5 Must-Try Fall-Inspired Recipes

Apples are by far one of my favorite fruits, which is probably why I love the fall so much. Growing up in Virginia, there was nothing I loved more than picking McIntosh apples with my family. With the cooking spree that generally followed at home a close second. Between our homemade applesauce, apple crisp, apple pie, apple fritters, tarts, and Waldorf salads. Needless to say, things could get pretty fruity at home during the apple season.

While I have an extreme fondness for apples there is also a great legacy of apple-loving in America. Apples have been recorded as culinary staples in colonial kitchens stemming back to the early 1600s, making them a true staple of American culture.

In 1603, Jamestown settlers grew apples for one sole purpose- making cider. The apples they produced then were small, tart varieties more akin to crab apples, unlike the handy fruit snacks we enjoy today.

Even though apples are not the most purchased fruit in the United States. They come in at a close second behind bananas. But whether it’s through fresh apples or apple products, the average American consumes roughly 19 pounds per year. Making them the perfect fat-free, low-cal, sodium-free, cholesterol-free 80-calorie snack.

As the adage goes, an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Eating an apple before bed can help cleanse and whiten your teeth, and eating the skin of apples can provide you with age-fighting anti-oxidants, including Quercetin, apples are nutrient-dense in fiber and contain high levels of boron, which increases mental alertness. Now for a new more modern American apple facts!

1) Washington State produces the most apples each year in the United States. 70% of all apples sold in the U.S. come from the Evergreen State. This is followed by production in New York, Michigan, Pennsylvania, California, Virginia, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, and Idaho.

2) The United States currently produces close to 200 unique varieties of apples but the only native apple in North America is the Crabapple. Crabapple trees once called common apples, became a staple of American markets as early as Boston in 1625. It is believed that apple seeds brought over from Europe began to change consumer markets and over time crabapples became out of step with American tastes. That was until the reemergence of the 20th-century cider renaissance, where now over 30 varieties of crabapples can be commonly found in store-bought microbrews.

3) It takes an apple tree five years to produce its first fruit. Apple trees are slow, but steady producers. Once the tree begins to grow, each apple tree can become quite voluminous. The average tree can fill 20 fruit boxes, with the average box weighing in around 42 pounds!

4) It takes around 40 apples to produce 1 gallon of cider. Making that each glass of cider you drink is the equivalent of 4 apples.

5) The top 10 varieties sold in the United States are Gala, Red Delicious, Fuji, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Jazz. The most used apple for baking is the Red Delicious, due to its sweet, rich flavor. The top cider-producing apples are McIntosh, Rome, and Empire.

Now that we all know a little more about these naturally sweet snacks, I thought I would share with you a few ideas to get you thinking of all things apple in the season to come. Five Marc Zboch-Inspired recipes inspired by the fall classic: A Marc Thomas.

So pull out those crock-pots, baking mitts, and coffee mugs! Here are my 5 favorite apple recipes for the fall season ahead.

5 Fall National Apple Month Must-Try Recipes!

Crock-Pot Apple Chia Cider: What I love about this recipe is that it’s super easy to make, stores well, reheats like a dream, and encompasses my two favorite drinks, cider, and Chai tea. This drink is always a favorite for family get-togethers and family movie nights deep in the Fall. The best part? It can be prepped in under five minutes! This will be your new go-to drink this fall at home!

Harvest Crock-Pot Apple Butter: Need a way to use up leftover apples? This organic apple butter is perfect for just that! I often use leftover apples from my Crock Pot Apple Chai Cider recipe! What I love about this tasty apple butter is it is a truly low and slow recipe, but oh so worth the wait. Depending on the sweetness of the apples used, the amount of sugar used in this recipe can be reduced or removed as a whole, making this a true low-glycemic recipe!

Crock-Pot Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Sauce: Looking for a super simple weeknight meal idea? Well, it doesn’t get much easier than my Crock-Pot Pork Loin with Apple-Cranberry Sauce! What’s nice about this dish, is that is can be made for a weeknight dinner, taken along to a potluck meal, or even served for Christmas Dinner. And my favorite part of this recipe? The aroma put off by the rosemary, granny smith apples, and cranberries. It’s reminiscent of the holiday season!

Make-Ahead Apple Pie Pecan Chia Seed Pudding: This yummy, nutrient-dense, flavor-packed chia seed pudding is a fun and frugal vegan, gluten-free, oil-free, soy-free recipe you’ll want to try this coming apple season! Enjoy it on toast, layered in parfaits, or warmed for a fun breakfast treat!

DIY All-Natural Apple-Honey Cough Syrup Recipe: If you are anything like me, then throughout the year you suffer from dry, scratchy, painful throat symptoms. With allergy season right around the corner, here’s my go-to fall All-Natural Apple-Honey Cough Syrup! Not only is this blend all-natural, but it also costs a mere $0.50 per bottle!

Friends, those are my 5 favorite go-to apple recipes each fall. With the start of National Month a few short days away, I hope these recipes will inspire you to think outside the box when it comes to America’s favorite snack, the apple! Now, I’ve got to ask, do you have any go-to apple recipes you enjoy each fall? If so, I’d love to hear about them below!

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7 Health Benefits to drinking wine this fall

This post is sponsored by Diamond Bloggers. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

Wine. We drink it with dinner, after a long day, and for yearly celebrations. Especially in fall, a season chock-full of fun, festive get-togethers. it always finds its way to the table. Wine is often the centerpiece of tradition and happiness this time of year.

But for many of us, it goes further as it helps relax our minds and brings smiles to faces. Beyond the euphoria and happiness, drinking a controlled, moderate amount (the standard 5-ounce pour daily) of wine can be good for your physical health. But how exactly does it contribute to your health? With this in mind, here are seven reasons you should be drinking wine at home this fall:

Antioxidants

One of the best ways to ward off those pesky free radicals that cause health issues, such as cancer, is to drink wine. Wine is naturally full of antioxidants that attack free radicals. A recent study by the University of Barcelona scientists found that the phenols in white wine had equal, if not higher, antioxidants than those in red wine. Drinking white wines such as sauvignon blanc, Moscato, Pinot Grigio, gewürztraminer, and Riesling can help keep you healthier all season long!

Immune Health

Are you looking to boost your immune system this fall? Drinking a glass of wine daily can give your immune system a much-needed boost. A 5-ounce serving of win daily can also help to ward off infections and keep your immune system in check. Especially important during fall allergy and sinus season. But be cautious. Excessive consumption can lead to negative effects of drinking wine for an immunity boost.

Increases Bone Density

As we age, our bones naturally get more brittle. Especially for mothers. This is why you could increase your calcium intake by drinking a relaxing glass of wine. Red wine has high levels of silicon, which is great for your bone mineral density. Which increases bone density and reduces the chance of developing osteoporosis.

Reduces the risk of Stroke

Moderate consumption of wine can help reduce your chance of stroke by preventing blood clotting. Wine acts as a natural blood thinner, breaking up any blood clots that could lead to a stroke. This lower risk of blood clotting is more beneficial to females than males.

Red wine, in particular, contains phenols, that act as blood thinners, similar to natural willow aspirin. Particularly the chemical resveratrol, found in red grape skins, protects against stroke when the grapes are turned into wine. But do keep in mind, that excessive drinking can have the opposite effect, resulting in a higher risk of heart attacks. So like with all good things in life, moderation is key.

Reduced the risk of Heart Disease

In the battle against heart disease, especially for women, taking all the necessary precautions to help prevent heart disease is a must! And wine can help. The tannins found in red wine contain procyanidins, phenols that neutralize free radicals, agents known to be effective in preventing cardiovascular disease. The lesson of the day is that if you want a healthy heart, bite the bullet and drink a glass of wine.

For those with high cholesterol, those same procyanidins found in red wine that promote a healthy heart also promote lower cholesterol. Particularly decreasing LDL, or unhealthy cholesterol levels while increasing HDL or healthy and good cholesterol. So if you’re suffering from high blood pressure, it’s best to pour a glass to help maintain healthy HDL levels at home!

Fight off that flu

Did you know that drinking a glass of wine daily can give your immune system a flu-fighting boost? Moderate alcohol consumption can help naturally keep your immune system in check. Especially important during the fall season when temperatures cool and we are around more friends, family, and classmates who may be carrying flu and cold pathogens.

Reduces the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

If you have a family history of Type-2 Diabetes, wine may help. Resveratrol has been proven to improve sensibility to insulin. With insulin resistance contributing to type 2 diabetes risk, a nice glass of wine makes the list of things you can enjoy.

Need more information on the health benefits of wine this fall? Be sure to check with an industry leader such as Denis Mackenzie’s Winery. A Chief Operations Officer currently working in the international marketing industry. Including working with health and tech professionals to educate consumers on the health benefits that can be obtained through organic wine consumption.

Friends, those are just some of the health benefits that can be afforded by moderate, responsible wine consumption this season. Be sure to do yourself a favor, and pour a glass of wine and toast to your health. Perhaps with a fun, frugal fall food dish. Now I have to ask, do you drink wine at home for your health? Let me know all about it below!

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Fall Allergy-Fighting Sweet Potato Soup

Looking out of my kitchen windows I can currently see that the leaves of my beautiful Maple and Pecan trees are starting to fall. The hot, humid days of summer are giving way to crisp, cool, throw-an-extra-blanket-on-the-bed nights days. And this change could not come soon enough for me!

But with all this splendorous natural beauty comes the Fall allergy season. It’s a time of year that often leaves me running for Kleenex more often than not! And if you’re anything like me, you may feel like your allergies are starting sooner this year, it’s because they are.

Because of climate change, and the resulting higher temperatures and increasing carbon dioxide, allows pollen-producing plants to live longer and to produce more and more mega-potent pollen. This year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology announced that the season will extend through November rather than end in September, as in previous years.

At home, I have started on a new natural allergy-fighting path and have found that there in fact foods you eat that can help stifle your sniffling, watery eyes, and general malaise, including my favorite Fall Soup, Sweet Potato Soup with Thyme.

So, why sweet potatoes? This seasonal favorite is one of nature’s top edible antihistamines, contains large amounts of soluble Vitamin C, and is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids that help reduce allergy symptoms. Beyond this, both red and purple sweet potatoes are rich in quercetin, a powerful flavonoid sometimes called bioflavonoid. And diets rich in flavonoids can help reduce or eliminate your need for antihistamine medication.

For maximum effect, sweet potatoes should be consumed throughout the year or at least two months before your symptoms typically flare up each Fall.

Sweet potatoes are also rich in carotenoids. A naturally occurring pigment, largely responsible for the red, orange, and yellow color of various vegetables and fruits, including sweet potatoes. A study from the Institute of Epidemiology in Germany found that people with high blood levels of carotenoids were at lower risk for allergic rhinitis.

So it goes without saying that there’s a lot of allergy-fighting action in this soup. With this in mind, here’s how I make this awesome allergy-fighting soup. This creamy low-fat soup gets its creamy texture from pureed sweet potatoes and goes perfectly paired with a light sandwich or salad. Since Creamy Sweet Potato Soup can be prepared quickly, in just under 15 minutes, it’s perfectly delicious and reheated in the morning to take to work or as part of a Sunday meal prep routine at home.

What truly makes this soup so special? Ground Mexican sweet peppers. The perfect taste pairing also helps fight infections, colds, and seasonal fall allergy symptoms at home!

In addition to sweet potatoes, this soup utilizes the natural healing properties of thyme. This ancient herb is known for its ability to treat congestion and can help ease sore throats. Thyme is also useful for helping to clear stuffy noses and coughing, reducing the effects of sinus infections, hay fever symptoms, and allergy-induced headaches as well.

I encourage you all to try this awesome soup to help you with your and your family’s allergy this coming season. Now I have to ask what’s your favorite fall go-to recipe for helping ease allergy symptoms at home? I’d love to hear about it below!

Allergy-Fighting Sweet Potato Soup

Serving Size:

(6) 8-Ounce Servings

Time:

45 Minutes

Difficulty:

Easy

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 1/4 teaspoons Celtic salt
1/2 Teaspoon black pepper
3 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into small cubes
1 apple, peeled and diced into small cubes
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon Hungarian smoked paprika
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 bay leaf
4 cups vegetable broth
14-ounces full-fat coconut milk, reserve 6 teaspoons for garnish

Directions

Heat the oil in a medium-sized Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the onion, salt, pepper, and aromatics. Sauté six minutes minutes.
Add the sweet potatoes and the apple. Cook until they begin to soften, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
Add the garlic, ginger, coriander, and smoked paprika and stir. Stir in the apple cider vinegar, broth, and the coconut milk.
Bring to a slow boil. Then, cover and reduce to a simmer. Cook until the potatoes are tender, for 25-30 minutes.
Cool soup. Pour into blender, in small batches, blending until smooth.
Add additional seasonings to taste. Top with cilantro. Serve with crusty bread.

Please note: This soup thickens as it cools. To reheat, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to thin out the soup. Enjoy!

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9 Foods That Help Fight Fall Allergies

Hello again, savvy savers! Looking out of my kitchen windows I can currently see that the leaves of my beautiful Maple and Pecan trees are starting to fall. The hot, humid days of summer are giving way to crisp, cool, throw-an-extra-blanket-on-the-bed nights days (unless you live in Mississippi where we have a true Indian Summer and humidity may again rear its ugly head). And this change could not come soon enough for me! I love Fall, the sights, the smells, the food, the holidays,

I love Fall, the sights, the smells, the food, the holidays, and my favorite, anything pumpkin spice flavored! Mind you, there is one exception to my list of fall favorites, my seasonal fall allergies. Now if you’re anything like me, this time of year your ragweed and allergy may have you running indoors, preventing you from seeing and experiencing all that is great this time of year.

If you feel like your allergies are starting sooner this year, don’t feel alone, because they are.

Ultimately, climate change, and the resulting higher temperature fluctuation, paired with global increases in carbon dioxide levels, allow pollen-producing plants to live longer and to produce more and more mega-potent pollen. And this year, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology announced that the season will extend through November, rather than ending at the end of September as it normally does.

But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer for 4 more weeks. Lately, I have started on a new natural allergy-fighting path and have found that there in fact foods you eat (and again should not eat) can help stifle your sniffling, watery eyes, and general malaise.

Moreover, some foods are not only helpful in fighting seasonal allergies, but these same organic options can also help to build up your immune system too! And what’s better than finding out that all those delicious, seasonal food options, currently available now from your farmers’ market and super-centers can help you live a better quality of life? Nothing is better than that my friends. Nothing!

This makes this time of year the best time to hit the market for these nine fabulous, frugal, fresh finds! But before you head out to your local markets, consider the following 9 seasonal food options when it comes to fighting fall allergies in your own home.

9 Foods that help fight seasonal fall allergies

Broccoli

This dinner staple serves two purposes in fighting your allergy symptoms. It’s high in allergy-relieving Vitamin C, and it’s a member of the crucifer family, plants that have been shown to clear out blocked-up sinuses. Researchers from Johns Hopkins have found that about 500 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C a day can ease allergy symptoms and just 1 cup of raw broccoli packs about 80 milligrams of the immune-boosting good stuff!

Kale

This superfood contains another awesome form of vitamin A which is thought to improve allergy symptoms. Several studies have shown that people with low vitamin A stores are more likely to have asthma and allergy problems. And as savvy savers, why often see savings app deals on Kale weekly, making this an affordable, natural option for yourself this season at home?

Collard Greens

In full disclosure, I must admit that I love collard greens! As a Southerner, it’s a staple in our home, especially in the fall, and of course, for New Year’s Day meals! However, if your nose is being hijacked by hay fever, serving collard greens weekly can help! Their phytochemical content eases allergy issues. The darker the leaves, the higher the carotenoid content. A twice-weekly serving of these affordable greens can truly help!

Onions

Onions and garlic are packed with quercetin, which is a natural antihistamine that helps quell inflammation in your system, which helps stem the side effects associated with allergic inflammation, such as stuffy noses and watery eyes. Consider couponing to score free frozen onions and garlic, awesome for quick stir-fry meals, and sandwiches this fall!

Pumpkins

This visually appealing fall staple, is rich in allergy-fighting carotenoids, the form of vitamin A, which helps the body to better ward off allergies. There are hundreds of ways to consume this festive beauty, including coffee, bread, soups, stews, pies, and much more!

Carrots

This carotenoid powerhouse contains lots of healthy beta-carotene, to help ward off your ragweed drudgery. Consider throwing carrot sticks in for lunches, or trying glazed carrots with dinners.

Celery

Celery is full of vitamin C, making it an affordable allergy tool. But did you also know that celery can also help high blood pressure and chronic pain? Consumed raw or cooked, you will benefit from this veggie, without losing access to its nutrients. And don’t ignore the leaves; chop those up for use in soups and stews to get their vitamin C content, as well!

Stinging Nettle

This affordable herb helps stifle inflammation, as contains histamine, the chemical your body produces during an allergic reaction, so by taking this herb, you can help your body acquire tolerance to seasonal allergies.

Cranberries

This seasonal beauty is a powerful tool in terms of antioxidant fighting. This fruit can be your new go-to to fight free radicals. A bonus? Cranberries, to their role in the synthesis of collagen, can help keep you looking younger too! Savvy savers know, this coming season will have many BOGO deals for fresh, dried, and frozen cranberries.

Friends, these are my 9 go-to foods to help fight my allergy and sinus issues at home each fall season. I hope these tips can help you naturally fight your fall seasonal allergies too! if you have any tips for using food to fight allergies in your own home, I’d love to hear about them below as well!

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9 Ways To Stay Warm And Cozy This Fall

Fall is a time of cozy nights spent fireside, hot cocoa, and warm blankets. Unfortunately, it can also be a time of chilly drafts and cold toes! Staying warm during the fall months doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune on portable heaters or turning up your thermostat – there are plenty of ways to keep yourself bundled up without breaking the bank.

Image Credit

From making sure your windows are properly sealed to using layers and layering materials, here are 9 tips for staying cozy this fall:

1. Seal Up Your Home

Cracks and gaps around doors and windows can let in a lot of cold air. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal any openings that might cause breezes in your home. You can also use a rolled-up towel or blanket to block drafts from entering underneath your door.

2. Layer Up

Layering different fabrics, such as wool and cotton, can help trap heat in your home and keep you warm on chilly days. Use heavier blankets on top of lighter ones for extra warmth, and make sure you cover up with an extra layer before bedtime!

3. Invest in Insulated Curtains

Insulated curtains are great for keeping out drafts and providing an extra layer of insulation over windows that don’t have weatherstripping. They will also keep the sun’s rays from coming through during the day, helping to reduce energy costs.

4. Wear Slippers Indoors

Cold floors can be uncomfortable and make it hard to stay warm. Investing in a good pair of slippers or wool socks will help keep your feet warm while indoors.

Image Credit

5. Place Rugs on Floors

Rugs are great for insulating cold floors, especially if you don’t have carpeting throughout the house. Place rugs near doorways, windows, and high-traffic areas to help capture heat and keep your home warm.

6. Layer Your Clothing

When venturing out into colder temperatures, remember to bundle up! Wear thin layers that trap heat close to your body as well as thicker outer layers to protect from wind chill. Hats, scarves, mittens, and a warm coat are essential for staying toasty!

7. Get Some Sun

While it might seem counter-intuitive, sunlight can help keep you warm in the wintertime. Opening curtains during the day will help to heat your house with natural light and warmth from the sun.

8. Indulge In Comfort Food

Nothing beats the chill like a warm, hearty bowl of chicken vegetable soup or a cup of hot cocoa. Make sure to keep your pantry stocked with comforting winter staples that will help you stay cozy and full when temperatures dip.

9. Keep Extra Blankets On-Hand

Additional blankets are essential for staying warm in the wintertime. Keep a cozy blanket (or two!) near your couch and bed to make sure you’re never too far from extra warmth when needed.

There You Go

With these tips, you’ll be ready to face winter with confidence! Remember that layering fabrics and materials is the key to trapping heat in your home, and don’t forget to bundle up when heading outside. With a little effort, staying warm this season can be easy – and enjoyable! Friends, how are you keeping your home cozy this season? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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White Bird Movie Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the film for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

During the horrors of the German Holocaust, my family lost five members of our immediate family; my paternal Great-Grandfather Aleksander’s sister, brother-in-law, and their three children; all under the age of seven. A tragedy that has brought the awareness of the atrocities of the Second World War into focus for myself and millions of others throughout the world.

Similarly seen in the new Holocaust drama “White Bird,” based on the graphic novel, of the same name, by R.J. Palacio, and directed by Marc Forster (Finding Neverland), an expander to Stephan Chbosky’s “Wonder.” In “White Bird,” a French grandmother reminisces her childhood foibles to her grandson, Julian, over tolerance, teenage angst, and shared childhood uncertainties.

“White Bird” begins with Julian, being belittled by peers, while attending an elite Manhattan prep school, similar to how he, himself, treated others, in not being able to join friends at the lunchroom, and being made aware that he was instead sitting at the “loser’s table.” Leaving Julian ostracized and unable to fit in.

His Grandmère Sara (Helen Mirren), who’s in New York for an exhibition of her art, tells Julian the main tale of this film. An event in 1942 in the Alsatian region of France, where fifteen-year-old Sara (Ariella Glaser), a Jewish girl whose mother and father (Olivia Ross and Ishai Golan) refuse to believe that they will be unable to escape Nazi occupation, in their season ahead.

Their aspirations are soon dashed when Sara, formed into hiding in the barn owned by the family of a classmate, Julien Beaumier (Orlando Schwerdt), nicknamed “The Crab,” a young man walking with braces due to a Polio diagnosis. As time passes, Sara, protected by Julian’s family (Gillian Anderson and Jo-Stone Fewings), grows closer. Soon, however, times take a sharp turn for the pair. A shift that embroils their closest friends, family, community, and country into the grotesque tropes of the Second World War.

A positive point of the film is its cinematography. Photographed in a wide, picturesque format, “White Bird” showcases 20th-century France in golden hues and softened tones. With houses and towns shot in picturesque scenes, this tale of unspeakable societal horrors mixes soft landscapes and clever imagery that lovers of cinematography will enjoy. Showing less the gritty horrors of the war and the unspeakable atrocities of the Nazi regime, focusing instead on a neat packaging of one of society’s greatest tragedies. That, even for an adolescent film, leaves this lover of history, with a familiar understanding of the time, who having lived in France, myself, much to be desired. However, for others, the “White Bird” film will be a memorable piece.

In the greater scheme, this youth-based romanticized tale sends an overall positive message of hope and healing. As Grandmère Sara states, “You’re there to forget many things in life, but you never forget kindness.” A message that so many modern, real-world individuals could gain from such a sweet, simple message. Encouraging us all to be brave and kind.

You can buy tickets today to see “White Bird” in theaters starting October 4th! Readers can also enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card courtesy of Momentum Influencers. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners only. Winning Submissions will be verified. Submissions on various platforms within this same period will be excluded. Gift cards will be sent via email to winners providing verified email addresses. This giveaway ends October 10, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Good luck!

Now I want to ask, why do you want to see the new “White Bird” film in Threates starting October 4, 20024? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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My Bag, My Story Initiative & Reader Giveaway

Did you know that my family, my Grandmother, Carolyn, and her brother, Danny Lee, adopted me as a child? A simple act of loving devotion that has left me with a lifelong desire to see other children find their forever homes. No easy task, as many children in various state foster care systems are moved from home to home, from house to house, often toting their limited belongings in transient, trash bags. Leaving impressionable children, young scholars, artists, and athletes already struggling to find their place in this world, struggling to retain personal dignity and space.

While these problems lie much larger, more complicated socioeconomic, economic, and politicized issues. Yet, there are simple ways that everyday people, those like you, and I, can help- ways as simple as they are straightforward.

“My Bag My Story,” a non-profit organization that strives to improve the lives of foster youth by providing children with high-quality travel-style bags. With each bag purchased, another high-value bag is donated to help children navigate state foster care systems.

This initiative seeks to address the stigma of children and adolescents being prevented from the indignity that comes with carrying their possessions from place to place in mere garbage bags. Providing foster youth bags that are more than practical simplicity. These bags, train cases, and duffle bags are symbols of value, support, and recognition. Affirming the value of the shared human experience for every child in the foster care system. Helping American foster children feel seen and supported.

My Bag, My Story Founder, Cara Finger, explains that the organization’s origin started when she “Became a foster parent and watching children always have their belongings in a trash bag or grocery sack or nothing. Everyone kept saying this was normal. I said it doesn’t have to be normal, so I set out to have bags made for kids,” That “having a bag to call your own instead of a trash bag gives a child dignity and makes them feel valued. A bag seems so small but makes a huge difference in their foster care experience. Making a child feel like they are worth more than trash is so important to me.” A message vital to me as a fellow adopted child and as someone who, in turn, has helped support members of my own extended family to adopt children in recent wartime conditions.

Beyond community and state donations, My Bag, My Story has partnered with more than 30 Tennessee-based organizations to work directly with children in the foster care system to get them high-quality duffle bags, train cases, and backpacks. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, My Bag, My Story depends on the generosity and support of national corporations, including Dell, The Predators Foundation, Saint George’s Episcopal Church, and the Target Corporation.

National Foster Care Statistics

According to the United States Department of Education, more than 400,000 children rely on the National Foster Care System. With nearly 20,000 young persons aging out of foster care annually, between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, respectfully. Many are without the option of being reunited with their families of origin or legalized adoption. Presenting challenges to young people transitioning to independent living without the guise or financial means of establishment. You can learn more about the foster care system and its many challenges to young children and adolescents, here.

Ways To Help

Ordering a bag from My Bag, My Story, helping to lend security and dignity to children and young adults navigating the foster care system, is one great way you can help send young Americans onto the path of dignity and diversity, today! With so many great options and styles, featuring high-quality fabrics, your generosity can help uplift children from the comfort of your own homes. You can also read other My Bag, My Story accounts on its website, and check out My Bag, My Story on Instagram and Facebook.

If buying a My Story, My Bag duffle, train case, or tote isn’t an option for you at present, I ask that you please consider sharing this organization’s mission with those in your own life. And if you’re looking for other ways to serve foster families, here are other ways you can positively impact those living in foster care in your neck of the woods.

Giveaway

To help spread this impactful message, the good people of Momentum Influencers are giving one TheLadyPrefers2Save.com reader a chance to win their own $10.00 Amazon card. To enter, please tell me in the comments about your own experiences with the foster care system. Or how you believe individuals can help improve the national foster care system. A winner will be chosen at random on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, at 11:59 P.M. CST. Gift cards will be electronically sent from Momentum Influencers. Duplicate entries across all participating campaign websites will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, have you or your loved ones been impacted by the foster care system? Please leave your comments below.