Update June 25:  You have landed on a post that was initially written in 2021. At the time, I was using a silicon steamer by a company called Epicure.  This company is relaunching this summer with brand-new products, and this website will serve as an affiliate for purchasing.  Stay tuned for the company's summer launch. I have a lot of cookware by Epicure, and use it daily, from scissors to storage gear. If you can't wait and want a silicone steamer now for your cookware. You may like the following alternatives:

BakerPan 64 ounce silicon steamer https://amzn.to/447KHMR

AnyDay 8 cup glass storage lid: https://amzn.to/43S4iPV

Since marrying my husband nineteen years ago, I've managed with just a few pots and pans, a crockpot, a roasting pan, a toaster, a Dutch oven, and an Instant Pot as the main cookware in my kitchen. I don't have a lot of bells and whistles when it comes to cookware. What I'm about to tell you may surprise you, given my history of buying cookware. 

One afternoon while scrolling through social media,  I discovered the Epicure website. This Canadian company had recently launched in the U.S. The concept behind its time-saving cookware and non-processed seasoning ingredients intrigued me. I stalked a few demonstrations on using its multipurpose steamer on social media. Eventually, I decided to purchase the value kit for $99, including the steamer and several quick meal solutions and seasonings. 

All Epicure seasonings and meal solutions are non-processed, gluten-free, low in sodium and sugars, and you can pronounce every single ingredient in them. Epicure even has a never-ending list of ingredients that you will never find in its products. When you cook with Epicure products, you know what you are putting in your body, and that is important to me, just like it is when I use clean beauty. 

Chicken Parmesan in less than 20 minutes

Considering that I don't buy much for my kitchen, especially on a whim, this purchase was very out of character. Fast forward six months, and there's no doubt that this one steamer has been one of the best kitchen cookware tools of my life. I use it almost every day and have now purchased the round, oval steamer for soups and rotisserie chicken. 

Epicure steamer saves a significant amount of time in the kitchen. It can be used in the microwave, oven, and is dishwasher safe.

The Multipurpose steamer is a true workhorse in the kitchen. You can cook an entire meal. You can steam veggies in minutes right from the freezer. You can steam frozen chicken, ground beef, pork, and seafood. You can cook rice, pasta, eggs, make soups, and so much more. It's truly spectacular. I cannot imagine not having this steamer. It has made my life in the kitchen so much easier and has helped me get meals on the table for my family quicker. 

This past Thanksgiving in 2020 is when I truly learned of this steamer's power in the kitchen. I, fortunately, have two ovens. However, I'm from the South, and a traditional Southern Thanksgiving menu calls for casseroles. Southern food requires some pre-cooking before you assemble sweet potatoes, squash, or cranberries into its main dishes for the menu. I reviewed my Thanksgiving menu and realized I needed to save time, as I had several dishes that required pre-cooking before becoming the main course, and each would have taken up to thirty to sixty minutes in the oven. 

I also steamed the sweet potatoes for ten minutes. It was ready to turn into a sweet potato casserole. I cooked squash in the same amount and cooked cranberries for 20 minutes, coating them in sugar. It was amazing the time I saved, and that, in truth, was when I learned the power of this Epicure steamer. I knew after Thanksgiving that everyone needed to understand what this one product could do, and I added the company as a blog affiliate right then. 

I use the Epicure steamer almost daily to cook one or two chicken tenderloins for my daughter. She likes sautéed chicken in butter as her protein, so I take a frozen tenderloin, steam it for two minutes, and add my favorite Epicure Souvlaki seasoning. Then, I sauté the tenderloin in butter on the stove. It takes no time to get her a quick meal before cheer practice. Sometimes, she is at the cheer gym for five hours a night, so she has to eat earlier than the rest of us. The Epicure multipurpose steamer has greatly helped us manage our busy schedules during the week. 

I promise you that you will never look back once you purchase. I can plan meals on a whim if I keep seasonings, produce, and meat in stock at all times. I have even lowered my grocery bill, and I'm eating nothing processed. Epicure seasonings have hardly any sugars or sodium in them, so I control my sodium by adding salt back into the cooking. 

When someone cooks with processed foods from well-known grocery store brands, they are not accustomed to adding sodium back because most of the food contains more sodium than they need in one serving per day. This is one thing you need to get used to when cooking with Epicure meal solutions and seasonings. 

However, the reduced added sugars have helped me maintain my weight over the past six months. Some people naturally lose weight, but it is essential to accompany this with a balanced diet and regular exercise. 

Epicure is…..

23-year-old Canadian meal solutions company, brand new to the USA!

Raw to ready meals in 20 minutes or less!

Affordable and value-driven! Meals break down to approx $2.50 per serving, including the "cook from fresh" meal kits and groceries!

All products are 100% Gluten Free & Peanut Free!!

Non-GMO Project Verified!

Sodium and sugar conscious!

All ingredients are sustainably and ethically sourced!

Free from over 100 harmful ingredients found in most store brands!

You can make steamer mashed potatoes in under 15 minutes. 

You can make a 4-minute steamed salmon and asparagus dish. You can cook salmon from frozen, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. The entire process, from prep to cooking, takes less than 15 minutes. 

Epicure steamer beef and broccoli pasta is a customer favorite, ready in under 20 minutes. 

Do your kids like Mac and Cheese? Epicure has some of the best Mac and Cheese seasoning I have tasted. It can be made on the stove or in the steamer. It's so easy. 

For the first time in an entire year, I was in my home office alone without having kids in school in other parts of the house this week.  If you have been a reader of this blog in the past ten years, you will also notice that my productivity went way down during COVID.  I had a lot on my plate. 

I was also used to working in my home office, whereas many of you had to shift to the home office for the first time.

The remote work setup brought about by COVID-19 may have seemed glamorous at first, eliminating things like exhausting commutes to the office. However, the World Economic Forum reports that there are still apprehensions about productivity because of the shift. So due to the current climate, it’s crucial to re-evaluate and rearrange your makeshift office at home to ensure productivity. Here are a few ways you can do just that:

Declutter your home

Living amongst clutter impedes your cognitive abilities and has an impact on your mental health. A fast-paced culture of consumerism has only added to this problem. So it’s no surprise that Marie Kondo and her tidying methods have spiked in popularity over the last few years.

The organizing consultant’s patented “KonMari” technique encourages people to do away with items that no longer “spark joy” in their lives. While this may mean different things to different people, the underlying premise stays the same: decluttering your space — whether that’s your pantry or your work desk — spills over to other aspects of your life and can eventually lead to more productivity.

Separate work from living spaces

There are few things worse than being reminded of work as you’re unwinding for the day. But it’s a challenge to apply “out of sight, out of mind” when your work and living space are in the same house. As such, it’s a good idea to designate a “work only” area: a sacred space where work — and only work — gets done. Likewise, try not to bring your files and documents into the bedroom. This physical separation ensures that you can “shut down” and recharge properly to face the days ahead.

Hang up some art

Art creates a productive worker, according to studies. This is a beautiful workspace from Overstock.

Invest in ergonomics

Though it’s tempting to work in bed or hunched over on your couch, it can have adverse effects on your health in the long run. And during a global pandemic when hospitals are generally very busy, the last thing you want is to injure yourself.

PC Mag provides a quick rundown of what you need for an ergonomic home office. If you have the budget, consider investing in a chair with adjustable height and tilt features. A laptop riser is also a worthwhile purchase to prevent forward-flexing your neck. Otherwise, you can use typical household items like towels (for lumbar support) or books (to keep your laptop at eye level) to save money. Remember that with a comfortable work setup comes increased productivity and focus.

Work where there’s natural light.

If you don't have good natural light in your office, you may want to try a sunlight lamp.

Working is one of the few ways we can regain some semblance of normalcy during the pandemic. And while it can be difficult while working from home, that doesn't mean we should be less productive. Try out these simple home rearrangement tips, and hopefully, it will help boost your efficiency at work.

Post contains affiliate links. Also, don't worry about dinner slowing down your productivity. My affiliate, Epicure, can help you get healthy, affordable meals on your dinner table from raw to ready in 20-minutes or less. Check out this time-saving recipe for a weeknight meal.

For the past few months, I have hosted the OutaboutNC Small Business Holiday Gift-Pop-Up on Facebook with TeachLearnStyle.com.  Kim and I were able to promote these NC businesses without any cost to them to give back to the state in 2020.

It's been a tough year on hospitality and retail, which those two subjects are at the core of what my social media platforms are all about. The event was sponsored by our blog affiliates, which help support bloggers, so they do not have to beat the payment finding sponsors every day, and we can continue to share editorial content with you. Your purchases from our website affiliates are a passive way to help support the blogging industry because you don't show up to work for free, and neither do we. 

As I've gotten to know these North Carolina business owners, I have put together a list of my favorite products that I think would be great holiday gifts.  These gift ideas would be great for anyone on your list, however, I've geared this holiday gift guide toward women. 

I've been known to wrap up my own Christmas gifts and place them under the tree, so no judgment from me if you place these in your holiday cart today just for you. 

100 % Natural Beeswax, hand-poured  NC-made aromatherapy candles

Cozy attire and affordable fashion from Anna Jean Boutique in Elizabeth City, NC

I think it is wonderful when you see young women pursuing their dreams.  Brie Barclift graduated from Meredith College in 2018 with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Marketing and founded Anna Jean Boutique in Elizabeth City, North Carolina.  

The boutique is full-service in Eastern North Carolina, from clothing to accessories.  I love that she finds affordable fashions that can make women look great.  I love the Frosty Nights Fluffy Zip-Up Jacket and the Cozy Collection Loungewear.  Who doesn't love to lounge? Brie looks great in both. I love the Netflix and Chill outfit.  That's like the epitome of my life: blog, Cook, Netflix, and Chill in my chair.  Currently, I'm finishing the Crown and will soon start the Queen's Gambit. 

North Carolina Food can be experienced throughout the world with a customized Hometown Goodie Boxes Gift.  From holiday jam to charcuterie gift boxes, there is something for everyone's culinary tastes. 

North Carolina is a foodie state, and we have a lot to offer in culinary products from Murphy to Manteo. Hometown Goodie Box founder, Linda Seymour, combined her own love to eat with North Carolina made products. Through her goodie box business, people from all over the world can experience a taste of North Carolina. 

"Growing up in Eastern North Carolina, I was surrounded by families, farmers, and neighbors that grew vegetables and fruits, harvested nuts from their trees, and raised animals for consumption. Craftsmanship, ingenuity, and pride in every aspect of life’s work forged the lives of the women and men around me," stated Linda. "Over the years, I’ve tried to pass these "hometown" treasures and traditions on to my own family and friends, and now - through Hometown Goodie Boxes - I'm excited to pass them on to other people.  The "NC Family Breakfast" box is one of her most popular collections. 

Beautiful NC pottery designs from Curry Wilkinson Pottery 

Make better health a priority in 2021, and share clean beauty with your loved ones. Beautycounter has gorgeous holiday gifts for men and women that anyone would love. I certainly have my favorites, but the one product I'm looking the most forward to is the Luminous Lid Cream Shadows. 

The safe alternative to retinol is Beautycounter's Retinatural Countertime formula that mimics the effects of retinol with the harsh side effects making it a safe beauty health choice for anti-aging beauty products.  The Countertime Ultra-Renewal Eye Cream and Countertime Tetrapeptide Supreme Night Cream are my favorite skincare products.

Holidays Gifts from St. Nick's Nacks. This lighted shimmer water lantern with a snowman, Santa, and a spinning tree. Would make fabulous holiday decor for the season. 

Callahan's Holiday Gifts for Her and one of the largest patterned face-covering/mask selections from designers such as Simply Southern to Vera Bradley that I've seen anywhere locally. 

When COVID protocols forced the closure of restaurants and retail in 2020. Callahan's developed its first-ever online retail store. Because Callahan's inventory is massive, not everything is online, including its fudge. Still, you can call during store hours and have Callahan's homemade fudge shipped as well as other gifts if you are looking for something particular.  Callahan's has something for everyone or even for yourself. I think the all-weather bangles from the BuDuaGirl brand are a perfect holiday gift idea for someone special on your list.   

Because my parents owned a second home in North Myrtle Beach, I grew up going to Calabash, NC, during the holidays and over the summers. We would eat fried seafood then stop at Callahan's of Calabash to shop.  It was my favorite place to go because the Christmas shop looked like a wonderland. This family-owned business, established in 1978, takes up several blocks of the town's main street corner as you head to the waterfront. Callahan's has one of the largest Christmas shops in North Carolina called St. Nick's Nacks. My Dad loved Callahan's homemade peanut butter fudge.  

My Dad consistently claimed their fudge as the best in NC and never left a trip without a pound in a bag.  His favorite was the peanut butter, which is typically available year-round in the store.  

Last year, the store sent me a Cheer ornament for Liza because I knew that it would be Callahan's if any place had one. Seriously, they have everything!!! I was thrilled to include Callahan's of Calabash in my OutaboutNC virtual pop-up store. 

 

McRae Design offers a monthly subscription box where you receive new one of a kind jewelry releases each month. 

Jen McRae is the creator behind McRae Designs in North Carolina. She embraces the colors in paintings and then formulates many earring designs and color palettes from those paintings, then she releases them as a jewelry art collection. I am one of those rare women who don't wear earrings because I've never had my ears pierced, but I was drawn to her Mad about Plaid-Holiday collection. Her latest inspiration is the Pink Champagne Celebration collection with beautiful greens, pinks, and reds.

 I love reading the McRae Design website because artist Jen McRae tells the story of why she chose the path that she did with her color choices and pattern collaborations. Jen has also branched out into designing to snap clips for your hair and mask/wallet clutches. I think Jen is most fond of plaid, and since she is located in Scotland County in the town of Laurinburg, plaid designs certainly fit her brand well. 

I basically live in Zyia Active Wear these days. I joke that I wear it to type 100 words per minute.  The first purchase I made was Zyia's Bomber bra, and now I've thrown away all of my old bras, and I only wear Zyia Active sports bras. I love them.  I also live in the Zyia Light and Tight Leggings and a half- zip pullover.  I'm wearing those three Zyia Active items from TL Style Boutique, which is also a sponsor of the OutaboutNC pop-up.  

Kim was the one who helped keep me all organized with these pop-up events. Zyia Active is a lifestyle clothing brand founded by Erin Bradley, a fellow cheer mom. No doubt, cheer moms are unstoppable. I'm so impressed with the brand. 

Raleighwood Beads Owner and Designer Carolyne Grizer never make the same jewelry design twice. She will work with you to customize your own design, and each design is unique. One of her bestselling items during the holidays is the whimsical Nutcracker necklace. Carolyne loved beads as a child, and she would be fascinated with all the beads in Michaels. Not living in Raleigh during her childhood, but close enough to make day trips, her Dad would announce, "Lets' go to Raleighwood!" hence the inspiration for the name behind her Raleighwood Beads jewelry.  Raleighwood Beads designs can be found in many local NC boutiques. 

I am thrilled to introduce the Canadian company, Epicure, as one of my latest blog affiliates. Epicure was founded by Sylvia Rochette in 1997.  Like many of us today, she was a busy mom who wanted to eat clean and healthy but needed to quickly get dinner on the table. She developed time-saving silicon cookware that can be used in both the oven and microwave.  Epicure is a household name in Canada and launched into the U.S market last fall.

 Epicure helps time-starved families get affordable and simple meal solutions on the table from raw to ready in 20 minutes or less.  All ingredients in its healthy seasoning mixes are clean, non-processed, and gluten-free.  I have fallen in love with Epicure products because it is what I needed in 2020 to make life in my kitchen easier.  The first product any person should buy is the Epicure multipurpose steamer.  It is a true workhorse in the kitchen. I used it for Thanksgiving with so many dishes, and without it, I don't think I could have made as many dishes as I did. There are tons of Epicure multipurpose steamer recipes. 

With the Epicure steamer, you can make entire meals such as steamer chicken parmesan in eight minutes and steamer buttery mashed potatoes in ten minutes.  It has truly become one of my favorite products. The best deal is to get the Epicure steamy dinners collection which includes three meals that can be cooked in the steamer.  Join my A Dash of Flavor with Leigh Powell Hines group on Facebook.