Name: Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 14 min
Yield: 15 cookies
Ingredients: 1 cup peanut butter; 1 cup sugar; 1 egg; 1 tsp vanilla; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 18, 2018 by Missy Rakes 1 Comment

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Who else is a fan of super easy recipes that are basically fool-proof?? These Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies definitely fall into that category. They only require five simple ingredients and they come together really quick. Also, they always turn out perfectly. I know your family is sure to enjoy them for a quick weeknight treat.

If you need more easy dessert ideas then be sure to check out my recipes for Amish Chocolate Chip Bars, Pretzel Turtle Bites, Cake Mix Sugar Cookies and Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins. Enjoy the recipe friends!

Yields 15 cookies

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

10 minPrep Time

14 minCook Time

24 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 cup peanut butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350.
Cream peanut butter and sugar until creamy.
Mix in egg and vanilla.
Fold in chocolate chips.
Roll dough into balls and flatten with a fork.
Bake for 12-14 minutes.
Let cook completely before moving or they will crumble.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/flourless-peanut-butter-chocolate-chip-cookies/

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

makes 15 cookies

1 cup peanut butter

1 cup sugar

1 egg

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup chocolate chips

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350.

Step 2: Cream peanut butter and sugar until creamy.

Step 3: Mix in egg and vanilla.

Step 4: Fold in chocolate chips.

Step 5: Roll dough into balls and flatten with a fork.

Step 6: Bake for 12-14 minutes.

Step 7: Let cook completely before moving or they will crumble.

Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

March 7, 2018 by Missy Rakes 5 Comments

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As a mom, I love quick and easy recipes that are also healthy, know what I mean? I especially love simple meals that can be made all in one pot, pan or dish which is why sheet pan dinners are so genius. All you do is chop up your ingredients, drizzle with oil and seasonings, roast in the oven and BAM dinner is done.

Our sweet potato crop was especially large last year which means I try to incorporate them into all kinds of meals including this deliciously simple Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner. I used Aldi’s Never Any! Chicken Sausage, but you can use any sausage that you prefer. Also, be sure to chop your white potatoes smaller than your sweet potatoes as they will take longer to cook. Enjoy the recipe friends!

Yields 4-6 servings

Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

15 minPrep Time

40 minCook Time

55 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

12 oz Chicken Sausage (or sausage of choice)
2 medium sweet potatoes
2-3 small baking potatoes
3 tbsp olive oil
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Garlic Salt (to taste)
Garlic Powder (to taste)
Onion Powder (to taste)
Paprika (to taste)
Dried Italian Herbs (to taste)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400.
Peel and dice sweet potatoes and white potatoes making the sweet potatoes larger than the white as they will cook faster.
Slice Sausage into 1/2 inch chunks.
In large bowl, add potatoes and olive oil. Stir until potatoes are thoroughly coated.
Spread potatoes and sausage out on large baking sheet in single layer.
Sprinkle seasonings to taste.
Bake 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Enjoy!

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/sausage-and-sweet-potato-sheet-pan-dinner/

Chicken Sausage and Sweet Potato Sheet Pan Dinner

serves 4-6

12 oz Chicken Sausage (or sausage of choice)

2 medium sweet potatoes

2-3 small baking potatoes

3 tbsp olive oil

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Garlic Salt (to taste)

Garlic Powder (to taste)

Onion Powder (to taste)

Paprika (to taste)

Dried Italian Herbs (to taste)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400.

Step 2: Peel and dice sweet potatoes and white potatoes making the sweet potatoes larger than the white as they will cook faster.

Step 3: Slice Sausage into 1/2 inch chunks.

Step 4: In large bowl, add potatoes and olive oil. Stir until potatoes are thoroughly coated.

Step 5: Spread potatoes and sausage out on large baking sheet in single layer.

Step 6: Sprinkle seasonings to taste.

Step 7: Bake 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are fork tender. Enjoy!

Other recipes you might enjoy:

New Orleans Red Beans & Rice

February 19, 2018 by Missy Rakes 2 Comments

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I have to admit that I started making this dish only a couple of months ago and have made it many times since. I think my husband may be a little bit tired of it, but it’s so good that I just can’t stop. 🙂 It’s filling, affordable, feeds a crowd of people and is full of yummy flavors. I know you and your family are going to love this fun weeknight dinner idea. Enjoy the recipe friends!

New Orleans Red Beans & Rice

15 minPrep Time

15 minCook Time

30 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

1 lb Kielbasa sausage, sliced
1 orange bell pepper, diced
1 onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 tbsp butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cans red beans, drained
1 cup beef broth
2 tsp Creole Seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic salt
3-4 cups cooked rice

Instructions

Cook rice (I use the Instant Pot ).
Slice sausage and brown in skillet over medium heat.
Dice all veggies.
Remove sausages from skillet and set aside.
Add butter and diced veggies to skillet. Sauté until tender.
Shake flour over veggies, stir for one minute.
Pour in the beans and stock. Stir until thickened. Add seasonings.
Turn off heat and mix in rice and sausage. Enjoy!

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/new-orleans-red-beans-rice/

New Orleans Red Beans & Rice

serves 4-6

1 lb Kielbasa sausage, sliced

1 orange bell pepper, diced

1 onion, diced

2 ribs celery, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced

4 tbsp butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cans red beans, drained

1 cup beef broth

2 tsp Creole Seasoning

1/2 tsp garlic salt

3-4 cups cooked rice

Step 1: Cook rice (I use the Instant Pot).

Step 2: Slice sausage and brown in skillet over medium heat.

Step 3: Dice all veggies.

Step 4: Remove sausages from skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Add butter and diced veggies to skillet. Sauté until tender.

Step 6: Shake flour over veggies, stir for one minute.

Step 7: Pour in the beans and stock. Stir until thickened. Add seasonings.

Step 8: Turn off heat and mix in rice and sausage. Enjoy!

Other recipes you might enjoy:

Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole

February 12, 2018 by Missy Rakes 3 Comments

I had a little trouble naming this recipe because it’s got the characteristics of a hamburger, pizza and casserole all in one. Whatever you want to call it, it’s good. I’ve made it a couple of times now and even though the ingredients seem a little strange it all comes together in the end to make a fun family friendly casserole. Unless you want to call it a pizza, since you can slice it and eat it with your hands. Enjoy the recipes friends!

Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole
15 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
30 minTotal Time
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Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or sausage
2 cups flour
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp dried Italian Herbs
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 cup buttermilk (may sub. 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tbsp vinegar)
1/2 cup ketchup
1/4 cup mustard
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar
2 cups shredded lettuce
1/2 cup chopped dill pickle
1/3 cup mayo
2-3 tbsp dill pickle juice
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400. Brown ground beef (or sausage).
In medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, dried herbs and salt.
Add oil and milk. Stir until combined. (Should be a biscuit dough consistency.)
Press dough into a greased 9"x13" baking dish.
Mix together ketchup and mustard. Pour over biscuit dough.
Add ground beef and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until bottom is golden brown.
In small bowl, mix together mayo and pickle juice.
Sprinkle casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped pickles and drizzle with mayo mixture.
Cut into squares and enjoy!
Notes
You may need to add more flour or milk to get the right consistency. You are looking for a slightly sticky, soft biscuit dough.
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https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/hamburger-dill-pickle-biscuit-casserole/

Hamburger Dill Pickle Biscuit Casserole

1 lb ground beef or sausage

2 cups flour

1 tbsp baking powder

1 tsp dried Italian Herbs

1 tsp salt

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 cup buttermilk (may sub. 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tbsp vinegar)

1/2 cup ketchup

1/4 cup mustard

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar

2 cups shredded lettuce

1/2 cup chopped dill pickle

1/3 cup mayo

2-3 tbsp dill pickle juice

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400. Brown ground beef (or sausage).

Step 2: In medium mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, dried herbs and salt.

Step 3: Add oil and milk. Stir until combined. (Should be a biscuit dough consistency.)

Step 4: Press dough into a greased 9″x13″ baking dish.

Step 5: Mix together ketchup and mustard. Pour over biscuit dough.

Step 6: Add ground beef and cheese. Bake for 15 minutes or until bottom is golden brown.

Step 7: In small bowl, mix together mayo and pickle juice.

Step 8: Sprinkle casserole with shredded lettuce, chopped pickles and drizzle with mayo mixture.

Step 9: Cut into squares and enjoy!

thredUP Goody Box Review (Like Stitch Fix on a Budget!)

January 26, 2018 by Missy Rakes 2 Comments

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Have you heard of thredUP? They are an online consignment website where you can send in your gently used clothing in exchange for cash or credit. Well, did you know that they now offer Goody Boxes, which is basically just like Stitch Fix, but way better in my opinion?? I recently tried this service out for myself and now I’m going to give you my honest review.

Things you need to know about thredUP Goody Boxes:

1. This is not a subscription service, so you can order a box as little or as frequently as you would like.

2. You will receive 12-15 gently used items per box.

3. They have different themes to choose from such as, Night Out, Office or Essentials.

4. You can give feedback and let your stylist know your favorite colors, patterns or pieces that you may need.

5. There is a $20 styling deposit for each box which goes towards anything that you keep.

6. You have 7 business days to decide what you want to keep. Whatever you decide to return goes back into the original box with the free shipping label that was included.

So, is the Goody-Box worth trying? I would have to say yes, yes and yes. I tried Stitch Fix a couple of months back and while it was fun, the prices were simply way out of my budget and I didn’t love any of it. The Goody-Box however was a totally different experience.

First of all, nothing in my box was priced over $24.99 and I got nice brands like The Limited, Banana Republic, Bebe, Anne Taylor, etc. I believe you can pick your budget and even choose high-end labels if that is what you would prefer, but what I received was just right for me. Also, several of the items were new with tags. Pretty sweet, huh?

Also, the stylist definitely listened to my feedback. Everything in my box was a color or pattern that I would wear. I chose the Night Out Box so they sent me nice jeans, dressy blouses and dresses. I was definitely pleased with my experience and I know I will do this again in the future because it’s just so FUN!

As it stands right now, I have one dress that I know I’m going to keep and a couple of other items that I am still on the fence about. I love that I have a whole entire week to decide so that I can think through my purchase without having to rush anything. (In case you were wondering, the dress that I’m keeping is the one in the top center in the above photo.)

So if you want to try this service for yourself, simply click this link and then click “Goody Box” at the top left of the website. Also any new customer that creates a thredUP account using my link will get a $10 credit, but I don’t know if it can be used towards a Goody Box yet. Happy shopping and let me know if you order a box!

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

January 22, 2018 by Missy Rakes 4 Comments

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I used to think that I didn’t like tomato soup, but then I tried it with my home canned juice in the Instant Pot and now I make it once per week. It’s so easy to put together and super healthy. Of course you can use store-bought tomato juice if you don’t can your own.

I have to admit that puréed soups are quickly becoming one of my favorite winter meals. They’re warm, filling and DELICIOUS. I know your family will LOVE this recipe. It’s especially good served with bread sticks for dipping in my humble opinion. Enjoy the recipe friends!

Yields 4-6 servings
Instant Pot Tomato Soup
20 minPrep Time
15 minCook Time
35 minTotal Time
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Ingredients
3 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
3 medium carrots, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 quart tomato juice
3 cups beef broth
salt & pepper to taste
1 cup milk or cream (optional)
Instructions
Hit the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and add butter to melt.
Add all diced vegetables to pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until veggies start to soften.
Add tomato juice, broth and seasonings.
Hit the Soup setting and adjust time to 10 minutes.
After the cooking time has elapsed, release the pressure manually and remove the lid.
Blend with Immersion Blender until smooth.
(Optional) Add milk or cream and stir. Serve with bread sticks or grilled cheese sandwiches.
7.8.1.2
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https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/instant-pot-tomato-soup/

Instant Pot Tomato Soup

serves 4-6

3 tbsp butter

1 onion, diced

3 medium carrots, diced

3 ribs celery, diced

1 bell pepper, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 quart tomato juice

3 cups beef broth

salt & pepper to taste

1 cup milk or cream (optional)

Step 1: Hit the Sauté function on the Instant Pot and add butter to melt.

Step 2: Add all diced vegetables to pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes or until veggies start to soften.

Step 3: Add tomato juice, broth and seasonings.

Step 4: Hit the Soup setting and adjust time to 10 minutes.

Step 5: After the cooking time has elapsed, release the pressure manually and remove the lid.

Step 6: Blend with immersion blender until smooth.

Step 7: (Optional) Add milk or cream and stir. Serve with bread sticks or grilled cheese sandwiches.

Other recipes you might enjoy:

Sausage Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

January 15, 2018 by Missy Rakes Leave a Comment

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I first made these at our annual Christmas brunch this year and they were the first thing to get eaten. Everyone LOVED them and I’ve since made them for our New Year’s Eve party guests who also loved them. Let me tell you these are comfort party food allll the way. I know you’re going to enjoy them as well.

Also, if you’re looking for some more good ole’ delicious party food be sure to check out my Ham and Swiss Sliders, Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken Legs or my Cheesy Bacon Jalapeño Poppers. Enjoy the recipe friends!

Yields 30 pinwheels

Sausage Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

1 hr, 15 Prep Time

12 minCook Time

1 hr, 27 Total Time

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Ingredients

1 lb mild or hot ground sausage
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 orange bell pepper
2 cans crescent rolls

Instructions

Cook sausage and bell pepper.
Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Remove pan from heat.
On baking sheet, roll out both crescent rolls, pinching perforated edges.
Spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto one of the crescent roll dough and the other half on the second crescent roll dough.
Roll crescent dough lengthwise (like you would cinnamon roll dough) pinching the final edge closed.
Cover rolls with foil and refrigerate for one hour or overnight.
Preheat oven to 375. Remove rolls from fridge.
Slice rolls into 1/2" pieces and lay out on baking sheet.
Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/sausage-pinwheels-cream-cheese/

Sausage Pinwheels with Cream Cheese

makes approx. 30 pinwheels

1 lb mild or hot ground sausage

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 orange bell pepper

2 cans crescent rolls

Step 1: Cook sausage and bell pepper.

Step 2: Add cream cheese and stir until melted. Remove pan from heat.

Step 3: On baking sheet, roll out each crescent dough, pinching perforated edges.

Step 4: Spread half of the cream cheese mixture onto one of the crescent rolls and the other half on the second crescent roll dough.

Step 5: Roll crescent dough lengthwise (like you would cinnamon roll dough) pinching the final edge closed.

Step 6: Cover rolls with foil and refrigerate for one hour or overnight.

Step 7: Preheat oven to 375. Remove rolls from fridge.

Step 8: Slice rolls into 1/2″ pieces and lay out on baking sheet.

Step 9: Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown.

Other recipes you might enjoy:

Crispy Garlic Roasted Chickpeas

January 8, 2018 by Missy Rakes 6 Comments

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, healthy and delicious snack then look no further than these Crispy Garlic Roasted Chickpeas. They may seem strange if you’ve never had them before, but I PROMISE you’ll enjoy them. They’re so easy to make and the flavoring options are pretty much endless.

Once roasted, the chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) get nice and crispy on the outside and stay chewy in the middle. They make a great snack because they’re healthy and packed full of protein keeping you fuller for longer. I keep mine in the fridge, but they would probably keep fine in the pantry for a few days.

I like having something crunchy/crispy when I have a sandwich and these make the perfect side dish that are MUCH healthier than any chips you can buy. Give them a try and I know you’ll like them.

Crispy Garlic Roasted Chickpeas

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Ingredients

1-15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp garlic salt
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400.
Lay chickpeas on kitchen towel and pat dry.
Pour dried chickpeas into small baking dish.
Drizzle chickpeas with olive oil and sprinkle on seasonings.
Stir to make sure they are evenly coated.
Bake for 20 minutes.
Stir and bake for another 15 minutes.
Let cool and enjoy!

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/crispy-garlic-roasted-chickpeas/

Crispy Garlic Roasted Chickpeas

1-15 oz can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

1 tbsp olive oil

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp garlic salt

salt and pepper to taste

Step 1: Preheat oven to 400. Lay chickpeas on kitchen towel and pat dry.

Step 2: Pour dried chickpeas into small baking dish.

Step 3: Drizzle chickpeas with olive oil and sprinkle on seasonings.

Step 4: Stir to make sure they are evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Stir and bake for another 15 minutes.

Step 7: Let cool and enjoy!

The Best Frugal Living Tips from 2017

January 1, 2018 by Missy Rakes Leave a Comment

You guys must really enjoy these each year because my 2016 round up was the 6th most viewed post from last year. Crazy. Anyway, I’m excited to be able to round up 2017’s BEST frugal living tips for you guys today. There’s some awesome content in this year’s roundup so be sure to stick around and check it out. Also, don’t forget to check out the past two round ups for even more amazing frugal living tips. Happy saving friends!

CLICK TO SEE THE BEST FRUGAL LIVING TIPS FROM 2016

CLICK TO SEE THE BEST FRUGAL LIVING TIPS FROM 2015

My Favorite Books from 2017

December 14, 2017 by Missy Rakes 1 Comment

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One of my favorite bloggers, Crystal from Money Saving Mom shares her favorite books that she’s read from the past year and I LOVE this idea so I decided to start the tradition myself. As an avid reader and book collector, I’m always looking for good book recommendations and I’m sure some of you are the same. Since this is the first year that I’ve done this, a few of these books are ones that I technically read in 2016, but you don’t mind, right? I hope you enjoy this list and be sure to leave your book recommendations in the comment section below.

Dear Mr. Knightley

This was a fiction title that Crystal (as mentioned above) recommended on her website. I rarely read fiction that isn’t historical or christian based, but I decided to give it a try and I’m glad that I did. It was a little bit slow to get into, but ended up being a really charming story that kept me captivated and I really loved the ending. I’ve since bought several more of Katherine Reay’s books, but haven’t read them yet.

Loving the Little Years

I know this book is a little old, but it’s been on my to read list since I had kids and I finally got around to it this year. It’s a short read with quick chapters, but full of sound wisdom. I read a chapter every morning during my devotional time and it was the perfect way to start my day. I’m sure I will read it again.

Hands Free Mama

I’ve actually read this one several times and it’s one of my all time favorites. I couldn’t make a favorite reads list without it. Rachel shares how she went from a life of busyness and distraction to a one of slowing down and really taking in the moments that matter in life. If you haven’t read it yet, please do. I know you will love it. Every chapter brings me to tears.

Caroline

As an avid fan of Little House on the Prairie, I knew I had to read this book as soon as it came out. It’s a fictional account of Caroline Ingalls’ (ma’s) perspective of pulling up roots, leaving everything behind, traveling across country in a covered wagon and starting a new life on the Prairie. It’s wonderfully delightful from beginning to end.

Home Management Plain and Simple

Formerly titled, Large Family Logistics, this newly updated version is an amazing resource for every mom and homemaker. It’s full of encouragement and includes tons of tips for running a smooth household. From laundry to meal planning, this book has it all. It’s one that I will read again because there is so much to be gleaned from it.

More Than Happy: The Wisdom of Amish Parenting

This one just might be my favorite read of the year, although that’s a hard decision to make. It’s about the Amish culture and how they parent their children. It’s fascinating and sensible all at once. I love how their culture is so oriented towards faith, family and community. I will definitely be reading this one again.

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living

Hygge seemed to be on everyone’s lips this year and I’m all about a trend that includes staying home, getting comfy and sitting in front of the fire, so I knew I had to learn more. This little book is an easy read and teaches you all about the Danish concept of Hygge with tons of ideas to incorporate it into your own life.

Shaken: Discovering Your True Identity in the Midst of Life’s Storms

We read this book in my bible study group this year and I really enjoyed it. While I’m not sure I would have read it on my own, I found myself inspired after just about every chapter. In it, Tebow shares his story of staying true to who he is in Christ amidst his uncertain football career and how he walks through trials without losing his faith.

The Surprising Secrets of Highly Happy Marriages

I’ve read a lot of Shaunti Feldhahn’s books and they’re all wonderful. This book is based on data that she has collected from married couples of all ages/stages and has boiled all the information down to which habits make for a highly happy marriage. It’s a truly fascinating read that I find myself thinking about often in my day to day life.

One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

I’m a little late to the game here too as this book has been out for a while, but it was a really great read. It captured my attention from beginning to end and really caused me to think deeply about my own life. Ann Voskamp has an incredible way of expressing herself in a truly beautiful and personal style that is easy to relate too. I know you’ll love it too.

What were some of your favorite books that you read this year?

I’d love to know!

Helping Others During the Holidays When You’re on a Budget with Dollar General

December 13, 2017 by Missy Rakes 4 Comments

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Dollar General. All opinions are 100% mine. I received compensation for this post.

Exchanging gifts with family and friends is a fun thing to do at Christmas, but it seems to me that the true spirit of the season is helping those in need. We try to practice this with our kids and teach them to help others instead of just asking for more gifts each year (check out this post for simple ways you can serve with your kids) and that’s why I’m so excited to be working with Dollar General to do just that this holiday season. In fact, giving back at the holidays is a part of Dollar General’s mission of Serving Others which makes working with them even better.

I understand that it can be hard to find the money to purchase gifts for your own family, not to mention trying to help others, which is why I think Dollar General is a great place to start in giving back this holiday season. Not only do they having everyday low prices on staple items such as food, clothing, paper products, home decor, office supplies, toiletries, etc., but they also have digital coupons that allow you to save and give back even more. Click here to access coupons.

Utilizing their everyday low prices and the digital coupons to purchase commonly needed items to donate would be a great way to help others while still staying within your own budget.

We decided to set a budget of $100 to purchase toys to donate locally and I feel like we got a lot of really good quality brands for a great price because now through 12/24, Dollar General is offering 25% off of a $75 qualifying toy purchase. Here’s a photo of my receipt to give you an idea of the prices we paid.

My 6-year-old son came with me to help pick out toys and he had a great time looking at all Dollar General had to offer in the toy department. He picked out the Army Play set as a special toy to give. I love teaching the lesson that it is better to give than to receive to my children, especially around the holidays. I’m so glad that we got to partner with Dollar General to bless families in need this year and I hope this post will inspire you to do the same. Merry Christmas friends and don’t forget to shop Dollar General for all of your holiday needs.

FRIDAY FRUGAL FINDS: 6 Affordable Deals Including Tees, Scarves and A Daily Planner (12/8/17)

December 8, 2017 by Missy Rakes Leave a Comment

Christmas is coming and the deals are pouring in everyday. I hand selected the six deals below just for my readers because I know you like to be stylish and give quality gifts while sticking to a budget. They are all under $20. Happy shopping friends and let me know if you score one of these holiday deals!

Deal #1: Soft Infinity Scarf $5.99

Deal #2: Double Fleece Lined Leggings $6.99

Deal #3: 2018 Create-A-Life Planner $18.99

Deal #4: Christmas Cutie Girls Holiday Sets/Dresses $15.99

Deal #5: Jesus is the Reason Tees $13.99

Deal #6: Kids Educational Spelling Game $13.99

Don’t like any of these deals?

Check out 100s more by clicking the banner below!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

December 4, 2017 by Missy Rakes 7 Comments

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I still use my slow cooker a lot, but I sure do love my Instant Pot. I normally use it for parts of meals such as baked sweet potatoes, rice, chicken broth, etc. However Beef Stew is a complete meal that I’ve made several times now and it’s been great every time. You’ll have to plan ahead though because it takes some prep work to chop all of the veggies + time to come to pressure + cooking time + time to release pressure. I’d give yourself at least an hour and a half for everything to come together. You won’t be disappointed!

Instant Pot Beef Stew

serves 4-6

2 tbsp oil

1 lb stew meat

1 onion, diced

2 cloves garlic, minced (or one tbsp)

3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

3 medium-sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced

1 quart tomato juice

2 beef bouillon cubes

salt & pepper to taste

garlic & onion powder to taste

Step 1: Dice onion, garlic, carrots and potatoes.

Step 2: Turn on sauté function on Instant Pot. Add oil to pot. Add beef and let meat brown for 1 minute.

Step 3: Turn beef over and add onion/garlic. Sauté for 1 additional minute. Turn off sauté function.

Step 4: Add all other ingredients and hit the Stew/Meat (35 minutes) function.

Step 5: Let pressure release naturally. Enjoy!

Yields 4-6 servings

Instant Pot Beef Stew

20 minPrep Time

60 minCook Time

1 hr, 20 Total Time

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Ingredients

2 tbsp oil
1 lb stew meat
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced (or one tbsp)
3 medium carrots, peeled and sliced
3 medium sized russet potatoes, peeled and diced
1 quart tomato juice
2 beef bouillon cubes
salt & pepper to taste
garlic & onion powder to taste

Instructions

Dice onion, garlic, carrots and potatoes.
Turn on sauté function on Instant Pot. Add oil to pot. Add beef and let meat brown for 1 minute.
Turn beef over and add onion/garlic. Sauté for 1 additional minute. Turn off sauté function.
Add all other ingredients and hit Stew/Meat (35 minutes) function.
Let pressure release naturally. Enjoy!

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/instant-pot-beef-stew/

Cheddar & Green Onion Biscuits

November 28, 2017 by Missy Rakes 3 Comments

Even though they’re relatively simple, biscuits can be tricky. Trust me, I’ve made my fair share of dry, crumbly ones. This recipe however, seems to be more fool proof. I’ve made them several times now and each time they have come out tender, flaky and delicious just as expected.

I’m guessing it’s because of the extra fat from the cheese, but either way I know you’re going to love these Cheddar & Green Onion Biscuits. Even though they make a bit of a mess in the kitchen, they are super simple and quick to whip up. (Only 20 minutes total!) Plus, they taste WONDERFUL. Enjoy the recipe friends.

Cheddar & Green Onion Biscuits

makes 12 biscuits

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp garlic salt
4 tbsp butter, cut into small squares
1 cup shredded cheddar
3 green onions, diced
1 cup buttermilk (can sub. 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

Step 1: Preheat oven to 450.
Step 2: In medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and garlic salt.
Step 3: Cut butter into flour using a fork (or your fingertips). Continue until you have a crumbly mix of flour coated large/medium butter pieces.
Step 4: Add cheddar and green onion. Stir to combine.
Step 5: Pour in buttermilk and mix until just combined. (Do not over mix here. You may need to add a little flour or milk to get a slightly sticky, but workable dough.)
Step 6: Dump dough onto lightly floured counter top.
Step 7: Flatten dough with lightly floured hands.
Step 8: Cut dough into circles with a biscuit cutter (or a cup) and place round biscuit dough onto a greased baking pan.
Step 9: Continue until all dough as been used.
Step 10: Bake biscuits for 10 minutes or until golden brown on bottom.

Yields 12 biscuits

Cheddar & Green Onion Biscuits

10 minPrep Time

10 minCook Time

20 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

2 1/4 cups flour
1 1/4 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp garlic salt
4 tbsp butter, cut into small squares
1 cup shredded cheddar
3 green onions, diced
1 cup buttermilk (can sub. 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450.
In medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda and garlic salt.
Cut butter into flour using a fork (or your fingertips). Continue until you have a crumbly mix of flour coated large/medium butter pieces.
Add cheddar and green onion. Stir to combine.
Pour in buttermilk and mix until just combined. (Do not over mix here. You may need to add a little flour or milk to get a slightly sticky, but workable dough.)
Dump dough onto lightly floured counter top.
Flatten dough with lightly floured hands.
Cut dough into circles with a biscuit cutter (or a cup) and place round biscuit dough onto a greased baking pan.
Continue until all dough as been used.
Bake biscuits for 10 minutes or until golden brown on bottom.

Notes

You may also cut dough into squares instead of cutting into circles if that is easier.

https://www.gracefullittlehoneybee.com/cheddar-green-onion-biscuits/