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.

  • I used to think more supplements meant better health.
Turns out, real food does more with less.

There are times when supplements are good to take, especially if there is a deficiency, so please talk to your doctor and have blood work done regularly, so that you know where you’re at.

Like right now in my own life, I am taking vitamin D to up my levels per my doctor’s recommendation, and I’m also taking a magnesium supplement to help me through a stressful season. There are definitely times for supplements, so this is not a post declaring that supplements are bad.

However, the vast majority of people overuse supplements, and think that it’s the easy way out, but honestly food is our best medicine. It’s much more cost-effective for our size family to use food as medicine instead of supplements.

Foods we focus on eating each week that are high in vitamins and minerals:

Eggs
Leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetable
Citrus and berries (as well as squash)
Root vegetables 
Salmon, chia seeds, grass-fed pasture meats
Fermented foods

Comment SUPER for a blog post I wrote all about affordable organic superfoods.

Comment GUIDE for my Ultimate Kitchen Guide that includes 20 of our favorite freezer recipes!

Eat healthy food, feed your gut what it needs to thrive, and live a wonderful life ❤️ Your body was created by God to thrive. Give it the food it needs to do so.

#foodfirst #realfoodhealing #homemakersonabudget #wellnesstips #postcancerhealth
  • 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
  • Tired of using Vaseline with petroleum and mystery ingredients? I switched to a simple mix of beeswax and olive oil and my skin has never been better!

Comment FEET for the recipe! 🤩

After cancer, I’m more mindful of what I put on my body, not just in it. It’s simple, clean, and budget-friendly skin care for all ages!

Want to know more? Comment SWAPS for my FREE guide to a non-toxic home. It’s a simple blog post on my website that gives you all the details. ❤️

#nontoxicskincare #diyskincaretips #cancersurvivor
  • Eggs are often called nature’s multivitamin because they’re packed with protein, choline, and essential vitamins that support cellular repair. Paired with hydrating, mineral-rich cucumbers, this simple recipe delivers real nourishment with no unnecessary ingredients.

First, let’s make the perfect hard boiled eggs.
Boil water in a saucepan, carefully drop in 3 eggs, and set a timer for 8 minutes.
Carefully take the eggs out, when the timer goes off, and place them in an ice bath to cool down.
Peel the shell off under some cold running water.

To make the egg salad:
Scoop out yolks and place in a bowl with 2 Tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp pickle relish or diced dill pickles, salt and pepper. Mix together with diced egg whites.

Scoop out the seeds of a cucumber 🥒 and load them up with egg salad. Top with hot sauce (optional) and enjoy!

👉 Want to know how I manage my kitchen and keep it organized for my family of 6? I put all that information + 20 of our favorite freezer recipes in my Ultimate Kitchen Guide. Comment GUIDE and I’ll send it your way.

#lunchideas #healingthroughfood #homemakeronabudget
  • Comment BLEND for this easy smoothie recipe!

One big green smoothie a day, real food, water, a long walk, and my digestion finally woke up.

This isn’t a detox trend. It’s how the body is designed to heal when we give it what it actually needs.

If you’ve been feeling heavy, puffy, or “off”… try nourishing before restricting.

Sometimes the reset isn’t less food. It’s better food. 💚

My big green smoothie consists of:
Omega-3 rich seeds
Greens
Frozen fruit
Water (or today I used my fruit scrap tea)

These are all super affordable foods at the grocery store! Anyone can do this.

#GutHealth #RealFoodReset #HomemakerOnABudget
  • Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook… but yes, it can create cancer-causing compounds when meat hits very high heat or becomes charred. 

Comment GRILL for my favorite chicken marinade!

After walking through cancer at age 38, I became much more mindful of how I prepare food for my family.

One of the biggest changes I made was marinating our meat before grilling, and here’s why it matters: marinades made with olive oil, lemon, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices create a protective layer on the meat. 

The antioxidants in these ingredients help block the chemical reactions that form harmful compounds during high-heat cooking. Marinating also keeps meat from drying out and charring as quickly, which further reduces what’s created on the surface.

Comment GRILL for my favorite chicken marinade!

#healthylifestyle #cancersurvivor #chickenmarinade #cancerprevention
  • Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
  • Laundry hack alert! Did you know adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to your fabric softener compartment can make a difference? I also love experimenting with 15-20 drops of essential oils or fresh ingredients like mint, citrus peels, or lavender for a unique scent.

Let these sit in a kitchen cabinet for a week or 2, then use the vinegar in your laundry. You will be so glad you did!

Want to know more? Comment SWAPS and I’ll send you a free article I wrote on your best non-toxic home guide. These are easy swaps we can all be doing to create a healthier home.

#homemaker #homemakerlife #budgetfriendly #giftideas #livingonabudget budgetmom springtime springday
  • Alkaline dairy products that I heard Barbara O’Neill talk about in a YouTube video titled: Acidic and Alkaline Foods and Their Effects On Our Body.

The 2 dairy products she said were in the alkaline column are cottage cheese and feta cheese.

These are 2 dairy products I eat regularly. I LOVE eating cottage cheese with my chia pudding at breakfast.

Adding feta to my anti-cancer salad is so tasty, especially with the vinaigrette!

Kefir should be added to the list in my opinion, but it needs to be high quality. My favorite is raw a2 kefir from a local dairy in Virginia.

👉 Want to know how I manage my kitchen and keep it organized for my family of 6? I put all that information + 20 of our favorite freezer recipes in my Ultimate Kitchen Guide. Comment GUIDE and I’ll send it your way.

#cottagecheese #healthylifestyle #alkalinefood
I used to think more supplements meant better health. Turns out, real food does more with less. There are times when supplements are good to take, especially if there is a deficiency, so please talk to your doctor and have blood work done regularly, so that you know where you’re at. Like right now in my own life, I am taking vitamin D to up my levels per my doctor’s recommendation, and I’m also taking a magnesium supplement to help me through a stressful season. There are definitely times for supplements, so this is not a post declaring that supplements are bad. However, the vast majority of people overuse supplements, and think that it’s the easy way out, but honestly food is our best medicine. It’s much more cost-effective for our size family to use food as medicine instead of supplements. Foods we focus on eating each week that are high in vitamins and minerals: Eggs Leafy greens, and cruciferous vegetable Citrus and berries (as well as squash) Root vegetables Salmon, chia seeds, grass-fed pasture meats Fermented foods Comment SUPER for a blog post I wrote all about affordable organic superfoods. Comment GUIDE for my Ultimate Kitchen Guide that includes 20 of our favorite freezer recipes! Eat healthy food, feed your gut what it needs to thrive, and live a wonderful life ❤️ Your body was created by God to thrive. Give it the food it needs to do so. #foodfirst #realfoodhealing #homemakersonabudget #wellnesstips #postcancerhealth
4 hours ago
View on Instagram |
1/9
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
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Tired of using Vaseline with petroleum and mystery ingredients? I switched to a simple mix of beeswax and olive oil and my skin has never been better! Comment FEET for the recipe! 🤩 After cancer, I’m more mindful of what I put on my body, not just in it. It’s simple, clean, and budget-friendly skin care for all ages! Want to know more? Comment SWAPS for my FREE guide to a non-toxic home. It’s a simple blog post on my website that gives you all the details. ❤️ #nontoxicskincare #diyskincaretips #cancersurvivor
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Eggs are often called nature’s multivitamin because they’re packed with protein, choline, and essential vitamins that support cellular repair. Paired with hydrating, mineral-rich cucumbers, this simple recipe delivers real nourishment with no unnecessary ingredients. First, let’s make the perfect hard boiled eggs. Boil water in a saucepan, carefully drop in 3 eggs, and set a timer for 8 minutes. Carefully take the eggs out, when the timer goes off, and place them in an ice bath to cool down. Peel the shell off under some cold running water. To make the egg salad: Scoop out yolks and place in a bowl with 2 Tbsp mayo or Greek yogurt, 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 Tbsp pickle relish or diced dill pickles, salt and pepper. Mix together with diced egg whites. Scoop out the seeds of a cucumber 🥒 and load them up with egg salad. Top with hot sauce (optional) and enjoy! 👉 Want to know how I manage my kitchen and keep it organized for my family of 6? I put all that information + 20 of our favorite freezer recipes in my Ultimate Kitchen Guide. Comment GUIDE and I’ll send it your way. #lunchideas #healingthroughfood #homemakeronabudget
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Comment BLEND for this easy smoothie recipe! One big green smoothie a day, real food, water, a long walk, and my digestion finally woke up. This isn’t a detox trend. It’s how the body is designed to heal when we give it what it actually needs. If you’ve been feeling heavy, puffy, or “off”… try nourishing before restricting. Sometimes the reset isn’t less food. It’s better food. 💚 My big green smoothie consists of: Omega-3 rich seeds Greens Frozen fruit Water (or today I used my fruit scrap tea) These are all super affordable foods at the grocery store! Anyone can do this. #GutHealth #RealFoodReset #HomemakerOnABudget
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Grilling is one of my favorite ways to cook… but yes, it can create cancer-causing compounds when meat hits very high heat or becomes charred. Comment GRILL for my favorite chicken marinade! After walking through cancer at age 38, I became much more mindful of how I prepare food for my family. One of the biggest changes I made was marinating our meat before grilling, and here’s why it matters: marinades made with olive oil, lemon, vinegar, garlic, herbs, and spices create a protective layer on the meat. The antioxidants in these ingredients help block the chemical reactions that form harmful compounds during high-heat cooking. Marinating also keeps meat from drying out and charring as quickly, which further reduces what’s created on the surface. Comment GRILL for my favorite chicken marinade! #healthylifestyle #cancersurvivor #chickenmarinade #cancerprevention
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option!

This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good!

Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends.

Switch up the protein options to fit your budget.

#hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
Comment YUM and I’ll send you all the recipes with a printable option! This is such a fun meal and one our family raved about! Forget the take out and make it at home. It tastes so good! Let’s talk about the cost. When we order take out for my family of 6, it costs us about $130.00. We made our homemade version for way less, but I don’t have the exact cost since we made it for a party with friends. Switch up the protein options to fit your budget. #hibachiathome #homemadetakeout #homemakeronabudget
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Laundry hack alert! Did you know adding 1/4 cup of vinegar to your fabric softener compartment can make a difference? I also love experimenting with 15-20 drops of essential oils or fresh ingredients like mint, citrus peels, or lavender for a unique scent. Let these sit in a kitchen cabinet for a week or 2, then use the vinegar in your laundry. You will be so glad you did! Want to know more? Comment SWAPS and I’ll send you a free article I wrote on your best non-toxic home guide. These are easy swaps we can all be doing to create a healthier home. #homemaker #homemakerlife #budgetfriendly #giftideas #livingonabudget budgetmom springtime springday
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
Alkaline dairy products that I heard Barbara O’Neill talk about in a YouTube video titled: Acidic and Alkaline Foods and Their Effects On Our Body. The 2 dairy products she said were in the alkaline column are cottage cheese and feta cheese. These are 2 dairy products I eat regularly. I LOVE eating cottage cheese with my chia pudding at breakfast. Adding feta to my anti-cancer salad is so tasty, especially with the vinaigrette! Kefir should be added to the list in my opinion, but it needs to be high quality. My favorite is raw a2 kefir from a local dairy in Virginia. 👉 Want to know how I manage my kitchen and keep it organized for my family of 6? I put all that information + 20 of our favorite freezer recipes in my Ultimate Kitchen Guide. Comment GUIDE and I’ll send it your way. #cottagecheese #healthylifestyle #alkalinefood
2 weeks ago
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!

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.

What’s New

Budget Tips

Your budget is the single most important tool you have in life to further your dreams. Focus on your grocery budget to help you save money each month to meet your goals.

Non-Toxic living

Eliminating toxics in the home is easier than you think. It’s all about picking better brands. Let me show you which brands I love.

Cook from Scratch

Simplify your cooking methods to create nourishing meals your family will love. Let me show you what I cook in my kitchen for my family of 6.

wellness after cancer

In 2024 I underwent 6 months of chemotherapy and beat Stage 3 Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Let me help you through your cancer journey and teach you that you can live a healthy life after cancer.

create your very own

Recipe Keeper

Take your favorite family recipes and make a treasured keepsake that can be passed down through the family. No body 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.

COMING SOON