May 19, 2019 | Health & Fitness, House Hold Tips, Main Course, Parenting Tips, Parties, Recipes, Snacks, Thanksgiving
Do you know how the products you are buying were made? Are they environmentally friendly? Do you budget? If you answer yes to these questions then it means you are a conscious consumer.
Over the past decade consumption levels have increased across the globe. As the income level rises, so is the greater access to a wide variety of consumer products. Presently, unconscious and unethical consumerism has brought about several problems such as pollution and erosion of income savings. It is for this reason that the idea of a conscious consumer is being propagated.
Therefore, how do you become a conscious consumer?
Know the Product Background
Ever wondered how your favorite snack or t-shirt is manufactured? Well, many people are not aware of how many of the products they consume are made.
Over the years, several companies have been accused of unethical and inhumane manufacturing practices regarding their products. So, to be a conscious consumer, it is prudent of you to dig a little and find out the background details. How are they made? Where are they manufactured? Who manufactures them? How are they shipped?
Knowing all this will ensure that you consume products that have been ethically produced. Besides, it will allow you to hold accountable the companies should they contravene the consumer protection laws and regulations.
Avoid Unbudgeted Spending
Currently, consumption rates have increased tremendously as people’s spending powers also increase. However, it is prudent to undertake sound budgeting to ensure conscious consumption every day. It calls for sound financial and budgeting skills.
Start by determining your net monthly income and then use it to budget as per your needs. As a conscious consumer, you should be able to meet most of your monthly needs comfortably without feeling the need to overspend. Moreover, with a budget, you will minimize spending your money on unnecessary purchases.
Aim for Lower Cost Purchases
Well, with lots of money comes the power to spend. Nonetheless, it is imperative to cut on cost where necessary. Shop well, shop less, and shop consciously.
If you can find a way to make purchases at a lower price, then take it. By doing so, you will be able to save extra cash on the side for other essential life investments such as education.
Aim to cultivate a more conscious consumer mindset by distinguishing between wants and needs. For instance, you could make purchases on second hand retail stores, where surprisingly, you will find quality stuff for low prices. But as you do that, also be mindful of the quality of your purchases. You do not want to buy a piece of furniture only for it to break within a few days.
Embrace Environmental Consciousness
Much of the products people consume have their raw materials sourced from the environment. So, it makes sense to take care of Mother Nature in return.
One way would be to ensure that you minimize using plastic products and embracing disposable and biodegradable made products. For instance, instead of buying products from fast food stores that serve using plastic cups and plates, you could opt to visit a store that uses disposable take out boxes.
Proper management of trash is also an excellent way to cultivate ethical consumer consciousness. As a conscious consumer, you should prioritize on recycling and reusing where necessary.
Apr 29, 2019 | Corner, DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, DIY Projects, FREE Printables
Mother’s Day is fast approaching, this year it’s Sunday, May 12th. If you’re planning to take mom out for breakfast, lunch, or dinner you should make reservations now if you haven’t made them already; Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for restaurants and reservations fill up fast.
Along with taking mom out for a meal the kids like to give her a gift as well, and what better gift to give mom than something made lovingly for her. Here are some really unique ideas that kids can make with just a bit of help from dad, aunties, or older siblings. Moms can make them too for grandmas, friends, and aunties!
This is one of my favorite gifts, my grandson Devon made it for me a few years ago.
His mom, my daughter, helped him make the hand print tree and write the poem. She then had it framed and Devon presented it to me on Mother’s Day. It proudly hangs in our family room.
Here’s the poem, feel free to use it for your projects.
This cute idea from Her Split Ends recycles baby food jars.
Learn how to make it
here!
Give mom some of these yummy strawberry bath salts by Crafts Unleashed. And Cute Gifts for new moms.
Learn how to make it here!
The Keylor Family made this lovely framed silhouette.
Learn how here!
Cover terracotta flower posts with fabric.
Learn how from Shelterness.
This cute planter recycles tuna cans decorated with clothespins.
Learn how to make it from Family Chic click here!
I love this idea of taking a picture in a frame, my daughter did this with her kids last fall!
This pic was done by Moose Photography, professional photographers and posted by Cool Mom Picks But you can DIY it!
You’ll need the same frame in 3-4 sizes depending on how many generations you want to include. Take a photo of the smallest member, the baby, frame that. Take a photo of the next, mom, holding the framed picture of the baby, frame that.
Continue with each generation, grandma, great-grandma, etc.
Be sure the pictures are all taken using the same background.
This is too cute!
This idea came from Tips from a Typical Mom.
Just take photos of your child in 5 different poses, each pose holding a letter to spell “Mommy”. Mat and from the photos. Easy peasy! Great gift for Moms and Grandmas!
Here’s a unique way to use a picture frame from Making the World Cuter.
Not only is it cute, it will help organize mom’s bathroom or dresser. Learn how to make it click here!
Kids will love to make these fizzy bath bombs and moms will love soaking in them!
Learn how to make them from Playdough to Plato.
Apr 26, 2019 | Corner, DIY Crafts, DIY Holiday Crafts, FREE Printables, Recipes
Mother’s Day is fast approaching; but you still have plenty of time to think of something to give Mom this year. If you’re thinking about taking her out to brunch or dinner you better make reservations now! Mother’s Day is one of the busiest days for most restaurants, that’s probably because Moms don’t want to cook on Mother’s Day, I know I don’t!
Instead of taking her out this year why not make Mom breakfast in bed? You don’t have to be a great cook, it can be as simple as bringing her a bowl of cereal or even a pop tart and a glass of orange juice. The idea is to make the day special by doing something for Mom instead of how it usually works, Mom getting up and doing for everyone in the house!
Here are some ideas and recipes for Mother’s Day breakfast in bed. I hope it will inspire you this Mother’s Day!
How to serve it?
First things first! It all begins with a tray, you’ll need to put her food on something to carry it to her room. Even if it’s just a pop-tart it will look yummy dressed up plated on a nice dish and served on a pretty tray with a flower from the garden.
Buckets of Burlap up-cycles pallet wood to make this pretty breakfast tray table.
Click here to learn how!
Mother Earth Living makes this cute tray from an old suitcase lid and bits of wallpaper.
Click here to learn how!
For a multi-purpose tray try this up-cycled cabinet door by So You Think You’re Crafty. You can serve her breakfast and wish her Happy Mother’s Day on the chalkboard tray!
Click here to learn how!
If you don’t have an old cabinet door you can paint an old metal or plastic tray with chalkboard paint and add a couple of cabinet pulls from the hardware store to make a similar tray. Or just paint the frame of a chalkboard and add the cabinet pulls for handles. Lots of possibilities here to show off your craftiness!
What to serve?
Now that your “stage” is set you’ll need to move on to the main event, FOOD! Whether you’re a top chef or a kitchen klutz I’m sure you’ll find something yummy to serve Mom. Just remember presentation is everything; even a store bought donut can look special plated on fine china with a paper doily from Walmart.
Want to impress Mom with your culinary skills? Cook her up some of these yummy things from Donal Skehan.
Click here for recipes!
Ok, so you don’t cook, you can still impress her with a yogurt parfait topped with fresh fruit and granola. You can buy it all from the market or go ahead try your hand at some homemade granola.
Click here for granola recipes!
Somewhere in between chef and klutz? How about these “Love” pancakes from Stepable?
It’s done using boxed pancake mix, you basically just add water and stir if you get the quick pancake mix!
You can fry up any letter you want to send your own special message.
Click here to learn how!
If you really want to impress Mom with your craftiness and culinary abilities whip up this edible arrangement from Hungry Happenings.
Click here to learn how!
Oh, right! You’re banned from the kitchen because you’re the burn the kitchen type of cook! No worries, pop on over to the neighborhood coffee shop and pick up a couple of pastries and her favorite tea or coffee. Slip them out of the bag and plate them on a doily covered dish and pour the hot drink in a pretty cup or mug, she’ still love it!
What about the beverage?
You can serve mom her favorite tea or coffee in a pretty cup or mug and a pitcher of OJ or her favorite juice. If you want to make it really special whip up one of these morning beverages.
Wake her up with a fruity Sunrise Mimosa from Wine & Glue.
Click here for recipe!
Mom prefer something spicier? How about this Perfect Bloody Mary from Pieces of a Mom?
Click here for recipe!
If Mom’s not into booze mix up this refreshing non-alcoholic Citrus Rosemary Spritzer from The Kitchn.
Click here for recipe!
Serve your beverages, hot & cold, in pretty carafes and tea or coffee pots so she can have refills. Saves you from going back and forth to the kitchen for them.
Still need a GIFT?
If you still feel breakfast in bed is not enough then make her a keepsake and pop it on the tray.
Spruce up the breakfast tray with a card or mini banner.
Click here for Mother’s Day FREE Printables from B. Lovely Events!
Serve her coffee or tea in this Hand-Warming Mug from Better Homes and Gardens. It will surely warm her heart!
Click here to learn how!
Or put the flowers in this Mason Jar Picture Frame by Home Stories A to Z.
Click here to learn how!
If Mom prefers potted plants to cut flowers then give here these succulents in a Mason Jar from Lolly Jane.
Click here to learn how and for FREE printable!
Mom doesn’t have a green thumb? Combine flowers and photos with this Flower Tree from Better Homes and Gardens.
Click here to learn how!
Whatever you decide to give Mom this Mother’s Day rest assured that she’ll love it specially if it comes with a great big hug!
For more Mother’s Day craft ideas click here!
Apr 22, 2019 | Corner, Easter, Recipes, Uncategorized
Easter Sunday will be much more perfect if your house is anything like mine you will have at least a couple of dyed hard boiled eggs on your hands before lunchtime.
My first inclination is usually to chop the eggs up and make egg salad sandwiches for lunch for the next few days if not longer.
This year if you want to try something a bit different here are some recipes using hard boiled eggs along with some new twists on old time favorites like egg salad sandwiches and deviled eggs.
Try out one or two, perhaps you’ll find a new family favorite to make year round. Click on picture for recipe.
To make these recipes you will need hard boiled eggs. Click here for a tutorial on how to make the perfect hard boiled eggs from Recipe Lion.
Add a bit of zip to regular deviled eggs with my Roasted Red Pepper Deviled Eggs. It’s become a family favorite![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Make your favorite deviled egg recipe into these pretty pastel eggs.
Here’s a photo tutorial on how to dye your hard boiled eggs from Donkey and Carrot. Just dye the whites and pipe in your favorite yolk mixture![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Or serve these deviled egg chicks from She Knows. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Lighten up your egg salad recipe by using adding Greek Yogurt. Here’s a recipe from Damn Delicious.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Here’s another egg salad recipe from My Yummy Life using Greek Yogurt, this one adds a bit of dill for some extra yum![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Two Peas and Their Pod has a great recipe for Avocado Egg Salad.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
For a lower carb alternative try these Light Egg Salad Wraps by Lady Behind the Curtain.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Skip the Egg Salad and use those hard boiled eggs in this Egg Wrap with Avocado and Ham from the Cookin Canuck.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Try these Scotched Eggs, they’re a complete meal! Hard boiled eggs wrapped in sausage with a crispy shell. Here’s a recipe for Baked Scotched Eggs from Left Side of the Table. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
For something a bit with a bit more spice try these Egg Masala Curry In Spicy Tomato Gravy from Lisa’s Kitchen.
Served over rice this would make a filling meal. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Here’s another Egg Curry, Indian Onion and Yogurt Egg Curry recipe from Girl Cooks World, this one uses Greek Yogurt.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Apr 19, 2019 | Corner, DIY Holiday Crafts, Easter
When my kids were young we always had a neighborhood Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sundays. It’s a great day to get together for some fun, food, and neighborly chats; and a great way to use up all those hard boiled eggs.
It didn’t take a lot of effort on anyone’s part since everyone was dying Easter eggs anyway. After the hunt some of the adults would supervise the kids in games and the others would head to the kitchen to turn the eggs into Egg Salad Sandwiches. The rest of the luncheon food was pot luck.
We still get together with the neighbors on Easter Sunday for an Easter Egg Hunt, only now the kids are our grandkids!
Here are a few tips to help you plan a last minute Neighborhood Easter Egg Hunt. If you’ve tried it yet, you may want to plan one this year. You might just start a new neighborhood tradition!
A couple of days before the hunt:
1. Get together with the neighbors and decide where your potluck luncheon will be held. You may have to host it in a 2-3 yards to fit everyone. Decide what time the hunt will begin.
2. Gather chairs and tables and decide on a time when they can be set up at the host yards. It may be easier to have each neighbor bring their own chairs, but hopefully you’ll have a neighbor who can bring over a folding table or two at least to place food on.
3. Decide on how many eggs each neighbor will bring; both dyed hard boiled eggs and plastic eggs. Set a budget on how much each neighbor should spend to fill the plastic eggs. Decide if you will have a “golden egg” for the grand prize. If you want to have one the easiest prize would be money; each neighbor can contribute $1 that can be stuffed in a special egg. Decide if you want to limit the number of eggs each child can keep; if you do then decide on how many. Don’t forget the teens and tweenies, you may want to do a separate hunt or different activity for them.
For Egg decoration ideas click here!
4. Mark the territory where the eggs will be hidden.
5. Ask each neighbor to sign up for the potluck so that you will have a variety of food, not just desserts. Remember to ask one or two people to bring bread and ingredients for egg salad sandwiches.
6. Decide where and who will turn the hard boiled eggs into egg salad sandwiches. This can be a group effort in one person’s kitchen or you can have volunteers take a dozen or so eggs home to their kitchen to make their hard boiled egg dish. Check out my post 12 Recipes Using Hard Boiled Easter Eggs for ideas.
7. Decide what if any other games and activities you want to have for the kids. Decide on the supplies you will need for the activities, who will provide them, and who will supervise the activities. You may want to start out with an Easter Bag/Basket making activity before the hunt.
8. Decide when and where neighbors should bring their eggs for the hunt. Decide who will hide them.
Morning of the hunt:
1. Designated egg “hiders” can hide the eggs.
2. Set up borrowed table and chairs in the host yards.
3. Gather the kids for the first activity if you have any, otherwise start the hunt.
4. After the hunt have the children give the boiled eggs they don’t want to keep to their parents or the people in charge of making salad.
5. Keep the kids busy with games and activities while egg salad sandwiches are being made.
6. Bring all the food to the host yard and set them up on tables.
7. Enjoy! This could be the first of many more neighborhood events![spacer height=”-20px”]
For older kids hide some eggs in high places, they love the challenge![spacer height=”-20px”]
Start the event with a Bunny Bag craft like these from Fun A Day . The kids can make these cute bags to put their eggs in. You can get packs of plain paper bags or gift bags from the Dollar Store and decorate them with construction paper, pipe cleaners, and left over supplies from other craft projects gathered from the neighbors.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Keep kids busy making Jelly Bean Bracelets from Artzy Creations. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
This Egg Popper Tree by Studio DIY is a good alternative for older kids. [spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
A sack race is always a fun game.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Egg on Spoon Races are always fun. Think of different variations![spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
A Lollipop Patch by Catch My Party is a great idea for younger kids.[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
[spacer height=”20px” id=”2″]
Apr 16, 2019 | Easter, Main Course
Easter morning is always hectic. Between sorting out Easter eggs and aiming to Church, it’s powerful to search out time for a hearty breakfast. Thankfully, I actually have a make-ahead breakfast dish that may provide you with much energy to survive the chaos.
Growing up, we have a tendency to continually create this scrumptious egg casserole as a part of our Church breakfast fundraiser. It absolutely was filled with fragmented sausage and cheese and that i loved it. Well, this can be a a lot of refined version, courtesy of Ezra’s cake.
There are several things i really like concerning breakfast strata. Initial and foremost is that the reality you create it ahead. The maximum amount as i like pancakes and contemporary toast that has time to form them on a busy morning? Not ME. However I will pop a dish within the kitchen appliance and walk away!
Next, it’s therefore filmable. the fundamentals keep the same—bread, eggs and milk. however the remainder, you’ll experiment and build your own favorite combos. For this version, I sauted spinach with garlic and mushrooms then further tomatoes and bacon. to form things even a lot of fascinating, I used jalapeno focaccia because the bread base.
I like spinach; however I wasn’t entirely sold-out on that within the formula. Next time, and there’ll be a next time, I’m aiming to eliminate the spinach and replace it with some artichoke hearts and roast red bell pepper for breakfast strata..
(This post has affiliate links)
Ingredients
5 cups of cubed bread (french bread, sourdough, jalapeno focaccia, etc.)
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
10 eggs
4 cups milk (I used 2%)
3 green onions, sliced
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper to taste
6-8 slices of cooked bacon, chopped
12 oz bag of baby spinach
2-3 garlic cloves, minced
3-4 plum tomatoes, chopped
8 oz container of sliced mushrooms
Instructions
1. Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Place the bread cubes in the dish and top with cheddar cheese. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, green onion, cayenne pepper, mustard, salt and pepper together. Pour mixture over bread cubes.
3. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook for 2-3 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and saute for another minute. Add washed spinach and 1 tablespoon of water. Cover the skillet and let the spinach wilt, 2-3 minutes.
4. Spoon the spinach mixture, tomatoes and bacon over the the bread cubes. Gently press down with a spoon to make sure everything is moistened.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for up to 24 hours.
6. Heat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the strata, uncovered, for 60 minutes or until the top is golden brown and doesn’t wiggle when you shake the dish.
7. Cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Learn how to make this Mason Jar Picture Frame Vase from 
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