Italian Pasta and Bean Soup

Now that the holidays are over, there always seems to be a bit of a let down emotionally, at least for me.

When my kids were little, that wasn't true because who has time for that when you have five children to take care of. But now that they are all grown-up, I have time to feel those emotions, and it can be a little sad.

So what does this have to do with soup, you might be wondering? Well, we all know that food can be comforting, and what is more comforting than a delicious, hot bowl of homemade soup?

I made this a few days ago, with corn bread muffins, and it was delicious. Last night I heated it up again, and it was even better than the first night.

4 Ingredient Pizza Bake

After all of the holiday food and fun, I wanted to make something simple for lunch the kids would also enjoy. I found this easy 4 ingredient pizza bake, the best part is I already had all of the ingredients. Nothing fancy but it was quick, easy and tasted good!

Ingredients:

2  pouches (7.5 oz each) Bisquick® Complete buttermilk biscuit mix                         

1 cup water                         

1  jar (14 oz) pizza sauce                         

1  package (8 oz) sliced pepperoni                         

2  cups shredded mozzarella cheese (8 oz)

Happy New Year!!

New Year's Resolutions for Living Frugally #sponsored

With the holidays over and a new year on the horizon, it's time to make a fresh start and think about getting back on track with spending. Making New Year's resolutions and keeping them doesn't have to be stressful. It can be fun, especially when you include the kids. It's a good time to reinforce your resolve to be a frugal family. Here are five New Year's resolutions for living frugally that you can make together as a family.
5 New Year's Resolutions for Living Frugally:

1. Spend Less-
Shop smart so you can spend less. Pay attention to what you're buying and where you're buying it. Routine trips to the discount store can help you spend less on everyday staples, school supplies, party supplies and craft projects. Resist the urge to buy what you need on a whim, especially when you're at stores where things are priced a little higher in exchange for their convenience.

2. Plan Ahead-
There are fun family activities you'll want to do with your children in the upcoming months, from birthday parties and indoor crafts to outdoor projects and family trips. Plan ahead for them. Mark them on a calendar. Work them into your monthly budget, and don't forget to budget in some fun. Pick up craft supplies and inexpensive party decorations when your budget allows, and make a conscious decision to buy them for less.

3. Get Organized-
Take an inventory of what you have at home, and organize your stash. Maybe it's time to buy a storage cabinet or put up some shelves in your laundry room. Whether it's cartons of cleaning supplies, a pile of notebooks for school or the extra paper products you bought last summer, put them in a distinct place and take stock of what you have. Use them up before you buy more.

A Winter Dinner, Pumpkin Chicken Chili

I know that pumpkin may sound like an odd ingredient to put into a chili recipe. But this chili is perfect for a cold winter's night dinner, and certainly makes use of the stray can of pumpkin left over in the pantry.

No worries of your chili tasting like pumpkin pie, it won't, it will be unusual though, and I mean that in the best way.

This is the first time I have made Pumpkin Chicken Chili, but it certainly won't be the last. My family loved it, and the next time I make it, I'll make a double batch, and freeze half for another dinner.

I used chicken thigh meat instead of chicken breasts because I like the more flavorful dark meat. And it's less expensive, too.