This post and photos may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. If you purchase something through any link, I may receive a small commission at no extra charge to you. Any supplies used may be given to me free of charge, however, all projects and opinions are my own.
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com but the content and opinions expressed here are my own.
It's the most stressful time of the year for me, and many other people. Running a household any time of the year can have it's up and downs, but adding in the holiday activities can really push me to the brink of tears. This year especially, with the passing of a family member, and the inevitable aging of others, has me wanting to hit the brakes and just enjoy this season.
I want to be able to look back and realize we've spent these weeks full of joy and not perfection. That it's okay to go to bed a little bit earlier than to have one more dessert added to the buffet. That sitting down and watching a Christmas movie snuggled up together will be worth more than stringing another few garlands around the house.
I want to bake things cheerfully with my kids in the kitchen, and not late at night alone. Knowing that a smaller cookie selection was worth having those small conversations. When I first had our oldest, the best advice another parent gave me was "Enjoy that little baby!". Now I'm trying to remember that to the tune of "Enjoy that college boy! Enjoy that high school senior! Enjoy that awkward teenager! Enjoy that boisterous preteen boy!"
Last week, Babblebox sent me a Time For Turkey box. In it was a wide assortment of items. All were fantastic for tomorrow's big turkey day, but really, they are all good for the whole holiday season! So I'm sharing how each one can help you have a stress free holiday! I even wrote "Stress Free" on a chalkboard that I put on display in the kitchen where I spend a lot of my time. I wanted that gentle reminder to bring all of it back into focus when things start to get me on edge.
So let's get started!
Stress Free Meal Planning!
We are huge fans ofRAGÚ®sauce around here. I was really excited to see the new RAGÚ® Butter Parmesan Sauce. Sometimes I want a quick meal, and nothing beats this Real Deal 3-minutes Mac recipe using this classic sauce that uses real butter and aged parmesan! It includes the directions for both the stove top and the pressure cooker! It's perfect for a quick weeknight meal with a bit of Italian sausage on top, or as including as one of your Thanksgiving side dishes. RAGÚ® included the nifty apron and a pot holder, so now I don't have to worry about adding stain removal to my chores or treating burns from just grabbing a towel and not a pot holder!
Stress Free Snacking!
So I'm a total stress eater, are you? I tend to grab sweet or salty snacks which are not the best choices for me. It's also more difficult since I'm gluten free, so I was super excited to try the Chimichurri Baked Pea Crisps and Organic Gently Dried Mango from Peeled Snacks. When I'm craving sweet I can grab the mango which satisfies me! The Chimichurri Baked Pea Crisps give me the crunch I'm looking for with a savory snack. I love getting plant-based protein in my diet too, so it keeps me going longer. These organic snacks are a game changer for me, especially since they are gluten free.
You know what else makes me stress less? Saving money. And right now, you can save on Peeled Snacks. Click here to save 20% off Chimichurri Baked Pea Crisps and Organic Gently Dried Mango Snacks on Amazon.
Stress Free Baking!
I love curling up with a good book, but time is limited during the holiday rush, so I tend to make that my time to read cookbooks. THE JOYS OF BAKING: Recipes and Stories for a Sweet Life by Samantha Seneviratne (from Running Press books) did not disappoint. Full of gorgeous photography and mouthwatering recipes, it also includes personal narratives about courage, grace, bliss, love and wisdom. It's perfect to read while sipping a cup of hot tea. The stories are relatable, and it makes you think a lot about the pleasures of baking and eating dessert in both good times and challenging times.
That really resonated with me, and hit home again the goals for a peaceful season. Baking is therapeutic for so many people, and I think it will resonate with many bakers. The chocolate desserts alone make it worth reading!
Stress Free Nutrition
Obviously from what I wrote above, I'm keen on baking. Everything in moderation though, and making little swaps here and there can really make a difference. I was excited to see both Squeezable Organic Virgin Coconut Oil & Squeezable and Organic Steam Refined Coconut Oil from Nutiva included in the box.
The cold Pressing process used in the Nutiva Squeezable Organic Virgin Coconut Oil gives it a slight taste of coconut that can really shine in desserts. If you would like no coconut flavor then Nutiva Organic Steam Refined Coconut Oil is what you are after. Simply sub out vegetable oil or butter in your favorite recipes with the coconut oil that you'd like! The packaging is so unique and can leave you feeling good as it uses less materials and produces fewer CO2 emissions than glass and plastic jars
Save 25% off Refined/Virgin Coconut Oil Pouches by using the code NUTIVA25! while shopping on Nutiva's website.
Whew, can you believe all that was stuffed in that box?
I'd love to hear what you do to combat stress at this time of the year. I'm making getting lots of rest and a daily walks a priority as well. Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Enjoy those family members!!!!!
Comments
No Comments