Purpose

Being a healthy, green, fiscal machine in today's world is totally possible, and this blog is going to help you do it.

Monday, March 28, 2016

Easter Update: Forget the discount candy!

I hope you all had an amazing day yesterday! Dallin and I enjoy celebrating Easter, and we did it in a new fashion this year. Since we don't have any children yet, the Easter Bunny did not make a stop by our house, and I didn't miss it too much. I did miss watching my little siblings run around the yard and collect colorful eggs, though. Anyhow, our Easter consisted of attending our church service in the morning, and then we came home to make some preparations to have a birthday/Easter dinner with my aunt and uncle who live in town. It was the best Easter I could have asked for! I loved spending time with family and making homemade pizza and carrot cake (we used the recipe from my last post for the pizza! You should try it this week!!). The evening was full of laughter and entertainment....and the best part? Aside from a few minimal ingredient costs, we didn't spend any money to obtain the fun!
My first thought this morning was, "Oh, Easter candy is going to be on sale today!" Then my more newly obtained sensible side jumped in and said, "No, you really don't need any more sugar after eating cake last night, forget the discount candy!" I patted my sensible self on the back and grinned at the thought of not "buying into" something that I don't need and that won't necessarily further my health. Now, I am not saying to entirely stop eating sugar around holidays...I certainly don't do that myself.....but why should we eat even MORE sugar after the holidays? Even though the candy is on sale, you still pay for it, so save yourself some money, be a little healthier, and DON'T BUY IT. If I can resist with my sweet tooth, so can you. I just made a goal to not go to the store at all today so that I remove the temptation entirely.

In another light, after having dinner with some friends on Saturday night, I've decided what my Easter treat tradition is going to be with our family every year (thanks Ashley for introducing me to this!). My friend made this incredible Pavlova recipe--a light, meringue base that is topped with heavenly whipped cream and fresh berries. It was DELICIOUS!!! I've looked around a bit, and this seems to be the recipe that is closest to what I experienced the other night:
http://www.sweetandsavorybyshinee.com/classic-pavlova/

I love the idea of making this because every year because traditions (even if they revolve around something as small as a specific, special food item) are what we really remember about family holidays.....I can't tell you what I received for Christmas even this last year, but I could definitely tell you about some of our traditions. I see so many pictures popping up on facebook of people getting Easter "gifts" (what the heck?!? That didn't happen when I was a kid...) and can't help but think that there are better ways to spend time together...don't let gifts replace real, meaningful family time, traditions, and sweet memories. Being my kind and sharing self, I'm willing to let you use my Pavlova idea for an Easter treat tradition, too, next year. ;) Seriously though, try it, you won't be disappointed by this dessert, and you won't be disappointed by the giggles and snitching of tasty sweet berries that happens in the kitchen with your little ones gathered around helping you to make it. Do you have any special Easter traditions you love? Share them below! :)

Photo Cred: Sweetandsavorybyshinee.com

3 comments:

  1. I admit, I catch the discount candy or holiday items after the fact, but I often get them and save them for next year (decor and egg dye kit) or for a specific purpose (candy, like for John to use for Young Men's, if I know we will be buying it later). I also like to have a little stash for me to have ONE piece every once in a while. :) (Takes self control though!)

    I agree, Easter gifts have gotten way out of hand. Carol also said that candy sales have SURPASSED HALLOWEEN. That's insane! Anyway, I like to retain traditions and try to keep the focus on the true meaning for Easter.

    One of my favorite traditions growing up is the Easter Tomb cookies. (They are meringue cookies) Each ingredient/step has a scripture attached that goes with the Easter story. We used this in a primary activity I was in charge of this year, it was great! This is the basic idea: http://www.cheeriosandlattes.com/empty-tombresurrection-cookies/ Note that you can sub in M&Ms or pretzels for the almonds/walnuts if you have an allergy.

    Thanks for the post!

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    1. PS--My personal stash of individually wrapped candy helps knock out my desire to bake a dessert, eat a bowl of ice cream, etc. I can have enough self control to just have one, maybe two. (Where it is harder to have this self control with baked goods or ice cream) I figure a measured 70-calorie or less treat is a good compromise on those days you have a sweet tooth!

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    2. That's a great idea! I agree that if you are using it for next year (especially egg-dye kits!) or just having a small stash it's okay. :) I just don't think I have the self-control yet to not eat too much, lol, so I don't buy it. :)

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