A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers

Surviving the Back-to-School Cold with a Little Help from Elderberry Syrup

September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!
Meal Planning = Grocery Savings!
Dawn's Simple Life

Save Money, Reduce Waste, and Simplify Your Grocery Shopping with a Weekly Plan

Ever feel like you’re spending way too much on groceries? You’re not alone! One of the easiest ways to cut down those costs is through meal planning. It’s a simple habit, but it can make a big difference in how much you spend (and save) at the store.


Why Meal Planning Works

When you take the time to plan out your meals before heading to the store, you can avoid impulse buys and stockpiling random items that might sit in your pantry for weeks. Instead, you’re shopping with a purpose – buying only what you need for the meals you’ve planned for the week. This not only helps you save money but also reduces food waste, which is a win-win!

Now, I’m not saying you have to be rigid and declare “We MUST have spaghetti on Tuesday because it’s on the plan!” Flexibility is key. Things come up, and sometimes you’ll need to swap meals around. But having a general plan gives you a roadmap for your shopping trip – one that’s much easier to follow than just wandering the aisles!


Personal Experience: Getting Back on Track

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been a little lax with meal planning lately. My grocery bill? It’s been reflecting that! But I’m getting back into the habit, and I can already see the difference. How about you? Have you tried meal planning lately? If not, this is the perfect time to start!


A Simple Solution: My Weekly Meal Planner

To make meal planning easy, I’ve created a Weekly Meal Planner that you can use at home. It’s simple, practical, and just like the one I use for my own family (only a little more styled up for you!). You have options for how to use it:

  • Print multiple copies to plan ahead.
  • Use a protective sleeve and a whiteboard marker to reuse it each week.
  • Laminate it if you want something more permanent and durable.

Download it below and get started on your meal planning journey!


How We Plan at Home

In our house, Sundays are grocery shopping days. So, every Saturday evening (or Sunday morning), we sit down as a family with our meal planner. We review the week ahead and choose meals that fit our schedule. If there’s an event or a busy evening, we opt for something quick and easy, like a slow cooker or freezer meal.

We also do a quick inventory check. A dig through the freezer and a look at our canned goods helps us plan around what we already have. For example, if we find we have five whole chickens, we’ll definitely plan a meal around that! Anything we don’t have goes on the grocery list, which we’ll take with us to the store.


Final Thoughts

Meal planning doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t need to feel like a chore. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to cut down on your grocery bill and make sure you’re feeding your family with purpose. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to download your meal planner!


Free Resource to Get You Started!

To help you jump-start your meal planning adventure, I’m sharing a free Kindle eBook that’s packed with tips, meal planning strategies, and simple recipes. It’s the perfect guide for beginners and seasoned planners alike.

Give it a try and see how much you save!


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A bunch of elderberries are surrounded by white flowers

Surviving the Back-to-School Cold with a Little Help from Elderberry Syrup

September 2, 2024
Summer’s wrapping up, and while we might be doing a happy dance as the kids head back to school, we all know what’s lurking around the corner—the dreaded back-to-school cold. But don’t worry, I’ve got a little secret that’s been a game-changer for my family: elderberry syrup. Why I Swear by Elderberries * These tiny, dark berries are like nature’s multivitamins. They’re packed with antioxidants and vitamins that help boost your immune system, making them a perfect defense against colds and the flu. And if you’re already starting to feel that scratchy throat or stuffy nose, elderberry syrup can help lessen the symptoms. It’s like having a natural, sweet-tasting remedy that actually works. Where to Find Elderberries If you’re lucky enough to live in the countryside, you might just find elderberry bushes on a walk or drive. They love soaking up the sun, so check along roadsides or open fields. There’s something satisfying about picking your own berries, knowing you’re gathering the good stuff straight from nature. But if foraging isn’t in the cards (or you’re just not up for it), don’t worry! You can easily order organic elderberries online and have them delivered right to your door. It’s like having a little piece of nature shipped directly to you. Harvesting Elderberries: My Favorite Part Some varieties of elderberries can be toxic when eaten raw – the best way to avoid this is to make sure you always cook your elderberries well first When you find a bush full of those gorgeous, deep purple berries, it’s a bit like discovering a hidden treasure. I always bring along a pair of scissors and a bucket or bag to collect them. Snip the clusters, let them fall into your container, and you’re set. Back at home, give the berries a good rinse to wash away any dirt or bugs, and let them dry on a towel. Here’s a trick I love: freeze the berries overnight in a bag. The next day, give the bag a shake, and the berries will pop right off the stems. It’s oddly satisfying and a great way to relieve some stress!

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