What to do to keep your produce fresh

Homemade Convenience Foods: A Healthier Alternative

Image via WikipediaHOW OFTEN DO YOU PURCHASE CONVENIENCE FOODS?
We all know how hard it can be to break a habit, especially when it seems like it is saving us a load of time and stress. How often do people find themselves in the drive thru lane of their favourite fast food joint ready to order some premade quickie breakfast or lunch just because they slept that extra five minutes that morning, or decided to take the extra time under the hot jets of water in their morning shower?

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO BUY CONVENIENCE FOODS?
Imagine though that you had taken out a bag of pancakes you had made up a few days before and just had to throw them in the toaster for two minutes. If you had prepared them with cinnamon or other flavourful spices, you wouldn’t even need to worry about syrup, you could just take them in hand and be out their door in no time.

There are many items that can be made in bulk while you are already cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Take dishes like lasagne for instance. How much more work would it take to make 2 trays at one time? You could serve one for dinner and pop the other tray in the freezer for a quick dinner the next week.

Since you have already made the decision to make your own recipe, you can choose the ingredients that go in your dish. You can be sure to add healthy ingredients, fresh from your own garden perhaps, and know that none of the chemicals or additives that are so often put in pre-packaged foods to help keep their shelf life longer, are present in your food.

Choosing to grow your own fruits and vegetables is a fun and affordable way to ensure that you are not getting foods that have been sprayed with ingredients that could cause harm to you or your family in the future. If you grow a lot of food, you could purchase items such as a food dehydrator and dry and package the food for use as needed. Most dehydrated foods retain most of their natural vitamins and minerals and are good for up to several years when packaged and stored in the correct manner.

Learning how to make your own jam, yogurt and salad dressing can ensure that you are not getting any unnecessary amounts of sugar, salt or other ingredients that could cause health problems in the long run. Diabetes is on the rise, with too many people buying and eating foods that are pre-packaged with unhealthy amounts of sugar.

By taking a few minutes or a couple hours out of your week, you can feel confident that you are helping your family eat the best choices they can have with all of the taste still to be enjoyed.

The Hillbilly Housewife has created a book that will get you started learning what needs to be done to create your own homemade convenience foods that are chock full of goodness and will save you both time and money. Get on the road to keeping your family healthy today!

To gain access to a copy, click the title or image of the book which is my affiliate link.

HOMEMADE CONVENIENCE FOODS

Not only will you get the Convenience Food ebook with over 200 recipes, you also get
these bonuses:

Bonus #1 - Homemade Bath And Body Products
Bonus #2 - Homemade Cleaning Products
Bonus #3 - Memory Lane Meals - Sweets
Bonus #4 - A Year Of SnacksYou'll get

Tips On Having An Affordable Wedding

I don't know about you but I am very excited about Prince william and Kate Middleton's wedding. I guess it must be all those fairy tales I read as a kid; you know the ones where the princess gets rescued by her true love or the prince finally finds the girl of his dreams. A royal wedding just brings out those "awwwww" feelings.

A lot of people can't wait to see what Kate's wedding dress will look like. I can't imagine the wedding plans they have think about and organize.

A wedding definitely is an unforgettable moment in a person's life. However, most of us are not of royal birth or hold high positions that make it compulsory for us to hold a grand wedding that costs an arm and a leg. I don't think a wedding should get in the way of a marriage. I know quite a few people who put off marriage just because they can't afford a wedding. How sad :(

If you are really tight on budget, plan a wedding that you can afford. Decide where you can save and what is worth spending on. Make necessary compromises. Don't live a life of debt just because of one fancy day. You don't need that kind of unnessary stress. You don't want to start a marriage with money problems.

So, what can you do to make your wedding more affordable?

• Seek out discounts such as cheap invitations (but still of high quality) and clearance sales.
  
• The celebration doesn't have to be at a 5-star hotel. Maybe your friend (or their family) owns a nice estate where you can hold a brunch. You can also consider a nice restaurant. You are not bound to hold a full sit down dinner. A buffet allows your guests to mingle in a relaxed atmosphere.
• A lot of times renting is cheaper then buying.
• You are not obligated to pay for your bridesmaid dresses. Invite them to be a bridesmaid but do let them know they will have to pay for the dresses.
• You don't have to invite everyone you know or everyone remotely related to you. Keeping your guest list down will save you a lot of money.
• Did you know getting married on a weekday will cut your expenses tremendously? Consider it.
• You don't have to go crazy on the wedding cake. Do you really need a 3 tiered cake?
• Don't be shy to ask your friends for help. Maybe someone can help you with makeup, another can do photography and someone can help you with flower arrangements. Your friends may have talent you can use.

When it comes to saving money on your wedding, shopping around and comparing prices is important. Don't be square and think out of the box too. You don't have to follow what everyone else is doing.

A simple, affordable wedding can be just as lovely as an expensive one. Better you put your money on your honeymoon or a new house.