Are you ready to carve your pumpkins? If so, don’t throw away your seeds just yet, Did you know pumpkin seeds are easy to clean and cook, to make a yummy, nutritious snack? Here is my easy recipe:
Save money on snacks and cook up those pumpkin seeds!
Pumpkin Seeds – The Money-Saving Snack
I don’t know about you, but I LOVE the fall! Yes, that time of year is right around the corner (of the corn maze).
Our favorite fall activity is visiting the pumpkin patch and picking a perfectly round, orange pumpkin off the vine! Our favorite farm has kid’s activities, a corn maze, and a train!
Since we are buying our pumpkins at the patch, they are usually cheaper than the supermarket so we save a little and have some family fun. My kids absolutely LOVE this family day trip!
Nonetheless, what better way to save money than to use something you were already going to buy – your great pumpkin! Don’t let the seeds go to waste. Be ready after carving to scoop them out and rinse them off.
You may be tempted to toss them, but they are super easy to cook and make into a yummy, healthy snack.
After you carve out your pumpkin, rinse those babies off, pat them dry, and stick them in the oven!! You now have a healthy snack (seeds are loaded with magnesium, potassium, and zinc). Depending on how many pumpkins you carve, you’ll have a yummy, nutritious snack for days. Enjoy my simple recipe!
Easy “How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds” Recipe
1. Rinse your seeds well and pat dry. Sometimes you have to get your hands dirty to get off the pumpkin guts, but you want all of that gunk off your seeds before your cook them.
2. Grease your tray with olive oil (or cooking spray) & lay seeds in a single layer so they cook evenly.
3. Season (use salt or cinnamon & sugar for your sweet tooth). You can get crazy with your seasonings and mix it up with whatever y ou have. Nutmeg or something spicy will work too, but I’m a boring old salt kind of girl.
4. Cook at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.
5. Cool & enjoy for around five minutes and enjoy.
6. Seal your leftovers and they should stay good for around two months in the refrigerator if you use an air-tight container, according to Allrecipes, or a week at room temperature.
Pumpkin Seed Recipe Final Thoughts…
Pumpkin seeds are an easy, delicious snack. It is a fun treat to keep the Halloween excitement going all month.
You can take “snacks” off your grocery list for a few days and enjoy your yummy treat! I hope you enjoy the recipe and have a great snack with your family! Happy Halloween!
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by Sarah | Comments Off on How to Cook Pumpkin Seeds Recipe (So Easy)Budgeting
Halloween Costume Savings; learn how to save on your costumes this year!
Happy Halloween!🎃
What are your kids dressing up as this year? Did you pay full price for those cute costumes? Hope not, but if you did, there is time to save for next year!! Here are five ideas to help you!
1. If possible, the number one way to save is to buy one year early! This works best for younger kids that can be swayed or if you already know what they are into! My son is wearing a Captain America Costume that my mom bought on clearance last year for $5 (marked down from $22). Just buy a size or two up and you are set! No stress next year!
2. Check mom to mom sights or sales. I just started using these on Facebook and I’m addicted! I see costumes all the time and some people are just giving them away to get rid of them!-Way to spread the love!
3. Sign up for a store email list. Many major stores offer free shipping and discounts around the holidays. I am on the Party City email list and they have had free shipping all week!
4. A fairly new way to shop online is Jet.com. I bought my husband’s and my Halloween costumes on this sight last year. The sight actually shops around, will find you a great deal and offer a discount if you wave your right to return your item.
5. Another great idea is to costume swap with friends, family, neighbors or mom’s groups. Many moms are just trying to get rid of old, no longer used costumes.
As always, I hope this post was helpful!! Don’t forget to stock up on Halloween candy next week when it all goes on clearance! YUM!
by Sarah | Comments Off on Happy Halloween-Costume SavingsSave Money
Saving money isn’t always easy. In fact, many of us have no choice to save money and are living paycheck to paycheck. Nonetheless, there are many easy money tips and tricks to help keep your budget on track.
So learning to save money means keeping more in your pocket. Not to mention, you can build up your savings account with these simple tips. And it doesn’t have to be hard. There are ways to save money on a tight budget.
Unfortunately, over half of Americans do not have enough money saved to cover one month of expenses. According to a recent study by Bankrates.com, 20% of Americans don’t save anything and 47% only save 1-10% of their earnings. Yes, most people are one emergency away from going over the top into debt.
Saving money is important and some of the best ways to get on top of your money problems are as follows:
use a spending journal
create a budget
find ways to save more money
find a side hustle
create sinking funds or separate accounts
plan for retirement
By starting a budget, you will learn how to save money on a daily basis. If you are stuck on starting your budget, get your free budget template here:
No matter what you are saving for, it is best to have a goal in mind. Learning money tips and tricks will help you keep money in your pocket and you will reach your money goals.
The list below features many ways I use to save money. With a family of four, it is easy to go over budget, especially on groceries for kids. However, I have found that if I continue to practice the tips below, I have a few extra bucks in my pocket at the end of the month and I hope you will too.
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Use these tips to save more and build your bank account.
#1 Save Money by Finding Free Activities
There are so many fun activities in cities or local areas that are free. Local parks, libraries, bike rides, and family walks are just a few. Many times libraries offer classes and celebrations that are free, but you must sign up in advance. If you are at a loss for ideas, here is a list of 55 Summer Activities for Kids that are Frugal or Free and 20 Free Family Holiday Activities.
# 2. Couponing
Couponing does require a bit of work but can be fun and an excellent way to save money. One great way to coupon is to use online couponing sites.
Coupons.com and Betty crocker.com are just a few of my favorites. You can also follow blogs that match up coupons to sales at your favorite stores. Krazy Coupon Lady does a great job of matchups.
Not a couponer? That’s okay. There are still amazing ways to save money every day, especially on groceries. You can use rebate apps to earn cashback on items you already buy.
It is hard not to buy something we like, especially when credit cards make it so easy.
However, patience is your friend when it comes to saving money.
The next time you see something you are really eyeing, wait a week and see if you still have the desire for that new purse or pumps. If so, set aside an envelope to save up for your favorites.
Better yet, try the 30-day rule before making a big purchase.
#4. Pay off your credit card monthly
I admit I use credit cards. Yet, I pay my balance off each month. I keep track of how much I am spending and set a spending limit for myself. In this way, I am not overspending and getting a surprise bill later.
Then I pay off the bill each month.
This might be tricky if you already have a lot of credit card debt, but paying the minimum on your credit card will just not cut it. Think of it this way, you are now paying 10-20% more per purchase (depending on your rate) for everything you buy. Would you buy it in the store if it cost that much initially?
Make a plan to pay off debt and pay cash until you can. Here are some money posts to help you on your debt journey:
The main reason I use credit cards is that I get discounts and rewards points, but I make sure to pay it off in full each month and once you are out of credit card debt, you can do the same.
# 5. Shop ahead of time
Have you ever needed a gift for a party and had to run out to the store the day before? Once in this position, we will usually spend more, because we literally have no choice. Yet, if we estimate the number of gifts we will need each year, we can stock up and be ready.
You can also buy things on clearance at the end of the season for next year.
Winter clearance starts after Christmas. I once bought my son a $30.00 winter coat for $8, on clearance at Target. You can also get great deals on summer stuff in July.
I will admit, it takes time to look through clearance. That is why I will often search clearance online. Then I use my favorite online rebate app to save on top of clearance prices.
#6 Pack a lunch or make your own foodto save
Buying lunch at your work cafeteria or going out daily can add up and eat up your budget. If you want to save money, it is time to start “brown bagging” it.
Moreover, my hubby packs his lunch daily, as did I when I was working. This will save you a tremendous amount of money each week.
Going out to eat is such a fun treat and a treat it should be. Set aside money to eat out twice a month. Cook at home the rest of the time. This alone can save you hundreds each month and you can still go out to eat, so you do not feel deprived.
#8 Save Money Daily – use of kids eat free
Many restaurants offer “kids eat free” day/night. Check out your local restaurants and take advantage of this if you are bringing the kids along.
#9 Save Money Daily -Make use of local selling groups
There are many groups out there that allow you to make purchases from local people for a very discounted price. An example of this would be a mom-to-mom Facebook site. You can stock up on needs for your kids at a lower than retail price and sometimes even find items that are brand new. If you want to make some extra cash, consider selling items you no longer need on these sites.
First, I recommend using meal planning. I have saved SO much money by planning out my meals monthly and using a grocery list to make sure I have my ingredients on-hand and I’m not running back to the store daily spending more money. Sticking to your list is key.
It also helps to pay cash when grocery shopping.
Once you make your list, total your list out. This may be an estimate when you start out until you can learn the prices at your favorite stores. Then only bring that much cash with you to the store. You are then forced to stay on budget.
Need some help in this area? Here are a few of my most popular meal planning posts:
Also, I find making a list can help keep me on track, but I allow myself a limit for a small impulse buy. For example, Maybe I’m craving pop chips but wasn’t planning on buying them this week. I could use my impulse $5 to cover this.
I’m hoping my post helps you save money! Consider saving money each month by setting aside money from your monthly salary and start living a frugal life. You will build your savings and have more money in your pocket. You will have less money stress in your life and be better prepared for an emergency.
Check out some other posts listed below on budgeting and making extra money. What tips does your family use to save money? Leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you. Until next time!!
Thanks for checking out my first blog post at I Heart Frugal! Look out for many more to come and comment with any questions. Happy Saving!!!
