00Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Eggnog Muffins<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">These moist, yet fluffy <b>Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Eggnog Muffins </b>are chock full of tart cranberries, white chocolate chips, and just the right amount of eggnog flavor. They are the perfect addition to that holiday breakfast table!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzsFZTUP03pfC-2fMpFA8LsO-3ivpDQiWEdlzrYb0XI69XTDLz0az0fNU8dCUDinB1JQoTEdevIQVwJ6SBfGqkHUUPjIcXfh4lDMNoadSIC3eX5Rpp0CsRpzSlAUK0235jbE7BEjY3elc/s1350/Cranberry-Eggnog-Muffins-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipzsFZTUP03pfC-2fMpFA8LsO-3ivpDQiWEdlzrYb0XI69XTDLz0az0fNU8dCUDinB1JQoTEdevIQVwJ6SBfGqkHUUPjIcXfh4lDMNoadSIC3eX5Rpp0CsRpzSlAUK0235jbE7BEjY3elc/w426-h640/Cranberry-Eggnog-Muffins-Titled.jpg" title="These moist, yet fluffy Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Eggnog Muffins are chock full of tart cranberries, white chocolate chips, and just the right amount of eggnog flavor. They are the perfect addition to that holiday breakfast table!" width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I find that people usually have pretty strong opinions when it comes to eggnog- they either love it or they hate it. There rarely seems to be a middle ground when it comes to this popular holiday flavor. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I think that maybe I do fall into that all too rare middle ground here. I wouldn't say I <i>love </i>it, but I also definitely don't hate it.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I mean on the one hand, I do like the flavor. But I can't go for the traditional stuff with the raw eggs and rum and all that. I also don't prefer to go all dairy since my lactose intolerance isn't too cool with that option. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The flavor of eggnog also happens to bring back a little holiday nostalgia for me. When I was a kid, we used to go to my grandparents' house every Christmas Eve for dinner and my grandma always set out a punch bowl of eggnog (non-alcoholic, of course). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Before I was aware of my slight lactose intolerance or that such a thing even existed, I used to ladle myself cups of it to drink all evening until I almost sick to my stomach. Oops.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But I do like the occasional glass of soy or coconut milk eggnog with a little splash of whiskey while I am wrapping gifts or <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+holiday+cookies" target="_blank">baking cookies during the holiday season</a>. I also love the flavor of eggnog in holiday baked goodies like these Cranberry White Chocolate Chip Eggnog Muffins I am sharing with you all today...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2020/12/cranberry-white-chocolate-chip-eggnog.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-67970665427699011562020-12-18T07:00:00.003-05:002023-11-06T13:07:40.376-05:00Cranberry Ginger Gin Fizz<p style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: georgia;">This bubbly <b>Cranberry Ginger Gin Fizz </b>combines refreshing mint, tart cranberries, fresh lime, and crisp gin in a perfectly festive cocktail perfect for the holiday season...</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesm7nE9VHKns_Slf3L25RCVnwRtfjrdlmoJTvRaNq7m_MnBTY-KdeKJnUPanaG9ehR2faHDH5-LxxdWAb6cRiep_lcjyyjjQF05PftXUSawJem-lMfbd1CDx1V7hnCu9N1IPSm9_C4qqP/s1350/Cranberry-Ginger-Gin-Fizz-Titled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjesm7nE9VHKns_Slf3L25RCVnwRtfjrdlmoJTvRaNq7m_MnBTY-KdeKJnUPanaG9ehR2faHDH5-LxxdWAb6cRiep_lcjyyjjQF05PftXUSawJem-lMfbd1CDx1V7hnCu9N1IPSm9_C4qqP/w426-h640/Cranberry-Ginger-Gin-Fizz-Titled.jpg" title="This bubbly Cranberry Ginger Gin Fizz combines refreshing mint, tart cranberries, fresh lime, and crisp gin in a perfectly festive cocktail perfect for the holiday season." width="426"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So, Christmas is just one week away and the end of 2020 is definitely in sight (FINALLY!). And I think both of those things call for <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2017/12/12-fun-festive-cocktails-for-christmas.html" target="_blank">a festive and bubbly cocktail</a>. What do you all think?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I mean, 2020 hasn't been <i>all</i> doom & gloom. But it definitely is not the kind of year that I would like to repeat any time too terribly soon. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Besides the obvious (ahem, Covid, a global pandemic, and statewide shutdowns across the country), 2020 was also the year I acquired my first official funeral dress. I have attended 3 funerals this past year, the most recent being for my own grandmother just a few weeks ago. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was contracted for two of my biggest jobs ever as a food blogger, and both of those were permanently shelved within the past month thanks to the 'Rona virus. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span></span><span></span></div><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2020/12/cranberry-ginger-gin-fizz.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-14270347404972497402020-11-20T07:00:00.005-05:002023-10-25T08:35:25.746-04:00Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussel Sprouts Quinoa Salad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Inspired by the flavors of fall, this <b>Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussel Sprouts Quinoa Salad</b> makes the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner. It also happens to be hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian-friendly main dish...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZo6R4xTLTt2HqJfgHQZ1D4FFvYS1VLICQcc4t4pSvt3gP29IwMwXTDlBnxCAT_ui9IEdV9wL5EIowZMKGhB83pVeOcDMeK3X2m0D-r1OhIf83sLM5h5wfmqoM-1zwOunHZTb8A-gIA-Ke/s1600/Roasted-Butternut-Squash-Brussels-Sprouts-Quinoa-Salad-1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZo6R4xTLTt2HqJfgHQZ1D4FFvYS1VLICQcc4t4pSvt3gP29IwMwXTDlBnxCAT_ui9IEdV9wL5EIowZMKGhB83pVeOcDMeK3X2m0D-r1OhIf83sLM5h5wfmqoM-1zwOunHZTb8A-gIA-Ke/w426-h640/Roasted-Butternut-Squash-Brussels-Sprouts-Quinoa-Salad-1.jpg" title="Inspired by the flavors of fall, this Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussel Sprouts Quinoa Salad makes the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner. It also happens to be hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian-friendly main dish." width="426"></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/203295370669862597/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Over the last year and a half or so, I have become obsessed with all things quinoa. In fact, I usually have <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2019/09/spicy-tuna-roll-quinoa-salad.html" target="_blank">some type of quinoa salad</a> for lunch most days of the week now. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My obsession with this super grain started when I decided that I was ready to make some healthier lifestyle choices and drop some of the weight I had been carrying around for a few years. A major part of what I changed about my diet was <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+green+smoothies" target="_blank">making green smoothies for breakfast</a> and then having variations on quinoa salad for lunch at least 4-5 days a week. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">If we are going to be technical about it, quinoa really isn't a grain at all. It is actually what they call a super seed. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Just one cup of cooked quinoa contains 9 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber (keeps you full for longer!). And if you happen to be following a gluten-free diet, quinoa could definitely become your new best friend. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I decided to take my love for this super seed past the lunch table and right onto <a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/search?q=+holiday+dinner" target="_blank">my holiday dinner table</a> this year (even though leftovers of this quinoa salad would definitely make an amazing lunch option the next day). </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">Inspired by the flavors of fall, this </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">Roasted Butternut Squash & Brussel Sprouts Quinoa Salad</span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;"> makes the perfect side dish for a holiday dinner. It also happens to be hearty enough to serve as a vegetarian-friendly main dish.</span></div>
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<br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><span></span><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2019/11/roasted-butternut-squash-brussel.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3116809903641070089.post-2263556093294670152020-11-13T07:00:00.006-05:002022-11-16T07:34:54.679-05:00Planning a Couple's Getaway to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Finally ready to plan an adults-only weekend escape? Be sure to check out my tips and recommendations for planning the perfect, socially distanced couple's getaway to rediscover Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hQiTaJ4J8tFR-NeLPwgqVlGkBEIAhPiJ-riLs4Pp30UAKX3J24y_-sKHfMLfjSCwaVpVVL7Rncyt6K-iE8etPQwa3mOesoYsVSXF33ah_nmXFRIt0NEgGK_5vFEaUzPKRreP0espTkVs/s1286/Pittsburgh-Couples-Getaway-PinCollage.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1286" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hQiTaJ4J8tFR-NeLPwgqVlGkBEIAhPiJ-riLs4Pp30UAKX3J24y_-sKHfMLfjSCwaVpVVL7Rncyt6K-iE8etPQwa3mOesoYsVSXF33ah_nmXFRIt0NEgGK_5vFEaUzPKRreP0espTkVs/w448-h640/Pittsburgh-Couples-Getaway-PinCollage.jpg" title="Finally ready to plan an adults-only weekend escape? Be sure to check out my tips and recommendations for planning the perfect, socially distanced couple's getaway to rediscover Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania." width="448"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">This post was created in partnership with <a href="https://www.visitpittsburgh.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Visit Pittsburgh</a>. As always, all opinions & thoughts expressed below are 100% my own.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/430164201913364945/" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBrRKvC-UJEsGc54KAVOUdABlom1RQ3Oc2GLELM7K8kuRYM9mniUXaoIyAx_cLSKM-yWLHQ1tFgg6hi8QkNtXKfZOCJleSG8Z6PryTUusQrWLbYpuSCgt7UNiXL88FL5KgFSTMjhjFq2Q/s200/Pin-Later-Button.jpg"></a></div><div><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><br></i></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I get it- you all might be a tad apprehensive about traveling at all during the time of Covid. For months now, I have been living a cooped-up existence with my daughter in our home. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">We have avoided large family gatherings and have kept a tight circle of close family and a few friends since this pandemic started. We have been opting to do small day trips here and there instead of a weeklong vacation like we would normally do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">But let's face it, you all- I think we all need a little adults-only time away from the kiddos for a few days after months and months of seeing their precious little faces day in and day out. Am I right? ;) </span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">You may be wondering if right now is really the right time to start planning a couple's road trip. And I totally understand your hesitation. But with the right planning and a little bit of research on your part, you can plan a fun, safe, and socially distanced getaway with your significant other.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br></span></p><p><br></p><p><span></span><span></span></p><a href="https://www.thefrugalfoodiemama.com/2020/11/planning-couples-getaway-to-pittsburgh.html#more">Read more »</a>Carrie Robinsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01563560526526336292noreply@blogger.com