Long hot summer days are upon us, and to be honest I don’t feel much like cooking. However the family must eat–so meal planning is still necessary. I’ve got several things to consider this week: 1. I’m down one kid for half the week since Buddy is with Grandma. That means supper is only for… Keep Reading
The Unplugged Summer Vacation
We have a family tradition here at the Frugal Upstate Village Homestead. When we go on summer vacation to the mountains, it’s an uplugged vacation. That means no TV, iPod, Computer, Video Games. . . no nuthin! That’s been the rule for the last 5 years, and the kids don’t even question it–as a matter… Keep Reading
Fancy Fruit Ice
Here’s a super simple idea to dress up you next party or BBQ–Fancy Fruit Ice! Just place some pretty fruit–strawberries, blueberries and lemon slices are shown here–in a muffin tin and freeze. When it’s time for your party you pop them out (you might need a bit of warm water run over the bottom of… Keep Reading
Meal Plan 6/30
Summer is finally officially here at the Frugal Upstate Village Homestead. Both kids are done school and we are sliding into our summer routine-such as it is! These are the considerations for this week: 1. Buddy has morning Summer Camp here in our village during the days all month, but Princess will be home. That… Keep Reading
Meal Plan 6/23
Here’s to a hectic start of summer. Actually, even though Saturday was the official start of summer, I’ve still got one kiddo in school for another 3 days. Lots going on, so a meal plan is especially necessary. So this is what I’m working with this week: 1. A few things went wonky with last… Keep Reading
Pier 1 Giftcard Winner!
Congratulations to CBentley for winning the $25 Pier 1 Imports gift card!
Meal Plan 6/16
Welcome to this week’s meal plan. If you are wondering why I didn’t post a meal plan for the last two weeks, well, it was because I didn’t do one. There was a lot of travel and chaos–and not having a meal plan made it even worse 🙁 I don’t know why I let that… Keep Reading
Drunken Grapes
Here is a great idea for your next summer party–Drunken Grapes! It’s super simple–you just marinate seedless grapes in a nice white wine for at least 48 hours and voila–an adult treat worth snacking on. If they are a bit sour you can sprinkle a little sugar over the grapes before serving. You can also… Keep Reading
Keeping a Patio Set in Service
We have a lovely back deck at the Frugal Village Homestead–expanded two years ago by the handy and handsome Yankee Bill! On that deck for the last 3 or 4 years has sat a nice patio dinning set I had purchased from Walmart ages and ages ago. I always liked the set because it sat… Keep Reading
Meal Plan 5/27
Last week I never made a meal plan–and I was flying by the seat of my pants all week. There may or may not have been a couple of days where folks were told to eat whatever they could scrounge from the fridge. . . This week I am back on track, despite the holiday. … Keep Reading
