John Buckingham

Frugal Tips: Inexpensive Gift Containers

During the year I collect empty coffee cans. They make the best gift containers especially to put my Snax Mix in! Collect as many empty coffee cans as you can. Gather some cute Christmasy wrapping paper. Cut the paper to fit your coffee cans and secure with tape. Add some Snax Mix or other treat, addContinue reading “Frugal Tips: Inexpensive Gift Containers”

Recipe Box: Snax Mix

Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas without making my mother in laws famous Snax Mix. Not only do we enjoy eating this ourselves but I usually make an extra batch to give away to friends and family. Here is the recipe for Snax Mix. I’ve changed it ever so slightly to add more cereal, I figureContinue reading “Recipe Box: Snax Mix”

Prudent Pantry: The Game Closet

By now you must know that I enjoy having a well-stocked pantry. We don’t live near the grocery store and it is inconvenient to have to run to the store for some forgotten item. By having a well-stocked pantry I am prepared for an emergency whether it be unexpected company or a job loss. RightContinue reading “Prudent Pantry: The Game Closet”

My Garden: Making Evergreen Garlands

Have you ever made your own wreath with fresh evergreens? When I was a child we had friends that lived in a converted barn. Every year they would invite friends over for a wreath making party. Everyone brought various greens and other items to decorate the wreathes with. There would be special activities for allContinue reading “My Garden: Making Evergreen Garlands”

Frugal Tips: Food for Friends

I don’t know about you but I love giving and receiving homemade gifts. I find a lot of people don’t want anymore “stuff” and a gift of food is perfect. It is also fun to make up a basket of goodies and I will often feature some sort of theme. For example; a jar of myContinue reading “Frugal Tips: Food for Friends”

Prudent Pantry: Gifts in Jars

One of my favorite gifts to give is a gift in a jar! Last year I made a wonderful soup mix which I gave as gifts. This year I am making a M&M Cookie Mix. When you use the green and red M&Ms that are available this time of year it looks quite festive. EvenContinue reading “Prudent Pantry: Gifts in Jars”

My Garden: December Update

Here we are in the midst of a busy month. The garden is quiet outside, covered lightly with a fresh coat of snow. Outside may be cold but there is life inside. The narcissus bulbs I started a while ago have been beautiful filling the house with fragrance. I started another batch so I canContinue reading “My Garden: December Update”

Frugal Tips: Shopping in December

December is one month you should not set foot in a store unless you’re truly an intrepid shopper. Holiday and Christmas shopping can be quite a challenge for busy parents. Here are a few tips to help you finish your holiday shopping while remaining stress free! First make a list as soon as you canContinue reading “Frugal Tips: Shopping in December”

Sour Cream Coffee Cake

My mother-in-law gave this sour cream coffee cake recipe when I married her son! It is delicious and freezes well. I can have it ready for company.

Prudent Pantry: Cast-Iron Face Lift

I have a collection of cast iron pans that hang in my pantry. I love them! There are certain recipes that just seem to taste better when cooked in a cast iron pan, like corn bread. Perhaps your cast iron pans need a facelift. To restore yours, use a nonmetallic scrubber to remove the rust.Continue reading “Prudent Pantry: Cast-Iron Face Lift”