Last week I took a little break from the frugal round-up. Sorry Frugaling fans, but I’m back and have a terrific list of favorite reads over the last couple weeks. Hope you enjoy and share widely!

Slow Cooker Chicken Ropa Vieja by Budget Bytes
This week I’m hoping to cook this special recipe up! Budget Bytes is one of my favorite frugal blogs because the author breaks down total and serving cost for all the meals. This chicken dish costs about $1.32 per serving. Heck yes, I’ll try it!

Living In An Expensive City Can Make You Richer, Happier, And More Diplomatic by Financial Samurai
Here’s a unique twist on the choice between big-city and small-town living. Sam reviews some compelling reasons for considering more expensive cities. One of the most interesting centers on the push and need for frugality in a bigger city with less space. Cities seem to be bastions for minimalism and simple living, and when done right, can still be affordable places to live.

Why Do We Like Brands As Much As We Like People? by Eric Jaffe
Do we love Apple, Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Pepsi, Google, etc? Can we love brands? If so, what does that mean for our spending habits? This article analyzes the very real effect that your love/like of brands has.

Millionaires Who Are Frugal When They Don’t Have to Be by Paul Sullivan
Frugality crosses income and wealth classes. It doesn’t mean that wealthy people can’t be frugal. This is a philosophy and way of life. Paul Sullivan from The New York Times perfectly highlights the trend of millionaires living well within their means.

Escape to Bro-topia by Steven Kurutz
Despite an abysmal, corny title, this New York Times article features one man’s simple life… in the trees. He built an incredible house in the forests of Oregon. Take a look at these pictures, too!