Take a tour of our minimalist master bathroom! Although not large in size, it holds everything we need.
As a result of our friends becoming more aware of our family’s minimalist lifestyle, we receive plenty of questions. Mostly, people want to know where we keep our things. Specifically, they are curious what we do with all of the items that are needed on a day to day basis.
To help answer that question, I thought it might be fun to give a little tour of our master bathroom. This hardworking room contains everything we need, in a small footprint.
Minimalist Master Bathroom Basics
This room is by no means large. At 5′-0″ x 5′-0″, with an additional couple of feet for the shower, some may consider it small. But, for us, it is a luxury to even have a master bathroom at all. Previously, we lived in homes that had only hall accessed bathrooms. When designing our cottage, this is one upgrade we were really looking forward to.
Technically our master bathroom is a a 3/4 bath, since it includes a total of three fixtures: toilet, sink, and shower. We opted out of a bathtub for this room, because we felt that a shower would be more accommodating to us as we age and mobility becomes a potential issue.
The faucet, shower curtain, towel hooks and toilet paper holder are all classic chrome.
For the light fixtures, we continued the theme from the rest of the house by going with black + glass fixtures. Above the mirror is a simple wall pendant. You can find a source link for this light and all the other light fixtures throughout our home HERE.
DIY features
In order to save money during the build of our home, we tackled some of the finish work ourselves. In our master bathroom that included all of the tile work. Because this was our first ever time working with tile, we weren’t sure what to expect. Overall though, we think that our first tiling attempt was a success. We are happy with how it tuned out!
The floor tile was a bit more difficult to install, because they came in sheets that needed to be lined up perfectly. In the shower, we decided to add a simple subway tile. This was an easy installation, since we did not include any niches for products in the design of our shower.
In addition to the tile, we also completed a custom vanity build. Or, should I say that my husband completed it. After seeing a beautiful vanity on the pottery barn website, I knew I wanted something similar for our small master bathroom. However, the price tag made it a bit unattainable. Thankfully, Craig came to the rescue and, with a little design guidance from me, was able to create the perfect piece! You can watch the building process in this video.
Storage in our minimalist master bathroom
Many people who know of our family’s minimalist lifestyle ask us the question, “Where do you keep all the things you NEED?” It’s a well meaning question that I think deserves an answer. Surely, even as minimalists, we have items that we use on a day to day basis.
In a bathroom alone, there are quite a few products and self care accessories that need a home. Here in our minimal master bathroom we have two main spots where we keep these items. In the shower, and in the vanity.
I mentioned that we did not include a niche or shelf for products in the shower. Instead, we have opted for a small metal shower caddy, which sits on the floor of our shower. It does take up a bit of standing space, but we enjoy how convenient it is to have all of our shower products in one spot. We also like how the shower curtain hides the basket from view. It is a simple, low cost solution that works well.
For the most part, the bulk of storage in our bathroom is within the vanity itself. Though it appears to have two drawers, in reality the top is just a false front. The bottom, however, is a functional drawer with plenty of storage.
Within the drawer, we have the space organized in a sort of ‘his and her’ fashion. We were able to find metal bins that fit perfectly in the drawer. Having the removable bins makes it easy to clean the drawer when needed. They also help define boundaries for how many products we keep.
Minimizing Products
Overall, quite possibly the most important tip when it comes to minimalist living is to be intentional about inventory.Paring down to just the necessary items means that organization is easier and more manageable.
As a lady especially, there are so many products that are pushed in our direction. Promises of cleaner skin and healthier hair tempt us into buying items we don’t need. And, if the products enter our home, they are difficult to get rid of. Even if they didn’t work the way we anticipated, we feel guilty throwing them out because of the money that was spent.
After trial and error, and letting go of products that didn’t work, I have a handful of tried and true staples. My makeup bag is small, and my morning routine is simple.
In addition to the drawer, the bottom shelf of our vanity holds two baskets. One is our laundry hamper, and the other holds clothing items that we will be wearing again – such as pajamas. These baskets completely eliminate the practice of throwing clothes on the bathroom floor, and keep our master bathroom looking tidy at all times.
I hope you enjoyed this little tour of our minimalist master bathroom. It is a refreshing space that we love to spend time in. If you would like a closer look at any of the features I mentioned in this post, be sure to watch this video!
Pin this image, and visit me over on pinterest for more tips about minimalist living and simple home tips!
Happy New Year everyone! Like most people, I have welcomed 2021 with open arms. I’m ready to leave all the craziness of the past year, and move on.
Today I want to share with you the goals that I have for this new year, and the word that will be my guide along the way.
Why a word of the year?
It is a long held tradition for people to set goals at the beginning of a new year. With three hundred and sixty five days ahead, starting anew is a natural inclination.
While I used to set specific and measurable new year goals, I found myself getting frustrated the minute things started to head off course. My ‘all or nothing’ perfectionist personality held me captive to the specifics of the goals. This made me to give up when things got tough. For example, if a goal was set to exercise every day, once a single day was missed I would stop exercising altogether, and consider that goal a failure. Most years, I would find myself a couple months into the new year feeling defeated.
Then, a few years ago, a friend mentioned that she chose a word for the year, instead of setting specific goals. I had never heard of the concept, but the idea that a single word could help me refocus throughout the year caught my attention. Doing a bit of research, I decided to adopt the practice as well.
My word of the year
Last year my word was ‘clear’. Little did I know, going into 2020, how appropriate that simple word would be. A cleared out calendar definitely gives a person a clear mind! Moving into the new year, I had time to really think about which word could help guide me in 2021.
The word I have chosen for this year is Progress. More specifically, ‘progress over perfection.’
Many times, when I attempt to make progress with something in my life, I get hung up on trying to do things perfectly. As I mentioned, even new year goals tend to be that way for me!
Progress. The word encourages me to put one foot in front of the other, without knowing necessarily where the path might lead me. It allows me to be more gentle on myself, knowing that perfection doesn’t need to be met in order for a goal to be satisfied. I feel ready for progress.
Setting Goals for the New Year
My goals are a bit vague, with the understanding that they are all encompassed under the word progress. Each little step in the direction of these more broad categories can be considered a win to me.
Documentation of house building + projects
First, I have plans to go back to the footage that was taken during the building of our house. Though we did film much of the process, life was much too hectic at the time to put together polished videos or blog posts. However, I truly want to be able to document that exciting chapter of our lives.
And so, going back to formally document what happened is considered progress in my eyes.
Our home hasn’t changed much since I gave the new build tour. Moving forward, I see us taking our blank slate cottage and adding a lot of personal touches. I have many ideas for ways to get this place feeling more homey. Accent walls, painting projects, and furniture refinishing are all in our future.
My inclination is to wait until each room is perfectly finished and polished before sharing. However, it could be years before rooms in the cottage might be considered finished. I have found that, personally, I enjoy following along with people who share the changes to their homes as they make them. This raw and real approach to documenting will be a stretch for my personality, but one that I hope to make progress with.
Health + well being
Many people set new year goals for themselves is in the area of health and well being. For me, I hope to make progress in learning how to grow and prepare healthy food options.
Last summer, I used the extra homebound time to plant my very first garden. I genuinely enjoyed the process far more than I had anticipated. Although we made mistakes and the gardening system was far from perfect, there was success – which prompts me to take the garden a step further this year. Progress in gardening this year will give me encouragement to keep fine tuning the techniques until I find a system that works best for me.
In turn, using fresh homegrown produce, I plan to create healthy meals for my family.
I plan to share all the gardening journey as well as healthy recipes right here on the blog, so be sure to check in often!
Personal Passions
I have mentioned before that my college degree is in the field of architecture. While I did work in an office setting for a few years, once our oldest son was born I became a full time stay at home mom. That was fourteen years ago. During my time at home, I remained involved with various architectural firms, on a project by project basis. I have found, based on the different types of projects I have worked on, that my true passions lie with residential design. More specifically, I enjoy designing small and simple homes.
When I started this blog, it was a way for me to share the process of how an idea can be turned into reality. It has truly been one of the greatest blessings of my life to have been able to design and build a home for our family. There have been several people who have reached out to me, since the completion of our cottage, asking for custom home design services.
While I don’t see myself taking on custom design projects, I would like to feature more design content here on the blog. That will probably look like a series of blog posts and videos dedicated to home design ideas. I would love to offer home plan sketches featuring simple home design concepts.
Though I’m not fully sure yet how to make this goal a reality, I want to jump in. I might try a few different approaches to determine which resonates best with my followers. This is one aspect of 2021 that I am quite excited about!
Choose a Word of the Year for yourself
Do you like the idea of choosing a word guide to steer you in a positive direction this new year? Not sure how to come up with one?
If you don’t feel like searching through an entire list, check out this quiz by Dayspring. It will walk you through a series of reflective questions, geared at fine tuning which word of the year is right for you!
Watch me explain my New Years goals + word
I hope that you will join me this year, as I seek progress over perfection. If you decide to choose a word this year, instead of making specific goals, I would love to hear about it in the comments below!
This no-fail apple crisp recipe is so easy to make and absolutely delicious! With simple instructions and basic, on hand ingredients, you can bring the taste of Fall to your table!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here
OUR FAVORITE APPLE CRISP
We aren’t big on desserts at our house. But when the Fall season comes around, it is a tradition to make apple crisp. Through the years I have tried many different apple crisp recipes, but this one is hands-down our favorite! It was originally included in a church cookbook, but no credit was given to the person who created it. We have since adopted it as our ‘secret family recipe’. I guess it won’t be very secret anymore!
I have a feeling that once you try this recipe it will be a favorite of yours also. The topping has a nutty, caramel flavor which pairs perfectly with the tartness of the apples.
HOW TO MAKE THIS SIMPLE APPLE CRISP
Follow this video tutorial for step by step guidance.
APPLE CRISP INGREDIENTS
It’s probably a sure bet that your pantry and fridge have most, if not all, of these ingredients on hand.
Ingredients
8 cups pared and sliced apples (About 8-10 apples, any type)
You are going to be shocked that something that tastes so amazing is so easy to create!
Wash all apples thoroughly
Core the apples. To speed up the process, I like to use a corer. Although you can if you prefer, there is no need to peel the apples
Slice apples into bite sized pieces. The thinner the slices, the more quickly they will cook through
Place apple pieces into the baking pan
Mix together remaining ingredients in a separate bowl until blended
Cover apples with the topping mixture
Bake at 375 for 30-40 minutes, until apples are soft
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Although this is delicious any time of the year, you will definitely want to try this apple crisp dessert before the Fall is over. Treat your Thanksgiving guests to the sweet combo of apple crisp and ice cream!
Wash apples thoroughly, then core and slice them. Though you can peel the apples if you prefer, there is no need to do so. The thinner you slice the apples the quicker they will cook through.
Mix all remaining ingredients together in a separate bowl
Place apples in one layer, in a 9x13 baking pan
Pour mixed topping over apples and spread evenly
Bake uncovered at 375 degrees, for 30-40 minutes, until apples are cooked through
Garage sales are a lot of work, but they can also be quite profitable! Read on for tips on hosting a successful garage sale and maximizing the profit from items you no longer need.
Our family has been busy the last nine months decluttering our rental house, in preparation for our big move to our forever home, Arrow Hill Cottage. Through this process, we have come across many items that, although in great shape and of good quality, we don’t plan to bring with us when we move.
Faced with the decision of what to do with these unwanted items, we have a few options. Throwing, donating, or selling. While there were a few broken things that made their way to the trash bin, ultimately we much preferred to get the quality merchandise into the hands of people who could use it.
IS A GARAGE SALE RIGHT FOR YOU?
There are a variety of reasons you might question if a garage sale is your best option. Weighing the pros and cons can help you make the decision more easily. Start by asking yourself the following questions:
Do I have enough to sell?
If you have only a couple boxes of items to sell, it may not be worth the hassle to set up a sale. Consider instead placing an ad on social media with descriptions and pictures of the items you have available. You may have better luck pin-pointing buyers in this fashion.
Are my items current?
Decluttering storage closets and other rarely looked at spaces in your home may yield items that are many years old. Although clothing and home decor styles do tend to eventually cycle back around, it is possible that the items you have been holding onto are no longer desirable to others at the current point in time. If so, donating might be your best option.
Is my location appropriate?
You might have a house-full of good, quality items. But, with a poor sale location, you could struggle to find paying customers. A garage sale set at a remote country house off of a gravel road might not be as successful as one in a quiet city neighborhood, for example.
PREPARING FOR A GARAGE SALE
If you answered ‘yes’ to the above three questions, chances are you will be able to have a successful garage sale! With the proper preparations, your sale can be the go-to place for good deals.
Months before the sale
Begin sorting through your sale items early. We found it helpful to declutter our entire home before our sale. Every room, closet, and cupboard was scoured. This ensured that everything we wanted to sell was available to our customers. And once these items were out of our house, we knew they wouldn’t be coming back in!
Ask relatives or friends if they would like to go in on the sale with you. Sometimes, advertising a ‘multi-family’ sale can draw a larger crowd.
The week before the sale
Allow yourself enough time to clean and organize your garage in preparation. Take extra care to cover any items that are not going to be included, to avoid sale-day confusion from customers.
Borrow long tables if needed. The more organized the setup is, the easier it will be for people to find the things they might be looking for.
Price the merchandise. In the past, I have hosted fundraiser garage sales, where none of the items for sale had price tags. Customers were asked to simply make a donation of any amount. If you have a specific cause that people feel passionate about donating toward, you may do well without price tags. However, as a general rule, most shoppers prefer to know upfront how much you expect for each item. Price tags can help customers avoid confusion.
Think about advertising. If you plan to place an ad in a local newspaper or shoppers guide, be sure to contact them early enough. One week ahead of the sale is usually sufficient.
The day before the sale
Prepare the money box. Starting the day with sufficient change is a good idea. For our sale, we used the guidelines from bizfluent to set up our cash box. Within the first two hours of the sale, we were able to take our ‘seed money’ out of the box, for safe keeping.
Create clear signage. It’s a good idea, even if you took out an ad in the local paper, to place signage the day of the sale. They can help direct customers who might be looking for your sale, and also draw in a few others! The night before the big day is the perfect time to whip up those signs. Be sure to use large, block letters that can be clearly read from cars driving by. Place them at popular intersections, and along the road. Adding streamers and balloons can also be effective!
Consider supplemental advertising. If your community or neighborhood has a way to digitally advertise, such as through a group Facebook page, or Craigslist, take advantage of the free publicity. At least half of the traffic to our garage sale came from an ad I posted on Facebook Marketplace the night before.
EXTRA GARAGE SALE TIPS
Through the years, we have hosted quite a few garage sales. Some more successful than others. These are the things we have learned that have helped us run a smooth and successful sale.
Set a goal
If your family has a specific goal that the garage sale proceeds will go toward, it may motivate everyone to declutter as much as possible. The money earned from our latest garage sale will be applied toward a sectional sofa for our new home’s family room. Anticipating a family movie night together was a huge motivator for all of us.
Price in quarter increments
It can be stressful trying to make change for a fifteen cent item. Speed up the process by pricing everything with the basic quarter in mind. Twenty-five cents per book, or four for a dollar, for example. It’s easy for the customer, and easier for the cashier!
Allow bulk deals
If you have a large amount of any one type of item, consider allowing a bulk deal. We have had a lot of luck selling bags of clothing for three dollars apiece. Knowing they can buy each piece of clothing for fifty cents, OR spend three dollars on an entire bag, customers might choose to bring home more.
Last minute sales
For the last hour of so the sale, when you want to get the garage cleaned out, allow greater discounts. Everything half priced or ‘make an offer’ are a couple of ideas that have worked well for us.
After the sale
Once the garage sale has ended, you may find yourself with quite a bit remaining. I will usually try to sell the high quality items through Facebook Marketplace. Remaining items can then be donated, or offered for free curb-side.
OUR CLUTTER TO CASH TRANSFORMATION
Our most recent garage sale was a major success. With the clutter now out of our house, and the cash in our pockets, we are ready for our move! Watch the video to find out how much we earned!
TIPS FROM OTHERS
Everyone has different ideas about how to plan for and run the best garage sale. Consider checking out the tips from these other bloggers for more ideas on how to cash in on your clutter.
It is almost impossible to be genuinely grateful for anything, when you compare to others. Today I am going to share with you my thoughts on contentment, and why it is a topic that is currently on my mind.
As I write this now – the stuffy, sticky, hotness of a mid-July afternoon surrounds me. I sit in a house that was built pre-central air conditioning, and long for the ability to flip a switch and make things more comfortable for myself. We have lived here for nearly five years. Five years in a house that I am quick to point out is ‘just a rental.’ Five years in a house that hasn’t ever truly felt like home.
And I will admit, as time has gone on it has become clear that the level of content with our living arrangements has been steadily decreasing. Not only for myself, but for the entire family. Lately, I’ve been asking myself ‘why.’
BEING CONTENT WHILE LOOKING AHEAD
When we first moved into this house, everyone was beyond excited. We had just sold the home we owned – in part, to fund the adoption of our youngest daughter, ‘M.’ Preparing for her arrival, we nested here. Painting walls, fixing sinks, and choosing bed linens. We were looking forward to a happy little future, and our present living condition didn’t seem all that bad. So what has changed? It’s still the same house.
Part of me feels like this mind shift has a lot to do with the ‘new house’ being just beyond the horizon. We are seeing something shiny, and we want to get to it as soon as possible. Our entire family is constantly daydreaming about what is to come. “In the new house we are going to (fill in the blank).” “I can’t wait until we have (fill in the blank) at the new house.”
And although looking ahead is a fun to do, it can also be a bit defeating. Surely, you have heard the phrase:
“Stop missing out on the present because you are focused on the future.”
So, is that it? Is contentment simply being happy with where you are? Never longing for an upgrade, a steadier state or a better future for yourself and your family? No, I don’t think so.
While that is a nice sentiment, I believe it is simply an impossible goal. Because even in the present, there are those people with the last name Jones. And we have an inherent desire to keep up with them.
CONTENTMENT WHILE COMPARING
I recently shared this article from Joshua Becker of Becoming Minimalist on my Facebook page. Doing so opened up what I feel was a healthy dialoge about what we choose to bring into our lives, and how it affects contentment.
I definitely encourage you to read the piece for yourself, but the cliff note – take away question is simple. What would this world be like if, instead of being embarrassed by the things we own – those things that don’t stack up to what society tells us we need – we were instead embarrassed by how worldly that view really is?
When I linked to the article in my Facebook post, I also made a simple confession. That I too have been the victim of embarrassment by comparison. Most specifically in regards to our old blue mini van. You see, this van has been with us since before we had children. It still runs quite smoothly, but the body is – how do you say – in disrepair. There are times when I pull into a packed parking lot and scan the rows, noticing all too easily that the vehicle I am driving is the odd duck out.
The responses to my confession post were a mixed bag. Half of the people were comforting – letting me know that they too had old vehicles, with many miles, and rust. Solidarity sister! The other half were a tad defensive, and quick to point out why they owned newer vehicles. For safety, reliability, or other reasons.
Everyone experiences jealousy…
Whichever side of the fence that people were on, I think it’s fair to say that everyone who responded to my post has had a similar feeling of jealousy. This day in age it is almost impossible not to play the comparison game. Keeping up with the Joneses has never been so difficult.
Mr. Becker would say, about my van scenario – that instead of being embarrassed about the van itself, be embarrassed at how often the luxury of having a vehicle is taken for granted. That mindset can really turn the tables on the feeling of jealousy, can’t it?
We live in a majorly privileged society. The salary of most Americans would put them in the top 1% of the world’s earners. Compared to the lives of people in other countries, we Americans are down right rich when it comes to worldly goods.
This brought about another question. Should those who have plenty be more content than those with little?
THE ATTITUDE OF CONTENTMENT
As you know, I have somewhat recently begun to embrace the minimalist tendencies I have had my entire life. Not because I think that living with less makes me a better person, or more content. But because, in having fewer things, there is an appreciation of each item unlike anything I have experienced before.
However, in no way is my family living an uncomfortable or deprived life. We have many luxuries that some can only dream of. Our dinner plates have always had a supply of healthy food. We are building a brand new, custom designed house for gosh sake. These circumstances though, could change in an instant.
Focus on the Family offers the definition of contentment that I, as a Christian, agree with most:
“Contentment is knowing God’s plan for your life, having a conviction to live it, and believing that His peace is greater than the world’s problems”
That’s it. Contentment is an attitude, not something that is searched for. If we spent our lives searching for contentment, we would never find it – in part because of comparison, and jealousy, and our human nature to always long for more/better.
In life, there will be good times and bad times. Days of plenty, and days of few. New cars, old cars. New homes, old homes. A full bank account and money worries. Sickness, health. It’s all a possibility. In order to truly be content, we need to harbor an attitude and belief that we are walking the path we are meant to walk, and trusting in Him along the way.
And so, moving forward, I will be carrying the words that Horatio Spafford penned in one of my all time favorite hymns, “It Is Well With My Soul.”
When peace like a river, attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul
If this post got you thinking, consider reading more from my Intentional Living series.
This four ingredient cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe is perfect for a quick and easy brunch. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser that will have them coming back for more!
Do you ever find yourself scrambling for an easy meal to make? Perhaps it’s the weekend, and you have company. Or you are asked to bring a dish to share at a gathering. Whatever the reason, I encourage you to put this recipe in your list of go-to ideas.
CHEESY HASHBROWN CASSEROLE
I was first introduced to this dish after the birth of our first son. Friends had generously started a ‘meal-train’ of sorts, something that this brand new mommy was more than appreciative of! It came to me prepared, with baking instructions, so that I simply needed to pop it into the oven when I was ready for a hot, home cooked meal.
This cheesy hashbrown casserole has since become a dish that I can always count on. If someone is in need, or if we have company, I whip up a batch. And it turns out perfect. Every. Single. Time.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY HASHBROWN CASSEROLE
Watch this quick step by step video for directions on how to make this delicious recipe, and read below for details on ingredients and instructions.
CASSEROLE INGREDIENTS
The combination of these four ingredients create a comfort food dish that you’ll be happy to share.
Ingredients
(16 oz) package frozen shredded hashbrowns
(8 oz) package cheddar cheese
1 can cream of potato soup
2 cups of cubed/diced ham*
*Tip: After preparing a large ham for a meal, cut up the remainder of meat into small pieces and freeze in two cup portions. These can then easily be defrosted to be used for recipes later on.
RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
So simple, even your kids (or husband) can make it!
Preheat oven to 425 degrees
Grease a 9×13 baking dish
In the same dish, mix together frozen hashbrowns and soup
Fold in the cubed/diced ham pieces
Cover top of mixture with shredded cheese
Bake for 25 minutes
SERVE IT UP!
Our family has found this recipe to be even more perfect when served with cottage cheese and a side of fresh fruit. It is one of our favorite brunch ideas.
PRINT THIS CHEESY HASHBROWN CASSEROLE RECIPE
Cheesy Hashbrown Bake
This simple, four ingredient recipe is sure to be your go-to for Sunday brunch and last minute potluck invitations!
Add frozen hashbrowns to baking dish, then soup. Mix well
Dice ham pieces and add to baking dish. Continue mixing
Top with cheddar cheese
Bake for 25 minutes
Serve with cottage cheese and fresh fruit
PIN THIS RECIPE
Keep this cheesy hashbrown casserole recipe at the ready by pinning it to your Pinterest board. While you’re there, check out my other healthy and simple meal ideas!
This simple recipe creates a cashew chicken dish that is healthy and delicious. Full of flavor, and low on carbs, it is sure to become a family favorite!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here
SIMPLE CASHEW CHICKEN
I am constantly on the hunt for family friendly dishes that can be made quickly. Let’s face it, with five kids to care for, I don’t have time to mess around with overly complicated recipes. This meal can be ready in less than 20 minutes, and all in one pot – which makes cleaning up a breeze!
Both of our daughters are Chinese, and we also try to include meals that reflect their birth culture. This recipe is very flavorful and fragrant. It also has a wonderful nutty texture that makes it fun to eat!
HOW TO MAKE CASHEW CHICKEN
Watch the step by step video for instructions on how to make this delicious recipe, and read below for details on ingredients and kitchen tools needed.
CASHEW CHICKEN INGREDIENTS
This combination of healthy ingredients pack a high protein punch – to fill you up, without the extra calories you might get from takeout Chinese.
Ingredients
4-6 Chicken breasts (cooked + cut into 1 inch pieces) OR 1 bag of precooked frozen chicken strips
1 cup natural cashews
1 red bell pepper
4 dates (pits removed)
1 bunch spring/green onions
1/2 cup gluten free soy sauce
4 TBSP apple cider vinegar
4 TBSP extra virgin olive oil
Kitchen Tools
cutting board + knife
large saucepan
wooden spoon
RECIPE INSTRUCTIONS
Making this cashew chicken recipe is super simple. Follow these instructions for a perfect dish every time!
In a large skillet or saucepan, add cashews and allow them to toast for 5 minutes over medium heat – stirring frequently
While cashews are toasting, dice the onions and pepper
Add olive oil to the pan, then diced vegetables. Saute’ for 5 additional minutes
Cut dates into small pieces. Be sure to remove the pits!
Add precooked chicken to the pan, then soy sauce, vinegar, and dates
Let the entire mixture simmer on Low/medium heat for 5-10 minutes until sauce thickens
If desired, cook rice or cauliflower rice to serve mixture over
This cashew chicken mixture is delicious on it’s own. But if you need to make your meals stretch further, as we do in our house, serve over white rice or cauliflower rice. An additional, delicious option is to use the mixture to fill lettuce wraps. Yum!
If you love the taste of Chinese take-out, but want to cut down on calories, try this healthy cashew chicken alternative. It is easy to make and oh-so flavorful!
In a large skillet or saucepan, add cashews and allow them to toast for 5 minutes over medium heat - stirring frequently
While cashews are toasting, dice the onions and pepper
Add olive oil to the pan, then diced vegetables. Saute' for 5 additional minutes
Cut dates into small pieces. Be sure to remove the pits!
Add precooked chicken to the pan, then soy sauce, vinegar, and dates
Let the entire mixture simmer on low/medium heat for 10-15 minutes, until sauce thickens
If desired, cook rice or cauliflower rice to serve mixture over
MAKE IT HEALTHY!
There are a few tips that will help you make this recipe as healthy as it can be. First, be sure to use all natural, non-salted cashew pieces. The salt will not be missed, I promise!
Also, look for non-sweetened dates. There are many varieties of dates that come pre-chopped for convenience, but it is likely that they contain quite a bit of additional sugar.
Gluten free, and reduced sodium soy sauce is also a healthy alternative to try for this recipe.
Raising a family is difficult enough without having to worry about money challenges. Today I share the money saving tips that our large family uses to relieve the pressures.
We are a fairly frugal family. In part, because, for many years we have relied solely on one income for our day to day expenses. My husband has been the primary bread-winner for our family. Any additional money that I am able to bring in, through designing homes or other various small business ideas, has always gone toward debt payment. Or, applied to any ‘extras’ that we are saving up for, such as Christmas gifts.
This financial set-up has allowed us a lot of flexibility. I have been able to be a stay at home/ work from home mom for over twelve years now. It has also meant that we need to be very careful with how each dollar is spent. We are big believers in the importance of following a budget, which I will discuss a bit later in this post.
First though, I want to share with you some of the most effective money saving tips that our family uses, to live on one income comfortably.
CUT THE CORDS
Technology really seems to be king, and they know it! They like to lure you in with introductory prices, and then increase your rates once you have gotten comfortable. Advertisements from technology companies leave you feeling that you need their products, when in reality you may not.
Cable tv
One of the first large sacrifices that we decided to make was to eliminate cable tv. We found that, out of the two hundred plus channels offered with our cable package, we watched only a handful. Instead, we switched to Netflix, which is just a fraction of the monthly cost. An added bonus is that there is a huge variety of kid programming, which allows our children to access their favorites whenever they want, and without the need for a dvr.
The blog Young House Love wrote a wonderful article about how they cut their cable tv. They tried out a variety of alternate options and compared them. If you are considering making the switch away from cable tv, I highly recommend you read this post.
Phone
We also cut our phone cord. It seemed to us that most of the calls we were getting on our home phone were coming from telemarketers or people who dialed the wrong number. Switching to a ‘home’ cell phone was our solution. When people ask us for our home phone number, we give them the number of that cell phone and nobody is the wiser.
This setup will be even more useful when our oldest son begins driving or attending activities away from home. We can simply hand him this dedicated cell phone to use, instead of getting him his own plan.
EAT AT HOME
Eating out is ridiculously expensive. Once the tip is added in, a sit down restaurant meal for our family can easily top one hundred dollars. Considering a weeks worth of groceries for our family of seven is just slightly over one hundred and twenty five dollars each week, eating out doesn’t make any sense at all. One of my long term goals for Arrow Hill Cottage is to grow a large portion of our own food, and learn how to preserve fruits and veggies through canning.
Meal planning
We have been following meal plans for a couple of years now. I started out with a four week rotation, then added a couple extra weeks into the mix, for variety. I have plans to feature my favorite recipes on the blog, complete with a video tutorial of each meal, so be watching for that!
Pack lunches
School lunch is another area where a lot of money can be saved. At our kid’s school, a meal is just shy of three dollars. Multiply that times five kids, and just one week of meals can run up a seventy-five dollar bill! Because of this, I am sure to pack lunches for our kids a majority of the time.
The rule at our house is that each child is allowed to pick their two favorite meals each week, to eat from the cafeteria. The remaining meals are brought from home, and the kids have a hand in picking out what goes into the lunch boxes. We also tell them to bring home whatever portion of their cold lunch isn’t finished at school, so that they can use that food as an after school snack. Less food waste means money money in our pockets!
BUY SECONDHAND
There is a thrill in buying a brand new item, sure. But, generally speaking, you aren’t likely to be getting the best value for your money by making this type of purchase all the time. In fact, one of the best money saving tips that I can offer is to buy items secondhand whenever it is feasible.
Vehicles you can afford
Surely you already know that new vehicles go down in value as soon as they leave the sales lot. And, besides your home, the vehicles you purchase for your family might be one of the largest purchases you will ever make. Because of this, it is very important to find a good deal.
Buying used can sometimes have a stigma; But I highly doubt that many people could spot a used, four year old vehicle over one that is brand new, just by looking at it.
Shop used items
Shopping at second hand stores for household items, clothing, and toys can also save a lot of money.
I firmly believe that second hand stores have really upped their game in recent years. Generally, they do a good job of screening broken, stained or blemished items. Those that make it to the store shelves have a lot of life left in them.
You can find some real treasures, and save a bundle!
DO IT YOURSELF
You can save your family a lot of money by learning to do things by yourself, instead of calling somebody to do the job for you. With online access, tutorials for just about everything can be found. From small car repairs to craft projects, a video reference is likely available.
Even basic daily chores, done yourself, can save you money. Simple tasks that we personally take on ourselves include mowing our own grass and washing our vehicles by hand, instead of going through the car wash. I also learned how to cut hair, which saves us at least $80 per month.
VACATION NEAR HOME
Family vacations, though wonderful for creating memories, can really put a dent in your pocket book. Instead of spending a ton on airfare, lodging, and restaurants, consider vacationing closer to home.
For example, we live in Minnesota’s lake country but personally do not live on a lake. Our kids are just as thrilled to stay the weekend at a local lake cabin as they would be to travel to Disneyland. Being able to play on the beach and put our toes in the sand is a change of pace for all of us, even if the location to home is close.
ELIMINATE THE EXTRAS
If you are looking for a place to start for a quick money saving win, this is it. An extra is anything that you use to treat yourself on a regular basis, or something that you don’t use often but like to have available.
Though they aren’t typically large expenses, put together they tend to add up. For example, that morning coffee that costs close to five dollars at the posh coffee shop, could be replaced for a much more budget friendly home brewed cup.
Memberships
Memberships can be particularly luring because they offer up a convenience factor. Consider if you make it to the gym often enough to justify the monthly price you are paying, or if you could stay fit by working out at home.
Do you need the weekly food prep service delivered to your door, or would an effective meal plan do the trick?
Entertainment
Many people don’t think about the free forms of entertainment that are available. The library not only loans out books, but music cds and movies as well. Consider borrowing something for free every once in a while, instead of always rushing to the theater each time a new film comes on the big screen.
Take in the public park in lieu of paying an entrance fee to an amusement park or museum.
RESEARCH SPLURGES
There will definitely come a time when you will be purchasing big ticket items such as a new television, furniture piece, or appliance. These purchases should not be taken lightly, as they should be considered as an investment item.
Talk with friends who have recently purchased similar items and ask their opinions and recommendations. Do a bit of online research with company such as Consumer Reports.
It is also important to note that certain items do tend to go on sale certain times of the year. Find out when the sales happen, and save yourself some money!
JUST SAY NO
This might not be a popular tip to discuss, but it is very important. Saying no to ourselves seems to be particularly difficult, as it makes us feel as if we are denying ourselves of something we deserve. In reality though, by making a foolish purchase you could be denying yourself financial stability.
Don’t use credit
It is as simple as that. It is just too easy to buy something on credit with the intention to pay it off. And maybe most of the time you are able to do that. But what happens if there is an unexpected event that prevents you from doing so. The interest rates are going to bite you, and make you wish you had never made the purchase in the first place.
Don’t let yourself get into that type of situation. When you use the money that you actually have to buy what you need, you can feel confident that it won’t break you.
Stay out of stores
With almost one hundred percent certainty, I can predict that if you walk into a store to ‘just window shop’ , you will walk out of it with something you didn’t actually need. I know this is true, because it happens to me all the time!
When we had our month long No Spend Challenge, our eyes were opened to this phenomenon. By simply staying out of the stores entirely, we saved quite a bit of cash.
To kids
Sometimes saying ‘no’ also means saying no to our kids. Whether it is them asking for another toy, or wanting to sign up for an event, remember that it is your money that you are using. All the final decisions of where it goes will rest on your shoulders.
Likewise, don’t feel as though you need to sign your child up for expensive activities just to keep them busy or give them a chance to meet friends. If they aren’t that into it, it’s okay to skip.
For example, our oldest son was involved in soccer as a third and fourth grader. By the summer of his fifth grade year he was eligible for the traveling team. The cost of this program was two hundred and fifty dollars, and would require that nearly every weekend of the summer would be spent on the road in attendance of a game. We asked him if he loved soccer enough, to make that large of a commitment (both in time and money). He told us no. Kids are smart.
USE A BUDGET
If you get nothing else from this list of tips, please hear this. Budgeting is so, so important. Sure, it isn’t the most fun thing to do in the world, but it will make a world of difference.
We have used a budget for well over ten years, and I honestly don’t think it would be possible for me to go without one at this point. It is so helpful to not only see how much money we have to work with each month, but also to track our spending as the days go by. If we find ourselves overspending in one category month after month, we can re-evaluate the situation and determine if we have been foolish, or if that category needs to be beefed up.
Personally, I love the Everydollar budgeting software and app, which are both free! There are plenty of other popular and well respected options though, such as YNAB (You Need a Budget) and Mint. Check them each out, and determine which is a good fit for your family.
MONEY SAVING TIPS VIDEO
Listen to me discuss our families most successful money saving tips.
SAVE THESE TIPS
If you are looking for ways to cut everyday costs, and boost your savings, be sure to pin these money saving tips!
As a busy mom of five, I am always looking for healthy snack alternatives for my kids. This recipe for strawberry frozen yogurt bites fits the bill so well. It is a healthy and quick snack that’s so delicious they feel like they are having a treat.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure here
THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF FROZEN YOGURT BITES
Aside from being delicious, frozen yogurt bites are extremely healthy. The following benefits are an added bonus to their refreshing taste.
Gut Healthy
As a fermented food, yogurt contains natural probiotic cultures that actually strengthen the digestive tract. If purchasing the yogurt to use in this recipe, look for Greek yogurt that contains even more added probiotics to aid in gut health.
Fresh Ingredients
Each yogurt bite is packed with heart healthy fresh fruit. They also include antioxidants from both the fruit and the high quality honey.
Gluten Free
Depending on the type of yogurt that is used in the recipe, these yogurt bites can be considered gluten free. Be sure to check the label on the yogurt to determine if there is any gluten included. Your best bet, if trying to make this recipe gluten free, is to look for plain whole-milk Greek yogurt to use.
HOW TO MAKE STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES (VIDEO)
STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES RECIPE INGREDIENTS
It doesn’t get much more simple than this three ingredient recipe!
Ingredients
Fresh Strawberries (about 12)
2 cups Greek Yogurt. I used vanilla flavored yogurt, but you could also opt for a more natural plain yogurt, and flavor it with organic vanilla extract.
Wash strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut most of the strawberries into quarters. These will be chopped up in the blender and do not need to be in super small pieces. Cut the remaining strawberries into small pieces to be used as garnish.
Layer ingredients into the blender or food processor. Be sure to place the strawberries at the bottom.
Blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly
Transfer the mixture into a bowl or measuring cup with a pour spout. Though this step is optional, it does make the next step much easier!
Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds. Alternately, you can use muffin tins or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add strawberry garnish
Freeze for 2-3 hours
Remove from candy molds. The strawberry yogurt bites are ready to be enjoyed! To prevent freezer burn, place the yogurt bites in an airtight container if you plan to eat later.
SHOP THIS POST
I love my large glass batter bowl. It makes pouring into the small candy molds extremely easy. It is also handy for pancake and waffle batter, and a variety of other uses.
These are my favorite candy molds. The frozen yogurt bites pop right out! Because candy molds are available in a wide range of shapes and patterns, you can find the perfect one for your use.
PRINT THE STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT BITES RECIPE
Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites
This simple recipe creates a refreshing and healthy treat that can be enjoyed anytime, even on the go! Perfect for an easy breakfast for kids.
Wash strawberries and cut off the tops. Cut most of the strawberries (10) into quarters. These will be chopped up in the blender and do not need to be in super small pieces. Cut the remaining strawberries (2) into small pieces to be used as garnish.
Layer ingredients into the blender or food processor. Be sure to place the strawberries at the bottom.
Blend until all ingredients are mixed thoroughly
Transfer the mixture into a bowl or measuring cup with a pour spout. Though this step is optional, it does make the next step much easier!
Pour the mixture into silicone candy molds. Alternately, you can use muffin tins or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Add strawberry garnish
Freeze for 2-3 hours
Remove from candy molds. The strawberry yogurt bites are ready to be enjoyed! To prevent freezer burn, place the yogurt bites in an airtight container if you plan to eat later.
ADDITIONAL VARIATIONS
This recipe can be made with any variety of fruit flavors. Blueberries, Cherries, and peaches are all great and tasty options. Make a mix to have on hand for breakfast or snack time!
While silicone candy molds create the perfect bite sized pieces, alternatives can be used. Ice cube trays would be another option. Muffin tins or baking sheets can also be used, but will need to be covered in parchment paper so that the mixture does not stick.
PIN IT FOR LATER
Be sure to pin this post so that you can try it for yourself! Also, be sure to check out all of my other healthy recipe ideas.
As part of our journey to simplify life, my husband and I have been trying very hard to be intentional about the time we spend with our family. In this post, I share how we have been implementing screen free family day as part of our transition to a more peaceful household.
At the beginning of the year, we had the idea to dedicate one day each month as intentional family time. In order to be fully present, we also decided that we would be turning off all screens for that day. This includes watching television, visiting social media channels, or checking our phones.
Now that we have successfully completed screen free family day three months in a row, I want to share with you the insights that we have noticed.
OUR FAMILY DYNAMIC
First, if you are new here, a little background on our family. We would be considered a large family by today’s standard, with five children. Our oldest son is 12, and our youngest, a daughter, is 5. All of our children are exposed to technology on a regular basis, and have been taught to use it safely.
We have been careful to teach them that technology should be used as a tool and not a crutch. They also have been told that though it can be enjoyable, it is also an easy thing to abuse and consume too much of. As such, we are careful to monitor their activity and limit their time in front of screens. By doing so, we hope to help them become responsible technology users.
WHY SCREEN FREE?
Craig and I had begun to notice that we were being more and more lenient with screen time, and found some negative side effects. Our youngest son, for example, was beginning to exhibit poor behavior and attitude. Our girls would argue about which tv show to watch together. We felt these changes were directly related to the amount of time spent in front of the screen.
Knowing that it was our job, as their parents, to do some redirecting – we had an idea. We would start a screen free family day. Our first goal for this is to have a screen free day once per month. Ultimately, it would be wonderful to have one day per week as a reset day.
INCORPORATING A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY
When we first brought up the idea to the kids, they were skeptical. They saw it as a punishment instead of something that could be beneficial. But once we insisted that the entire family would be involved, including us as parents, they were excited.
As a family, we sat down and wrote out ideas of things to do together. We decided that family day, though different each time, would include the following categories:
CHORE
Knowing the value of hard work, we wanted to incorporate a chore that we could all do together. We try to find a chore that will benefit us as a family. On the list are ideas such as raking leaves, chopping firewood, deep cleaning a room inside, and planting a garden.
MEAL PREPARATION
Our kids all enjoy spending time in the kitchen. I will admit though, that at times when they ask to help I turn them down. Mainly, I justify that cooking the meals will be faster and less of a hassle if I do it on my own. However, as part of screen free family day, we are opening up the kitchen and getting everyone involved. We have been rotating through the kids, asking them for meal suggestions each month.
We have seen some interesting suggestions already, such as a chili hamburger meal.
DEVOTION
As a Christian family, we find that it is very important to stay in God’s word. We try to tailor our devotion to topics we are dealing with as a family. This is a great time for us to all discuss, and maybe resolve some pressing issues. We find that even our youngest children are capable expressing their feelings and emotions in a group setting.
QUIET TIME
On screen free family day, we make it a point to reserve a bit of time for the house to be still. This is a great opportunity to take a nap, write a letter to a friend, or read a book. I have really come to look forward to quiet time and the peace it brings. It feels wonderful to allow our brains to rest from any chaos or commotion we may be facing.
FUN ACTIVITY
Of all the categories, this has been the most fun for the kids to sink their teeth into. We have quite the list of activities they want us to do together. Hiking, water fights, bowling, playing at a park, and going out for ice cream are a few examples.
WHAT DOES A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY LOOK LIKE?
During a recent family day, we made a screen exception so that I could film with my camera. Take a glimpse at a ‘day in the life’ of our family on a screen free family day.
THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED SO FAR
Through our first three months of implementing screen free family day, we have learned so much. We are quickly finding out what works best for us, and what we need to avoid.
KIDS ARE HAPPIER IN OUR PRESENCE
We have definitely noticed that our kids enjoy the company of their parents. Of course, we have always known that, but the fact that they have our full attention, without distractions, has been really special.
EVERYONE NEEDS TO BE INVOLVED
We think it is very important to make sure everyone is involved in all aspects of family day. Though some of the kids may moan a bit about having to take out the garbage or help with a meal, we make sure that they participate. By making sure everyone is involved, we are instilling in our children that as a family we can work through the good times, as well as the bad. The easy, as well as the difficult. We are in this together.
IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE FANCY
Knowing that we can just lounge around in our PJ’s all day is just exciting for the kids as telling them we are going out for dinner. Sometimes the most simple moments are the cherished ones.
LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF SCHEDULING
Though it is good to have a general idea of how the day will play out, we are acknowledging that we also need to leave room for spontaneity. The element of ‘anything can happen’ is very exciting for kids. One of the best memories we have made so far during screen free family day was an impromptu sledding trip. The kids asked if we could go, and we had no reason to say no – so we did! It was a blast!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES FOR A SCREEN FREE FAMILY DAY
Check out these additional blog posts for tips on how to effectively go screen free.
I hope that this information has been helpful for you, especially if you are considering a screen free family day of your own. Pin these ideas for future reference!
