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Premeditated Leftovers™

Prep-Ahead Meals, Cooking Tips, and Frugal Living


Owl Themed Halloween Tablescape

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I have a serious infatuation with owls. I don’t think it’s at the point where I need to check into rehab, but it’s getting there. So, I was doing some serious window shopping at Home Goods when I saw them: beautiful, ceramic plates with a black owl. As soon as I saw them, I knew they were mine.Read More

8 DIY Modest Costumes for Teen Girls

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In the last few years, I have noticed that costumes for girls, teens and even women have gotten to the point where it’s no longer about fun outfits like a princess or an animal, but a new spin has been added. This spin is usually in the form of throwing modesty out the window. WhenRead More

Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft

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This easy Scrapbook Paper Pumpkin Craft is a great way to decorate for a fall get together. It is so easy you can have a whole pumpkin patch ready in no time. Simple changes like length of strips can create varying sizes and shapes. Perfection is not necessary and every pumpkin is unique.  This isRead More

5 Crafting Ideas Using Apples

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It is officially apple season. While apples are great for snacking, did you know they are also great for crafting? Crafting with apples can be easy and fun, you just need a little inspiration. Take a peek below at 5 Crafting Ideas Using Apples so you can put all of those apples you picked (orRead More

20 Frugal Household Uses for Lemons

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Lemon juice is so easy and inexpensive to come by, which is why it is such a great product to use in so many great ways! Just a few drops can pack a huge punch. If life hands you lemons, take a look below at 20 uses for lemon juice that you can try. YouRead More

DIY Scrap Wood Pumpkin Patch Basket

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This Scrap Wood Pumpkin Patch Basket is a great way to recycle old pieces of lumber laying around, and create a cute and fun craft just in time for the fall holidays.  Pumpkins are great from September through November and can easily be used for Halloween, Fall or Thanksgiving decor.  This basket is a greatRead More

How to Make Colored Chalk Paint

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Do you love the look of colored chalk paint in home decor, but hate the high price of chalk paint? Good news! You can make your own chalk paint in what ever color you wish for a fraction of the price. Not only is it inexpensive to make, is also easy to make your ownRead More

10 Awesome Free Knock Off Patterns

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One of my favorite things to find when I am in the mood for a new project is a knock off pattern of an expensive or trendy piece to go in my closet. I was super excited when I was scouring Pinterest one day and I found that lots of folks think like me andRead More

How to Make Natural Moth Repellent

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As you pack away seasonal clothing, here are some ways to make natural moth repellent to protect your clothes from moths while in storage. Once we moved to an area with four seasons, I realized I needed to store seasonal clothing. I  realized that along with packing up seasonal clothing, I also needed to repel moths fromRead More

DIY Record Box

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I recently became the proud owner of my father’s entire collection of old LPs. I love that I’m able to bring the music on these dusty records to life once again, but along with these albums came the giant responsibility to protect them. They are large, heavy, and take up quite a bit of space.Read More

Lemongrass and Grapefruit Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

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I really enjoy creating my own home cleaning products for a variety of reason. First, I can have confidence in what ingredients are being used, they are generally less expensive than the store bought counterparts, and  I can customize the scent. I have tried several variations of homemade dishwasher detergents from tablets to liquid. This powderRead More

10 Easy Minion Crafts

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Do your kids love Minions? Here are 10 easy Minion crafts you can do with them. Since the Minions movie came out, Minions are everywhere! I can’t really go a day without seeing these cute yellow jelly bean dudes. If you are a fan, this is great news. The fun part about seeing minions everywhereRead More

20 Uses for Tea Tree Oil

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If you think you know tea tree oil, think again. It seems as though every day someone is finding a new way to use this amazing oil. If you think you have heard all of the uses for tea tree oil, you are going to want to take a look below and discover a greatRead More

DIY Laundry Stain Remover

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With a husband who brings home grimy, oil-spattered uniforms and two kids who seem to be dirt magnets, I need some assistance with the cleaning beyond a good laundry soap and a hired laundry service. I have tried several combinations of cleaning supplies and store bought stain removers with different results, none entirely satisfactory. Until the day I grabbedRead More

Rustic Fall Leaf Pumpkin

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Autumn is such a gift, as it gives us plenty of natural elements we can bring indoors and use in fun and functional ways. For this simple DIY project, you don’t need to make a run to the store, you just need to head outdoors and use what nature is giving you as part ofRead More

Owl Themed Fall Tablescape

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Owl Themed Fall Tablescape It’s almost that time of year again and here are a few of my favorite things about fall: The leaves change colors The crunching of the leaves when you walk Football season You can wear boots and sweaters The kids go back to school I also love the cooler weather, althoughRead More

7 Tips for Remodeling on a Budget

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Whether you are working on a whole home remodel, or just a bedroom these 7 Tips for Remodeling on a Budget are going to help stretch your budget farther. Being able to do your own work around the house will help you to save money on contractors. Having some great shortcuts to save money willRead More

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.