Half-Homemade Orange Pineapple Salsa

Signs of spring are starting to pop up everywhere, but they haven't quite made it to the produce department at the local grocery store yet. Oranges and strawberries are coming into season, and I am so excited to have fresh fruits adorning my fruit bowl once again. Between my love of fresh fruit, my Pact to commit to 5 fruits and veggies, and the need to eat fresh produce before it spoils, I sometimes find that we are out of the good stuff before it is time to head back to the grocery store for a full shop.

Last Minute Romantic Getaways on the Cheap

Looking for a romantic weekend away from home without breaking the bank? Preach! I'm snowed in (at work) today under 14" of snow but managing to daydream about packing up my stuff and blowing this taco stand. Join me, it's warm in my daydream. Do I have your attention? Find out how Ross and I scored a romantic weekend getaway for only $200 with months minutes of planning.

Hello There February

February is all about love and marriage at All About the Benjamins. Ross and I have lived through a year and a half of wedded bliss after dating for five years. What does that mean for you as my readers? Wedding and Valentine's DIY's (sans doilies, sorry 2nd grade self, but lots of sparkle), Valentines Gifts and Recipes on a Budget, Winter Date Night Fashion (with what is already in your closet, $$$) and some Post-Wedding Tips and Tricks!

Starbuck's Hack: Abby's Peppermint Mocha Latte

Tis the season...for everything minty and chocolatey to disappear from your coffee shop's menu and your money to disappear from your wallet as your credit card bills from Christmas past roll in. Although several years ago Starbuck's decided that the peppermint mocha was worth keeping on the menu all year long, with my hack recipe you can make it at home and save your money for next year's Christmas gifts.

Starbuck's Hack: Chai Tea Latte

This morning it was a whopping 1° when I got out of bed. It has now warmed to a balmy 17°. On days like today, sometimes the only thing to take the chill out of your bones and warm your soul is a nice hot latte, but who likes braving the cold to hit their local coffee shop? Here's a budget-friendly, homemade version of one of my Starbucks favorites that doesn't skimp on flavor.

Happy (Belated) New Year!

2017: The Year of the Budget

Happy New Year! Better late than never - and in the grand scheme, it's not that late. Week 1 of 2017 isn't even over yet! Looking forward to an exciting and frugal 2017 with my hubby.

Coco & Chanel's Christmas (Dog) Cookies

Chanel licking her lips for that cookie!!

I love baking Christmas cookies for Ross and other family members during this time of year, but I always feel like I'm leaving Coco and Chanel out of the fun! After Coco's Birthday Biscuits were such a success, I have tweaked the recipe with a seasonal spin. Next time you're making cookie dough, whip up a batch of Christmas Doggy Cookies for your favorite four-legged friend! When wrapped up right, these make unique hostess gifts for friends and family with a dog. I made a triple batch for my pups, my parents and my in-laws. They are a hit all around. Shout out to my mom for helping mix all of that dough, what a work out!

Best Freebies & Money Making Gimmicks of 2016 - Treat Yo Self!

Over the course of 2016 I stayed a loyal member to many of my survey panels but sought out product testing and other incentivized apps and websites to bolster my income, especially this holiday season (who can't use a few extra dollars for that festive peppermint mocha?? not me!!). It paid off. To date, I have earned $600 in PayPal and Amazon gift cards and the year is not over yet. Now do I have your attention?! Yeah, I thought so!

Hello, December!

December to me means fuzzy boots (sing along with me...apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur, the whole club was lookin at her...), peppermint everything especially mochas, twinkling lights (and makeup), and SNOW. Where is the snow?! It was 52° in Denville this morning. Nothing like getting out of bed on a December morning covered in sweat. I don't even need snow, I'm not that high maintenance...maybe just some seasonal temperatures? Lower temperatures will definitely be more comfortable for all of the running around we have to do this month...