tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19948652563989467202024-02-02T16:24:54.998-08:00Happy 2 B A HomekeeperProudly living a life that glorifies...alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.comBlogger91125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-71675169144832225132010-05-12T10:27:00.000-07:002010-05-12T10:37:17.009-07:00Changes<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVRe4fAYZ1q8zeDWsjjUjprf4mN4xG599Nvywq0K8YSdAc4GEsKWtkIgQ2ioAWkKPAc8Q01DAp0d5iselcSmRr8TSX0kB0n2JyIz3cYfM_v583ER2wsETKnIS4W7ppDfjQupkqqZhLFuf/s1600/DSCN0175.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470438930895913922" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdVRe4fAYZ1q8zeDWsjjUjprf4mN4xG599Nvywq0K8YSdAc4GEsKWtkIgQ2ioAWkKPAc8Q01DAp0d5iselcSmRr8TSX0kB0n2JyIz3cYfM_v583ER2wsETKnIS4W7ppDfjQupkqqZhLFuf/s200/DSCN0175.JPG" /></a><br /><div>Hi to everyone! I sure have missed blogging here lately, but our family has really been busy lately, leaving me absolutely no time to focus on much of anything else. Through lots of prayer, I decided that taking an extended "blogging break" was best for me and my family, but now that things are slowing down a bit, I will (slowly!) return to regular posting! I will also be changing the design of my blog, so please bear with me!! Looking forward to reconnecting with all my friends!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-72193149470993673542010-03-09T11:47:00.000-08:002010-03-09T12:22:15.778-08:00The Simple Woman's Daybook for March 9, 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vXybDHMxCThxV1ySr9yP3sypTbgkeagSl74nf8nE7gmmQs9863BH-KT5ntILkWSa6k_KArOJkyBdKpNhDJtAsXAJ9BrMCTXtnp37wSRfz71ORqolsSEoRfO1nm5z_qyfEGgmZk497bxd/s1600-h/tdbsmall.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 141px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 200px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446730048687606370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-vXybDHMxCThxV1ySr9yP3sypTbgkeagSl74nf8nE7gmmQs9863BH-KT5ntILkWSa6k_KArOJkyBdKpNhDJtAsXAJ9BrMCTXtnp37wSRfz71ORqolsSEoRfO1nm5z_qyfEGgmZk497bxd/s200/tdbsmall.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL0c9Fo2ty_OkGcDRvWsvKR_rQq3rxp0YQ_LirX1bGF0DMsMjhanGDBPlzPCZQj9WLKBy8IlA3NqdIhvAF52hOW4n5X1frxXSHj0eL13ghb7oi5bdwm4KSoJ8TgGQMBVdc0QMIlxkHUin/s1600-h/Simple-Thurs.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 93px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446727723636517570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDL0c9Fo2ty_OkGcDRvWsvKR_rQq3rxp0YQ_LirX1bGF0DMsMjhanGDBPlzPCZQj9WLKBy8IlA3NqdIhvAF52hOW4n5X1frxXSHj0eL13ghb7oi5bdwm4KSoJ8TgGQMBVdc0QMIlxkHUin/s200/Simple-Thurs.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><strong><em>Outside my window it's</em></strong> cloudy and gloomy, about to rain.</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am thinking</em></strong> about revamping my daily routine to better fit our family's schedule.</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am thankful for</em></strong> the prayers of friends and God's promises to help me when I ask for help.</div><div> </div><div><strong><em>From the kitchen</em></strong> blackened fish, baked potatoes and salad.</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am wearing</em></strong> a coral-colored lounge pants and jacket duo.</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am creating</em></strong> some new planner pages for my homemaking binder.</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am going</em></strong> to the BMV to plate our new car---oh joy!!</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am reading</em></strong> "Nourishing Traditions", still!</div><br /><div><em><strong>I am hoping</strong> </em>that God is going to answer some very difficult prayers!</div><br /><div><strong><em>I am hearing</em></strong> a gentle spring rain outside the open kitchen window.</div><div><strong><em></em></strong> </div><div><strong><em>Around the house</em></strong> is the smell of fresh, spring air, something we've gone too long without!</div><br /><div><strong><em>A few of my plans for the rest of the week</em></strong> are learning to make my own tortillas, going to the natural foods market to buy more water kefir grains to replace the ones I killed this weekend (oops--forgot the sugar water!) and working on my itenerary for cooking classes I'll be teaching later this spring.</div><br /><br /><div>You can find more Daybooks at <a href="http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman</a>.</div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-571897357227276172010-03-02T11:42:00.000-08:002010-03-02T12:07:26.842-08:00The Simple Woman's Daybook for March 2, 2010.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz9f2mxcUjtUMELYMMDEgueMutmdwDE3yItOPqo2KgJvVDsYwboW2t1ZwDM52tYYiTTVFcYup3bEv5L9iOGQXbIm-AhdrpxTuKk0lRquin7QGua856YDemsmkG1z2CHiKRJP1MzijzQ0E/s1600-h/tdbsmall.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 141px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEz9f2mxcUjtUMELYMMDEgueMutmdwDE3yItOPqo2KgJvVDsYwboW2t1ZwDM52tYYiTTVFcYup3bEv5L9iOGQXbIm-AhdrpxTuKk0lRquin7QGua856YDemsmkG1z2CHiKRJP1MzijzQ0E/s200/tdbsmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444130554505411986" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"><span style="font-style: italic;">I am now taking part in the Simple Woman's Daybook, hosted by <a href="http://www.thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/">The Simple Woman Blog</a>. I will be posting a Daybook entry every Tuesday.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Outside my window</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> is sunny and beautiful, but still a bit cold!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am thinking</span> about spring and the upcoming Easter season.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am thankful for</span> God's providence in my life, at no time more apparent than now, as friends and family blanket us in prayers for Henry's impending layoff.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the learning rooms </span>little Henry is looking at a book about wild animals.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the kitchen </span>crab salad wraps, potato salad and fresh water kefir cream soda.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am wearing </span>my pajamas! Feeling a little under the weather today.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am creating </span>a packing list for our impending move.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am going </span>absolutely nowhere today!!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am reading</span> "The Mission of Motherhood" by Sally Clarkson and "Nourishing Traditions" by Sally Fallon, and thouroughly enjoying both!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am hoping</span> we find a new home soon...house hunting is frustrating!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I am hearing</span> two babies blissfully snoring away!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Around the house</span> are a lot of those little ladybugs, a sure sign of spring!<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A few of my plans for the rest of the week</span> are making beef and chicken stock, packing some boxes and getting together for tea/coffee with some friends.<br /></span></span></span>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-15516202986861620562010-02-25T19:05:00.000-08:002010-02-26T10:18:22.224-08:00Fish Recipes for Lent<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvx3RTJvhcDsFtZ3WjbxjjUm0B9rfeHXxbY-950benlriteSTI4rBpU9Tr1XQqQGgOH5Bx1gzCi2pgIpSdg11Zep5_m_GDBwuqVY-h4Ha4N-7AR8yVSo3C3s-lt1en45TQcPXjFuy3a9w/s1600-h/045197.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 114px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5442618181598353618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvx3RTJvhcDsFtZ3WjbxjjUm0B9rfeHXxbY-950benlriteSTI4rBpU9Tr1XQqQGgOH5Bx1gzCi2pgIpSdg11Zep5_m_GDBwuqVY-h4Ha4N-7AR8yVSo3C3s-lt1en45TQcPXjFuy3a9w/s200/045197.jpg" /></a><br /><div>For my contribution to <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/">Food Renegade's</a> Fight Back Friday this week, I am sharing a few of our family's favorite fish/seafood recipes. Our family is following tradition in observing the season of Lent by foregoing meat on Fridays, instead eating only fish. To keep it interesting, I've began experimenting with different methods of preparation and recipes. Fish is not at all difficult to prepare and is one of the most nutrient-dense foods one can consume. A few of fish's benefits:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>*promotes excellent growth and bone structure</div><br /><br /><div>*rich source of iodine and zinc, minerals that are a little difficult to get in the average person's diet.</div><br /><br /><div>*deep-sea oily fish (tuna, mackerel, salmon, etc...) are particularly high in omega-3's, crucial for vibrant, healthy skin and hair, as well as a proven method of treating depression, especially postpartum depression.</div><br /><br /><div>*good source of fat soluble vitamins A and D.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Here are some of my favorite recipes:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Terriyaki Salmon</strong></div><br /><br /><div>4 salmon fillets, boned and skinned</div><br /><br /><div>1 tbsp. fresh grated ginger</div><br /><br /><div>3 garlic cloves, smashed</div><br /><br /><div>1 tbsp. toasted sesame oil</div><br /><br /><div>1 tbsp. rice vinegar</div><br /><br /><div>1 tbsp. raw honey</div><br /><br /><div>1/2 c. naturally fermented soy sauce</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Place salmon on a broiler pan; in a glass jar with a lid, combine the rest of the ingredients. Shake vigorously. Baste each salmon fillet with the sauce; place in oven and broil under very low heat for 6-8 minutes, basting frequently. Drizzle a bit of the terriyaki sauce over the salmon before serving.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Salmon Cakes with Lemon-Caper Mayonaise</strong></div><br /><br /><div>1 can salmon, drained and flaked with a fork</div><br /><br /><div>1 tsp. dried parsley</div><br /><br /><div>1 tsp. each dried oregano, summer savory and basil</div><br /><br /><div>1 tbsp. mayonaise</div><br /><br /><div>1 clove garlic, minced</div><br /><br /><div>1 small onion, minced</div><br /><br /><div>2 tbsp. bread crumbs</div><br /><br /><div>coconut oil for frying</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl; mix until well-combined. Form into medium-size patties and fry in coconut oil for 5 minutes on each side.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Lemon-Caper Mayo</strong></div><br /><div>1 c. mayonaise</div><br /><div>juice of 1 small lemon</div><br /><div>1/2 tbsp. capers</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Combine all ingredients.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>You can also check out my recipe for Shrimp Caprese <a href="http://www.happy2bahomekeeper.blogspot.com/2009/08/easy-italian-shrimp-caprese.html">here.</a></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-64247078965641226612010-02-24T02:43:00.000-08:002010-02-24T03:27:14.309-08:00Frugal, Earth-Friendly Tip--Repurposing Glass Jars<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPw_9jRDAeCPouRh9zGYq7DOReWCXC4ondlfGQWyWIK1EbO8XAlawu0hAN0KDGTtH2axdBEyca6vqwCBPuxoUC2gqGtlcdX2Vin-iggPhmuDMc6Ptp2k7Szwc3xiHDgQTRH7Ybr3ef3wH/s1600-h/109979.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441770057099385346" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEPw_9jRDAeCPouRh9zGYq7DOReWCXC4ondlfGQWyWIK1EbO8XAlawu0hAN0KDGTtH2axdBEyca6vqwCBPuxoUC2gqGtlcdX2Vin-iggPhmuDMc6Ptp2k7Szwc3xiHDgQTRH7Ybr3ef3wH/s200/109979.jpg" /></a><br /><div>By now, you are probably aware of the dangers associated with using plastic containers for storing food or cups/bottles for drinking beverages. Plastics are known to leach harmful chemicals into our bodies, especially after being heated, making them particularly unsafe for food storage/serving. I am planning a more extensive post (or two!) on plastics in April, Earth Month, but I'll give you a quick run-down of some of the pitfalls of using plastics:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>*increased hormone production in females, increased <strong>female</strong> hormones in males.</div><br /><div>*altered immune response</div><br /><div>*increase in certain cancers, especially those of the prostate and breast.</div><br /><div>*increase in birth defects</div><br /><div>*increase in behaviorial disorders, such as hyperactivity and aggression</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And those are <strong>just a few!</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Of course, some plastics are considered more safe than others. You can read more about that <a href="http://www.naturalchristianparenting.com/2008/05/plastic-guide.pdf">here </a>in the <em>Smart Plastics Guide</em>, a ultra-informative resource on plastics usage. However, I am making it a goal to have pretty much all but eliminated plastic food storage from our home by the end of summer! One step I have taken in this direction is the utilization of various glass jars for food storage. I use wide-mouth canning jars to store just about anything in my pantry--popcorn, dry beans, rice, you name it! I plan on purchasing some very large glass canning jars to store flour, as I am regretably still storing it in a big plastic bin! :( Another good option for flour storage would be ceramic crocks. I use glass canning jars for cold storage, too, anything from leftovers to homeade stocks to water kefir beverages. I love using all the Santa Cruz glass juice bottles I've saved over the past year to store fresh fruit juice from my juicer! I find my glass jars the best option for all the ferments I may have brewing at any time in the kitchen--sourdough starters, fresh ginger ale, sauerkraut, etc... As you can see, they are well-used in my kitchen! I also repurpose any glass jars from ready-made products I have bought, such as jams, honey or coffee, as they make excellent food storage containers for smaller quantities.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Are you making the switch from plastic to glass in your kitchen? I'd love to hear your ideas!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-30683412970279336562010-02-22T03:30:00.000-08:002010-02-22T04:36:16.199-08:00Simple, Nourishing Breakfast--Baked Oatmeal and Coconut Smoothie<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nIN0rBw3SKlcNAs5FRxbATVOBg5EuE3D9z_-gkizxep3QKAZ33I_yPvsp6J5ZicQDw90qiKO-ltb8GcDC48Onu8iQv6FUkMmQrklZz0-PcK5-mqqx-GCuQeay9BiJ62ioWbcwspkU0ZM/s1600-h/968154.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 112px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441045670889110178" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6nIN0rBw3SKlcNAs5FRxbATVOBg5EuE3D9z_-gkizxep3QKAZ33I_yPvsp6J5ZicQDw90qiKO-ltb8GcDC48Onu8iQv6FUkMmQrklZz0-PcK5-mqqx-GCuQeay9BiJ62ioWbcwspkU0ZM/s200/968154.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Our family really enjoys oatmeal! Both tasty and nutritious (especially when served up with some raw cream, butter, real maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon!), oatmeal is a wonderfully frugal yet filling breakfast option. </div><br /><div>Several months ago, I began to notice quite a few recipes on various blogs for baked oatmeal. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. I followed a very basic recipe, adjusting the ingredients to our likings, and I must say that we were quite pleased with the results. Our baked oatmeal was something like a giant, very soft oatmeal raisin cookie! Like a regular bowl of breakfast oats, it does require a bit of <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/organization-in-the-real-food-kitchen-planning-to-make-food-preparation-happen.html">preparation </a>the night before, but requires little hands-on time to assemble in the morning, making it a time-saving breakfast option. We like to serve ours with fresh butter and real maple syrup or raw honey.</div><br /><div>We have also been experimenting with some new smoothie recipes, and recently I paired this recipe for coconut smoothies with our baked oatmeal breakfast. Coconut milk and coconut oil are <strong>extremely</strong> beneficial to our diets, containing high ammounts of lauric acid, and according to Sally Fallon in her book <em>Nourishing Traditions </em>is "an essential saturated fatty acid that enhances the immune system and protects us against viruses, yeasts, parasites and other pathogens in the gut." This coconut smoothie is an easy, tasy way to get more coconut products into your diet.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Coconut Smoothie</strong></div><br /><div>2 tbsp. coconut oil</div><br /><div>1 1/2 c. whole coconut milk (stay away from the ones labled "lite")</div><br /><div>1 banana, cut into chunks</div><br /><div>1/4 c. raw honey</div><br /><div>1/2 c. plain or vanilla whole-milk or cream-top yogurt</div><br /><div>1 tsp. pure vanilla extract (you can omit this if you are using vanilla yogurt)</div><br /><div>2 cubes ice, optional, but makes for a nice, cold, almost pina colada-like consistency!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Blend all ingredients in a blender until ice is completely crushed and blended with the other ingredients. Serve immediately.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Baked Oatmeal</strong></div><br /><div>Oatmeal is particularly high in phytates, so this recipe calls for a soaking step--plan ahead! However, I find that soaking my grain products makes for an easier preparation in the morning, as half the work is already done! If you are new to soaking, you can find some excelent resources listed at the bottom of this post. I highly suggest you take some time to read about this important step to preparing healthier whole-grains and legumes.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>6 c. rolled oats</div><br /><div>1 c. melted butter or coconut oil (personal trial and error has proven coconut oil to make a more moist product, but either is fine!)</div><br /><div>2 c. yogurt or buttermilk</div><br /><div>1 c. pure maple syrup or raw honey</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mix all ingredients until moistened in a large mixing bowl; cover with a clean dishtowel and let soak overnight, 12 hours or more. When ready to prepare, add:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>4 eggs, lightly beaten</div><br /><div>1 tsp. cinnamon</div><br /><div>2 tsp. baking powder</div><br /><div>1/2 tsp. sea salt</div><br /><div>1/2 c. raisins</div><br /><div>1 tsp. pure vanilla extract</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Combine all ingredients until moistened; transfer to a greased 9 x 13 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes or until top starts to crack, a sure sign it's finished. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>There you have it--a quick, nourishing start to your family's day!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Further Resources on Soaking</strong></div><br /><div><em></em></div><br /><div><em>The Value of Soaking Your Whole Grains--</em>Lindsay delivers a very thourough <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/04/whole-grains-grinding-soaking.html">post </a>on the health benefits and how-to's of soaking, including more resources at the bottom of her post. </div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-9801901600392420292010-02-19T09:18:00.000-08:002010-02-19T10:49:54.676-08:00Weekend Reading--Link Love!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrlzYJm75iQvzwmJ5hxIR5EqC_j-xrfAfx7OmeMCZPO2WPV3gt3ei0hLhzYx73PzQcYmvGmwrhgtQ7SMdhYoiCkOHQFfnxxVAfwnt2UtRJwe-vopWhwD3VYxnl3FrKob5_VTIACGDMwxm/s1600-h/CRF00958.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 113px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440028700337517074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOrlzYJm75iQvzwmJ5hxIR5EqC_j-xrfAfx7OmeMCZPO2WPV3gt3ei0hLhzYx73PzQcYmvGmwrhgtQ7SMdhYoiCkOHQFfnxxVAfwnt2UtRJwe-vopWhwD3VYxnl3FrKob5_VTIACGDMwxm/s200/CRF00958.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Well, I've never posted a link love post before, but I have <strong>way</strong> to much work to procuce a regular post today, so I thought I'd share these great articles I've enjoyed over the week. Happy reading!<br /><br /><strong><em>What About Some Time to Myself?</em></strong>--this soul-searching <a href="http://www.ahighandnoblecalling.com/2010/02/time-2/">post </a>by Stephanie at A High and Noble Calling blog should perhaps be required reading for all moms! If you do one thing this weekend, <strong>READ THIS!</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><em><strong>Planning to Make Real Food Preparation Happen</strong>--</em>Stephanie at Keeper of the Home blog has once again written an informative, detailed <a href="http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/02/organization-in-the-real-food-kitchen-planning-to-make-food-preparation-happen.html">post </a>on organization, this time concerning the preparations needed for ensuring your real food meals make it to the table! Preparing real, nourishing foods requires quite a bit of planning in advance, and Stephanie shares the simple yet effective system that works for her (and now me!).<br /><br /><strong><em>Food Renegade's Fight Back Fridays</em></strong>--one of my favorite websites, Food Renegade, hosts this weekly blog <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/2010/02/fight-back-friday-february-19th/">carnival </a>devoted to real, traditional food. Check it out--maybe you'll find a new recipe or two to try over the weekend! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong><em>"Green" Your Swiffer!</em></strong>--I love Emily's <a href="http://www.liverenewed.blogspot.com/2010/02/greener-swiffer-moms-30-minute-blog.html">idea </a>for repurposing cloth diapers into washable, reusable Swiffer pads!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Have a great weekend!</em><br /></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-2586038378499657502010-02-14T08:30:00.000-08:002010-02-17T09:49:33.362-08:00Our New Juicer! (plus some recipes!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgYljCAQE4ufUrYY3TU1ZNcEr5dv0C0R6tswaYiGn2MLE99mdSM0MtXvRdRO0H35aZYTVK2-0AJNMLoHond6An2hNE6_NndJExVD79NfxULlE-K8GXlu8Cjs32Wb1dq0t2plfTqwq0uSx/s1600-h/jm503-hero-thumb.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 182px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439269461977383250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGgYljCAQE4ufUrYY3TU1ZNcEr5dv0C0R6tswaYiGn2MLE99mdSM0MtXvRdRO0H35aZYTVK2-0AJNMLoHond6An2hNE6_NndJExVD79NfxULlE-K8GXlu8Cjs32Wb1dq0t2plfTqwq0uSx/s200/jm503-hero-thumb.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Ever since our family has been making a change to eating a more traditional/whole foods diet, one of the biggest items on my kitchen gadget wishlist has been a juicer. We had all but given up on store-bought juices, due to artificial ingredients, dyes and high-fructose corn syrup, but save for the occassional bottle of Naked or Santa Cruz juice (expensive...yikes!), we discovered one truth about the Vega family...<strong>we really, really like juice!</strong> With no juice in our home, Henry and I both began to crave sodas, something we had not done for quite some time! So, after some careful consideration, we decided it would be a good investment to buy a good-quality juicer. We decided on the Juiceman Hero Electric Juicer from Black and Decker. The Juiceman is very basic, not too large and super-efficient! It has 2 speeds, one for softer fruits and veggies, and another for hard ones, like carrots. I particularly like the ease of disassembly for cleaning--everything disattaches from the main unit so you don't have to try to clean parts while avoiding getting the motor wet!</div><br /><br /><div>An added bonus to this juicer is the compartment that collects the pulp from the fruits and veggies being used. I add this pulp to a basic whole- grain muffin recipe with flavorful, moist results! After making a quart of carrot-orange juice the other morning, I used the pulp to create the recipe for Sunshine Muffins, a surprisingly big hit with little Henry.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Sunshine Muffins</strong></div><br /><br /><div>*Note: a soaking step for the whole-wheat flour is reccomended, although I made these on the spur of the moment, so I skipped it.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>2 c. whole-wheat pastry flour</div><br /><br /><div>1 c. softened butter</div><br /><br /><div>1 egg</div><br /><br /><div>1/2 c. maple syrup or honey</div><br /><br /><div>1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><br /><br /><div>2 tsp. baking powder</div><br /><br /><div>reserved orange and carrot pulp</div><br /><br /><div>1 c. milk</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Cream butter, pulps, egg and sweetener in a mixing bowl; add baking powder and vanilla, creaming until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, combine soft ingredients with the flour and milk, a bit at a time, stirring until well-moistened. Fill greased muffin tin cups 3/4 of the way full; bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Makes one dozen muffins.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Tropical Delight Juice</strong></div><br /><br /><div>2 c. chunked fresh pineapple</div><br /><br /><div>2 mangos, quartered</div><br /><br /><div>2 oranges, peeled and quartered</div><br /><br /><div>1 c. coconut milk</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Run first three ingredients through your juicer; add coconut milk, shake and serve.</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><strong>Lemonade</strong></div><br /><br /><div>4 lemons, peeled and halved</div><br /><br /><div>1 c. water</div><br /><br /><div>1 c. rapadura</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Juice the lemons. In a saucepan, combine rapadura and water; bring to a boil, then recuce heat, stirring constantly until rapadura is dissolved, forming a simple syrup. Combine syrup with lemon juice and 2 cups of water or sparkling water for a lemonade spritzer.</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-50085348720153990552010-02-12T08:34:00.000-08:002010-02-12T08:51:37.538-08:00Simple Beef Paprikash with Spaetzle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GQ4xT5480v9SVv0n-TrFpb93VIs8qkeLjp-Dj5_6D1T2Zcwm7U-mxSleswrj2G6PwMMUr-xDowZIyZCjPtrpIUxzVjmbFdnLfiOllmqpsB38m9Lr7LM4C9R0XyqHv_VxWyAI5tFlZP-5/s1600-h/20738.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 140px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 140px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437400509696683058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GQ4xT5480v9SVv0n-TrFpb93VIs8qkeLjp-Dj5_6D1T2Zcwm7U-mxSleswrj2G6PwMMUr-xDowZIyZCjPtrpIUxzVjmbFdnLfiOllmqpsB38m9Lr7LM4C9R0XyqHv_VxWyAI5tFlZP-5/s200/20738.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Beef Paprikash is a simple recipe I came up with to use up lefover roast. I really enjoyed eating the traditional Chicken Paprikash in a Hungarian restraunt in Florida several years ago, but was wondering if it could be made with beef, as our family prefers beef to chicken. I experimented a couple of times before coming up with this recipe, which is actually quite good. I serve the Paprikash with <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/Recip/Spaetzle-II/Detail.aspx">this </a>recipe for spaetzle, a Hungarian-style dumpling, simply made of egg and flour. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em>Beef Paprikash</em></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2 c. leftover pot roast, slightly shredded</div><br /><div>1/2 c. beef broth</div><br /><div>2 tbsp. butter</div><br /><div>1 tbsp. olive oil</div><br /><div>1/2 c. sliced fresh mushrooms</div><br /><div>4 tbsp paprika</div><br /><div>1/2 c. flour, preferably whole-wheat, but sometimes I substitute half white, half wheat</div><br /><div>1 tsp. salt</div><br /><div>1 1/2 c. whole milk</div><br /><div>1 clove garlic, minced</div><br /><div>1 small onion, finely chopped</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>In a saucepan, sautee onion, mushrooms and garlic in butter and olive oil about 2 minutes; add flour, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Add the milk, bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat, stirring until well-thickened. Add broth, paprika and salt; mix well. Remove from heat and add the roast; let sit a few minutes to heat through. Serve beef mixture on top of spaetzle.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>*Note: traditionally, Paprikash is made with sour cream, so you may prefer to make it this way. (our family just doesn't like sour cream...none of us!) If you want to use the sour cream, simply omit the roux step and the milk, and just add the sour cream to the broth and the sauteed garlic onion and mushrooms; add the spices.</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-31601414898800899522010-02-10T16:32:00.000-08:002010-02-11T11:35:38.569-08:00Yummy Valentine's Day Treats!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXdbTWQGiTwI4A4kj3YswcKbXcB8YmXMyqayRx43TiygDVB-xHQWHsz1pZBVtyomQiyRp5jisMbWyt-9GLEZkqEd6oWnOZ8l5wENrtyJI-rzgRDIaCjy-De3fWrkqxjFTZM9KO6CLCvBc/s1600-h/k0195884.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 128px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437071730407683666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXdbTWQGiTwI4A4kj3YswcKbXcB8YmXMyqayRx43TiygDVB-xHQWHsz1pZBVtyomQiyRp5jisMbWyt-9GLEZkqEd6oWnOZ8l5wENrtyJI-rzgRDIaCjy-De3fWrkqxjFTZM9KO6CLCvBc/s200/k0195884.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This year, the children and I are making special treats for Daddy for Valentine's Day! Our plans are to surprise him with a breakfast of <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2008/11/blender-breakfast-crepes.html">crepes </a>covered in whipped cream and strawberries, bacon and fresh squeezed juice from our new juicer ( a tax time treat!). We are also making a yummy but healthy fudge following Lindsay's <a href="http://www.passionatehomemaking.com/2009/12/healthy-homeade-fudge-a-great-gift.html">recipe</a>, as well as this delicious <a href="http://www.allrecipes.com/Recipe/Cinnamon-Popcorn/Detail.aspx">recipe </a>for cinnamon popcorn. We will celebrate Valentine's Day with the children at an all-congregation dinner at our church before Sunday evening services, then, if we are blessed with a babysitter, celebrate alone on Monday with a candlelit dinner or at a nice restraunt, haven't decided yet!</div><br /><div>Happy Valentine's Day to the best husband ever! You are a great partner, a caring father and a wonderful provider for our family. I love you so much!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-84354898844180678292010-02-06T11:36:00.000-08:002010-02-06T12:50:37.066-08:00Crockpot Refried Beans<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc0TXUp7U4QNs1r6W8R452YsqlQAvyL52jO0_RPphwBOBjLOLf1e9pMouMc9bjQ1cYA0vt5pq4kLXZI6VZz_qsSEexN0GLMbe1gVHmLEW-olvIxSBa5zZ7AfCEiQrbT3ajFuNbWovqh7g/s1600-h/u11579184.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 128px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435235725392907810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNc0TXUp7U4QNs1r6W8R452YsqlQAvyL52jO0_RPphwBOBjLOLf1e9pMouMc9bjQ1cYA0vt5pq4kLXZI6VZz_qsSEexN0GLMbe1gVHmLEW-olvIxSBa5zZ7AfCEiQrbT3ajFuNbWovqh7g/s200/u11579184.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Our family loves refried beans. Frugal and nourishing, refried beans can be used in a variety of dishes. Some of our favorites include in bean and rice tacos, beef and bean or just plain bean burritos, tostadas, as a side to enchilladas or in taco salad. Refried beans taste great when paired with salsa, guacamole, cheese...the list goes on and on!</div><br /><div>I love to use beans to stretch meals, often times replacing half of the meat called for in a recipe with beans. They are a wonderful source of both protein and fiber, and at about $1.50/lb., a far more frugal option than meat!</div><br /><div>I prefer to make my refried beans, simply because they require a lot of cooking time to make them super-soft, and I don't feel comfortable simmering on the stove that long! This way, I can just soak the beans all night, throw them in the crockpot in the morning and they're done in time for dinner. I find the flavor is a lot better with this method as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Crockpot Refried Beans</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div>Soaking Step (optional): Place beans in a large glass jar with lid, or a large bowl would work as well--just cover with a towel. Add enough water to cover the beans, plus 1 inch. Add an acid medium to help release phytates in the beans. I find that apple cider vinegar or lemon juice work well with beans. Cover and leave to soak overnight or at least 10 hours. In the morning, drain and rinse before using.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Place 1 lb. dried (preferably soaked) pinto beans in crockpot along with about 6 cups of water; cover with lid and allow to cook on high about 4 hours; check to see if additional water is needed. Reduce heat to low and allow to simmer another 6 hours. Remove and drain liquid; return beans to crockpot. Cover just above the beans with your choice of stock, chicken or beef. (I prefer beef, just for the rich, deep flavor.) Simmer on low, about 3 hours, or until beans mash <strong>very</strong> easily with a fork. Mash beans, in the crock, to the consistency of your choice. Season to your taste. I like to season them very simply with salt and a clove or two of minced garlic.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I freeze any leftovers in 1-cup portions in freezer bags.</div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-80566899034138860632010-02-03T10:53:00.000-08:002010-02-05T10:19:13.568-08:00Naturally Treating Three Childhood Ailments--Cradle Cap, Thrush and Teething<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqQiG7PJyhBxtYoXzy5cQhjIyCvIDR6dZuBDcFG4hmomt6IPMd1aRaMtZdxgFV3jBRFdVArQhVK8BdWGXHiIuiV46zXthyrH0sLn7_KT8WOMevOXdNKut_7oW8y2vcIgwpty3YS-moqXd/s1600-h/k0198606.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 123px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5434825601106794930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZqQiG7PJyhBxtYoXzy5cQhjIyCvIDR6dZuBDcFG4hmomt6IPMd1aRaMtZdxgFV3jBRFdVArQhVK8BdWGXHiIuiV46zXthyrH0sLn7_KT8WOMevOXdNKut_7oW8y2vcIgwpty3YS-moqXd/s200/k0198606.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Wow, what an experience it has been to have two children so close in age! Recently, this has presented a new set of challenges, as Henry has decided to cut about 7 teeth at once, including 2 molars (YIKES!), and Ryan has been plagued with ongoing bouts of cradle cap and thrush. </div><br /><div>Of course, I had been through teething before with Brett (easy as pie with him, I might add) and of course Henry had already cut some teeth, but NOTHING could have prepared me for this go-round! My poor sweet baby had been reduded to a whinning, screaming, irritable, wakeful mess! Unable to sleep more than two hours at a time, my little one was cranky and in pain all day and night. I was giving him Tylenol to help relieve the pain, but it just didn't seem to be working....then, enter Hylannd's Teething tablets! I can not say enough good things about this wonderful product! The teething tablets are an all-natural, homeopathic remedy readily available in most drug stores. I like that the ingredients are simple as well as familiar (nothing I can't pronounce!) and found in nature. Here's the breakdown:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Calcium--supports dentition</div><br /><div>Chamomille-calms irritability</div><br /><div>Coffea Cruda--relieves wakefulness</div><br /><div>Belladonna--relieves redness and inflammation</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Since these tablets do seem to sedate Henry a bit, we have implemented a schedule in which he takes 3 tabs (the full dosage) 30 minutes prior to naptime and bedtime and only 2 tabs (if needed) 3 hours apart. Most of the time, he just gets by on a dose of Tylenol between nap and bedtime. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>While Henry has been battling with teething, Baby Ryan has been dealing with his own ailments, a nasty and persistent thrush, as well as some pretty serious cradle cap! After our pediatrician diagnosed Ryan's thrush, she sent us home with the standard treatment, an oral rinse of an anti-fungal called Nystatin. Upon reading the presription information handout from the pharmacy, I discovered that one side effect of this medication is nausea/stomach upset. I noticed my sweet, happy little Ry-Ry was a bit fussy, unusual for him, but I just assumed he was tired. I continued with the medication, but with each dose, he became more and more irritable, unable to sleep and crying uncontrolably. I decided to research other, more natural methods of treating thrush. I am now treating him with a combination of Venetian violet, a bactericide/anti-fungal, and powdered probiotics mixed with a bit of water to form a paste and applied directly to the tounge. Using the VV is a bit more complicated, as preparations must be taken to prevent staining (clothes, skin, you name it!). I rub coconut oil on Ry's lips and chin before applying a 1/2 to 1/2 solution of VV and distilled water to the tounge/mouth with a clean cotton swab. It needs to sit about 15 minutes before nursing. I am happy to report that the thrush is indeed clearing up!</div><br /><div>As for the cradle cap, I've been massaging coconut oil onto Ryan's scalp 30 min prior to his bath, letting it sit, then washing it out with Burt' Bees Grapefruit shampoo dilluted with regular baby shampoo, drying with a towel and then massaging with a super-soft toothbrush to loosen the "scales". Works great!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-67861376751777719882010-02-01T04:08:00.000-08:002010-02-11T18:23:32.016-08:00Goals for 2010<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_0pBOp_hPxtWbmVgOcT1lavJQpbP1Q3pp1ZWEaL_FD6ntu1TfsJ6QfUVJFkDkZQSu7z0vLkz_cTKA2XMn6KYyAAyhK00j7qZbo9Tn0wm8kOC8s950Y_qvnY4ttQpSBs5UXLlpwzQHodp/s1600-h/Winter+Leaves.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433256486723310850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp_0pBOp_hPxtWbmVgOcT1lavJQpbP1Q3pp1ZWEaL_FD6ntu1TfsJ6QfUVJFkDkZQSu7z0vLkz_cTKA2XMn6KYyAAyhK00j7qZbo9Tn0wm8kOC8s950Y_qvnY4ttQpSBs5UXLlpwzQHodp/s200/Winter+Leaves.jpg" /></a><br /><div>In the midst of all the business here in the Vega home, I have completed a list of goals for our family to accomplish this year. I have been using some very helpful organizational tools from <a href="http://www.listplanit.com/">listplanit </a>to help me get organized again, something that flew out the window when Ryan was born! God has <strong>definitely</strong> been using the experience of being mommy to two babies in less that a year to refine and humble me. I believe I was making a clean, organized, near-perfect home an idol in my life....I've had to let go of a <strong>lot</strong> of my expectations to simply focus on meeting the needs of my very young children, as well as the other members of our family, myself included. </div><br /><div>However, God's mercies are new with each new day, and I must say things are getting a LOT easier now that Ryan is almost three months old. I am feeling much more rested and energized now that he is sleeping for longer stretches of time. We have also found a few other helpful tools in making our days a bit smoother, including the use of Hylannd's Teething Tablets for Henry! I can not say enough good things about this product. My poor, sweet little man has been fussy, drooling, restless, wakeful during the night and at times sobbing inconsolably--these little wonder tablets have really saved the day for us! I highly suggest them, as they are an all-natural homeopathic remedy that <strong>really work</strong> to eliminate teething pain. They seem to have a mild sedative effect, which makes them great around nap or bedtime, especially if your little teether has trouble settling down or staying asleep due to pain.</div><br /><div>One other tool that has been really helpful to us has been the implementation of a morning routine. I must confess that I am not by nature much of a morning person, but I do find that a structured routine gets the day off to a smooth start for not just myself, but my children! I find that if I have breakfast ready when they wake up, there is less whining during the day. Children find solace in structure. This also allows me to get my thoughts in order and get my heart and mind where they need to be to deal with the challenges of each day. It's so nice to have uninterrupted time to prepare for breakfast, wash dishes, start a load of laundry, etc... before the family is awake. This frees up more interpersonal time for us to enjoy together.</div><br /><div>I have also been working on my daily routine, working to make it a bit more streamlined and thus, easier on me! Why was I trying to bathe two babies and myself (and when Brett is here, although he's pretty much bathing himself, I still must stand by, so there's an extra bath!) in the evening when Henry is at work? It's very time consuming, what with trying to keep one entertained while I bathe and dress the other...there's a stroller and a Baby Einstein movie involved, a binky, a bottle....the list goes on and on :). Why was I making it so complicated for myself and so miserable for my children, simply because I think kids need a bath before bed? I had to (once again) let go of an unrealistic expectation...that simply does not work with our routine! My husband works in the evening, therefore some of our routine had to be reworked to be more practical for us! I decided to try bathing the children in the morning after breakfast, when my husband was free to entertain the other and both while I bathed, and guess what? The world did not come to an end, and the children were actually happier and more calm throughout the day. We had more time to just simply play together in the evening as well! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>2010 Goals</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1. Develop a better bedtime routine for Henry--bed by 8:30 (it's currently about 10...yikes!), limit bottles during the night, sleep alone the <strong>entire</strong> night in his bed. Sleep in his own bedroom by the end of the year.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2. Break Henry of the bottle and replace with sippy cup. Begin to teach him how to eat with a spoon. Work on table manners :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>3. Break Henry of pacifier. This is going to be a hard one! My original plan was to start this in the summer, but as long as we make it by the end of the year, we're good!!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>4. Begin a reading time with Henry. We just have not been reading enough to him. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>5. Loose weight! Develop an exercise routine that we can enjoy as a family. Hubby and I both will benefit from this one :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>6. Reintroduce date night. This is going to be difficult, as my mother is the only person I trust to care for my children when we go out, but we need the time to relax and reconnect. Mother is getting ready to begin kidney dialysis, however, so I am not sure she will have the energy to care for the children, even though she would love to. Time to look for a babysitter, I guess! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>7. Become more social! This seems to be really hard for us. We need to start spending time with other people on a regular basis. There are several couples that have expressed interest in spending time with us or have invited us to activities, but sadly, with Henry's work schedule, it's been almost impossible. We must work on this!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Those are some of our main goals for the year. How are you implementing goal-keeping in your family this year?</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-74080522417944585902010-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:002010-02-01T04:53:10.247-08:00Healthier "Hamburger Helper"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt93rcoDgfeIG72VYkKUOSUr04H39xQWvF-IM0fie6BxUgW8NfzDlPz8gdLHAMwkAu1UxqVHEp7s4hG4s3143s-F_ga6RJmFXYSNRJVETY6MOERbD0DWPxwWWC-9jkg-lOueuv8DgHj33a/s1600-h/952474.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431577896150587026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt93rcoDgfeIG72VYkKUOSUr04H39xQWvF-IM0fie6BxUgW8NfzDlPz8gdLHAMwkAu1UxqVHEp7s4hG4s3143s-F_ga6RJmFXYSNRJVETY6MOERbD0DWPxwWWC-9jkg-lOueuv8DgHj33a/s200/952474.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This post is my contribution to the recipe carnival that Katie at Kitchen Stewardship <a href="http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/">http://www.kitchenstewardship.com/</a> is hosting today. The theme is making a one-dish hamburger helper-style meal with healthy, whole-food ingredients, replacing the original boxed offering with it's long list of unhealthy ingredients. Here is the recipe my family enjoys:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Beefy-Mushroom Skillet</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>1 lb. ground beef, preferably grass-fed</div><br /><div>1 small onion, finely chopped</div><br /><div>1 garlic clove, minced</div><br /><div>2 c. beef bone stock</div><br /><div>1 c. sliced fresh mushrooms, sauteed until soft</div><br /><div>2 tbsp.butter</div><br /><div>3 tbsp. whole-wheat flour</div><br /><div>3 c. whole-wheat egg noodles</div><br /><div>Brown the ground beef until well browned; add onions and garlic and cook until translucent. Drain beef and set aside. In the same pan, melt butter; add flour and stir constantly until a thick roux forms. Add the beef stock, stirring constantly until all flour lumps are gone. Add mushrooms. Add noodles and allow to simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, or until noodles are tender and gravy has thickened. Salt and pepper to taste.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-13869178883088461072010-01-23T08:46:00.000-08:002010-02-01T04:52:01.016-08:00Super-Simple Salad Dressings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtVotbWawEypWjNHDDtoOSY9Lvft78ZeeI_dOK67e_DaCsk_leqI8Rl2b-2JR1nG7lucDZ9_2AslQMquVe4Mz2HL9vIhNLWcURCEysPJ2BFHVM5MzMMxCOx9FKePxCLvbzPYCEqc9GIDd/s1600-h/925892.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 113px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430088410118781538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrtVotbWawEypWjNHDDtoOSY9Lvft78ZeeI_dOK67e_DaCsk_leqI8Rl2b-2JR1nG7lucDZ9_2AslQMquVe4Mz2HL9vIhNLWcURCEysPJ2BFHVM5MzMMxCOx9FKePxCLvbzPYCEqc9GIDd/s200/925892.jpg" /></a><br /><div>One thing I strongly encourage my family to eat is salad. I love salad, and as luck would have it, my two oldest boys do too! My hubby not so much, although he will occasionally eat an Italian-style chopped salad. </div><br /><div>One way I keep salad interesting for my family is by using a wide variety of veggies/fruit/nuts and salad dressings. I prefer to make my own dressings, as the commercial salad dressings in the supermarket are full of undesirable ingreedients such as hydrogenated fats, high-fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors and dyes. </div><br /><div>I've included here a few of my favorite salad dressing recipes:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Classic Italian Salad Dressing (makes about 1/2 quart)</div><br /><div>1 c. extra-virgin olive oil</div><br /><div>1/2 c. fresh lemon juice</div><br /><div>3-4 cloves minced garlic</div><br /><div>1/2 tsp. sea salt</div><br /><div>1/2 tsp. fresh ground pepper</div><br /><div>1 tbsp. Italian seasoning mix</div><br /><div>Combine all ingredients in a jar with a lid; secure lid tightly and shake vigorously until well-combined. Store in jar in fridge for up to one month.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Poppyseed Dressing (this is my personal favorite...great on sliced avacado!)</div><br /><div>1 c. mayonaise</div><br /><div>2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar, raw with the mother if possible</div><br /><div>3 tbsp. dijon mustard</div><br /><div>4 tbsp. poppyseeds</div><br /><div>1 minced garlic clove</div><br /><div>Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl; whisk rapidly until well-combined. Stores in the fridge covered for up to two weeks.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mandarin-Sesame Dressing</div><br /><div>2 tbsp. sesame oil</div><br /><div>1 c. extra-virgin olive oil</div><br /><div>2 minced garlic cloves</div><br /><div>2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds</div><br /><div>1 tbsp. rice wine vinegar</div><br /><div>juice of 3 small mandarin oranges, roughly 1/4 cup</div><br /><div>pinch of ground ginger</div><br /><div>Combine all ingredients in a small mixing bowl; whisk rapidly until well-combined. Best if used immediately.</div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-46755096747268200012010-01-21T16:54:00.000-08:002010-01-22T05:06:50.998-08:00Preparing Nourishing Food During Seasons of Busyness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHHR3cHofgZ028MRBC0R2OGo7MjIJQyESG9_kw32tKZUcfoadM0LP4JnleZVK4RLQCPGs7Yhb_Q4ft0qPhNUFmwVoRNid8lfzhXLgQsyVIJbKFfnIzixTwAfiDeWBS4X5-y1Ljwo_WUhV/s1600-h/k1447240.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 114px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429549911909226898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHHR3cHofgZ028MRBC0R2OGo7MjIJQyESG9_kw32tKZUcfoadM0LP4JnleZVK4RLQCPGs7Yhb_Q4ft0qPhNUFmwVoRNid8lfzhXLgQsyVIJbKFfnIzixTwAfiDeWBS4X5-y1Ljwo_WUhV/s200/k1447240.jpg" /></a><br /><div>These last 2 months have been quite an eye-opening experience for our family! Having two babies so close in age (Henry is 12 months, Ryan 2 months) has definitely been a lesson in time management....more like a crash-course!</div><br /><br /><div>These past two months have been a struggle for me in the meal department. I confess that we have eaten more than our fair share of pizza and more take-out than I care to admit! So what's a mom to do when she desperately wants to serve nourishing, whole food to her family, but she is absolutely STRAPPED for time? Here's what I've learned on my personal journey:</div><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>1. Let Go of the Guilt! In my perfect world, a warm, nourishing whole-foods meal would grace my table every night, but the reality is that often times I just don't have the time. I have learned to make peace with this by realizing that sometimes my family just needs my attention more than a perfectly healthy meal! I try to make the best of it by making the best of the situation--for example, if we must eat take-out, it certainly won't come from a fast food hamburger chain, but maybe the local Amish restraunt that serves home cooked meals to go. Or I may make an extremely simple meal of scrambled eggs and toast--nothing fancy, but nourishing and I know where the ingreedients came from.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>2. I keep a list of quick nourishing meals on hand, as well as having the ingreedients for these quick meals stocked at all times. I start every day with good intentions to follow my meal plan, but as any mother to small children knows, plans can quickly go out the window before the day even begins! Some of my quick and easy go-to meals are breakfast for dinner, potatoes fried in coconut oil with garlic and onion and sliced nitrate-free beef sausage, shrimp or chicken fried rice made with leftover shrimp or chicken from the freezer, peanut butter and jam on sourdough bread or quesadillas with whatever veggies I have on hand, plus refried beans from the freezer and maybe even some meat from the freezer, if I have any.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>3. One lifesaver for me in this busy season of my life has been "planned overs"! If I am making easily-doubled recipes such as a meatloaf, soup or casserole, I just double or triple it to make enough for the next night, saving me a night of cooking! Our family is ok with this, as we don't mind eating the same thing two nights in a row, but if your family prefers more variety, you may try saving the extra portion of your "planned overs" meal in the freezer and serving it the next week or for when you have a particularly exhausting day. I call these emergency meals! Just add some fresh bread and a veggie, and your good to go!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These are just a few of the ways I have saved my sanity in this hectic season of my life. Although I know we are not eating 100% perfectly right now, this season will pass and we can get back on track eventually. My babies will only be babies for a short while, so I prefer enjoy them rather than slave away in the kitchen all day! With a little careful planning, it is possible to serve nourishing meals to our families even when busy.</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-80285625318031315892010-01-21T15:59:00.000-08:002010-01-21T16:03:13.027-08:00Birthday Boys!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4ZYRRsYjW6ATN1lmlDzH5Ht4FccN-Gi71uu6o3zAIPp68gwbTophVeIKqgojm3aVBeGp7OoPzxNkaNhbS22WLap7uPr9NgVvToyPZYr6DeUi_4U6_9_PbKmlgcldf6jh68PwpHDw-0Na/s1600-h/GetAttachment.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429347961065850978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL4ZYRRsYjW6ATN1lmlDzH5Ht4FccN-Gi71uu6o3zAIPp68gwbTophVeIKqgojm3aVBeGp7OoPzxNkaNhbS22WLap7uPr9NgVvToyPZYr6DeUi_4U6_9_PbKmlgcldf6jh68PwpHDw-0Na/s200/GetAttachment.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBfdfK0ynglqaYVc4uan9OrxaXF60KsI8Jf3x4kjwShHi0CDzS_l3qVZXwl4LDU_xrizNE3fT8OW0qZEbuHXVeIvnzSt_FydSOI1CmF4dIqrw0g0evGUILCM-ugyZ7QwK3hHoMJHzpOMo/s1600-h/Picture+32.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429347958634916066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqBfdfK0ynglqaYVc4uan9OrxaXF60KsI8Jf3x4kjwShHi0CDzS_l3qVZXwl4LDU_xrizNE3fT8OW0qZEbuHXVeIvnzSt_FydSOI1CmF4dIqrw0g0evGUILCM-ugyZ7QwK3hHoMJHzpOMo/s200/Picture+32.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div>This month saw to milestones for the Vega family, one being Henry's first birthday, and the other being that Ryan turned 2 months old! I can't believe how fast my little ones are growing! </div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-85451488528696600992010-01-10T09:51:00.000-08:002010-01-13T09:23:21.925-08:00A Nourishing, Cold-Weather Meal<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJbV0fzN_ekqkrzEd5lJnEupomazR25YFNs2IwwyhQyAnq4z-AlmypA4wxb1zTLshSjWhZui2Ko962sh40YCfcrIsrLZjW6fHK5DJYFwVc6W4eiRj-nP9ixvnkyw964LZzB6iNE7Ktfag/s1600-h/PAA036000045.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 170px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 120px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426276135945711554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKJbV0fzN_ekqkrzEd5lJnEupomazR25YFNs2IwwyhQyAnq4z-AlmypA4wxb1zTLshSjWhZui2Ko962sh40YCfcrIsrLZjW6fHK5DJYFwVc6W4eiRj-nP9ixvnkyw964LZzB6iNE7Ktfag/s200/PAA036000045.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Everyone craves comfort food in the winter season--it's warm, filling and of course, comforting! One of our family's favorite comfort food meals is pot roast. Now, before I began to study more about the benefits of a whole, traditional foods diet for my family's health, I prepared my pot roast dinner much the same way as my mother...canned mushroom-beef soup for the gravy, threw the potatoes in with the roast, canned green beans on the side, etc... While there is no doubt that that method of preparation is easy and tastes (more or less) great, I felt it was definitely time to revamp this meal. Here's what I did:</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><strong>Pot Roast with Root Veggies</strong></div><br /><br /><br /><div>1 large beef roast, preferably grass-fed, well-marbled with fat, for making gravy from the drippings</div><br /><br /><div>Assorted root veggies, cut into large chunks and scattered around the roast. I used celery, carrots, onions and turnips with excellent results</div><br /><br /><div>Salt and Pepper to taste</div><br /><br /><div>Place roast in a large roasting pan; scatter root veggies around the roast. Season roast with salt and pepper. Add about 1 1/2 c. water; cover with aluminum foil and roast at 350 degrees for 2 hours, checking after 1 1/2 hours and adding additional water if necessary. Remove from oven; move roast and veggies to seperate serving dishes. Place roast drippings in a small saucepot; bring to a rapid boil, reduce heat and add a slurry of cornstarch/water to thicken into a nice gravy; pour over roast.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>To round out our pot roast meal, I serve steamed green beans seasoned with a bit of salt and butter, as well as garlic mashed potatoes with cream, butter and a bit of salt. I feel mashed potatoes are a healthier alternative to plain 'ol potatoes cooked with the roast, as I get to add butter and cream as well as a healthy dose of raw garlic, an added bonus during the winter cold/flue season due to it's antiviral properties. A meal that's both yummy and immune-boosting!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-83201946956618275962009-12-31T10:58:00.000-08:002009-12-31T11:09:06.339-08:00Happy New Years!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpcNNqHB0076i4ZcdLrdiPeL1Qt0tELwRTYGlbWsnWZHHhQZzuLIr9dCm8Ockgu7HX2frJV3oR5rgIssoP6MEpia_ccCuXc5EQU1IuroFjvfGZFYkEnOcLZ3aG-r4BI4ATgmTEptPmR2p/s1600-h/k0529090.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 126px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421479389987813794" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpcNNqHB0076i4ZcdLrdiPeL1Qt0tELwRTYGlbWsnWZHHhQZzuLIr9dCm8Ockgu7HX2frJV3oR5rgIssoP6MEpia_ccCuXc5EQU1IuroFjvfGZFYkEnOcLZ3aG-r4BI4ATgmTEptPmR2p/s200/k0529090.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Here's wishing a Happy New Year to all my readers and their families! Hope 2010 is filled with even more blessings than 2009! I will begin with a (very) slow return to blogging, and you will notice that my blog will have a bit of a new feel to it, as I focus my blog more towards nutriton and a whole-foods lifestyle, as that is my biggest passion. Hope you will enjoy the changes! </div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-89203687204484401622009-12-02T12:11:00.000-08:002009-12-02T12:54:36.924-08:00Family Update--December<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsvD-g5Qzrbz7GbaR39mMXSh_8kNZZ25l9-H3Zhq1silKOEy_ymY_BjyLBX0X9PgJYmo7EutO8sK3dl4PxtyW2PCVoueo1dDnqaMbVCg3-0YQan4SwEyjEzIDWCtb4h6utNvFeTd4xvEP/s1600-h/Picture+12.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410745122649714546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsvD-g5Qzrbz7GbaR39mMXSh_8kNZZ25l9-H3Zhq1silKOEy_ymY_BjyLBX0X9PgJYmo7EutO8sK3dl4PxtyW2PCVoueo1dDnqaMbVCg3-0YQan4SwEyjEzIDWCtb4h6utNvFeTd4xvEP/s200/Picture+12.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hi, everyone! I promise I will get back to regular blog posting soon--enjoying my babymoon for a few more weeks, especially with the holidays approaching!</div><br /><div>All is going so well for the Vega family right now--we are truly blessed! Ryan could not possibly be a better baby. He is sleeping for 3-4 hour stretches at a time, rarely fusses and has the most patient personality I've ever seen in a baby! He's growing like a weed, already 1/2 lb. over his birth weight! Unfortunately, I once again was unsuccessful with breastfeeding, but the important thing is that he eats well and is growing. We just love this new little addition to our family!</div><br /><div>Little Henry is a very confused big brother, not quite sure of his new role! He is quite angry that he is not recieving as much attention as he did before, and becomes especially miffed when mommy has to feed the baby! All of a sudden, he has lost the ability to hold his bottle. We are just trying to love on him as much as possible, as well as pray over him for patience and understanding. I feel confident that he will adjust soon. On a more positive note, Henry is quite amused with all of the Christmas lights around the town, and really enjoys listening to seasonal music. He and I are celebrating my birthday together this evening (daddy is working ) with a dinner of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes, broccoli/cauliflower medley and sweet corn, as well as my favorite dessert, chocolate Cheesecake Factory cheesecake--yum!</div><br /><div>Brett continues to excell in school, language arts and reading being his strongest subjects. We are really looking forward to his visit over the holiday break, as well as celebrating his birthday on the 23rd! He's very proud to be a big brother again.</div><br /><div>That's pretty much it from the homefront for this month! </div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-83902524845443866872009-11-25T12:36:00.000-08:002009-11-25T12:39:03.101-08:00Welcome, Ryan Clayton Vega!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dq1mJfmtk7UrlysbSIs5ZcD9ec5kmCCGVp9-BQvn_P1Caxz3vzCA0qyw2cFo24n2i6ilS17Utqx-AAY1mA1XyhPP3-Kth4LE3Uu_TGuTAJV45pRCdDgfacceNSM_dXmthPgQ8UhyphenhyphengRsZ/s1600/Picture+8.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408143521237732738" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3dq1mJfmtk7UrlysbSIs5ZcD9ec5kmCCGVp9-BQvn_P1Caxz3vzCA0qyw2cFo24n2i6ilS17Utqx-AAY1mA1XyhPP3-Kth4LE3Uu_TGuTAJV45pRCdDgfacceNSM_dXmthPgQ8UhyphenhyphengRsZ/s200/Picture+8.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Hi everyone! Just wanted to share the good news with you all--Ryan Clayton Vega was born Sunday, November 22 at 4:50 am, weighing in at 6 lbs. and 10 oz. He's doing well, as is our family as we settle in with a new baby. More details soon, and thanks for all your prayers!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-8348035080066401242009-11-20T09:32:00.000-08:002009-11-20T09:55:32.488-08:00Nourishing Menu Plan for Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEk8GqNpRbXOxhWQiqIzVQnVtSYNYhRX3bBhilMLNFRPtD1Kp3h-txCdCRUx75n1FcG-XbZ3njZdIHW1YqsKFGAdE98l_jvVsgaLQr1kITdHzDgeVDSku2vPjJbTipkgGcztafetly-K1/s1600/pr76371.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5406245949078495938" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEk8GqNpRbXOxhWQiqIzVQnVtSYNYhRX3bBhilMLNFRPtD1Kp3h-txCdCRUx75n1FcG-XbZ3njZdIHW1YqsKFGAdE98l_jvVsgaLQr1kITdHzDgeVDSku2vPjJbTipkgGcztafetly-K1/s200/pr76371.jpg" /></a><br /><div>After recently posting on the importance of a whole-foods diet for babies and children, I thought I would share with you a typical week in my 10-month-old son Henry's diet. There is certainly a LOT of conflicting information available on how a mother should go about feeding her baby...I find a traditional, whole-foods approach the best and would love to share with you how I implement this in my home:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Breakfasts</strong></div><br /><div>Eggs, scrambled in butter with a bit of cream and salt</div><br /><div>Soaked oatmeal with fruit, cinnamon, maple syrup, butter and cream</div><br /><div>Scrapple, a cornmeal mush that is fried in coconut oil and topped with maple syrup-yum!</div><br /><div>Waffles or pancakes, sometimes french toast, again with butter and maple syrup</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>These are typical breakfasts served in my home. I don't fix special breakfasts for the baby; he just eats what we eat in small pieces. I don't puree anything. Typical sides are potatoes fried in coconut oil w/onion and garlic, sausage, bacon, fresh fruits and toast.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Lunches</strong></div><br /><div>Chunks of cheese</div><br /><div>Fresh fruits</div><br /><div>Yogurt or smoothies</div><br /><div>Peanut butter or grilled cheese sandwiches</div><br /><div>Soup</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I keep lunches pretty simple for Henry, as he usually eats a large breakfast and is not very hungy at lunch time. He drinks fresh fruit juice, water or milk with his lunch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Dinner</strong></div><br /><div>Like breakfast, I do not prepare a seperate dinner for the baby, he just eats whatever we are having. Here are some of his favorites:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Avacado slices with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt</div><br /><div>Chilli and cornbread with honey butter (yes, I give him honey, and no, it's never been a problem)</div><br /><div>Spaghetti with meatballs</div><br /><div>Garlic mashed potatoes</div><br /><div>Garlic bread</div><br /><div>Acorn Squash with maple syrup and butter</div><br /><div>Soft beef, like roast or my braised short ribs</div><br /><div>Chicken livers with pan gravy</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>The list could go on and on! My little guy is definitely not picky. I do not shy away from giving him spices...for example, he loves chilli and it does have cayenne pepper in it. We just adjust the amount of spice for his tastes. He really loves the taste of fresh garlic and onion, as he has been eating it since he turned 6 months old. We also add plenty of fresh steamed/sauteed veggies and fresh fruit to his diet, as well as the occasional sweet treat (he loves cheesecake and tirimasu!) I also ensure that Henry gets plenty of good fats in his daily diet (olive oil, coconut oil, avacado,butter), and he takes a daily dose of Cod Liver Oil as well.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>This post is part of Fight Back Fridays at <a href="http://www.foodrenegade.com/">http://www.foodrenegade.com/</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-31233078743140362602009-11-19T12:05:00.000-08:002009-11-19T12:50:21.003-08:00Super-Simple Handmade Hand Soaps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGndPUmcmwHF9htwQ_m7GM5dqM13ZjKxA1ztb-WW0u6ruBlakvm61KHSAJwyMX3zgk4cF6GlaOaERmcasFaqCYEfrfxhdkOGJtQi6Iggbubf1ZGhh34YSJP8zcgE_CpoXrW6WxB67LXPg/s1600/k0322860.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 113px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 170px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405919896014014642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGndPUmcmwHF9htwQ_m7GM5dqM13ZjKxA1ztb-WW0u6ruBlakvm61KHSAJwyMX3zgk4cF6GlaOaERmcasFaqCYEfrfxhdkOGJtQi6Iggbubf1ZGhh34YSJP8zcgE_CpoXrW6WxB67LXPg/s200/k0322860.jpg" /></a><br /><div>This is my third contribution to "A Handmade Christmas" over at Abbi's blog, Proverbs 31 Living <a href="http://www.proverbs31living.blogspot.com/">http://www.proverbs31living.blogspot.com/</a>. Today I am sharing a very simple scented handsoap recipe. Besides the fact that it is so easy to make, I like this soap because it uses gentle, natural ingredients and is easily customized to suit the personality of the recipient--color or shape of the bottle, scent, etc...</div><br /><div>Here is a list of things you will need to make this soap:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>8 oz. soap dispensing bottle ( I have found some really nice ones at Bed Bath and Beyond)</div><br /><div>7 oz. liquid castile soap (I use Dr. Bronner's Baby Mild Formula, since it's not scented)</div><br /><div>4-5 drops essential oil of your choice, depending on how strong you want the scent</div><br /><div>decoratives of your choice--find them in craft stores. Examples are small plastic flowers, sports balls, snowflakes, etc... This is a great way to really personalize the soaps!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Fill soap dispensers with decoratives first; add soap and then the essential oils. Replace cap and shake well to mix. It's that easy!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Here are some ideas I have used in the past:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For my oldest son and nephew, both 5 years old: Tinted the soap blue with <strong>1 drop</strong> of blue food coloring (any more would probably make for blue hands!), added assorted sports balls mini-decoratives, and didn't add any scent.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For the guest bathroom: Made a Christmas soap to put out during the holidays using plastic snowflake mini-decoratives, a pinch of white glitter and cinnamon and vanilla essential oils.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>For my niece, 3 years old: Tinted water pink with a bit of red food coloring, added a pinch of gold glitter and heart-shaped mini-decoratives. Used a clear plastic soap dispenser and afixed a Barbie princess cling to the outside of the bottle. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I hope you will join me in having a handmade Christmas this year! Aren't these personalized gifts so much more fun to create? </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-84844260743014948282009-11-17T11:32:00.000-08:002009-11-17T14:04:14.432-08:00Real Food for Mom and Baby<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-TcIFhsGTcFHP9i1pr0KZI69EP_2n9OsG2jmOEhRVlQAAaaASnJICQczsj_szdrirXpYQOWvPPL7b_du6n25GHpxrp5DJkNwhoIxWgDHhluvFBmZbEq3HOHxPTmQVsUstV4cHDwroNPa/s1600/rfbm_cover.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 106px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 161px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405196774845792306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-TcIFhsGTcFHP9i1pr0KZI69EP_2n9OsG2jmOEhRVlQAAaaASnJICQczsj_szdrirXpYQOWvPPL7b_du6n25GHpxrp5DJkNwhoIxWgDHhluvFBmZbEq3HOHxPTmQVsUstV4cHDwroNPa/s200/rfbm_cover.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I have just finished up reading a great new book, <strong>Real Food for Mother and Baby</strong> by Nina Planck. This book explains the benefits of feeding our children a traditonal, whole-foods diet from the time of conception and on through adulthood. Unfortunately, many children today exist on poor diets full of processed, sugar-laden and nutrient-void foods. By the age of 1, many children have already eaten a Happy Meal and are even able to identify the "golden arches" as the symbol of McDonald's! </div><br /><div>So, what does the author suggest that children eat? Instead of that Happy Meal, how about a meal of scrambled egg with sea salt and avacado drizzled with olive oil? Your children like to snack on crackers? Replace them with good-quality cheese and fruit! The point is to replace all the over-processed, refined foods with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are as close to their natural state as possible, for example a piece of fresh fruit instead of sugar-laden fruit juices, or butter instead of man-made margarine. </div><br /><div>The author refutes several mainstream practices for feeding babies and children, including introducing meats/proteins as on of the first foods for baby, not pureeing foods for baby (let them try small bites of what you are eating), seasoning baby's food with salt and allowing so-called "no no" foods such as fish, shellfish, citrus and honey before baby's first birthday. </div><br /><div>She encourages moms to feed their babies lots of high-quality fats, meats, fruits and vegetables, cheeses and cultured dairy, organ meats (especially iron-rich liver!), even fish roe! She also reccomends raw milk rather than pasturized. </div><br /><div>The book also has sections on eating a whole-foods diet to increase fertillity, eating well during pregnancy and the importance of mom's diet while breastfeeding.</div><br /><div>This is pretty much how I am feeding Henry, and how I will feed the new baby as well. (Unfortunately, I wasn't so informed about the benefits of whole-foods nutrition when Brett was a baby!) I allow Henry to feed himself small pieces of meat, cheese, fruit, bread, etc... If he is eating something very messy or that requires utensils to eat, then I help him: for example, soup or mashed potatoes. I like that when he is self-feeding, he simply stops when he is full. A baby will often eat way more than they want or need when being spoon-fed, just opening their mouth automatically to accept the spoon! I have no reservations about feeding him a high-fat diet, because his developing brain and body need the fat, and I also know the fat he is consuming is high-quality (extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, butter, etc..) We don't use refined sugars, but instead sweeten with maple syrup, honey or rapadura. We try to avoid artificial flavorings and colorings. </div><br /><div>I will definitely be following the author's suggestions for the breastfeeding mom with my new baby! As a first-time nursing mom, I want to make sure that my little one recieves optimum nutrition from the start. </div><br /><div>I highly reccomend this book for any mom, be it her first baby or her fifth! </div><br /><div></div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1994865256398946720.post-38170131051700867242009-11-15T12:50:00.000-08:002009-11-15T13:00:30.675-08:00Mommy Mix<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YGSEi6bM1X8d_H2sBRgeV1QNhN5RkY-XTJRTaE9LVCTeOPtX6bkuFdkWRSpTCW88oAxeqBJIuf-tzd-e2hE5y3VMdDQ8IQ0v4KNr0TT0V1_olJIODLieF4XfjUnujs465qEaZzZ0SPBP/s1600-h/x12270862.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 170px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 133px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404438183246348258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2YGSEi6bM1X8d_H2sBRgeV1QNhN5RkY-XTJRTaE9LVCTeOPtX6bkuFdkWRSpTCW88oAxeqBJIuf-tzd-e2hE5y3VMdDQ8IQ0v4KNr0TT0V1_olJIODLieF4XfjUnujs465qEaZzZ0SPBP/s200/x12270862.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I just wanted to share with you the recipe I use for trail mix. I especially like to snack on this trail mix while pregnant and in the postpartum period, when the body desperately needs to replinish it's vitamins/mineral stores. I hope to be nursing this time, so I will be incorporating more healthy snacks into my diet due to increased calorie needs. I like this mix because it is high in healthy fats, has a bit of salt and sugar to increase electrolyte balance, is high in vitamins and minerals, and just plain tastes great! I hope you will enjoy it too:</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><strong>Mommy Mix</strong></div><br /><div>2 c. whole almonds</div><br /><div>1 c. dried cranberries</div><br /><div>1 c. raisins (high in iron, crucial for pregnant mamas and recovering mamas!)</div><br /><div>1/2 c. raw sunflower seeds(stay away from the roasted ones--use bad fats!)</div><br /><div>1 c. dark chocolate or carob chips</div><br /><div>dash of sea salt</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Mix all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Store in container of your choice. I usually store it in Mason jars, and have one ready to go in my bag for the hospital--makes for great post-labor snacking, especially if the cafeteria is closed!</div>alexishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15229606920101474433noreply@blogger.com3