I’m here to help inspire you to create a healthy home.

Hello! I’m Aimee Guess, and welcome to Homemaker On A Budget, where you’ll find fresh, clean, and inspiring recipes to help you create delicious meals at home, without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for budget-friendly, non-toxic living tips or seeking hope and healing through natural wellness, this is a place to refresh your kitchen and life as the home economist.

Introducing my new Book

The Ultimate Kitchen Guide

to food storage, freezer rotation, & zero food waste

Take back your kitchen’s purpose and reformulate the way you manage your kitchen. If you have an unorganized pantry, food going bad in your refrigerator, and you have no idea what’s at the bottom of your freezer, then let me help you create unity and purpose when grocery shopping and planning. We want to fill your freezer with foods that will help on those busy nights, to keep you from eating out and overspending.

  • In a 2016 study, dandelion root extract triggered programmed cell death in more than 95% of the colorectal cancer cells tested, while showing no toxicity to the normal colon cells tested.

Comment TEA for my favorite brands of dandelion tea.

Researchers identified several powerful plant compounds in the root, including taraxasterol, which has been studied for its ability to interfere with pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival.

And here’s what I find even more fascinating: the whole dandelion root extract performed better than the isolated compounds alone. 🌿

This research was done in cells, not humans, so it does NOT mean dandelion root tea heals 95% of all cancers. But after everything I’ve walked through, I’m deeply interested in filling my diet with plants rich in beneficial phytochemicals.

Dandelion root tea is one of the simple things I’ve chosen to incorporate into my weekly routine.

Simple Tea Recipe:
1 tsp dandelion root
1 cup very hot water

Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Flavor is VERY mild.

Comment FOOD for my daily food list that I eat after cancer!

SAVE this and follow for more foods and plants I’m researching for my anti-cancer lifestyle.

*FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

#dandelionroot #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
  • Certain fruits are especially rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and phytonutrients studied for protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the body’s natural defense systems.

Here are 5 fruits packed with some of the most researched protective compounds:

🫐 Berries – loaded with anthocyanins that help protect DNA and reduce inflammation

🍎 Apples – rich in polyphenols like quercetin, especially in the peel

🍇 Grapes – contain resveratrol, studied for regulating cellular health (organic raisins count)

🍅 Tomatoes – high in lycopene, one of the most researched carotenoids

❤️ Pomegranate – incredibly dense in polyphenols like punicalagins

As a cancer survivor, that’s something I take seriously.
Food matters. What we eat every day matters even more.

Comment SUPER if you haven’t read my article on affordable superfoods!

#cancersurvivor #healthylifestyle #bestfoodever
  • Hummus Recipe:
1 can chickpeas, only drain half of the water
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, I like the Bragg’s brand
1 garlic clove
Salt and pepper to taste
(You can add olive oil, but I typically don’t if serving with pesto)

Everything you eat, especially if you’ve had cancer, greatly affects your health and your future ❤️ That’s why I’m super picky with what I put on my plate. 

🥒 I was out of cucumber or it would have been on my plate too!

Pesto Recipe:
2-3 packed cups of fresh basil leaves
1 cup toasted walnuts
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (high quality from Italy)
Salt and pepper to taste

Add olive oil in as you purée the ingredients. Stop, check the pesto, and add more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. I like my pesto to be more runny than thick.

❤️ What a phenomenal discovery! When I was diagnosed with cancer back in December 2023, I was juicing copious amounts of carrots, beets, and apples. My mom didn’t have access to a juicer at the time, so she decided to eat 1 carrot, 1/2 beet and 1/2 apple every day alongside me after watching a Facebook reel and being encouraged to eat these 3 foods to lower her cholesterol.

Not only did it work, but her eye pressure decreased and surgery wasn’t required! We both eat this combo EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! 

Comment FRUIT for my healing leaves tea recipe!

*FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
  • Comment MILLET and I’ll send you more information on where to buy it.

When I was going through cancer, millet porridge became a regular part of my diet because I was intentionally looking for simple, whole foods that were alkalizing to the body.

Millet is an ancient, naturally gluten free whole grain packed with fiber, magnesium, plant based protein and antioxidants, including beneficial polyphenols. It’s also super inexpensive and often put in birdseed, why are they getting all of the health benefits!?!

I cook 1 cup millet with 4 cups water until it becomes soft and creamy.

For added health benefits, you could add turmeric and black pepper, ginger, cinnamon or if you go the savory route fresh garlic.

You can make it SWEET with berries, cinnamon, nuts, seeds and a little honey, or SAVORY with vegetables and herbs. During cancer, I loved mine with sautéed onions and shiitake mushrooms. Tonight I made it with pesto and Parmesan and it was SO good.

Sometimes healthy eating isn’t about finding the newest superfood. It’s about rediscovering the simple, nourishing foods that have been around for generations.

* FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE

#millet #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
  • Being diagnosed with cancer at 38 completely changed how I look at my kitchen. I NEVER want cancer again, treatment was hard, and the emotional toll is torture. I chose to guard my home the best I could, here’s some swaps!

Comment SWAPS for the full list!

These are 5 things I no longer bring into my kitchen, and what I choose instead:

1.Artificial fragrances → I stick to fragrance-free or essential-oil-based dish and cleaning products

2.Conventional cleaning sprays → Simple, non-toxic cleaners that actually get the job done

3.Traditional nonstick cookware → I use non-toxic nonstick like Caraway, plus stainless steel and cast iron

4.Plastic food storage → Glass containers for leftovers, prep, and pantry staples

5.Ultra-processed foods → Real ingredients that nourish instead of inflame (eat the food God created)

This wasn’t an overnight overhaul.
It was one thoughtful swap at a time, until my kitchen became a place that supports healing, not stress.

If you’ve been curious about creating a healthier kitchen without going extreme, I’ve shared my full Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps on the blog. Comment SWAPS for the full list!

#NonToxicKitchen
#CancerSurvivorLiving
#RealFoodHome
  • It’s been over 1 year now in Virginia, and even though I miss my friends deeply I KNOW in the depths of my soul I’m right where I’m supposed to be.

The enemy meant to destroy me, but God has used my cancer story for good. I get to help thousands now. 

I never meant to have this story. I truly ate SO HEALTHY, but cancer can invade even the “healthiest” through ways we cannot see.

My environment, the commercial agriculture of California and all its pesticide use destroyed my health. I remember when we bought our last home in California my dad came over and said “Aimee don’t ever walk barefoot in your backyard because this ground used to be cotton fields and there are forever chemicals in the dirt.”

WHAT?!? These pesticides are ruining people’s lives. 

Evaluate where you live, make sure you are able to drink, clean water and breathe fresh air, and of course eat the foods that God created for us to eat. Read the Bible and learn about the foods that He said are good.

Comment WATER for my favorite water filter.
Comment FOOD for my daily foods list after beating cancer.
Comment PRAY for 5 powerful prayers to pray if going through cancer.
Comment FREE for my free guide if starting chemo soon.

#cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget #healthylifestyle
  • Comment CURRY and I’ll send you the recipe! Not a fan of curry, just omit it! The recipe is SO GOOD either way!

Swapping mayo for cottage cheese adds a different element to this recipe and I’ll never go back! 

After beating cancer I vowed to NEVER buy lunchmeat again. It’s a class one cancer-causing carcinogen! Get creative, and there’s so many other sandwich options out there.

I buy ALL my eggs local through farmer’s markets and neighbors. If you are able, do the same! Store bought eggs aren’t very tasty when you’ve had fresh.

#eggsaladsandwich #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
  • You don’t need a detox diet. Your body already has one built in.

Your liver is doing that work every single day, and foods like beets simply help support it. They’re rich in antioxidants and naturally support blood flow, which means your body can function the way it was designed to.

After walking through cancer, I stopped chasing extremes and started focusing on simple, real foods I could eat every day. This is one of them.

Comment BEETS and I’ll send you one of my favorite ways to eat them + how to cook them 🤍

* FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
  • Here’s what goes into their school lunches:

•The main event (sandwich, soup, etc)
•1 cutie orange
•1/2 apple
•Something crunchy (carrot, chips, etc)
•Something fun
•Granola bar (snack) sometimes trail mix too.

Comment LUNCH and get your hands on the Real Food Lunchbox Cookbook for this school year! 

The emphasis with this cookbook is EASY! Easy prep, easy on the wallet, and can easily be maintained throughout the year. I prepare every lunch for my 4 kids, every single day. These are the recipes we use and love, and I hope your family loves them too.

Comment WHOLE for my whole chicken Instant Pot recipe, another favorite for sandwiches!

For the chicken:
•Slice the chicken breasts thin
•In a ziplock or glass container at the chicken with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning, and 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar.
•Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook on a grill.

#schoollunchideas #homemakeronabudget
In a 2016 study, dandelion root extract triggered programmed cell death in more than 95% of the colorectal cancer cells tested, while showing no toxicity to the normal colon cells tested. Comment TEA for my favorite brands of dandelion tea. Researchers identified several powerful plant compounds in the root, including taraxasterol, which has been studied for its ability to interfere with pathways involved in cancer cell growth and survival. And here’s what I find even more fascinating: the whole dandelion root extract performed better than the isolated compounds alone. 🌿 This research was done in cells, not humans, so it does NOT mean dandelion root tea heals 95% of all cancers. But after everything I’ve walked through, I’m deeply interested in filling my diet with plants rich in beneficial phytochemicals. Dandelion root tea is one of the simple things I’ve chosen to incorporate into my weekly routine. Simple Tea Recipe: 1 tsp dandelion root 1 cup very hot water Let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Flavor is VERY mild. Comment FOOD for my daily food list that I eat after cancer! SAVE this and follow for more foods and plants I’m researching for my anti-cancer lifestyle. *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE #dandelionroot #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
12 hours ago
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View on Instagram |
1/9
Certain fruits are especially rich in polyphenols, antioxidants, and phytonutrients studied for protecting cells from oxidative stress and supporting the body’s natural defense systems. Here are 5 fruits packed with some of the most researched protective compounds: 🫐 Berries – loaded with anthocyanins that help protect DNA and reduce inflammation 🍎 Apples – rich in polyphenols like quercetin, especially in the peel 🍇 Grapes – contain resveratrol, studied for regulating cellular health (organic raisins count) 🍅 Tomatoes – high in lycopene, one of the most researched carotenoids ❤️ Pomegranate – incredibly dense in polyphenols like punicalagins As a cancer survivor, that’s something I take seriously. Food matters. What we eat every day matters even more. Comment SUPER if you haven’t read my article on affordable superfoods! #cancersurvivor #healthylifestyle #bestfoodever
1 day ago
25115
View on Instagram |
2/9
Hummus Recipe: 1 can chickpeas, only drain half of the water 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning, I like the Bragg’s brand 1 garlic clove Salt and pepper to taste (You can add olive oil, but I typically don’t if serving with pesto) Everything you eat, especially if you’ve had cancer, greatly affects your health and your future ❤️ That’s why I’m super picky with what I put on my plate. 🥒 I was out of cucumber or it would have been on my plate too! Pesto Recipe: 2-3 packed cups of fresh basil leaves 1 cup toasted walnuts 2 cloves garlic 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (high quality from Italy) Salt and pepper to taste Add olive oil in as you purée the ingredients. Stop, check the pesto, and add more olive oil until you reach your desired consistency. I like my pesto to be more runny than thick. ❤️ What a phenomenal discovery! When I was diagnosed with cancer back in December 2023, I was juicing copious amounts of carrots, beets, and apples. My mom didn’t have access to a juicer at the time, so she decided to eat 1 carrot, 1/2 beet and 1/2 apple every day alongside me after watching a Facebook reel and being encouraged to eat these 3 foods to lower her cholesterol. Not only did it work, but her eye pressure decreased and surgery wasn’t required! We both eat this combo EVERY.SINGLE.DAY! Comment FRUIT for my healing leaves tea recipe! *FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
2 days ago
953100
View on Instagram |
3/9
Comment MILLET and I’ll send you more information on where to buy it. When I was going through cancer, millet porridge became a regular part of my diet because I was intentionally looking for simple, whole foods that were alkalizing to the body. Millet is an ancient, naturally gluten free whole grain packed with fiber, magnesium, plant based protein and antioxidants, including beneficial polyphenols. It’s also super inexpensive and often put in birdseed, why are they getting all of the health benefits!?! I cook 1 cup millet with 4 cups water until it becomes soft and creamy. For added health benefits, you could add turmeric and black pepper, ginger, cinnamon or if you go the savory route fresh garlic. You can make it SWEET with berries, cinnamon, nuts, seeds and a little honey, or SAVORY with vegetables and herbs. During cancer, I loved mine with sautéed onions and shiitake mushrooms. Tonight I made it with pesto and Parmesan and it was SO good. Sometimes healthy eating isn’t about finding the newest superfood. It’s about rediscovering the simple, nourishing foods that have been around for generations. * FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE #millet #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
3 days ago
651213
View on Instagram |
4/9
Being diagnosed with cancer at 38 completely changed how I look at my kitchen. I NEVER want cancer again, treatment was hard, and the emotional toll is torture. I chose to guard my home the best I could, here’s some swaps! Comment SWAPS for the full list! These are 5 things I no longer bring into my kitchen, and what I choose instead: 1.Artificial fragrances → I stick to fragrance-free or essential-oil-based dish and cleaning products 2.Conventional cleaning sprays → Simple, non-toxic cleaners that actually get the job done 3.Traditional nonstick cookware → I use non-toxic nonstick like Caraway, plus stainless steel and cast iron 4.Plastic food storage → Glass containers for leftovers, prep, and pantry staples 5.Ultra-processed foods → Real ingredients that nourish instead of inflame (eat the food God created) This wasn’t an overnight overhaul. It was one thoughtful swap at a time, until my kitchen became a place that supports healing, not stress. If you’ve been curious about creating a healthier kitchen without going extreme, I’ve shared my full Non-Toxic Kitchen Swaps on the blog. Comment SWAPS for the full list! #NonToxicKitchen #CancerSurvivorLiving #RealFoodHome
4 days ago
2,042102
View on Instagram |
5/9
It’s been over 1 year now in Virginia, and even though I miss my friends deeply I KNOW in the depths of my soul I’m right where I’m supposed to be. The enemy meant to destroy me, but God has used my cancer story for good. I get to help thousands now. I never meant to have this story. I truly ate SO HEALTHY, but cancer can invade even the “healthiest” through ways we cannot see. My environment, the commercial agriculture of California and all its pesticide use destroyed my health. I remember when we bought our last home in California my dad came over and said “Aimee don’t ever walk barefoot in your backyard because this ground used to be cotton fields and there are forever chemicals in the dirt.” WHAT?!? These pesticides are ruining people’s lives. Evaluate where you live, make sure you are able to drink, clean water and breathe fresh air, and of course eat the foods that God created for us to eat. Read the Bible and learn about the foods that He said are good. Comment WATER for my favorite water filter. Comment FOOD for my daily foods list after beating cancer. Comment PRAY for 5 powerful prayers to pray if going through cancer. Comment FREE for my free guide if starting chemo soon. #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget #healthylifestyle
5 days ago
703142
View on Instagram |
6/9
Comment CURRY and I’ll send you the recipe! Not a fan of curry, just omit it! The recipe is SO GOOD either way! Swapping mayo for cottage cheese adds a different element to this recipe and I’ll never go back! After beating cancer I vowed to NEVER buy lunchmeat again. It’s a class one cancer-causing carcinogen! Get creative, and there’s so many other sandwich options out there. I buy ALL my eggs local through farmer’s markets and neighbors. If you are able, do the same! Store bought eggs aren’t very tasty when you’ve had fresh. #eggsaladsandwich #cancersurvivor #homemakeronabudget
1 week ago
273124
View on Instagram |
7/9
You don’t need a detox diet. Your body already has one built in. Your liver is doing that work every single day, and foods like beets simply help support it. They’re rich in antioxidants and naturally support blood flow, which means your body can function the way it was designed to. After walking through cancer, I stopped chasing extremes and started focusing on simple, real foods I could eat every day. This is one of them. Comment BEETS and I’ll send you one of my favorite ways to eat them + how to cook them 🤍 * FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY, NOT MEDICAL ADVICE.
1 week ago
812517
View on Instagram |
8/9
Here’s what goes into their school lunches: •The main event (sandwich, soup, etc) •1 cutie orange •1/2 apple •Something crunchy (carrot, chips, etc) •Something fun •Granola bar (snack) sometimes trail mix too. Comment LUNCH and get your hands on the Real Food Lunchbox Cookbook for this school year! The emphasis with this cookbook is EASY! Easy prep, easy on the wallet, and can easily be maintained throughout the year. I prepare every lunch for my 4 kids, every single day. These are the recipes we use and love, and I hope your family loves them too. Comment WHOLE for my whole chicken Instant Pot recipe, another favorite for sandwiches! For the chicken: •Slice the chicken breasts thin •In a ziplock or glass container at the chicken with 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 Tbsp garlic and herb seasoning, and 3 Tbsp apple cider vinegar. •Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes. Then, cook on a grill. #schoollunchideas #homemakeronabudget
1 week ago
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View on Instagram |
9/9
Aimee Guess holding bowl of sourdough starter

Hi! I’m Aimee!

Homemaking on a budget allows you to create a warm, nourishing home filled with simple joys, proving that a beautiful life isn’t about how much you spend, but how intentionally you live. By embracing clean living and home-cooked meals, you can gain the freedom to prioritize what truly matters: health, family, and peace that comes from a well-loved home. As the home economist, you can do just that!

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Inside The Inspired Notebook, you’ll find nourishing recipes, simple wellness habits, encouragement for moms, non-toxic living inspiration, kitchen tips, and grocery-saving ideas. Just 1 newsletter sent to your inbox per month!

With over 900 copies sold!

Sourdough Cookbook

40 EVERYDAY SOURDOUGH RECIPES FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS!

Learn the fundamentals of sourdough, how to create a sourdough starter, make my easy sourdough bread recipe (with no stretch and folds), and make many different breakfast, savory, and sweet creations. This eBook is chock-full of valuable sourdough content that can help you, whether you’re a sourdough rookie or master pro, this is for you.

Aimee from Homemaker on a Budget shares a beautiful new recipe keeper, available for purchase.

Recipe Keeper!

Take your favorite family recipes and make a treasured keepsake to pass down through the family. Nobody will look at your Pinterest boards someday, but they will love pouring themselves over your Recipe Keeper as they reminisce about the meals you created.