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.
Sometimes even those of us who enjoy cooking just don’t have time to cook. Sometimes we need to get dinner on the table as quick and painless as possible. If you ever have a busy day and need a quick and easy dinner, this chili recipe is for you. This is not an award winning recipe, but it wins many compliments at my house and makes great leftovers for packed lunches.
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Start by browning the ground beef. Once it is fully cooked, drain it and set it aside. Next sauté the onion in the olive oil. When the onion is softened, add the tomato sauce and mix well. Add the drained meat, beans and diced tomatoes, mix well. Add the remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. Continue to heat until warm and bubbly. Taste and add additional seasoning if desired. Simmer on low for about 20 min.
These morning glory muffins are a favorite in my home. It’s best to make them on the weekend, that way you will have easy breakfast all week. They are loaded with heathy ingredients. Plenty of nuts, seeds, fruits and vegetables to start your day out right.
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In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and seasonings. Then stir in carrots, apples, coconut, nuts, and seeds.
In a separate bowl beat together the wet ingredients: eggs, oil, juice, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mixt until well combined.
Drain the water from the craisins and stir them in.
Fill the muffin cups all the way to the top. You should be able to fill 12-16 cups.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a fork comes out clear.
Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes, then finish cooling on a cooling rack.
Store in an airtight container for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
Morning glory muffins make a great breakfast
Recipe By Kristin
Course: breakfast
Cusine:American
Difficulty:Easy
Servings
14 minutes
Preparing Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Calories
kcal
INGREDIENTS
1 cup Craisins
2 cups flour
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 cups carrots, peeled and grated
2 medium apples, cored and grated
1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
3/4 cup chopped pecans
1/3 cup pumpkin or sunflower seeds
3 large eggs
2/3 cup vegetable or canola oil
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/4 cup orange juice or juice of one orange
DIRECTION
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease three 6-cup muffin tins.
In a small bowl soak the craisins in hot water. Set aside.
In a large bowl mix the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, salt and seasonings. Then stir in carrots, apples, coconut, nuts, and seeds.
In a separate bowl beat together the wet ingredients: eggs, oil, juice, and vanilla.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mixt until well combined.
Drain the water from the craisins and stir them in.
Fill the muffin cups all the way to the top. You should be able to fill 12-16 cups.
Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a fork comes out clear. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes, then finish cooling on a cooling rack. Store in an air tight container for a few days, or freeze for longer storage.
NOTES
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Try this easy vegan pumpkin apple soup for a meatless Monday meal or for a Friday during lent. It is so delicious and warms you up in the winter. This soup is loaded with healthy vegetables and makes great leftovers for packed lunches. It’s a great way to get more vegetables into your diet.
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Pumpkin Apple Soup Ingredients
1 large onion diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 sweet potatoes cubed
1 large apple diced
4 cloves garlic
4 cups vegetable stock
15 ounce can of diced tomato
15 ounce can pumpkin puree ( or 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree)
Sauté the onion in the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Grate the garlic on a plate grater.
Garlic grated on a plate grater.
Add the sweet potatoes, apple and garlic to the pot and cook for one minute.
Stir in the stock, tomatoes, beans, pumpkin, and jerk seasoning. Find a great homemade jerk seasoning recipe here. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.
Serve with pumpkin seeds.
Is Pumpkin Healthy?
Yes, pumpkin is loaded with vitamins and is a low calorie food that is great for filling you up without excess calories. Pumpkin is a good source of vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, iron and folate. Unfortunately many pumpkin recipes include tons of sugar and fat because it is so delicious it ends up being included in many desserts and lattes. If this is how you plan to enjoy your pumpkin, then the health benefits may not be as great. Pumpkin apple soup, however, is a very healthy way to enjoy pumpkin.
Easy Pumpkin Apple Soup Recipe
Recipe By Kristin
Course: main
Cusine:American
Difficulty:Easy
Servings
6 minutes
Preparing Time
10 minutes
Cooking Time
25 minutes
Calories
kcal
INGREDIENTS
1 large onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil<br>
3 sweet potatoes cubed<br>
1 large apple diced<br>
4 cloves garlic<br>
4 cups vegetable stock<br>
15 ounce can of diced tomato<br>
15 ounce can pumpkin puree ( or 2 cups homemade pumpkin puree)<br>
15 ounce can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed<br>
2 Tablespoons Jerk Seasoning
pumpkin seeds for garnish
DIRECTION
Sauté the onion in the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Grate the garlic.
Add the sweet potatoes, apple and garlic to the pot and cook for one minute.
Stir in the stock, tomatoes, beans, pumpkin, and jerk seasoning. Simmer for 25 minutes, or until potatoes are fork tender.<br>
Are you looking for a vegan or vegetarian recipe, or maybe you just need something for Meatless Monday or a Friday during Lent? Maybe you just want a great unique side for something you grilled! If you are looking for any of these, this Caribbean Rice with Jerk Seasoning is for you!
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Start by preparing the white rice according to package directions. Make sure you rinse the rice before cooking. This will remove the outer layer of starch, so the rice will be more fluffy and less sticky. The easiest way to rinse rice is with a fine mesh strainer or sieve.
Rinsing Rice
Next mix the dried coconut with 1/4 cup of the coconut milk and set aside to soften. Hint: Shake the can of coconut milk before opening.
Add the coconut oil to a large pot or wok, and begin to sauté the carrots.
Sauté carrots
When the carrots are slightly softened, add the peppers and onions. Continue to sauté, mixing often.
Sauté peppers onions and carrots.
Once all the vegetables are softened, mix in the shredded coconut mixture and the grated garlic.
Adding coconut and garlic.
Then add the kidney beans, corn and 1/2 cup of the coconut milk. Mix well.
Add kidney beans, corn, and 1/2 cup of coconut milk.
Once the corn and beans are warm, add the rice and mix well.
Add the rice.
Add the cilantro, jerk seasoning and remaining coconut milk. Mix until well combined and heated throughout. Taste and add additional seasoning if desired.
Add cilantro and jerk seasoning, and remaining coconut milk.
Serve with a lime wedge if desired. This dish is a delicious vegetarian meal on its own or makes an excellent side dish to baked or grilled chicken or pork.
Caribbean Rice with Jerk Seasoning
Printable recipe for Caribbean Rice with Jerk Seasoning
Save money by making your own seasoning blends. Homemade Jamaican Jerk seasoning is a must have. It’s so easy to make and a great one to have on hand for some fabulous Caribbean flavor. Traditionally it is used for seasoning chicken and pork, but there are plenty of other uses for it.
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What can you use Jamaican Jerk Seasoning for?
Seasoning chicken, pork or fish
Seasoning grilled or roasted vegetables
Add to rice or risotto for Caribbean flavor, try this Caribbean Rice
Measure and mix all of the above ingredients in a bowl. Use a funnel to put the mixture into a 4 ounce spice jar. Label it and you are all set.
Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning Gluten Free?
This is one of the best reasons to make your own seasoning blends. Some seasonings contain anticaking ingredients that contain gluten, especially seasoning blends. If you make your own blend you can make sure all of your ingredients are gluten free.
Is Jamaican Jerk Seasoning healthy?
Many of the ingredients in Jamaican Jerk seasoning have health benefits. Really the only unhealthy ingredients are salt and sugar. If you make your own, you could eliminate those ingredients, but keep in mind they are minimal when you only plan to use a couple tablespoons of the blend at a time.
Pork Schnitzel is a family favorite! The leftover pork Schnitzel can be re-heated to make delicious Schnitzel sandwiches aka: Schnitzelwiches. Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels used to make a delicious crumble. They stopped making it, but read on to find out how to make it. The pretzel coating adds so much flavor and it does not burn like other coatings, making it a great choice for Pork Schnitzel.
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What is Schnitzel?
Schnitzel is a German term for thin meat pounded until tender then breaded and fried. It is similar to Chicken-fried steak.
What kind of meat is used to make Schnitzel?
Traditionally veal is used, but other meats can be just as tasty. For this recipe I used pork chops, but you can also use beef or chicken.
First you must trim off all of the fat. This is important because after you bread the pork, you will not be able to see where the fat is.
Trimming pork chops
Next you need to pound out the pork chops until they are approximately 1/4 inch thick. The best way to do this is to cover the meat with plastic wrap (to avoid splashing) and pound it with the flat side of a meat tenderizer mallet. It is best to do this on a plastic cutting board to protect your kitchen counter.
Tenderizing Pork.
How to make Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
I was sad when Dot’s stopped selling their crumble. I contacted the company to find out where to buy it. They responded telling me they no longer make it. Fortunately, they told me I could make my own by crushing or food processing Dot’s Homestyle Pretzels . Here’s how:
Measure out 2 cups of Dot’s Homestyle Pretzel’s for every 4 pork chops you desire to coat. Place them in a food processor and process until evenly crumbled.
Original Dot’s Homestyle pretzels in a food processor.Homemade Original Dot’s Homestyle pretzel crumble in a food processor.
How to Bread Schnitzel
First coat the pork chops with flour.
Coating pork in flour
Then dip the breaded pork chops into the egg mixture (see recipe).
Dipping pork into egg mixture before adding pretzels
Then coat the pork chops in the homemade Dot’s Pretzel Crumble. Hint: Only put a little crumble at a time on the plate. That way you can save the leftover crumble. If it touches raw meat you will have to dispose of it.
Breading pork in Homemade Dot’s Pretzel CrumblePork coated in Homemade Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
How to Cook Pork Schnitzel
First add 1/4 inch of canola or vegetable oil to a frying pan and heat. Add your breaded pork 3-4 at a time to the pan. Cook 3 minutes then flip and cook another 3 minutes.
Browning the first side of schnitzelBrowning Pork Schnitzel
The pork will not be fully cooked at this time. Place the fried pork chops on a jelly roll pan and bake at 350 degrees F for 15-20 min. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature has reached 160 degrees F.
Pork Schnitzel with Dot’s Pretzel Crumble, ready to bake.
Turns out that easy to peel hard boiled eggs are not boiled! …
How to serve Pork Schnitzel
Serve with any side dish you wish. Some great suggestions include: roasted vegetables, rice, risotto, and/or potatoes. Alternatively, you can serve it on a bun as a sandwich with lettuce, tomato, mayo/mustard, onions, pickles or slaw. Get creative!
Pork Schnitzel served with roasted vegetablesPork Schnitzel Sandwich served with kohlrabi slaw.
What can you do with Leftover Pork Schnitzel?
Air fry your leftover Schnitzel for best results. I air fry on high in my Ninja Foodi for 6 minutes. You can serve with your leftover sides or make a sandwich and serve with fries, chips or slaw!
Is Pork Schnitzel Healthy?
Absolutely not. This is why I suggest serving it with some roasted vegetables or a side of coleslaw! Try sauteed beet tops for another healthy side.
Recipe for Pork Schnitzel with Dot’s Pretzel Crumble
Parties are a great way to enjoy your home. Food is always expected at a party. Awesome appetizers can help to bring people together for great conversations, or can help accent any planned activity. It is not always easy to find great recipes for tried and true appetizers that will be loved by everyone. These 14 Awesome Appetizers will be a great addition to your next home party.
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Buffalo Chicken Dip Appetizer
This Buffalo Chicken dip is really easy to make, and it has relatively few easy to find ingredients. In other words, it is a simple appetizer. It is gluten free and keto friendly if served with celery instead of chips. The recipe includes 3 different cooking methods, slow cooker, baked and smoked. It is best for Big Game Day parties, New Year’s Celebrations, and Potlucks.
Jalapeno Poppers
These Jalapeno Poppers are quick and easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find at your local grocery store. These jalapeno poppers can be prepared ahead of time, then baked right before serving. They are gluten free and keto friendly. They are best for small gatherings, Big Game Day parties, backyard parties, and family get togethers.
Chicken Strips aka Boneless Wings
This chicken strip recipe is more difficult than your average appetizer, but it is worth the effort. Your guests will be pleased. These chicken strips would best be kept warm in a chafing dish. Pick up some great dipping options: Ranch, BBQ sauce, and honey mustard and serve them in a cute tray. Chicken strips or boneless wings are perfect for small parties, game night, and football parties.
Easy Bean Dip
Easy Bean Dip
This bean dip recipe is so easy! The dip can take on the shape of any container, making it simple to match any party theme. Most of the ingredients are easy to find, and the recipe includes suggestions for alternative ingredients. It is gluten free. This recipe can be prepared ahead of time. There are suggestions for how to make it work for different holidays, such as serving in a football shaped bowl for a super bowl party. Overall this is the most versatile appetizer on the list, it is really great for any occasion.
Chips and Salsa or Pico de Gallo
Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash
If you are looking for an easy appetizer, this one is for you. Just open a bag of chips, dump it in a bowl, open a can of salsa and dump it in a smaller bowl. If you want to get fancy about it, get a cute chip and dip set.
If you want to be even more fancy, make your own Pico de Gallo. Both Pico de Gallo and some canned salsas are gluten free, and keto friendly. This appetizer is also vegan and vegetarian.
Homemade Pico de Gallo recipe
5-6 Roma tomatoes chopped
1 onion minced
2 jalapenos minced
2 tablespoons lime juice
1/4 cup mince fresh cilantro
salt to taste
Mix all ingredients and serve with tortilla chips!
Pulled Pork Street Tacos
These street tacos are made with 4-inch street taco shells. Certainly small enough to be an appetizer. This recipe is easy to make, especially if you have leftover pulled pork. If you do not have leftover pulled pork you can buy pulled pork at the grocery store, or make your own. To use this recipe as an appetizer, the pulled pork could be kept warm in a crockpot. The other toppings are all cold, and could be set up like a taco bar. Your guests will enjoy putting together their own taco. They are so tasty, you better plan on your guests eating more than one! Best for small gatherings, perfect for summer.
Polish Roses
Polish roses, aka onion wraps are really easy to make. Just wrap a green onion and 1 tablespoon of cream cheese in your choice of lunchmeat. If you don’t like onions, use pickles instead. This is a very easy appetizer, gluten free and keto friendly. It can be made ahead of time and is perfect for any occasion.
Charcuterie Board
Photo by Ana Maltez on Unsplash
This is a very easy appetizer. You will need to start with a charcuterie board and it would help if you had some ramekins for jams and dips. Once you have the basics, all you need are a variety of meats, soft and hard cheeses, fruits, veggies, olives, jams and dips. Get creative, don’t worry your guests will be pleased. This appetizer is best for wine tastings, book clubs, and bible studies.
Meatballs
These Thai Inspired meatballs are an amazing appetizer. Find the video recipe here. You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time, then refrigerate until you are ready to bake for your party. They would be best kept warm with a chafing dish rather than a crockpot. These meatballs would be best for a small get together. They are great for any season. Don’t expect any leftovers.
Guacamole
Photo by Tessa Rampersad on Unsplash
Guacamole is very easy to make, find the recipe here. All of the ingredients are easy to find. It is the healthiest appetizer on this list. It is gluten free, vegetarian, vegan and keto friendly. Guacamole is versatile. It is traditionally served with tortilla chips, but it can also be used as a vegetable dip or spread on crackers. You can make it ahead of time, but it can brown a bit. To prevent browning, place a piece of plastic wrap right on top to protect the top from the air. Due to the versatility of this appetizer it would be a great addition to any gathering.
Cheese and Crackers
Photo by Raychan on Unsplash
This appetizer can be a simple as arranging a variety of crackers and cheese slices on a platter or you can make your own cheese spread.
Easy Homemade Cheese Spread recipe
8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 garlic cloves, minced
dash of hot sauce, more if desired (optional)
Mix all ingredients with a hand mixer. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving with crackers.
Pierogi
Pierogi served with sauteed onions and sour cream
This is a difficultrecipe, but it is worth the effort. It is also an awesome vegetarian option. Your guests will be amazed! Pierogi can be prepared ahead, they can even be frozen. To serve as an appetizer you will need to fry them up, then keep them warm in a chafing dish. Be sure to fry up plenty of onions to serve with the pierogi. If you are willing to put in the effort pierogi are a great appetizer for any event especially Christmas Eve parties, where they are a polish tradition.
Chips and Dip
Another easy appetizer. The key to great chip dip is to make it yourself. The best chip dip is A Spice Above – Oven Roasted Garlic. Just mix the packet with 1 cup full fat sour cream and 1 cup of mayonnaise. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours prior to serving. It is gluten free and keto friendly. This appetizer will be gone no matter where you bring it. It is a simple appetizer perfect for any event.
Easy Deviled Eggs for all Occasions
Deviled eggs are an easy and inexpensive appetizer for all occasions. They are gluten free and keto friendly. Make them cute or sophisticated. Find many recipes here:
Mix Olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt in a bowl to make the dressing. In another bowl mix all the other ingredients. Pour the dressing over the other ingredients. Chill for at least 1 hour. Serve with tortilla chips.
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Are you in need of a quick and easy appetizer for your next party? Look no further, this easy crock pot buffalo chicken dip is so simple and it always goes. You will receive plenty of compliments if you make this Buffalo dip for your next get together.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I will earn commission on product sales at no additional cost to you.
Turn your crockpot on high. Add the cream cheese first so it can start to melt while you add the other ingredients.
Wash and chop the celery, then add it to the crockpot.
Cube the cooked chicken and add it to the crockpot. Alternatively, you can substitute canned chicken if you prefer.
Add the dressing. Choose either blue cheese or ranch. I recommend a fresh dressing from the refrigerated section of the produce department. Marzetti, Lighthouse, or Marie’s.
Add the Franks Red Hot Buffalo sauce. Choose Frank’s mild, regular or hot depending on how spicy you want your buffalo chicken dip to be.
Lastly, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker.
Mix all of the ingredients together inside the crockpot and cover. Continue to mix every 10-15 minutes until the cheese is starting to melt and the cream cheese is mixed into the sauce. ~60 min.
Once the cheese is starting to melt, turn the slow cooker heat to low and continue to warm, stirring every 20 minutes, until you are ready to serve. 1-2 hours.
Serve this easy buffalo chicken dip with tortilla chips.
Can you make Buffalo Chicken Dip Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix all of the ingredients in the crockpot insert the night before and put the insert in the fridge overnight. Pull it out 2-3 hours before your party and follow heating directions. Alternatively, you can mix all of the ingredients in a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish, and refrigerate over night, then follow the baking or smoking directions.
Can you bake Buffalo Chicken Dip?
Yes, you can bake Frank’s red hot sauce buffalo chicken dip instead of using a slow cooker. To bake this dip, just mix all of the ingredients on a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish and bake a 375 degrees F until cheese is melted and dip is hot. ~ 20 min.
Can you smoke Buffalo Chicken Dip?
You sure can! If you choose to smoke the dip I would recommend using smoked chicken. Mix all of the ingredients in a 9×13 Pyrex baking dish or a foil pan. Smoke at 180 degrees F for 30 min, then increase the temperature to 375 degrees F and continue to smoke until the cheese is melted and dip is hot. ~10 min.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Healthy?
No, this is not a healthy recipe. It is meant to be a party food to be shared by many people on a special occasion. Not an every day snack. If you would like to make it healthier, you can use Neufchatel cheese instead of the cream cheese for 1/3 less fat. You can also serve it with celery sticks instead of tortilla chips. These substitutions will not make it much healthier, so portion control is probably your best option.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Gluten free?
Chicken, cream cheese, celery, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese are gluten free. Make sure you read the label on the salad dressing you choose because some may contain gluten. Also, it would be best to shred your own cheese, because some pre-shredded cheeses may contain gluten. If you season your chicken before you cook it, make sure all of the seasonings are gluten free. Make sure the chips you serve it with are gluten free.
Is Buffalo Chicken Dip Keto?
Chicken, cream cheese, celery, Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo sauce, and cheddar cheese are keto friendly. Marzetti Blue cheese dressing is Dirty Keto. You will have to serve it with something keto friendly, like celery sticks, instead of tortilla chips.
Turn your crock pot on high. Add the cream cheese first so it can start to melt while you add the other ingredients.
Wash and chop the celery, then add it to the crockpot. Cube the cooked chicken and add it to the crock pot.
Add the dressing, hot sauce and shredded cheese.
Mix all of the ingredients together inside the crock pot and cover. Continue to mix every 10-15 minutes until the cheese is starting to melt and the cream cheese is mixed into the sauce. ~60 min.
Once the cheese is starting to melt, turn the slow cooker heat to low and continue to warm, stirring every 20 minutes, until you are ready to serve. 1-2 hours. Serve with tortilla chips.
I suppose it’s time to help my readers save on over the counter medications. As a pharmacist, I do have plenty of secrets to share with you.
Recently, I was checking out at the grocery store. The cashier told me she was sleepy because she accidently took her night time cough medicine instead of her day time cough medicine. I cringed because there should be no difference. Read on to find out why.
Common symptoms that can be treated at home
Pain/fever
Cough
Sore throat
Nasal congestion
Allergies
Insomnia
Heartburn
Constipation
Diarrhea
How to save money on Cold and Flu medications
Here I will share some secret tips that most consumers do not know about the over the counter cold and flu medications. Pharmacists are always a great reference to help you choose a medication for your symptoms. There are thousands of cold and flu products on the market sold under many brand names, although all of these products are just combinations of very few ingredients.
Disclaimer: Always read the safety information on all over the counter medications. Follow the manufacturer recommended dosing. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any over the counter medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health conditions, allergies or are taking and medications.
1. Don’t buy oral phenylephrine or any oral product containing phenylephrine
Phenylephrine has been found to be ineffective at treating nasal congestion in oral form. It has no value, but is still on the market to give manufacturers time to reformulate their products. The reason it has been allowed to remain on the market is because it is still considered safe, but not effective. Even though it is not effective you will still have drug interactions and side effects associated with it’s use, but no benefit.
What should you use instead of phenylephrine to treat nasal congestion?
If you want an oral medication for nasal congestion your only option is pseudoephedrine, which you do not need a prescription for. You will have to ask a pharmacist for it. It can be found at most local pharmacies for as low as $2.49 for 24 tablets ~ 21 cents/dose, max of 4 doses/day = 84 cents/day.
Another great option for treating nasal congestion is Afrin nasal spray. Afrin can only be used for 3 days. It is dosed 1-2 sprays in each nostril every 12 hours for 3 days. After 3 days, you will need to use something else to treat your nasal congestion.
2. Save on Cold and Flu medications by choosing single ingredient medications
Brand name manufacturers try to simplify your purchase by listing symptoms in the name of their product. You could get the same benefit from taking the individual ingredients for less cost, and you could take only the ingredients you need. Usually a cold starts with fever, body aches and sore throat, then nasal congestion, ending with a lingering cough. It would be better to purchase the individual ingredients and treat only the symptoms you currently have.
Lower cost options for “day time” non- sedating cold and flu medications
Instead of using a combination product like these:
Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe -Current cost is $7.67 for 24 caplets ~64 cents a dose, max of 5 doses per day = $3.20/day
Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu – Current cost is $16.57 for 48 liquicaps ~ 69 cents/dose, max of 4 doses per day = $2.76/day
Treat only the symptoms you have with the single ingredients in these products:
Acetaminophen – This ingredient is effective for treating pain and fever. If you have body aches, sore throat, other pain or fever, then this ingredient will help. Current cost for 325mg tablets = $2.12 for 100 tablets ~ 4 cents/dose, max of 6 doses 3900mg/day = 24 cents/day (note-this is adult dosing)
Dextromethorphan – This ingredient is a cough suppressant. It is used in adults and children 12 years and older to suppress a cough. It is not always good to suppress a cough. If your cough is productive then an expectorant may be a better choice. Current cost for 15mg soft gels = $8.99 for 100 soft gels ~ 18 cents/dose, max of 4 doses/day = 72 cents/day (note-this is adult dosing)
Guaifenesin – This ingredient is only in the Tylenol Cold & Flu severe, not in Vicks DayQuil Cold and Flu. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps thin mucus in the bronchial passages to make it easier to cough up mucus. It is most effective if you drink plenty of water. If you drink plenty of water you will help to thin the mucus anyway. This medication is best used to treat a productive cough. It will not help a dry cough at all. It does not suppress a cough. Current cost for 400mg tablets = $8.79 for 200 caplets ~4 cents/dose, max dose of 6 doses/day = 24 cents/day (note-this is adult dosing)
Phenylephrine – Is found in both Vicks DayQuil and Tylenol Cold & Flu Severe. Phenylephrine has been found to be ineffective at treating nasal congestion. If you do have nasal congestion-use one of my phenylephrine alternative suggestions above.
Lower cost options for “night time” sedating cold and flu medications
Instead of using a combination product like these:
NyQuil Cold & Flu – Current cost $17.88 for 48 liquicaps ~ 75 cents/dose, max of 4 doses/day = $3.00/day (note-adult dosing)
Treat only the symptoms you have with the single ingredients in these products:
Acetaminophen – This ingredient is effective for treating pain and fever. If you have body aches, sore throat, other pain or fever, then this ingredient will help. Current cost for 325mg tablets = $2.12 for 100 tablets ~ 4 cents/dose, max of 6 doses 3900mg/day = 24 cents/day (note-this is adult dosing)
Dextromethorphan – This ingredient is a cough suppressant. It is used in adults and children 12 years and older to suppress a cough. It is not always good to suppress a cough. If your cough is productive then an expectorant may be a better choice. Current cost for 15mg soft gels = $8.99 for 100 soft gels ~ 18 cents/dose, max of 4 doses/day = 72 cents/day (note-this is adult dosing)
Doxylamine – This ingredient is an antihistamine. It is used mostly as a sleep aid because it is very sedating, but also has a drying effect that can help with congestion. If you are taking either of the above combination products to help you sleep, you could save a lot by using the single ingredient. Current cost for 96 – 25mg tablets = $7.17 ~4 cents for a half a tablet dose (12.5mg is the amount in a dose of the 2 combination products above). (Note-this is adult dosing.)
Phenylephrine – Is found in Tylenol Cold + Flu + Cough, but not NyQuil. phenylephrine has been found to be ineffective at treating nasal congestion. If you do have nasal congestion-see my phenylephrine alternative suggestions above.
3. Buy generic cold and flu medications
I am a pharmacist and I almost always buy generic medications. They work just as well as brand name medications for a fraction of the cost. There are a couple of exceptions. I prefer brand name for flavored medications. Liquid or chewable medications often taste better if you buy brand name. The other exception is nasal sprays. I have found brand name Afrin to sting less than the generic.
4. Non-drug options for helping with cold and flu symptoms
Stay hydrated, this will help with cough, congestion and fever.
Use a humidifier, this will help with cough and congestion.
How to save money on seasonal allergy medications
Disclaimer: These recommendations are for mild seasonal allergy symptoms, not severe life threatening allergy symptoms like shortness of breath, hives or severe swelling.
There are many over the counter medications to treat allergy symptoms. Read on for some tips on allergy treatment savings.
1. Avoid combination products
Same as my advice on cold and flu medications, there are plenty of allergy products on the market with more than one ingredient. Watch out for phenylephrine on any product promoted for allergy and sinus relief. Do not buy any product with phenylephrine listed as an ingredient.
2. Choose the right allergy product for your symptoms
Allergy symptoms and treatment options include:
Runny/Itchy nose – Oral or nasal antihistamine, nasal steroid
Sneezing – Oral or nasal antihistamine, nasal steroid
Itchy watery eyes – Oral antihistamine, antihistamine eye drop
Disclaimer: Always read the safety information on all over the counter medications. Follow the manufacturer recommended dosing. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any over the counter medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health conditions, allergies or are taking and medications.
The first step is to try the lowest cost option of the non sedating oral antihistamine options: (take only one)
If you still have nasal symptoms, then the next step is to add one nasal steroid . Start with the lowest cost option: (these will take a week or two of daily use to show a benefit)
I always choose generic medications for tablets and capsules. It’s okay to try generic flavored oral liquids and chew tabs, but sometimes I choose brands in those cases due to better flavor. Generic nasal sprays are worth a try, but sometimes I opt for brand name if the generic stings more.
4. Use your HSA account if possible to pay for allergy medications.
You may be able to use your HSA to pay for chronic medications for allergy symptoms, but you may need a prescription from your doctor even though these meds due not require a prescription. Just in case, ask your doctor for a prescription at your annual check-up. It will save you money if you can use tax free dollars in your HSA account to pay for OTC medications.
How to save money on OTC insomnia medications
Disclaimer: Always read the safety information on all over the counter medications. Follow the manufacturer recommended dosing. Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any over the counter medication if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have any health conditions, allergies or are taking and medications.
There are plenty of over the counter options to help with occasional insomnia. The marketing for this indication is very effective in persuading consumers to overspend on very inexpensive medications.
1. Avoid combination products for insomnia
I probably sound like a broken record by now, but there is nothing more frustrating than watching people get sucked into spending more money just to get an advertised brand name medication with extra ingredients they don’t need.
Example:
Advil PM – Current price ~ 52 cents per dose – or take the individual similar ingredients: diphenhydramine 25mg tablets ~4 cents/dose + ibuprofen (if you have pain or fever in addition to your insomnia) ~4 cents/dose.
2. Buy generic medications for insomnia.
Cost saving examples:
ZzzQuil 25mg tablets – Current price ~ 55 cents/dose or you could choose generic (same ingredient) diphenhydramine 25mg tablets ~4 cents/dose.
ZzzQuil Ultra 25mg tablets – Current price ~ 35 cents/dose or you could choose generic (same ingredient) Doxylamine 25mg tablets ~ 7 cents/dose.
As an amazon associate, I earn on qualified purchases.
Are you getting bored with your current selection of family games? Here is a perfect way to spice up an old favorite! Spicy Uno is a fun family or party game using a regular deck of Uno cards. It would be best to have 2 decks of UNO cards, especially if you are playing with more than 3 people. You can still play spicy UNO with only one deck, but you will have to pause to shuffle at least once. You can’t even shuffle the cards when it is not your turn, because in Spicy UNO, it is always your turn! If you don’t enjoy shuffling you might want to invest in a card shuffler! Read on to find out more.
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How to set up Spicy UNO:
Thoroughly shuffle the UNO deck or both decks and deal each player 7 cards then place one card face up on the discard pile. The basic play is the same as the standard UNO game, follow color or number. You must say “UNO” when you have one card left, or you will be required to pick up 2 cards. Decide who will play first. The object of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all of your cards.
Rules for Spicy UNO:
0 – If you play a zero, you must trade hands with another player. This is not optional.
5 – If anyone plays a 5, all players must slap the table. Last player to slap the table must draw 2 cards. It pays to be loud and noticeable here!
7 – If someone plays a 7, all players must remain silent (except for laughing, because laughter is fun) until another 7 is played. If you go down to one card during silence you must hold up one finger to indicate UNO instead of saying “UNO”. To choose a color if you play a wild during silence you must point to your desired color. If during silence, rules must be clarified, you must raise your hand before speaking.
Draw 2 – If you play a draw 2, the next player must draw 2 (if they draw 2 their turn is over), unless they can also play a draw 2, then the next player has to draw 4, unless they can play a draw 2, then the next player must draw 6. This continues until someone has to draw the accumulated number of cards.
Draw 4 – Same rules as the draw 2.
If you cannot play a card, you must draw cards until you are able to play.
If a player has to draw because they cannot play, any player can offer them a playable card face down. The player who cannot play can choose to accept the offered card or decline and draw instead.
If you have a card that is the exact same as a card played (examples: someone plays a red 3 and you have a red 3, or someone plays a yellow skip and you have a yellow skip) you can play it at any time even if it is not your turn. You have to play the identical card before the next player plays their card. If you are able to play your identical card first then you will have effectively changed the turn to your turn and the player after you will go next. You can play 2 cards at the same time if you have 2 identical cards in your hand. If both cards are fives, everyone must slap the table twice.
Spicy UNO Strategy
If possible, don’t play a zero when your hand is the smallest.
Hold onto your draw 2 and draw 4 cards until they are the only playable cards in your hand. These cards will defend you incase someone else plays one.
Offer a playable zero to someone who cannot play because they will have to trade their hand. If the player after the player who has to draw has UNO, offer the player who has to draw a playable draw 2 or draw 4 card.
Always pay attention, even when it is not your turn so you do not miss a 5 or 7 card.
If you like Spicy Uno, You might like:
If you like the fast paced paced games, where its always your turn, try these:
