Karen Mendes

Five Valentine’s Day Gifts {that Won’t Break the Bank}

by Karen Mendes | Valentine's Day Ideas! | 18 Comments

This post is Sponsored by LINDOR but my opinions are 100% my own! It's February so let's talk about Valentine's Day Gifts that won't break the bank. Valentine's Day is coming and it's the perfect time of the year to tell those around you, just how much you love and appreciate them. It's not a day just for lovers, it's a day for friendship too. While you may tell your kids, parents, husband/wife, significant others, and friends all the time that you love them, why not do something to show that you do too! That being said, I think it's good to stay within your budget when buying Valentine's Day Gifts. You may recall the other day I posted Eight Ways to Save in a year - you could blow...

Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes

by Karen Mendes | Chicken Recipes, Dinner, DIY, Recipes, Summer | 1 Comment

My kids are very picky eaters but when it comes to chicken, they will eat it just about any way I make it. So needless to say I cook chicken a lot and I'm always on the look out for new chicken recipes, but especially quick and easy chicken recipes. Below are 13 chicken recipes that are quick and easy to make to help any night of the week. Quick and Easy Chicken Recipes Easy Fajita Chicken Bake | The Pinning Mama – Want a quick and easy Mexican chicken dish for dinner without the hassle? Check out this spin on fajitas and you won’t be sorry! Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole | Favorite Family Recipes – My family has made the soup version of this for years and you can make a lot in very...

How to Keep Skin Hydrated in Cold Weather Months

by Karen Mendes | Tips | 1 Comment

I live in New England which means we have cold winters and it's important to learn how to keep skin hydrated. How does the cold weather affect our skin? The low moisture in the air and the dry heat inside the house causes your skin to lose moisture. If moisture is not replaced, the skin will dry out and peel, crack and even bleed. I have pretty normal skin most of the year, but cold air dries it out really bad. If I don't take care of my skin during the cold months, it can crack and if it gets really bad, bleed. My hands suffer the most with all the hand washing and dish washing I do. My daughters also suffer from dry skin and usually their skin will get dry and itchy. It's not...

FREE 52 Week Money Saving Challenge Worksheet {Save $1378 in one Year}

by Karen Mendes | Free Printables, Frugal Ideas, New Years | 13 Comments

It's time for another 52 Week Money Saving Challenge where you can save $1378 in one year! I know how hard it can be to save money and I need an actual plan to save. I also need something that is easy and that will keep me accountable. Just like with losing weight, if I'm accountable I do so much better. 52 Week Money Saving Challenge Worksheet If you have problems saving money and really want to save this year, this 52 Week Money Saving Challenge Worksheet keeps you on track for saving $1378 by the end of the year. It helps you slowly build up your savings all year by telling you exactly what to put into your savings account each week. There are 5 columns on the worksheet - Week...

How to Enjoy New Years Eve at Home with your Family

by Karen Mendes | 2021 Holiday Gift Ideas, Entertainment, Hasbro Toys/Games, Kid Stuff, New Years Eve, Tips | 0 Comments

Are you celebrating New Year's Eve at home this year? When you're young New Year's Eve means going out with friends to a party, probably dancing, drinking, and having a great time way past midnight. Then sleeping all day the next day to recover from a great night! I did it while I was younger and loved every minute of it. This year is different for everyone because we can’t gather in big groups due to the virus. While planning how to make New Year's Eve special at home, you might also think about future family projects, like starting a business together. Beginning the new year by exploring georgia llc registration can set the foundation for a prosperous family venture in the Peach...

Gifts for Teens – Subscription Boxes

by Karen Mendes | 2021 Holiday Gift Ideas, Subscription Boxes | 0 Comments

Subscription Boxes are super popular right now, especially with teens! My girls love getting these "Surprise" boxes and they make great gifts. You can purchase them once or all year for a gift that keeps giving. Who doesn't love that! I asked my teens to find me some fun boxes they would like to get and here is what they picked. Fresh Baked Cookie Crate $30.00 Gourmet cookie mixes come with all the non-perishable ingredients you need to make wonderful, gourmet cookies at home! Each packet comes pre-measured so all you need to add is a few pantry staples. You will find organic flours, gourmet chocolatiers, locally sourced products, and more! Plus unbox 2-3 fun surprises each month!...

Nutter Butter Snowmen Cookies {no bake}

by Karen Mendes | Cookie Recipes, DIY, Kid Stuff, Recipes | 0 Comments

Is it snowing where you live today? Chances are you are being blessed with beautiful white snow today and if you aren't, let's make believe you are! Here is a fun cooking craft you can do with the kids and they'll love the final outcome - cute Nutter Butter Snowmen cookies! There is no baking involved, just some melted chocolate and a lot of fun! Nutter Butter Snowmen Cookies Snowmen Cookie Ingredients: 1 package Nutter Butter Cookies 1 package of Ghirardelli White Chocolate Wafers Variety of colors M & M candies Royal Icing Ingredients: 2 egg whites 1 C powder sugar 1/2 tsp cream of tartar 1 tsp vanilla Black gel food coloring Snowmen Cookie Directions: Before you begin, line a...

My Favorite Pasta Sauce Recipe

by Karen Mendes | Italian Recipes, Product Review, Recipes | 3 Comments

I'm Italian and VERY picky when it comes to the sauce so I want to share my pasta sauce recipe with you (or gravy as my family calls it!). I won't eat pasta at certain restaurants because I don't care for their pasta sauce. I want a nice tomato flavor to my sauce and it's so simple to make that I thought I'd share it with you. When in a pinch I will use jarred tomato sauce but I always flavor it. But when I have time for it to cook I'd prefer to use canned tomatoes and my favorite Italian seasonings and meats to give it an awesome flavor. You'll need two cans of Tomato Puree or Crushed Tomatoes (I prefer Cento or Pastene Kitchen Ready) or sometimes I use one of each, olive oil, crushed...

Cafe Bustelo Printable Coupons

by Karen Mendes | Coffee Coupons, Printable Coupons | 0 Comments

Cafe Bustelo Printable Coupons Are you looking for Cafe Bustelo Printable Coupons? Below you will find the latest Cafe Bustelo coupons that you can print HERE. SAVE $1.00 on (1) Cafe Bustelo® Product (excluding instant) *This coupon may not be available anymore. MORE WAYS TO SAVE Using cashback apps can help you save on health and beauty products in stores. I recommend Ibotta, and Checkout 51. You can also earn gift cards for scanning in your receipts with these apps: Fetch Rewards and Receipt Hog NEED MORE COUPONS? Be sure to check Coupons.com, and SmartSource for more coupons! Please note: Printable coupons have a print limit. Once that limit is met the coupon will no longer be...

Dessert Dip Recipes for the Sweet Tooth in all of us

by Karen Mendes | Dessert Recipes, DIY, Recipes, Summer | 0 Comments

I've heard people say that they don't have much of a sweet tooth. I can't even imagine not having a sweet tooth! I love sweets and so does my family! If you have any get togethers coming up, instead of bringing the usual desserts, why not try a one of these dessert dip recipes instead? Here are 15 dessert dip recipes that are sure to please the sweet tooth in you! 15 Dessert Dip Recipes Cheesecake Cake Batter Dip | I wash you Dry - I had to stare at this recipe for a bit because it just looked too good to be true. I'll be hitting the treadmill for a bit tonight! Canoli Dip | Cooking Classy - The best part of a canoli are the creamy insides. Ditch the breading and just go straight for...

Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cup Cookie Recipe

by Karen Mendes | Cookie Recipes, Recipes | 0 Comments

If you have a peanut butter cup lover in your house, you have to try these!!! They are great Christmas Cookies, my family always asks for them! I love baking and when I come across a recipe that is simple, I'm all over it. When I spent my first Christmas with my inlaws, she had these cookies. I think I ate them all on her! I knew I needed the recipe and thankfully she was happy to share. Little did I know how easy they were to make! The best part of these cookies, besides eating them all in one sitting, you only need 2 ingredients - premade chocolate chip cookie dough and Reese's mini peanut butter cups. The only other thing you need is a mini muffin tin, some mini cupcake...

Skippy Peanut Butter Coupon – This is a RARE printable coupon!

by Karen Mendes | Grocery Coupons, Printable Coupons | 0 Comments

Skippy Peanut Butter Coupon Are you looking for a Skippy Peanut Butter Coupon? Below you will find the latest Skippy coupons. SAVE $0.75 ON (2) SKIPPY® Peanut Butter Spreads 15oz. or larger PRINT HERE *This coupon may not be available anymore. MORE WAYS TO SAVE Using cashback apps can help you save on health and beauty products in stores. I recommend Ibotta, and Checkout 51. You can also earn gift cards for scanning in your receipts with these apps: Fetch Rewards and Receipt Hog NEED MORE COUPONS? Be sure to check Coupons.com, and SmartSource for more coupons! Please note: Printable coupons have a print limit. Once that limit is met the coupon will no longer be available....

Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe – Christmas Crack

by Karen Mendes | Cookie Recipes, Recipes, Snack Recipes | 0 Comments

One of the most popular things I make at the holidays is Saltine Cracker Toffee which is also known as Christmas Crack. Everyone LOVES it. And I love to make it because it only has 4 ingredients - so it's easy to put together - but the best part is it takes about 10 minutes to make! Christmas Crack - AKA Saltine Cracker Toffee Recipe 2 Sticks of butter (1 cup) brown sugar (dark or light, I used light brown) - 1 cup baking chocolate chips - semi-sweet, milk chocolate or dark chocolate - whichever you prefer - 1 bag Saltine Crackers (store brand is fine) 1 - 2 packages depending on the size of your cooking sheet Aluminum foil or Parchment paper Cooking Spray Preheat over to 425. Then prep...

Christmas Crafts for Kids

by Karen Mendes | Crafts, DIY, Kid Stuff | 0 Comments

Making Christmas Crafts is part of the season, isn't it? While the kids wait for Christmas to come, try some of these fun crafts with them. They'll be entertained for a while and you can add to your holiday decorations. I remember making ornaments for our tree growing up and my mother still has them. They are some of her favorite keepsakes! Christmas Crafts for Children Paint Chip Christmas Tree Ornaments - Me and My Inklings - You can do so much with Paint chips including turning them into cute ornaments! Check them out!! Frozen Play Dough - Krystal Skitsch - What's Frozen play dough? Click through and see for yourself! Salt Dough Ornaments - A Party of Four - I love making salt...

Christmas Cookie Recipes

by Karen Mendes | Cookie Recipes, Recipes | 0 Comments

Yesterday was my day for making Christmas cookies. I make about 8 different Christmas Cookies every year and give all our friends trays of cookies for Christmas. I love to see their happy faces when I hand them a try, it always makes me feel good! Besides the fact that I really enjoy baking them. Here are some new recipes I found this year that I know my family would love and I'm sure yours will too! Christmas Cookies Chocolate Peppermint Kiss Cookies - These will melt in your mouth! Delicious Secret Ingredient Cookies - Arts Crackers - This secret ingredient makes this cookie delicious! Holiday Chalkboard Sugar Cookies - A Turtles Life For Me - A chalkboard cookie? These could be a...

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