Since humans started cooking, we’ve been using cookware to prepare our food. It wasn’t until recently when people became aware of the dangers in using certain cookware materials such as aluminum and Teflon that non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives have begun to surface.
You may be wondering why it’s so important to begin using non-toxic cookware. Nontoxic cookware can help ensure that you’re not putting harmful toxins in your body. For example, some less expensive pots are made of aluminum which has been connected with neurological disorders including memory loss, slurred speech, numbness in hands and feet, dementia…the list goes on. Teflon pans release a highly toxic gas when heated at high temperatures which leads to adhesions in the lungs & contributes to cardiovascular disease. The best options are stainless steel, ceramic coated, ceramic cookware, cast iron, and glass. These pans are non-allergenic, easily cleaned, and preserve the taste of food.
Non Toxic Cooking Pots And Pans
1. Stainless Steel Cookware
Great set of Stainless Steel pots and pans! Click to check out
Stainless steel is a metal alloy made with chromium and nickel which ensures that it does not rust or corrode after long-term use. In addition, stainless steel is known for being easy to clean. This makes it an ideal cooking pot since the toxicity of other metals present in less expensive pots leach out over time causing dangerous health conditions such as cancer to develop. The most common colors for stainless steel cookware are silver and brushed steel. Some stainless steel pots and pans come with a copper or aluminum core. These two elements make the stainless steel more durable and help distribute the heat evenly throughout the pot and pan.
2. Teflon Cookware
Teflon is a nonstick coating made of metal fluoropolymers that keep food from sticking to cooking equipment during normal kitchen use, such as frying, grilling, roasting, and baking. This makes it very easy for you to cook without needing to use extra oil or butter which means fewer calories! Teflon releases toxic fumes at 400°F so it’s not safe to use on high heat on your stovetop making them only suitable for low-temperature cooking.
3. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron is a form of formed metal that has been used for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Moreover, cast iron cookware is very durable and tends to be made in one piece as opposed to other types. Such as stainless steel cookware which may use multiple pieces welded together. It’s normal for cast iron pans to have a rough surface which requires extra care and maintenance cleaning to ensure no food bits get stuck and eventually rust over time. If you notice rust on your set, just clean it properly and be sure to re-season it before putting it into use. Enameled cast iron can be found at most kitchen stores and online outlets like Amazon.
4. Ceramic Cookware
These types of pots & pans not only look great but also offer a sleek design that is easy to clean. Ceramic falls
Complete set of Ceramic Nonstick pots and pans. Click to shop
into two categories; felsic and mafic. Felsic ceramic is made of light elements, magnesium, or sodium while mafic ceramic contains heavy elements such as iron or titanium. Ceramic cookware is usually made with felsic materials like borosilicate glass. This makes it resistant to high-temperature shocks. This also allows you to put your glass pot, or pan in the oven without cracking the material.
Pure ceramic has amazing properties that make it a great material to use in everyday life. Pure ceramic can be heated from -30°C (-22°F) to +450° C (842° F). It does not bar any flavors or toxins which makes it healthy for your body. Pure ceramic is also dishwasher safe, non-leaching, and contains no PTFE or PFOA.
The high-quality ceramic coating emits a high amount of heat which is evenly distributed, making them an excellent choice when cooking steaks and other similar foods with high-fat contents since the high-quality surface will make it easy to release food easily while adding crispiness. Another advantage of high-quality ceramic coated cookware is that they provide scratch resistance due to their thicker surface. Which resists scratches by knives and metal utensils. This makes them a great option for busy families who need something durable but also dishwasher safe!
Glass cookware has become increasingly popular because of its ability to be used on all cooking surfaces (electric, induction stovetops, halogen burners, gas ranges) making it the most versatile type of pot & pan you can find! It comes in various shapes, sizes, and colors. They can be used on high heat but shouldn’t be exposed to high temperatures for a long period. Since high heat can cause high-quality glass cookware to break. They’re oven-safe so you can use them for a range of different cooking tasks. Oftentimes, you can find glass cookware set to have different options and sizes.
6. Earthenware Cookware
These types of high-quality pots & pans are made from a high-temperature resistant earthenware clay. Which makes them a good choice for cooking with medium to low heat. Some people recommend that you preheat your set before use. But this isn’t necessary since they’re oven safe and can be used in the oven.
7. Nonstick Cookware
A pan that does it all! The Our Place pan.
Nonstick pans are typically made of aluminum or copper with a nonstick coating to prevent food from sticking to the cooking surface during normal stovetop use. They’re also oven safe. So you can easily place them in your toaster oven, regular oven, broiler, and even a grill. If the temperature goes above 450°F, these pots will release harmful toxins into your home making them unsafe for daily use.
The best way to ensure you’re using high-quality materials is to buy well-known brands that have built up their reputation over time through customer satisfaction. If you have a high-quality set that is PTFE or PFOA-free, be sure to follow the manufacturers’ instructions regarding cooking on high heat and high temperatures. For example, Le Creuset has been manufacturing enamel-coated cast iron cookware since 1925! Le Creuset is well known for its dutch oven products and easy cleaning. Other recommended brands include Calphalon, Anolon, Cuisinart & Emeril.
8. Induction Cookware
Induction stovetops are very popular because they heat up quickly and distribute heat evenly throughout the pot or pan while providing steady control over the heating process allowing you to delicate sauces like béchamel. This high-quality cookware is high heat resistant. And won’t release toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures which makes them a high-quality choice for cooking with high heat on an induction cooker. They’re made from high-grade stainless steel or cast iron. Both of which are high-quality materials that will last you a lifetime.
9. Outdoor Pots & Pans
When you want to enjoy the great outdoors with your family, you must use safe materials when grilling on your grill. If you tend to buy cheaper brands like Walmart, Harbor Freight, or Target, they may not be made of high-quality materials which can cause toxins to seep into your home while cooking; especially if the heat is too high! Other indoor cooking appliances like ovens also emit toxic fumes at higher temperatures. So it’s necessary for you to research the materials used in the pots and pans before buying them.
10. Other Heat Resistant Utensils
Other heat-resistant utensils that can resist high heat include silicone, and copper. They come in various shapes, sizes, and colors allowing you to find those that best suit your cooking needs.
If you’re unsure about whether the pans are oven or dishwasher safe then always better off doing some research before purchasing! Just remember that being able to resist heat is not the only criterion since putting hot pans in water can also cause warping making them unsafe for storage.
When you’re cooking in high heat, pay attention to the smoke. If it’s starting to produce a chemical smell or smells like burning plastic, this means you should lower the temperature or get out of the kitchen until the fumes have cleared up. Never leave high heat cooking unattended. Because toxic fumes can cause fatigue, headache, nausea, and even unconsciousness! Lastly, never use high heat when using nonstick pots & pans. Since this will significantly increase your risk of being exposed to harmful toxins.
Universal Kitchen Cookware Items
For items that are used for more than one cookware type, it’s best to buy universal kitchen items that are compatible with other types of pots and pans. For example, stainless steel tongs can be used on all cooking surfaces. This makes them a great accessory while you’re cooking in any pot or pan!
Wooden Cooking Utensils
Because you don’t want your wooden utensils to absorb heat making them difficult to handle, wood should only be used when cooking over low heat sources like simmering sauces, slow cooker dishes, or soups/broths which are allowed to come up to temperature slowly. Never use wooden utensils in high heat settings. Since this will increase the likelihood that harmful toxins will be leached from the wooden material.
Refurbishing Pots and Pans
If you’ve got high-quality pots & pans that are made with high-grade materials then some refinishing can make them look great while increasing their safety. You can do this by polishing and re-seasoning high-quality nonstick pots & pans which have been accidentally scratched.
Although high heat is often the culprit when it comes to irreparably damaging high-grade materials, there are some things you can do to fix them up including using a high-temperature lubricant if the pan has become dry or bits of food has burnt onto its surface while making sure to choose high-quality ones that will not cause damage over time.
High-quality refurbishing products
With cast iron pots & pans, high-quality refurbishing products include Lodge’s stovetop cleaner and Seasoning Spray. You can also use a self-cleaning option. Since a lot of people find that their high-quality cast iron skillets develop flavors from cooking with each subsequent use. We tend to wipe ours down with a cloth to get the liquid out. And then let the rest sit until the next use.
Seasoning high-quality nonstick pans can be done through the use of high heat oils while keeping in mind that high temp options like flaxseed oil, grapeseed oil, and coconut oil are safer since they emit a high amount of smoke before reaching their flash point making them a better choice than low-quality cooking oils. Also, avoid using high heat canola or sunflower oil. These release toxic chemicals when exposed to high temperatures. Canola, Rapeseed, vegetable, and sunflower oils are generally bad for your health. So it’s best to stay away from them when possible.
It’s increasingly important to have cookware that doesn’t contribute to health problems, and we have outlined some of the best above.
If you are looking for new cookware or this article helped you realize you may need to upgrade, remember to do so within reason. If you can only afford one nice pan at a time, then do that. You don’t need a whole kitchen full of pots and pans. You only need one and then when you can, get another one or a set.
If you still have less quality pots and pans, be sure to use lower heat. Toxic fumes have been known to result from overheating some types of pots & pans so you need to choose safe ones. This includes using nonstick pot & pans on a lower heat setting or safer materials like stainless steel, ceramic coated, or cast iron cookware when going above 450°F since they don’t emit toxic fumes at higher temperatures making them a better choice than low-quality nonstick pots & pans.
If you have any favorite brands I didn’t mention here, feel free to leave a comment and let us know!
With the joys of motherhood, come the challenges. You have to run around the house chasing your toddlers and on top of it the usual chores of the house. Even if you have an older kid, it does not get entirely easier either. The work does get a bit lighter, but not much to make you feel absolutely relieved. So, in a nutshell, motherhood is challenging and time-consuming. There are a million chores and not enough time to get them over with.
But just as there’s a dark side to everything, there’s a brighter side as well. By the brighter side, I mean the tricks and hacks that can make motherhood manageable and convenient at the same time.
What I have for you my friend, is the time-blocking trick. To start with the basics, the objective of the time-blocking trick is to schedule and structure your day. It is to divide your day into intervals or sections wherein you focus on one task or multiple tasks of similar nature.
Having said that, the Time blocking technique (Let’s call it TBT for a while) is packed with benefits. I am going to talk in length about these benefits to give you all the many reasons to use the technique.
So, let’s begin!
Why all work-at-home moms should use time blocking technique
1.It keeps you focused
It’s a fact that when you have ample tasks on your to-do list, your attention is bound to be divided. You will do one thing, and once you are headed towards another one, you would have to wire your brain again to develop different thoughts concerning the new task. Consequently, your focus would get affected, and it may also reveal itself in your output.
However, when you use TBT and schedule all tasks of similar nature in one slot, you would not have to rewire your brain and thought process. In other words, there will be no break in the chain, and you will continue to perform your best with one chain of thought.
2.You have your priorities straight
Be it in your life, or work, you need to set your priorities straight. As a mother, you have hundreds of things to do in a day. But let’s be honest, you are just a human who can do just enough. In other words, you cannot do everything and anything. You have to decide what is more important to you, and take them up in a manner in which time allows. The approach makes it easier to know what you need to do first, before doing anything else or doing everything at once.
You can start by evaluating the importance of a task. Ask yourself, can you go by skipping this task for the day, and take it up for the following day? Is it that important? Would the earth come crashing down if you don’t do it for a few days?
Accordingly, set priorities, in fact, make a chart wherein you number the task based on their importance and deadlines. Now what you would have, is the order. (Do not forget that you have to regroup them as well on the nature of their similarity.)
3.You know when to say no
The world’s most uncomfortable two-letter word is NO. No one likes to hear it, and it is probably why as mothers, or as individuals, we are afraid to say it. But just so you know, by saying yes all the time, you are just adding up to your burden. Moreover, you are giving an impression to people that you are gullible and easy, which can make them take you for granted later.
Just remember that your goal must not be to make everyone happy. You cannot; you have to say no and that might hurt the person, but your desires are as important as theirs, and you cannot always undermine them for the sake of others.
However, even after this motivation, if you find it hard to say no to people, TBT can help you in this very light. It’s simple, when you have grouped your tasks in intervals and sections, and have a schedule ready accordingly; you cannot pick tasks that would ruin the pattern. In this case, there’s no choice but to say NO.
4.Fewer distractions
We could have been our most productive selves only if we had it in ourselves to toughen up against distractions. But being vulnerable, lazy, and unfocused, we submit to the distractions and that’s how everything gets sabotaged.
Well, not anymore. Thanks to TBT because it limits our propensity to get distracted by keeping our line of thoughts aligned. Consequently, we focus and concentrate on what we are doing for a longer time. In addition to that, when we have our priorities straight and know that we have a limited time to get done with the task, we don’t stretch our hand to reach our phone, or whatever it is that distracts us.
5.More motivation
When you follow TBT, you have a plan and system, and there’s some kind of satisfaction to work according to our will. This means you are automatically motivated to get done with your goals.
You’re full of enthusiasm, you have that fire to tick–off all the tasks from your To-Do list, you don’t go easy, you don’t feel sluggish; in short, you get done with your tasks without any procrastination.
6.You no longer try to become a perfectionist
As they say, perfection is a myth. But even if it’s a reality, it’s not at all sustainable. In other words, you can only do things perfectly just for a while. You are bound to get exhausted and lose stamina sooner or later.
However, when you are using TBT, your approach is not to be a perfectionist. You know you cannot go on doing all the tasks at once. You are a realist, and hence you continue doing your tasks according to your priorities.
In a nutshell, your target is not to do everything perfectly, but to do everything you have planned realistically.
7.You push yourself
When you follow TBT, you don’t settle for less. You push yourself to meet your daily targets. Even if it gets hard for a moment, you say to yourself, “No, I have time blocks already set, and I cannot go astray. I have to give all I got.”
Consequently, it helps you everywhere in life. You learn to control your mind and emotions and do not let your thoughts dictate you. You know what you want, and you are firm with it. And you don’t let anything, anyone, or your own brain pull you down. Moreover, it helps you see the bigger picture. When you envision yourself meeting your goals, and eventually do it, you realize it was all worth it because it got you results.
We have now reached the end, but before I ask your leave, dear moms here’s a tip – Don’t be hard on yourself, be flexible. If you did not manage to do everything on a certain time block, it is okay! Move to the next set, and come back to the unfinished one later.
Feel free to share your experiences with everyone in the comment section. I’d love to read them!
Most of us are not satisfied with the life we are living. Not because we are ungrateful for things we have, but because we can feel that we are doing something wrong; or we are not living to our potential.
Life is complicated most of the time, but sometimes it’s just not. We just overthink and make it more complicated than it is. But to do away with the complexities of life for a minute, let us focus on what you can do to change it. As they say, you are the writer of your own life, so it’s time for you to get to the action and simplify things to live a productive and healthy life.
20 ways to simplify and get your life back
1. Focus on actions
When you have too many tasks to do, what do you do at first? Tell me if it’s not worrying for hours. Scrap this approach which only wastes your time and adds to stress. Instead, keep your focus only and only on actions, nothing else – no stress, no thoughts, just actions.
2. Make a to-do list
Life gets better when you make a to-do list. You become systematic and focus on actions.
3. Get rid of your bad habits
I don’t need to tell you that your bad habits are harmful to your livelihood and your health as well. Getting rid of them is necessary to start a constructive life.
4. Work on the personality traits that limit you
Lack confidence? Have anger issues? Both can prevent you from achieving growth and success. It’s high time you work on them.
5. Stop procrastinating
Just so you know, procrastinating does you no good. It just gives you a moment of peace, to only stress later.
6. Avoid distractions
Binge-watching Netflix all day, scrolling Instagram for hours, etc is a sheer waste of time when you can do something fruitful.
7. Practice gratitude
Being grateful for things you have will make you feel blessed and happier in life.
8. Read books
Books are your best friend. They increase your knowledge and develop critical thinking. If you don’t have anything to do, then reading books is the most productive way of utilizing time.
9. Eat healthily
Scrap junk, your body needs healthy and nutritious food to perform its best.
10. Organize
Believe me or not, a little organization can save you time and make your life easier.
11. Clean as you go
Morning rush can radically impact our cleaning goals. Instead of throwing away your things in bed, take a few minutes to keep things in their place.
12. Create routines
Trying hard to get back your life on track but failing every time? I bet you are not following a productive and healthy routine then!
13. Create budgets and keep a track of your expenses
You cannot afford to be financially irresponsible. Your future depends on your finances, thus having a financial consciousness is mandatory.
14. Control your shopping instincts
The key to saving is suppressing your shopping instincts. You can do so by differentiating between things you want and things you need.
15. Be an optimist
Wonder why you complicate life? Perhaps by being negative all the time. Your goal must be optimism. You would be able to focus on solutions, rather than worrying about your problems.
16. Exercise
In between work and life, your body matters too. Indulging in regular exercises will keep you fit, and you will be more energetic throughout the day.
17. Learn to say no
It’s important to speak your mind. If you keep saying yes to everyone and everything, you will be exploited and taken for granted.
18. Balance personal life and professional life
Just a friendly reminder, your relationships matter too.
19. Make goals
Want to know the secret to success? Setting goals and striving hard to meet them.
20. Learn new skills
It’s for your own personal development and not to forget, for decorating your resume.
Before saying goodbye
When you have decided to change your life, and figure out how-to part. The next important thing is consistency. Work as if these habits are to change your lifestyle and not to meet your short-term goals. You can do it!
Let me know how it works out for you in the comment section.
We use, and we waste. Sadly, it is our environment that has to deal with what comes afterward by risking itself. And the result? A long list of environmental issues starting with air pollution, rising temperatures, changing climates, and natural disasters; it’s not surprising to assume that the environment might be showing that it is done with handling our mess. We live a waste lifestyle and the environment has to take the brunt of it.
Nevertheless, if there’s someone that can handle the situation – it’s us. And surprisingly, it doesn’t take a lot to do something good for the environment. All we have to do is change our lifestyle a little, be more conscious to reduce wastage.
So, if you’re someone who wants to contribute, and do your part, you must start somewhere and in my opinion, your kitchen is the best place to do so. It’s the home to harmful substances – the most deadly of that lot is PLASTIC. Your job is to reduce its consumption as much as you can.
But how do you do that?
Start with these easy kitchen swaps.
Zero-waste kitchen swaps
What not to use » What to use
Plastic Sponges » Cotton sponges
Liquid soap that comes in plastic packaging » Organic dish soap bars
Aluminum foils and plastic wraps » Beeswax wraps/steel lunch boxes (My favorite ones come from Nature Bee Wraps!)
Plastic food storage bags » Silicon bags
Plastic food jars » Glass/steel jars or mason jars
Polythene » Cloth shopping bags
Plastic vegetable bags » Cloth Vegetable trolleys
Paper napkins » Cloth napkins
Plastic straws » Steel/Bamboo straws
Disposable plates and spoons » Glass or steel plates, and steel spoons/fork (My new favorites come from Bentgo and I use these for the girls’ lunchboxes and silverware)
Plastic bottles » Glass/copper bottles
Teabags » Tea leaves
Plastic coffee tumbler » Stainless steel mugs
Paper cupcake liners » Reusable silicon cupcake liners
Plastic chopping board » Wooden chopping board
Plastic kitchen spatula » Steel/ wooden spatula
Plastic soap dish » Wooden soap dish
Plastic buckets » Steel buckets
Plastic bags / Plastic sachets » Brown paper
Cleaning agents in plastic packaging » Baking soda/ lemon
Plastic Tupperware » Glassware
Bottled water >> Reusable water bottle
Cotton balls >> Organic Cotton wipes or even washable makeup sponges
Drip Coffee Filters >> French Press
Other additional tips to reduce and handle waste
Reduce takeaways
Takeaways come in plastic packaging. Unless you choose a restaurant that emphasizes sustainable living conduct, try to reduce your takeaways. If the option is available, try to eat out in the restaurant itself – that would ensure that you’d have the option of using crockery (Glass, or steel) available at the restaurant.
This is one thing as a family, we usually don’t do, unless it’s dessert! We rarely eat leftovers, so they end up taking valuable space in the refrigerator we aren’t willing to give up. Plus, it’s less to carry away!
Only take what you can eat (Be mindful of the quantity)
This one is for reducing food wastage at your home. Only take the quantity you can consume. If you are not sure, take a little, and if you still have the appetite, refill. That way, you’d ensure you eat as per your appetite, without wasting food.
I practice this in our home constantly, especially when the girls say they are starving, yet only eat a little bit. It’s easier to have little portions to start than a whole plateful that goes to waste.
When you take more than you can handle, this usually results in using plastic wrap for storage or even paper towels to cover the food when warming up in the microwave.
Composting
Composting can be a blessing for both the environment and your garden. In fact, composting is the process of converting food waste into fertilizer that can be used to improve the quality of your plants. You can do composting at home, or contact the local authorities that provide the facility.
I haven’t personally composted, but I have seen some pretty great options which take the smell right away and are quite powerful. This one from Vitamix has great reviews.
Opt for loose food items
Some grocery items such as wheat and rice come in both plastic packaging and loose. Go for the stores that allow you to have refills, or collect these food items in your own packaging. Try to stay plastic free as much as possible.
I believe this will start to return into a post COVID world, but do the best you can to reduce the waste. If you must buy something with a “plastic” on it, make sure it’s made of alternative material so it can be recycled or composted.
Conserve resources
This goes without saying – we think we have the resources in abundance but we do not. Resources are limited and we must do our best to conserve them not only for the environment but for our budgets as well. Thus, always ensure that you conserve valuable resources like water and electricity. For electricity – do not leave the electric points running when you don’t need them, and for water – by ensuring you do not leave the tap running for long. (Even ten seconds of water wastage can be heavy.)
It is really important we teach the younger generation this especially with the growing amount of screen time and need to always be doing something. My two get distracted easily so this is an important reminder for them.
Go local
When you opt for local markets, instead of the big, commercial stores, you reduce your carbon footprint. You save the transportation, production, and packaging needs and resources that are usually incurred to meet your demand. Not to mention, these big commercial brands and retail stores are not eco-friendly and do a lot of energy wastage in the name of convenience. Be wise with your choices.
I love shopping local farmers markets as much as possible because I usually discover a new company or product I can share with my guests and family!
Go vegan
Going vegan can be highly beneficial for the environment. Among the many benefits, the most significant one is that vegan products use minimum resources and produce minimum damaging byproducts as compared to a non-vegetarian eating lifestyle.
I’ve been vegetarian/vegan since I was a teenager and I can attest that not only is it healthier for your own body, I find less waste in the kitchen as I don’t have a lot of the same trash as my non vegan/vegetarian family members. It makes trash day lighter and also keeps the refrigerator nice and stocked!
Grow your own vegetable garden
You’ll not only save the environment by reducing your carbon footprint but would also save a lot on groceries. So, if you love to maintain a yard, try to keep food-producing plants more than floral ones.
Well, that’s enough to get you started. If you decided to do as mentioned, you’re doing a marvelous deed for the environment. Be proud of yourself. These waste swaps are pretty easy to implement and are more than most people will try to do in their life, so every little bit helps!
Hey there, how do you reduce wastage in your kitchen? Feel free to share some tips with us in the comment section.
Christmas is not just about celebration; it’s about feeling joyous and peaceful from the inside. However, sometimes we end up complicating the festival only to be stressed in the end.
For instance, hosting a dinner for a lot of people might make everyone happy, but the host not so much, given that a lot goes into the preparation – the mental and physical exhaustion, and the stress? Don’t get me started on that.
That defeats the purpose of Christmas, doesn’t it? So how must one make it right?
Well, going for HYGGE Christmas ideas is the answer. You can consider Hygge as the way of life that emphasizes simple, cozy, and comfortable living. In this article, I am going to discuss some of the ideas that would make you content from the very soul of your being. So, here’s to a celebration that makes you feel alive.
20 HYGGE Christmas ideas
1. Christmas yard camping
If you’re not all in for proper forest camping, you can definitely go yard camping for a night. There would be no problem with sanitization, food, or water– it will all make it very comfortable camping that you would genuinely enjoy. For us that live in warmer climates, this would be doable without having to worry about the cold and snow. You might need a heater for those living in colder climates.
2. Getting yourself Christmas themed snacks
Love snacks? We all do – So, why not pamper your taste buds with Christmas-themed snacks to make them feel like Christmas too. For instance, Christmas tree waffles, Santa cupcakes, cute Christmas cookies, and so many more. You can find plenty of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube. Our favorite is to make homemade chocolates into fun shapes and add sprinkles on them. But, if you’re too lazy to make them yourself you can even find plenty of options in the shops around you.
3. Making snow angels
If you have kids, this would perhaps be the most fun-filled activity for them. Make snow angels and snowmen; you can even decorate them with Christmas decorations to make them look like Santa. Again, if you live in a colder climate, this works but for those of us who aren’t able to do this unless it snows randomly.
4. Doing Christmas family photoshoots
Having Christmas photos in your albums is MANDATORY! Doesn’t matter if you click them every year – every Christmas is different. Thus, every Christmas has to have some memorable photographs.
5. Go to a local Christmas festival
If you’re blessed to live in a town that holds numerous Christmas events, like music concerts, movie nights, or even a “Meet the Santa” event, then go ahead. If you do not, you can still go to nearby Christmas events to have a great time with your family.
6. Go out for Christmas light-seeing
If you believe the beauty of Christmas lies in Christmas lights, this is something you cannot miss.
7. Making sweet family videos
Christmas videos can be great documentation for your kids when they grow up. In fact, you too can always go back to old videos every Christmas to relive the memories.
8. Pajama jamming
We’d all go to work in Pajamas if we could – you cannot deny, they’re most comfortable to wear. Thus, have a pajama party as a family – sing and dance your heart out.
9. Decorating the Christmas tree together
It’s a tradition we all love to be a part of, after all.
10. Doing Bonfires
A bonfire with some yummy snacks and a family to bond with! How can Christmas and winter get any better than this?
11. Keep the gatherings small. It’s better to restrict it to the immediate family.
If you want to keep it simple, and stress-free, go for a small gathering. Even if you need to visit somebody, do it before Christmas day.
12. Host a movie night
Movie nights can never get boring. However, if you do this all the time, you can perhaps invest in a projector to make it different this time – projectors can be affordable too.
13. Bake Christmas cake together.
We all love Christmas treats – but perhaps the most we love is Christmas cake! Not only eating is fun, but making it too. Only this time, do it with your family.
14. Talk about your lost loved ones. Keep them in your memory this Christmas
Our lost loved ones might not be here with us, but they are in our hearts. So, let them be a part of your celebrations – pray for them, say what you want to.
15. Play Christmas pickle
Trust me; your kids will enjoy this game a lot. It’s easy – just hide a pickle ornament in a tree. The first one to find it will get a gift.
16. Have a karaoke night.
Singing is always fun – doesn’t matter how you sound. Ergo, nothing can be more enjoyable than a crazy karaoke night.
17. Play a holiday puzzle
Puzzles are always interesting to solve. Only this time, you can do a Christmas-themed jigsaw puzzle with your family.
18. Tell Christmas stories
Going back to those memories is a sheer delight after all. Tell your family all your crazy Christmas tales!
19. Make a Christmas card for each other.
It’s the sweetest thing you can do for Christmas!
20. Lastly, share some laughs together
There’s no Christmas without laughter! So, feel free to share some jokes, make each other laugh – make the night memorable and worthwhile.
This is it. This is the recipe for a simple yet fun-filled Hygge Christmas time! Which one would you pick? Feel free to let me know in the comment section. Merry Christmas!
Everything about Christmas is worth smiling and being happy about. The Christmas lights, decorations, carols, gifts, and whatnot. However, there’s still one exception that can make you sweat despite the merriness and joyfulness of Christmas – The expenses. Christmas can mean overspending.
But not anymore! Wondering how? Read along to find out.
30 smart tips to save money during Christmas
1. Gift experiences
You cannot always gift materialistic things, you can also gift experiences. For instance, a go-kart experience for your kid! This is my number 1 ask of people gifting our girls, not just for Christmas, but for everything! An experience and time spent with the gift giver is far more important a memory that will last much longer than the toy or clothing item ever will!
2. Regift
Have a lot of gifts that remain unused and unopened? Feel free to gift them away. There’s no shame in that. As someone who always gets a ton of extra PR gifts I can’t ever use, this is one of my favorite ways to gift. I usually don’t open the item, or if I do, it’s carefully and barely used. It’s the perfect way to gift someone something that would normally sit around and take up space collecting dust!
3. DIY gifts
You can make Christmas cards, mixtapes, cookies, and cakes to gift someone. Even handmade cards are great DIY gifts!
4. Send out E-cards
Some websites allow you to do that for free! A few I found and have used before include 123cards and JibJab.
5. Make use of coupon codes and cashback
Don’t let them sit idle. The same goes for gift cards! These are money baby and you can use them just as you would use cash!
6. Shop Christmas essentials on Amazon
Retail stores tend to loot customers with heavy prices during the Christmas season! Instead, shop on Amazon.
7. Buy Amazon gift cards
Let people decide on their own what they want this Christmas. This works amazing for people you don’t know so well, or those who are extra picky! You can also get amazing deals if you buy them constantly throughout the year.
8. Pay attention to money-saving deals
Don’t turn a blind eye to deals that can help you save bucks. Watch out for sales, offers, and deals. Don’t hesitate to shop beforehand if you find a good deal.
9. Don’t shop last moment on Amazon
You might have to pay extra shipping fees to get the purchases sooner if you place the order late during Christmas days.
10. Shop on Dollar trees
Dollar trees are discount variety stores throughout the USA and Canada. You can get good products for as low as $1.
11. Save wrapping paper
Got a gift? Don’t just throw away the wrapping paper. Instead, open it with ease to use it again.
12. Go for wrapping paper alternatives
Don’t have used wrapping papers? No issue, you don’t need to buy new ones when you can settle for thin wrapping rolls or brown paper rolls. You can also decorate them with stickers for aesthetics. A fun thing which became popular last season was the Japanese style of gift wrapping called furoshiki, which uses fabric to store, carry, and wrap things. They are a specific size, but you can google the size and use any fabrics, or scarfs you want to gift or have on hand as the gift wrapping. It becomes a gift that keeps on giving!
13. Shop cheap Christmas tree decorations
If you are not at all in for using old Christmas tree decorations, at least do not buy decorations from high-end craft and stationery stores. Instead, buy them from the Dollar Store! You’ll get them at dirt-cheap prices and they have cute options always!
14. Save on dinners
If you are hosting a Christmas dinner, try to encourage your guests to bring one dish per family. There’s no shame in that – the wise ones will understand the stress and hard work one has to go through during dinner preparations. This also gives those of us who don’t always cook the ability to contribute something to the table when we otherwise wouldn’t be asked.
As Amazon reserves some portion for itself for every sale, some sellers on Amazon list their products higher to make up for their loss. Thus, you can get the same products cheaper at the seller’s website. You can also do a free store pickup or free shipping if you get it direct from the store versus on Amazon.
18. Go to a mall for a Santa experiences
If your kids love Santa, there’s no need to hire one for them. Instead, take them out to a mall. Malls have Santas dressed up to entertain kids for free.
19. Head to Shutterfly for coupon codes
If you’re looking for great money-saving deals, you can rely on Shutterfly coupon codes. Just register on the website, and you can get amazing coupon codes from time to time.
20. Stop gifting adults
Just ask yourself, how many gifts that you got during the years on Christmas remain unused? I bet there’d be plenty. But that’s not just you. So, stop gifting adults if your acquaintances share the same mindset. If you do decide to gift them, maybe a small gift card and a coffee cup is sufficient. Nothing extravagant is needed.
21. Go for boxed Christmas cards
You can find such boxes in Target. Since they are in bundles, you can get several for cheap. You can continue using them for years if you still have some left to give. These take up less time and energy, thus maybe you will get them in the mail on time!
22. Gift meaningful gifts
Instead of shopping for something expensive for someone, gift them something meaningful. For instance, if your partner loves reading books, gift them one. A gift card to their favorite store is also a meaningful gift that shows you care.
23. Buy an affordable turkey beforehand
You don’t have to buy one from a lavish store. Don’t fall for the packaging and store aesthetics. Especially this year, the shortage of many things will cause for increased prices and higher demands, therefore shop early!
24. Book tickets in advance
Have to be elsewhere for Christmas? Book your tickets beforehand – before ticket prices soar to new heights during Christmas. A little note about this one — have patience and understanding as many people in the service industry are overworked and getting very little pay.
25. Don’t borrow on Christmas
If you can manage the expenses through savings, don’t add loans. You’ll also have to pay interest. The same thing goes for spending all of your paycheck and not putting anything into savings like other months. Now is not the time to skip on your future!
26. Do a secret Santa
Doing a Secret Santa means buying gifts for one person – not everybody. Hence, lots of money-saving. Another tip is to set a limit on the amount spent for the person. It allows people to get creative with their gift giving or to let people pick one gift for that dollar amount.
27. Start money-saving early and create a reserve
Reserve a little money for Christmas every month to prevent the financial blows later.
28. Invest in an artificial Christmas tree
They are cheaper and they won’t destroy the Christmas vibe, but help you save money. Plus, they don’t make a huge mess and require watering, adding to the stress of Christmas.
29. Find local events
If your locality happens to host free events, don’t think twice. Ditch the fancy day-outs. Growing up, the Christmas parade was something we looked forward to each year. We got to see cool floats that threw out candy and it always ended with Santa on the sleigh. We then got to go sit on his lap and get a bag of goodies and tell him what we wanted. Give those same memories to your kids.
30. Lastly, Save for next year
I know it’s a little too early, but hey starting early can help you save more.
Merry Christmas! If you happen to try these tips, let me know how they work out for you in the comments below. Have a great time this year!
one thing, and once you are headed towards another one, you would have to wire your brain again to develop different thoughts concerning the new task. Consequently, your focus would get affected, and it may also reveal itself in your output. 
everything and anything. You have to decide what is more important to you, and take them up in a manner in which time allows. The approach makes it easier to know what you need to do first, before doing anything else or doing everything at once.
or as individuals, we are afraid to say it. But just so you know, by saying yes all the time, you are just adding up to your burden. Moreover, you are giving an impression to people that you are gullible and easy, which can make them take you for granted later. 
But being vulnerable, lazy, and unfocused, we submit to the distractions and that’s how everything gets sabotaged. 
do things perfectly just for a while. You are bound to get exhausted and lose stamina sooner or later. 
approach which only wastes your time and adds to stress. Instead, keep your focus only and only on actions, nothing else – no stress, no thoughts, just actions. 
fruitful.
routine then!
can consume. If you are not sure, take a little, and if you still have the appetite, refill. That way, you’d ensure you eat as per your appetite, without wasting food.
In fact, composting is the process of converting food waste into fertilizer that can be used to improve the quality of your plants. You can do composting at home, or contact the local authorities that provide the facility.
loose. Go for the stores that allow you to have refills, or collect these food items in your own packaging. Try to stay plastic free as much as possible. 
also save a lot on groceries. So, if you love to maintain a yard, try to keep food-producing plants more than floral ones.
make them feel like Christmas too. For instance, Christmas tree waffles, Santa cupcakes, cute Christmas cookies, and so many more. You can find plenty of recipes on Pinterest and YouTube. Our favorite is to make homemade chocolates into fun shapes and add sprinkles on them. But, if you’re too lazy to make them yourself you can even find plenty of options in the shops around you. 
tales!
your kid! This is my number 1 ask of people gifting our girls, not just for Christmas, but for everything! An experience and time spent with the gift giver is far more important a memory that will last much longer than the toy or clothing item ever will! 
as $1.
shame in that – the wise ones will understand the stress and hard work one has to go through during dinner preparations. This also gives those of us who don’t always cook the ability to contribute something to the table when we otherwise wouldn’t be asked. 
partner loves reading books, gift them one. A gift card to their favorite store is also a meaningful gift that shows you care. 
tip is to set a limit on the amount spent for the person. It allows people to get creative with their gift giving or to let people pick one gift for that dollar amount.
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