Lloyd's first plane trip was when he was six weeks old to see my sister, Andrea, graduate from college.
Since then, he has been on probably half a dozen plane trips back and forth from California to Colorado to New Mexico to Nebraska to Alaska. And everywhere in between.
And you know what? Those early trips that I stressed and fretted about? They were easier.
Now that he is getting older, he doesn't nap through the entire thing. We have to worry about entertaining him.
We are traveling to California for a long weekend over the Fourth of July! We'll be staying at my family's cabin and I am SO looking forward to it. While there, we'll be hosting our annual family potluck barbecue at the cabin, which is coinciding with my Grandparent's 60th Wedding Anniversary party on the 4th! The next day, my sister, Julia, and I are throwing a bridal shower for my sister, Andrea. It's going to be lively.
Which brings me back around to traveling with toddlers.
This time, for the first time ever, we've had to buy a seat for Lloyd on the plane. We've hemmed and hawed over bringing his car seat on the plane (it is huge. And heavy). Whether we should buy one of these harnesses. In the end, we've decided to just buckle him in and entertain him and hope for the best.
His "new" toy that he gets to play with on the plane for the first time? Colored pencils. I picked up a handful of Koh-I-Noor woodless colored pencils at Arts and Minds last week along with a little pencil box for Lloyd. He's colored with crayons and markers, but never with pencils so it will be a new, fun experience (that hopefully lasts through two flights!) - plus, when the excitement of the pencils decreases, the fun begins as he can put them in and take them out of the pencil box over and over. Oh, the joys of being two and easily entertained.
Wish us luck!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Getting to know Omaha . . . a few new favorites
Hello Omaha! Nice to make your acquaintance!
I think I say some combination of these phrases several times a week! People here are very friendly and welcoming and it seems like I'm constantly telling "our" story!
It is exciting to be finding my way around my "new" city that I've visited at least ten times before we moved here! I'd always been the passenger, though, the visitor, so it has been fun to find my way around on my own. Looking for and exploring places that I wouldn't have had to find as a weekend visitor.
Like, children's haircuts for example. Tried out Family Fun Cutz today and it was a rousing success! Good service, good haircut, good price.
We didn't have an appointment though (I didn't decide to get Lloyd's hair cut until this morning) so we had to wait about twenty minutes before they could get us in. So, I browsed around the shopping center they were in and found a fantastic store,
I thought originally it was going to be just an art store, which I was excited about anyway (there's just something about browsing through art supply stores and book stores that I love. Call me weird, but there's always so much promise and hidden treasures to be found!) but when we walked in the door I was surprised to find art supplies (good quality art supplies, like Gamblin Oil Paints, which I've always used, as well as canvas available by the roll for making one's own canvases!), and educational supplies! They were full of some of my favorites, Melissa & Doug, along with books, workbooks and supplies for teachers and homeschoolers!
I only had a little time to browse, (more on that purchase later) but will be going back for sure!
And if my mother-in-law is reading this - Arts and Minds would be a great place for a gift certificate!
Finally, our last stop today was at my corner grocery store. Literally, it's nearly around the corner from our new house. Wohlner's Market. Fantastic. Fantastic meat department (you know, the kind with real butchers - and several of them!), good prices, great deli (they carry only Boar's Head, which is one of the few deli meat brands that do not use nitrates in the majority of their meats! Here's a list of their nitrate-free meats.) and good quality produce. Not everything is organic, but they have some. Not everything is free range, but they have some (and a great price at that! I got free-range, local Nebraska raised chickens for $1.59/lb on sale! I bought all they had - three whole chickens! We'll be barbecuing this weekend . . . ). They also had locally raised, free-range eggs alongside the "regular" factory farm eggs. At $3.49 a dozen (which is a FANTASTIC price compared to what I used to buy them for in California!). And they even carry some traditionally, naturally prepared, lacto-fermented products, from Bubbies, like sauerkraut and pickles! Plus a very decent wine and beer selection. And they carried my bags out to the car without being asked. Seriously, it's like my dream store. We're going to be regulars (not to mention that it is a neighborhood store and not affiliated with any big name stores. It feels good to help the local guy, especially when they provide better service and better quality items at a competitive price.) Wohlner's Market is my new BFF.
Oh, and can I put a plug in for my new favorite hardware store? It's true. They are the helpful, hardware folks. My new favorite place to browse, between buying paint and gardening supplies and lawn bags and live animal traps (seriously. More on that later) is Westlake Ace Hardware stores. I've frequented two different locations and they are great. So helpful. So nice. Taking my stuff out to the car. Competitive prices. And I don't have to walk a quarter mile to check out like in the big Home Depot's and Lowes stores. Cheers to Westlake Ace Hardware!
Regardless, if you are looking for art and educational supplies, a good grocery store or a place to mix your paint in Omaha, check out these places. They get the thumbs up from me.
From time to time I plan on writing up little recommendations of my favorite places in Omaha. From some good sushi or art supplies, or to a great antique store, I'll be sharing with you a little bit about the best of the city. I am not being assigned nor reimbursed in any way for these reviews, they very likely have no idea I'm doing it, who I am nor are they aware of that little spot on the internet named "Sarah's Musings." It's just me, wanting to share my favorites. Enjoy!
Yes, I've been here several times before, but only visiting. No, I'm not from here but my husband is.
No, we just moved from California. No, it hasn't been that much of a culture shock. Thank you, we're very happy to be here.
I think I say some combination of these phrases several times a week! People here are very friendly and welcoming and it seems like I'm constantly telling "our" story!
It is exciting to be finding my way around my "new" city that I've visited at least ten times before we moved here! I'd always been the passenger, though, the visitor, so it has been fun to find my way around on my own. Looking for and exploring places that I wouldn't have had to find as a weekend visitor.
Like, children's haircuts for example. Tried out Family Fun Cutz today and it was a rousing success! Good service, good haircut, good price.
We didn't have an appointment though (I didn't decide to get Lloyd's hair cut until this morning) so we had to wait about twenty minutes before they could get us in. So, I browsed around the shopping center they were in and found a fantastic store,
I thought originally it was going to be just an art store, which I was excited about anyway (there's just something about browsing through art supply stores and book stores that I love. Call me weird, but there's always so much promise and hidden treasures to be found!) but when we walked in the door I was surprised to find art supplies (good quality art supplies, like Gamblin Oil Paints, which I've always used, as well as canvas available by the roll for making one's own canvases!), and educational supplies! They were full of some of my favorites, Melissa & Doug, along with books, workbooks and supplies for teachers and homeschoolers!
I only had a little time to browse, (more on that purchase later) but will be going back for sure!
And if my mother-in-law is reading this - Arts and Minds would be a great place for a gift certificate!
Finally, our last stop today was at my corner grocery store. Literally, it's nearly around the corner from our new house. Wohlner's Market. Fantastic. Fantastic meat department (you know, the kind with real butchers - and several of them!), good prices, great deli (they carry only Boar's Head, which is one of the few deli meat brands that do not use nitrates in the majority of their meats! Here's a list of their nitrate-free meats.) and good quality produce. Not everything is organic, but they have some. Not everything is free range, but they have some (and a great price at that! I got free-range, local Nebraska raised chickens for $1.59/lb on sale! I bought all they had - three whole chickens! We'll be barbecuing this weekend . . . ). They also had locally raised, free-range eggs alongside the "regular" factory farm eggs. At $3.49 a dozen (which is a FANTASTIC price compared to what I used to buy them for in California!). And they even carry some traditionally, naturally prepared, lacto-fermented products, from Bubbies, like sauerkraut and pickles! Plus a very decent wine and beer selection. And they carried my bags out to the car without being asked. Seriously, it's like my dream store. We're going to be regulars (not to mention that it is a neighborhood store and not affiliated with any big name stores. It feels good to help the local guy, especially when they provide better service and better quality items at a competitive price.) Wohlner's Market is my new BFF.
Oh, and can I put a plug in for my new favorite hardware store? It's true. They are the helpful, hardware folks. My new favorite place to browse, between buying paint and gardening supplies and lawn bags and live animal traps (seriously. More on that later) is Westlake Ace Hardware stores. I've frequented two different locations and they are great. So helpful. So nice. Taking my stuff out to the car. Competitive prices. And I don't have to walk a quarter mile to check out like in the big Home Depot's and Lowes stores. Cheers to Westlake Ace Hardware!
Though, now that I think about it, maybe it is just poor, distressing me that makes people want to help me bring my purchases out to my car. There I am, toting a ginormous diaper bag filled with burp rags and nursing covers and goldfish and two sizes of diapers and three pacifiers not to mention, you know, a wallet to carry things to pay for said purchases with, a nearly newborn baby in a sling in the front and a two year old with abnormally long legs sitting in the cart. As they see me hungrily eyeing the Snickers in the checkout while being weighed down with forty pounds of baby and stuff, they probably feel sorry for me and ask to help me out as their good deed of the day.
Though then again, maybe not.
Though then again, maybe not.
Regardless, if you are looking for art and educational supplies, a good grocery store or a place to mix your paint in Omaha, check out these places. They get the thumbs up from me.
From time to time I plan on writing up little recommendations of my favorite places in Omaha. From some good sushi or art supplies, or to a great antique store, I'll be sharing with you a little bit about the best of the city. I am not being assigned nor reimbursed in any way for these reviews, they very likely have no idea I'm doing it, who I am nor are they aware of that little spot on the internet named "Sarah's Musings." It's just me, wanting to share my favorites. Enjoy!
Sneaky Mama Oatmeal
Sneaky Mama has been caught!
Lloyd hasn't been too keen on eating scrambled eggs for breakfast lately, but will wolf down pancakes (which are only an every other weekend sort of thing for us) or oatmeal or bacon (but only bacon. Not the eggs it is served with.) So, in the hopes that he will eat more than four bites of the breakfast that I sit in front of him (and not asking for snacks half an hour after breakfast has been completed) I've become sneaky.
I've been adding an egg to his oatmeal.
I cook old-fashioned oatmeal for him on the stove. It really only takes about five minutes and I like it so much more than the quick or microwaved variety because it is healthier for him, less processed, plus the texture is better.
So anyway, right before the oatmeal is almost done cooking, when it has almost absorbed all the water, I crack an egg in it and stir quickly - stir, stir, stir - until the egg is mixed in thoroughly with the oatmeal and is barely discernible to the trained eye. (I also normally cook oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon, so that helps). The egg does change the consistency of the oatmeal just a teensy bit, it is a bit stickier, but so far, he's wolfed it down as before.
Today, he saw me add the egg.
As my hungry two year old stood in the kitchen, spoon in hand (literally), excitedly watching me stir his oatmeal while rocking his baby brother in my arms, I tried to get his attention elsewhere. It didn't work. He saw me crack that egg in his oatmeal.
The outrage! No egg mama! No egg! As he fervently made the sign for cereal. It was distressing.
But lo and behold! When I spooned out the contents of the pan into his waiting bowl, did we have the scrambled eggs the rogue egg would suggest? Oh no! We had oatmeal. Just like he wanted.
And he ate the whole bowl. It was just right.
Lloyd hasn't been too keen on eating scrambled eggs for breakfast lately, but will wolf down pancakes (which are only an every other weekend sort of thing for us) or oatmeal or bacon (but only bacon. Not the eggs it is served with.) So, in the hopes that he will eat more than four bites of the breakfast that I sit in front of him (and not asking for snacks half an hour after breakfast has been completed) I've become sneaky.
I've been adding an egg to his oatmeal.
I cook old-fashioned oatmeal for him on the stove. It really only takes about five minutes and I like it so much more than the quick or microwaved variety because it is healthier for him, less processed, plus the texture is better.
So anyway, right before the oatmeal is almost done cooking, when it has almost absorbed all the water, I crack an egg in it and stir quickly - stir, stir, stir - until the egg is mixed in thoroughly with the oatmeal and is barely discernible to the trained eye. (I also normally cook oatmeal with raisins and cinnamon, so that helps). The egg does change the consistency of the oatmeal just a teensy bit, it is a bit stickier, but so far, he's wolfed it down as before.
Today, he saw me add the egg.
As my hungry two year old stood in the kitchen, spoon in hand (literally), excitedly watching me stir his oatmeal while rocking his baby brother in my arms, I tried to get his attention elsewhere. It didn't work. He saw me crack that egg in his oatmeal.
The outrage! No egg mama! No egg! As he fervently made the sign for cereal. It was distressing.
But lo and behold! When I spooned out the contents of the pan into his waiting bowl, did we have the scrambled eggs the rogue egg would suggest? Oh no! We had oatmeal. Just like he wanted.
And he ate the whole bowl. It was just right.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A random rant as I continue to unpack.
Why do all my favorite magazines cease publication?
Wondertime? Gone.
Cottage Living? Gone.
Domino Magazine? Gone.
It seems like as soon as I find a magazine that I really, really love, the kind that makes you want to save the entire issue, rather than just tear out an article, the kind that you seek out and save for airplane trips, the kind that you find yourself reading again and again simply because you keep finding inspiration in it, they discontinue it.
Just a little rant. As I try to check things off my list (like, oh, say, change my subscription address for Wondertime - I was wondering why I suddenly got a "Family Fun" in my mailbox. So not the same.) in the process of moving.
Happy Thursday all!
Wondertime? Gone.
Cottage Living? Gone.
Domino Magazine? Gone.
It seems like as soon as I find a magazine that I really, really love, the kind that makes you want to save the entire issue, rather than just tear out an article, the kind that you seek out and save for airplane trips, the kind that you find yourself reading again and again simply because you keep finding inspiration in it, they discontinue it.
Just a little rant. As I try to check things off my list (like, oh, say, change my subscription address for Wondertime - I was wondering why I suddenly got a "Family Fun" in my mailbox. So not the same.) in the process of moving.
Happy Thursday all!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Prayer Request
Please keep my sister, Andrea, in your prayers today. She is having some medical problems today and is scared and upset. We are trying to get her in to a doctor's office for an appointment. Please pray that we can get an appointment quickly and that everything is okay. Please pray for peace in her heart.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Daybook
For Today, June 23, 2009
Outside my Window... it is 7:00am and 80 degrees out. Going to be sunny and ridiculously hot and humid. Again. "Sultry" is what the weatherman said this morning. Upper 90s with equal percentages of humidity. I am indoors where it is air conditioned.
I am thinking... about all the unpacking I have to do today.
From the school room...The schoolroom is in a box. It will be unpacked sometime within the next week.
I am thankful... for my big, comfortable bed! It is so nice to be able to sleep in one's own bed with one's own sheets and pillows after four months away! Not that I haven't been sleeping in nice beds, but it wasn't MY bed.
From the kitchen... thinking sourdough pizza tonight. I've been making this dough for seriously about a week. Suspended animation. Maybe it'll be nearly carbless and full of protein like this guy's sourdough by now. We'll see!
After that. Grain free for a while. Just wanted to finish up the dough that has been patiently waiting for me.
I am creating... a home.
I am wearing... Pyjamas. Typing this before the boys wake up.
I am reading... the new issue of Country Living. I picked it up because of the cover picture. I want to begin reading again Confessions of an Organized Homemaker, which I just found in a box! I'm inspired!
I am hearing. . . Quiet. The Today show in the background.
Around the house... we are surrounded by boxes. I've unpacked most of the kitchen (still missing my Cuisinart, red cast iron pot and cast iron skillet somewhere.) and the bathroom basics. Tried out the washer and dryer yesterday. They work! Going to be working on putting clothes in drawers today and going through boxes in our office.
One of my favorite things... is having the internet up and running in my house again!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Un-Packing! Hoping to plant my garden this weekend! We brought over the herbs last night and hoping to plant some heirloom tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, salad greens and kale and some winter squash (acorn and spaghetti). If I plant anything else, it'll just be a miracle! Bought some new gardening gloves for the occasion.
Outside my Window... it is 7:00am and 80 degrees out. Going to be sunny and ridiculously hot and humid. Again. "Sultry" is what the weatherman said this morning. Upper 90s with equal percentages of humidity. I am indoors where it is air conditioned.
I am thinking... about all the unpacking I have to do today.
From the school room...The schoolroom is in a box. It will be unpacked sometime within the next week.
I am thankful... for my big, comfortable bed! It is so nice to be able to sleep in one's own bed with one's own sheets and pillows after four months away! Not that I haven't been sleeping in nice beds, but it wasn't MY bed.
From the kitchen... thinking sourdough pizza tonight. I've been making this dough for seriously about a week. Suspended animation. Maybe it'll be nearly carbless and full of protein like this guy's sourdough by now. We'll see!
After that. Grain free for a while. Just wanted to finish up the dough that has been patiently waiting for me.
I am creating... a home.
I am wearing... Pyjamas. Typing this before the boys wake up.
I am reading... the new issue of Country Living. I picked it up because of the cover picture. I want to begin reading again Confessions of an Organized Homemaker, which I just found in a box! I'm inspired!
I am hearing. . . Quiet. The Today show in the background.
Around the house... we are surrounded by boxes. I've unpacked most of the kitchen (still missing my Cuisinart, red cast iron pot and cast iron skillet somewhere.) and the bathroom basics. Tried out the washer and dryer yesterday. They work! Going to be working on putting clothes in drawers today and going through boxes in our office.
One of my favorite things... is having the internet up and running in my house again!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Have a great day!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Daybook
For Today, June 18, 2009
Outside my Window... it is sunny and ridiculously hot and humid. I am indoors where it is air conditioned. My herbs, however, are loving the weather and are growing like crazy and I need to start using them more often!
I am thinking... about what color to paint our bedroom. Buying paint this afternoon. Thinking we're going to go with Benjamin Moore Crystal Blue (seen in this nursery here) but also like Katie's bedroom with Benjamin Moore's Woodlawn Blue. Here are two inspiration pictures - this one I liked, because the dark bedroom furniture is similar to ours, but it was too dark a blue for me, and, well, this whole house I love, but specifically the fourth picture down. Loving the light, almost Robin's egg blue with white AND red accents.). Alright. I think it is going to be Crystal Blue for me.
From the school room...I am excited to again have all of our stuff out and available soon after being packed up for four months! In the meantime, as we've been crazy busy during the days and evenings unpacking and painting, with pure exhaustion setting in in between, we've discovered a new love. "Yo Gabba Gabba" on Noggin. I've recorded several episodes via DVR and it is a lifesaver. My little guy asks for "Dabba, Dabba?" So cute. Thinking he might have to go as DJ Lance Rock for Halloween.
We did make a batch of no-cook playdough this morning though, scented with cinnamon. A fun, quick and easy way to keep him occupied while I'm in the kitchen.
I am thankful... for my husband who found out about, and bought, a used Pottery Barn bed, mattress and box springs from one of his co-workers . . . for only $100! She only used it in a guest bedroom so it is nearly new. This will be perfect for Lloyd's new room! It is a double, so a bit bigger than I had planned, but it will be cute to see such a little guy in a big bed.
And yes, it has been confirmed, and was a decision-making factor in the purchase of said bed, that one can find "Cars" sheets for double beds. We can stop holding our breath now.
From the kitchen... not much as we've been spending most evenings at our new house prepping and painting before we (hopefully) move in for real this weekend. I've started a list, though, for what we need to restock and am finding some interesting things in our "pantry" moving boxes.
I am creating... lists. Lists for Costco, Ace Hardware, Target, a health food store. Lists of things we need to do and addresses we need to change. Lists for the landlord on some items that need to be replaced/repaired. Lists are coming out of my ears.
I am wearing... A chocolate brown sundress. Turquoise dangly earrings. Bare feet. Curly hair.
I am reading... I started 100 Years of Solitude again this past week (this would be probably the fourth time I've read it; I pick it up every other year or so) but haven't picked it up since we began moving again. I added a few new "shared" links in the right column recently - loving those top three or four. . .
I am hearing. . . Quiet. Lloyd is napping downstairs while Luke is napping in my arms (please forgive any and all spelling or grammatical mistakes; I am typing quickly and one-handed.)
Around the house... we are preparing to move this next weekend! Picked up some basics this weekend that we'll need immediately (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.) and we are busy re-packing and condensing everything that we've brought in and unpacked at his parents'.
One of my favorite things...is iced coffee. Hot weather. New baby. Two year old. Moving.
Iced Coffee. Please.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Outside my Window... it is sunny and ridiculously hot and humid. I am indoors where it is air conditioned. My herbs, however, are loving the weather and are growing like crazy and I need to start using them more often!
I am thinking... about what color to paint our bedroom. Buying paint this afternoon. Thinking we're going to go with Benjamin Moore Crystal Blue (seen in this nursery here) but also like Katie's bedroom with Benjamin Moore's Woodlawn Blue. Here are two inspiration pictures - this one I liked, because the dark bedroom furniture is similar to ours, but it was too dark a blue for me, and, well, this whole house I love, but specifically the fourth picture down. Loving the light, almost Robin's egg blue with white AND red accents.). Alright. I think it is going to be Crystal Blue for me.
From the school room...I am excited to again have all of our stuff out and available soon after being packed up for four months! In the meantime, as we've been crazy busy during the days and evenings unpacking and painting, with pure exhaustion setting in in between, we've discovered a new love. "Yo Gabba Gabba" on Noggin. I've recorded several episodes via DVR and it is a lifesaver. My little guy asks for "Dabba, Dabba?" So cute. Thinking he might have to go as DJ Lance Rock for Halloween.
We did make a batch of no-cook playdough this morning though, scented with cinnamon. A fun, quick and easy way to keep him occupied while I'm in the kitchen.
I am thankful... for my husband who found out about, and bought, a used Pottery Barn bed, mattress and box springs from one of his co-workers . . . for only $100! She only used it in a guest bedroom so it is nearly new. This will be perfect for Lloyd's new room! It is a double, so a bit bigger than I had planned, but it will be cute to see such a little guy in a big bed.
And yes, it has been confirmed, and was a decision-making factor in the purchase of said bed, that one can find "Cars" sheets for double beds. We can stop holding our breath now.
From the kitchen... not much as we've been spending most evenings at our new house prepping and painting before we (hopefully) move in for real this weekend. I've started a list, though, for what we need to restock and am finding some interesting things in our "pantry" moving boxes.
I am creating... lists. Lists for Costco, Ace Hardware, Target, a health food store. Lists of things we need to do and addresses we need to change. Lists for the landlord on some items that need to be replaced/repaired. Lists are coming out of my ears.
I am wearing... A chocolate brown sundress. Turquoise dangly earrings. Bare feet. Curly hair.
I am reading... I started 100 Years of Solitude again this past week (this would be probably the fourth time I've read it; I pick it up every other year or so) but haven't picked it up since we began moving again. I added a few new "shared" links in the right column recently - loving those top three or four. . .
I am hearing. . . Quiet. Lloyd is napping downstairs while Luke is napping in my arms (please forgive any and all spelling or grammatical mistakes; I am typing quickly and one-handed.)
Around the house... we are preparing to move this next weekend! Picked up some basics this weekend that we'll need immediately (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.) and we are busy re-packing and condensing everything that we've brought in and unpacked at his parents'.
One of my favorite things...is iced coffee. Hot weather. New baby. Two year old. Moving.
Iced Coffee. Please.
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself. Especially this week as it has been a hectic move. (Or, more realistically, hectic dealing with the manager assigned by our landlord (who is elderly) to get some things done that need to be done and should have been done before we moved in. We keep telling ourselves that it will be perfect and beautiful, once we get done with all this work. Please pray for peace and patience for me and T!)
- Packing!
- Painting!
- Moving!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Honey Sweetened Strawberry Freezer Preserves
This is part two of the Strawberry Preserves Posts! I made one batch of this "Freezer" jam and loved it! I'm planning on making another batch of this as soon as I get my hands on some more strawberries! Though you can get a "no-cook" pectin for freezer jam, unfortunately it requires sugar. Since I wanted to make mine fruit-juice and/or honey sweetened, I used the no-sugar pectin. It technically requires a little cooking, the juice is cooked with the pectin, but the fruit is not cooked so I'd still consider it a "no-cook" variety as it maintains the fresh flavors of fresh, uncooked fruit.
This preserve is made with fresh strawberries, and sweetened with local, raw honey and fruit juice. I'm happy serving this to my son, whether mixed in with plain yogurt, served over vanilla ice cream or in the ubiquitous PBJ. I'm also thinking it might be a nice glaze for chicken or pork. Yum!makes 6 to 8 half-pints of preserves
- 4 cups of prepared fruit (I started with roughly 8 cups of sliced fruit and smashed it down with a potato masher for two to three minutes until I got 4 cups)
- 1-3/4 cup of 100% juice (I used Kiwi Strawberry but white grape or apple also work well)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 package of "No Sugar Needed" Fruit Pectin (I used the Ball brand but there are several out there*)
Prior to cooking, prepare for making preserves, by sanitizing your jars, rings and equipment (ladle and funnel, specifically) - I just used my sanitizing option on my dishwasher. Also place your lids in a pot of simmering water - make sure that it does not boil as this will affect it's sealing properties. I used the advice on this site.In a large saucepan, combine juice and pectin until thoroughly combined. Heat to a boil, stirring frequently. Once at a boil, boil for one minute, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and add fruit, stirring constantly for one minute, before adding honey. Stir to combine. Ladle into prepared jars, sitting on a dish towel (that you don't mind staining. You will drip.). Place lid on immediately and press around the edge with your fingers. Place ring on and tighten until fingertip tight (it's on securely, but not tightened REALLY tight).
Make sure that you use freezer-safe glass jars and leave 1/2-inch headspace on the top to allow for expansion. They do make and sell plastic "freezer jam" containers, but as we are trying to limit the plastics in our house, we chose to go with glass.
Allow to cool and refrigerate overnight, then transition to the freezer. Store in the freezer for up to eighteen months. Once defrosted and opened, use within three weeks. Keep refrigerated.
Oh, and by the way, using local, fresh strawberries and local, raw honey, these averaged out to $1.25/half-pint, not including the cost of the jars (which we did buy new and will recycle for next year's batch!) and $2.05/half-pint with the cost of the jars included. This is at least half the cost of the jarred variety in the store! One nap time's worth of work (I made two batches of this recipe and one batch of freezer jam, recipe to come) and I have a year's worth of better-quality preserves for half the price!
Enjoy!
This post is written in conjunction with Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday and the Clean your Plate Challenge at Nourished Kitchen. Please go visit the other participants!
*Check your pectin insert directions to see if there are any cooking time changes for best results.
*Check your pectin insert directions to see if there are any cooking time changes for best results.
Honey Sweetened Strawberry Preserves
I have a two year old. As much as I strive to feed him from every food group and in all manners of cuisines, allowing him and encouraging him to eat things that most two year olds don't eat, lunch comes around every day. And often, he gets a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.But not just your run of the mill PBJ. It is an as nourishing as you can get PBJ. Whole Wheat Sourdough Bread. Fresh Ground Organic Peanut Butter with one ingredient. And an All Fruit Preserve. I've been seeking out the all fruit preserves, sweetened with fruit juice and sans HFCS for the little guy, and he loves them! Unfortunately, however, those little bitty jars of preserve go fast. And boy are they expensive!
So what did I do? I decided to make my own. And those expensive store-bought preserves? They don't even compare.
This preserve is made with fresh strawberries, and sweetened with local, raw honey and fruit juice. I'm happy serving this to my son, whether mixed in with plain yogurt, served over vanilla ice cream or in the ubiquitous PBJ. I'm also thinking it might be a nice glaze for chicken or pork. Yum!makes 6 to 8 half-pints of preserves
- 4 cups of prepared fruit (I started with roughly 8 cups of sliced fruit and smashed it down with a potato masher for two to three minutes until I got 4 cups)
- 1 cup of 100% juice (I used Kiwi Strawberry but white grape or apple also work well)
- 3/4 cup honey
- 1 package of "No Sugar Needed" Fruit Pectin (I used the Ball brand but there are several out there*)
Prior to cooking, prepare for making preserves, by sanitizing your jars, rings and equipment (ladle and funnel, specifically) - I just used my sanitizing option on my dishwasher. Also place your lids in a pot of simmering water - make sure that it does not boil as this will affect it's sealing properties. I used the advice on this site.In a large saucepan, combine juice and fruit and, over medium heat, stir in pectin until combined. Heat to a boil, stirring frequently. Once at a boil, add honey and bring back up to a rolling, hard boil. Boil for three minutes, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and skim foam from the top with a large spoon onto a waiting plate. Ladle into prepared jars, sitting on a dish towel (that you don't mind staining. You will drip.). Place lid on immediately and press around the edge with your fingers. Place ring on and tighten until fingertip tight (it's on securely, but not tightened REALLY tight).
Now, some people recommend cooking them further in a waterbath. You can if you want. But, I don't have a canning pot or pot large enough to do this kind of waterbath (yet) and so I instead did what my mom, and my aunts and my grandma have always done when making fruit jam. . . .I immediately inverted the sealed, ringed jars on the towel (you'll want a hot pad to do this. The jars are hot!) I continued to fill and invert the jars until they were all full. At that time I set a timer for five minutes and, when it dinged, I turned the jars back over upright and set them on the towel.
Pretty soon you'll start hearing a "pop" sound every once in a while as the lids seal themselves from the heat of the contents. Don't disturb the jars for 12 to 24 hours. After that time, check the seals and, if any haven't sealed, simply put it in your fridge to enjoy first!
I made one batch of this with strawberries (the jar on the right, above), and one batch with a mixture of 3 cups fresh strawberries and 1 cup frozen blueberries (the jar on the left!). The honey flavor is light, the fruit flavor is strong and it is lightly sweetened. Perfect with an English muffin for breakfast . . . yum!
Oh, and by the way, using local, fresh strawberries and local, raw honey, these averaged out to $1.25/half-pint, not including the cost of the jars (which we did buy new and will recycle for next year's batch!) and $2.05/half-pint with the cost of the jars included. This is at least half the cost of the jarred variety in the store! One nap time's worth of work (I made two batches of this recipe and one batch of freezer jam) and I have a year's worth of better-quality preserves for half the price!
Enjoy within Eighteen Months!
This post is written in conjunction with Food Renegade's Fight Back Friday and the Clean your Plate Challenge at Nourished Kitchen. Please go visit the other participants!
*Check your pectin insert directions to see if there are any cooking time changes for best results.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Yummy, Nummy Meatloaf
Does the world need another recipe for meatloaf? Probably not. But the thing is, I like my recipe better than any other, and this is my blog, so here it is!
I've experimented with all kinds of meatloaf recipes. The basic recipes, which were too blah, the epicurean recipes full of various sausages and strange herbs (I'm talking to you, Mario Batali) - they just didn't give enough true, old-fashioned meatloaf vibe, and finally, through trial and error, developed the one below. Makes enough for family dinner with a piece or two leftover for a meatloaf sandwich tomorrow (cold, with mayonnaise, thank you), enough "adult " flavors to please a discriminating palate while still being traditional enough to give the warm cozies with each bite.
And . . . . about those bites. Everyone knows the best meatloaf slice is the outside ones because they have the most "crust." Well, see below how I bake mine and every slice will be the best slice. Enjoy!
For the loaf
For the sauce
Before we get our hands messy (yes, your hands will be messy. You might want to take off your rings), we need to prepare the pan. First, take a rimmed cookie sheet and line it with foil. Next, take a cooling rack and place it on the foil-lined sheet**. There, you're done.
Now, in a large bowl add all loaf ingredients, meat first and, with your fingers, knead together for a few minutes until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. In the bowl, start compacting it into a log shape. Transfer to the rack on the pan. You can "help" the form along once it is on the rack, but make sure that you don't press too firmly downward as you don't want to bake the rack into the loaf. You want the loaf on the rack, not the rack in the loaf. Does this make sense?
Now, stick it in your fridge for at least thirty minutes prior to baking. Doesn't matter if you cover it (it won't really dry out for the short amount of time it is in the fridge.) This will help set the form and it won't fall apart during baking.
Preheat oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mug, combine sauce ingredients. When ready to bake, brush the outside of the loaf with about one third of the mixture.
Place loaf in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about one hour, until done, re-basting the loaf at the twenty and forty minute marks with the remainder of the sauce.
Allow to briefly cool before removing loaf, carefully, to a cutting board. Slice with a serrated knife in about half-inch slices and serve. This is great with twice-baked cauliflower, sauteed spinach or good old sour cream mashed potatoes.
*I didn't have prepared breadcrumbs today. So instead, I simply toasted two or three slices of bread, allowed them to cool and then ground them up in the food processor. Easy peasy.
**The foil-lined cookie sheet is important as the sauce will drip down and burn your pan (from the sugars in the ketchup) if left uncovered. Trust me on this one, I've ruined a pan because of this. Plus it makes cleanup much simpler!
I've experimented with all kinds of meatloaf recipes. The basic recipes, which were too blah, the epicurean recipes full of various sausages and strange herbs (I'm talking to you, Mario Batali) - they just didn't give enough true, old-fashioned meatloaf vibe, and finally, through trial and error, developed the one below. Makes enough for family dinner with a piece or two leftover for a meatloaf sandwich tomorrow (cold, with mayonnaise, thank you), enough "adult " flavors to please a discriminating palate while still being traditional enough to give the warm cozies with each bite.
And . . . . about those bites. Everyone knows the best meatloaf slice is the outside ones because they have the most "crust." Well, see below how I bake mine and every slice will be the best slice. Enjoy!
Yummy, Nummy Meatloaf
as named by my son, Lloyd, who is two
as named by my son, Lloyd, who is two
For the loaf
- 3 pounds of ground meat (either the traditional "meatloaf mix" or simply ground beef works great)
- 2 eggs
- 2 Tablespoons Montreal Steak Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon dried, diced onion
- 1 Tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried parsley
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- breadcrumbs* (enough to bind the mixture together - start with 1/4 cup and add from there, or to make it low-carb, add a bit more cheese)
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- Several hearty dashes of Worcestershire sauce
- 1 capful of liquid smoke
For the sauce
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/2 cup red wine
- a few dashes of Worcestershire sauce
Before we get our hands messy (yes, your hands will be messy. You might want to take off your rings), we need to prepare the pan. First, take a rimmed cookie sheet and line it with foil. Next, take a cooling rack and place it on the foil-lined sheet**. There, you're done.
Now, in a large bowl add all loaf ingredients, meat first and, with your fingers, knead together for a few minutes until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. In the bowl, start compacting it into a log shape. Transfer to the rack on the pan. You can "help" the form along once it is on the rack, but make sure that you don't press too firmly downward as you don't want to bake the rack into the loaf. You want the loaf on the rack, not the rack in the loaf. Does this make sense?
Now, stick it in your fridge for at least thirty minutes prior to baking. Doesn't matter if you cover it (it won't really dry out for the short amount of time it is in the fridge.) This will help set the form and it won't fall apart during baking.
Preheat oven to 400 Degrees Fahrenheit.
In a mug, combine sauce ingredients. When ready to bake, brush the outside of the loaf with about one third of the mixture.
Place loaf in the center of the preheated oven and bake for about one hour, until done, re-basting the loaf at the twenty and forty minute marks with the remainder of the sauce.
Allow to briefly cool before removing loaf, carefully, to a cutting board. Slice with a serrated knife in about half-inch slices and serve. This is great with twice-baked cauliflower, sauteed spinach or good old sour cream mashed potatoes.
Enjoy!
*I didn't have prepared breadcrumbs today. So instead, I simply toasted two or three slices of bread, allowed them to cool and then ground them up in the food processor. Easy peasy.
**The foil-lined cookie sheet is important as the sauce will drip down and burn your pan (from the sugars in the ketchup) if left uncovered. Trust me on this one, I've ruined a pan because of this. Plus it makes cleanup much simpler!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Daybook
For Today, June 8, 2009
Outside my Window... it is grey, windy and muggy. My hair is super curly in this weather - no point in straightening it, or even drying it right now. I'm in search for some kind of hair product that keeps curls curly and soft, not crunchy, but tames it away from frizz. Any suggestions?
I am thinking... about Lloyd's big boy bed. Again. I am re-researching and trying to figure out the best options for our health and budget. I'm loving these futons as they are naturally fire resistant and made with wool and cotton with no other chemicals nor off-gassing. I also like that they are thicker, like a regular mattress. Has anyone else used a futon in place of a regular mattress for their little ones?
I've also found the perfect bed - iron - for him and am thinking about sewing a duvet cover for him when we get in the new place. I'm loving this cover and this one, but not the price tag!, so will be using them as inspiration - am loving the colors in this fabric too . . .
From the school room...I picked up a set of (plastic, toy) tools at the garage sale on Friday for $3 and Lloyd has been excitedly "fixing" everything in sight. I think we're going to have a quiet week at home, so we'll be working on spending some good quality time together.
I am thankful... for thoughtful readers who share their time, resources and insight with me! What a lovely community! Thank You!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Thinking about making up a batch of chicken tortilla soup for tonight's supper. Also, I picked up this book at the garage sale on Friday - for fifty cents!! I'm looking forward to reading it and getting some ideas!
I am creating... a new Google Reader list. Paring down, again. Making a conscious decision to limit my internet time to positive things, so am getting rid of some of the more political bloggers who post four times a day, and reducing in other areas as well. If I don't star or share from them relatively regularly, they're gone. Of course, there are a few additions as well.
I am wearing... Jeans, pink shirt, pearl earrings and bare feet . . . we are taking it easy today.
I am reading... I finished Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut last week - it was a great book (he writes for an educated audience, but it flows so well it seems like an easy read, even with difficult content.) And I read and completed Olive Kitteridge as well (such a good book! Well worth the Pulitzer. You loved Olive, then she annoyed you, you thought she was pushy, then are stunned by her raw emotion to a stranger. Go! Read it!) It felt so good to be reading real books again.
I am hearing. . . Rachael Ray starting in the other room and my little guy's spoon clinking in his bowl as he eats breakfast. And his "uh-oh's" about every ninety seconds as he drops a bit of it here and there.
Around the house... we are preparing to move this next weekend! Picked up some basics this weekend that we'll need immediately (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.) and we are busy re-packing and condensing everything that we've brought in and unpacked at his parents'.
One of my favorite things... is my husband. He so tirelessly gives to his family, even if it is simply offering to get me a glass of cold water when I'm nursing Luke. Without fail he thinks of our needs and thoughtfully, joyfully gives his time and energy to us. Thank you T! I love you mucho and appreciate you more than I can express!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Outside my Window... it is grey, windy and muggy. My hair is super curly in this weather - no point in straightening it, or even drying it right now. I'm in search for some kind of hair product that keeps curls curly and soft, not crunchy, but tames it away from frizz. Any suggestions?
I am thinking... about Lloyd's big boy bed. Again. I am re-researching and trying to figure out the best options for our health and budget. I'm loving these futons as they are naturally fire resistant and made with wool and cotton with no other chemicals nor off-gassing. I also like that they are thicker, like a regular mattress. Has anyone else used a futon in place of a regular mattress for their little ones?
I've also found the perfect bed - iron - for him and am thinking about sewing a duvet cover for him when we get in the new place. I'm loving this cover and this one, but not the price tag!, so will be using them as inspiration - am loving the colors in this fabric too . . .
From the school room...I picked up a set of (plastic, toy) tools at the garage sale on Friday for $3 and Lloyd has been excitedly "fixing" everything in sight. I think we're going to have a quiet week at home, so we'll be working on spending some good quality time together.
I am thankful... for thoughtful readers who share their time, resources and insight with me! What a lovely community! Thank You!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Thinking about making up a batch of chicken tortilla soup for tonight's supper. Also, I picked up this book at the garage sale on Friday - for fifty cents!! I'm looking forward to reading it and getting some ideas!
I am creating... a new Google Reader list. Paring down, again. Making a conscious decision to limit my internet time to positive things, so am getting rid of some of the more political bloggers who post four times a day, and reducing in other areas as well. If I don't star or share from them relatively regularly, they're gone. Of course, there are a few additions as well.
I am wearing... Jeans, pink shirt, pearl earrings and bare feet . . . we are taking it easy today.
I am reading... I finished Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut last week - it was a great book (he writes for an educated audience, but it flows so well it seems like an easy read, even with difficult content.) And I read and completed Olive Kitteridge as well (such a good book! Well worth the Pulitzer. You loved Olive, then she annoyed you, you thought she was pushy, then are stunned by her raw emotion to a stranger. Go! Read it!) It felt so good to be reading real books again.
I am hearing. . . Rachael Ray starting in the other room and my little guy's spoon clinking in his bowl as he eats breakfast. And his "uh-oh's" about every ninety seconds as he drops a bit of it here and there.
Around the house... we are preparing to move this next weekend! Picked up some basics this weekend that we'll need immediately (toilet paper, dish soap, etc.) and we are busy re-packing and condensing everything that we've brought in and unpacked at his parents'.
One of my favorite things... is my husband. He so tirelessly gives to his family, even if it is simply offering to get me a glass of cold water when I'm nursing Luke. Without fail he thinks of our needs and thoughtfully, joyfully gives his time and energy to us. Thank you T! I love you mucho and appreciate you more than I can express!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
- Packing!
- Maybe going to a you-pick strawberry patch this week with my boys.
- Bunco on Sunday night - was invited by a new friend!
Friday, June 05, 2009
Good News and Random Bits
The Good News . . . .
For those who asked, I bought three dozen cloth prefolds, three covers (One Swaddlebees and two Thirsties) and we are trying two of the new FuzziBunz one size pocket diapers. So far I just washed them with Seventh Generation detergent (the fragrance and dye free variety) but am hoping to get some Country Save or Charlie's Soap soon. Probably Country Save, because I can find it at my local Whole Foods and don't have to order it . . . we'll see.
The Random Bits
- We got a house! We signed the lease for a cute bungalow and move in a week from today! It's perfect for our needs and, with a little bit of elbow grease, will be a perfect home for our family. The owner is allowing us to do some painting inside (which will actually require us to remove some wallpaper in one room - but it will be worth the work, the wallpaper is, ummm, not us in any form) to make it our own and I've been excitedly researching and thinking about colors and decor. . . . I've got some new favorite color combinations up my sleeve.
- Luke is Six weeks Old today! He is such a beautiful soul, I can tell already. He seems to be pretty calm and content and is just starting to smile a teensy bit (not enough to be able to capture on film yet, though!) and coo. I love it.
- Our cloth diapers are in and are being used! I felt like such a modern, green gal of our time. Why? Because I had to google instructions on how to fold a cloth diaper. Oh, the irony. One thing I've noticed, though, is that evidently Luke pees a LOT more often than I realized. Poor guy. We are still doing disposable at night so far and I've been loving the Seventh Generation diapers for that. I discovered he was allergic to Pampers Swaddlers (which is a bummer, because I did love them - but didn't love how they make his skin all red and irritated) and decided to give Seventh Generation a try. So far, they're my favorite (I also tried Earth's Best first, but did not like them. At all. Several diapers' tabs tore, they didn't stay on through the night (don't ask how it happened, but at least twice the diaper slipped off his little bottom in the middle of the night. Waking up to being peed on isn't fun.) and they became really hard when holding pee. Anyway . . . ).
For those who asked, I bought three dozen cloth prefolds, three covers (One Swaddlebees and two Thirsties) and we are trying two of the new FuzziBunz one size pocket diapers. So far I just washed them with Seventh Generation detergent (the fragrance and dye free variety) but am hoping to get some Country Save or Charlie's Soap soon. Probably Country Save, because I can find it at my local Whole Foods and don't have to order it . . . we'll see.
The Random Bits
- I am excited to get our stuff moved in and upacked! There are a few things I didn't realize I'd miss. Like my hot rollers. Hot rollers, I think, are the Moby Wrap of Busy Mom's hair routines. With a little practice, they don't take much time to put in, they do the job well, and they allow you to be hands free.
- We (T. and I) have done really well with grain free this week. I've fed my son, Lloyd, oatmeal a few times for breakfast (because he loves it) and I've noticed a big difference in his diapers the days he eats oatmeal and the days he eats eggs and eats less grains. Frankly, I think we're going to be doing eggs more often.
- However I don't think we're going to be keeping 100% to our diet this weekend. Foodies that we are, we've got to go try The Taste of Omaha.
- I'm starting a list of things that we need to buy for this new house. It's daunting. Everything from broom and new mop (somehow I forgot my microfiber mop behind the fridge in our old house in Santa Monica. Brought the mop heads, but forgot the actual mop.) to a vacuum, eventually (we have carpet in this house! Along with hardwoods and linoleum. A bit of everything. Anyone have a favorite to recommend?) to a "big boy" twin bed for Lloyd, with mattress, and then sheets and blankets for the kid, to bedside tables and lamps for T. and my room . . . plus a trip to Costco and a grocery store to buy staples. And let's not forget the "eventual" purchases of outdoor furniture (we have a deck!) and maybe something to sit on in the basement (unless we decide to buy something new for the living room, and move the other couch downstairs. That might be a good thought! :). And the sun porch/mudroom.
- I have been inspired, though, in some of these posts for refurbishing old things frugally! And what do you know, my in-law's neighborhood is hosting a neighborhood garage sale this weekend! I don't tend to search out garage sales, but due to the timing, and location, I might just have to go and check a few out. Wish me luck!
- Oh! And I almost forgot! I have GARDENING space in my new home! I'm hoping to get a few late-planted plants in there. Thinking tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, zucchini and some winter squash (specifically spaghetti and acorn.) Would love to do some salad greens and kale and sugar snap peas (or is it too late for that?) Any further suggestions from the green thumbs out there for plants that (hopefully) we'll be able to use this summer? Any green thumbs out there with suggestions or advice? I think we're on the cusp of zone 5 or 6, for those in the know. Hoping to make it to a nursery on Sunday to get some established plants to get started and planted right away. Wish me luck!
Have a Wonderful Weekend!
Monday, June 01, 2009
Daybook
For Today, June 1, 2009
Outside my Window... it is muggy, muggy, muggy. I'm not sure how well I'm going to do with this humidity thing.
I am thinking... about potty training. I'm thinking about buying this ebook for help. After a frustrating morning with me trying to attend to the needs of a potty-training toddler (i.e trying to keep him from the carpeted areas of my mother-in-law's house) and the needs of a newborn, I'm hoping it might help. I can't do it by myself and I can't spend weeks trying (I just don't have the patience.) We had such success with sleep-training techniques via an ebook, I'm hoping that it might be the case again with potty training.
How did you successfully potty train? Any tips? How long did it take?
From the school room... I picked up this DVD at Target last week and I'm hoping it will be a keeper for Lloyd's interest in letters! Teaching by TV isn't exactly my favorite line of defense, but it is helpful to calm an overactive toddler when I need to nurse the baby and need a minute or two of rest.
I am thankful... for hopefully finding a house this weekend! I've gotten a bit too excited about other ones we've toured that haven't turned out as hoped, but this one seems promising and we are in the process of finalizing the application and lease. Holding my breath until papers are signed though!
But if it does finalize, we could be moving in as early as next weekend (not this weekend, but next . . . ) please keep us in your prayers!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Got off the grain free wagon a bit this weekend, but we are working on it! One or two cheat meals a week isn't too bad . . . :) Making up a batch of my dad's beef stick recipe (homemade salami) for lunches and snacks today and dining on leftovers tonight for dinner with sauteed zucchini. Tomorrow I'm planning a slow-cooker meal with roast beef and broccoli gratin followed by roasted chicken with sauteed spinach on Wednesday. (Actually, now that I think about it, it might work better to have the broccoli with the chicken since both require the use of the oven. . . decisions, decisions.) Leftovers Thursday.
I am creating...a healthy file folder of home decor and homemaking inspiration! I'm loving this color paint for the boys' rooms, am in love with this sofa, want to try this natural dishwasher soap recipe in our new home, and am wondering if I can get away with painting cabinets in our new home. The cabinets there are old and dated . . . they'd look so much better painted!
I am wearing... Real jeans, black t-shirt and a baby, in a black Moby wrap!
I am reading... Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut, along with several home decorating magazines and blogs.
I am hearing. . . quiet. Two brothers are taking naps. Thank you Lord. Little one asleep on my chest is making little sighs and murmurs every once in a while.
Around the house... cookbooks are being unboxed and marked with ideas for summer meals, decorating magazines are being thumbed through and a care package is being prepared for my sister . . . .
One of my favorite things... is my Mother's Day gift from my husband, a Garmin GPS system for my car. Living in a new place and a new city (that everyone else I'm around knows like the back of their hand!) , this has really, really come in handy as we've been driivng to rental homes to view, finding Costco, and new sushi restaurants to try out! I love it, it is such a blessing to have right now!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
Outside my Window... it is muggy, muggy, muggy. I'm not sure how well I'm going to do with this humidity thing.
I am thinking... about potty training. I'm thinking about buying this ebook for help. After a frustrating morning with me trying to attend to the needs of a potty-training toddler (i.e trying to keep him from the carpeted areas of my mother-in-law's house) and the needs of a newborn, I'm hoping it might help. I can't do it by myself and I can't spend weeks trying (I just don't have the patience.) We had such success with sleep-training techniques via an ebook, I'm hoping that it might be the case again with potty training.
How did you successfully potty train? Any tips? How long did it take?
From the school room... I picked up this DVD at Target last week and I'm hoping it will be a keeper for Lloyd's interest in letters! Teaching by TV isn't exactly my favorite line of defense, but it is helpful to calm an overactive toddler when I need to nurse the baby and need a minute or two of rest.
I am thankful... for hopefully finding a house this weekend! I've gotten a bit too excited about other ones we've toured that haven't turned out as hoped, but this one seems promising and we are in the process of finalizing the application and lease. Holding my breath until papers are signed though!
But if it does finalize, we could be moving in as early as next weekend (not this weekend, but next . . . ) please keep us in your prayers!
From the kitchen... lots of fresh fruit and veggies and protein. Got off the grain free wagon a bit this weekend, but we are working on it! One or two cheat meals a week isn't too bad . . . :) Making up a batch of my dad's beef stick recipe (homemade salami) for lunches and snacks today and dining on leftovers tonight for dinner with sauteed zucchini. Tomorrow I'm planning a slow-cooker meal with roast beef and broccoli gratin followed by roasted chicken with sauteed spinach on Wednesday. (Actually, now that I think about it, it might work better to have the broccoli with the chicken since both require the use of the oven. . . decisions, decisions.) Leftovers Thursday.
I am creating...a healthy file folder of home decor and homemaking inspiration! I'm loving this color paint for the boys' rooms, am in love with this sofa, want to try this natural dishwasher soap recipe in our new home, and am wondering if I can get away with painting cabinets in our new home. The cabinets there are old and dated . . . they'd look so much better painted!
I am wearing... Real jeans, black t-shirt and a baby, in a black Moby wrap!
I am reading... Mother Night by Kurt Vonnegut, along with several home decorating magazines and blogs.
I am hearing. . . quiet. Two brothers are taking naps. Thank you Lord. Little one asleep on my chest is making little sighs and murmurs every once in a while.
Around the house... cookbooks are being unboxed and marked with ideas for summer meals, decorating magazines are being thumbed through and a care package is being prepared for my sister . . . .
One of my favorite things... is my Mother's Day gift from my husband, a Garmin GPS system for my car. Living in a new place and a new city (that everyone else I'm around knows like the back of their hand!) , this has really, really come in handy as we've been driivng to rental homes to view, finding Costco, and new sushi restaurants to try out! I love it, it is such a blessing to have right now!
A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
- Pray for guidance, patience and grace as a new mama of two. With T., with Lloyd, and with myself.
- Supposed to get my cloth diapers delivered tomorrow! Will be washing them and hopefully starting use by Wednesday or Thursday! I bought primarily pre-fold diapers and a few covers, along with a few different varieties of pocket diapers (just one of each type, to see what I like before I make the plunge and purchase a few more). I know I need to pre-wash the diapers (specifically the pre-folds) several times prior to use. Does anyone know if I need to use soap each time, or just the first time and just run them through the cycle soap-free (this is specifically for pre-folds prior to their first use).
- Need to buy a diaper pail.
- Park on Wednesday with Mommy group
- 6-week doctor's appointment for me (can you believe it's been six weeks already?!)
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