Facing My Worst Self in the Grocery Line

A happy cow in a field.

Every few weeks, I drive to my local Sprouts store and buy a couple bags of organic Guatemalan coffee. This particular Sprouts store is a rather, shall we say, relaxed establishment where long lines are part of the experience. On a recent Thursday at 5 p.m., three cashiers were open and the lines of people stretched all … Read more

A Letter to My 17 Year Old Self

Eliza Cross at 17 years old.

This is a post I wrote a few birthdays ago. As the years pass, I find that I’m more introspective on my birthday — so deeply grateful for another year and all of the experiences and blessings of this life. I recently found a photo of myself taken about forty years ago. As I studied … Read more

A Remarkable Rose from a Sweet Grandma

Two old fashioned pink roses.

Note: This article was originally published on June 15, 2015 at Happy Simple Living. Sylvia Crosslen became my step-grandmother when her son Howard married my mom Betty, some forty years ago. If you are fortunate enough to have a special relative through marriage, then you’ll understand when I say that it didn’t take long for … Read more

Captain Crunch French Toast

Golden brown baked Captain Crunch french toast with bacon and syrup.

Captain Crunch French Toast is sweet, crunchy and absolutely decadent for breakfast or brunch. Crispy bacon is the perfect accompaniment; add some fresh fruit on the side, and you can boast that your French Toast is “part of a balanced breakfast.”  I’ve always loved Cap’n Crunch cereal. As a child raised in Boulder, Colorado by … Read more

Try Weensy Little Micro Goals For Big Results

A man in athletic clothing doing pushups while holding hand weights.

I’m a fan of setting micro goals to make big things happen. Let me explain. Many of us struggle to set realistic New Year’s resolutions and accomplish all of our hopes and plans. Instead, I’m a fan of making tiny little micro goals I might actually achieve.  For instance, if I’m procrastinating on a project … Read more

Crispy Meringue Pavlova with Berries

Our mom has been making this crispy meringue pavlova with berries, a classic dessert, for as long as I can remember. Some call it Pavlova or Vacherin, while the Joy of Cooking simply calls it a Meringue. Imagine a crispy, sweet, light-as-air cookie like a French macaron, topped with ice cream and fresh berries. It’s … Read more

15 Inspiring Frugal Living Blogs

A woman looking at a frugal living blog on a computer monitor while eating a sandwich and holding a coffee cup.

These frugal living blogs are full of ideas, inspiration and information about how to live well while spending less money. These websites include food and meal planning tips, money management and financial help, frugal and self sufficient living, thrifty home and DIY projects, and simple living ideas to fuel your inspiration all year. Food and … Read more