Less Mess, More Yes

How to Throw an Epic Halloween Party!

By Cassie Beigel of Sterilite Corporation

With Halloween right around the corner, why not get into the spooky spirit even more this year by throwing an epic Halloween party? Have family and friends come dressed in their costumes and make it one to remember, with everything from festive drinks to haunted décor. With these party ideas, all guests - kids, teens, and adults, are guaranteed to have a good time!

The first step to planning an epic Halloween party is decorating. Transform your home into a haunted house with pumpkins, streamers, spider webs and more. The Sterilite 64 Qt. Latching Box is perfect for storing away these spooky decorations. The festive Purple and Orange lids and tinted base make the stored contents easy to identify so there’s no problem locating them year after year.

The Sterilite Ultra•Seal™ 8.1 Qt. Bowl is the perfect container to make a ghoulish punch in for guests to enjoy. Add in food coloring or candy spiders to a favorite drink recipe for a fun Halloween themed twist. Along with other festive treats or candy, place this punch on the table with a ladle in the bowl to make it easy for guests to help themselves throughout the party.

It’s important to have an activity to keep the kids entertained during the Halloween party. Bobbing for apples has been a popular seasonal fall game for years. Not only is this game exciting but it is extremely simple to set up with very few supplies needed! The Sterilite 18 Gal. Tote is the perfect size for the kiddos to bob for apples in. Fill the tote about 3/4ths of the way with room temperature water, and add 5 apples or so to the tote. Have the kids take turns getting timed on how fast they can pick up an apple out of the water with their mouth without using their hands. Of course, make sure the winner gets a prize!

Let the festivities begin - Happy Halloween! 

Mom's Secret Guacamole Recipe!

By Shannon Fahey of Sterilite Corporation

Avocados are all the rage recently. From avocado toast to avocado ice cream, people are putting them in everything possible! Everyone knows that the best way to use avocados is for guacamole, no doubt about it. My mom hands down makes the best guacamole. When she brings it to parties, people are in awe of how good it is. I always hear people go around the party asking “Who made the guac?” “What is your recipe?”. She is literally famous - everyone who knows her, knows that her guacamole is the best.

So what’s her secret? I am going to tell you so maybe you can become famous with your friends for the best guacamole too!

Mom’s Chunky Guacamole Ingredients:

• 5 Ripe Avocados
• 1 Tomato
• 1 Clove of Garlic
• ½ Lemon Juice
• ½ Jalapeno Pepper (if you like it spicy)
• Sea Salt and Cayenne Pepper to taste

Instructions:
1) Peel and pit the avocados then cut them into small chunks. No need for conformity or mixing.
2) Squeeze ½ of a lemon on the avocados for a little citrus flavor.
3) Cut the tomato into small pieces and then dice the jalapeno. Add to the avocado mixture.
4) Mince the garlic then add to the mixture.
5) Add sea salt and cayenne pepper to taste. The cayenne pepper is a must, it is definitely the secret ingredient of this recipe!

Mix all of the ingredients in the Sterilite Ultra Seal 5.8 Cup food storage container so you are ready to serve. Pair it with your favorite tortilla chips and you are good to go! Now you can bring the guacamole to the party wherever you go and store the leftovers with ease. The chances of leftovers are very slim though. This healthy and delicious snack will be gone in minutes!

Organizational Guide to Wedding Season

By Natalie Aguilar of Sterilite Corporation

Calling all Hairdressers and Makeup Artists! Wedding season is upon us, one of the busiest seasons of the year. Running around getting stuff done on the big day can be hectic, with the bride wanting picture-perfect hair and the bridesmaids getting their flawless makeup done. However, there is also a lot that can go wrong, which is why it is always good to stay alert and be prepared! When dealing with the chaos, here is a helpful pro tip to keep you organized and on your toes on the big day! Try using our Divided Case for your accessories and necessities! It will create a more strategic and organized approach to tackling this special event.

For all of my hairdressers out there, you can use the Divided Case for storing your bobby pins, hair elastics, combs, clips, and everything else you will need to prepare! Things can get out of hand pretty quickly on the big day, especially if unplanned. Whether you are looking for your hairspray for some finishing touches or for your hairpins to secure those loose curls, it’s important to always stay organized.


For all my makeup artists, use the Divided Case for storing your favorite makeup brushes, beauty blenders, lipsticks, and eyeshadows! This case is ideal for transporting all of your makeup supplies to and from the wedding!


And don’t worry, we know accidents happen - our safety latch will help prevent all of your goods from getting misplaced or muddled on this chaotic day!

Organizing your work space can be very difficult at times, but it is one of the most important components to reducing stress. By planning ahead you are able to tackle any task, whether its hair and beauty related or not!

The Best Fourth of July Recipes

By Natalie Aguilar of Sterilite Corporation

Personally, the Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays of the year. I love the idea of waking up and seeing everyone around me decked out in red, white and blue. Laying by the pool with all my friends and family and having my dad cook some burgers and hotdogs on the grill, it all just seems so perfect to me. There’s nothing like spending time with the people you love on the day that started it all.

Every year, my family loves to throw a good Fourth of July party with some of our closest friends and family, therefore a lot of party prepping needs to be done. My day usually starts with helping my mom and grandma prepare for the party. In the morning we marinate all of the meats and chickens so that they can be flavorful while we work on other party snacks and arrangements throughout the day.

Growing up, my grandmother would always be in charge of the party snacks. Cooking side-by-side with her was something we always did together. From birthdays to holidays, we made sure that the snacks and desserts were cooked to absolute perfection every time. Since my grandma has passed, I always make sure that our celebrations include one of her famous dishes. Not only are these snacks delicious but they are also very quick and easy to make. So if you find yourself wanting to change it up this year then stay tuned for some festive party snacks!

White Chocolate Dipped Pretzel Sticks

What you'll need:

• 1 pack of pretzel rods
• Vegetable oil
• 1 pack of Nestle Toll House White Chocolate Morsels
• Festive sprinkles for decorating

Directions:

Step 1: Place wax paper over a baking pan and set aside for later.

Step 2: Using one of Sterilite’s Set of Two 49 Ounce Bowls, melt your white chocolate and mix it in with a tablespoon of vegetable oil in the microwave. In 1 minute increments, consistently stir and check on the chocolate making sure the heat penetrates throughout but doesn’t burn.


Step 3: Dip each pretzel into the melted white chocolate, then hold it vertically over the dish so that the excess chocolate drains off the end. You can also use a spoon to spread even more chocolate over the pretzel to make it easier.

Step 4: Coat the pretzels with sprinkles and place on your prepped baking pan.

Step 5: Allow pretzels to dry quicker by placing them in the refrigerator on the baking pan for about 15 minutes. After the 15 minutes, make sure they are all dry and ready to go. If you are saving these delicious treats for later then carefully place them in Sterilite’s Ultra•Seal™ 16.0 Cup Food Storage Container to keep them fresh and enjoy when you’re ready!

Homemade Ice Cream Sandwich

What you'll need:

• Chocolate chip cookies
• Vanilla ice cream
• Festive sprinkles for decorating

Directions:

Step 1: Take one cookie and place about ¼ of a cup scoop of ice cream on the flat side of the cookie, then top the flat side of the second cookie to make a sandwich. Do this repeatedly as you complete your batch.

Step 2: Place festive Fourth of July sprinkles in one of Sterilite’s Set of Two 49 Ounce Bowls and gently roll the sides of the sandwich. You can either serve immediately or keep tightly sealed it in Sterilite’s Ultra•Seal™4.7 Quart Bowl and place in the freezer to enjoy later!


Of course the Fourth is never the Fourth without going to see fireworks. There’s nothing that brings my family together more than watching them after feasting from all of the delicious foods at the table. Take time out of your day from whatever you’re doing to sit back, relax and watch the light show!

However you’re spending the incredible holiday this year, give these recipes a try – I hope they are helpful to you and your festivities. With the help of Sterilite’s Ultra•Seal™ Food Storage Containers, my party and clean up made it super easy to serve and store these recipes, keeping it fresh all just in time for the Fourth of July! Just remember to have fun, be safe and spend your day surrounding yourself with peace, love and positivity.

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

I love that we set aside a whole day to honor and celebrate moms! It goes without saying that being a mom is one of the toughest jobs out there. Who else will do your laundry, cook you delicious Sunday dinners, pick you up when you fall and be a shoulder to cry on? Moms are amazing! They are selfless, supportive, understanding and love you unconditionally — and they deserve a Mother's Day that is as special and spectacular as they are! If you are still looking for the perfect gift for your mom, here is a gift guide that should spark some inspiration.

1) Mom’s Energy Stash – This is a fun little gift idea that only takes a few minutes to put together. It is thoughtful, creative, and delicious! 


Sterilite’s Divided Case is perfect for packing up all of these sweet treats and makes for a cute presentation! Plus, the dividers are great for separating out the candy from the chocolate.

Moms love nothing more than a home-made card. This personalized touch will be sure to put a smile on her face!

2) Gardening Caddy – What mom doesn’t love flowers?! Try filling our Bath Caddy with new gardening tools that she can use around the yard. This is the perfect gift to go along with a plant or a bouquet of flowers.


3) Spa Gift Basket – You can never go wrong with a gift basket full of lotions, nail polish, face masks, and candles! Mom's deserve a relaxing spa day. Our Short Weave Basket has a cute decorative look, so she can use the basket around the house even after she uses all of her gifts.


This Sunday is a special day to say “We Love You Mom” and show her how much you care.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms, grandmas, and moms-to-be! Thank you for all that you do.

Pumpkin Seed Perfection!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

The weather is changing, the leaves are falling…that’s right, Autumn is here! With Halloween just around the corner, it is time to dust off your decorations and put your costumes together.  Soon the night will be filled with echoes of neighborhood children shouting "Trick or Treat" in hopes of bringing home bags full of candy.

One of my favorite fall activities is carving pumpkins! There is nothing better than getting the whole family together for this fun, festive tradition. Take a trip to your local farm and pick out the perfect pumpkin. Choosing a pumpkin that is smooth on the outside with fewer bumps will make it easier to carve. You also want to find one that has a flat bottom so that it sits up straight. Then decide which spooky design you are going to put on your pumpkin this year! And remember, the fun does not have to end once your pumpkin is carved. Roasting the pumpkin seeds is a delicious yet tasty fall treat!

In America, 62% of people carve pumpkins at Halloween. With approximately 500 seeds in every pumpkin, there are a lot of seeds being dug out! Rich in vitamins and minerals, pumpkin seeds are a very nutritious snack. Make the most of this year’s Jack-O-Lantern and roast those seeds, keeping this recipe in mind.

Ingredients:
• 2 cups pumpkin seeds
• 1 quart water
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon melted butter
• Olive oil  
                           
Directions:
1) Preheat your oven to 250 degrees
2) Bring 1 quart of water and 2 tablespoons of salt to a boil
3) When the water comes to a full boil, add  the seeds. Allow seeds to boil for 8 to 10 minutes
4) Use a Colander to drain the water from the seeds. Place the seeds on a paper towel to dry
5) Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in the microwave
6) Place butter and seeds in an Ultra•Seal™ 4.7 Quart Bowl and mix until butter is spread evenly on the seeds
7) Spray a cookie sheet with olive oil so the seeds won't stick. Spread seeds evenly across the sheet
8) Bake for 30 – 40 minutes or until seeds are golden brown
9) Let sit for 10 minutes, allow the seeds to cool

Once the seeds have cooled, store them in an Ultra•Seal™ 2.5 Quart Bowl. The airtight gasket and locking lid will keep the treat you worked hard on, fresh for days.

Happy Halloween!

Spice Up Your Side Dishes!

By Kevin Guimond of Sterilite Corporation

Looking to change up your summer party tradition with a new side dish? Look no further – this specialty pasta salad is sure to be the new party favorite! Check out the easy recipe below:

Ingredients:
Party Size (Serves 10)

• 2 pounds of tri color rotini
• (1) 16 ounce can of pitted small black olives
• 2 pints (1 quart) of grape tomatoes
• 1 pound of genoa salami, slightly thicker than sandwich slice
• 1 pound of sharp provolone, slightly thicker than sandwich slice
• 13 Ounce of Ken’s Italian dressing
• 13 Ounce of Ken’s balsamic dressing

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta until slightly underdone (al dente). Strain using our colander and let cool
   
   
   
2. Slice the cheese and salami into thin strips (julienne)
3. Separate cut cheese and salami to avoid getting them stuck together
4. Rinse and cut the grape tomatoes in half the long way
5. Strain black olives 
   Sterilite’s 8 piece Covered Bowl Set is ideal for storing each of your ingredients once prepared.
   
   
   
6. Take all ingredients except dressing and place into a very large mixing bowl
7. Shake dressings up and add 13 ounces of each bottle to the mixture
8. Once added, stir all ingredients together so the dressing is evenly distributed
9. Add sea salt and pepper to taste

Once you have finished preparing this decadent pasta salad, our Ultra·Seal™ 8.1 Quart Bowl is the perfect size to serve and store. This pasta salad is sure to pair nicely with other foods at your summer cookouts!

Strawberry Picking Sweetness!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

Summer is in full swing- The days are longer, the temperatures are rising, and strawberries are ripe! Now that school is out, the kids will have a lot of spare time on their hands looking for fun activities to partake in. One of my personal favorite summer activities is going strawberry picking. There is something about walking up and down the rows of bushes, seeing all the ripe, red strawberries while kids run around to pick the best ones. It is a perfect way to get some fresh strawberries for yourself, and keep the kids away from the TV for an afternoon.

Sometimes, the little baskets that the farm gives out just aren’t enough to hold all the berries you want. This is where Sterilite’s 5 Quart Pail comes in handy! The sturdy wire handle enables you to carry as many strawberries as you want without any worry. The textured finish is perfect for decorating, so you can let the kids draw on the outside in preparation for the trip. And afterwards, it is very simple to clean off. Even permanent markers can be washed off of the pail with nail polish remover!

Of course, the real prize of strawberry picking isn’t in the picking itself, but in the yummy strawberry treats that are made afterwards. The only problem I ever come across is deciding how to eat them! There are so many great ways to prepare strawberries, regardless of the fact that they are delicious on their own. One of my favorite desserts has always been strawberry trifle.

Ingredients:
• 2 pounds of freshly picked strawberries
• 2 packages JELL-O vanilla pudding mix
• 4 cups milk (to make the pudding)
• 3 cups cool whip
• Angel Food Cake

Instructions:
1) Start by making the vanilla pudding according to the directions on the package.  Then put in the fridge to allow it to set.
2) Wash and slice the strawberries.
3) Break up the Angel Food Cake into bite size pieces.
4) Using Sterilite’s Ultra Seal 4.7 Quart Bowl, layer in all of the ingredients.
5) Begin by covering the bottom of the bowl with the Angel Food Cake
6) Next, spoon in an even layer of the pudding
7) Top that off with a layer of Cool Whip
8) Add a layer of strawberries
9) Repeat steps 5-8 until the bowl is full!

Another option is the classic strawberry short cake! This is a fan-favorite that can be enjoyed at any time of the year, but having freshly picked strawberries makes it even better.

So go, grab the kids and head on out to the closest strawberry farm!

Take Your Water to the Next Level!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

With the temps soaring this week, remember to keep cool and stay hydrated. Consider jazzing up your daily hydration with this infused water recipe. The strawberries add a little sweetness, while the cucumber, mint and lime make the drink bright and refreshing.

Strawberry, Lime, Cucumber and Mint Infusion
Talk about hitting a lot of flavors in one drink! This delicious recipe only takes about ten minutes of prep time and makes half a gallon of infused water. Simply follow the instructions below to craft this sensational summer sipper.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1 cup cucumbers
• 2 limes, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
• Ice cubes
• Water

Instructions:
1) Slice up the strawberries, cucumbers, and lime and layer them at the bottom of your serving container. We recommend using Sterilite’s 1 Gallon Round Pitcher.
2) Add in the fresh mint and some ice.
3) Fill the pitcher with water and let the mixture chill for 10 minutes. The longer the water sits, the stronger the flavor. You can also use sparkling water if you prefer.
4) Pour and enjoy!



The nice part about this drink is that the ingredients will continue to add flavor to the water even after the first batch. Typically, the fruit will need to be changed after four fill ups, but if you prefer a stronger flavor it is suggested that you change the ingredients out more frequently.

Take full advantage of the beautiful weather and this refreshing beverage! You’ll want to sip on this healthy concoction all summer long.

Planning A Perfect Picnic!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

The warm and sunny summer days are approaching and there is no better place to be than outside enjoying the great weather. It can be easy to fall into a weekend slump of lying on the couch and watching TV in the AC after a long work week.  However, lounging outside in the sun can be even more relaxing and you might even get a bit of a tan. With a beautiful weekend coming up and nothing else going on a, picnic seemed like the perfect idea to me.

Tips for a Spectacular Picnic:
It doesn’t take a genius to plan a great picnic. It just takes a little organization and some out of the box thinking. Here are some tips on how to make sure you can have a terrific picnic.

1) Don’t just grab a blanket – Instead, use a fitted bed sheet as your base. Put coolers and bags at each corner to hold up the edges of the sheet. This will create a wall to keep out bugs and dirt. You’ll thank me when there is no train of ants going through your food and invading your picnic.

2) Say goodbye to ice packs – Try freezing water bottles to put inside your cooler instead of using icepacks. This will give you extra space to pack more food.  The frozen water bottles will keep your cooler cold and you will have plenty of water to drink and stay hydrated after the ice melts.

3) DIY Snackables – This is one of my personal favorites. Use a mason jar and an empty fruit cup to create personalized on-the-go snacks. The fruit cup fits perfectly in the lid of the mason jar and depending on the snack, the cup can go on the inside or the outside. Some favorites are chips and salsa, veggies and hummus, and yogurt with fruit and granola.

This should be a good start for your picnic preparation. Now comes the fun part: What to eat! Obviously there are infinite options to choose from. It is typically best to stick with finger food. The simpler the better in my opinion! Here are some of my picnic food favorites:
        - Strawberry Lemonade
        - BLT Pasta Salad
        - Sandwich Kabobs

The pasta salad fits perfectly inside Sterilite’s Ultra Seal 6.2 Cup Round, and the Ultra Seal 5.7 Cup Square is ideal for sandwiches. I also used the Ultra Seal 2.2 Quart Pitcher for the lemonade (my personal favorite drink). The Ultra Seal line does an incredible job at keeping food fresh and secure. The tightly fitted lids are awesome for transporting your lunch to the picnic.

I hope you enjoy a beautiful day of snacking and laughing at your picnic! It is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

A Sweet Kick-off to Summer!

By Lauren Mason of Sterilite Corporation

Memorial Day weekend is the official kick-off to summer and cookouts! Whether you’re going to the beach or hosting a backyard barbecue, this homemade mango lemonade is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Mango Lemonade Cooler
Take a look at this tropical twist on a summer staple. This mango lemonade recipe is quick, easy and guaranteed to keep you cool.

Ingredients:
• 4 tablespoons agave nectar
• 2 mangos (pre-sliced, pre-packaged mangos will also work)
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh strawberries
• 3 cups water

Instructions:
1) Melt the agave by placing it in a microwave safe bowl with 1 cup of water. We recommend using Sterilite’s 20 Ounce Bowl. Heat in the microwave on high for 1 minute, or until the mixture has melted. Let cool.
2) Peel and puree the mangos. If you slice the mango lengthwise and widthwise while still in the peel, it makes it easier to remove the pieces (see image below).
3) In Sterilite’s 1 Gallon Round Pitcher, combine the agave mixture, mango puree, strawberries, lemon juice and 2 cups of water.
4) Stir thoroughly until mixed
5) Serve over ice

This drink is the ideal concoction to deliver the cool refreshing sweetness you need after a day of soaking up the sun. Relax, unwind and enjoy a Mango Lemonade Cooler this holiday weekend!