If your child regularly brings their lunch to school, you've faced the "what to pack" dilemma. You want to pack something nutritious, but you also need to be sure your kids will eat it. A thrown-out lunch does nothing for your child's health or your wallet; it's basically cash in the … [Read more...] about Healthy school lunches kids won’t toss in the trash
Food
Restaurant deals by day
Looking for food deals near you? On the hunt for a cheap lunch deal today? Or are you searching for the best restaurant deals in the coming week? Look no further. Here we've rounded up the current food specials at Living on the Cheap, including free food, Monday night specials (and other weekday … [Read more...] about Restaurant deals by day
Make the most of your garden’s harvest
In midsummer it's exciting to see that first bright red, ripe tomato dangling off of its vine or pick and eat the first zucchini. At first, you relish in your harvest and your neighbors love your homegrown gifts. However, by late summer it's a different story — you're up to your ears in tomatoes, … [Read more...] about Make the most of your garden’s harvest
26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
My experiment with a $4-a-day budget has become a welcome and permanent adjustment to my menu planning and grocery shopping routine. It has saved not only money, but my time as well as some of my sanity. The $4 a day food budget was popularized by Leanne Brown in her free online book, Good and Cheap … [Read more...] about 26 adaptable recipes and menu ideas for $4-a-day budget meal planning
Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
It’s a fruit we treat like a vegetable, a nontoxic member of the nightshade family, born in South America but internationally famous. It’s the tomato, of course. And though it can be pricey in winter, in summer it’s indecently cheap at farm stands and markets. You can buy a whole basket for just a … [Read more...] about Got tomatoes? Recipes to make the most of your summer tomato bounty
Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
I hate wasting food, almost as much as I love saving money. So anything that can help me save money AND food is a good idea in my book. Since those are the key benefits to vacuum sealers, you know I'm going to find the most cost-effective ways to use them. A vacuum food sealer is basically a … [Read more...] about Vacuum sealers: Are they worth the price?
How to avoid wasting food in a power outage
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
The lights begin to flicker. You hear the regular hum of the refrigerator hiccup, then return. But then it all goes dark. Your power is out. Power outages are common when snow and windstorms take down power lines, or in the summer when power lines can't handle the increased demand. There are many … [Read more...] about How to avoid wasting food in a power outage
Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
The zucchini are here! The zucchini are here! The world’s cheapest ingredient has arrived in gardens, farmers’ markets and grocery stores, and it’s cheap, cheap, cheap. So what do you do with all this bounty? Well, you can pan-fry it as a side vegetable, cube it and put it on kabobs, slice it … [Read more...] about Tasty recipes for cheap and abundant zucchini
9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
You’ve planned your road trip, mapping out a route, identifying campgrounds or affordable lodging and picking key attractions to visit. What will happen as soon as you pile into the car? Tummies will start rumbling, kids will beg for food and bathroom breaks will lead to the buying of snacks, lunch … [Read more...] about 9 ways to take a bite out of road trip food costs
Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you if you make a purchase using the links in this post.
Use our tips to plan the perfect summer picnic on a budget. Whether you're planning to do a backyard picnic for the family or putting together a picnic in the park for you and your best friends, it doesn't have to be expensive. With a little forethought (and our summer picnic checklist), it’s easy … [Read more...] about Plan the perfect summer picnic for less
How to save money on food without using coupons
Groceries for a family of four cost an average of $687 to $1,370 a month, not including takeout and restaurant meals, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a big chunk of change. But there are ways to spend less on food and still eat a healthy, nutritious diet. And you may … [Read more...] about How to save money on food without using coupons
Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
There’s something about fresh, sweet, juicy corn on the cob that just screams summer. You bite into those pearl-like kernels and taste a burst of sweet juice. It doesn’t get better than this. Except it does: Sweet corn, in season, is really cheap. It starts out at two for $1, then four, then … [Read more...] about Easy recipes with cheap summer sweet corn
How to save money on a summer party
You like to entertain, but you can't afford to spend a fortune every time you invite people over for a party. Here is our guide to saving money when planning for a summer party or barbecue. Decorate with items from around the house and yard. Use green cuttings from your yard such as ivy, rosemary, … [Read more...] about How to save money on a summer party
Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
It's summer, it's hot and you want the kids to get outdoors and be active. When all that running around builds up a thirst, ice pops are a great way to cool off and keep hydrated. With some popsicle brands costing nearly $5 for a box of six, store-bought treats can be a pricey option. Luckily, … [Read more...] about Keep the kids cool with DIY ice pops
Find a free online cooking class
Cooking is an essential life skill, but good cooks can elevate it into an art form. Whether you're just looking to get friendlier with your kitchen or perfect your already impressive cooking skills, the perfect way to up your kitchen game is with cooking classes. Cooking classes can be notoriously … [Read more...] about Find a free online cooking class
