tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65515054784606582722011-03-22T18:57:14.347-07:00budgetlandSometimes I feel like I've been sentenced to life on a budget, due to the economy, an underemployed hubby and the desire to stay at home with my miracle baby. And so this blog contains my very best tips for: shopping on a budget, traveling on a budget, crafting on a budget, parenting on a budget, dressing on a budget, cooking on a budget, entertaining on a budget, eating on a budget and much, much more!Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-79559947455652350462011-03-22T08:53:00.001-07:002011-03-22T16:30:32.212-07:002011-03-22T16:30:32.212-07:00How to Host a Successful Easter Sunday Brunch on a Budget<span style="font-size:130%;">This year I've been nominated to host the Easter holiday for my family members and some close friends. Always on a budget, I've decided to forgo the traditional menu of ham or turkey and prepare a scrumptious spring brunch. My Easter menu will consist of champagne mimosas, fruit smoothies, egg dishes and a delectable French toast casserole. Most of the ingredients for the delicious French toast casserole can be purchased for under $10 especially if you shop at a discount grocery store like Aldi. And here is the super simple, easy on the budget French toast casserole recipe that can even be prepared a day in advance:<br /></span><ul><br /><li>Cut a loaf of Hawaiian Bread into one inch cubes.</li><br /><li>Place the bread in a greased 9 by 13 pan.</li><br /><li>Beat together 8 eggs, 3 cups of milk, 4 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of vanilla and 3/4 of a teaspoon of salt.</li><br /><li>Pour the mixture over the bread and cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.</li><br /><li>Take out of fridge 30 minutes before baking and dot with 2 tablespoons of cubed butter.</li><br /><li>Mix 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and sprinkle over the bread.</li><br /><li>Cover with foil and bake for 45 to 50 minutes at 350 degrees.</li><br /><li>Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.</li><br /><li>Serve with maple syrup.</li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-7955994745565235046?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-80615824145745845762010-02-22T08:01:00.001-08:002011-03-21T13:29:00.962-07:002011-03-21T13:29:00.962-07:00<img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2Njg1NDQ2MzI1MCZwdD*xMjY2ODU*NTExNDIxJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1lZDcwZjBjMzEyZmE*/ODkwOWM3NWYwZTA*MTVlNTk2MCZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1594187/easter_egg_decorating_ideas_think_outside.html"><b>Easter Egg Decorating Ideas: Think Outside of the Egg</b></a><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">Add flair to your Easter egg creations by using buttons, ribbon, glitter and more.<br /></span><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1594187/easter_egg_decorating_ideas_think_outside.html">Read More</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-8061582414574584576?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-21823663828087079932010-02-22T07:53:00.001-08:002010-02-22T07:53:24.104-08:002010-02-22T07:53:24.104-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2Njg1Mzk4MTA3OCZwdD*xMjY2ODU*MDAwNDM3JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1lZDcwZjBjMzEyZmE*/ODkwOWM3NWYwZTA*MTVlNTk2MCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2045835/the_spring_valley_nature_center_and.html"><b>The Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm in Schaumburg, Illinois</b></a><br>The Spring Valley Nature Center and Volkening Heritage Farm is owned by the Schaumburg Park District and offers visitors a free lesson in history.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2045835/the_spring_valley_nature_center_and.html">Read More</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-2182366382808707993?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-55982961354234896712010-02-22T07:52:00.001-08:002010-02-22T07:52:36.501-08:002010-02-22T07:52:36.501-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2Njg1Mzg5NDI5NiZwdD*xMjY2ODUzOTUyNzAzJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1lZDcwZjBjMzEyZmE*/ODkwOWM3NWYwZTA*MTVlNTk2MCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2659475/choosing_the_right_hotel_in_key_west.html"><b>Choosing the Right Hotel in Key West, Florida</b></a><br>The key to finding great accomodations in Key West, Florida is to identify your travel needs, establish your budget and do your homework!<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2659475/choosing_the_right_hotel_in_key_west.html">Read More</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-5598296135423489671?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-47318619302893596692010-02-22T07:50:00.001-08:002010-02-22T07:50:44.259-08:002010-02-22T07:50:44.259-08:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI2Njg1MzgxNzAwMCZwdD*xMjY2ODUzODQwNzAzJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz1lZDcwZjBjMzEyZmE*/ODkwOWM3NWYwZTA*MTVlNTk2MCZvZj*w.gif" /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2259829/a_travelers_guide_to_port_washington.html"><b>A Traveler's Guide to Port Washington, Wisconsin</b></a><br>Port Washington is a precious lakeside gem located in Wisconsin, just 20 minutes from Milwaukee.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2259829/a_travelers_guide_to_port_washington.html">Read More</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-4731861930289359669?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-57090105892005734282009-10-22T11:52:00.001-07:002009-10-23T08:10:48.583-07:002009-10-23T08:10:48.583-07:00<img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NjIzNzUxODU5MyZwdD*xMjU2MjM3NTQ3NjU2JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*4OGM3MGM4NGNhNzI*ZTZkYmEwZDliOWRhNDUwMTU1MCZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /><b>The Kate Gosselin Homemade Halloween Costume</b><br />With some toy baby dolls and creative hairstyling, the Kate Gosselin Halloween costume is not only hysterical but economical, too.<br /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2107083/the_kate_gosselin_homemade_halloween.html?cat=74">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2107083/the_kate_gosselin_homemade_halloween.html?cat=74</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-5709010589200573428?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-4528423963812141212009-10-22T11:51:00.001-07:002009-10-23T08:04:54.520-07:002009-10-23T08:04:54.520-07:00<img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NjIzNzQ1Njk1MyZwdD*xMjU2MjM3NDc3MzI4JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*4OGM3MGM4NGNhNzI*ZTZkYmEwZDliOWRhNDUwMTU1MCZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /><b>Funny Halloween Costume Ideas for Men</b><br />Billy Mays and Michael Jackson make hysterical Halloween costumes this year.<br />/<a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2239933/funny_halloween_costume_ideas_for_men.html?cat=74">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2239933/funny_halloween_costume_ideas_for_men.html?cat=74</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-452842396381214121?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-61782098679777923502009-10-22T11:50:00.001-07:002009-10-23T08:12:20.905-07:002009-10-23T08:12:20.905-07:00<img style="WIDTH: 0px; HEIGHT: 0px; VISIBILITY: hidden" border="0" src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NjIzNzQxMTAzMSZwdD*xMjU2MjM3NDMxNTYyJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*4OGM3MGM4NGNhNzI*ZTZkYmEwZDliOWRhNDUwMTU1MCZvZj*w.gif" width="0" height="0" /><b>3 Hilarious Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas for Women</b><br />Blond wigs, syringes and tattoos are just a few props you will need for these hysterical Halloween costumes.<br /><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2211435/3_hilarious_homemade_halloween_costume.html?cat=74">http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2211435/3_hilarious_homemade_halloween_costume.html?cat=74</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-6178209867977792350?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-52022519146476755742009-10-22T11:49:00.001-07:002009-10-22T11:49:32.987-07:002009-10-22T11:49:32.987-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NjIzNzI3MTczNCZwdD*xMjU2MjM3MzYzNDY4JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*4OGM3MGM4NGNhNzI*ZTZkYmEwZDliOWRhNDUwMTU1MCZvZj*w.gif" /><b>Excellent Homemade Halloween Costume Ideas</b><br> I love Halloween and consider myself an expert at creating wacky and fun costumes like: Kramer, Cousin It and Paris Hilton.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/">http://www.associatedcontent.com</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-5202251914647675574?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-28628774526535118222009-10-22T11:40:00.000-07:002009-10-23T08:05:50.152-07:002009-10-23T08:05:50.152-07:00Well, it's official, I have become one of "those" people. And by "those" people, I mean individuals, like myself, who proudly proclaim that Halloween is their favorite holiday!<br /><br />I simply cannot help myself. I love everything about Halloween, from the costumes to the candy corn. And in our family, we have a huge Halloween party every year, so I literally spend months perfecting my costume.<br /><br />Maybe it's because as a child we were forced by our mom to wear plasticized costumes from the corner dime store. Or maybe it's because I am just a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">ghoulish</span> freak! All I know, is that Halloween is by far my favorite holiday!<br /><br />Please peruse through the above articles for hilarious costume ideas, some of which I, myself, have worn throughout the years.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-2862877452653511822?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-85717941213833413612009-10-16T08:54:00.001-07:002009-10-16T08:54:40.047-07:002009-10-16T08:54:40.047-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NTcwODQzNzUwMCZwdD*xMjU1NzA4NDY4ODEyJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz**YTNiOGViODJjMzE*MjhkODUzNjkxNzA5MzY1NmRhOSZvZj*w.gif" /><b>Two Super Easy Halloween Cupcake Recipes</b><br>You don't have to be a professional pastry chef to create these adorable Halloween cupcakes.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2227027/two_super_easy_halloween_cupcake_recipes.html">http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2227027/two_super_easy_halloween_cupcake_recipes.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-8571794121383341361?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-24447266025086222052009-10-06T12:00:00.001-07:002009-10-06T12:00:53.237-07:002009-10-06T12:00:53.237-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NDg1NTYyNzU5MyZwdD*xMjU*ODU1NjUxMzkwJnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*xOGI1ZTkwMGFlYTE*MGMwYTJkZDk2OTY1MzVmMzg3YSZvZj*w.gif" /><b>Enjoy an Autumn Escape at the Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa in Galena, Illinois</b><br>The Eagle Ridge Resort and Spa offers everything from golf, to horse back riding to hot air balloon flights.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/388293/enjoy_an_autumn_escape_at_the_eagle.html">http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/388293/enjoy_an_autumn_escape_at_the_eagle.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-2444726602508622205?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-38004910440970000492009-10-06T11:59:00.001-07:002009-10-06T11:59:09.360-07:002009-10-06T11:59:09.360-07:00<img style="visibility:hidden;width:0px;height:0px;" border=0 width=0 height=0 src="http://counters.gigya.com/wildfire/IMP/CXNID=2000002.0NXC/bHQ9MTI1NDg1NTUwNTcxOCZwdD*xMjU*ODU1NTM5NzE4JnA9NDExODYxJmQ9Jm49YmxvZ2dlciZnPTEmbz*xOGI1ZTkwMGFlYTE*MGMwYTJkZDk2OTY1MzVmMzg3YSZvZj*w.gif" /><b>Celebrate Fall at the Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois</b><br>From s'mores and bonfires to hayrides and scarecrows, Pheasant Run is the ideal locale to embrace autumn.<br><a href="http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2165163/celebrate_fall_at_the_pheasant_run.html">http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/2165163/celebrate_fall_at_the_pheasant_run.html</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-3800491044097000049?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-46533221061628519562009-10-06T11:57:00.001-07:002009-10-06T11:57:33.019-07:002009-10-06T11:57:33.019-07:00My husband always says “if you don’t like the weather in Chicago, wait a few minutes, it’s bound to change!” Well, it’s changing alright. Fall has arrived and winter is gently tapping at the back door. If you’ve lived in Chicago as long as we have, you know by now to just embrace the fall season and all of its colorful glory. For it is short and sweet and it only leads to winter.<br /><br />But let’s not even go there yet! Let’s walk outside, take a deep cleansing breath of fresh, crisp air and plunge into autumn as though it were a pile of soft burgundy leaves. Let’s go apple picking, trick or treating, horseback riding and hiking. Let’s drink hot cider, eat caramel apples and go for a hayride through a pumpkin patch. Let’s make scarecrows, bake pies and sew our own Halloween costumes.<br /><br />Because fall truly is a wondrous time and after all........it only leads to winter........<br /><br />The above articles showcase my love for autumn and how to embrace this time of year with a plethora of fall activities for the whole family to enjoy!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-4653322106162851956?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6551505478460658272.post-6431387158578155762009-09-18T15:16:00.001-07:002009-09-18T15:27:42.804-07:002009-09-18T15:27:42.804-07:00A few years back, I was a guest at a glorious autumn wedding set amongst a spectrum of fall colors on a crisp September evening. The event took place in the large yard adjacent to my childhood home. And the bride incorporated wonderful aspects of nature into her special day. From table settings to favors, the great outdoors was a grand theme!<br /><br />Planning a wedding is always a challenge but especially in today's dismal economy. I had my wedding back in the Clinton era before this horrendous recession, but like always, I was still on a budget. Doing things yourself like making your own invitations, centerpieces, favors and more can be great money savers. And with a little brainstorming and creativity anyone can tackle these projects.<br /><br />The above articles share lovely wedding day stories and decorating tips on a budget and also some great, economical centerpiece ideas that you can use in your own home this fall season!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6551505478460658272-643138715857815576?l=nicbrz.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nicolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02181068156783055617noreply@blogger.com0