Stylish way to "brown bag" it

With everyone trying to be more Eco friendly I sometimes wonder if there is a way to be Eco Friendly AND stylish.
I'm sure you know what I mean,
sometimes those "brown bag" lunches just turn you off before you have even opened your lunch.

Tupperware has a really stylish way of taking your lunch to work or school or even to the park.  Check out this one.

I just ordered mine ... It just looks nice and clean and colorful to add a little something special to your lunch time break.

This will be in the Summer Catalog but because we sold out of the Winter Catalog piece, they are bringing this lunch set out early.  I love that it is offered early because I wouldn't want to go a month without one being available, however, that could mean this one sells out early too.... So if you are interested in this one, please don't wait.  Check it out on my Tupperware Site.

I also purchased the 5 day set of containers (sized to do great portion control like one of those current plans on the market) that I believe will fit in this bag, you can check out that post here.  But since I haven't gotten it yet, I can't be sure all the containers fit at once.  I will be checking it out as soon as it arrives.

Portion Control made Easy (ok Easier)

If you are doing one of those portion control diets, excuse me lifestyle changes and found that it is really difficult to do when you are living a busy life (like most of us), I have the perfect containers for you.

Yes of course they are made by Tupperware, so the seals are PERFECT because they are leak proof.  I know I purchased one of those "diet" plans that sends you containers .. and they leaked.  Now if what you have is just lettuce or "dry" ingredients, they may be fine. 

But if you need your "oil" or "wet" ingredients like chopped tomatoes or grapes or strawberries, well I want something that has a tighter seals.

What I also like about these containers is that you get 5 of each, not just 1.  So you can portion out your entire day or even parts of a few days and be able to grab and go and still stay on your plan.  I don't know about you but I am forever running.  It seems like I am waking up running and don't have time to be preparing EACH meal at meal time.  I like being able to take time and make my meals for the day and then be able to grab the containers, put in my lunch bag and go.  Or if I make a dinner that makes 4 meals, I can portion them out for the next few lunches or dinners and again stay on plan.

Now this is all based on one of the currently "popular" diet plans, but this way you can make more then one meal at a time, unlike what they do.  
If you want to have options and be able to keep your plan, this could be the containers or you.

Check them out on my Tupperware Site.  
They are available in the Mid March Brochure .. so don't wait.  I'm not sure if they will be available after the brochure ends April 8th. 

I'm not sure that they will show up again with the upcoming Summer Catalog.

Help your Easter Baskets Shine!

I did something like this last year for my daughter and her college roommates.  They thought they were so cute, so did I.

This could be too late for this Easter (since it is this coming Sunday) but think about it.  If not for this year ... next and more.

I have put all kinds of things in ours .. from M&Ms to Skittles to Jolly Ranchers.  Yes, it is perfect for all kinds of things .. including Jelly Beans (Jelly Belly's are my favorite ... they fit through the spout).

Interested?  Check them out on my Tupperware Site.

Identity Theft Epidemic

Identity Theft has gotten out of control. The effects can be so devastating.  

I have been spending the past month doing tax returns (some of you may know that this is my calling and has been for years) and have already had to file paperwork for clients who have become a victim of Identity Theft with the Internal Revenue Service.  Some have been notified by the IRS and others by employers of information released in error.

Trust me it has not been fun.  Proving you are who you are takes a lot of work.

This has become a problem of epic proportion.  Between the problems occurring because your employer has been hacked or a shopping location or your credit card company or even the IRS itself, yes no one is immune ...  

I received this in an email from Marc Demetriou, a mortgage consultant, that really breaks down the different types of Identity Theft and how it can change your life. Thanks Marc.

Ready to have your eyes open?  

This is scary! 

Think Identity Theft is limited
to someone using your Credit Card?

Take a closer look. . .

Six Types of Identity Theft

         

1. DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES  

An identity thief could obtain your driver’s license and accumulate traffic tickets in your name.  They could get a DUI with your identity and not show up in court leaving you guilty and liable.

         

2. SOCIAL SECURITY

An identity thief could use your Social Security Number for employment purposes and you wouldn’t know it until the IRS contacts you for their unpaid taxes.  There are 11 million illegal aliens in the US today.  They can buy names and SSN’s.  A thief can open a credit account or utilities, purchase a home, or start a business with your SSN without your knowledge or approval.

         

3. MEDICAL INFORMATION BUREAU  

This area of ID Theft is growing rapidly as more people are losing or are unable to afford health insurance.  An identity thief could use your personal information to obtain prescriptions or medical help which may reduce your available benefits.  A thief could get an AIDS test and the results would go on your record.  Your blood type could be changed without your knowledge, which could be life threatening in an emergency.

         

4. CRIMINAL IDENTITY THEFT

An identity thief could use your information to escape fines or jail time.  You could find that you have a criminal record for bad checks, shoplifting, pornography or prostitution which could lead to time in jail or wrongful conviction.

         

5. FINANCIAL IDENTITY THEFT

An identity thief could use your information to obtain money, goods or services leaving you with the bill.  They could use your Debit Card and access your bank account, purchase a cell phone or lease a car in your name and not make payments, therefore, ruining your good name and credit.

         

6. SYNTHETIC IDENTITY THEFT

An identity thief uses a social security number, medical records, motor vehicle records, address, and other non-public information of different people to create a synthetic identity, which in turn can adversely affect all parties being victimized.

“Identity theft is an undesirable situation in which you can become both a victim and a criminal at the same time without even being aware of it.”

I'm not going to tell you that you should have a contract with one of the companies that will "monitor" your credit and alert you to any new activity on your Social Security Number, but they could be one way to protect yourself.  I think you should at least once a year, check your credit score and see what is on that record.  It won't stop it, but at least you can be aware and hopefully correct any information that is not yours.

I just think we should all be very vigilant in protecting our identities.  Once your identity is compromised, it could take YEARS to get things ironed out .. and even then you could still be vulnerable.

See I told you this is scary.   

Thanks again Marc, it is becoming a very scary place to "do business" or lead a "normal" life .. we need to stay alert.

ONE LUCKY GIRL (OR GUY) GIVEAWAY HOP

Its time for a new giveaway

First we want to thank our hostess,

On Honeysuckle Hill

for pulling this all together for us.

All of the participating bloggers will have a family friendly prize worth at least $25.

My prize is self sponsored and will be shipped by me to the lucky winner.

What's the prize, you ask ... 

a Tupperware Smooth Chopper

It is a $49 value and worth its weight in gold if you are in love of smoothies or purees or like to make small batches of applesauce.  
If you make your own baby food for an infant or are moving into toddler meals, this is perfect for making your family's meals a toddler friendly consistency.

• Includes Smooth Chopper base
• pull-cord cover, whip attachment, blade attachment and blade protector
• 3 cup/730 mL

You can purchase it on your own, until April 8th for $39 (yes its on sale this month) from my Tupperware Site.  This is especially good if you aren't the winner ... yes it is worth it.

Good Luck!

Mid March Tupperware Specials

I was really excited when I saw what was going to be available this month on my Tupperware Site in the Mid March brochure!
There are some really cute things that are available through the entire "month" that runs through April 8th, 

but the short term specials through March 25th can be a great way to get your little ones to drink more water or juice or milk each day.

Speaking of water .... this week, in honor of Earth day, we have water bottles on SALE. 

Now these are not just any water bottles .. they are our super Eco Water bottles in awesome NEON colors!

Just in case you needed another reason to grab these Eco Water Bottles ... a whole bottle of mommy juice fits in the Medium Eco Water Bottle!  This week only (ends at midnight March 18th) you can get 3 of these bottles for JUST $15, which is a $13 SAVINGS.
I know I am picking up a few of these .. great colors and I'm thinking will be great for the pool or the beach or just relaxing on my deck!

Check out these pieces and so much more on my Tupperware Site.  Have a question?  Give me a shout.  Want to have your own small business?  Think about joining my team and you can get some great products at a discount AND earn some great prizes as well as start earning commissions from day one!  You can join up right from my site (Join us) or message me and we can chat.

Steamed Salmon and Broccoli

This one is just perfect for a healthy diet or just the up coming Spring/Summer Season.  
Since it doesn't take very long to make, I will definitely be making it for myself (hubby doesn't do salmon) and Jenn when she's home.

Ingredients:

• 2 6 oz Salmon Fillets
• 8 oz Broccoli, fresh or frozen
• 1/4 tsp Kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
• 2 lemon wedges

Instructions:

1. Place Salmon Fillets in Steamer Base, making sure you don't block all the holes
2. Place Broccoli in the colander tray
3. Fill Water tray with 1 3/4 cup water
4. Place Steamer Base and Tray on the Water Tray Base
5. Cover and put in Microwave on high power for 8-10 minutes, until Salmon is flaky and opaque

If you don't already have the Tupperware SmartSteamer, you can graby yours from my Tupperware Site.  It really is an extremely versatile piece of kitchen equipment.  I love mine for so many things. This will just be another recipe to add to my choices for healthy and tasty dishes.

Carrot Loaf Cake

This looks like a nice version of Carrot Cake.

Ingredients

• ¾ cup self-rising flour
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• 1 tbsp. cinnamon
• 2 carrots, peeled & cut into 3″ chunks
• ½ fresh coconut, husk removed
• ½ cup pecans
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 tbsp. milk

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375⁰ F.
2. In Thatsa® Medium Bowl, mix flour, sugar and cinnamon until evenly combined.
3. Assemble Grate Master™ Shredder with large grater cone, place bowl underneath. Place carrots in hopper two pieces at a time and turn handle until grated, pressing down with plunger as necessary. Repeat with remaining carrots until all are grated.
4. Repeat with coconut and pecans.
5. Place carrots, coconuts and pecans into bowl with dry ingredients, reserving ½ cup of the coconut.
6. Make a well in the center add eggs, oil and milk. Mix until well combined.
7. Pour batter into greased Ultra Pro 2-qt./2 L Square Pan.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.
9. Top with remaining coconut.

You can always pick up any of the Tupperware pieces used in this recipe, or any recipes on this blog from my Tupperware Site and if you have a question, just ask here and I will get you an answer if I can.

Brussels Sprout Salad

This one looks pretty good, even for those who aren't big veggies lovers, especially Brussels Sprouts.  But that's not a problem of mine .. I love Brussels Sprouts, but I usually like to have them roasted.  This does have promise though.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. Brussels sprouts, trimmed
• 4-oz. block Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup pine nuts
• ¼ tsp. coarse kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. black pepper

Mustard vinaigrette

• 6 tbsp. olive oil
• 3 tbsp. lemon juice
• 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove
• ½ tsp. coarse kosher salt

Instructions

1. Assemble Grate Master™ Shredder with coarse grater cone and place bowl underneath hopper. Place Brussels sprouts in the hopper two at a time. Pressing down on them with plunger, turn crank until grated. Repeat until all the sprouts have been grated.
2. Place Parmesan cheese into hopper, pressing down with plunger, turn crank to grate cheese. Continue until all cheese has been grated. Toss together with Brussels sprouts, nuts, salt, pepper and vinaigrette

Mustard vinaigrette

1. Combine ingredients in base of All-In-One Shaker. Cover and shake until ingredients are combined.

See I told you this looks pretty good and definitely something different for your table (and mine) that just make your family like a different type of vegetable.

Remember you can always check out all the things that Tupperware has to offer on my Tupperware Site at any time, even in your pjs if that's how you love to shop!