Three strategies for a greener, simpler, happier holiday

Revisiting a bustling mall makes me think about the environmental impact of holiday shopping but it also makes me think about human resources that are eaten up by excessive shopping. (And I say “excessive” because I am in no way an extremist, as you all know.) On this blog, a message I hear repeatedly from my readers is how important friends, families and pets are to our happiness and well-being.  Spending time with the people we care about is obviously a crucial component to our happiness and, without a doubt, the best frugal luxury there is.  In a busy world, time with others, and time alone, has become a valuable commodity. Wouldn’t it make more sense to spend less time shopping and more time just being?

In Amber’s post, she asks, “What green holiday traditions are you adopting?” Well, I have a few strategies to reduce environmental and financial costs, and make the holidays more meaningful and special to me:

1. Doin’ it DIY. I love making homemade gifts and homemade cards. There is nothing quite like crafting something that is tailor-made and perfectly suited to the recipient.  Seeing them actually use or consume the gift offers a particular thrill.

*homemade treats*

2. Innovative Packaging. Gifts become instantly more environmentally friendly when you package them yourself, especially when you use what you’ve already got around the house - think reusable glass mason jars, wire or wicker baskets, vintage tins, or - my favourite - “repurposed junk”. (Remember the tea box I made? You can find a tutorial I wrote on how to do it at Organizing Junkie.)

*once a tea box, now a gift box*

2. Thrift. I must admit, I owe a lot to Shopping GoLightly at The Thrifty Chicks.  This woman has opened my eyes to a whole new world.  And although I know that I’m preaching to the converted, I must just reiterate that thrift stores are not just full of fondue sets, massaging foot baths and harlequin romance novels.  You can find great vintage pieces for collectors, one-of-a-kind items and plenty of brand spanking new in-the-box items, sometimes with the tags still on.  You get to decide whether your favourite part of thrifting is that it is environmentally friendly, saving you gobs of money, supporting local charities, or providing you with the thrill of the hunt.

*a vintage find for my table - pretty, embroidered napkins*

Shopping GoLightly also reminds us that to be known and understood is the true gift - in this post, Ms. GoLightly responds to a comment I made on her blog, and reminds me (and all of us) that a gift, whether homemade, thrifted, or bought retail, means the most when it is meant to enhance a person’s authentic self:

The act of taking time to truly listen to me, observe me and truly know me is, in essence the gift, not necessarily the object. That’s the part that sets tears in my eyes. To feel, in this wide world, there is someone who has taken the time to truly know me and wants me to continue on as myself and not be swayed.

*life in the beach, last December; expectations for a different kind of year ahead*

Easter weekend meal prep

In anticipation of heading home for the Easter weekend, I worked in the kitchen for most of the day, preparing a soup, salad, snack and desert to take home with me.  Here are a few of the hearty yet frugal goodies I whipped up.

I started my making a double batch of my budget boosting butternut squash soup.   While it was pretty darn good following my initial recipe, it became even better with a few additions, including real cinnamon (freshly ground from the recent arrival of whole spices) fresh nutmeg and extra sour cream. Oh, and just a pinch of brown sugar.

Next I made an apple crisp.  Last time I made this desert I used organic Granny Smith apples from a nearby farm from my Fresh Box.  These apples were spectacularly tasty, but I didn’t have time to visit the farm so instead I bought some apples at the grocery store. They tasted great too.

Next up was the snack.  I made the old standby - an easy yet addictively tasty cheese ball. 

Here’s how:

Mix together the following ingredients:

1 pkg plain cream cheese, softened

1 tin canned ham

1 tbs horsradish

1 tbs dijon mustard (or to taste, depending on your preference)

few drops of lemon juice

freshly ground pepper

After mixing together thoroughly, form into a ball and roll in parsley flakes.

It’s that easy!  And lately canned meat is on sale, so it’s a pretty cheap snack to make.

Of course, I had to taste it to make sure it was edible.

Finally, I made a rice & bean salad.  Delicious, healthy, and hearty, this salad makes a nice addition to a springtime meal and is perfect for lunch.

Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

2 cups basmati rice

1 red pepper, minced (can also add a green pepper)

1/2 large red onion, minced

1 cup  - 1 1/2 cups feta cheese, crumbled

1/4 cup lemon juice

1/4 cup olive oil

s&p 

Directions:

Cook the rice, then cool in the refrigerator for about an hour.  Mix with a little olive oil and use a fork to loosen up the clumps.  Add the other ingredients.  Stir to mix well.

I love making meals additions that are this simple and tasty. Of course, the unavoidable mess in the kitchen leaves something to be desired!

It helps if you have a buddy in the kitchen, though.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

What frugal & tasty edibles are you enjoying this weekend?

The tea party

Several weeks ago, we had a party for my friend’s birthday.  While considering what to do, one of my friends suggested that we go to have High Tea at a fancy downtown hotel.  I LOVE High Tea.  It was one of my favourite things about living in Oxford, and every time I go back to England, having “cream tea” in the afternoon is always must-do.

Unfortunately, it is also unbelievably expensive here in Canada, and we were looking at approximately $45 a person to eat - not including treating my friend.  Since money is a little tight for all of us right now, my sister came up with the great idea of creating our own tea party.  Here’s how we did it:

1. Scones - I made cranberry scones, mock Devonshire cream, and my sister served them with our Grandmother’ infamous homemade strawberry jam

2. Finger Sandwiches - another friend brought the party sandwiches - they are only $22.99 for a box of 5-dozen at The Pickle Barrel in Toronto

3. Tea - my sister brewed a couple of pots of loose leaf black tea

4. Deviled Eggs and Salad - my sister prepared both of these tasty additions to the meal

5. Processo - another friend treated us with a little of the bubbly to kick off our luncheon

6. Petite Fours - another friend picked up an assortment of goodies from local bakeries

7. Decor - my sister had set the table beautifully, using a variety of teacups and other antiques, passed down from my Grandmother

We had a wonderful time!  And it was probably even more special being at my sister’s home.  Plus, this way we were able to sit and talk for more than 5 hours - something we wouldn’t have been able to do at a restaurant or cafe.  Plus, I learned how to make scones! The bottom line: why assume that you need to pay top dollar for something fun?  Learning how to Do It Yourself can be just as special, perhaps more meaningful, in addition to being more cost-effective.

If you have other ideas for homestyle parties or activities, please share!