If I could save time in a bottle

You want to have people over. You believe in hospitality. You really do.

So what’s the biggest obstacle?

House too small? Too messy?

Groceries too expensive?

Hate to cook?

Or could it be that the main reason we drag our feet when it comes to inviting people into our homes is there’s JUST NO TIME

In Alvin Toffler’s 1970’s book, “Future Shock”, he said we must “search out totally new ways to anchor ourselves, for all the old roots - religion, nation, community, family, or profession - are now shaking under the hurricane impact of the accelerative thrust.” He also predicted that by the 1980’s, we’d have far more leisure time than our forefathers.

Hmm…It certainly doesn’t feel like it…..

Because..

The internet has opened up opportunities our parents only dreamed of. In this amazing world we can now work remotely, shop the globe, get a degree, play games, or find a mate. Our kids also, have more opportunities than ever with well-meaning parents signing them up for more and more activities because , well… you never know what little Johnny will excel at!

Ironically, the calendar on your phone is the best tool with which to get unbusy. It’s a lot easier to invite someone over if you’ve intentionally blocked off time in advance. Sunday afternoon was often the time we found ourselves sitting with friends around the table.

A pot of soup simmering in the crock pot.

A block of cheese.

A loaf of bread.

The secret to being happier?

Do something with friends to make a memory.

By the way…

Here’s a few tips to save time when prepping meals

• Make a plan! Staring into the fridge surrounded by hangry kids every night wondering what to make for dinner is no fun

• Buy ground beef/ chicken in bulk; fry it all up at once and portion into freezer bags

• Fry up onions or peppers and portion out in 1 cup bag

• Shop on-line. A week’s worth of groceries can be purchased in a few minutes and picked up at a time that’s convenient for you

• The day before you shop, take 2 minutes to clean out produce that’s past its prime. Put bruised celery and their leaves, limp carrots and otherwise scuzzy veggies in the freezer and when the bag’s full, throw them into a pot for soup

• Unless Gordon Ramsey is coming for dinner, feel free to use chopped garlic from a jar, powdered chicken soup base, a rotisserie chicken, you get the idea!

What do you do to save time in the kitchen?

I really would love to hear from you! Please feel free to comment below.

Till next week, make space for what matters!

Cheers!