Monthly Archives:

November 2016

10 Freezer Meals to Give as Holiday Gifts

how-to-giftfreezer-mealsthis-holiday

 

Believe it or not, home cooked freezer meals make for a fun and frugal holiday gifts for nearly everyone on your list. Gifting freezer meals shouldn’t be given only to new parents, new neighbors, and the bereaved. Truly anyone would enjoy a homemade meal prepared with love. Especially from you. 

While I once associated the holiday season as a time to buy and receive gifts, generally believing that receiving goods from my own holiday wish list would make me happier. In reality, my life was already cluttered with a myriad of unnecessary things. What I truly needed in my life wasn’t anything material, but simply the love and friendship of family and friends during the holiday season. 

This was especially true several years ago when our neighbors, out the blue, gifted us a smoked ribs and trimmings dinner. Our neighbors wanted to bless our family. They just wanted to be good neighbors.

It was through that crazy, brave, generous act of kindness that leads me to rethink my views on my own holiday gift-giving habits and the overall mass consumerism of the modern holiday season. 

Did I also mention how awesome those ribs were? Every last part of that meal was savory and delicious. Even more important was the break it gave me that night. Not only was it nourishment for our bodies, but it was solace for my soul. And my holiday budget, too. That meal was given during a time when my family had first started working our way out of debt, so being blessed with a meal meant we would have more resources and ingredients to allocate back into our menu plan in the days and weeks ahead.

That meal also inspired me to come up with ways that I could pass my neighbor’s act of kindness onto others. While I was not really into the idea of cooking and delivering hot meals to friends and family for all of December, I did enjoy the thought of giving others freezer meals that they could prepare on their own schedule during the holiday season. So the idea of gift giving freezer ready meals was born!

For me, freezer cooking was a great way to save time, economize, and give the gift of great eats to those on my gift list all in one fell swoop.

It also goes without saying that you need to put the same amount of love into giftable freezer meals as you would any other gift. Consider buying inexpensive reusable dishes for your meals. Or consider gifting mason jars of soup. To do this, simply fill quart mason jars with soup up to the fill line (the etched glass line under the ring of the jar), freeze your jars until set, and then add rings, seals, fabric, and decorations as needed!

When it comes to gifting freezer meals make sure that dinner isn’t the only meal you consider. Quick, healthy breakfasts and lunches are invaluable to anyone who works a busy job or odd hours. Also, should you meal pair perfectly with bread or salad on the side, be sure to include that into your gift as well.

Moreover, never underestimate the comforting power of a good dessert. Is there anything more loving than a plate of warm banana nut muffins or chocolate cake? Consider making large batches of a favorite holiday cookie, cake, or dessert for those on your list this year! 

Be sure to also remember that presentation matters. People taste their food first with their eyes! Tie a bow on each package. Add parchment paper and striped bakers twine to a jar. Consider putting food together in a small wooden crate, lined with a festive napkin, and coordinate it all together with a bow. 

Now if you are ready to try your hand at giving a few freezer ready meals this holiday season here are a few recipe ideas (including some serious throwbacks from my early days of blogging) to get you started:

 

pork-loin-with-cranberry-sauce

Crock Pot Pork Loin with Cranberries recipe

 

cinco-de-mayo-1

Cinco de Mayo Chicken Mole

 

she-turned-to-the-sunlight-and-shook-her-yellow-headand-whispered-to-her-neighbor-winter-is-dead

Harvest Crockpot Apple Butter

 

csc_1063

Ms. Carol’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake

 

making-more-out-of-monday-meals

Pumpkin Macaroni and Cheese

 

scotchbrite5

Freezer Cooking Baked Spaghetti, Lasagna Roll-Ups, and Chicken Parmesan 

 

blueberry1

Blueberry Freezer Jam

 

img_0192

Blueberry Butter Pecan Pancakes

 

So savvy savers, remember that when you give the gift of holiday freezer meals what you are really gifting others is time, comfort, good health, nourishment, and a moment of a much-needed break from the stressors of life.

More importantly, you are giving the gift of love. A freeze-it-forward kind of movement, if you will. And that’s always something worth sharing. 

Now it is your turn! Are planning to gift a meal? How do you do it and what tips have you learned that you might be able to share with others? Please share them in the comments below. 

 

Here’s to the holidays,
 niki-name-design

2 Comments

Welcome to this week’s Happiness is Homemade Link Party

Welcome to Happiness is Homemade Link Party!

 

Happiness-is-Homemade-Hosts-2016
 
It’s getting cold and blustery here now – time to break out the winter coats and hats!


Are you ready for Thanksgiving?  I’m not but that’s okay – that’s why I have this great link party, to help me plan!

THIS WEEK’S FEATURES

 
 
 
 
Pumpkin Fries with Buffalo Aeoli from My Life Cookbook

 
 

10 Crafts for Thanksgiving from Woman of Many Roles

 
 
 
Great Aunt Ellen’s Turtle Bars from Cooking with Carlee

 
 
 

MEET YOUR HOSTS

Image Map Peek Into Paradise Labour Life Upstate Ramblings While Napping Eclectic Red Barn Ducks Row Lady Prefers Save Painted Hinge That Recipe Love My Messy Mess Mommy Demand Blogghetti
Want to follow us? 
Just click on the circle to connect to our blogs!! 

 

The rules are really simple! Make sure you visit a few other blogs and make some new friends along the way. Feel free to link up your favorite recipes, crafts or your latest DIY project. We want you you share it all! As always, please make sure to follow your hosts and co-hosts!! Link up your posts, make some friends, and earn the chance to be featured at Happiness Is Homemade Link Party! We will feature the favorite posts each week! Disclaimer: Adding your link to this link party gives permission to all 12 Hosts, along with any co-hosts, guest hosts, and participants of Happiness Is Homemade, to share your posts and pictures via social media and as features, roundups, etc. with an explicit link back to your original source. Therefore, linking up you agree to allow us to use your images on each of our blogs in features relating to Happiness is Homemade Link Party.

 


AND HERE is the code that Brittany created for a linkup to the Thanksgiving posts you sent her and some she pulled from the link party. I did not put this code in my code for the party above so feel free to add it in somewhere. Brittany also wanted me to mention that if you still have Thanksgiving posts you’d like her to use in her little roundup to just email them to her – thanks Brittany!

We thought it would be fun addition to make a Thanksgiving special with our Happiness is Homemade Link Party. We compiled several of your links from the past week that would be perfect your Thanksgiving table.

Come on over and take a look!!

thanksgiving recipes

Tips for Frugal Zero-Waste Shopping at the Farmer’s Market

theimperative-to-vote

 

As a minimalist who strives to run a zero-waste home, being able to cut down on my family’s consumable food waste is a must for my lifestyle. While I’m also still very much a savvy saver with a strict food budget, sometimes the two fields do not always mesh as beautifully as I would hope that they might.

I also live in Mississippi, and while an agrarian state, my newlywed home does not host a large selection of stores that carry natural foods and zero-waste food options in-store more difficult for my family.

Lasy year, as someone new to the zero-waste movement, I focused my buying power on avoiding purchases as a whole.  While this strategy was initially economically savvy, focusing solely on living plastic-free limited the quality and availability of what we could buy as a family in our area.

When your only two grocery shopping options are Winn-Dixie and Walmart, you can sometimes feel like you are living on the island of misfit plastic storage bowls. 

My focus over this past year, however, has switched from not purchasing goods to finding goods to purchase which were more in-line with my beliefs on sustainable living. This is when I discovered the joys of buying groceries and goods from my local farmer’s market!

The issue again? Finding ways to make shopping at my local farmer’s market as zero-waste as possible.

Through trial and error, I was able to find ways to make the abundance of locally sourced bulk goods and produce found at my local market align with both my vision for my family’s overall zero-waste lifestyle and our wallet too!  

 

So, today I’m sharing my top tips for zero-waste shopping at your local farmer’s market:

 

12

 

a

Buying larger packages or bags of food, that you will eat and not waste, at a lower price-point, will always save you money. Ask merchants at your market what their bulk pricing is comparative to that by the pound. You will often be quoted savings as much as a third off their stand prices. 

 

b

Plastic bags cost money. Plastic bags require recycling or being returned to a store for repurposing. Plastic bags require more effort than they are worth. So be sure to take your own reusable bags with you when purchasing goods at your local farmer’s market. Many merchants may give you a percentage off your price for bringing your own bag as well!

Think variety: canvas totes for general items, mesh bags for produce, and even insulated bags for safe transport of dairy, soy, and meat food products during warmer market days.

 

c

Look for produce that is pesticide-free, paraben-free, and of course, sticker free. The less you have to dispose of at home the zero-waste your day at the market will be. 

 

d

At the farmer’s market, look to buy ugly fruits and vegetables, produce that a supermarket may refuse to carry. I often opt for this produce first. I love that these organic gems, often left untouched by other customers, can be purchased in bulk at significant savings, and most importantly, taste every bit as good as their more prima donna counterparts! 

 

e

It’s a good idea to bring metal bento box containers to the farmer’s market for goods, such as berries. This will help protect them while in transit and help to prevent wilting and spoilage. 

 

f

Always bring glass mason jars with you to the market. Glass jars, which comes in every conceivable shape and size, can allow you to purchase goods such as soup, kombucha, teas, juices, and prepared foods you may not have ordinarily been able to purchase otherwise. 

Now before you use your jars with each vendor, politely ask to have your have your jars tared, or weighted, before you fill them with food. This is done to prevent you from having to pay for the weight of the jar and the goods your purchasing as well. This is especially important for higher ticket items such as organic coffees and teas that costs $10.00 or more per pound on their own!

 Another tip? Invest in a reusable wine bottle carrier bag. These bags will help prevent glass jars from clinking together or breaking in transit.

 

g

Linen squares can be used to wrap up bread, Danish, and most non-iced baked goods for travel. Linen can also be easily washed making this an idea pastry cloth for market shopping days.

 

h

Wax-lined bags are crucial for farmer’s market shopping. They are great for carrying wet produce, cosmetic products, such shampoo bars and lotions, and homemade candles as well. Especially for goods and products that might leak out or cause cross contamination.  

 

i

When merchants are ready to go home, usually after two in the afternoon, they are often ready to make deals they may not have considered much earlier in the day. A few hours of a delay can save you over half the cost of early morning shopping. 

 

j

Having a cart or small wagon with you at the market will help to free up your hands while shopping and can help with safer transit to and from your car while shopping at the farmer’s market. Like at a grocery store, when you don’t have to worry about carrying the total weight of goods in-hand, you’ll be more likely to go the more zero-waste route each time you shop. 

 

k

A notepad is a necessity at the market, and a digital option is always best! I use my phone to jot down merchant names, their social media accounts (as merchants often give discount codes, location directions, and products online to their followers), and market price lists.

A notepad will also help you to maintain a digital, personalized price point list to help keep your budget in mind while shopping at your local farmer’s market. 

 

l

Cash is king. Especially at a farmer’s market. It costs merchant’s countless funds to run card readers. Instead use cash, use your cash as a bargaining tool when negotiating prices for higher ticket organics.

Also remember to bring along your cash envelopes with you, and stay within your budget while buying what’s fresh on the market. Think whole foods, not your whole check! 

 

So there are my favorite tips for frugal zero-waste shopping and budgeting at my local farmer’s markets. While you may not have similar shopping choices or you may just be starting out on the zero-waste path, feel free to glean whatever ideas may help you along your way.

When it comes to zero-waste living, go slow. Be wise in your spending. Mindful of your budget. And always have fun. 

Remember, this is a lifestyle, and a lesson on sustainable living. 

 

Here’s to better days at the market,

niki-name-design

 

 

theimperative-to-vote

 

Urban Market Bag Review

theimperative-to-vote

 

I strive to have a zero-waste home. In fact, it’s one of my missions in life. So I’m always on the lookout for new and better products that make my household, and personal mission, easier. So when I find new brands, companies, and product lines that fall in line with my personal beliefs on sustainability, I’m always a little giddy on the inside. 

So recently when I was given the opportunity to review a new line of resuable bags I jumped at the chance.

So today I want to share with you my experience with the new Urban Market Bag line. 

3-pack-set_rural-01

1

This venture started by longtime friends, Cindy Goldberg and Kerri Stenson, a pair that have raised their children together, volunteered, planned events, and started a business based on providing the public with a smart, stylish, reusable bag, the Urban Market Bag line.

You can also find out more about these awesome entrepeneurs here. 

 

15052063_10100389025057971_1888021518_o

 

2

I received the Urban Market 3-piece bag set in the rural series, which features three bags in purple, taupe, and a rich, golden brown. The bags are also available in the Urban series, a fun, funky pastel collection.

My Urban Market set arrived tucked into a drawstring pouch (each measuring 5″ x  3.5″), which contained three bags, all of which were 26″ x 12.5″ in size. From the moment I took them out of their packaging, I was a smitten kitten.

 

1

 

3

I loved the look of the bags. They are sleek, fashionable, and not loaded with slogans (which is a bonus for me), yet are large enough to accommodate the same amount of groceries that would normally fit into a large, brown paper bag. 

The Urban Market bags are durable and feel good in-hand. The bags are strong enough to be sent to school with my husband’s weekday lunches, but feminine enough to be carried to a luncheon date. 

 

3-pack-set_main-01

 

4

Since unpacking my Urban Market bags I have used, folded, and refolded my bags numerous times and can easily return my bags back to both their initial size and to the travel pouch without issue. These bags have moved from novel to necessary, in my opinion.

I also like to use these bags for transporting tarred mason jars used in bulk shopping. They also work well for carrying heavy-weight clothing items destined for the charity shop. These bags have proven themselves to be dependable many times over.

 

5

While these machine-washable nylon bags are relatively stain-resistant, like most reusable bags, run the occassional risk of the crumb-in-the-corner syndrome. Mind you, this can easily be remedied with occasional spot treating and/or cold-rinse cycle washing and air drying.

No mater your cleaning method, these bags when laundered will be left as good as new. 

 

6

It’s also worth noting that like other reusable bags, the Urban Market bags are not air-tight – so they are not great to store bread products or crunchy snacks overnight, or while traveling. But for general shopping, running to the library, or for keeping reusable bags on hand in my vehicle, they are stellar! 

So what’s the only drawback? The price. My three-pack will set you back a cool $28.00. The six-pack is currently priced even more at $40.00, and neither of these prices include shipping. 

However, let’s also figure long-term zero-waste savings into this equation. As many national grocery chains charge customers upwards of $0.10 per grocery bag, per shopping trip for plastic grocery sacks, the initial price tag of the Urban Market bags would quickly be offset within two seasons of weekly use.

While it’s a personal preference as to whether or not you want to pay on the front or the backend for zero-waste shopping, rest assured you will pay either way! By choosing to pay the upfront costs for quality reusable bags, such as the Urban Market bags, you will at least have the satisfaction of not adding to landfill space in the interum. 

 

3-pack-set_main-04

 

7

With that said, for reliable, zero-waste shopping bags I’d gladly pay $28.00 for this three-bag set for all of my home’s zero-waste shopping and errand-running storage needs. Which for me, makes the Urban Market bag line worth a shot!

So, everyone, what do you think about the Urban Market Bag line? Do you pack a waste-free or no-waste lunch or shop for groceries using resuable bags? If you do, I’d love to hear all about it below! 

 

Here’s to intentionally being a bag lady,

niki-name-design

 

 

Please note, I received these bags as a review sample from Urban Market Bags. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

 

 

theimperative-to-vote

 

Strawberry Peach Mint Bellini Mocktails

This refreshing recipe for a Raspberry Basil Mocktail has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HowDoYouEmergenC #CollectiveBias

 

Strawberry, Peach, Mint Bellini Emergen-C Mocktails

 

Living in the deep south means two things, a passion for all things football and a love for cooler weather. Southerners welcome the end to the hot, hazy days of summer with open arms and look forward to all that Fall ushers in each year. Personally, I love all things Fall with one exception, with so many things to do each season I sometimes don’t have the energy to keep up with it all!

 

17

 

One way I have found to keep me feeling my most energized self each Fall is by using Emergen-C Super Orange products. Not only do they help me stay refreshed and restored all season long! I also love that Emergen-C is both affordably priced and super easy to make. It’s become a staple in my home medicine cabinet each Fall. 

 

12

 

Did I also mention how awesome it tastes? Emergen-C is a refreshing way for me to take my daily vitamins as part of my commitment to better health, which is very important to me. I love knowing that Emergen-C is packed with antioxidants†, electrolytes, Vitamin C, Zinc, Manganese, and packs more Vitamin C than 10 oranges^.

(^Based on using the USDA.gov nutrient database value for a large, raw orange)

Emergen-C also contains 7 B-Vitamins, which naturally gives me energy without caffeine, making it my favorite way to start my day each morning. And with 1,000 mg of Vitamin C plus other antioxidants Zinc and Manganese that work together to support your overall immune system*, Emergen-C is my go-to healthy drink. 

(†Vitamin C, Zinc and Manganese.)

 

Strawberry Peach Mint Emergen-C Bellini Mocktail

 

While Emergen-C is a fantastic tasting drink on own, did you also know that this energy-boosting powerhouse can also be used to create other awesome drinks at home as well? Which is why I’m showing you today how Emergen-C can also be used to create a fun, frugal, fresh Strawberry Peach Mint Bellini mocktail, a drink that’s part good for you, and part fun too! 

So, why a Bellini mocktail? It’s a classic. It’s super simple to make. And the Bellini, a popular sparkling cocktail known for its fruity effervescent taste, makes a perfect drink pairing with Emergen-C. Just with an energy-boosting, mocktail twist.

So, if you’re looking for a signature fall drink, this Strawberry Peach Mint Bellini Mocktail might just be what you’ve been searching for! 

 

2

 

For this recipe, I used canned peach nectar and ginger ale, just to keep it more classic. I also used locally grown, organic peaches and limes from my local farmer’s market. I added homegrown strawberries and mint I had on hand. And of course, a packet of Emergen-C, per drink.

 

4

 

To prepare the drinks I used a pair of wine glasses and a mortar and pestle, as I already had these things on hand. Again, super simple. 

 

5

 

I began by cutting the mint leaves. Just stack four mint leaves into a pile. Roll the leaves towards yourself, and slices them julienne style. 

 

6

 

Cut, peel and slice your peaches and strawberries. Making sure to add all your scraps to your compost bin!

 

7

 

Place the mint slices, 4 sliced strawberries, and several slices of peaches into your mortar and pestle. Gently muddle together to help release the flavors.

 

11

 

Add your mixture to two glasses.

 

9

 

Add your ginger ale and peach nectar to your glasses. Make sure to not add more than eight ounces of combined drinks to your glasses, for taste and consistency. 

 

10

 

Add one packet of Emergen-C Super Orange to each glass. Stir together and garnish with additional mint, a lime wedge, and a few fresh strawberries.

 

12

 

And that’s it! A refreshing, energizing, indulgent way to enjoy your daily Vitamin-C!

 

14

 

Now when I need to stock up on Emergen-C products, I always head to my local Walgreens. Emergen-C is conveniently located in your local Walgreens on the cold, cough, and allergy aisle. And with over twenty flavors of Emergen-C available, you’ll have tons of options to create your own Vitamin-C rich drinks this season at home! 

 

15

 

So, savvy savers, there’s my recipe for Strawberry Peach Mint Bellini Mocktails, made with Emergen-C!

Be sure to check out Emergen-C online for even more amazing Emergen-C drink and smoothie recipes as well as the main Emergen-C site for lots of other healthy facts about this product and money-saving offers, too! 

So now I want to ask, what delicious beverage recipe would you make with Emergen-C? I’d love to hear about it below! 

 

sara-mckenzie

 

[yumprint-recipe id=’76’] 

 

16

 

Here’s to feeling you’re very best,

niki-name-design

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

2 Comments

7 Pantry Clean Out Tips

sara-mckenzie-1

 

Despite running a minimalist home my pantry always seems to be in need of rearranging, sorting, and cleaning. 

While my stockpile saves my family thousands of dollars annually and allows me to give generously to my local food pantry, I must admit it is one of the most neglected areas in my home. Which is why I gave my stockpile a much needed Fall Cleaning yesterday afternoon. 

So if your home pantry is in need of a sprucing up before the start of the holiday season or as part of this month’s No-Spend Challenge, here are a few tips to get you started.

 

18

 

1) Rotate your stockpile. “Rotating your stockpile” means rotating your stockpile per season. You will need to place goods in order of expiration date, my seasonal usage, as well as keeping climate into consideration; you may need to start storing it in one location for summer and another location for winter, in terms of baking tools, cans, chemicals, etc.

2) Long Term Storage: If you plan to store any item for longer than a week or two, you need to know its long-term storage requirements. Some items will only last months or longer if stored in a cool, dry place. Some items must be stored in a refrigerated or frozen environment in order to last longer. Make lists, and create sub-areas in your stockpile; examples are canned goods, cosmetics, paper products, etc.

3) Take Note of Patterns: Start a list of your product usage, this will allow you to see what you need, will use in a years time, and what should be donated accordingly. Unused goods are cash wasted.

4) Last Forever Items: Nothing lasts forever. Even goods such as bottled water, start to have an altered taste after a decade, so keep this in mind.

5) Canned and Preserved Goods: Keep inventory and note the dates of home-preserved items; a rule of thumbs is to only keep items no longer than two years. 

6) Pests: Pests love your stockpile, almost as much as you do! Be sure to check goods monthly, especially in Summer, and any goods that look altered, chuck immediately! 

7) Dehumidifier: Humidity can alter and mold many goods, so consider running a dehumidifier twice weekly to lessen your chances of losing food to mold spoilage and canning ruptures.

 

Now I hope these tips will help you in cleaning out your own pantry at home. Remember, the best way to save on your food budget at the store is to first have a proper, written inventory of what you already have on hand at home.

 

Here’s to saving,

niki-name-design

2 Comments