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Premeditated Leftovers™

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7 plants to give for Valentine's Day instead of flowers.

7 Plants to Give for Valentine’s Day Instead of Flowers

January 14, 2026 by Jody Leave a Comment

Call me practical, but I prefer receiving plants over flowers for their staying power!  If you agree, you should check out these 7 Plants to Give for Valentine’s Day Instead of Flowers. Flowers are gorgeous and fun to send for Valentine’s Day, but the truth is they will wilt and die within a week. ThatRead More

Free Crochet Patterns for Men

Free Crochet Patterns for Men

January 2, 2026 by Christine T Leave a Comment

Looking for a handmade gift to give to the man in your life? Check out this extensive list of free crochet patterns for men! As a blogger, I spend a lot of time on social media. As such, I have seen my share of memes. One meme that floats around a lot is that oneRead More

Free Kids’ Pajama Sewing Patterns

January 2, 2026 by Christine T 2 Comments

These free kid’s pajama patterns include a variety of pajamas for boys and girls. When I was a child, my mom used to give my brother and I a new pair of pajamas every Christmas. This made a nice tradition, but it also was a great excuse to get some fresh new PJs. There isRead More

Free Newborn Photo Prop Crochet Patterns

December 27, 2025 by Christine T Leave a Comment

These free photo prop crochet patterns will help you capture the sweetest newborn photos. They’re perfect for your own baby, as a friend’s shower gift, or for your photography business. When my daughter, who is now 12, was a baby, I didn’t even think about getting newborn pictures taken. It just wasn’t a big “thing”Read More

How to Make a New Year's Eve Time Capsule to remember 2025

How to Make a New Year’s Eve Time Capsule

December 23, 2025 by Katie Femia 1 Comment

Are you looking for ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve and ring in the New Year? Use these tips for how to make a New Year’s Eve time capsule to celebrate with family while remembering the last year.   Do you love the idea of saving a moment in time? A DIY time capsule isRead More

homemade reindeer food recipe - a fun Christmas Eve activity for kids

Easy Reindeer Food Recipe

December 15, 2025 by Ann Leave a Comment

The holiday magic in your kid’s eyes is one of the best things about Christmas, and making this Easy Reindeer Food Recipe is all part of that fun.  Your children will absolutely love helping you make this magical reindeer food to put out on Christmas Eve night before they go to bed. It’s safe forRead More

babies wearing layette gowns made with free sewing patterns

Free Layette Gown Patterns

December 11, 2025 by Christine T 4 Comments

These adorable layette gown sewing patterns, sleep sacks, and wraps are a great way to save money on newborn clothes (or make a personalized baby shower gift).   When it comes to bringing home baby, one of the most fun parts is doing the preparation. For many new moms, this means picking out all theRead More

free sewing patterns for pets and pet supplies

Free Sewing Patterns for Pets

December 5, 2025 by Christine T 4 Comments

If you love to sew almost as much as you love to spoil your pets, these are free sewing patterns for pets will be right up your alley. As pet owners, we often treat them like our children. Why shouldn’t we? They are loyal, loving in ways that humans often aren’t, and they are superRead More

FREE Prom Dress Patterns and Tips for Sewing Formalwear

Free Prom Dress Patterns

December 5, 2025 by Christine T 3 Comments

Thinking about making your prom dress? We’ve rounded up FREE prom dress patterns you can use, along with some helpful tips and advice for sewing formalwear. It used to be that most girl’s moms or grandmas or even teen girls themselves made their special occasion clothing such as prom dresses. I didn’t have my promRead More

Lavender and Geranium Bath Bombs

December 1, 2025 by Jody Leave a Comment

Let me show you how to make Lavender and Geranium Bath Bombs that will help soak away the stresses and worries of life!   I want to show you how to relax and unwind by showing you how to make Bath Bombs. These lavender and geranium bath bombs give an amazing floral scent to yourRead More

DIY Dog Shampoo Bar Recipe With Essential Oils

November 24, 2025 by Jody Leave a Comment

My DIY Dog Shampoo Bar Recipe has a bright, fresh scent that leaves your dog smelling great while also moisturizing dry, itchy skin and coats that need a little extra TLC. Whether it’s from fleas, hot weather, a food allergy or something else sometimes your dog’s coat and skin can just use an extra boostRead More

Free Crochet Patterns for Cat Toys

November 21, 2025 by Christine T 2 Comments

Your cat deserves nice things! If you’re someone who crochets, this list of free crochet patterns for cat toys gives you plenty of cute, quick projects to spoil your favorite feline.   I have been accused, a time or two, of being a crazy cat lady. I don’t see how that is possible since IRead More

Awesome Ways to Refashion a T-Shirt

November 20, 2025 by Christine T 2 Comments

Call it altered, refashioned or upcycled, a repurposed t-shirt can be the best thing since… well, since you bought the shirt in the first place. Try some of these ways to modify your old t-shirts and make yourself a whole new wardrobe!   My friend Sherri has been deconstructing her band T-Shirts for years. IRead More

Free Beach Bag Sewing Patterns to make

10 Free Beach Bag Patterns

November 14, 2025 by Christine T Leave a Comment

Need a new tote for the pool? Make your own beach bag for all of your summer gear with one of out these free beach bag sewing patterns. I cannot wait to hit the lake this summer. If I’m lucky, I may even venture as far as an actual beach on the ocean. I live inRead More

Free Boot Cuff Crochet Patterns

November 13, 2025 by Christine T 3 Comments

Boot cuffs are in right now and they keep you so much warmer! Make a few in an afternoon with these 10 free crochet boot cuff patterns! I have to admit, I am really digging the boot cuff and boot sock trend the last couple of cold seasons. They just look so cute and theyRead More

15 Gift in a Jar Ideas

November 12, 2025 by Alea Milham Leave a Comment

These fun gift-in-a-jar ideas include everything from homemade treats to kids’ activities to a spa day in a jar. There is sure to be something for everyone on your list! Are you still struggling to find a gift for that person who has everything? Have you considered making a gift in a jar? You canRead More

FREE DIY Crochet Slipper Patterns for Cozy Winter Gift Giving

10 Free Crochet Slipper Patterns

November 8, 2025 by Christine T 1 Comment

Stay warm and cozy all winter with these 10 free crochet slipper patterns — perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike. Nothing is better than a warm and cozy pair of slippers or socks on a cold night. If you have hardwood floors, you definitely know what I am talking about! Making slippers and socksRead More

10+ FREE ornament sewing patterns for this Christmas

10 Free Ornament Sewing Patterns

November 7, 2025 by Christine T 1 Comment

Why buy ornaments when you can make them from fabric scraps! Here are more than 10 free Christmas ornament sewing patterns you can use to make some homespun holiday cheer! There are so many fun ornaments you can buy in the store, but a homemade holiday touch always makes things so much better in myRead More

10 Free Apron Patterns

November 7, 2025 by Christine T 1 Comment

These 10 free apron patterns will liven up your kitchen and protect your clothes.   I have quite a ‘thing” for aprons. I don’t know if it is their vintage appeal or the fact that they just are kind of fun to wear, but I have become somewhat of a collector of aprons. I haveRead More

10 Free Barbie Sewing Patterns

November 6, 2025 by Christine T 12 Comments

These free Barbie clothes sewing patterns make fun homemade gifts for kids. When I was a little girl, my mom used to make some clothing for my Barbie dolls. I felt special to have these since they were unique and you couldn’t buy them in the store. When my daughter was still playing with Barbies,Read More

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Welcome. I'm Alea!

On Premeditated Leftovers I share simple recipes made with whole foods, practical shopping tips, time saving techniques, and meal planning strategies. I also share tips for minimizing food waste, so more of the food that is purchased ends up on the table.

While volunteering as a budget counselor, I realized that food is the element of most people’s budgets where they have the greatest control. I set out to develop low-cost recipes from scratch to prove it’s possible to create delicious meals on a limited budget. Eating well while spending less is about more than just creating recipes using inexpensive ingredients; it’s about creatively combining ingredients so you don’t feel deprived and are inspired to stick to your budget.

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