inexpensive entertaining

Brunch? Make the Best Breakfast Casserole Ever: Bacon Mushroom Swiss Strata

We love brunch with all the many choices of yummy foods. We love the fresh fruit, the bacon, the juice, the pastries, the good coffee. Then there is the inevitable breakfast casserole. It can be good. Or not. There's no way of telling by looks. I take a small amount and hope for the best. I am officially in love, for the first time, … [Read more...]

10 Tricks for Outdoor Entertaining Spaces that Save Money

We all love eating outdoors in the summertime! Here are 10 thrifty ideas for welcoming outdoor party settings and everyday enjoyment in your backyard. No need to break the budget for a beautiful, outdoor setting! Not all of these ideas will work for your situation, but if at least one does, you have saved some money you can put … [Read more...]

Dessert Coffee! Italian After-Dinner Coffee: Affogato

Enjoy this rich dessert any time you want a special treat because it's super simple to make! Affogato is an adult Italian after-dinner drink that is as inexpensive as it is luxurious. Affogato for One 1) Put 1/2 cup of good vanilla ice cream in a narrow glass or coffee cup. 2) Pour 2 Tablespoons of hot espresso coffee down one … [Read more...]

Perfect Strawberry Pavlova for Valentine’s Day

What's the perfect Valentine's Day dessert? A Strawberry Pavlova! It's elegant, yet inexpensive. A Pavlova is a cousin to a macaron: slightly crunchy on the outside and marshmallowy goodness on the inside. And it's easy to make! Top with sweetened whipped cream, then beautiful fresh fruit, and drizzle all with melted dark chocolate. Yummy and … [Read more...]

Money Quiz: What’s Your Smart Saver Score?

How Skilled Are You at Saving Money? Take the Smart Saver Quiz to find out! How many of these money-saving tips do you use? Give yourself one point for every item that you already do! 1. Eat Breakfast! You'll eat less the rest of the day and you'll be more productive too. 2. Bring your lunch to work. If you want to go out to … [Read more...]

My Top 10 Game Day Recipes

These recipes are the most popular ones from Square Pennies on Pinterest on my "Game Day" Board. Try as many as you like and see if you agree! Click the name of the recipe to see the full post about it. 1. Beer-Battered Green Bean Fries with Wasabi Dipping Sauce 2. Buffalo Chicken Meatballs from Rachel Ray 3, Lime Chicken Soft … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Gingerbread Like Starbucks’

You can make yummy pumpkin gingerbread just like they serve at Starbucks. And much cheaper! It's super easy and it makes your house smell wonderful! I've tried many pumpkin bread recipes and this one always comes out as our favorite. We love it with homemade apple butter. It makes a much appreciated gift too! This is a great holiday recipe … [Read more...]