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Smart Celebrations: How to Stretch Your Holiday Budget Without Sacrificing Joy

  The holiday season often brings cheer, but it can also strain wallets. With rising costs and endless temptations, keeping spending under control requires a thoughtful approach. Here are some practical strategies to help you celebrate without financial stress: Set a clear budget : Decide how much you can afford before shopping, and stick to it. Prioritize experiences over things : Shared activities like baking, movie nights, or volunteering can be more memorable than expensive gifts. Shop smart : Compare prices online, take advantage of seasonal sales, and avoid last-minute splurges. Give creatively : Handmade gifts, personalized notes, or “time vouchers” (like babysitting or cooking a meal) often mean more than store-bought items. Limit impulse buys : Make a list before hitting the stores—or browsing online—and resist adding extras. Plan ahead for next year : Start a small savings fund in January to ease the burden when the holidays roll around again. By focusing on tho...
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Banana-Blueberry Protein Muffins

 


These super-moist and tender muffins get a protein boost with the addition of cottage cheese and peanut butter. The banana, which adds natural sweetness, doesn't overpower the flavor of the blueberries. Frozen blueberries work just as well as fresh. For a different twist, try raspberries or chopped apple.


Ingredients

  • ¾ cup whole-wheat flour
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 2 medium bananas, mashed (about 1 cup)
  • ⅓ cup honey
  • ⅓ cup cottage cheese
  • ¼ cup smooth natural peanut butter
  • ¼ cup reduced-fat milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Directions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray.

  2. 2. Whisk whole-wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and ginger together in a medium bowl until combined.

  3. 3. Place mashed bananas, honey, cottage cheese, peanut butter, milk, egg and vanilla in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined, about 1 minute. Add the flour mixture; beat on low speed until just combined and a thick batter forms, about 45 seconds. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in blueberries until evenly distributed. Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin cups, about 1/3 cup each.

  4. 4. Bake until golden and a wooden pick inserted in the centers comes out clean, 18 to 22 minutes. Let cool in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

To make ahead

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.

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