Thanksgiving is WAY early this year. In fact, it’s less than a week away. And not to get all consumery over here, but that also means Black Friday/Small Biz Saturday/Something Selling Sunday/ Cyber Monday are also almost here. 

Truth be told, each year I feel conflicted around this big shopping weekend. I don’t like the commercialism of a holiday. I hear stories of people lining up outside big box stores on Thanksgiving Day to get the 5000″ TV or whatever. And good on them if that’s what’s important. And I definitely don’t fault people for snagging a great deal. I get it! But I don’t want it to eat up my weekend or my holiday. 

Here is what I know:  
I am for sure NOT going to line up outside Target at 4am. 
My post thanksgiving weekend must include: eating pie, coaching some sweet classes, hanging with family, and spending time OUTSIDE (not in line).
I still want to save money and get some Christmas shopping done. 

Sounds nice right? 

So here’s how I really optimize the sales of the weekend without spending my Thursday eating Turkey in line outside Best Buy.

Put together a list of:

• Things I need/want for myself or to gift. 
• Big ticket items that I’d like, but are typically out of reach.
• Small businesses I may want to support this holiday season

This is what I’ve been doing the last few years and it’s saved me TIME and MONEY; two things I’m consistently short on. Knowing what I need headed into this weekend let’s me avoid aimlessly wandering Target stocking up on $4 toasters (because I would.) I get to spend time with my cute kiddo, go on that hike, and eat pie at my leisure.  It really is the most wonderful time of the year. 

Sounds like a good plan, right? YUH!

If you could use some curating of deals too, check out my recommendations to truly make the most of Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday and Cyber Monday. And rather than standing in line all Friday long, break up your day and #optoutside. Go on a hike or take a stroll around your neighborhood. 

In this post you’ll find my top kitchen essentials. Stay tuned for my favorite non-toxic personal care brands and products, as well as small businesses to support this season.

 

Top 7 Kitchen Essentials

Instant Pot: I use my instant pot almost daily. Stick with the 6qt variety here. The 8qt is far less instant. And I recommend snagging an extra pot insert so you can cook multiple meals without having to do dishes right away. These usually go on sale for a great deal, so keep your eyes peeled!

Electric Glass Kettle: Hot water for tea and coffee, fast! No more microwaving or waiting for water to boil on the stove. 

Immersion Blender: Perfect for blending soups, making baby food, or frothing that bulletproof coffee! 

Ninja Blender: A solid high-speed blender is perfect for making almond butter, coconut butter, smoothies, more substantial baby food, and more. The Vitamix is also amazing, but I currently love my Ninja Blender. 

KitchenAid Stand Mixer: This is a big ticket item, so keep an eye out for a sale! To me the stand mixer is a sign of a complete kitchen. Like I feel so grown-up with my KitchenAid. Now, I’m not a big baker, but I do love this for whipping egg whites and heavy cream into a frenzy. The attachments are on my list this year. I’ve got my eye on the vegetable sheet cutter! 

Cordless Mini Stick Blender: This thing looks so awesome. It’s cordless, but strong enough to whip eggs or blend drinks (I’m thinking travel bulletproof coffee over here! And it’s very inexpensive. Stocking stuffer, perhaps?

Spiralizer: Make oodles of zoodles, swoodles, coodles, or whatever other ridiculous spiraled veggie name you can think of. We use our spiralizer most frequently during the summer with the plethora of zucchini and cucumbers. : 

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