*Disclosure: We received some of the product(s) discussed in this post free of charge. Thoughts and opinions are 100% ours. Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

We try every day to be more and more self-conscious about our purchases, supporting both small businesses, the US economy, as well as the environment. It’s a decision to live this way and we’re happy with it.  We’ve decided to include a holiday gift guide for the family that includes 5 Made in the USA gifts and 6 Green or Eco-friendly Gifts, some also made in the USA.  We hope this gives you some inspiration yourself.  Gifts range from $12-550, so we’ve included a range for everyone.

MADE IN USA, from left to right: 

1. Fiestaware 11-Piece Cutlery Set with Block –  Beautiful set of 8 knives, a pair of scissors, sharpener, and block featuring high carbon stainless steel with a brushed finish. Dishwasher safe and comes with a 25 year limited warranty.

2.  Giant Slinky – Same fun silver color that you remember as a child, but larger than the original, allowing for farther stretching, higher flipping, and still able to walk down steps! Recommended for ages 5+. Retails for $11.99.

3.  Vitamix 5200 Series Blender – One of the best blenders on the market and worth the cost.  2 peak horsepower motor, 120 volt, and 11.5 amps. Comes with hide-away safety cord, radial cooling fan, and accelerator tool to help process thick mixtures. Retails for $549.99.  Currently on Amazon for $499.99 (price subject to change).

4.  Step2 Flip and Doodle Desk with Stool Easel – This is perfect for arts and crafts!  It can be an upright easel or fold down into a desktop. Features a magnetic dry-erase board, trays for markers, crayons, and more, cup holder, and comes with a stool. Also has rear storage area for craft supplies, books, and has two large and two small bins. Recommended for ages 2-8. Retails for $77.99.  Currently on Amazon for $51.71 (price subject to change).

Green & Eco-friendly Gifts, from left to right:

1.  Arbor Collective Snowboard .  This street-specific rocker board is for riders who focus in parks and urban jibs. Built from 100% FSC Certified, sustainably produced poplar and recycled steel. Rider weight suggested 120lb-200lb.  Retails for $399.99.  Currently on sale for $180.  (Limited quantities and price subject to change.)

2.  Easy Affordable Raw: How to Go Raw on $10 a day.  Eating healthier doesn’t have to break the bank.  This book helps you get starting with eating more raw foods with things like How to Organize your Kitchen, what ingredients to buy, and more. Common questions about nutrition, protein, and energy are answered, and includes more than 100 recipes.  Retails for $24.99 for print.  Currently available for $11.99 on Kindle (subject to change). 

3.  Wee Can Too Original Natural Finger paint Set of 5 – The perfect set of fingerpaints for exploring toddlers. Not only are they non-toxic and naturally safe, but they are edible.  Made with plant based organic ingredients, they are also vegan and wheat, sugar, and dairy free.  Made in the USA and comes in 5 great colors: Purple/Blue, Red/Pink, Orange, Yellow, Green. Must be refrigerated. Recommended ages 3 and up. Retails for $34.99

4.  CitiBlocs 200-Pieces Set – Open ended educational toys made from certified renewable forests in New Zealand. 200 pieces of building blocks in natural wood colors. Teaches use of gravity, balance, and imagination.  Recommended for ages 3 and up. Retails for $39.99.

5.  Motherlove Nurturing Life Gift Box  – Babies don’t need much, so give a gift that helps mom and baby! Comes beautifully packaged in a recyclable box with products that are cruelty free, and made in USA. Comes with a T-shirt that is 100% certified organic cotton and sweet shop free.  Products include pregnant belly salve, nipple cream, birth & baby oil, sitz bath spray, diaper rash and thrush cream, and a tote bag. Retails for $51.69.

*Disclosure: We have received some of these product(s) at events throughout the year. Thoughts and opinions are 100% ours. Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

In my opinion, older children are so hard to buy for at any time of the year.  However, I despise giving giftcards because I think it takes the excitement out of opening a gift.  I’ve put together 15 gifts that you can purchase for boys or girls in the 6 and up crowd!  Gifts range from $10-$320, so there’s something within everyone’s price range! I hope this list helps you!

Click on the stars in the image above or the links below for more information about the items and purchasing.

Clockwise from left to right:

1. Nerf Combat Creatures TerraDrone – Everyone loves Nerf no matter the age, but the TerraDrone takes it to the next level.  Remote-controlled dart shooter that can robot fire up to 45 feet away!  The head rotates 360 degrees, moves up and down, and has an adjustable blast angle.  Comes with 12 Elite Darts.  More darts sold separately.  Recommended for ages 8 and up.   Retails for $59.99.  Currently $43 on Amazon, subject to change.

2. Spaghetti Headz  – The original hair twist made from eco-friendly polymer clay.  Package of three includes 3 different colors 9 in twists and 3 charms.  Ability to cut to size for shorter hair and stays in places even for most active wearers.  Great stocking stuffer! Retails for $13.99 for the 3 pack.

3. Disney INFINITY: Marvel Super Heroes (2.0 Edition) Video Game Starter Pack – In this video game series, players get to use real-world Marvel figures in the virtual game world.  Players can take on more than 20 different Marvel characters.  Available for XBOX 360, XBOX One, Playstation 3 or 4, or Nintendo Wii U.  Prices vary from $74.99-99.99 depending on system and set selection. Other Sets Available here.

4. Beados Quick Dry Design Station – Remember those beads and trays we grew up with?  You got all the beads perfect, started to iron with an actual iron, then slipped and all the beads fell off?  Well, this is the all new and improved version!  It’s an all-in-one station for you to make, spray, and dry all your designs with a quick dry fan.  Comes with a design tray, scoop pen, and 500 Beados.  What will your little one create? Recommended 4-15+. Kit retails for $24.99.

5. Tinker Crate – Want to give the gift that keeps giving?  Get them Tinker Crate!  This is a subscription based gift that they will receive every month.  Tinker Crate inspires kids to get excited about science, engineering, and technology.  They are sent a new crate with tinkering in mind to creative a project that will enable them to be creative and use problem solving skills. Use code Holiday25 for 25% off your first month. It’s $20/month for a 3 month subscription or $110 for 6 months ($10 savings).  Recommended age 9-14.

6. Deluxe Roominate.  As seen on Shark Tank!  These kits are designed for girls and early exposure to STEM with hands-on problem solving. Ability to purchase multiple kits to design your own structures with imagination or use the guide to build the one on the box. Circuit building creates realistic creations with lots of re-play value.  Recommended 6-12.  Sets range from $19.99-49.99.  Multiple Sets Available

7. Thames & Kosmos Crystal Growing.  We loves Thames & Kosmos.  Getting children excited and digging into all things science.  With this crystal growing set you get to mold fun plaster shapes like stars and dolphins into crystal creations.  Learn about structures and geometries of different crystal shapes.  Comes with 32 page experiment manual guide in crystal chemistry and earth science. Recommended 10-15.  Retails for $39.95. Tons of additional Sets available.ranging between $14.95-49.95.

8. Skylanders Trap Team Starter Pack – You can build the Ultimate Trap Team with over 60 Skylanders to collect and 40 villains to capture merging this virtual and real world game together.  Sticker sheets include secret codes for more fun and use the poster to track your collection. Available for XBOX 360, XBOX One, Playstation 3 or 4, or Nintendo Wii , Wii, U, 3DS, and Tablet.  Prices vary from $64.99-99.99 depending on system and set selection.  Currently on sale on Amazon for as low as $39.95. Additional Sets Sold Separately 

9. Razor Crazy Cart.  The ultimate in go-cart fun! You can drive, spin, or drift just like the pros. Features a drift bar allowing for 360 degree plus steering ability.  Reaches up to 12 mph, 40 minutes of continuous use. Includes lap/shoulder belt, strap, flag, and 24V rechargeable battery with charger. Supports up to 140 pounds. Recommended for ages 9+. Retails for $399.99.  Currently available on Amazon for $319.99 (price subject to change).

10. Goldie Blox Action Figure with Zipline. Goldie Blox is brings action figures to girlhood. Designed for action, this construction kit teaches kids how to build a zipline and send their action figure soaring. Kids learn about spatial skills, engineering, and problem solving.  Recommended for ages 6+. Retails for $24.99.

11. K’nex 70 Model Building Set, 13419, 705 piece. This awesome kit includes 705 different pieces which is enough to build a hot air balloon, boat, truck, sand castle, and more! Over 70 different building ideas with this many pieces! Inspire imagination! Made in the USA.Recommended 7-15. Retails for $44.99.

12. Minecraft Animal Toy (6-Pack) – Another way of bringing real world and virtual gaming together.  The Animal Pack includes a Chicken, Ocelot, Tame Wolf, Pig, Sheep, and Cow. Recommended Age 4-15.  Retail price for this set is $23.99. Additional Sets Available for as low as $10.  *Game sold separately

13. DohVinci Flower Tower Picture Frame Kit – Play-Doh takes on older children. Gives children ability to design in 3D with modeling compound + tools in the kit. Each kit includes frame, 4 different, vibrant colors, design tip, add-on pieces, and inspiration guide.   Recommended for 6+. Retails for $12.99.  Additional sets available. See More Sets Here.

14. POOF-Slinky Sno-Man Kit – The ultimate winter fun activity! Gives children the ability to decorate and color their snowman!  Kit includes 3 Sno-Market bottles, 3 Sno-Marker color packs, plastic top hat, plastic carrot nose, and 6 each red and blue buttons.  Watch the creativity come out and have the most colorful snowman on the block! Recommended for ages 5+.  Retails for $19.99.  Currently on Amazon for $14.44.

15. Charm It! – Customized charm bracelets for tweens/teens.  Multiple color bracelets and hundreds of charms available for purchase.  Bracelets range $7-16, Charms start at $6.  Necklaces and Gift Sets also available. Products are also Available on Amazon for a slightly higher price than the website.  You can read our full review here.

*Disclosure: Some of the products discussed in this post were received free of charge. Thoughts and opinions are 100% ours. Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

Dads are hard to buy for, let’s face it! Andrew is the worst, I swear.  He’s so picky about what should be considered a gift or not, but after more than 6 years together, I’ve gotten pretty used to what he likes or not.  Thankfully, he actually helped me put this list together, so rest assured these are all dad approved gifts! These gifts range from $6.95-299.95, so there’s something within everyone’s budget.

Clockwise from the top:

1. Daddy & Co Tumbler – We love Daddy & Co.  We probably have 75% of their website at this point.  It all started with their signature daddy scrubs that Andrew wore when Skibbles was being born and now Andrew loves everything “I’m The Daddy”.  One thing he doesn’t have is this 15oz double walled acrylic tumbler that can be customized by the little ones for the perfect personalized gift. Andrew said this would be perfect since he takes a drink with him every morning and he would love seeing designs by his little girl.  Inserts can be printed for new designs.  Retails for $9.95, but right now is just $6.95.

2.  JAM Classic Bluetooth Wireless Speaker – Perfect for the garage or small workspace.  This compact 2 1/2″ x 2 1/2″ speaker can be used wirelessly and heard up to 30 feet away.  Works with all Bluetooth devices: smart phones, tablets, and more.  Rechargeable for up to 4 full hours of play.  6 different color options: Blue, Purple, Black, Gray, Red, and Green. Retails for $49.99 but currently $26.95 on Amazon (price subject to change).

3.  resqme The Original Keychain Car Escape Tool – Andrew mentioned one day that he’s always terrified of being stuck in an accident and not being able to get us, especially the baby out of the car. The ResQMe is a seat belt cutter and car window breaker that is compact, lightweight and powerful. This compact tool is a great stocking stuffing for everyone. Comes in yellow, black, red, orange, pink, green, fuscia, and blue. Retails for $19.95 for 2 tools.

4. Cuisinart 14-Piece Deluxe Stainless-Steel Grill Set – Since moving in our house, the grill is used regularly with no plans to put it away for the winter.  This awesome set includes a chef’s spatula, grill tongs, basting brush, 4 pairs of corn holders, cleaning brush with extra head, and so much more, all inside a beautiful aluminum storage case. Retails for $49.99.

5.  Sky Viper Camera Drone – What guy doesn’t love gadgets!? This is the ultimate gadget. Remote controlled drone allows for photos and videos to be taken as high as 100 feet in the air. Holds up to 30 minutes of 640 x 480 resolution video or approximately 25,000 pictures. Included media cable allows for easy sharing of videos and photos. Also able to do stunts and barrel rolls while recording. Retails for $144.

6. Beats Studio Over-Ear Headphones – Whether focusing on something, working out, and just wanting to drown out my complaining, Andrew loves his Beats Headphones.  While they are pricey, he says they are the best headphones he’s ever had. Their design allows for enhanced fit, distributed weight, and comfort. Two modes of noise canceling, and 20-hour rechargeable battery. Comes in hard shell carrying case with a cleaning cloth. 10 different color options. Retails $299.99, but currently $254 on Amazon (price subject to change).

7.  Mr. Beer Premium Gold Edition Home Brewing Craft Beer Making Kit– Andrew doesn’t drink, but both of our contributors hubby’s approved this gift.  It includes 2-gallon fermenting keg with lid and tap assembly, two refill brew packs, and 11 reusable plastic bottles, caps, and labels.  Retails for $59.99

8.  Rockwell VersaCut Circular Saw – Tools.  They are on every dad’s list, but hard to pick which one.  We love the Rockwell brand for their durability and affordable price.  The VersaCut is a powerful and multi-functional, yet compact circular saw that is able to cut through wood, flooring, plastic, ceramic tile, slate, aluminum, and sheet metal. Weighs just 4 pounds and has a 2 year limited warranty. Retails for $149.99 but currently $89 on Amazon (price subject to change).

I have a love/hate relationship with Pinterest. It is my go to when looking for gifts for family members. With the holiday season coming up I wanted to do something crafty and fun with my toddler. Any project with a handprint or footprint is always a hit with the grandparents….. but have you ever tried to wrangle an octopus? That’s pretty much what it is like when trying to neatly do the handprint of an active, 2 year old boy. The handprint Christmas tree was the perfect project but there was no way I could get my little one to sit still long enough to paint and repaint his hand 10 times! No way, no how, not happening. I needed to come up with an alternative method.

I decided I would trace his handprint onto paper and use that to make a template. I gathered a few items I thought might transfer the paint well onto the canvas…a buffer pad from my floor machine, a large sponge, and a piece of packing foam. After trial and error the sponge seemed to work the best.

I loved this project because I already had all of the supplies needed. There was no running to the store for some crazy thing. Gather up a large canvas (I used 16×20), brown paint, green paint, paintbrushes, cardboard, large sponge, and aluminum foil.

First, trace your little ones hand the best you can on paper or cardboard. Cut out the handprint and trace it onto a large sponge. I used a sponge that we had in the garage for washing the cars. Carefully cut out the handprint making sure to trim any imperfections. These little imperfections will show up on your canvas.

Next, you are going to want to paint the stump of the tree. I wanted my little one to be involved as much as possible so we did some hand over hand painting. He had a blast! Once the stump is painted and dry the real fun begins!

Take your sponge handprint and dip it in your green paint. You want to make sure its well­ covered but not dripping with paint. With my toddler’s help we sponged 4 hands across the bottom of the canvas. Reapply the paint as needed. I found I could do 2 hand prints with one coating of paint. Continue to do each row until you reach the top of your canvas. Remember to leave enough room for the star!

Finally, while the handprints are drying, you will make your tree topper. I chose a shiny, silver star. Following my idea of only wanting to use materials I had on hand this is where the cardboard and aluminum foil came in. I freehand drew a star, about 3.5 inches, on the cardboard. I then covered the star with aluminum foil. This took some manipulating and trial and error so as to fully cover the star. Attach the star to the top of the tree using some glue and you are all set! A simple, heartfelt piece of artwork that you can look back upon and say “look how tiny you were!”

There are so many variations to this simple art piece you could do. Dad’s hands could be row one, Mom’s row two, toddler’s row 3 and a newborn baby handprint at the top of the tree…how cute would that be? I know when my toddler was a newborn I tried time and again to do handprints and footprints. Why didn’t I think of tracing and using a sponge 2 years ago? I blame sleep deprivation. Quick, gather up your supplies and make Grandmom and Grandpop a little gift that they will be sure to cherish!

About the Author:  Lori resides in South Jersey, just outside of Philadelphia, with her husband of three years and a 2-year-old son.  They are a semi-crunchy family that cloth diapers, breastfeeds, and babywears. 

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Thanks for linking up!  By linking up with us you are opting in to our weekly email reminder for this hop and giving us permission to use an image from your blog if chosen for our weekly featured posts.  We will always link back to your post when we use your image when we feature you! Be sure to say “hi” if it’s your first time linking up! Link up your Holiday Kids Craft Challenge entry posts here: If you don’t have a post to enter the contest you can sill link up!  Link up your non holiday craft challenge posts here!

*Disclosure: Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

Want to know the way to Andrew’s heart?  Cookies.  Specifically, chocolate chip cookies.  Even more specifically, my triple chocolate chip cookies. I have to agree that I wasn’t a fan of chocolate chip cookies before we got together.  Some family and friends even said before that I was un-American for not liking chocolate chip cookies, but hey, it was what it was, and now the good news is since I started making this recipe for him, I’m actually a fan.  See everyone wins!

In addition to the perfect batter, the key here is the triple whammy of chocolate chips.  I use a trio for the perfect combination of taste that everyone is sure to love.

Ingredients: 
2 cups All Purpose Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp salt
1 cup butter, softened (NOT MELTED)
3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Organic Sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
2 eggs
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips
1/2 cup Cacao Chocolate Chips
*We use Ghirardelli or Enjoy Life Chocolate Chips for our recipes

Directions: 
Preheat your oven to 375 degree F.  In a small bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt and set to the side In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter with the white and brown sugar until well combined.  Add vanilla and combine.  Then add eggs, one at a time, and mix until everything is combined well.  Slowly add flour mixture to the butter mixture making sure to get all the flour combined together.  Carefully fold in the chocolate chips.  Place spoonfuls of batter onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake 8-12 minutes depending on your oven.

We’ve teamed up with our friend Momma Lew and some of our other blogger buddies to have a Holiday Cookie Swap Party! And you are all invited! Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the cookies that each blogger has prepared for you!

When you are finished enjoying your cookies, we have a great giveaway for you to enter! One lucky reader will win a prize of $100 PayPal Cash to help with your holiday shopping!

This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents, 18+ and one entry per household. Giveaway will end on 12/15 at 11:59pm EST.

*Disclosure: Affiliate links may be contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

We work with some of the top companies in the retail space so we know about the best deals to share with you as soon as they become available.  In the new year, we will be sharing with you more of the specials as we learn about them more frequently.  With most of fans, admitting that they will make at least one purchase on-line this holiday season, we wanted to take the time to put together a list of our affiliate programs.  


By clicking on any of the links below, you will be taken to that site like you normally would be if you went there on your own.  The only difference is that if you make a purchase, the company gives us a small commission (typically 2-10% of your total sale).  This commission goes to paying for running our site and continuing to bring you the best material we can offer. 

We want to thank each and every one of you that chooses to purchase through one of our links any day that you do.  

If you are doing any on-line shopping, you should always been signed up with both Ebates and Shop at Home.  It’s a free service to use! And you get cash back after you purchase through them!  You can learn more about them both HERE.

Sign up for Ebates by clicking HERE.
Sign up for Shop At Home by clicking HERE.

Amazon
-Millions of everyday items all in one place – Free Shipping on most orders over $35

BorrowLenses
-Rent, Shoot, Return Cameras

CityPass
-Save up to 49% off city attractions near you when attractions are combined together

Daddy & Co (formerly Daddy Scrubs)
-The best gifts for dads all in one place including the original “Daddy Scrubs”

Doodle Crate
– Subscription based crates for ages 9-16

Earth Mama Angel Baby
-Naturally inspired products for mom and baby like lotions, baby wash, nipple cream, and more.

Groupon
-Deep discounts from this deal-of-the-day website for local and national companies

Kiwi Create
– Subscription based crates for ages 4-8

Koala Crate
– Subscription based crates for ages 3-4

Pink Lemonade Shop
-The best mama cloth and reusable feminine hygiene products available

Shutterfly
-Custom personalized photo gifts

Sophia’s Style Boutique
-Adorable Boutique style clothing offered at great prices

Treat
-Personalized greeting cards and gifts

Tropical Traditions
-Organic Coconut Oil, Other Natural Foods, and Products

Walmart.com

Wedding Paper Divas

Zulily
-Flash sales for mom, kids, and baby with discounts up to 70% off retail

Thank you again for using any of the above links to shop like you normally would.  We appreciate you helping us continue to run our business.  Let me know if you use a link so I can personally thank you! Have a great day!

*Disclosure: Affiliate links contained in this post. We receive a small commission for purchases and thank you for helping us continue to run our site.

If you haven’t seen Frozen yet, you may be living under a rock.  Either way though, these are going to be some of the hottest items available for the holiday season this year. What does that mean?? It simply means that more people are going to want these items over others and therefore the potential to sell out is much higher.  If you are set on having one over the other, you should definitely pick it up sooner than later!
**Please note that not all of these items are currently available.  Some may sell out and restock during the week, while others will not restock.  Since we don’t work directly for retailers, we do not know if a product will be restocked or not. 

      Amazon

Amazon – Elsa Doll or Anna Doll

Amazon

This is an expandable 2-in-1 doll play set that opens up to feature both the beautiful mansion from Arendelle, as well as Elsa’s ice palace. In the mansion, Anna can take the staircase upstairs to get ready at her vanity that is complete with both a chair and perfume bottle, while in Elsa’s ice palace, there’s an icy throne with a spot to rest her scepter and her own vanity that doubles as a bed. Dolls sold separately. Recommended ages 3+

**Amazon – currently only available from listed sellers -cheapest available price is $57.95

Amazon – Elsa Dress or Anna Dress

Jakks Pacific Frozen Olaf Snow Cone Maker

 

Available at 

        Amazon       

Retail Price: $24.99

 

The Olaf Snow Cone Maker will turn your ice cubes into delicious Frozen treats.  Making a snow cone has never been this fun or easy to do.  First, Add the flavor powder and water to the flavor bottle to make sugar-free syrups. Then add ice cubes to the maker, crank the handle to make “snow” and then add the syrup.  Included is 1 snow cone maker, 1 molded cup, 1 flavor bottle, and 2 sugar-free flavor packets (Strawberry and Blue Raspberry). Recommended Ages 4+

Disney’s Frozen Hide-and-Hug Olaf: A Fun Family Experience

   Amazon

and wherever books are sold

Retail Price: $26.99

 

This is a deluxe box featuring a brand new story about Olaf the Snowman.  Children will find a huggable plush Olaf and then following the hide-and-seek theme of the story, parents can hide the plush for their children to find, and then Olaf will deliver a big, warm hug! 

 

Delta Children Frozen Furniture Collection 

 

Want to create the perfect Frozen children’s room?  Delta is making that a breeze with their complete line of Frozen furniture.  Same great Delta quality with adorable Frozen animation that is sure to warm your child’s heart.  Prices on each piece range from $60-100 each.
*Amazon has the most exclusive line and the link below takes you to a listing for all products

 

Available at 

Amazon

 

Disney Frozen Animators’ Collection Doll Gift Set

 

These popular toddler Anna and Elsa dolls have satin dresses and a snowman Olaf in this adorable gift set.  They are brought to life in the most realistic way possible.  If you want to start any type of collection set for your little ones, this is completely adorable!  We could only find this set at Amazon and have listed the complete site listing because you can get them cheaper not as the packaged set, but the Amazon packaged set is more expensive than the retail suggestion at our shows. 

 

Available at 

       Amazon         

 

Retail Price: $99.95

 

 

BONUS BONUS!!

 

Want to really get your children in the Frozen spirit?  Take them to Build-a-Bear this Holiday Season where they can really “Build a Snowman” or an Anna Bear or Elsa Bear.  Each bear is just $25 to make!

*Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity from Clever Girls on behalf of PG&E.

Saving money, especially in the winter, is vitally important to a majority of families.  I mean, unless you are a millionaire, I’m sure that you are constantly trying to figure out where you can save a penny here and there. I know we are.  When we bought our house last year, we weren’t prepared for the dramatic increase to our energy bill and it took awhile to get used to and find ways to save money both on our energy bills and in other ways too.  Just about a year into our home and gearing up for our second winter, we have figured out some great energy efficient ways to save money.

One of my personal favorite ways to save money is to find recipes, both meals and desserts, that require no cooking or baking.  We typically want to always turn on the stove or oven during the winter because it can help increase the temperature in the house, but we have found that by eating at least one non-cooked meal a week really helps cut down on that.

Here’s a list of 16 great recipes and desserts that require no baking! The first 8 recipes use no appliances whatsoever, the second set of recipe briefly use a smaller energy appliance like a blender or microwave for a minimal amount of time.  We hope you enjoy this list!

Eight Recipes That Need No Appliances –
Tuna Salad w/Grapes & Sunflower Seeds – Giggles, Gobbles, & Gulps
No Bake Summer Dinner Sandwiches – Can’t Google Everything
Salad Sandwich Bites – Look What Mom Found
Avocado & Bean Salad – Jo-Lynne Shane
Lactation Energy Bites (No need to be lactating) -We’re Parents!?
No Baking M&M Munch Salad – Savoring The Good
Mini Wafter Berry Trifles – Momma Lew
Easy No Bake Caramel Pie – It’s A Keeper

Eight Recipes That Need a Small Appliance –
Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits – The Farm Girl Gabs
Raspberry Lemon Vanilla Ice Cream – Know Your Produce
Oreo Cookie Balls with Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough – Courtney’s Sweets
No Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake – A Grande Life
Peanut Butter and Nutella Buckeyes – Giggles, Gobbles & Gulps
No Bake Granola Bites – Savoring The Good

If you do have to use your appliances, PG&E wants you to know that you can plan ahead and check the rebate catalog to get the best appliance out there they will save you time and energy!  

Of course, there’s other ways to cook and still save money also, such as:

• • using leftovers
    • making hearty salads the next day like this Strawberry and Kale Chicken Salad from our friends at Real: The Kitchen and Beyond
  • cooking double the amount of food at one time so you only use appliances once
  • use all of the food you purchase and reduce waste
    • For example, when peeling potatoes, you can deep fry potato skins to make chips

Second batch of #potatoskins these one made with salt, paprika & chili powder! #yum #foodie #foodporn #summer #instagood #instafood #instayum #homemade

A photo posted by Larisha (@wereparents) on Jul 7, 2014 at 10:01am PDT

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Before last year, I had never tried quinoa.  Once I finally tried it, my initial reaction was where in the world has this deliciousness been hiding all my life.  We starting eating quinoa because of the health benefits and while there’s no real taste to it, much like rice, in my opinion it’s easier to season and the little bursts of flavor in your mouth will leave you just as in love with quinoa too.  I have been making this quinoa bowl for a few months and tried a few different ways to make it, but last night I finally hit the absolute home run.

I’ve decided to share today both ways that I have made it, but the highlighted recipe will be the one we fell in love with yesterday. I’ve tried this with a few types of sausage from our Amish market, but the provolone and garlic sausage used here today is absolutely the best.

This is the photo for the recipe shared below.

Ingredients: 
1/2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tbsp coconut oil
1/4 cup sweet onion, finely chopped
1 cup quinoa
1 1/2 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 lb provolone and garlic sausage, cut into 1in pieces
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
16 oz canned tomatoes (we use freshly canned garden tomatoes, but store bought will work too)
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian Seasoning
1/3 teaspoon Garlic Powder
pinch of Red Pepper Flakes, optional

Directions: 
In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add onion and cook for 2 minutes.  Rinse quinoa under water, drain excess water.  Add quinoa to pan and stir constantly for 1 minute.  Add in chicken broth and bring to boil.  Reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook 10-15 minutes or until the broth has evaporated.

Meanwhile, heat coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat.  Add in sausage pieces and brown for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in tomatoes, including juice. ((I really break apart the tomatoes during the first minute so there are no chunks)) Add in Italian seasoning and garlic power.  Let cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add in spinach, stir together, add in red pepper flakes if you desire, cover, and cook until completely wilted, about 5 minutes.

Serve sausage mixture over quinoa and eat immediately!

The other way – When I first tried this recipe I cooked the quinoa the same way except added 3 minced garlic cloves in when cooking the onions.  After the quinoa was done, I added in one cup  finely chopped fresh tomato and two cups finely chopped fresh spinach. stirred together, covered off heat, and let wilt for 5 minutes.  I would cook the sausage in just the coconut oil and serve over the quinoa mixture.  I prefer the recipe above through. 

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