I was trying to resist going out to dinner tonight and needed a quick at-home meal idea that would satisfy so I could say no to spending money in restaurants.  I am inspired by a blog called Blogging Away Debt to avoid spending money on dining out until my student loans are paid off.  The blog is all about this woman's efforts to pay down her debts.  She write about the choices she has to make and how life can sometimes get in the way of good intentions.  After looking at our household finances last weekend, I have made some decisions about spending and saving and want to stick to them. I have even gone so far as to...

Tags: Bisquick, pancakes, last minute dinner, home fries, Budget Bites

Have you recovered from losing an hour last week as our clocks “sprang forward?”  The time shift is a harbinger of spring, and even here in chilly Minne-snow-ta (as my out of state friends call it), daylight has lingered for much longer this week than it has in a very, very long time. Before life gets busy with all the obligations of spring, like Saturday m...

Tags: Breakfast, pancakes, Books, family, reading

Ruby and her friend Mady decided to go to a play one Sunday afternoon.  They picked "The Shadow Thieves", (What if Greeek myths were real?" reads the description) by Anne Ursu, a Minnesota author.  It was showing at Stages Theatre, not far from our house.  Ruby asked Mady to come over for brunch.  I decided to make Strawberry-Vanilla Yogurt Waffles from Betty Crocker Win at Weight Loss Cookbook. (I don't make waffles very often) When Ruby heard that, she said, "Mom, I really wanted to have my very favorite, Puffy Apple Oven Pancake, that's soooo good! (the girls are 13, a time when every...

Tags: pancakes, Betty Crocker Win at Weight Loss Cookbook, pre-teens, Puffy Oven Pancakes, teens, waffes

Mother's Day is on Sunday and my family usually celebrates by going out for brunch. But, you don't have to go to a restaurant to give mom the day off from cooking. Here are some easy recipes that are perfect for a spring breakfast/brunch that are sure to please any mom.   ...

Tags: Breakfast recipes, brunch, Mothers' Day, pancakes, waffles