It’s Peanut Butter and Jelly Time – Peanut Butter Jelly Muffins (And some budgeting tips too!)

Dear Baby Boy,

You are 23 weeks old now and as big as a grapefruit. The other day you were the most active that you have ever been. Mommy was at a work professional development and you were having a dance party. I wish I could have told the world to stop so that they could watch you dance; but for now, I selfishly keep those moments for myself and at night for Daddy as he wishes you goodnight.

Love,

Mom

Like any expecting parent, I am trying to pinch pennies where I can. I have been setting new budgets and picking up extra hours where I can (would you guys like a blog post on how I have been saving and gaining?). I know, sounds terrible, but actually there have been quite a few perks.

Time. Not Money.

It is the TIME that you spend with your loved ones rather than the price tag you pay for it. Pop some microwave popcorn, have a potluck, Netflix and chill. It is just as fun, if not better than going out. Especially during the summer season, there are tons of things you can do for free. Here are some things that I have been enjoying in NYC.

Better for the environment.

More consumption means more waste. Do we really need those Clorox wipes that add an extra 5 bucks to my grocery bill? Or can I just use the cleaner I already have and the rag that I already have? By no means am I zero waste, but when I can save a few bucks and waste a little less, I do. Madeleine Olivia is one of my favorite youtubers with great tips on how to reduce waste if you are interested.

Building your skills and getting noticed.

I am a teacher and I love my job. When I start counting down to the end of the school year, it does not mean that I do not love my job any less or that I want to do anything else. It just means that I love that I have a job that allows me to count down to a well deserved summer vacation! Usually, I spend my summers studying (I have studied and taught in Vietnam, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic) or working. This summer I was excited to just sit and grow my baby. But when opportunity comes knocking, it is hard to say no. Being asked to work this summer has allowed me to work closely with my principal, allowing me to learn something entirely new. It also (at least I hope) demonstrated how much I care about what I do and the children I work for. Check out my TPT page to check out how I have been flexing some of my teacher superpowers.

Getting Creative.

My favorite tip is getting creative in the kitchen. Because I have set a new grocery budget for my little but growing family, I have gotten more creative in the kitchen. Ran out of bread? No problem. Why not make some peanut butter and jelly muffins instead of that peanut butter jelly sandwich. Delicious, easy, and freezable for breakfasts throughout the week.

Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon ground flaxeed (great for expecting mommas!! Read here!)
½ cup of brown sugar
6 tablespoons of coconut oil, liquid
1 large egg
1 cup of buttermilk (I NEVER have this on hand. I substitute this with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and enough milk to equal 1 cup. If you have buttermilk, use that.)
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Approximately ½ cup of Skippy’s Natural Peanut Butter
Approximately ½ cup of jam or jelly of choice (I used Shmuckers Strawberry Jam)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 F/ 180 C.
Mix together dry ingredients
Mix together wet ingredients in separate bowl
Combine wet and dry ingredients in stand mixer or combine using a hand whisk.
Fill about 1/3 of muffin tin with mixture. Now drizzle peanut butter (a little dollap is fine) on top and use spoon or butter knife to swirl. Add another 1/3 of mixture on top. Then, dollap some jam on top of each muffin and swirl.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden. Use a toothpick to check readiness. Let cool and serve with some extra jam and a cup of hot coffee or a cold glass of milk. Delicious!