Prepare for an Emergency
Depending on where you live in the country, you may be faced with an emergency such as a flood, an earthquake, a tornado, a snowstorm or a blackout. Being organized and prepared for an emergency is half the battle. Keep your emergency supplies in one location, either in a storage bin or in a suitcase, and make sure every family member knows where it is. Everyone in your home should know how to shut off the gas and water.
Rubbermaid Premier Storage Containers
One of my husband’s pet peeves is food storage containers. He hates them! Not for the value they add to a kitchen, but because he can never, ever find the right lid for the right container. How many of us have been in his place? You pull out a storage container, fill it with tonight’s leftovers, and then can’t find the right lid to fit.
Well, little does he know, his problems are solved. And mine too, because I don’t have to listen to him rant any more. Geri, as part of a birthday present, gave me two Rubbermaid New Premier Food Storage Containers. And I love them! Not only are they pretty to look at because of their gentle scroll work in the plastic and cheery red (or black) lids, they don’t stain or pit like the cheaper brands.
Choose More Healthy Foods
We’ve all heard the old saying, “You are what you eat.” We all know that certain foods are good for our bodies, and certain foods are not. Yet most of us, me included, still hear the calling of the junk food…”Eat me!” And junk food is so persuasive with its sugar, fat, and salt. Not to mention the chemicals that leave our bodies addicted for more.
It’s a hard habit to break, but one that has great benefits. Besides feeling better and having more energy, it’s been shown to increase our lives. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that half of the annual deaths were premature and could have been postponed by modifying behaviors including diet.
Organize Your Kitchen
If you read my New Year’s Resolution or what I now prefer to call a “commitment”, it is all about health. Therefore, I am challenging myself to prepare healthy meals that are easy and inexpensive. Having a well organized kitchen is half the battle, so I will start there.
My kitchen is small, like many of yours, so we have to be creative. Make the most of the inside of your cabinets and drawers. You can purchase wire racks with legs that gives you another layer. You can purchase sliding shelves, one on top of the other to give you more storage. I use a Lazy Susan in my cabinets to organize my spices and baking goods.
Beans-A Good Source of Protein
One of my sons is a vegetarian, and as a mother, I worry about him eating sufficient amounts of protein. But I found there is a wealth of foods that are a good source of protein. Here are some suggestions for the vegetarian or even those who want to reduce their meat consumption.
Pinecone birdfeeder
Please don’t pour fat, oil and grease down sinks or drains because this leads to sewer blockages. Instead, collect the fat from your roasting pan or from frying or grilling meat and mix it with seeds, nuts and raisins to make a “cake” for birds to eat. We recommend that you use as many ingredients as possible, for the health of the birds. The birds will eat everything that is put out. The shortening gives the birds energy they dearly need during cold weather.
Commercial wild bird food can be expensive. Homemade bird food is easy to make if you use up some left-overs from your green kitchen and add a few choice elements to keep the birds well fed and happy. Feeding the birds is a good way of upping your green living, especially if you are using locally sourced, organic foods and scraps for the most part.
Happy St. Patricks Day to Ya!
You don’t have to be Irish to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. Any excuse for a party—right? Do you know why we celebrate? OK, since I am Irish, I have the answer to this question.
St. Patrick’s Day or St. Patty’s Day is a national holiday of Ireland and is celebrated as a Christian feast day or festival by the Catholic Church of Ireland. St. Patrick is said to be one of the first Christian missionaries to travel around spreading the Christian faith. March 17 marks his death. The first parade celebrating St. Patty’s Day here in the United States was in the early 1700’s.
As the holiday has evolved over the years the leprechaun has become the mascot, of sorts. This little guy dressed in green is considered to be an Irish mythology fairy who is known to be mischievous and a prankster. With that, let’s plan a party!
If your town has a St. Patrick’s Day Parade, work that into your plans. You could enjoy the parade with your family and friends and then bring the party home. Emerald green is the color of choice to eat, drink and wear. Here are a few ideas:
Keep It Simple and Green
Appetizers
Main Dish
Side Dish
Desserts
Everything Green
Drinks
If you need recipes for any of the above, there are many wonderful websites. One of my favorites is All Recipes.com. My Aunt Mollie recommended this website to me years ago and I continue to use it today! Happy hunting!
Visit your local dollar store or the dollar bins at Target for ideas on party favors and decorations. Use the party hats to fill with candy or treats. Include a pot (the pot at the end of your rainbow) as a center piece and fill it with gold covered chocolate coins. Add a few green and white balloons with shamrocks. Hang a map of Ireland.
Pucker Up
When your guests arrive, hand them a button that says, “Kiss Me, I’m Irish”. Don’t forget the music—pick up a CD of Irish Celtic, Bagpipes or Irish Folk songs. Popular U.S. Irish artists include Enya and The Irish Tenors. Now all that is left to do is kick up your heels and enjoy your party and guests.
Maybe you would prefer to forego the party at home for a party at your local pub or restaurant. Many celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a big way, so call ahead for reservations. Don’t forget to wear green, unless you want a little attention and a few pinches.
