Uh-oh. You’ve sent out your party invites and all your friends have RSVP’d, but your budget is a bit tighter than you expected. Canceling is for quitters, of course, but you still need to think of some way to feed your guests. Chips, dip, and a veggie tray might get the job done, but where’s the pizazz?

Fret not, my friend. You don’t have to spend an entire paycheck to put together an impressive party spread. Here are four ideas for cheap party snacks that pack a lot of flavor and flair into a tiny package.

Cheese & Jelly Pairings

Cheese and wine pairings are a classic party staple, but good wine tends to be pricey. Homemade jellies and jams make for a delicious alternative. Obviously, this takes a little planning (or you could always settle for store-bought preserves), but all you need are some empty jars and basic ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Your guests will love the contrast between tart apple jam and sharp English Cheddar or sweet ‘n’ spicy mango pepper jelly and Brie. Nom.

Sliders

Everybody likes a tasty burger. It’s practically guaranteed that a tray of little beef sliders (or chicken… or turkey… or pork… or…) will be a hit at your next get-together. Best of all, you’ll find that a little bit of meat goes a long way. They also don’t take long to cook, so don’t get intimidated by the prospect of making a whole bunch of mini-burgers at once. Guests will gobble them up hot or cold. Assemble a simple condiment/topping bar and let them customize each slider to their hearts’ content. Affordable, adorable, and surprisingly filling.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Sliders are great, but we can’t forget our vegan and vegetarian friends. Fortunately, few things say “simplicity” quite like a bunch of veggies impaled on a stick and heated over a fire. It may sound like caveman cooking, but grilled veggie skewers are delicious, especially with the addition of a nice marinade or pesto. And just like the burgers, party-goers will love getting to pick their ingredients and customize their skewer to their tastes. Just make sure to soak your skewers first.

Blinis

Blinis are essentially miniature Russian pancakes that look fancy and taste great but are quick and inexpensive to make. You can buy them premade or whip up your own. What really makes blinis special, though, are the toppings. Though commonly served with caviar (not an option if you’re trying to pinch those pennies), the truth is they go good with just about anything: smoked salmon and sour cream, Nutella and sliced banana, pizza sauce and melted cheese. Sweet or savory, these little guys can do it all.

It is noticeable in every household with children.

No matter how much you want to save on groceries, you almost always end up spending more than your outlined budget. This is all the more true when you have some finicky eaters in your clan. If an item is one kid’s favorite, then there is a high probability that the other won’t even go near it.

But since you cannot just simply tell your little angels to split something which one of them doesn’t even like to begin with, you end up buying different snacks for two, three or even the four of them, and that often results in expenditures of funds which you could have spent elsewhere.

Thankfully, you don’t have to keep regretting your purchases, since you can get your budget in control just by making a few changes in your buying and eating habits.

Instead of buying products in retail, try looking for them in wholesale; instead of buying ready-to-go snacks, try making easier items from scratch; and instead of having to make complete meals for each of your kids, try cooking dishes that incorporate a few elements that all of them would like individually.

Buy Sweets in Bulk or Wholesale

While the concept of buying sweets in wholesale sounds daunting, the widespread usage of the internet has made this once-difficult process very easy to execute right from your computer or mobile device.

Since many wholesale vendors now offer their products through their own website, you won’t even have to step away from your house to get the special, discounted pricing that only comes with wholesale purchases.

Buying sweets and candies in bulk is actually a very good way to save some money, which you can put towards getting different types of sweet jars in wholesale as well, which you can consume for weeks on end.

Learn New Recipes for Homemade Snacks

In case you have the time to invest in the kitchen in order to make something exciting from scratch, then you can certainly go ahead and don your chef’s hat to accomplish that mission.

Try looking for snack dishes with simple ingredients that would not need you to purchase any additional or elaborate food items, as that will only save you from spending more money while also ensuring that the dishes you are cooking do not prove to be difficult for you to make.

If you have multiple kids who are not fond of the same dishes, then make sure to cook smaller quantities of different snacks, so that you do not have to waste away food that was not completely consumed by your aspiring food critics.

Make Wholesome Complete Meals to Keep Your Kids’ Appetite Sated

Most of the time, a need for snacks arises from not eating one’s meal properly; while having a few healthy sweets here and there is fine, skipping a large chunk from your meal just so you could have a snack later contributes towards establishing bad eating habits.

If you notice this behavior in your kids, then ensure that you take proper steps to address it. Try preparing dishes that are fun to eat for them and also fun to prepare in case they would like to join in the kitchen with you. By making meals that are not just a chore to eat, you should be able to address the aforementioned problems with ease.

There are quite a few recipes for family meals that you can try without having to buy special ingredients. If possible, try involving your kids in the decision making process of what to cook and what favorite items to incorporate in a family meal – as developing a healthy interest in food goes a long way in making sure your kids are eating well.

Make Sure You Are Keeping An Eye on Your Kids’ Eating Habits

Whether you are buying them healthy sweets to consume in a moderate amount or preparing homemade snacks yourself, ensure that you are aware of any changes in your kids’ eating habits so you can make any necessary modifications to your day to day plans in order to make sure that your children are getting the nutrition they need.

As always, try to maintain a healthy balance of instructional attitude and a friendly demeanor, as that would not only help you strike perfection in your kids’ diet but by knowing what you are in for, you will also get to manage your budget effectively.

Sure, you’ve heard the old adage: red wine is good for your heart.

Yes, there is certainly some truth to that.

Having said that, there are a myriad of other reasons as to why wine is truly good for you. So, if you’re a wine-lover, sit back and drink in the following five reasons that support wine as being a healthy and enjoyable beverage of choice.

Heart-Healthy

 Red wine, which has long been considered heart-friendly, contains antioxidants that help prevent cardiovascular disease and heart attacks. Since wine increases levels of high-density lipoprotein (also known as HDL cholesterol – the “good” cholesterol), it is considered to be very heart-healthy. Wine also protects against artery damage. What could be better?!

Strong Bones

Sure, you guessed it – drinking milk is not the only way to avoid osteoporosis. In fact, research and studies reveal that consuming wine (in moderation) on a daily basis can result in greater bone mineral density. This is the measure that physicians use to identify bone strength.

Wine Fights Cancer

Interestingly enough, the exact same phenolic compounds that reduce the risks of getting heart disease also slow the growth of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, phenols have also been proven to diminish and even eliminate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Lastly, one particular antioxidant in wine known as “resveratrol” can stop the growth of cells that cause liver cancer.

Drinking Wine = Working Out 

As far-fetched as this may sound, new research reveals that one glass of red wine is equivalent to one hour spent at the gym. Crazy, right? Scientists claim that the aforementioned antioxidant of resveratrol boosts your heart rate and improves muscle performance.

Happiness

This could be the BEST reason of all: drinking wine make you happy! While this may seem obvious, of course, there is actually scientific research to back this up. Recent studies conducted by a team from multiple universities in Spain suggest that consuming wine actually reduces the risk of depression.

It is, of course, important to avoid binge drinking in order to maximize health benefits and to also stick to your normal fitness/eating routines. Furthermore, DUI Attorneys in Gilbert stress the importance of always drinking responsibly. Having said that, this little side benefit is nice to know. You should drink wine in moderation, which can satisfy your palate and supplement your healthy lifestyle.

So, if you’re a wine-lover, consider yourself lucky as you continue to consume wine in moderation and reap the benefits of this wonderful drink.

Hazelnuts are perhaps most well-known as the primary ingredient in the world-famous cocoa spread, Nutella. Indeed, their unique flavor profile makes hazelnuts a popular ingredient in sweets like pralines and various kinds of desserts.

But apart from having a truly distinct nutty flavor, hazelnuts are also highly nutritious. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, proteins, iron, and magnesium. More impressively, 100 grams of hazelnuts contain 100 percent of the daily value requirement of vitamin E and a whopping 294 percent of the daily value requirement of manganese, an important antioxidative mineral that plays a role in various functions such as the formation of connective tissues and blood clotting, as well as the metabolism of fat and carbohydrates.

So how do you include more of this healthful nut into your diet? Here are some ideas

Drink It

One of the easiest ways to enjoy hazelnuts is to drink delicious and creamy hazelnut milk. It may not be as popular as soy or almond milk, but it certainly has developed a loyal following due to its luxurious texture. Some even say they detect hints of chocolate flavors in plain hazelnut milk.

Apart from drinking it straight from the glass, you can also use hazelnut milk in place of regular milk in your cereals, smoothies, coffees, and teas. Vegans and vegetarians will also be pleased to know that hazelnut milk is cruelty-free.

Snack on Them

It’s quite easy to roast hazelnuts — just put them in a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, then slide the tray into an oven that has been preheated to about 350 to 400 degrees. From there, just wait until the brown papery skin appears blistered. Remove the hazelnuts from the oven, transfer and wrap them in a kitchen towel or muslin cloth, and then roll or shake the makeshift pouch to remove the skins. Voila! The hazelnuts are ready for snacking.

But why settle on plain hazelnuts? Sprinkle some of your favorite spices and flavors, like cinnamon, sea salt, honey, or even muscovado sugar. You can re-roast the skinned hazelnuts to make the flavors sink in better. Fair warning though: this snack is highly addictive!

Make Hazelnut Butter

No, not Nutella – hazelnut butter! It’s very easy to make: all you need are raw or dry-roasted hazelnuts and some salt. Then just throw them in a blender or food processor and let the blades run for about 10 to 15 minutes or until you get the consistency you want. You can also add some natural flavorings if you want, like cinnamon or dark chocolate chips.

Plain hazelnut butter can be used as an alternative ingredient in recipes that call for peanut butter. It’s also a good bread spread, as well as a dipping partner for fruits. What’s better is that hazelnut butter contains more vitamin E than peanut butter and is also safe for those with peanut allergies. (Just remember to also check if the person to whom you’re serving it is also not allergic to tree nuts!)

Use Them as Toppings

Because of their unique taste, hazelnuts match very well with sweet treats like cookies, brownies, cupcakes, cakes, and ice cream. Chop up some hazelnuts and use it as a healthy topping for your favorite desserts. You can also add sliced, chopped, or ground hazelnuts in your salads, savory soups, and pasta sauces for some added healthy texture and crunch.

Add Them in Breadings

Breading doesn’t always have to be just made out of, well, bread crumbs. You can always add extra ingredients to achieve the flavor you want. In this case, crushed hazelnuts will not just add a chewy-crunchy texture, it will also boost the healthiness of your breading. Plus, the distinct flavor of hazelnuts goes surprisingly well with different kinds of meat.

This is just a few ways you can incorporate the tastiness and healthiness of hazelnuts into a variety of dishes and drinks — you are only limited by your creativity! Feel free to experiment and enjoy the unique flavor that hazelnuts can bring to your meals.

Based on societal observation, it is not a secret that women make up for the larger segment in regular wine consumers.

After all, wine is our go to drink whether we are having a casual get together, a fancy dinner party, or just a lazy afternoon as we take a raincheck from day to day responsibilities on our days off.

It would also not be incorrect to state that taking a leaf out of Olivia Pope’s book for the love of wine is something that almost all of us have done – and continue to do – as we binge watch a new TV show or make our way through an interesting book. It is not shocking when you think about it either; after all, wine is one of the most versatile drinks known to the humankind that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of alcohol consumers.

That is why, when it comes to finding a bargain on wine glasses or a discount deal on an exceptional wine club membership, we are right in line to get the most out of consuming this proverbial nectar of the Gods.

And when these several reflections come together in a holistic manner, it is all too exciting to not be shared within our little community here.

So let’s go ahead and read about what other wine consumers – mostly women like us – are thinking when it comes to drinking wine.

Women Wine Consumption Trends

Before we get into the nitty gritty of 2018 wine trends, it would be prudent to mention that the observation of women being prevalent wine consumers has been proven by numerous research studies, where one of the most credible of these projects was presented in 2017.

According to E. & J. Gallo Winery, one of the biggest wineries in the United States, around 60% of wine consumers are women.

E. & J. Gallo also found that one of the major reasons of this trend was women getting together on social gatherings such as casual lunches, brunches and weekend hangouts more often than men. This ability to connect with their peers more often gives women plenty of opportunities to open a bottle of their favorite red, white or rose and enjoy it with their loved ones with some much needed chatter.

And now, to the latest market trends (with a wine glass in our hands, of course)!

Wine is a Source of Fun

In its 2018 market research, the company also noted that a whopping 82% of wine drinkers drink it solely for fun, where they are looking at a glass of wine as a reason to unwind.

A glass of wine when consumed in moderation can truly enhance your mood on a joyous occasion, or even uplift your spirits when you are feeling just a bit down and out.

Consumers are Looking for Timely Shopping Experiences

This notion of buying wine as a source of fun goes hand in hand with the shopping experience itself.

According to Gallo’s survey, 65% of consumers reported that they are looking for a clean and timely wine shopping experience in order to not waste much time on selecting a bottle of wine, so they could get what they like and enjoy it the way that they want without any delays.

Wine is Enjoyed More by Older Consumers

This list of facts gets even more interesting when you find out that older consumers tend to enjoy wine more than younger ones, where they also indulge in having a drink at least twice a week, as opposed to a lesser amount of younger consumers who tend to have less than that on a weekly basis.

We for one are remembering this one. After all, keeping this fact in mind the next time you are enjoying a glass of wine with your mother or your grandma might bring out a smile on anyone’s face.

Single Serve is On the Rise

You may have heard about single serve wines, which are regular wines but provided in single serving packs for those who are opposed to opening a whole bottle at once or those who do not want to spend a whopping amount on a Coravin contraption.

According to the research, this trend is gaining gradual yet noticeable traction, where 25% of wine consumers expressed their interest in trying out single serve wines in the near future.

Wine is There to Be Enjoyed, In Moderation

While not a part of the 2018 trends, it goes without saying that whenever you are having an alcoholic drink, even something like wine that usually has a lower alcohol by volume (ABV), you need to ensure that you are not overdoing it in order to take the utmost care of your health and your loved ones’ well-being as well.

If you remember this golden rule, then the wine world is your oyster to enjoy.

So keep these trends in mind and shop happily, and if you have not already done so, schedule a few wine tours or join a wine club in order to enjoy your drinks in the company of like minded people who enjoy wine just as much as you do. It really makes a difference when you get to meet people who share the same interests as you do and goes a long way in terms of character building and social quality of life.