Holly's Helpful Hints

Settting A pretty Table On the Cheap

2011-01-24T10:00:00.002-05:00

With more and more families rediscovering the joys of eating at home, many of us are looking to enhance the kitchen table dining experience with inexpensive accessories for our tables.

If you have little ones, colorful plastic or vinyl placemat's are not only affordable but add fun to your toddlers' mealtime.

Looking for something a little more upscale? Cloth napkins can be found at Goodwill and most thrift stores. They are usually a dollar or two for a pack of four. Cloth napkins are reusable, add elegance to any meal and are environmentally friendly. Don't worry about ironing them unless you are having a really formal evening.

When I was little, each child in our family had their own

mis-matched set of cloth napkins in their favorite color. Mine were all various shades of blue. Each night my siblings and I would each set our own place at the dinner table. I loved having my own special napkins.

I love napkins rings. They add a touch of class to any meal and negate the need to learn some fancy-schmancy napkin folding technique. Plus they can be cheap. Invest in an inexpensive metal set. Metal napkins rings last forever and are appropriate for any occasion.
Here is the quickest way to use a napkin ring.

Fold a cloth napkin in half
Pull the middle of the fold through the napkin ring half way up the napkin
Fluff ends of the napkin
Place napkin in the middle of plate

Tablecloths are in abundance everywhere and can also be found in thrift stores. Found a tablecloth you love but it is too small? Just throw bigger tablecloth in a complimentary color underneath it for layered look.

Have a really long table and can't find a table runner long enough? Try a thin, straight curtain valance. Valances can be as little as 13 inches wide and come in a variety if lengths. Not to mention, the can be considerable cheaper than extra long table runners. Solid color valances work best.

Taking a few extra minutes to set a nice table will add to the enjoyment of family meals at home. It is also a great opportunity to get the kids more involved in meal time preparations

Easy Peachy Burritos

2011-01-22T15:50:00.002-05:00

Here is a new healthy new twist on burritos your family is sure to love. You will need the following ingredients:

Four whole wheat flour tortillas
1 one pound package of grilled chicken strips
1 jar of peach salsa

Follow the super easy directions below:

1. Remove chicken strips from package and place in a skillet over medium heat.

2. Open jar of peach salsa and pour over chicken in skillet

3. Let simmer for 7-10 minutes

4. Wrap 4 whole wheat tortillas in damp in paper towels and microwave on high for 30 seconds

5. Place tortilla in the middle of plate and fill with 1/4 of chicken mixture. Repeat with three remaining tortillas.

6. Serve immediately with rice and beans or a salad. Magnifico!

Hi and Welcome

2011-01-22T15:30:00.002-05:00

Hi!

My name is Holly Hardin and I am a housewife. For years I have been and avid bargain hunter, crafter and cook. With times being what they are, I have become obsessed with finding new and creative ways to save a few bucks and still eat great meals, give thoughtful gifts, and create fun and easy craft projects.

Here you will find easy recipes for the whole family, great budget friendly gift ideas, and economical activities for the whole family to enjoy.

So let's not waste anymore time and start with my most asked for recipe. Believe it or not, it's for Iced Tea! Are you paying through the nose for flavored iced teas? You know, those super sweet bottled teas that are about $1.00 a bottle.

Well make your own! It is so easy and the flavor options are endless. You don't even have to boil water! Here is the magic formula for Fabulous Fruit Flavored Iced Tea.

1 gallon pitcher of water

10 Celestial Seasonings herbal tea bags.

Directions:

Put tea bags in pitcher of water.

Place pitcher in refrigerator.

Let steep for one hour.

Remove Tea Bags

Sweeten to taste and serve over ice.