I don't purchase a lot of processed foods. But, when I do, I always look at the ingredients. I pay particularly close attention to the sweeteners included. I try to avoid high fructose corn syrup. One sweetener that I've always thought was safe is honey. But, then I read this article... see article HERE.
It was interesting. The article is about an enormous fraud perpetrated by a honey importer. What the article made me realize is that companies could "doctor" honey with chemicals and such. Honey isn't as simple an ingredient as I thought.
The article also made me think twice about being willing to pay a higher price for local honey. Honey that comes from folks I know and trust. I'm definitely going to be working it into our food budget.
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Sunday, September 22, 2013
Making Milk Shakes
At lunch today, my husband began talking about how he would really like a good milk shake. He said that the best one he'd had recently was at Cold Stone Creamery. (I know he's also had shakes at Chik-fil-a and Jake's Wayback Burgers in recent months.) He then went on to say that we've never really been able to make them well at home.
Well, then!
That's my challenge and my cue. I was determined to be a good "milk shake maker". Now, what my husband actually likes are not "milk shakes", but "thick shakes" or "frappes". A milk shake is made of milk, flavoring, and a little ice cream. A thick shake, aka thick milk shake, aka frappe is made of ice cream, flavoring, and a little milk. A good thick shake should be drinkable and shouldn't separate after being made. Ah...
I found a recipe for a Mocha Chcolate Frappe and went from there...
Here's what I came up with.
Recipe for Mint Chocolate Chocolate Frappe
2 cups Mint Cookies and Cream Turkey Hill Frozen Yogurt--you can use any flavor you'd like for your shake, but I wouldn't choose anything with big chunks in it.
1/3 cup (use a dry measuring cup) of half chocolate syrup and half milk
Put the liquid in the bottom of the blender. Then, put the ice cream on top. I have a Vitamix blender. So, I start it on low. Then, turn up the speed really slowly. I didn't get past 5 on low. I just let it mix.
I learned a few things that I did differently this time.
#1 Mix on low (!!), otherwise the ice cream becomes one big clump and locks up.
#2 The ratio of milk to ice cream needs to be right--and it's much lower than I thought it was!
#3 Frozen yogurt does make a lighter thick shake than you'll get at Cold Stone and I think it's just as good.
My family's verdict?
Yes, mommy can indeed make a decent thick shake--actually not just decent, but a very good one! My family was very pleased with the outcome of my endeavor.
Well, then!
That's my challenge and my cue. I was determined to be a good "milk shake maker". Now, what my husband actually likes are not "milk shakes", but "thick shakes" or "frappes". A milk shake is made of milk, flavoring, and a little ice cream. A thick shake, aka thick milk shake, aka frappe is made of ice cream, flavoring, and a little milk. A good thick shake should be drinkable and shouldn't separate after being made. Ah...
I found a recipe for a Mocha Chcolate Frappe and went from there...
Here's what I came up with.
Recipe for Mint Chocolate Chocolate Frappe
2 cups Mint Cookies and Cream Turkey Hill Frozen Yogurt--you can use any flavor you'd like for your shake, but I wouldn't choose anything with big chunks in it.
1/3 cup (use a dry measuring cup) of half chocolate syrup and half milk
Put the liquid in the bottom of the blender. Then, put the ice cream on top. I have a Vitamix blender. So, I start it on low. Then, turn up the speed really slowly. I didn't get past 5 on low. I just let it mix.
I learned a few things that I did differently this time.
#1 Mix on low (!!), otherwise the ice cream becomes one big clump and locks up.
#2 The ratio of milk to ice cream needs to be right--and it's much lower than I thought it was!
#3 Frozen yogurt does make a lighter thick shake than you'll get at Cold Stone and I think it's just as good.
My family's verdict?
Yes, mommy can indeed make a decent thick shake--actually not just decent, but a very good one! My family was very pleased with the outcome of my endeavor.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Kids' Glasses
This past spring my two younger children both got prescriptions for glasses. Sami is now 7 and Eli 5. This is an event that I've been expecting probably since the time they were born. My husband and I both wear glasses and have since we were children. So, I have asked other moms whose children already have glasses all sorts of questions over the years about glasses.
Here's a quick summary of what I've learned...
+ Children's eyes continue to develop until they are 8 years old.
+ In little ones with severe struggles to see, glasses make an enormous difference. Infants who won't look at anyone will be able to focus and look at who is speaking to them if their eyesight is the issue.
+ Children's eyes change from one year to the next. Eye doctors try not to prescribe glasses unless they need to.
+ When children blink their eyes a lot, it is a sign that a child is struggling to focus.
+ Headaches are another sign that a child may need glasses.
+ Issues children can encounter with their eyes are not simply nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatism. In the case of my children, the strength of their eyes impedes their abilities to focus. It is 20% of what it should be. My older daughter's is 65% of what it should be. So, for now she doesn't have glasses.
+ Children in school get an eye check every year, so it's easy for homeschoolers to miss it. It's helpful to get their eyes checked once a year to make sure everything's okay.
So, the waiting is over, so to speak. Two of my kids now need glasses! What now??? Where do I go? A new dilemma.
I learned one place not to go and I learned that cheapest pair isn't always a satisfactory solution.
Back in May, I went shopping with Sami's prescription in hand. We first went to Costco, where we normally get glasses. There was only a very small selection of children's frames. There were three women working at the time who were working and standing together chatting. I arrived frazzled with my three children in tow. I did not receive a warm or helpful reception and so I turned on my heals and left when I realized that one pair of children's glasses would cost $100--with no breakage warranty included. It was more than I was prepared to spend that day and like I said--I was frazzled. I needed some help. I returned to Walmart where she was given her exam and purchased two pairs for her. The first cost $38 and the second is discounted when purchased at the same time. Her prescription is weak, so she didn't anything extra. There is a one year breakage warranty on the glasses. Yay!
One down, one to go...
Two weeks later, Eli had his exam and found that he needed glasses as well. I decided to just purchase one pair at Walmart at the time and keep looking. They had a pair small enough for his face which was a blessing. Within a month, I realized it would be wise to have a second pair around. So, I watched for a sale and began asking around. Back to school sales brought a lot of sales on eyeglasses. JC Penney had a sale for $25 (with a 1 year breakage warranty), so I made the trek to the store to check it out. I ordered a pair and waited a week for them to arrive. When I got the phone call, they were in, we headed back to the store to pick them up. I would never go back again to order glasses from JC Penney. The frames I ordered didn't have spring hinges (I didn't realize it at the time). There was very little choose from for his size. They only had one boy pair the size we purchased (which was two sizes larger than the walmart frames). But, the frustrating part was that they didn't give him a hard case and the woman working didn't even fit the glasses to his face. It was almost like purchasing a pair of reading glasses from the carousel at the grocery store!
Recently, I did ask another friend who has several children who wear glasses and she goes to America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses. Two pairs cost $70 and she can get always depend on a good price. I've also noticed that her children are able to get frames that are solid and aren't the wire type of frames (which are the only ones I've found at the other stores for Eli in his size). Next year, I'm definitely going to head over to America's Best with the kids' prescriptions.
So, that's what I've learned this year. Skip JC Penney. Walmart works. America's Best is worth checking out. If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
Here's a quick summary of what I've learned...
+ Children's eyes continue to develop until they are 8 years old.
+ In little ones with severe struggles to see, glasses make an enormous difference. Infants who won't look at anyone will be able to focus and look at who is speaking to them if their eyesight is the issue.
+ Children's eyes change from one year to the next. Eye doctors try not to prescribe glasses unless they need to.
+ When children blink their eyes a lot, it is a sign that a child is struggling to focus.
+ Headaches are another sign that a child may need glasses.
+ Issues children can encounter with their eyes are not simply nearsighted, farsighted, and astigmatism. In the case of my children, the strength of their eyes impedes their abilities to focus. It is 20% of what it should be. My older daughter's is 65% of what it should be. So, for now she doesn't have glasses.
+ Children in school get an eye check every year, so it's easy for homeschoolers to miss it. It's helpful to get their eyes checked once a year to make sure everything's okay.
So, the waiting is over, so to speak. Two of my kids now need glasses! What now??? Where do I go? A new dilemma.
I learned one place not to go and I learned that cheapest pair isn't always a satisfactory solution.
Back in May, I went shopping with Sami's prescription in hand. We first went to Costco, where we normally get glasses. There was only a very small selection of children's frames. There were three women working at the time who were working and standing together chatting. I arrived frazzled with my three children in tow. I did not receive a warm or helpful reception and so I turned on my heals and left when I realized that one pair of children's glasses would cost $100--with no breakage warranty included. It was more than I was prepared to spend that day and like I said--I was frazzled. I needed some help. I returned to Walmart where she was given her exam and purchased two pairs for her. The first cost $38 and the second is discounted when purchased at the same time. Her prescription is weak, so she didn't anything extra. There is a one year breakage warranty on the glasses. Yay!
One down, one to go...
Two weeks later, Eli had his exam and found that he needed glasses as well. I decided to just purchase one pair at Walmart at the time and keep looking. They had a pair small enough for his face which was a blessing. Within a month, I realized it would be wise to have a second pair around. So, I watched for a sale and began asking around. Back to school sales brought a lot of sales on eyeglasses. JC Penney had a sale for $25 (with a 1 year breakage warranty), so I made the trek to the store to check it out. I ordered a pair and waited a week for them to arrive. When I got the phone call, they were in, we headed back to the store to pick them up. I would never go back again to order glasses from JC Penney. The frames I ordered didn't have spring hinges (I didn't realize it at the time). There was very little choose from for his size. They only had one boy pair the size we purchased (which was two sizes larger than the walmart frames). But, the frustrating part was that they didn't give him a hard case and the woman working didn't even fit the glasses to his face. It was almost like purchasing a pair of reading glasses from the carousel at the grocery store!
Recently, I did ask another friend who has several children who wear glasses and she goes to America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses. Two pairs cost $70 and she can get always depend on a good price. I've also noticed that her children are able to get frames that are solid and aren't the wire type of frames (which are the only ones I've found at the other stores for Eli in his size). Next year, I'm definitely going to head over to America's Best with the kids' prescriptions.
So, that's what I've learned this year. Skip JC Penney. Walmart works. America's Best is worth checking out. If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear them!
Monday, September 2, 2013
Where's the time?
Last night, we had my mother in law, brother in law, and mom over for dinner. I fixed some great Chicken enchiladas . I tried a new recipe from 400 Best Comfort Foods (the recipe can be found here, but it's a download :( ). I actually don't have to review this cookbook. I just picked it up for $2 used for fun. But, this recipe is a keeper. If I find more that I really like, I will write a post about it...
But, back to last night and "time". As we were cleaning up from dinner, there was some leftover corn to put away. My mom asked me if I wanted the corn and suggested cutting it off the cob. But, I have discovered that I run out of time when it comes to leftover corn. My family does not like leftover corn on the cob left on the cob. If I cut it off the cob, then they will eat it when it is reheated.
I looked at her and encouraged to take it. I knew I would run out of time. She replied, "Good for you." She smiled and I knew she understands me well. I always take on more than I can handle. I squeeze things in. I almost always say yes to my family and friends. I love to help people.
But, sometimes it's the little things that can push me over the edge of how much I can handle. They're good things. Like not wasting corn and cutting it off the cob so it will get eaten and not discarded. So, I need to say no when I can.
I also knew it wouldn't get wasted if I sent it home with my mom. She has the time to cut it off the cob and enjoy it.
Saving money can become a heavy burden if it consumes time one doesn't have. I always remember the advice I read in a financial advice for moms several years ago... Choose what you do with your time based on what saves you the most money. There are little money savers that end up saving you only a few pennies. But, there are other activities (like ironing) that save many dollars in the same amount of time. When one only has a little time, we have to choose wisely what we'll do with it.
But, back to last night and "time". As we were cleaning up from dinner, there was some leftover corn to put away. My mom asked me if I wanted the corn and suggested cutting it off the cob. But, I have discovered that I run out of time when it comes to leftover corn. My family does not like leftover corn on the cob left on the cob. If I cut it off the cob, then they will eat it when it is reheated.
I looked at her and encouraged to take it. I knew I would run out of time. She replied, "Good for you." She smiled and I knew she understands me well. I always take on more than I can handle. I squeeze things in. I almost always say yes to my family and friends. I love to help people.
But, sometimes it's the little things that can push me over the edge of how much I can handle. They're good things. Like not wasting corn and cutting it off the cob so it will get eaten and not discarded. So, I need to say no when I can.
I also knew it wouldn't get wasted if I sent it home with my mom. She has the time to cut it off the cob and enjoy it.
Saving money can become a heavy burden if it consumes time one doesn't have. I always remember the advice I read in a financial advice for moms several years ago... Choose what you do with your time based on what saves you the most money. There are little money savers that end up saving you only a few pennies. But, there are other activities (like ironing) that save many dollars in the same amount of time. When one only has a little time, we have to choose wisely what we'll do with it.
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Great Sandals
Earlier this summer, I bought a pair of Merrell sandals on sale at REI. I know so many people who have cranky feet, including me! My feet like Merrells and Doc Martens. Unfortunately, they're expensive. I haven't bought a pair of Doc Martens in years. I have the same two pairs that I've had for thirteen years. I can find Merrells on sale sometimes. I look at Marshalls, the Merrell outlet (which is not that much of a savings) and at REI at their clearance sales online.
I thought the sandals I bought would be on my feet all summer. I was wrong. I actually received a pair of sandals as a hand me down from one of my mom's friends that I like better!
These are the sandals:
I thought the sandals I bought would be on my feet all summer. I was wrong. I actually received a pair of sandals as a hand me down from one of my mom's friends that I like better!
These are the sandals:
They're called Dawgs. The best price on them is at Target online. They're $25 and come in a lot of different colors. I've been wearing them for a month and love them. They stay on so easily. I wear size 8 1/2 shoes and the pair I have are 8s and they fit perfectly. I do have flat feet, so I need something without arch support. I couldn't find them the past week because they got pushed under my bed in a corner. So, I was glad to find them yesterday morning and slip them back on!
Monday, August 19, 2013
Shop Online or Go To The Store?
Shopping online can save money and time... It can also end up taking up more of both. One of the surprising assumptions I think we make is that you will get the best price on an item online, rather than in the store. But, that's not necessarily true as I've often discovered...
This weekend we needed to get a bicycle for my husband so that we could go riding as a family. We shopped around at several different stores. I learned a lot in the process.
Here's what I learned:
1) The online price for a given store will not necessarily be the in-store price on the same item at the store. The price for my husband's bike was 25% less than the price online. That's a lot!
2) Bikes (especially for people who intend on riding a lot) should not be purchased online. Go to the store and make sure the frame will fit you. Different bike brands are sized differently for height. My husband initially thought he'd be a large size frame because of his height, but he actually fit better on a medium size frame in the bike we ended up getting him.
3) Go to a bike store and get sized. It's helpful to go to stores where people really ride and can tell you what you need to know about taking care of your bike.
4) Don't discount a brand of bike until you ride it. Chris was really surprised that after trying out nine different bikes, it was the one he expected to like least that fit our needs best. There are a lot of good brands of bikes out there. Giant, Trek, Specialized, GT, Raleigh, Kona, Diamondback... It's surprising to me how many different brands of bikes there are.
Right now (August/September) is when the new year's bikes are coming out, so sales are going on at various bike stores on the 2013 models. REI's sale starts on Friday. Performance Bike is having a sale now. EMS is having a sale on their bikes.
So, that's a little of what we learned... I'm going to choose to go to the store instead of buying online. I can get helpful information, a better price, and a better/easier policy to deal with returns. Both REI and Performance Bike stores will let you return a bike if it doesn't work out for you. And when it comes to bikes...they're not exactly easy to put in the mail if there's a problem...
This weekend we needed to get a bicycle for my husband so that we could go riding as a family. We shopped around at several different stores. I learned a lot in the process.
Here's what I learned:
1) The online price for a given store will not necessarily be the in-store price on the same item at the store. The price for my husband's bike was 25% less than the price online. That's a lot!
2) Bikes (especially for people who intend on riding a lot) should not be purchased online. Go to the store and make sure the frame will fit you. Different bike brands are sized differently for height. My husband initially thought he'd be a large size frame because of his height, but he actually fit better on a medium size frame in the bike we ended up getting him.
3) Go to a bike store and get sized. It's helpful to go to stores where people really ride and can tell you what you need to know about taking care of your bike.
4) Don't discount a brand of bike until you ride it. Chris was really surprised that after trying out nine different bikes, it was the one he expected to like least that fit our needs best. There are a lot of good brands of bikes out there. Giant, Trek, Specialized, GT, Raleigh, Kona, Diamondback... It's surprising to me how many different brands of bikes there are.
Right now (August/September) is when the new year's bikes are coming out, so sales are going on at various bike stores on the 2013 models. REI's sale starts on Friday. Performance Bike is having a sale now. EMS is having a sale on their bikes.
So, that's a little of what we learned... I'm going to choose to go to the store instead of buying online. I can get helpful information, a better price, and a better/easier policy to deal with returns. Both REI and Performance Bike stores will let you return a bike if it doesn't work out for you. And when it comes to bikes...they're not exactly easy to put in the mail if there's a problem...
Friday, August 16, 2013
Baking Supplies: When is the extra cost is worth it?
I try to save money by buying generics when grocery shopping. But, sometimes it's not worth it. Years ago, my mom tried every kind of chocolate chip. She tried generic ones from various stores plus brand names. The only store brand chocolate chips that she liked were the ones from Trader Joe's. I've stuck with Nestle's or Costco's store brand ever since.
Cocoa is another one of those ingredients. Last year, I finally found a fudge recipe that was easy to make. First, I made it with Hershey's cocoa. Then, I made it with some store brand cocoa from Aldi. It wasn't the same at all! I'm going to stick with Hershey's from now on. It's too expensive to waste a batch of fudge on bad cocoa.
Vanilla is the last one that comes to my mind. Imitation vanilla or the real thing? Imitation vanilla has a strong alcohol flavor, but the real thing doesn't. I've stuck with the store brand vanilla from Costco or BJ's, for the seven years. Costco has the best price. A lot of people just leave it out of their cookies because it is an expensive ingredient. When my mom moved here last year, she had been leaving it out for several years. But, since I keep it in my home, she started using it again. And I think she's glad she did.
Flour, Sugars (brown, granulated, and powdered), salt, pepper, most spices, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch... I've never had any issues when it comes to generics with these ingredients, though. So, I don't spend any extra money on them. Store brands work great.
I think that's the hard part about buying generics. They're a great way to save money on groceries. But, sometimes they can really affect the taste of what you're making!
Cocoa is another one of those ingredients. Last year, I finally found a fudge recipe that was easy to make. First, I made it with Hershey's cocoa. Then, I made it with some store brand cocoa from Aldi. It wasn't the same at all! I'm going to stick with Hershey's from now on. It's too expensive to waste a batch of fudge on bad cocoa.
Vanilla is the last one that comes to my mind. Imitation vanilla or the real thing? Imitation vanilla has a strong alcohol flavor, but the real thing doesn't. I've stuck with the store brand vanilla from Costco or BJ's, for the seven years. Costco has the best price. A lot of people just leave it out of their cookies because it is an expensive ingredient. When my mom moved here last year, she had been leaving it out for several years. But, since I keep it in my home, she started using it again. And I think she's glad she did.
Flour, Sugars (brown, granulated, and powdered), salt, pepper, most spices, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch... I've never had any issues when it comes to generics with these ingredients, though. So, I don't spend any extra money on them. Store brands work great.
I think that's the hard part about buying generics. They're a great way to save money on groceries. But, sometimes they can really affect the taste of what you're making!
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Yay! A Tape Dispenser!
My mom, the girls, and I headed to a baby shower this morning with weird weather afoot. It was that kind of day that threatens rain, but may just end up staying overcast the whole day through. Anyways, my kids and I were heading back and I saw a garage sale. I've realized over the past few years that it really only takes 1 garage sale to find a treasure...
And I did! I found 18 onesies and outfits for a friend who's having a baby girl soon. Best of all, they were the price I was looking for--25 cents each. Yay! I also found a little pair of shoes for 50 cents. Then, I came upon an older magna doodle for another friend for 25 cents. Yay!
Garage sales are a fun place to find treasures, but sometimes the treasures aren't things. And that was the case this morning for me.
I heard a woman's voice across the yard and it was as if I was hearing the voice of my friend Jenny. I looked up and realized that this was her daughter--someone I'd been trying to find, so we could connect. Our children are the same ages. I was so excited! I was blessed at the yard sale because I found gifts to give friends and I found someone I wanted to become friends with.
With all that from just one garage sale, we all piled back in the car and went on. There was one more yard sale I knew of on the way home. So, we stopped to take a look. At the last minute, I found a tape dispenser. The lady accepted 25 cents for it. I remarked to the woman who sold it to me that the Lord has provided so much for my family through yard saling. I went on to explain that I had been looking for one all week at the stores I went to and had only found one for $5. That $5 was spent on the clothes for my friend and the magna doodle. What a blessing!
In my mind, I came out way ahead this morning!
And I did! I found 18 onesies and outfits for a friend who's having a baby girl soon. Best of all, they were the price I was looking for--25 cents each. Yay! I also found a little pair of shoes for 50 cents. Then, I came upon an older magna doodle for another friend for 25 cents. Yay!
Garage sales are a fun place to find treasures, but sometimes the treasures aren't things. And that was the case this morning for me.
I heard a woman's voice across the yard and it was as if I was hearing the voice of my friend Jenny. I looked up and realized that this was her daughter--someone I'd been trying to find, so we could connect. Our children are the same ages. I was so excited! I was blessed at the yard sale because I found gifts to give friends and I found someone I wanted to become friends with.
With all that from just one garage sale, we all piled back in the car and went on. There was one more yard sale I knew of on the way home. So, we stopped to take a look. At the last minute, I found a tape dispenser. The lady accepted 25 cents for it. I remarked to the woman who sold it to me that the Lord has provided so much for my family through yard saling. I went on to explain that I had been looking for one all week at the stores I went to and had only found one for $5. That $5 was spent on the clothes for my friend and the magna doodle. What a blessing!
In my mind, I came out way ahead this morning!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Company Emails: Getting on those lists...
A few months ago, I went through my email and purged. Really purged all the extra emails that I'd forgotten to delete at the time. One of the problems is getting off of all those advertising lists. Ugh! They clog up my email right and left! I love Gmail's new system that separates the "promotion" emails from the real ones. So, why join new lists? Well, every once in a while I find a new one that's helpful to get...
#1 TCBY
Waffle Cones Wednesdays
On Wednesday night, my husband came home and wanted to take us all out for a treat after dinner. We settled on TCBY. I'm so glad we did! The TCBY near us has Waffle Cone Wednesdays so small waffle cones are only $1.58. It was such a blessing because it cost $7 for all of us to get ice cream instead of $16 that I expected! What a fun blessing! (and our stomachs weren't heavy the way they usually are after having ice cream cones...)
I found out that you can subscribe to specials from your local store (since it's a franchise) on the TCBY website. Yay!
#2 Life is Good
For my husband's birthday, I was at a complete loss about what to get him. He also isn't big on birthdays, so it makes it challenging to figure out what to do. This year I found something. My husband and I love Life is Good hats and t-shirts. There is something implied in the statement "Like what you do. Do what you like." that doesn't quite sit with me. But, I overlook that and just enjoy the simple designs on the shirts and hats. They fit us.
Anyways, I discovered that you can get free shipping on the Life is Good Website for any size order, which is great. When I googled "promotion code" and "life is good", I discovered that if you subscribe to the newsletter, you get an online coupon code for 15% off your first order. I also found a code for 20% off hats on the same site (retail me not). Yay! I saved $10 between the two codes--which did work together.
The lesson I learned?
Every once in a while, it's worth subscribing to another list.
As long as I unsubscribe to another one...
#1 TCBY
Waffle Cones Wednesdays
On Wednesday night, my husband came home and wanted to take us all out for a treat after dinner. We settled on TCBY. I'm so glad we did! The TCBY near us has Waffle Cone Wednesdays so small waffle cones are only $1.58. It was such a blessing because it cost $7 for all of us to get ice cream instead of $16 that I expected! What a fun blessing! (and our stomachs weren't heavy the way they usually are after having ice cream cones...)
I found out that you can subscribe to specials from your local store (since it's a franchise) on the TCBY website. Yay!
#2 Life is Good
For my husband's birthday, I was at a complete loss about what to get him. He also isn't big on birthdays, so it makes it challenging to figure out what to do. This year I found something. My husband and I love Life is Good hats and t-shirts. There is something implied in the statement "Like what you do. Do what you like." that doesn't quite sit with me. But, I overlook that and just enjoy the simple designs on the shirts and hats. They fit us.
Anyways, I discovered that you can get free shipping on the Life is Good Website for any size order, which is great. When I googled "promotion code" and "life is good", I discovered that if you subscribe to the newsletter, you get an online coupon code for 15% off your first order. I also found a code for 20% off hats on the same site (retail me not). Yay! I saved $10 between the two codes--which did work together.
The lesson I learned?
Every once in a while, it's worth subscribing to another list.
As long as I unsubscribe to another one...
Monday, July 15, 2013
An Old Favorite
Tonight my youngest brother in law came over for dinner. I had defrosted a pound of hamburger and I needed to come up with a meal all would eat. So, I did what my friend Karen did. She had just told me this afternoon how she had googled ground beef recipes and came up with meatloaf. I tried a similar search and came up with cheeseburger macaroni. I found a recipe online that sounded good and then modified it (as I usually do). This is what I ended up making...
Cheeseburger Mac
1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup onions, minced
- 1-2 tsp. minced garlic (or 1 1/4 tsp. garlic powder added with the spices)
- 1 1/2 Tbsp butter
- 3 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cup cold water
- 12 oz. or 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked (you could also use small shells or rotini)
- 3/4 tsp sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced or 1 tsp. dried
- 3/4 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp paprika
- 2 cups mild cheddar cheese, shredded
- 6 oz. American cheese
Additional 1/3-1/2 cup milk
2-4 Tbsp sour cream (optional)
Directions
- 1. Brown ground beef and onions.
- 2. Turn off the heat and place a paper towel in the pan and swish it around to absorb any grease in the pan. Repeat with another paper towel if there's still more grease.
- 3. Add the rest of the ingredients, except for the cheddar and American cheese.
- Add remaining ingredients except for the cheese.
- 4. Stir and bring to a boil over medium heat.
- 5. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook until pasta is tender). Check the noodles and stir after 5 minutes, then after another 3 minutes, and then after another 3 minutes until noodles are done. Just be careful not to overcook the noodles. If there isn't enough liquid, add 1/4 cup milk at a time so that the bottom doesn't burn.
- 6. Stir in cheeses until melted. Then, add enough milk (a little at a time) to make the sauce creamy. Taste it. If you would like a little tang, start by adding 2 Tbsp of sour cream. If you want more tang, add a little more...
- Serve right away or the sauce will thicken. Add a little milk before stirring if it thickens too much.
This was enough to serve my family of 5 plus 1 eighteen year old boy and have a little bit for leftovers.
All three of my kids ate dinner (and 2 had seconds), so this recipe is going in the recipe box. My husband and brother in law also gave it a thumbs up--especially since it's pretty quick and easy!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Always a New Way...
Last week as I was looking at our local grocery ad for ShopRite, I noticed a label that said "see coupon online". Hmmm...
This morning as I was making my list for the grocery store, I realized I had never gotten around to doing that. I looked up ShopRite's site and found a spot along the top that said "coupons". You have to create an account associated with your discount key tag that you use at the store. That part was complicated because for some reason the computer didn't like what I was putting in. But, after a few minutes it was done. Then, you just click on the coupon you want loaded to your price plus club card and it will be there!
It seems like there's always some new way of couponing...
Earlier this summer, I tried to make a "coupon" shopping trip. It took at least an hour in the store and at the end I was seriously questioning whether it was worth it. My three kids were very squirrelly and it took so much energy from me to manage the shopping, track the coupons, and keep my kids in line (and from bumping into other shoppers).
When I got home, I sat down and thought about my pressing desire for space and breathing room for a few minutes. I decided it isn't wise for me to use a lot of coupons at this stage in my life. My kids are my constant, energy needing companions for my shopping trips. Loading coupons onto my discount card for the store might be doable, though. We'll see!
I used to be a diehard couponer. Every Sunday morning, I'd sit with the coupons, clip, and then organize. Now, I shop the sale ad, BJs coupons, and Aldi. I think I end up coming out even. I stock up when things are on sale and I'm not tempted to purchase the "extras" that I might have a paper coupon for.
What about you?
This morning as I was making my list for the grocery store, I realized I had never gotten around to doing that. I looked up ShopRite's site and found a spot along the top that said "coupons". You have to create an account associated with your discount key tag that you use at the store. That part was complicated because for some reason the computer didn't like what I was putting in. But, after a few minutes it was done. Then, you just click on the coupon you want loaded to your price plus club card and it will be there!
It seems like there's always some new way of couponing...
Earlier this summer, I tried to make a "coupon" shopping trip. It took at least an hour in the store and at the end I was seriously questioning whether it was worth it. My three kids were very squirrelly and it took so much energy from me to manage the shopping, track the coupons, and keep my kids in line (and from bumping into other shoppers).
When I got home, I sat down and thought about my pressing desire for space and breathing room for a few minutes. I decided it isn't wise for me to use a lot of coupons at this stage in my life. My kids are my constant, energy needing companions for my shopping trips. Loading coupons onto my discount card for the store might be doable, though. We'll see!
I used to be a diehard couponer. Every Sunday morning, I'd sit with the coupons, clip, and then organize. Now, I shop the sale ad, BJs coupons, and Aldi. I think I end up coming out even. I stock up when things are on sale and I'm not tempted to purchase the "extras" that I might have a paper coupon for.
What about you?
Thursday, July 11, 2013
An Amazing Meal
My husband and I just celebrated our twelfth anniversary this past weekend. We love food, so it was very fitting that we ate at a wonderful restaurant for dinner. We were blessed to have dinner at the Kitchen at Rock Hall in Rock Hall, Maryland. I posted my review on Yelp.com HERE
Later that night, we made a list of the excellent meals we've eaten over the course of our marriage.
This is what we came up with:
1) a steakhouse on our honeymoon (can't remember the name) My husband was sick our entire honeymoon, so neither of us remember much except that we enjoyed the dinner we had at the restaurant in the hotel.
2) a french restaurant in Dallas (can't remember the name again) It was a little hole in the wall and I'm not even sure how we found it.
3) Eastside Cafe in Austin, Texas This is a vegetarian restaurant that has its own garden. I had the mushroom crepes (which are still on the menu twelve years later).
4) Goldfish in Atlanta, Georgia is owned by a company that owns several chains in the area. Chris and I don't usually enjoy chains, but we loved the fish and sushi at this restauarant. I wonder how it would be now.
5) Ruth's Chris in Baltimore, Maryland The steaks we had that night were wonderful.
6) A Tapas Restaurant in Ithaca, New York I tried to google and find the name of it, but
7) Simply Red Bistro in the La Tourelle Inn in Ithaca, New York. One of the best breakfast's we've ever had. We stayed here on our anniversary two years ago.
8) Eaglesmere Inn in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. The breakfast was wonderful. The dinner was very good, but not excellent. We really enjoyed our stay here last year for our anniversary.
9) Oyster House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Happy Hour is the time to go. We also had the octopus, which was wonderful! The turtle soup is worth passing up, though. We made the drive up to Philly around Valentine's Day this year just for this restaurant.
10) Mason's in Easton, Maryland. We ate here with our kids and were pleased to actually have real vegetables included with their kids meals! I can't remember what we had, but I do remember loving it.
11) The Kitchen at Rock Hall in Rock Hall, Maryland. This was a wonderful dinner and we loved the venue. Small so that they could serve people well. The chef doesn't take on more customers than he can cook for excellently. You MUST make reservations. We watched people turned away on a Sunday night when the town was dead and hardly anyone was around! I called the day before and was able to make a reservation.
So, that's our short list of excellent meals we've eaten together. They were more expensive meals for us, but ones worth saving for. We've eaten at a lot of really good restaurants, too, but these were excellent. Some of the good ones were Food for Thought in Williamsburg, VA; Zen 16 Sushi in Bel Air, MD; the Bees Knees and California Dreaming in Augusta, GA; BuonTempo Brothers Pizza in Bel Air, MD; Carmine's on Penn in Denver, Colorado; and Jonathon's in Salem, OR.
We've also had our share of horrible meals out during our marriage. I still remember one place near Atlanta (which thankfully isn't there anymore) where we ate during the first year of our marriage. The food arrived cold! Chris didn't want to send it back, but I never, ever wanted to go back there. When we ate in Williamsburg, Virginia at Red, Hot, and Blues, some of our food arrived cold as well there and my daughter ended up throwing up later that night unfortunately. So, there have been some bad meals as well.
I came home on Monday after our short trip and excellent dinner wanting to be a better cook. Wouldn't it be wonderful to cook excellently? My problem is that I'm usually doing too much at one time. So, I've been trying this week. I made pickled beets yesterday and baked my cookies just right! They were soft and chewy and not overbaked. I made sure I got to the oven when the timer went off and didn't wait. We'll see what I can do. I'm going to try!
Later that night, we made a list of the excellent meals we've eaten over the course of our marriage.
This is what we came up with:
1) a steakhouse on our honeymoon (can't remember the name) My husband was sick our entire honeymoon, so neither of us remember much except that we enjoyed the dinner we had at the restaurant in the hotel.
2) a french restaurant in Dallas (can't remember the name again) It was a little hole in the wall and I'm not even sure how we found it.
3) Eastside Cafe in Austin, Texas This is a vegetarian restaurant that has its own garden. I had the mushroom crepes (which are still on the menu twelve years later).
4) Goldfish in Atlanta, Georgia is owned by a company that owns several chains in the area. Chris and I don't usually enjoy chains, but we loved the fish and sushi at this restauarant. I wonder how it would be now.
5) Ruth's Chris in Baltimore, Maryland The steaks we had that night were wonderful.
6) A Tapas Restaurant in Ithaca, New York I tried to google and find the name of it, but
7) Simply Red Bistro in the La Tourelle Inn in Ithaca, New York. One of the best breakfast's we've ever had. We stayed here on our anniversary two years ago.
8) Eaglesmere Inn in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. The breakfast was wonderful. The dinner was very good, but not excellent. We really enjoyed our stay here last year for our anniversary.
9) Oyster House in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Happy Hour is the time to go. We also had the octopus, which was wonderful! The turtle soup is worth passing up, though. We made the drive up to Philly around Valentine's Day this year just for this restaurant.
10) Mason's in Easton, Maryland. We ate here with our kids and were pleased to actually have real vegetables included with their kids meals! I can't remember what we had, but I do remember loving it.
11) The Kitchen at Rock Hall in Rock Hall, Maryland. This was a wonderful dinner and we loved the venue. Small so that they could serve people well. The chef doesn't take on more customers than he can cook for excellently. You MUST make reservations. We watched people turned away on a Sunday night when the town was dead and hardly anyone was around! I called the day before and was able to make a reservation.
So, that's our short list of excellent meals we've eaten together. They were more expensive meals for us, but ones worth saving for. We've eaten at a lot of really good restaurants, too, but these were excellent. Some of the good ones were Food for Thought in Williamsburg, VA; Zen 16 Sushi in Bel Air, MD; the Bees Knees and California Dreaming in Augusta, GA; BuonTempo Brothers Pizza in Bel Air, MD; Carmine's on Penn in Denver, Colorado; and Jonathon's in Salem, OR.
We've also had our share of horrible meals out during our marriage. I still remember one place near Atlanta (which thankfully isn't there anymore) where we ate during the first year of our marriage. The food arrived cold! Chris didn't want to send it back, but I never, ever wanted to go back there. When we ate in Williamsburg, Virginia at Red, Hot, and Blues, some of our food arrived cold as well there and my daughter ended up throwing up later that night unfortunately. So, there have been some bad meals as well.
I came home on Monday after our short trip and excellent dinner wanting to be a better cook. Wouldn't it be wonderful to cook excellently? My problem is that I'm usually doing too much at one time. So, I've been trying this week. I made pickled beets yesterday and baked my cookies just right! They were soft and chewy and not overbaked. I made sure I got to the oven when the timer went off and didn't wait. We'll see what I can do. I'm going to try!
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Machine Sewing for Kids
A while back, I posted a review of Sewing School, published by Storey Books. I really liked all of the projects and tips the book included about how to begin teaching children how to sew. Sewing School focuses on hand sewing. Many of the reviews for that book included comments from readers wishing for more machine sewing projects to do with kids.
So, the authors of Sewing School, Andria Lisle and Amie Plumley, wrote a sequel--Sewing School 2.
I had a chance to look at an ebook copy of it. I really like it! But, before I go any farther describing this book, I want to mention that I WOULD NOT purchase a kindle edition of this book unless you are going to be looking at it on your computer (not on a kindle). Even then, this is one of those books that will be much, much easier to use in print than electronically.
My daughter, Sami, has been asking since last week to learn how to sew on my machine. She even bought a kids' machine at a garage sale, which didn't work. Because she wants to so much, I have promised that I would teach her. I have to admit, though, that I was at a bit of a loss as to where to start and what to make. This book will make it simple for me.
The book starts off which what supplies are needed. It explains all the different parts of a sewing machine and gives good safety tips. There are a bunch of simple sewing projects (like bags, organizers, a scarf, decorations, a pillow, and more...) that you can use scrap material around your house to make. Yay! I love crafts that we can make with things we already have.
I think the authors have done a great job writing a book to teach kids how to sew with a sewing machine (and guide their parents)! There is one minor thing that I wish there was more information about in this book.
That topic is choosing a sewing machine for a child. I have been told that children's sewing machines are a waste of money. But, what is the best basic sewing machine for them to learn on?
Books often help pave the way for me. They make a project seem doable when it seems formidable to me and I'm not sure where to start. Sewing School 2 is just that kind of book for me and my family!
Please note that I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for review from Storey Books.
So, the authors of Sewing School, Andria Lisle and Amie Plumley, wrote a sequel--Sewing School 2.
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| Add caption |
I had a chance to look at an ebook copy of it. I really like it! But, before I go any farther describing this book, I want to mention that I WOULD NOT purchase a kindle edition of this book unless you are going to be looking at it on your computer (not on a kindle). Even then, this is one of those books that will be much, much easier to use in print than electronically.
My daughter, Sami, has been asking since last week to learn how to sew on my machine. She even bought a kids' machine at a garage sale, which didn't work. Because she wants to so much, I have promised that I would teach her. I have to admit, though, that I was at a bit of a loss as to where to start and what to make. This book will make it simple for me.
The book starts off which what supplies are needed. It explains all the different parts of a sewing machine and gives good safety tips. There are a bunch of simple sewing projects (like bags, organizers, a scarf, decorations, a pillow, and more...) that you can use scrap material around your house to make. Yay! I love crafts that we can make with things we already have.
I think the authors have done a great job writing a book to teach kids how to sew with a sewing machine (and guide their parents)! There is one minor thing that I wish there was more information about in this book.
That topic is choosing a sewing machine for a child. I have been told that children's sewing machines are a waste of money. But, what is the best basic sewing machine for them to learn on?
Books often help pave the way for me. They make a project seem doable when it seems formidable to me and I'm not sure where to start. Sewing School 2 is just that kind of book for me and my family!
Please note that I received a complimentary ebook copy of this book for review from Storey Books.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Homemade Muffin-Doughnuts
Last week, most of my family was sick--2 kids and one husband--all sick. One little boy and me stayed well. So, one morning I tried a new recipe. They were wonderful! They tasted just like homemade cinnamon sugar cake doughnuts, except that they looked like muffins!
The recipe I used called for a mini-muffin tin, but I don't have one. So, I set about changing the recipe I found and this is the recipe I ended up with...
Homemade Muffin-Doughnuts
Makes 24 muffins
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup whole wheat flour-- or simply add 1 more cup of white flour
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup butter, melted
1 1/3 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 425. Combine melted butter and milk in mixer. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add all dry ingredients. Stir until batter is just combined with no lumps. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray--don't use cupcake papers. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Depending on your oven, test them at 12 or 13 minutes to see if a toothpick comes out clean. From there, add 2 or 3 minutes at a time until the muffins are golden and the toothpick comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool. This is a must!! Melt some butter in a small dish. Mix 1/2 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a plastic bag. After muffins have cooled, take them out of the pan. Then, brush them with butter and put them in a bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Move the muffin gently in the bag to coat the muffin well. Repeat with each muffin individually. Don't coat more than one at a time.
My husband and I were surprised at how good these muffins were! As close to homemade doughnuts as I've ever gotten. I'm going to use this technique with other muffins perhaps. Brushing them with butter and then tossing with cinnamon sugar. I suspect it would also work with powdered sugar!
This will definitely be added to our muffin and breakfast treat choices!
The recipe I used called for a mini-muffin tin, but I don't have one. So, I set about changing the recipe I found and this is the recipe I ended up with...
Homemade Muffin-Doughnuts
Makes 24 muffins
1 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 1/2 cups + 2 Tbsp. flour
1 cup whole wheat flour-- or simply add 1 more cup of white flour
3/4 teaspoons salt
1 cup butter, melted
1 1/3 cup milk
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 425. Combine melted butter and milk in mixer. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Add all dry ingredients. Stir until batter is just combined with no lumps. Spray muffin tins with cooking spray--don't use cupcake papers. Bake for 12-15 minutes. Depending on your oven, test them at 12 or 13 minutes to see if a toothpick comes out clean. From there, add 2 or 3 minutes at a time until the muffins are golden and the toothpick comes out clean.
Let the muffins cool. This is a must!! Melt some butter in a small dish. Mix 1/2 cup sugar + 1 teaspoon cinnamon in a plastic bag. After muffins have cooled, take them out of the pan. Then, brush them with butter and put them in a bag with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Move the muffin gently in the bag to coat the muffin well. Repeat with each muffin individually. Don't coat more than one at a time.
My husband and I were surprised at how good these muffins were! As close to homemade doughnuts as I've ever gotten. I'm going to use this technique with other muffins perhaps. Brushing them with butter and then tossing with cinnamon sugar. I suspect it would also work with powdered sugar!
This will definitely be added to our muffin and breakfast treat choices!
Chipotle Style Carnitas Tacos
My husband loves the Carnitas Tacos at Chipotle. So, that was his request for Father's Day. Good pulled pork tacos. I've posted a recipe before that I love for BBQ Pulled Pork. But, my husband wanted a pulled pork that would work better with tacos. So, I went searching....
I found this recipe on Chow Hound HERE.
I got up early Sunday morning to get the pork ready only to discover that my roast hadn't fully defrosted! Ugh!! At 6 am, I ran out to the grocery store to get a new one. I had learned you can't substitute a pork tenderloin or pork chops from the butcher at the grocery store. So, I made sure to get the right cut of pork. I returned within a half hour and set to work getting it ready. It was quite an easy recipe. I placed the onions and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Then, made the rub and rubbed it all over the pork butt roast. This was the first time I have fixed a pork butt roast. I did not add the BBQ sauce at the end.
I had no idea how much it would make, so I did fix two 3 1/2 pound roasts. One would have been enough for my family. I put them in my large crock pot on high for seven hours and it was done. I did multiply the ingredients in the recipe 1 1/2 times since I was cooking more pork than the recipe calls for. My husband said it was the best pulled pork I've made. He much preferred it to the other recipe that I made before.
I served it with salsa (Santa Barbara's Peach Mango Salsa from Costco or ShopRite), guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded jack cheese, sliced olives, minced red onion, crispy and flour tortillas, and refried beans.
My husband was very happy with his Father's Day Meal!
I found this recipe on Chow Hound HERE.
I got up early Sunday morning to get the pork ready only to discover that my roast hadn't fully defrosted! Ugh!! At 6 am, I ran out to the grocery store to get a new one. I had learned you can't substitute a pork tenderloin or pork chops from the butcher at the grocery store. So, I made sure to get the right cut of pork. I returned within a half hour and set to work getting it ready. It was quite an easy recipe. I placed the onions and garlic in the bottom of the crock pot. Then, made the rub and rubbed it all over the pork butt roast. This was the first time I have fixed a pork butt roast. I did not add the BBQ sauce at the end.
I had no idea how much it would make, so I did fix two 3 1/2 pound roasts. One would have been enough for my family. I put them in my large crock pot on high for seven hours and it was done. I did multiply the ingredients in the recipe 1 1/2 times since I was cooking more pork than the recipe calls for. My husband said it was the best pulled pork I've made. He much preferred it to the other recipe that I made before.
I served it with salsa (Santa Barbara's Peach Mango Salsa from Costco or ShopRite), guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, chopped tomatoes, shredded jack cheese, sliced olives, minced red onion, crispy and flour tortillas, and refried beans.
My husband was very happy with his Father's Day Meal!
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Kids and Dishes
Pretty much since my kids were born, I've had them eat on plastic (melamine) plates. One year, I used my birthday money to purchase some seahorse plates and bowls that I found on clearance at Target. I picked up a few more at garage sales over the years that we've been using for nine years now.
Recently, I realized that my kids are getting older. Well, actually, I've known it for some time. Growing up means so many things--in a practical sense. First, it's growing out of sippy cups to regular cups and it's growing out of baby bowls to regular plastic dishes and then on to ceramic dishes.
I find these transitions stressful. Spilt cups of milk or juice, potentially broken dishes. It's stressful to me. We all have thresholds of what we can handle and cope with.
At our house, we have a box of plastic cups that won't be going away any time soon. But, my husband and I knew it was time for the kids to start using ceramic dishes.
Our main set of white dishes are two sets of Pfaltzgraff Gazebo that I bought eighteen years ago. Half of the bowls have broken over the years, though. So, we knew we needed bowls for the kids to eat out of. It's the dish we use most in our home. At a nearby kitchen store We found some white bowls for a dollar each. We bought 9--three sets of three since we have three children. We bought a few extra--room for breakage!
Then, last Saturday, I found a set of white china dishes from West Germany. It was a mishmashed set with a different number of bowls, large plates, serving bowls, creamer and sugar set. It's rather funny really. There were 4 large plates, 1 small plate, 8 tea cups and saucers, 4 very small bowls, 6 medium bowls, 5 soup bowls, a gravy boat, a creamer and sugar dish. But, for $3, that was okay with me.
They came home with me that morning and after being washed, joined our other white dishes. They fit right in.
I've been surprised that so far no dishes have been broken. The kids have liked the different size bowls and things are going well. It hasn't been as hard as I expected--for them or for me!
Recently, I realized that my kids are getting older. Well, actually, I've known it for some time. Growing up means so many things--in a practical sense. First, it's growing out of sippy cups to regular cups and it's growing out of baby bowls to regular plastic dishes and then on to ceramic dishes.
I find these transitions stressful. Spilt cups of milk or juice, potentially broken dishes. It's stressful to me. We all have thresholds of what we can handle and cope with.
At our house, we have a box of plastic cups that won't be going away any time soon. But, my husband and I knew it was time for the kids to start using ceramic dishes.
Our main set of white dishes are two sets of Pfaltzgraff Gazebo that I bought eighteen years ago. Half of the bowls have broken over the years, though. So, we knew we needed bowls for the kids to eat out of. It's the dish we use most in our home. At a nearby kitchen store We found some white bowls for a dollar each. We bought 9--three sets of three since we have three children. We bought a few extra--room for breakage!
Then, last Saturday, I found a set of white china dishes from West Germany. It was a mishmashed set with a different number of bowls, large plates, serving bowls, creamer and sugar set. It's rather funny really. There were 4 large plates, 1 small plate, 8 tea cups and saucers, 4 very small bowls, 6 medium bowls, 5 soup bowls, a gravy boat, a creamer and sugar dish. But, for $3, that was okay with me.
They came home with me that morning and after being washed, joined our other white dishes. They fit right in.
I've been surprised that so far no dishes have been broken. The kids have liked the different size bowls and things are going well. It hasn't been as hard as I expected--for them or for me!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Chocolate Chip Cookies
I've been conducting standardized testing in our home all week, so I wanted to make some cookies at the end to celebrate. I pulled out my go-to recipe that my mom made for years and that I've been making all of my adult life. The Nestle Tollhouse Recipe has never worked for me and I've tried it several times over the years. Anyways, my mom always called this recipe "Mrs. Field's recipe", but we're not exactly sure where it came from. After searching the web, I found it on cooks.com HERE. The only difference in the ingredients between this recipe and the one I make is that I only add 1/2 tsp. of salt (not 1 1/2 tsp.)
My directions are quite different, though... So, here's my recipe:
Chocolate Chip Cookies (medium size batch)
1 1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla well so that there are no lumps of butter in the mixture.
Add:
4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 generous shakes of the salt shaker
Mix well and add 2 2/3 cup chocolate chips. It will be a very crumbly mixture. Don't worry. (You can also add 1 1/3 cups chopped nuts if you wish.)
This is where my kids and I stop for a break. We grab spoons and each get to eat one spoonful of cookie batter. It's not batter, but it doesn't have eggs in it and once the crumbly mixture gets into your mouth, it tastes just like good 'ol cookie dough. I probably end up taking about 3-4 Tbsp. of mixture in all out of the bowl, but it doesn't affect how the cookies turn out.
Now, add the eggs-- 2 of them.
Cream well. It's amazing how it all mixes together. But, it does!
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. In my oven, it takes 12 minutes. So, the first time you make a batch watch them closely after 8 minutes to see how long your oven likes to have the cookies in there. Take them out when you see a little golden forming on the top edges of the cookies. This is one of those recipes that you play with--bake them to how well you like them cooked--soft, medium, or crispy. I always leave them on the tray after I pull them out for 3-4 minutes to let them cook slowly for a few more minutes.
You can half the recipe and it still works quite well!
My directions are quite different, though... So, here's my recipe:
Chocolate Chip Cookies (medium size batch)
1 1/3 cup butter
1 1/3 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
4 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar, butter, and vanilla well so that there are no lumps of butter in the mixture.
Add:
4 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
2 generous shakes of the salt shaker
Mix well and add 2 2/3 cup chocolate chips. It will be a very crumbly mixture. Don't worry. (You can also add 1 1/3 cups chopped nuts if you wish.)
This is where my kids and I stop for a break. We grab spoons and each get to eat one spoonful of cookie batter. It's not batter, but it doesn't have eggs in it and once the crumbly mixture gets into your mouth, it tastes just like good 'ol cookie dough. I probably end up taking about 3-4 Tbsp. of mixture in all out of the bowl, but it doesn't affect how the cookies turn out.
Now, add the eggs-- 2 of them.
Cream well. It's amazing how it all mixes together. But, it does!
Bake at 350 degrees for 8-10 minutes. In my oven, it takes 12 minutes. So, the first time you make a batch watch them closely after 8 minutes to see how long your oven likes to have the cookies in there. Take them out when you see a little golden forming on the top edges of the cookies. This is one of those recipes that you play with--bake them to how well you like them cooked--soft, medium, or crispy. I always leave them on the tray after I pull them out for 3-4 minutes to let them cook slowly for a few more minutes.
You can half the recipe and it still works quite well!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Menu Planning and My Weaknesses
A month ago, my husband asked me to try planning our family's menu week by week instead of monthly as I've been doing for several years. His reasons was a good one. He wanted to talk about the menu each week. Our middle daughter is a very picky eater and we've trying to figure out what to do. This was one of our ideas--to think through our meals together.
But, as with a lot of things in life, time often escapes us and though we discussed it the first few weeks, we also stopped discussing it after another few short weeks. And then all the other things I needed to do crowded out my weekly menu planning this week. It was a disaster. Each day I was stuck (except for Tuesday which is always tacos) trying to come up with something.
I have found that I plan better month by month. I'll sit down at the beginning of the month with a calendar sheet and write a dinner plan for each day in the month. Often I'll switch things around as we go through the week based on the needs of our family, but I have choices to choose from. Two or thee dinner options is a lot easier to choose from than the unlimited possibilities in all of my cookbooks when meal time comes around!
I do plan on showing my husband my monthly plan and talking about it, but I'm going back to my old habit--I like to organize and plan, but I do it imperfectly!
PS We have made a little progress with our picky daughter--she actually ate lunch yesterday at an Indian buffet and tried several new foods. I don't want to give up trying to help her experience different foods or sacrifice what the rest of our family enjoys.
But, as with a lot of things in life, time often escapes us and though we discussed it the first few weeks, we also stopped discussing it after another few short weeks. And then all the other things I needed to do crowded out my weekly menu planning this week. It was a disaster. Each day I was stuck (except for Tuesday which is always tacos) trying to come up with something.
I have found that I plan better month by month. I'll sit down at the beginning of the month with a calendar sheet and write a dinner plan for each day in the month. Often I'll switch things around as we go through the week based on the needs of our family, but I have choices to choose from. Two or thee dinner options is a lot easier to choose from than the unlimited possibilities in all of my cookbooks when meal time comes around!
I do plan on showing my husband my monthly plan and talking about it, but I'm going back to my old habit--I like to organize and plan, but I do it imperfectly!
PS We have made a little progress with our picky daughter--she actually ate lunch yesterday at an Indian buffet and tried several new foods. I don't want to give up trying to help her experience different foods or sacrifice what the rest of our family enjoys.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Saving Money at the Dentist's Office
Things I've learned about Dental Care...
#1
I just walked into our school room from the kitchen and realized that my mouth was closed. Yay! This is a good thing. Even an important thing!
At my last visit to my dentist, I had a small cavity that was beginning to form in between my two front teeth. Oh, no! My dentist explained that this is the worst spot to have a cavity because it has to be replaced more often than other places in your mouth. He asked if I had had a cold recently.
No.
He then explained that more plaque forms on your front teeth when your mouth is open. He asked me if I kept my mouth open all the time.
Yes. I do.
Yes!
I realized that when I'm not talking, my mouth naturally is rests with my front teeth on my bottom lip since I have an overbite.
I went home and resolved to change this habit. I do not want a cavity on my front teeth!
Now when I wake up at night and realize my mouth is open, I shut it. When I'm standing anywhere and realize my mouth is open, I shut it. After several weeks, I realized that there's been a lot less plaque on my front teeth.
Yay! It's working.
I told one of the high schoolers about this a few weeks ago at church. (Yes, I know I come up with strange topics of conversation.) The girl replied with a biological explanation for this! She already knew! My husband and I happen to play and sing to accompany music at our church. So, earlier that morning I had glanced around the room. Almost everyone closes their mouths! It was very funny to me to realize that I am such an oddball.
I'm glad to know now why I've had so much plaque on my teeth all these years. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to save us some money by closing my mouth! He he he.
#2
There is one other note that I wanted to share about my dentist. He's big on not filling cavities unless he has to, because once they've been filled, the filling gets bigger each time it has to be replaced. He recommended to me that I rinse with a fluoride rinse each night. I've been able to keep a lot of small cavities from growing by using it over the past eight years. Thankfully, Walmart and Target both sell generic fluoride rinses now and ACT isn't the only option.
#3
Dental insurance is expensive. And often it isn't worth it. I've calculated what we contribute every month to my husband's dental plan and so far it has been worth it for our family... but not by much. If you don't have any dental insurance, there is one option so that you can have access to a reduced dental fee schedule. Insurance companies negotiate with dental providers (and medical providers) a fee schedule--which lists what they will pay the dentist or medical provider for each service they provide. This fee schedule is reduced from what you would normally pay out of pocket if you just walked in off the street. Vital Savings by Aetna is such a plan. My mom and mother in law both have this plan and it has saved them a lot of money.
#1
I just walked into our school room from the kitchen and realized that my mouth was closed. Yay! This is a good thing. Even an important thing!
At my last visit to my dentist, I had a small cavity that was beginning to form in between my two front teeth. Oh, no! My dentist explained that this is the worst spot to have a cavity because it has to be replaced more often than other places in your mouth. He asked if I had had a cold recently.
No.
He then explained that more plaque forms on your front teeth when your mouth is open. He asked me if I kept my mouth open all the time.
Yes. I do.
Yes!
I realized that when I'm not talking, my mouth naturally is rests with my front teeth on my bottom lip since I have an overbite.
I went home and resolved to change this habit. I do not want a cavity on my front teeth!
Now when I wake up at night and realize my mouth is open, I shut it. When I'm standing anywhere and realize my mouth is open, I shut it. After several weeks, I realized that there's been a lot less plaque on my front teeth.
Yay! It's working.
I told one of the high schoolers about this a few weeks ago at church. (Yes, I know I come up with strange topics of conversation.) The girl replied with a biological explanation for this! She already knew! My husband and I happen to play and sing to accompany music at our church. So, earlier that morning I had glanced around the room. Almost everyone closes their mouths! It was very funny to me to realize that I am such an oddball.
I'm glad to know now why I've had so much plaque on my teeth all these years. I'm hopeful that I'll be able to save us some money by closing my mouth! He he he.
#2
There is one other note that I wanted to share about my dentist. He's big on not filling cavities unless he has to, because once they've been filled, the filling gets bigger each time it has to be replaced. He recommended to me that I rinse with a fluoride rinse each night. I've been able to keep a lot of small cavities from growing by using it over the past eight years. Thankfully, Walmart and Target both sell generic fluoride rinses now and ACT isn't the only option.
#3
Dental insurance is expensive. And often it isn't worth it. I've calculated what we contribute every month to my husband's dental plan and so far it has been worth it for our family... but not by much. If you don't have any dental insurance, there is one option so that you can have access to a reduced dental fee schedule. Insurance companies negotiate with dental providers (and medical providers) a fee schedule--which lists what they will pay the dentist or medical provider for each service they provide. This fee schedule is reduced from what you would normally pay out of pocket if you just walked in off the street. Vital Savings by Aetna is such a plan. My mom and mother in law both have this plan and it has saved them a lot of money.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
If Only I'd Printed It...
Last week, I purged my computer of nonessential files. If you're anything like me, a lot of junk files you don't need pile up in your documents folder. I have been meaning to do it for a long time and finally got it done. Of course, I discovered a casualty of this purge this morning...
I have been using Homeschool Tracker to track our attendance and field trips for the past five years. I have used the free version and it's worked out great for what I've needed. When I opened the program this morning, all of my data was gone. I've printed off past years attendance and field trips, but I hadn't printed off any of this year's information yet. Unfortunately. I must have purged the file that held my data in my computer cleanout last week. It's gone. Completely gone. My memory doesn't have it and neither does the computer.
I'm pretty convinced that computers solve a lot of problems, but they also create new ones. I think I'm going to go back to keeping a calendar in the front of my teacher notebook. I don't need to spend $20 on a planner each year for attendance. My plan is to simply circle the days we do school and write a number next to each month for how many days we do school each month. Every state has different requirements for homeschooling and attendance. Pennsylvania requires 4 1/2 hours each day. I would keep a different kind of paper calendar if I worked there. But, Maryland doesn't require specific attendance records. Attendance records that I keep are for my own benefit and records.
I'm disappointed that I accidentally deleted the file with my records for Homeschool Tracker, but it just reminded me that sometimes computers can break and sometimes human error can lead to problems with a computer's memory too! I loved Homeschool Tracker because it was free and I like the reports that it creates, but it's not foolproof as I discovered today.
If you're looking for a paper calendar to record attendance on, Donna Young's website has a variety of different calendars. Or if you want to find forms in one spot and pay a one time membership fee, I use the forms on Mom's ToolBox Here. I don't like to purchase memberships to sites (I much prefer finding free resources!), but I did join this site several years ago and have been glad to not have to waste time searching all over the web for household and calendar planning forms that I want. I did make my own student planner this year, though, because I wanted a form that would work specifically for the subjects we study. It took me a few minutes to make on Excel and I've modified it through the year as our needs have changed.
I have been using Homeschool Tracker to track our attendance and field trips for the past five years. I have used the free version and it's worked out great for what I've needed. When I opened the program this morning, all of my data was gone. I've printed off past years attendance and field trips, but I hadn't printed off any of this year's information yet. Unfortunately. I must have purged the file that held my data in my computer cleanout last week. It's gone. Completely gone. My memory doesn't have it and neither does the computer.
I'm pretty convinced that computers solve a lot of problems, but they also create new ones. I think I'm going to go back to keeping a calendar in the front of my teacher notebook. I don't need to spend $20 on a planner each year for attendance. My plan is to simply circle the days we do school and write a number next to each month for how many days we do school each month. Every state has different requirements for homeschooling and attendance. Pennsylvania requires 4 1/2 hours each day. I would keep a different kind of paper calendar if I worked there. But, Maryland doesn't require specific attendance records. Attendance records that I keep are for my own benefit and records.
I'm disappointed that I accidentally deleted the file with my records for Homeschool Tracker, but it just reminded me that sometimes computers can break and sometimes human error can lead to problems with a computer's memory too! I loved Homeschool Tracker because it was free and I like the reports that it creates, but it's not foolproof as I discovered today.
If you're looking for a paper calendar to record attendance on, Donna Young's website has a variety of different calendars. Or if you want to find forms in one spot and pay a one time membership fee, I use the forms on Mom's ToolBox Here. I don't like to purchase memberships to sites (I much prefer finding free resources!), but I did join this site several years ago and have been glad to not have to waste time searching all over the web for household and calendar planning forms that I want. I did make my own student planner this year, though, because I wanted a form that would work specifically for the subjects we study. It took me a few minutes to make on Excel and I've modified it through the year as our needs have changed.
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