I am a part-time pediatric pharmacist, full time wife and mother of three teens. I’m also a home chef, gamer, and love to entertain in my home. I know how to relax and enjoy my home life and would love to share my ideas with you.
Make the most of your leftover chicken or turkey. Don’t just throw away that rotisserie chicken or Thanksgiving turkey! This homemade chicken stock recipe is easy to make. Here’s how to make chicken or turkey stock.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
Homemade stock ingredients:
Chicken or Turkey carcass
2-3 celery stalks with leaves
1 onion, quartered
2-3 garlic cloves
1-2 carrots
2-3 Quarts of water
1.2 teaspoon peppercorns, optional
Herbs of your choice, optional (For example: bay leaf, rosemary, or cilantro stems)
How to make stock
Place your leftover chicken or turkey carcass into a large pot. Add the celery, onion, garlic, carrots and optional seasoning of your choice. Cover the carcass with water.
Bring the pot to a boil. Turn it down to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 4 hours, adding additional water as needed to keep the carcass covered.
Strain the stock to remove all solids. I use a large colander over a second large pot. Pour the warm stock through the colander and catch it into the second pot.
TurkeyStock
Allow the solids and liquid to cool separately. Once the stock is cool, all of the fat will be easy to scrape off the top if desired.
Cooled stockScraping fat off the stock.
Strip the remaining meat off the bones once the chicken or turkey is cool enough to handle. You may be surprised how much meat will remain on the chicken or turkey you were ready to toss. Use this extra meat in soups or to make chicken salad.
Extra meat for soups or salads.
How to use Homemade Stock
Homemade chicken or turkey stock can be used in any recipe that calls for chicken or turkey broth or stock. Chicken stock is found in many homemade soups, casseroles and pasta dishes. Try some of these great recipes:
This list of the best games of 2024 was compiled from a poll of board game enthusiasts. There are new cooperative, worker placement, adventure, strategy, luck, wargames and more. Themes include sci-fi, prehistoric, under water, LEGO, and Lord of the Rings to name a few.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
First Quarter New Games of 2024 January-March
Wyrmspan – Wingspan fans interested in dragons will love this new take on the original game. This time in order to win you will need to excavate caves to house your dragons.
Pixies – A quick and easy card game for 2-5 players. Easy to learn, but it takes several round to master.
Second Quarter New Games of 2024 April-June
Harmonies – Settle as many animals as possible by creating a habitat for them in this fun and engaging game.
Lets go to Japan – Win by getting the most points at the end of your trip. An amazing Kickstarter game of 2024.
Star Tycoon – Build your galactic corporation by buying and selling on the galactic exchange. Timing is everything.
Ezra & Nehemiah – An ancient Jerusalem strategy game. The goal is to gain the most victory pints by rebuilding the city, teaching the Torah, and building the Temple.
Third Quarter New Games of 2024 July-September
Slay the Spire – The goal of the cooperative deck building game is to slay the spire. Another Kickstarter game of 2024
Inventions: Evolution of Ideas – Cards in this game stimulate the creation of humanity’s most noteworthy inventions. Use strategy to gain the most points spreading inventions.
Flip 7 – An easy to learn new card game that involves both strategy and luck. Flip cards without flipping the same number twice.
River of Gold – A beautifully illustrated, easy to learn game with playtime of less than one hour. Build your trade empire in legendary Rokugan.
Doggerland – Help your prehistoric clan gain the most points in this exciting new game.
Castle Combo – Recruit the best characters to create the best tableau in the 2024 card game.
Rock Hard 1977 – A worker placement game of 2024 set in 1977. The goal is to become the most famous rock star!
River Valley Glassworks – Another Kickstarter game! Collect river glass to gain the most points on your board.
Bomb Busters – A new cooperative deduction game. Players must work together to diffuse a bomb.
Foundations of Metropolis – If you enjoyed Foundations of Rome, you will enjoy this new game with the same rules in a new theme. Build the best building in order to become the Grand Architect.
Undaunted 2200 – A new science fiction game in the Undaunted series.
Men-Nefer – A new worker placement strategy game based in ancient Egypt.
Endeavor Deep Sea – Dive into this new deep sea exploration strategy game.
ARCS – A trick taking game featured on Kickstarter where players compete to gain galactic supremacy.
Andromeda’s Edge – A very in demand game of 2024. You might want to hold off for a lower price before you embark on this game of gathering resources to expanding your space station.
Fromage – A new Kickstarter worker placement game of 2024. The goal is to become the best cheese maker.
Civolution – A heavy game with long playtime of 2-3 hours. Develop your civilization using evolution.
Kelp – Another Kickstarter game for 2024. A 2 player game shark vs. octopus. A deck building and dice bag building game.
Monkey Palace – A new LEGO game. Gain banana points while rebuilding the monkey palace.
Rivages – A new adventure game where players explore islands to uncover relics. The player with the most parchments at the end of the game wins.
Fashion Police – Better dress for the correct occasion in this hilarious new party game. Play competitive or cooperative.
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Add a little apple to this seasonal favorite pie. This easy pumpkin apple pie recipe is sweet and delicious! Perfect paired with homemade whipped cream! This recipe makes two pies.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
Prepare 2 bottom pie crusts. This easy pie crust recipe makes 2 bottom crusts. Line 2 – 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dishes with the bottom crusts.
Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt and pumpkin spice in a large mixing bowl.
In a second mixing bowl: crack the eggs and beat slightly. Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, and evaporated milk. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
Pour the batter into the two pie crusts. Cover the crust with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven, but reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.
Place the pies on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate the pies until ready to serve.
Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.<br>Prepare 2 bottom pie crusts. This easy pie crust recipe makes 2 bottom crusts. Line 2 – 9.5 inch Pyrex pie dishes with the bottom crusts.<br>Start by mixing all of the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt and pumpkin spice in a large mixing bowl.<br>In a second mixing bowl: crack the eggs and beat slightly. Add pumpkin puree, applesauce, and evaporated milk. Mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.<br>Pour the batter into the two pie crusts. Cover the crust with foil and bake at 425 degrees F for 15 minutes. Do not open the oven, but reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and continue to bake for 35-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking time.<br>Place the pies on a cooling rack for at least 2 hours before serving. Refrigerate the pies until ready to serve.<br>Slice and serve with whipped cream!
NOTES
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Winter months bring the cold and flu season. Spending more time indoors and with more people at multiple holiday gatherings increases the risk of illness. How should you prepare your medicine cabinet for the winter months? Here are some winter medicine cabinet essentials.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
Start by disposing of expired medications
Go through your current stock of medications. Keep anything that is still in date, dispose of any expired medications responsibly.
If a local take back program is not available then check to see if your medication is on the FDA flush list. Flush list items can be flushed down the toilet. If not, then follow the instructions on the FDA website for proper home disposal.
Winter Health Concerns:
Note: Not all of these concerns can be treated at home.
Viral Gastroenteritis, commonly known as the “stomach flu”
Heartburn from over eating at Holiday parties
Chapped lips
Dry cracked skin
Slip and fall injuries
Frostbite
Seasonal affective disorder
Over exertion from snow shoveling
Vitamin D deficiency due to lack of sunlight
Why should you stock your medicine cabinet for Winter?
The main focus of this post is to prepare your medicine cabinet with winter essentials you may need in the middle of the night, on a holiday or a holiday weekend. Think of it like an insurance policy for not having to run out to buy something you might need. It might expire before you need it, but if you need it, you will be very happy to have planned ahead. Be prepared!
Note: Always keep medications in the original container and always read and follow all of the packaging safety and dosing information before taking.
Winter Medicine Cabinet Essentials:
Disclaimer: If you have any health conditions, are pregnant or breast feeding, have allergies or are taking any medications always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of the over-the-counter medications listed.
Pain and Fever
Pain reliever and fever reducer medication: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Ibuprofen (Motrin). Always read the package directions and warnings.
Thermometer: Check out this link for selecting a home thermometer.
Batteries for your thermometer. Winter is a good time to check your batteries and obtain a spare if needed.
Oral nasal decongestant: Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is the only effective oral nasal decongestant available. In most states, you must obtain it from a pharmacist, but no prescription is required. It is nice to have a small amount on hand just incase you need it, since it can’t be obtained everywhere and you never know when those symptoms will start. Always read the package directions and warnings.
Nasal decongestant: Oxymetazoline (Afrin) -Use is limited to three days. I always keep an Afrin nasal spray on hand for each family member over the age of six. It is hands down the best nasal decongestant! Always read the package directions and warnings.
Nasal Suction device for babies – A Nose Frida is an awesome device for suctioning nasal congestion from babies unable to blow their own nose.
Cough
Cough is not usually the first symptom of a viral infection. You could wait to purchase a cough medicine until you end up having a cold. Hydration is the best first line treatment for cough especially for kids. Check out this link for some hydration tips.
Cough Suppressant: Dextromethorphan (Delsym) is an option for adults and teens. It is not recommended for kids. This medication cannot be purchased online and it is not universally available. Having a small stock on hand is not a bad idea, if you do not have any health conditions that prevent you from taking it. Always read the package directions and warnings.
Steamer: I prefer the warm mist humidifier for adults and teens because it is easier to keep clean. Kids can get burned by the warm mist so it is best to choose a cool mist humidifier for young children. A steamer is a great item to have on hand for the winter months.
Menthol Cough drops: A helpful and inexpensive item to keep on hand for help treating cough in adults and teens.
Sore Throat
Many people do not realize that mild sore throat pain can be treated with oral pain relievers like Tylenol or Motrin. Other options for sore throat include lozenges, sprays or warm or cold beverages.
If your sore throat worsens or does not improve after a few days, you may need to see a doctor.
Nausea and Vomiting
The best treatment for nausea and vomiting is avoiding dehydration by staying as hydrated as possible. There are not many options for treating nausea and vomiting over the counter. There is a product called Emetrol, but it is basically just sugar water. I usually just use cola or ginger ale.
The best thing to keep in your medicine cabinet for occasional vomiting are Pedialyte packets or liquid IV. These will help you rehydrate.
Heartburn
Occasional heartburn can be treated quickly with Tums or Gaviscon. If heartburn persists, it would be a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.
Diarrhea
The number one thing you will not want to have to leave the house for in the middle of the night is diarrhea relief! I always keep a small package of Imodium A-D in my medicine cabinet. It is usually good for a couple of years, if I don’t use it, I replace it. It’s a small price to pay to have the medication needed if anyone in my family ends up needing it. If you have diarrhea be sure to stay hydrated! Pedialyte packets or liquid IV will help you rehydrate. Always read the package directions and warnings.
Shopping List for Winter Medicine Cabinet
Note: Always keep medications in the original container and always read and follow all of the packaging safety and dosing information before taking.This list contains affiliate links.
Disclaimer: If you have any health conditions, are pregnant or breast feeding, have allergies or are taking any medications always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of the over-the-counter medications listed.
Sweet potatoes are a Thanksgiving staple. They are most commonly loaded with sugar and sweetness. Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet, there is no need to add more sugar aka carbs. Why not try this easy savory sweet potato recipe this Thanksgiving, or as a side for any everyday meal?
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss the sweet potatoes with oil, Thyme, salt and pepper.
Spread the potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes, toss and flip the potatoes. Rotate the pan and continue to roast for another 10-12 minutes.
Are Sweet Potatoes Healthy?
Sweet potatoes are a very healthy addition to your diet. They are a great source of vitamin A. They are also rich in fiber and vitamin B6 and vitamin C.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch cubes. Toss the sweet potatoes with oil, Thyme, salt and pepper.
Spread the potatoes evenly on the sheet pan. Roast for 10 minutes, toss and flip the potatoes. Rotate the pan and continue to roast for another 10-12 minutes.
NOTES
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There are plenty of health benefits to reducing screen time. Reducing screen time benefits both mental and physical health. Finding screen time alternatives for your family and friends shows that you really care about their health and wellbeing. Here are some ideas for screen free gifts that inspire creativity.
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Gifts that Help Separate you from Screens
Alarm Clock – Many people keep their phone inside their room at night in order to use it as an alarm clock. If you have a separate alarm clock this will enable you to keep your phone away from your night stand. This helps reduce the urge to grab it first thing in the morning.
Hands free adapter – Of course newer cars have Bluetooth adapters for hands free calls. If you need a gift ides for someone driving an older car without a handsfree option a hands free Bluetooth adapter would be a great gift.
Wall Calendar – Stop your loved one from picking up their phone to check the date. Find a cute wall calendar for them to check instead.
Wall clock – A decorative wall clock can stop the urge to pick up a phone to check the time.
Activity books – Help your loved one find something else to reach for for entertainment.
Phone jail – A novelty gift for your phone addicted loved one.
Gifts that Encourage Reconnecting with Nature
Spending time outdoors is great for mental and physical health. Here are a few gifts that can encourage outdoor fun and can serve as great screentime alternatives.
Hiking or Camping Equipment
Even if you are not a camping enthusiast, some camping equipment can be used at home. A tent or hammock can be set up in your own backyard. For hours of fun!
Spending time together as a family is important for staying connected.
Family Games
Card games and board games encourage screen free family fun. Check out this link for a list of really fun board games listed by age of family members. If you need a small game that will fit in a stocking, Easter basket or care package, check out this list of small games.
Screen time is most engaging for the sense of sight, why not attempt to engage the other four senses in order to distract your loved one from their screen.
Whether you are trying to cut carbs or you just want to sneak more vegetables into your diet, baked spaghetti squash may be just what you need in your life. Spaghetti squash is nature’s low carb pasta and it is also gluten free. Although it only comes in only one pasta shape: spaghetti, it is still quite versatile. In this recipe I make a classic spaghetti with red sauce, however, you can add any pasta sauce you wish.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
What tools do you need to make baked spaghetti squash?
First rinse the squash. Place it on a cutting board and use an 8 inch chef’s knife to slice it in half. If you find this difficult here are some tips:
First cut off the end with the stem, because this is the most difficult part to cut.
Make slits all around the middle with a paring knife then microwave the squash for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened.
After your squash is sliced in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds.
Then use a silicone spatula to spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each half. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
How to bake spaghetti squash
Place the squash cut side down on a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
Bake for 25 minutes or until the flesh separates easily when pricked with a fork. Note, this time is for a 3 pound squash, the time may vary with a larger or smaller squash. While your squash bakes, sauté the onion.
Preparing your pasta
Allow the squash to cool for 15 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh aka: pasta. Use 2 forks to separate any large chunks.
Place the squash into a greased 9×9 baking dish.
Add onionsAdd pasta sauce and parmesan
Mix in sauteed onions and pasta sauce. Top with grated parmesan.
Baking the pasta
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Try to get a photo before your family digs in, I dare you!
First rinse the squash. Place it on a cutting board and use an 8 inch chef’s knife to slice it in half. After your squash is sliced in half, use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Then use a silicone spatula to spread 1 tablespoon of olive oil on each half. Sprinkle it with salt and pepper.
Bake the squash
Place the squash cut side down on a sheet pan or cookie sheet. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Bake for 25 minutes or until the flesh separates easily when pricked with a fork. Note, this time is for a 3 pound squash, the time may vary with a larger or smaller squash. While your squash bakes, sauté the onion.
Prepare the pasta
Allow the squash to cool for 15 minutes or until it is cool enough to handle. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh aka: pasta. Use 2 forks to separate any large chunks. Place the squash into a greased 9×9 baking dish. Mix in sauteed onions and pasta sauce. Top with grated parmesan.
Bake the pasta
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
Stop paying too much for your pumpkin spice latte. I know it’s tasty and convenient to pick it up at Starbucks, but you can make it for less at home. It’s so easy! Try this pumpkin spice latte recipe and save on Starbucks!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualified purchases at no additional cost to you.
What tools do you need to make a pumpkin Spice Latte?
First brew strong coffee and warm the milk in a saucepan on the stovetop. Watch the milk closely, stirring nearly continuously. Do not allow it to boil.
Use the milk frother to froth the milk.
Pour the coffee into a 16 ounce cup. Add the pumpkin puree, maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice to the coffee and mix until well blended. Next, stir in the milk.
Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Enjoy!
More ways to save money
Brew your own coffee at home. Take it to work or school in a travel mug
This mini fruit pizza cookie recipe is fun for any occasion. It’s fun to get creative with fruit. The best part is they are so delicious you will not have to worry about leftovers. These cookies are tasty with any fruit toppings you choose.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
What tools do you need to make mini fruit pizza cookies?
Start by baking your sugar cookies. Use your favorite recipe, buy store bought sugar cookies, or use frozen sugar cookie dough.
Make the frosting:
Use a hand mixer to blend the cream cheese sugar and vanilla until smooth.
Prepare the fruit:
Wash, peel and slice the fruits you choose to use.
Assemble the pizzas
Frost the cookies, and top with fruit of your choice.
Halloween Fruit Pizza Cookie Ideas:
Mandarin Orange pumpkin cookies
Peel a mandarin orange, Slice it into three slices. Use the top and bottom to make the pumpkin cookies. Add a slice of honeydew for the stem.
I used the center slice to create the clown pumpkin pictured in the bottom right above. Just added eyeballs a blueberry nose and a strawberry mouth.
Spider web fruit pizza cookies
Pipe on frostingAdd grapes and blueberry
First pipe on the frosting in the shape of a spider web. I used a #4 tip. Next slice a black seedless grape in half and use one half for the body. Add a large blueberry for the head. Slice another grape for the legs. Add frosting eyes, topped with red gel.
Fruit Candy Corn Cookie
For the candy corn fruit pizza cookie I used thin slices of pineapple, cantaloupe and banana for the yellow bottom, orange middle and white top. Pictured on the tray above.
Fruit Eyeball Cookies
Eyeball collectionGross eyeball cookie
Stuff a blueberry inside the hole of a Lychee fruit, then add a candy eyeball if desired. Get creative, add eyeballs to any fruit you wish. I added them to sliced black grapes and kiwi above.
Ghost or Mummy Cookies
Banana ghost and strawberry creatureBanana mummy and honeydew ghost
To make a banana ghost, slice off the top 2 inches of the peeled banana. Slice the 2 inch piece lengthwise. Place the banana flat side down on the cookie. Add 2 drops of melted chocolate for the eyes and a larger drop for the mouth. Alternatively you could use mini chocolate chips for the eyes and a regular chocolate chip for the mouth.
To make the banana mummy, first make the ghost, then pipe on the frosting with a #4 tip.
To make the honeydew ghost, start with a thin slice of honeydew melon. Cut a section from the ring. Use a metal straw to make two eye holes and a mouth hole.
To make the strawberry creature, add some eye balls to the strawberry and cut some black grapes for antennae.
Apple Lips Fruit Pizza Cookies
Quartered apple with cut out for mouthApple mouth with strawberry tongue
To make the creepy apple lips, first quarter an apple. Use a paring knife to remove the remaining core and seeds, then carve out a mouth. Insert pumpkin seeds for the teeth. Add a slice of strawberry for the tongue.
Barfing Pumpkin Cookie
To make the barfing cantaloupe pumpkin cookie, start with a thin slice of cantaloupe. Use a small champagne glass to cut a circle. Cut eyes with a metal straw and carve out a mouth with a pairing knife. Next, add some frosting and a variety of small fruit scraps.
Patriotic Mini Fruit Pizza Cookies
These patriotic mini fruit pizza cookies are great for Fourth of July, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Flag Day, Veteran’s Day, or any other patriotic event.
Two make these patriotic fruit pizzas, simply add 4 small blueberries to the upper left corner, then add strawberry slices for the stripes.
More Great Party Snacks:
Check out these amazing appetizers for your next event:
Are you frustrated with runny homemade whipped cream? Do you just want to give up and buy store bought whipped cream? Don’t give up! Here is the secret to homemade whipped cream.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn commission at no additional cost to you.
What tools do you need to make homemade whipped cream?
Make sure you read the tips below before you start.
Place all of the ingredients into the chilled bowl of a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. Whip for approximately 3-4 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape the sides of the bowl and check for peaks. Once the whipped cream forms peaks, stop whipping. Do not over whip.
What are the secrets to making the best whipped cream?
Chill the bowl
This trick alone will help you make the best homemade whipped cream. Just put the bowl of your stand mixer in the freezer for at least 30 minutes. Remove it right before adding your ingredients.
Use the right tools:
You can use a whisk or a hand held mixer with whisk attachments, but for best results use a stand mixer with a whisk attachment. If you insist on using a handheld mixer, use a chilled metal bowl. If you use an immersion blender with a whisk attachment, it is very easy to over mix, if you do you will end up with butter instead of whipped cream.
How do you store homemade whipped cream?
Homemade whipped cream is best used immediately, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. If you store it longer it may become soupy. If your whipped cream gets soupy, simply rewhip it. Just add the whipped cream to the chilled bowl of your stand mixer and use the whisk attachment to whip it for a minute or two. Do not over whip.
