Dear Friends,
The welcoming charm of December promises cozy nights and heartwarming gatherings. This issue of American Lifestyle serves as your festive compass, guiding you through the season ahead. Breathe new life into how you spend the month with whimsical gift-exchange ideas, an inventive way to help minimize food waste, dessert recipes that will tantalize your guests' taste buds, and tips for navigating holiday sales.
Reinvigorate your standard gift-swap routine with the fresh ideas inside. Whether you’re picking a theme or adding a personal touch with a short message, you’ll make your get-together even more memorable for everyone.
Read about how Jan Rem and her son, Jordan Grieg, of Ambrosia Produce Bag are tackling food waste with their eco-friendly storage solution. Their inspiring interview explores their company’s mission, innovative products, and dedication to giving back.
Treat your guests to decadent desserts this season with the enclosed recipes: port and cardamom apple fritters and cocoa mini munchies. These bite-sized delights are ideal for festive gatherings, allowing everyone to choose their favorite goodie.
The holidays can put a strain on your wallet, but the timely guide inside equips you with shopping tactics to navigate December sales efficiently. Learn which items to buy now and which ones to wait on until the new year to maximize your savings.
Here’s to embracing the magic of the season and creating lasting memories with loved ones! As always, it’s a pleasure to send you this magazine.
Merry Christmas!
Anne Hitch
The Edgewater Group of SC, LLC
Holiday gatherings are often made up of three central activities: indulging in delicious feasts, catching up with loved ones, and exchanging gifts. The latter in particular can be raucous fun, whether you’re celebrating with family, friends, or even coworkers. But it can also bring the stress of finding the right present and making sure no one feels left out, let down, or bored. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your holiday gift swaps, take a closer look at four ideas that can add a little extra excitement and make them easier for everyone involved.
Ideal for large groups, choosing a specific theme for your exchange can make shopping for gifts simpler since it gives each person clear parameters. The category can be anything everyone agrees on, such as ornaments, mugs, hats, or books. Whatever you lean toward, keep it broad (yet within an established price limit) to ensure that there are plenty of options to pick from, minimizing the likelihood that two people will buy the same thing.
Applying a theme is an easy way to jazz up any type of present swap, including Secret Santa or White Elephant, where participants pull a number and pick a wrapped gift in that order. If you want to make the giving more personal, ask everyone to write a short message explaining why they bought their specific item, which can help foster appreciation in the recipient for an otherwise seemingly random gift. The options for customizing and applying this idea are really endless, so get creative and see where it takes you!
Everyone has gotten a gift at one point or another that they didn’t like or simply never ended up using—and this concept capitalizes on that reality. Simply put, a regifting party involves attendees wrapping an item they received in the past and have no use for. (Just make sure it’s not from someone going to this party!) This way, no one has to exert any effort shopping or spend any money. It might still be a good idea, though, to set a price limit so one person doesn’t end up with a pair of wireless headphones and another a kitchen towel; each person should be able to gauge the cost with a quick online search.
To make things more interesting, have everyone share the story behind the regifted items either before or after they’re opened. This can lead to lots of laughs as people regale the party with tales of clueless relatives, prankster friends, and misunderstood wish lists. By not taking it too seriously and reveling in shared gifting mishaps, you can make regifting a little less taboo and turn it into a fun yet practical activity that everyone is sure to love.
For a truly unique and interactive exchange, consider organizing a gift auction. In this scenario, each participant buys and wraps a gift to bring to the party, where they are then given a set amount of “money,” like Monopoly bills or poker chips, they can use to bid on the unopened presents. The items are auctioned off one at a time, and attendees have to decide which to target based solely on factors like size or wrapping quality. Because this gift swap adds an element of strategy and competition, it’s almost guaranteed to get everyone engaged in the event, creating a livelier atmosphere that leaves them satisfied no matter what they end up with.
One of the best ways to ensure that everyone gets something they really want is for participants to buy directly from a wish list. Several weeks before the party, have each person create one and share it with you (or whoever is organizing the event). You can then draw names to decide who is shopping for whom, sharing the appropriate list with the gift givers; a website like Drawnames can help streamline this process. And if the idea of buying from a list feels too basic, invite people to add a personal touch by including a short note or a small bonus item they think the recipient would appreciate.
This exchange can be conducted entirely online, making it an optimal choice for remote coworkers or family and friend groups who may live in separate states. Set a virtual party date for opening gifts and revealing Secret Santas, and consider ways to make the event even more fun, such as by playing holiday-themed games or having everyone wear their most over-the-top holiday outfits. As a whole, this experience takes the guessing out of the gift-buying process and guarantees that everyone walks away with something they’re excited about and are sure to use.
Holiday gift swaps don’t have to be mundane or predictable. By implementing one of these more unique ideas, you can add fun, excitement, and a touch of creativity to your seasonal gatherings.
Jan Rem, founder of Ambrosia Produce Bag, and her son Jordan Grieg, CEO of the company, discuss how their eco-friendly products both improve the shelf life of foods and support the environment.
What was the inspiration behind Ambrosia Produce Bag?
Jan: Ambrosia resulted from an accumulation of experiences over time. It undoubtedly began in my childhood; I was raised with a strict rule not to waste food, and it was normal to see damp linen tea towels wrapped around vegetables in my grandmother’s refrigerator. Then there were my days of dumpster diving in the 1970s, during the dawn of the sell-by date product stamping. Seeing perfectly good food thrown away was jaw-dropping.
Fast forward to 2015. These experiences, along with witnessing tons of food waste in the restaurant industry, being a single mom raising two children on a budget, having a love of gardening, and experiencing the beginning of the eco-friendly movement, led me to found Ambrosia and share my zippered linen produce storage bags with the world.
My dream was huge, yet my intention was simple: to help people save more than just their precious produce. Ambrosia’s mission is to inspire and empower others to live healthy, sustainable lives and become good stewards of the planet, starting with the food they grow and buy to nourish themselves and their families.
You make your bags out of European linen. What makes this the perfect material for storing produce?
Jordan: Linen is technically a vegetable fiber that’s known for its years-long sustainability as well as its exceptional strength and durability, ensuring that our bags can withstand the weight of various fruits and vegetables without tearing or stretching.
More importantly, linen has natural moisture-wicking properties, allowing the bags to either absorb or give back moisture to help maintain freshness, and it has high breathability that promotes airflow, which is beneficial for preserving the quality of the stored produce. The material also possesses naturally occurring mold-resistant properties, making it a hygienic choice for storing produce. And it’s virtually lint-free, reducing the risk of fibers contaminating the contents of the bags.
What’s the most effective way to use your produce bags?
Jan: It’s quite simple: just rinse your veggies and load them in the bag while still wet. I like to combine produce together because the bags can hold so much. I start with hard vegetables first, such as celery, carrots, and beets, add a head of romaine, and place the more delicate veggies in last, nearest the zipper. Then I hand-sprinkle water directly onto the bag—a moist bag is the key to freshness.
Jordan only recently joined the company in 2021. Jan, how has this collaboration impacted Ambrosia’s growth and mission?
Jan: Jordan revitalized Ambrosia! By leveraging digital marketing and expanding our reach, he has helped transform the company from a grassroots business into an emerging national brand. And for me personally, Jordan’s presence has fortified my dedication. Working alongside him, it has become evident that we share a common passion for gardening and mindfulness for sustainability, which has driven us to go even further with Ambrosia’s positive environmental impact.
Speaking of, you have partnerships with several companies to help support the environment. Would you tell us more about them?
Jordan: In late 2022, we partnered with Ecodrive, a sustainability-solution company, to not only minimize kitchen waste but also increase the number of oxygen-producing trees on our planet. In line with this mission, we established an initiative where a tree is planted for every order received and verified review made; to date, we have planted over 4,000 trees in Kenya. We’ve also removed hundreds of pounds of plastic and trash through sponsored cleanup efforts. Our partnership with Ecodrive exemplifies our commitment to environmental sustainability and making a difference for both local communities and the planet as a whole.
In addition, we’re proud to be involved with the efforts of 1% for the Planet, a platform that empowers organizations to donate effectively, and Food Forward and Food Rescue, two incredible nonprofits that redirect excess fresh produce to recipients who truly need it. We’re invigorated by these partnerships and the collective positive impact that’s being made.
Ambrosia also celebrates family. How do you integrate this value into your company culture?
Jan: The best families lead with compassion and flexibility, supporting one another with devotion and loyalty. At Ambrosia, we take the same approach. Our leadership is empathetic yet willing to have tough conversations and make decisions with the company’s overall well-being in mind. This compassionate and dedicated leadership style is the backbone of our family-centric culture. We are one big work family with a common goal, united in our shared values and genuine care for one another’s quality of life.
What advice would you give to people who are interested in adopting a more sustainable food lifestyle?
Jordan: Small changes can lead to significant results. By implementing best practices for reducing food waste, such as being intentional with meal planning, composting, using reusable containers, and opting for local and organic foods, you can limit your environmental impact. It is never too late to adjust your habits at home to minimize your carbon footprint. As these practices become routine, their positive effects can be amplified by sharing tips and tricks for a greener kitchen lifestyle with friends and family and on social media.
For more info, visit ambrosiaproducebag.com
Holiday meals can be incredibly filling, featuring hearty dishes and sides that leave everyone feeling satiated—but that doesn’t mean your guests won’t anticipate dessert. Help them satisfy their sweet tooths without overdoing it by serving up these small yet delightful goodies.
Spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and a splash of wine, these fluffy pastries offer a delicious alternative to traditional apple pie.
These morsels combine chocolate with fresh almonds, walnuts, and dates to make a tasty treat and healthy snack rolled up into one.
Delectably crispy and topped with a sweet glaze, these apple treats are perfectly indulgent and surprisingly simple to pull together—you’ll want to make them for every gathering!
Makes 12 large or 24 small fritters
These sweet, nutty morsels offer an irresistible combination of peppermint and chocolate, making it almost impossible to eat just one—we dare you to try!
Makes 12 to 16 balls
The month marked by glittering lights, festive celebrations, and heartwarming gift exchanges has arrived, and you know what that means—lots and lots of spending on food, travel, presents, and more. The key to keeping your budget low? Becoming an astute buyer. Check out this guide to discover what items offer deals in December and which you may want to wait to get until the new year.
Grab those gift cards
Gift cards can sometimes feel like impersonal presents to give to loved ones, but they are lifesavers during the holidays—they can relieve some of the pressure to choose the ideal gift, and few people would turn down free money to a place they love to patronize. Even better, they may be a cost-effective option in the weeks ahead. Companies will often offer incentives on gift cards in December to encourage shoppers to purchase them; these may include a discount on the card itself, rewards for buying a certain amount, or a “buy one get one” deal. If buying online, some places will also let you customize the card with a photo or phrase, allowing you to still add a personal touch.
Take home toys
Toys and games tend to be drastically discounted in December as stores try to clear their inventory and make space for the hot new items set to arrive in the new year. Of course, you shouldn’t expect to find still popular goodies at a slashed price; those might actually cost more in anticipation of holiday demand. But now might offer opportunities to grab reasonably priced stocking stuffers or even perhaps that long-desired gaming system for your teen. Check stores’ websites frequently and keep an eye out for ads to make sure you can jump on deals—and gifts—before they’re gone.
Double the bubbles
Nothing says “celebration” quite like champagne, and it has become a staple of New Year’s Eve in particular. Unfortunately, it can also generally be pretty pricy, with the average cost of a top-tier bottle ranging anywhere from $50 to $300. But don’t hesitate to pop a cork or two—December is when liquor stores start a fierce fight for your business with competitive pricing, offering potential discounts of up to 18 percent. So load up on your preferred champagne (or try out a new brand) at a bargain, enabling you to ring in the New Year with a bubbly toast without having to splurge.
Deck the halls for less
Stores are always eager to get rid of their holiday merchandise once the season’s over, leading them to discount it heavily. Everything from strings of lights to themed window decals to even artificial trees may be marked down by as much as 50 percent come the end of December. So why not grab a few of these lovely accessories now to prepare for next year’s festivities? Imagine the faces of your guests when you reveal a brand-new brilliant exhibition made possible by your savvy shopping skills! Just be sure to store everything meticulously; good care will help ensure that your new items for 2025 are in prime condition to be displayed.
Skip the gym
The indulgence of the holidays could have you staring at ellipticals and treadmills, but hang on to your pocketbook—this is typically not the ideal time to make investments in workout equipment or gym memberships. Consider holding off until January, when prices for these items fall to entice the New Year’s-resolution crowd; last year, for instance, Planet Fitness ran a $0.24 down special, a massive discount from their usual $59 start-up fee.
Until then, get your heart pounding by engaging in at-home exercises or lacing up your walking shoes for a brisk outdoor walk or jog. And if you happen to own ice skates, snowshoes, or cross-country skis, embrace the fresh winter air and gorgeous gray landscape, all with the peace of mind of not spending a dime.
Push off buying winter clothing
Although December weather could be tempting you to grab a new sweater or that cozy coat you’ve had your eye on, winter clothes are usually most expensive during this month. Retailers generally offer significant discounts only after the holidays, so unless you need something immediately, you can gain warmth and savings by being patient. And if you can wait even longer, the spring and summer months tend to have the highest discounts on winter clothes since most retailers are trying to make room for warm-weather items or even next year’s supply of winter styles.
Put the bedding to bed
Looking to get warmer bedding to cozy up in during cold nights? Try to hold off until the postholiday rush. Most furniture stores save their price reductions for their January white sales, a custom dating back to the late nineteenth century when stores would clear their winter supply of white linens before spring. Additionally, if you have your eye on more than just bedding, February’s Presidents’ Day sales typically boast the best furniture and home goods discounts. Your savviness can pay off with a beautifully decorated house to begin 2025 on a fresh note.
This December, embrace the art of strategic buying. With a little preparation and patience, you can please your gift recipients and even get a few items for yourself while ringing in the New Year with a healthier budget.
