In The Kitchen: Adding Life to Your Groceries

Last week on the blog I started a new collection of talks around being In The Kitchen. I don't know about you, but here at LSK we've been talking so much about how this time has changed everything for us. Things that we used to think were such a chore have now become a cherished part of our routine, and we're finding ourselves digging into new passions like never before. One of those passions for me has been spending time in the kitchen – taking extra care in what I prepare, and all the steps along the way.With things being the way they are recently, I've been thinking so much more about what I use and how I use it. This week I want to share a few tips on how to preserve those precious groceries we're buying and make them last as long as possible in order to reduce waste and save on fewer trips to pick up groceries.More than ever, I think I am realizing why my mom is almost mentally trained not to waste any food considering the culture during her childhood. I always had no problem tossing certain things, but now I have a greater appreciation for what I put in my straw bag at the farm shop. These times have brought more scarcity than we have experienced in our lives, and I am all about making my produce last as long as possible + for the first time have researched what veggies remain fresh for longer.I wanted to share some tips that have really helped me. It has been such a new topic to educate myself on!

SHELF LIFE

This article and graphic have both taught me so much!

  WASHING

• Rinse with water. You can use a vegetable brush on tougher roots.
• Veggies will hold the longest if you wait to wash them right before use.

TOOLS

• Swag Bags: It keeps our veggies fresh for up to two weeks + they are made with the healthiest materials.
• Almond Cow: Jase and I were having a hard time keeping almond milk in stock. It was always out at the grocery store after quarantine started, so this has been an absolute game-changer. And it only takes 5 minutes!

HERBS

• Your herbs will be happiest standing in a glass of water, where just the stems are wet.
• Store in the fridge or on the counter.

ROOTS

• Store in the refrigerator in a container with some airflow.
• Keep potatoes in a paper bag to minimize light exposure (that is what causes them to sprout!).

GREENS

• Refrigerate in an airtight container.
• They like a little moisture but not too much. Sometimes it helps to add a damp paper towel into the container.

TIPS

• If you feel like you won't use your veggies or fruit before they will get bad, freeze them! Did you know even raw butter and cheese freezes well? Cut, peel, and remove excess from your produce, and store in these biodegradable storage bags.
• With bread that is going bad, make croutons!

Info source: @wearebrightland

An Inside Look into a New Boutique on Henderson: Milk & Honey

The best kept secret in the world has just opened next to the lovable Pearl Cup coffee house on Henderson. It's called Milk & Honey, a boutique opened by the former owner of Waco's clothing haven, Roots. If you pictured shopping racks filled with the cutest outfits on the planet alongside ladders stacked with green plants, you dreamed right. This tranquil nook is filled with the most fantastic collections to suit the "anthro" and urban-type alike. You'll find pleated skirts, dresses for your next wedding occasion, and crazy cute tops appropriate for work and play. And the price tags? Shockingly reasonable. Pretty sure this is the only store I will be needing. Keep reading for some inside scoop from owner Brittany Thomas, and make a stop in this treasure of a store.[galleryview id= 77]

What was your inspiration behind the decor in Milk & Honey?

I love finding furniture that's really inexpensive but making it look nice and put together. I have always liked that. As I go to all these places where I dig for treasure, such as small places in Waco where I used to live, Canton, and Round Top, I have become inspired by the white, cream, oatmeal palettes. I have a good friend who owns a coffee shop in Waco called Common Grounds, and her home style is a total inspiration to me. It really takes my inspiration to the next level! Like her, I have learned to let items just speak to me and then figure out where they go in the shop or my house later on. It all comes together somehow.

How do you know when something is the right thing to buy? Do you go off your personal style when deciding?

Similar to decor, I let the pieces speak to me. I want everything in the store to be unique--if I ever think "seen that", I won't buy it. I think I have a range of fashion personally, so I do end up picking items that I personally like. I definitely try to do a range of more refined and sophisticated but also artsy and boho!

What is your favorite lunch spot in Dallas? Dinner? 

Company cafe!! Love love. Also, Zizikis and Lee Harvey's.

What's playing on your iPod right now?

Don't do much iPod anymore. I use Spotify, which I love. Right now, it's Black Keys and Foster the People.

Who is your style icon? 

Blair Eadie from the Atlantic Pacific blog, and my best friend Lacey Dodd!