Hi Everyone!!! Thank you for joining my on my homemaking journey 2025! Please subscribe for more Cooking, Homemaking, Gardening and lots of learning!! I appreciate each of you for sharing your valuable time with me today. XOXO Lauren
Hi Lauren! A recommendation I have for you is Acre Homestead. Becky is a whirlwind just like you. You will learn so much from her. All things gardening, preserving, cooking, baking. One tip for your green beans is to blanch before you freeze. It will help to make them more tender when you cook them. Love your new videos even more! ☺️💗
Hi Lauren! I love your videos. I watch Acre Homestead too! Also, I love the Pintrest hacks, too! I'm trying to conserve money, food, and time. My mother passed in June 2024, so I will either cook big and eat leftovers for up to 3-4 days, or I'll eat a sandwich or something quick. I was having trouble like you with fresh vegetables and dairy going bad on me.
Lauren, I literally think you’re superhuman. Your like a little tornado. I hope your family appreciates what a great scratch cook you are. I’m sure they do. They’re very lucky to have you for a wife and mother.😊❤
I don’t have time typically for a full day dedicated to freezer meals. Instead on days where I make dinner that freezes really well (lasagna, chicken potpie etc) I just double or triple the recipe and freeze the extras. Doing that a few times a month adds up quickly plus it makes gifting someone a meal so simple.
Lauren, if you ever have food items that will be in the freezer for more than a month or two, I would recommend a Food Saver to prevent freezer burn especially for the meat. The Food Saver bags work so much better than freezer bags. I really enjoyed this video.
Hey Lauren, Here’s a tip for baking the bacon. I put parchment paper on the pan, put the bacon on it and put parchment paper on top of the bacon. It bakes beautifully. The bottom keeps the pan from being too difficult to clean and the parchment on top keeps the oven from getting greasy from the splatter. Enjoyed your video per usual. Good luck in your new work chapter!🥰
I do my bacon 2 different ways depending on my morning..I always microwave my bacon works great and my other way is frying pan and have a cast iron bacon press and works awesome..Either way is my go too
I just think that you’re incredible! Just watching you with all that food is overwhelming to me. I’ve never been creative in the kitchen but you’re so motivating and I love learning from your videos. Don’t know how you do so much! Amazing
😮Dearest Lauren, you brought a whole lot of joy to me today. It puts a smile on my face to watch you take such good care of your family. Pamper yourself, cause you deserve it.❤🧡💛💚
I know someone who minces her garlic and then uses a small cookie scoop to make garlic pucks and freezes them on a cookie sheet. Put them in a freezer bag and presto, they are ready to add to any dish when needed! Loved this idea!
Wow Lauren, that was quite something, good for you! Since it is just my husband and I, both retired, I don't need to make meals ahead. I do like to prep all my veggies in advance. I also like to take advantage of garden tomatoes in the summer to make big pots of sauce and freeze, (I have 11 quarts in the freezer now) and also make big pots of soup to freeze. I wish I still had your energy!! ❤
I believe you’re blessed with super human endurance girl. I’m in awe of your energy and mass production system . I’m so proud of you and you’ve definitely made life easier during the weeks and month to come . How exciting. Bravo Lauren .👏🏽✨💪🏽 🧑🏼🍳
FYI for your herbs chop basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, cliantro, what ever you use. put them in ice cube trays when frozen take out of trays and bag them up seperatly and freeze
Use a food chopper! I freezer prep onions and bell pepper using a food chopper. I portion and freeze in food saver vacuum seal bags. They store flat in the freezer and save a lot of space.
Highly impressive Lauren! It’s just after 11pm On this Tuesday night and you have exhausted me with your knife skills and organization of all these beautiful meals, veg. I do the same here in my home. Lifesaver measures!!! KUDOS TO YOU! For always changing it up and staying focused on Family. God Bless you ! Such a special Woman. Goodnight don’t let the bed bugs bite
Lauren - outstanding meal prep! I love that your freezer & frig has "real" food & not all processed food. I weekly food prep my fresh fruits & veggies & cut cheese & stock my pantry, etc. I look forward to your future thoughts if this was beneficial. ❤
When I batch cook, I use the inexpensive Vidalia Onion Food Chopper. A simple two chopping plates, one for fine dice and one for 1/4 inch dice. I whip through cubing or dicing veg with that thing and don't have to use my fancy mandolin, which is a pain to wash, or wear out my wrists hand chopping. It's one of those things I used to scoff at, like why do you need that when you have a knife and a mandolin. I scoff no more! Especially like it when I make relish to can in late summer. Makes the relish really pretty with the uniform dice. Also, Google washing your chicken. It's not recommended. It spreads more bacteria than not washing it.
Here’s an economical hack! With your green onions, cut off the bottom white park, but leave a smidge of green to add height. Add it in a glass and add a little water. of water. Not too much though, as you don’t want to drown it, but just enough to immerse the roots and most of white part of bulb. Within a few days it will re-sprout. Within a week- 10 days you’ll easily have a brand new HUGE green onion. You can typically reuse the bulbs (white part) about 2 times. I’ve tried to squeeze in 3 but it starts growing much slower and the water begins to soften the bulb and it gets gross so I toss them by then. It works wonderful and saves money! Spread the love & knowledge, Lauren ✌️❤
Hi Lauren, thanks for inviting us into your world. I could listen & watch you all day! Coukd you link your deli containers for us. I've been needing to order some to stock up my freezer & would love to buy good ones. Thanks 😊 your Montreal friend 🇨🇦
I love making and freezing things. Working full time and coming home to something I can quickly warm up or throw together with little effort is so nice. Especially on days when I am really tired. I like to do taco meat, sloppy joes, shredded BBQ chicken ( we like this for sandwiches), pulled pork, diced grilled chicken (we use this for salads). I also make lasagna for the freezer, meatloaf (I don't cook this ahead, just make the loafs and put in pans, then freeze. The day I know I want to bake it, I lay it out to thaw) Muffins, waffles, pancakes, cookie doughs, corn bread muffins, enchiladas, chicken pot pies, smoothies (set in fridge the night before to thaw). I also always keep onion and celery chopped or diced in the freezer. Those are all my go to items for freezer prep. Keep it up and you will be so pleased that you did it! Have a great week!
Wow! That cooking marathon was incredible! So well planned and beautifully executed. You’re so inspiring, I’m a new empty nester, but I think I can still follow your lead ❤hugs
lol...we all love Bacon. I like that hack of folding them in half. I will have to try that one!! Here's another hack for you, when cutting onions, put a wet cloth on the board where you are cutting onions and that should keep your eyes from watering up. Apparently, the moisture from the cloth helps draw in the fumes. 🥰
Hi Lauren I love this video!! I do meal prep like this every Sunday. I find this type of freezer prep helps a lot with food waste and long work days. It also helps with processing big garden harvest batches. Looking forward to the garden fun too! Your channel is so enjoyable to watch thankyou!!
Congrats on your newest journey in the working world Lauren! ❤ You are an amazing wife & mama! Love listening to you, watching you prep meals, interacting with the chickabooms, Enzo, Henry & Pepe and ofc decorating! You are so loved ❤
When I freeze garlic or onions and I use a plastic bag I put it in another plastic bag and in between the bags I put a slice of bread and it takes care of the smell.
You can save all of carrot, celery onion ends as well as the onion skins, put it in the freezer, after making a chicken or two, throw that in the same freezer bag. When you are ready, throw into a huge pot, add water and you have bone broth. You could do the same for beef shanks or necks too. Super cost efficient.
Iv been in my kitchen all day too. I feel you girl. I just made my dogs chicken jerky for her treats by dehydrating it. I still have yet to make her daily meals i prep ahead of time and divide it all into 15-18 little containers to store in freezer. Her daily meal is rice with ground beef for protein and i grind food process 7 different kinds of veggies such as carrot, celery, edamame, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and peas for her nutrients. She only eats human food that i trust to make for her, so shes always healthy and very active and never goes to vets and shes 14 next month. And cooked dinner, cleaned and organized my kitchen, made my husbands lunchbox. I meal prep alot of asian spring rolls and put it in containers and then to the freezer. I hate making those cus its all made individually thats why everytime i need spring rolls i make over a hundred pieces. So i dont have to make it again for awhile😂
I love this video. Prepping is my thing. And I agree 💯 on upper cabinets being a no no. Just bottom drawers and cabinets and a huge organized pantry! We are designing our next build and forever home and I am designing my pantry right now and having so much fun. I decided to add bottom cabinetry with countertops tops on one side and lots of outlets for all our small appliances to sit and be used inside the pantry. Working on a beverage fridge and commercial pellet ice maker placement underneath now. Thanks for sharing this video❤
I recently found you and I’m obsessed. My goodness, you’re a super hero and do so much for your family with great love. You’ve inspired me in so many ways.
We can both waterbath and pressure can lots of our veggies & sauces etc from our garden every year. It saves sooooo much money for us but also so much time. You can also pressure can many different types of meats and even soups with safe canning recipes that make lots of quick heat up nutritious meals. As far as meal prep I have made freezer meals before. Sometimes I’ll make a huge batch if I making like curry, chili, spaghetti sauce etc and freeze half the batch on nights I’m too busy or brain dead for cooking and it helps out a bunch too Goodness I just finished the video and I know the work that goes into that! I know you were beat by the end of the evening but great job! and great ideas!
This video is so great.I needed to learn about preparing and freezing to help my future self, coz as a full time working mom, time is also so limited.Thank for always motivating and inspiring us viewers.
My only suggestion would be to use regular ziploc bags for onions and garlic, or if you use the silicone bag then designate that bag only for onions or garlic because the smell doesn't seem to come out of the re-usable bags. I don't know about the plastic containers. You can also put it in ice cube trays and freeze then remove into the ziploc for individual servings.
That was a great inspiring video. I freeze homemade soups in winter. It would be so time saving to have all the veggies all prepared and ready to go. Thank you🥰.
Amazing!!! I hope I can find a list of recipes that of all you prepped for, I’d like to try it exactly myself. This series will be so helpful. Good luck on your new job, congratulations! You are so intentional about balancing home & work life.
This is great! I don’t want to compromise on homecooked food for my kids, but it takes so much time. I freeze a lot. I recommend using painter’s tape to label your plastic containers.
Hi, Lauren..you go girl!! I have been making homemade butter since my mother did..and her mother did too..and so on. When using canning jars. You need a canning jar funnel..you will love it. When freezing in bags..remove all the air. Cuts down frosty ice forming. Cover your prepared dinner with tin foil and wrap in plastic wrap. Cuts down frosty ice forming;) I use freezer bags & canning jars for everything. Prepare meals for instant pot or crock pot. Endless meals put in freezer. 🤗👏
Hi, Great video!!! Great recipes!!!! The meal planning will allow more quality time with your family, that's such a blessing!!! Thank you for sharing!!!! God bless you all!!!
This is so impressive! A bit of a suggestion; get yourself a vacuum sealer. That will help tons with freezing your vegetables and such. Also, if you learn how to pressure can, you can preserve things like your chicken broth and bolognese sauce. After you pressure can them they will be shelf stable and not have to take up space in your freezer. If I can lear how to do it safely, you can too!
❤❤❤ love all the freezer prep. I love doing that I think you will love it as well and yes, you can freeze green onions I freeze tons of them and use them in everything.❤❤❤
Hi Lauren. I sometimes do a big freezer meal prep day, but then also as I cook things like lasagne or chicken pot pie during the week I will double the recipe, which really doesn't take any extra time, and will then pop the extra dish in the freezer. That way I keep my freezer meals rotating and stocked. I also think it takes time to see what you gravitate towards eating the most, what meals you enjoy even after being in the freezer. Over time I have learned that when I feel like spending time in the kitchen, and when I have the time I do it. Even if it is just to make homemade wraps to freeze or bagels, or a few soups. Esp on a rainy day, I lovit. My girls call it a cooking show day . 😂 I love your channel, and may you and your family have a wonderful 2025.
Mix onions n garlic is great for seasoning the meat n you can freeze it too do some softito onion garlic cilantro pepper n mix all together is awesome for chicken n beef stew
Eek! You did sooo good! Fresh herbs in silicone ice trays are also good if you want to portion out things. It's how we freeze herbs from our garden! For Marinades, we loveba mojo for chicken and pork, chili lime for chicken and seafood and chimichurri freezes well too! Good job 🩵
I food prep a little differently. I do freezer prep but I'm a canner. I canned over 3000 jars in 2024, selling 2800+. I love your videos and am really enjoying this new "series". Congrats on your new job! I'm sure your mom is looking down smiling that you're back in her industry ❤ I oven bake bacon too, but on a broiler pan with parchment over the top. I do strain the grease and use for other cooking. I do suggest you check out blanching veggies. It truly does make a difference. Until next time! Smoochies to Pepe & the kitties. ❤
You’re amazing Lauren! Brings back memories of when my four children were still young and I would prep and cook meals for the week. I was never as creative or organized as you though! Congratulations on your new job!
2 questions…is the blue Dutch oven Martha Stewart & did I miss the link in the description your plastic bowl containers? You’re just so welcoming and lovely ❤ thank you for sharing your knowledge and time with us here on YT.
OMGSH, Lauren I cannot love this video enough! I love the longer content. I could literally sit and watch your videos all day long, but then I wouldn't get any chores done. Lol. I'm curious to know about the mashed potatoes that you plan on freezing. I prepared mashed potatoes one year for Christmas to help me out, but it changed the texture. They were kind of milly, or gritty. So, I have never tried it again. I'm anxious to know what your experience is. Ok, girl I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your videos. I can't wait for the next. XOXO'S
Absolutely wonderful Such Great food for your family I did both when my boys were little I froze a lot of pasta dishes I did onions and peppers alot Today I live alone and I still cook and freeze Beef stew is good to freeze I also freeze soup It is a lot of work to cook But worth it Hope your daughter feels better Happy first day at work
Can I suggest just buying frozen beans and things like broccoli. They are flash frozen and end up "fresher" than buying and freezing yourself. Unless they are in season. The frozen onions are super helpful and you can freeze garlic whole and use it straight out of the freezer without defrosting. I freeze my ginger whole and use a micro planer with the frozen ginger. I always process and freeze cilantro and parsley. They are great in cooked foods but not in fresh salads etc as they go limp when defrosted.
Seeing your ginger makes me think of wellness shots. Toss fresh ginger, tumeric, lemons & oranges into a blender. Strain the pulp. Add EVOO & black pepper for absorption and portion into 1/2 pint mason jars. These freeze really well. I take a shot every morning.
HAPPY Tuesday in January Lauren, family, fur babies, and feathered friends. GOLLY GEE Way To Go! YUM..The family will appreciate. We have always kept our onions and potatoes in the fridge. When I cut onions no crying and they stay fresh longer. I do make our own bone broth, when I make a whole chicken I plan to make a new recipe for us this weekend; Chicken Taquitos, looks delish on the recipe. Thanks for all the motivation Lauren. STTB
I freeze pretty much everything. I rarely have any food waste because of that. One of my favorite things to prep and freeze are black and white beans. I make them (separately) in a slow cooker and then portion out into ziplock freezer bags (I add the liquid part into each bag as well). It comes out so much cheaper and so easy to make. Black beans for regular chili recipe and white beans for white bean chicken chili.
Incredible video girl!! You killed the freezer cooking. Two hacks I use (1) I buy already diced frozen onions. My eyes are super sensitive when I cut them. These are game changers. I’ll never chop an onion again. (2) use deli containers for soups and sauces. Everything else is zip lock bags. Great video!! Can’t wait for the garden video next!! 💕💕
Hi Everyone!!! Thank you for joining my on my homemaking journey 2025! Please subscribe for more Cooking, Homemaking, Gardening and lots of learning!! I appreciate each of you for sharing your valuable time with me today. XOXO Lauren
Hi Lauren! A recommendation I have for you is Acre Homestead. Becky is a whirlwind just like you. You will learn so much from her. All things gardening, preserving, cooking, baking. One tip for your green beans is to blanch before you freeze. It will help to make them more tender when you cook them. Love your new videos even more! ☺️💗
I agree with you about Becky on Acre Homestead. I kept thinking about her while watching this video. Both women are amazing.
Yes....definitely watch Becky @ acer homestead. She has a lot of suggestions for marinaded meats.
Hi Lauren! I love your videos. I watch Acre Homestead too! Also, I love the Pintrest hacks, too! I'm trying to conserve money, food, and time. My mother passed in June 2024, so I will either cook big and eat leftovers for up to 3-4 days, or I'll eat a sandwich or something quick. I was having trouble like you with fresh vegetables and dairy going bad on me.
We love Becky!!!
I believe Lauren already follows Acre Homestead. I think she commented on Becky awhile back .
Lauren, I literally think you’re superhuman. Your like a little tornado. I hope your family appreciates what a great scratch cook you are. I’m sure they do. They’re very lucky to have you for a wife and mother.😊❤
I don’t have time typically for a full day dedicated to freezer meals. Instead on days where I make dinner that freezes really well (lasagna, chicken potpie etc) I just double or triple the recipe and freeze the extras. Doing that a few times a month adds up quickly plus it makes gifting someone a meal so simple.
Lauren, if you ever have food items that will be in the freezer for more than a month or two, I would recommend a Food Saver to prevent freezer burn especially for the meat. The Food Saver bags work so much better than freezer bags. I really enjoyed this video.
for sure those containers will get freezer burn
Hey Lauren, Here’s a tip for baking the bacon. I put parchment paper on the pan, put the bacon on it and put parchment paper on top of the bacon. It bakes beautifully. The bottom keeps the pan from being too difficult
to clean and the parchment on top keeps the oven from getting greasy from the splatter. Enjoyed your video per usual. Good luck in your new work chapter!🥰
I do my bacon 2 different ways depending on my morning..I always microwave my bacon works great and my other way is frying pan and have a cast iron bacon press and works awesome..Either way is my go too
Great idea I use parchment paper on my trays as well as far as the bacon in your experience. Does it turn out crispy?
@@marymccourt914Yes! It’s yummy. Try it - I believe you will like it prepared this way. I don’t miss the bacon splatter in my oven one bit!😂
@@kimmbond2052 oh thank you so much. I think I’m going to try it now.👏👏👏
What is the oven temperature for the bacon?
I just think that you’re incredible! Just watching you with all that food is overwhelming to me. I’ve never been creative in the kitchen but you’re so motivating and I love learning from your videos. Don’t know how you do so much! Amazing
Totally loving the longer videos! Thank you once again for sharing a piece of your beautiful and blessed life!
Thank you!!! Honestly I love them too!
😮Dearest Lauren, you brought a whole lot of joy to me today. It puts a smile on my face to watch you take such good care of your family. Pamper yourself, cause you deserve it.❤🧡💛💚
I know someone who minces her garlic and then uses a small cookie scoop to make garlic pucks and freezes them on a cookie sheet. Put them in a freezer bag and presto, they are ready to add to any dish when needed! Loved this idea!
That is what Becky on Acre does
Wow Lauren, that was quite something, good for you! Since it is just my husband and I, both retired, I don't need to make meals ahead. I do like to prep all my veggies in advance. I also like to take advantage of garden tomatoes in the summer to make big pots of sauce and freeze, (I have 11 quarts in the freezer now) and also make big pots of soup to freeze. I wish I still had your energy!! ❤
I recommend Food Saver bags or Zwilling. Both are vacuum systems. You can pack food flat and store flat. Save space in your freezer.
for sure
If anyone can excel at this, you will master it in no time! You are such an excellent cook and such an inspiration! Love your channel so much!
I believe you’re blessed with super human endurance girl. I’m in awe of your energy and mass production system . I’m so proud of you and you’ve definitely made life easier during the weeks and month to come . How exciting. Bravo Lauren .👏🏽✨💪🏽 🧑🏼🍳
Am I 1st?!? Really 😁 & the Mrs spoiled us with 49.45MINS🥳keeps gettin better😍💖
YAY!!!! I am so happy you are here!!!! Early bird!! XOXO
FYI for your herbs chop basil, oregano, parsley, thyme, cliantro, what ever you use. put them in ice cube trays when frozen take out of trays and bag them up seperatly and freeze
Peppy is exactly what you needed. My daughter went through a divorce and her dogs saved her. They are a blessings!
Use a food chopper! I freezer prep onions and bell pepper using a food chopper. I portion and freeze in food saver vacuum seal bags. They store flat in the freezer and save a lot of space.
When you use parchment paper when baking, crumble it and wet it a little under the faucet. Works great!
Amazing work Lauren. You are an inspiration to many people and especially your children who watch and learn from you!
Highly impressive Lauren! It’s just after 11pm
On this Tuesday night and you have exhausted me with your knife skills and organization of all these beautiful meals, veg. I do the same here in my home. Lifesaver measures!!! KUDOS TO YOU! For always changing it up and staying focused on Family. God Bless you ! Such a special Woman. Goodnight don’t let the bed bugs bite
Lauren - outstanding meal prep! I love that your freezer & frig has "real" food & not all processed food. I weekly food prep my fresh fruits & veggies & cut cheese & stock my pantry, etc. I look forward to your future thoughts if this was beneficial. ❤
Hi Lauren! I was looking for the links for the freezer storage containers and I don’t see them. Am I missing them?
When I batch cook, I use the inexpensive Vidalia Onion Food Chopper. A simple two chopping plates, one for fine dice and one for 1/4 inch dice. I whip through cubing or dicing veg with that thing and don't have to use my fancy mandolin, which is a pain to wash, or wear out my wrists hand chopping. It's one of those things I used to scoff at, like why do you need that when you have a knife and a mandolin. I scoff no more! Especially like it when I make relish to can in late summer. Makes the relish really pretty with the uniform dice.
Also, Google washing your chicken. It's not recommended. It spreads more bacteria than not washing it.
I, too, use the chopper. It's so helpful! I also wash my onions after I peel them.
Woman, you are amazing at everything!! I just love you ❤
Here’s an economical hack! With your green onions, cut off the bottom white park, but leave a smidge of green to add height. Add it in a glass and add a little water. of water. Not too much though, as you don’t want to drown it, but just enough to immerse the roots and most of white part of bulb. Within a few days it will re-sprout. Within a week- 10 days you’ll easily have a brand new HUGE green onion. You can typically reuse the bulbs (white part) about 2 times. I’ve tried to squeeze in 3 but it starts growing much slower and the water begins to soften the bulb and it gets gross so I toss them by then. It works wonderful and saves money! Spread the love & knowledge, Lauren ✌️❤
I will try this hack, thanks for sharing.
Hi Lauren, thanks for inviting us into your world. I could listen & watch you all day! Coukd you link your deli containers for us. I've been needing to order some to stock up my freezer & would love to buy good ones. Thanks 😊 your Montreal friend 🇨🇦
Hi Lauren, for your veggie scraps freeze them and use them for veggie stock. Freeze the onion ends, paper and all...
👏👏👏Great job Lauren, looks beautiful, organized, and DELICIOUS!!! Enjoy the time that you have saved your future self😊
Does my heart good to see all those veggies. You remind me of my youngest daughter. She loves cooking, organization, lists, and spread sheets. 😁
I love making and freezing things. Working full time and coming home to something I can quickly warm up or throw together with little effort is so nice. Especially on days when I am really tired. I like to do taco meat, sloppy joes, shredded BBQ chicken ( we like this for sandwiches), pulled pork, diced grilled chicken (we use this for salads). I also make lasagna for the freezer, meatloaf (I don't cook this ahead, just make the loafs and put in pans, then freeze. The day I know I want to bake it, I lay it out to thaw) Muffins, waffles, pancakes, cookie doughs, corn bread muffins, enchiladas, chicken pot pies, smoothies (set in fridge the night before to thaw). I also always keep onion and celery chopped or diced in the freezer. Those are all my go to items for freezer prep. Keep it up and you will be so pleased that you did it! Have a great week!
Wow! That cooking marathon was incredible! So well planned and beautifully executed. You’re so inspiring, I’m a new empty nester, but I think I can still follow your lead ❤hugs
Oh my goodness the woman who does it all! Lauren you’re amazing!
I love all your videos 🩷🤩
lol...we all love Bacon. I like that hack of folding them in half. I will have to try that one!! Here's another hack for you, when cutting onions, put a wet cloth on the board where you are cutting onions and that should keep your eyes from watering up. Apparently, the moisture from the cloth helps draw in the fumes. 🥰
You are a Powerhouse! A true inspiration!! I am always so in awe of all you do. Love your videos!
WOW ~ so impressed Lauren ~ Excellent job!!! You are amazing!! This was truly fun and a joy to watch! Thanks Lauren for sharing this!
This is a great video 💖 I didn’t see the link for the containers, I’m sorry if I missed it 😊
Hi Lauren I love this video!! I do meal prep like this every Sunday. I find this type of freezer prep helps a lot with food waste and long work days. It also helps with processing big garden harvest batches. Looking forward to the garden fun too! Your channel is so enjoyable to watch thankyou!!
Did I miss something but I did not see the link for the plastic containers. Please share🤗
You accomplished so much! Thank you for sharing with us. I need to start doing this to make life easier, healthier, and less waste. 💕
Congrats on your newest journey in the working world Lauren! ❤ You are an amazing wife & mama! Love listening to you, watching you prep meals, interacting with the chickabooms, Enzo, Henry & Pepe and ofc decorating! You are so loved ❤
When I freeze garlic or onions and I use a plastic bag I put it in another plastic bag and in between the bags I put a slice of bread and it takes care of the smell.
I’m always fascinated with what a hard worker you are. Very inspiring
You can save all of carrot, celery onion ends as well as the onion skins, put it in the freezer, after making a chicken or two, throw that in the same freezer bag. When you are ready, throw into a huge pot, add water and you have bone broth. You could do the same for beef shanks or necks too. Super cost efficient.
I do that all the time..I have broths in the freezer whenever I need it..
Great inspiration for us all !!
Iv been in my kitchen all day too. I feel you girl. I just made my dogs chicken jerky for her treats by dehydrating it. I still have yet to make her daily meals i prep ahead of time and divide it all into 15-18 little containers to store in freezer. Her daily meal is rice with ground beef for protein and i grind food process 7 different kinds of veggies such as carrot, celery, edamame, broccoli, cauliflower, green beans and peas for her nutrients. She only eats human food that i trust to make for her, so shes always healthy and very active and never goes to vets and shes 14 next month. And cooked dinner, cleaned and organized my kitchen, made my husbands lunchbox. I meal prep alot of asian spring rolls and put it in containers and then to the freezer. I hate making those cus its all made individually thats why everytime i need spring rolls i make over a hundred pieces. So i dont have to make it again for awhile😂
I love this video. Prepping is my thing. And I agree 💯 on upper cabinets being a no no. Just bottom drawers and cabinets and a huge organized pantry! We are designing our next build and forever home and I am designing my pantry right now and having so much fun. I decided to add bottom cabinetry with countertops tops on one side and lots of outlets for all our small appliances to sit and be used inside the pantry. Working on a beverage fridge and commercial pellet ice maker placement underneath now. Thanks for sharing this video❤
When I use to do this, I felt so good. It certainly makes the week day evenings easier. Great job
That was the most rewarding video! You never cease to amaze me. You are a wonderful Mom and wife.
I recently found you and I’m obsessed. My goodness, you’re a super hero and do so much for your family with great love. You’ve inspired me in so many ways.
We can both waterbath and pressure can lots of our veggies & sauces etc from our garden every year. It saves sooooo much money for us but also so much time. You can also pressure can many different types of meats and even soups with safe canning recipes that make lots of quick heat up nutritious meals.
As far as meal prep I have made freezer meals before. Sometimes I’ll make a huge batch if I making like curry, chili, spaghetti sauce etc and freeze half the batch on nights I’m too busy or brain dead for cooking and it helps out a bunch too
Goodness I just finished the video and I know the work that goes into that! I know you were beat by the end of the evening but great job! and great ideas!
This video is so great.I needed to learn about preparing and freezing to help my future self, coz as a full time working mom, time is also so limited.Thank for always motivating and inspiring us viewers.
Wow! You did an awesome job! Im sitting here doing my list now, lol. Thanks for the inspiration.
Would you please tell us what “hotel fragrance” that you really like? Your favorite? Thank you!
My only suggestion would be to use regular ziploc bags for onions and garlic, or if you use the silicone bag then designate that bag only for onions or garlic because the smell doesn't seem to come out of the re-usable bags. I don't know about the plastic containers. You can also put it in ice cube trays and freeze then remove into the ziploc for individual servings.
That was a great inspiring video. I freeze homemade soups in winter. It would be so time saving to have all the veggies all prepared and ready to go. Thank you🥰.
Amazing!!! I hope I can find a list of recipes that of all you prepped for, I’d like to try it exactly myself. This series will be so helpful. Good luck on your new job, congratulations! You are so intentional about balancing home & work life.
This is great! I don’t want to compromise on homecooked food for my kids, but it takes so much time. I freeze a lot. I recommend using painter’s tape to label your plastic containers.
This did not disappoint ♥️
What an awesome job you did!
Thank you!! I felt so accomplished!
I used a once a month cooking book in the early 90s I will try to find it and list it
Hi, Lauren..you go girl!! I have been making homemade butter since my mother did..and her mother did too..and so on. When using canning jars. You need a canning jar funnel..you will love it. When freezing in bags..remove all the air. Cuts down frosty ice forming. Cover your prepared dinner with tin foil and wrap in plastic wrap. Cuts down frosty ice forming;) I use freezer bags & canning jars for everything. Prepare meals for instant pot or crock pot. Endless meals put in freezer. 🤗👏
Hi, Great video!!! Great recipes!!!! The meal planning will allow more quality time with your family, that's such a blessing!!! Thank you for sharing!!!! God bless you all!!!
Oh this should be fun and educational. Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic week.
This is so impressive! A bit of a suggestion; get yourself a vacuum sealer. That will help tons with freezing your vegetables and such. Also, if you learn how to pressure can, you can preserve things like your chicken broth and bolognese sauce. After you pressure can them they will be shelf stable and not have to take up space in your freezer. If I can lear how to do it safely, you can too!
❤❤❤ love all the freezer prep. I love doing that I think you will love it as well and yes, you can freeze green onions I freeze tons of them and use them in everything.❤❤❤
Hi Lauren.
I sometimes do a big freezer meal prep day, but then also as I cook things like lasagne or chicken pot pie during the week I will double the recipe, which really doesn't take any extra time, and will then pop the extra dish in the freezer. That way I keep my freezer meals rotating and stocked. I also think it takes time to see what you gravitate towards eating the most, what meals you enjoy even after being in the freezer.
Over time I have learned that when I feel like spending time in the kitchen, and when I have the time I do it. Even if it is just to make homemade wraps to freeze or bagels, or a few soups. Esp on a rainy day, I lovit. My girls call it a cooking show day . 😂 I love your channel, and may you and your family have a wonderful 2025.
Mix onions n garlic is great for seasoning the meat n you can freeze it too do some softito onion garlic cilantro pepper n mix all together is awesome for chicken n beef stew
This was such a good video! Thank you for sharing
Brilliant video so motivational ❤
Wow, just wow!! Great job Lauren. It's a lot of work at the time but saves food and time in the long run. Everything looks delicious! Thx for sharing!
WOW your a busy beaver.....great recipes! And, great idea how you store it all into Tupperware, It's so nice to come home and have your meals ready 😉🙃
Lauren, U r a Winner in every way
U have changed the whole nutritional value of ur family. I applaud U. Love That !
Realistic and practical video thanks for sharing!
Hey! With all your mason jars, you would get great use out of a wide mouth funnel. Stops all the drips around the side of the jar.
This was fascinating!! It’s just me and the husband. We meal prep weekly, I was enthralled watching this. Great job!! Loving all the new videos 😊
Looking forward to spring decorating videos 🌸🌱🪴🪺
Lauren, I am so proud of you!! Wow! That was alot of work! It has really inspired me. Thanks for sharing!
Eek! You did sooo good! Fresh herbs in silicone ice trays are also good if you want to portion out things. It's how we freeze herbs from our garden! For Marinades, we loveba mojo for chicken and pork, chili lime for chicken and seafood and chimichurri freezes well too! Good job 🩵
I food prep a little differently. I do freezer prep but I'm a canner. I canned over 3000 jars in 2024, selling 2800+. I love your videos and am really enjoying this new "series". Congrats on your new job! I'm sure your mom is looking down smiling that you're back in her industry ❤ I oven bake bacon too, but on a broiler pan with parchment over the top. I do strain the grease and use for other cooking. I do suggest you check out blanching veggies. It truly does make a difference. Until next time! Smoochies to Pepe & the kitties. ❤
You’re amazing Lauren! Brings back memories of when my four children were still young and I would prep and cook meals for the week. I was never as creative or organized as you though! Congratulations on your new job!
Iam really enjoying this video. Lots for me to learn and looking forward to seeing more of this content. Thank you 😊
2 questions…is the blue Dutch oven Martha Stewart & did I miss the link in the description your plastic bowl containers?
You’re just so welcoming and lovely ❤ thank you for sharing your knowledge and time with us here on YT.
OMG all of the food looks amazing great work and great plan❤
OMGSH, Lauren I cannot love this video enough! I love the longer content. I could literally sit and watch your videos all day long, but then I wouldn't get any chores done. Lol.
I'm curious to know about the mashed potatoes that you plan on freezing. I prepared mashed potatoes one year for Christmas to help me out, but it changed the texture. They were kind of milly, or gritty. So, I have never tried it again. I'm anxious to know what your experience is. Ok, girl I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your videos. I can't wait for the next. XOXO'S
Absolutely wonderful
Such Great food for your family
I did both when my boys were little
I froze a lot of pasta dishes
I did onions and peppers alot
Today I live alone and I still cook and freeze
Beef stew is good to freeze
I also freeze soup
It is a lot of work to cook
But worth it
Hope your daughter feels better
Happy first day at work
Smart and inspirational!
Twist the bacon before you bake it! So pretty and yummy. You can add brown sugar too.
Can I suggest just buying frozen beans and things like broccoli. They are flash frozen and end up "fresher" than buying and freezing yourself. Unless they are in season.
The frozen onions are super helpful and you can freeze garlic whole and use it straight out of the freezer without defrosting. I freeze my ginger whole and use a micro planer with the frozen ginger. I always process and freeze cilantro and parsley. They are great in cooked foods but not in fresh salads etc as they go limp when defrosted.
Exactly what I do!
Bravo Lauren🌺. Great organization and all very neat and tidy. Enjoy the fruits of your labour.👏😻
Lauren i love watching this. Great job
Here is a good way to do garlic and any spices, use ice cube trays, freeze them put in freezer bags and when you need you pull one or two out
The bacon grease is good to cook yellow rice w beans
Seeing your ginger makes me think of wellness shots. Toss fresh ginger, tumeric, lemons & oranges into a blender. Strain the pulp. Add EVOO & black pepper for absorption and portion into 1/2 pint mason jars. These freeze really well. I take a shot every morning.
Another great video! I pulled so many ideas from this ine. You rock. Thanks girly ❤
You should buy a vacuum sealer for freezing food. They’re invaluable.
HAPPY Tuesday in January Lauren, family, fur babies, and feathered friends. GOLLY GEE Way To Go! YUM..The family will appreciate. We have always kept our onions and potatoes in the fridge. When I cut onions no crying and they stay fresh longer. I do make our own bone broth, when I make a whole chicken I plan to make a new recipe for us this weekend; Chicken Taquitos, looks delish on the recipe. Thanks for all the motivation Lauren. STTB
Wow! You got so much done!👏❤️. This video is so inspiring!🥰
I freeze pretty much everything. I rarely have any food waste because of that. One of my favorite things to prep and freeze are black and white beans. I make them (separately) in a slow cooker and then portion out into ziplock freezer bags (I add the liquid part into each bag as well). It comes out so much cheaper and so easy to make. Black beans for regular chili recipe and white beans for white bean chicken chili.
Incredible video girl!! You killed the freezer cooking. Two hacks I use (1) I buy already diced frozen onions. My eyes are super sensitive when I cut them. These are game changers. I’ll never chop an onion again. (2) use deli containers for soups and sauces. Everything else is zip lock bags.
Great video!! Can’t wait for the garden video next!! 💕💕