Nanny to Mommy

Add in our 2025 goal of paying off debt and cutting down on takeout, and suddenly home-cooked meals have become a must, not a luxury. With inflation making restaurant prices soar, meal prepping has become one of the smartest strategies for saving money and staying sane.

Enter: this super simple, sweet-and-savory Crockpot Pineapple Chicken. It’s one of my go-to freezer dump meals that takes maybe 10 minutes of prep time, and I almost always have the ingredients on hand—especially when my husband impulse-buys multiple pineapples because they were "on sale." (Guess who ends up cutting them up?)

Crockpot Pineapple Chicken

A Brief History of Cheesecake

Cheesecake isn’t just a modern indulgence—it has deep roots in history! The origins of cheesecake trace back to Ancient Greece, where it was first created on the island of Samos over 4,000 years ago. Back then, cheesecake was not just a dessert; it was an energy-boosting snack served to athletes during the very first Olympic Games in 776 BC. Imagine athletes enjoying a slice of cheesecake before their events—it was the ancient version of a pre-workout snack!

So, the next time you dig into a slice of cheesecake, you’ll know that you’re partaking in a dessert with centuries of tradition behind it!

National Cheesecake Day: A Family-Friendly Celebration 

As a busy parent, finding ways to save money while feeding your family tasty and nutritious snacks is always a win. Instead of buying store-bought pop tarts full of preservatives and artificial ingredients, why not try making them at home? These homemade pop tarts are simple to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor!

Here’s a delicious recipe to create your own pop tarts from scratch. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also have control over the ingredients, ensuring they’re healthier and free from unwanted preservatives. And remember when you are re-creating recipes you find online, they do NOT have to look good to taste good.

Why Homemade Pop Tarts Are a Great Idea for Parents:

Why St. Patrick's Day is Perfect for Family Fun 

My New XL Air Fryer Stands Out!

Recently I purchased a new fancy and large air fryer to help me out, it is called Typhur Dome Air Fryer, which can handle more food in a single layer (e.g. 32 chicken wings, 12-inch pizza), saving my time and ensuring everyone gets their crispy favorites without delay.

 

I recently was sent an awesome box from Wildgrain that was full of artisanal breads, pastas, and pastries. I decided to make this spinach dip recipe because I received the Rosemary-Garlic sourdough bread from their mixed box, and I had a holiday party to attend. Everyone absolutely loved it! Definitely was a crowd pleaser. We brought none home, which is a win in my book. My mother-in-law also asked me to make it for our annual Christmas Eve get-together. Personally, I think it would be great at a New Year's Eve Party as well.

Easy Spinach Dip Recipe

If you are like me, then you are finally fully getting to the fall season. I have lost sixty pounds and since I don't want to back track my progress, but still want to enjoy all things autumn, I am sharing three pumpkin spiced protein-packed recipes that are perfect for you to continue enjoying fall.

As a busy mom, I’m always looking for ways to serve hearty, budget-friendly meals that don’t require hours in the kitchen. Between working, raising kids, and managing the everyday chaos that comes with parenting, I need recipes that are both comforting and convenient. That’s why I love this Slow Cooker Venison Tenderloin recipe.

This meal has become a staple in our home, especially during the colder months when comfort food just hits differently. It's rich, savory, and perfect for those evenings when you want something satisfying but don’t have the energy to hover over a stove. You can even set it and forget it before school pickup or afternoon activities—and come home to a house that smells like you’ve been cooking all day!

As soon as the leaves start to change and there’s a crispness in the air, I find myself reaching for my slow cooker more and more. There’s something so comforting about a warm, hearty meal simmering all day while you go about your routine—especially when you're juggling school drop-offs, work deadlines, and the never-ending laundry pile.

This Crockpot Chop Steak Recipe has quickly become a favorite in our home. It’s savory, simple to throw together, and always leaves the whole family asking for seconds. I’ve found it’s especially great for those busy weekdays when you want dinner to basically cook itself.

Why Chop Steak?