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Do you like Dumplings and is the only time you eat them when you go out to a restaurant? I have some news for you. I, too, used to eat dumplings only at the restaurant. But did you know you can make them at home with just a few ingredients? and no, you don't need to find an Asian store to get the stuff. The ingredients for this recipe can likely be found in your pantry. I grew up in Southeast Asia, specifically the Philippines. Although dumplings didn't originate in the Philippines, we have our own version called Siomai or Siu mai/ Shumai in Chinese. It's typically made with a filling of ground pork and shrimp, wrapped in a thin layer of dough and steamed until cooked through. I used to eat Siomai after class with my friends, and it was one of the best snacks or dinner I always craved. In the Philippines, rice is our staple food; we eat it with everything, and it pairs perfectly with dumplings. Since I don't like pork and this blog is titled "Beef Dumplings" we will be using beef. However, feel free to use any ground meat you have in your fridge. Dumplings are one of the most versatile foods. You can fill the dumpling wrapper with different types of meat or vegetables, and it will still taste great as long as the flavor is spot on. Kitchen tools/ equipment: Mixing bowl Silicone spatula Bamboo steamer/steamer (If you have no steamer, you can use a foil by forming it like a ball, put it on the skillet with water and use the plate like a steamer) Let's get started with the ingredients for this recipe. Ingredients: 1 lb. ground chuck beef (Chuck meat is fatty makes it the best option for making dumplings) 2 medium carrots, grated 4 green onions, minced 4 cloves of garlic, minced 4 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1/2 cup parsley, minced 2 teaspoons ginger, grated 2 tablespoons sesame oil or olive oil 2 teaspoon salt 1 large egg 40 pcs. homemade dumpling wrapper or store bought (You can find it in the vegan isle, refrigerator section) Procedure: Put all the ingredients in a large kitchen bowl, except the dumpling wrapper. Mix it well using silicone spatula or by hand with kitchen gloves. Once everything is combined, cover it with a plastic wrap and put it in the fridge to marinate. Prepare you dumpling wrapper by separating each wrapper and get a small bowl and fill it with fresh water. Take one dumpling wrapper and put it in your left hand, dip your finger in the bowl of water to moisten the half of the wrapper edges. Place a tablespoon of filling in the middle. Fold the wrapper in half. Start closing the dumpling by pinching the edge of the wrapper from left side to right, Take the side of the wrapper facing away from you, and pleat it towards the corner you've sealed. (It doesn't need to be perfect, just make sure it is airtight). Continue pleating until you've reached the end. Again, make sure dumplings are airtight. Once your bowl of filling is done. We can start cooking it. Get a shallow saucepan and fill half of it with water. Turn the stove on to medium low and cover. Once boiling, place a parchment paper on your steamer and brush it with olive oil, then place dumplings in your steamer, make sure they are not crowded! Cover and cook for 3-5 minutes, until the wrapper becomes translucent and slightly firm. You can test your dumpling by poking it with toothpick. If it comes out clean, then it is cooked. 10. Sprinkle with lemon and soy sauce, if you like a little bit of heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes. Enjoy!

Hi there! Are you ready to switch to a non-toxic, budget-friendly all-purpose cleaner that's gentle on your home and wallet? I've got the perfect solution for you! I've started searching for a better all-purpose cleaner after noticing our dog, Lefty, avoids the areas where I've used the store-bought spray. The cleaner's scent while pleasant, is so overpowering that it irritates my nose, and I can only imagine how it affects Lefty. I want a gentler, pet-friendly option that keeps our home clean without the harsh smell. I didn't want to overspend on a cleaning spray, so I discovered a way to create an effective, gentle scented, and budget-friendly cleaner that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Vinegar is a handy substance with a wide range of uses, from cooking and cleaning to gardening and personal care. You can easily find it in your home and it's very cheap. In the Philippines, where I was born and raised, we use cane vinegar which is made from fermented sugarcane juice, and we often use this for making dishes, it looks so much like white vinegar which is generally for cleaning. Note that there are different types of vinegar, depending on their intended use. Although vinegar has many uses, my favorite way of using vinegar is to clean various areas in our home, including molds in our bathroom! Due to its high acidity, it can break down stubborn buildup of soap, dirt, and scum. While effective, I know many moms find the strong smell of plain vinegar off-putting for home cleaning. Its odor can be unpleasant when used alone. Thankfully, by adding a pleasant scent, it can easily mask the vinegar's smell, making cleaning more enjoyable To make this cleaner pleasant, we will add some citrus scent to enhance the smell. I love the scent of sweet oranges or lemon peels. You may also add a few drops of essential oil for an absolute fresh scent! The natural acidity of vinegar combined with the grease-cutting power of citrus peels forms a powerful, eco-friendly solution for cleaning surfaces throughout your home. This all-purpose cleaner can be used to clean various areas such as: Kitchen counters, appliances, drains. Bathroom showers, toilets and fixtures Living spaces, glass surfaces, wood furniture Kid's toys And many more! I've noticed a huge difference while using this non-toxic cleaner, I no longer have to cover my nose while cleaning because it doesn't hurt my nose, our dog looks relax when I clean and more importantly, I feel at peace that I'm not spraying harsh chemical on surfaces that my kids can touch! To create an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical cleaners we will need to prepare these simple yet effective ingredients: Peels of 2 lemons, oranges, or lime 1 cup white vinegar 1 1/2 cup water Few drops of essential oil(optional) Tools: Glass jar with lid Strainer Empty spray bottle Storage & Shelf life: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months! Instruction: Place citrus peels in a glass jar and pour the vinegar over them, ensuring the peels are fully submerged. Let it sit in a cool dark place for 7 days. I put mine in the cabinet underneath the sink. After 7 days, strain the vinegar and mix with water. Put it in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Let me know in the comments how it turned out, I'd love to hear from you!

Hi friends! Want to take your baking skills to the next level and impress your loved ones? Or maybe you're just tired of the same old store-bought cookies. The first time I made these cookies; I shared some with our friendly neighbors up the hill. The next day, they couldn't stop raving about how much they loved them, and she even said, "Now I know where to find the best cookies in town!". One of my favorite things to do is to bake and surprise my loved ones with something sweet. It doesn't matter whether it's a pastry, cake or just a simple banana milk shake, I'm always looking forward to seeing their smile when they see that I am preparing something in the kitchen. Especially, when my daughter would ask, Mom what are you making? And I will simply say, you have to wait and see. This ultimate cookie recipe is sure to impress, incredibly easy to make and nearly impossible to mess up. Trust me, your family will never want store-bought cookies again once they try this cookie! For this recipe we are using Kerry gold's pure Irish butter, this is essential to achieve a melt-in-your mouth texture and golden crisp edge. I like to use this butter for any pastry because of its rich and creamy flavor, it elevates the cookies' taste and texture. However, you may use another brand as well. I like my cookies a little bit thin, with crunchy edge and chewy in the middle. I love how this cookie turned out not overly sweet, as I am particular with dessert. I tend to dislike doughy and sugary dessert. This cookie is great with cold milk while watching a movie or just snacking with family. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 227g Kerrygold butter salted (2 sticks) 2 tablespoon Heavy Cream 1 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 bar baking dark chocolate, chopped 150g semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 pinch Sea salt for toppings Procedure: 1. Turn your stove over a medium/ low heat, start browning your butter. You want to give the butter a deep brown color but be careful not to burn it. The deep browning is what adds so much flavor! 2. Allow the butter to cool down. Once it's cooled whisk in the heavy cream. You'll want to achieve a thick mixture. 4. Continuing to mix, add one egg at a time. Then add the vanilla extract. 5. Next, add baking soda, salt, and half of your flour. 6. Once that is well combined, add the remaining flour and chocolate chunks. 7. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined but be careful not to overmix! 8. Scoop your cookies. Each cookie should be roughly 75g. 9. Refrigerate or freeze your dough balls for at LEAST 6 hours. do not skip it! 10. Bake 6 cookies per standard cookie sheet at 350 degrees F for 15-20 mins.

Hey there, parents and guardians! Ever had one of those moments where you stop and wonder, "Am I raising my child the right way?" Totally normal, friend! We've all been there, but here's the exciting news Scripture's like a trusty roadmap brimming with Christian family values (love, patience, kindness, and teaching God's truth) to help you raise your kiddos with confidence and joy. These values, rooted in verses like Ephesians 6:4 ("Bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord") and Proverbs 22:6 ("Train up a child in the way he should go") , emphasize nurturing your child's heart with grace, modeling Christ-like character, and building a home filled with faith and forgiveness. And here's the best part God's word is not just our guide He's like the ultimate Dad , showing us how to handle every parenting moment, even the meltdowns! Just as our Heavenly Father deals with our tantrums (yep, we all have them!) with endless patience, love, and gentle correction, He shows us how to do the same for our kids . Think about Psalm 103:8 "God is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love." As I've been reading these Bible verses, I can't help but smile at how God is such an amazing Dad to us, guiding us with love and patience. The Bible's full of heartfelt teachings on parenting and here are those key points, simplified and organized to help you raise your kids with the same warmth and care God pours into us! Love and nurture - As parents, loving and nurturing our children is a sacred calling, a reflection of God's own heart for us. It's not just about meeting their needs; it's about pouring your soul into helping them grow into who God created them to be. Ephesians 6:4 "Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord". *Implication- Parents should foster a loving, supportive environment, avoiding harshness while guiding children toward godly values. Colossians 3:12 " Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discourage." *Implication- Encourage and uplift children to build their confidence and emotional well-being. Discipline with Love . Discipline isn't about punishment. It's about guiding your kids toward God. When they lie, gently explain why honesty matters to God. Correct with grace, showing them the path back to righteousness. Proverbs 22:6 "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it." *Implication- Instill moral and spiritual foundations early, as they shape lifelong character. Proverbs 13:24 "Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them." *Implication- Discipline is an act of love, but it should be thoughtful and not abusive. Hebrews 12:11 " No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." *Implication- Discipline though challenging, yields positive outcomes when done with care. Teach God's Word and Values . As parents, we are not just raising kids, we're raising disciples of Christ, guiding them to know and love God while living out His values. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "These commandments that I give you today are to be on your heart. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." *Implication- Consistently teach children God's principles through daily conversations and example. Psalm 78:4 " We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done." *Implication- Share stories of faith and God's works to inspire spiritual growth. Set a Godly Example . Setting a godly example for our children is one of the most powerful ways to teach them God's word and values. It's not just about what you say-it's about how you live. Your life is their living lesson, showing them what it means to follow Jesus through your actions, choices, and heart. Proverbs 20:7 " The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them." *Implication- Parents' integrity and faithfulness positively influence their children. 1 Timothy 4:12 " Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity." *Implication- Model Christ-like behavior for children to emulate. Provide for and Protect - Providing isn't just about material things, it's showing our kids that God's works through you, to care for them. It's a sacred responsibility that reflects God's heart as our Provider and Protector. 1 Timothy 5:8 "Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." *Implication- Parents have a responsibility to meet their children's emotional and physical needs. Psalm 127:3-5 "Children are heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." *Implication- View children as a blessing and prioritize their care as a sacred duty. Encourage Wisdom and Discernment - We as parents should model thoughtful decision-making and seek understanding rooted in biblical principles. Show discernment in your choices-pause to pray or think before acting and explain your reasoning to your kids. Proverbs 1:8-9 " Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck." *Implication- Parental guidance is valuable and equips children to make wise choices. Proverbs 3:1-4 "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity." *Implication- Teach children to internalize wisdom for a fulfilling life. A Personal Note Parenting is messy and beautiful, and some days you'll feel you're falling short. But God doesn't call you to be perfect but faithful. Love your children by being their anchor, their cheerleader, their guide to Jesus. Nurture them with lots of prayers, hugs, and the courage to let them grow. As you lean on God's strength, He'll fill your heart to overflow with love for them.

Hi mamas! Are you raising young children and would like to stay home to care for them, but wondering if you can make ends meet on a single paycheck in today's world? Absolutely! It's possible. But how? Allow me to share my journey of how I made it worked. Why I choose to embrace a single-income lifestyle for my family, the reasons behind my decision and how I embraced frugal living to prioritize my children's well-being while keeping my family happy and our household running smoothly. I'll share the backstory of how we embraced a single-income lifestyle, along with practical tips that helped us thrive financially while keeping our family first. When my second child arrived, life as a mom of two young kids brought joy and new challenges. My husband and I faced a pivotal moment. We wanted to prioritize family over the hustle of dual incomes, as working two jobs while paying for costly childcare could be far more expensive and draining than staying home to care for our kids. At first, I thought it would be challenging, but I was determined to stay home and nurture our children myself. I had several profound realizations. First, No one can nurture my children like I can, no nanny or childcare could ever match the boundless love and connection I share with them. And I want to cherish and be fully present during my children's precious early years. Second, becoming a mom shifted my priorities; the pursuit of a career took a backseat to the joys and responsibilities of motherhood. And finally, my greatest purpose in life became clear, that is to raise my children with all the love, care, and dedication I can give, shaping them into the best version of themselves. And to clarify, being frugal is about embracing simplicity. It's NOT about living poorly or sacrificing comfort, but about focusing on what truly matters and letting go of excess and unnecessary things. For example, I used to go grocery shopping and toss whatever caught my eye into the cart, like snacks or toys I thought the kids would love. But since embracing frugality, I stick to a shopping list and look for smart ways to save on those items. Of course, we all wanted what's best for them. Give them things we never had when we were a child. But realize this, Material things don't matter after a few years. Those big doll house and toys isn't more important to your kids than having an available mother right next to them during their childhood years. So, here are my top frugal tips and proven strategies for effectively stretching a single paycheck while taking care of your kids and managing a household. Tip#1. Create a Bare-bones Budget: Track all monthly expenses to identify the essentials (housing, utilities, groceries, car, gas, insurances) versus non-essentials (cable subscriptions, dining out). Set up your paycheck to take care of the essentials first so you've got the important stuff covered without any stress! And aim to cut non-essentials. This is important, switch to free entertainment like going to the library, parks and community events. Tip#2. Shop Secondhand for kid's needs: Buy gently used clothing, toys, baby gear from thrift stores and consignment shops. I'm a huge fan of thrifting high-quality items. I get so excited when I find a gorgeous children's dress for $5 that would typically $50 or more brand new. and I've found plenty of gently used designer clothing at Goodwill or other thrift stores. I'm sure many women, not just moms can relate to this. You can also join local groups to find free items or for swapping kid's clothes. Reached out to family or relatives that has kids and would like to donate used clothes. Luckily, my sister's kid is almost the same age as mine, so we often check with each other first to share or swap items our kids need something before buying anything new, helping us save money. Tip#3. Cut Utility Bills: There are plenty of easy ways to cut down on electricity cost and some of which we often overlook. By paying attention to these details, we can save significant money over time. Unplugging devices if we are not currently using like phone chargers, coffee machine, or air fryer. Switch to energy-efficient LED bulbs to replace traditional ones. Save money and energy by washing clothes in cold water and air-drying them outside instead of using the dryer. Switching from Air conditioner to fans and opening windows. Skip bubble baths and have a quick shower. Using solar-powered electronics. Playing outside instead of watching TV. Tip#4. Embrace DIY and Repairs . I am the youngest in our family, and we are all girls. I grew up wearing hand-me-down clothes from my older sisters, and I remember watching my mother skillfully sew and mend our clothes. I've seen her repurposing items like turning old pants to nice little shorts When our sofa cushion covers recently tore, I stitched it up myself, and it felt incredibly rewarding and relieving to see it looking good as new. Tip#5. Grow Your Own Food: There's a popular saying: "Grow your own food is like printing your own money" rings true, cultivating your own fruits, vegetables, and herbs can significantly cut grocery cost. When we moved to our current home, I fell in love with gardening thanks to the spacious yard perfect for setting up a garden. Spring has become my favorite season, as it's the time me and my girls get to plant and watch veggies grow. Great way for children to learn something new! Tip#6. Plan Your Meals : One thing I've excelled at since focusing on staying home with my kids is learning more about home-cooked meals. I become more intentional about choosing healthy ingredients and I love cooking from scratch now. I strongly emphasize that preparing home-cooked meals is significantly more cost-effective and healthier than dining out. Plan weekly meals around pantry staples (rice, beans, pasta) and sales at local grocery stores. Find discounted items and buy in bulk. Batch cook meals to save time and reduce impulse buys. A $50 weekly grocery budget can feed a family of Four with careful planning, like making soups, fried rice or casseroles. Make your meals simpler and be creative. Tip#7. Maximize Free Community Resources : Use public libraries and barrow books for kid's entertainment. Take your kids to your local park for playdate and always bring your snacks and drinks to save money. Tip#8. Find or build a side hustle . Turn your hobbies to a small side gig that fit your schedule, for example you like to take care of plants, you can propagate plants and sell it online. If you like to write, you can make blog post to earn money. Reselling household items or kids' outgrown clothes. Selling homemade items like jams and candies. Tip#9. Appreciate the joy of a simple life spent with your children, there's no greater wealth in the world than the moments you share with them. A Personal Note Embracing frugal living, though challenging at times, is deeply rewarding, it brings me peace and joy knowing I'm home with my kids during their precious years, where I'm truly needed, rather than working for a company, yes it pays my bills and maybe able to buy things, but inside I feel drained and missing out on those irreplaceable moments with my children. Frugal living has shifted my perspective on what truly matters and redefined what it means to be wealthy. To me, true wealth means being there for my family and always available when they need me. Because at the end of the day, family always comes first.

Discover the art of crafting authentic dim sum wrappers at home with just four simple ingredients: water, flour, salt and cornstarch. This easy, versatile recipe delivers soft, pliable wrappers perfect for your favorite dumplings, bringing restaurant-quality dim sum to your kitchen with minimal effort. As someone living from a small town in North Carolina, I find myself missing the authentic dim sum from home (Philippines) and although there's plenty of Authentic Asian restaurant in the United States it is difficult to find a close one where I live. Learning to make dim sum wrappers from scratch has become my way of recreating those cherished flavors, bridging the gap between my roots and my new home. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of patience, crafting these wrappers not only satisfies my cravings but also keeps the tradition alive. Here's a list of Kitchen tools: Mixing Bowl Whisk or fork Rolling pin or a tall glass Ingredients: 320 grams all-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups) 175 grams warm water (3/4 cup) Salt 1 1/4 teaspoon Cornstarch for dusting Instructions: Pour all the Flour and water into a mixing bowl. Use the whisk to stir everything together. Mix until all the water is absorbed and dough starts to form. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it on a surface for 2 or 3 minutes. The dough should be tacky, but not sticky. If you find the dough is still a bit sticky, dust the surface with a little bit of flour and knead the dough again. Once you've reached a pretty smooth dough, place the dough back to the bowl again and cover it with a damp towel or a lid. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead it a few times. Make a hole in the center of the dough with your finger. Then use your finger to stretch out the hole in the center. Keep stretching out the dough and rotating it until you get a large ring. Cut the dough with a knife or bench scraper. You should now have a thick dough rope. Keep rolling out the rope until it is about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Cut out small pieces of dough weighing about 12 to 13 grams, this is about 1 tablespoon of dough. Take each piece of dough and roll it into a ball. Using your palm, flatten each ball of dough into a disc, about 1 1/2 inches in diameter. Lightly dust each with cornstarch or flour. Take your rolling pin and dust it with corn starch. Then use rolling pin to flatten it into a thin disc. Dust with more cornstarch or flour. Use the fresh wrappers immediately. If you wish to freeze them for later, sprinkle extra cornstarch in between each wrapper. Pile them up then place into an air-tight plastic container or bag. Defrost in the fridge then use them straightaway.

Hey, Mamas! Summer is here, and keeping your toddler entertained doesn't have to drain your wallet. Whether you're planning a backyard picnic or just need easy activities to fill those sunny days, we've got you covered with fun, inexpensive ideas that spark joy and creativity. These toddler-approved activities use household items, free resources, or low-cost supplies, perfect for frugal summer fun. Let's dive into some budget-friendly ways to keep your little one giggling all season long! Tip#1: Backyard picnic. Summer is in full swing, and what a better way to soak up the sunshine than with a delightful backyard picnic? You don't need a fancy setup or a big budget to create magical moments with your family. With a little creativity you can make it happen without breaking the bank! Bring out a blanket or a mat and find a shade preferably by a tree! Raid it for a budget-friendly picnic staples like peanut butter sandwiches, left over pasta, or grab seasonal fruits like watermelon or strawberries from a local market for as little as $2-3. Skip pricey sodas and make a pitcher of refreshing lemonade. Total food cost? Under $15 for a family of four! This is definitely my favorite activity with my children during summer. Tip#2: Backyard Water Play. No need for pricey water parks or fancy pools. Poke in a clean plastic bottle or jug, fill with water, and hang it from a tree or swing set for a DIY sprinkler. Lay a tarp or old shower curtain on the ground for a slippery, splashy surface. Toddlers can run through or slide (safely!) for endless giggles. You can also find public water splash on local parks in your town! Total cost? $0-3. Tip#3: Sidewalk Chalk Art. Grab a pack of sidewalk chalk (often $1- $2 at a dollar stores) and let your toddler draw on driveway or sidewalk. Create hopscotch grid, wiggly lines and road for toy cars. Toddlers love following the path or drawing shapes on their own. Wash it away with a hose for a clean slate after playing. My kids love this huge non-toxic washable chalk. https://a.co/d/0FwfbQw Tip#4: Bubble chase. Make your own bubble solution with dish soap and water. Use straws, pipe cleaners, or a wand for blowing bubbles. You can also spend a couple of dollars for a bubble machine (typically $8-15 at dollar stores). Toddlers love chasing them! https://a.co/d/0FwfbQw Tip#5: Nature Art. Take your toddler on a nature walk to collect leaves, small sticks and wildflowers. At home, provide a paper or a piece of cardboard and some glue. Let them create a collage by sticking their finds onto the surface. Use washable glue and paper you already have-minimal cost. Tip#6: Homemade Playdough. Mix flour, water, salt, and a bit of oil to create a dough. Add natural food coloring to make it fun (Turmeric for color yellow, Beets for color pink, Matcha for color green, Cocoa powder for color brown, red cabbage with baking soda for color blue). Toddlers can squish, roll, and shape it. Tip#7: Sensory Bins. Fill a container with rice, pasta or oats, and hide small toys or object for them to find. Use a spoon or hands to dig. Tip#8: Library Programs. Many public libraries offer free summer Storytimes, craft sessions, or toddler music classes. Check your local library's schedule for events designed for young kids. Free of cost, plus access to books and toys. Just clean up after leaving the library! Reminders: Safety: Always supervise closely, especially with small items like pebbles, to prevent choking. Use non-toxic, washable materials. Clean-up: Set up outdoors to minimize mess or use a hose for easy cleanup. Learning: Talk about the colors, shapes, and textures of nature items to boost vocabulary and observation skills. These activities are budget-friendly, using free natural materials or inexpensive supplies, and they keep toddlers engaged through hands-on, sensory-rich play. If you want more ideas or have specific setting (like a park or backyard), let me know, and I can tailor suggestions further!