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Conscious Christmas

While the joy of the holidays is taking the world over, I have been thinking about ways in which the holidays can be used for causes.  Mass consumerism takes many people over - just go to Best Buy on Black Friday to confirm that statement - but there are some chances to get thoughtful gifts that give back to those that made or sold them.

I am planning to take some time this season to put more meaning into my gifts through crafts, buying locally, and buying through The Little Market. I am hoping that by sharing my plans here on my blog it will reach others and encourage them to do the same.

Don't rush through the holidays and buy the flashiest gift on the shelf.  Put some time aside shop online through the sites I have listed below or go shop to shop and buy from your own local shops and craftsmen.  I am certain you will find thoughtful and unique gifts for your loved ones.

Global Shopping!

Global Goods Partners (GGP) and The Little Market are great starting points from the comfort of your home.  Click on their links to learn more about their mission and how your purchases here help others. 

Get out of your house, office, car and enjoy some good old fashioned window shopping. Go into town and shop!  Go to a local crafts fair or restaurant and buy buy buy! Support your neighbors this holiday season and bring a little extra joy someone's way. 

How will you make sure your Christmas gifts give back this holiday season?

What to do with all of those leftovers!

After hosting our first Thanksgiving at our house, my husband and I learned a valuable lesson.  Force everyone to take the food they brought home with them!  We were left with 6 pies and every single side dish along with a mountain of turkey.  The wine and beer leftovers - we welcomed those of course.

So, I began my search on the internet to figure out what we could do with everything else.

The pies I have nothing for you.  Throw them out, eat them or have someone else eat them.

Everything else - here is what I came up with - give it a try! (If you are eating healthy do not eat this, make it for someone else)

1. Preheat over to 350 degrees

2. Using a casserole dish (if you have any clean ones handy) place a layer of left over stuffing on the     bottom. (Spray first of course!)

3. Next layer your vegetables

4. Add your cranberry sauce

5. Add turkey

6. Add gravy

7. Top off with mashed potatoes

8. Bake for 35 minutes

Keep in the fridge and reheat until you are done eating it. This will hopefully clear some fridge space for you. 

CAUTION: This will clear space in your refrigerator but not space around your waistband, eat with caution this still contains as many calories as if you ate it separately!

How unhealthy can you get?  Enjoy!