FIRST KITCHEN BLOGS

We've been told-"Don't get too much sun, put on sun screen when we go out,etc".  But now we are hearing that we are not getting enough Vitamin D and the sun is the best source.  So what are we to do?
The reason for all of the media around vitamin D is that the committee that decides the recommended levels is currently meeting to set new higher levels.  It seems that the majority of us are deficient in vitamin D and new research is revealing that it is more important than we thought. It is good for a lot more that just bone health- including playing a role in weight management.

There are few food source of vitamin D- fortified milk, some cereals ( check labels) and fish such as salmon.  Nature's best source is the sun.   So I guess our best advice is lets get out and enjoy some sunshine, but like all things, balance and moderation are the key.

ps- that goes for tanning beds too.  Caution is advised.

 

 

 

Ah yes the freedom- but wait now we have to find a job, find a place to live – all that grown up stuff sounds kind of hard.  One of the first things you might have to do is set up your kitchen. We have some money-saving ideas for you. 

 

First, raid your parent’s storage closets.  I bet they have a lot of things they have been just waiting to give you.

When shopping for new equipment, think very realistically about what you will really need and make a list.  It’s easy to get caught up buying all of the fun, colorful new gadgets, but will you really use them? 

For example, your probably thinking  that Panini machine looks pretty cool.  But guess what-  your Foreman grill  makes a great panino and I bet you already have one.

 

In stocking the cupboards and refrigerator, you can save time and money later by stocking the basics.—you know things like- Sugar, salt, pepper, cooking oil, coffee or tea, dry cereal, pasta, tomato sauce, etc. etc.

In the refrigerator you will need things like milk, yogurt, butter or margarine,  bread, juice, cheese, some fruit maybe.  By keeping some basic at home, you don’t have to eat out every meal—especially breakfast.  Now that’s a money saving idea!

 

Setting up your first kitchen might  seem overwhelming and expensive, but our First Kitchen DVD can help.  It has a whole chapter on setting up and stocking your first kitchen including handy printable lists you can take with you to the store. There is a  basic equipment list plus grocery lists for stocking your cupboard and refrigerator. 

This an exciting time-  Good luck and Enjoy!!

 

It’s been a few years now since I’ve graduated but it still seems like it was yesterday.  Ah, those days of late night studying and afternoon naps in the library… cafeteria lunches and grande coffee drinks.  There are many parts I miss about the college life but for all of those who have graduated know that having a “real” job and your own money (no more handouts from weekend visits from parents) is an empowering feeling.  BUT it is hard economic times right now and employers are making cuts trying to save money.  Hopefully you are one of the lucky ones to still have a job but even so, everywhere you turn people are trying to save money. 

Once you’ve received your diploma, thrown up your hat and had a party, reality sets in.  The loan payments start coming, afternoon “siestas” are no longer the norm and even the 5 dollar footlong seems to put a dent in your checking account.  What’s a twenty-something graduate to do?!?!

First off- don’t freak out!  Although it seems overwhelming at times it is important to remember the big picture.  Things will eventually work out as long as you keep moving forward and putting the work in….not all of us wind up as Vogue editors right after college as some reality T.V. shows have established as the norm.  Experience is experience and starting at an entry-level position gives you what you need to grow in your carreer.  Enjoy the moments and appreciate what you have…you have your whole life to work!    

Second off- have a budget!  Just because you want something doesn’t mean you should buy it.  Sure, buy the 2 for 1 special on cereal but hold off on the iPhone or newest Nikes unless they are absolutely needed and something you don’t have to charge on a credit card.  Debt is not something to take lightly and something that most young people get into trouble with.  Set aside money for food, entertainment, bills and emergency…. DON’T EXCEED YOUR BUDGET.   People know if you work for a non-profit agency, you probably don’t have the money to be carrying around a Gucci bag, so do yourself a favor and live within your means! 

 

I’ll be sharing some tips for saving money and surviving your new life as a college graduate.  But even if you’re still in college these tips will save you from the rude awakenings of post-graduation life.  And, had I known to start using my money wisely in college maybe that would have prevented some freaking out after. 

Feeling the like you’re strapped for cash but want to really show mom you care?  Well, like so many of you I am feeling the economic pinch also.  My dreams of a lavish bouquet of flowers and a designer tennis bracelet perfectly gift wrapped with a pink bow are quickly getting a reality check.  With my bank account and only 1 week away, there’s no way I can save up for that kind of a gift!

There is one thing that I know I can do- cook.  And even if you don’t know how to cook, it’s a lot easier than you think…just keep it simple!  Here’s the deal:  invite your mom over to your house/apartment for a special mother’s day brunch- just you, her and whoever else you can accommodate.  I am going to make the French toast from our FK DVD which has been a favorite with friends/family and so easy to make.  Serve it with some seasonal fresh berries.  To really make her day, have a hot cup of coffee ready when she arrives.

Although it seems like money makes the world go round, don’t forget that it’s the thought that counts.  Whatever you do make sure your mom knows how much you love her! 

 I’ve been wanting to get together with friends and do what we do best: eat and gossip.  We’ve been holed up all winter working and trying to stay warm so our socializing had come to a halt.  Since the weather has been cool enough to cook with the oven and I bought a baking stone on sale the other day, I decided to try an all time classic- pizza!  Pizza dough is available at the grocery store pre-made but I think if you give yourself a little extra time the homemade dough gives a more satisfying and tasty crust.  The ingredients for the crust are simple- flour, water, olive oil, yeast….for those of you who have watched the FK DVD, you may even have some of these ingredients on hand!  Any recipe will do but you just need to leave yourself enough time for the dough to rise.

               

I invited my friends and encouraged them to each bring a topping for the pizza.  This gave them a chance to participate in the meal preparation but also saved me some of the cost of throwing a dinner party.  My recipe made enough to make three medium sized pizzas, so there was plenty of room for different topping preferences.   In between chatting and nibbling on the array of ingredients we managed to get the pizzas baked and enjoyed each of them as they came out of the oven.  There were no empty stomachs or leftovers leaving my house that night.  

Ok -it's one week after we all made those resolutions. How are we doing? 

If you're like us, we've made resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more, save money- what ever.  How could one argue with wanting to be healthier- both physically and financially.  But how can we be sure we actually do these things?
In order to make this happen we need to have as a first  resolution to make time for ourselves.   Once we get back to our jobs, our busy routines, it is too easy to to let all of these other things come first and guess what-- by the end of the day- we have no energy for the resolutions we've made for ourselves.

So try to keep this in mind--we deserve to take care of ourselves and if we do, it will result in our ability to do our daily jobs better too.  Can we do it?   We think we can!

Well this was an interesting  year! Looking back to January 2008, do you think we could have predicted some of things that have happened this year?  Probably not.   But now let's look forward to 2009.  We will  be making some lifestyle changes.  For example, trying to be more green and to be a bit more frugal. 
One of the ways we are planning to do this, is to eat at home more. We know that eating at home saves money so we will be looking for  easy ways to cook more economically  and have fun doing it.  And you know what - it will probably be healthier too.
We'd love to hear from you with your ideas for living smart and having fun in 2009.